I got a my new Skoda Rider in Jan, 07 this year. I made this choice consciously after looking at two other cars which were in my mind viz. Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla.Although both the other two cars were very good and comfortable, I decided to go for the Skoda for the following reasons:- Skoda is a diesel car which gives good mileage (I am getting close to 16 kmph inside Mumbai). This makes it an "environmental friendly car" as they describe it.- The car is an european make and is known for its quality / durability-
Although, the model is close to 5-6 years old, the styling is still sleek and the car has a regal look (Almost like the Merc)-The car has galvanised sheet metal body which is corrosion resistant- It is a heavy car and gives me a great sense of comfort and safety while inside it. The "heaviness" does not make it difficult to manouver it in the city traffic but it has made me more responsible as a driver. I have not had a single brush with any other vehicle (touch wood !!) in the last 4-5 months of driving. I have driven about 6K Kms so far and I feel that other vehicles always keep a safe / respectable distance from my car on the road..-
The boot is large and the back seats can be converted into makeshift beds
- The car has some great gadgets
- if I drive with the hand brake on, it gives me a warning.
- The clutch pad vibrates when the foot is on it, to prevent the driver from riding the clutch and waste fuel and wear out the pad.
It has 2 air bags for safety
It warns me when I am short on fuel etc. etc.Now, for the negatives:1. It creaks at some places. The body is like the proverbial Patton tank which is functional but not very well oiled.2. When I brake, I get the feeling that the car moves ahead and comes back like we see in some cartoon shows (I hope I am able to explain the phenomenon)3. The accessories are bloody expensive and so is the service !! The first service cost me over Rs. 5000/- and the second service almost Rs. 7000/-4.
The rear view mirror is too small compared to the size of the car5. The suspension is little tight and not very smooth /soft like in petrol cars (eg. Honda)6. The factory fitted music system does not have facility to play music tapes7. My head lights are not aligned (not a big issue and I have got it fixed)All in all, I am quite happy with my decision of buying this car. I feel it is a great value for money car. If you look for "value" like I do, this is a good car in the upper range which has the looks and yet does not cost a bomb to maintain / run it (although the initial cost is quite high !!)CheersVish