I bought a diesel Etios two months back, after researching & test driving DZire, Verito & Fiesta Classic.
I had to opt out of DZire as I found that the dash board extending below steering column is coming in the way of leg movement. Actually it was hurting my shin bone as I pressed the clutch. The posture to drive DZire did not suit me & I had to look for other options.
The Verito was a fine car. Big space, very good engine & suspension. Perhaps the best amongst the four I test drove. However, left hand like controls, retention of drum brakes & taxi image put me off.
Fiesta classic drive was also nice. But turbo lag is too evident. Unfortunately the shock absorber of the car I drove was making big noise & I became septical about Ford QC.
Finally I test drove Etios diesel & apart from engine noise entering into the cabin, I found the car to be quite good and purchased the same.
After driving it for 1500 km in 2 months, my feedback is as below:-
Good points :-
Spacious inside, excellent engine (18-21 kmpl assured), matched & smooth gearbox, very good steering response.
Bad points :- Very soft suspension, will bottom-up & make nasty sound every time it hits a pot hole. Problem is less at higher speed or with more occupants. The pedal force to activate the clutch in diesel model is very high. One needs to seriously consider this for city driving.
The Ugly :- Indeed due to lack of additional gaskets, water accumulates in the region between door frames. Water however does not seep inside the cabin. Had the misfortune of breaking the lock holding the rear seat. It was a shocking revelation as to how flimsy some components are. Ditto for bumpers & the black grille at the front.
So friends, when you choose to buy this car, be informed about the Good-Bad-Ugly aspects.