What are the drivers to buy this car? Lets looks at what we expect from an MPV - A safe 7-8 seater family minivan with decent suspension, good powertrain and oodles of space for all. Fuel economy decent but not the main criteria.
What an MVP is not? A performance car. Its a car best driven at 110-120 KMPH. Its not comparable to your frugal hatchback or notchbacks that are so popular in India(I guess only country in the world where a Dzire passes off as sedan). Its not supposed to be a looker.
The above criteria is based on my experience in various countries around the world and I conclude this is the way an MPV is marketed in most places. So what are the options in India?
Tata Sumo Grande, Xylo - For me an Indian brand is a no-no.
Aria - A crossover and Is good but who will pay 15L for a TATA
Evalia - Good actually but ergonomically a poorly designed MPV
Ertiga - Decent and largest Selling in India. But somehow I am biased against Maruti. Reason being Suzuki is a flop show world over. I have seen swift as a lady’s car in western countries but that’s it. Don’t see any other models selling much.
Of course the ubiquitous van that’s used for home delivery by grocers and restaurants is a common feature across countries. However, when I evaluated Ertiga against Enjoy, Enjoy won for its features and most importantly safety design(Cage design and collision beams, crumple zones). But for India, Ertiga is good option; just not my cup of tea.
So I was left with Innova - the best MUV in India and Enjoy. Finally, it was Enjoy as it is almost 8 L cheaper for the top end model vis-a-vis Innova Diesel.
So settled for Enjoy LTZ limited edition which has a sporty look with chrome fittings, roof rails, weather guard, graphics and also put a reverse parking camera, GPS, IPOD, AUX, DVD, CD, Radio console in the deal. Wooden finish is decent inside but nothing flashy. Simple yet decent quality interiors with good ergonomics for driver. Leather captain seats in 2nd row are best seating options.
After 3K Km done, here’s my rating
Fuel - 13 city with A/C, 15 on highway with A/C
Driveability in city and highway is car like due to Monocoque chassis
Tyres could be bigger but its fine as even though the rim is smaller the actual inflated tire size is comparable to that of Innova.
Traction on incline is very good because of Rear wheel drive and suspension is good for all passengers. Body roll is within acceptable limits again thanks to Monocoque chassis.
Power delivery is OK and no turbo lag in city unlike Variable Geometric Turbo for Ertiga. The FIAT SMARTECH Engine in Diesel version is same as Ertiga but delivers less power; however its mated to real wheel drive so that gives back the advantage.(rear wheel drive impacts the fuel economy though)
A/C performance with full load is really good. Easy to drive on steep climbs as I found out in Munnar. Vehicle has hosts of warning some unique like telling fuel is contaminated with water.
It can go to top speed of around 150 KMPH loaded on expressway and is stable.
LASTLY MOST WILL BE SURPRISED TO KNOW ENJOY WORLD OVER IS 3rd LARGEST SELLING CAR WITH 5L sold last year. Search the name Wuling-Hangong. So its a proven workhorse. Chevy has confidence on this MPV to give 1L KM warranty.