We wanted a new car and our hunt began sometime in December 08. That time we were not even aware that GM/Chevrolet had its showroom at our place - and even if it was there we were simply unaware.
Also, since we were novice of sorts on cars(car purchase no experience - never thought of it!), we were simply not aware of the various things that one should be looking at for evaluation for buying a car.
We were clear of what we wanted our car to have:
1) it should be Spacious and comfortable on long trips
2) Good Looks
3) Preferebly a hatchback rather than a sedan, as we thought that a hatchback’felt’ more personal(Sedans I have always felt, seems more appropriate if driven by chauffeur)
4) It had to be’something different’(a foreign tag? a brand? bentley? Ha Ha!)
5) a car in which we could go on long drive(Bharat Darshan someday perhaps!)
6) Our budget was 4 lakhs extendible to 5 lakhs.
7) The Car should be hassle free(something like the bajaj scooter - on which I would even travel 150 kms in a stretch without any worry!)
8) The car should not require frequent maintenance - in a way maintenance free car
We researched the various technical specifications taking large number of prints from the company websites and review websites. We got to know about this "premium compact" segment where the three were lined up - Maruti Swift, Aveo UVA and Getz Prime. We compared the various things like engine power, bhp, torque, various other things like power drive, tubeless tyres, power windows, fuel capacity, fuel efficiency etc etc.
Since we wanted something different, Maruti vehicle was not in our mind. We first checked out the Hyundai showroom for the Getz Prime. However, we had very bad experience with the Hyundai showroom people(and though we had also booked the Getz initially we later cancelled it).
Finally we zeroed in on the UVA. We phoned the Chevrolet office and enquired about the UVA, and the people there were quite willing to help. We were told that they would give us a test drive next day. However there was a twist in this also. The next day, on contacting the GM contact told that he was searching a new UVA if it were available - however, since no new vehicle was available with them at that time, they would prefer to show us the said vehicle that was already with one of their clients. As our home was quite near to the particular office of their client, we were told to come at that place at a particular time.
It seemed quite an awkward situation for us as well for the particular lady owner of the car. However, we decided to make the most of it - by asking the elderly lady about the car - about any problems - and also about her experience with the local dealer. Also, instead of a’test drive’, we got a’test ride’ on the car - we also did not insist on driving the car ourselves as the idea simply did not appeal us to drive someone elses car - where the GM sales people were giving the demo as if it were a showroom car, and the lady owner simply seemed to be overwhelmed by the situation!
The first impression of the car from inside was that it was spacious. It also looked quite good - better than Getz or Swift. It seemed to have a very contemporary looks. The hatchback also seemed to have sufficient luggage space. The front dashboard seemed larger than normal. The boot space was quite good both in front and in back.
We thanked the lady owner for her patience - and particularly during her office hours.
We booked the UVA LS model after considering and comparing various features of its different models Base, LS and LT. Even though the Base model was having some offers, we decided on the LS model. We chose the Platinum Metallic colour. Though we were promised a delivery time of two weeks, we got it nearly by end of fourth week. As the Chevrolet people said, that they had asked for the 2009 make model to be sent and that took time. So it was not a problem as such.
Another aspect was the loan. When the arrival of the car in MP was confirmed to us, we went for the loan. The papers of loan had been kept ready with all documentation and also verified at the bank branch. We took the loan from SBI - primarily because we had our account there, and also it was hassle free. Though the manager looking after loans had previously promised one day - when we finally went for the loan - he had been transferred! However he was transferred to the central branch that sanctioned the loan! It took around 48 hours for us to get the loan sanctioned after all the verification process. The car had arrived at Jabalpur on Feb 6th, and we got the loan sanction letter by 3PM on that day.
We thereafter phoned the Chevrolet people, who said they would pick us up to their Main Showroom cum Service Center which is outside the city - as the car was being readied there for delivery. They picked us from our home in a Tavera.
When we entered the showroom, our car was there in the middle of showroom shining bright. The platinum metallic colour seemed simply magnificent(it has a bit golden touch). We did not add any accessory and took delivery of the car as it is. The verification of various components and other formalities took around two hours.
The UVA LS is simply a very convenient car to drive. We have driven it at 100 KMPH on the not so good roads of MP. And I guess if its something like the Golden Quadrilateral road, we can easily go upto 140. The car has good controls - power drive and power brakes. On many websites, I had read about its notchy gear - however, I have found none of this problem. Notchy gear would happen if the clutch is not properly pushed or half pushed. The only bit of problem I would say is its huge dashboard that reflects on the windshield while driving. The car has been driven more by my wife than me, and she says that despite its bigger size, it is much convenient to handle when compared to even Wagon R which she had driven earlier for quite some time. The best part is that one can slow down even on 3rd or 4th gear, without the car stopping. This makes it very convenient on city drive. On long drive it is simply smooth. One thing I have also noticed that it is quite a silent car, and particularly when it is in 5th gear, and in speed, it is completely silent. Driving or sitting inside, it simply’sounds’ as if the car is switched off and just being pushed by some kinetic energy!
I have not segregated the fuel efficiency into city ride and highway, also drive with AC on, but cumulative it has till now given us approx 13 KM per litre on around 600 kms of driving.
I must also mention that its AC is also extremely good, and even on a hot weather one may get the shivers - leading to a situation we have used the AC sparingly!
Overall, in my opinion, its a very good car, and a good value for money. On road after RTO Rs. 460, 061. First year Insurance given free by dealer
Update 1: On a further 550 Kms non-city drive, I find it gives 16+ kmpl