Hi,
I’ve just returned after from Delhi, after a 240 km drive in Matiz, and as I logged on to MS, there is a review on my favourite car on home page. Seeing that I too decided to present this report card, my FIRST on MS.
The car I am talkin about is Metallic Green SG(s.p.i.c.e.) model bought from Bristol Motors in Karnal(now closed long ago) in 2001, its done 86000 Km since than.
I only have praise for this car, as it has never let me down on performance, mileage and reliability. Mostly driven on crowded NH 1 between Panipat and Delhi, I feel proud when I see comparitively newer cars broken up on roadside, waiting for repairs. Matiz has only asked for regular service, it tells you with a low mileage and pick up that it needs new engine oil, and filters, though we get it serviced every 10000 KM.
I got the tyres changed at 60000 Km, and had first AC gas refill only 3 months back. Even now it easily cruises on 120 KM, on an empty stretch. Just an hour before I was racing it with a new White Santro XO on highway, not to be beaten up.
I think it is the best small car that we got in India till now, even after so many years no car maker has come up with looks to compare with it, Daewoo installed much hyped gas filled shockers and Power steering 7 years back, Electricals are perfect after this extensive use(only a front bulb replaced last year) and to complement the engineering that went into it, we haven’t needed a single spare as of today. (Battery replaced 2 years back)
It averaged 18 Kmpl on highway with AC, on my trip to Chandigarh (checked 3 months back)
The only issue is low pickup, you notice it painfully while overtaking and on single road, but remember its 800 cc after all.
This car has made me respect Korean Engineering, and as I am going to replace my 10 year old Maruti 800 , with a Santro XL, I have my fingers crossed, that it lives upto the expactations that its Korean sister’s performance now evoked.
Please rate my 1st effort on MS