My first review. I will just put the facts forward and probably give the conclusions which we as a group came on to after a test drive.
I am been looking for a car for now about a year. A lot many models pouring in so I thought I could wait a little. Currently I drive an Opel Astra, 1.6, 94 PS (non-MPFI). Recently after the launch of the Verna I started getting into action. My ever fav has been the ZX-VTEC, plainly due to the purified engine. Nothing else. Price has been a deterent, as always.
After rethinking and pondering I was willing to upgrade to the Civic from a VTEC just because I am a driving buff.
So, we called a Whitefield Honda who had sold the ZX-GXI to one of our colleagues. The guy was quite decent and brought us a demo Civic, 12500 driven, which we thought was good as it would show the real thing civic is made of.
The first drive made us feel how can CNBC rate it as the Car of the Year. Surprising!!!
AC was totally ineffective.
Suspension was wobbly in the rear.
The road noise was being translated to the (drive by wire) steering colmn due to which there was lateral vibration in the steering.
Fabric inside was cheap.
The front dash plastic was cheap.
The space on the dash is so much and so very little useful that it makes me wonder that to make the car look like the Accord the engine space has been reduced in the front and is being brought beneath the dash or what?
Finally the gear changing was not smooth (getting stuck between 2 and 3)
On asking these few questions the guy proudly said "Sir I am feeling so chilled in the AC" (mind you he was wearing a jacket and we were literally sweating).
Another answer "Sir WE ARE HONDA"... Ohhh I thought you were reliable.
Another one "Sir, there is no problem in the car".. probably he meant to say "there is some in your head u finnicky creatures".
Another one "Sir, the car was standing in the sun for 10 minutes"... ohh so u mean u don’t sell in DELHI.
My car is about 10 years old - no steering issues, no suspension problems, driving position is excellent and boot space is probably the best.
We said if this is the CAR then "Thankyou and phir nahin milengey" and if Homradz is listening drive a demo civic from Honda and please re-consider.
Next day he brings the car again saying he has checked and rectified the AC. Did he? 10% improvement!!
We have a lake next to our office in Bangalore and wanted to push the same (both the car and dealer) into it.
We also tried the VTEC and it saved Honda’s face big time. But, I still reserve my decision and am seriously thinking on our own brand (aka fiat design) TATA Indigo XL petrol (1.4lit, 101 ps, luxorious from the inside, 7.46 OTR Bangalore).
I agree it was demo car but then what the guys taking a test ride have done in six months I or Bangalore roads might do it in 2-3 years. But spending 12.8L and then picking trash after 3 years is not my idea of buying a car.
I personally don’t think the car wud have been so bad but then the handling by the executives was such that they lost 4 orders 1 CRV, 2 Civics and 1 VTEC.
I are still looking for alternatives and advice for a car which is ;)
Driver’s car
Good Value for money
3. Decent service
- sturdy body, suspension (for Bangalore roads)
My friends might mow me down after hearing this.
Regards
Yash