I have been driving this vehicle since Feb 08 and cant really stop admiring its qualities. I have a done a little short of 10k kms and a few long trips between Chennai and Bangalore over great roads and sometimes no roads (thanks to NICE road) but this car has never let me down. On the positive side, great composure on-road, easy handling, terrific pick up and classy interiors.
I love the way the steering responds and one aspect no one really talks about the aircon. It is one of the best in terms of cooling time and temperature. On the downside. Its a next generation Santro. So comparisons with the older sibling will crop up every time you talk about i10. The interiors while being great need maintenance. Especially during monsoons. I have had problems with engaging 1st gear and this is one of the very nasty problems that even authorized service stations have failed to resolve. The mileage isnt as great as the Suzuki. While Kappa engine is supposed to be better. It does not make sense to me. Why pay so much more for a marginal increase in power and mileage while the 1.1 gives you all that you want. Now the forever question on mileage. It gives a regular 11-13 in city and 15-16 on highway (i am talking about Chennai- Bangalore).
I have had people claiming anywhere between 18-20 kms on highway but I dont think this car is capable of doing those numbers. Atleast I have failed to get anything over 16 before service, after service. Driving at 50 kms or at 80 kms. All combinations put together. Overall, you cannot go wrong with i10. Buy it if you want a classy car with great looks and composure. Don’t buy it if the competition is with A-Star or a Santro...