How I went about buying i10?
I had Zen LXI model(pre-owned) which I used for 4 years. I wanted a change since my Zen had no power steering and had beginning to give minor niggles(covered nearly 95000 Km in 4 years).
Started with –
Maruti Ritz – Build quality felt bit low and my wife hated it for its shape. Engine good.
Polo – Pricier and huge clutch travel and hardly any discount
Maruti Wagon R – Too common, Lacked refinement, Engine vibrations could be felt from within
Tata – Poor quality(only good for diesels)
Finally, I10 offered good discount(about 28000Rs.), nothing great about accessories that I got, but I loved its new design. Fuel efficiency was a worry as I had read review on poor mileage. Couple of people I knew however gave a positive feedback on the mileage. So I just went for it, as I was confident I could get good mileage, simply because I know the art of gentle driving with right gear shifts.
Got the delivery on 20th Oct 2011(Sharayu Motors, Navi Mumbai), and just kept my fingers crossed.
=Driving Experience(More about Fuel Efficiency) -=
0-1500 KM Run – Got very poor mileage with first 3 full tanks, I got an efficiency of 11.5 km/liter(on 50-50 Highway and City driving – Home to Office & back). 30% of my journey has full bumper to bumper traffic(stop and go). I was beginning to get frustrated. I started to wonder whether my art of gentle driving has failed to get anything out of the car. I persisted with my style of timely gear shifts(2000rpm). Gradually efficiency improved and I started to get 12.5 km km/liter on the same route. I use unleaded petrol from well-known HP pumps.
Comfort-wise, I found near zero vibrations. However the ride is bouncier, especially at the rear. Gear shifting – super smooth and real joy. Steering wheel a bit tight(compared to Wagon R). However, this helps me control the car better.
1500- 3000 KM Run – Mileage further improved. I did a long trip Navi Mumbai – Kolhapur(350km) at 80 KM/hour(100%AC). The car returned a fuel efficiency of 19+ KM/liter.
Now back to my office route I get 15.5 km/liter. However, I don’t use AC during 25% of journey(morning time – half way). I consider this a great improvement.
Now I am 100% satisfied and my patience has paid off. I am really happy with my decision.
Conclusion and Points to remember-
Shift at right gears.
Don’t exceed 80km/hour atleast for first 1500km.
Fuel efficiency, I guess all depends on your driving style.
People go with ARAI figures and hence the huge expectations. Don’t go with such expectations straight away.
Don’t forget this is a 1.2 liter petrol engine, unlike the trimmed engine of Wagon R.