After driving this car for 12000 kms I think it’s time to share the experience. First of all I am not an expert in automobile but a person love cars. So this is more for layman.
I was excited to get a car once I was back from abroad in 2010 and went through all sort of research to get a car within 6-7 lakh. I always liked hatch backs so zeroed in Swift and i20. Swift was ruled out because of space and crammed interiors though the engine is good.
I drove i20 diesel and liked it but the price was in a higher side and dropped the idea, but like the space features etc. Then tried i10 but found it less spacious. There was no i20 petrol available for test drive. But the sales man said it’s the same kappa 1.2 engine and I forgot the fact that the engine is pulling more weight and will have impact on performance. I was too smitten by looks and features. The first mistake that anyone should avoid. Make sure that test drive the same model you intend to buy.
However the delivery was made on time as the dealer(Popular) promised. Model Asta Silky biege
Now the Experience
The build quality is good, good plastics, no rattling noise, very silent cabin except a little bit of tyre noise is coming in to cabin. Useful features and spacious where 3 persons can sit comfortably in the back seat with ample leg room. The boot space is good 2 big suitcase can fit in comfortably and for more there is a 60:40 seat folding.
The car was having sluggish pick up especially in 2nd gear and it was frustrating many times, especially in 2 lane highways where you need to overtake quick. But the amazing fact was even at 140 kmph, I was taking corners the car was planted to the road and never ditched me. Steering is heavy in slow speed and gets lighter in higher speed, which I found little difficult to get used to.
The ride quality is slightly bumpy which is a big issue for this car. Adding to that the hard seats for the car does not help. Braking is very nice and can be fully confident and ABS works nice
There was lot of reviews, I read about A/C not up to mark, but I found the A/C is good adequate and climate controls works fine. it is always kept in 22 degree.
Another irritating problem was engine vibration in steering and coming to the cabin which till date is not resolved. The service guy was trying to convince me as if it is a feature of the car. The engine is not smooth in slower speed, but as and when the speed increases it’s better.
The music system provided is good not up to the mark like pioneer systems but it’s okay and steering mounted controls are easy to use.
The fuel economy is where it sucks, I got 12-13 Kmpl in Cochin city with A/C on full time and 17-18 mkpl in Cochin Bangalore highway. The story lasted only till first service.
After 2nd service, amazingly the 2nd gear performance has improved. I was the happiest guy, coz I could take a little bit of chances now. In Bangalore city I am getting 11kmpl with full time A/C and highway 15 kmpl with fulltime A/c on premium petrol. Usually after second service the mileage has to improve mine went the other way.
Engine also started becoming bit rough and noise started coming to cabin more. It was smooth for 2-3 weeks after the service and went back to the same old roughness.
Still the interiors have not changed much and no rattling noise after 12k. A/c is still having the same performance
The reason I don’t recommed the car to others is
The engine is not smooth
Bumpy ride which is not at all acceptable
Mileage
Pick up
For those are not really concerned above points you can enjoy the car for
Quality interiors
Spacious
Big boot space for a hatch
Stylish muscular body
Very good features available in permium sedans
Update on May 2011(14700 kms)
Went to service center with a minor rattle in steering and noise from shock absorber. Service executive mentioned that they have replaced a spring in damper column. When I insisted that I want to what exactly was the issue, he mentioned that Hyundai has rectified the issue by increasing the spring length and the service center replaced it under warranty.
Believe me the driving comfort has improved a lot, potholes are not hitting the steering. The bumpy ride of car has reduced, still requires improvement.
Anyone having steering rattle and bumpy ride please check with the service center on this