Hyundai I20 Magna is the first car for me and I purchase it on March 2009. As usual, as many of us do, I had an intention to buy a second hand car and then turned to buy a new car, as many a times we cannot believe on second hand car reliability and we have to drive with the fear in mind that what problem will come when.
I took a test drive of Maruti A-star, Tata Indica Vista, Fiat Linea, Chevi Uva and ofcourse Hyundai I20 asta. I had a few months driving experience(just driving not owning) of Maruti Swift VXI before. As an Engineer, I cannot put a blame on the other car manufacturers and praise the one which I bought, as if I have taken a wise decision. Because I knew how much time and efforts each company would put forward to launch a car.
Each car have its own advantage and disadvantage. But which one has very few disadvantages is what we have to look for. And of course, taste differs from each individual. From my perspective, I20 won my admiration. Reasons, its look(both interior and exterior) and driving experience. I never had such a great driving experience with many cars I drove in my experience. I20 was my first car but I have driving experience of about 50, 000 Kms before. I had read many reviews of Mouth shut before I decided on I20 and thanks for Mouth shut, it has rally done a great job for me.
Honestly speaking, my experience with I20 for the past 2000+ kms was wonderful. I too agree with the fact that you cannot get a great pick up, but its torque Vs Rpm ratio is really very good. Several times I confirm twice whether I am in gear 3 or 5. Such a smooth ride quality it has. Climbing hills with 4 or more is really tough for the car, but on plains, it is wonderful.
Price: I agree that the price is higher than the other hatchbacks especially Maruti swift. But you will definitely experience the luxury of a high class car in this less price. Everyone will stop at one point to decide whether I have to spend extra for the same engine, power and capacity while other car manufacturers give it cheaper. But for those who wanted to live every moment of their life, i20 is a good choice.
I drove Martui swift for about six months(my friends vehicle). I did not realized that i20 was far superior than Maruti Swift, in ride Quality, until I get a chance to drive Swift again, after my purchase of i20. When I drove Maruti Swift, after my purchase of i20, then I gained confidence that i20 was a wise decision.
Mileage: On whcih most of us are really concerned, 15 km average on city and outdoor combined with AC. Only on city 14 km per litre was my experience. And always I follow some fuel saving tips like switching off on traffic lights keeping my AC fans running for comfort, not pushing accelerator while I could see a brake necessary in 100/200 mtr distance, etc. We have to think for our future generation also. .Isn’t?
Dealer staisfaction was wonderful. While taking a test drive, he says "no" for all my requests like mud flap, foot pad etc, but when delivery he gave all these as a surprice for me.