Hi,
I had gone through numerous reviews for almost all small cars before purchasing i10 Asta last month. I promised to myself that I would write a review to help others as there are too many small cars(specially 1.2 litre engine). Please go through the below and may be it will help you in deciding your next small car.
My requirement was for a smart small car with Safety features or fully loaded(personal preference)
As requirement was for a Smart car, Maruti was totally ruled out, none of the models considered, yes not even new moti(fat) Swift. Not a single member in my family like maruti’s new models.
Options we considered:
1) Honda Brio. New launch and really wasn’t sure abt the mileage etc, plus VMT was more expensive than Asta by 30K, 2 months waiting, no discounts, one major negative for me was big rear glass. Honda service is much more expensive than Hyundai’s. I own a honda city (new model, SMT) as well(first lot, 3 yrs old) so know the service cost etc. Honda accessories are really expensive.
2) Skoda Fabia: Lot of reviews were really negative abt Skoda maintenance and expensive service etc. Also mileage was a concern. Plus when I test drove the same, I found it to be less powerful. 1.6 is a different model altogether. I drove 1.2 litre version.
3) Polo: Good car but not value for money at all, Fully loaded model(Highline) is 6.75 on road Delhi.way expensive.who will buy that one.when ppl were saying I have purchased an expensive small car and mine only costed 5.35 on road( with all major accessories provided by the Nimbus dealer)
4) Honda Jazz: Even after 1.5 lac reduction, same as Polo.very expensive for a small car and honda service costs.no no for me.even if you say that Honda is better than Hyundai.but for all practical purposes I found hyundai much more VFM and low on service costs.
5) Hyundai i20: Again a good option in fact almost went for this one but found 2-3 things in favour of i10, i10 weighs 100kg less.i e more power(please note its the same 1.2 litre engine with same power(80BHP) in i10 and i20). Felt less power when test drove i20.but must say smarter than i10.nice shape.i20 Asta was 60k more than i10 Asta.hence decided against it.
6) Fiat Punto: Not much thought given to it.might be a good car.but just went for other brands.
7) Toyota Liva: Rate is on similar lines and comparable to i20, Polo and Jazz. We did not like the interiors and plastic quality as well.
Now for my i10: I have driven about 900 km so far and first service is almost due.
Suspension is great and even bigger bumps, it just rides over them smoothly.space and driving comfort is great for a small car.driver seat Height adjustment feature is great and useful as my wife also drives and needs little adjustment of the seat. Music system and integrated dash is very smart and bluetooth gives a little edge.Steering controls work well.and brakes give a feeling of security.specially when ABS is on board.two electrical charge points.two srs airbags.rear sensors.tilt steering.fog lamps.only missing thing is Alloy rim.
Plastic quality and build quality is really good.
Now ofcourse the most importnat part the mileage:
So far I am getting around 12km/ltr with AC in city traffic, sometimes I am not able to drive even in fourth gear so considering that it is a good mileage.I spoke to hyundai service agents and they say it would improve by the time third service is done.so hopefully I should be able to get around 13-14 with AC in city.even after small adjsutments in the right direction.
Hopefully you will find this review useful.
Regards,
Vivek