My prime purpose was to use the car in the Bangalore city since I have to travel a lot within the city. Specially with the Bangalore traffic I needed a car which would give me economy along with a proven expertise and satisfied customers. A factory fitted LPG version was what I was looking for. I did look into Maruti Wagon R, Indica LPG fitted but was really not satisfied with both.
When I got a call from the Trident Hyundai motors that the factory fitted Santro LPG model is out. I was the first person in bangalore to own one. Advaith Hyundai did inform me that this is available but they could not deliver it to me on Dassehra.
I booked the car with Trident Hyundai for a Real Earth color and had purchaed the Santro GLS eCO version with a factory fitted LPGlast year on Dassehra( 7 Oct 2008). I am extremely satisfied with my car.
The operation of the car is smooth and switching between LPG and petrol is smooth with the switch of a button
LPG is around 30 rs per kg and my car gives me a mileage of 15 kms per kg without AC in city and around 11 kms per kg with AC on in the city.
This car is an absolute value for money for people who want to use it extensively within the city. I have also done quite a few trips to Mysore and never needed to switch to petrol. I once had a drive trip to Pondicherry and just had to use Petrol for around 30-40 kms only. I did get two LPG pumps on the way.
This car gives a good pickup till 80 kmph but post that you feel as if the car has got too loaded. I have driven it both on LPG and on Petrol at a speed of maximum of 110 kmph it was smooth and the engine never gave me any weird sound. The car also ran with a absolute grip on the Chennai highway.
Yes I agree the boot space equivalent to around 1 suitcase is lost but that is compensated better with the mileage and environmental friendly LPG.
I would recommend it to people who use is within the city and have some occasional trips outside the city. The car might pose as a hindrance with LPG for some since LPG pumps are not very common outside the city. But then you also have a 35 litres Petrol tank apart from the 27 kg LPG tank.
One year and great going. Many more to come.