After using for close to 3 years I am writing a review about My Santro.Its a 2000 basic silver euro II model with 40000 kms driven 3 years back and touching close to 60000kms.
As the current market has lot of cars for the segment starting from M800, Alto, WagonR, MR-Wagon, Matiz, Santro, Indica, No car provides all the facilities/Offering/Comfort/Safety Airbags for this Segment and Price tag
This review is utility based and not a Technical one
*Advantages:
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*1.Reliability with Adequate power(u can ride smooth at comfortable safe speed of 80km with stability)
2.Good ground clearance and a good road view
3.Tall-boy design facilitates easy entry and exit for people of 6 feet height
4.Good braking efficiency(Proper cleaning of brake shoes is required if used in rainy season like any other car)
5.Spacious for 2 ppl at rear(Dont expect of a corolla or City’s space for this tag) and descent space for 3 ppl at rear
6.Quick cooling with A/C and a good Heater
7.Good Ergonomics(Old model santros have even good seating fabrics than the new xing models)
8.Effective power and pickup even with 5 ppl loaded with boot space filled
9.Quiet driving experience for passengers with no wind booming sound inside cabin even at speed of 100 kms
10.Convenient butter sliced Feel of Gear Shifting(Ideal for city driving at high traffic)unlike maruti’s and ambassador’s.
11.Pleasant interiors(Good plastics/utility based dashboard)
12.Auto Alignment of brakes(Available in daewoo brand too)
13.Good resale value over others in the segment
*DisAdvantages:
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*Below are not exactly disadvantages as compared to higher segments, but a simple compromise for the money we invest in santro
1.Suspension is not excellent but good due to its bumpy ride(Improved on 2000 end year and xing models)
2.Fuel efficiency(Average of 10.5-12.5km/litre based on varying city traffic(Chennai) and 13-14+ on highways based on drive habits)
3.Soft sheet metal body(Can’t do tinkering like maruti’s and Ambassador) and will cost you high if the doors/body is scratched heavily.
4.Cost of genuine spares is comparably high(Generally it wont happen if you do service regularly as per the manual)
Apart from these, As the kms/+Year goes by, the replacement of battery(once in 2-3 years), replacing bushes on suspension(at 60000kms+), ignition keyset, clutch plates(60000kms+), Tyres(40000+), A/c Thermostat, Rotary knob of A/c etc., is required like most of the cars.
Always wear seatbelt for your safety.Opinions vary and the comments are welcome.Happy Driving!
cheers -> Naga