This is My first review on Mouthshut, and the 100th review of Santro on mouthshut!!!!
I bought a 2000 model Santro LE couple of months back.
I was using a Maruti800 for the last few years When I was planning to upgrade, I was having in mind - Zen, Matiz, WagonR and the Santro. Zen is too small for me as I am 5’11’’. WagonR is still a costly deal when compared with a santro in the 2nd hand market, and the matiz though being a cute and economic car, is not recommended because it is not manufactured anymore.
Santro Experience
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I am really happy with my decision when I ride the car. The best part in it compared to my old m800 was the smooth gear transmission - it just dont require the force we used to apply on the m800 - and that means less or no false gear.
The tall boy design is a real advantage - no more leg space problems, and enough room above your head too.. The wagonR is having few more inches head room, but I dont know what is the benefit of it, as in santro itself I have around 4-5 inches room above my head.
The visibility of the driver is really good and I find it absolutely comfortable.
The visibility while taking reverse is a bit low, but I never had any issues..
The santro has a very smooth engine and as its a 999cc compared to m800 and matiz’s 800 cc engine, there is no issues in engine power loss due to the AC. (though at lower rev, the AC is giving a load to the engine) Better put your AC after u cross the 50km mark in the fourth gear.
The brakes are another big plus - they just hold your vehicle tightly and u feel much confident while speeding.
The looks
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When santro was introduced into the market, I was totally against its looks (it looked like a frog to me) But afterwards, I felt like it is a real funky design and I love it and when I own it I fell like its the best looking car in it’s segment (too much... isnt it?)
Compared to the Wagon, the shape of santro is far better, atleast its not a ’box on wheels’ like the wagonR
The interiors are really modern looking and there is no comparison with any maruti’s in the fit and finish and the quality in material used. As I read somewhere, ’’the owner of the car is seeing the interiors, not the exteriors when he is in his car’’ so the interior finish is an important factor.
Mileage
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The mileage is an important thing in consideration when u buy a car. Here santro scores average compared to other small cars..
Santro - 13 (16)
Zen - 14 (18)
WagonR - 14 (17)
Maruti800 - 15 (20)
Matiz - 16 (22)
The average city mileage and highway mileage is shown just for comparison
These figures are reported by different owners in mouthshut and other sites..
Mileage Tips for Santro
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If u ride ur santro constantly in the speed range of 55km, in the 5th gear, u can get a really good mileage (around 18 to 20) in highway, this is reported by my friend who owns a santro LE since last one year. everyone knows that the mileage depends greatly on the driving habits.
For me, im riding at around 70km most times and getting 16kmpl in mixed driving conditions, that means around 3Rs/km (Petrol cost - Rs 46 in cochin)running cost and im happy with it. If you are using your car for daily use, u can consider adding an LPG kit to it which will cost around 20k and u can reduce 40 to 45% fuel costs.
Hey friends...please rate my review...and give me some inspiration to write more reviews.. :)