I have been using a Santro LS for more than a year now. I have read the other reviews on this car, on its features and comparisons. I will therefore, attempt to sum up on the experience of owning a Santro. So people out there on the lookout for a small family car, here’s a few lines on what you can expect when owning and driving The Little Tall Boy...
Firstly, if you are short in stature I wouldn’t recommend the Santro for you. The high roof clearance with a short driver in the seat gives the impression of a person sticking his/her neck out to see through the windscreen. Certainly, looks odd! But if you are tall, it gives you a commanding feel and view in the drivers seat. Also getting in and out of the car is a breeze, and the all round spaciousness and extra leg room definitely helps.
The ride is zippy and quite smooth, except it tends to get a bit bumpy in the back, when negotiating bad roads. The airconditioning is pretty good in its class. The perky engine makes very little sound, and at times you cant make out if you have left the engine idling. Zip drive is quite a useful feature to have and makes manoeuvering and parking effortless. If you are mileage conscious, you need to keep in mind that this tall boy normally gives in the range of 13-15. Do check out the latest ZipPlus models with the 1.1L engine, which promises a better power delivery. One problem I face is while backing up, as one can’t see much with the tall back and the back headrests obstructing the view. But once u get used to it, its no big deal. And, in the dark the reverse lights are pretty powerful and useful.
This is one car where the finish is really good. If you are quality conscious, then this fact will keep you happy. The design of the interiors, and the quality of the build, is excellent. Safety features like central locking, side protection beams, crumple zones makes the car quite safer when compared to the 800. The bumpers are not strong though and I had to replace my rear bumper after I got a big crack when a scooter just gently bumped into it. I suggest taking a car without the body coloured bumpers as repainting or replacing one can get pretty expensive (Take a look at the LP model). I would recommend choosing a non-metallic colour as its easier and less expensive to touch up the body compared to metallic body colours. And, it wouldn’t be a bad idea to fix a rear spoiler as it just costs 3000 bucks extra, but gives a neat sporty look to the car.
As far as its unusual looks are concerned, on which many reviewers have written about, not to worry, the looks will grow on you, and very soon...u will start liking it...!!:)
Some of the other features which is really appreciated is, the folding up of the rear seats to create a really cavernous back space, low fuel indication, remote opening of fuel tank as well as the hatch, anti glare adjustment of rear view mirror, cup holders, power windows, central locking, child locks....
The dealer service is quite good, and the after sales service impressive.
This is definitely a good car, in its class, in India. A small compact car with most features of a big luxury car. A good buy for the money, indeed!.
So go ahead and stand tall..with the Little Tall Boy!