This review, since is my personal experience, will follow the timeline.
I decide to buy a car in 1999 (When IT boom helped me with some dough). Its 7 years since I passed out of college and I asked myself why not?
I had the following requirements.
The car should be reliable (Had lots of experience with my dad’s Ambassador Mark 4).
It should be spacious - Everyone in my family is like hefty and I personally am Greater than 6’.
It should be affordable (Not interested in shelling out 8L for Honda City).
It should have low turning radius. The parking space in my flats will test driver’s accuracy.
It should be comfy inside (A/C, Stereo, Power Windows, Power steering, decent upholstery).
I had the choice between
Wagon R
Santro
Matiz
Zen was not comfortable. Indica was not good before V2. Maruti 800 - too small and Maruti Omni (You mut be joking).
I test drove everything. All 3 felt similar to drive. On the counts of comfy, space - Matiz was eliminated. But I have to admit, it is a great car for 2 people. Its A/C is slightly less effective than Wagon R and Santro (probably due to smaller engine).
Between Wagon R and Santro, I found Wagon R more responsive in pick ups and steering. It gave lesser mileage of the two. Maruti service in city was less preferred over Hyundai.
Santro on road costs was 3.62L and WagonR (with same features) was 4.2L. Now, I saw what extra will I get for the 60K extra I will spend on Wagon R than on a santro. Remember, I am not rich in dad’s money. Its my own small savings.
Santro convinced me to buy it. I presented it to my dad who had retired from service and who has sold off the ambassador given to him by his company.
After buying Santro, I noticed the following.
Positive:
The service centre folks are very helpful and they liase with Insurance guys in case of accidents thereby avoiding us to run around with insurance guys for claims.
The computer engine health check is so good. Once, when I was cruising at 110 Kmph, a dog jumped from side bushes and had a direct hit on the front. The radiator puctured and no coolant. The computer will switch off the engine after every 3 Kms as engine is overheated and will not allow me to start before it is cooled. I managed to find a road side mechanic to put m-seal on the puncture and somehow completed remaining trip of 50 Kms.
Highway mileage is excellent. When I go on really good roads, I get in excess of 20 Kmpl. I am satisfied. In city it gives 12 Kmpl. But then ....
It is smooth. Neatly balanced vehicle for moderate speeds.
Negatives:
The gear rod is located far away from dash board and for tall guys like me we have to keep bending our elbows in cities where we frequently change gears. Elbow aches.
The road side service some 9628xxxxxx mobile number is useless. If you are caught in a highway, I understood that I can call them and they will come to assisst me (I dont mind paying them a fee though they claim it to be free). But it seems when I hit the dog, I called them in the mobile number and I was asked to tow to nearest service station. Why the hell is the need for mobile service units. All craps just to induce you to buying a santro - I saw their pictures in showroom only. Not when I needed.
Engine control computer - When you drive in cities less than 20 Kmph continously for more than 15 min (as happens in any cities after 5 pm), the controller does something and engine always revs more than required. This is an irritation. I showed to Service guys and who like anyother mechanic told me it is due to A/C etc etc. When I switched off the A/C and still showed him the abnormal revs, he cannot help it. I have to show to Hyundai engineers themselves but I could n’t find my convienient time for fixing appointment - am getting transferred frequently.
Unlike my friends in my office, who usually get emotionally attached to their vehicles, I tried to be as objective as possible for the benefit of others.
Happy driving