Hi guys,
I bought a Santro eRlx - XG in November ’05. Though started my research with an Indica, could not convince myself for a diesel engine after around 3 test-drives (including Turbo) and feedback from other retail users (though people using it commercially or over long distances gave a favorable feedback).
Then came the choice between a Wagon-R and Zen. I feel Maruti has stripped Zen of all it’s class with the new design and the low clearance makes it a hazard to drive in a city like Delhi or surrounding hill-stations where it could become a see-saw on a bump/speed-breaker (am glad Delhi govt. has done away with all those illegal speed-breakers).
Wagon-R though a wonderful was a litle uncomfortable especially with respect to it’s seating angle (but I love the steering control and the digital speedo). Also, smaller tyres make it a little more prone to vibrations and jerks.
Santro was a wonderful package which was the last thing on my mind until the last week of my purchase. But I found it to be a wonderful car with small things that make it the perfect package. A few things include:
Excellent pick with a near-silent engine. Can effortlessly do 100+ on highways. You won’t feel anything at 60kph on a smooth road.
Minimal impact in pick-up as you switch on the A/C. A/C is also amazingly powerful.
Small improvisations like the the foot-rest next to the clutch pedal which makes it convenient to take your foot off the pedal and bring it back.
The model equivalent to a Wagon-R VX (in terms of price) boasts of additional features like internally adjustable rear-view mirrors, rear wiper and washer etc. which make it very convenient.
The ground-clearance is as good as it gets. Have thanked my stars a lot of times for buying a Santro over a Zen with the kind of terrain I have driven it to. It can do a bit of off-roading but don’t stretch it too far.
Have done over 7500 kms in 4 months. The average is consistently above 14 with A/C partly on. Have also got over 17 Km/l when I have driven it carefully without A/C (460 kms. + in 27 litres of Petrol).
Though it suffers from a few shortcomings:
With 5 people seated, it loses a lot of pick-up and power. With 5 people and A/C on, it almost becomes a Maruti-800.
The gear lever vibrates while the engine is on. This unlike the Swift which is totally vibration-less.
The power steering does not have the kind of control and stability that a Wagon-R or a Swift have.
All in all, it is a good compact car to have. Would rate it higher than any of the competing cars in an overall comparison.
Bought it from Hyundai Motor Plaza at Mathura Road, New Delhi which is a company owned outlet. Got the best service there after I tried a few dealers. So, would recommend atleast an enquiry with them. You could get in touch with Mr. Neeraj Verma who patiently put-up with all the hassles posed by the financing bank.