I got a santro XO erlX from Advaith hyundai (Bangalore)- One of the worst dealers in bangalore - last year december.(2005- december).
I have been driving a Santro LE before that for around 2 years. So let me give a real user point of view , what I felt about my car...pros and cons...for those who plan for a santro.
Having travelled extensively in Santro XO in Western Ghats, mud roads in Kerala, NH48 , 17 and NH 47 in south india , I feel the car lacks power while in Highways and Zippy on local roads (Bangalore) while driving under (70) Km.
Let me be very specific.
Cons.
1) Very less power while going on 5th gear (overtaking will be affected).
2) With full load( 5 persons) and with AC ...car cannot go beyond 70 Km /hr.
3) Mileage - max 14 kms with AC on and 16 kms without AC.(All road conditions- average).
4) In XO model the power window switches are in very odd postions.
5) No Powerwindow switches on the back door handles and the handles are very tiny. (Back powerwindow swithces are placed in between front seats - Very odd)
6) The Back seat is very uncomfortable. I felt that a Maruthi 800 has better seats and comfort than Hyundai Santro. Seats are nasty to carry 5 persons. Good for 4.
7) AC not enough while you are travelling in hottest part of the country like Kerala or Andhra.(At 3:00 PM Peak sun).
8) No AC vents for the back seat.
9) Costly in maintainig.(Parts are of double the cost compared to maruthi Wagon R)
10) Engine sound distracts above 80 km/hr.Sounds like you are driving a jet. 11) Slippery door Opener.
12) No fog lights eventhough charging premium rates( XO model).
13) Provided Speaker place is not good enough to hold premium sub woofers.
14) No Stereo provided along with the car eventhough charging premium rates. 1
5) No cigerrete ligter point in high end model(XO).
Pros.
1) Very Zippy and ’’happy go round driving’’ in city roads and intercity travel.
2) Comfortable Front seats.You won’t feel tired while driving it for 1000 km a day.
3) Compared to other cars in same segment, erlX is very good in comfort and fuel efficiency. (Comparison with Wagon R)
4) Gets a secure feeling while driving it. (Won’t feel that in a Wagon R).
5) Very good brakes..
6) Very good gear .Short and sweet.
7) Gr8 riding comfort. and handling.
8) Easy to park and turn.
9) Good service centre network but they sucks..
10) Clutch rest is one of the gr8est innovation.
I had only one service and will update here about the mileage difference after its second service.
After 2nd Service
16 in city without AC with SHELL petrol .
18 On highways with AC
20 Oh highways without AC.
Also pretty satisfied with the performance of the vehicle after the 2nd service.