Review Background
Model XO. I have completed 6 months and 4000 kms in my Santro, have taken one long drive (Bangalore - Ooty of about 800 kms roundtrip), rest have been in challenging manuvering in Bangalore city traffic. This is my first car in India. I used to drive a second hand Corolla back in US.
As for me I’m not a die hard car enthusiast. I’m more of a an utilitarian so a car for me is a comfortable, safe and decent means of transportation for me and my family.
I considered Wagon R as a potential buy. I got a better deal on Santro and it helped that Wagon R was a 4 seater then and not a 5 seater.
Positives about Santro eRLX
1.) Very good syling - Not that I bought because of the styling...but Santro is one stylish compact car so let me acknowledge it upfront and get this aspect out of the way.
2) Excellent driving comfort - I have thouroughly enjoyed driving this car. I drive about 1.30 hours daily in city traffic and have once drived at a stretch for about 8 hours. The long drive was in ghat section on the way to Ooty and busy Bangalore-Mysore highway...and have touched 100 kms/hr on the open stretches. I found the road visibility and driving position to be very good. Road handling and braking has been excellent and inspires confidence. I loved its turning radius and ability to manoeuvre tight corners.
3) Very good rear seats and suspension - My fellow travellers haven’t complained of any seating discomfort on the back seat. In fact I have found it to be very comfortable, with good leg space (its a compact and not a sedan!) and easily sits 3 adults. It takes pot holed roads in good strides. This was one aspect which went against Wagon R.
Negatives
1) A very ok A/c - A/c in Santro is just about ok. It cools but not sufficiently enough and sufficiently fast.
2) An ok mileage - I’m getting a mileage of about 13 in Bangalore city traffic. I am told it will improve a couple of notches after 2nd service. Wagon R scores better on this aspect.
3) Rattling sounds - Its been just six months and I already get rattling sounds from the boot door. I think it is because of poor finishing.
Overall I find this car a good buy and have no regrets so far.