Finally I test drove a Invader a few days back. The Invader I drove was Silver in colour. Looks really cool. IDI engine, 2WD (other options are DI engine, 4WD). I started the engine. Trust me its smoother and silent than I expected. The gear shift is amazingly smooth and no false moves. The pickup is good too(not exactly a sports car). 1st and 2nd gears are tall so had to shift to 3rd within 30kmph. Pedals felt comfy enuf for long rides. I drove it for around 6 to 7 km. I felt comfy shifting to 5th gear in 55 - 60 kmph range. Missed the tachometer though. Will surely be in top of the list in aftersales fitment. The bucket seats are comfy. I also rode it for 2 km offroad. Thaz where u can compare the Invader to a car. It rules. Though I felt as if I was on a boat but I was firmly
seated on the bucket seat. There was no hump and bump like a small car. The feedback on the steering wheel was minimum too. In fact the steering felt very light. I kept asking if it was power assisted but was amazed to know it was not. Wonder how it will feel with PS.
The top speed I touched was 85 - 90 kmph. Didn’t wanna do more coz ita test vehicle. I mentioning 85 - 90 kmph coz the needle starts flikering above 70 (cost cutting I guess; My Tbird needle is stable till 125kmph). Brakes are OK, though I didn’t try any adventurous braking.
The feeling inside is very roomy though ergonomics sucks. For example, me being tall and with long hands still couldn’t reach the stereo panel once seat belt are on(there was no stereo either). The top portion of the panel being reserved for the air blower. Door latch and window winder feels cheap. On high speed the front windows rattle if kept half open. Rear view mirrors are good(nice coverage and not stupid msg like ’’Object in rear vire mirror, they appear closer than they are’’).
Overall it didn’t feel like the old M&M jeep, it felt like a SUV. Lotsa improvememt since the last drove a jeep (that 3 gear walla with Roplas white top, GI, I don’t know which model) Hope M&M refines Invader with with finer details.
Personal opinion: Since the back benches can’t be
changed(at least by M&M) into a back seat I will have to make a tough choice between Invader and Sportz(I get AC and PS too he he). I pray in near future to come they plan for a back seat version with front passenger seat foldable for easy entry. Tough choice to make between form and function