I am in search of a new car for my own use (not a family car). So space is not at all a problem.I also dont like to put so much money and wish to keep it for a long period say 7+ years.The use is mainly in city and hence a small car is preferred. My considerations were Tata Nano, maruti 800, alto and hyundai Eon. Nano is a nice car, which revs to its peak without lag but feeble vibrations at rear even from idle, . Also very cheap to own and maintain, but no power steering which is a must for me. Also has no glove box and has a cheap car fame. I tested eon, which is very compact, easy to park and a cheap tall boy. But it lacks in refinement and the thing I really felt bad is the gear lever vibrations, severe to throttle inputs.
I am impressed with alto and k10, desided to go for alto as it is more compact, hence easy to use in city and 50k cheaper even though k 10 is very much refined and powerful. But interesting thing is that there is no lxi variant at time of booking due to new model launch, hence decided to go for it. I have booked new alto before its launch for a white LXI variant. But when the car came, all expectations were changed.The car looks too basic and far away from old model in exterior looks even I am impressed with interiors, gear shift, power steering and refinement compared to old model alto. I change my decision and walk away form it to K 10 VXi. The reason is that it is surprisingly cheaper and far more powerful and refined.
Alto 800 has no discounds and it costs 3.44 lacks on road cochin. As I have to fit left side mirror and accessory socket, it cost me additional 3k. So totally 3.47L. But in case of alto K10, VXi, I got all the above and central lock, fog lamps and a tachometer, 13 inch 155 wide tyres instead of 145 12 inch in addition + lot more power and refinement. Above all, at a price of 3.53L after discount.
Alto 800 is a good car, with good interiors, compact and easier to park and with a finer tuned suspension and better gearshift with shorter throw than k10.