2nd July 2010
Just to update the records. the car has done 32000 km. we did a long drive from Bangalore to Lucknow: 3 days of day time driving and 2 hrs on the 4th day. Route taken was Bangalore-Hyderabad-Nagpur-Jabalpur-Allahabad-Lucknow. left Bangalore on 6th June at 05 30 hrs. Reached Lucknow on 9th June at 09 00 hrs
Must say the NH is superb on the Bangalore-Nagpur stretch except for smaller patches. After entering MP it is a real horror. In particular on the Rewa-Allahabad route, after crossing Mangwan, there is a 20 km stretch of no roads or a very bumpy, crater filled dirt road. Alto took the roads in style. of course here our speeds were down to about 10 kmph. on 4-lane highways we were cruising at around 90-100 kmph. Anything above and the steering feels loose and it feels as if you are floating. well then, thanks to Maruti and Mandovi Motors, Wilson Garden, Bangalore. they do a good job.
There were no breakdowns and no punctures on the entire 1940 km stretch. God’s grace. it was awesome. of course it was extremely tiring too. braving the heat at times and enjoying the cool A/C half the time, it was one lethal adventure drive. And all to save the freight cost of about 30000 from Bangalore to Lucknow.
There were times when my dad and I had heat strokes on the way and we were about to pass out. God saved us.
Mileage of about 21 km. with about 6 hrs driving with A/C on. approx distances covered
Day 1: 570 km done (10 hrs)
Day 2: 730 km (17 hrs)
Day 3: 550 km (17 hrs)
Day 4: 90 km (2 hrs) stopped in Rae Bareli due to threat of dacoits on the road. Plus severe exhaustion.
For first timers on a 3.2 lakh budget, it is an excellent city car. Go ahead. Book it.
John Ben
+91-7897180945
30th May 2009
Just want to update the records . Sometime towards the end of 2 yrs of Alto’s running (Apr 2009) the car developed some problems with the clutch and it had to be replaced - the complete assembly. Cost about Rs 1500 only. Mandovi was pretty efficient with the replacement.
Besides I have done an additional 480 km of highway driving, did a trip to yercaud from Bangalore. Again a very smooth drive and no hassles. Clocked mileage of about 22-23 km per litre. Yes this car continues to sell 18000-20000 units per month in India for sheer simplicity of use and fuel efficiency.
I suggest that people also fit in the basics of central locking and sun film. I am still too lethargic and stingy to invest in these basics. Best part is when there were five of us in the car; when all got out, all the 4 doors had to be checked !!
The car is more comfortable if more than 2 people are seated inside. Besides there is a bit of rattling noise every now and then..