Earlier I was driving my dad’s Santro Zip plus, with which I started practicing driving, but somehow I was not comfortable with the Accelerator position which use to be a pain in long drives.This was the reason why I decided to change and get another car.After researching several cars, I chose to buy the India’s most successful & highest selling car. Alto. I chose the Lxi version, and wine red car.The car was delivered on Nov 26th. Since then I have been driving approximately 2000Km.
The car is pretty easy to handle in Kolkata traffic.The Accelerator, Clutch & brake position was comfortable, in fact made my long drives pretty comfortable. Engine does have sound, but it is ok.You need to get into the habit of changing gear for improving its performance & mileage.I am getting approx 15.71 km per litre after 1st service(with 40% AC on).Mileage with Santro was around 12 km per litre.
Regarding gear changing, you will observe that approx upto 5-6km per hour, first gear runs fine.Beyond that, it gives a vibration.You need to quickly change to second gear as soon you get the car to move, and second gear works fine upto 20km/ hr. Then third gear upto 35-40km per hour.Fourth & fifth is suitable above 40km/ hour. Performance improves if the tank is full. Since my car has power steering, so one hand is ok for at the steering, while the other hand is for gear as you will require frequent gear changing in city driving.
Initially, it was not easy to get into habit of frequent gear changing as with Santro , I could be lazy with gears but after some time, I enjoy changing the gear..I feel like I am controlling the vehicle. Overall I really enjoy driving the alto. Interior is very basic, no power windows, and wiper at the rear.But this can be added at extra cost.Also I miss the central locking & power windows, so I have to always check whether the doors /windows are locked/closed everytime I park the car.
This car is very suitable if you are new to driving and plan to drive daily, and also it is the best in price in this small car category without worrying of the status(unlike Nano, it does not have cheap car status.