Hi,
I bought Alto - K10 VXI, 7 months back and done almost 4000 Kms & so far it has been a mixed experience although much on a happier side.
Engine is peppy & responsive{big thanks to K -series engine) with excellent acceleration. On my way to Dehradun, I pushed it to 120 KMPH and the machine responded with elan.
Even at 120 steering was smooth and little vibration, there was no cabin noise and the vehicle was very stable, I presume low center of gravity for Alto makes all the difference. Also I had MRF ZVTS tyre [company fitted] which I feel are excellent for Alto .
But with A/C on this peppy engine, literally pees. You can feel the drag, you need to push the gas pedal hard and have to go for constant gear shift . Still A/C is excellent and much better than old Alto, new Alto 800 & Santro. With 1000 CC engine a/c do pulls out lot of power and I will still rate it as good .
Alto VXI brakes are better then old Alto(without K-10 engine) and new Alto 800, I found them reliable. Turning radius is excellent and perfect for city driving.
Gear shift is again effortless, unlike old Alto the leaver is also small and round gear knob in Alto VXI gives a premium feel, {gear shift is better than old Alto & new Alto 800). I faced problem with old Alto to shift to 5th gear, but with Alto K-10 this problem has been ironed out .
Instrument cluster is OK{with amber light as background} plastic quality is poor, single tone dash board with monotonous old world charm, far poor than Hyundai Eon even. Also body is not sturdy. My friend{82 Kgs} simply put his weight on the front door panel and voila I got a dent. For body & outer structure I simply rate Ford as the best, their vehicles are much robust .
Alto VXI is a top end model as as they say comes loaded with all bells and whistles but surprise it doesnt have basic music system. I fixed Pioneer music system with JBL speakers at the front and Blaupaunkt speakers at the rear, sounds OK but I really made a "Khichari" suggest you go for a single brand .
Alto VXI, though sail smoothly on well laid roads but becomes a real pain when it has to face potholes and uneven surfaces. I would rather say poor suspensions you can really feel all the pot holes whilst driving. On uneven surface it behaves menacingly different, you can feel the agony. I tried Hyundai’s i10 on the same stretch and it was much better .
Power steering handling and comfort is nice and clean. I have wrapped leather over it and hence hand feel is also nice, h/ever I have found power steering on Honda, Toyata, Hyundai, Ford etc much better. [very light and really responsive) than Maruti, Tata and Mahindra .
Space crunch is a big area of concern, back seats are much cramped and if you have a taller frame ingress is a little troublesome .
Gives average of around 17-18 and with a/c around 15, on highway you can expect average around 19 KMPL .
I had a different buying experience, bought this vehicle at upfront payment I always knew cash is the king and dealers will chase me as I was the cash party. Visited 5 dealers in South Delhi. On road prices for this vehicle was 3.74 lacs and I bargained and bargained hard, declined all the offers and freebies{mats, car perfumes etc) and finally bought it from TR Shahney at Lajpat Nagar for 3.20 lacs [exchanged my 17 years old Maruti for 20K)
Think I got the good price, lesson is do not feel shy bargaining and bargain hard same way you do with your regular subziwala .
So far I am happy with the services of the dealer, comes up to pick my vehicle for service and has been polite as of now.
To sum up, Alto VXI is a no frill vehicle and good for the first time car buyers, ideal for small family and city driving. With this vehicle and K-series engine, you get maximum possible bang for your money.