Hi all,
I bought an Alto LXi (Alto 800cc with AC and Power Steering) last month and here is my review.
I had 3 options (based on my budget) before I frozen down to this car. I had a Santro Xing XE (AC but No power steering), Zen LX (AC but No power steering) and Alto (any model) to choose from. Although price for these models are more or less same, XE has an advantage of its free accessories (almost worth 15K). Zen has average looks but plenty of room, a 1000cc engine and maruti label.
Of course, these 2 cars are way bigger a status symbol (and capacity) when compared to an Alto. I frozen down to Alto LXi due to the following reasons:
(Much) Better mileage than the others for the similar price.
Lesser depreciation compared to the other 2 cars (as per the feedback from dealer and outside sources).
A power steering version. 4. The enurance test. https://alto.marutiudyog.com/24edurancetest.asp
After 1000 kms, here are my driving experiences:
The car is giving me (touch wood) a mileage of atleast 16 kms inside city (with AC ON 50% of the time). There are people who get 18 and also who get 13.
On highway (I took the car to Mysore - 150kms), it gave me around 20KMs with
AC On. The ride was quite comfortable.
Lacks power. Oh god! it really GURRRRRRRS when needs to pick up the from 20kmph on the 3rd gear during a turning or hump. Did I tell you when AC is on, the car needs 1st gear to do the same?
Excellent braking.
Excellent suspensions and better ground clearance. Thats where I feel, Alto wins over 800.
Makes an impression. (Better symbol than the M-800).
Power steering adds a fizz over the driving. It has also saved my car from an accident due to a sudden manuvering requirement.
Due to the chaotic road conditions of bangalore, friends and families (using cars) had strongly recommended me to go for a car with Power Steering. I do enjoy driving this car with a single finger on the steering but sometimes I feel it has been an over spent for over comfort.
Which variant to buy
Please be very very thoughtful about this. One really bad thing I came across the 3 models (base, LX and LXi) is that there is no significant diffrence at all except the AC and Power Steering fitmets. Means, if you buy an Alto LX, you get an Alto car with AC and thats it. Same way, if you buy an Alto LXi, you get an Alto with AC and power steering. God! they could have atleast added one for two more accessories for better differentiating the car (e.g. body color bumpers and back side wiper).
I really feel bad opting for the highest variant and still shelling out 3, 500 for body colored bumper and 4, 750 for electornic locking. Adding a music system and power windows could cost me near to Santro XP with these accessories being given for free and also one year insurance paid.
Overall, buy Alto any model, you have struck a good deal, but if style, performance and status symbol is more important for you, please take a look at Zen or Santro but dont miss out taking a look at Opel Corsa.
Update The all new Maruti Suzuki Swift launched today costs 3.99 Lacks (ex-showroom) for the base model. Boy! what a tough competition to Corsa, Getz and even Zen and Santro (because of price). Check that out too.
Frankly, if I had to buy a car from any of these 5 cars (zen, santro, getz, corsa, swift) my first bet would have been Swift for sure. But its too early to say if it is the Best.
Important Updates regarding my Alto LXi
Recently I was driving my car with 4+1 people (above 60kg). Here is what I have observed with my fully loaded car:
The car pulls all of us easily but still you can clearly feel the drag esp. when car engine is exposed to sun for a long time (strange?).
With AC ON, the car takes an hour to reach back to the speed of 60.
3. There is friction (and sound) when the car is taken a BIT faster on the humps. Even a speed of 5kmph produces this friction and sound. I will be meeting the service guys this weekend, but please let me know if any one of you is facing the similar problem. Of course, it is because of the high weight, but the question is, should it really let its part scratch to the hump?
- The mileage is still breath taking. My car delivered me 19 on the highway and 16+ inside the city. (I hope you remember that I am talking about 5 people inside).
Another important update
I am feeling the engine noise and gear shifting are not smooth. I am taking my car to the service station. Meanwhile, please let me know if this is a known problem in the initial months of driving.
Another thing that I wish to add is regarding Power Steering. Boy! it simply rocks!!!!