This is my first car. I baught AltoK10 on March 2011. I had driven around 9000 KM. I am satisfied.
I have analysed a lot before I baught this car.
My requirement was, I need a car for my daily office usuage and occasinal long drive. My budget was < 4 Lacks.
Initially I was shortlisted Santro and Alto. I had driven both the cars. Here is my view about these cars.
Power & Torque:
I really dont know which is faster. I heard that Alto K10 is faster than Santro. Because of its Power to weight ratio. One more reference from Team-BHP about Alto K10,
"P.S.: This car proves that you don’t have to spend money to have fun. Its quick in stock form. Add an exhaust, better tyres and a potential remap.you are looking at well over 110 BHP / Ton. In character, somewhat similar to the OHC Vtec.
P.P.S: I’m willing to bet you are looking at a future Tuner favourite here. Get this, the power to weight ratio in stock form is better than the 8 lakh rupee Sx4!"
Gear:
Gear shifting is good in Alto K10. I felt, some vibration are there in Gear shaft in Santro. But I heard, Santro Gear is smoother than other cars in its segment. I didnt feel it. Maybe the car what I had driven have some issues. My suggestion to you, please drive it and feel it.
Steering:
AltoK10 have electric PS and Santro have Hydrulic PS. I felt, AltoK10 Steering is smoother than Santro.
My understanding is that, Hydrulic PS will take power from engine. This would reduce the Mileage(little) of the car.
AC:
I felt, both are same.
Less Power drop when switch ON AC in AltoK10. AC fills the cabin fast enough.
Design & Ride & Handling:
Santro is better than Alto K10. I could feel the stability in the car. AltoK10 is light weight. It can fly. But not stable enough like Santro. Body build, Interiors is quite well in Santro.
Comfort:
Santro is better than Alto.
Mileage & Maintanence & Resale:
Obviously Alto K10. I cannt come to conclusion for Santro. Its Mileage figure is not consistant for all like Alto K10. I feel, here is the major problem to drop Santro. I dont take any risk.
Maintanence is cheep(all are cheep quality plastic and other items too).
Resale value: AltoK10 is better than Santro. Because most of the second hand car user will bother about the maintanence of the car & Highest selling car spare parts will be available longer.
By considering Power to Weight ratio, we can remodify Alto K10 as a good Sports car.(I bought White color VXI model). I feel, we cannt design Santro as a Sports car because it Tall boy Design.
Negatives in Alto K10: Door are not properly locked sometimes. Dont see dashboard!
My final words
If you plan for a new car which is first car for you
If you are Middle class family, not more than 4 members,
If you want a sports feel of drive,
then go for Alto K10
I dont like to spend Rs. 70000 extra for Comfort and space.
Good luck and sweet dreams with cars.