My old M800 was due for upgrade as it served me for almost 6 years. There was an option either to buy a B+ segment car or an entry level C segment.
Considering the fact that price of B+ segment and entry C segment is same. I choose to upgrade to entry C segment.
Based on my budget of 4.75 lakh to 5.75 lakh for on road and carrying capacity of 4 to 5 adults, I short listed following cars.
Ford Ikon 1.3 Flair
Esteem LXI / VXI
Indigo
Hyundai Accent
I could test ride Ikon, Esteem and Indigo. I was surprised to know that Hyundai showroom in Goa had no demo Accent or for than matter any Accent in their showroom for a look or test ride. And I was in no mood to buy a new car based on others opinion.
I liked the interior space of Indigo but that’s the end of the liking. The look from front is same as Indica and it seems as if additional box is added to the extended chasses to make a boot. The interior is absolutely rough.
I could notice the gaps between the plastic joints, on B pillar, etc.
I seriously considered Ikon and Esteem for final decision and it did take a lot of time choosing between these two.
My decision was based on following :
Usage (City and intercity drives 95%. Interstate 5%)
Mileage (Average Less then 500 kms per month)
Cost of maintenance
Looks
IKON 1.3 Flair:
This is a good city Car, enough of power to drive comfortably with AC on. Mileage is 12-13 Kms in City (Based on feedback of actual users) and about 14 in intercity ride. The car is bit drag with 5 adults with a bag for each in case of long distance and feels lacking in power.
Cost of maintenance is pretty high. From the fact that there is only one dealer in Goa for every minor work and services I will have to travel about 80 kms (Both ways) that works out to 5.5 ltrs of petrol which simply at Rs 45 a liter is Rs 250 leaving aside travel time. From the actual users opinion the cost of comparable spares of esteem and comparable service to esteem it is definitely one and half times more.
External looks in my personal opinion is better then Esteem. The interiors of limited edition of Ikon is also much better then VXi. I liked the green glowing power window switch a dedicated AC blower for rear seat cooling.
On road price was 5.20 lakh and for limited edition 5.61 lakh. No cash discounts.
ESTEEM
This is also a good city Car, I felt the power is a notch better then IKON though the accelerator is more responsive initially of IKON. Mileage is about 14 Kms in City (from actual users feedback) and about 16 in intercity ride.
Cost of maintenance is pretty low. There are 2 dealers in Goa with 6 showrooms and several service centers. The nearest service center from my house is about a kilometer away. Every spare part shop is having spares of esteem and they are comparatively cheap.
Externally, I liked usage of chrome, tubeless tires, smooth independent suspension. Though few says that the esteem is very light and squeaky, my demo IKON which did about 20000 kms found to be creating more squeaks then the old Esteem which my brother in law has.
On road price : LXI 4.82 Lakh, VXI 5.20 Lakh (Including cash discount of Rs 35000)
I decided to buy Esteem LXi as I did not like the company fitted audio coming with VXI. Secondly, I heard about some complaints on power window and therefore restricted to have them for front only in LXI. The other features on VXI I did not care much are the rear spoiler which is for aesthetic look. Central locking which I plan to install a better one.
I have now driven for about 500 kms but still it’s too early to comment on the performance.
I hope my comments will help those who are in dilemma in choosing between IKON and ESTEEM.
UPDATE after driving 1500Kms:*
I feel it’s fair now to write an initial review on Esteem after driving for about 1500+ kms. This time I will not compare to any cars but will mention my experience.
Airconditioner
It’s decent; I have not felt lack of power when driving with AC ON may be because in Goa we do not have thick traffic as that of Bangalore or Delhi.
Power
Pretty impressive. I have not got the opportunity to cross speedo 120+, But found complete in control at 110 speed. There is absolutely no drag or lacking in power.
Suspension.
Is bit too soft and sometimes I am afraid of even small bumps. But on plain road it’s fantastic.
Mileage
Average 15 to 16 kms with intermittent AC.
Expecting your comments.