I bought the "shape your world" car for my wife, an year ago (Oct 07), but never miss a chance to drive it out.The car has great looks and a treat to watch it parked in the driveway. Kids decided the red colour for us and the choice is great.
Although I thought it to be a "handle with care" type of car, which I reckoned would only be best suited for my wife’s city driving of approx 200 km per month, but having taken it on long family getaways on highways with some rough roads, has proved my perception wrong. Suzuki has made the car with as much passion as the more popular cousin Swift.
Its carved out of the WagonR’s tallboy design and gives huge space inside the cabin. The width is a couple of inches lesser than desired, but adds to the sleek look. However, sometimes while shifting gear, the hand brushes abruptly the person sitting next. Beige interior (esp dash) gives a light and peppy feeling while driving.
The petrol engine is nippy and goes as high as 120 kmph without much problem with whole of my family inside. Initially I had faced some vibrations while going over 100 kmph, but this was resolved with proper wheel balancing at the workshop on next service. Overall the drive is very stable and feels secure. The mileage calculations show approx 16 kmpl with AC.
The boot space is quite big and stepny cover has been thoughfully provided with a lifting ear on the blanket covered ply. There is a flourescent triangle provided for highway emergency stops during night time. Spare bulbs and the mandatory first aid kit complete the troika kept in the dicky.
I got a good deal from the dealer, after a tough bargaining. A lot of accessories were thrown in on top of the various discounts. I did not go for the exchange bonus as Truvalue was evaluating my old Maruti 800 Std at throwaway prices. I sold it for 5 times their evaluation. The freebies included (i) steeering cover, (ii) towel seat covers in beige color (same color as the fabric), (iii) rubber mats, (iv) mud flaps, (v) body cover, (vI) outer door rubber trims, (vii) Sony stereo CD player with 2 speakers (really squeezed this one in place of exchange bonus), (viii) Ganeshji and (ix) scent bottle on dash.
The best part was the presentation ceremony held by the sales team who handled my account. They made us stand by the car, handed over a small sweet pack and a COCONUT, and took a photo. My kids were thrilled. I’d give Maruti Suzuki no.1 spot in JD Power anyday again. They’ve been reminding of my due services, calling up after the service, inviting me for meets and sending cards. Though bought as a second car in my household, I’d give it the place of the first.