Like others I did plenty of research before buying the Palio as it was going to be my first car. I wanted to have this car mostly for its look and sturdiness, but again if I ask anyone I was getting very negative feedback then finally I started reading the reviews of the owners who actually own the car and to my surprise there was non negative feedback apart from minor things Thanks to all and FIAT.
My considerations were:
1) Safety and handling (i had no prior driving history) .
2) spacious
3) long drive and City commute.
4) Price below 5 lacs
5) Look
Since I wanted to go for this vehicle I did not paid serious attention to others somehow I never liked any other in terms of look .and after TATA FIAT partnership there was no reason for me to wait more so I got 1.2 NV ELX on Sept 06.
Pros
1)Strong built u feel safe at any higher speed.
1)Spacious - plenty of leg/interior space .
3)Very good for long drive
4)Good interiors
5)Value for money
Cons
1)Dealers.
2)Little sluggish on 1st and 2nd gears but takes on in seconds.
Experience:
Its been 4 month I own the vehicle and this is what I found.
Handling: I learned on this car only after initial driving lessons on other car and in a month no body believes that I am a new driver Thanks to comfort and good handling and control feeling once you are on drivers seat.
Mileage: in City like pune it gives me 14km and on highway its 16km.(somehow its consistent before and after first servicing)
My main commute is between Mumbai and Pune on weekends. Once just to check the limits on Expressway I drove it between 120 -140 between lonawala and pune there is no shaking and car is very stable even at this speed. its been 4000 km till now in 4 month and there is no problem which I can say. its powerful and yet beautiful machine.
Thanks
Amol