This is my first review for msht and I really dont know how useful it will be (though to make it simpler I have tried to review various aspects of car ownership)
P.S.Note -My Xeta GLS is approx. 2 years old (around 26k mileage). Engine capacity - 1.4 ltrs
1) Performance -
This was the main criteria for me when I purchased the car. This small car can really match the big ones on a highway. The main reason for this is the 1.4 ltr engine on the car which is big for a hatchback (though premium hatch backs like swift & getz do have big engines).
The 1.4 ltr makes it a good choice over wagon R, santro & other small cars. I have driven at a top speed of around 160 Km/hr. The car feels sturdy at high speeds coz of the weight & low centre of gravity. These attributes also safeguard it from crosswinds & wobbliness normally seen with small cars like wagon r & santro post 120 kmph. The pick up is not very exciting though pressing accelerator more than normal gives instant pick up its not recommended - u will compromise on your fuel efficiency & engine life
For new buyers- The new xeta has a sub 1.2 ltr engine (so don’t expect a similar performance. The new ones are more for fuel efficiency)
2) Mileage
Not ideal for city driving considering the high price of fuel & traffic - around 12 km/litr with intermittent AC use. 15 -16 on highway. You can extract more with fewer gear changes & by driving smoothly with a light foot (consistent speed of 70-80 kmph). This may not be relevant for the new xeta as the engine capacity is low
3) Long term Maintenance
Maintenance is not an issue at all. The price of spares is low; the service network is good and the staff professional. I had not problems with this car. Routine maintenance costs around 900-1000 rs on an average (after your free servicing term is over). The only part that wore off recently was my accelerator cable - it snapped on the highway. Replacing this cost me just around 150 bucks.
4) Durability
Usually small cars do rattle in about 2-3 years time. There is not much of body rattle in a xeta but a lot depends on the kind of road you use to commute. The engine is still efficient & has the bite. Take care of the tyre rims as they start to get out of shape if you hit potholes constantly. Also wheel alignment goes off at periodic intervals. Do wheel alignment & balancing post every 3-4000 kms. If you experience steering wobbling this is the reason. As a safety measure alternator belt & brake pad needs to replaced between 27-30000 kms. The gear shift is intially a little hard but smoothens over a period of time. But still not at par with Japanese cars.
5) Comfort
Excellent. Good for 5 people. Visibility is excellent due to the shape. The cabin is airy & beige interiors add to the big car feel inside. Drivers seat not exactly up to the mark though. The Boot is too small for a car of this size (comparing it with other small cars)
6) Interiors
Nothing fancy. Purely basic & outdated but then you cant get everything you want. Functional is the only way to describe it.
7) Looks
Goods clean & good. Nothing flashy about it. The rear spoiler with brake light is standard on GLS & other models. The other accessory you can add on is fog lamp (not sure of its use though)
8) FInally the Drive
The petrol indica is 100% more engaging than the diesel one. The steering is not as responsive or direct as the japanese cars (hydraulic steering of tata compared to the electronic steering of japanese cars) but one can live with it considering the power engine delivers. The straight line speed is awesome (you ll really love car on an express highway) and can match the best but be careful on winding roads - the tail does not respond too well. All in all fun to drive on an empty stretch coupled with cautious approach on ghats (though good when climbing up these winding roads).
Overall a good package for the price. Ideal for someone with a tight budget who needs to do a lot of highway commute.
Some tips: regularly check oil levels, coolant levels, brake oil, brake pad, tyre pressure, wheel alignment, dont rev the engine
If you are a new owner run the car in @ 60 km/hr till you do around 2000-3000 kms ( the engine gets really smooth after that)
Thanks & Enjoy the drive
I am not divulging what made me buy this compared to others as the factors that influenced 2 years back have changed - new products and pricing dynamics. But in my personal opinion XETA still remains a good choice in sub 3.5 Lakh category ( above this budget u really have good choices). Spark, Alto, Wagon R & Santro are the closest rivals. Offering you a few parameters to consider when buying a sub 3.5 lakh car
Spark: Issues - Spares, resale value, comfort factor of a local mechanic in urgency, Service network. XETA, MARUTI & SANTRO Scores over Spark here. Check the insurance cost of these cars. As this will pinch your pocket every year. It wil be diff for diff cars
Does it suiit your personality & need ?
SPark - cute (may be a little flashy), someone who is still growing up (hangs around with a small group of friends
Alto - purely functional, either traveling alone or sometimes with not more than a person more (wife), very cost conscious
Xeta - someone needs comfort for himself, tries to get the maximum value for money(the big car feel), has a slightly bigger family- maybe father mother would like to travel in the car & would want to be comfortable in the back seat.
Santro & Wgaon R - Brand & qaulity concious.
My personal choice
Spark & Alto is out (Alto only if you are on a very tight budget - even on a monthly basis).
Comparing petrol cost of the most frugal car Alto & most thirsty car XETA if you travel 20 kms in a day :
Xeta -20 Km /day x 25 days - approx 500 kms in a month. 500 kms will need approx 48 litres (if mileage of car is 12-13 km/litr). 48 litrs x 55 rs /itrs - 2640 Rs in a month and Rs. 31680 in a year.
Alto - you will spend around RS 1600-1700 on petrol in a month. under same driving condition alto should give you 17 km/ltr). So you save around Rs. 1000/- in a month. Is this 1000 rs very critical to your monthly budgeting?
Between Santro , Wagon R & XETA
Santro & WR have a BETTER PERCEIVED QUALITY than Xeta. I dont agree too. Both have good refined engines. Better than Xeta.
If you need a refined choice and some thing to drive in city- Santro/Wagon R (both are outdated)
If you need a good engine which is not as refined but responsive on highways & a car that makes you feel safe while overtaking - Xeta
If your looking for Sheer value - Xeta is the choice