Good looking car, stable at high speeds

Hello everyone, I purchased a Grande Punto three years ago and here is my review and experience of owning this car. I have driven about 45000 kms, car is trouble free, reasonable fuel economy but service costs have been higher than I had anticipated. Here is a run down on major costs:

"Free services" : about 15000/-

Paid service @ 45,000 kms: 35000/- (problems with suspension)

Battery changed at 40,000 kms: 6,900/-

Thats about Rs. 56,000/- over 45000 kms - Rs. 1.25 per km.

I generally get about 17 km/l in a mix of highway and city driving. At todays diesel price that is about 3.00/km plus 1.25 for maintenance. I wonder how this compares with other similar diesels.

The last time I gave it for service, it took the service station a week to return the car. Thats way too much especially when you live on the outskirts of city with poor public transport.  

I had evaluated all other diesels before buying this car and at that time I thought it scored well on all counts - looks, engine (except Fabia and Hyundai, all other cars in that segment had the same Fiat engine), acceptable price and good features. The only question mark was on service costs. I wonder if Rs. 1.25 per km is excessive or normal for a diesel. Appreciate if some experts comment on this issue.

Good looking car, stable at high speedsLimited rear view