Drive Khulke

Exterior

Easily the best looking car in its class. The styling is bang on for what it sets out to be - a no-nonsense urban hatch. The compact size is perfect for the daily city grind.

Interior (Features, Space & Comfort)

Snazzy interiors to go with the new-age exteriors. Emphasis on youth and movement. Ergonomics just right. Good fit and finish, best-in-class plastics. Has all the features you need and then some. Note that this review is for the pre-facelift version, with the all-black interiors (no silver like now). This version had automatic climate control too, a feature not offered at the time of it's launch in anything less than a midsize sedan. 

Engine Performance, Fuel Economy and Gearbox

Excellent performance for a 1-litre 3-cyl diesel. NVH levels are surprisingly low. Clutch is a little heavy, but you only feel it if you've been driving in start-stop traffic for an hour or more. Steering is super-light and easy. Avg. fuel economy of 18kmpl year-round with/without ac and with mixed city & highway usage, despite my generally aggressive driving style.

Ride Quality & Handling

Fantastic ride for a car of its size, suspension is tuned just right. Feels a bit stiff at very low speeds, but things improve as you go faster. Cruises comfortably without the typical up-down bobbing of a normal hatchback. Steering weighs up nicely around quick bends, though a bit vague around dead centre.

Final Words

For 5.46 lakhs ex-showroom delhi for the loaded lt variant, this is the cheapest diesel hatch in the country that doesn't say taxi all over it. Also on offer is the lt(o) trim, which (pre-facelift) offers only two airbags, abs and alloys over the lt. Not much needed for our speeds and roads, but good option for ppl who like safer cars. The only real competitor is the ford figo, which is again a very good package, but if looks are important to you, you're not looking at that.

Areas of improvement  

I have been driving it for a year-and-a-half and 27500 kms now, and honestly i'm finding it hard to find anything to complain about. I suppose it's not very spacious, under-thigh support could've been better, but looking at its compact size, bigger seats would have meant lesser legroom. It's only 1595mm wide and 3640mm long, so not much to say there. The available space is used to the most optimum extent possible though.

Funky styling, good fuel economy, great vfm package, low nvhnone