Wagon R, a wonderful upgrade from 1997 Zen

I have driven about 2800 KM and from rough initial estimates, I seem to be getting highway average of 22 KMPL, including two ghats to Panchgani! Almost as good as my old Zen.

Some observations:

1. Power steering is truly comfort giving, sitting high gives a good feel. It feels roomier, with high roof and good legroom.
2. Mechanical central locking / unlocking is better; no problems of electronic version.
3. Rear seats are harder and ride is not comfortable.
   
4. Excellent suspension but a wobbly feel. Increases the feel of higher centre of gravity and hence less stability. This is even more pronounced when car is not loaded.
5. Running noise, clearly audible when coasting in neutral. This noise was noticed by those sitting at the rear. I cannot say whether this noise is from the tyres or from the bearings of the wheels or axles.
6. I have by now adjusted to gear shift, which was a major deterrent in buying Wagon R.
7. The driving view is marvelous from the large clear glass windscreen.
8. Driving posture and related comfort is better than Zen. Long drives are less tiring.
9. Pick up is excellent, even in overdrive gears (fifth too). It does not protest at 40 KMPH in fifth gear, if care is taken not to accelerate hard. However, changing to fifth gear at 50 KMPH makes the car produce a healthy whine, especially when loaded.
10. Starting of the engine is not pleasant. It takes more cranking to start (rarely it starts with one short crank). MPFI auto control revs the engine too much for at least seven to ten seconds. Zen starting was superb; just a touch to the key turning was enough.
11. Visibility of space just behind Wagon R is very poor and a mirror at the back, like in huge SUVs, may prove helpful. I once reversed into a 2 wheeler parked right behind.
12. When playing music, especially FM, I find high bass reverberation, forcing me to keep the bass setting at 2 or even less, even at low volume setting of 16. My JVC system RMS power is 200 W, with two 4 inch front speakers and two six inch rear speakers.  Music sounds good due to larger resonating volume and front tweeters near windshield.

Fuel economy, driving comfort, visibility of others, high headroom, good legroom. enough powerRolling noise when coasting in neutral, noisy engine at high RPM, no day & night mirror