Mr. Wiseman's Car

 

Exterior Dis-balanced looks - front overtly simple, back overtly flamboyant. However, i think thats what happens to maruti cars; the same happened with original zen, wagon R and now Ritz - these win over by performance and not by looks.

 

Interior (Features, Space & Comfort) Height adjustable driver seat and steering useful. steering mounted audio controls come handy. audio quality 6.5/10. gear handle location convenient. plastic and fittings poor - my overhead rear view mirror came off (believe I didnt hang on it). driver side door inner plastic cover knob loose - I had to bang it in place. Maruti could have charged few more thousand and give a better deal (look at new Wagon R interiors - much superior plastic material). 

Boot space is good (~250L) - more than swift, I 10. 60:40 split increases the usefulness of space utilization.

Reminder alarms for headlights, key in ignition, seat belts, door ajar are useful.

 

Engine Performance, Fuel Economy and Gearbox Engine fantastic, responds to acceleration nicely. FE ~13-14 in chandigarh city drive (which is now becoming trafficy, and requires frequent gear shift) before first service (first 700Km). gearbox conveniently located.

 

Ride Quality & Handling Ride quality is good. power steering is good. driver sear height and adjustability is a big advantage (those who have driven wagon R, Santro know what it means to have height while driving). overall a smooth experience.

 

Final Words Thumbs up. cant get a better deal for 5L.

 

Areas of improvement

- Inner plastic - needs immediate attention

- Looks

- Cup holders inside th cabin

feature-packed, interior space, ride qualitypoor interior plastic, lack of cupholders at convenient places