USER REVIEW AFTER 6 MONTHS

 

Exterior A very good looking car with excellent finish. The alloy wheels look fantastic. The front, side and three-quarter views are all good, while the rear end may appear boxy in a  Mahindra Loganish way to some. The chrome highlights and trim are really neat.

Interior (Features, Space & Comfort) Interior space is generous and three adults can sit comfortably in the rear seat all day with plenty of leg and shoulder space. The AC is quite effective though you have to run it at high speed for rear seat cooling. The cooled glove box works well and keeps drinks and water cool- not chilled. The red and black upholstery and trim is really good- surprisingly none of the many Toyota dealers I went to could provide seat covers in the same combination. The centre placement of the instrument cluster is very good and the dials themselves are beautiful; the white backlighting at night is particularly attractive. There is a tachometer, speedo and digital odometer with two tripmeters. The fuel gauge is also digital, with LCD squares that show up depending on the quantity of fuel in the tank. Ther are warning lights for all essential parameters including airbags, rear defogger, seatbelt unfastened and door open.

The steering wheel is well proportioned with a flattened bottom rim- a nice touch. The seats provide generous thigh sopport and are well cushioned. There is good lumbar support as well.

Engine Performance, Fuel Economy and Gearbox The engine revs smoothly throughout its range though it does get a wee bit noisy at max revs. The acceleration is quick and overtaking is a breeze. The gear shift is positive and gears slot in smoothly with very positive feedback. The power steering is extremely effective and driving and parking are effortless. The pedals are well positioned and this is THE CAR for long drives in the hills. The brakes are effective and inspire confidence.

Ride Quality & Handling The ride is good and it is apparent that the suspension is designed with Indian roads in mind. The ground clearance of 170mm ensires that the car easily takes potholes and speedbreakers in its stride. The car steers positively, though there is some under steer when cornering at higher speeds- nothing disconcerting, though.

Final Words An excellent car that more than lives upto the TOYOTA heritage and really gives value for money.

Areas of improvement

1. The stereo clock needs a setting for time display even when the system is OFF.

2. The dealer experience needs to be looked into- ther is a tentency to say " we have a waiting list for this car- take it or leave it."

Smooth and silent, Peppy acceleration, Xclnt power steering, very spacious, large bootKPLwith AC just 11, No time diplay unless radio on, Poor service at Galaxy Toyota Vasant Kunj, Delhi