My 5th one. Had booked on launch day. And that was different as all my earlier ones which were already road tested. My car choices have majorly been inclined to a heart connect but I had researched whatever was available and taken feedback from a trusted insider. Did take a test drive before delivery though. 40 days old with me, clocked 2700km. Switched from my 7yo Hyundai Creta petrol which I absolutely loved, had kept in mint condition, but had to let go as the initial base ones didn't have adequate basic safety features, combined with increased servicing requirements and usage, wherein it was returning approx. 10km/l in NCR. And it was manual.
Will not review the car on tech parameters but on simple usage and feel. Honestly, took time to start getting to like the Hyryder. As I ended up mentally comparing with my previous car in each and every aspect. Had some initial second thoughts about the punch, space, thin roof, steering wheel set-up, etc...
My usage is majorly city centric with occasional out trips
Doubts about the engine capability for my kind of usage fizzled out pretty soon, as I found it leaps like a frog if asked to, it easily climbed up a 35-40 degree dry earthen but rough bank pretty easily on Normal mode, not even on Power mode. Had taken couple of trips out, it clocks 100km/h easily and leaps to 120 and beyond if you punch it. Handled the hills pretty well as well, major climbing in normal mode. Feels as steady as the Creta in very high speeds. Am comforted by the safety features provided, something I did not have earlier. And it maneuvers like an auto, fitting into tight spaces coolly.
I love the looks and its stance, its the same colour combination as my previous car (thanks to my kiddo). The height complements me :) Its turning heads at the moment, have seen only a couple of these more on the roads in over a month. The AC offers surprisingly fast cooling ( even in Oct mid). The 360 degree camera is a good aid to have. Host of displays feed me with lots of info. I have a daily route through one of the busiest patches in NCR and the driving comfort is amazing. And of course, my fuel expenses have reduced by 61%. Yes, it is returning 26km/l in eco mode.
Toyota will surely look at the specific feedback coming all around and act upon them. For now I am enjoying my ride :)