Jan 23, 2013 06:45 PM
42792 Views
(Updated Jan 28, 2013 12:08 AM)
I own a Diesel Beat for nearly a month and have done 1000 Kms. Here is my impression of the car.
Price - It is good value for money as you get a lot more equipment as compared to other cars at the same price point.
After sales - Well it's a little early for me to comment as I've only visited the service station once for the first free service. I got a bill of Rs 0....i.e the free service was genuinely free ! The overall interaction with the staff was satisfactory.
The Design - The car has unconventional looks and gets extreme reactions i.e People have love or disliked it. Hence I would play safe and call it "interesting".
Interior - The dashboard of the car is very well laid out. The bike like instrument cluster gives it a sporty feel. However the dashboard is set quite high and short people may find it inconvenient. The front seats are spacious however the rear seats could have been better. The rear seats offer very little thigh support. The seat cushion overall is very firm and feel uncomfortable on long stretches. After market Seat cover with extra cushion has helped resolve this issue.
Visibility - The visibility is one of the major issues with the car. Sideways visibility is restricted by the side pillars and huge quarter glass. Forward visibility is restricted by dashboard which is set high. The rearward visibility is also restricted by tiny rear glass area. Rear occupants also don't get good outside view as the door handle installation reduces the glass area.
Engine performance and mileage - The engine is the best part of the car. Despite being a 3 cylinder it generates adequate power. The engine is noisy outside but once inside the car the engine is barely audible.
To remain in the power band you must keep it above the 1500 rpm mark. Below 1500 rpm the engine feels sluggish. Thankfully the car comes with a tachometer as standard and is great help in extracting power from the engine.
Ride quality - Ride quality of the car is disappointing. Especially the rear seat occupants get chucked around on broken roads. The firm seat cushion adds to the discomfort in such situations.
Mileage - The car returns a respectable mileage of 18 kmpl in bumper to bumper city driving conditions.
Happy motoring !
