Jun 22, 2010 08:48 AM
13948 Views
For all those of you claiming about the low pickup, please read on. the pick up rocks if you know how to drive it. its a bit different. Well I was trying to decide between ford figo, i10, beat and new polo.
I ruled out new polo and ford cause I didnt like the dealers behavior. I called up Trident for a test drive. The guy arrived at my place with a shining new beat at 7:30 in the morning. Before I get on to the review, I would like to tell you I test drove this vehicle twice - once without knowing how to drive it and second time by driving it differently
Looks first impressions: My wife's jaws nearly fell off the floor when we saw the beat the first time. We liked the white color more than the green one advertised. Beauty lies in the eyes of the beholder. So you might not or more like it. Its your personal choice
Space: the space for seating for 4 people is just enough. This car is not meant for 5 people. Also when I was seating in the navigator seat, the gears were brushing off my thigh - I am 5'10"
Boot space is really less though
Interiors: This is the best thing about the car. It looks like one of those cars in fast and furious. Also the LT model comes with power windows, tilt power steering, fog lights, rear defogger, head rails, music system, climate control and what not. There is absolutely no doubt this car has more features than any other car of this range.
Dealer: I felt sorry for the guy who demonstrated the car when I had to finally reject the car. The guy was more than generous and spent 7 long hours with us. Two test drives, different EMI calculations, comparison with i10, he even took us to i10 godown and made us see the difference. I am talking about Trident - Outer ring road, Bangalore
Pick up: Now comes the point you have been waiting for.
First test drive (and wrong way to drive): I started the ignition and shifted first to second geer. With full accelerator on the car was picking up like a dead machine. No power atall. I was like what the hell is this? But I was not driving the right way. I called up his boss and asked him how does he expect anyone to buy a car like this. He explained me how to drive and why it is done like that and the results? read on
Second test drive: this time I drove according to what the manager told me to. I started the ignition, first gear - pressed the accelarator and shifted rpm > 1500 and then switched to the second gear and the car was smoother than ever. I felt really good when it picked up as I expected. The reason why you need to pick up a bit of speed in 1st gear is due to the fact that GM has modified it so that the car can produce mileage even at low gears. So you will need to change the way you have been driving so far. Since Indian roads use 2nd and 3rd gear massively, I think its a good thing and thats exactly what this car is trying to tell you
Highest Speed: Can go upto 110 smoothly and then the car starts shaking, after 120 you will be at risk.
A/c power: Good
Stereo System: Normal system
Verdict:
Pros: the car has a lot of features which cant even be imagined on cars costing 1 lakh more
Nice looks
Interiors have smexy looks
The racing car like engine noise rocks
Oh and did I mention the engine is PIN DROP silent when you stop but the car is on. I actually got confused couple of times
Excellent price
Good new concept of 1st and 2nd gear
Cons:
Need to realign your driving with this car inorder to get proper pickup
Bad boot space
Back seat window is like flight windows - small and claustrophobic
However I still didnt buy it and went for i10 cause I felt the car lacked a professional touch. Looked more like for college goers, this car is ok as long as you drive to and from office but for long drives it may not be good for driving enthusiasts. If you are an experienced driver you definitely need to change your way of driving and you ll love it. Also I wanted to play a safer game and Hyundai is a safer brand and i10 is a proven car...i was skeptical about Beat since its two earlier variants failed in the market dramatically
