Sep 11, 2010 07:16 PM
13480 Views
(Updated Jan 06, 2012 01:38 PM)
Before buying SPARK I had to face such comments, Why don’t you put some extra money about 60-75k and take soild car?, We take car once in life so take best one, there are no SPARK on road then why are u buying it?, there is no resale value for this, you will not find expert when your car face problem in long journey)
Very first I would like to thank all review writers of SPARK for writing their true experiences here at mouthshut.com. I had serious restriction of budget for buying new car. And I feel proud to be an Indian, since so many companies are making products at competitive prices by considering Indian requirements.
It’s always been difficult to go against flow. Typically where in India Maruti, TATA, and Hyundai are favourite and trusted companies. All my friends, family members were against me or either neutral while buying SPARK. But when I saw SPARK internally, I started comparing with higher priced with similar segment cars. I feel like I am getting best deal for this nicely designed car without too much stretching on my wallet. Space inside SPARK is little more than Alto and little less that Wagno R and i10. But difference in price as well as 3 yrs free service me getting is also equally noticeable. So I have brought my SPARK LS on 24th Aug 2010.
Comparison:
Alto K10: Although it is best for mileage with new 1000cc K10 engine I rejected it for less space inside. I was impressed by new seat design where rear passenger could get more space.
New WagnoR: New version is nice but it’s too spacious to drive in city. Also old WagnoR are common everywhere.
I 10: Similar interior and equally (might be better) noiseless engine I am getting in SPARK with less price.
Driving experience:
Ease of driving: I had learned driving 18 months before, when I brought car at home. I thought it would take month to drive on road. But to my surprise, I could drive car in city road on 4th day.
Driving pleasure: Manoeuvrability, pick up, suspension is excellent. Gear shifting is nice after little practice. For changing 1st and 2nd gear you would not able avoid (slight) touching of thighs of co-passenger. This could be pros or cons depending on driver’s choice. Engine is really noiseless at 4th and 5th gear. But for bad roads there is some (ghum-ghum!) noise in cabin.
Comfort and Space: This car is best for 4 adults for long drive. Fifth person could fit inside if he/ she is not so fat. I was expecting neck supporters for rear seats. I did not get in LS model. Boot space is sufficient. Air conditioning (1 position) is satisfactory. Beige interior looks attractive and roomier.
Mileage: Thanks to people here at mouthshut.com who suggested me to drive SPARK at low speed (60-80km/hour) and good RPM (2000-2500 rpm). I am getting following values by full tank to full tank method. Highway (AC) 16.03km/ltr, Highway (Non AC) 18.51km/ltr, City 10-12km/ltr (AC). I was expecting 2km more in city.
Service: Honestly service is not as good as expected. Main problem is service centers are scarce compare to vehicles they sold in market.
