We are planning to upgrade from Maruti 800 to a better car. As we are for 2nd purchase, we want to purchase a better car.
1) The Budget is up to 5 lakh
2) Air condition: Compulsory
3) Suspension: We want a car with excellent suspension similar to full independent suspension with low NVH, comfortable on typical Indian roads( from 20 to 100 KMPH.)
4) Mileage: 14 to 20
5) External & Internal looks: At least OK
6) Service: Good service network
7) Fuel: Petrol
8) Speed Range: Upto 100 KMPH
9)Size: Preferably hatchback
10)Space: Comfortable for 5 people
11)Boot space: Preferably bigger
Cars under consideration: AStar, Swift, Ritz, Aveo UVA, Spark, I10, I20, Punto, Indigo Manza.
I got the opportunity test drive all above except Punto & Manza
SPARK:
When I entered into Spark, I was surprised to see its spacious inside though it looks smaller outside.
NVH was very low, it was totally silent if A.C. was off. What we were able to listen is AC sound only. The Suspension was excellent(I think it is comfortable for low speeds may be upto 100 KMPH, experts may comment), which is only possible in high cost sedans like Honda Civic, Mercedes S class with all wheel independent suspension with good mileage & looks. But the drawbacks are low boot space; low service network compared to Maruti for people at remote. In my case with a transferable job to remote places was a threat & my family want a bigger looking car when compared to existing Maruti 800.
Aveo UVA:
Similar to above with large inner space, better looks but the suspension was not as good as SPARK
AStar:
Stiff suspension, no where near SPARK, but higher mileage, Maruti brand, funky looks.
Swift:
Suspension is better than Aveo UVA but no where near SPARK at low speeds, low mileage with petrol.
I10:
Suspension/ NVH is no where near SPARK with better interiors, awkward looks(subjective), but it is selling like hot cakes with discounts Why I don’t know?.
I20:
It is very beautiful, especially black diamond color, spacious but not very high, esp inner useful width. Boot Space is very good you may never need a sedan. This is the car what I wanted, though I have to stretch my budget by 50K which I can afford. But I am sorry to say the suspension is very stiff & very poor at low speeds because of this I am unable to purchase.
Ritz:
In fact I did not want to test drive the Ritz, because I did not like the kicked back shape. Due to sales person repeated requests, I had accepted for test drive. But immediately I had noticed its excellent suspension for Indian roads(pot holes, roughness can be smoothly handled, but at low speeds may be up to 100 KMPH?). Interiors are spacious & airy with better than SPARK boot. Front view was OK, Back view was beautiful; side view at rear side appears to be funky(kick back). It looks attractive in white color. Good mileage 15 -17 KMPL
PUNTO:
I have not gone for test drive but I have observed that its useful space is very low for such very big Hatch.
TATA Indigo Manza.
Personally I liked this car, very spacious, beautiful, lot of goodies even in base model, but not gone for test drive as I am not interested in such a big car.
Aproximate Comparison as given below:
SUSPENSION & NVH:
Spark>Ritz>Swift>Aveo Uva>I10> I20=A Star.
SPACE:
Manza>>>I20=AveoUva>Ritz>swift=Punto>Spark=I10=AStar(Aproximately)
MILEAGE:
Astar>Spark=I10>Aveo UVA=I20>Swift
LOOKS:
I20>Manza>Aveo UVA>Swift=Spark>Astar=Ritz>I10(subjective)
BOOT SPACE:
Manza>I20>>Aveo UVA>Ritz>Swift=Punto> Spark=I10>Astar
I have rechecked SPARK along with my family(Wife, son & daughter) they all agree that the spark suspension is best among above.
Based on the above technical observations & pre compiled 11 point requirements( with a additional stress on soft suspension / comfortable ride) , we should focus on SPARK & RITZ and decide one among these, but my family wants I20 or Manza or at least Swift. Personally I like Aveo UVA. What to Purchase?.
Updation on 10.01.10
We have test driven yesterday Vista , Xeta, Tata Indigo CS & Retested Ritz(Diesel as Petrol Ver Test Vehicle was not available at Dealer).
NVH:Ritz Diesel was not as comfortable / NVH as Ritz Petrol. Tata Indica Vista with semi independent rear suspension is better than Indigo CS / Xeta with all wheel independent suspension but I feel it should be refined further .
SPACE: As per my measurements(inner useful width for sitting at rear) AveoUVA>Vista>Swift>Ritz.
Updation on 29.01.10
https://mouthshut.com/review/Chevrolet_UVA-185282-1.html may be read for the decision.
