Mar 04, 2009 03:32 PM
14418 Views
I wanted to change my 7 year old Accent and the choice was Verna, Fiesta and Aveo. Since my previous job had given me Honda City, it was considered too. But due to the price, and the comparison of price of the spares I scratched it in the first round. Another reason, I am working in Kerala now and it has the worst roads in India and the HC has a low clearence.
I finally bought the Fiesta. Aveo scratched first. Bad pick up, tame looks, and the steering was sluggish. The main reason though was something, . I have 2 kids and both are always in the back with their snacks and juices or softdrinks. Strangely, for a 7 lakh above priced car, it had no door comartments to store anything or even back seat pocket ( only one).There was hardly any storage space inside !
Verna scratched next. Good pick up, good interiors, lousy facia, and even lousier music system in the top end. Looks too much like Accent inside. Felt very comfy, maybe since I had an Accent earlier. BUt dealer was not in a mood to give the frrebies I asked, and anyway I wanted a change of brand too.
Now the Fiesta after 6000 kms. Good pick up. Better than my old accent, but could not drag a Honda City from stanstill. The punch comes in after the rpm crosses 2500 rpm. The looks are quite muscular, extremely good headlights. The beam elevation can be adjusted from inside...neat.Good steering feedback. Very good suspension for high speed, soaks up the rough road amazingly. Filp side, in low speeds ( 20 to 40km.hr), the car is like a boat in rough water.
Fuel consumption - City 10 kmpl with ac on. Highway 11.5 kmpl with ac on ( low in my opinion, my accent used to give almost 14 in highway).
Aricondition is fantastic. Blower noise at 3 and 4 is very high. But you dont need to put it at those for more than a few mts unless it is parked in sun.
Backseat is a bit too straight. Didnot have a chance to sit on it for long rides so really cannot comment. However I try, somehow I am not able to get the right setting for my front seat, which was a breeze in Accent. The thigh doesn't rest comfortably. Oh ! One drawback in Fiesta is the loop of the seat belt from the pillar. It is set a bit too high and non adjustable ( mine is ZXi model). I keep my seat back as I like to stretch my leg and drive. The seat belt scrapes my neck skin and can get quite irritating.
Lots of cubby holes and storage space. I just love it. The light fabric is good but stains stand out. Steering material is bad, sweats your palms very fast. Put in a leather cover.Huge boot.
Ride on highways is fantastic. Rock steady and very stable. I waiting for the rains to come to see the grip on those tyres.
I threw out the Speakers and put in JBL in the back and Kenwood in front. I put in a Kenwood player also with USB. It cost me 12 grand. Didnt want to go for too expensive since my kids fiddle around always.
After first service, mileage increased marginaly and the engine has become smoother. It was a bit rough initially. Pick up is still not that good enough.
Will update after the second service. My advice- of the three this is the best. But then now, you have another choice, the Fiat Linea. I didnt have then.
I picked up the car from Kairali Ford in Cochin. The person who serviced me ( Shinto) was too good. Helpful from the word go.
