Jul 09, 2008 03:07 AM
12837 Views
(Updated Aug 03, 2009 11:48 AM)
This is the latest addition to my 4 wheel list.
The GLE 2008 engine is a 1495 cc which churns out approx 92 BHP (not PS) @ 5500 rpm levels. The suspension is quite good for Delhi roads and gobbles up most potholes with ease .Hyundai has upgraded this GLE variant with the 175/70 R 13 tires.
The boot space is generous enough to accommodate 2 full size bags, a chiller, 2 lawn chairs and your picnic basket.
I have owned the car for 8 days now (500 kms approx) & haven't taken her above 110 kmph as the car needs to be driven below 3000 rpm during running-in period. The sweet roar of the engine tells me that it can easily do 160-170 if driven with a slightly heavy foot !
The fuel economy is not much to talk about right now . It is approx 9km / litre with 100% AC and is expected to get to 10 kmpl after the 1st service.
Another thing that I admire about Hyundai is the eye for detail (which Suzuki lacks) .As an example I must state that the Accent has a 'dead pedal' for the driver.
What's a dead pedal? Is it going to smell up my car? Relax - You can put that handkerchief back in your pocket and lower your eyebrows.The dead pedal is a place to rest your left foot when it's not in use on the clutch. And so it is useful :)
Overall an excellent buy if you need a comfortable & powerful city car.
Update on 28th Nov'08:
Clocked over 5000 kms & 2nd service is due.
Top speed checked upto 145kmph. 3rd gear stretches easily upto 115 kmph now.
Fuel economy has gone up to 12 kmpl (from initial 9.5 kmpl) in city driving .
Slight wobble is noticed at speeds above 130 kmph and the steering feels less confident thereafter.This may be attributed to wheel balancing but I have a strong feeling that the soft steering is caused by the hydraulics P.S set up which doesn't cutoff (above 40 kmph) like its E.P.S. counterpart (as in Suzuki).
Will modify the air intake system (K&N or Green) after the 2nd service.This should help the low end torque a bit and better acceleration in 2nd gear.
Experimented with Nitrogen in the bridgestones last weekend.Costed 150 bucks for inflating 4+1 tyres. The tyres (& pocket) feel lighter but this appears more of a hard sell than any real benefit.
Update after 3rd Service: Mar 09
K&N high performance filter added to the air intake system. This addition really delivers a punch much before you reach the high rev zone - around 4000 rpm.Top speed tested to 160 km/hr on Delhi - Ahmedabad highway. Even at varying speeds , the suspension is very comfortable & offers respectable handling at high speeds and corners.
Bonus Information for Adventure seekers :
Delhi to Ahmedabad (via Udaipur )is 980 kms approx , which I did in 13 hours in my Accent GLE..With average rip-off speeds of 120+ & 100% AC , it returned an economy of 11.5 - 13 (checked at each fuel stop).*I stopped for fuel at every half tank.
Delhi to Udaipur was gulped in 8 hours approx after which I took a well deserved 1 hour lunch break.
Before this trip , I had done Delhi - Palampur in 12 hours.Palampur from Delhi is 600 kms (450 kms of plains + 150 kms of serpentine hilly driving)
Until the next update....Drive Safe Guys !
