Hi all,
I just purchased top end model of santro eRLX (XO) recently after reading lot of reviews from mouthshut.com and word of mouth. I have clocked about 5000 kms till date (11-Dec 2006). Just got the first service done. My review is based on my experience with the car till now. It is not biased (plus/minus) just because I have bought the car. I have given plus and minus points in 2 sets; first being model specific (i.e. top end model, XO specific) and secondly for the car in general.
I have not given any technical details in the review. For that, please visit https://santroxing.com/
It would provide you info on the "eRLX funda" and also other interesting details about the car.
Minus points of Santro XO (model specific points)
(1) Absence of 12 V socket (cigarette lighter)
(2) Fixed head restraints on rear seat (instead of adjustable)
(3) Awkward positioning of rear power window controls (in the console near to gearstick)
(4) No fog lamps
Plus points of Santro XO (model specific points)
(1) Defogger and wiper on rear windshield
(2) All four power windows
(3) Window lock for 3 power windows (except driver’s window)
(4) Rear parcel tray
(5) Body colored bumpers
(6) A drawer to keep stuff below driver’s seat. (Wish one was under passenger seat as well)
Minus points of Santro (in general):
(1) Bumpy ride (especially in the rear seat)
(2) Constant Vibration in gearstick
(3) No digital odometer
(4) No armrests on rear doors
Plus points of Santro (in general):
(1) Smooth gearshift - short throws
(2) Mileage: 15kpl in city with AC on all the time. 22.5 kplon highway with AC off all the time. (drove the 600 km. in 75-95 kph range) . I highly recommend to get best average out of your car, drive at optimum speeds at least till first 5000 kms.
(3) Commanding road view (in comparison to other small cars)
(4) Easy manoeuvrability
(5) Sufficient boot space
(6) Provision of 6" speakers in back (on either side of rear parcel tray) and 4"’ in the front.
(7) Good AC, negligible power dip with AC on
(8) Official 5 seater (bcoz of 3 sets of seat belts in the rear)
(9) Leg space is very good. Because of higher seating positions the leg space is enhanced greatly as the legs are more vertically placed.
Driving experience:
Driving and parking santro in the city is a breeze. Very easy to handle. Even on long drives you don’t feel drowsy or tired (Guess it is bcoz of good driving position). Although on ’really’ rough patches the car becomes a bit unstable. Also the bumps on the roads can be felt. Don’t expect to glide’ on rough roads.
Parking the car in tight spots can be done with ease. (A boon in metros where parking space is at a premium).
The best part about driving the santro is the gearshift. The gear throws are smooth, snappy and short. You would rarely need to ’search’ for the gear.
The braking is quite good and confident.
The car doesn’t seem to ’lose power’ when the AC is switched on. The AC is very effective. Even on hot sultry days, the AC at half blower speed will serve you very well. Don’t expect the car to ’chill’ on a hot sunny afternoon.
I would recommend to install a good quality sun film to improve cooling efficiency. It would cost about Rs 2,000 for quality film which has good heat rejection factor. Don’t go for very dark ones.
The build quality of the car is amazingly good for it’s class. There are no squeaks or rattles (till now at least ;-) )
The headlights are quite powerful and big. For the night creatures, I would recommend installing a pair of good fog-lamps.
Not much cubby-holes have been provided to keep knick-knacks (like mobile phones, sunglasses, etc) as compared to WagonR. WagonR space management is much more practical as compared to Santro. Power steering is a bit on the heavier side. I would have preferred a feather-light steering like in Alto.
Now the main question, "Why I chose Santro":
(1) Over Wagon R: Inspite of a Maruti brandname and a 16 valve engine, I chose Santro over Wagon R primarily because of the rumors of Wagon R being shelved. A revamped Wagon R has been launched lately. Also, the gearshift of Santro is much superior, which I firmly believe is an important factor in enhancing driving pleasure, especially in cities like Delhi. Although Wagon R has most practical space management (inside and outside).
(2) Over Indica Xeta (petrol): Tata reliability is a question mark. Also, the build quality of Xeta is nowhere comparable to Santro. Xeta being a heavier car would consume more petrol (I seriously doubt their claim of 14 kpl). But if you need lots of space, this would be a good choice. Also, xeta is the only car in this segment to offer beige colored interiors.
(3) Over Zen: Manufacturing of zen has been stopped and only the old stock is being sold out (hence the heavy discounts and freebies). Also zen is too dated and cramped in comaprison to Santro. Could’nt make my mind to buy a thing which has been stopped manufacturing. Zen has the ’sportiest’ driving position amongst all these cars.
(4) Over Alto: Although Alto is not a car of this segment but a worthy competitor. I did not go for Alto because it is very cramped and small. The car engine whines a lot and loses power tremendously with the AC. Safety is an issue as well. Although when it comes to fuel efficiency, Alto is the undisputed leader.
(5) Over Tata indica (diesel): Although on paper the calculations of driving cost per km of diesel car looks very attractive, but you need to compromise a lot. For example, engine noise, vibration, and maintenence. Also Tata after sale service is questionable. As my driving needs were only about max. 1000 kms a month, petrol was definitely a better choice for me. Also, driving a diesel vehicle is quite tiring as compared to a petrol car. Mainly because of lack of power and the overall heaviness. I drove a diesel indica for about 10-15 kms and it left me quite exhausted. But if you drive around a lot (I mean like 80-100 kms a day) then it would be a ideal car for you. I would strongly recommend the turbo version (Rs 15000 more expensive).
(6) Over Swift: A bit out of range (base model for 4 lac plus taxes with only power steering and AC). In comparison to that I got Santro top end for 3.7 lacs on road. Suspension of Swift is definitely better and engine bigger and refined. But, the boot space is lesser as compared to Santro. The windows in rear seats are bit too high placed, that gives a kind of "closed up" feeling. Also, being a heavier car with bigger engine, it’s bound to consume more fuel (than Santro). A good driver’s’ car, anyways.
I would strongly recommend Santro for people looking for car in this class and Rs 4 lac range.
Happy driving...!! :-) Wear seat belts, they save lives.
