Selected i10 over Swift and Getz. Review on Hyundai i10

I returned after a 2yr stint from US mid March and was looking to buy a upscale hatchback. Limited parking space and driving comfort in congested city like Kolkata drove me not to go for a sedan model.

My previous car was Wagon R Lxi (2003) and in my 4 yrs of driving in City condition I really enjoyed the car and only time I went to workshop was for regular maintenance. Before leaving for US I could sell it at a decent price too. So Maruti was my first choice this time after I returned.

My short listed models were GETZ(1.1 or 1.3), Swift (Vxi and Vdi), i10(1.2 Kappa), Spark. Spark was great interior and scores high and only if I did not come from Chicago (which is not so far from GM HQ Detroit) I would have gone for that - but my biggest worry is the fate of GM and Chevy in India might become another Matiz - where parent company melts down.

Swift was great for driving but the additional width is not contributed the rear seating space. The back bulge goes only for external looks without adding any comfort to the seating space. Cost and mileage was also one concern which led me to think twice - added to that was the reluctant approach from Maruti dealer.

I went to the same dealership (Auto Hitech) where I bought my Wagon R 6 yrs back - however they seems to forget the basic concept of appreciating loyalty and they left me to feel that it does not matter for them whether I purchase or not - eg, when I asked for a test drive on Swift Vxi after driving Vdi, I was told to my surprise that they have only Vdi model for test drive and it is all the same.

That kind of treatment switched me off and I went to a Santro dealership (Saini Hyundai) and was treated with great passion. I tried Getz - 1.1 pick was an issue 1.2 was a known mileage concern. From inside space it was a great car but if it is not for self drivers. Then comes i10 - great interior, 1.2 Kappa engine gives great pick up and I was sold at first site/drive. Got good package of accessories from dealer and end price was 4.36L with every possible accessories in it. Once I get delivery of the car and drive first 1000 km, will update on my real experience.