Oct 24, 2009 05:39 PM
8445 Views
I currently own a Tata Indica Xeta Petrol that I have been using for the past three years. We wanted to purchase a car for our dad who is 65+ and who may not be very comfortable with jazzy technology and the power steering stuff that comes in today's cars. With a budget of max 3 L (through CSD Canteen) we had very limited options like 800, Wagon R, Alto, Spark, etc. With my dad's eyes set on Estilo for some reason we went ahead and bought the basic version that does not have power steering.
I first drove the demo car that had power steering and I really liked the smooth gear shift, ergonomics of driver seat, and easy handling due to small size.
I later drove the one without power steering and I really kind of liked it though I was a little aprehensive about it not having a power steering.
Here is what I liked about the car:
Good car for a person of my Dad's age due to compact size, elevated seating, and smooth gear shift.
Good luggage space inspite of the car being compact. We had two big suit cases that comfortably fit in the boot without folding the seats.
Five people of average size can comfortably sit inside and the rear seating has a good feel due to high elevation of the seats.
Very good (and adjustable) leg room for driver and navigator.
Runs quite smooth even with AC on.
Ideal for people who are aged and want a comfortable, compact, and easily manueverable car.
Suspension is really superb especially if you are seated at the back. We were three people seated behind and the car did really well over bad roads and bumps. Shockers are pretty smooth.
Easy to park and does not occupy much space in your compound.
Here is where I think it could have done better:
The A beam on the driver side causes sight obstruction for oncoming traffic when negotiating a turn.
Maruti really needs to think about providing double fold seats with 60-40 split just as Indica Xeta provides. It could really provide more space.
Overall - I think we made a good decision.
