Dec 19, 2010 05:11 PM
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Recently I purchased the Nissan Micra XV (top-end model). I have been using the Santro Xing XG since Jan.2004. So in my review I will do a basic comparison between the two which will help Santro owners if they want to move to another car. Background: Before I zeroed in on the Micra, I made a comparative study between VW Polo, Hyundai i20, and Nissan Micra. I did not consider Maruti Swift as it was dated car. Reviews after reviews the needle swung between Polo and Micra. Finally I settled for Micra as I consider the Japanese products have better reliability and are superior in electronics compared to the Germans. Moreover the waiting period for the Polo was over 4 months.
As I mentioned in my review I will do a comparison with my existing Santro Xing on three areas as below -
- Performance - The Micra has a better ride quality compared to the Santro. The suspensions are improved with less jarring affect from bad roads. In the Santro the backseat passengers ride is very uncomfortable. Also the Handling of the steering and gear-shift is smoother. One feature of the Micra that I have been very impressed is its pickup. While driving the Santro by the time I move to the 4 gear the Santro is only running at 40 kms/hr. But in the Micra by the time I am ready to shift into 2nd the car is already running between 30 - 40 kms/hr. 2nd to 3rd gear it has reached 60 kms./hr. The ride is extremely smooth at the lowers gear too. The Micra is more steady and keeps in straight line even at high speed with less effort from the steering wheel.
But when the car with the engine running is at a standstill the Micra has a small amount of vibration compared to the Santro. The Santro also picks less noise inside the cabin compared to the Micra. The noise from the tyre is higher in the Micra.
==2. Interiors ==- The Micra has a greater leg room both in front and backseat. The boot space is also larger compared to the Santro.The Automatic AC is excellent and far superior to the Santro AC, though the AC in Santro gave good cooling. The Music system that had come fitted with the Santro was nothing to rave about. The Micra has a better looking dashboard and interior colors. The view from the drivers seat is far better in the Micra.
In terms of storage space there is not much difference between the two. Though the Micra has two glove compartments they are of little practical use. It has a few bottle holders which was missing in the Santro. Becaus of its curved design, it is not possible to place anything on top of the Micra's dashboard. The Santro being a tall boy design definitely has a bigger headroom. However the headroom Micra is also fairly good even for a tall person.
3. Technology - In this front the Micra beats the Santro way ahead. Micra is a computer controlled car. Technology features include
Keyless entry - though it may appear as a gimmick once you use it, it is a big advantage.
Start/Stop - great concept .
Auto OVRM - The Outside rear view mirror in the Micra closes and opens automatically when the car is shut or started..
Auto door Lock - Start the car and as soon as spped reached 10 kms/hr the doors all lock automatically.
Trip Computer - The trip computer in the dash board displays the Odometer, Trip A and Trip B odometer, Current fuel consumption, Average mileage and remaining kms left on the fuel alongwith the fuel guage.
Warning inicators - The computer on the Micra gives a lot of warning for all types of failures, be it a fused bulb, door not properly shut, ABD failure etc.
In conclusion I would like to say that driving the Micra gives you a big car feel in comparison to my experience with the Santro.
