Apr 27, 2010 09:32 AM
8259 Views
I have an Indigo CS for the past 1.5 years now and have covered 12, 700 kms to date. Here is a feedback for those who may be contemplating this car. In a nutshell, it's a high value for money car - in terms of looks, performance, ride, handling, fuel economy, reliability and not to forget the added boot space this <4m concept affords.
Maintenance from the start - oil filter, fuel filter , engine oil change , labour ( I didn't go to the dealer, trust my mechanic for this, as I have better control on the work quality). Clean the air-filter and low pressure spray wash the intercooler fins once in 2 months. The area where I drive through is fairly dry and dusty.
Tips: Maintain correct tyre pressure and you will get the correct ride to fuel economy balance.
Annoying factor - 1. AC takes time to cool the car ,
The bonnet release lever requires to be pulled by one person while the other person releases the bonnet. Else it locks again the moment you release it and go to the front of car to open the bonnet. So if you have an engine problem and you're alone, God help you.
You feel a slight loss of engine power at higher altitudes, quite sensitive to hills.
The car tends to slightly oversteer when cornering on gravel tracks. The rear end comes out, at 60-70 kmph if lane changing to overtake, so beware, you can feel the point when this is about to happen.
Get the LX version, if you plan for this vehicle, as accessory fitted central locking is unreliable ( I fitted SCORPIO brand central locking) and there is no compact aftermarket kit for power-windows (a chunky box on each door - is the after market kit).
This car is very drivable in the city as well as on the highway and can take both 40-80 kmph city driving and 90-130 kmph highway driving. At 140 kmph I feel the cross-wind effect and the car doesn't seem planted enough to inspire confidence. 80 kmph comes up quite quickly and at this speed I get 17 to 18.5 kmpl if maintained during most of my runs. If this is mixed with in city proper driving where I'm mostly in the 30 to 60 kmph range during those runs and get around 15 kmpl overall.
The sweet spot is 70 to 80 kmph on 5th gear. On average, I get 14 to 15 kmpl.
All the above with AC on 90% of the time.
