(Look at the comment for my latest update after 40, 000 kms as this space is not enough).
I took the delivery of my Manza Quadrajet Aura ABS yesterday. Booked on last 12th Dec 09. The vehicle was delivered on 28th Dec 09. I am really excited to drive this power horse!
I already own a spark LT which has run 30, 000 kms in 2 years 3 months. Now I wanted to go for a diesel one which has all features.I had been waiting for a good launch since the beginning of 2009. I had these cars in my mind before zeroed in Manza.
Ikon TDCI(Has good build quality, good engine, but decade old look!, no features!)
Fiesta TDci(Good engine, good mileage, poor ground clearance, build quality is not so good)
Logan(Very good vehicle in all aspects. Lacks in look and features)
Xylo(Good for big family.my wife and daughter felt that it seems like sitting in an omni bus inside Xylo.so not so impressive for me)
I dint have any inclination to Maruti(DeZire) products as they dont value the back seat passengers. All are cramped interiors(including SX4). They un necessarily creat artificial demands on cars like Swift and DeZire.
I have good faith on Linea.but the price tag for the same features as in Manza is too much. I have to pay nearly 2 to 2.5 lakhs more for the same featured Linea. Moreoever the shoulder height and head room of the rear seat is so horrible in Linea.
As you can guess, for every new launch the other one was removed from the list. I was about to book Xylo in last Oct 09. By that time the launch news of Manza came and I waited for it.
After the launch, I took the test drive of Manza extensively. On all types of terrains. City, Highways, etc.
You wont believe, it has satisfied all my expectations. I drove upto 120 kmph and applied break(in ABS version).it just came to halt without any trouble. While applying break I took my hands off from steering to check it. This was the reason why I wanted ABS for me.
The dealer GEM motors from Coimbatore assured the delivery before 31st Dec 09. The executive who followed up me was prompt in service and had good time till I took the delivery. Since there were so many deliveries yesterday, they didn't have time to clean the dirts(little) on few corners of the dash board. Anyways.after first service I am planning to set everything right.
To my surprise all the Manzas delivered(I could check only those.) shown 5 kmpl as average fuel economy. When asked the mechanic said it is the initial set up done in the factory. Now(after some 30 kms run) it shows 9.1 kmpl. I guess it will shoot up to 16 to 18 in couple of days. However, the instant mileage shows upto 25 kmpl(WOW.if its average)
AFTER 500 KMS!
My Manza has done 500 kms in a week. I just wanted to share some experience. The driveability is just amazing. I dont remember how many times I crossed 100 kmph(in local road, not in highways). This pongal holidays(4 days) I am planning to cover about 1000 kms. I am able to get about 15 to 16 kmpl fuel efficiency(100% ac on). The music system(its just not music system.an integrated system) is just mind blowing.you can control everything through it(even the keyhole illumination time!). The seat belt alarm is welcoming feature. I never felt tired of driving my machine though some of days I drove more than 150 kms in the city.
The engine just zooms after 2000 rpm. I observed the noise of the engine is slightly more between 1800 & 2000. After 2500 rpm the engine is so smooth. The gear ratio is perfect for both city and long drive. Wait for more experience till next week. Wishing you Happy pongal & shankranti.
AFTER 1400 KMS (FIRST SERVICE DONE!)
Today my manza has gone for first service(between 1000 and 1500 kms). I could not believe that last two days I drove about 900 kms across various cities in Tamilnadu.
I went for a family trip starting from Coimbatore-Salem-Trichy-Kumbakonam-Karaikal and returned to Coimbatore yesterday night.
OOOppppsss.I just loved the journey.(except few bad roads: cursing the highways authorities). Here are the few experience that I wanted to share with all of you!
-> The speed at which it cruises is just mind blowing. I touched 140(100 to 140 in 30 secs) once in a four lane high way. You wont believe when I checked the RPM.it was just less than 3000 when the speedo shown 140 KMPH!. I just did this only once and I recorded the video also. If anyone wants, pls send a mail to s.mohan77@gmail.com, I can share it.
-> The best speed for mileage is 90 kmph at 2000 rpm. At this speed I got more than 17. Otherwise my average mileage so far is 16.6 KMPL.
->The shocks are really good that the passengers feel so comfortable inside(this I tested as I drove on a very bad road between kumbakonam and Karaikal: 50 kms)
-> The AC is quick and effective. No engine lag while the AC is on.
-> The power of the engine is so amazing that I could overtake any cars very comfortably. Many swifts, innovas, Scorpios, fiestas, City(old) I took over. The only car crossed me was New Honda City(I was just driving at 90 kmph to manage mileage!). Twice I had race. Once with old city and once with Vista(T-board).Man I didn't struggle to manage them. It was pretty simple to show the power of Manza.Finally they gave up!
-> The back seat is supremely comfortable as my parents and 7 year old daughter(she was playing!) just enjoyed on board.
-> The braking is the one which makes you feel like king. You apply, it will give you the confidence to go at any speed. It comes to halt just in no time. some couple of incidents(some real idiots) tested my ABS.
-> I should say about the steering(hydraulic assisted) which was as firm as ever. You can point anywhere accurately. I just loved those stereo and bluetooth controls. I never stopped anywhere for attending my phone calls. I downloaded all my contacts in to that.
-> I used the lowest height for seating position at highways and the steering as well. For the city drive I pushed the seat little up to have better visibility.
Few problems that I faced (though not severe)
-> Felt little pain over right foot ankle after driving more than 400 kms while returning(may be due to the height of accelerator pedal)
-> The alarm sound(not the indicator) for the seat belt stopped working. Today the service people attended and said there was some loose connection in fuse. It was fixed.
-> The Jackie holder at the bottom of the car touched some uneven(really stupid road contractors) humps. Nothing to worry as no where else the bottom touched.
-> The car is too big to clean. If some one(like me :-)) is lazy to clean the car, either appoint a cleaning person(will definitely ask more for this car) or take it to nearby water service station for cleaning regularly.(take it on the lighter side.)
->Still the back mud flop is not available with dealers. The look from the back really sucks without mud flop. Should be there in a couple of days.
STILL THINKING! Don't stop at any show rooms. Go to TATA show room and book a Manza! I am sure you will feel like a KING. Its the flying machine!
