Feb 17, 2013 11:10 AM
23623 Views
(Updated Feb 17, 2013 12:56 PM)
I being tech savvy read a lot of reviews on various websites before purchasing Manza Aqua Quadarajet on Dec 11. I had planned to write a review after I cross 10000 kms which I did a few days back i.e. approx 14 months. Almost 8000 kms have been long drives ( Mumbai - Pune via expressway 8 - 10 times ). Have also driven more than 800 kms in a single day ( Mumbai-Pune -Shirdi and Back ). On expressway driving at around 100kms/ hr with AC on gives 20km/ltr. Driving in full traffic in Mumbai when it took 21/2 hrs to cover 12 kms gave 8km/ltr with AC On.
I had a minor dash in front 4 months after purchase. No visible damage but AC started giving noise and stopped working after few days. It took almost a month at Om SAI Motors Kandivali Mumbai. But they were very helpful. First the Condensor was punctured and had to be replaced but still the gas leaked, after weeks of R&D & waiting Compressor was also replaced and the issue was solved. I paid Rs.2500/- for GAS and insurance claim for a 28000 bill. They also held a manza users training programme and enlightened on many aspects on maintaining the vehicle. I also received at least 5 -6 calls, after service, over a period of two months, from the dealer as well as tata inquiring about performance and service related issues if any. The dealer wanted me to rate them from 1 to 10 on service related issues. The Tata call came from pune to confirm and verify the same.
No problems AC is super cool and have to switch it off often with rear passengers getting chilled even on minimum fan speed .
Have also done rough roads with all five passengers and boot full load.
Overall from other user reviews and my own experience I conclude that performance of any vehicle is totally dependent on only two factors
The Service Center - It may be authorized but it depends on the work culture imbibed in employees and workers. They do try and coax you into buying additives and sprays and other paid extra services etc during free service.
Own Driving habits - Estimate the traffic and disengage gears using max. inertia of the vehicle to minimize sudden braking gives both mileage as well as less wear and tear of tyres and brakes. Depending on road and load condition slow down vehicle to almost stop to minimize jerks. The jerk is transferred to all components of the car and reduces life.
I was in doubts reading almost 80% negative reviews before buying but I think with time tata has become more service centric. MANZA may not be a class vehicle as compared to what you would get spending 2 - 3 lakhs more, but its unmatched Value for Money both in performance , space and maintaineance.
SOME POINTS FROM THE MANZA USERS TRAINING PROGRAMME.
BATTERY :
Remove Black cable of Battery ( -ve terminal ) if not to be used for more than a week.
Start and keep idle running for 10 - 15 min. every 2-3 days when not in use.
If not running 1000kms in three months charge battery .
Get a battery report from authorised exide battery outlet after 1 yr. It can conk off suddenly.
WIPER BLADES :
Uplift wiper blade if not covered or parked in sun. Dust particles settle on the wiper and scratch glass. Also due to heat the glass gets hot and reduces life of rubber on wiper blades.
Apply talcum powder on rubber components and wax on chrome plated components for better life.
HAND BRAKES :
Do not apply hand brakes while parking at night, use gears or stone (if not to be used for long periods) as the tension of brake cable reduces and may not work as desired when u need it at full load on slopes.
Press button of hand brake before lifting up . The 'kut''kut' sound of hand brake gear ratchet will cause wear of the same.
START OR STOP :
Whenever we start or stop keep idle running for atleast a minute before starting or switching off key. All excess runnning fluids and oils go back to their containers.
When we engage clutch before starting the starter load reduces and life increases.
FILLING FUEL :
Do not allow to fill fuel after auto cutoff, just to round off the value of fuel filled, all extra fuel is thrown out.
Stop rotating fuel cap duing closing after you listen one or two 'kut''kut' sound.
The best time to fill fuel is morning after sun rises. Condensation happens in the tank at petrol pump at night and water is mixed with fuel. During afternoon there is vaporisation due to heat and fuel evaporates during filling. Can save almost 5 % fuel.
NO DIESEL ADDITIVES FOR Quadrajet engines or super diesel not to be used . It damages rubber seals of injection pump.
After every 10000 kms change oil. 20000kms - Fuel Filter. 40000 kms - Coolant ( HP Thanda Raja - Green color) or Castrol Blue or golden color.
Vishal
