Sep 10, 2015 08:12 PM
70315 Views
(Updated Nov 05, 2020 11:59 AM)
Beginning: 2010 Dec - took delivery from Tejaswi Motors, Madhapur
Had alloys fitted, music system provided ws ok, head unit from Blaupunkt, the speakers were not of "audiophile" quality - cracked at heavy bass and high treble.so got them replaced with JBL and Infinity. Fitted a reverse parking camera assisted system, a set of LED lamps in the front bumper - and yes, a neat rear spoiler with LEDs.
The car is solid, period. Undercarriage is sturdy, ride is comfortable, there is a sense of solidity once you are inside. Large spacious cabin, enough leg room, with my model the tilt steering and height adjustable driver seat was a big plus.
This car was a big improvement from the then Indigo sedans and I was glad I had made a "value for money" purchase.
Very few breakdowns in the last 10 years due to mechnical or engine malfunction. Absolutely no major ones. Yes, there were times when the battery aged and ran out, few minor driving accidents from my side - hit a stone while coasting down the Nandi Hills, Bangalore, but the car is so stable that you don't notice the damage till you come out.
The improvement areas: Need to power up the engine, at 1.6 tons GVW, a mere 89.7 BHP is frugal - and you can see the rev counter rising once you are past 120 km/h, and not enough power to run faster. Don't push it beyond 140 km/h, the car is not built to handle such high speeds and feels unbalanced. The best cruising speed is around 100-110 km/h, and you can drive on for hours in a toll highway - the car will take it.
Did a few long trips - Hyd- Bangalore- Mysore-Ooty - about 2000 kms in year 2011. Covered the 56 hairpin bends to reach Ooty and the car rolls just a little - nothing that can't be handled.
Still happy with it - yesterday crossed 98, 000 km, the engine is as good as ever - avg. city mileage is 16.1 km/l with 50% AC on time, last long trip from Hyderabad to Nashik(2016) in 14 hrs, to Trimbak - 800+ kms, single day journey.
Avg speed was 60-80 km/h, 100-110 km/h on toll highways, 50 km/h on state roads. Up and down back to Hyderabad, no issues.
Repeated the same trip for pooja reasons again to Trimbak in 2018 and the car performed as usual. No issues.
Next I shall drive from Hyderabad to Kolkata 1600 km and shall update, want to retain this car for at least 5-6 more years.
Will also update after 1 lakh km servicing, costs, etc.
Right now, avg. servicing/maintenance cost per year has been under 20k till date.
Needs a fresh denting/spray painting done, some upgrade on the interiors, new car seats, etc, but nothing major. Original Blaupunkt music system still functioning beautifully, all electricals are fine, and well maintained to run fine.
Next update after 1 Lakh km servicing with cost details.
