Aug 17, 2002 02:41 PM
13471 Views
(Updated Aug 17, 2002 02:41 PM)
I have had an opportunity to use this vehicle extensively all over India on trips. Never once has this vehicle given up on us despite heavy useage, high mileage.
The Spacio is obviously a highway mileater and not for the city slickers. This is not a Soichiro Honda product. The Spacio sipped one litre of diesel and returned 15 kilometers to that litre faithfully for the duration of 82000 kilometers I had used it. This is a company vehicle which was used only for outstation tours where there was no railway coverage or where tickets were not available.
The only expense apart from routine oil changes, filter changes and labour for the maintainance I spent Rs. 90 on an unexpected repair. Incidentally the repairs were carried out in the middle of rural India, any mechanic can repair it and most of the mechanics know the Tata 407 Tempo engine which is the same in the Spacio.
It does make more sound than the usual petrol vehicles & a bit wee bit more than an ordinary sumo. This is because of its DI Engine, hence more average, there are no heaters to foul up, no waiting time for heaters to warm up and starts on half a turn of the ignition switch. It has a 3lakh kilometer/ 3 year warranty on the engine and transmission.
Due to 16'' wheels it can traverse any terrain and this was an advantage to us as some stretches did not have tarmac and the road was rough.
Obviously this vehicle will go and come back and not dent your wallet or your bank balance if you take it where other ordinary sedans and hatchbacks cannot go. Definitely more functional than a Honda.
As far as pickup and speed are concerned its not a rocket, it will definitely make highway cruising easy for you, it speeds upto 60 kms easily and after that rockets once you are in 80, the pickup is much better after 80kmph & goes till 110 easily, will go more but then you need to be suicidial to take a near 2 tonnne beast at those speeds & roads.
A very very good vehicle for outside the city and on highways. Very cheap to maintain, it made my Esteem Lx feel like a merc in repairs.
If you dont use it in the city buy it. If within the city forget it its not for you.
Its like salt, very useful but no status value, very faithfull too. Best on the highway.
