Aug 31, 2009 07:52 PM
17525 Views
Competition in automobile industry is fierce than ever before. Many models, easy loan schemes and more than that people carrying fat pay cheques in recession times. There was similar picture when I visited Toyota and Mahindra showrooms in Pune.
This review is not to give any technical insight to the readers as many technical reviews and road tests are available, however not much written about dilemma in buyer’s mind and actual ground requirements and buying experience, so here we go.
Exact requirement:
1. My existing Indica DLG which served me wonderfully and was old enough(4.5 years and more than 50K kms on the odometer), lot of squeaks here and there, dashboard noise which was getting irritant for past few months even after regular servicing in Tata authorized service station.
2. There was immediate need for me to buy a car which can carry 5 members in my family, (Includes my parents who are 60+, my wife and daughter) on regular basis. Once in 3-4 months, my in-laws would stay and travel with me so that I do not need to take out 2 cars at a same time to take them all for one day picnic.(To travel with family is fun, isn’t it?
3. Fond of road trips for more than 3000 kms every six months, monthly usage of 1500+ kms, which is approx. 20, 000 kms/year. Should act as a second car - for a weekend getaway and outings
4. Need a reliable and comfortable vehicle which will require less maintenance.
5. Vehicle which will allow me to come out of ‘Indica man’ image.
6. Diesel vehicle with good fuel efficiency.
7. Budget from 7-9.5 Lacs only.Would keep the vehicle for at least 6-7 years
8. My wife will drive it occasionally.
So, all Sedans were out. My wife was bit hesitant to buy vehicles in MUV or SUV class due to sheer size. I had long discussion and persuaded her on my thoughts that how wonderful will it be to travel with entire family in club class comfort.
Vehicles test driven were as below:
1)Mahindra Scorpio-ORP in Pune: 8-11 Lacs
PROS: Always liked Scorpio for its macho image, Looks, Proven engine, Any road mechanic can handle Mahindra vehicle, CONS:Bumpy ride in 2nd and 3rd row, Less legspace in 2nd row, Gearshift requires muscle power
2)Mahindra Xylo-ORP in Pune: 6-9 Lacs
PROS:True value for money, Proven Engine from Scorpio little toned down for better drivability,
CONS:Bad Looks, may be I will get used to it after so many xylos on the road but first impression is last impression.Again this can be subjective, but as it is personal experience and opinion of myself, so no offence meant for Xylo owners.
3)Tata Safari-ORP in Pune: 8-13 Lacs
PROS:Best looks in whole lot, Comfortable ride in 1st and 2nd rows.CONS:3rd row with Jump seats option by default. Unavailibity of ’Bench seats’ option as in all other vehicles.(So who will sit in less comfortable 3rd row?), Oldest vehicle in the class, so less novelty value.
4)Toyota Innova-ORP in Pune: 8-12 Lacs
PROS:‘Toyota’ Brand and Excellent service reputation, Good resale value, Most comfortable on normal roads CONS:High price, Comes with fewer goodies if compared with other vehicles.
5)Tata Sumo Grande-ORP in Pune: 8 Lacs approx.
PROS:Economical option in all MUV/SUV class., Engine built on similar platform as Safari but less powerful for mileage conscious people. CONS:Sumo, truck like image, Does not look like family vehicle in my opinion
After lot of toil and moil, I shortlisted 3 vehicles Scorpio, Xylo and Innova(which was way beyond my budget!:).Now the most difficult decision because I could not buy 3 vehicles together!
Scorpio was nice in its 2009 avataar, all my friends suggested Scorpio without a single hitch. I was not convinced as Mahindra has habit of making similar vehicles with some minor modifications here and there. Gearbox was terrible even on new vehicle. Xylo was true value for money but was not ready to take the risk as it was not proven product though, Xylos are selling like hot cakes. Xylo has tendency to sway a little on the normal roads which is little annoying sometimes. Innova was very expensive but ride was real smooth, Toyota branding was major attraction as I had used Corolla in USA and was very reliable car. Interior quality was the best amongst all!
Innova is definitely benchmark in the MPV segment in terms of style, comfort, build quality, space and drivability. It behaves like a large saloon instead of van. It offers good fuel economy
Recent face lifted 2009 model looks much better than earlier 2008 models(whose front grill looks like toothless person waiting for artificial tooth implant)
Innova ‘V’ model was very tempting but was 2.05 Lacs costlier than GX because of 16 additional features over GX.Most important to mention were ABS and Airbags. But, budget constraint restricted me to settle for GX model.
I have not talked about any technical specs as these are available at https://toyotabharat.com.:)This will also help me to restrict my review for less than 7500 characters(Mouthshut.are you listening?)
So decided for INNOVA finally and started gathering money for it, got some loan from HDFC and took delivery of my brand new Toyota Innova from DSK motors, Pune on 15th August 09.
Overall on road price: 10.7 Lacs for GX model+Accessories worth of Rs.25K=Rs.11 Lacs on road
Original Toyota Rubber mat and mud flaps : 1400/-(From Toyota showroom)
After market accessories
Rear camera with LCD screen : 6500/-
Rear Guard : 1950/-
Side Strips :1300/-
Autocop Remote locking :3500/-
Artificial leather covers :6300/-
Fog lamps :3500/-
Perfume : 200/-
_
Rs.24, 650/-
Still searching for good piece of audio equipment in range of 12k to 20k
Overall buying experience:
I would rate it as excellent. Right from booking of vehicle till loan procedure, it was super smooth. Delivery of the vehicle was given in 45 minutes which is typical SLA of Toyota, really impressive!
First outing in my new Innova:(Till that, I have already completed 277 kms.)
Started on 20th August 09, headed towards Dive Agar-a small village in Konkan region.Mahad->Dapoli->Harne>Anjarle>Mahad>Pune=Approx.600 kms
The ride was awesome and engine does not show any signs of fatigue with full load of 7 adults+1child and lot of luggage.
Total running till date is now 900kms and very happy with my decision.:) So, first free servicing is due after 1000kms
Hope to get peace of mind and many comfortable trips in my new Innova!
