Quote:
Originally Posted by Neeraj Dabake  I am planning to buy a new car and have shortlisted Santro/WagonR/Estillo/Alto..Since i am currently learning driving, want to keep the choices simple. I have driven santro/alto during my driving lessons, and no experience of driving wagon-r/estillo.
My usage would be pretty light - approx 400 km per month with an occasional long trip on weekends. Most of the usage will be in Mumbai city traffic - around 15 km daily. I dont care much for either looks or performance, but more concerned with seating comfort, pleasant driving experience, and would like the most easy-to-drive, responsive zippy car.
Few questions
1) Is power window a useful feature to have? Is it true that power windows face more problems and are costlier to maintain etc than normal windows?
2) I have a slightly weird observation on santro. The back seat of Santro is curved as in the middle portion is further back compared to the two sides near the two windows. So, if you are sitting at the back right hand side behind the driver, the portion of the back seat supporting your left side is further back compared to the right side - which means that you do not have flat back support, which i found rather uncomfortable. Has anyone ever noticed this before, or is it just my mind playing games?
3)On the Alto - i have read a lot that its interiors are very cramped and there is very little leg space. My question is whether the legspace is so cramped that it will cause problems for a person of thin-to-moderate build with a height of about 5 feet 6 inches?
4) I have also read that the Zen Estillo was launched hastily, and as a result, it is not very popular in the Indian market leading to poor resale value. Is that true? Apart from looks, any particular reason to choose Estillo over wagon-r?
5) Another observation on the santro and especially the indica - the high windscreen glass position seems to make visibility slightly difficult as in I seem to have to stretch my neck to see forward sometimes and at corners. (I am 5 feet 7 inches). Is this something that has bothered anybody here?
6) Apart from leg-space, what would be the only clinching argument to go for any other car than Alto in my list, if as i said earlier I dont care much for either looks or performance. I anyway believe that none of the above will seat 5 persons really comfortably, and so for example - what could be the reason for choosing estillo over alto?
Thanks in advance
Neeraj |
Santro scores on all these fronts. But dont have any experience wih the I10 and Estillo.
I dont have power windows and dont face any issue, but yeah, its supposed to be uncool to not have power windows. Dont think it makes one bit of a difference. Most of the time I drive with the AC on. Just open the windows for the toll.
Never faced this issue. But then once you install seat covers with padding, the seats are pretty comfy. The ride is a lil rough on the rear on broken roads and on corners. Each and every bump filters in. Its typical of tall boy cars.
Alto is absolutely fine for a person fitting the description above. Its just that the Santro and Wagon R are easier getting into and out of as compared to the Alto, but once you're in the drivers seat, some ppl prefer the lower seating of an Alto. Its really a matter of personal preference. Do a TD and decide.
I dont like the looks of the Estillo, but some friends love the car, so take your own call. They claim its a pleasure to drive. You could search for the Estillo reviews on T-BHP.
No issues faced with visibility on the Santro. Had some problems with the visibility on an Indica, but you get used to it. also some ppl attach a small rod to the tip of the bumper, this resolves the visibility issue.
The Santro and Wagon R will give you more space as compared to the Alto, and its not just leg space, but also head room. You dont feel claustrophobic in a Santro/Wagon R with 4 adults. Builld quality and refinement levels are also much better on the Santro as compared to the Alto. Squeaks and rattles are also much lesser on the Santro as compared to the Alto. HAve driven both extensively and wont hesitate to say, Go for the Santro. You'll love it.