[hvkumar]

I have been to Leh twice in my Daewoo Matiz, 2003 and 2004. In 2003, the roads were non-existent in many sections - descent from Rohtang Pass to Gramphoo, Khoksar to Tandi, Kargil-Drass to Zoji La - and the Matiz coped up admirably. It not only took the Manali-Leh-Srinagar road but also went to Khardung la and Pangong. 2004 was a repeat of that trip, but roads were better. In 2003, the car did take a beating in the Kargil-Dras-Zoji La road which was all rubble (and had to be driven through only at night thanks to Pakistani security problems), and I had to repair suspensions, wheel bearings and exhaust pipes.

Any car can make it to Leh. However, in early June, it may be more difficult because of melting snows, seas of mud and rough river crossings. I did my Leh trips in September and October. In 2004, I also had to climb up Baralachala and Chang la in snow-fall conditions and in roads with 2-3 feet of fresh snow. And we all survived.

Having said all this, I thought Ford cars do appear to have low suspensions, but if a Maruti 800 (I saw one in 2003) can make it, why not the Ikon.

In 2003, we were 3 of us in teh car and in 2004, the car was full with all 4. Despite tyhe heavy load (we also carried extra fuel), we managed to climb up all the steep roads (including the steepest at Chandra Ta near Kunzum La). In the worst sections, I made the 3 get off the car - such as the difficult climb up the snowy slopes to Chang la - and the lighter car pranced up with difficult, but we did it. The only place where I could not get up was the highest road Marisimk la where I had to give up 22 kms before the summit (at Phobrang). I still thyink that if my tyres had been newer - and not so worn out - I may have made it up to Marisimik La that time.