Hi,
It all started by a thought to go in for a power pack as my Matiz SG started feeling under powered (It is, but never felt). I love cars high on power, well FE no issue as the daily running is 20 to 25 km.
My Shortlisting were
Ikon Flair / Accent GLE (Well, due to thought of upgrading to upper segment)
Getz GLS (I have couple of friends Hyundai lovers)
Palio 1.6 sport (friends shouted with saying No to Fiat, but I like)
The price range was 4.5 to 6
I did not think about Swift as I personally do not like the shape. Considering the traffic condition in Mumbai, the Ikon and Accent was removed from the list. Considering the need of power and performance, the 1.6 sport had edge over getz.
Somehow I did not find Getz to be comfortable at driver's seat. Also I was not impressed with the cooling of the AC. Space yes, but Palio is also good on space. I found the cabin of palio designed more ergonimically than Getz. The alloy wheels which I like a hell lot, were on Palio 1.6 sports and not on GLS (They are on GLX, but I found price to be not realistic).
Finally, team-bhp has always supported Palio 1.6 (GTX).
I finally settled down on Palio 1.6 Sports. Booked it at Shaman Auto, Prabhadevi. If you ask me about the dealer, very nice to deal. Got Discount of almost 84K (including Company and Finance Discount).
I got the delivery on 2nd Nov 2006. The Formula Red Palio 1.6 Sport.
The car looks are sophisticated, the built - I don't need to tell you guys, its proven car for built. I got Kenwood mp3 player, security system, Sun film, teflon coating done from the dealer.
The car has now done 1000 km. The acceleration is awesome. The fit and finish is very nice. It's running on stock bridgstone. First servicing is pending, still the car feels very smooth. The tank capacity is 45 ltrs.(not sure may be 47). The FE - (not an issue for me) I am getting 8.5 to 9.5. My driving is not very rough, neither the gear shift happens at 1000 rpm, the gear shift happens well between 1500 to 2000. The performance of the car does not get a hit with AC on. (the way it used to get in my Matiz). The performance of the AC is really good. The AC remains on even if the blower speed is set to 0 (Zero). I was told, this is the feature of the palio which has a small condenser Fan inside.
It took me time (2 day) to get adjusted to the turning radius as I shifted from a small turing radius car to a bigger turning radius car, but now I got used to.
The side rear view mirrors are small, could have been bigger. Apart from this did not find any thing to crib.
I am totally happy for buying Palio 1.6 sport. I am really thankful to this forum as it has a great influence on my decision of buying Palio 1.6 sports.
Cheers to all you guys and Palio 1.6 sport .