Hi friends,
Finally I have decided to offload a bit of my burden in this forum by pausing my thinking and deciding to take help from fellow bhpians on deciding what can be my next car. Since more than an year,I have been reading various reviews here, watching automobile programs and reading auto magazines to gain some knowledge. All this has only added to the confusion and hence the only place I can come back for some help is here in my favorite forum. I have spent more than an year reading reviews, waiting for new launches, reading more reviews and trying to match them with my expectations and finally ending up disappointed. So guys, please help me.
What am I looking for?
A little background... We currently own an Alto and I want to upgrade to a better and bigger car. We will retain the Alto as well, no plans of selling it as it is one marvellous small car with an engine that I'm sure will not be justified if I decide to sell it.
1. My budge at the max stretchable limit is 7.5 lakhs, on road. I don't want to take a loan as I don't believe in taking loans on depreciating assets.
2. I'm now more in a nomadic state of employment where I need to shuffle in between 3 cities (one being my hometown), which are based in Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu. Hence, I want a vehicle which I can use as a tourer, not immediately, but definitely have this plan in mind.
3. I'm a nature and wildlife lover hence need a go-anywhere vehicle, especially on holidays. Not looking for 4*4 but not averse to owning one.
4. I need a decent package to carry 5 people and luggage, without too much cramping.
5. I'm more inclined towards petrol cars, but can also consider diesel if the option is excellent.
6. I'm 5'10" tall (with boots on) and have medium sized family members, so leg space needs to match up to them.
7. I'm not into offroading but would prefer a vehicle which can also ferry on rough roads without much ado.
I started with reading/looking at hatchbacks as I find the hatchbacks more fascinating in design than the usual sedans. Here are my observations and these are my personal opinions and observations, so may not be entirely correct. Request fellow bhpians to take the criticism constructively, in case they own that particular car.
1.
Jazz - Everything's good. Can live with the ground clearance but a little concerned. However, very much outside my budget. Waiting for news of price reduction.
2.
Swift 1.2 K series - Good proven car, everything's ok for me (even the rattles) but I want the feeling of upgrading hence, need a bigger rear space and boot.
3.
i10 Kappa2- Again a good all rounder, the only glitch being smaller tyres and narrow width, which is again no big upgrade from Alto. Need 3 people to sit comfortably at rear.
4.
Ritz 1.2 K series - I think it has everything I need, except for the shape. Unfortunately, I also give importance to the looks so I need something which looks more proportionate. I think the leg space is still average, nothing to boast about. I sat in one at the rear and it was okay.
5.
i20 1.2 Petrol - Ruled out due to weak engine. I think I can manage the rattles and AC problems.
5.
Punto 1.3 MJD - Can't spend sleepless nights over non-availability of spares. Rear space is again average.But love the looks of this car though not enough to convince me to buy it.
6.
Polo 1.6 - Everything's good except for the cramped rear seat space which was even quoted in a test drive on tv.
7.
Fabia 1.6 - Ruled out due to the famous Skoda stories, otherwise love this car.
8.
Vista MJD - Somehow I'm not convinced with the reliability of Tata vehicles. Just a personal opinion based on what I have read on all automobile forums.
9.
Etios Liva - Very disappointed after reading GTO's fabulous review.
10.
Figo Petrol - Very unspirited drive. Didn't feel much difference between my Alto and Figo'S cruising capabilities. Top speed of ~145 kmph Vs. Alto's ~140. Obviously Figo is better, but only slightly. This is the only negative I found in Figo, else everything else looked fine.
11.
Figo Diesel - Very loud and unrefined engine sound. Put me off completely.
12.
Micra - Not even considered, don't know why. No idea about how the petrol engine works or the diesel.
I'm not looking at cars with engines below 1.2.
I considered sedans as well and my observations are as follows.
1.
Etios - Looks very bland. Not entirely convinced with the overall car quality in the long run.
2.
Verito - Again very utilitarian and an unexciting engine.
3.
Fiesta Classic - Leg space at rear and narrow dimensions of the car. FASS is also a concern.
4.
Dzire - Again, the disproportionate appearance of the boot.
I also considered the following vehicles.
1.
Thar - I've never been a jeeper but don't mind making a start. The only concern is lack of AC and safety with the soft top. Also, I'm not sure it will accomodate 5 ppl with luggage comfortably.
2.
Gypsy - Not confident about its highway cruising capabilities. I'm not sure if AC can be installed without other issues cropping up.
3.
Bolero VLX CRDE - Great vehicle but the VLX still needs to prove its mettle. Some of the ownership reviews indicate all is not well with this engine mated with Bolero.
4.
Scorpio LX - Over my budget, else I like it very much without the side claddings.
5.
Xylo E4 - I've travelled in a xylo in the third seat for over 150kms and I must tell you, it is bearable. I like this vehicle but too big for my parking space and regular use. Also, over the budget.
Probably I've been too nitpicky but that is precisely why I'm here. To know your opinion as well and help me with the decision-making on what compromises would be easy to make and live with.
Some filters that I have put in my search criteria.
1. Not looking at Tata-Fiat cars.
2. Not looking at Skoda.
3. Not looking for those going above 7.5 lakhs (OTR).
4. More inclined towards petrol, but open to diesel as well, if it is an exceptional product.
5. Minimum top speed to be 160 kmph.
That is one way of comparing with my current car and upgrading accordingly. This rule is an exception in case of jeeps, MUVs.
6. I could be purchasing in the next 3 months, so waiting period doesn't really matter right now.
7. Looking at minimum comforts of power steering, AC, power windows, central locking, tubeless tyres, remote fuel lid and fog lamps. and minimum bootspace of 225 liters.
Cars that I'm looking out for but not sure I will wait for them are:
1. Renault's Duster
2. Suzuki's Jimny
3. Thar with AC and Hard top.
4. Something of a cross between hatchback and SUV (mini).
5. Something on similar lines...
So guys, please help me make a well-informed, practical and sensible decision, which also appeals to my heart.