Quote:
Originally Posted by bullboy could any one compare xeta with santro ?
i think it is more relavant rather than
comparing with alto. |
Given that this post is for Alto and Xeta and you looking for Santro information as well, let’s compare all three here.
Engine
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Alto: Has a very small engine. Although we refer it as a small car, it's actually a micro car as per international standard. It has adequate power if you don't switch on AC. With AC running, it don't run, it crawls.
Xeta: Had a very good power and translates in good drivability. In fact, it qualifies to be a premium hatchback segment car to a large extent. More than adequate power even with switching AC on.
Santro: Adequate power in all condition. One of way to check this is switching on ac while running vehicle at around 50-60 KM/H and try to feel the lag. In Alto, it's very evident. In Xeta, you won't feel at all. And in Santro, it you are conscious, then only you'll realize.
My verdict on Engine: Xeta
Suspension
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Alto: Fairly OK setup. Independent suspension in front and coil spring at rear. It’s a reasonably good for the capacity of the car.
Xeta: One of the finest suspensions in its segment. It will very much isolate the cabin from uneven road surface. It can also smoothen out harsh metal bump you find in multistory parking.
Santro: Reasonably good suspension for it being a genuine small car as per international standard. I can get feeling that car is getting hurt (I'm not though) while running on metal bump.
My verdict on suspension: Xeta wins hands on with large margin. Second one is Santro followed by Alto.
FE
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Well, everything comes in a package. You have Xeta with good power, Santro with adequate power and Alto with barely enough power. You get FE in the reverse order. But I must mention that there is only marginal difference between mileage for that of Xeta and Santro where Xeta drinks just a little more than Santro.
Build
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All of three are having reasonably good build quality. But if you are the one who plan to be carefree, Xeta will take it with smile while other too will do but you might get an idea that your car is getting hurt.
IMPORTANT - Drivers' comfort
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I put lot of emphasis on this aspect as this is very important for new drivers for thier own safety, safety of the car and also for the safety of the people you'll find yourself around.
Alto: Offers a reasonably good visibility to the driver and it is breeze to drive. Set up around driver's seat is ergonomic and makes everything easily accessible.
Xeta: High mounted dashboard significantly reduces visibility. You'll have to judge front left corner of the car new driver tends to get it scratched. And if you getting in and out of multistory parking, you'll for sure face some inconvinces.
Santro: Offers fantastic visibility and driver setup is top notch. I just love it's AC button design which combines fan and AC on/off switch into one single unit.
My verdict on this dept: Santro followed by Alto and then Xeta. My philosophy is that visibility inspires confidence in driving and that translate is sheer driving pleasure. (Although high mounted dashboard is considered international standard, it's fine in US where drivers leave a few feet of distance between their cars but it's a sheer inconvience in Indian metros having bumper to bumper traffic.)
Overall conclusion:
There are other department in the car which are untouched but for the buyer of a small car, I'll consider only the ones above important as these determines drivability. For first car and if you have just got your driving license you got to have Santro. If you are a careful type and budget is a criterion, it got to be, of course, Alto. If you are a good driver and thinking on any one of these cars, it got to be Xeta all the way.
Disclaimer: There are opinions of my own as a result of first hand experience with each of these cars. I recognize others rights to differ on this.