Post our Independence Day, on the 16th, I made a casual visit to the nearest Tata Dealership, Pandit Auto. The overall intentions were the following
- Check the Tiago XZ, especially the seating comfort and the Harman Sound System
- Check the Nano XT and inquire about any possible new launches during Diwali (Pelican)
- Get a feel of the customer handling by the team.
And overall I am satisfied.
Please have a look at the below image with the latest pricing of the Tiago at PCMC
I do not know 4 wheeler driving as yet (albeit the two times when I drove dad's HM into ditch) but that is something which I am going to learn in the next few days. Moreover, with the expert reviews with regards to the drive-ability of the car and engine, and everybody singing in the same tune, I am sure its one of the best in the market at the moment within the budget range. No questions on that.
So next comes to my mind on whether will I be able to fit myself into this car. I am 5 feet and 11.5 inches. Firstly I tried at the driver's side and it was extremely comfortable and still I had probably one notch in spare to slide the seat. (Happy to know that there are fatties than me or I might have shrunk, haha). In this position I went to the second row to check for the available leg and head room and I was not touching anywhere. WOW, excellent spacing I must agree (Swift on the other hand did not give me this airy feeling). The Tiago's interiors are in dark shade and the seats are a bit on the harder side with less of cushioning, but that's not damaging the interests.
Sound. Yes excellent these 8 speaker setting is from the Harman. I could feel the thump right on my legs and thats some thing I have been looking forward to. I could hear acceptable mid and low range with clear sound reproduction and adequate bass. I was further informed by "Krushna, the sales representative" that there is also some feature which adjusts the sound inside the car in depending upon the speed of the vehicle on the highway. Yes, might be this is something quite common these days, but to me this sounds quite exiting. Would have to check that out at some other time.
I was also shown the various other storage spaces, something which I am sure we all are now aware of with regards to their exact locations, reading the reviews etc. Not much was discussed on the engine spec part but that's probably beyond my grasp as well. Another interesting feature I found out was that the rear seats are completely fold-able and therefore should there be a need I can make use of the area as a complete flat bad or to carry some stuff, which otherwise would probably not fit in the luggage space. Luggage space is decent and I think its OK for normal carry luggage s. There is a small light at the luggage room too, with its own switch along with the bag hook etc. In short, Tiago has many excellent small yet efficient features added for the rider's overall journey comfort and usage.
On road price in PCMC for XZ with 3% LBT is 566502 with Extended warranty coming around 4400 and AMC gold for 8799.
Post this we went to check the Nano XT and but obvious there is stark difference in all aspects other than legroom which I felt to the better[surprising]. But then one should not compare features available in 320427 and 566502. Anyways, the intention was to find out if there is a possible Pelican release during Diwali. To this Krushna surprised me saying that nothing from Nano would come out till next Diwali.
Coming to the third point of customer handling, I was definitely satisfied the way Krushna handled my queries. In fact, based upon my interaction, I would say that they are way better than RE's. He also informed me that Pandit Auto does have arrangements with SBI and therefore they can arrange for Car Loan from the SBI.
Now coming to the queries part:-
1 > Pricing shows different amounts with and without LBT. Searching on the net I came to know that this tax amount has to be paid by the trader to the authorities (which I understand is going to be extracted from customers indirectly) But is there a provision to not pay the LBT as well, as there are different pricing [550266 in place of 566502]. Please advise.
2 > Though Pandit has some tie up with the SBI and thus they are probably competent to arrange for car loans, but what is the best approach here? I do have a long term account with the SBI and if I approach them directly, would I get any special benefits? Krushna had advised that SBI provides car loan only on the onroad pricing excluding the Extended + AMC Gold, whereas SBI suggests that on road pricing includes Extended + AMC too. What do experts suggests?
https://www.sbi.co.in/portal/web/per...ar-loan-scheme
"Financing on ‘On-Road price':
On-Road price includes Registration, Insurance and Extended Warranty/ Total Service Package/ Annual Maintenance Contract/ Cost of Accessories"
3 > Though this may vary from person to person, but I was advised to go for a White or Silver colored car rather than the coffee brown (my preference) because the former looks cleaner even if there is small scratch etc. How valid is that statement?
4 > XZ does not come with any goodies as everything is already fitted into the car. What does other XZ buyers have to say on that?
5 > Tires are either from the GoodYear or the BridgeStone as advised by Krushna and customer cannot select on that? How valid is that statement and if there is a provision for selection, which one is better?
6 >From 2004 I have very dearly preserved by JBL GTO 949 in the almirah though the car has not materialized still. I do understand and am well aware that the inbuilt sound is well sufficient, but as those speakers are very closer to my heart, I want to have them placed on the rear parcel tray. Krushna was surprised listening to this but he said that if I still want to go ahead then I can have that attached from the Tata Premises and they will work out a solution to have that attached with proper relays etc. He sad that if I do from outside, the warranty will be void, but they can take care of the same if the modification is done at their premises. Now If I really go ahead with that and have it fixed from them, as said, will my warranty be covered? What precautions do I need to undertake before going ahead with this?
I am interested to listen excluding suggestions to sell it at OLX (its very dear to my heart) or not fix at all ( I know that the sound is adequate)
7 > Exactly what all expenses are covered under Gold AMC? For example for RE's, AMC does not cover consumables like oil, break liner but the servicing charges are (only regular). Is it the same here too or does it cover the cost of consumables too?
Guys, this are my inputs just after my first visit to the showroom to "see" the car. And couple of you have already bought the same. My humble request to you is to please update a detailed initial ownership review with images.
Thank you and regards,
Bikramjit.