Quote:
Originally Posted by krishnakarthik1 Sir, how is the XMA doing. What are the initial driving impressions? Could you post some pics, especially the long shot of tyres? How is the audio since it has a few speakers less. Looking forward to a review from your father. |
Folks, it is one month now that I brought the Tata HEXA XMA home, from Active Automobiles (Possibly one of the best Tata dealers in Ahmedabad and I have given them a 5* rating). A short account (leaving aside what has been reported in great details in the reviews) on ownership:
The superlatives:
Interiors
1) We have chosen the color Sky Grey the color blends extremely well with the Piano black Tail Gate Applique and so does the Ebony Black rear luggage Step Plate. The Sky grey also blends with the color of fabric on the seat upholstery all of them accord a premium look
2) The interiors are far superior and rich in finish than what one gets an impression of, form the photographs in the brochure/website
3) The seat adjustments are smooth and reasonably jerk free
Exterior
1) The 16 steel wheels provide a decent look and good road presence
2) The Tail Gate closes with minimum effort and is reasonably user friendly
3) The reverse parking sensors are neatly assembled and blend well with the bumper
4) The ORVMs offer a wide and clear view.
Drive
1) Excellent road handling and ride quality
2) Fascinating acceleration in Automatic Transmission
3) Superb braking ability
4) Reasonably good fuel efficiency @ 15.6 kmpl after 1700 km
What I miss:
1) The fog lamps that are essential the TASS engineer advices against this do not understand why this provision should have been incorporated as an option in the lower variants, with the customer having a choice
2) The headlamps offer a fair extent of visibility should have been better for a car of this class. The visibility is excellent in high beam mode, but I would never use them, excepting for providing alerts and occasional use. The drive on winding hilly road is quite difficult with the low beam - this is where I miss the fog lamps.
3) The rear view mirror should have been provided with auto dimming once again a necessity for a car of this class
What TML should note (in addition to what is stated above in what I miss):
1) An intermittent noise that resembles one of a pipe in pipe friction at speeds ~ 40 50 kmph this is not heard always, but does cause irritation, when it appears
2) The extension on the sun visor interferes with the cabin light attachment which may damage the extension Iif one is not careful to slide it in) the design should be improved to rule out this possibility
3) The arrangement for folding of the middle row seats requires the front seats to be moved to their minimum position, leading to inconvenience
4) The AC blower is too noisy, even at blower speed level of 2. The blower noise level must be reduced in the next versions
What members who had queries regarding XMA version should note:
1) The ride quality of XMA is as good as that of XTA. If one is happy with the version without front fog lamp, DRL and additional safety features, the XMA offers a superb VFM option. I state this after having driven the XTA extensively, during the test rides.
2) The fabric quality of the seat is extremely good and rich, in principle, they do not need a seat cover. If necessary they may be protected with commercial fabric guards.
3) The interior is as good as the XTA, except for the fact that the comfort level from the climate control AC is far superior
4) The Harman infotainment system is superb. I can not compare with the one with JBL speakers in XT/XTA, but can assure one that the quality of the audio is extremely rich and mature
About the niggles:
1) Other than the in frequent noise (at times) in the 40-50 kmph range, I have not found some other after taking delivery. Yes, there are minor issues with weld finish
About the long term care (request for some advice):
1) Am wondering about whether or not I should go for the ceramic coat on the exterior and need some advice
2) Am keen on not fitting any seat covers however, I am not sure if these fine fabric seats would retain its texture and finish request advice on seat care
Summary (@1800 km):
An engineering marvel form Tatas. Midrange XMA is a VFM option. Of all cars that I have owned and driven to date (118 NE, Baleno Vxi, Xcent, Esteem, XUV, Jeep, TUV, Nano), this offers the best driving pleasure.
For TML: Please do attend to the customer feedback and improve the product to make it even better, you have already created a class.