So, I just got back from a 4200+ kms trip on my 2022 XTA+ #Dark Edition from Chennai to Gangtok and back, with my family and dog.
This post is just about the Car.
The extended post, with all details including road conditions, things to do stays, breaks/stops en-route shall be posted as a travelogue shortly.
Route :
Chennai - Vizag - Kolkata - Kalimpong - Gangtok - Nathula - Zuluk - Gangtok - Darjeeling - Kolkata - Vizag - Chennai.
Total Fuel Consumed : 340 Ltrs
Total Kms run : 4264 kms
Fuel Consumption for entire Trip : 12.54kmpl (actuals). (13.8kmpl as per MID).
Final MID Figures
DEF Consumed : Tank was at 90% full at the start, and at 30% upon completion. So on a 14 Ltr tank, that translates to about 8 Ltrs.
Would attribute the higher consumption to higher revs being maintained in the hills, and also, the poorer combustion due to lack of oxygen there (I guess).
Total Money Spent on Tolls (All via Fastag) for the entire Trip - To and Fro : Rs 6977 (definitely not worth it at all).
All stays booked via AirBnB (since we needed Pet Friendly stay everywhere).
Dates :
19th May 2023 : 0430 hrs : Depart Chennai
19th May 2023 : 1815 hrs : Arrived Vizag
20th May 2023 : Rest Day at Vizag
21st May 2023 : 0500 hrs : Depart Vizag
21st May 2023 : 2200 hrs : Arrive Kolkata
22nd May 2023 : Rest Day at Kolkata
23rd May 2023 : 0530 hrs : Depart Kolkata
23rd May 2023 : 2000 hrs : Arrive Kalimpong
24th May 2023 : At Kalimpong
25th May 2023 : 1200 hrs : Depart Kalimpong
25th May 2023 : 1430 hrs : Arrive Gangtok
25th - 30th May 2023 : At Gangtok
30th May 2023 : 0900 hrs : Depart Gangtok
30th May 2023 : 1400 hrs : Arrive Darjeeling (with Stops)
31st May 2023 : At Darjeeling
1st May 2023 : Depart Darjeeling - Arrive Kolkata
2nd May 2023 : Depart Kolkata - Arrive Vizag
3rd May 2023 : Depart Vizag - Arrive Chennai.
Prior departure got the car's 3rd service done earlier than required at 9000 kms, including oil and filter changes just as a precaution, as we had envisaged that we would be driving the car extensively for long periods, and also, would have to leave the car on with the AC running, whenever we stop enroute at various points for Lunch/Breakfast etc and would have to leave our dog in the car (in the heat) for that period.
We did however take comfort breaks for her and took that opportunity to switch off the engine for ~30mins whenever it was done.
Skye in the Car with AC on.
Happy to report that the entire trip, went without even a glitch. The car performed perfectly and as expected. Even at the heights of Nathula and Zuluk (~14000ft) we did not face any problems whatsoever.
At Nathula
En-Route to Zuluk, we faced, Zero Visibility.
We couldn't take pics of the absolute Zero, as the concentration was more on keeping the car on the road, and not falling off the cliff side..!!
Zuluk Route - Displayed on Android Auto.
View from Tambi View Point, Couldnt get the whole view due to heavy fog and snowfall. The Adventurous Climb up was totally worth it.
However, the mild drop in power and turbo lag was very apparent. Even the much reported glitches in the Display unit never showed up.
We constantly maintained between 90-120kmph on the highway. I used the Cruise Control quite a lot, while my wife was happy using the accelerator.
AC performed well, and we did not feel the heat even while traversing the hot regions of Orissa, and Mid Andhra.
Bad roads were tackled with aplomb and no rattling to report after completion of the entire drive.
At RK Beach, Vizag
The bonnet is good enough to hold both of them.
Yes its covered with PPF to protect from Skye's Paws.
Sunset Imagery
Come Rain Come Shine
End of Trip, Prior the Wash down.
Yeah.. She's Dirty al rite.
Gave the car for a thorough wash down, polishing, and interior cleaning at Carspark OMR, Chennai the next day.
Will take some time to assimilate and collate all the data, photos and videos, which will be posted shortly as a travelogue.
No negatives. Thats the main takeaway and 100% smiles
In fact we've been low on dopamine, since we arrived back in Chennai on the night of 3rd June, and it almost feels like a hangover.
Need to get back on the road again..!!!