[Behemoth]

Originally Posted by Joyb

Congrats on the excellent purchase and the satisfying ownership once again. By the way, do you stay in the phase -II area?? have seen same color XUV zipping by on the streets there and have once or twice followed it also for the sake of satisfying my eyes

Thanks JoyB! We stay near Sohna road side and the last 4 numbers are 7799. There are quite a few silver XUVs now in Gurgaon and quite easy to spot now!
In fact another experience: In the whole trip of 4000 kms, my Bro was requested by at least 50 People to see the XUV from inside and he did oblige most of them. Some of them even were so desperate that they asked at 3'o clock at night when my Bro and his wife stopped at a Dhaba. Some others also chased them in their cars for 1-1/2 hours just to pull over in front and then request to see the XUV from inside! There is tremendous craze for the XUV, especially in the tier-2 cities, as it has not yet been launched there and people have seen very few (if any!) XUVs!

Originally Posted by sparsh

Congrats pal on getting your XUV500. The option for audiophiles is to upgrade the head unit or upgrade the speakers. The only downside of the XUV500 based on my test drive is the 3rd row seats are very cramped and good for kids and we have to plan for a roof carrier to carry luggage. Wishing you many more miles of happy driving in you new beast.

Thanks Sparsh! Yes, an Audio upgrade is also planned eventually (budget permitting!), but so far we have been decently pleased with the Audio unit in the W6 and it does not have the problems that the W8 unit has. But, there is always scope for improvement and sound is always relative! Kedarwalke has done a very nice ICE upgrade for this XUV and you can find details on his thread.

The 3rd row is definitely cramped and in our case, it is always kept folded down to make space for luggage on such trips.

Regards,
Behemth

[AutoIndian]

Congratulations Behemoth to you, your brother & most importantly your XUV for doing such a flawless 4K kms trip in 10 days flat. Must have thoroughly enjoyed it. I remembered my trip 2 years back in my trusty old Indica, with my wife, daughter & parents, did 3.5K kms in 12 days through the states of Gujarat, Rajasthan, NCR, MP & Maharashtra. Please upload the trip details in the travelogue section & share the link here.

[sparsh]

Nice to know that you are happy with your XUV audio. You are absolutely right in terming audio is subjective to the individuals ears. All the best for your ICE upgrade and happy driving. I know for a fact that the sky is the limit for ICE.

[Behemoth]

Originally Posted by AutoIndian

Congratulations Behemoth to you, your brother & most importantly your XUV for doing such a flawless 4K kms trip in 10 days flat. Must have thoroughly enjoyed it. I remembered my trip 2 years back in my trusty old Indica, with my wife, daughter & parents, did 3.5K kms in 12 days through the states of Gujarat, Rajasthan, NCR, MP & Maharashtra. Please upload the trip details in the travelogue section & share the link here.

Thanks AutoIndian! Unfortunately I was not there with my Bro on this trip and it was more like a second honeymoon for him (he was married 10 months back!). He is not a man of many words and I could elicit too little from him to write a travelogue! Maybe next time when we go for a trip I will make it a point to capture the full story! Bro is also a very good photographer, will share some of his pics from this journey in a few days. (Though on this trip photography was not on top of his agenda)
Overall this trip was really exciting for him and they thoroughly enjoyed it and the XUV was a bliss to drive even over such a long distance. On the way back from Goa, he reached Gurgaon in less than 42 hours including a 7 hour night halt.

[lapsi]

Originally Posted by Behemoth

Driving pleasure is higher in the Yeti, it is a responsive, chuckable machine, which gives you a thrilling drive.

Behemoth,

I have read your wonderful review of the Yeti on this thread and also on the Civic and Yeti thread.

I am looking at the Ambient/Ambition variant of the 4*4 Yeti and the most important things for me are:
1. Driving pleasure. (it handles like a sedan)
2. It is a FWD.
3. German Engineering.

I would like to know a couple of things from you and other owners of the Yeti.
1. How does the Yeti handle in the 120 - 180 kmph range?
2. Does is seriously handle like a sedan at those speeds?

Most of my driving is on highways and I am considering the Yeti only for its driving pleasure. If that is missing at speeds of 120 - 180 kmph then I do not even need a new car.

Thanks for your inputs.

Cheers!

[Behemoth]

Originally Posted by lapsi

Behemoth,

I have read your wonderful review of the Yeti on this thread and also on the Civic and Yeti thread.

I am looking at the Ambient/Ambition variant of the 4*4 Yeti and the most important things for me are:
1. Driving pleasure. (it handles like a sedan)
2. It is a FWD.
3. German Engineering.

I would like to know a couple of things from you and other owners of the Yeti.
1. How does the Yeti handle in the 120 - 180 kmph range?
2. Does is seriously handle like a sedan at those speeds?

Most of my driving is on highways and I am considering the Yeti only for its driving pleasure. If that is missing at speeds of 120 - 180 kmph then I do not even need a new car.

Thanks for your inputs.

Cheers!

Thanks Lapsi!
Guess I missed your comment on this thread!

To respond to your queries:
The Yeti handles quite like a sedan, but due to its higher riding nature it will not be able to match the straight line, highway characteristics of a Civic or a Laura. That said, in reality, Indian roads are not that perfect and at every 50m you will come across a nice large pothole (at least in Gurgaon!) If you are driving at high speed and hit this pothole, a Civic will get badly damaged as there is not enough suspension travel to absorb this bump. The suspension arms will hit the rubber bushes at the ends and may cause damage to the suspension itself. Also, another problem with the Civic is that once you load 5 people into the Civic, it sits so low on the ground and scrapes over the large breakers in Gurgaon. This is also one of the reasons why we are never able to take the Civic out for our outstation holidays! Most of the highways are cratered with potholes and huge breakers. Considering this, a Civic is not a great outstation / adventurous car (which we wanted). It is however a good city runabout and is a breeze to drive.
Then comes the mileage part..! It just makes the Civic impractical for longer distances.

The Yeti is capable of doing 120-180 speeds on the highway, but it does not feel as composed as a Civic or Laura would at these speeds due to the aerodynamics. It is also very noisy (because of air noise) after 140. Comparatively, both the Civic and Laura are much quieter.
In terms of handling, the Yeti is certainly helped by all the electronic system, which will ensure that it tracks a straight line and does not do any antics under high speed directional changes. However, nothing can beat the straight line characteristics that a low slung sedan gives - as speed increases, it hugs the ground even harder.

Then if we add the XUV500 to the comparison, the XUV is better on aerodynamics than the Yeti, but in terms of braking / Electronic safety mechanisms, it leaves a lot to be desired - and hence is not safe to drive at high speeds. In our experience, if the brakes are applied at high speeds 140+, it will becomes reckless and is not able to cope, partly due to the tyres and also due to the lack of electronic safety (at least in our W6, though don't know how the W8 would be). In terms of build and safety from crashes, the Yeti is 5 star NCAP rated, while the XUV is not even tested.

If you ask me, the Laura Diesel DSG will be able to fit your requirements better than the Yeti. But if you have adventurous intentions, the Yeti is a better option (at a similar price point).

For us, it was a practical choice to get the Yeti.
We wanted a well built, adventurous, fuel efficient car which could take us even to Leh - and the Yeti fit the bill perfectly.
Even after one year of owning it, we still love it as much and so far it has not disappointed us on any of these!

If I may ask, where are you planning to do these speeds! India is quite unsafe for such high speeds and the risk lies in the unpredictability of some animal / some other careless motorist coming in your way.

Drive safe!

Regards,
Behemoth

[lapsi]

Behemoth,

Welcome to Gujarat! The roads are excellent and now we getting a six lane highway from Bombay to Ahmedabad. The Gujarat stretch is already functioning and once you are about 100 kms out of Bombay you get lovely stretches with light traffic where you can easily get to 180.

Thank you so much for the detailed response. I think, now we have a classic face off between the sedan and a FWD soft roader. Interesting, to put it mildly.

Lets see how this one goes.

Thanks

[shankar.balan]

I have taken my Yeti upto 160kmph and it feels as planted as a rock. No worries.
But the normal scenarios in India do not allow for speeds higher than the 90-120kmph range and I would not advise driving consistently at speeds higher than these on account of stray people, animals and generally unpredictable nature of our highways.

Originally Posted by lapsi

Behemoth,

I have read your wonderful review of the Yeti on this thread and also on the Civic and Yeti thread.

I am looking at the Ambient/Ambition variant of the 4*4 Yeti and the most important things for me are:
1. Driving pleasure. (it handles like a sedan)
2. It is a FWD.
3. German Engineering.

I would like to know a couple of things from you and other owners of the Yeti.
1. How does the Yeti handle in the 120 - 180 kmph range?
2. Does is seriously handle like a sedan at those speeds?

Most of my driving is on highways and I am considering the Yeti only for its driving pleasure. If that is missing at speeds of 120 - 180 kmph then I do not even need a new car.

Thanks for your inputs.

Cheers!

[lapsi]

Originally Posted by shankar.balan

I have taken my Yeti upto 160kmph and it feels as planted as a rock. No worries.
But the normal scenarios in India do not allow for speeds higher than the 90-120kmph range and I would not advise driving consistently at speeds higher than these on account of stray people, animals and generally unpredictable nature of our highways.

Dear Shankar and Behemoth,

I greatly appreciate your concern about driving at higher speeds. I drive as the situation demands and do not have any desperate need for speed. I keep a safe distance and can comfortable chug along if there is no place to overtake. It is obvious that one cannot be cruising at higher speeds all the time but at the same time I do not hold back when there are stretches open roads. Also, my foot is off the pedal as soon as I see any obstacle, even if it is a km away. Six lane highways and less traffic also help.

Persons with fear of roads and speed have travelled with me and have been comfortable. I am a very safe driver as such, with about 35 years of driving experience. I started driving really early, you see

That said, it is good to know that the Yeti can handle high speeds as I was concerned after Behemoths reply.

The toss up may now be between an automatic sedan and a 4 wheel drive SUV. Let see how this goes.

Thanks and cheers!

Lapsi

[shankar.balan]

No worries. The Yeti will give you the flexibility of a crossover, sport utility with reasonably good off road capability and will also give you great enjoyment in terms of its sedan-like handling characteristics. I have not felt as safe as I did in the Yeti, at high speeds. Even the feature loaded Korean and Japanese hatches and sedans do not send signals of that intangible feeling of safety that the Yeti gives me.
As of this moment, in my considered opinion there is no better vehicle on Indian roads, which is able to straddle both these worlds so effortlessly. Thats exactly why I bought it.
My usage is strictly for 2 people plus luggage or 4 people max with limited luggage. I will avoid taking 5 people in the Yeti. For you, since you said you are a single person who has a good -ish budget to spend, this will be the perfect luxury alternative to the normal boring and conventional vehicles out there as of now!

Originally Posted by lapsi

Dear Shankar and Behemoth,

I greatly appreciate your concern about driving at higher speeds. I drive as the situation demands and do not have any desperate need for speed. I keep a safe distance and can comfortable chug along if there is no place to overtake. It is obvious that one cannot be cruising at higher speeds all the time but at the same time I do not hold back when there are stretches open roads. Also, my foot is off the pedal as soon as I see any obstacle, even if it is a km away. Six lane highways and less traffic also help.

Persons with fear of roads and speed have travelled with me and have been comfortable. I am a very safe driver as such, with about 35 years of driving experience. I started driving really early, you see

That said, it is good to know that the Yeti can handle high speeds as I was concerned after Behemoths reply.

The toss up may now be between an automatic sedan and a 4 wheel drive SUV. Let see how this goes.

Thanks and cheers!

Lapsi

[lapsi]

Originally Posted by shankar.balan

No worries. The Yeti will give you the flexibility of a crossover, sport utility with reasonably good off road capability and will also give you great enjoyment in terms of its sedan-like handling characteristics. I have not felt as safe as I did in the Yeti, at high speeds. Even the feature loaded Korean and Japanese hatches and sedans do not send signals of that intangible feeling of safety that the Yeti gives me.
As of this moment, in my considered opinion there is no better vehicle on Indian roads, which is able to straddle both these worlds so effortlessly. Thats exactly why I bought it.
My usage is strictly for 2 people plus luggage or 4 people max with limited luggage. I will avoid taking 5 people in the Yeti. For you, since you said you are a single person who has a good -ish budget to spend, this will be the perfect luxury alternative to the normal boring and conventional vehicles out there as of now!

Good to know that you have such great confidence in the Yeti. I was tilting towards an automatic DSG Laura which would be great to drive both on highways and also in horrible city traffic which I hate and avoid.

Another thought also struck me, I can always go to an automatic sedan after using a FWD manual soft roader but the reverse may not be possible.

Thanks and cheers!

Lapsi

[dkaile]

Just saw Top Gear landing a helicopter on the roof of a Yeti!! It's one sturdy vehicle. Its more comfortable than a Land Rover and faster than a Ferrari!! according to them.

I am impressed.

[Behemoth]

Some recent updates on my Yeti!

Changed the headlamps (H4) to Philips XtremeVision (+100%) bulbs. There is good improvement from the stock lamps (GE) and at least 40-50% more light. The throw range is also better. Have also recalibrated the level of the headlights from the manual adjuster in the headlight assembly and aligned the light level to my preference. I have also done level alignment for the front foglamps so that when the main lights are on high beam, the area in front of the Yeti is also illuminated and now there is no dark area in high beam, if the foglights are also switched on.
The Low beam range is also extended and the foglights work in conjunction with the main beams to give light on the same coverage area.
This has really improved the overall night time headlighting, which I felt had been a weak area of the Yeti, as it depends on single Optic based Headlight assembly with H4 bulbs, in which only either High beam / low beam can be on at one time.

Also, my windshield was hit recently by a flying pebble from another car (I was around 100 kmph) and there is now a small chip on the windshield. I went to the Windshield experts in Gurgaon for getting it repaired, but they said that they have not received the chemical (Cyanoacrylate) used for repairing since the past 3 months and only when that is available can they repair it!

Regards,
Behemoth

[drchernish]

Originally Posted by shankar.balan

My usage is strictly for 2 people plus luggage or 4 people max with limited luggage. I will avoid taking 5 people in the Yeti.

Want to ask both you n Behemoth sir-I have a verna n ritz diesel.Due to ongoing traffic scenario i try not to take out the verna in city as ritz is easy to drive n park.We are a family of 4-me,wifey,and parents!Now recently blessed with a beautiful baby girl.Will it be comfortable to travel all of us in yeti with child in car seat and boot full of child luggage +stroller and our luggage ?
and one more question if you were allowed to keep only one car n sell other two which will you keep?
thanks to both of you for this wonderful n informative thread.......

[Behemoth]

Originally Posted by drchernish

Want to ask both you n Behemoth sir-I have a verna n ritz diesel.Due to ongoing traffic scenario i try not to take out the verna in city as ritz is easy to drive n park.We are a family of 4-me,wifey,and parents!Now recently blessed with a beautiful baby girl.Will it be comfortable to travel all of us in yeti with child in car seat and boot full of child luggage +stroller and our luggage ?
and one more question if you were allowed to keep only one car n sell other two which will you keep?
thanks to both of you for this wonderful n informative thread.......

Hi DrChernish,

Frankly, from our garage (Yeti , Civic - now being replaced with Laura, and XUV500) will not be ideal for you in this situation. Since your requirements are specifically for usage in city, and with at least 4 Adults + children + luggage, I would recommend either the Innova or the upcoming Ertiga for you, if you are Ok with the MUVish approach. The Ertiga actually addresses the exact needs for a family like yours and also is quite small in size and maneuverable in cities. It is due for release somewhere around the first week of March. I have seen the Ertiga in the Auto Expo and did like the looks and the interiors of the Ertiga.

To share some of the key points of our current cars:
1) The Yeti ride quality is slightly on the harder side, which elders would not feel too comfortable in. It can accommodate 4 people with comfort, but more than 4 becomes a problem, especially for longer journeys. It is however a great car to drive and is very exciting and frugal and the small size really helps in crowded cities. It is also capable of taking us to hill stations and far off villages with its 4x4.
2) The Civic is a great highway car with impressive driving dynamics. It is an extremely comfortable car and the cabin space is unmatched, even with 5 people onboard. But since it is a Petrol, it is quite a guzzler and the fuel costs really pinch in today's era! Also the low ground clearance and lesser suspension travel are a problem in potholed cities like Gurgaon.
Our Civic is being replaced with a Laura, for which we are going to take the delivery tomorrow (Hopefully!). The Laura is a diesel with good mileage, but can seat only 4 people comfortably compared to the Civic's 5. But since we are a nuclear family, that is not much of an issue with us.
3) The XUV5OO is practically huge and can seat 5 adults + 2 kids very comfortably. But the flip side is that it is really huge for city use and we have difficulty in parking in tight parkings and turning it sharply in the mall. Interiors wise, it is very comfortable and the legroom in the first and second rows is phenomenal. It is also good for long journeys and no discomfort is felt even after sitting in it for 6-8 hours - It is a good highway cruiser. The engine is also very quiet compared to the Yeti.
But it is not a thrilling car to drive and there is hardly any excitement for the person who drives it - the steering is vague, the suspension is wallowy, and the engine is not responsive enough and picks up very slowly.

So if I were to choose to keep only one car and sell the other two, in this scenario, I would most likely keep the Yeti, because it fits our needs best and is exciting to drive and frugal. (but that's just my preference!)

So my frank recommendation would be to wait for the Ertiga and then see if it fits your requirements! The Ertiga is supposed to start a new category of cars in India and should be placed in the 7-9 Lac bracket.

All the best!

Regards,
Behemoth