Hello all,
I am more of a dormant member in here with respect to posts. This is more or less a naïve post (not very technical/ enthusiast sorts). It is going to be a bit too long as well. So, reader discretion advised and kindly bear with me. Here goes my story.
Hyundai Santro XL: First car, brought second hand (make 2007, bought in 2012), Sold 2014
Hyundai Elite i20: First new car, (make Oct 2014, 14,000kms), Lost in Dec 2015 Chennai floods
I would never have thought of changing my car had it not been for the dreaded floods. Now, after the total loss claim settlement, I am currently in the market for a new car.
Honestly, in my mind I am not sure if this is an opportunity to upgrade the car (Sedan, compact SUV’s)m or be more practical and look at something more from a utility point of view (Kwid, Celerio etc) and a bonus two wheeler (Honda CBR 250/300 or Enfield top ones) for ease of office commute.
Heart says the former whereas my MBA background and cash flow projections for the next few years suggest the latter.
Anyways, now decided to take the plunge. Purchase decision markers are as below:
- I need the car/vehicle in the next 2 months and not in a position to wait for long
- A budget of 9-12 lacs for a compact SUV is ideal
- I am not a big fan of Sedans. But can look at something which is really compelling
- 5 seater is enough. Driving is mostly city with occasional highways (once in 2 months)
- Daily commute of 30 kms (up and down) suggesting Petrol to be the one
- Features and looks are of significant importance/ Color options too
1. i20 active
Having had a regular i20 sportz petrol, an active does not appeal to me much. However, I feel it is good value for money for the looks.
Verdict: Ruled out
2. MSIL- Nexa- Baleno
Loved the vehicle. In the same league of my i20. Top end diesel is also highly compelling given the list of features and space it has. The red color with the chrome garnishes was looking fantabulous. Loved its flowing lines and list of features. Did not test drive, because:
• Waiting period told by Nexa was 18 weeks. Can’t wait that long!
• No rear a/c vents. It is not that there is always people behind me in the car. But my i20 really gave me a high benchmark and don’t really wanna compromise on this
• If not for the waiting period, I would have certainly looked at Baleno seriously (as it was a compromise of sorts between my heart and common sense dilemma).
Verdict: Ruled out
3. Ford Ecosport
Although I like this machine for the looks, it always looked to me as a small car on a rectangular frame lifted up. The inside bench seats also quite spoilt the expectations which I had. I am big fan of the rear spare-wheel though. Wonder why no other compact or so called “SUV’s” doesn’t give that option. Adding to it, the model is quite old by now and no facelifts seen in the immediate horizon.
Verdict: Ruled out
4. Renault Duster
Did not take TD of this. Just seen it on the roads and word of mouth feedback from existing customers. However, looks too old for the year we are in. I would have waited for the facelift. But that looks quite far away and the sort of expected incremental additions looks quite minimal. Did someone say “dead on arrival”?
Verdict: Ruled out
5. Nissan Terrano
This is one machine which I am gonna miss the most. I loved it totally over the Duster. The premium edition was highly compelling. And the color themes! Quite the kind which I am looking for. However, having gone through the pain of getting my flooded car in to a garage. Getting repair estimates, service feedback etc., I have started to appreciate the real need for quality and reliable service in the country where we live.
Well, that makes the solution simpler now. It has to be the top 3 auto makers only. Maruti, Hyundai or Mahindra/Ford/Tata. I have not experienced the Nissan service myself, but from whatever I hear and read, it feels bit too risky. Also, the feedback which I have is that the service costs will cost a fortune. Other cons were that, the interiors and the list of bells and whistles pales in comparison to the other cars or (Creta) in this range.
Verdict: Ruled out. But you will be missed!
6. MSIL Nexa S-Cross
Was thrilled to hear about the price decrease so that I can look at 320 models. Quite a thoughtful thing to do by MSIL. Went to a Nexa and took a TD of 200 Alpha (they didn’t have a 320 TD vehicle)
Overall, it was a decent experience. Nothing much to complain. Good enough for my city drives and kinda satisfies most of my expectations. Just to add, there was quite a noticeable turbo lag below 1800 rpm. However., after that, it was quite a surge of power and kinda loved the small test drive which it was.
Listing the cons as below:
• No rear a/c vents.
• Bland looks. I think for a premium positioning, looks too should matter
• Interiors, it almost felt similar to an i20 (as per wifey).
• They call it a cross over, so I am not surprised. IMHO, S-Cross should compare itself against the i20 elite and not against Creta.
• No chrome handles in top end.
• For the 220 models, no leather seats (they can easily include it for the price)
Verdict: Hold/ Ruled out
7. MSIL Vitara Brezza
Friends suggested to wait for Maruti Vitara Brezza. Well, with all due respect, it is not fair to compare these two. Vitara global looks sleak and sturdy. I wonder why Maruti called this one a Vitara (just for the rear headlamps?). The apt name should have been just Brezza!!
Yesterdays, at the autoexpo unveiling, MSIL revealed quite a lot to me and kinda convinced me that Brezza is not what I want. For me, following were the deal breakers
• First of all, timing, it remains unclear when bookings will happen and deliveries
• It looks like a combination of Kwid and KUV in the front. Rear looks bland
• Interior looks okayish (except for the mood lights)
• Compromised on weight. I despise this aspect of MSIL cars for their slender panels and crash test failures (I still recall the i20 thud’s on closure of doors)
A SUV (or compact SUV) or Cross-Over, IMHO has to be slightly sturdy and heavy!
Yes, it is a mass car. It will sell. It will reap MSIL’s huge profits. However, it fails to impress. I would prefer the S-Cross for its fake premium positioning
Verdict: Ruled out.
8. Mahindra XUV- Facelift
Nothing to complain. I simply can’t purchase it (price). Thank you!
Verdict: Ruled out.
9. Hyundai Creta
Though I was not in the market when this vehicle was launched, I have looked up to this one with awe and admiration. But the pricing kinda made me feel revengeful for the huge profit thirst of the Koreans. Those buggers are minting money on this!
Initial impressions suggested that it is just a car on stilts. However, on close looks and after some spec comparison and feature comparison, I am now quite convinced that this what I want (except the price).
Let’s talk about the Cons first.
• Absolutely ridiculous pricing
• No leather seats even for Sx+ (petrol top end)- I am more inclined towards this variant. They might be giving it in Sx+ (0), but that’s way too pricey
• Waiting period of a 1 month (not bad)
• After 8 months of launch, the prices have already gone up (quite ironic because novelty has died down (or has it yet?). Many Creta’s already on the road
• No 4WD. I don’t off-road but calling itself an SUV (should be future ready, no?)
• Have driven only petrols till now. But I can’t even look at their Diesel options
Pros:
• Killer looks (personal opinion) and endless list of features
• Future ready to a certain extent.
• Unisex appeal. I assume my wife will also find it comfortable in due course of time (thanks Airguitar for your thoughts on this)
• Good for urban commutes. Lower turning radius
• Spec wise tops in comparison against the Terrano/Duster/ Eco/ Brezza
I might sound biased when I say this. But this car looks more like a premium urban positioning to me. I feel you will have to give it to the Koreans for constantly distinguishing itself from the competition by giving premium products and mass products through the same distribution channel. Their strategy is quite interesting as against MSIL’s large volume/ mass strategy.
Now, this is where I am. It is going to be Creta Petrol 1.6 SX+ in all probability. It’s going to be bit of a ‘leap of faith’ for me (as it is an additional 2 lacs from my budget). Hence, I thought I will share this story here. If someone had the patience to read through this, would be nice to hear your thoughts!
Cheers & God bless!
P.S:
After finishing, when I read this myself, it felt to me that I was a bit harsh on MSIL. Hence, though will clarify that I have nothing against them. The first car I have driven was an Alto. My dad and relatives are big fans of the Japanese giant. Today, if every 1 out of 2 cars sold in the country are from MSIL, who am I to criticize them! Of course, they know their game and know their market!
Further, it is also only purely coincidental that my previous two cars are from the Korean stable. I would certainly be keen to try out other manufacturer’s, but still waiting for a big ‘reason’!