So the search began once over.
Figo was always on the list. But there were more sensible cars which I hadn't even looked at.
Wagon R & Celerio AMT
Both have the same drive train. Ever trusted 1.0 3 cyl. I test drove both and kind of liked the Celerio for its additional gear. It came with bluetooth and steering mounted controls and a better looking dashboard with better placements of the 12v socket and the USB ports.
Positives:
- AMT claims decent fuel efficiency
- Rode on 14" making the ride a bit more pliant than the WagonR
- Bluetooth connectivity
- Option for ABS and Airbags for a mere 13k
- Trusted Maruti brand so I was hoping I'd get better resale for my Swift
- The placement of the buttons and equipment on the Celerio's center console was better than the WagonR.
Negatives:
- AMT also meant a jerky drive
- Suspension wasn't the best out there
- Coming from a Swift, both WagonR and Celerio were a complete step down
- Lots of vibrations at idling - smoothened out as revs built up though
- Celerio ZXi (O) AMT missed on alloys, seat height adjust and fog lamps
- Thin seats and poor quality fabric
- Overall fit and finish was better than the Swift I owned but the car was a whole 1 lac pricier than my Swift when I had got it
On top of all this, Maruti True Value valued my car at 1.85 lacs only. After much haggling, it went up to 2.10 lacs. Celerio had an exchange bonus of 30k and another discount of 15k. Took things to 2.55 lacs which was decent.
But, like I mentioned earlier, it was a complete step down from the car I already had. Though 8 year old, my Swift felt much better to drive. I couldn't fathom the idea of letting go a Swift and get shortchanged with a Celerio.
Celerio was 6.13 lacs OTR which meant that I had to just spend about 3.6 lacs from my pocket. For a moment, I decided to go ahead with the Celerio as it was primarily an office commute car and was also going to do regular duties like getting groceries, driving my son around to school (when he starts, of course). It was a head over heart decision.
Then the famed saga - ZXI AMT - available within 2-3 weeks. ZXI (O) AMT - 6-8 weeks minimum. I wasn't too satisfied.
In a time when real estate is available off the shelf, waiting period on cars has shot out of the roof! 6 months on the Baleno and 6-8 weeks on the Celerio.
I decided to do another field trip. To the last option that I had deliberately overlooked so far - the Hyundai Grand i10 Automatic.
I knew it was there but I somehow never liked how the Hyundais drive. Dead in the center and feather light steering, bouncy suspensions. The only car I liked was the Santro Xing. It was a perfect small car. Better than the then offerings of Maruti - the WagonR and the Zen Estilo.
I managed to get my wife only for a test drive and nothing else. July monsoon schemes were on then and the discounts were a handsome ~65k.
Unfortunately, an automatic variant wasn't available for TD but we decided to go ahead to get a feel of the car anyway by driving the manual. The TD vehicle was a petrol Asta (O). So the car was going to be exactly the same without the manual gears and the clutch.
The sales rep was also very generous and offered us a good long drive and ensured we rode on some bad patches as well.
I found the suspension to be well sorted, a bit softer though than what I would have liked, but it was good. Considering that this will be used only in the city limits, it was a boon.
Build quality - superb compared to my Swift which made numerous noises going over the smallest of undulations. This was a silent ride, well insulated and decent space.
Ticked all boxes for me and my wife and we were happy.
I had deliberately taken the Swift to the dealership to get it evaluated. They offered me 2 lacs and a 30k exchange at first. But then I mentioned that VW was offering me 2.25 as the basic evaluation, they bumped the price to 2.3 lacs + the 30k exchange bonus. So 2.6 for a 8 yr old car, which BTW I had got for 5 lacs OTR. Not bad right!
Other things that were included as part of the offer were free first year insurance and 3rd year extended warranty.
So, the calculation was as under:
OTR - 7.96 lacs
Old car - 2.6 lacs
Ins + 3rd year warranty - ~29k
Net difference - 5.06 lacs
For 5 lacs, I was getting a far better car than what I had and this was just a little over a lac more than what I was paying for the Celerio out of my pocket.
I had made up my mind at the dealership itself but thought its wise to discuss at home and then go ahead with the booking. The valuator put a cap of 48 hrs for the offer and I was happy.
Went next day with a cheque and booked the car. Full specifications that the wife wanted - Wine Red Asta (O) with 3D mats from Elegante (BTW, I was able to squeeze this over the discounts already offered) and the scuff plates.
Sweet deal.
Seat covers are due - all black - Autoform. Should be fitted before the Independence weekend. I have ordered a custom design - something similar to what you get pre-fitted in the Accord - leather seats.
The car was committed for Aug 10, but the sales rep called me up on Aug 2 to give me the news that the car is already in the stockyard.
T-BHP PDI checklist in tow, I went to do a quick PDI, found things in order and asked them to proceed with the registration.
Since I wanted the car delivered on Saturday, the car could only complete the road tax formality. It was more a demand to ensure that all near and dear ones can be invited over for dinner and that both my wife and I would have enough time to spend at the dealership and taking the car around once home.
The sales rep agreed and we got the insurance done a day before so there are no issues. RTO tax receipt ensured that I won't face issues at crossroads with the traffic police.
I'm yet to receive the number as I write this post but I'm expecting it around tomorrow.
Having driven the car for about 50 kms so far, I am sure a satisfied customer and I'm sure my wife is going to be more than happy with the auto box to help her in the traffic in Hinjewadi
I will post snaps once the seat covers are in place. And will add the detailed report too.
There aren't many Grand i10 Automatics here and I was able to get in touch with Sawnilrules and Superbhikari who promptly responded with their inputs.
Thank you both for making my decision easier.