Guys,
Went over to a TATA dealer in Bangalore to see the 2.2. They have a Cycus Grey EX model on display and I was absolutely bowled over by the sheer road presence and looks! Both my wife and I looked at each other and mouthed a determined 'Yes'!
Anyway, some thoughts and questions :-) I have tried to factor in all the answers posted earlier but do forgive me for any repeats. I am keen to get some info prior to my planned TD over the weekend. Need it to budget the total cost!! QUESTION 1.
Our usage will be limited to about 500km in Bangalore city with a few highway jaunts thrown in (maybe 2 per year?). Do I definitely need to change tyres from the stock tubed (for LX) Bridgestone Duellers 235/70/R16? I got some prices from Bangalore tyre dealers and the extra costs involved (after exchange) in switching to say, Michelin Latitude Tour HPs are Rs. 14,000 (for 235/70/R16) and Rs. 23,000 (for 255/65/R16). QUESTION 2.
I definitely don't need 4X4 and can't afford it anyway. So should I go for the EX 4X2 or the LX? Bangalore OTR prices (with extended warranty of 24+24 months) are Rs. 850,893 for the LX (only 4X2 available) and Rs. 9,90,666 for the EX (4X2). Thus the difference is a staggering Rs. 1,50,000!
From poring over the specs these seem to be the differences and my comments against each:
A. Roof mounted rear AC - didn't quite like the looks and think it makes the spacious interior/greenhouse effect look quite cramped; Also not sure about the dual front and rear throws. Do I really want cold hair directly on my thinning hair :-)?
B. Front and rear fog lamps - Will consider fixing to the LX if TATA sells it at a reasonable price. Are the front fogs really useful or merely ornamental?
C. Beige interiors (EX) as opposed to gray (LX). They had a new 3.0 being delivered so could compare both the interiors. Frankly liked the gray finish better as it suits the image much more. Beige is a fad as of now and is better suited to the cleaner environs of the West. Here in Bangalore, if I drive for a month with the windows down, the beige will turn to brown! It DOES make the interior look more airier and 'lighter' though. General quality of plastics bits/dash/door inserts etc is exactly the same and definitely lower than the current crop of sedans/SUVs. But can live with that.
C. CD/MP3 Player - didn't like the EX stock HU and am more than prepared to spend on a better HU and 4/6 speakers for a LX.
D. Electrically operated fuel flap - Salesman was unsure on this: I assume that the LX will come with a manually operated (lever) filler cap? Or is it a key-operated cap? Anyway, I feel with the cheats at nearly all Bangalore petrol bunks, it is essential anyway to stand right next to the attendant when filling up fuel with one's eyes glued to the meter!
E. Remote locking - Salesman was unsure on this: I assume LX comes with key-operated central locking; only thing to be added is the keyless feature for a nominal cost.
F. Height adjustable driver's seat - Probably not needed as I am about 5' 11" and could see quite well. Also the steering wheel is adjustable for rake (I think) so should not be an issue.
G. Rear wash/wipe/demister - Think TATA are unduly skimping here - they should have offered at least the wiper feature anyhow on the LX. But not a showstopper. Can we buy aftermarket elements to do the same job? Also does the relatively high-mounted vertical rear glass need a wiper except in heavy rain? Won't a careful cleaning and treatment of the glass with a specialized liquid solve the issue before any highway etc drives? Also, can one really see a lot through the IRVM given the spare wheel :-)?
H. Clock missing on LX: Simple, take left hand of steering and look at the time :-)
I. Tubeless tyres - Will probably change (depending on the expert views above) but tubed tyres should be good enough anyway.
J. Immobilizer - Can I fit aftermarket and/or can I accomplish almost the same with a reputed gearlock etc?
K. Front grill only in gray - Can retrofit EX grill if I want to.
L. Center console in silver as opposed to cubic printed - can live with same.
M. BUMPERS & SIDE CLADDING - This is up for discussion as of now. We are aiming for a Quartz Black LX so will the grey look better or should we paint the same from the dealer. I feel that the body coloured ones make the vehicle 'too black' and increases the pain everytime some nut in a Sumo/Indica/bike/auto scratches it. Have asked for a estimate but believe (from past T-BHP posts) that it will be about 12 to 15k from any Bangalore TATA dealer.
So to bring the LX near to the EX's specs and as per my personal calculations/preferences, I will need to spend approximately the following:
A. 5k for remote keyless locking; (Present on EX);
B. 5k (?) for a good gearlock; (May have opted for on EX itself - I park on unguarded road while at office);
C. 15k for a reasonable HU + 4/6 speakers; (May have opted for on EX too - did not like the looks of the HU);
D. 15k for painting body cladding/ORVMs/bumpers (Present on EX);
E. 5k. Sunfilm - 3M/Llumar brand only (Would have need for EX too) So total of around 30k from A, B, C & E above. Is paying 150k over the LX for the EX (4X2) worth it then?
Comments please?!
ItWasntMe
Last edited by itwasntme : 10th October 2007 at 12:20.
Reason: Typo
|