Cedia review and questions

pete mitchell · 8th July 2008, 19:54

Hey guys. how is every one doing?

I am a newbie to this forum and have given some details about myself in the intro section.
I own a cedia sports(black) which I bought in January 2008. In six months I have logged 3500kms(not a lot).I did a lot of research, test drove a lot of cars before I finally came to the conclusion that cedia for its price, features and driving comfort is simply unbeatable. I managed to get 45,000 discount from metro motors (it was hard work man!) and got the registration done in Thane which saved me another 50,000. So ended up paying 9,50,000 on road for this beamer.

There is a lot written about how good the cedia is on this forum and I fact every thing is true. So my review isn’t going to be significantly different from the rest (except for few things about the car on which I have some questions. I have mentioned them in the next para) But since I am a member of this excellent forum which has helped me a lot during my car research days, its becomes my duty to do a bit of writing myself( make no mistake I am a lazy bone). Cedia experience in one word is superb! Loads and loads of driving pleasure is what this car gives. Push the seat as far back as your leg length permits, adjust the seat height and steering to its lowest setting, buckle up and hit the open road.

What follows is ecstasy... Engine feels to be very refined. It’s not a stonker as in the corolla but not far behind either. Initial pickup is little less(my be this is where the corolla scores over cedia) but it makes up for it after 40kmph and when the taco needle goes over 2500rpm, u get a surge of acceleration . When driving on uphills if u loose momentum, it takes time to built up speed in higher gears without downshift. But the engine never faultier or there is no knocking. The gear shift quality is good and it smoothens out with every km (right now my car has smooth shifts). The car is a breeze to drive in city because of very good all round visibility that it offers (no blind spots) and a very torquey engine. Minimum gear shifts are required and the engine pulls even from speeds between 15kmph to 20knph in third gear.

Suspension is a perfect balance between ride and handling. The interior quality is excellent. Significantly better than the sx4, fiesta, Verna or city. Actually there is no comparison. I just mentioned these cars cause loaded versions of these car are just a lac cheaper. Cabin is virtually sound proof. There is no continues humming sound of the suspension, wheel bearings or tyres which creeps in when the windows are up (lot of cars have it). Road noise only filters in when going at high speeds on cement roads and roads with rough surface. But is within limits. High speed stability and steering feel is very confidence inspiring (though I would recommend every one to keep both hands on the steering wheel when going above 130kph irrespective of which car u drive). I have managed to touch 170kph and could constantly and comfortably cruise at 140kph on Mumbai pune express highway which was my only long drive.

I have calculated fuel efficiency of the car four times and was always around 9.5 to 10 kpl (city driving conditions with a/c on). Cooling of the a/c is pretty good. Gets chilly when cruising on highways. After six months of driving there is nothing about the car which I have found inconvenient except for the black color. Boy oh boy. All aspiring black car buyers who envy black car owner and dream of getting a black car one day (like me) think twice before putting your dreams into reality. Cedia looks best in black(my opinion). When clean it looks hotter than Pamela Anderson. But the problem is it stays clean only for an hour after u have cleaned it. In no time a layer of dust makes itself visible and its thickness keeps increasing with the stroke of every hour .Believe me this can get really really frustrating. Any ways coming back to cedia as a car I think it is an excellent all rounder well suited for Indian driving conditions. I have made very few wise decisions in my life and buying the cedia is one of them.

Buying a black cedia is also one of them but only when it’s clean! Haha! I would recommend cedia (sports or select) to all people who want a petrol sedan with their budget between 7.5 to 8 lac stretchable to 9 to 9.5 lac. If not stretchable bad luck guys as it will be a big miss for a smallest of margin.

Now I have some questions to all cedia owners. One is regarding the tyres. There is a “THUD” noise which comes from the front tyres when the car goes over metal strips between two sections of a flyover bridge and also over long deep and wide cracks on the road. Is it because of the tyres? Will other tyres be quieter? Another thing is regarding the a/c. I have experienced that the frequency of the compressor switching on and cutting off is very high. Some times it comes on for just 2 sec and again goes off. Is it same with all cedias? Is the system suppose to work that way? Twice when I was driving up hills in traffic which involved a lot of half clutch operation, a/c compressor started cutting off and coming on with a loud “TAK” sound.

On both occasions the sound disappeared after some time. The first time when it happened I switched off the a/c and directly headed to metro motors. But made a fool of my self cause when the service guys started the a/c the sound refused to appear. Has any one experienced the same? Can the compressor actuator (thermostat) be affected by the driving conditions i.e. half clutch operations? Is there any connection between the compressor actuator, clutch and the accelerator? Cause after my experience I feel there is. Another question is can I fit a shark fin active radio antenna? If yes where should I get the fitting done? And one more question, any tips on maintaining a black car?

Hope this write up helps.
Thanks.

Note from Team BHP Support: Edited to make it more friendly to read, advice you to preview the post before submission for the same.

bhp1 · 8th July 2008, 22:12

Hi pete, late cograts on your cedia. Nice test report! So, you seem to be really pleased with your car, after all its rally throughbread.
Engine is a bit lethargic, hope mitsubishi had done some justice to the rally fame.
Ride & handling are surely best in class.
Huge discounts are order of the day for slowly moving models.
Regarding the thud, this is sometimes usual over metal strips on bridges, I experience on my corolla too. What is your tyre brand & are they tubeless? If they are tube type, replace with tubeless.
A.C. needs to be checked, its not normal.
Black is the colour of my car too. Get a coating done- 3m or teflon. Wash with water & soft cloth, avoid harsh detergents.

Maibaa · 9th July 2008, 12:50

Quote:

Originally Posted by pete mitchell

There is a “THUD” noise which comes from the front tyres when the car goes over metal strips between two sections of a flyover bridge and also over long deep and wide cracks on the road. Is it because of the tyres? Will other tyres be quieter?

What is the pressure on the tyres of your car? Maybe the "Thud" is due to stiffer tyres due to more air pressure. Try 28 PSI on all tyres and see the difference.

ashish22 · 9th July 2008, 12:55

congrats pete, cedia is a great drivers car.

mav2000 · 9th July 2008, 12:57

I use around 30psi on my stock cedia tyres and dont feel any harsh thud like you have mentioned. Check with 30 psi and let us know.

reignofchaos · 9th July 2008, 13:05

Quote:

Originally Posted by pete mitchell

Now I have some questions to all cedia owners. One is regarding the tyres. There is a “THUD” noise which comes from the front tyres when the car goes over metal strips between two sections of a flyover bridge and also over long deep and wide cracks on the road. Is it because of the tyres? Will other tyres be quieter? Another thing is regarding the a/c. I have experienced that the frequency of the compressor switching on and cutting off is very high. Some times it comes on for just 2 sec and again goes off. Is it same with all cedias? Is the system suppose to work that way? Twice when I was driving up hills in traffic which involved a lot of half clutch operation, a/c compressor started cutting off and coming on with a loud “TAK” sound.

The AC compressor cut off sound is absolutely normal. Happens on my car as well and initially I was concerned. Lathangi (the service center here until recently) showed me the same sound in their test drive car and told me there's nothing to worry about. I guess since then many others have posted about it and its just there on all cars.

About the thud noise... well i get it too but it has reduced a bit since I changed tyres to michelins. Again nothing really to worry about.

santhosh_kumard · 9th July 2008, 13:08

Congrats pete on your beauty. I own a cedia and I usually drive it with radio on at level 1 or 2. So I should also hear the thermostat ( my refrigerator makes that TAK sound ), but I never hear it inside the cabin, never in my 250 kms as of now.
Regarding the front side THUD sound, I would advice you to take a similiar car and under similiar conditions ( open/closed window, same speed ) take it over the same road. In some flyovers the sound comes even from my bike due to an improper set up of the gap. Just check with other vehicles and then you would know for sure, whether its a problem or not.

VMG · 9th July 2008, 15:59

Congratulations Pete. I also have Cedia sports(m Red) for the last 8 months and enjoying every moment.
Regarding 'Thud' sound, please check tyre pressure; I think 28 should be fine.

mav2000 · 10th July 2008, 12:37

Hey guys. Are all of you cedia owners running 28psi on your stock tyres?? By the way I think the guide says something like 2.1 kgm or something. So what does this translate to in PSI?

Jyodi Backster · 10th July 2008, 12:50

Quote:

Originally Posted by reignofchaos

......

About the thud noise... well i get it too but it has reduced a bit since I changed tyres to michelins. Again nothing really to worry about.

I agree with reignofchaos.
The noise does reduce a bit if you switch to michelin 205 PP2.
also the ride and handling both improve considerably.
On the joints (which is a common thing on concrete roads), I find the noise and the jerk more acceptable after switching to michelins.

Jyodi Backster · 10th July 2008, 12:54

Quote:

Originally Posted by mav2000

Hey guys. Are all of you cedia owners running 28psi on your stock tyres?? ....

I prefer 28psi on city roads, at 30psi, the ride becomes slightly bumpy.
I've tried 30psi on highways, but not seen considerable improvement in fuel consumption, not sure if everyone would agree !

cediafan · 10th July 2008, 13:05

28 psi is the cold air pressure. If you have driven for more than 2-3 kms before you stop for an air fill, you should get 30-32 psi

Fillmore · 10th July 2008, 13:08

Quote:

Originally Posted by mav2000

Hey guys. Are all of you cedia owners running 28psi on your stock tyres?? By the way I think the guide says something like 2.1 kgm or something. So what does this translate to in PSI?

Checkout Online Conversion - Pressure Conversion

I guess you need to select
Kilogram force/Sq Centimeter
To
Pound / Square inch

2.1 kilogram-force/square centimeter = 29.869 021 002 pound/square inch

maven · 10th July 2008, 13:09

yes the a/c switching on and off frequently is also the case with my cedia. and sometimes there is a "tak" sound. the first time i heard it i thought "there goes...somethings wrong" but then deduced that as normal behaviour pattern.

RajaTaurus · 10th July 2008, 15:26

Welcome to Cedia CLub Pete..
I bought my Cedia Spirit in Sept-2007 and have just done 6000+ kms. Till date touchwood. Never a problem.

for your Q#1, I observed this during early days. I had had a Camry earlier when I was in Gulf and had the same thing cutting off and on frequently. I used to do this - If you are going for a long drive, keep the Temp controller at "Coolest" when you start and when your cabin is fairly cool enough and just when the compressor cuts off, turn the temp knob setting to a bit less cooler side. This helps the thermostat to back up. Then the compressor cuts in only when the cabin temp reaches higher than the previous setting. Then onwards, it takes more time to cut off and cut in. Try and tell us the results.

For Q#2 on tire pressures, I keep 28 psi on all 4 tires and its just smooth-ride. If you are driving alone or just 2, 28 psi is more than sufficient for stock tires. If you are full-capacity and on long drives, pump it up a bit to 31 psi, for firmer road feel.

8th July 2008, 19:54	#1
pete mitchell Newbie Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: mumbai Posts: 14 Thanked: 0 Times	Cedia review and questions Hey guys. how is every one doing? I am a newbie to this forum and have given some details about myself in the intro section. I own a cedia sports(black) which I bought in January 2008. In six months I have logged 3500kms(not a lot).I did a lot of research, test drove a lot of cars before I finally came to the conclusion that cedia for its price, features and driving comfort is simply unbeatable. I managed to get 45,000 discount from metro motors (it was hard work man!) and got the registration done in Thane which saved me another 50,000. So ended up paying 9,50,000 on road for this beamer. There is a lot written about how good the cedia is on this forum and I fact every thing is true. So my review isn’t going to be significantly different from the rest (except for few things about the car on which I have some questions. I have mentioned them in the next para) But since I am a member of this excellent forum which has helped me a lot during my car research days, its becomes my duty to do a bit of writing myself( make no mistake I am a lazy bone). Cedia experience in one word is superb! Loads and loads of driving pleasure is what this car gives. Push the seat as far back as your leg length permits, adjust the seat height and steering to its lowest setting, buckle up and hit the open road. What follows is ecstasy... Engine feels to be very refined. It’s not a stonker as in the corolla but not far behind either. Initial pickup is little less(my be this is where the corolla scores over cedia) but it makes up for it after 40kmph and when the taco needle goes over 2500rpm, u get a surge of acceleration . When driving on uphills if u loose momentum, it takes time to built up speed in higher gears without downshift. But the engine never faultier or there is no knocking. The gear shift quality is good and it smoothens out with every km (right now my car has smooth shifts). The car is a breeze to drive in city because of very good all round visibility that it offers (no blind spots) and a very torquey engine. Minimum gear shifts are required and the engine pulls even from speeds between 15kmph to 20knph in third gear. Suspension is a perfect balance between ride and handling. The interior quality is excellent. Significantly better than the sx4, fiesta, Verna or city. Actually there is no comparison. I just mentioned these cars cause loaded versions of these car are just a lac cheaper. Cabin is virtually sound proof. There is no continues humming sound of the suspension, wheel bearings or tyres which creeps in when the windows are up (lot of cars have it). Road noise only filters in when going at high speeds on cement roads and roads with rough surface. But is within limits. High speed stability and steering feel is very confidence inspiring (though I would recommend every one to keep both hands on the steering wheel when going above 130kph irrespective of which car u drive). I have managed to touch 170kph and could constantly and comfortably cruise at 140kph on Mumbai pune express highway which was my only long drive. I have calculated fuel efficiency of the car four times and was always around 9.5 to 10 kpl (city driving conditions with a/c on). Cooling of the a/c is pretty good. Gets chilly when cruising on highways. After six months of driving there is nothing about the car which I have found inconvenient except for the black color. Boy oh boy. All aspiring black car buyers who envy black car owner and dream of getting a black car one day (like me) think twice before putting your dreams into reality. Cedia looks best in black(my opinion). When clean it looks hotter than Pamela Anderson. But the problem is it stays clean only for an hour after u have cleaned it. In no time a layer of dust makes itself visible and its thickness keeps increasing with the stroke of every hour .Believe me this can get really really frustrating. Any ways coming back to cedia as a car I think it is an excellent all rounder well suited for Indian driving conditions. I have made very few wise decisions in my life and buying the cedia is one of them. Buying a black cedia is also one of them but only when it’s clean! Haha! I would recommend cedia (sports or select) to all people who want a petrol sedan with their budget between 7.5 to 8 lac stretchable to 9 to 9.5 lac. If not stretchable bad luck guys as it will be a big miss for a smallest of margin. Now I have some questions to all cedia owners. One is regarding the tyres. There is a “THUD” noise which comes from the front tyres when the car goes over metal strips between two sections of a flyover bridge and also over long deep and wide cracks on the road. Is it because of the tyres? Will other tyres be quieter? Another thing is regarding the a/c. I have experienced that the frequency of the compressor switching on and cutting off is very high. Some times it comes on for just 2 sec and again goes off. Is it same with all cedias? Is the system suppose to work that way? Twice when I was driving up hills in traffic which involved a lot of half clutch operation, a/c compressor started cutting off and coming on with a loud “TAK” sound. On both occasions the sound disappeared after some time. The first time when it happened I switched off the a/c and directly headed to metro motors. But made a fool of my self cause when the service guys started the a/c the sound refused to appear. Has any one experienced the same? Can the compressor actuator (thermostat) be affected by the driving conditions i.e. half clutch operations? Is there any connection between the compressor actuator, clutch and the accelerator? Cause after my experience I feel there is. Another question is can I fit a shark fin active radio antenna? If yes where should I get the fitting done? And one more question, any tips on maintaining a black car? Hope this write up helps. Thanks. Note from Team BHP Support: Edited to make it more friendly to read, advice you to preview the post before submission for the same. Last edited by Jaggu : 8th July 2008 at 21:23. Reason: Readability
	() Thanks

9th July 2008, 12:55	#4
ashish22 BHPian Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Gurgaon Posts: 596 Thanked: 102 Times View My Garage	congrats pete, cedia is a great drivers car.
	() Thanks

9th July 2008, 12:57	#5
mav2000 BHPian Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Bangalore Posts: 623 Thanked: 316 Times View My Garage	I use around 30psi on my stock cedia tyres and dont feel any harsh thud like you have mentioned. Check with 30 psi and let us know.
	() Thanks

9th July 2008, 13:08	#7
santhosh_kumard BHPian Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Back to BLR Posts: 176 Thanked: 15 Times	Congrats pete on your beauty. I own a cedia and I usually drive it with radio on at level 1 or 2. So I should also hear the thermostat ( my refrigerator makes that TAK sound ), but I never hear it inside the cabin, never in my 250 kms as of now. Regarding the front side THUD sound, I would advice you to take a similiar car and under similiar conditions ( open/closed window, same speed ) take it over the same road. In some flyovers the sound comes even from my bike due to an improper set up of the gap. Just check with other vehicles and then you would know for sure, whether its a problem or not.
	() Thanks

9th July 2008, 15:59	#8
VMG BHPian Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Chennai Posts: 347 Thanked: 47 Times	Congratulations Pete. I also have Cedia sports(m Red) for the last 8 months and enjoying every moment. Regarding 'Thud' sound, please check tyre pressure; I think 28 should be fine.
	() Thanks

8th July 2008, 22:12	#2
bhp1 BANNED Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: NA Posts: 513 Thanked: 5 Times	Hi pete, late cograts on your cedia. Nice test report! So, you seem to be really pleased with your car, after all its rally throughbread. Engine is a bit lethargic, hope mitsubishi had done some justice to the rally fame. Ride & handling are surely best in class. Huge discounts are order of the day for slowly moving models. Regarding the thud, this is sometimes usual over metal strips on bridges, I experience on my corolla too. What is your tyre brand & are they tubeless? If they are tube type, replace with tubeless. A.C. needs to be checked, its not normal. Black is the colour of my car too. Get a coating done- 3m or teflon. Wash with water & soft cloth, avoid harsh detergents.
	() Thanks

10th July 2008, 12:37	#9
mav2000 BHPian Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Bangalore Posts: 623 Thanked: 316 Times View My Garage	Hey guys. Are all of you cedia owners running 28psi on your stock tyres?? By the way I think the guide says something like 2.1 kgm or something. So what does this translate to in PSI? Last edited by mav2000 : 10th July 2008 at 12:40.
	() Thanks

10th July 2008, 13:05	#12
cediafan BHPian Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Pune Posts: 162 Thanked: 8 Times	28 psi is the cold air pressure. If you have driven for more than 2-3 kms before you stop for an air fill, you should get 30-32 psi
	() Thanks

10th July 2008, 13:09	#14
maven BHPian Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Noida Posts: 264 Thanked: 156 Times	Re: yes the a/c switching on and off frequently is also the case with my cedia. and sometimes there is a "tak" sound. the first time i heard it i thought "there goes...somethings wrong" but then deduced that as normal behaviour pattern.
	() Thanks

10th July 2008, 15:26	#15
RajaTaurus Senior - BHPian Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Tenkasi, TN Posts: 1,118 Thanked: 484 Times View My Garage	Welcome to Cedia CLub Pete.. I bought my Cedia Spirit in Sept-2007 and have just done 6000+ kms. Till date touchwood. Never a problem. for your Q#1, I observed this during early days. I had had a Camry earlier when I was in Gulf and had the same thing cutting off and on frequently. I used to do this - If you are going for a long drive, keep the Temp controller at "Coolest" when you start and when your cabin is fairly cool enough and just when the compressor cuts off, turn the temp knob setting to a bit less cooler side. This helps the thermostat to back up. Then the compressor cuts in only when the cabin temp reaches higher than the previous setting. Then onwards, it takes more time to cut off and cut in. Try and tell us the results. For Q#2 on tire pressures, I keep 28 psi on all 4 tires and its just smooth-ride. If you are driving alone or just 2, 28 psi is more than sufficient for stock tires. If you are full-capacity and on long drives, pump it up a bit to 31 psi, for firmer road feel.
	() Thanks