I bought an Alto lx on 8th May, 2007.Here are my experiences:
- Engine:** A very optimized engine that burns less fuel and has the best power to weight ratio amongst Indica & Santro inspite of being only 800cc, 3 cylinders, 47bhp.
a.) Response to acceleration:** The engine responds very quickly to slight increase in acceleration. You press the accelerator little, and even in 3rd gear it catches up 80 kpl within no time. It will go at much higher speed
Update (5, 800 Kms):** Please do not compare with 4 cylinder and more cc engine.
Update (14000km): compare! no problem. I've had race with many of these including wagon r and santro.
b.) Response to brake: A very reliable brake. Your vehicle will definitely come to a halt in emergency conditions.
Update (14000 Kms): You should maintain a safe distance. It is a drum brake, so avoid sudden brakes on slippery road/loose gravel; else it mayl skid and you lose control over the car. But drum brakes have better performance than ABS in one scenario: It will stop the car quicker than ABS on snowy road.
c.) Engine noise: Noisier than cars in its segment by other brands.
Update (14000 Kms): same in indica santro engine.
d.) Pick up with A/C: Does reduce as in other cars. Even cars with 4 cylinders &1000cc and above have the same phenomenon.
Update (3, 800 kms): 6 adults and A/C on, touched 100 kph with normal effort on Bangalore-Mysore road.
e.) Pick up without A/C:** Tremendous! Really, I never know when I jump to 90kph or 100 kph within seconds. Be careful while accelerating.
f.) Mileage: Will reduce if you frequently accelerate too high and apply brakes. Make your average speed 45 kph to 50 kph. Should increase after 3000kms as said in car manual.
Update (3, 800km): Around 17.7 km/l in city; 20 kms/l on high-way.
Update (5, 800): After 2nd service and good driving sense, I am getting 18.5 to 19.0 kpl in Bangalore.
Update (14000): as previous
g.) Ignition effort: Start without pressing the accelerator. This is the actual way!
Update (14000): no problem ever
h.) Reliability: The engine is same as that of M800, which is a well - tested product. The only difference is around 10bhp more power and one extra gear. Don't be upset that it has the same engine as that of M800. Most car manufacturer's use the same engine in their various models, because if the already developed engine is well-tested, they can re-use it for making a reliable product. For e.g. Hyundai's accent and verna has almost the same engine! So, cheer up!
Update (3, 800 kms): True, highly reliable. Never gave any technical problems so far.
Update (14000): Of course!
Looks:*
Exterior: The new look is very sporty. If black, no need of colored bumpers. If any other color, please color the bumpers
Interior: Overall, good except that the C-pillars are not covered with any fabric from inside. The pillars are broad and look cheap without any fabric covering them.
Comfort:
a.) Driving: Good.
Update (3, 800 kms): Gears are terrific. I need to work hard so much to put the reverse gear. Bad.
Update (14000): It was my problem. The gears 1 to 5 are synchronized with synchromesh technology. The reverse is not. Whenever you are not able to shift to the reverse, release the clutch and press it again slowly. 100% it works. Pls. note, this is not a malfunction.
b.) A/C: Good. During day-time when the sun is very harsh, it takes around 5 minutes to cool. During evening, it is chilling. I don't trust those who say A/C is very chilling all the time. Yes, overall it is much much better than Spark's
Update (3, 800 kms): Put on sun-film. Then cools quickly even in hot sunlight.
Update (5, 800 Kms): But pulls in dust whenever I set it to draw in fresh air. Service men say it is normal. My advice: Whenever you feel like drawing in fresh air, just pull down the glass and let fresh air come in for a minute. Now, close the window and continue with A/C.
Update (14000): no problem so far.
c.) Rear passengers' seats: Comfortable. U do not feel sunk into the seat as in Indica or similar cars. Also, The rear passengers have a good view through the front windshield.
*d.) Front passenger's seats: Comfortable. I feel little low in the seats. But ok.
e.) Rear legroom: Satisfactory
f.) Front legroom: Good.
Update (3, 800 kms): My thighs would be hit by steering and ignition cylinder when I get into and out of car.
g.) View:
i.) Through front windshield:** Good. But you can't make out the span of the car's front part (bonnet, for e.g) which reduces manoeuverability in crowded streets.
ii.) Rear: Satisfactory. The thick C-pillars without quarter glass do reduce the visibility to 80%
h.) Ride Quality:Very silky in 4th and 5th gear. Also, I don't sense the 'garh - garh' feeling (floor vibrations) as in Indica.
Update (5, 800 Kms): With A/C on full-blast, you will feel vibration in the engine while driving at lower speed.
Body:*
a.) Sometimes make a noise at the rear. Only if you are straining the car over a high-raise while reversing would you hear a momentary noise (for a second).
Update (14000): Well, it was only once!
b.) Body's color quality is good. If you get the tefseal coating done, deep scratches won't happen. For e.g. a white tempo traveller scratched my car's body - around 1 m long. I noticed a long white mark on the car. I was upset. I tried wiping it off with a mild car shampoo. With some efforts, the scratch went and the glossy finish was restored!
Update (3, 800 kms): Color quality is ok. Gets scratches easily if the cleaning cloth is not damped.
c.) Rear Suspension: Sturdy. It doesn't collapse too low as in 800 with full load.
Make sure you do the rubber-coating underneath the body. It will protect your car from mud in rainy season.
Update (3, 800 kms): No need to do this underneath coating. It is already done in factory. Dealers will mis-guide you to make profit. Save your Rs 3000. Just get car-wash every month.
