First weekend of another FY was dawning upon us and instead of splurging money on movies as always, I decided to take some cars for a spin with a friend (for free). I wasn’t the one looking to buy one – but I was just as excited. Car launches always keeps me on toes. There is nothing more interesting out there if you ask me, especially when you are an enthusiast and there is no better way to start off your weekend.
Sub 8 lakh category:
Ford Figo Diesel.
This was one car I wanted to drive for a long time. Ford’s in India have always been a driver’s car and ride and handling pretty much took priority over everything else. Earlier models (70 PS) somehow always felt responsive yet underpowered when you push it too hard. But this time around, Ford decided to slam it with a 1.5 100 PS diesel and the excitement was in the air.
Dealer went ahead and proudly tagged it as – ‘The Fastest Hatch’ sir. Ironically, he asked us to keep it below 60 kmph during the test drive. Major put off.
A lot was on my mind. But mostly, I just felt bad for Ford India.
Crappy Dealer = Great Car
Suzuki Baleno Diesel.
I hated this car. I don’t care what you think. I did, I did.
But Suzuki knows how to sell cars in this country better than anyone else. They have for a very long time and they will continue doing so. Why? Because they play it safe!
Baleno is familiar in context if you think hard. Even before it was launched, you might have seen it a lot on the roads, for a long time now – ever since 2005. You see where I am heading? Yes! It’s nothing but an overgrown Swift in a new avatar + a bit of A-Class beyond the C Pillar. Same Fiat sourced 1.3 Diesel as on every other car – which has been in use for 9 years now.
Worst part is people still fall for them thinking it’s easier to maintain. Not anymore. Period!
6 months waiting, the dealer said. Thank you for the free ride, I thought.
Good Dealer = Crappy Car
Hyundai Grande i10 Diesel.
The second time I am driving this car and it still makes me smile. Forgive me if you think the 1.1 CRDi doesn’t do the job. It does and gives a whole lot for your buck. Talk about VFM and Hyundai is right there. Hyundai is probably the only car manufacturer in India who understand the consumers well. Like really! Dealers are well informed and courteous to the customers and the test drives are long – and instantly makes you fall in love with the brand itself.
Best part is they have a car for you, no matter how much you are willing to burn. ICOTY (Indian Car of the Year) 2014, 2015, 2016 – were all won by Hyundai for Grande i10, Elite i20, and Creta. Tells a lot about how good they know their customers and that’s what is working for them.
Great Dealer = Good Car
Sub 6 lakh category:
Enter Tata Tiago.
I was surprised at what kind of value proposition this car would offer at first and the time Tata took to launch this car (Zica was a better name) but Tata nailed it with the pricing this time around and undercut the closest competition by more than a lakh. 4.75 Lakh for the Petrol, 5.54 Lakh for the Diesel (Ex-Showroom Delhi).
Beat that suckers, Tata must have thought!
Bold move and I am sure they’d sell big numbers with this one.
Step into the car and you might mistake it for a Hyundai at first glance. Interiors are so well thought of and non-existent in any of Tata’s current line up. If there is a little compromise, it’s only the 3 cylinder 1.0 litre diesel that it comes with. I might just be nit-picking though. This is a great VFM and something we all crave for. Best bang for your buck. The only other car that comes close is the KUV 100 but it looks a bit comical, if you ask me.
Something tells me Tiago will fly off the charts and could be another Indica for Tata in terms of sheer numbers. Gotta test drive the Tiago Diesel first. Looks like a sweet deal.
More details on this soon.
Between, I managed to take the Himalayan for a spin and I was very impressed. A lot of thought has gone into the product and the cult following is only getting bigger for Royal Enfield with this one. I only came out thinking the bike could have benefited from a little more grunt, a fatter front tyre, and ABS as an option. Nothing to complain though. Its purpose built and will sell.
Kudos, RE.