The ride is very comfortable and its quite peppy too. Though the running-in period lasts for the 1000kms, i have had a couple of drag runs. But mostly driving it @ 40-60 km/h max.
The build quality is Ok but much better than what used to be in the Maruti 800 in its first few years. The designing of the car is fantastic, on the outside as well as on the inside. The amount of space (head room & leg room) that is provided on the inside beats most mid size sedans. The width is an issue but not enough that i would complain.
It has a rear mounted 624 CC, 2 cylinder, MPFI which churns out an impressive 35 PS @ 5250rpm and 48 NM of torque. The speeds tops out @ 105km/h beyond which all the alarms and lights on the instrument cluster go crazy, requesting you to lower the speed [IMG]http://www.************.com/community/images/smilies/smile.gif[/IMG]. It has a 4-speed synchromesh on all forward gears and sliding mesh on reverse.
Front suspension has Independent, Lower Wishbone McPherson Strut with gas filled shock absorbers. The Rear suspension has Independent, Semi Trailing arm with coil spring & gas filled shock absorbers which give quite a comfortable and stable ride. The tyres give away a bit, as it has puny 135/70 R12 up front and a decent size 155/65 R12 at the rear. The brakes feel sufficient as they are Dual Circuit, Vertically Split operated by tandem master cylinder with a vacuum booster DRUM brakes on all four. 180mm dia.
The fuel tank has a maximum capacity of 15 ltrs (got the first full tank done for a mere 650 bucks, LOL). FE is yet to be tested.
The interiors are dual tone vinyl, black on grey. There is a rear parcel shelf and can only accommodate 4 inch speakers that too with spacers [IMG]http://www.************.com/community/images/smilies/eek.gif[/IMG]. What surprised me was a digital fuel gauge which looks very hep and is only there in cars which cost 10 Lac and above. There is a low fuel warning lamp as well. A two spoke steering grips well and the cabin light up front is more than adequate. The instrument cluster has a nice orange color backlight.
The variant that i have bought (CX) has an air-conditioner with heater. The A/C is pretty effective right now, will have to wait and see how it performs in the torturing summers.
Power-steering is not available in any variant. It doesnt need it too coz it weighs 615 Kg only and with the engine mounted @ the rear the car is pretty light upfront.
As I opened the front hood/boot, i discovered the fuel cap, spare wheel, brake oil container and a few other things which i could not understand. Most parts seem to have been borrowed from the Indica.
In terms of safety, it has a laminated windshield, a centre high mounted stop lamp, front and rear seat belts, booster assisted brakes and tubeless radial tyres.
Thats about all i have seen/read up till now. Will keep updating this thread as my ownership gains more experience.
Forgot to mention the celebrity status that has come with the car. I have had atleast 50-60 people walking upto the car when its parked and ask questions like – "kitney ki padhi?" "diesel hai?" "booking ho rahi hai abhi?" "average kya hai?" "chalne mein kaisi hai?" etc. And there have been a few auntyjis as well stating "alto se better jagah hai" & "cute gadhi hai".
Adios!