So imagine my surprise when he calls me four days later saying there were 3 (silver, black and white) GVs available with 2 different dealers in Chennai! He put me on to his MSIL counterpart in Chennai, who arranged with dealers so that I could land in Chennai, do PDI, and drive back with the car the same day.
A friend drove me to Chennai. We started at 5 AM and was at Cars India (dealer with the silver GV) at 9.30. Had coffee and went out on a TD. Drive went fine and we went back to the showroom to do a PDI (many thanks to all the BHPians who helped compile that very very useful checklist!). There was a bit of a delay because I couldn’t do 4H to N. Should have RTFM, but didn’t, and wasted sometime experimenting to find the right way to do it. By noon car was sent to RTO, registered (temp), and delivered. I was a GV owner!
It was a wonderful sales experience, thanks to the MSIL reps. They facilitated the whole thing, and was with me on phone or person whenever I needed them. I now know why there are so many Maruti fanboys! Hope their service support (for GV) also lives up to the billing.
On the way back, never exceeded 3000 rpm and got an average mileage (displayed) of 10.9kmpl. Not bad I guess.
I promptly fell sick after reaching Bangalore so all plans of going on long drives, completing 1000km over the weekend etc. went kaput. Though, last two days, did go on short drives around the city "to get to know each other". My impressions so far:
Pros
– SWMBO likes it! She hadn’t sat in one or even seen one up close until now.
– Absolutely no body roll
– Peppy engine
– Great suspension
Cons
– Long gear throws. Need to get used to this, changing gears on the Palio 1.6 is a dream!
– Pathetic car stereo
– Switching ignition on doesn’t lock doors
– Double clicking to open all doors
Next steps
– Register in KA
– Get first service done (300km to go)
– Replace music system
– Install skid plates
– D.R.I.V.E
Will keep updating this thread with pics/drives/service experiences etc.