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car-o-static 17th May 2009, 2:07 pmIndians just love small cars. Infact this fetish for small cars was started by the Maruti 800, which today is more of a national monument than a car. However cars has evolved and become more powerful and refined ever since those old days of 1975 when owning a car was more of a status element then transportation convenience. Humans evolved from monkeys... and a growing demand resulted in these fine cars, however there is a thin line between the 3 and most of us are caught in tussle when we shortlist these cars...so I ask you all to decide.
Chevrolet Spark:The smiling car that puts a smile on your face. It’s a small car with a MPV feel, now some consider it more of a Matiz rebadged, but where, Matiz set a level for handling and comfort in this segment, the Spark offers a whole new ball game. Car handles remarkably well on the highway and city, body roll is well controlled. Sparky as I like to call it, has a free revving engine, which is an implied invitation to visit the redline on the tacho more often, also a 16.9kmpl, its light on the pocket too. Interiors are remarkably spacious, unlike most small cars, it can seat 4 people with lot of comfort, however 5 might be a little bit of a clutter. The LT version’s music system is like a pre-40s jukebox, with the music coming more form the ankles, and sounds distorted in traffic, not much entertainment to be precise, the stylishly funky interiors is a good statement which lends some character to the car, however, the proximity of the pedals might be a bit annoying if you are wearing size 10 Weinbremers. The gearshift is a bit problematic with the long throw, everytime you put the gear in 1st or 3rd, your knuckles are likely to hit the central console, and if you are a strong bloke with rigid knuckles you might do some damage to the console. But all in all the car is full of life, cute too, also I reckon everyone in the family will just adore good old Sparky.
Hyundai Santro:The small car with a tall boy feel. Its an ideal hatckback for the city, not just of its small size which makes it fairly maneuverable in the city but also its user friendliness. Design is fairly modern and it’s a good work of engineering to add that touch of character some Indian car boasts off. Its 1.1 Lts engine capable of producing 63 bhp is refined but not something you really wanna put to the limit, its more suited for stop and go city traffic and its highly likely to choke on the highway. However, it has a tight turning circle which implies that it has good handling. The interiors are high quality and easy to use, also getting in and out is hassle free unlike all small cars, the cabin will easily sit 4 but sitting 5 might be a bit of the pain in the arse for the 3 people at the back. It’s a practical user friendly car however it doesn’t feel very solid, its hugely functional and user friendly but not something you would wanna drag race in, and you wouldn’t ever dare to try and drift the car. All in all it’s a family car, a car meant for the daily commute.
Maruti Suzuki Alto:The bigger brother to the 800, it however does beat the little sibling when it comes to sales. It has the same heart as the 800 (a little more refined however)but it offers more then the basics associated with its little cousin. It’s a solid built car, suited for rough Indian terrain, that coupled with decent handling and high fuel economy is ideal for the city roads. On the highway however, it just might scurry for cover. Interiors are cheap, cramped at the back and rather narrow too. Its typically maruti type interiors to be precise. However on any given day it’s a better choice than the 800 because it offers more. All in all it’s a city car, a car suited for the cash strapped newly weds.
Chevrolet Spark... "Full of life"
Hyundai Santro..."First car, First choice"
Maruti Suzuki Alto... "Let's Go"
Chevrolet Spark:The smiling car that puts a smile on your face. It’s a small car with a MPV feel, now some consider it more of a Matiz rebadged, but where, Matiz set a level for handling and comfort in this segment, the Spark offers a whole new ball game. Car handles remarkably well on the highway and city, body roll is well controlled. Sparky as I like to call it, has a free revving engine, which is an implied invitation to visit the redline on the tacho more often, also a 16.9kmpl, its light on the pocket too. Interiors are remarkably spacious, unlike most small cars, it can seat 4 people with lot of comfort, however 5 might be a little bit of a clutter. The LT version’s music system is like a pre-40s jukebox, with the music coming more form the ankles, and sounds distorted in traffic, not much entertainment to be precise, the stylishly funky interiors is a good statement which lends some character to the car, however, the proximity of the pedals might be a bit annoying if you are wearing size 10 Weinbremers. The gearshift is a bit problematic with the long throw, everytime you put the gear in 1st or 3rd, your knuckles are likely to hit the central console, and if you are a strong bloke with rigid knuckles you might do some damage to the console. But all in all the car is full of life, cute too, also I reckon everyone in the family will just adore good old Sparky.
Hyundai Santro:The small car with a tall boy feel. Its an ideal hatckback for the city, not just of its small size which makes it fairly maneuverable in the city but also its user friendliness. Design is fairly modern and it’s a good work of engineering to add that touch of character some Indian car boasts off. Its 1.1 Lts engine capable of producing 63 bhp is refined but not something you really wanna put to the limit, its more suited for stop and go city traffic and its highly likely to choke on the highway. However, it has a tight turning circle which implies that it has good handling. The interiors are high quality and easy to use, also getting in and out is hassle free unlike all small cars, the cabin will easily sit 4 but sitting 5 might be a bit of the pain in the arse for the 3 people at the back. It’s a practical user friendly car however it doesn’t feel very solid, its hugely functional and user friendly but not something you would wanna drag race in, and you wouldn’t ever dare to try and drift the car. All in all it’s a family car, a car meant for the daily commute.
Maruti Suzuki Alto:The bigger brother to the 800, it however does beat the little sibling when it comes to sales. It has the same heart as the 800 (a little more refined however)but it offers more then the basics associated with its little cousin. It’s a solid built car, suited for rough Indian terrain, that coupled with decent handling and high fuel economy is ideal for the city roads. On the highway however, it just might scurry for cover. Interiors are cheap, cramped at the back and rather narrow too. Its typically maruti type interiors to be precise. However on any given day it’s a better choice than the 800 because it offers more. All in all it’s a city car, a car suited for the cash strapped newly weds.
Chevrolet Spark... "Full of life"
Hyundai Santro..."First car, First choice"
Maruti Suzuki Alto... "Let's Go"
