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#1
For more than 6 years I was driving my Alto Lxi. I loved my Alto very much and it had a special place in my heart. Reasons being it was my first car and supported me through various phases of life. Car had completed 69000 Kms. but appeared to be just 3 years old. Though, to me it had started showing symptoms of ageing. Dropped pick up, some noises from loose screws etc. Though I won’t say it was old enough. With the mixed feelings I started to hunt for a new car. During past 6 years lot of things were changed for me like I got married and have a kid too. That is why I was looking for some more space in the car, more power & more comfort. So, car buying criteria for me was clearly defined –
- Is should be a Sedan
- As my run is not much, it should be a Petrol car
- It will be a Manual Transmission car
- It should fit my budget of 8 Lacs
- (Optional): Car will be European for engine/build quality etc.
With above criteria I started looking for cars. After initial research, below options were ruled out -
· Maruti SX4 – One of my friends own it and is not enjoying it. Dropping Sales figures also indicate decreasing popularity.
· Ford Fiesta – Overpriced!
· VW Vento (Comfortline) – Seriously lacking features.
· VW Vento (Highline) – Beyond 8L budget.
· Hyundai Verna – Wife did not like it. Back seat windows go pretty high & almost to the shoulder height of person sitting.
Shortlisted below cars after initial round of research
- Honda City (Beyond budget though)
- Skoda Rapid (Ambition plus)
Honda City is a benchmark in this segment. I would not hesitate to say that it’s tough to beat it performance wise. Though, these days somehow I started liking the European makes over Japanese/Korean. Hence I made up my mind to go with Skoda Rapid. I was aware about the A.S.S but recently heard about some improvements caused because of the management change. Also thought that I would not need much A.S.S considering the overall quality that comes with Skoda brand. I decided to go with my heart than my mind and booked a Rapid. I was happy & overwhelmed when I booked Skoda Rapid Ambition Plus 1.6 Petrol MT. My joy did not last long as I started getting false commitments about the delivery date and even after a month they were not sure by when they would be able to deliver my car. Read complete story (http://www.theautomotiveindia.com/f...skoda-rapid-horror-story-asset-auto-pune.html) posted on the forum already.
I don't know how but I thought about an option which was not the very preferred one - Volkswagen Vento Highline. When I compared it with Rapid, I was actually getting more features in the same car with slightly higher price. I closed my mind for no more thoughts and went on to cancel booking of Skoda Rapid and booked a VW Vento. I dearly wanted this car within 3 days as my anniversary was approaching. Car was readily available and dealer cooperated fully to deliver the car within 3 days. Finally my dream of a new car was fulfilled at the end of Nov'12.
(I've been writing this story since last 3 weeks at least :-(. Since this has reached some logical end, I will stop writing. Will get back with some pics, ownership/drive reviews soon.) VW Vento Highline - I'm loving it !!!
Here are some of the pics ..
Front View
Side View. It's a long car. Can feel it when you sit in.
New black bordered headlamps
New 6 spoke alloys. Gap between spokes is too much. Could have been decreased.
Front seats. It feels rich and spacious. Company fitted leather upholstery
Rear seats. Passengers sitting at the back have enough leg room even if the front seats are moved to the extreme back position.
Decent Dashboard
Leather covered steering. VW Trademark.
- Is should be a Sedan
- As my run is not much, it should be a Petrol car
- It will be a Manual Transmission car
- It should fit my budget of 8 Lacs
- (Optional): Car will be European for engine/build quality etc.
With above criteria I started looking for cars. After initial research, below options were ruled out -
· Maruti SX4 – One of my friends own it and is not enjoying it. Dropping Sales figures also indicate decreasing popularity.
· Ford Fiesta – Overpriced!
· VW Vento (Comfortline) – Seriously lacking features.
· VW Vento (Highline) – Beyond 8L budget.
· Hyundai Verna – Wife did not like it. Back seat windows go pretty high & almost to the shoulder height of person sitting.
Shortlisted below cars after initial round of research
- Honda City (Beyond budget though)
- Skoda Rapid (Ambition plus)
Honda City is a benchmark in this segment. I would not hesitate to say that it’s tough to beat it performance wise. Though, these days somehow I started liking the European makes over Japanese/Korean. Hence I made up my mind to go with Skoda Rapid. I was aware about the A.S.S but recently heard about some improvements caused because of the management change. Also thought that I would not need much A.S.S considering the overall quality that comes with Skoda brand. I decided to go with my heart than my mind and booked a Rapid. I was happy & overwhelmed when I booked Skoda Rapid Ambition Plus 1.6 Petrol MT. My joy did not last long as I started getting false commitments about the delivery date and even after a month they were not sure by when they would be able to deliver my car. Read complete story (http://www.theautomotiveindia.com/f...skoda-rapid-horror-story-asset-auto-pune.html) posted on the forum already.
I don't know how but I thought about an option which was not the very preferred one - Volkswagen Vento Highline. When I compared it with Rapid, I was actually getting more features in the same car with slightly higher price. I closed my mind for no more thoughts and went on to cancel booking of Skoda Rapid and booked a VW Vento. I dearly wanted this car within 3 days as my anniversary was approaching. Car was readily available and dealer cooperated fully to deliver the car within 3 days. Finally my dream of a new car was fulfilled at the end of Nov'12.
(I've been writing this story since last 3 weeks at least :-(. Since this has reached some logical end, I will stop writing. Will get back with some pics, ownership/drive reviews soon.) VW Vento Highline - I'm loving it !!!
Here are some of the pics ..
Front View
Side View. It's a long car. Can feel it when you sit in.
New black bordered headlamps
New 6 spoke alloys. Gap between spokes is too much. Could have been decreased.
Front seats. It feels rich and spacious. Company fitted leather upholstery
Rear seats. Passengers sitting at the back have enough leg room even if the front seats are moved to the extreme back position.
Decent Dashboard
Leather covered steering. VW Trademark.