I like the car very much. If some body has experience on MICRO PANDA cars, do tell me more.
I want to know about,
1. Driving condition. -
Absolutely good. Very steady & responsive steering wheel with good overall balance while driving. The car feels planted to the road and even at top speeds, the car preforms well without any shakes or rattles.
I have noticed that the maximum speed the car can reach is around 100. After 100 KMPH, the car seems to come to the threshold and from there onwards its a matter of how much distance you have to pick up the speed on rolling..
Basically what I meant is that... you can only "pick-up" the car to 100 .. from them onwards., the car needs extensive road length to develop the speed...
Long distance is a pleasure to drive... Engine heat keeps below 50% when you drive long distances.
The AC has some issues., and I believe my wife got it fixed two times. It seems that the AC unit has some inbuilt issues that needs some tinkering and sorting out after a while
The body condition is good... my wife jacked the car into a Maruti, a nissan and a light pole.. but still the body is pretty good and solid.
2. Engine pick up.
Very very poor. Actually the poorest I have seen in these sized cars. The engine is a 1300 cc .. even after 4 services and 20,000 km's under it.. the engine still lags in the pick up.
The gear comes with a motion lock system which locks out the 1st gear while moving and you have to break or bring down the speed to below 10 to release the 1st when moving........so traffic is a menace !!
What I have noticed is that the "REAL" pick up of the engine is at the 3rd gear. if you just shift through the 1st & 2nd quickly enough.. you can really ZOOOOM on the 3rd.
However, the Engine it self is good. No issues as yet.
3. Petrol Consumption.
Whoever says whatever... the biggest down face moment of this car is the petrol consumption.
As said.. my wife's car has gone through 4 services and 20,000 Km's.. but still it goes on FLAT 10 KM per 1 Lt.
Again.... FLAT 10 KM per 1 Lt. .... and if you hit the traffic (which you normally do in colombo.. it goes down to 8.5 - 9) so in comparison, it's cheaper to run my SUV in traffic than her Panda !
Outstation... it does 12-13 Km's per liter.
4. compare with Japanese and Indian cars.
Comparison to japanese cars... I see the biggest difference is on the Engine pick up and the petrol consumption. Other than that.. this car is on par with many of the same size Jap cars like "passo, fit etc etc"
Great leg space for both driver & passengers.. good position in driving.. comfortable.. well balanced driving experience.
Indian cars--- you gotta be fucking kidding me right???
My conclusion -
Great car to buy and drive. you have to be careful not to hit bumps too fast as the car comes with soft socks and the body is lowered to maintain the gyro balance.. so a too much of a gap or if you are too fast.. you will hit the chassie on the road
good inbuilt sound system.. as said.. very comfy.. enough boot space, fordable back seats.. etc etc.
but... one warning though
If you are to buy this, you should earn enough money to regularly pump petrol.. or you should get fuel from the office...........OR OR you should have a spouse (wife or husband) who earns enough to burn money in it .. (sadly my case)
It will be more important for new buyers too.
Thank You!
