Thread Starter
#1
BACKGROUND AND BUYING OVERVIEW
Idea behind buying, budget set and background of the research process :
Interesting story: Well to start with, it was 1 month ago when I started looking for getting a new car. Getting married next year was the main reason as to why I started looking for a 4 wheeler upgrading from my current 2 wheeler.![[:D]](https://www.theautomotiveindia.com/forums/images/smilies/Big%20Smile.gif "Big Smile [:D]")
I had an initial budget of around 4lakhs. So, I started with a casual discussion with one of my juniors as to which cars I can consider. And the best thing happened just then as he too was as much interested in buying a new car and selling off his 2nd hand i-10. With our daily travelling need of 10-15 kms daily we started considering Petrol hatchbacks as opposed to CNG or diesel.
So the hunt started: Initial cars that we considered were: Hyundai-EON and i-10, Maruti’s-Alto 800 and Wagon –R LXI, Chevlolet- Beat PS/LS( LT was not in my budget).
We started with TD of Wagon-R and EON.
Wagon –R : Good car, I must say. Handling was comfortable and as one says tall boy stance gives a good view of road. The steering really impressed me. Interiors I must say dint impress me much and looks were average.
Eon: I was considering EON – ERA +: Initial TD was just ok. The car lacked power and rear was too cramped up especially with 3 people was out of question. The looks of the car though, impressed both of us and interiors were also nice and stylish.
i-10 : My junior was already unhappy with the performance of i-10 and had got rid of his i-10 which also created doubts in my mind. We thus skipped the TD of this car.
Alto 800 Lxi : Somehow I feel that the new look of the car has not improved (if not worse) than its previous counterpart. At my home we already own ALTO, the new Alto though has better engine, I felt it had the same power as before( of course with the same 800cc engine). My father already advised me to get a change from Alto. The TD of the new Alto 800 did not impress me much.
Beat-PS and LS : We took a TD of the car in LT variant (Top most) .The car is really is a gem of a machine in hatchback cars .Great power and handling. Interiors in the LT variant had new looks. However we both agreed to high engine sound inside the cabin with doors closed and AC off. But as LT was out of my budget, I preferred to look into the lower variants. I felt that the absence of integrated music system resulted in lack-lustre of the Beat’s stylish interiors. Also the rear seats were a bit cramped up.
Ford Figo: This car was not in my list, however my junior wanted to see this car. However it just happened that that even Maruti’s dealer was more courteous that Ford’s. The sales man was in a show off that they were so busy with the already booked car’s that they do not even care. A big let off saved our time into the even the possible TD of Ford Figo.
Almost booked Wagon-R LXI: With the above TD and review I decided on Wagon-R LXI and to believe it or not I almost decided to book the car but for “Saturday”, not a very good day to start I decided to book it on Sunday.
Story Gets interesting..Please read on.![[surprise]](https://www.theautomotiveindia.com/forums/images/smilies/Surprise.gif "Surprise [surprise]")
Just as we were returning, we saw Honda’s brightly lit showroom and I said: Ah! Wish I could own a HONDA. Well, with nothing to lose we got into the showroom and just as our eyes were glued into HONDA’s new BRIO. Black Coloured car in good lighting, Beige interiors, stylish finish and ample (really ample) rear-passenger space. We incidentally took a TD and it was just ½ a KM of ride when I decided that whatever it costs.This is the Car!!!!! Great engine refinement, awesome interiors, stylish body and whatever 1 can hope for, from this segment of car along with...the brand HONDA.!!!!!!
With my budget of 4 lakhs I had less to chose from: Base variant EMT or the new EXMT: Believe me, just a week before I saw a music system being fitted from outside market into a car. And a look into the process , I made a point to buy integrated Music system whatever it takes( maybe I can upgrade the speakers). Brio’s EXMT model offers a sound that 90% of people will love (not only like).
So we( both me and my Junior) decided on Honda new “ Brio EXMT”
DEALERSHIP EXPERIENCE:
I must say that it was a very nice experience; perhaps this also helped me to make my final decision of getting Brio. The sales man was very soft-spoken, courteous, confident and had great clarity in what he was offering.
DELIVERY OF MY CAR:
I got the delivery of the car on 23rd Dec for which I had gone with my “would be”. Happy to see that HONDA cares in what it is selling. They have a dedicated delivery area. The car was washed ( again) as we sat down comfortably. The sales person had already done with the paper works and explained each and every paper to our satisfaction. He also explained insurance claims. Finally we moved to the delivery ceremony area, where a photograph was taken with the Big Honda key being delivered to us. The photo was instantly framed and gifted to us along with a packet of chocolate and tissue pack. What else can one hope for. I was really impressed with the whole little ceremony that they arranged. Most importantly my “would be” was happy !!!
Final quote received for the car, including discounts, additional benefits and on road price
After a heavy bargaining that I could manage :
COST OF EXMT:
On road price :
1. 4.36 Lakh
2. Accessories offered for free ( worth Rs 9500/-)
- Seat covers ( PU quality) Honda original
- Gear lock ( Black cat, drill free)
- Perfume ( of good quality)
- Deity ( we chose )
- Carpet Mat ( Pics attached)
3. I opted for extended 2 year warranty ( 4k)
4. 0% depreciation (2600/-)
5. Total Payment done = 4.42 lk (Bank loan of 2Lks)
Did not opt for:
1. Road side assistance ( totally rely on Honda)
2. Anti Rust coating
3. Teflon coating (I do not believe in this)
What EXMT offers above EMT:
1. Body Coloured Outside Rear View Mirrors
2. Body Coloured Outer Door Handles
3. 1 Din Audio with Coin Box(AM/FM, MP3, USB with AUX-in)
4. Front 2 speakers
INITIAL OWNERSHIP IMPRESSIONS
The quality & overall feel of the Brio's interiors is a huge selling point in this segment of cars. Brio’s interiors not only looks well equipped, but they also have the finishing of some of the best sedans from a segment above in terms of feel, fit & finish.
With the i10, Beat and Wagon-R compared, Brio has the best-in-class interior car undoubtedly. Other manufacturers should learn from Honda’s on giving quality interiors at this price, specially Toyota ( my friend own Toyota’s Etios)
The dashboard is set on the best level giving perfect view of the road and thus, even those of a medium-height won't have any visibility issues in driving this car. The 3-spoke steering wheel is thick enough to hold and gives a confidence while driving. The horn however is a little far to reach while driving.
The front seats have a super-long fore & after adjustment range. Classy Beige coloured interiors look awesome and the seat covers (PU quality) that I got fitted from the showroom adds to that effect.( Pictures attached)
Speaking about the space at the back seat, one needs to sit before believing how much space this car generates. On the TD I was with two of my a friends and made a point to sit in all the cars that we considered and were surprised with the space that Brio offers to 3 of the passengers sitting at the back and still plenty of space for the driver and co-passenger at the front seat.
The odometer with all the console is easy to read, whether day or night and for the RPM techies it’s a plus point too. I personally don’t know much about the uses of RPM meter. However, the ECO meter as well as automatic mileage calculator is what I admire the most.
The air-conditioner of the car left my family of 5 most surprised and even the heat blower is most useful in the chilly winter of Delhi. Sound quality from the OEM system with 2 front speakers is superb. Of course, for the most Bass lovers upgrading the OEM will be needed. Brio EXMT offers single din USB / AUX inputs and Tuner. The head-unit's large buttons make it easier to use when I am driving. Just below that, is coin space which actually I use to keep my cell phone and is the best possible space for keeping it while driving.
Storage space is plentiful inside the Brio. The 180 litre boot is a lot of talked about thing in Brio , Well I haven’t actually felt its need but may curse it when I go on long highway trip. Till then happy riding for me. Additionally, the rear seat can fold down for the times that I need to carry large cargo. However, Brio's steering is small in size and wonderful to hold. There is no driver seat height adjustment,( for an average height driver its seldom needed and to believe that it even exists in the any car was also a surprise to me ( I am not much knowledgeable about cars) . All round visibility is good and it feels airy while driving. The ORVMs are of good size and with a good adjustment, one never feels visibility would be an issue( I did not opt for parking sensors and don’t feel its need too).
GOOD BITS AND BAD BITS![[clap]](https://www.theautomotiveindia.com/forums/images/smilies/Clap.gif "Clap [clap]")
Mileage in the city traffic( of Delhi) has been around 15 KMPL !!!! and this is just above what I expected. Had an idea that it would be good and improve with the 1st servicing, but to start with 15 Kmpl is just awesome. Any improvement above this.Unrealististic but hoping for !!!!!
THINGS I DON’T LIKE ABOUT BRIO :
1. Gear I feel is a bit notchy ( specially in changing from 2nd to 3rd gear)
2. EXMT model doesn’t give wheel covers and to add it as accessory cost more than 4k.Wheel looks bland without this.
3. Boot space- may be when we go for a trip.
4. Suspensions of the car could have been better
5. I feel at times that horn could be a bit closer while holding the steering
ACCESSORIES I ALREADY GOT ( FROM OUTSIDE):
1. Remote locking ( keyless entry) Minda secutity system for 2k
2. Vanity mirror for 100/-
ACCESSORIES I WOULD LIKE TO ADD:
1. Mud Flaps
2. Parcel Tray ( Boot space is clearly visible without it from the glass rear)
3. Wheel covers( Costs 4000/- from Honda showroom with the screws, will get it from outside)
4. Car cover ( not sure , as I heard it causes more scratches than when not used)
5. Car cleansers
A word of advice to who-ever wants to buy a new car:
Please go through the reviews about the car and then make your decision wisely. I had made a point to check into the threads of The Automotive India after TD of each car and really it helped me lot in making the final decision. If possible take along someone who can accompany you. Really helps a lot. Hope this review can help any one in any possible way.
Wish you all a very Happy and prosperous new year 2013 !!!
Idea behind buying, budget set and background of the research process :
Interesting story: Well to start with, it was 1 month ago when I started looking for getting a new car. Getting married next year was the main reason as to why I started looking for a 4 wheeler upgrading from my current 2 wheeler.
I had an initial budget of around 4lakhs. So, I started with a casual discussion with one of my juniors as to which cars I can consider. And the best thing happened just then as he too was as much interested in buying a new car and selling off his 2nd hand i-10. With our daily travelling need of 10-15 kms daily we started considering Petrol hatchbacks as opposed to CNG or diesel. So the hunt started: Initial cars that we considered were: Hyundai-EON and i-10, Maruti’s-Alto 800 and Wagon –R LXI, Chevlolet- Beat PS/LS( LT was not in my budget).
We started with TD of Wagon-R and EON.
Wagon –R : Good car, I must say. Handling was comfortable and as one says tall boy stance gives a good view of road. The steering really impressed me. Interiors I must say dint impress me much and looks were average.
Eon: I was considering EON – ERA +: Initial TD was just ok. The car lacked power and rear was too cramped up especially with 3 people was out of question. The looks of the car though, impressed both of us and interiors were also nice and stylish.
i-10 : My junior was already unhappy with the performance of i-10 and had got rid of his i-10 which also created doubts in my mind. We thus skipped the TD of this car.
Alto 800 Lxi : Somehow I feel that the new look of the car has not improved (if not worse) than its previous counterpart. At my home we already own ALTO, the new Alto though has better engine, I felt it had the same power as before( of course with the same 800cc engine). My father already advised me to get a change from Alto. The TD of the new Alto 800 did not impress me much.
Beat-PS and LS : We took a TD of the car in LT variant (Top most) .The car is really is a gem of a machine in hatchback cars .Great power and handling. Interiors in the LT variant had new looks. However we both agreed to high engine sound inside the cabin with doors closed and AC off. But as LT was out of my budget, I preferred to look into the lower variants. I felt that the absence of integrated music system resulted in lack-lustre of the Beat’s stylish interiors. Also the rear seats were a bit cramped up.
Ford Figo: This car was not in my list, however my junior wanted to see this car. However it just happened that that even Maruti’s dealer was more courteous that Ford’s. The sales man was in a show off that they were so busy with the already booked car’s that they do not even care. A big let off saved our time into the even the possible TD of Ford Figo.
Almost booked Wagon-R LXI: With the above TD and review I decided on Wagon-R LXI and to believe it or not I almost decided to book the car but for “Saturday”, not a very good day to start I decided to book it on Sunday.
Story Gets interesting..Please read on.
Just as we were returning, we saw Honda’s brightly lit showroom and I said: Ah! Wish I could own a HONDA. Well, with nothing to lose we got into the showroom and just as our eyes were glued into HONDA’s new BRIO. Black Coloured car in good lighting, Beige interiors, stylish finish and ample (really ample) rear-passenger space. We incidentally took a TD and it was just ½ a KM of ride when I decided that whatever it costs.This is the Car!!!!! Great engine refinement, awesome interiors, stylish body and whatever 1 can hope for, from this segment of car along with...the brand HONDA.!!!!!!
With my budget of 4 lakhs I had less to chose from: Base variant EMT or the new EXMT: Believe me, just a week before I saw a music system being fitted from outside market into a car. And a look into the process , I made a point to buy integrated Music system whatever it takes( maybe I can upgrade the speakers). Brio’s EXMT model offers a sound that 90% of people will love (not only like).
So we( both me and my Junior) decided on Honda new “ Brio EXMT”
DEALERSHIP EXPERIENCE:
I must say that it was a very nice experience; perhaps this also helped me to make my final decision of getting Brio. The sales man was very soft-spoken, courteous, confident and had great clarity in what he was offering.
DELIVERY OF MY CAR:
I got the delivery of the car on 23rd Dec for which I had gone with my “would be”. Happy to see that HONDA cares in what it is selling. They have a dedicated delivery area. The car was washed ( again) as we sat down comfortably. The sales person had already done with the paper works and explained each and every paper to our satisfaction. He also explained insurance claims. Finally we moved to the delivery ceremony area, where a photograph was taken with the Big Honda key being delivered to us. The photo was instantly framed and gifted to us along with a packet of chocolate and tissue pack. What else can one hope for. I was really impressed with the whole little ceremony that they arranged. Most importantly my “would be” was happy !!!
Final quote received for the car, including discounts, additional benefits and on road price
After a heavy bargaining that I could manage :
COST OF EXMT:
On road price :
1. 4.36 Lakh
2. Accessories offered for free ( worth Rs 9500/-)
- Seat covers ( PU quality) Honda original
- Gear lock ( Black cat, drill free)
- Perfume ( of good quality)
- Deity ( we chose )
- Carpet Mat ( Pics attached)
3. I opted for extended 2 year warranty ( 4k)
4. 0% depreciation (2600/-)
5. Total Payment done = 4.42 lk (Bank loan of 2Lks)
Did not opt for:
1. Road side assistance ( totally rely on Honda)
2. Anti Rust coating
3. Teflon coating (I do not believe in this)
What EXMT offers above EMT:
1. Body Coloured Outside Rear View Mirrors
2. Body Coloured Outer Door Handles
3. 1 Din Audio with Coin Box(AM/FM, MP3, USB with AUX-in)
4. Front 2 speakers
INITIAL OWNERSHIP IMPRESSIONS
The quality & overall feel of the Brio's interiors is a huge selling point in this segment of cars. Brio’s interiors not only looks well equipped, but they also have the finishing of some of the best sedans from a segment above in terms of feel, fit & finish.
With the i10, Beat and Wagon-R compared, Brio has the best-in-class interior car undoubtedly. Other manufacturers should learn from Honda’s on giving quality interiors at this price, specially Toyota ( my friend own Toyota’s Etios)
The dashboard is set on the best level giving perfect view of the road and thus, even those of a medium-height won't have any visibility issues in driving this car. The 3-spoke steering wheel is thick enough to hold and gives a confidence while driving. The horn however is a little far to reach while driving.
The front seats have a super-long fore & after adjustment range. Classy Beige coloured interiors look awesome and the seat covers (PU quality) that I got fitted from the showroom adds to that effect.( Pictures attached)
Speaking about the space at the back seat, one needs to sit before believing how much space this car generates. On the TD I was with two of my a friends and made a point to sit in all the cars that we considered and were surprised with the space that Brio offers to 3 of the passengers sitting at the back and still plenty of space for the driver and co-passenger at the front seat.
The odometer with all the console is easy to read, whether day or night and for the RPM techies it’s a plus point too. I personally don’t know much about the uses of RPM meter. However, the ECO meter as well as automatic mileage calculator is what I admire the most.
The air-conditioner of the car left my family of 5 most surprised and even the heat blower is most useful in the chilly winter of Delhi. Sound quality from the OEM system with 2 front speakers is superb. Of course, for the most Bass lovers upgrading the OEM will be needed. Brio EXMT offers single din USB / AUX inputs and Tuner. The head-unit's large buttons make it easier to use when I am driving. Just below that, is coin space which actually I use to keep my cell phone and is the best possible space for keeping it while driving.
Storage space is plentiful inside the Brio. The 180 litre boot is a lot of talked about thing in Brio , Well I haven’t actually felt its need but may curse it when I go on long highway trip. Till then happy riding for me. Additionally, the rear seat can fold down for the times that I need to carry large cargo. However, Brio's steering is small in size and wonderful to hold. There is no driver seat height adjustment,( for an average height driver its seldom needed and to believe that it even exists in the any car was also a surprise to me ( I am not much knowledgeable about cars) . All round visibility is good and it feels airy while driving. The ORVMs are of good size and with a good adjustment, one never feels visibility would be an issue( I did not opt for parking sensors and don’t feel its need too).
GOOD BITS AND BAD BITS
Mileage in the city traffic( of Delhi) has been around 15 KMPL !!!! and this is just above what I expected. Had an idea that it would be good and improve with the 1st servicing, but to start with 15 Kmpl is just awesome. Any improvement above this.Unrealististic but hoping for !!!!!
THINGS I DON’T LIKE ABOUT BRIO :
1. Gear I feel is a bit notchy ( specially in changing from 2nd to 3rd gear)
2. EXMT model doesn’t give wheel covers and to add it as accessory cost more than 4k.Wheel looks bland without this.
3. Boot space- may be when we go for a trip.
4. Suspensions of the car could have been better
5. I feel at times that horn could be a bit closer while holding the steering
ACCESSORIES I ALREADY GOT ( FROM OUTSIDE):
1. Remote locking ( keyless entry) Minda secutity system for 2k
2. Vanity mirror for 100/-
ACCESSORIES I WOULD LIKE TO ADD:
1. Mud Flaps
2. Parcel Tray ( Boot space is clearly visible without it from the glass rear)
3. Wheel covers( Costs 4000/- from Honda showroom with the screws, will get it from outside)
4. Car cover ( not sure , as I heard it causes more scratches than when not used)
5. Car cleansers
A word of advice to who-ever wants to buy a new car:
Please go through the reviews about the car and then make your decision wisely. I had made a point to check into the threads of The Automotive India after TD of each car and really it helped me lot in making the final decision. If possible take along someone who can accompany you. Really helps a lot. Hope this review can help any one in any possible way.
Wish you all a very Happy and prosperous new year 2013 !!!
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