Almost 11500 km on the Odo in 8+ months and I feel time for a short review:
-> First, the engine feels a bit smoother now after 2nd service. Not very perceptible, but over time I can feel it. But of course, nowhere near Suzuki engine refinement of my old celerio.
-> In city driving, car glides effortless in 3rd and 4th gear at lower speeds (20-40 km/hr) and hence not much downshifting except when almost coming to a stop. Beyond 40 km/hr if I am driving on a free stretch in the city I upshift to 5th gear for a relaxed cruise (but not for long usually).
-> In highways, this car munches kms effortlessly at around 90-100 km/hr, but definitely feels a bit more strained if you take it beyond 100-110 km/hr. Also I feel it is anyway safer and more fuel efficient to drive petrol cars at 90-100 km/hr (nearer 90 than 100). I noticed best fuel economy when driven steadily at 90-95 km on National Highways
-> Comfort wise, I rarely get tired on 6-8 hours drives on highway, whereas with celerio I used to feel fatigue after 5-6 hours of driving. So definitely I am taking KUV on long trips more than I used to with Celerio. Hence the higher kms within 1 year (now thinking, should I have gone for Diesel??
![Confused [confused] [confused]](https://www.theautomotiveindia.com/forums/images/smilies/Confused.gif)
). Not only for driver but also front passenger. Rear seats have acceptable comfort level for a car of this class and definitely better leg room / head room than few others. Also the floor on rear is flat, helping a third rear seat passenger stay slightly more comfortable.
-> Though 6 seater, I use the front arm rest most of the time. In case of extra baggage, I lift up the arm rest and use the seat for keeping stuff. Not advisable for a 3rd passenger on front row for long journeys for safety and comfort reasons.
-> The higher stance of this car makes me feel safer and more comfortable on slightly rougher roads.
-> Being a Mahindra I am confident of the body strength of this car. Definitely feels tougher and more butch than Maruti. But of course, there is a definite compromise in fuel economy which I feel is acceptable. Of course, an improvement in city mileage to 11-12 kmpl would be great.