20000kms Update
There is an adrenalin rush once the engine crosses 2000rpm in 2nd & 3rd gears, it’s the feeling of the Fast and Furious, experienced this fun pretty late, since then I am loving the everyday drive where I look for opportunities to reach upto 5000rpm’s leaving all traffic behind.
20-80kmph is achieved in no time on full throttle. I realised this fun quite late, after crossing 12k��
Seats:
The driver seat is very comfortable giving a complete view of the front. I don’t find any blindspots from the pillars.
The height adjustment is a great advantage, adds to the comfort and front visibility. I wish they had a little more Lumbar support for a average frame like me.
Armrest:
Good feature but almost useless to me. Its way behind for my comfort and size (5.4”), with no adjustable feature in it, it becomes ineffective. A little 3” inch extended to the front would have made my long drives even more relaxed and rested.
Steering:
Tilt and Telescopic helps in getting the perfect position for a comfortable drive. The steering feel and grip is good, though at times, I feel the horn should have been little closer to my thumbs. Holds well with high speed driving too.
Headlights:
Illuminates road very evenly and nicely covering a huge area with powerful high beams. Adds Charm and Glamour. Auto Headlamp feature is superb and works seamlessly, though sometimes the lights are on even under 7.30am sunlight��
Apple Carplay:
Very satisfied with it. Its smooth and very rarely it gets hanged or responses late.
Mileage:
Baleno gives really good mileage in the city and extra ordinary on the highway.
City: 12/14
Highway: 19/26
Braking:
Brakes are effective, stopping without any directional change. Brake Assist would have added more safety to the powerful car.
Mini AMT:
The 3rd gear almost works as an AMT for me, coz there are no jerks all the way from 20kmph to 80kmph, which is the speed we drive in the city. Effortless and Fluent.
Driving on Ghats are a breeze, never felt out of energy even with loaded car on Kasara Ghats. Can climb easily on any Ghats in 3rd gear.
Other positve’s:
Bottle Holders and storage in all doors
Lots of useful storage areas in the cabin
Spacious and Airy Interiors
Superbly Informative MID
Auto Folding ORVM (miss the auto fold on locking with Smartkey feature)
UV Block Tint on all Doors, its super effective
Mirror with lights on both the SunVisors, even some of the higher priced cars don’t have them. Super important for wifey��
Lots of Boot space
Reverse Camera with sensors
To be honest, No Rattles or Unwanted noises from anywhere till now. Fingers-crossed.
Areas of improvement:
Steering Self Centring: The steering doesn’t Self-Centre without inputs after U-Turns.
NVH should have been little improved, especially on high speed driving. Tyre noise increases with speed.
6 Airbags on the Alpha variants.
Cruise Control
Brake Assist
More stylish Alloys as OEM
The Jack and accessory blue pouch in the dicky makes some noise on bumps, a proper cubicle to keep it where it doesn’t rattle would have been good.
Well to be honest, I don’t find any problem with the car. Maybe i love her too much, I know no car is perfect, but my Alpha Baleno is one perfect car for me. Well, the next time I pick a car, I would want all the features of my car in it minimum or else It won’t click with me.
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