The car’s higher ground clearance gave it a somewhat bouncy ride, reminiscent of a pogo stick.
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3500 up:
This week, the Spresso and I embarked on an epic journey to Gurgaon and back, braving 700 kilometers each way. With a mission to retrieve household essentials—15 boxes plus bags, and a massive 43-inch TV—we set out on our adventure.
The early start at 3 AM ensured we hit the Delhi border by 2 PM. However, our progress was hampered by a 40-minute traffic snarl at the border and a 20-minute delay due to construction near Punjabi Bagh on Ring Road.
The NH44 proved to be a dream road, especially in the early morning hours. Thanks to recent rain and snow, fog was minimal, except for a brief patch near Dasuya. Cruising at a steady 75-79 km/h, with just one pit stop for food, I found myself in a comfortable rhythm, allowing faster vehicles to zoom past in the second-right lane. The speed limit on this highway is 90 km/h, and I encountered a traffic checkpoint near Karnal, but the S-Presso effortlessly glided through.
Yet, every journey has its bumps—literally.
- The seat padding left much to be desired, given its sketchy low density padding. It is not the most comfortoble place for the long haul.
- Moreover, the car’s higher ground clearance gave it a somewhat bouncy ride, reminiscent of a pogo stick. With every bump at 80km translating to a few up and down motion before the Spresso suspension recentered itself.
However, these minor inconveniences aside, the trip was surprisingly comfortable for a budget hatchback. The lifeline of Android Auto kept me connected and guided through Delhi’s labyrinth of roads.
The return journey mirrored the outbound one, albeit with a slightly later start at 5 AM. By 6 PM, after covering over 750 kilometres, I was back in J&K, surrounded by a cargo of household items. With cardboard boxes and bags filling every available space—trunk, rear seats, and even the front passenger seat—the trusty TV held its place securely. Though not heavy, the delicate items were bulkier due to careful packaging.
Looking ahead, I anticipate upgrading the car’s suspension kit after clocking a few more thousand kilometers. While my search for options online has yielded little, I am hoping for some inputs from you – the reader.
In total, the journey spanned 38 hours, covering a distance of 1550 kilometres. Despite traffic snarls and city driving in Gurgaon, the Spresso maintained an impressive average fuel economy of 26-27 km/l, dipping slightly due to urban congestion. On the plains, cruising at a constant 70 km/h yielded an average of 28-29 km/l, while a leisurely 60 km/h on the highway pushed the efficiency up to 33 km/l. The boxy front design may divide opinions, but it undeniably impacts aerodynamics and fuel efficiency.
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