BHPian knrn recently shared this with other enthusiasts: 16,000 kms and 4-year update. I am very happy to report that the car completed 4 years in September, but I was waiting for another milestone to add to the post, which was the figure of 16,000 km. I used to wonder why so many other Bhpians post pics of odometer milestones, but I think I realise the importance now. It’s just feeling something special. To be very frank, I did not realise that it had been 4 years. It’s only when I took the pic that my son asked me why, and I told him that it’s for team BHP. He then very casually says Oh, Dad, you are driving only 4000 kms a year. And I am surprised. The same boy, as a baby rocking on my father’s shoulder( that pic is in the early pages of the thread) is now telling me about my car’s yearly mileage. Time literally flies. And frankly( I use the adjective again), this has been my review of the car so far. Touch wood, it has been such a reliable vehicle that I failed to realise so much time has passed. I don’t take it out much. My daily driver is my bullet STD. 13 years and counting. Requires a visit to the FNG every 3 months and runs rock solid to the core thereafter. My Dad’s Santro is now my wife’s beater car. The Scross is for going to functions or when the family travels together, or on family trips. And our trips are long. It can be very long. Just this month I went to Shimla and the surrounding areas and totalled more than 950 kms. Travelogue coming soon. Continuing with the car, it has provided me with a very reliable ownership so far. I am known to baby my vehicles, but then whenever she runs, the trips are mostly 600-700 kms plus at a stretch. So when travelling with family, reliability, comfort, and space are paramount, and these are the fortes of this vehicle. Having a K12 b engine ensures excellent low-end torque and is available from the get-go. City and low speed driveability is also great. The clutch is medium long but very light. And a pretty silent cabin till 3000 rpm. Yes, the K12b is famously infamous for that droning noise, but I feel that this car is well insulated, and so it is not an issue. Rather, it is the wind and tyre noise after 90 kmph that are intrusive. The engine note post 3000 rpm is a throaty and raspy note. Nice to hear, but that’s a territory I don’t trudge into very often now, but on occasions when I do, the pleasure of wringing a naturally aspirated engine is an experience in itself. Crossing 3500 rpm changes the personality of the car. I have deflated many an ego with this one. However, now I am into marathon long rides, which require consistency and discipline- again, greatly rewarded by this vehicle, and therefore the car is a very comfortable cruiser. Give it the stick and it will run and run fast, but I think that this car has such a good suspension and beautiful ride quality that its ability to carry speed, running unfazed over expansion joints, quick recovery from undulations, and hence its ability to ride FLAT is what makes this vehicle make up for the lack of speed. Reach a speed, set cruise and then ride all day without flinching. All this while family members sleep comfortably in the car. This is a great feeling. Comfortable hugging seats. All creature comforts( necessary ones), plenty of storage space in the boot and for knick-knacks and my favourite 1litre bottle holder in all 4 doors. The interior is a nice place to be in. Premium quality soft-touch materials all around. Comfortable and cosy. The ACC is another great companion. This year, temperatures in Punjab frequently touched 48 C, even reaching 52 C, but the ACC was able to cool the car very effectively. Even from under the sun, stars were dispensed off in a cool way. I give full credit to this car’s AC. I have climbed mountains and high-grade inclines. I have ridden twisties and the wets. Rough landslides and smooth tarmac. They are V-rated, which means rated for speeds up to 240 kmph. Now that’s no ordinary feat. I have seen people not giving these tyres great reviews, but I will say that they are not as bad as they are normally perceived to be, being a JK product. They are quite decent for the price they are on offer. There are better products out there. My Santro is 18 years old and still runs like a charm. S cross at 18 – well, I don’t know but what I can vouch for is the great satisfaction it has given me over the last four years. It has brought me immense joy and has served me reliably. Cheers to a great 4 years. And the milestone. Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.
