Under hyped - Under rated - GEM

The Fiat Petra D would easily be the the most under-rated mid size sedan in the Indian car market today. It is not surprising to not find many reviews in this section as you can hardly spot a single car of this model that too in a densely car populated city like Mumbai.

However this is also a boon for folks who do prefer to be a little different from the crowd.

I actually got this car not out of choice but was passed on one from my Employers - Some Expat decided to pack up and leave after making the Company set him up - - In any case I got a very good deal as it wasn't going to cost me anything except running cost.

I was initially very skeptical and took it with a pinch of salt expecting the worst. The car was 9 months old when I got it and a year has gone by since then ..........

It has been a very very pleasant surprise!!!

Let us start with the Pros-

Exterior Looks  - Its basically a slightly stretched Palio with a boot - which is not too bad. The boot doesnt look as if its been pasted on like in the indigo. The ELX comes with alloy wheels, chrome front grill with logo, blacked out B pillars, Body colored ORVM and door handles etc. It does look a tad dated compared to the latest sedans like Fiesta, Aveo yet it does score higher that Esteem, Ikon, Accent, Indigo etc.

 Interiors - It follows the same lines as the exteriors - Simple lines - nothing exceptional or flashy - but very functional and efficient. Steering wheel and gear shift are leather wrapped. Dashboard is a sea of plastic - but of decent quality. Lots of faux wood panel insert provide a little relief. Switches and levers of good quality. Music system is conveniently placed high above AC vents. AC cooling is very good even in extreme summer.

AC blowers can be operated by a stone age slider switch which is horrible.

Seats are ample. Interior space is really large - probably the best in this class. Doors are also completely upholstered with fabric which gives a nice feel. Boot is huge can take atleast 3 large suitcases easily.

Engine - It a decent diesel burner. Doesnt burn any rubber but reasonable power considering its a oil run machine for city traffic. Highway cruising is also a breeze. 90-110kmh is the best speed to drive at if the roads permit. The Engine is noisy at start but smoothens out after warming up.

Fuel efficiency - I get about 10-11km/lt in Mumbai stop-crawl traffic which is probably the worst in the country. On longer runs on the highway it goes up to 14-16km/lt which is pretty good.

Build quality -It is built like a tank - The sheer amount of steel used makes you feel very secure and also ensures that minor skirmishes that are the city standard dont become expensive tinwork. A simple way of testing this (and I have tried it) is open the hood and feel the weight for a minute. Try it instantly with any other car in the same class - you will be astounded at the difference.

Handling - For all that metal and weight it handles really well. Go into a sharp bend at 100kmh and you will marvel at its composure. Feels always well planted at high speeds. Suspension is  on stiffer side but within acceptable limits. Probably this is what adds to the better control

To sum it up - This is an all rounder with numerous virtues. At a <6lacs price tag, its a winner on just VFM.

So what's wrong then? - it's FIAT!!! The dealership and service are PATHETIC!! The whole xperience of owning this gem is nullified by just visiting them once -  All of them are equally bad. I'm not sure of what fruits have been borne through the alliance with TATA but first hand reports are not too encouraging.

Having owned or driven a host of similar cars - Esteem, Ikon, Accent, Corsa, Indigo -- I feel that this is best bet at the