I currently own an 800 and am looking for a new car in the B+ segment. My budget extends to Rs 5 lakh. I will be driving around 55 km daily, and I need a car which is comfortable and fuel efficient.
Maintenance costs should be low too, I was thinking of the Palio, the Indica (diesel), or the Getz (which I hear is being launched in July this year).
However, I have heard that the Palio's fuel economy and after-sales service is not good, while spares are also expensive. As for the Indica, I have heard it stretches a litre of diesel to 18 km with the air con on, but what about maintenance and reliability over a period of 3 to 4 years? How about the Getz?
Rohit Malhotra, via email
The only Indica that makes sense is the diesel and it should not give you too many problems for the first three to four years. What you will get is an economical, yet not so refined automotive package.
As for the Palio, the diesel is on the expensive side, yet has performance and overall refinement as its strengths. We are not sure about when Hyundai will launch the Getz, but when it does, this car will be the benchmark in the B-plus car segment.
Make molehills...
I am a travel freak, and like to explore mountain territory. I want to buy a diesel car, preferably an SUV, for hilly conditions. Is the Scorpio 2WD adequately powered for dealing with cold, altitude and bad mountain roads? What about the Viva CRDi then, since it adopts new-age diesel engine technology?
Naveen, via email
This is a very good question. Many people think they have to have a UV or an off-roader to drive in the mountains. Let us get this straight – if you don't plan to do any serious off-roading, then what is good for you is a proper car which goes around corners better/safer.
If you want a good, economical car that is fun to drive in the mountains, the Viva CRDi should fit the bill. But if you plan to do a lot of bad road driving, go for the Scorpio. If mountains mean the Morey plains to you, we suggest you buy the 4WD version of the Scorpio.
Planning to buy a car or bike? Ask us at bijoy@business-standard.com
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