| We're NRI's and have just come to India. I require a SUV – I am interested in off-road driving. It should be powerful, easy to drive, fuel efficient and diesel with a good ride quality and plush interiors. My wife needs a good-looking, easy to drive, fuel-efficient sedan, please suggest diesel as well as petrol options. She was driving a Subaru earlier. Speed is important for both of us as we would be using the Mumbai-Pune expressway frequently. Safety and resale are important too. Budget is no issue, but satisfaction is.
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| 'Bribe master,' via email
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| The best SUV money can buy in India today, we believe, is the Mitsubishi Pajero 3.2 with the direct injection diesel – it is refined, safe and good on and off road. That'll be Rs 35 lakhs. If you want a less expensive car, consider soft-roaders like the Honda CR-V and the Chevrolet (Subaru) Forester, both pegged at Rs 12-14 lakhs and able to handle most terrain and quite civilised for on-road use.
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| The best sedan today this side of the S-Class is the Mercedes-Benz E270 CDI (diesel). It is modern, well-built, safe and costs Rs 35 lakhs. However, the Honda Accord and the Toyota Camry (Rs 14 to Rs 16 lakhs) are cheaper but well-kitted options. Smaller still? Opt for the new Honda City – new age, well-built, lots of space (but no airbags).
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| Car star
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| We plan to buy a car. We have to choose between the likes of the Accord, Camry etc. The car will mostly be chauffeured and the passengers will be elders with back and cervical problems. They'll be traveling extensively and need safety, jerk-free ride quality and fuel efficiency. Under Rs 20 lakhs. Please suggest a suitable model.
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| Sandeep Gupta, via email
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| The only car you will ever need is the Honda Accord automatic – buy the V6 version if you want a lot of performance. The four-cylinder car will be enough since it will be chauffeur-driven. The ride is good and the fuel efficiency (compared with the V6) is better as well. And the Accord comes loaded with features too. To maximise safety, though, you should find a good used Mercedes-Benz E-Class within your budget.
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| Planning to buy a car or bike?Ask us at bijoy@business-standard.com |
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