Automatic shift

WHICH CAR?

After staying abroad for eight years, I am now settled in Delhi for over two years now. I need a car which will be driven for a maximum of 50 km in the congested Delhi traffic and maybe 200 km on weekends. Please suggest a car with an automatic transmission within the range of Rs 5 to 8 lakh. I expect a good resale value when I will sell it after two years.

Dr S S Kumar, New Delhi

You should take a look at the Hyundai i10 automatic — it is a small and efficient car and fit for duty in Delhi. On the negative side, it is also an expensive car. Automatics are not in demand in India yet, so the used car market will be harsh on it too. But as far as ease of use and economy go, the i10 is a winner.

Height adjustment

My parents and sister in Kolkata are looking to get a sedan. The budget is about Rs 7.5-8 lakh, all inclusive. We would need to cater to two to three passengers most of the time, but I don’t want to buy a small car. My sister’s right side is semi-paralysed, and my parents are too old; they find small cars too low to get in and out. I have got feedback from them that something like the Maruti Suzuki SX4’s height is comfortable. The car will be chauffeur-driven and used within the city, maybe 30 km a day, tops. What would your recommendation be and why?

Jairam R P, Hong Kong

The SX4 is a tall sedan and should suit the needs of your family. It is reliable, economical (for its size) and spacious too. Ride quality on paved roads of Kolkata shouldn’t be an issue either.

Long & short of it

Need your advice on a diesel car in the range of Rs 5 lakh or a petrol car for about Rs 4 lakh which is reliable, smooth to drive, fuel efficient and offers decent passenger space. I plan to go on long drives once every month to Chennai or to Thiruvananthapuram from Bangalore. Is it advisable to go for a diesel car when the daily driving is only around 40 km? Or should I opt for a petrol car in that case? Then I may not drive to the other two cities. I was looking at the Fiat Palio Stile 1.3, Suzuki Swift LDi and Hyundai Getz 1.5 CRDi. Which one would be the ideal choice for me?

Prajith PS,Bangalore

Going by today’s fuel prices, a diesel car makes sense even if you drive only around 40 km a day. And of course, you will be much happier doing long distance runs to Chennai and Thiruvananthapuram. From your shortlist, we would choose the diesel versions of either the Swift or the Getz. The Hyundai is more powerful and spacious, while the Swift is more fun to drive. On the economy front, the Swift diesel scores over the bigger-engined Getz.