Change of heart

I have been driving a 2001 Hyundai Accent which has clocked 89,000 km. I feel that it is the right time for a change, seeing the mileage clocked. I have been more than satisfied with this car and Hyundai service during these years.
I want to go in for a change now, and my budget is up to Rs 6 lakh for a petrol car. I have shortlisted the Hyundai i20, Tata Indigo Manza or even a new Accent. My daily running is approximately 35 km.
I am not a Tata fan, but I do have an Indigo CS for the kids, which has done about 20,000 km in one year. How do you rate the Manza? Will it last for five years without too many problems?
I liked the i20, but due to the restricted back seat space, after using an Accent, I am not all that satisfied. Of all three, which car has the best fuel efficiency?

Ayush, via e-mail

There’s nothing wrong with the Tata Indigo Manza. In fact it is probably the best Tata Motors product on sale in the country today. Powered by a reliable Fiat engine, it has only gotten better, so we believe it shouldn’t present problems in the long run. It’s easily the most comfortable of the cars you’ve mentioned here, with great legroom for the rear seat passengers as well. It rides and handles decently and should give you about 10 kpl in city conditions with the AC running at all times. Tata Motors have also kitted out the car well, which makes it good value for money.

Small world

I am planning to buy a car around July-end or in August and am looking for a diesel car. My budget is Rs 5-5.5 lakh. The car is mostly to be used for urban purposes, with the odd outstation trip. Please guide me with the best solution.

Ishan, via e-mail

There don’t seem to be any specific requirements from you, but we think the Maruti Suzuki Ritz diesel should be just fine. It has a perky 1.3 litre diesel engine that is fuel-efficient, and the car itself is reasonably comfortable and easy to drive around town. It has decent ride quality for outstation drives and is fun to drive on the whole.

Comfort option

I stay in Coimbatore and currently own a Maruti Suzuki Swift diesel. I am not happy with its ride quality, which I find quite uncomfortable, and I am planning to buy a new car. The car will be self driven and I travel around 2500 km a month. Is the Ford Figo diesel suitable to take on long drives and does it have better ride quality than my existing car?

Ansar Basha, via e-mail

We think the Ford Figo should be fine for you. It does have a better balance between ride quality and handling than the Suzuki Swift and is a touch more spacious, with good boot space, though the seats aren’t as comfortable as the ones on the Swift, especially over long distances. The 1.4 diesel on the Figo is frugal, like the DDiS engine on the Swift, though it’s a little short on power and torque. If you can live with that, then the Figo makes for a pretty compelling choice.

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