Fuel toss

WHICH CAR?

Looking at present fuel prices, we’re looking at a diesel car to replace our Maruti Suzuki Wagon R. My daily driving is 50 km (round trip) with occasional drives (1,000-2,000 km) on vacations. We are a family of three and looking at a car which is economical to run, maintenance-free and has good resale value. The car will be with us for 7-8 years. We’d like to choose between the Suzuki Swift VDi/LDi, Tata Indica Vista, Tata Indigo and the new Ford Ikon diesel. Your inputs will be appreciated.

Deepam Dhall, via email

You plan to keep your car for a long period, which means you need to get yourself a set of wheels that is preferably new. Since you have not mentioned your budget, we’d take the liberty of recommending you a slightly more expensive car than the bunch you have shortlisted: why don’t you try out the Skoda Fabia? It has all the attributes of a big car, except for the boot, of course. Still, it is a capable, safe car, while the diesel returns an average of over 12 kpl in the city. It is built well and should offer you a good price when you are ready to replace it. However, if you want a fail-safe option, go for the Swift, preferably the VDi with ABS.

Say p-lease

I work for an MNC. I have a Hyundai Santro XS which is leased through Leaseplan. I want to go in for a new car, as my lease period expires in January 2009. I have shortlisted the Maruti Suzuki Swift Dzire, the Ford Ikon and the Hyundai Accent. My daily usage is around 80 km. Can you suggest a better car for me, keeping the following factors in mind: Driving/Seating comfort, fuel economy, low maintenance and a good service network?

Prakash Hegde, via email

If you are happy with your experience with Hyundai, then you can always upgrade to the Accent. Though the Accent is now a dated car, it is a good all-rounder, and for around Rs 5 lakh offers pretty decent value for money. If you want to spend some more money, then you can opt for the Dzire. It comes with a bunch of energetic but fuel-efficient motors and is reasonably low on maintenance as well. Test drive both these cars and go for the one that suits your budget and your parameters best.

Small is beautiful

My friend is a housewife. She wants to buy a small car for her personal use. She does not like diesel cars. The looks of the car are a matter of concern, but running costs are not a big issue for her. The car must have all features like power steering, power windows, central locking, a good and effective airconditioner, etc. Please suggest a smart/beautiful car in the range of Rs 3 to 4 lakh.

Aditya Rawat, Jaipur

The best car for her is the new Maruti Suzuki A-Star. It fits her budget and the VXi/ZXi versions come pretty loaded. The A-Star is good looking, is a very friendly car to drive around town and will fit her requirements. However, if she’d like a taller car, then the Hyundai i10 1.1 is a good bet.

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