Hatch match

I’m considering buying a hatchback for local commutes for my children. My requirement is for a car that is easy to drive, fuel efficient, low on maintenance and has a refined engine. I am considering the Maruti Suzuki Alto, the Hyundai i10, Hyundai Santro, Maruti Suzuki A-star and Chevrolet Spark. The Alto has good manoeuvrability but seems to be outdated. My budget is Rs 3-3.50 lakh. Which car would you suggest?

A Ahuja, Mumbai

Why not look at the Hyundai i10 1.1. It is very manoeuvrable around town, the engine is extremely refined while being efficient and is torquey for city use with an extremely user-friendly gearbox that slots into place very nicely. Look at the i10 Era or if you can stretch the rupee, go for the new i10 Magna that is even more loaded.

FUN FACTOR
I currently own a Fiat Palio ELX and am aware of the positives and negatives of owning and living with a Fiat car. I wanted to buy a car that can accommodate five people, which we are currently doing with the Palio. The budget is close to Rs 8 lakh. I would prefer to purchase a petrol or diesel car that offers reasonable fuel efficiency. I love to be a niche car owner and would want one that is fun to drive, since I would be driving most of the time. Please recommend from the following: Ford Fiesta, Fiat Puno and the Fiat Linea T-Jet (not yet launched).

Anantha Mohan, via email

We really can’t think of a better choice than the Ford Fiesta 1.6 S. It stands out among the sea of Fiat Puntos, Lineas and regular Fiestas with its body kit and its Aquarius blue paint job (which we recommend). But more than that, it’s a riot to drive and plasters a smile on your face every single time you get behind the wheel. What’s more, despite all that hard driving, you can easily enjoy 9-11 kpl on a regular basis. Besides Ford is making amends with its service network as well as cost of maintenance, so it really won’t pinch you much.

CITY SLICKER
I am looking at buying a mid-segment car in the budget of Rs 7 to 11 lakh. My basic needs are that the car should easily carry a family, it should be fuel efficient, have quality interiors and should feel as if it is built to last. Keeping these in mind, I test drove the Hyundai i20, Honda Jazz and Honda City. I liked the Jazz and City. However, I am not able to make up my mind between the two. Though my heart is with the Jazz, I somehow get the feeling that because the car is not selling much, the resale value will be affected. What do you suggest?

Vishal Jain, via email

If you can stretch the budget as you’ve suggested, go in for the City. It’s just a better car in terms of driving pleasure, practicality in terms of carrying five people and their luggage, is just as fuel efficient as the Jazz and will last for a long time, given the overall reliability Honda enjoys. While the Jazz is new to the market and yes, it doesn’t sell as much as the City, it fits into a niche. Yet, we think it will fare just as well as the City when it’s time to hang the ‘Sale’ board on it.

Any automotive questions? Ask us at bijoy.y@bsmail.in