Moving experience

WHICH CAR?

We were planning to buy the Chevrolet Tavera because we are a family of six and need a comfortable utility vehicle to travel between towns in Gujarat. For the Tavera, we had set aside about Rs 6.5 lakh. Now that Mahindra has launched the Xylo, should we consider it instead of the Tavera? We don’t mind spending a little more, as we will be keeping the car with us for at least five years.

Parag Ghosalia, Surat

The Xylo is a well-thought out machine. It is more powerful than the Tavera, which makes it suitable for highway applications. Besides, the Xylo interiors are more contemporary than the Tavera’s and it rides well too, so passengers will be more comfortable. Overall, it is a better machine than the Chevrolet but the Tavera is more fuel-efficient and service costs will be lower as well. However, we will still recommend the Xylo.

Age gap

Between the Honda City and the Maruti Suzuki SX4, what is the extra value for the additional Rs 2 to 3 lakh spent? I am nearing 65, so speed and power do not rev me up as much as comfort, safety and a low cost of ownership through the car’s lifecycle — in that order.

S N Malhotra, via email

We get your point very well. If what you are looking for is a reliable, economical and spacious sedan, then the Suzuki SX4 is a great choice. And add to that ease of getting in and out of the car and you are looking at a clear winner. The ZXi version comes with airbags and ABS — two safety features that are must-haves on Indian roads.

Space odyssey

I am planning to buy a new car in the price range of around Rs 4.5 lakh and I have shortlisted the Tata Indica Vista, Chevrolet U-VA, Fiat Palio and the Suzuki A-Star. All the members of our family are very tall (6 feet plus) and hefty, so we need ample leg space and head room. I found the U-VA and Vista to be more spacious than the Palio, though I have not yet checked out the A-Star. I may drive around 500 to 750 km in a month and my priorities are given below in that order.
1. Driving comfort and handling (AC, power steering and power windows are a must)
2. Low running costs (Trouble-free and easy maintenance, low spare-parts cost and good mileage)
3. Good resale value (I want to upgrade to an MUV in five years)
4. Decent boot space
5. More than the exterior look, I want interior comfort.

M K Narasimha, via email

Though you may have not tried out the Suzuki A-Star, we can tell you that it will be a tight fit for your family at the rear. And you were not happy with the interior space of the Palio. So that leaves the U-VA and the Indica Vista. The Chevy hatchback is not a bad buy at all — it has got the space and ride quality, and comes at a very good price point. However, it is not as trendy as, say, the Hyundai i20 or even the Suzuki Swift. Buy the U-VA if you are convinced after driving it — and the GM warranty is good enough to protect your investment. However, resale value is not its strength. As for the Tata Indica Vista, we recommend the Quadrajet diesel version over the Dicor version (thought it may exceed your budget a little bit). The Vista is a much improved car than the Indica and the BSM Car Of The Year jury was impressed enough to give it the Jury Award for 2009. Our choice? The Vista Quadrajet Diesel.

Any automotive questions?
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