Skoda pop

I am looking for a car which has a quiet cabin, with minimal road and other noise coming through, and with great ride quality. The car will be mainly chauffeur driven, and fuel efficiency is not an issue. I am in no hurry and can wait if there is a new car coming. My budget is Rs 20 lakh-plus.

Zuber Ahmed, Guwahati

We would suggest the Skoda Superb for you. The petrol model is extremely refined and the cabin is well insulated against outside noise, and the car is an excellent handler. You also get fantastic legroom and features that are normally found in cars that are one category above it. Otherwise, there will be a face-lifted Honda Accord out this month, so you could wait and compare the two cars.

SANTA'S HERE

Chevrolet Captiva, Mitsubishi Outlander, Toyota Fortuner or Hyundai Santa Fe? Or should I wait for a new Pajero, whenever that might come? A seven-seater is desirable, but only if the 2nd and 3rd rows both have good leg room for adults. Yes, seating comfort is a big concern. A sun-roof would be nice too. Petrol or diesel — no real preferences, but a lower overall running cost of ownership doesn't hurt. I drive about 3,000 km a month, split between city driving and highway driving (including roads which could qualify as off-roading). The car will be mostly chauffeur driven, but I do enjoy long distance driving on holidays.

Mohit Jain, New Delhi

You’re rather spoiled for choice in this segment, to be honest! Every machine you have mentioned is extremely capable in its own right — the Captiva is great value, the Outlander is good fun to drive and has superb handling and the Fortuner has the kind of presence few others can match. However, we think that the Hyundai Santa Fe is the best choice here. It has an extremely powerful yet frugal diesel engine, build quality and interior quality are top notch, it handles well and is fun to drive and it comes backed up by Hyundai’s extensive service network. We think you'll enjoy the Santa Fe!

TOYOTA TIME

I need help choosing a car, and my budget is a maximum of Rs 7.5 lakh. I don’t mind buying any car except the Suzuki SX4, the Suzuki Swift Dzire and the Hyundai Verna. I drive about 30 km a day in the city, and I rarely drive on the highways. Please do help me out.

Ankit Murarka, via email

You have not really given us too many details to go with! Nevertheless, keeping in mind your useage, we think you don’t need a diesel car. We are also assuming you would like a sedan rather than a hatchback. Right now, the Toyota Etios is the hot new car, and for good reason — it has a fabulous engine, spacious interiors and is very good value for money. However, it also has a rather long waiting period as well! If you would rather buy a car right away, we think that the Volkswagen Vento petrol, in the Trendline version, is a great choice as well. It is very well built, it’s spacious and the engine is a spirited performer.

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