Small difference

I am confused between the Maruti Suzuki Alto and the A-Star. Though I like the new car, I don’t see too much of an upgrade from the Alto to the A-Star. The rear space is not too different, while the price of the Alto is very compelling. Since I already own an M-800, I am happy with Maruti’s sales and service. But is the A-Star worth the extra money?

B K Saha,, via email

We would recommend the newer car for several reasons. The A-Star is the international replacement for the Alto, which means it meets with several passive and active safety criteria, and is better engineered than the Alto. While that is the most important aspect, the other things in the A-Star’s favour are that the three-cylinder motor is more powerful and makes the A-Star fun to drive, while the car is much more sorted when it comes to its on-road dynamics like ride and handling. And it is better-looking, too.

Hatching plans

I am in the market for a large hatchback and am interested in the Hyundai i20. What do you think of it? I am in no hurry for the car, so I can wait for a little while for the Honda Jazz to be launched. Do you think I should wait for it anyway and then decide on which car to go for?

Parasuram, Mumbai

The Hyundai i20 is a competent, world-class hatchback. It looks good, is sumptuously appointed and is a quality product. However, it is powered by the Kappa engine borrowed from the smaller i10, which makes the car a bit underpowered and a little unexciting to drive. The Jazz, to be launched in June, will also be powered by a similar capacity engine, but is expected to be more powerful, at 90 bhp. However, we expect the Jazz to be sold at a premium compared to the i20, so if you are willing to wait for it, be prepared to shell out more for the car.

Urban legend

I am a businessman based in Chennai and I want to upgrade from my Ford Ikon 1.8D. I have a chauffeur to do the driving duties and I cover about 80 km in the city every day. I am considering the Skoda Octavia and the Chevrolet Optra Magnum TCDi LT. Which would be a better car for me, when it comes to fuel consumption, reliability and sales and service costs?

S Sridharan,Chennai

Both the diesel cars are powerful and should offer you between 11 and 13 kpl in the city, and both are reliable machines. We feel that General Motors is more aggressive when it comes to sales and service costs. As regards the car for you, we would recommend the Optra, as it offers decent legroom at the rear and a cushioned ride as compared to the Skoda. That apart, the LT version offers good value as it’s pretty loaded. Go for the Chevy.

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