Small star

I am looking for a small car within a budget of Rs 3.5 lakh. I have an average daily commute of 50 km per day, and my requirements are low maintenance and good mileage. I am currently considering the Hyundai Eon, Maruti Suzuki Alto 800 and Alto LXi. Any idea when the Suzuki Cervo will be launched in India? Please help me decide which car to buy.

Balu Pandit, via email

Though both the Altos will be low on maintenance and give you good mileage, it is the Eon which is the better overall car. If your budget allows you to acquire the Eon, do go for it as it is a more complete car. It is stylish, the quality is very good inside-outside for the price it is asking, it is fuel efficient while maintenance costs are competitive too. The Eon is also more comfortable for passengers as well as the driver. In other words, for its price-tag, it is a no-compromise car.

Premium need

I would like to buy a high end petrol hatchback for travel within the city. I will also be travelling distances of around 200 to 250 km on occasion. I would like a car with good leg space. I am currently looking at the Honda Jazz, Maruti Suzuki Swift or Ertiga. Which car do you think will suit my requirements the best?

Satyabrata Mishra, via email

The Ertiga is an MPV — although it looks like a large hatchback, it falls into a different category of vehicle. The Ertiga is utility oriented with seven seats. If you need that sort of room, then indeed it is a good buy. However, if all you want is a large hatchback, there is nothing to beat the Honda Jazz. It is impressive in its interior dimensions, is fuel efficient, looks nice and is great to drive as well.

Big wheels

I am looking for a diesel sedan, or perhaps an SUV, within a budget of Rs 15 lakh. I don’t have too many other specifics for the car. Would you please recommend a vehicle for me?

Mahendra Khatri, via email

You could go for the Mahindra XUV5oo, which is a fully loaded SUV that provides excellent value for money. It looks great and offers brilliant performance too. If you would like to settle for a sedan, do look at the Hyundai Verna 1.6 CRDi which is smart to look at, has plenty of features and has good quality going into it. The engine too is brilliant.