Swift decision

First of all, thanks to the BSM team! I have been a regular reader for the last two years. I’ve been driving a Suzuki Swift for the last three years and am very happy with its performance. However, I can’t find a suitable replacement in the same price range, and I’m only interested in a small car. Do you have any suggestions, or should I return to the Swift? What is your opinion of the Hyundai i20?

Brijesh Zalavadia, Rajkot

The Hyundai i20 is a very good, all-round car. It’s spacious, comfortable, comes loaded with features, has a choice of interesting variants and is easy to live with. There’s also the peace of mind of Hyundai’s excellent service network. However, if you like the Swift and can wait, we suggest you have a look at the all-new Swift when it comes out in April/May 2011. It might get a new petrol engine and it’ll have a new platform and refreshed looks and interiors.

DIESEL DREAM

I’m confused between the Suzuki SX4, Hyundai Verna CRDI, Volkswagen Vento Diesel and Toyota Etios. The reason I’m considering the SX4 and Verna, despite them being older cars, is because of after-sales and service. I like what the Vento and Etios offer for their price, but I’m not sure about their after-sales support all over Karnataka. I commute 50 km a day in Bangalore city, and I want a sedan that can accommodate a family of five. My dad and I are quite tall, so space is a consideration.

Siddhartha, Bengaluru

Although the Suzuki SX4 and Hyundai Verna offer very good value, you’re right when you say that they’re a little on the old side now. The Toyota Etios offers great value, lots of interior space and a perky 1.5-litre petrol engine, but the quality of the plastics and overall build is a little disappointing. Given your driving pattern and the fact that you need space for five people, we think the Volkswagen Vento Diesel is your best bet. It’s a very well built car, which is spacious, comfortable and frugal as well. Go for it!

LEND ME YOUR YEARS

For a long time, I haven’t been able to zero in on a car to buy. My budget is Rs 5 lakh, and on average I drive 600 km per month in the city. I’m looking to keep the car for a long time, about ten years! Which one should I opt for between the Hyundai i10, Suzuki Swift and Tata Indigo CS? Or should I consider the Tata Indica Vista Safire ? The main criteria for me are tough build, superb ride, easy handling and maintenance.

Devendra Prabhune, Yavatmal

We think the new Hyundai i10 Kappa2 is the car for you. It ticks the boxes on all your requirements — it’s very well built, the ride quality is good, it’s an easy car to drive and own and Hyundai’s service network is one of the best. People have owned and driven Santros for the period you have in mind, and we think the i10 will do similar service for you!

Any automotive questions?
Ask us at srinivas.krishnan@bsmail.in