Through thick and thin

I am looking to purchase a hatchback and my budget is in the range of Rs 4 - 5.5 lakh. I’m confused as to whether a petrol variant makes sense or a diesel one, keeping the current fuel prices in mind. It will mostly be used for weekend drives, with a monthly mileage of 600-1,000 km a month. Threads on the Internet and close aides suggest not to go for a diesel if not using it on a daily basis (one does not recover the cost). Is it because it might damage the engine and run me high maintenance bills or is it something else? Kindly advise on the best line of action for me.

Anish Daniel, via email

It’s not true that engines get damaged if you don’t use them on a daily basis, especially with modern ones. But, with diesels, the idea is that the cost of maintenance is high, even for regular oil changes and the like and it doesn’t make sense economically unless you are going to be doing a lot of kilometres a month. As far as your requirements are concerned, a petrol should suit just fine. Look at the Maruti Suzuki Ritz ZXi which has a peppy, efficient and refined petrol engine, while maintenance shouldn’t be a hassle either. Alternatively, if you want something that is more plush and has good comfort and ride quality, take a look at the new VW Polo too.

Power monger
I own a Hyundai i20 1.2 and am not happy with the performance. I want to buy a powerful hatchback; driving pleasure is top priority and should be spacious. Should I also look at saloons such as the Honda City and Fiat Linea? Am not really interested in Fords.

Mikhail, via email

Well, the only performance hatch is an automatic, that too a Hyundai i20 — the 1.4 petrol. The Fiat Palio Stile 1.6 too is on sale, but it isn’t as enticing to drive as the original. The fun to drive car here is the Ford Fiesta 1.6 S with probably the best handling and performance package for under Rs 10 lakh. If you still must not have a Ford, the Honda City is your best bet with a stonking engine and great gearbox for company. It’s also quite spacious for five and the boot is large enough to carry a couple of suitcases.

Playing Polo
Is the Volkswagen Polo going to be available with the 1.6 petrol engine? What specs is the Polo sedan likely to have and when will it be launched?

Charly, via email

The Polo 1.6 is likely to arrive in the next few months, though Volkswagen isn’t confirming a date. If at all it does go on sale, expect it to carry a price tag that is closer to the Honda Jazz. The Polo saloon is likely to be launched by the end of 2010 or early 2011 and might feature the 1.6-litre petrol engine and possibly a more powerful version of the 1.4-litre diesel mill found on the Skoda Fabia with common rail technology. Expect a price tag that is similar to the likes of the Suzuki Swift Dzire and the Ford Fiesta.

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