Trick or treat?

WHICH CAR?

I drive a Honda Civic AT and want to choose between the Audi A4 2.0, BMW 320d Highline and the Mercedes-Benz C220 CDI. Which is the best option in your opinion?

Ajit Menon, via email

Tricky question this one! If you want the latest machine in your garage, the Audi A4 is it. But we think buying an Audi without Quattro is missing out on its USP. The BMW 320d is adequately powerful, while it offers entertaining dynamics and the Highline has enough features to entice you — you should choose this one if you really want an enthusiast's car. The best all-rounder here is the new C-Class — it is every inch a Merc, has better steering (in traffic) than the BMW and the engine is refined and economical. We think you should look for a three-sided coin to toss!

Fast forward

What is the fastest motorcycle and car that I can buy and own in India — legally? Also tell me about the Audi Q5 — is it as capable as the BMW X5?

Param Nadar, via email

You can legally buy the Yamaha R1 which can do close to 300 kph. You can also legally buy a Lamborghini Murcielago that can overtake the R1 when the roads permit. In short, if you are ready to pay duty, you can import almost any machine into India. As for the Q5, it is not in the league of the BMW X5 — that would be the Q7. The Q5 is smaller, but from our experience, is more capable on and off-road. But you have to wait a while for Audi to launch it in India.

Better than average

I want to buy my first car and my budget is a maximum of Rs 6 lakh. I travel about 30-50 km daily. I will use the car for at least five years. As I travel a lot, I expect decent mileage from the car. What do you recommend?

Paraag Bisht, via email

If you are looking at a petrol car, we would urge you to spend a little more and wait another month to get your hands on the all-new Honda City — it promises to be a good buy. If not, you should look at the Suzuki Swift diesel (perfectly within your budget) or the Swift Dzire diesel — both are very economical cars powered by diesel engines.

Any automotive questions?
Ask us at bijoy.y@bsmail.in