I’m looking for a sedan or SUV with good safety features, within a budget of around Rs 6 to 10 lakh. I don’t like the lightweight Marutis and Hyundais, as I currently drive a Fiat Punto and it feels well planted, safe and heavy duty. Please recommend a car.
Ritesh Rohra, via email
You haven’t mentioned whether you would like a petrol or diesel vehicle, so we’ll give you some options to check out. Since you already drive a Punto, a Fiat Linea may be worth investigating — it’s a solidly built car with good ride quality. The Skoda Rapid is also an option — for its price, it offers great value, ride quality and solidity. Finally, as an SUV, the Renault Duster is an excellent choice — it’s car-like to drive, with great ride quality and lots of practicality; you can opt for the 85 bhp diesel version.
All that Jazz
Ruchir Lahoty, via email
The Honda Jazz is a very good car and is one of our favourite hatchbacks — and no, it isn’t likely to be discontinued any time soon. In fact, it may well get a diesel engine option in the near future. Go ahead and buy it — it’s refined, fun to drive and very practical indeed!
AMAZING STUFF
Sujit Sahoo, via email
The short answer to your last question is yes — there will be a petrol engine in the Honda Amaze sedan, and it is an option worth waiting for, if you are not in a hurry. The Amaze is a very good car and has the potential to be a top-seller when it is released later this year, if Honda prices it right. If you want to buy a car right away, you can look at the Maruti Swift Dzire, which is almost a default option, and the Renault Scala/Nissan Sunny, which are exactly the same cars with different badges.
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