First choice

I am planning on purchasing my first car and have shortlisted the Maruti Suzuki WagonR Duo and the Chevrolet Spark LT LPG. The car will be used for everyday commuting in the city and also for weekend outings (anywhere between 300 and 500 km). Which of the two cars do you think would be best suited to my purpose?

Sumanth Putta, via email

If you are looking at hassle-free, inexpensive commuting, the Maruti Suzuki Wagon R Duo should suit you fine. It has more space on the inside, the car drives and handles better and moreover it’s backed by Maruti’s strong after-sales service network. Essentially, it’s more practical since the boot is larger and there’s still some useable space, crucial for long-distance drives.

PLAY SAFE

I want to buy a diesel sedan within Rs 9 lakh to Rs 10 lakh and my main requirements are good fuel efficiency, easy maintenance and good safety features. I am confused between the Nissan Sunny XL diesel and the Hyundai Verna 1.4 CRDI Ex because while the Sunny, at Rs 9.2 lakh (on-road, Delhi) fits my budget perfectly, the Verna costs Rs 10.3 lakh, although the latter also offers reverse parking sensors/camera and a Bluetooth audio unit which are not present in the Sunny. However, I would lose out on an extra passenger airbag if I were to opt for the Verna. Please guide me to the right car?

Ankit Agarwal, Delhi

If you are looking at the Hyundai Verna with a comprehensive safety feature list, you may have to go further up the chain to avail of twin airbags and ABS. Since it may be a bit of a stretch for you, we would suggest you stick with the Nissan Sunny. While it doesn’t get reverse parking sensors with camera and Bluetooth, these features can be availed of from the aftermarket at a nominal price for the Sunny. What’s more, you get more legroom at the rear in the Sunny as well as dual airbags, which we think makes more sense for you.

FAMILY MATTERS

My budget is up to Rs 7.5 lakh and I am on the lookout for a petrol hatchback. This is going to be my first car and my average monthly usage will be around 500 km in addition to three to four long drives in a year. My wife will also be using the car on some occasions and on longer drives, we would be accompanied by my children (aged 4 and 8) and my father, who is above 70 years of age. Safety is my highest priority and so is comfort. I have shortlisted the Honda Jazz and Volkswagen Polo and while I prefer the Jazz, I like the contemporary styling of both cars and I want to have the best of technology and features. Which of the two cars should I go for? Is there a better alternative you can suggest?

Pragnesh Patel, Ahmedabad

Considering that you have a family of five and that comfort is important, we think the Jazz is the better car for you. All versions of the Jazz come with dual airbags and ABS as standard. The space on offer is far superior and it is easy to get in and out of the car, crucial especially for your father. It’s easy to drive in the city and it makes for a decent highway car too. The Polo’s advantage is that it has better ride quality, but that shouldn’t deter you from the Jazz.

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