Petrol preference

I am looking to buy a new petrol car for my short commutes in Kolkata. The car will mainly be chauffeur driven. I have been considering the Tata Indigo petrol and also Maruti Suzuki Swift Dzire. My primary concern is fuel efficiency, however, I am not looking at the diesel versions of these cars. Which would be a better buy for me? And must I consider any other cars in the same segment?

Rahul Maitra, Kolkata

Compared to the Tata Indigo, we would recommend the Maruti Suzuki Dzire. The Dzire is a better car overall — it is easily the best car in the segment, is fuel efficient, comfortable for passengers, fun to drive, reliable and in terms of quality, it is a marked step up from the previous iteration of the car. We think you ought to go for the Dzire — you’ll be very pleased.

Sedan stuff

I currently own a Maruti 800, which I plan to replace with a sedan. I have a budget of Rs 6 to 8 lakh and I drive 700 km per month. What type of vehicle should I go for — petrol or diesel? I have been considering the Toyota Etios, Mahindra Verito and Maruti Suzuki Swift Dzire

B Balachandar, Tiruchirapalli

Among sedans, the Maruti Suzuki Dzire is the best of the lot. Except for its disproportionate appearance, it ticks all the right boxes. Its fuel efficient 1.2-litre petrol engine should serve your purpose well. There is no need to pay additional money for a diesel version when you drive only 700 km a month, so we suggest you go in for a petrol car. However, if the main reason you are buying a sedan is because you want more space at the back as well as boot space, you can go for the Etios petrol.

Rapid action

I want to buy the Skoda Rapid because I like the many features that the car boasts, given the price tag. However, my family and friends have been telling me that maintenance cost of the car is on the higher side. Is this true? I have a monthly commute of 1,700 km, so would you suggest that a petrol or diesel version keeping fuel economy in mind?

Mitesh Donda, via email

Keeping in mind your commute, we would recommend the petrol version as you need not invest additional money on a diesel car. However, if fuel economy is very important and you have the budget, you can go for the diesel. As far as the Rapid is concerned, it is a good car across many aspects and Skoda is indeed trying to keep maintenance costs competitive. You can definitely buy it.

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