Ritzy business

I would like to buy a car in the range of Rs 6 to 7 lakh, for my average daily commute of 40 to 50 km. While I’ll be driving the car alone, most of the time, I need the car to deliver good fuel efficiency. I’d also like it to be a good looking car, with safety of utmost priority. Please advise me.

Shashi Srivastava, via email

The best car in the segment you can go for is the diesel version of either the Maruti Suzuki Swift or the Ritz. Both are excellent cars overall, fuel efficient and great to drive too. The ZDi versions of these cars give you comprehensive safety features like airbags and ABS. The Ritz has just received a makeover and comes with the ZDi option too. Then of course it is taller than the Swift, so it is easy to drive on Mumbai roads.

Sunny senior

We are senior citizens and wish to buy a diesel car similar to the Volkswagen Vento or Nissan Sunny, or something similar with an on-road price of approximately Rs 12 lakh. Our driving will mostly be within the city, with the odd drive out of town. We like the Sunny, but heard bad things about its mileage, spares and after-sales service. Rear leg room is important, apart from the mileage and value for money factor. Do help us decide.

Bipin Kapadia, via email

We would have recommended the Sunny to you, as it is generous with rear leg room and is quite fuel efficient too. But if you have heard negative reports about Nissan’s service, then you can look at the Renault Scala — which is identical to the Sunny. So all the positive attributes of the Sunny you can get in the Scala, and perhaps Renault’s service reputation is better. We have a review of the Scala up on bsmotoring.com. However if you are not interested in the Renault, then you can look at the Hyundai Verna diesel - it is comfortable for rear passengers (the suspension has been improved), service and after-sales capability of Hyundai is quite good and the vehicle is loaded with features too.

Liv-a little

I am looking to buy a car in addition to the Maruti Suzuki A-star that I drive. I have a budget of Rs 5 to 5.25 lakh, and have a monthly commute of around 750 km. I am considering either the Volkswagen Polo Trendline or the Toyota Etios Liva G model. I like the fact that the Liva comes packed with features as compared to the Polo, while the on-road prices are nearly the same in my city. As an outside chance, I’m willing to consider the Hyundai i20 Era / Magna or the Maruti Suzuki Swift, however both will stretch my budget.

Rohit Jain, via email

If you are on a tight budget, the Etios Liva’s combination of space, comfort and frugality is pretty good. It isn’t the most fun to drive nor is it the peppiest around, but should suit your requirement well. It’s easy to drive in town, thanks largely due to its lightweight construction and controls. We would suggest a version with airbags and ABS since safety should always be given a priority. Go ahead with the little Toyota it’s a sensible buying decision.

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