Boot it

I am looking for a compact diesel sedan in the range of Rs 6-7 lakh, to replace my Maruti Suzuki Swift VDi. I am considering the Maruti Suzuki Dzire, Toyota Etios and Tata Manza. Which is the best keeping in mind value for money, service cost and driveability? My average running is around 3,000 km per month.

Deepak Kharbanda, Gurgaon

It really boils down to whether you need a large boot or not. We suggest you have a look at the new Swift Dzire and preferably go with bags that you use for your trips and see if it suits your requirements. If it doesn’t, then your next best choice would actually be the Nissan Sunny diesel. It will go beyond Rs 7 lakh, but it does have good space, a large boot and an efficient and frugal diesel engine. The Toyota Etios diesel is not a bad car, but it just isn’t all that great value.

SUPERB DECISION

I want to buy a new car that will be mostly chauffeur driven and will run about 18,000 km annually, a large part of it being in the city. I have shortlisted the Skoda Superb diesel although a local Audi dealer has offered me an Audi A4 at Rs 28 lakh. I intend to keep the new car for at least five to six years, hence despite the Audi's limited features and space at the rear, I’d like to favour the Audi on the reliability count. The Skoda is undoubtedly big on space and is loaded with features too, but how serious are the service problems?

Dr Parag Sahasrabudhe, Pune

The Skoda Superb, as you rightly pointed out, has tremendous space and a good set of features. I don’t think reliability figures between the Audi A4 and Skoda Superb will be quite different since they use more or less similar techniques and quality standards to adhere to the Volkswagen Group’s own quality standards. Yes, they do have high levels of electronics and are therefore as susceptible to issues. Rest assured, you can go ahead with the Skoda Superb if you are keen on it.

SMALL TALK

I plan to buy a small car and want to choose between the Hyundai Eon and the Maruti Suzuki Alto K10. Which is a better option? Also, is the rear seating in the Eon comfortable?

Paritosh Raizada, via email

The rear seating in the Eon is better than the Alto K10. For a thorough comparison between the two cars, visit www.bsmotoring.com.

NOT SO SWIFT

I booked a Maruti Suzuki Swift Diesel VDi nearly two months ago and I have been informed that it will take another two months for delivery. I am having second thoughts now and am looking at the Fiat Punto, VW Polo and Hyundai i20. Which is the best option?

Firoz, via email

The Swift is an excellent car and is the benchmark in its category; nothing comes close to it. Between the Punto, Polo and the i20, the Fiat offers you the best value for money, the Polo offers good looks and excellent build quality, while the i20 is loaded with features and offers better space too. So you could choose between any of these three cars based on what your priorities are. Overall, between these three cars, we would recommend the i20 — except for driving dynamics as it is not an enjoyable car to drive. Instead of these three, why don't you look at the Skoda Fabia? It has the Punto's robust suspension and ride, the Polo's build quality and efficient diesel engine and interior space comparable to the i20 — and comes with a good price tag as well.

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