D-jected

WHICH CAR?

I am in the market for a D-segment car, but have decided not to venture into it yet. I had shortlisted the manual versions of the Skoda Laura and the Honda Accord 2.4. The Toyota Camry at Rs 23 lakh is in a league of its own and the Hyundai Sonata Embera is not attractive enough. I feel that with just 105 bhp, the Laura is overpriced "" it looks like the company is trying to take advantage of the fact that it's a diesel car.

It's another thing that the Skoda dealer refused me a test-drive! Why can't Honda introduce the facelifted Accord with their excellent new diesel engine in India soon? I think the Indian D-segment market needs a shake-up. What do you advise?

Vishal Bhasin, New Delhi

Yes, we agree with you on the fact that the Laura is over-priced. But when there are enough takers for what is essentially an all-new Octavia wearing the price tag of a D-segment car, you cannot blame the manufacturer, right? We suggest you take a good look at the Sonata Embera. It is well-built, has a powerful engine and is pretty reliable too. Besides no other car in this segment offers you such brilliant value for money.

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