Future shock

I have a family of five. I want to upgrade from my Tata Indica to another diesel car in the Rs 6 to 6.5 lakh price range, which I can use for about six years without any fuss. I go for long drives two to three times a year (about 1,500 km), especially in hilly terrain. My daily driving is about 40 km in Delhi's traffic. I have test-driven the Tata Indigo and Mahindra-Renault Logan. I found the driveability of the Logan better, but it being a new car, I don't know about its reliability and maintenance in the long run. Besides, what is the kind of collaboration between M&M and Renault "" is the agreement specific to the number of units or for a certain period? I hope it won't go the Daewoo way. I am now confused, which car should I go for?

Girish Raghav, New Delhi

Since your question is very specific, you need a specific answer. The Mahindra-Renault joint venture is meant for production of only 50,000 units as of now. But it may get extended for sure, or else Mahindra may continue making the Logan "" and even its newer versions "" from its newly established facility in Nashik.

Our understanding is that Mahindra has entered the passenger car business with a long term plan. As for the Logan diesel, it is an honest machine that can give extremely good fuel economy in most conditions. What it is not is contemporary when it comes to looks and ultra-refined when it comes to power delivery. The Logan should be a good upgrade from your current Indica diesel.

Urban legend

We own a 1999 Maruti Zen which has done 89,000 km and are looking to replace it. These are our requirements from the new car:

1. It should be small enough to fit into our parking slot. The Zen has four inches of clear space on either side, no more.

2. Fuel efficiency is important. Most of our commuting is from our residence in Churchgate to our office in Colaba, with a trip to the suburbs about once in two weeks.

3. Good to drive and low on maintenance.

4. Airconditioning is a must and power steering is preferred. Power anything else is not wanted.

5. Comfortable seating for three passengers at the rear.

6. As much boot space as possible. We collect and drop people at the airport every three to four months.

7. The service centre should preferably be in south Mumbai.

8. Our budget is not more than Rs 5 lakh.

Rajil Sayani, Mumbai

Welcome to the reality of urban living. It is not for the first time that the size of a car is the primary concern expressed in a Which Car? question. The Maruti Suzuki Wagon R, the original tall boy, was designed for congested cities. We think a Wagon R is a nice upgrade for you and should serve your needs well.

The 1.1-litre engine is peppy and the car is extremely easy to drive. You can get power steering as well as power windows within your budget. Fitting three people in the rear seat is possible but they should not mind rubbing shoulders with each other. And yes, it will fit into your parking space as well.

Urban legend II

I am planning to buy a car and my budget is Rs 4 to 5 lakh. I would be driving the car mostly in the city, about 700-800 km a month. I have shortlisted the Chevrolet Aveo U-VA and the Maruti Suzuki Swift. I would like your opinion on which car would be better for me.

Mohammed Shariq, via email

The Swift and the U-VA, though in the same segment, are two different kind of cars. If you want a stylish, contemporary and a reasonably quick machine that is a bit of a compromise on space, then the Swift is all the car you need.

The Chevrolet, on the other hand, has more space inside, has a relaxed engine that suits commuting in traffic conditions but features a design that is beginning to look a bit old. If ease of driving is a priority along with "being different", then the Chevrolet U-VA should win. But if you are the sort who wouldn't mind being with the bandwagon, then shut your eyes and buy the Swift.

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