Logan and on and on

Sarvepalli Srinivas, Bangalore

Between the cars you have short-listed, we would urge you to test drive the Logan 1.4 "" the entry-level sedan powered by a petrol engine. It is spacious, rides well on Indian roads and is well built. And best of all, you can get one for just over Rs 5 lakh, on-road. If new age styling is important to you, then the Suzuki SX4 is a better buy. If you are willing to splurge a little more money, you can get the ZXi version of the SX4 with airbags and ABS.

I10 on the future

We are a family of three with an additional member from time to time. We are all quite healthy, in the sense that a Maruti 800 would be too cramped for us. Also, I have unusually long legs and am uncomfortable in a 800. I have also tried sitting in a Suzuki Alto, with the same result. I will be travelling irregularly (about 3 times a week) to work, a distance of 30 km per day, with an occasional long distance trip. This will be my first car, and I am looking for driving comfort ( I am 46 years old), as well as good mileage. I have narrowed down the choice to the Indica Xeta petrol, as I find it spacious. Does it offer driving comfort and easy handling? Do you have anything else in mind? I do not mind the Chevrolet Spark, but am afraid of future support from GM. Kindly advise whether I could also go for a second hand car now, with an upgrade to a new one later.

J V Iyer, Pune

A healthy car for healthy people? Hmm... the Indica Xeta is not a bad choice space-wise, as long as you are aware of the fact that Tata has already shown a new Indica at the Auto Expo. Maybe it is worth the wait. But I do strongly recommend either the Hyundai i10 (BSM Car Of The Year 2008) or the Wagon R "" both make brilliant first cars and they are economical as well as reliable. If you want a very contemporary car, then your search should end with the i10. As for the Spark, those living in Pune should know that a massive new GM India plant is being set up near the city. If you like the Spark and its features, we do recommend a buy.

Cut to the SX4

I have to purchase a new mid-size or hatchback car with good space and fuel efficiency within a fortnight, as my car loan cheque has been received. During the Auto Expo, a lot of new cars were launched. The car I purchase should be good for the next 10 years, in terms of technology. It is difficult to decide which car to acquire! My budget is Rs 6-8 lakh.

KN Yadav

Since you have not specified the needs you are looking for in your next car, we will try and give you the safest option. There are a host of cars that you can get in your budget. But we recommend the Suzuki SX4. It is quite contemporary and what's more important is that the ZXi version gets you airbags and ABS.

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