Raj Shivnadar,
via email
You should check out the all new Chevrolet Optra Magnum "" it has got a powerful diesel engine that is quite frugal too. It will be a nice upgrade over the Honda City and you will be rewarded with more space and a certain big car feel. Sure, it is a traditional car "" in the way it is built and runs "" but that shouldn't go against it, and neither should the price. Look at the Optra Magnum LS variant that offers serious value for money. | |
| Driver's car |
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| I enjoy driving and am now in a position to spend Rs 11-12 lakh for a car that will be bought in my firm's name. While the Skoda Octavia 1.9 TDi tempts me, I am seriously considering the Honda Civic as well. Do you think the Civic is worth considering? The dealer is not offering any discounts, not even a free carpet! Is this normal? Aneesh Mohammed,
via email The Civic is a hot selling car and Honda cannot produce enough to meet demand "" that explains why you don't get any freebies. The car is contemporary to look at, ditto to drive as well. If you have to do a great deal of inter-city driving then the Skoda Octavia 1.9 TDi makes sense, but otherwise, follow your heart and buy the Honda Civic "" this is the best car in its segment. |
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| First hand |
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| I have a second-hand Hyundai Santro, and am planning to sell it and buy a new car. My budget is Rs 3 to 3.75 lakh. I test drove the Chevrolet Spark, Maruti Suzuki Zen Estilo and the Hyundai Santro Xing. I liked the Spark but found it a bit compact. I also drove the Zen Estilo which seemed good too, but am not sure about the actual feedback. I've also considered the Indica Turbo, but don't know how it is rated. We are a family of five members and usage of the car is limited to city driving, with the occasional out-station trip. Your advice will play a major role in my buying decision, so am looking forward to it. Deepesh Shah,
Chennai In your position, we would have looked for something slightly bigger than a Santro as a replacement. Do check out the Hyundai Getz 1.1 and see if you can stretch your budget somewhat, as the car is spacious inside and is a decent city commuter. As far as the cars you have shortlisted go, the Santro Xing is an easy but boring choice (since you have driven a Santro). The Zen Estilo is a tad too small. That leaves us with the Chevrolet Spark "" which is a modern car with decent ride and handling. Performance is good for a car its size. It is a very sorted out car and we like the pricing and warranty package too. Any automotive questions?Ask us at
bijoy.y@bsmail.in |
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