Making it big

WHICH CAR?

My friend runs an IT company in Bangalore and currently drives his dad's Mercedes-Benz E 220 "� which he does not want to use inside the city.

What is your opinion on the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry? Which one should he go for? He can't be seen driving something smaller than the E.

Jiju Jacob, Bangalore

Bangalore traffic warrants something much smaller "� we would happily recommend the Toyota Corolla automatic. But in your friend's case, size matters, right?

The Honda Accord is built in India and is splendid value for money, while the Camry is imported and is an expensive option (we are talking four-cylinder models here).

If your friend wants a car that is fun to drive (as and when he gets out of town, that is) then we would recommend the Accord. If the driving duty is going to be done by a driver, then he should go for the Camry "� it offers a very good rear seat ride as a bonus.

Daily Swift

I am ready to buy a new car and can't decide between the Suzuki Swift and the Maruti Wagon R (the model with airbags and ABS).

I drive around 30 km everyday inside Mumbai city (I use the Eastern Express Highway daily) and take the car on the Expressway to Pune occasionally. Is the Swift worth the additional money?

Anand Natarajan, Mumbai

We would say yes, go for the Swift. It is a safer bet on the Expressway, if not on your daily commute. Not that the Wagon R is any less safe, but the Swift will feel better planted at the higher speeds that are possible on the Expressway.

As an intra-city car, the Wagon R will have an edge and is easier to drive and park "� plus it is more fuel efficient.

Utiquette

I am interested in the Tata Sumo Victa with power steering. It has a very attractive price too.

Is it better than the Chevrolet Tavera? What is the mileage that I can expect from both these UVs? If you were to buy one, which one would it be?

Sameer Mahajani, via email

If we had to choose between the Sumo Victa and the Tavera, then it would certainly be the Chevy. Mainly because we would be looking for refinement over the sticker price.

The Tavera feels, and is, more refined. Plus it is easy to drive and offers diesel economy similar to that of the Victa. The Tavera, derived from the Isuzu Panther, boasts better crashworthiness too.

Planning to buy a car or bike? Ask us at
bijoy@business-standard.com