We are looking at a car for around Rs 10 lakh and our picks in that range are Toyota Innova and Honda Civic. Are there any other cars that fit into this price bracket that offer equal or even better features in terms of mileage, cost, repairs and maintenance? Also, are there any good schemes for financing or discount schemes available for any of these models since car sales have dwindled now and car companies are offering many sops in order to woo buyers?
Benny Antony, via email
There is nothing called a free lunch or a cheap car loan. You will end up paying through the nose. But yes, times are tough for car dealers too, so strike a hard bargain — avail of discounts and freebies and don’t be shy about it at all. Your shortlist is interesting — Innova vs Civic? Well, the Innova should win in our book since it is that much more practical (entire joint families can travel in one and diesel economy is a bonus). But if what you are looking for is a driver’s delight then the Honda Civic makes a better buy. Sterling performance from the engine and decent economy should tilt the equation in favour of the Civic.
To catch A-Star
I have a Maruti Suzuki Alto LXi and want to sell it and buy a new car. I’ve heard about the Maruti Suzuki A-Star and am also considering the Hyundai i10. Do you think the A-Star is better than an i10, especially given the A-Star is cheaper and might possibly enjoy better resale value (if I want to upgrade my car next year)? Please advise.
Shailesh Yadav, via email
The Suzuki A-Star will be a good replacement for the Alto. It is bigger, is contemporary to look at and the 1000cc engine will return exceptionally good mileage (if not better than the Alto). The Hyundai i10 can be bought with a more energetic 1.2 litre engine that makes the car more fun to drive. The i10 is fuel efficient for its league too. In short, the i10 is much more car for your money and should be a strong contender to be your next car.
Two birds with one stone
I have two quick questions: Should I opt for VW Passat or the Honda Accord? And for a second car, the Honda City or the Maruti Suzuki Swift Dzire? Which ones among these is safer?
Tilak, via email
The Passat is a better overall buy thanks to excellent build quality and the frugal diesel powerplant. The Accord has the space and the looks going for it, still. The new City is a much improved animal indeed and should get the nod over the Dzire. That said, the ZXi version of the Swift Dzire will be cheaper by almost a lakh compared to the equally trimmed Honda City and the Dzire also comes with the option of a diesel engine that is cheaper to run. Our choice? Passat and the City.
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