Who's first?

WHICH CAR?

I am a student and will be buying my first car soon. But I am confused, as there are a lot of them to choose from. Since it’s my first car, I will be going for a small car. My budget is around Rs 5 lakh. Safety and low maintenance are my primary demands. I would be very happy if you suggest the right car for me. Moreover, are there any cars with ABS and airbags within my budget? If not airbags, at least ABS?

Miheer Agnihotri, via email

You can choose between the Hyundai i10 and the Maruti Suzuki A-Star — both are contemporary small cars and can be bought with essential safety kit like ABS and airbags. While the i10 with the Kappa engine is fun to drive, the all-new 1000cc engine of the A-Star is extremely economical. Test drive both cars before you take a final call.

Af-Ford it?

I have test driven the Hyundai Verna, Chevrolet Aveo and Ford Fiesta. Unfortunately, the Verna is a little out of my budget, though it was the best to drive. The Fiesta is coming with a decent offer, only I have a bias against American cars, so I write for help. Is the Fiesta a tried and tested machine, and more importantly, is it fuel-efficient and easy to maintain?

Rajiv Rawal, via email

The Fiesta is certainly a Ford, but it is not as American as you think. The Fiesta is a mainstream European car and is developed for Europe and adapted for India. It is extremely well-built and refined too. What it is not is lighter than its Japanese counterparts. The ride quality on Indian roads is very good too. Spares and service will be on the slightly expensive side and the resale value of petrol-powered Fords is not much to talk about.

Mile muncher

I am planning to replace my Tata Indigo diesel, which has covered over 150,000 km, with a new mid-size car. The car will be self-driven and my budget is between Rs 5 and 6 lakh. I drive about 150-200 km daily on the highways and once in a while go on a long journey (500 to 1,000 km) with my family. Safety, fuel efficiency and maintenance vis-a-vis petrol/diesel are my criteria for the choice of the vehicle. I have short-listed the Mahindra Renault Logan 1.5 DCi, the Ford Fiesta 1.4 Duratorq and the Hyundai Accent. Please suggest the best option for me.

Vipesh Kothari, via email

From the cars you have shortlisted, it is the Logan that makes maximum sense for you — it is a reliable, economical diesel car and comes within your budget too. The Fiesta is an even more refined and well-built alternative, but will cost more on the road. The Accent, as we have maintained over the years, is a brilliant all-rounder but it is certainly past its prime.

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