Baleno is in your court

WHICH CAR?

I am wondering whether the Baleno VXi is a good buy. Having test driven the City ZX, the Accent GLS and Baleno VXi, I'm now confused. My considerations in choosing a car are: 1/ Low running/maintenance costs, 2/ Easily available and affordable spares, 3/ A car which is a long lasting companion, yet doesn't seem dated even after 5 years, 4/ OEM goodies available in the car and 5/ Safety and speed on expressways. Though I am veering towards buying the Baleno, I really need some help from you on the same.

Rajesh Gokhale, via email

The question is whether you need a car that satisfies your needs (Baleno), a car that is contemporary (Honda City) or an all rounder that has been around for a while (Hyundai Accent).

Let us see whether the Baleno matches up. Cost of running "" the Baleno is inexpensive to run and economical for a car its size. Spare parts "" Baleno spares are easily available and the Maruti network is still the largest in India.

Age "" sorry, the Baleno already looks dated thanks to contemporary cars like the City. OEM goodies "" the Baleno does not have the spec level of an Airbus A320, but it has got most things you will need and you can always sweet talk the dealer into giving you a music system.

Safety "" while the Baleno is dynamically a good car for expressway use, we have to warn you that it does not come with ABS (Anti lock brakes) and airbags.

In reality the Honda City, which costs much more, does not offer them either. If you are really keen on ABS (you can steer away from trouble while on the brakes!) then you can order an Accent with ABS at a Hyundai showroom. Drive all three cars before you make a decision.

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