City lights

WHICH CAR?

I want to buy a Honda City. But I am getting diverse views on it. Someone says the new model is fuel efficient, but the older model had more power "� something like 100 bhp against that of the new model's 70 bhp. My driving is usually within Delhi and Gurgaon, mainly for commuting. I also want to know how the Ford Ikon stands in terms of fuel efficiency.

Sabyasachi Roy, New Delhi

You don't have to panic. All you need is a fuel efficient sedan, right? Then the Honda City ZX with its i-DSI engine is all you need. It has less power (77 bhp) as against the new 100 bhp VTEC version, but we don't think you need to spend the additional money in buying more performance.

The City ZX returns around 14 kpl and should satisfy most of your needs. The Ikon 1.3 Flair is more economical than the 1.6 version, and you should get 11-12 kpl from this base Ikon.

B2C

I am planning an upgrade from my base model 1999 Hyundai Santro to a C-segment car. I am looking for a car with good fuel efficiency, low maintenance costs, good after-sales service and reasonable resale value after five years. Easy accessibility to authorised service station is an issue for me, since the vehicle will be used in non-metro, tier II towns.

The car will be driven mostly within the city and will cover around 500 km per month, with an occasional weekend drive (300-400 km) out of town, on highways. The budget is around Rs 5 to 5.5 lakh. What is your recommendation? Please also elaborate on the merits/demerits (other than fuel cost) of diesel vis-à-vis petrol, with regards to maintenance and engine life. What would be your recommendation if I wish to stick only to the B-segment, considering my budget?

Praveen Godbole, via email

Rs 5.5 lakh (on-road) can buy you everything, from the Suzuki Swift and Hyundai Getz to the Hyundai Accent GVS and Ford Ikon 1.3 Flair.

For your kind of usage, we suggest you go for good ride quality (since the terrain you will be travelling could be bad), followed by fuel efficiency. You don't need a diesel car for the kind of usage you have. If your experience with Hyundai has been good, then why not upgrade to the Getz? It is surprisingly roomier than, say, the Swift and is very well built too. And best of all, it is modern and fits your budget.

Base instinct

I was planning to buy a car for my parents. I narrowed it down to the Toyota Corolla. And the Honda Civic popped up. My dad doesn't drive, he's chauffeured all the time. He is kind of conservative and old too.

What do you suggest, should I wait for the Civic or go for the Corolla? If it's the Corolla, we'll get the base model "� dad doesn't listen to music either and I don't think he needs too many fancy gizmos.

Navtej Singh, via email

The Civic is a much newer car, so new that it will take another four to six months (our estimate) before it is made available in India. In this context, it will be advisable for you to buy the Corolla for your father "� it will be extremely reliable and economical for its size. The rear seats are reasonably comfortable (if not exceptional) and the car offers a decent ride over bad roads.

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