Decision time

WHICH CAR?

I have a job that requires a lot of travel around Andhra Pradesh "�interiors as well, which means getting off the good NH and SH road system in the state. I have a budget of up to 10-11 lakh for a car and I intend to drive it around on my shorter field trips. Comfort is important and the car should seat 5 people comfortably (I might travel with a team), while also offering adequate safety features.

I checked out the Scorpio, the Tavera, the Honda City, the Optra and the Fusion. Dreamt about the CR-V for a bit too. I also tried out the Octavia, but with its ground clearance, I'm not sure how it will handle dirt roads. Any other cars I ought to check out? If not, which one would be a good bet from my list? Does it make sense waiting for the CRDi Safari and the Innova?

Hari Menon, Hyderabad

Two things you mentioned in your letter will decide your next car as far as we are concerned. You need safety and decent ride quality "� please go for the diesel Octavia. Yup, it may scrape a few bumps but build quality is not bad and the car should serve you well.

C for safety

I live in Delhi and drive a C-class. My wife drives a Honda City which is four years old and is still running beautifully. I had written to you some months ago that for our third vehicle, I was debating between the Safari, Scorpio and Tavera.

You recommended the Tavera. I need to buy one of these to feel safe on Delhi roads and also to take for the occasional drive to Chandigarh or Jaipur. I am not crazy for performance "� all I want is a good and reliable vehicle which won't kill me with repair costs like the Merc does. Is the Tavera still your recommendation?

Vijay Chadda, New Delhi

The C-class may kill you with repair bills, but will save your life better than anything else on our roads "� so take the C along for long drives please, especially on our highways where even four laning can be hazardous.

Yes, you might do better with the Tavera in Delhi "� it is reliable, economical (diesel). The problem is that it will not go well with the C-Class and the City in your garage "� if you are ready to wait a while, you will get a better looking SUV from Toyota soon. Till then, the Tavera continues to be my recommendation. The Safari is way too old, the Qualis even more so.

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