Diesel decision

WHICH CAR?

I recently test-drove the Tata Indigo SX, how would you rate this against the Ford Ikon 1.8 diesel? I also wanted to know about the Hyundai Accent CRDi.

It would be great if you could let me know which would be a better buy. I need decent mileage, good resale value and minimal running costs. I plan to hang on to the car for around four to five years once I buy it.

Aneesh D'Souza, via email

Between the three diesel cars you have shortlisted, if it fits in your budget, we suggest you opt for the Accent CRDi. Its engine is contemporary, as it uses common-rail direct injection, as opposed to the Ikon's and the Indigo's.

Not just that, the Accent CRDi will give you good mileage, will fetch you a decent resale price and will be quite reliable too. However, if you are willing to wait for a month or two, Ford will be launching an all-new car soon which will come with a state-of-the-art diesel engine option.

Making the upgrade

I plan to upgrade from my 1999 model Maruti Esteem LX. My budget is Rs 8.5 lakh. I'm looking at the Hyundai Accent and the Suzuki Baleno in the Rs 6 to 7 lakh range, and at the Honda City and Chevrolet Optra in the Rs 8.5 lakh range.

I love the Optra's looks, but I have heard that it's expensive to maintain and is not fuel efficient. I have heard the same about the Accent too.

Is this true? Which one then do you suggest? My usage is mainly within the city. A good AC, mileage and cost of maintenance are of importance to me. What is the resale value I should expect from my current car?

Phalgun Gujjar, Bangalore

Between the Optra, Accent, Baleno and City, we recommend you get yourself the Honda. For Bangalore, in fact, we recommend the automatic version, as it takes the stress out of driving in that city's traffic.

Even with the CVT gearbox, the City is reasonably fuel efficient, and will not require any extra maintenance. Your Esteem should fetch you about Rs two lakh approximately.

Et tu Baleno

Please suggest a replacement for someone who has used two Maruti Esteems in the last 10 years. I want an upgrade to some other model in the same price bracket. It should continue to be a three-box car, to carry stuff for out-of-town trips.

Usage is about 500 km per month in Mumbai, not including 300-400 km per month for out-of-town trips. The car will be self-driven, fuel economy is a moderate priority, however, good suspension and ease of driving is more important.

Unfortunately, there does not seem to be any replacement available in the Maruti stable. Would you recommend the Baleno (I find its styling dated, but you often recommend the car; is it good value-for-money, now that it is much cheaper than earlier?).

Cyrus K Jasavala, Mumbai

Yes, we would recommend the Baleno to you as well, because as a value-for-money package, it's quite unbeatable. The car is competent in all aspects, except, as you mentioned, its dated styling and perhaps its interiors.

Do remember to ask for dealer discounts, and perhaps you can bargain with the dealer to add more goodies in the car or make them give discounts on accessories. If you want to look beyond Maruti Suzukis, there's always the Hyundai Accent. Hyundai has a variant that fits into your budget.

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