Diesel season

I would like to buy a powerful diesel car within a budget of Rs 8 to 8.5 lakh. Since I cannot afford a mid-sized sedan with the budget that I have, I am willing to settle for a hatchback. I have shortlisted the Hyundai i20 Sportz. Could you tell me whether I have made the right decision or are there better options to choose from? What about the Ford EcoSport?

Gaurav Mishra, via email

The i20 is a comfortable, spacious hatch with a good sized boot too. However, if you are keen on a mid-sized sedan, we suggest you go in for the Honda Amaze. It has more space than the Maruti Suzuki Swift Dzire, especially at the rear, has a powerful and very peppy diesel motor and promises to be the most fuel-efficient car in the country. We believe it has all the ingredients that you would like from your diesel car, plus it should fit well within your budget too. It goes on sale this April.

Good Punto

I have set my eyes on the Fiat Punto diesel, but have read on the Internet that a facelift is expected this year itself. Should I wait for the facelift or should I just opt for the current generation Punto? When can we expect the facelifted car to arrive in India?

Palash, via email

 
Yes, the Fiat Punto facelift is expected around September-October this year. The engines are likely to remain the same and the only addition will be the Abarth version, expected to be the most expensive hatch in its class. So if you don't feel like waiting, you could opt to buy the car right now. If you're very keen on either the facelifted car, or the Abarth version, wait for a few months more.

Big decision

My family of four is in a serious predicament over whether to go for the Mahindra XUV5oo or the Chevrolet Cruze. We will be using it mostly on the highways of Kerala, which has its fair share of horrible roads. I did a test drive of both the cars and I liked them both. Both were comfortable and stable at highway speeds and both dealt with bumps and potholes reasonably well. I feel the XUV has so much more to offer in terms of space, practicality and features, but the Cruze's engine is to die for! The Cruze also feels much more premium and well built than the XUV. Which one do you think will be more reliable and easy on the pocket in the long run, say for 5 to 10 years?

Vivek Jayan, via email

It's tough to take a call on the basis of a five to 10 year period since it's dependent on vehicle usage, after sales quality among other things. So we have to base it on what the current situation is and hope it stays the same, especially on the after sales front. Yes, the Chevrolet Cruze has better quality interiors, feels more premium and has a potent engine. Downsides are that room at the rear is a bit short and handling isn't the best. The XUV, as you rightly pointed out, has more space and is more practical, also given the fact that you encounter bad roads. It isn't the best built and does lack some engineering finesse, but given the overall service quality, vis-a-vis Chevrolet and the general cost of ownership, we believe it just nudges out the Cruze.

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