Diffusion

WHICH CAR?

I need a car for the city. I have been driving my Maruti Zen for about four years now and find the low seats a bit tiring in Mumbai traffic "" but I do love to drive. My company will be footing most of the car's costs, and I can also chip in with a bit, so my budget can go up to Rs 7 lakh or thereabouts. Should I go for the Honda City? Sadly, the VTEC is out of my range. How about the Ford Fiesta 1.6 instead?

Jatin L, Mumbai

Yes, the Fiesta 1.6 can be an option for you. It's a competent compact three-boxer, and is more fun to drive than the iDSI City 1.5. But when you are at the Ford showroom, why don't you check out the Fusion? It's got the same 100 bhp 1600cc powerplant that powers the Fiesta 1.6 and is a car that's fun to drive.

Besides, it's a tall, MPV-ish kind of vehicle, so it shouldn't tire you out over long distances. And since it's a hatchback, you'll find it easy to drive and park in the city as well.

At variants

I have decided to buy a Toyota Innova. I understand there are pros and cons for both diesel and petrol engines; what I want to know is with respect to the Innova, which one is better. I am also confused about which version to go for. Can you help me figure out which Innova I should buy?

Ila Chandrawanshi, via email

If you cover around 100 km or more in a day, you can opt for the diesel Innova. Otherwise, the petrol version should do well for you.

Both the engines are well suited to the Innova, and have their individual strengths. The 136 bhp 2000cc VVT-i petrol motor is refined, peppy and pretty fuel efficient for its size, and is well geared for city driving. The 102 bhp 2500cc common-rail turbodiesel is frugal too, and is a breeze to drive on the highways.

The diesel is torquey and enjoyable to drive in its own way. The Innova comes in various variants, including 7- and 8-seater versions. Choose the variant which has features that are important for you and one which fits your budget.

Swift move

I am about to buy my first car and my budget is Rs 4.25 lakh (give or take a few thousands). My drive would be 30 km per day between south and central Delhi. I have shortlisted Hyundai's Santro and Getz and the Suzuki Swift (I am not considering the Suzuki Wagon R, as my sister has one). My priorities are mileage, extra space, maintenance/spare parts cost and drive quality, in that order.

Amit Sengupta, New Delhi

Except for interior space, the Swift takes care of your requirements. It is fuel efficient, fun to drive, and is reliable. However, if space is really important for you, you can opt for the Getz.

It is roomy inside and is a well-built and dependable car "" however, it is not as fuel efficient as the Swift. Both cars are low-maintenance vehicles and spare parts are priced fairly too. And both are new, compared to the Santro.

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