Homing in

I'll be returning to India (Delhi) very soon, and looking at the traffic conditions of the city, I plan to buy a Honda City CVT. However, I came across the Hyundai Elantra, and its technical specifications as well as safety features look quite interesting. I'll use my car in the city for commuting to office and also three to four times a year for trips outside Delhi, to places like Shimla, Manali, Jaipur, etc. I'll keep my car at least for the next five years. With the prices of the two being almost equal, which car is a better buy?

Anil, via email

Stick to the Honda City CVT decision of yours "" you will pat yourself on the back so much that your hand as well as your back will hurt. If there is one car sold in India that is a godsend to tackle Indian traffic conditions, then it is the City CVT.

As for the Elantra, consider it if you value the safety features (Hear that, Honda? Isn't it time the City got ABS and airbags at least as an option?) and diesel economy.

The overall design and architecture of the Elantra belong to an earlier era and we know for sure that a new model has been launched in Europe. Welcome back to India!

Fusion music

I am planning to buy the entry model of the Ford Fusion. The dealer is offering it at Rs 5.77 lakh on-road. But another salesman at the same dealership advised me not to buy it now, as at the end of this month (June), the Fusion's price might be revised and will come down. Do you have any information on this? What should I do?

Ravi Venkatesh, via email

If Ford does not want someone to know of an impending price reduction, it is us motoring journos. So we really don't know.

The fact remains that the Fusion "" a thoroughly designed and developed automobile with impeccable performance, ride quality and handling "" has not done well in India.

Hence the Rs 5.77 lakh price tag "" which we believe is pretty good as long as you don't mind it knocking at least a lakh of rupees off the list price the moment it rolls out of the factory.

If you like the looks, practicality and performance of the car, then we do recommend a buy. The 1.6 petrol engine makes the Fusion fun to drive, but it is not an off-roader as its mini-SUV looks suggest.

Fuel's paradise

Do you think special fuels like Speed, Power and Xtra Premium are necessary? I just bought myself a red Suzuki Swift and I really want to take care of the car. Do you use this expensive stuff to run your cars?

Arun Taha, via email

All cars sold in India are built to run on normal fuel and carmakers do a lot of work to ensure that engines don't get startled by the quality of fuel in the country.

That said, fuels with additives can be beneficial "" they prevent gumming of the injection system and aid in better combustion (so you get better fuel efficiency and power).

It's a good idea to use premium fuel if you can (afford to) stick to the habit, since filling normal pump fuel in between will reduce the long term benefits of using branded fuel. Some of us do use these fuels.

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