Between the Toyota Camry, Nissan Teana, Honda Accord, Volkswagen Passat, Skoda Superb and all other cars available in this bracket in India, which would be the best buy in terms of comfort, performance as well as after-sales service?
Sundip Mathur, via email
All the cars you have shortlisted have their strengths and weaknesses. However, we feel that the Accord offers the best when it comes to your parameters of comfort, performance and after-sales service. Following that would be the Camry and the Passat. The new Superb is a thoroughly competent car across all aspects, but Skoda's after-sales service leaves much to be desired. The Accord is the safest bet for you, and it also comes with a V6 option if you want more performance.
Looking good
We have been driving a Maruti Suzuki Wagon-R for the last four years and are now looking to upgrade to a new car. My father drives the car occasionally to work, maybe three days in a week, and the rest of the time when it’s free, I drive it to my college. Sometimes all four members of my family head out to make social visits. The driving is that way limited, but we need a car that’s spacious and comfortable. I personally would like something trendy. After doing research, I have narrowed our choice down to the Maruti Suzuki Ritz (though I prefer its looks from the rear rather than the front) and the Hyundai i20. What would you recommend?
Tejas, via email
The Ritz is a very good upgrade for you, and its tall-boy architecture means that you are instantly comfortable, especially after having driven the Wagon-R all along. The new 1200cc petrol engine is smooth and refined and makes it peppy to drive. The i20 is also a very contemporary car and we are not surprised you have shortlisted it because of the way you looks. It is spacious inside too and the ride is also good. But it’s a shorter car than the Wagon-R or the Ritz. So if your family is fine by that, go ahead and get yourself the Hyundai.
Grande aspirations
I've heard that the Fiat Grande Punto’s launch is around the corner. I’m fascinated about Fiats, but the Linea is a bit out of my budget. Can you tell me more about what engines can one expect and the approximate price?
Vaibhav Kamat, Mumbai
You are right about the Grande Punto's imminent launch. In fact, the launch is on June 17, so you can head to a showroom soon and try out one and maybe even book one. Fiat will launch the car with a 1200cc petrol and the 1248cc Multijet diesel to begin with. While both engines feature in the Tata Indica Vista Safire and the Palio Stile, they might be in a higher state of tune to compensate for the extra weight. Fiat might price the car at about Rs 5 lakh for the premium petrol variant and closer to Rs 6 lakh for the premium diesel variant.
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