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WHICH CAR?

I need help in deciding which vehicle to buy. My budget is just under Rs 8 lakh. I drive a Zen and was looking at the Suzuki Swift very seriously till recently. But now, as my budget has gone up, I have been wondering if an SUV can fit in it. My requirements are three: looks, looks and looks.

Just kidding. First requirement is of course looks. I drive about 500 km a month, mostly to work. My monthly fuel bill is about Rs 2,500 tops, so fuel economy is not much of a bother.

The choices I have made are: Mahindra Scorpio (I like the looks, but been told that fuel economy is really poor and maintenance is high), Chevrolet Tavera (help me decide if it's good-looking or not!), Tata Safari Dicor (wonderful, but will it fit in my budget?) and Toyota Innova (too big?). I need to buy one before end of November.

Mohan, Kolkata

The Tavera's looks are not that contemporary and it's not that exciting to drive either. The Safari Dicor may look good to you and it does have presence.

However, it has also been around for some time now and that thorough facelift has just freshened it up. But the Safari is too bulky and heavy.

The Innova, though not an SUV, has potential "" if you like its looks, that is. It's a good, safe, modern car, and that petrol engine is a gem. It's fun to drive as well. As regards its size, well, if you're comfortable with it, then there's no issue.

We feel that the Scorpio is more or less up your street. Fuel economy is not one of your priorities anyway, and maintenance issues shouldn't be there if you treat your vehicle well.

Replacement theory

My dad wishes to replace our old Honda City and Accord with new cars in the same segments. We cannot decide between the Accord V6 and Toyota Camry.

We have been happy Honda customers and would not mind trading our old Accord for the newer version. I have understood from friends who already have the new Accord that it is more fun to drive, especially with the V6. However, the real confusion is when we think of replacing the City.

I loved this car for its performance and striking looks. Considering that I'm a college student, I would like a car that is great to drive, attractive and easy on the pocket.

I am confused between the Chevrolet Optra (heard about its poor mileage), Honda City, Skoda Octavia and Toyota Corolla (does not really look good to me, but mileage I reckon, is its advantage).

M Patel, Ahmedabad

The Accord V6 is a fast car, but we think that Honda will be giving it a facelift sometime half-way next year.

We recommend you hold on to your existing Accord and then switch over to the facelifted version as and when it happens. Or else, there's always the Camry, which is an overall brilliant car.

Yes, we know how you feel about the old City... it seems irreplaceable. But now you have two exciting options. Honda has just introduced the 100 bhp City VTEC, which answers enthusiasts' prayers in the country.

And if you can afford it, there's the ultimate boy racers' dream, the Octavia RS!

Drive safe

I drive a Honda City 1.5 EXi and am looking to replace it. My budget is between Rs 12 and 15 lakh. I drive around 3,000 km a month. I am looking for a driver's car that's also safe, as the roads in Kerala are pretty dangerous.

I also expect reasonable fuel economy, as my Honda averages about 11 to 12 kpl in the city.

Eldo, Kochi

If you want performance and safety, the Octavia 1.8T fits your bill. It may not be as fuel efficient as your Honda, however. The other option you have is the Toyota Corolla.

Though not as powerful as the 1.8T, it is reasonably fun to drive and is safe too, as it comes with plenty of safety equipment as standard. You won't be unhappy with its fuel consumption either.