Mid-size crisis

WHICH CAR?

I want to buy a mid-size luxury car. I am a bit confused "� kindly help me make the correct choice between the trio "� the New Honda City, the Hyundai Accent CRDi and the Chevrolet Optra 1.6. Which one should I buy? And why?

Dr I Soundrarajan, via email

Choose the new City if you want a self-driven, refined, economical and reliable new age automobile.

Buy the Accent CRDi if diesel economy is very important to you and place your bets on the Optra 1.6 if you have a chauffeur and are looking for maximum car for your money.

Small car, big decision

I am looking for a new C segment car. I have shortlisted the Corsa 1.4 and Siena, primarily based on their ride quality. I currently drive a Matiz and on an average, I travel 30 km a day. I can wait for a few months for this new car.

Amongst the two cars mentioned above, how does each one feature on fuel efficiency and cost of after sales service? I understand Fiat is also going to launch the 1.9 diesel variant of Siena. What kind of an engine will it be and is it safe to invest in a Fiat at this point of time?

Is getting spare parts a problem and are they costly? Last, I understand that Hyundai is scheduled to launch the Getz in August this year. How is this car (diesel variant) in comparison with the Corsa and Siena (diesel)?

Himont Rastogi, Mumbai

The Getz CRDi diesel will be a good car, but you may have to wait till 2005 for it to happen. Amongst the cars you have listed, the Corsa 1.4 is not a bad buy at all "� it has the ride quality you are looking for and is very well built too.

The Siena 1.9 (we hear it will be called the Petra) is powered by the same engine from the Palio Diesel and is extremely good when it comes to fuel efficiency, refinement and reliability. We expect Fiat to launch it any time now.

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