Performance Appraisal

WHICH CAR?

I drive a Hyundai Santro Xing XS and am happy with it, except that I find its performance just about adequate. Now I want to upgrade to a sedan and my budget is up to Rs 8 lakh. Performance, features, looks and fuel economy are my requirements, in that order of preference. Which one should I buy "" the Suzuki Baleno or the Honda City VTEC (the i-DSI is out of the question)? Or should I wait for Ford's new sedan? The VTEC is a bit off my budget and I have issues with the Baleno's looks.

Kedar Bindu, via email

We have just driven the VTEC version of the new City and it is extremely good. But the new i-DSI City ZX is a much improved car too and is worth considering.

Alternatively, why don't you check out the Hyundai Accent GLE "" it is an all-rounder of a car that suits your needs. We have not driven the Fiesta, but the car looks promising. And Ford is yet to announce the pricing for their new car.

Fuel for thought

I am thinking of buying a sedan in the Rs 8 to 10 lakh range within the next three months. I have the Skoda Octavia diesel in my mind, and was also thinking of the Toyota Corolla "" but it does not have a diesel version. Though there's no compulsion for me to go in for a diesel car, I want good mileage from my car, as my daily run is around 100 km. Also, the roads where I live are bad, so the car's suspension should be able to tackle them. I have heard about the new Ford Fiesta, but I don't know anything about its technical specifications and fuel consumption. I'm not sure which sedan to go for. Please help.

Abhishek Khandelwal, via email

Since fuel consumption is an important criteria for you, do take a look at the Hyundai Elantra CRDi "" it's a well-built car that fits in your budget and an effortless mile eater too.

Even inside city limits, the CRDi engine should return 11-12 kpl on a regular basis with the AC running. It is a big sedan with big car virtues like good ride and decent handling.

Of course, the Octavia turbodiesel is a proven performer even without a common-rail motor. Do test drive both and then arrive at a conclusion. Our choice? The Elantra should fit the bill nicely for you.

Tall order

I am six feet tall and drive a Maruti Alto in Varanasi. This city has perhaps the worst roads and traffic in India (and the world). The Alto has been giving me leg/knee pain over the three years that I have had it. I am considering a switch to either the Maruti Wagon R or the Hyundai Santro. Which will be more comfortable for me and easy for me to get in and get out? Also, would going for an automatic gearbox be worthwhile considering the traffic?

Ben, Varanasi

Both the Santro and the Wagon R are ideal for city use. Both cars give you an upright seating position and ease of entry/exit thanks to their tall-boy design.

Between the two, we feel the Wagon R is slightly better when it comes to tackling bad roads. An automatic gearbox option would be pretty convenient for you "" you certainly can opt for it.

Planning to buy a car or bike?Ask us at
bijoy@business-standard.com