I am a professional based in Mumbai. My driving is limited to within the city, and I cover about 40 km a day. I have a chauffeur to do the driving duties. I own a last-generation Honda City and it has been a happy experience owning it. I would now like to replace it. I was considering going in for the current City but I also took a look at the Maruti Suzuki SX4. The SX4 deal is very sweet and even the top-end ZXi version is offering me a huge saving compared to the City. I am confused now between these two cars. Should I go back to Honda or should I get a better deal for myself?
G Kini, Mumbai
The City is a great car in terms of looks, fuel consumption, driving pleasure and interior space and packaging. The SX4, on the other hand, is an excellent value-for-money proposition. Plus it has an exuberant engine as well and is a taller car, so getting in and out is easy. The SX4 may not have the same quality going inside as the City and may not have the Honda badge appeal, but it’s not a bad car either. Maruti Suzuki have re-engineered the rear suspension to offer a more pliant ride with the revamped version. What we suggest to you is go for a test drive in the SX4 and of course, check out the rear seat. If you are comfortable with it, you can opt for it. What’s wrong in getting yourself a better deal?
Hatch match
I own a 2007 Maruti Suzuki Wagon R which I want to replace with a new hatchback. I was wondering which would be the best fit for me — the Hyundai i20, the Skoda Fabia or the Maruti Suzuki Ritz. My experience with the Wagon R has been good — it is a great car to drive in the suburbs of Mumbai and it allows me to carry my equipment with ease (I am a doctor as well as a musician!). I am not in a terrible hurry. The car is also occasionally used by my parents for short drives. Which one do you suggest?
Aditya, Mumbai
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The i20 is a feature-rich car that is of a high quality while the Fabia will be receiving a makeover soon. Both these cars are upscale hatchbacks, but it’s the Maruti Suzuki Ritz that is a classic upgrade from a Wagon R. It is also a tall car and its wider, planted stance and a brilliant four-cylinder engine make it a great car to drive, especially in the city. Though it is not as utilitarian as the Wagon R, it should still fit your purposes. The advantage with the Ritz is that its height will be convenient for your parents to use it as well.
Linear movement
My family has a Hyundai Accent and we would like to add another diesel sedan to the fold. We need a sedan because of the space, stability and safety while a diesel engine is required for the highway driving. We were thinking of going for the Hyundai Verna but it’s proving to be too expensive. We are not particular about going for the Tata Indigo Manza so do you think the Fiat Linea is a good option? Please let us know.
Kishore Sharma, Indore
The Linea is indeed a suitable option for you. It is a good-looking car that feels big and expensive. The Linea comes with a frugal diesel motor that will stretch the litre of fuel very well, especially on the highways. It also offers a comfortable ride for all passengers, while it is decent value for your money as well.
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