Spoilt for Choice

WHICH CAR?

I like the new Ford Fiesta but I don't know which one to go for. I personally drive 30 km a day within city limits but I don't really enjoy driving. However, I would like a good car for my Delhi-Shimla runs. Which Fiesta should I choose?

- Rajshekhar SR, Delhi

All you need is the Fiesta 1.4. It is peppy enough for most of your needs and quite frugal too. Also, you will love carving the mountain roads to Shimla thanks to a sorted out suspension set-up and decent ride quality.

The Fiesta 1.6 is more powerful but not as fuel efficient. And since you don't particularly enjoy driving we won't recommend it. The 1.4 diesel is too expensive and besides you don't need diesel economy since your driving is pretty limited.

Think small

I am 23 years old and I want a car that looks good, is peppy to drive and has brilliant ride and handling. I don't intend to keep the car for more than 2 to 3 years. My driving is limited to the city on weekdays but I frequently travel out of towns on weekends. My budget is around Rs 5 lakh and the car that comes to my mind is the Suzuki Swift. I want to know if it is suitable for the highway and if there are any comparable cars expected in 2006?

- Nitin Nayak, via e-mail

Go for the Swift "" she rides reasonably well on bad roads and very well on good roads like an expressway. Handling is natural and intuitive. Negatives include cramped rear seats and luggage room but nothing that you can't live with. If space is important to you then you could try out the Hyundai Getz. It is not as peppy or fun to drive as the Swift but it is well built. Both these cars return 12-14 kpl depending on traffic conditions.

Performance anxiety

I am a complete driving enthusiast and cornering at high speeds is pure nirvana to me. I am looking at cars priced in the range of Rs 13-15 lakh and I am debating between the Skoda Octavia RS and the Accord V6. I would have gone for the Octavia blindfolded but my research has thrown up a few question marks about the cost of spares as well as service values. Although pure driving pleasure is paramount, cost of ownership is also a factor. I am not too concerned about fuel efficiency and would appreciate it if you could help me make up my mind.

- Vivek Sharma, via email

Buy the RS if you want a sports car "" it's got the suspension, tyres and overall dynamics meant to make you a happy soul. The Accord is quick and fast but it wafts. While Skoda has been irresponsible with service, especially when it comes to the RS. Consider it the price you pay for owning a car with genuine sports car performance. Buy one, take good care and you get a great deal. But if you don't want to spend all that money, but want RS performance, go for the 1.8 Turbo petrol. It's a cheaper option but you don't get the suspension and tyres. Drive carefully!

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