TATA INDIGO MANZA
Tata’s flagship sedan has been selling well over the years, and not without reason. In terms of space, it beats betters cars in higher categories, making it popular among people who are largely chauffeur-driven. The cabin is well kitted-out and equally well finished, with Tata taking steps to improve the fit and finish issues. The car comes loaded, with features such as steering-mounted audio controls, Bluetooth, airbags, ABS and so forth. The ride quality is comfortable, tending towards the softer side, with the trade-off being that handling is a bit on the soft side as well. The Manza makes a strong case for itself as a value for money offering. Prices start at Rs 5.15 lakh, ex-showroom, Mumbai.
TOYOTA ETIOS
First launched with an excellent 1.5-litre petrol engine with lots of pep and space, the Etios now has a 1.4-litre diesel option as well. The petrol engine makes the Etios a sprightly performer, and the diesel is for those with practicality and efficiency in mind; ride and handling are rather good as well. The only downside with the Etios is the quality of its interiors. Nevertheless, the Etios has been selling well, snapping at the heels of the all-conquering Swift Dzire. Prices start at Rs 5.21 lakh, ex-showroom, Mumbai.
MARUTI SUZUKI SWIFT DZIRE
People have voted for the Dzire with their cheque books. With a sweet, 1.2-litre petrol engine and a brilliant 1.3-litre diesel powerplant, the Dzire is a great buy in either variant. The interior has nothing special to offer, but it is well built and finished, with good head and leg room for four passengers. This is a light car, with fairly nimble handling, and ride quality is good as well. The car is now showing its age, and some sort of update would certainly help; in its current form, a lot of people are turned off by its slightly gawky design. A new Dzire is expected next year, but it remains to be seen whether it will replace the current car or co-exist with it in the model lineup. Prices start at Rs 5.18 lakh, ex-showroom, Mumbai.
