UVA rays

I'm planning to buy a hatchback in the next couple of months, with a budget of Rs 4-5lakhs. I do not commute a lot and I primarily need a safe car for my family trips/outings. Currently, the Swift seems good to me.

However, I've heard couple of folks talk about the not-so-comfortable ride in that car. Also, I got to know that GM is coming out with a hatchback version of the Aveo and Suzuki is coming out with a diesel version of the Swift. What is the car that you would suggest? Should I wait for the Aveo hatch or the diesel Swift?

Satish Kumar, via email

The current Swift is a modern car that is easy as well as fun to drive. The ride quality of the front seat is great but the rear ride not as good as, say, that of a Hyundai Accent or a Ford Fiesta. Space is an issue too.

The Aveo hatch will certainly be bigger, so if size and room are important to you, you might as well wait. As for the diesel version, you will have a longer wait as the car will hit the road only towards the end of the year.

Black gold

I am a regular reader of your articles and quite enjoy your maverick expressions. I am planning to pick up a second-hand Honda City (Black, 50k on the odometer) built in 2003 and belonging to the older generation. The asking price is Rs. 3.5 lakhs. I was wondering if that is a good enough price for the same.

Nitin Goyal, via email

The price of used cars changes with cities. If you are from Mumbai or Delhi, where supply outstrips demand, you should haggle to bring the price down to three lakh. But if you are from Chennai, Bangalore or any even from Pune, the Rs 3.5 lakh tag for a car that has done 50,000 km looks good.

To C or D minus

I have been driving a Santro for the last seven years in Mumbai. I wanted to buy a 3-box car and somehow shortlisted the Honda City Gxi with iDSI engine taking my budget into account. Somehow, I wonder whether it would be wise to stretch my budget further.

Other cars that come to mind are the Honda City VTEC, Toyota Corolla 1.8E H5 or Skoda Octavia 1.9 TDI. I am also wondering whether to wait for the Honda Civic. My driving would be around 50 km each day. I need a car that has looks, comfortable leg space, good performance, low maintenance and good mileage. Please suggest which car I should buy.

Mahesh Chhabria, via email

You have shortlisted the right car "" the City ZX has the right blend of sophistication and everything else you are looking for. However, if you want a larger car then the choice is pretty good. Avoid the City VTEC unless you are an enthusiast driver who cannot do without one. Buy the Corolla if you want an all-round performer.

The Skoda TDi is the only car of the lot that gives you an unmatchable diesel advantage. If you wait for the Civic then you still get a bigger Honda, but one with all possible safety features. Our choice? A Corolla in the drive way today is better than a Civic six months later, right?

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