Where its AT

WHICH CAR?

I am a regular reader of your write-ups on cars, your Motoring Road Test Digest is a collector's piece. I request that you build market opinion for cars with automatic transmissions. I have a 1997 Maruti Esteem AX, which thanks to Maruti's workshop at Nariana, is still going strong after 1,87,000 km. I want to now replace it, preferably with another Maruti, but it looks as if Maruti does not make three-box AT cars anymore. Does the Mahindra Renault Logan come with an automatic transmission?

Kishore Babu, via email

Unfortunately, the Logan does not come with an automatic option. While the current Maruti Suzuki line-up does not have three-box cars with automatic gearbox options, next month, the manufacturer will introduce the new Baleno. It is an up-to-date three-box model, though we don't know at this moment whether an automatic gearbox will be included as part of the package. But you can always consider the Honda City CVT "" which we think is one of the best auto-box cars in the country. It returns decent fuel economy (10-12 kpl) and as you would know, is a breeze to drive in congested traffic.

Automatic choice

I am looking at buying a tall-boy car with an automatic transmission and I'm left with only two options "" the Maruti Suzuki Wagon R and the Hyundai Santro. I need your views on their maintenance, safety, comfort in both front and rear seats, driving pleasure, mileage and value-for-money. The Wagon R is available with an LPG option, which would reduce my running costs drastically. How much would it matter that the Wagon R comes with a three-speed auto while the Santro has a four-speed automatic transmission?

Rahul Gajare, Mumbai

Between the two automatic B-segment cars that you have short-listed, we would recommend the Santro (though we think it is a bit on the expensive side). A four-speed automatic shifts (automatically) between four gears depending on the load, driving conditions and accelerator inputs. A four-speed will optimise engine performance better than a three-speed auto-box in a small car and hence is a better option. Both cars are quite reliable, while the Santro offers better room, especially at the back.

City beat

I am based in Chennai. I am looking at buying either a Hyundai Getz GVS or the Suzuki Swift VXi. How do they compare? And I'm particularly interested in their fuel efficiency "" how much do they return in city traffic with the airconditioner running? Also, I heard that two-year old Chevrolet Optras are available at a cheaper price band. How much would a two-year old Optra 1.6 command, and what is its fuel consumption? And how do you rate the Optra?

Aarthi Srinivasan, Chennai

Always buy new if you don't want to inherit someone else's headache! Between the Getz and the Swift, the Hyundai has more space and is a commute-happy car, while the Swift is more fun to drive when the going gets fast. The Swift returns close to 12 kpl on a regular basis with the AC running, while the Getz is a notch below that. By the way, Hyundai has now launched the Getz with a 1.1-litre engine "" which will be more economical. As for the used Optra, there is nothing wrong if the car has been maintained well. It is a big car in the traditional sense of the word, but fuel consumption, even in the 1.6, can go below 10 kpl.

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