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VIRTUAL MECHANIC

Car and bike questions? We have the answers

I am a college student in Chennai and want to buy a four-stroke scooter. I am looking at the Hero Honda Pleasure and the Honda Activa. Friends tell me that there is no real difference between the two under the body. Is this true? Which of the two would you recommend?

Shankar Vadivel, via email

The two bikes, save for a few differences in detail, are very similar indeed. However, you might find that riding around on a Pleasure might cause you some embarrassment in your peer group - this scoot is squarely targeted at women - haven't you noticed the exclusive showrooms Hero Honda has put up recently? We really do recommend the Activa to you!

My husband and I want a small diesel car, and are confused between the Palio and the Indica. We are looking at both city and highway driving, and so we need reliability, mileage and comfort. We have a driver and need good legroom behind. Please help!

Suchitra Ram, via email

While the Indica is spacious and comfortable, the Palio D might offer you better long-term reliability. Having said this, the Indica Turbo diesel is a good option to consider, since it offers better performance. You get marginally better fuel economy and quicker overtaking ability - an important factor for safety on the highway. Overall, the Indica is cheaper to buy too, and it is a combination of these factors that makes us recommend the Tata to you. If you can wait till year-end, the Maruti Swift is likely to be available in a diesel guise too.

Write in with your queries to wheels@thehindu.co.in

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