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VIRTUAL MECHANIC

Car and bike questions? We have the answers

I've been using a Maruti Omni for the last 15 years; it's worked fine but I want something more powerful, safe and better looking. I've looked at the Santro, Palio and the Ikon. I like the Santro's size and Hyundai's dealer support, but it's too small a car. How good is the new Esteem? Are there any new models I should know about?

Dr Mukesh, via email

If you've used a Maruti for 15 years, sticking with the company is a good idea, and the new Esteem is a good car. It is reliable, has a decent ride and is easy to drive, the lows being a lack of space and that it is difficult to get in and out of. The Fiat Palio 1.2 is very good too, and built to last. Take a good look at the Hyundai Getz - it offers more room than the Palio and the Santro, and is a more contemporary and better built option to the Esteem.

I am considering putting alloy rims on my Maruti Versa as the current rim-and-tyre combination seems inadequate. If I put a 14-inch wheel on the vehicle, what will the tyre size be? My need is for a tyre that has long life with constant highway use.

J D'Souza, via email

The tyres supplied with the Versa are `commercial' or `light truck' tyres, which are reinforced to carry a higher load capacity. The possible upsizes to the 14-inch rims are 175/65-R14 or 185/60-R14; however, as far as we know, both are only available as passenger car tyres - therefore, check to see that these tyres have an equivalent or greater payload rating than the ones you will be replacing.

I'm planning to upgrade from my Esteem to a UV, within a budget of Rs 10 lakh. I have shortlisted the Tavera, Qualis and Scorpio. I travel about 1,200 km a month, and on some really rough roads, so four-wheel drive will help. I travel with my family of eight once a month and carry fairly large loads. Which would you recommend?

Abhijit, via email

While the Tavera is extremely reliable, comfortable and fuel efficient, it lacks two aspects you seem to need — a 4WD system and an engine that is capable of hauling a full load of passengers with complete ease. We therefore suggest you go for the Scorpio, the only SUV in your list available with four-wheel drive. This vehicle is more than capable and the excellent Borg-Warner electronic transfer case for the 4WD system will make short work of driving on unpaved roads, especially in the monsoons. The Scorpio, with its new common rail engine has ample power and will do an admirable job of ferrying around your family of eight. Besides, the vehicle is easy to drive in the city as well as out on the highway — you will not feel the experience behind the wheel stressful at all!

My Tata Sumo Turbo currently runs on 215/70-R15 tyres. I am unhappy with them and would also like to go in for tubeless tyres. I have seen a few older Sumos fitted with 235/75-R15 tyres — are these a safe fit on the Sumo?

Mahendran, via email

You could go in for tubeless tyres for the Sumo, which are made by a number of Indian and imported tyre companies. However, ensure that your Sumo's rims are in order i.e. free from rust and the valve hole area dirt-free. If the rims are excessively rusted, then tubeless tyres would really not be recommended. The 235/75-R15s are a shade too large and may hamper with the bodywork of the Sumo. Hence, sticking to the 215/75-R15s would be wiser.

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