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Car and bike questions? We have the answers
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We have decided to buy a small family-size car and have short-listed the Chevrolet Spark, Zen Estilo and Maruti Swift. Which of these would be best given our priorities are mileage, low maintenance cost and ultimate driving pleasure? Could you suggest other options too?
Nishant Gautam
The Swift and the Spark are both very good cars, but your purchase should depend on your budget and usage. If you will be driving the car exclusively in the city, then the Spark is a better bet. If however, you intend to take driving holidays on weekends, the Swift it is. We wouldn’t recommend the Zen Estilo. We also recommend the Hyundai i10 strongly.
I plan to buy a Hyundai Santro or Maruti Wagon R. Do let me know about the advantages and disadvantages of the two models that I have mentioned in terms of fuel efficiency, maintenance, level of space and resale value. I heard that Hyundai is planning to stop production of the current Santro Xing (erlx) models. Is it true?
Sudhir
Both the Santro and Wagon R are tall boy designs and offer lots of space. While Maruti has the advantage of a very extensive dealer network, the Santro is a better drive. Resale of both is good. But overall, we recommend the Santro.
If I had to choose between the Santro, Spark, Estilo and Wagon R Duo, which would be the best choice?
Kannan
The Wagon R Duo offers very low running costs, and that makes it an attractive proposition. However, it compromises on luggage capacity, so choose accordingly. If you’re city based and want a car with low running costs, go for the Wagon R Duo. The Santro and Spark are both excellent cars for the price, but we feel the Santro is still hard to beat as a city car. Also, the residuals of GM cars aren’t very encouraging.
I have a family of five and I want to buy a new diesel car. I have looked at the Mahindra-Renault Logan and feel it is very spacious and they claim it delivers 19.6kpl. It costs about Rs. 6.13 lakh (on-road). What are the advantages and disadvantages of this car? Do you think I should get it? If not, please suggest other cars.
H Altaf Hussain
The Logan diesel is a very good car. It is comfortable and spacious enough for a family of five to travel long distance as well. In the same price bracket, there is the Tata Indigo, which has ruled the roost in entry midsize diesel market for some time now. But go ahead and buy the Logan.
I have a Maruti 800 and am thinking of buying the SX4. I shall be glad to know your opinion on this.
P Balasubramanian
The SX4 is the best value-for-money mid-sizer currently in the Indian market. We pitted it against the hot-selling Honda City, and rupee for rupee, we found the SX4 hard to beat. Go ahead and buy one.
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