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Car and bike questions? We have the answers
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I am planning to buy a saloon and my budget is Rs 6.5 lakh. I drive around 75km daily in city traffic and occasionally make a few outstation trips. The car needs to have a good driver’s seat with ample head and legroom. It should be able to seat three passengers comfortably in the rear, good legroom and offer a decent mileage. I have considered the Hyundai Verna Xi, Maruti SX4 VXi, Tata Indigo DiCOR, Ford Fusion Plus and the Mahindra Renault top-end model. Please help me choose the best or suggest any other car that suits my requirements.
Biji Joseph
Since you drive 75km daily, a diesel car is a better choice as it would offer a huge cost benefit over a petrol car. For your requirement of a good driver’s seat and space for three passengers at the rear, you need a very spacious car. The Logan is a good choice. Go for the diesel version as it is one of the most practical cars in the market. If you want a more exciting car, then go for the Maruti SX4, but be prepared for huge fuel bills.
I had purchased a Chevrolet Optra Royale last year. The fuel efficiency with the air-conditioner on is 8kpl (in the city) and 17kpl (highway). I want to know the reason for the huge difference in the figures. Can the efficiency in the city be improved? Why is the resale value of this car poor?
Abhik Coomer
Eight kpl in the city is a typical figure for the Optra, especially as the average speed in cities has dropped with increasing traffic. Try increasing tyre pressures by around 2psi. This would give you a marginal improvement in efficiency, but the ride comfort would become a bit harsh. The best way to improve efficiency is to consciously adopt a careful driving style, which means gingerly pressing the accelerator! Don’t lug the engine and don’t rev it too much. You will be amazed at the results you will get. The highway figure you have achieved is quite impressive. As demand for new Optras is poor, resale values are poorer.
I am keen on buying a 150cc bike which has good looks, performance and ride quality. Can you advise me? I am using a Bajaj CT100 and happy with it. I do not mind waiting for any new bike being launched soon.
Santosh Meher
Comparison tests have found the Hero Honda Hunk to be India’s best all-round 150cc model motorcycle today. The Bajaj Pulsar 150 DTS-i offers the most features, good specifications and comfortable ride quality. The Honda Unicorn offers unmatched refinement and the smoothest engine performance, while the TVS RTR 160 is a sporty bike with the quickest performance in the segment. Choose the one depending on your requirements.
I have a 2001 model Yamaha Enticer which is working fine. In fact, the fascinating part about my bike are its tyres that are in great condition. Not even once have I had to deal with a flat tyre. I plan to put alloy wheels on my Enticer, but can’t find a suitable pair. What will be the approximate cost of installing them and how would they affect my bike? Also, should I add a larger size tyre to the front (110/ 80 section tyre) to help the front look more aggressive?
Romil Vaya
It is amazing you didn’t have to deal with a flat tyre even once but your bike requires new tyres as the old ones would have hardened. This hardening compromises traction despite keeping tyres looking up to speed and is a chief reason for their lasting so long. You should not change to alloy rims, as these are not manufactured by Yamaha and the Enticer is a classic cruiser which looks best sitting on spoke rims. Also don’t go for a larger size tyre. Both these changes will interfere with and compromise your bike’s handling.
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