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Car and bike questions? We have the answers
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I want to buy a premium hatchback within a Rs. 6.5 lakh budget. It should be spacious, comfortable, good looking and have a big boot. I have shortlisted the Hyundai i20 Asta, Maruti Swift and Fiat Punto. Fuel economy is not a concern. Please advise which one I should go for. And will I have to wait long for these cars?
Akash Varun Kullu
The Hyundai i20 Asta with the 1.2 petrol engine should suit you best as it comes closest to combining all that you are looking for. The i20, which has been styled for Europe, is contemporary looking but so are the Swift and the Punto. However, when it comes to comfort, safety and practicality, the i20 has the most comfortable interiors, lots of safety features (in Europe it received a four-star rating in the Euro NCAP crash tests) and a generous boot. In terms of quality too, we feel the i20 scores. Fuel efficiency is average but since that doesn’t matter to you, it won’t be a concern. The i20 doesn’t have much of a waiting list and is readily available.
I have a Skoda Fabia 1.2 petrol. Is applying the brakes and clutch together a good practice? How can I increase my car’s mileage and do gears need to be changed according to speed?
Amit Sinha
It isn’t good driving practice to apply the brake and clutch together at the same time as it disconnects the drive from the front wheels. With all four wheels freewheeling, control and braking is compromised. Depressing the clutch pedal just before the car comes to a halt is the proper driving technique. There are several things you can do to increase the car’s mileage. The most effective and simple tip is to bump up the tyre pressure slightly higher than recommended. This may compromise the ride but it will increase efficiency. However, the single biggest factor that influences fuel economy is your driving style. Try to avoid depressing the throttle pedal more than is necessary, don’t lug the engine in a low gear and don’t rev it too hard either.
I am planning to buy a used midsizer within a Rs. 3 lakh to Rs. 5 lakh budget for my five-member family. I am unable to decide between the Ford Ikon and Fiesta. I want a good engine, comfort and mileage. My daily running is around 50km. I also like to go on a 2,000km journey every year. Do suggest any other car if these cars do not suit my needs.
Venkatesh Suvarna
A pre-owned Fiesta is a good choice and certainly better than an Ikon. True, you would get an almost-new Ikon within your budget but we feel a slightly older Fiesta (you could pick up a 2006 model for around Rs. 5 lakh) will do the job better as it has better interiors, better ride and is lower on running costs thanks to its very frugal Duratorq 1.4 diesel engine.
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