Swift option

q: Maruti is on its way to launch the petrol- engined A-Star sometime this year and Tata is also planning to launch its face-lifted Indica with a petrol engine. After seeing the A-Star I’m awestruck and would request you to enlighten me about this car. What will the A-Star’s launch date and price tag be? Will it be a better purchase than the Swift LDi?

Koushik Banerjee

a: The Maruti car based on the A-star is expected in November but unfortunately, it will not look as good as the A-star, which is just a concept. The A-star will have a 1.0 litre petrol engine. It will be a smaller car than the Swift LDi and not as fuel efficient (as it does not have diesel option). It will be cheaper than the Swift as well. However, the Swift will still be a better car, overall, and if your budget permits, I would advise the Swift over the A-star.

In the long run

q: I own a 1989 Maruti 800. I am considering buying a new car. It should have good mileage, be easy to maintain, and have good fuel economy. I have shortlisted the i10 from Hyundai. Please give me its price and specifications. Do you think it is a good buy on a long term basis?

K. Bhowmik

a: Yes, the i10 would be a good car to upgrade to. It is very well built and will offer you good service in the long run. The details you need are — engine size: 1086cc, 66bhp wheelbase: 2380mm; fuel tank capacity: 35 litres and tyre size: 155/80 R13.

Budget deal

q: I want to buy a new car for a family of three. My average daily usage will be 10km -15km within the city. Fuel economy, low maintenance costs and good after-sales service are priorities. Petrol is preferable. My budget is Rs 9 lakh. Also, could you please advise me on the Honda Civic?

Avinash Das

a: The Civic is an excellent car but not within your budget. You will need to spend upwards of Rs 12 lakh for it. However, for around Rs 10 lakh you could purchase the Toyota Corolla. There are some good deals being offered on the car and it will serve your needs well. If that is too expensive, then opt for the Honda City. It is the best for short city runs.

Cool comfort

q: My budget is between Rs 4 lakh and Rs 4.5 lakh (on-road, Bangalore). My preferences are comfortable seats, good legroom, good fuel economy, an air conditioner, power windows, low maintenance costs and good after-sales service. I have shortlisted some cars — the Mahindra-Renault Logan, Hyundai i-10, Maruti Suzuki Swift and Chevy Aveo U-VA. Will they fit into my budget and fulfil my requirements? Is there a car not in the list that I should consider?

Dhruv Agarwal

a: Your short list covers a saloon and hatchbacks which are quite different and each one has their own attributes. If you need space and comfort above everything else then the Logan is the best choice. However, it won’t be as economical to run as a Swift or an i10. If you need a family car, then go for the Logan and if you don’t need all that space, then the Swift is the best of the lot.

Performs to win

q: I want to buy a new car and my budget is around Rs 15 lakh. I want a luxurious diesel car. Which car should I buy? It has to deliver good fuel efficiency.

Anirudh Joshi

a: The best diesel for your budget is the Sonata diesel. It has a good ride and lots of performance.