Pickup woes

q: I own a Mitsubishi Lancer 2-litre diesel 2007 model. Not being satisfied with the initial pickup, I’m keen to install a K&N sports air filter. Will this help solve the problem?

Kimmy Sandhu

a: The K&N filter alone will not make much of a difference and the performance gains will barely be noticeable. A bigger turbocharger with the necessary modifications should increase the output, but engine reliability may become a factor. Modifications should only be carried out by reputed garages that have experience in such jobs. Even minor mistakes can ruin a good engine, which is why we don’t recommend it.

GO FIESTA

q: I’m planning to buy a diesel saloon but cannot decide between the Indigo, Verna, Swift Dzire and the Fiesta. I’ve been driving an Indica since 2000 and feel that Tata cars require a lot of maintenance. The Verna is expensive in its class and I prefer a Maruti Wagon R to a Hyundai Santro. While the Swift Dzire is cheaper than the Fiesta and has the latest features, I don’t like its looks and also feel it’s difficult to drive in the city as the mudguards are broad. How do you rate the Fiesta, whose resale value is not a high point?

Amitosh Jaiswal

a: You have rightly narrowed down your choice to the Dzire diesel and the Fiesta diesel. The Verna is a bit expensive and its fuel efficiency is not as good as the other cars. Also, though the Verna has fantastic performance — it can be appreciated on the highway as in the city — the Verna suffers from ‘turbo lag’ which makes it hard to drive. The Indigo CS has improved but it doesn’t have the reliability or the refinement of the others. Between the Dzire and the Fiesta diesels, the Dzire will be cheaper to maintain in the long run but the Fiesta, which is a touch more spacious and larger, has the edge in terms of comfort and handling. Also, the Fiesta has the best pulling power of all the diesel cars in this class, thanks to a responsive diesel engine. Apart from the resale value, the Fiesta is a terrific vehicle.