GO HYUNDAI

q: I was planning to buy the Hyundai i10 but if the i20 is set to be launched this year, I’d like to wait for it. When does Hyundai plan to launch the car? Also, could you suggest some other cars in this segment?

Shruti Padia

a: The i20 should be available in January 2009. It was launched at the Paris Motor Show in October and Hyundai’s focus for this car will be the export markets and not India. However, because it’s aimed primarily at the European market, we expect the i20 to be built to international standards, so you can expect good quality. If you can’t wait for the i20, then you can look at the Fabia, which is also a high-quality car, though an overpriced one.

A SENSIBLE BUY

q: I want to buy an SUV within Rs 12 lakh. It should be spacious and comfortable. It would be driven mostly in the city with weekend trips to Delhi’s suburbs where the roads are in poor condition. I’m unable to choose between the Toyota Innova and the Mahindra Scorpio mHawk.

Prateek Panchsheel

a: Why don’t you consider the mHawk automatic? It fits your budget, makes an ideal city car as you don’t have the hassle of changing gears and is pretty peppy on the highway too, making it suitable for your weekend trips. The generous ground clearance and large wheels will tackle bad roads well. The Innova is still a better quality vehicle but the mHawk auto makes more sense.