clear waters

q: I want to buy a car within Rs 7 lakh. I’ve short-listed the Lancer, SX4, Swift diesel, Logan diesel, Verna, Fiesta and Fusion. My concern is their performance in waterlogged conditions. Could you suggest three cars from this list that fits the bill?

Debabrata Datta

a: We suggest the SX4 in this case, as it has huge ground clearance and big wheels, making it suitable for wading through deep water. The Fusion is also a good choice for its high stance and ground clearance, but it can’t match the SX4 on all-round value.

go safari

q: I want to buy an SUV with good looks, ample legroom and a large boot to carry luggage. I have a family of four and I will use the car mostly on highways for weekend trips. I’ve short-listed the Safari 2.2 and Scorpio CRDe. Which is better, considering my budget of Rs 10 lakh? Also, are Safaris expensive to maintain?

Nanda Kishore

a: The Safari meets your requirements better than the Scorpio. It’s spacious, and has more legroom and luggage space than the Scorpio. It rides well on the highway too. The Safari does have a few problems and, in the long run, does frequent the workshop more than necessary, but with its new 2.2-litre engine and latest upgrades, it is more reliable.

the perfect choice

q: I want a new car within Rs 9 lakh. My average daily usage will be 10km to 15km within the city. Fuel economy, low maintenance costs and good after-sales service are priorities and I prefer petrol. Which car should I go for? What is your take on the Honda Civic?

Avinash Das

a: The Civic is an excellent car but outside your budget. However, for Rs 10 lakh you could buy 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, go for the Honda City which is the best for short city runs.