rising fortunes

q:Does Toyota plan to launch the automatic version of the Fortuner?

Mukesh Verma

a:There is no immediate plan to launch the automatic version of the Fortuner in India as Toyota is busy fulfilling a six-month waiting list for the manual version. The auto version is expected to be introduced in the second half of 2010 at the earliest.

scorpio rules

q:I want to buy an MUV within a budget of Rs 8 lakh to Rs 8.5 lakh. My priorities are good mileage, low maintenance costs and good aftersale services. I’m unable to decide between the Mahindra Xylo, Scorpio and the Tata Grande MK II. I also want to buy a saloon. How is the Tata Indigo Manza diesel’s performance? Also, are you expecting an MUV from Maruti in the near future?

Dr Dharmesh Modi

a:If you can live with a relative shortage of passenger space, then go for the Scorpio as it’s the best engineered vehicle of the three you have selected. However, it may be beyond your budget in which case I recommend the Xylo as it is a proven product now. The Indigo Manza is the best saloon in its category with good performance, space and comfort. It is very well-equipped too. Maruti has no plans to introduce an MUV or MPV in the near future and the earliest one expected is in 2012.

tuning in

q:I want to add good speakers to my new Toyota Fortuner’s music system. Please advise.

Anindya Rai

a:The Fortuner is a flexible car and should be able to accommodate any kind of after-market speakers and amplifiers. For the head unit, though, you need to be careful since the audio system resides in an integrated unit and cutting it out requires skillful hands. You could look at Blaupunkt, Sony, Pioneer or Rockford Fosgate.

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