swift rules
q: I want to buy a diesel- engined hatchback for my four-member family, which consists of two youngsters and two elders. I can’t make a choice between the Maruti Swift and the Tata Indica Vista. The car will have a monthly mileage of around 1,500km, mostly within the city and an out-of-town outing once a month. I would like my new car to be reliable with low maintenance costs. Please advise.
Jeyapandi S.
a: For a monthly mileage of 1,500km, a diesel isn’t absolutely a priority. However, I would still advise you to go for one because apart from savings in terms of fuel costs, you will eventually get a better resale value, which will compensate for the high purchase price. The Indica Vista is far more spacious and comfortable than the Swift. However, since you have two youngsters, who will presumably sit at the back, I advise you buy the Swift, since its rear seat is comfortable enough for kids. The Swift diesel is more reliable than the Vista and eventually could cost you less in maintenance and that’s why I think you to go for it.
drive the dzire
q: I have a budget of Rs 5 lakh to Rs 6 lakh and want to buy a new saloon. My annual mileage will be around 15,000km. I have considered three cars: Ford Ikon, Hyundai Accent Executive and Maruti Swift Dzire diesel. I need a nice, safe and spacious family car with good fuel economy and low maintenance costs. I’d also like to know if Hyundai will phase out this Accent model due to BS IV norms.
Braj Kumar
a: For a mileage of 15,000km, you don’t need a diesel car since a fuel-efficient petrol won’t burn a hole in your pocket. I suggest you take a look at the Swift Dzire ZXi as it is much cheaper than a diesel and has essential safety features like airbags and ABS. The Accent is BS IV-compliant but it is an old-generation vehicle and does not offer the performance, refinement, comfort and safety of the Dzire.
saloon confusion
q: I have been driving a Honda City for the last four years and the car has clocked 100,000km. I have now decided to buy a new saloon. When are the Toyota Etios saloon, Volkswagen Vento and the new Ford Fiesta going to be launched? Also, are there any other new cars in the pipeline?
Rishi Mutreja
a: The Vento and the all-new Fiesta will be direct rivals to the Honda City and are worth considering. The Vento will be on the roads by September this year but the all-new Fiesta is expected only in January 2011. The Fiesta won’t be as spacious as the Vento or the City but is expected to be a brilliant driver’s car. Another option is the Fiat Linea with the T-jet engine, which is powerful and very refined.
civic challenge
q: After having done much brainstorming with my family, I have decided to buy the Honda Civic 1.8-litre petrol. I was, however, concerned when I saw the April 2010 sales figures for the Civic when compared to its rivals. It surprised me to see that the Civic, which sold over 700 units in January, February and March, managed to sell just 188 units in April. Is this the result of stiff competition or is it not a good car to own anymore? Is there a new-generation Civic around the corner?
Ameya
a: Yes, it is true that the Civic is losing demand and is not as popular as it used to be, and this has happened for several reasons. Firstly, Honda has hiked the Civic’s price quite sharply since it was launched. Secondly, there is more competition in the shape of the Chevrolet Cruze, Škoda Laura TSI and Volkswagen Jetta. And last but not the least, the Civic doesn’t come with a diesel option. Though the Civic is still a great car and was Autocar India’s 2007 Car of the Year, it now has a fight on its hands since there are other capable and good value rivals in the market.
