Diesel dilemmas

q: I want to buy a new diesel car within Rs 4.5 lakh and Rs 5.5 lakh. I’ve shortlisted the Skoda Fabia, Hyundai i10 and Suzuki Swift Dzire. I want a car with good fuel efficiency and good interiors. Please advise.

Hitesh Pasari

a: The i10 is not available with a diesel engine, and the Skoda Fabia diesel is way above your budget, as is the diesel Swift Dzire. Of the three, the Dzire will suit you best. It has good interiors and is reasonably priced. You could also consider the Swift diesel if you don’t need a boot and this will be within your budget.

Swift scores

q: I have a Maruti Wagon R which I drive for 30km-50 km daily and 300km once a week. Considering the soaring petrol prices, I’m thinking of switching to a diesel car. Among the Indica DiCOR, Swift diesel and the Ambassador1500, which will be fuel efficient and have low maintenance costs? Can any of the above cars be run for 100,000km or more without much trouble? I travel on highways and on rough urban roads. Please advise.

Somnath Ghatak

a: If budget is not a constraint, go for the Swift diesel. It is by far the best of the lot and will prove to be the most reliable in the long run. It’s well-suited for the highway and tough enough for rough roads. However, rattles are known to creep in after prolonged driving on poor surfaces.

Prime time

q: Could you give me the plus and minus points of the Indica Xeta GLX /GLS, Getz Prime 1.3 and Wagon R? I’ve chosen these for ease of driving, rear seat legroom, boot space, fuel efficiency, refinement, AC and reasonable spares and maintenance costs. I’ll be driving the car myself and intend to keep it for more than five years. My monthly usage is approximately 500km-1000km in the city. Is there any other model I should consider? I also would like to know if I can get an automatic gearbox and airbags in the models specified.

Mohan K Jain

a: The Getz Prime should meet your requirements best as it is a good city car with lots of space and a generous boot that is much bigger than the Indica or Wagon R. It feels the most refined of all and is quite reliable too. The Getz has the best build quality of the lot, which you should consider as you will be using it for at least five years.

Diesel Dzire

q: I am looking for a car which will cover about 100km daily, but not on congested roads. I am looking at a diesel saloon which gives value for money in terms of mileage, power, comfort and maintenance. What is your opinion of the newly launched Swift Dzire?

Ashish Gupta

a: For usage of 100km a day a diesel car makes the most sense. The Dzire combines your requirements best and is an excellent car. Its only downside is that the space in the rear is not as generous as some other saloons.

Playing rough

q: I want to purchase an SUV. I have shortlisted the Pajero, CR-V, Endeavour and Vitara. I usually travel around 1000km a month along rough roads. Please suggest the appropriate one for me.

Souravmoy Das

a: For rough road driving, narrow down your choice to the Pajero and Endeavour. From the two the Endeavour is a better choice as it is cheaper, has more power and is more contemporary. However, its ride is extremely bumpy.