We are planning to buy an SUV. Our budget is Rs35 lakh. We are a family of six. We are looking at the Pajero and other vehicles. Kindly advise.
—G K Pandian
The new Pajero Sport might be a great fit for you. If you can up your budget just a bit, the fantastic Land Rover Freelander could be within reach.
I feel you should include content about latest developments in engine technology in this page. Explain them in a way that even lay people could understand. I would like to know about Wankle engine which I heard about way back in 1970, when I was working in the design department of a famous automobile company. Why did the Wankle technology lag behind?
— Sharad R Pawar
Wankle rotary engines proved to be inefficient and were bad on emissions, so they weren’t well-accepted. Even Mercedes, at one point, experimented with them, but just couldn’t make them efficient. The basis is that instead of a reciprocating piston in a chamber, the engine had a rotor which spins, thus is much smoother to operate. Mazda is one of the last companies sticking to rotary engines and when the X16 comes out, will be one of the most advanced rotary engines in the market. We’re waiting for that one for sure!
I’m a student of mechanical engineering. We students measure the car speed with the help of accelerometer. So why is not that device used in cars? How can we measure acceleration of a car?
—Brijesh Gajjar
Cars generally use the wheel rotations to measure the speed of the car because it’s a very simple and reliable way to do it. Sure, there could be some errors, but that’s within specs. The other ways to measure speed is via GPS satellites, which is more accurate. Any good SatNav will have it.
The Ford Fiesta Classic has been rated as one of the fuel-efficient cars in India with a mileage of 32 kmpl ARAI test. But, apparently, its actual mileage is only around 17-18 kmpl. What gives?
—Rishit Shetty
It turns out 32 kmpl is not an ARAI test but one conducted independently by Autocar India, the magazine. Ford made a mistake in their literature and have corrected it now.
I need your guidance to choose between the Ford Figo and the Maruti Swift (both petrol). My requirements are: fuel efficiency, low maintenance cost, driving comfort over long journeys (my height is 5-feet-33), comfortable rear space for three adults (in terms of width and leg-room for long journeys), good boot space, feasibility (technical and money-wise) to convert to CNG in future, if required. I have heard about low ground clearance problems in the Figo. For the sake of knowledge: is it legal to fit roof-top luggage carrier on cars?
—Prakash Rao
Considering all of those parameters, we think the Swift will be the better car for you. It’s larger so, the rear seat space will be much better for three adults to sit in. Rooftop carriers are allowed, but they shouldn’t contain lights of any sort.
I want to buy a car. My daily usage will be 200 km. I want high mileage and low maintenance. I have shortlisted the Skoda Rapid, Hyundai Fluidic, Chevrolet Cruz, Volkswagen Vento, Nissan Sunny and the new Ford Fiesta. Which one to buy?
—Minhaj Ahmed
If you’re driving it yourself, then consider the Rapid or Verna diesel for comfortable ride and efficient engines. The Cruze will be a great option, but will be less efficient than the others, thanks to its larger, more powerful engine. If you’re being driven, then the Sunny is an option that you can’t ignore.
I am looking for a car priced between Rs6 lakh and Rs7 lakh. We are a tall family and five. Usage will be around 800 km a month -- 200 km in city and 600 km on highways. The car should have low maintenance, good performance and high mileage. I plan to keep the car for at least 5-6 years. Should I buy a diesel or petrol variant? Please advise
—Dheeraj Khandelwal
You should buy the diesel Maruti Ritz. It will suit all your needs.
Congratulations on sustaining this impressive column. A few days ago, I serviced my Swift VXi 2011 (not the new Swift). It was the third free servicing. The engine oil was changed to 0w40 (synthetic) and it cost me Rs3,500. Is it the new recommendation by Maruti Suzuki? If yes, what are the advantages and disadvantages of this new oil?
—Shridhar Mandke
It offers better protection when the climate is colder. Synthetic oil, after the engine has been bedded in properly, is a great way to prolong engine life and will keep the mill healthy for a longer period of time.
I have shortlisted i20 Magna 1.2 (0) and the Swift DZire in petrol. My usage will be around 900 km a month. I am looking for mileage and low maintenance and, of course, efficiency. My budget is around Rs6-6.5 lakh. Should I go in for a petrol vehicle or a diesel one?
— Pratik Parikh
900 km a month is diesel territory. It’s really a choice between the Hyundai i20 and Suzuki Swift. The former is more comfortable and well-loaded, the latter sportier.
Thanks for your valuable answers. I am planning to buy a new sedan for a family of 5. Budget is Rs8 lakh and usage up to 600 km a month. I have shortlisted the Skoda Rapid, Toyota Etios and the Swift DZire. I will keep this new car for a long duration so it should be reliable. Please advise
—Sandeep Jadhav
It’s really a toss-up between the Rapid and DZire. Test drive both and then decide.
Thanks for publishing this informative column. I am 38; 5’ 11 tall. We are a family of 4. I wish to buy a car around January. I work for a state-owned company and won’t drive to my office. My weekly run may be 50 km. Once a month, I may go on a long drive of 100 km plus. Budget is Rs5 lakh (+ /- Rs50,000). Looking for low maintenance, fuel efficiency and good looks.
—Prem Tiwari
Your choice should be the Maruti Suzuki Ritz, petrol variant.
Many thanks for your prompt and genuine replies. My question is, how does one get good mileage in new cars? Are there any speed limits to follow initially? If yes, are they the same for petrol or diesel cars?
—Sagar Vilas Mestri
There aren’t speed limits so much as they are rev limits. One rule is to keep varying the rpm at which the engine spins. Whatever you do, though, wait for the engine to properly warm up before speeding up. Modern engines are much less sensitive to run-in procedures, so there’s not much to worry.
I want to gift a car to my dad on his 70th birthday. I have shortlisted the Honda Brio and the Ford Figo. Please help me choose the right one.
—Dr Premsukh Khoja
Would you want to consider the Hyundai i10 or the Maruti WagonR? They may not be as stylish as the others but for senior citizens, they are much better in terms of getting in and out. Otherwise, of the two, we recommend the Figo for its slightly better ride quality and also the diesel option.
I have shortlisted the VW Jetta Comfortline TSI and the Corolla Altis 1.8GL. My daily drives will cover 40-45 km, mainly in the city and once a month on highways. Which one should I go in for?
—Karan Shah
Can we suggest the new Hyundai Elantra diesel or petrol? It would be a great choice, a fab car. Otherwise, we would tick the Corolla as more comfortable, while the Jetta is sportier, though with its smaller engine it gives better mileage.
Automate India, a Pune-based company, says it can fit an auto clutch in our car to convert it into a semi-automatic. It assures that there won’t be any modifications needed. The cost would be around Rs32,000. I am planning to get it installed in my i10 CNG. Should I go in for the auto clutch as I can’t afford an automatic car?
—Rohan Surve
Test drive a demo car till you are satisfied. Auto-clutches have been around for a while and can be a boon in traffic. Only issue is, it’s not a time-tested technology in India.
I am planning to buy the new Hyundai Eon Era Plus. My weekly use would be 50 km mostly in Mumbai. We are a family of 5 and budget is around Rs4 lakh. Is my choice right? Do I have other options?
—Ganesh S Thakur
The Eon is a nice car to drive, especially in a city like Mumbai where its light and easy controls help. Seating for 5 might be tight, but if there’s at least one child, you’d be able to adjust. If you can stretch the budget a bit, the Chevy Beat and Ford Figo are better options.
Thank you for your informative column. I have a couple of queries. One, I am buying a second-hand Maruti Ritz ZXI (model: August 2009; petrol, fully loaded, first owner; has run 28,500 km). At Rs3.60 lakh, does it sound like a decent deal? Or, should I negotiate further? Mind you, this would be our – a family of 4 -- first car for occasional travel within Mumbai. Two, between the Honda Activa and the Aviator, which one would suit my wife -- she is 5-foot-six and medium-built? She would use it for travelling to market and school (to drop off / pick up our daughters). Her average per-day runs would be 10 km.
—Suryanarayanan Kounder
The deal seems to be a good one, but make sure there are proper service records for the car. Otherwise have a mechanic check it thoroughly before committing. As for the scooter, we’d have to say go for neither. Check out the Honda Dio instead. It’s a much lighter scooter and will be a lot more manageable for your wife. Please insist on her wearing the helmet always.
Although I don’t need to buy a car -- am a proud owner of the new Maruti Swift VDI -- I read your excellent column regularly. Please suggest which make / model of a remote locking and security system would be apt for my car? Mind you, I am not looking at top-end systems with tracking features and so on.
—A K Mangal
Go for the oldest names in the industry, Autocop. It’s always better to install it at the dealer level to avoid incorrect wiring, warranty and after-sales troubles.
I’m a student of mechanical engineering. We students measure the car speed with the help of accelerometer. So why is not that device used in cars? How can we measure acceleration of a car?
—Brijesh Gajjar
Cars generally use the wheel rotations to measure the speed of the car because it’s a very simple and reliable way to do it. Sure, there could be some errors, but that’s within specs. The other ways to measure speed is via GPS satellites, which is more accurate. Any good SatNav will have it.
The Ford Fiesta Classic has been rated as one of the fuel-efficient cars in India with a mileage of 32 kmpl ARAI test. But, apparently, its actual mileage is only around 17-18 kmpl. What gives?
—Rishit Shetty
It turns out 32 kmpl is not an ARAI test but one conducted independently by Autocar India, the magazine. Ford made a mistake in their literature and have corrected it now.
Bike Queries
I have heard that fuel additives improve mileage and reduce the cost of maintenance. True? If so, can I use it in my Honda Activa?
— Krunal Panchal
We are not convinced about additives at all, so we don’t recommend it.
In response to a query about the Honda Shine, Dream Yuga and the Bajaj Discover on August 17, you voted for the Shine and Dream Yuga because the Discover, you said, is relatively new. But, on visiting various online social sites, I learnt that almost 80% users have given thumbs down to the Shine for various reasons. Further, the Dream Yuga, too, is relatively new (it was launched just a month ago and hardly seen on roads). How can you be so sure about this bike? Still on the same class of bikes, I want your opinion on the Passion Pro (even though it is a 100 cc bike). How would you rate the Dream Yuga, Discover and the Passion Pro?
—Ravi Parkar
The Dream Yuga’s mechanicals have been around for a while now as the Honda Twister, which is one of the peppier bikes in that class. It has a proven record. Still, if that’s not to your taste, then your other option is indeed Passion Pro, again a tried and tested bike.
I am 6-feet-1 and want to buy a 150 cc bike with good mileage, great comfort and, most importantly, low maintenance. In my shortlist are the following bikes: the Honda Unicorn (no digital speedometer; apparently, low maintenance but poor post-sale service), the Honda CB Dazzler (don’t see too many Dazzlers on roads), and the Bajaj Pulser DTSI 150 cc (people say that it is a very high maintenance bike -- is it?) Please tell me which one is the best option? If it is not on my list, then tell me, which other bikes should I be looking at? I can spend up to Rs 70,000.
—Vipul Lokhande
Honda’s after-sales service is not up to the mark, we agree, but thankfully, the Unicorn and Dazzler are such that they don’t need to get to the service station that often. If these aren’t your cup of tea, then check out the Suzuki GS150R. The only downside is, Suzuki service stations are few and far between.
My vital stats: 6 feet tall; 82 kg, age: 27. Which bike is suitable for me? I am looking for comfortable sitting posture, stress-free long rides and looks that match my personality. Monthly runs would be around 400 km, mostly in city. Maintenance is not a factor. Budget is around Rs 1 lakh.
—Deepak Tonape
The Hero Karizma and the ZMR seem to be good matches based on the data given. One other option is the Royal Enfield Bullet, which perhaps will best suit your personality.
I have a one-year-old Activa that has run 5,000 km already and barely offers 30-35 km per litre. What can I do to increase its mileage? I also want to buy the i20 (diesel). What will be the cost of the top-end model?
—Gaurav Rokade
Riding style, fuel quality and riding conditions make a significant difference to the mileage. Try changing any or all of these factors. Check tyre pressure regularly and see if that makes a difference. As for the i20, the diesel is a bomb of an engine and offers a lot of features for the money. Definitely worth a look.
I am a commerce student and I want do a bike modification course. Please suggest a relevant course.
—Abhishek Srivastava
We’re not aware of any such course. Best is to start reading up online and offline, and ask around at the local garages if they will teach you a few ropes of the trade.
I am bike-lover. I would like to know which among the Harley Davidson, Ducati and the Triumph is the bike to have for a budget of Rs 7 lakh.
—Duane B
We think a Sportster would be a great buy. Of course, the Ducati 795 is fab. It all depends on what you’re looking for in a bike. Something sporty calls for the Ducati and if you’re more in to relaxed riding, then the Harley it is.
In response to my previous question, you had suggested that the Yamaha FZ is a good bike. But, after quizzing several FZ users, I got to know that the bike offers a mileage of only 30-35 kmpl in city. Being a 150 cc bike, isn’t this figure too low? I have also seen the Hero Hunk, but would like to ask you this: How is it in terms of maintenance, mileage and resale value? And does the TVS Apache (new version) have low maintenance and good resale value?
— Raaj Rane
That fat rear tyre contributes to the slightly low mileage figure on the FZ, but with properly inflated tyres and a gentle hand on the throttle, it should improve by a good bit. If that put you off, then the Hunk, which comes with the Unicorn powertrain, is a great buy too. The Apache is a very sporty bike to ride and should be okay on maintenance, but we’re not sure about the resale value, though.
Thank you for replying to my previous query. I am 18 and interested in buying a gearless scooter. But I am confused between the Honda Activa and the Suzuki Swish 125. Mileage is not a concern, but the vehicle should be comfortable enough for two people. Please offer some maintenance tips as I am a newbie in this field.
—Nikhil Paradkar
The Swish seems a better buy if two people will be on board -- the extra power will make a difference. As for maintenance, don’t be too paranoid about it, but every 3,000 km or six months, get it checked thoroughly. If anything seems out of place on the scooter, then get a mechanic to look over it once. And always wear a helmet when riding.
I want your views on gearless bikes / scooters. I know the Activa and the Access are mostly recommended by you, but I think pillion-riders on these bikes need to stretch their legs a little more. So, apart from them, what are your views about the Swish, Wego and the Dio? Also, I don’t remember you highlighting Hero Honda’s Pleasure ever. How is that bike?
—Milind Dharap
The Pleasure is the older generation Activa, so we didn’t recommend that when newer scooters are available. As for the current ones, the Dio has decent space at the back and same goes for the Wego, so either of those is recommended.
I travel 20 km daily to college. I want to buy a bike. I have shortlisted the Honda CBR150R and the Yamaha R15 v2. Which one of these is better in terms of mileage, performance and riding?
—Bharat Kumar
For a longer ride like yours, the CBR might be better because of the more relaxed riding posture. We prefer the R15 over the CBR normally though because it’s a more lively bike to ride, but longer rides can hurt your back.
I’ve turned 16 this August and am planning to buy a non-geared two-wheeler. My use is limited within Vashi in Navi Mumbai. Which among the Honda Dio, Honda Activa, TVS Wego and the Suzuki Access should I prefer? Or do you have any other suggestions?
—Mihir Lodhavia
Go for the Dio. Please wear a helmet always when riding.
I like your column and wait eagerly for it every Friday! I would like to buy a new Royal Enfield bike. Which is the best of the lot? Budget is not a constraint.
—Swarup Sahasrabudhe
We recommend the Standard 350 for its simple looks and rugged performance. If none of that matters, then go straight for the big bull, the Classic 500.
Kudos for making this column a useful resource on automobiles. I am 21 and planning to buy my first scooter. I like the boyish style of Hero Maestro. I’ve heard that Hero MotoCorp is already working on its second scooter. Should I wait for that or buy one the currently available ones?
—Kartik Iyer
Depends on how long you can wait. The new scooter might be many months away. The Maestro is a great buy, especially because of its good looks and the reliability of the Activa platform.
I want to buy a scooter for my 48-year-old mother. She will be using a vehicle for the first time. Please recommend a lightweight one that she can ride with a pillion rider. Our budget is low, so we would expect the scooter to be low on maintenance.
—Trupti Soman
The TVS Scooty fits all your needs. But if you can stretch the budget, the Honda Dio would be the best bet.
I am 19 and planning to buy my first bike. It should have good looks, comfort and high mileage. My usage will be 15-20 km per day and my budget is around Rs 1-1.2 lakh. I like the new TVS Apache 180. Can you tell me more about a few other bikes? What’s your view about the Apache?
—Kunal Vora
With that budget, you should be looking at the Yamaha R15. The Apache is a fun bike to ride, and it still maintains that despite newer competition arriving, but for sheer handling prowess, the R15 is hard to beat.
I am about to buy a new bike and can afford an on-road price tag of Rs 90,000-92,000. Daily use will be about 18 km. It should have a decent mileage and eye-catching looks. Please help.
—Sathish kumar
Well, the new Pulsar 200NS, which is fairly new in the market, is the one to go for in that case. It has a great blend of all the features you’re looking for.
I want to purchase a bike and am waiting for the launch of the Suzuki Skydrive for the past one year. After rumours about its launch in May 2011, there appears to be no sign of it. Given that my travel will be 50 km daily and that I am looking for high mileage and a good price (preferably below Rs 50,000), which one would suit me best?
—Suhas Salgaonkar
Why not stick with the Suzuki family itself and plonk down for a Swish or Access. They’re both great scooters with good efficiency too. If not, then the Hero Maestro or the Honda Activa are the other two options.
Bike queries
I have heard that fuel additives improve mileage and reduce the cost of maintenance. True? If so, can I use it in my Honda Activa?
— Krunal Panchal
We are not convinced about additives at all, so we don’t recommend it.
In response to a query about the Honda Shine, Dream Yuga and the Bajaj Discover on August 17, you voted for the Shine and Dream Yuga because the Discover, you said, is relatively new. But, on visiting various online social sites, I learnt that almost 80% users have given thumbs down to the Shine for various reasons. Further, the Dream Yuga, too, is relatively new (it was launched just a month ago and hardly seen on roads). How can you be so sure about this bike? Still on the same class of bikes, I want your opinion on the Passion Pro (even though it is a 100 cc bike). How would you rate the Dream Yuga, Discover and the Passion Pro?
—Ravi Parkar
The Dream Yuga’s mechanicals have been around for a while now as the Honda Twister, which is one of the peppier bikes in that class. It has a proven record. Still, if that’s not to your taste, then your other option is indeed Passion Pro, again a tried and tested bike.
I am 6-feet-1 and want to buy a 150 cc bike with good mileage, great comfort and, most importantly, low maintenance. In my shortlist are the following bikes: the Honda Unicorn (no digital speedometer; apparently, low maintenance but poor post-sale service), the Honda CB Dazzler (don’t see too many Dazzlers on roads), and the Bajaj Pulser DTSI 150 cc (people say that it is a very high maintenance bike -- is it?) Please tell me which one is the best option? If it is not on my list, then tell me, which other bikes should I be looking at? I can spend up to Rs70,000.
—Vipul Lokhande
Honda’s after-sales service is not up to the mark, we agree, but thankfully, the Unicorn and Dazzler are such that they don’t need to get to the service station that often. If these aren’t your cup of tea, then check out the Suzuki GS150R. The only downside is, Suzuki service stations are few and far between.
My vital stats: 6 feet tall; 82 kg, age: 27. Which bike is suitable for me? I am looking for comfortable sitting posture, stress-free long rides and looks that match my personality. Monthly runs would be around 400 km, mostly in city. Maintenance is not a factor. Budget is around Rs1 lakh.
—Deepak Tonape
The Hero Karizma and the ZMR seem to be good matches based on the data given. One other option is the Royal Enfield Bullet, which perhaps will best suit your personality.
I have a one-year-old Activa that has run 5,000 km already and barely offers 30-35 km per litre. What can I do to increase its mileage? I also want to buy the i20 (diesel). What will be the cost of the top-end model?
—Gaurav Rokade
Riding style, fuel quality and riding conditions make a significant difference to the mileage. Try changing any or all of these factors. Check tyre pressure regularly and see if that makes a difference. As for the i20, the diesel is a bomb of an engine and offers a lot of features for the money. Definitely worth a look.
I am a commerce student and I want do a bike modification course. Please suggest a relevant course.
—Abhishek Srivastava
We’re not aware of any such course. Best is to start reading up online and offline, and ask around at the local garages if they will teach you a few ropes of the trade.
I am bike-lover. I would like to know which among the Harley Davidson, Ducati and the Triumph is the bike to have for a budget of Rs7 lakh.
—Duane B
We think a Sportster would be a great buy. Of course, the Ducati 795 is fab. It all depends on what you’re looking for in a bike. Something sporty calls for the Ducati and if you’re more in to relaxed riding, then the Harley it is.
In response to my previous question, you had suggested that the Yamaha FZ is a good bike. But, after quizzing several FZ users, I got to know that the bike offers a mileage of only 30-35 kmpl in city. Being a 150 cc bike, isn’t this figure too low? I have also seen the Hero Hunk, but would like to ask you this: How is it in terms of maintenance, mileage and resale value? And does the TVS Apache (new version) have low maintenance and good resale value?
— Raaj Rane
That fat rear tyre contributes to the slightly low mileage figure on the FZ, but with properly inflated tyres and a gentle hand on the throttle, it should improve by a good bit. If that put you off, then the Hunk, which comes with the Unicorn powertrain, is a great buy too. The Apache is a very sporty bike to ride and should be okay on maintenance, but we’re not sure about the resale value, though.
Thank you for replying to my previous query. I am 18 and interested in buying a gearless scooter. But I am confused between the Honda Activa and the Suzuki Swish 125. Mileage is not a concern, but the vehicle should be comfortable enough for two people. Please offer some maintenance tips as I am a newbie in this field.
—Nikhil Paradkar
The Swish seems a better buy if two people will be on board -- the extra power will make a difference. As for maintenance, don’t be too paranoid about it, but every 3,000 km or six months, get it checked thoroughly. If anything seems out of place on the scooter, then get a mechanic to look over it once. And always wear a helmet when riding.
I want your views on gearless bikes / scooters. I know the Activa and the Access are mostly recommended by you, but I think pillion-riders on these bikes need to stretch their legs a little more. So, apart from them, what are your views about the Swish, Wego and the Dio? Also, I don’t remember you highlighting Hero Honda’s Pleasure ever. How is that bike?
—Milind Dharap
The Pleasure is the older generation Activa, so we didn’t recommend that when newer scooters are available. As for the current ones, the Dio has decent space at the back and same goes for the Wego, so either of those is recommended.
I travel 20 km daily to college. I want to buy a bike. I have shortlisted the Honda CBR150R and the Yamaha R15 v2. Which one of these is better in terms of mileage, performance and riding?
—Bharat Kumar
For a longer ride like yours, the CBR might be better because of the more relaxed riding posture. We prefer the R15 over the CBR normally though because it’s a more lively bike to ride, but longer rides can hurt your back.
I’ve turned 16 this August and am planning to buy a non-geared two-wheeler. My use is limited within Vashi in Navi Mumbai. Which among the Honda Dio, Honda Activa, TVS Wego and the Suzuki Access should I prefer? Or do you have any other suggestions?
—Mihir Lodhavia
Go for the Dio. Please wear a helmet always when riding.
I like your column and wait eagerly for it every Friday! I would like to buy a new Royal Enfield bike. Which is the best of the lot? Budget is not a constraint.
—Swarup Sahasrabudhe
We recommend the Standard 350 for its simple looks and rugged performance. If none of that matters, then go straight for the big bull, the Classic 500.
Kudos for making this column a useful resource on automobiles. I am 21 and planning to buy my first scooter. I like the boyish style of Hero Maestro. I’ve heard that Hero MotoCorp is already working on its second scooter. Should I wait for that or buy one the currently available ones?
—Kartik Iyer
Depends on how long you can wait. The new scooter might be many months away. The Maestro is a great buy, especially because of its good looks and the reliability of the Activa platform.
I want to buy a scooter for my 48-year-old mother. She will be using a vehicle for the first time. Please recommend a lightweight one that she can ride with a pillion rider. Our budget is low, so we would expect the scooter to be low on maintenance.
—Trupti Soman
The TVS Scooty fits all your needs. But if you can stretch the budget, the Honda Dio would be the best bet.
I am 19 and planning to buy my first bike. It should have good looks, comfort and high mileage. My usage will be 15-20 km per day and my budget is around Rs1-1.2 lakh. I like the new TVS Apache 180. Can you tell me more about a few other bikes? What’s your view about the Apache?
—Kunal Vora
With that budget, you should be looking at the Yamaha R15. The Apache is a fun bike to ride, and it still maintains that despite newer competition arriving, but for sheer handling prowess, the R15 is hard to beat.
| Edited By: |Source: DNA |Updated: Mar 18, 2018, 06:16 AM IST
