Matiz |
For
:
Cute Styling, rear leg room
Against : Performance, Poor
troubles, Uncertain future
Verdict :Superb design and
packaging Matiz's main asset. Puny 796cc engine a letdown especially
with AC on and Daewoo's uncertain future doesn't make it a safe
buy.
|
Palio
1.2 |
For
:
Design, ride and handling, space and comfort
Against : Fuel consumption,
sales and service
Verdict :A modern,
superbly engineered car that's ideally suited for India. Despite
poor fuel consumption, all-round abilities and practicality make
it the one car to have if you can have only one car.
|
Uno |
For
:
Price, seats, luggage space
Against : Outdated design,
lack of dealer support
Verdict :The most under-rated
car today. Has acquired a bad image due to its boxy styling, outdated
interiors and poor service support. It's an extremely functional
car at a throwaway price.
|
Santro |
For
:
Refinement, tall rear seat. ride and handling, space and comfort
Against : Oddball styling,
ride bumpy in the rear.
Verdict :Once top dog in its
class, the Santro is still a superb product. Though not as complete
a car as the Palio, it's ideal for city use thanks to easy handling.
|
Maruti
800 |
For
: Price, fuel economy
Against :Too minimalistic
Verdict :India's largest selling
car, the little 800 is in a segment of its own as an entry-level
car. Though it's reliable, incredibly fuel efficient and has good
pep, the only reason to buy one today is if you can't afford anything
else.
|
Alto
Lx |
For
: Ride quality, economy, air conditoning.
Against : Cramped interiors,
performance
Verdict :The 796cc Alto is
for those who can't afford much more than an 800. The Alto LX,
has a tougher body, better interiors and ride comfort and is hence
worth the extra Rs 93,000.
|
Alto
Vx |
For
: Performance, ride quality, air conditioning.
Against : Cramped interiors.
Verdict :The Alto VX is a
superb small car if space is not a concern. Terrific performance
makes it an ideal driver's car that is better suited for the city
but is happy on the highway too thanks to a tough suspension.
|
Wagon
R |
For
: Versatile interiors, load- carrying capacity
Against : Oddball styling,
cheap interiors, gearshift
Verdict :If you can digest
its looks, the Wagon R's flexible interiors are very practical
and give sense of space even in narrow back seat. Ideal for those
who have to carry all sorts of paraphernalia .
|
Zen |
For
:
Performance, image
Against : Cramped interiors,
noisy engine
Verdict :The Zen has grown
to become a cult car of sorts and still sells in huge numbers
thanks to its cheeky styling and ease of maintenance. Not a family
car but for city slickers with a bit of attitude.
|
Indica
V2 |
For
: Performance, space, value for money
Against : Unrefined engine,
gearshift
Verdict :The much improved
Petrol V2 gives maximum bang for your buck. Though passenger space
and styling is superb, overall package is not as well put together
as Palio.
|
|
December 2001