HERE'S where Joe Average gets stumped with a tough task ahead that requires minute inspection. The primary reason for him upgrading from his hatchback is the practicality only a larger package could afford. A boot and larger interiors are the basic advantages here but we are also looking at aspects like equipment levels, comfort, overall vision, accessibility and quality of construction.

The Indigos rule the roost where practicality is concerned which can solely be attributed to the interior space she manages. The largest in its class head room, leg and knee room give her the edge over most others. However this isn't the only bright spark since she also sports a very comfortable set of seats making her the ideal companion for a long holiday drive. Adequate thigh and back support enable her to keep passengers comfortable for long stretches. Equipment is generous, though both models could have done with a stereo. All round vision isn't the best, impeded by a short overhang and a high and wide dash layout. With the doors opening nearly 90 degrees wide the Indigo provides excellent ingress and egress. We did not like the position of her pedals. The clutch pedal especially is too close to the floorpan and often restricts movement of the left foot. Quality of materials too needs to be spruced up, and light and wiper stalks felt sticky and fragile. Switchgear and a/c control knobs feel cheap. Build quality also needs to be looked into as there were a number of rattles and thuds and clangs emanating from various areas after the shoot-out drive. Yet another star is awarded for the space afforded in the boot which at 450 litres is the second largest in this group. Not only is it large but the depth and width have been well engineered to fit in a number of odd sized bags. A low boot lip also reduces that additional effort needed to shove your bags in.

We also felt that the Siena 1.6 struck more than just the right balance. It's got a cavernous boot, the largest in this class which is as wide as it is deep and could easily swallow a full set of baggage and still have space for more. Smart space management inside the passenger shell ensures there is adequate head, leg, knee and shoulder space to comfortably seat four and should the need arise even a fifth without being squashed like tuna in a can. The 1.6 Siena has the best equipment levels and puts to shame the rest of the lot. She comes with an inexhaustible list of goodies like power rear-view mirrors, front and rear power windows with a child lock for the rear windows, central locking, full wheel covers and tinted glasses. Adequate storage space in the glove compartment and door pockets are an added boon. You do pay a higher price for all this but nevertheless she still amply fits within the boundaries we have set. We also liked the rock solid, unyielding feel ensuing from the thick pillars and doors and the all round robustness, these figure in due to the stringent crash absorption norms which the Siena has to adhere to internationally. Quality of materials and construction is of a very high order indeed and is worth every rupee you shell out. What we did not approve of are the seats which could do with some lumbar support and a height adjuster. The seats are too low to provide adequate forward vision and vision during turn-in is further hampered by the thick A-pillars. A high parcel shelf at the rear also reduces vision at the rear. Driving position is not the best of the lot and if you are the kind who takes to a laidback driving style the Siena proves to be quite cumbersome with the controls a little beyond reach. Unlike the Siena 1.6, the Siena 1.2 just lacks the same equipment levels as her sportier sibling, primarily the lack of central locking and power windows, these being the only difference between the two. Sadly none of the Sienas come with a stereo as standard fitment.

Nearly on par with the Sienas is the Ikon 1.3 but she may not impress Joe Average as she does feel a bit short where accommodation is concerned. This again is because the thick doors slice off some of the shoulder space. However the seats are quite comfortable especially for those long journeys to the family estate back in the countryside with enough boot space to carry the holiday odds and ends. Driving position for either the GP enthusiast types or the more sedate ones is ideal without putting the controls too far away. Equipment levels are as good as those of the Siena if not better. A stereo comes as standard equipment as do the power actuated rear-view mirror adjusters, power windows, central locking, etc. Quality of construction is first rate and we simply loved the thunk of the knobs and switches falling smoothly into place. Though the forward vision is better than that of the Siena we would rather appreciate a seat height adjuster and tilt steering that would improve the overall vision. Rear vision in this case as well is again pitiable thanks to a high parcel shelf. Accessibility is again not one of her better traits, the low ground clearance, lower seat positioning and a low roofline hamper getting in and out. Surprisingly we rate the new Ikon NXT better than the others in spite of her faring quite poorly in our mega ergonomics test. The newfound status can be attributed to better thought implemented in executing the interiors for the NXT series of Ikons.
The Corsa impresses with her build quality. Every part of her feels built with impeccable German precision and exudes a solid feel though on sizing up her interiors physically, she falls miserably short of the competition. Ergonomically there is not much lacking. Great driving position and well executed controls and layout make her a pleasure to drive in spite of the cramped interior dimensions. Front seats give good back and some lumbar support though for really long distance journeys the cramped footwell stifles movement of feet and inadequate thigh support proves to be tiring. Poor equipment levels and a small boot also pull her ratings down. At the very least she could have done with power windows and a remote boot and fuel flap opener, absence of which is sorely felt. The Corsa also scores marks for good all round visibility. But she loses some with poor access to the rear seats as well as cramped accommodation at the rear. We also liked the quality of construction and the materials none of which felt cheap at the least.

The Esteem Vxi figures last in our list and this in no way can be attributed to the equipment she carries or the interior dimensions or even the comfort she affords. Rather it's the dowdy and lacklustre interiors and the smallest boot space available that pulls her down the ratings. The Esteem is the only car whose seats are height adjustable and sport adequate lumbar, back and thigh support. In fact she has the most comfortable seats in this lot though both front and rear seat passengers will feel cramped within her narrow confines. There is barely enough shoulder space and two fully grown adults in the front seats can easily rub elbows. Access for the rear passengers is also a cramped affair since the doors do not open wide enough, the roofline is too low and the restricted movement of the front seat does not liberate sufficient space at the rear. Build quality is impeccable. However the overall sense of fragility does not inspire confidence where safety is concerned. Switchgear is too dated and though the stalks on the steering wheel are dated as well, their operation is precise and simple. She also has the best overall vision thanks to the long rakish hood, the wide windscreen and a low parcel shelf at the rear. The Esteem diesel lacks the same equipment as the petrol version, there being no stereo, seat height adjustment and power windows for the rear.