Metro Plus
Bangalore
Chennai
Hyderabad
Virtual mechanic
|
Car and bike questions? We have the answers
|
I want to buy a new petrol car and my budget is around Rs 7.5 lakh. I am favourably disposed towards the Hyundai Verna XI. Can you tells me about Verna’s mileage, power, reliability and maintenance. Also, a frie nd of mine is looking for a diesel car and his budget is around Rs 12 lakh. He has short-listed the Optra Magnum and the Octavia. Which of the two is better in terms of style, performance, power and maintenance. If these cars do not fit into his budget, please suggest other options.
Praveen
The Verna petrol makes for a sensible choice, although the diesel is a better pick. Fuel efficiency is pegged at 9.2kpl and 13.8kpl for city and highway cycles respectively. Reliability is good and maintenance is not an issue. As far as the decision between the Octavia and the Optra is concerned, the Optra wins. It’s got a more powerful engine; it’s more refined, has good ride quality and looks fresher. The Octavia, although fantastic to drive in the city, loses out on highway performance, where the 120bhp Optra sprints ahead. On maintenance too, the Optra is expected to prove cheaper. In diesel segment, you don’t have much to choose, but among petrols you can look at the Cedia, Corolla.
I am planning to buy a two-wheeler that can accommodate two people and my three-year-old child. I have short-listed the Scooty, Kristal, Pleasure, Dio, Nova and EKO vehicle. Based on performance, maintenance, mileage and cost, which is the best vehicle for me?
Vani Rajagopal
You require a large scooter. From the few short-listed, we suggest you go for the Honda Dio. Kinetic has just launched a 125cc model called the Flyte. This too will suit your needs at an affordable price.
I want to buy a diesel car and the car will be used only twice a week. My budget is Rs 4-5 lakh.
Kamal
If the car is only being used twice a week, we assume you may not do much running, in which case, you should look at a petrol version. However, if you must buy diesel, then the Indica comes within your budget. It is big and comfortable, frugal and relatively peppy in turbo form. But, if possible stretch your budget and go for the Swift Diesel.
I own a Fiat Palio 2002 model and it only delivers 10kpl. I do not want to sell the car but I want a more fuel efficient vehicle. Is converting my car to CNG a good idea?
Laxman
Yes, you could convert it to CNG. But when converting to gas, the engine will suffer from power loss. The power loss is greater with CNG when compared to LPG. So if you are a spirited driver, choose LPG. If cost savings is the only criteria, then go for CNG. The mileage on CNG will slightly increase while on LPG it will decrease slightly. But it will still be more affordable due to the price of the fuel. Ensure you install the kit from an RTO approved installer and look out for brands such as Lovato, Bedini, Tartarini etc.
Printer friendly
page
Send this article to Friends by
E-Mail
Metro Plus
Bangalore
Chennai
Hyderabad
|
