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S. Muralidhar

I propose to buy a car in the Rs 4.5-4.75 lakh price range and have shortlisted the Tata Indigo petrol. I am told that the Indigo petrol only offers a mileage of about 9 kmpl in city and about 11 kmpl on the highway. Is that mileage figure correct and which car in this price range offers the best mileage?

R. K. Verma

Those mileage numbers for the Tata Indigo's petrol version would be close to what is achievable in actual driving conditions. The fuel-efficiency of the same car may differ from one user to another, and is determined by a number of factors, including driving style and real world conditions. The Indigo petrol is neither frugal with its fuel consumption nor is it a guzzler. So, 9 kmpl in city and 11 on the highway would be the average that the car can offer.

The car which will be able to offer better fuel-efficiency than its peers in this price range is the Maruti Suzuki Esteem. Weighing in at 860 kg (unloaded), the Esteem is the lightest in its class. Its 1.3-litre engine puts out a peak power of 85 bhp, similar to that of the 1.4-litre engine in the Indigo. So, while the Esteem boasts of a class-leading power-to-weight ratio, it also tends to be more fuel-efficient than the others in that price range.

I currently own a Hyundai Santro and would like to switch to a bigger car to be able to accommodate a family of four adults and two children better. In this regard, how would you rate the Maruti Suzuki Versa?

Shrikant Savanur

The Maruti Suzuki Versa DX2 is a great bargain at about Rs 4.5 lakh (ex-showroom) for users shopping for a vehicle that can seat seven passengers comfortably. Of course, with all the three rows of seating in use, the amount of luggage space at the rear may not be enough for a long trip out of town, though it will still be better than the space available in the Omni.

The Versa is extremely driveable, offers better safety than most other mini-vans and features an effective electronic power steering and good braking response. Its dimensions also make it easy to park and drive within the city, while still being as much a people carrier as larger utility vehicles.

However, you may have to choose the higher-priced DX2 variant, which offers twin air-conditioning for uniform cooling throughout the vehicle's interior. The twin AC in the Versa is effective and also offers independent controls and overhead ducts for the rear seat passengers. With the kids most likely to be seated in the third row of seats and they being more demanding in terms of expecting better comfort, the twin AC would have to be your choice.

The other pluses in the Versa are the high seating position for the driver, flexible seating options and safety features such as collapsible steering and impact protection bars.

I intend shopping for a Maruti Zen LXi or VXi. My usage pattern would be occasional inter-State travel such as trips to and from Bangalore-Chennai and Bangalore-Kerala, in addition to the daily home-to-office commute. I have fallen for the Zen because of its looks, sturdiness and resale value. Is the Zen a good choice? If not, why?

Surendran

Despite a few minuses, the Maruti Suzuki Zen continues to be a big draw amongst buyers in the small car category owing to its well-established reliability, free-revving engine that is a delight to drive, and low maintenance costs in the long run.

Overall, the Zen's design continues to be dated in comparison to the other more contemporary small cars in the market, though the changes to the Zen's exterior that Maruti came up with last year has improved its appeal.

The other minuses in the Zen include the seating position, which is comparatively low, and shoulder space in the rear seat, which is relatively less compared to the Palio and the Indica. But the Zen makes up for the negatives with its above average fuel efficiency and low maintenance and running costs and respectable resale value.

I am planning to buy a bike which can offer class-leading mileage, is comfortable to ride over long distances, looks decent and has low maintenance costs in the long run. The daily commute to my office is about 32 km one-way. Help me choose between the TVS Centra and the Bajaj CT100.

Shekhar Bandaru

Between the two options that you have mentioned, our choice will be the Bajaj CT 100. In some markets, a deluxe variant of the bike is also offered for a slightly higher price (about Rs 1,000 more than the base variant). The addition, a slightly different instrument cluster layout and a bikini-fairing, enhances the bike's looks. The TVS Centra incorporates more innovative technology intended to boost the bike's fuel-efficiency.

Unfortunately, the bike is too focussed on mileage and loses out to the entry-level Bajaj bike on the design parameter. The Centra's design is awkward and a bit unwieldy. Worse, the Bajaj CT100 manages to play catch up with the Centra even on the mileage front.

The CT100 also incorporates a mileage-boosting device ( much less complex than what TVS employs) developed in-house by Bajaj.

The ride control switch in the CT100 cuts fuel supply to the engine while decelerating and also ensures optimum throttle opening in different riding conditions. When used judiciously with the assistance of the ride control switch, this Bajaj bike is capable of offering up to 65 kmpl in actual road conditions.

The mileage claims made by the company will usually be in ideal test conditions (where the bikes are run at a constant 40 km per hour), which is not indicative of what is achievable in actual riding conditions.

(Queries may be sent to: q&a@thehindu.co.in or by post to Q&A, Business Line, 859/860, Kasturi Buildings, Anna Salai, Chennai - 600 002.)

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