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S. Muralidhar

I AM planning to buy a new car. Though I had almost decided to buy the Tata Indica V2 Diesel, I still have a leaning towards the Tata Indigo, though it will cost more than the former. What I know is that Indigo has got a turbo diesel engine, but how much better than the Indica is it? Which of the two would be worth buying?

Ramesh J. Nanda

Assuming that you have chosen to look for a bargain while still staying within the Tata stable, it may be pointed out that the diesel versions of both the cars — Indica and Indigo — feature the same 1,405cc engine. Only, the Indigo (the three-box) sedan gets a turbocharger to boost its peak power output and torque characteristics. So, while the Indica V2 puts out a peak power and torque of 53.5PS @ 5,000 rpm and 8.7 KgM @ 2,500 rpm respectively, the Indigo's turbocharger enables it to offer a higher 63PS of power at 4,500 rpm and a peak torque of 12.5 KgM @ 2,500 rpm. Part of the boost is also due to the slight re-rating of the engine.

Both the Indica V2 and the Indigo diesel represent good value for money in their respective segments — the small car and entry-level sedan categories. The price difference between the two could range from just over Rs 1 lakh to about Rs 1.5 lakh, depending on the variant being chosen. What you will get with the Indigo is the marginal rise in power and torque, the addition of a cavernous boot at the rear and the status of a three-box. So, if the difference in price is not an issue, the Indigo could be a good choice in the diesel powered entry-level sedan class, though finish quality and the quality of interior trim will be inferior compared to peers.

However, if budget constraints do not allow you to upgrade, the Indica V2 will have to be choice. The same clause about finish quality would apply, but what you get is a diesel-engined car for the price of a comparable petrol car in the segment. Choose the Euro III version of the Indica V2 as resale value is bound to be better.

I am 22 years old, 6'3" tall and weigh 85 kg. I currently own a Hero Honda Passion, which I have been using for over three years now. I am happy with this bike, but want to switch over to a bigger bike. In your opinion which bike would be the most suitable for me. My choices are the Bajaj Pulsar 150 DTS-i (kick-start or electric start whichever is less problematic), Enfield Bullet Machismo, Bullet 350, Bullet 500, Electra or Lightning. If you advise me to opt for the Royal Enfield also do tell me whether I should go for drum or disc brakes. Funding should not be a problem and I would be willing to accept a mileage of about 40-50 kmpl. I want good looks combined with fun driving characteristics; class-leading power and good build quality. Also do tell me whether you think the Honda Unicorn will suit me.

Renyl Rauf

The Royal Enfield Bullet has a charm and big bike aura that is unique. The Bullet and any of its variants will get you closest to the feel of a big bike. The Bullet has done a lot of catching up with the other smaller, but more modern bikes in terms of build quality and material quality. But finish quality will be marginally lower than the others. But that is a small compromise for the feel and power of these big bikes.

So, undeniably, if the big price tag is not an issue, then the choice is pretty obvious. Except for the Bullet 500, which sports a bigger 499cc engine, all the other Bullet variants that you have listed feature the smaller, and more fuel-efficient 346cc engine. Currently, there is no Bullet variant named Lighting. But we guess you must have meant the Thunderbird.

Our recommendation to you will be the Bullet Thunderbird, if you are keen on a laid-back, cruiser-style big bike experience. The Bullet Machismo or the cheaper Electra may be the choice, if you like a more open, upright riding experience. With your build, handling the Bullet bikes will not be an issue. But for added safety the front disc brakes option should be considered. Disc brakes can dramatically improve braking performance (especially for a heavy bike like the Bullet). But use disc brakes with caution and only in combination with the rear drum for consistent and safe braking.

The Bajaj Pulsar may be an option only if your shopping budget restricts you to make this choice. The Honda Unicorn is a good bike for buyers in the 150cc segment, but it may not be the most suitable for you.

I am planning to buy a new Honda City or a car in that price range. I am confused whether I should buy the City or the Ford Ikon 1.8 diesel. I am also considering Toyota's Innova. On average I commute 700 km every week and I am really looking for a value for money car. At the same time I want something that is distinguished. The parameters that the car should also focus on are safety, reliability, quality, and technology. What will you recommend?

Maheswar N. S.

Of the three cars that you have listed, our recommendation will be the new Honda City. What you will get in the City is a class-leading mileage average among petrol driven cars of 12-14 kmpl with a mix of city and highway driving.

The diesel driven Ford Ikon and the Toyota Innova may be able to better that performance the cost per kilometre of all these cars is considered. But the Honda City will also be able to offer much better fit and finish quality and unmatched interior trim quality in its price range. The City will also score over the Ford Ikon in the safety, reliability and technology parameters and will be able to match the Innova on the same issues.

Another important point to remember is that the Ford Ikon 1.8 diesel cannot be sold anymore in the 11 metros, where Bharat Stage III (equivalent to the Euro III) emission norms have come into effect from April 1 this year. On the other hand, the price of the Toyota Innova diesel starts at about Rs 7.3 lakh and this base trim variant cannot match the features that the new Honda City offers for the same price.

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