The Hindu Business Line : New variants is always on the cards

I AM 23 and work for a software company in Bangalore. I have not used a geared bike and have all along been commuting on a TVS Scooty. I weigh 50 kg and am 5 feet 8 inches tall. Which bike in the entry-level mart will offer me a mix of features, such as good looks, lightweight and easy start? It should also offer a relaxed ride and segment leading mileage?

Vipindeep

The Yamaha Libero G5 that we have profiled in the accompanying article could be the bike for you. It does not weigh as much as some of the other bikes in the segment. Light handle bar also makes moving the G5 easy even when being pushed around. Overall build quality is better than entry-level economy bikes such as the Hero Honda CD-Dawn and Bajaj CT-100.

Unlike its predecessor, this Libero version is also much more pleasing in looks. Priced above Rs 41,000 (ex-showroom Chennai), the G5 is however more expensive than all the entry-level economy bikes. If you are looking at buying a bike from this lower priced lot, then the Bajaj CT-100 Deluxe, which is the `fairinged' version of the bike and priced lower by about Rs 7,000, could be a good choice.

A new upgraded version of the CT-100, with Bajaj's own spring-in-spring (dual co-axial springs) suspension at the rear and the ExhausTEC system, has been introduced this week. This new version promises to offer better ride quality and higher mileage. With build and material quality that feels better than the others in the segment, the CT-100 could be considered the only serious contender from the entry-level segment that can outdo the likes of the Yamaha G5. The CT-100 is also more powerful, more torquey and lighter than the Yamaha Libero G5.

The Bajaj CT-100 also comes with 2.75-inch tyres for both the front and rear wheels, another feature that could boost its fuel efficiency vis-à-vis the Yamaha G5's 2.75/ 3-inch combination for the front and rear. Mileage expectations from the CT-100 (especially after the introduction of the ExhausTEC system, which boosts of low-end torque) will also tend to be higher than the G5's average of about 60 kmpl.

I am planning to buy a Hyundai Accent, but am confused. I have learnt that Hyundai is going to introduce a new version of the Accent shortly and that the company will be discontinuing production of its current version (like Honda did with the old City). Is this news authentic?

Deepen Doshi

Going by the information currently available, Hyundai Motor India will launch a new version of the Accent,but it may not happen this year. The next car from Hyundai will be the new Sonata.

But even if a new version of the Accent does hit the roads, we don't think it is an issue that should affect your current purchase decision. For one, manufacturers for cars in all the segments are constantly churning out new variants and versions. New versions do affect the old one's resale value, but this should be accepted as a market reality that is inevitable in a competitive environment.

So, if you are willing to wait for the new Accent, you may be able to buy the latest generation of this compact sedan that is already plying the roads in the European and American markets. On the contrary, you may want to just go ahead and buy the current version that is going cheap, thanks to heavy competition from the entry-level sedan segment and large dealer discounts.

I am planning to buy a mid-size car and want to opt for the Suzuki Baleno or the Maruti Esteem due to their low maintenance costs and better mileage. Can you compare the two? I understand that the Baleno is about Rs 1.2 lakh more than the Esteem (Maruti is offering handsome discounts on both). Do the advantages I get out of the Baleno, like the higher power, more legroom, and so on, outweigh the difference in its price? Also, what would be the difference in cost of ownership in terms of spare parts and mileage between the two? My monthly usage would be about 600-800 km. As a verdict, could you suggest which car I should go for that would give me good driving pleasure without pinching my pocket.

Aman Thind

Between the two Maruti sedans, the Baleno's 1.5 litre engine is the more powerful at about 94 bhp compared to the Esteem's 85bhp. Both the cars carry the promise of relatively low maintenance costs, but the Baleno will tend to be more expensive in terms of servicing and spare parts.

Compared to the Baleno, the Esteem's plus point will be higher mileage. But the former will give you a better sedan experience since it is bigger and even the base LXi variant is fairly well equipped. The Esteem's interior is cramped for a sedan. What you will get is a frugal mid-size car in the Esteem, which cannot offer much more than the Zen or Wagon-R's shoulder and legroom.

The differential between the two cars will not be much considering that your usage is only going to be 600-800 km per month.

With the Baleno, the real issue that needs to be considered carefully is the possibility of its resale value being proportionately lower than a similarly aged Esteem. At Rs 5.8 lakh (ex-showroom) and with the possibility of you bargaining for a dealer discount, the Baleno is an attractively priced option for entry-level sedan buyers, despite its somewhat dated looks and build.

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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