The Hindu Business Line : Keyless entry is better than central locking system

I UNDERSTAND that there are new cars that now come factory fitted with the keyless entry feature. But I am considering retrofitting an after-market keyless entry kit for my Honda City (1999 model). I am trying to avoid going to the dealer for this fitment, as they are likely to charge me many times over for the kit plus labour charges. What are the points to consider when buying a keyless entry kit from the market? And where can I buy a genuine Honda kit?

Vinod Bijlani

Keyless entry is fast becoming part of standard fitment for many cars even in the (sub-compact) premium small-car segment. As a feature, keyless entry is better than the regular central locking option, since in addition to the convenience of remote unlocking of doors, it also comes loaded with other features such as security alarm and, in some cases, even engine immobilisers.

Almost all after-market keyless entry kits are independent brands, so you may be able to get manufacturer-recommended kits, but not ones that sport the car brand itself. Fitting a keyless entry system may be a relatively quick process, but will involve removing a number of interior panels and, more importantly, wiring across the length and breadth of the car. Fitting a keyless entry system is perhaps best done by the dealer or dealer/manufacturer authorised service outlet.

But if the differential is high, try to locate a reputed, authorised mechanic/outlet for a reliable fitment job. The issue of reliability is important here because it involves removal of panels, new wiring and additions to the battery power-outs. Ensure good quality wiring and extra fuses are added to provide for possible overload to the system.

Choose a keyless entry system with an inbuilt security alarm. But if you are willing to spend more, choose a keyless entry system that also features an engine immobiliser which cuts off power supply to the engine in the event of tampering or an unauthorised entry into the car. Further, keyless entry with engine immobiliser would be more fool-proof if the system also has an independent battery back-up, as car thieves familiar with security alarms will tend to first disconnect the car's primary battery terminals. There are other additions to keyless entry you may want to consider (depending on your budget), such as cabin intrusion alarm and other anti-carjacking devices.

I have been driving a Maruti Esteem for the past five years. Wishing to buy a new car in Rs 7-8.5 lakh price band, I am considering either the Maruti Suzuki Baleno or the Honda City. The new Honda City ZX has the brand name, but I am confused since some of my friends say that the Baleno is good value-for-money considering the latest price being offered by Maruti. If you recommend the Honda, then which variant — GXi, GXi-CVT or VTEC — should I opt for? Which one of these is superior on performance and which will be have better resale value after about four years? Though several of my friends are discouraging me, I continue to be interested in auto transmission. What is your opinion?

Venkateswaran

In the highly competitive, unforgiving car market, the popularity and resale value of a car are two parameters that represent the classic chicken and egg situation. If a car's popularity is low, its resale value will be affected. And if the car's resale value is low, its sales and popularity will continue to be low.

The Baleno offers an extremely competitive package, and is even on a par in the engine performance department with the relatively more powerful sedans in its class. With the Baleno's 1.6-litre engine pumping out a peak power of 94PS at 6,000 rpm and 132Nm of torque at 3,000 rpm, this Suzuki car seems to be capable of taking on the big sellers in the sedan segment.

The Baleno's trim level and feature list also seem impressive enough to tackle the competition's package, especially because of Maruti's relatively lower pricing. But the Baleno lost the numbers game because of other reasons such as Maruti's perceived image as being a small-car manufacturer, the car's dated design and relatively poor build quality vis-à-vis the Honda City.

The Honda City is a more wholesome package, though it is priced higher than the more feature-rich variant of the Baleno. Moreover, the City features more contemporary technology and has other advantages such as better safety features, a bigger boot (Baleno's is 346 litres) and higher fuel efficiency.

If you are convinced that the automatic transmission is what you want to buy, the City ZX CVT is an excellent option to consider. But the CVT is about Rs 60,000 more than the better-trimmed GXi variant. Further, though the CVT's extremely advanced continuously variable auto transmission technology is much superior in terms of fuel efficiency compared to the other auto transmission cars in the market, the mileage that it offers will still be lower than that of the manual transmission version.

(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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