[michschu1]

Sorry gonna be a long post.

Hmm This is really turning out to be tougher than I imagined! Spoilt for choices we (my Brother-in-law and I) are alright, but the whole upgrading and changing of engines is kinda confusing one even more! To add to the misery there's more technical jargon and abbreviations than a hospital/lab display board! And it's kinda enerving where it's his money and one is hoping not to make the investment a dud. I know depends on the maintenance but none the less.

Been contemplating for a sedan with a cost to stay if possible below or on the 10 lakh range after either discounts, etc, or max stretch the budget by a lakh.:( After extensive reading through hell a lot of threads on the forum I had to pick some finicky points to cut short on the others. (Sleepless continuous reading so forgive me if I sound rude anywhere by mistake or slip up some typos in as am in a slight hurry to dash off to the Car Mela).

Initial list was populated with (in order of preference):
1. Honda City(latest if arrives in time though highly unlikely as a couple of weeks and it will be 2014 so they will defo wait for the launch to keep the price up there and make their profits).

2. Amaze. (Was put off with the fact that most of the seemingly gimmicky features were missing, though there are plenty on the roads in chennai despite the not so appealing look.

3. Ford Fiesta or Eco Sport. (Fiesta supposedly dated, Eco Sport wanna be SUV but clearly cramped for space and the huge blind spot rang an alarm bell in my head!)

4. VW Vento/Skoda Rapid.(Supposedly segment bests, given if they are the upgraded versions of engines (Turbo and 7-speed AT gearbox) and also a doubt as to the newer ATs coming within or crossing the 11L price! Leaning more towards the Vento though really wish it had projection lamps to enhance the dated though clean line look which I really like). Friend works in VW so gonna meet him now to discuss as I did see an ad as soon as I took the paper for exchange.

5. Ertiga. (Last resort choice, though, highly unlikely, if there's gonna be a long waiting period).

6. XUV500. (Do they have an XUV500 range that comes near 11L? I highly doubt so, but call it wishful thinking. Moreover, hardly any ads for Mahindra in the papers.)

Thing is most sites seem to list the Delhi onroad price which is cheapest, maybe not to scare away the prospective buyer, but then the prices checked for Chennai on sites are higher and then comes the problem of if they are updated to the latest.

Another thing is there is mention of changes and/or either upgraded technology or engines which are not yet tried and tested, or launched, but mentioned as better on paper, but not yet tested in real world conditions! So it's a big problem of wait or take when the discounts are available, since as usual they have used the usual gimmicks in papers of putting news extracts of prices gonna rise, etc.

What is the current scene with ATs given the fact that Chennai traffic is not at its very best with the numerous torn up roads due to the MRTS costructions? (More rough terrain and potholes than a freakin' village) Will there be a very rapid degrade in FE due to the terrible stop-and-hardly-go traffic?! or circle around 12 kms for an actual 3 km distance?! :(

Your suggestions are welcome. Waiting to hear your inputs while we go check out the MELA! Will keep you posted after the discussion with my friend. Take Care and Cheers.

[IshaanIan]

Originally Posted by michschu1

Hmm This is really turning out to be tougher than I imagined! Spoilt for choices we (my Brother-in-law and I) are alright, but the whole upgrading and changing of engines is kinda confusing one even more! To add to the misery there's more technical jargon and abbreviations than a hospital/lab display board! And it's kinda enerving where it's his money and one is hoping not to make the investment a dud. I know depends on the maintenance but none the less.

Been contemplating for a sedan with a cost to stay if possible below or on the 10 lakh range after either discounts, etc, or max stretch the budget by a lakh.:( After extensive reading through hell a lot of threads on the forum I had to pick some finicky points to cut short on the others. (Sleepless continuous reading so forgive me if I sound rude anywhere by mistake or slip up some typos in as am in a slight hurry to dash off to the Car Mela).


Your suggestions are welcome. Waiting to hear your inputs while we go check out the MELA! Will keep you posted after the discussion with my friend. Take Care and Cheers.

As an enthusiast, I will scream, "Fiesta or Linea T-Jet" BUT you seem like a practical man so here goes:

The City is a safe option and comes with loads of features to keep up with the competition. Should be worth it.

You ought to consider a Sunny too. It should fit your budget comfortably and it comes with loads of space, light steering, frugal and very drive-able 1.5dci motor.

The XUV500 does come in a W4 variant which only skimps out on gadgetry, few gimmicks etc. All the stuff you need, is still there especially safety tech. This comes under your budget ex-showroom, but ought to exceed the budget on-road.

The Vento tsi with DSG combo is superb and according to me, is actually value for money

Automatics aren't so bad these days; CVT and Dual Clutch boxes are brilliant, but all the old sayings are true when it comes to Torque Converter units.

Cheers and Good luck!

[Rajeevraj]

Originally Posted by michschu1

Sorry gonna be a long post.

Hmm This is really turning out to be tougher than I imagined! Spoilt for choices we (my Brother-in-law and I) are alright, but the whole upgrading and changing of engines is kinda confusing one even more! To add to the misery there's more technical jargon and abbreviations than a hospital/lab display board! And it's kinda enerving where it's his money and one is hoping not to make the investment a dud. I know depends on the maintenance but none the less.

Been contemplating for a sedan with a cost to stay if possible below or on the 10 lakh range after either discounts, etc, or max stretch the budget by a lakh.:( After extensive reading through hell a lot of threads on the forum I had to pick some finicky points to cut short on the others. (Sleepless continuous reading so forgive me if I sound rude anywhere by mistake or slip up some typos in as am in a slight hurry to dash off to the Car Mela).

Initial list was populated with (in order of preference):

After reading your post, since you are talking about AT options, am a little confused as to whether you are looking out for a petrol or diesel car( since this is a diesel sedan thread). If you are looking for diesel and AT, the cheapest car available today it's the Verna diesel AT which will cost some where in the vicinity of 13+ Lakhs on road ( it costs more than 14 on road Bangalore). For petrol AT sedans you can refer to my thread on the vento tsi where I have summarized all the sedan AT options and some thoughts on them.

[vb-saan]

Originally Posted by michschu1

Your suggestions are welcome. Waiting to hear your inputs while we go check out the MELA! Will keep you posted after the discussion with my friend. Take Care and Cheers.

A few points:

• Do you really need a sedan? If not the Polo GT twins (TSI/TDI) are good options. With the petrol DSG, you get the added safety net of ESP, and the powerful diesel obviously will have cheaper running costs.

• You’ve not mentioned your preference on petrol/diesel. If you’re decided on a sedan, the Vento TSI is a great option in the AT space, and for MT I would recommend the Vento/Rapid top variant in the diesel space and if petrol, the excellent Linea T-Jet.

• If you’re not in a hurry, the Ecosport 1.0 Ecoboost, or upcoming options like the new City or the facelifted new Fiesta are worth considering.

• The last two listed – Ertiga and XUV500, should be in this list only if you need a 7-seater commuter or a large SUV respectively.

[michschu1]

Thanks a million IshaanIan, Rajeevraj, and vb-san for your valuable inputs and queries. Much Appreciated. Take Care and God Bless.

I'll try to be as elaborate as possible(maybe too much to your liking) on the experience of this tiring day and current situation. I will be as honest as possible, and pretty blunt but please forgive me if any offense caused. AT was only hoping for better driveability in traffic for lesser effort and tension. Diesel or Petrol not really compulsory, but as rightly put by the SA Petrol if lesser use and Diesel only if daily commuter and frequent longer trips.

Though I wish TeamBHP really allowed for some freedom of speech ishtyle swearing because when you are a person who is TRULY passionate about bikes and cars you can never really hold back your feelings when you see or find something stupid that you cannot digest. :| Also I'll try to answer a few points mentioned above as to how I came up with my decisions.

Here goes. Hold on to your horses.

First things first after posting in the thread ran off to the VW Mela and met up with my friend. Before doing the test drive whilst my bro-in-law was being briefed by the SA, I was inquiring with my friend as to whether the newer AT with 7-gear for Vento has arrived 1.2TSI. He said that the last of them had just been taken, so basically options left on the Vento 1.6 and Polo 1.6 which it seems the 1.2 TSI Polo was in the showroom.

I won't be able to keep things in order in this post. I'll just spurt out whatever I can before my eyes give up on me and please forgive me if really longwinded and confusing:(

Thing is I'll answer the question about Sedan choice: Me, I am a Practical and no-nonsense attitude kinda guy, VERY finicky with the way I want my bike or a car to be when I sit at the wheel or grab my bike by the ba-ba- bars So for me I won't mind the Hatchbacks, BUT my choice will NOT be a Punto because I cannot stand blind spots or poor visibility around the vehicle. Previous reviews suggested the Honda Jazz and when you look at the car itself you pretty much know that it would be the car with the most visibility all around and being a Honda, there's not gonna be a compromise on the quality.

My BIL on the other hand, is like, hell no more investment changes on cars after the rather pathetic servicing by one CAT sounding service center that literally has the Santro Zip Drive GS begging to be repaired or replaced! So he is absolutely fed up of spending anymore! 50k was just last year's expenses and I don't wanna go into details and leave it at that.

He prefers to stick to a sedan and I have to respect his choice because as I mentioned it is HIS hard earned money. Back to the where I left off. I came to learn from my friend that the Cost is gonna be high for the Vento and even financing schemes means that the downpayment is gonna be a hefty 3L to start. Don't trust the whole 11 month 1-year later gimmick unless you are earning in the L's per month.

All this while my BIL is spinning around in the Vento and testing it and then he came back and I got in. My BIL beside me. SA behind. I do my usual mirror adjusting and stuff & express my unhappiness with the small-a7$3 mid RVM! What are they saving for a freakin inch of mirror on each side for? Then came the first time I swore when I found that the damn car has the dreaded Ford-esque freakin' left side indicator toggle!

I despised my brother(not BIL) for having the Ikon and though I loved the sturdy feel of the Ikon, I hated it everytime you go to take a turn and WHIRRRRR BIRRR and I'm like GRRR because used to the whole one finger stretched out for a split second to contact the toggle and it was most of the time the wrong one. The Second Gen Honda City-V-Tec on the other hand, (No not the dolphin face!) was simply the best Honda City I drove just for clear crispness and fun to rev around the city, err well at least when its roads were a bit better!

Back to Vento. I try to do my usual No Accelerator driving and find that the car when changed to second gear and clutch released started to move forward steadily like as if it had a mind of its own. Checked my usual response of steering quick direction changes and turns. No body roll and no sliding away as this was inside a play ground. Then I step out onto the road hoping to get a feel as to when the response kicks in.

I search and search on a road full of freakin rubber speed breakers(like as if we need them) and then I get to touch the accelerator and wait looking at the RPM as to when it's gonna kick in and at 2000 in 2nd gear, still no response so I think WTH and think maybe a little more coaxing of the pedal would help!

As soon as the car touched 2.5 RPM and I got a hint of stretch at the corner of my eye, I pushed it! FREAKIN HELL! I was immediately shot back to a flashback of the first time I got into an Opel Astra after only Maruti's, Fiats, and the old though trustworthy dogs and remember getting my (at that time) skinny frame pushed into the seat as the car surged forward!

This was the EXACT same feeling albeit a little more monstrous and this time my 80kg frame with two more passengers being given the feel of absolute power from a silent beast. Literally, this is exactly playing the whole I'm a cute purring kitty to the hilt and then when you tug its tail. WHAM! The Crouching Tiger shows its true colors By Pouncing and Surprising you!

Then came the bad news one by one. Car has to be started once every two days since everything is connected to the battery.(need confirmation on this behavior) Bookings only for the 1.6 Vento and only next year the so called upgraded engines are stepping in!

Finance options clearly out of our league for now since Santro exchange too nothing since 3rd owner and high kms! Became gloomy and so did the weather and my BIL said no Polo, exchange so low, I'm no more gonna be solo, so asked my friend where the Honda showroom is and bid him thanks and moved on. Really heavy heart since by far the Vento literally knocked us into reality that we were gonna miss probably the BEST car in this segment.

Then suddenly I thought let's take the mobile out and search for Fiat showrooms too since I am the guy who loves something with his heart and when I saw the Linea way back then it was absolutely Love at First Sight. Reminded me of how the Older Corollas that needed no extra styling were just seXy by default and handled pretty well too and was of no-nonsense character. And the Linea was eons ahead on stylish looks. And dare I say Still unmatched by similar cars in its category in that department. No, I don't like too much external fluids as it's a freakin nightmare for a bodyshop guy! Yeah I know oh Elantra awesome looks! Yeah right!

Take a Honda Civic extend the tail lights and there Elantra :P In fact I have seen so much damn similarities in the cars for a long time, that I wonder how the designers get paid for just modifying something slightly and passing it off as a newer improved version of something else. Oh might I add whoever added the Upholstery for the Amaze needs to park the car under lights and ask himself/herself? What was I thinking? Seriously?! Three different colors?!

Pretty much like how #0nd@ bikes does the whole We put new graphics (same engine just add the word refined throw in a few important sounding abbreviations and gimmicks which most of you fall for) use you as guinea pigs with different grades oil and blame customers for not maintaining their new and improved engines! Yeah right! Lol Sorry my "Truth Tourettes" sets in from time to time.

Back on track. Now fast forward or rather slow forward with the traffic again circling damn diversions of T.Nagar to reach the Fiat showroom. Walked in with BIL and just as I was hoping and praying if they had anything close to the Electric Blue I like which gives a purplish hue(here called Oceanic Blue) and right enough Linea stands proudly in front in that exact same color. Walked in, 10 mins passed, 15 mins then the receptionist asked if we were attended to, and we said, no, and she immediately arranged a person.

Here's where things immediately started to get interesting. The person who attended to us, Mr. Surendar, IIRC, was really patient and we spoke for quite a long while about how to get the financing right and told him up front what our needs were. There was as mentioned by some folks about a 1L discount from on-road and half insurance discount and stuff and since BIL does mostly weekend drives settled for the Petrol T-Jet and asked for quotes.

Were taken up with his patient explanations and pretty much straightforward suggestions. I absolutely love it when someone is honest and it became mutual respect. Coincidence is SA's friend and my BIL work in the same office :P lol So things heading in the right direction. The Test drive car though battered to bits showed us just what the Linea was capable of.

Does it immediately clip? Well this was a diesel. So it took some lag and suddenly you are in fast gear! Flying away. The clutch is super smooth but this car was a pathetic excuse for a TD vehicle with battered door, center panel near clutch pedal loose and buggering with your feet (I have size 10, err feet that is) when engaging the clutch, the gears being rough on 1st and 2nd probably due to illtreatment. The brakes though I tell you are DAMN Sharp and absolutely top notch. Handling pretty much equivalent to the Ford's feel and almost identical feel of steering response right in your hand and responding to every minor guidance!

If you end up revving and applying a sudden brake I'm sure the guy/gal at the back is gonna send you into the vehicle in front of you if his/her vehicle doesn't have this kinda stopping power and he happens to be sleepy in traffic after a heavy lunch/she happens to be texting someone/updating FB status or putting on lipstick! lol jus kiddin'

Found BIL FINALLY relaxing a bit and happy to see that he was pretty pleased with the experience and admitted that the car didn't catch his fancy earlier(maybe probably due to the fact of herd mentality/or wrong influences) but now that it was up close and personal, and he had gotten a feel and experience of it, guess he too has fallen in love with the car I love too just for its simple elegance! :P

All's good and I guess it's better as mentioned if the HEART rules over MIND! Am sure it will be difficult for anyone to say oh there are better options. Well from what was inquired, I am sure with this amount of discount and at this price, and pretty much the high end petrol version T-Jet Linea, highly unlikely any other car is offering Value for Money at this level at this fag end of the year!

Let me put you at ease. This is what you'll mostly hear. We just had so and so car and now it's gone. No more stock as the backlog was cleared out this month and booking has been closed. Everything starts from next year. Or you can do your booking now and keep counting your chickens before they hatch! The newer iterations of each vehicle will only be launched from next year and most definitely there ain't gonna be any discount!

Probably even exchange will be an offering of peanuts for your faithful partner of yesteryear. So here are your options. Ask exchange rate offered at whichever car's showroom you are interested in and see what they quote. If unhappy, go to Quickr/OLX/Free Ads/whatever and put in the ad ASAP&try to get the car sold(Rule#1 Don't entertain Dealers, and Rule#2 Don't entertain Dealers!) If direct customer, ask him or arrange for a meetup to inspect vehicle and do what Indians are supposed to be best at, i.e., BARGAIN like it's your last dollar, uhurmm Rupee! Take that cash and pay it as down payment.

Honda too no stock of City and the New City as already mentioned 2014! And if you are expecting a discount from Honda(for city/even Amaze), keep dreaming. As I picture it, I guess Honda will use the Amaze as a temporary "satisfy the middle-class" sedan instead of hatchback and there will obviously be sales. If an ugly looking Duster can make a majority believe it's awesome in looks then I am sure people won't mind the Ugly Amaze.(Sorry again Truth Tourettes)

Like a stop gap for the launch of All New Honda City and guess that Vento and They will be holding off on each other to see what price point they're gonna set for their respective (upgraded) steeds to start to change the market in the nearest future or for the year 2014, as I guess all the so called NEW cars are gonna set the standards right about from now pending their results and the level of "majority/media says" BS hypnotism/hype pushed down people's throats.

I won't be too surprised if suddenly you find people actually waking up from their eternal slumber and realizing, Okay, the gimmicks have been added to the supposedly new City, BUT Vento with the AT 7-gear box would be better suited if not might be competitively priced and the battle will heat up from there! Mind you both Respectable in their own arenas, but then given so called new factors in both, it's all about who sees through the BS and uses his/her brains to analyze stuff and make a wise if not seemingly wiser decision.

But again on unknown or new terrain how will you/anyone KNOW how/what fairs better without experience in the real world. At the end of the day, It's the whole same going with your guts and either being kicked in the nuts or having the last laugh and being proud with your new struts! Ok I think I better end here before I hear barking of mutts. lol kidding again! If I wake up from my coma and feel I've missed out on something that can add value will definitely chime in.

For Now, If you have the cash and can Afford an upgraded Vento IF/When it comes. Take a test drive and if it tickles your fancy and rattles your nuts, just Go with it because I am sure it will be close to your heart! That is the heart as depicted on those funny T-shirts! lol. If you are short on cash and are thinking is it worth going with a dated Fiat Linea, think again?!

Step in take a test drive hopefully not in that same condition car! lol Check out the finance schemes and discounts and Get refreshed. Take the plunge while you can. Don't Wait for others to make your decisions when your heart has FELT what is right and knows what you truly can afford! I do hope you make whatever choice YOU feel as best and I do hope that we are given a feel of what Linea can do and hope it's dear to us without giving us maintenance headaches! Touch Wood!

Oh just another note out of topic. Instead of asking people to wear helmets and Seat Belts Why can't the Most Basic "Stop at the Signal" or Don't Ride in No Entry Be followed?! Most of the time Signals are not working and even if they are, Guess Who are the Ones Flouting them First? You guessed right! The so called ones who are supposed to be upholding the Law da(Tamil) , ah well, whatever.

Good night friends and brethren on wheels and will be happy to hear if you feel the T-Jet would be the best choice too given the current situation. The discounts are same btw for the Diesel though its cost is higher.

Really sorry for the last time for the long total chaos post, but hope it helps in at least a minute way! I'm gonna have a couple of nostalgic dreams tonight of the vehicles once cherished by me of yesteryear. I am the man in the middle kind always caught between the old and the new! lol So called man on the fence, throwing in my 2 pence! But I gotta get off the fence and sleep now! Butt seriously hurts! Night night! I'm filled with Emotion not 1/4th but all 1.4 of it! lol :P Zzzz

Hope the bubble doesn't burst too soon! Cheers!

[IshaanIan]

Well wow! If you can even just think of the Linea T-Jet, then go for it!

The dynamics, the motor, the steering feel, the braking feel, the sofa like rear seat (may not be the roomiest though), those "I don't know why, but they work" interiors that look just right, the amazing manner in which the exterior sets you thinking just how there is not a single line you'd have differently.

Oh and Fiat is on the rise in our country. Things may not be how they should right now, but they are definitely getting there and are making a serious and sincere effort and investment to the operations here in India. Their sales trends already show it
So if it ever comes down to owning a T-Jet, hopefully the A.S.S. shouldn't be too bad in a while.

[sam_boy]

Originally Posted by michschu1

Then came the bad news one by one. Car has to be started once every two days since everything is connected to the battery.(need confirmation on this behavior)

I own a Rapid which is almost the same car, but I never heard this before. My car was unused once for almost 3 weeks but still did not complain. There are many Vento and Rapid owners in this forum who can confirm.

Loved the way you described your experience with Vento, I fell prey to the
same feeling

[michschu1]

Thanks Sam Boy wish some Vento bros on wheels confirm the same to remove any doubts and about your falling prey, I don't blame you! Simply exhilarating! B-)

Okay now, Back to from where I left off!

First note to self and others!: Don't Do whitewashing of house when trying to sell and get a car within a week or two! One of the MOST tiresome and grueling experiences ever but hopefully the things that happen/happened shld make up for the time and effort.

What transpired was simply terrible! First caught between two dealers then came the sudden decrease of stock&no stock crap, again, as expected! Then, lackadaisical approach of handling things. Coolly one dealer says he forgot to remind that stock is getting over & all the while we were ready if they say have to pay deposit and confirm to allot vehicle!

Then when one said only emotion diesel available and no T-Jet in oceanic blue that too only one, we confirmed with the other dealer who said dynamic is there in T-Jet and October manufactured! So we skipped over there. Now being wary said confirm if there is indeed stock and paid the deposit with a letter to be given saying we won't change choice! What are we freakin'stupid?!

Now after this got down to work for selling Santro & got a buyer too, so was happy things going well till they hit us with the bomb right at the last minute and somehow between the two managed Putting us in crappy situation of being caught with only option of emotion petrol or diesel emotion. That's it BIL and I became gloomy bcoz we were literally counting Pennies and doing comparative calculations all in the middle of dust and paint what with the expenses piling up each day! Right enough we're told by mistake they've listed emotion as dynamic and that's the last in that color!

Flabbergasted both BIL and me said let's write down the FINAL comparison and that's it whether diesel or petrol and saw that diesel though given a good discount was eating in too much with both higher down payment and EMI! So settled for the petrol! Stepped into the dealer next day fuming because we noted that even the petrol emotion meant cutting back on all plans of ICE and accessories planned for the car!

Had a firm talk with the dealer saying why do u insist on a letter saying customer changes decision when we've been running in circles and telling the entire setup and going on saying DYNAMIC bcoz not wanting to splurge on things affordable down the line and you end up being the one changing. Made him show the stock remaining and FINALLY got a somewhat satisfactory deal bcoz of EMI and downpayment coming within manageable limits and done! Confirmed it and stepped back to the dust jungle to get down to business for Santro to be sold asap and remaining work on it can be done!

Took the Santro today for its final interior wash to 3M bcoz it was a mess after local work shops and find last minute niggle before delivery right in the Evng power door lift gone! Rush again get it fixed wash the exterior and car sold today at 8 p.m. though I think what shld have been done was an exterior wash and some interior blowouts! Who in the hell does a 3M job worth 1119 On a car confirmed to be sold? Yeah I'm a good guy! No a screw up! lol

And thanks to the buyer suddenly deciding to change schedule screwed up the entire day and on top of it despite seeing all the work happening was still cribbing for a measly 1k which he did not give mind you. Another note don't trust word of mouth and put unnecessary effort or cash! Now anyone interested in an oceanic blue diesel emotion post me a pm for details. NO! I don't want commission from you or anyone :-P lol

The sad part is I didn't even have a last few moments with the Santro to bid goodbye and watched her leave. Real painful heart but satisfied with the outcome though mildly miffed with the buyer for being an @7$3#0!* and not keeping his word just like the dealers! Anyhow time to wait now to be filled with EMOTION! Jan 6th is the D-Day! Congrats BIL right in time to be used as the wedding car come Feb! :-P ;-) All's well that ends well! Cheers friends for sharing your thoughts and having the patience to share our experience! Take Care and God Bless! Happy Driving!

[michschu1]

Oh btw when we were just about to leave from 3M Nungambakkam a very nice gentleman came in with a Skoda Rapid TDI which had projection lights! Was wondering if anyone were holding back on Vento or Rapid bcoz no projection lamps, this could have been the answer albeit being an additional increase in cost :-(

People better HURRY bcoz I'm sure some superstitious people would have skipped buying due to some ashtami and u just might end up being lucky with a very good deal if u're sharp enough to bargain, BUT believe me, EVEN with SO MUCH damn planning/calculating and actually taking the time TDing the vehicles to EXPERIENCE rather than just go with word of mouth or online forums and If you can be screwed, just have to blame it on fate and move on!

Oh still I would advise you to actually sit patiently, adjust everything, seats mirrors, keep a blank head and calculate ONLY according to heights of your family and yourself when doing the judgments/assessments, THEN DECIDE since not all people are built the same, only the cars are and we have to adjust it to our likings or get adjusted to it!

Also, Sam Boy u mentioned in another thread about having problems positioning yourself comfortably in the Vento! Just as a doubt, did u have your huge purse in your back pocket like that ad? Lol ;-) Hope might be right :-P

[PPS]

Autocar shootout between diesel variants of City,Verna,Vento & Rapid.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e_HF23ziqIg

[pramodpk]

I currently own a 2010 September model Ford Fiesta petrol (not classic) which has done 39000 KMs. This car was purchased via Company car lease and the lease will expire in April ( 44 months). I am extremely satisfied and love this car. Initially, I thought of retaining the car but in doing so, I will lose the attracting car lease benefits offered by the company. Also, if I have to retain the car, i have to pay around INR 1.63 Lakhs (the residual value) apart from taking care of insurance and maintenance thereafter. I also have to go through the hassle of transferring the car to my name. Also the recent price cut on this model and the Figo compact sedan displayed in the Auto expo are clear indications that this model will be dicontinued soon. These are the reasons for thinking about a new car. If I did not have to pay the residual value, i would have retained the car. The thought of selling this makes me really sad.

Now the requirements

1. The car will be used primarily on the highway as I use my Alto for city driving.

2. The average monthly driving of the Fiesta was 1000 KMS (70% on highway). Hence the new car has to be diesel as I intent to increase the average driving to 1200 KMS.

3. The car should offer good driving pleasure.

4. The car should be stable at high speeds and should be able to cruise at 120 KM/H easily. It should also have good braking.

5. The car should have decent boot space. Atleast equal to the Fiesta Classic - 430 Litres as the boot is utilized completely when I come back from by home town.

6. Dual Airbags and ABS are must.

7. The car should have good crash safety.

8. Budget - Ideally around 10 Lakh INR.

9. The new car should be an upgrade in all respects from the current one.


Based on these requirments, I have shortlisted the New Fiesta, The Vento and the Duster

1. The New Fiesta

If the new Fiesta was not a market flop, I would have bought this without thinking twice. I have driven the diesel Fiesta and was impressed by the almost petrol like linear power delivery of the new Fiesta. Also the car's NVH levels were impressive. I might be able to get a discount on this. The ex showroom price is Rs 10.51 Lakh INR for the Titanium diesel.

2. The Duster

I think this is overpriced but I like the SUV like appearance. I would have to pay Rs 2100 more than the Vento per month for this one. The main points against the Duster are the quality issues. I also read the official review about the not so powerful AC and the high wind noise. These are really deal breakers. If were to go by my heart, Duster would have been the one. Also the fact that the duster got only 3 stars in the crash test is another deal breaker. Frankly, Rs 12.3 Lakhs ex showroom for the high end model is too much. I can consider the RXL 110 PS which is Rs 11.16 Lakh but would not even get alloy wheels.

3. The Vento

This appears to be the most practical choice. I have driven one in the city and was quite impressed by the quality but the noisy diesel engine is an issue. Not sure how will it be at 120 KM/H. The ex showrroom price is Rs 10 Lakh INR. I am also worried about the quality issues with German cars.

Request the inputs of fellow BHPians.

Thanks in advance.

[saket77]

Any particular reasons you are not looking into the New Honda City? It has all that practicality that you see in the Vento, plus it will ensure a fuss free ownership and Japanese reliability too.

[ghodlur]

@pramodpk,

If you are not fixated at the shortlisted car may I suggest the new facelifted Fiat Linea which will launched soon. I am sure the car will be within your budget. The car ticks most of the requirements except for the last one.

Or else you can opt for the Ecosport from the Ford stable. Has all the genes of the Ford car, only con is long waiting periods.

How long do you intend to keep the car? Amongst the three I would suggest the Duster. If you can wait Ford will be coming with the facelifted Fiesta as well. You can decide then.

[palitrana]

I Agree with Ghodlur.

In fact the Linea is a better highway car than any of the options you have mentioned. Ask me - I have driven mine 80% on highways only. And coming from the Fiesta background, you will definitely feel at home with the driving and handling. The others may not feel like an upgrade at all. I am of course speaking from my ignorance of the capabilities of the new City, but I could have vouched for the Linea over the last one in terms of Highway capability.

[pramodpk]

Thanks for the inputs.

Originally Posted by saket77

Any particular reasons you are not looking into the New Honda City?

The diesel engine is too noisy. Also, Honda will not offer the solid and stable feeling on the highway. Driving pleasure and highway stability are my top priorities.

Originally Posted by ghodlur

@pramodpk,

If you are not fixated at the shortlisted car may I suggest the new facelifted Fiat Linea which will launched soon. I am sure the car will be within your budget. The car ticks most of the requirements except for the last one.

Or else you can opt for the Ecosport from the Ford stable. Has all the genes of the Ford car, only con is long waiting periods.

How long do you intend to keep the car? Amongst the three I would suggest the Duster. If you can wait Ford will be coming with the facelifted Fiesta as well. You can decide then.

Originally Posted by palitrana

I Agree with Ghodlur.

In fact the Linea is a better highway car than any of the options you have mentioned. Ask me - I have driven mine 80% on highways only. And coming from the Fiesta background, you will definitely feel at home with the driving and handling. The others may not feel like an upgrade at all. I am of course speaking from my ignorance of the capabilities of the new City, but I could have vouched for the Linea over the last one in terms of Highway capability.

1. I am not considering the linea as it is a market flop. Also, the 1.3 L engine is underpowered on such a heavy car.

Ecosport - because of the long waiting period and the small boot. I can wait for the new Fiesta but Ford does not have any official launch date yet. I need the car by end of April.Edit Just got a call from Metro Ford saying that they do not have stock of new Fiesta as new stock is not coming. They also do not have any idea about the launch of the face lifted Fiesta.

I will test drive the Duster and decide. The car will be kept for max 44 months (till the next lease period gets over).