I know i am comparing Apples to Oranges, but i am confused if I should eat Apples of Oranges since i am loving them both here.
I am looking to upgrade from my 2007 Swift petrol VXI which i love so much.
Requirement:
1. Need a Diesel - I run around 15K-18K every year. My monthly running is mostly variable. maximum 1800kms per month and 700kms minimum.
2. More space - My highway long runs have been mostly 4 adults and 1-2 kids. But in the city limits i have stuffed 6 adults and 2 kids as well in Swift.
3. Luggage - During my drives to native, i struggle to pack luggage in the tiny boot of swift. Resulting in extra luggage stuffed between the rear seat.
Budget is around 11 lakhs maximum(i plan not to take any loan) and Bangalore being a costly city to buy cars, i am not getting many options here.
Amaze
+ve:
1. Engine clatter is reasonable as compared to other Diesels so I can live with the NVH
2. I am told this car can return figures of 18+ in Bangalore city and 21+ on highways.
3. Power felt good for my needs. I am not a rash driver anyway
4. Rear leg space is much better than Swift/Dzire but the width is just as same. Since i am the tallest in family at 5.7ft, 3 can easily seat at the back(But nothing much to talk over my current swift)
5. Boot is decent and almost double that of my current swift.
6. Interiors are not as great as Ertiga, but choice of colors make the Interiors look plusher compared to Ertiga.
7. 3-4 months waiting period is perfect for me to arrange the cash.
-ve:
1. There is a huge jerk when engine is turned on and off - Something i have not seen in the likes of Figo and Swift diesel- Whole car shakes
2. Switching from Maruti service network to unknown Honda which is 3-4 kms away from my home.
3. S MT did not come with Fog lamps and when i asked how much i need to pay extra i am told 13K which sounds steep for pair of fog lamps(Makes me feel the maintenance costs of this car will be higher than Maruti)
Ertiga:
+ve:
1. Space is awesome - Since all in my family are average built, seating 7 should be very easy. I myself felt comfortable in the last seat.
2. Maruti network - Since i already own a Maruti, i feel at home inside Ertiga, Also service center is less than a km from home and i know every mechanic over there.
3. With 3rd row up and seats set for my height in all 3 rows, I felt middle row leg space is as much as Amaze.
4. Less waiting time - may be 30 days max
-ve:
1. With all 3 row seats up, the Boot space is severely compromised. I dont think i can even stuff 2 cabin bags there. May be 1 Cabin bag and maxium 1-2 small bags.
2. Mileage ?? expected around 13-14 in City and 17-18 on Highways.
3. Ertiga VDI costs 2 lakh more than the Amaze S MT. I am ok spending extra money only provided if it makes sense.
4. Newer maruti are no longer as cheap to maintain as compared to my 6 year old car which is pocket friendly
So as expected, i am confused now.
I am not going to need 3 row of seats every day. But if 2-3 extra guests come for a weekend, they come very handy to take out for a dinner or marriage function.
Amaze is more conventional car, a sedan meaning better status symbol than a vanlike Ertiga. Honda brand and perceived FE . I wonder if Amaze really gives mileage of 17+ in city conditions !! With diesel prices going up every day, 13-14 kmpl of Ertiga will pinch more along with the 2 lakhs that i am spending initially.
I dont change my cars often, so expecting to keep this car for atleast 5-6 years(may be longer too) and around 1 lakh kms. So require peace of mind.
So please guide me with my next upgrade(I got upto 3 months time to arrange the finance).
Some options I did consider but did not pursue further are:
1. Etios diesel - I love the space and Toyota maintenance costs and very good FE. but the interiors already look like they are 6 years old.
2. Sunny/Scala/Vento/Rapid - Middle variants are towards higher end of my 11 lakh band. FE seems to be good and good rear seat space too but service network is a question mark and maintenance will be higher than Maruti/Honda/Toyota
3. EcoSport - I am frustrated with Ford delays to launch this. After T-BHP review, i suspect the rear seat to be only as good as Swift. But i just love the looks of this car. price is another question mark too
4. Dzire - It looks like a joke after seeing Amaze. Less rear space, boot is hardly bigger than my Swift. And Sales adviser saying Dzire is fast moving car - No discounts
5. SX4 - I still like the way this car looks, Great GC and huge boot. But dated interiors, Model going out of production by next year, Steep price tag of 11 lakhs after discounts for Zdi model. makes me just strike this car.
6. Duster - costs 13 lakhs for the mid varient and over my budget(Can stretch though with few more months of saving) But I always felt this car is overpriced by a lakh and hence decided to drop it.
I am also open for giving second thought on these cars, but prefer to here more about these two beauties first.