|
|
             |
AUTO X-TRA The BT Car Bazaar
It simply refuses to die, thanks to Hindustan Motors' spurts of development, right from more power to minor cosmetic changes. HM has successfully fuel-injected the Amby's 1,817-cc Isuzu engine to comply with Euro norms and deliver a whopping 82bhp. In terms of passenger comfort, it has no competitors. Yet, it's not a new generation car.
Fiat's World Car-based Siena is unbeatable in many areas. The chassis has been designed to take the roughest roads. But the rear seat comfort is not matched by the front seat's. The Siena to buy is the diesel version, a turbocharged 1,700cc engine that has enough oomph to keep up with the petrol crowd. This is a great product, but service can be an issue.
Suzuki's potent all-aluminium short-stroke engine is a real ripper with 85bhp from a new 16-valve head and multi-point fuel injection. Despite having one of the most attractive suspension set-ups-independent all around-the chassis is showing its age, and lacks the rigidity and strength of its modern rivals. Overall, the Esteem is a great value car.
The Cielo created quite a furore when it was launched in 1995. It was as luxurious as a saloon could get. Cut to 2000 and the car's design looks long in the tooth, compared to the competition. It was, after all, based on the old Opel Astra of General Motors. But the reasons to buy one today are few-though rear comfort and the cng option are two of them.
GM has brought the latest iteration of the notchback Corsa for the Indian customer, and this aggressive and contemporary frontage has given it a fresh look for the millennium. The Corsa comes with that typical Teutonic feel that gives it an air of indestructibility. But the Corsa is not much of a driver's car. The steering is uncommunicative and the handling uninvolving, which detracts from the overall driving experience. The 1.6 is the best value car.
The Ikon 1.6 is a car with attitude and a fun-to-drive factor that puts it at the top of its class. It's a car you want to own for pleasure rather than for mere transport. The acceleration is heady, but fuel economy is not its strong point. The 1.3 is conceptually a good car that fits a need rather than a desire. It is best suited for those who commute within urban areas. The rear seat is the most comfy inits class. The 1.8lt diesel is good, too. But it's a little pricey.
The Accent is based on a new platform codenamed LC. A notch wider than others in its class, the Accent's modern styling with square edges and bulky overhangs give it the look of a premium-sized car. It may not be the cheapest car, but still offers tremendous value. The diesel version offers amazing fuel efficiency, but is noisy and sluggish.
The Baleno is Suzuki's biggest and most important passenger car to date. It was designed to compete in the larger and more bitterly contested, family car market in Europe. It has recently been facelifted. It combines an extremely strong engine, teriffic economy and comfort. Its tyres could have been wider, though. |
|
Issue Contents Write to us Subscriptions Syndication INDIA TODAY | INDIA TODAY PLUS | COMPUTERS TODAY © Living Media India Ltd |
 |
 |
LAYOUT: In-line, four-cylinder; 1,817 cc
p/1,999 cc d
LAYOUT: In-line, four-cylinder, 1242 cc
p/1697 cc d
LAYOUT: In-line, four-cylinder, petrol,
1,298 cc
LAYOUT: In-line, four-cylinder, petrol,
1,498 cc
LAYOUT: In-line, four-cylinder, petrol,
1,598 cc/1,389 cc
LAYOUT: Four-cylinder, 1,597 cc/1,299
cc/1,753 cc d
LAYOUT: In-line, four-cylinder,1495 cc
p/1527 cc d
LAYOUT: In-line, four-cylinder, petrol,
1590 cc