I would like to buy a new car. My budget is 6 to 7 lacks and my monthly running is 1000 kms maximum. My selection criteria are the following:
I want a spacious, fuel efficient, easy and economic to maintain hatchback car. I preferred hatchback due to limited parking space in Kolkata. I am 6 feet tall. Hence, I need space in my car. I have short listed Tata Indica Vista Quadrajet 90 ps, Honda brio VX and Hyundai Grand i10 Asta (O) and test drove them with my family.
My observations are:
1) Vista is the most specious car. The suspension set up of that car is also remarkable. Acceleration is good. The cheapest diesel car. But I am worried about the maintenance cost of this car over 7 to 8 years. Moreover, the Tata cars are tough to maintain due to their poor after sales service.
2) Among of the petrol cars, I and my parents preferred the Grand i10. This car has space and lots of features. I loved the interior of this car. The best among all the three cars. The ride quality and high placement of seats are preferred by all of us. The exterior design of the car also suits my preference. But I am concerned about the mileage of this car. What maximum amount of fuel efficiency I can expect within city limits with AC running all the time? Hyundai sales person told me to expect alt east 13 to 14. How far this could be true? I have no experience with Hyundai.
3) Honda Brio satisfies most of my requirements. It has a very light steering wheel and gear shift assembly. The interior is good. The engine of the car is the best. I am expecting at least 12 km/pl from the Brio. It has almost all the necessary features although Grand has few more options. But the exterior design, low seating, boot space and ride on undulated surfaces are not preferred by me.
Both the petrol cars have efficient sales and service network. So, from service point of view, I expect equal amount of expertise from both Hyundai and Honda.
My queries are listed below,
1) What fuel option should I go for? Petrol or diesel?
2) If it is a diesel, then should I buy the Vista?
3) What could be the fuel efficiency of Hyundai Grand i10?
4) Should I go for the Amaze SMT? I love everything of this car but as it is sedan, I hold my mind.
Please suggest me to take the most correct decision. I presume that Honda Brio may be the safest option considering my requirements, but somehow I found Grand is more appealing. But with rising petrol prices, I am seriously worried about the FE of the Grand.