My first priority was Tata Manza as it is less cost and good in mileage. But my friend who has used if 2 years did not recommend as he had bad experience when he took it outstation. The AC stopped working and Car broke down. It got fixed at 300 to 500 which is a good deal, but that was a question of reliability.
Secondly I tried for Swift Dzire. In Bangalore we had to wait for 4 months to get delivery. So was not having patience to wait for long. Secondly the boot space is worst. Everyday I have to travel 4 hours and cannot sit uncomfortable after paying big money and waiting for 4 months to get it. Lastly the looks of the car is no where close to international standards. So had to drop off.
Sorry less time to write long story on Ford and Mahindra.I purchased Toyota Etios GD on July 1st 2012. The good thing is a mileage of 16-17 with AC in Bangalore Traffic and upto 19 kms in long drive. The most important is the boot space. Fantastic boot space. 3 people can sit comfortably. Since it has a flat surface, the person sitting in middle and in the rear seat need not fold his leg. All 3 people can sit very comfortably. When my driver brings drive it at the entrance of star hotels, the car has the fantastic look.
Now the worst things of the car ; All the 4 doors cannot lock. You have to bang it to get it locked. Earlier reviews also mentioned it, and the dealer mentioned that this has been fixed in the recent models. But even the october model does not lock the door. The service people gave me crap resason stating that beading rubber is good and hence it does not look properly. Secondly the indor is made out of very cheap plastic. So you wont feel that your sitting in a luxury car after paying 9 lacs.
I am not a car expert. Just sharing my experience with my new car.
Regards Venu