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S. Muralidhar

I am planning to purchase either a Fiat Palio NV or Maruti Alto. While you had written in detail about the Palio NV, I would request you to clarify the details about the Alto's performance, pricing and mileage per litre. If I do decide to purchase the Alto, which model — LX, LXi, VX or VXi — is the best option.

K. L. Lakshmi Pathi

The Maruti Suzuki Alto is a good option for first time car buyers. The sub-Rs 3 lakh price for the entry level LX model is only a few thousands more than the top-end air-conditioned variant of the Maruti 800.

Even the power steering variant of the 800cc LX model, Alto Spin LXi, is priced attractively at just Rs 20,000 more than the LX. The Maruti rationale being that though the majority of M800 buyers are those that choose the base, non air-conditioned variant, others who are looking at the top-end M800 variant can think of upgrading to the Alto LX.

Further, while the Alto is a roomy small car, its turning radius is lesser than five metres (4.6 metres for the electronic power steering version).

The Alto does not come with a VX trim level option, there are only three trim levels — LX, LXi and VXi. Prices start at Rs 2.67 lakh plus for the base trim level and go up to Rs 3.72 lakh plus for the VXi metallic paint version.

The LX and LXi both feature the same multi-point fuel injected 796cc engine of the M800. The engine has been refined compared to its "non-mpfi" predecessor. The three-cylinder engine, which also features a 16-bit microprocessor generates 45 bhp at 6,000 rpm. The difference in features between the LX and the LXi is the electronic power steering of in the latter.

Electronic power steering in the Alto, unlike the ordinary one, reduces the load on the engine, thereby offering more power for better pick up, improved mileage and acceleration.

This power steering technology also gives better on road response at high and low speeds and is less prone to failures. Given the chock-a-block traffic on most roads in the metros, the power steering variant will come in really handy for manoeuvring and parking under demanding conditions.

The Alto VXi, the most loaded amongst all the trim levels, features the Wagon R's 1.1 litre engine. The 1,061cc, four-cylinder engine generates a maximum 62 bhp at 6,000 rpm. The VXi variant is more powerful and much more refined than the 796cc engine. Engine noise and harshness levels are, therefore, lesser, and there is more power on reserve for stretching the car out on those long drives.

The other extras on the VXi variant are central locking, lights on reminder, key inside reminder, front power windows, steering wheel leather cover and rear windscreen washer and wiper. The Alto is a popular small-car export to Europe. Unfortunately, despite the heavy advertising and good positioning, the car has not become as popular as its peers.

The best option between the three variants depends on your budget and financing decision. However, if budget constraints make it inevitable that the 800cc engine be chosen, the LXi is the better option.

I wish to buy a second-hand car, and after using it for a year or so I intend to change over to a new one. However, my family, while protesting the decision to buy an used car, also is averse to get into the Maruti 800, which is what I want to buy. But the family does not mind the Maruti Omni 5 seater. I feel more comfortable driving the Maruti 800 compared to the Omni. I am now using a scooter but I wish to upgrade it soon. Your please.

V. Venkitasubramanian

The decision to buy a car is never an easy one. However, your decision to buy a used car first before upgrading to a new one may be prudent, particularly if you do not have driving experience.

That does not mean the switch over will be difficult. On the contrary, experienced two-wheeler riders will find it easier to drive a car, considering the great degree of "road sense" gained.

The Maruti 800 is definitely a safer and more comfortable car to drive compared to the Omni. However, the ease with which the Omni can be driven, in terms of manoeuvrability and its passenger-cum-load carrying capacity, makes it a preferred choice among small businessmen and large families alike.

Women also tend to like the Omni due to its taller seating position that makes ingress and egress from the vehicle easier.

But the Omni will not allow you to upgrade the vehicles comfort features at a later date. The most important one being air-conditioning, which even if not impossible on the Omni to retrofit later, will be ineffective due to the positioning and power of its engine.

On the contrary, an air-conditioning unit can be retrofitted in the M800 even a year down the line. Usually, air-conditioning is the feature most missed by the first-time car buyer after the initial ownership experience wanes.

(Readers are invited to send their queries related to the world of automobiles to: q&a@thehindu.co.in)

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