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I want to upgrade from my Ambassador Classic 1.5 D to either the Hyundai Accent Viva CRDi or the Ford Ikon ZXI diesel. Which of the two is sturdier and gives more mileage? I have an average run of about 3,500 km per month. Will the Accent Viva need frequent repairs? How about the Ford's diesel engine? Are they also going to introduce CRDI?

IYAPPAN MAHALINGAM

Both the Hyundai Accent Viva CRDi and the Ford Ikon 1.8 ZXi are close to each other on such parameters as ease of use, interior space and build quality. However, the Accent Viva CRDi will score over the Ikon on the performance, engine refinement, interior noise levels and mileage parameters.

The Hyundai Accent Viva's 1.5-litre, Detroit Diesel, common rail direct injected (CRDi) engine is a fairly quiet performer. The common rail injection helps reduce noise, vibration and harshness in the car. This injection system will also enable the engine to meet Euro III emission norms and offer better fuel efficiency than conventional indirect injection diesel engines.

The Viva CRDi's 1.5-litre engine packs in a much higher 82PS of maximum power at a lower 4,000 rpm, compared to the 1.8-litre, Ford Endura engine's peak power of 59 PS at 4,800 rpm in the Ikon. The Viva's CRDi engine also scores with a much higher 187 Nm of peak torque in the 2,000 to 2,700 rpm range compared to a lower 108 Nm of peak torque at 2,200 rpm that the Ford engine provides.

Since, both the cars are priced neck-to-neck at about Rs 6.6 lakh, ex-showroom, we will recommend the Accent Viva CRDi for its superior drivability, better performance and higher mileage. Going by your high monthly usage profile, the Viva CRDi should give you more comfort and lower long-term running costs. There has not been specific feedback about a higher incidence of repairs with the Viva CRDi. However, it must be remembered that with diesel cars you will tend to incur higher costs from more frequent replacement of consumables compared to petrol-driven cars.

Ford should be planning to replace its current Endura diesel engine that only features a mechanical pump. The replacement will be required to meet the more stringent Euro III emission norm that could come into force next year. But Ford India has not made any announcements as yet about their plans.

I have been using a Pulsar 180 (classic) for about two years. I am happy with the bike's performance and fuel-efficiency. Now I am thinking of buying either the Pulsar 180 DTSi or the Hero Honda Karizma. Higher price and lower fuel efficiency are not issues that bother me. But I want to buy a real performance bike. Please suggest which one I should consider. Or shall I wait for another year (till mid-2005), so that I might get to compare a better performance bike from Honda or even from Bajaj or Hero Honda or Hero Aprilia?

ARPAN RAY

As you have mentioned that price and fuel efficiency are not issues that will influence your decision, our choice will have to be the Hero Honda Karizma.

As yet, in terms of high performance, four-stroke bikes with good build quality, the Bajaj 180 DTSi and the Karizma are the only two serious contenders. However, while the bigger Bajaj twin's engine in the Pulsar 180 DTSi will come up with a decent 16.01PS of maximum power and offer a more mileage conscious performance, the Karizma with its 223cc engine will offer a notch higher 17PS at 7,000 rpm.

The Karizma is tuned to be a more focussed performance bike and will pip the Pulsar in terms of a slightly better build quality. The Hero Honda bike will also offer a better braking performance, thanks largely due to the larger 276mm disc brakes at the front. But the two negatives will include the fuel efficiency that tend to be a low 35 kmpl (kilometers per litre) and the much higher price of almost Rs 80,000 (ex-showroom). In comparison, the Pulsar 180 DTSi will be able to offer about 45 kmpl and costs just a shade over Rs 55,500 (ex-showroom).

Hero Honda and Bajaj Auto are unlikely to launch another high performance bike in the market during the next year. According to market reports, Honda Motorcycle and Scooter India, the wholly-owned subsidiary, is planning to launch a 150cc bike later this year. Again, Aprilia's plans initially will focus on launching scooterettes and step-thrus in collaboration with Hero Motors. While the company has announced that super bikes may be imported for sale in India at a later stage under the collaboration, no concrete plans have been drawn up as yet.

I would like to upgrade from the Maruti 800 that I currently own to a B-plus segment petrol car. I am 65 and my family comprises four adults and two children. Comfort, reliability, resale value and easy maintenance are my considerations.

Will the Getz, which is expected soon, be a suitable car for my profile? Will it come before mid-August? Do suggest any other car if the Getz is not expected by then.

S. RAMANATHAN

Going by market talk and by some statements that Hyundai Motor India has made during the past few weeks, the Hyundai Getz is likely to be launched by mid-August. The car is expected to redefine market expectations from a B-plus segment car and, as such, could be worth waiting for. The car's current rankings on parameters, such as comfort and reliability, are based on its international performance. For getting our take on its pricing, resale potential and maintenance in Indian conditions, you will have to wait for a full test by August this year.

Queries may be sent to: q&a@thehindu.co.in or by post to Q&A, Business Line, 859/860, Kasturi Buildings, Anna Salai, Chennai - 600 002.

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