The Hindu Business Line : Choosing a scooter

I want to buy a two-wheeler and am considering the Honda Activa and the Kinetic Nova. Can you compare these two-wheelers keeping in mind their performance, comfort, power, control, cost, maintenance and mileage? -- Ajish Kumar. K

The smaller-engined Nova EX and DLX and the Honda Activa are neck-to-neck with each other in most respects, except for the Activa's metallic body panels that are a big draw among scooter buyers with a slightly more conservative bent of mind. There is a tendency to think that metal-bodied scooters are generally less expensive to maintain. That is not necessarily true, especially if denting and painting has to be resorted to in the event of an accident. On the contrary, even if all the plastic panels on the Kinetic Nova are replaced, it may still set you back only by about Rs 1,000.

Apart from the external maintenance issues, the rest of the consumables and even the fuel efficiency will also be pretty close, with the Nova having a slight edge over the Activa on the mileage front. In terms of comparable specifications, the Activa is powered by a 102cc, four-stroke engine that has a peak power of 7bhp at 7,000 rpm. The Nova EX/ DLX is powered by a larger, 113.5cc, four-stroke engine that develops a peak power of 7.2bhp at 7,500 rpm.

In terms of overall dimensions, the Nova is slightly longer and shorter compared to the Activa. The Activa has larger 130 drum brakes both at the front and the rear, compared to the 110mm drums available on the Nova EX and DLX. Both the scooters will cost about Rs 40,000 (on-road).

From your two options, the Nova may be a better choice. You may also want to consider the Honda Dio, which is essentially the same package as the Activa, except for its modern design and ABS plastic body panels. If you are keen on a more powerful scooter, then the new Kinetic Nova 135 may be another option that can be considered.

I am from Malta and own a 2003 Maruti 800, which does not have an air-conditioner. The problem is that I am unable to find an air-conditioner to fit the car in Malta. Can you please suggest some places in India where I can purchase an air-conditioner kit? -- Keith Spiteri

Air-conditioners for the Maruti 800 are available at all leading dealerships and workshops of Maruti Udyog across India.

After-market air-conditioners will also be available at leading car parts and accessories shops in the big cities. At present, there are two well-known brands of air-conditioners available in the after market — Subros and Sanden — and both are priced between Rs 21,000 to Rs 25,000.

It may also be possible to coordinate this purchase and the eventual retro-fitment of the air-conditioner at the workshop of the Maruti authorised dealer or importer in Malta. Of course, it should also be possible for you to get the job done at other multi-brand workshops.

Help me decide between the new Mercedes Benz C220 CDI and a second hand E220 CDI. I do about 1,000 to 1,500 km per month on the highway. Though I love to drive most of the time, I use the services of a chauffeur. Petrol cars can also be considered. -- Siddharthan Vaithilingam

Our recommendation will be the new Mercedes C220 CDI. This car has a refreshing new look, and compared to its predecessor has luxurious and convenient interiors at nearly the same price.

You may find the E200 CDI a bit underpowered for a car of its size and class. Further, (unless size is all important for you) what can be better than a brand new Merc.

Though you are a resident of Salem in Tamil Nadu, a relatively small city, DaimlerChrysler's dealerships and workshops in Chennai and Coimbatore should be able to service vehicles in and around your place.

As your usage profile indicates an average annual run of about 15,000 km, the C220 CDI will be better option, compared to the C200K. The only problem could be the availability of good quality diesel, a must for the longevity of the common rail direct injected engine. The super charged petrol option may then considered, if the quality of diesel available in your town is suspect.

(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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