The Hindu Business Line : Palio's USP is not fuel efficiency

I HAVE a few queries on a 2002 Fiat Palio 1.6 GTX I am looking to buy. It has run 17,500 km. I am looking to use this car for at least another four years without major repair work. Is this model worth buying? Is the Palio 1.6 too expensive to maintain? Also, I have heard that the mileage that it offers is pretty poor? Basically, I am a cautious driver. I have used Speed/Power brand petrol in my earlier car and did get decent mileage. So, given my profile will I be able to get better mileage from the Palio GTX?

Does driving style increase the mileage of the car? I am looking at low maintenance and a car that is stable on the highways. Also, are spare-parts for the Palio GTX expensive and how good is the after-sales service? My usage pattern averages about 150 km a week. A long drive of 200-500 km once in three months would also be on the cards. I live in Mumbai and I would love to use the car for drives to places such as Lonavla, Khandala and Goa.

Noel Lobo

The Fiat Palio 1.6 GTX is meant to be great, sporty performer in the small-car, hatchback category. Its focuses were stepped-up looks, loads of power and much better handling compared to other cars in the segment and its smaller-engine sibling the Palio 1.2. Its USP is not fuel efficiency.

The Palio 1.6 GTX was built to perform like a sports version and its styling, which include alloy wheels and a rear spoiler, was also meant to attract those looking for an engaging, powerful small car.

The Palio GTX was the car of choice amongst performance enthusiasts in the small-car segment. So, your mileage expectation from the Palio 1.6 GTX will have to stay within the 6-10 kmpl range depending on driving style and conditions.

The GTX's 16-valve, 1,596cc engine puts out a peak power of 100bhp at 5,500 rpm and a maximum torque of 14 kgM at a low 4,250 rpm. With that kind of power on tap, the Palio GTX's power-to-weight ratio makes it brawnier than many cars in the sedan segment. The car smells of performance all over. In fact, many buyers would feel the Palio 1.2 to be underpowered once they take the 1.6 GTX for a spin. Also, the 1.6-litre version is more refined, offering a relatively more responsive and engaging drive.

The Palio GTX was launched obviously to cater to a niche, well-informed and power hungry car enthusiasts. Many have bought the 1.6 Palio as their second car and are even passionate about sustaining their ownership experience. So, unless you fall within this category of buyers who focus squarely on speed, power and great handling and do not care much about mileage, buying the Palio 1.6 GTX may not be a good idea.

The Palio's sales have been hit in the last two years because of the problems that its Italian parent has been facing. The perceived risk of Fiat's operations being curtailed has affected the company's image and despite the easing of financial pressure for the Italian company, sales in India have not picked up.

The Palio 1.6 GTX was any way not expected to sell as much as the more popular 1.2 litre version. So, the resale value of the 1.6 will tend to be even lower than the smaller engined 1.2 ELX. In the used car market, the 1.6 GTX will seem like an exciting, attractive option because of its relatively lower price, but it may turn out to be a burden that you didn't bargain for if you are overly concerned about mileage and maintenance costs. After-sales service also continues to suffer and though Fiat is trying to address this issue, it is yet to reach the levels that many other manufacturers offer.

Buy it for its refined engine, engaging drive on the highway and only if you are ready to accept its lower mileage and relatively mediocre after-sales service.

I am planning to buy the Hero Honda Glamour, the new 125cc bike. What will be its on-road price and when will it be launched in the North? I live in Indore.

Megh Sharma

I am planning to buy a bike, but am confused. Should I buy the Hero Honda Super Splendor or I should wait for the Glamour? Between the two, which will come out on top in the fuel efficiency and value-for-money parameters?

Rajiv Ranjan

I have decided to buy a two-wheeler from Hero Honda within a budget of Rs 50,000. The vehicle will be primarily for commuting in the city. My friends recommended either the Hero Honda Passion Plus or the latest Glamour. Which one gives more fuel efficiency, looks good, involves lower maintenance costs and is a better value proposition?

Sivakumar R.

Between the Hero Honda Super Splendor and the Glamour, the former is the more value-for-money bike. Both sport the same 125cc `Quantum Core' engine that offers class-leading mileage. The only difference could be in the more refined and sporty looks that the Glamour offers. Both the Super Splendor and the Glamour have four-speed gearboxes, but the ratios are set a bit higher in the Glamour to offer a sportier ride and reach a peak speed of about 95 km per hour. Both come with a three-year/40,000-km warranty and an 18-month service holiday.

The on-road price for the Glamour is likely to be Rs 52,000-plus depending on the variant and the city you intend to buy the bike from. Maintenance and spare-parts costs for the Glamour may be marginally higher than that of the Super Splendor. The on-road price of the Super Splendor is also lower by about Rs 4,000.

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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