The Hindu Business Line : Fuel-efficient car

I am confused and not able to decide between the Tata Indica V2 and the Indica V2 Turbo mainly on two counts — mileage and power. What will be the mileage difference between the two in city and highway driving? Is their any advantage in adding a turbocharger in city driving?

S. Deepak Yadawad

The Tata Indica V2 Turbo offers loads of power within the regular drive band compared to the non-turbocharged V2 version. The addition of the turbocharger manages to boost the peak power output of the Indica V2 from 53.5 PS to about 68 PS at the same 4,500-engine-rpm level. But the bigger story is in the peak torque that the engine develops after the turbocharger is bolted on. The maximum torque of the Indica's `475 turbo diesel' engine, at 130 Nm, is more than 150 per cent that of the regular version's 85 Nm.

What is more, the peak torque kicks in at the same 2,500 rpm level for the turbocharged engine, too. There is bound to be a bit of turbo lag and the time difference between the increased pedal pressure on the throttle and the boost response from the turbocharger will lead to a bit of sluggishness in the first two gear slots. But as the turbo spools up quickly, the lag wears off and peak torque is hit from as low an engine rev level as 2,500 rpm.

What does this mean in city driving? Basically, a reduction in the number of times that you will have to shift down to a lower gear slot to prevent knocking and preserve the engine rev-line. That, in turn, could mean better fuel efficiency in city driving conditions and even on the highway. Overall, the differential in the mileage numbers could be 2-4 kmpl. The price differential between the Indica V2 and the Turbo is only about Rs 15,000-20,000 depending on the trim level. The Turbo is well worth the differential.

I want to buy a used 2001 model Fiat Paliol (with power steering and power windows). Is it a sensible choice to buy a model which has not been very popular in India? Will spare parts be available, and how much should I buy the car for?

S. S. Ratnu

The Fiat Palio is one of the best cars to buy in the used-car market for its attractive looks, performance and price relative to the other cars in the same segment. The Palio has been a poor performer in terms of volumes due largely to the loss of image following the international media highlighting the parent company's financial troubles.

The relatively poor volumes during the last four years have affected the car's resale value in the used-car mart. The model variant that you are looking at as an option seems to be the Palio 1.2 ELX, which would have cost the original owner about Rs 4.3 lakh (on-road) at the time of purchase. In the used-car market today, a Palio of this vintage would cost Rs 1.5-2 lakh, depending on the city of purchase, usage and quality of maintenance of the original owner.

Thanks to the alliance recently struck between Tata Motors and Fiat Auto India, the Palio will be serviced and supported by select Tata dealerships and service stations. As a result, the future of the Palio is not all that bleak. In fact, there is a distinct possibility that the year 2005 (fourth generation) version of the Palio may finally make it to Fiat and Tata Showrooms by the end of this year, further reinforcing the potential for a revival of this extremely well-engineered small car.

At about Rs 1.7 lakh, a used Palio will be bargain that will be hard to beat.

(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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