The Hindu Business Line : Question & Auto

I am planning to buy a gearless scooter for my wife. I have narrowed down my choice to two options — Honda Activa and Suzuki Access 125. How do they both compare? Also, I hear that Honda is planning to launch a new model similar to the Suzuki scooter. Is it true, and when is it expected to be launched and be available in the market? — Amber Bavishi

I am planning to buy a new Honda Activa. Is this the right choice? If not, please suggest the most relevant model. My usage is expected to be around 30 kms per day and my budget is about Rs 50,000. — Srinivasa Babu. K

Between the Honda Activa and the Suzuki Access 125, the latter has an edge in terms of power, styling and ‘newness’. But the Honda Activa is no midget, though it has aged. It continues to be the most preferred choice amongst automatic scooter buyers still because of its no-nonsense styling and practical packaging.

The steel body panels, the upright riding posture and the tested, reliable package of the Activa has been the reasons for its resounding success. The Activa is aging and is also losing some of its appeal amongst the more demanding young scooter buyers. This is the reason why Honda has designed and launched a new scooter on the same Activa platform.

The Aviator uses the same basic chassis and engine platform as the Activa and Dio. But, the new scooter is a big jump forward in terms of design and modern features. The Aviator will be rolled out nationally by the first week of March. Await our test ride report.

I want to buy a new premium compact. However, I am confused whether I should opt for the Suzuki Swift, Hyundai Getz or the Chevrolet U-VA. My concerns are the quality of the external look of the car and the mileage, which I expect to be class leading. — A.K.Naveen

Each of the three cars that you have listed has their own pros and cons. The Suzuki Swift is by far the most visible and the largest selling model of the three. It is also the peppiest of the lot. With its relatively frugal, but enthusiastic engine that has been re-tuned and carried forward from the Esteem, the Swift can be expected to offer a more favourable balance between performance and fuel-efficiency. The Swift is also clearly the most young and good-looking premium hatch in the country.

The Hyundai Getz is the most practical premium hatch and its story lies in the interiors of the car. The Getz represents a much better leverage of exterior dimensions to interior space compared to the others and the Swift is probably amongst the worst. So, what you get in the Getz is loads of interior space and legroom, almost equaling that of bigger sedans.

But, the Getz’s relatively simpler looks and lack of novelty value has been a drag on the car’s market performance. The car is now available with the same 1.1-litre engine that is offered with the Santro and so, fuel efficiency numbers for the Getz Prime 1.1 should be close to that of its smaller cousin.

Though less fuel efficient, the Chevrolet Aveo U-VA is still a good package overall. But, unfortunately, sales of this Chevy compact have not picked up and the lower acceptance is showing in its relatively poorer resale value in the used car mart. The U-VA is also clearly the more spacious compared to the Swift, but your priorities clearly have to be novel new looks and space alone to choose the U-VA, because under the other parameters the car may not look all that attractive.

Choose between the Swift and the Getz based on your preferences regarding looks and space.

I have just bought a new Swift VXi. Will it be prudent to get an after-market security system fitted even when the car is fitted with an immobiliser as part of its standard fitment? — H.K. Bajaj

Many new car buyers tend to confuse a keyless entry system with an integrated security or theft protection system. After market security/ alarm systems vary in terms of their functionality.

A large majority of these so-called security systems only combine a keyless entry system with an audible alarm that is pre-programmed to go off when someone attempts to open the car’s doors without first disengaging the lock using a handheld remote. The amount of protection offered by such systems is low and the potential for these systems to be overridden by, relatively speaking, ‘informed’ miscreants is high.

Of course, there are more capable integrated security systems that combine keyless entry, optical sensor intrusion alarms, an engine immobiliser, protection against carjacking and back-up batteries to offer theft protection even if the intruder attempts to cut-off power supply to the security system.

The i-CATS security system that is part of standard fitment in all Maruti-Suzuki cars is a simple, but very effective theft protection system. While, it may not combine some of the higher-end features that have been mentioned above, it still will offer excellent protection against theft of the car. So, unless you want other features like keyless entry and or window intrusion protection, there may be any need to invest further in another security system.