Firstly sorry for the duplicate thread. Vibhor, can you move the posts here and delete the other thread? I guess there was some problem with my internet as I only created 1 thread.
20 lakh ex-showroom or on road?
Skoda superb is a no-brainer.
Also see if you can extend to the Merc C-class corporate.
Dont go in for the beemer 3 as it is due for an upgrade pretty soon.(2012)
I tested the Laura, Superb, 320D, C Class (petrol & diesel). The Laura and superb with the DSG gearbox were really nice to drive and quite loaded. The BMW of course was great plus the badge. The Merc was also nice in Diesel. In fact as good as the BMW. However I later realised that the Engine on the Avantgrade (TD car) & Elegance is 204 BHP whereas the Executive (stripped down version) had a 170 BHP engine. They didn't have a car with this engine to test. The petrol Merc was disappointing.
assume 20Lakhs will be OTR price. I suggest you wait for the new Jetta , its coming with refreshed looks , a bit more features and a more powerful engine. Being a German , handling will be top-class , i have driven the current Jetta TDI and it was an absolute delight to drive it.
Next other choice is the Skoda Laura if you have confidence with Skoda's A.S.S.
If you can stretch it further to 25Lakhs you can consider the new Passat and Superb too.
I did visit the VW showroom too but the TD Passat was not available. The Jetta was the old version and not available in DSG. The TD car was also not available.
replacing car like siena .
hmm , ideal choice would be to go for toyota corolla altis. it would come around 15lac with added luxury, solid built ,brand value and peace of mind.
Luxury and reliability, the Toyota has it. But not handling. The Altis is just too boring. I didn't even check it out. Maybe I will just to be sure I'm not missing anything.
I did try out the Merc and BMW even though my budget was 20L. As can be seen there is really nothing much in the 12-20 bracket. Most of the good choices are closer to 20L. Need to work out and see if I can afford the luxury brands. Any idea what discounts are available on Mercs and BMW's in the rest of the country? The dealers here are not giving much. The BMW is being replaced next year and the Merc is getting the Face Lift soon. I don't like the face lifted version though.
I was hoping to check out the A4 too. However there is no dealer in Goa. The Pune dealer handles Goa. Their TD car met with an accident and they cannot drive cars on temporary registration across the border. Merc and BMW guys keep saying it's a FWD car and not fun to drive. However I want to see myself. Going by the Laura L&K and Superb (same engine & gearbox), I have high expectations with the A4.
