Suggest a Diesel Hatch for Tall Guy. Looking for a Month Now...


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Hi Guys,
Please help
I am really confused in which diesel hatch to buy.[frustration] I am a tall guy 6'2" and i drive sensibly (moderately fast but yet safe, no racing and no sudden acceleration). I have owned optra 1.8 petrol which totally burned my pockets. Although i know i cannot get the performance like that in any other car but savings in fuel was a good enough reason for me to sell it off.
So far i have taken test drive of following cars(only diesel) and my reviews:
1. toyota etios liva GD: loved it for city driving and huge space. didnt like it for the noise level (which i can still live with) and hate it for interiors. A bit costly for what they are offering. with better interiors would have gone for it.
2. hyundai i20 asta: loved it for the looks both interior and exterior but hate it for being too costly and lack of ABS on the sportz version. no idea how would the braking be without ABS. Also felt a weak 2nd gear as opposed to the reviews (maybe i was expecting too much). Also loaded with features.
3. Ford Figo titanium: Good VFM. the model i tried did not have tiltable steering so it was a bit uncomfortable, so will have to check it again. Also the interiors were midly cramped (maybe because i was driving with the seat almost full back and once i can tilt the steering it might free up some space in the rear)
4. Maruti Swift: would have been automatic choice had the prices not been increased and space wise it was not cramped AND the waiting period was 1/4 of what it is now. Also there is no boot space. the way they have designed the boot space one cant even put a international sized suitcase. Although they say it is some 240 ltrs but looks lesser than 200.
5.fiat punto: loved the way it drives and performance. really worried about the After sales service. The guys who came to show me the car were least bothered with selling it. It was almost like someone had forced them to come. And were really dumb to be sales guy of a car. They had no brochure or price list!!! were confused about the price. Also interior quality was not good

Budget: 7 Lakhs can go around 8 for a really good reason

Your Location: Banglore
Top 5 Priorities: in order
1. Space is my first criteria, i should be comfortable while driving and there should be some place left for the rear passenger.
2. Fuel economy: after spending loads of money in fuel in my previous car its time to save money
3. Resale: It should have a decent resale after 2-3 years.
4. Maintenance: regular servicing and maintenance should not be too high and not painful.
5. interiors and features: it should feel like a new car


Monthly Running: 800 city 300-400 highway
For Which Purpose: office travel and other city trips plus family trip to other cities
Max. Seating Capacity: 4-5
Priority of Fuel Type: Diesel
Body Type:hatchback
 
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Re: Need help in deciding diesel hatch for tall guy. Looking for a month now...

Maruti Swift ZDi is a good choice...the worst thing is its waiting period.!
Ford Figo Titanium TDCI is a Value For Money Choice..It satisfies all your needs..Its a good all-rounder considering the additions Ford has made couple of weeks before..
Fiat Punto is a car that mighty in terms of power and handling..you will have to compomise a bit in terms of interiors quality..But after sales service is the problem..As the Fiat is going to start individual outlets across the county we hope the after Sales Service is going to improve..
Toyota Liva GD...Frankly saying I dont know about ittt....

My personal choice would be the Maruti Swift ZDi(if you can bear with the waiting period)
My suggestion for you is to test drive all the four hatchbacks and select the one that suits you the most.
 
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skap29 welcome to TAI - please do a intro here - http://www.theautomotiveindia.com/forums/introductions/
First shortlist 2-3 cars from list I will suggest you to check out
1.Punto
2.Swift
3.New Vista
4.Figo

Also in your budget you can also get Tata Manza
There are many threads about Diesel Hatch - please go through them

http://www.theautomotiveindia.com/forums/car-bike-shopper/4682-help-choosing-spacious-hatchback.html

http://www.theautomotiveindia.com/f...-indica-vista-test-drive.html?highlight=vista

http://www.theautomotiveindia.com/f...-swift-best-diesel-hatch.html?highlight=hatch

http://www.theautomotiveindia.com/f...016-buying-premium-hatch.html?highlight=hatch

http://www.theautomotiveindia.com/f...-booked-micra-got-jazzed.html?highlight=micra

http://www.theautomotiveindia.com/f...tch-suit-my-requirements.html?highlight=hatch

http://www.theautomotiveindia.com/f...n-hatch-within-6-5-lakhs.html?highlight=hatch

http://www.theautomotiveindia.com/f...ht-i20-asta-sparkle-blue.html?highlight=hatch

http://www.theautomotiveindia.com/f...-versus-rest-competition.html?highlight=swift

http://www.theautomotiveindia.com/f...suzuki-swift-hyundai-i20.html?highlight=swift

http://www.theautomotiveindia.com/f...da-jazz-new-suzuki-swift.html?highlight=swift

http://www.theautomotiveindia.com/f...nda-jazz-x-new-swift-zdi.html?highlight=swift

http://www.theautomotiveindia.com/f...n-figo-swift-polo-diesel.html?highlight=swift

http://www.theautomotiveindia.com/f...-diesel-bought-honda-jazz.html?highlight=jazz

http://www.theautomotiveindia.com/forums/car-bike-shopper/4957-diesel-hatch-buy.html

http://www.theautomotiveindia.com/forums/car-bike-shopper/3350-diesel-hatchback.html
 
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Deja vu! I have this feeling that this question will occur quite often now.

As surfer has pointed out, do go through all these threads, as these have lots of information already considered.

Best bet - Vista Quadrajet, if you can live with Tata image
Punto - if you dont mind standing in service line for an additional day [:)]
Figo - If you are driving more in city
Liva - I am not sure about this one
 
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my suggestion is punto. no car can get you the driving experience like punto.
If you are not sticking to diesel, then honda jazz is a good option. its very spacious and fuel efficient car.
 
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Well,if you are very keen on a comfortable hatch with better features then why not try the new Vista? Okay you say that you don't want painful services(In-fact that comes first when we mention Tata which is not true),you can try other better service centers like Bosch car servicing and stuff.

The VX model in the Vista is good and have loads of features including ABS,so have a look at it and give it a try,who knows you may fall in love with instantly for the space it offers and airy cabin feels breeze.And this model is priced below 7 lakhs OTR in Bangalore.

Well if you don't want there's an option on Punto which may suit you,And many owners in TAI have a given a good review on their vehicles,so consider it again!
 

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