Nice!! Lot of info!!
I also did some more research on the ones mentioned here. My take so far:
Optra: So far my best choice with all those leather interiors, moon roof, climate cotrol, nice look. But I just read a bad experience by one boarder who had trouble with the new car from the dealer. I hope it is a stray incident. Also I read a news that Optra will have a diesel option in 2007. Can thate make the resale value of the current one less?
Octavia: A liitle too much for my budget. Seems 13 lakh is the base model. Is there any model near 10 lakh ( I heard so).
Scorpio: A very good choice and VFM for a SUV. One of the good choices in Indian car market and also love the thought of savings driving a diesel veichle in India. If the price does not move up when I'll be in the market, with all those new 43 features, it's a very good buy.
Innova Diesel G2/V: Nobody mentioned this one. I started liking this one very much. Any thought why I should not consider this one?
Elantra: Heard fuel efficiency is not good. No sun/moon roof. After seeing the sun roof on Optra, it has become kinda standard for me..
Honda City: Not at all a VFM. But Honda is always great.
Also can any of you tell me two more things:
1. How the insurance premium gets calculate in India and who are the major providers? Also how the claims get processed - any copayment etc. etc.
2. Is burgaining a standard in the car dealers? If so, how do I appraoch? (It's very standard in US and I know people getting deep discounts)