[abhijitaparadh]

My parents want to buy a small car. Following are the factors

1. Should be of the size similar to Alto. They have an alto right now (6 yrs old), and dont want a car which is bigger than that i.e. not as big as Indica or Palio.
2. Running : mostly city occasional highway on GQ.
3. Should have as much safety features as possible withing range of 4-5 lakhs, tubeless tyres a must.
4. Dad DOESNT like santro looks
5. Dad also didnt like Alto's build quality as it started to rattle within first 2 years itself.

They have TDd Estilo and i10, of which they like i10 better.
When are new maruti cars (A-star and splash) going to be launched?
Are there any other choices?

[sridharps]

http://www.team-bhp.com/forum/indian...lash-star.html
Check the above post for more details on Splash/Star.
i10 would be an excellent choice. Spark is another car you can have a look at. Wagon R is being phased out - if that doesn't bother you, you can also consider that.

[GTO]

The i10 and the Spark seem perfect for your parent's requirements. What is the reason that they don't want a big hatch? Is it because your father drives himself? If so, then either the Santro Automatic or the i10 automatic (expected soon) will be worth the wait.

[snaronikar]

TD Wagon R & Spark also. It does not have the safety features. But can be a good car. These cars have a good discounts also. You have already mentioned about i10.

As for other cars (A-star and splash), it will take some time for them.

[amit_mechengg]

grab the spark, i feel it is the smallest and now company is offering 55000 rs off on spark

[VJ_MAVRICK]

I think the spark will be an ideal replacement for an alto as the smallest, considering even the new reduced price offering.

[amit_mechengg]

Originally Posted by abhijitaparadh

5. Dad also didnt like Alto's build quality as it started to rattle within first 2 years itself.

They have TDd Estilo and i10, of which they like i10 better.
When are new maruti cars (A-star and splash) going to be launched?
Are there any other choices?

my alto is done 4 years plus and there is no part that rattles. not even the fibres on the door trim or dashboard. the only thing rattling is the end can of exhaust due to broken mesh inside.

well i10 is a very comfortable car to drive in city thanks to its gearbox position and short shift.

[bottle]

The problem with rattles is due to the plastic clips used in a lot of places. During service and other times if there is need to remove plastic components the service people are not all that careful while reinstalling them and a few of those clips break off. I think this is one major concern and reason why lots of cars do rattle and others dont

[aaggoswami]

Test Drive Wagon R and Spark.

Wagon R has good design that allows for easy exit and entry in to the car.
Wagon R also has almost all the features like ABS and airbags.

Spark Test Drive can also help. It is short in size and almost a perfect replacement for Alto. Moreover they are giving good discounts.

IMHO, before buying a GM car make sure that dealer is a good one.

[Orion_80]

Go for Spark LT with the option pack.. It is compact, handles well and with the option pack you can get ABS, alloy wheels and the driver side air bag.

i10 is also a good choice.

[mshooli]

Recently had been to the GM showroom to pickup my Magnum and had then noticed the Spark. Quite a neat car for that size. Has great looks and is a perfect city car. I feel it would be the best alternative for Alto.

IMHO, before buying a GM car make sure that dealer is a good one.

As about dealers, I bought my car from Vijai motors in Bangalore. Experience was pretty good. Even my first service went through smoothly.

[A S H V I N]

try out the spark. it has quite a few safety features like ABS and Air bags in the top end model. plus the interiors are nice. decent build quality. feels solid. and ride comfort is good too. do take a test drive and consider it.

[HappyWheels]

Its either the Spark or i10. A TD of both will give you the best picture to make a decision.

[abhijitaparadh]

TDd Spark today.
Still dad likes i10 better.

Thing is we can wait for a cpou[ple of months to buy a new car if Maruti is going to launch new modes soon enough.
He is not too keen on Wagon R as it is fairly older design although new facelift gives it a fresh look.

@GTO
The reason why we dont need a bigger car is, the car will be passed on to my sister in a year, and she is NOT a confident driver as yet.
Also it will be mostly restricted to city use in Pune, as we have a Civic for our regular highway use. And you would want the smallest car possible if you have any idea about Pune roads and traffic

[bkm]

[quote=abhijitaparadh;892283]TDd Spark today.
Still dad likes i10 better.

Did he like i10 more because of look or performance. Ride quality of spark is better than i10 , Read the reviw in Autocar india .