[Rajeevraj]

Originally Posted by jampot

I'm seriously considering Aspire AT. But I let go Jazz CVT due to lack of power and Baleno due to low seating along with lack of NCAP rating (I found lot of concerns on the Baleno review thread)
.On the other hand, I'm now realizing that clutch can actually reduce the use of A-pedal in some cases. For example, in Figo 1.5D test drive the car was almost jumping from second gear on releasing brake, without touching the accelerator. I almost felt like the second gear in TDCi behaves like an automatic in touch-n-go traffic.

Your point on an automatic increasing the work on the right leg is a good one. This is especially true if it is not a quick shifting/ powerful automatic. In such cases you end up modulating the accel input to force the car to drop gears or upshift to meet your requirements. Of course after a period of time, you get used to it and don't really notice it. But it is still happening.

Hence in your case, since you have discomfort with your right knee, a slow automatic can increase it.

So based on that my recommendation is to look at AT's that are best from a performance perspective. The Polo tsi will not meet your space needs, but the vento tsi is a good option. Based on recent reports i read, you also get a rapid diesel dsg with discounts at the price of the Vento Tsi. Since you plan to hold the car for 7-8 years, I don't think you should think too much on resale.

If you are not comfortable with the Germans, Ford's DCT options are the next best bet. Ecosport, Aspire and Figo in this order of preference. You should get good deals on the Ecosport now and if I am not mistaken the Ecosport AT comes with 6 airbags.

Cars like the Vento Tsi and Ecosport are above your budget of 10L, but since you plan to keep for a long time, better to extend now rather than face a potential regret 3-4 years down the line.

The Amt's ,cvts and 4 speed tc based gear boxes in the segment will end up putting more pressure on your right knee.

[emperorofindia]

If it's performance you want, buy the Punto Abarth / Polo GT.
In sedans, Go for Honda City. In SUVs, get Duster or Ecosport (Ecoboost Engine).

Do test drive all before buying. All the best!

[landcruiser123]

I think it's best you leave the notion that you need a car with a high seating position and TD every car that's there. Reject whatever car you aren't comfortable with. If you want high seating position, only the TUV/Ecosport looks like a good choice.

Considering only Automatics, the Aspire and the Jazz are very good choices.
The Boot space is comparable in both cars, the Jazz giving you more flexibility in carrying cargo. Also, the Jazz is way more spacious than the Aspire and can seat 5 comfortably. The Aspire should have the better engine+GB combo. The Baleno/Xcent/Amaze/Ecosport(little too overpriced) may also be considered.

Considering Manuals, there's Baleno, Liva, i20, Xcent, Amaze. Also, the S-Cross is a worthy competitor.

Pre-Owned: Corolla AT, Civic AT, Camry AT, Accord AT

EDIT: I forgot the Ertiga AT. Seriously consider this one.

[julyone_modi]

Even I am under this dilema. Will be taking a plunge this monsoon. I have similar requirements like you. Will be watching your thread!

Originally Posted by jampot

I'm driving a pre-owned Wagon-R VXi (my first car)

Same pinch. Had a pre-owned WagonR sold few years back.

I am keen on following cars

• TaMo Bolt Diesel
• Upcomming MSI Vitarra Breeza
• Upcomming TaMo Nexon Diesel

[bhandary]

If you intend to use the vehicle for a long time it makes sense to buy a new one rather than a pre-owned one. It saves the hassles of maintenance in the long run as the vehicle ages

I too own a Wagon R and after getting used to this car, driving or traveling in smaller hatchbacks feels claustrophobic especially at the rear due to the small rear window frames. Infact when i first traveled in a Eco-sport I felt it was a little squeeze. Keep this also in mind when you TD a new vehicle

In my opinion, although I am yet to checkout and TD, from the outside the TUV3OO looks more roomier inside. Ertiga also should also be OK though its a little underpowered

Hope to know your final decision and the basis for the same

[Aakarsh]

After reading all the posts and suggestions, I think you should go for the Aspire. It would be an ideal pick as it meets all your requirements and above all, you like it. Lot of people, lot of suggestions and lots of confusion. Listen to your heart, take a final test drive with your family. It's a car which is loaded with top notch safety features as well as other goodies we want in our cars.

I am happy because I was the first one to suggest you Aspire.

Don't forget to keep us updated.
Regards
Aakarsh

[akshay4587]

Originally Posted by polo_ankit

Sorry mods, my answer is short.

GT TSI. Period.

You didnt read the second point, did you?
He needs a car that is spacious for rear passengers,
and a Polo is horribly cramped at the back.

[carwatcher]

All-rounder and upgrade from Wagon R to me looks like Baleno, S-Cross, Jazz if one is really looking for a spacious car.

[Rohan24]

I'd suggest the Figo 1.5 AT, or if you really need the boot, the Aspire AT. Both are great handlers, have a feelsome steering for an EPS, decent space, and are damn good highway cruisers with 110 BHP on tap. Both are loaded with safety features in Titanium trim.
I suggested the Figo over the Aspire because the price difference in their 1.5AT Titanium models is 1L in Bangalore. I feel you can use that on something else like upgrading the tyres ( Yes, both are grossly under-tyred for their capabilities), etc.
Lastly, do take a TD of the 1.5 tdci Figo, if manual and diesel isn't an issue. It's a rocket and easily one of the most fun-to-drive cars under 10L available in the market today!
Hope this helps

[TheStranger]

Going by your needs, it seems that the Ford Figo Aspire 1.5 Titanium Ti-VCT AT is most preferable. It has the requisite power, safety features, handling and also adequate space.

On the basis of your seating position preference, I would also suggest the ford Ecosport 1.5L Titanium Ti-VCT AT...more or less the same specs but a higher seating position might be more comfortable for you.

However, if you do think of sedans, then there is one more contender - the Maruti Suzuki Ciaz Vxi+ AT or Zxi AT. It is a bit down on the engine specs but 91 bhp in a lighter car will still be adequate for in-city and highway drivability. Safety features are more or less at par with the Ford products. Rear seat space is also adequate for 5 people.

Do let us know about your final choice.

[ToyotaFan]

I don't know why the Ertiga AT has not come up much in the discussion. It's a great car with a high driving position and lots of space with 5+2 flexibility. The car may not b the best to drive but that's a compromise with both the practical cars the Jazz and the Ertiga. As for the aspire it is a good option but can't be as easy to maintain as Ertiga or jazz for 7-8 years. I myself own the latest gen jazz although an MT I can vouch for the practicality this car offers. I myself graduated from the wagon R and being 6'3" seating position was an important part of my buying decision.

[Chethan B G]

Already a lot of suggestions. I would request you to TD all these cars personally, before taking a decision.

Also, please look at Ford Fiesta. It is one of the most underrated cars in the market today. You might even get a good deal.

Please update your findings and decision. All the best!

[jampot]

Originally Posted by Rajeevraj

Cars like the Vento Tsi and Ecosport are above your budget of 10L, but since you plan to keep for a long time, better to extend now rather than face a potential regret 3-4 years down the line.

Originally Posted by emperorofindia

If it's performance you want, buy the Punto Abarth / Polo GT.
In sedans, Go for Honda City. In SUVs, get Duster or Ecosport (Ecoboost Engine).

Thanks of your input again. I haven't looked beyond CS so far because of my limited parking space (which again will change in future) and I felt that compact segment is maturing in the recent past. I know higher segment brings in more safety, features and performance, etc. At the same time @Rajeevraj your point is valid: extend the budget now than regret later.

Originally Posted by Rohan24

I'd suggest the Figo 1.5 AT, or if you really need the boot, the Aspire AT.
I suggested the Figo over the Aspire because the price difference in their 1.5AT Titanium models is 1L in Bangalore.
Lastly, do take a TD of the 1.5 tdci Figo, if manual and diesel isn't an issue. It's a rocket and easily one of the most fun-to-drive cars under 10L available in the market today!

You kind of echoed my current state of mind. It's not so much the extra boot -- frankly, Aspire's boot is the most ugly area with open metals, uncovered lid, bad spring, and intruding side hump. I feel the adjustable headrest in rear seat in Aspire is more important consideration -- if Figo had that I'd have preferred it over Aspire.

I did find TDCi very much fun to drive. But I'll come back to it after I do a longer test drive on Aspire AT this week.

Originally Posted by TheStranger

... the Maruti Suzuki Ciaz Vxi+ AT or Zxi AT.

Originally Posted by landcruiser123

I forgot the Ertiga AT. Seriously consider this one.

Originally Posted by ToyotaFan

I don't know why the Ertiga AT has not come up much in the discussion...

As for the aspire it is a good option but can't be as easy to maintain as Ertiga or jazz for 7-8 years.

Ertiga and Ciaz AT have 4-speed AT boxes with under-powered engine, not something I'd like to drive in 2016 and beyond after spending sizable amount.

@ToyotaFan: Just curious why Aspire will not be easy to maintain compared to Ertiga/Jazz? Especially when maintenance schedule for Ford is annual whereas for Honda/Maruti it is 6 months. Am I missing something here?

Originally Posted by Chethan B G

Also, please look at Ford Fiesta. It is one of the most underrated cars in the market today. You might even get a good deal.

Thanks for your input. But Fiesta currently doesn't have AT option. I'll consider it once I exhaust all options of AT in my current budget.

[ToyotaFan]

Originally Posted by jampot

@ToyotaFan: Just curious why Aspire will not be easy to maintain compared to Ertiga/Jazz? Especially when maintenance schedule for Ford is annual whereas for Honda/Maruti it is 6 months. Am I missing something here?
.

I had a Ford Escort (1997-2014) and can vouch for the fact that maruti and Honda service is anyday better than Ford's at least here in NCR. Ford service costs may have reduced but their cars don't seem to age well and can cost a bomb to maintain afterwards. You should have a look at your local dealerships reviews as quality of ASS is dealer specific. Maruti has so many dealers and hence u can always get a competent dealer in the vicinity.

My personal Honda experience in Delhi and Meerut have been excellent same with my relatives old jazz and CRV. Honda cars have had a great track record of reliability of their ATs and the dual clutch transmissions are particularly notorious for that. As for the 6 month interval they are particular of doing 6monthly service in the warranty period after that if running is low (less than 10k an year) then an yearly service will do just fine.

I think you should go with the Aspire if you like it as there's no replacement for displacement and a 1.5L engine will anyday be better than the 1.2. Just enquire about the local ASS and I think you will do just fine. Hope this helps.

[Aakarsh]

Originally Posted by TheStranger

Rear seat space is also adequate for 5 people.

I think you meant that the car is adequate for total of 5 passengers inspite of rear bench being sufficient for 5.
Rear adequate for 3!

Aakarsh