Honda City ZX or Chevrolet Optra 1.6 or Corolla Executive

personified · 6th February 2007, 05:42

Hi.

I am looking for a car which is appx 8.5 - 10 lakhs in mumbai on-road mostly personal driven and driven in the city.

My choices have been limited to 3 cars which fall in this price range.

Honda City GXI
Chevrolet 1.6 or 1.6 Elite
Corolla HE 1.8 J

My requirements are as below as per ascending order of importance:
1. Sturdy Ride Quality
2. Maintenance Free
3. Quite a speed devil. So love a smooth acceleration and good braking quality
4. 30 km drive to & fro from office (more or less city driving)
5. No rattling noise within the car and good cabin sound quality
6. Resale value after 3 years
7. Good AC
8. Nice interiors

After test driving the above, these have been my observations which i did not like.

Honda City GXI
Not very responsive at a 1.5 engine
Decent interiors but quite a con job from the exi to the gxi considering its only cosmetic and for the alpine deck and additional 2 speakers and the difference is as high as 80,000.
I am told it gives an average of 11-12 with ac driving in city. Dont know how true that is.

Chevrolet Optra LS
Fuel average at 8 in the city for sure (since friend owns a 1.8 and he is at 7 to a litre)
Notchy Gear Box

Corolla
Slack interiors in the executive model
Bumpy ride
No deck provided even for a 10 lac + car

Considering the above i wish you car enthusiasts could help me pick a suitable car to help me out based on your personal experiences for the car in these segments based on my above requirements and criterias. Thanks in advance to all you guys.

Rudra Sen · 6th February 2007, 07:49

All three cars were/are discussed here. Suggest, go through them. You'll probably get better ideas and understanding.

Akshay1234 · 6th February 2007, 09:47

the corolla fits your bill perfectly though the interiors of the executive arent very good.

Vid6639 · 6th February 2007, 09:52

You can also consider the City Vtec.

Theres also the Lancer Cedia which is worth taking a look at.

Akshay1234 · 6th February 2007, 09:56

the lancers resale wont be as good as a hondas or a toyotas.

RX135 · 6th February 2007, 10:36

Quote:

Originally Posted by personified

Chevrolet Optra LS
Fuel average at 8 in the city for sure (since friend owns a 1.8 and he is at 7 to a litre)
Notchy Gear Box

1.6 should be better than 8, unless with your kind of traffic conditions, NHC gives 10-11. VGIS is supposedly fuel-efficient. Resale will not be there, but that doesnt seem to be the criteria. The car has good luxurious feel, rides and handles well. I agree with gear box part. I was not impressed.

Boom Shiva · 6th February 2007, 10:41

How come you've not looked at the Vtec? Should be good for you, especially if you like quick acceleration.

msdivy · 6th February 2007, 11:47

NHC belongs to upper A3 segment. Optra & Corolla belong to A4 segment. Hence Optra & Corolla are bigger, longer & wider than NHC. But NHC being based on cab-forward design has the interior space equal to those 2 cars.

NHC GXi has 1.5L engine which produces 77BHP@5000. Optra has 1.6L with 104BHP@5800 and Corolla is 1.8L with power of 125BHP@6000. So among these, Corolla is faster followed by Optra. NHC scores in mileage.

Here are your parameters:
1. Sturdy Ride Quality:Corolla (195 tyres), Optra (185) & NHC (175).
2. Maintenance Free: NHC and Corolla
3. Quite a speed devil. So love a smooth acceleration and good braking quality: Corolla (ABS with EBD) and then Optra.
4. 30 km drive to & fro from office (more or less city driving): NHC for EPS & hence ease of driving.
5. No rattling noise within the car and good cabin sound quality: -even-
6. Resale value after 3 years: NHC (Corolla & Optra might have a successor coming).
7. Good AC: Corolla, Optra (due to bigger engine capacity)
8. Nice interiors: -even-

If you are looking for a good city car, then NHC is for you. If you want to own a bigger & faster car, go for Corolla.

sh@rpshooter · 6th February 2007, 12:08

I would really suggest a Hyundai Verna CRDi. one of the most powerful cars in that segment with a wonderful; mileage to boot (14-15 in city on diesel..even if it falls to 10 it is worth it)

An it does not feel like a diesel either in acceleration or in sound

It is far ahead of Honda city (Not VTEC) in power (110 vs around 70), speed. i think handling is a bit better in the NHC though.

I took a TD on both along rough unpaed roads as well as taking a small bump while accelerating..and the verna surprisingly better behaved on both

the Vtec is a bit more in the league..but my only grouse with it is the build toughness..it is too light while the Verna actually reminds me of the mid size cars in the US. I have not TDd it but I am assuming the Body is the same.

I am not too sure of the comparison on maintainence.

Another car which is pretty good in speed and control is the Lancer Cedia..

normally_crazy · 6th February 2007, 12:21

OK - im listing the best choice against each requirement of yours in italics..

Quote:

Originally Posted by personified

Honda City GXI
Chevrolet 1.6 or 1.6 Elite
Corolla HE 1.8 J

My requirements are as below as per ascending order of importance:
1. Sturdy Ride Quality - 1) Optra, 2) City and Corolla
2. Maintenance Free - All 3 are relatively maintainence free cars
3. Quite a speed devil. So love a smooth acceleration and good braking quality - 1) Corolla, 2) Optra 3) City
4. 30 km drive to & fro from office (more or less city driving) - 1) City Gxi, 2) Corolla, 3) Optra
5. No rattling noise within the car and good cabin sound quality - 1) Optra, 2) City, 3) Corolla
6. Resale value after 3 years - 1) Honda, 2) Corolla, 3) Optra
7. Good AC - All 3 on par
8. Nice interiors - 1) Optra , 2) City , 3) Corolla

You know what ? Eyes closed go for a Honda City Vtec.

pmbabu · 6th February 2007, 12:24

It has to be the Honda, and the VTEC (not GXi) should address your speed criteria.

PS: Bargain for the corporate discount or cash back on finance and free accessories and/ free service for 2 yrs for the VTEC. Various flavors of these are offered in Bangalore.

Boom Shiva · 6th February 2007, 12:30

Quote:

Originally Posted by msdivy

Here are your parameters:
1. Sturdy Ride Quality:Corolla (195 tyres), Optra (185) & NHC (175). Disagree. Optra feels much heavier and sturdier. I seriously don't think you can compare the ride quality.
2. Maintenance Free: NHC and Corolla. Disagree. I've not paid anything in maintenance costs in one year of owning an Optra. Neither has my dad who's had one for 2 years. This is because of free service and warranty. Now Optra comes with 3 years free, at the end of which you plan on selling anyways.
5. No rattling noise within the car and good cabin sound quality: -even- Disagree. Optra's TNRS (Total Noise Reduction Systems) is, IMO, much superior.
8. Nice interiors: -even- Not if you're looking at Optra Royale (fully loaded). In that case it's a no contest.

I think NHC Vtec is good for what you're looking for though. You should take it for a test drive.

goldie_malhotra · 6th February 2007, 12:50

1. Sturdy Ride Quality - Optra for sure, NHC and Corolla are at par.
2. Maintenance Free - NHC at the top, followed by Optra and Corolla.
3. Quite a speed devil. So love a smooth acceleration and good braking quality - Corolla, with NHC Vtec slightly behind (though best braking), and Optra 1.6 way way back.
4. 30 km drive to & fro from office (more or less city driving) - NHC, followed by Corolla and Optra
5. No rattling noise within the car and good cabin sound quality - NHC and Optra both have excellent NVH levels
6. Resale value after 3 years - NHC all the way
7. Good AC - Even.
8. Nice interiors - Optra Royale, NHC Vtec, Corolla base and Optra Elite have ok interiors.

Overall, the NHC-Vtec takes the cake - and since you have the budget, why not. But, seriously consider the Cedia, which has most of above, except for resale value and interiors.

ravibhat · 9th February 2007, 20:13

Optra 1.6 elite is good bet for you. Its really great car, gives great comfort as well. If you go with corrolla go upper models of corrolla instead of executive otherwise go with optra ellite.

Don't go with NHC its known just for fuel efficiency and good resale value.

Regards,

Ravi.

rr_zen · 10th February 2007, 03:23

East or West VTEC is the best ! Just go for it ! You will not regret your decision any day.

6th February 2007, 05:42	#1
personified Newbie Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: mumbai Posts: 19 Thanked: 0 Times	Honda City ZX or Chevrolet Optra 1.6 or Corolla Executive Hi. I am looking for a car which is appx 8.5 - 10 lakhs in mumbai on-road mostly personal driven and driven in the city. My choices have been limited to 3 cars which fall in this price range. Honda City GXI Chevrolet 1.6 or 1.6 Elite Corolla HE 1.8 J My requirements are as below as per ascending order of importance: 1. Sturdy Ride Quality 2. Maintenance Free 3. Quite a speed devil. So love a smooth acceleration and good braking quality 4. 30 km drive to & fro from office (more or less city driving) 5. No rattling noise within the car and good cabin sound quality 6. Resale value after 3 years 7. Good AC 8. Nice interiors After test driving the above, these have been my observations which i did not like. Honda City GXI Not very responsive at a 1.5 engine Decent interiors but quite a con job from the exi to the gxi considering its only cosmetic and for the alpine deck and additional 2 speakers and the difference is as high as 80,000. I am told it gives an average of 11-12 with ac driving in city. Dont know how true that is. Chevrolet Optra LS Fuel average at 8 in the city for sure (since friend owns a 1.8 and he is at 7 to a litre) Notchy Gear Box Corolla Slack interiors in the executive model Bumpy ride No deck provided even for a 10 lac + car Considering the above i wish you car enthusiasts could help me pick a suitable car to help me out based on your personal experiences for the car in these segments based on my above requirements and criterias. Thanks in advance to all you guys.
	() Thanks

6th February 2007, 07:49	#2
Rudra Sen Team-BHP Support Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Bangalore Posts: 11,590 Thanked: 6,532 Times View My Garage	All three cars were/are discussed here. Suggest, go through them. You'll probably get better ideas and understanding.
	() Thanks

6th February 2007, 09:47	#3
Akshay1234 Team-BHP Support Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Mumbai Posts: 10,265 Thanked: 12,317 Times	the corolla fits your bill perfectly though the interiors of the executive arent very good.
	() Thanks

6th February 2007, 09:52	#4
Vid6639 Team-BHP Support Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Bangalore Posts: 17,730 Thanked: 43,471 Times View My Garage	You can also consider the City Vtec. Theres also the Lancer Cedia which is worth taking a look at.
	() Thanks

6th February 2007, 09:56	#5
Akshay1234 Team-BHP Support Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Mumbai Posts: 10,265 Thanked: 12,317 Times	the lancers resale wont be as good as a hondas or a toyotas.
	() Thanks

6th February 2007, 10:41	#7
Boom Shiva BANNED Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Mumbai Posts: 1,055 Thanked: 18 Times	How come you've not looked at the Vtec? Should be good for you, especially if you like quick acceleration.
	() Thanks

6th February 2007, 11:47	#8
msdivy Senior - BHPian Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Bangalore Posts: 1,815 Thanked: 2,826 Times	NHC belongs to upper A3 segment. Optra & Corolla belong to A4 segment. Hence Optra & Corolla are bigger, longer & wider than NHC. But NHC being based on cab-forward design has the interior space equal to those 2 cars. NHC GXi has 1.5L engine which produces 77BHP@5000. Optra has 1.6L with 104BHP@5800 and Corolla is 1.8L with power of 125BHP@6000. So among these, Corolla is faster followed by Optra. NHC scores in mileage. Here are your parameters: 1. Sturdy Ride Quality:Corolla (195 tyres), Optra (185) & NHC (175). 2. Maintenance Free: NHC and Corolla 3. Quite a speed devil. So love a smooth acceleration and good braking quality: Corolla (ABS with EBD) and then Optra. 4. 30 km drive to & fro from office (more or less city driving): NHC for EPS & hence ease of driving. 5. No rattling noise within the car and good cabin sound quality: -even- 6. Resale value after 3 years: NHC (Corolla & Optra might have a successor coming). 7. Good AC: Corolla, Optra (due to bigger engine capacity) 8. Nice interiors: -even- If you are looking for a good city car, then NHC is for you. If you want to own a bigger & faster car, go for Corolla. Last edited by msdivy : 6th February 2007 at 11:48.
	() Thanks

6th February 2007, 12:08	#9
sh@rpshooter BHPian Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Bangalore Posts: 123 Thanked: 26 Times View My Garage	I would really suggest a Hyundai Verna CRDi. one of the most powerful cars in that segment with a wonderful; mileage to boot (14-15 in city on diesel..even if it falls to 10 it is worth it) An it does not feel like a diesel either in acceleration or in sound It is far ahead of Honda city (Not VTEC) in power (110 vs around 70), speed. i think handling is a bit better in the NHC though. I took a TD on both along rough unpaed roads as well as taking a small bump while accelerating..and the verna surprisingly better behaved on both the Vtec is a bit more in the league..but my only grouse with it is the build toughness..it is too light while the Verna actually reminds me of the mid size cars in the US. I have not TDd it but I am assuming the Body is the same. I am not too sure of the comparison on maintainence. Another car which is pretty good in speed and control is the Lancer Cedia..
	() Thanks

6th February 2007, 12:24	#11
pmbabu BHPian Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: On The Net Posts: 335 Thanked: 47 Times	It has to be the Honda, and the VTEC (not GXi) should address your speed criteria. PS: Bargain for the corporate discount or cash back on finance and free accessories and/ free service for 2 yrs for the VTEC. Various flavors of these are offered in Bangalore. Last edited by pmbabu : 6th February 2007 at 12:28.
	() Thanks

6th February 2007, 12:50	#13
goldie_malhotra BHPian Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: New Delhi Posts: 757 Thanked: 12 Times	1. Sturdy Ride Quality - Optra for sure, NHC and Corolla are at par. 2. Maintenance Free - NHC at the top, followed by Optra and Corolla. 3. Quite a speed devil. So love a smooth acceleration and good braking quality - Corolla, with NHC Vtec slightly behind (though best braking), and Optra 1.6 way way back. 4. 30 km drive to & fro from office (more or less city driving) - NHC, followed by Corolla and Optra 5. No rattling noise within the car and good cabin sound quality - NHC and Optra both have excellent NVH levels 6. Resale value after 3 years - NHC all the way 7. Good AC - Even. 8. Nice interiors - Optra Royale, NHC Vtec, Corolla base and Optra Elite have ok interiors. Overall, the NHC-Vtec takes the cake - and since you have the budget, why not. But, seriously consider the Cedia, which has most of above, except for resale value and interiors.
	() Thanks

9th February 2007, 20:13	#14
ravibhat Senior - BHPian Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Bangalore Posts: 2,256 Thanked: 37 Times View My Garage	Optra 1.6 elite is good bet for you. Its really great car, gives great comfort as well. If you go with corrolla go upper models of corrolla instead of executive otherwise go with optra ellite. Don't go with NHC its known just for fuel efficiency and good resale value. Regards, Ravi.
	() Thanks

10th February 2007, 03:23	#15
rr_zen Senior - BHPian Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Chennai, India Posts: 1,799 Thanked: 400 Times View My Garage	East or West VTEC is the best ! Just go for it ! You will not regret your decision any day.
	() Thanks