Diesel 10-12 lacs.

Axe77 · 17th August 2009, 00:45

Since he's being chauffeur driven and considering the bad roads, the Innova would be his best bet. If he wants a sedan, I think the Chevy Optra Magnum is a brilliant option. Fantastic package, powerful, comes with a good warranty package too (resale may be suspect but if he's holding on to the car long enough that should be less of an issue).

Chevy Cruze will certainly be beyond a 13 L budget.

Quote:

Originally Posted by paras211

A friend needs a new car.It HAS to be a diesel.Its gonna be chauffeur driven.Will be driven on horribilly bad sections and highway,about 80km daily. More inclined towards a sedan.
Comfort and cost the criteria.
Budget is about 13 lacs for a company owned car (higher taxes)
ty

Axe77 · 17th August 2009, 00:52

Is this definitive info? Any idea what the BHP will be like on the 1.6? I have a friend who's really keen on the diesel Linea but is hesitant because he finds the current 1.3 mill underpowered.

Quote:

Originally Posted by karanraheja

Why not wait for a more powerful Linea- 1.6 MJD expected latest by early 2010.

aaggoswami · 17th August 2009, 08:06

Quote:

Originally Posted by neotraveller

1) What makes you think Linea's rear seat is not comfortable?
The low head-room? There's enough headroom for average Indians (lower than 6ft). IMO, with the better suspension of Fiat I would expect the back seat to be better than Optra (I haven't sat in an Optra BTW).

2) And isn't Cruze the next-gen optra? It will be in that 11-13lac bracket only.

1) Overall, the space in Optra rear seats is more than Linea. I have sat in both the car and can tell you that Optra is certainly more spacious inside the passenger cabin than Linea.
About ride quality, I havent experienced for a long time, but Optra is again good, though not like Linea.
About headroom, it feels cramped even for a 5'10" person in Linea.

2) Of course its next gen Optra, but then isn't i10 the new Santro ? The list if long for two generations of one car being sold simultaneously in India.
It will start at Rs. 13 lakh. I suppose that Rs. 13 lakh is base price for petrol and diesel will obviously be more expensive than petrol.
http://www.team-bhp.com/forum/1415386-post121.html

DieselFan · 17th August 2009, 08:48

If it is possible to wait I would wait for Fiat Bravia which will be priced in the similar range. SX4 is also coming with a Diesel version and will be cheaper with a better A.S.S. which can also be an option.

shankar.balan · 17th August 2009, 09:07

Linea is a nice car yes. However, it is badly under-powered for its weight according to me. And when I sit in the rear seat, my head knocks against the end of the roof lining - same problem in the Punto.

Optra Magnum is a nice vehicle though too low in my opinion - I would not even consider any other Optra - after all it's origins are weird and it has only been re-badged with the Chevy badge. But Optra is on its way out, since it is pretty much at the end of the product life cycle and is being replaced by the Cruze.

The Cruze could be a VFM buy when it comes out - should be priced about max 12 ish I would think.

Quote:

Originally Posted by neotraveller

What makes you think Linea's rear seat is not comfortable?
The low head-room? There's enough headroom for average Indians (lower than 6ft).

IMO, with the better suspension of Fiat I would expect the back seat to be better than Optra (I haven't sat in an Optra BTW).

And isn't Cruze the next-gen optra? It will be in that 11-13lac bracket only.

MileCruncher · 17th August 2009, 09:43

Quote:

Originally Posted by Axe77

Is this definitive info? Any idea what the BHP will be like on the 1.6? I have a friend who's really keen on the diesel Linea but is hesitant because he finds the current 1.3 mill underpowered.

I don't think the 1.6 MJD is coming to India. Please the FIAT CEO interveiw thread.

prateeknanda · 17th August 2009, 15:14

Toyota Innova if you would ask me!
But, since I drive the Jetta too, spend a little more (if possible!) and get the Jetta.
Fuel consumption isn't bad at all! And the car is awesome! :-) Or also, if I'm not wrong, an Octavia also comes under 12 Lakh? But, the car isn't as comforting for long drives.
Owned the Optra for quite some time. Trust me, for long drives, the Optra is just heavenly, barring the fact that it is quite low! :-) Good luck!

paras211 · 18th August 2009, 00:42

Quote:

Originally Posted by gaurav_chopra04

Definately the innova.... good at handling bad roads, ride quality is good and the seat as every one said are like sofa.. moreovet.. it fits in the budget

If it has to be a sedan then..it can be an optra magnum or the verna.. but I dont think that they can handle bad roads every day for about 80kms..the lancer diesel is the only sedan which can handle bad roads but again its a very old model.. will be discontinued soon and it not at all value for money as it lacks most of the features including safety which most of its competitors do provide..

aree chief all 80km isnt bad roads more like 5 km of really bad roads(i mean non existant road bikers fall by the dozen)

He had an petrol Optra but was really dissapointed with it.Sold it for 2.5 after using it for 5 yrs. i doubt he ll put in money for optra. I ll show him the thread tommorrow.

simply_sunny001 · 18th August 2009, 01:43

stretch the budget a bit more and buy Sonata Transform.

AirWind · 18th August 2009, 08:45

I think, a company leased plan doesnt necessiate a new car but can also be for a pre-owned car of less than 5 yrs age... so why not climb up the ladder with a pre-owned C class Merc?

Since the maintenance costs are also borne by the company or atleast non-taxable, it should be a decent buy!

phanitha · 18th August 2009, 15:57

I would suggest to go for a Innova and as suggested by many of our friends if your friend can streach the budget then there are many options like Sonata Transform or VW Jetta

Ramsagar · 19th August 2009, 16:29

You choose between Innova / Optra Magnum for their comfort levels.

McLaren Rulez · 19th August 2009, 16:35

The Sonata has hefty discounts these days. Though 12 lakh is a bit too cheap it shouldn't be too much of a stretch.

shatrughna · 19th August 2009, 17:13

Quote:

Originally Posted by McLaren Rulez

The Sonata has hefty discounts these days. Though 12 lakh is a bit too cheap it shouldn't be too much of a stretch.

What is the best quote on a diesel sonata that you may have come across. I doubt if otr price would be anywhere less than 15 Lakhs for amnual and 16 Lakhs for AT after discounts too.

lamborghini · 20th August 2009, 23:09

I really think your friend should look at the Sonata Transform D. It is the most comfortable.
However, if the price may be too stretched for him, go ahead with the Innova since he travels on bad roads.
If he wants a sedan, the Linea is one of the most comfortable around!

17th August 2009, 08:48	#19
DieselFan Senior - BHPian Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Bangalore Posts: 1,584 Thanked: 259 Times	If it is possible to wait I would wait for Fiat Bravia which will be priced in the similar range. SX4 is also coming with a Diesel version and will be cheaper with a better A.S.S. which can also be an option.
	() Thanks

17th August 2009, 15:14	#22
prateeknanda Newbie Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Chandigarh Posts: 3 Thanked: 0 Times	Toyota Innova if you would ask me! But, since I drive the Jetta too, spend a little more (if possible!) and get the Jetta. Fuel consumption isn't bad at all! And the car is awesome! :-) Or also, if I'm not wrong, an Octavia also comes under 12 Lakh? But, the car isn't as comforting for long drives. Owned the Optra for quite some time. Trust me, for long drives, the Optra is just heavenly, barring the fact that it is quite low! :-) Good luck!
	() Thanks

18th August 2009, 01:43	#24
simply_sunny001 Senior - BHPian Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: London & Rohtak Posts: 1,340 Thanked: 18 Times View My Garage	stretch the budget a bit more and buy Sonata Transform.
	() Thanks

18th August 2009, 08:45	#25
AirWind BHPian Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Bangalore Posts: 998 Thanked: 404 Times View My Garage	I think, a company leased plan doesnt necessiate a new car but can also be for a pre-owned car of less than 5 yrs age... so why not climb up the ladder with a pre-owned C class Merc? Since the maintenance costs are also borne by the company or atleast non-taxable, it should be a decent buy! Last edited by AirWind : 18th August 2009 at 08:46. Reason: Added more info
	() Thanks

18th August 2009, 15:57	#26
phanitha BHPian Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Bern Posts: 62 Thanked: 6 Times View My Garage	I would suggest to go for a Innova and as suggested by many of our friends if your friend can streach the budget then there are many options like Sonata Transform or VW Jetta
	() Thanks

19th August 2009, 16:29	#27
Ramsagar Senior - BHPian Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: BLR_Nellore(AP) Posts: 1,396 Thanked: 252 Times View My Garage	You choose between Innova / Optra Magnum for their comfort levels.
	() Thanks

19th August 2009, 16:35	#28
McLaren Rulez Senior - BHPian Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Mysore Posts: 3,390 Thanked: 5,107 Times	The Sonata has hefty discounts these days. Though 12 lakh is a bit too cheap it shouldn't be too much of a stretch.
	() Thanks

20th August 2009, 23:09	#30
lamborghini Distinguished - BHPian Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Mumbai Posts: 6,113 Thanked: 5,760 Times View My Garage	I really think your friend should look at the Sonata Transform D. It is the most comfortable. However, if the price may be too stretched for him, go ahead with the Innova since he travels on bad roads. If he wants a sedan, the Linea is one of the most comfortable around!
	() Thanks