C+ segment car purchase help needed (Civic, Jetta, City, Cruze)

incinerator · 28th February 2010, 09:28

Ampere, didn't try out the Trendline as I'm only looking at Autos.

Aparth, the Fortuner looks great, but second row of seats isn't as spacious as the Captiva, plus its only manual.

mkh, the Civic is a great looking car, but its petrol (which is nearly 54 Rs in Blr now). How's the rear seat space in this?

sbraj, you're right. With the sort of roads I get to drive on on the outskirts, the Jetta's GC will kill the car. It was also extremely cramped with 3 people sitting in the backseat.

Will try to do a TD on the Captiva, but the dealer was saying that he doesn't have a manual TD vehicle.

mkc15 · 28th February 2010, 10:20

Some comparo here on GC.

Jetta's body is as low-hanging as Civic's. My neighbor has a Jetta and I have seen him hitting the curb. Forget 152 vs 170mm of GC in spec, measure how high the body hangs with full load. I'm pretty sure both would more or less be the same with Jetta weighing ~150kgs more.

Jetta's wheelbase is 125mm shorter than Civic's and this is why its less prone to scrape bumps. But it has a longer overhang at the rear and on a surface like \____ the rear end scrapes (have seen my neighbor scraping the road while parking). But VW has cleverly left it black(unpainted).

Jetta's 4-link is superior to Civic's double wishbones at the rear and provides way better handling. Double-wishbones have a limitation of short travel making it more prone to bottom-out.

Overall, IMO, Jetta is *not* free from the so-called GC issue (though its less of an issue compared to Civic). Respect the bumps on roads and they would treat you well. I suggest, wait for the new Jetta(with a better engine) if you are not in a hurry.

ampere · 28th February 2010, 12:19

In that case, the best choice left on the table is Cruze LTZ in the sedan category! Skoda out; Jetta out; Toyota/Civic not in the race. Then all one has is the Cruze.

sbraj · 28th February 2010, 15:01

Quote:

Originally Posted by incinerator

Will try to do a TD on the Captiva, but the dealer was saying that he doesn't have a manual TD vehicle.

Quote:

Originally Posted by ampere

In that case, the best choice left on the table is Cruze LTZ in the sedan category! Skoda out; Jetta out; Toyota/Civic not in the race. Then all one has is the Cruze.

incinerator, as ampere mentioned, choices are getting limited. Since you mentioned Captiva, why not the Fortuner?

McLaren Rulez · 28th February 2010, 17:11

mkc15, I thought the Civic's GC problem was largely resolved by the suspension upgrade in 09. Does it still scrape speedbreakers?

ampere · 28th February 2010, 17:44

Quote:

Originally Posted by sbraj

incinerator, as ampere mentioned, choices are getting limited. Since you mentioned Captiva, why not the Fortuner?

@Raj,

Even if one selects the Fortuner, I think there is a waiting period of one year. I heard that in Bangalore, Toyota has stopped taking bookings.

mkc15 · 28th February 2010, 18:26

Quote:

Originally Posted by McLaren Rulez

mkc15, I thought the Civic's GC problem was largely resolved by the suspension upgrade in 09. Does it still scrape speedbreakers?

As you might know already, Civic scrapes bumps due to
1. longer 2700mm wheelbase
2. soft rear suspension (so that effective GC reduces with load)

The face-lift has stiffened suspension (I don't think there is any change in suspension geometry though) and solves (2). (1) cannot be solved. So even theoretically it can scrape bumps/steep gradients and it really does over real big ones. (for example, there are a few mountains near Nelamangala before and after some diversions on the highway). However, if one respects bumps by

1. Slowing down
2. One wheel at a time
3. Avoiding braking, they treat you well. But some nasty mountains expect more respect which Civic cant give.

Also, these 3 are not always practical.

I have now driven around 5200kms and I must tell you, GC issue of Civic is grossly over-hyped; I'm not saying its not an issue at all. If a mountain scrapes a Civic (especially face-lift), it'll surely scrape some other cars as well (including non-Honda).

Think about this, we see so many scratch marks on big bumps, do you think all are due to Civic?!

sbraj · 28th February 2010, 18:36

Quote:

Originally Posted by ampere

@Raj,

Even if one selects the Fortuner, I think there is a waiting period of one year. I heard that in Bangalore, Toyota has stopped taking bookings.

One year waiting period?

Then they better deliver it with better brakes.

incinerator, probably you should consider all the SUV options (Endeavour, Captiva, CRV, Fortuner, Pajero).

punitkakri · 28th February 2010, 19:27

How about considering the Sonata transform? Have you given that a thought.

aparth · 28th February 2010, 19:57

How about Chevy Cruze LTZ? Its available in auto transmission now as well at a very competitive price of 13.45 lacs ex showroom which is cheaper than civic, altis, laura, etc.

ampere · 1st March 2010, 06:21

Quote:

Originally Posted by sbraj

One year waiting period?

Then they better deliver it with better brakes.

incinerator, probably you should consider all the SUV options (Endeavour, Captiva, CRV, Fortuner, Pajero).

Not sure what is the current status. This was one month back as mentioned by their own dealer !

incinerator · 1st March 2010, 13:38

mkc, not really in a hurry, can wait even a year if it will be worth the wait.

Ampere, Aparth, check my earlier posts in this thread regarding my comparison of Jetta/Cruze/Laura. The Cruze wins hands down with engine and looks, but lacks the basic interior quality that a car costing 16+ should have.

sbraj, Fortuner is manual, I did check it out, but didn't consider it for that reason. Endeavour may be worth a look. CRV is super, but auto is nearly 30! Pajero is an old model I think.

Punit, I agree that Sonata is a good choice due to their great service and spacious interiors, but like their last Sonata model, this one is on its last leg, nearly phased out I think. I would love to go for the 2011 Sonata, but when will it come here and how much will it cost?

So my current options due to GC and all the other issues are narrowed down to Captiva and Endeavour or to just wait!

sbraj · 1st March 2010, 14:30

Quote:

Originally Posted by incinerator

mkc, not really in a hurry, can wait even a year if it will be worth the wait.

...

So my current options due to GC and all the other issues are narrowed down to Captiva and Endeavour or to just wait!

How about the upcoming Pajero Sport? This is speculated to be priced against Fortuner. Though, not sure whether it is manual or auto.

http://www.team-bhp.com/forum/indian...overdrive.html

incinerator · 5th March 2010, 12:31

Raj, looked up the link. This new Pajero didn't really set my bells ringing, somehow reminds me of the Xylo!

Did you guys see the Nissan 370Z?

SWEET!! Wish I had 50+ lakhs to throw away!

Chat · 9th March 2010, 02:41

Do consider Mitsubishi Outlander, it is loaded with gadgets, good 4wd option and good looking well priced SUV. It is a better VFM than CRV, X trail and other SUVs available.

28th February 2010, 09:28	#61
incinerator BHPian Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Bangalore Posts: 45 Thanked: 13 Times	Ampere, didn't try out the Trendline as I'm only looking at Autos. Aparth, the Fortuner looks great, but second row of seats isn't as spacious as the Captiva, plus its only manual. mkh, the Civic is a great looking car, but its petrol (which is nearly 54 Rs in Blr now). How's the rear seat space in this? sbraj, you're right. With the sort of roads I get to drive on on the outskirts, the Jetta's GC will kill the car. It was also extremely cramped with 3 people sitting in the backseat. Will try to do a TD on the Captiva, but the dealer was saying that he doesn't have a manual TD vehicle.
	() Thanks

28th February 2010, 10:20	#62
mkc15 BHPian Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Bangalore Posts: 315 Thanked: 89 Times	Some comparo here on GC. Jetta's body is as low-hanging as Civic's. My neighbor has a Jetta and I have seen him hitting the curb. Forget 152 vs 170mm of GC in spec, measure how high the body hangs with full load. I'm pretty sure both would more or less be the same with Jetta weighing ~150kgs more. Jetta's wheelbase is 125mm shorter than Civic's and this is why its less prone to scrape bumps. But it has a longer overhang at the rear and on a surface like \____ the rear end scrapes (have seen my neighbor scraping the road while parking). But VW has cleverly left it black(unpainted). Jetta's 4-link is superior to Civic's double wishbones at the rear and provides way better handling. Double-wishbones have a limitation of short travel making it more prone to bottom-out. Overall, IMO, Jetta is not free from the so-called GC issue (though its less of an issue compared to Civic). Respect the bumps on roads and they would treat you well. I suggest, wait for the new Jetta(with a better engine) if you are not in a hurry. Last edited by mkc15 : 28th February 2010 at 10:22.
	() Thanks

28th February 2010, 12:19	#63
ampere Team-BHP Support Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Bangalore Posts: 17,949 Thanked: 12,935 Times View My Garage	In that case, the best choice left on the table is Cruze LTZ in the sedan category! Skoda out; Jetta out; Toyota/Civic not in the race. Then all one has is the Cruze.
	() Thanks

28th February 2010, 17:11	#65
McLaren Rulez Senior - BHPian Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Mysore Posts: 3,390 Thanked: 5,107 Times	mkc15, I thought the Civic's GC problem was largely resolved by the suspension upgrade in 09. Does it still scrape speedbreakers?
	() Thanks

28th February 2010, 19:27	#69
punitkakri BHPian Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Mumbai Posts: 138 Thanked: 27 Times	How about considering the Sonata transform? Have you given that a thought.
	() Thanks

28th February 2010, 19:57	#70
aparth Senior - BHPian Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: New Delhi Posts: 1,341 Thanked: 1,708 Times View My Garage	How about Chevy Cruze LTZ? Its available in auto transmission now as well at a very competitive price of 13.45 lacs ex showroom which is cheaper than civic, altis, laura, etc.
	() Thanks

1st March 2010, 13:38	#72
incinerator BHPian Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Bangalore Posts: 45 Thanked: 13 Times	mkc, not really in a hurry, can wait even a year if it will be worth the wait. Ampere, Aparth, check my earlier posts in this thread regarding my comparison of Jetta/Cruze/Laura. The Cruze wins hands down with engine and looks, but lacks the basic interior quality that a car costing 16+ should have. sbraj, Fortuner is manual, I did check it out, but didn't consider it for that reason. Endeavour may be worth a look. CRV is super, but auto is nearly 30! Pajero is an old model I think. Punit, I agree that Sonata is a good choice due to their great service and spacious interiors, but like their last Sonata model, this one is on its last leg, nearly phased out I think. I would love to go for the 2011 Sonata, but when will it come here and how much will it cost? So my current options due to GC and all the other issues are narrowed down to Captiva and Endeavour or to just wait!
	() Thanks

5th March 2010, 12:31	#74
incinerator BHPian Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Bangalore Posts: 45 Thanked: 13 Times	Raj, looked up the link. This new Pajero didn't really set my bells ringing, somehow reminds me of the Xylo! Did you guys see the Nissan 370Z? SWEET!! Wish I had 50+ lakhs to throw away!
	() Thanks

9th March 2010, 02:41	#75
Chat BHPian Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Bangalore / Manila Posts: 121 Thanked: 2 Times	Do consider Mitsubishi Outlander, it is loaded with gadgets, good 4wd option and good looking well priced SUV. It is a better VFM than CRV, X trail and other SUVs available.
	() Thanks