[Comrade]

From just one criterion (=driving pleasure) to concerns on fuel efficiency, inquiry about cng etc!!! This is where it all gets confusing. If he is looking for an all-rounder probably swift is a safe bet. Diesel model would be light on pocket too. Tuning boxes are always there for more power.

[aargee]

Originally Posted by Gansan

How about a Hyundai Getz diesel / Elantra GT?

May be Elantra, but a big NO to Getz

[nitrous]

Originally Posted by Gansan

How about a Hyundai Getz diesel / Elantra GT?

There are other cars which give FAR superior driving pleasure.
No contest.

[MX6]

Originally Posted by clevermax

His one and only criterion is driving pleasure mate! Not space!

If He's as huge as me, then space impacts driving pleasure. Why even sitting idle on the driver's seat would become a bother!

[gemithomas]

I'd ask what do you mean by Driving Pleasure
- High Speed Handling? or Plush ride that soaks al potholes?
- Highly powerful engine to zoom around? or Decent pull from all gears from even low rpms leading to minimum gear changes?
- Easy reach controls with real good ergonomics? or fully packed with maximum possible features at the price?


If your friend dont mind modifications he could think of a Chevy Beat with a Petes Box and wider rubber Not sure about its practicality though.

[Gansan]

Originally Posted by clevermax

His one and only criterion is driving pleasure mate! Not space!

Originally Posted by nitrous

There are other cars which give FAR superior driving pleasure.
No contest.

I agree. If space is not a criteria, then look no further than an Alto VXi, if one can be found!

[clevermax]

Originally Posted by MX6

If He's as huge as me, then space impacts driving pleasure. Why even sitting idle on the driver's seat would become a bother!

But here he was comparing between Swift & Getz. Do they have a huge difference in space in the front seats that a big person will only find it difficult in one of them?

Moreover, the criterion was driving pleasure and I don't know how the suggestions came focussed onto Getz and finally space comparisons. I find that baseless.

And how will you respond to the mention about Swift 1.2 being DOHC and Palio 1.6 engine not DOHC!

Originally Posted by Gansan

I agree. If space is not a criteria, then look no further than an Alto VXi, if one can be found!

You should have mentioned '1.1L' engined Alto, to be precise and to avoid confusion. It has got power overkill and is fun to drive through city. May not be a good highway cruiser though.

[Gansan]

Originally Posted by clevermax

You should have mentioned '1.1L' engined Alto, to be precise and to avoid confusion. It has got power overkill and is fun to drive through city. May not be a good highway cruiser though.

AFAIK the VX and VXi badges applied only for the 1100 CC engined Alto. The 800 CC ones have always been LX and LXi.

[clevermax]

Originally Posted by Gansan

AFAIK the VX and VXi badges applied only for the 1100 CC engined Alto. The 800 CC ones have always been LX and LXi.

Sorry I didn't know that! AFAIK, all the present day Altos have 800 Cc engine. So there are no new VXis?

Anyway, good that I mentioned about the engine as well.

[Mr_Bean]

How about ford fiesta 1.6? It fits the bill perfectly..

[clevermax]

Originally Posted by Mr_Bean

How about ford fiesta 1.6? It fits the bill perfectly..

Yea. But only a used one by looking at his budget.

[Gansan]

Originally Posted by clevermax

Sorry I didn't know that! AFAIK, all the present day Altos have 800 Cc engine. So there are no new VXis?

Anyway, good that I mentioned about the engine as well.

That is correct. The VX / VXi range was discontinued in 2004 / 05 as it was severely eating in to the Zen & Wagon R sales.

[aargee]

Originally Posted by clevermax

Sorry I didn't know that! AFAIK, all the present day Altos have 800 Cc engine. So there are no new VXis?

Anyway, good that I mentioned about the engine as well.

The VXi's were old model launched & were discontinued. The difference is one extra cylinder. VXi = 4 cylinder & Vx = 3 cylinder; like AStar & Ritz petrol engines.

[Mi10]

Originally Posted by aargee

The VXi's were old model launched & were discontinued. The difference is one extra cylinder. VXi = 4 cylinder & Vx = 3 cylinder; like AStar & Ritz petrol engines.

Sorry, but it is like this
VX - 4 cylinder without Power steering
Vxi - 4 Cyl with Power steering

Same applies for LX and LXi, ofcourse with an 800cc 3 pot

[jigbarai]

Originally Posted by gemithomas

I'd ask what do you mean by Driving Pleasure
- High Speed Handling? or Plush ride that soaks al potholes?
- Highly powerful engine to zoom around? or Decent pull from all gears from even low rpms leading to minimum gear changes?
- Easy reach controls with real good ergonomics? or fully packed with maximum possible features at the price?
.

Very apt.

The term driving pleasure needs a lot more elaboration here.

I'd add one more point - where / what kind of roads is he typically going to be driving thru day in and day out ?

A vRS or a V6 might sound good and juicy on a lot of points, but try to chug these thru the city traffic snarls, twists and turns.
And the stress of autos and fellow motorists / bikers bumping and scratching into you at every nook and corner.

Suddenly something like a 'well heeled' santro or a wagon-r (which no one would even think about for driving pleasure ), will start sounding so much more sensible and easy to drive.

Think about the kind of roads one is going to be driving thru. Bad roads would mean you want a car with the best possible suspension setup. Just a good powerful motor wont help if your other elements of the car cant keep up.

for example,

a Civic may be a great car to drive on smooth roads, but if you are driving thru a road with a lot of speed breakers .. dont even go near one.

a swift 1.2 / D or an alto 1.1 would pull decently with their good engines, but on bad roads, the suspension wont match up and the car will rattle out in a few weeks of usage.