[Sam Kapasi]

How times have changed. In my young days we would buy a car for one's own use in half that budget.

Nowadays people are buying cars for their drivers in 7 lacs. Lucky drivers.

[vasanthn21]

Why not a used Linea! over a new GP?

Originally Posted by Sam Kapasi

How times have changed. In my young days we would buy a car for one's own use in half that budget.

Nowadays people are buying cars for their drivers in 7 lacs. Lucky drivers.

Sam, I don't think the car is for the driver!

[vb-saan]

Originally Posted by klassics45

Polo:
Great look and german badge. we wish to know how good it is in highways.

Concern: Only the top end has ABS and its out of our budget

Punto:
All time favorite. Always love the FIAT badge. Read about its handling manners in highways. Fits perfectly in our bill.

Concern: The rate at which the sales is dropping, we are worried whether this vehicle will face the similar issues like its past models from fiat. Also thinking about its resale value after 3-5 yrs.

Maybe you can consider the Fabia Elegance as well.

Originally Posted by Sam Kapasi

How times have changed. In my young days we would buy a car for one's own use in half that budget.

Nowadays people are buying cars for their drivers in 7 lacs. Lucky drivers.

That was a good one Sam - Lucky drivers!

[AirWind]

Listed all diesels in my preference:
1. Ford Figo: same engine and FTD as the Fiesta, comes loaded with ABS/Air bags, decent build quality, so-so interiors
2. Micra is FTD, almost nil turbo lag, but top end comes with just ABS
3. Maruti Swift/Ritz are both FTD, but the top end comes with just ABS, acceptable build quality and interiors
4. VW Polo and Skoda Fabia: massive turbo lag from the 1.2L engines on both, excellent build quality, premium interiors

[hemanth.anand]

My order of preference:
1. Punto 90 HP - Slightly over your budget (I don't know chennai rates)
2. Punto 1.3 EP - Perfect fit for your requirement
3. Swift VDI ABS (This is a good driver's car-Please don't torture people asking them to sit in the rear seats. As you mentioned, you can use your scorpio for this)
4. Figo - Only a small compromise on looks and interior quality
5. Polo - Good car but pathetic VW service.

[HammerHead]

Originally Posted by klassics45

So now we are looking to replace i10 with either a premium diesel hatch or a mid diesel sedan within 7 - 8 Lakhs.

Main requirement:

• Driver's car.
• Diesel.
• Ability to cruise in 120 effortlessly in highways and occasionally touch 140-150 to keep up with high end cars (strictly for fun and not to race).
• Great handling.
• Better mileage

Things we dont worry about:
Storage, Back seat comfort, head count it can carry.

Definite NO: Manza, Dzire, Eitos, Indigo, I20, Micra, Ritz - Our need is mostly a premium hatch and fiesta was added only 'cos we both love it. We have socrpio which can do the heavy duties.

Perfect recipe for Punto 1.3 MJD 90HP!! This will fit in your budget of 7-8lakh.

[fiat_tarun]

Originally Posted by Sam Kapasi

How times have changed. In my young days we would buy a car for one's own use in half that budget.

Nowadays people are buying cars for their drivers in 7 lacs. Lucky drivers.

Sam. I actually envy Akbar. He's the lucky driver who gets to drive a Superb everyday !

Back to the topic. For highway driving I'd recommend either the GP, the Fabia/Polo or the Figo. Among these the Figo is the least premium of the lot, if you really want a premium hatch.

I'd suggest you test drive the VW sisters and the GP and make your decision.

[noopster]

Get a used Swift Vdi. Actually get 2!

[Shivank]

Punto 90 bhp.It has everything you are looking for in a hatch.

Case closed

[mdsaab]

You could wait for the new swift or fiesta. Or you could take the plunge and get a huge discount on the current models.
I would go for the fiesta in this case. Its quite a drivers car.
Also if you could get your hands on a pre owned laura, there would be nothing like it. That would be my first choice.

[//M]

Get a Fiat Punto 90 BHP. Very involving to drive, its a FIAT (you mentioned you love FIATs), fantastic ride and handling, drop dead gorgeous looks, its a diesel. Resale may be an issue but if you plan to have the car for 5 years, then that shouldn't be much of an issue.

If you are looking at used cars, try looking for an Optra Magnum. There may be only a few examples around, but the car is absolutely FTD and has an awesome diesel mill.

[klassics45]

Thanks all for your feedback. Like niranjanrvce said, fiesta is much appreciated for petrol version than diesel. So is the diesel version, really fun to drive?

We are leaning towards Punto and planning to test drive it first. Will keep you guys posted.

[SCH]

You may also consider the newly launched SX4 Diesel, though you would have to stretch your budget........

[amit_mechengg]

cruising @ 120 and occasionally @ 140 - 160kmph.

safe- sturdy - confident- best handling - best braking = Fiat Punto/ Fiat Linea.

even if an emergency arises for hard braking/ controlling at speeds above 120-140 fiat is the only way.

the car stays planted over all pot holes , undulations on highways and patches.

[klassics45]

Originally Posted by SCH

You may also consider the newly launched SX4 Diesel, though you would have to stretch your budget........

We are looking for Premium hatch. Its mainly for 2 people for daily and highway drives. We will hardly use the back seat or boot.

Originally Posted by amit_mechengg

cruising @ 120 and occasionally @ 140 - 160kmph.

safe- sturdy - confident- best handling - best braking = Fiat Punto/ Fiat Linea.

even if an emergency arises for hard braking/ controlling at speeds above 120-140 fiat is the only way.

the car stays planted over all pot holes , undulations on highways and patches.

Yes, this is our exact requirement. We have enjoyed the SUV in highway and now looking for a perfect diesel car to feel the pleasures that we miss in SUV (like cornering, high speed stability, maneuver).