Car & Bike Planning to buy Automatic hatchback with safety features

harishgayatri said:
raks, I would like to know whether you're interested in Tata Nano.

You see even today that car feels relatively easy to drive in stop start traffic.

If you are purchasing a vehicle for only city commute. I would request you to not waste money on automatics.

Please don't take my suggestion otherwise.
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We are a family of 4 people + 1 infant who refuses to sit in lap in car. So basically we need a proper 5 seater now. Nano was never considered, even the upcoming AMT Nano was not considered. Btw automatics are basically for making city driving stress free. Your logic of automatics not being for cities totally flawed in my opinion. If mine was a only highway drive, I would have a probably never thought of automatics.
Also I don't really want to compromise on safety aspects and I understand that as per current scenario, I will have to pay more to get automatic + safety kit in a single package. I am also ready to pay that. Just that currently, car buying is on hold due to some other stuff taking priority.
But yes if I would be buying a car now, It would probably be the Xcent SX(O) AT.

I would love to scour the second hand honda city market, especially dolphin version which one can get for less than 3 Lakh today. But I don't have knowledge about cars much and scared to venture in the used car territory. I don't want to end up spending lot of money on maintenance of the older vehicle.

Toyota Corolla is also an option from the used market (new one would wipe out my savings :p) and Toyota reliability is trusted.

I loved the Etios when I sat in a Tab Cab in Mumbai, couple of weeks back. Yes the dashboard is ugly but space is awesome. Too bad it doesn't come in automatic.
 
Have you considered Polo GT TSI ?
Its around 80K (ex showroom) costlier than the Xcent SX(O) AT. But from what I have heard, its a gem.
 
mathrisk said:
Have you considered Polo GT TSI ?
Its around 80K (ex showroom) costlier than the Xcent SX(O) AT. But from what I have heard, its a gem.
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Not considered but have heard good about it. But I am bit concerned about A.S.S. of VW and also I had read some issues with the AT Gearbox on this.
Also isn't this discontinued for now ?
 
raksrules said:
Not considered but have heard good about it. But I am bit concerned about A.S.S. of VW and also I had read some issues with the AT Gearbox on this.
Also isn't this discontinued for now ?
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its a 4 seater at best. Even then u will feel a little uncomfortable. If 5 seater is a priority, you cannot buy a polo, period.
 
I can safely say that even Vento is VERY uncomfortable for 5 seater. best suited as a 4 seater. with the large hump. the 5th occupant is unwelcome. But driving it is a pleasure :D
 
I have the polo petrol manual (3 pot)petrol, and It is strictly a 4 seater. I would even go to the extent that it is more like a 2 seater with the rear bench for kids. ;).
Also I dont think the polo is easy to drive for a new driver. The low slung driving position coupled with a heavy clutch (in the manual) do make it cumbersome for many. I mostly drive to work in this car and do love it to bits. Also I was surprised at the fuel efficiency which I am getting out of it , in a good way.

@raksrules.
considering that you are looking for a genuine 5 seater , other then automatics,I have the following suggestions to make:
Please take a look at etios petrol again or even the Liva hatchback(esp the 1.5 ones). very easy to drive and needs very minimal gear changes.
Also the 1.5 litre diesel cars from Nissan/Renault are very easy to drive. I know you are looking at a petrol car from your average running perspective, but a diesel can be a choice too if it delivers better performance and value.

Coming back to auto boxes, IF your primary driving in traffic , you will be better off with torque converter unit rather then a DSG, esp for B2B traffic
 
yes, sometimes I feel my dsg is stressed during back to back traffic. the gears are always hold at bite points with constant accelerator input (creep) to prevent rolling back/stalling. but the Fuel Economy is excellent if driven sensibly. I usually get 12+kmpl in city with light foot.
 
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