Bachelor's Area

When it comes to understanding the Indian market and tailoring a product for the economy-minded buyer, few are as competent as Tata Motors. The Indica Vista in its diesel form offers everything a family man could ask for from a car - great space, comfortable ride, eminently driveable through the city thanks to its new gearbox, frugal running and, above all, more value for money than almost every other car in this shootout. With its refreshed design, it even manages to look great on the streets, in line with modern aspirations. Engine: 1248 cc, Inline-4 cylinders Peak power: 75 PS @ 4, 000 rpm Peak torque: 190 Nm @ 1, 750 rpm Wheelbase: 2470 mm Kerb weight: 1040 kg Price (ex-showroom ): Rs 4. 40 lakh (Terra) - 5. 49 lakh (Aura +) Cheers: Space, comfort, driveability, value for money Sneers: Lack of an upmarket feel Overall score: 7/10

The i20 impressed us as a thoroughly competent, practical family hatch when it was launched in its petrol form. Imagine our surprise when we encountered its newer diesel brother - only with everything that a sportscar lover would utterly dig - a six-speed manual transmission, a corner demolishing crisp suspension and the gruntiest diesel of the lot. All the equipment adds to the initial cost and does push the car away from the serious, practical diesel buyer, but for a true-blue driving guy the i20 CRDi is the hatchback to take to Sriperumbudur. Engine: 1396 cc, Inline-4 cylinders Peak power: 90 PS @ 4, 000 rpm Peak torque: 220 Nm@ 1750-2750 rpm Wheelbase: 2525 mm Kerb weight: 1222 kg Price (ex-showroom ): Rs 6. 32 lakh (Magna) - 7. 34 lakh (Asta O) Cheers: Design , space, power, handling Sneers: Ride quality, price Overall score: 7/10

Everyone is surprised at the new car Ford had dished out, but in its diesel avatar it is even more satisfying. This clearly is the forte of the Figo. For the enthusiast, it offers a composed and controlled drive experience without wasting too much breath on power push. For the large family, it offers loads of space and comfort. Most importantly for the buyer, it grants all of its qualities - performance, fuel efficiency, comfort and style - at a tremendous price point. In its diesel guise, this is a car that's hard to not get tempted by. Engine: 1399 cc, Inline-4 cylinders Peak power: 69 PS @ 4, 000 rpm Peak torque: 160 Nm @ 2, 000 rpm Wheelbase: 2489 mm Kerb weight: 1130 kg Price (ex-showroom ): Rs 4. 72 lakh (EXI) - 5. 30 lakh (Titanium) Cheers: Price, space, driveability, handling Sneers: Feels built to a price Overall score: 8. 5/10