What beem?  ( June '16,2007, BS)

If money is no object here, why not go for the BMW 530i. Not only does the 530i have a larger engine and more power than the 525i, it also has some additional features like a fully multifunctional steering wheel and an electric sunroof. For the Rs 5 lakh extra, you also get a car that is more accomplished and should be more fun to drive as well.

MUV or MPV?

I’m thinking of buying an MPV, and am considering the Innova diesel. Can you tell me if there are any forthcoming launches of similar seven or eight seaters by any manufacturer in the near future?
Ashish Tara, via email

Unfortunately there are not many “large monobox” cars in the pipeline. But if you are interested in people movers or SUVs, then the Chevrolet Tavera and Mahindra Scorpio can be considered. As for the Innova, it is a very economical car for its size and reliable to a fault. Mahindra is preparing an MPV called the Ingenio, but it is at least a year away.

D desires

We are looking at buying a car in the range of 13- 15 lakhs. We wanted to have your views on the following before we make a final decision:
1) Hyundai Sonata Diesel
2) Hyundai Sonata Petrol
3) Skoda Laura
4) Honda Civic
5) Honda Accord
The car would do around 1500-2000 kms a month (primarily city use) and would be mostly chauffeur driven. So rear leg space and comfort are extremely important. Fuel efficiency, vehicle reliability, ease of getting it serviced and manoeuvrability would also be critical.
Akshay, New Delhi

The Honda Civic and the Skoda Laura are smaller cars and need not be considered in this short list, though they do have reasonable leg room at the back. Assuming that you are in the market for a D segment car, the Hyundai Sonata is a brilliant value proposition. It has adequate leg room at the back and offers the kind of ride comfort you expect from a car of its league.

The Honda Accord is the king of the segment thanks to its brand appeal and high level of trim which you get. Now here goes a BSM twist — we know of people who are considering the Toyota Innova (the V trim, complete with captain’s chairs) for chauffeur driven applications.

You get excellent ride, dual air-con, diesel economy and almost all safety features offered by the D segment sedans. Do try out the Innova before you buy a D-segment car for rear seat comfort.