Options in the MPV segment

I am trying to choose between the upcoming Jaguar 3.0 diesel XF and BMW 530d.

Q: I am trying to choose between the upcoming Jaguar 3.0 diesel XF and BMW 530d. My heart is set on the face-lifted Jaguar but I hear that BMW cars have higher reliability and are more technologically advanced. Will the cost of maintaining a Jaguar be higher compared to the BMW over five to seven years? Is BMW’s performance significantly better than the Jag’s? Are there significant differences to the
upcoming, face-lifted Jag?

HT Image

Dhruv Prakash

A: If your heart is set on the Jag, just go for it. It has a brilliant engine which offers better refinement than the 530d. The XF has a softer character and isn’t as hard-edged as the BMW and the interiors are brilliant too. The Jag may not be as well built as the 530d but, overall, in terms of maintenance costs, there is not much to choose between the two of them.

Q: I am scouting for a five-seater MPV within a Rs 8 lakh budget. I’ve heard Toyota will introduce its Avanza this year. Is it worth waiting for and is there any other vehicle you recommend considering safety, comfort and mileage?

Dr Parvinder Singh

A: There are no plans to launch the Avanza next year but Toyota is working on an MPV that’s based on the Etios platform. However, that is unlikely to come before 2013. Maruti is working on a mini-MPV too and the Rs 3 concept was showcased at the Delhi Auto Show last year. The Rs 3 should go into production this year and ought to be within your budget.

Q: I am looking to buy a gearless scooter. My priorities are low saddle height, good handling and fuel
efficiency. Are Mahindra’s products any good? Also, what is the ‘Body Balance’ feature on the TVS Wego?

Purushothama

A: Mahindra 2 wheeler scooter models are products carried forward from Kinetic, and built at the same plant as earlier. Yes, Body Balance is more a marketing term than anything else but we still do suggest you go for a TVS Wego, a good scooter that we have compared and rated better than the proven Honda Activa.