I don’t think you will get substantially more mileage than what you are getting currently from your Optra. The manual is different, there the Verna would have given you more than the Optra.

Before you rebore do check if things improve once all fluids, filters are fine. Also check the intake, exhaust and throttle body, spark plugs as well as if going in for a decarb will do the job. Here is an article on engine decarb – http://www.cartoq.com/engine-decarbonisation-when-do-you-need-this-done/ Regards.

Here is what I know about it. Short block is when you take an engine block with the relevant components not bolted in, there is no head and the relevant components relating to the head. Long block is when the engine has the head and internals (block and head) in place, there is a lot less headache. Finally there is also something known as a fully…[Read more]

Amongst the small hatchbacks it is perhaps the best you can buy today.

Among premium hatchbacks – the Ford Figo has a pretty good AC. Among hatches, the Alto K10 is quite good. Others please chip in with which one’s you’ve experienced that are really cool in the true sense of the word. Among sedans, I’ve found the Verna’s AC, Ford Fiesta and Maruti SX4′s AC quite decent.

The Nano has a chiller of an AC. Figo’s AC is very good. Same for the City, Fiesta, Linea Tjet and like. Cooling is not an issue with any of the sedans.

Not this year for sure. Skoda is launching the new Octavia this year. The car has been spotted testing.

Between the two, advantage Sail. Just because of the hopelessly weak brakes of the Swift VXi. You do not need to do anything out of the way to maintain your car. Just be regular with the servicing and check all fluid levels and the tire pressures periodically. And make sure you read the manual.

Buying a diesel vehicle just for getting a diesel engine and skipping on just about any feature by picking a base version is absolutely unwise in my opinion. I mean no offense but for your usage, why not the Figo Titanium petrol? It will have a lot more features while being cheaper to buy and maintain. The space and GC are also very similar in…[Read more]

Unfortunately since I promote / advocate safety, both of them would not be recommended vehicles from my side. ABS and airbags is an extremely important safety kit which in my opinion should weigh substantially over snob value of a base / mid model of a larger vehicle. But purely considering VFM and / or TCO for your usage, the Swift would be the…[Read more]

Since you are getting a diesel car at the price of a petrol car, this may seem like a good thing – you get a car with more space in the Sail U-VA diesel, but nothing much else. But if you look at what the VXI Swift offers, you aren’t missing much. Neither of them have airbags or ABS, but if that’s not really a concern, then fair and square the…[Read more]

Get the condensor pressure washed and check the operation of the radiator fan. In the Santro, it’s only a single fan – so I don’t think there’s an issue there, as otherwise the car would have overheated. Also check if the compressor is cutting off too early – may be an issue with the idling speed.