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.

With the Verna automatic diesel, expect only about 11 in the city and about 15 on the highway. The Verna automatic is a four speed automatic – which means it holds each gear ratio for longer – which is detrimental to fuel economy.

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.

60,000 kms? I don’t think it needs a rebore. Just check the injectors, fuel supply system, and as Amit says, get it decarbonized if needed.

Get any good brand of oil that is used for gas driven cars – Shell Helix 20w 50 or perhaps Caltex 20w 50 or Mobil Super 1000 20W 50 are all good oils. If you really want to spend a lot on oil go for a fully synthetic oil like Mobil 1 0W-40 (Rs. 1100 a litre or something like that). LPG / CNG engines produce more heat so a higher viscosity is needed.

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.

The Brio is a good, value-for-money hatchback, especially if you are looking for a personal car for the city. Quite trouble free, fuel efficient, peppy and easy to drive.

Johnsons Controls I think are an OEM supplier of automotive interiors and seating equipment. What exactly are you looking for? I don’t think they have any aftermarket business as such in India. Don’t know anything more on them right now.

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.

Sail, my friend, has one of the worst ACs in the business

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