The image that one can see over here is of the upcoming Santa Fe which was found doing test rounds near Chennai. The shot is captured by one of the reputed journalist from NDTV who says, the portrayed model is a shorter wheel base version of badging which will do with the 2.2L CRDi diesel on our shores. Lest, other things cannot be figured out due to the heavy camouflage but we hope some of the facts to appear soon.

The SUV trait is not luring chunk a large of buyers to the lot of Korean brand, and going in the past it was also revealed, the organization was having fizzed-out responses with offerings (on board) like Terracan, at the initial stage, and Tucson, on the latter part.

Seeing the size and speculations, 2013 Santa Fe will compete names like Chevrolet Captiva, Mitsubishi Outlander, Toyota Fortuner and many more in the class of Rs. 20 lakh and above.

Image Courtesy:  NDTV’s official FB page

Though, many of us maybe very familiar with these types of things going in India but still certain issue lacks importance on the immediate note of second-hand purchase due to some of its drawbacks-related results pinned underneath the buying psychology. Buying a used car for many of us feels a bit tad to the money value in our country, which hence many of the people bet to avoid going for second hand version. To be true, due to the rising cost of fuels and as well as cars, used car industry had now been witnessing large chunk of footfalls in their respective showrooms and even the exclusives like BMW and Merc aren’t left for exception. Hence, to get the best out of both i.e new and old, we pitted the used German i.e. Volkswagen Vento and a new Korean Hyundai i20 against each other to see how they fare in the fight of vying price bracket. The badges that we have taken here are of the following categories:

• Used Volkswagen Vento: 2012 make, Highline variant, Diesel;
• New Hyundai i20: 1.4 CRDi Asta variant, Diesel.

The diesel engine is chosen here because whole of country is running after the same and even the price rise of oil burners not even loosing the grip in spite of many downturns.

Let’s start the things, taking a lot of time is pushing us harder to the end of both, because we love both of them and does not tend to miss out any of them at any point. The price band of Rs. 9 lakh is what we had found the catching trend of our local market which is gradually drawing powerful hatchback, and in an opposite a used car dealer is also selling the three box sedan in immaculate condition for, just a year old, at almost the same cost. Clearly stated, the 1 year old used car is as good as our daily usage car, not many nick nacks and the maintenance issues, condition slated as if maintained very suavely. Well, finding that sorted one is not an issue in India, plenty of showrooms and dealers here to help out with. One of the used Vento that we had seen at a dealer, was of nothing to say bad at it, everything was working perfectly, not even a minute electrical issue to come up for barging in trade-offs at, but in actual the German cars are famous for the disturbances with electrical gremlins, so it’s better to have a second view at them, and moreover the maintenance service history book will give in a perfect idea of what lies inside creeps.

Meanwhile, an additional help of an expert is also a recommended option. However, the 1 or 1 and a half year old Vento will be in a stealth condition if maintained correctively, but we say also ask for the warranty of it. VW provides warranty of two years which it will bestowed on the name of first owner itself, and can be easily transferred to the second owner too, where just needed to fill in the form at dealership and the things will be done on your way easily. On the other hand, Hyundai is providing two years-unlimited kilometers warranty with free service on first year duration. Talking about the service we got trickled something in our mind, being a German VW badged cars runs very well on road but all those swifts need cool amount of money in pocket for servicing them at their respective centers. In short, the single service of Vento will fall between Rs. 6,500 – 17,000 which the i20 will notch between a mere Rs. 2,000 – 7,500 gap, depending upon the duration and the usage of car, these are normally expected figures it may be lesser or more seeing as per the situation and conditions of one’s metal. And in the case if it happens, the need is felt to replace spare parts and such then German will munch a good amount of money from the pocket comparatively to the Korean counterpart.

Very importantly, enquire about the reasons for which the seller is selling his bug in used car market, if the reason is genuine then it is okay, but when something fishy like accident or other this type of plethora is smelt underneath his/her decision then leave that bonk, lot of others lay there in market waiting tentatively for good buyers.

Coming to the i20 for a while, it is a big rocket packed in a small carton, and truly the 1.4L CRDi diesel feels tempting to surf throughout the city roads. No clogging here and there at all, thank to swift yet fluidic dimensions, light steering wheel, soft suspension setup and many more. Talking drivability, the steering that was felt comfortable in the city comes as a drawback factor when given stroked high on an open stretch, we mean highways, even those cute aerodynamics also tend the car to dangle on turns in high revs. This is the point where Vento scores more than this, the 1.6L diesel producing 104 bhp mated with a five speed manual gearbox given in that bolster of rigidity, can be handled on any of the stretch thrown at it. Even the 454 liter boot space is an added advantage, as need not worry about anything for any kind of trips. Ending the technical here itself, the 1.4L mill of i20 Asta is good for the city rides, the 84bhp power and six speed manual gearbox whips more than the desires quotations on town roads, in terms of efficiency and as well as performance, which the highways will not feel it sufficient to grope in.

Talking cosmetics now, not the outer crisps instead, but here we will learn what the interiors had to say, where does actual monetary value fills in the block. As we all are aware, i20 is very well equipped with the gadgets-type-frenzies Bluetooth connectivity for music system, dimming function for mirrors, reverse parking camera, automatically controlled ORVMs, with further advancements like airbags and rear disc brakes as an optional deal, and many more, making itself a strong contender in the segment, which the Vento is also not leaving battle ground very easily, grueling with features like CD player, climate control and rear AC vents amongst others for this league. Hopefully both of them are perfect in their ways, tending an extra mile type of clipping in the advancements of their respective level. Comparatively the overall aura of Hyundai is the factory fresh and Vento’s is of a bit old cladding, but the fit and finish of latter is derived via true German quality, build to last longer than anything else. And one will also miss those steering mounted controls in Highline, which the Asta sweeps credits in just a single take.

However many of you’ll would have understood what we are trying to say. Hence, clearing the clutter by ourselves we conclude “Vento” to be the winner in this naked rivalry. No glamorous buff and such, but practicality had made German to stand tall in this shootout. The only factor that had kept us pinching from inside is the maintenance cost of VW, freaks to be costlier than any other model plate in this segment. And yes, the 0-100 kmph sprint of Vento is also faster by a whole two seconds against the i20, must say those additional 200cc really pays off.

Also check the competitive difference in the mentioned table below:

Specifications	Used Volkswagen Vento	New Hyundai i20 Asta
Mileage	15.2kmpl (overall)	16.6kmpl (overall)
Engine	1598cc, 4 cylinders	1396cc 4 cylinders
Power	104bhp	89bhp
0-100kmph	11 seconds	13 seconds
Fuel Tank	55 litres	45 litres

Hence, if seen overall then it will be known that Vento is beneficiary in all the dimension, whereas the only tradeoff between both of them is a mere amount of ‘mileage’, which is considerable when given such a big lot of booties.

The Trophy tour board the Delhi and will be there from May 20 to 22, then it will move the Mumbai where it will be showcased for 23 and 24th May and then it will reach Chennai on May 25th. As a part of the tour Hyundai will also be bringing many activities for the cricket fans. To celebrate the passion of cricket with the Champions Trophy, anyone can visit the mall and can SMS- BBH to 5262 and 5 lucky couple will get a chance of an exclusive dinner with the Champions Trophy.

Speaking about the tour, Sr. General Manager and Group head of Hyundai India, Mr. Nalin Kapoor said that being the official partner of the ICC Champions Trophy it is quite a pleasure for them to organize Trophy Tour to give the first hand experience the cricket fans. He further expressed his hopes that the tour will strengthen the bond with the ICC. He also said that company is quite ready to keep their customers occupied with the number of activities that are arriving in upcoming months.

Moreover Hyundai fans can come and will be allowed to select the mall and they may even be able to click a picture with the Champions Trophy. The current status and the location of the trophy can also be checked at the facebook fan page of Hyundai. Facebook fans will also get an exclusive invite for the trophy tour activities.

Other than this Hyundai in association with the ESPN has brought an exciting opportunity for the true cricket fans in form of Cricjockey. As a part of the ‘Blue By Heart;’ campaign Hyundai India will be starting this contest that will be available online and on various gaming platforms. Fans will need to watch the video and submit their commentary. Winners will be visiting the actual Cricinfo studio in Bangalore city and will be able to learn the entire procedures for cricket reporting. The mega winner will get the opportunity to write entire blog on ESPN website.

The above figure has shown an increase of 25.7% in the exports.

But, HMIL’s domestic sale facts remained at 32, 403 vehicle units during the month of April as against 35, 070 vehicle units leading to a declension of 7.6%.

The Korean car manufacturer has witnessed a cumulative expansion of about 4.3% during the last month.

While talking on the facts, Mr. Rakesh Srivastava, the company’s Senior VP, sales and marketing, stated, “The export facts have demonstrated positive expansion owing to sturdy demand from non-European zones whilst the Indian market carries on witnessing pressure.”

“Though there are indications of revival with the augmentation in demand for petrol vehicles. In existing hard times, Hyundai Motor India Ltd (HMIL) is incessantly winning market share with a sturdy product collection of popular and examined brands up on worth and aspirational worth Mr. Rakesh Srivastava added up.

He also said that in spite of an overall slump in the automobile market, Hyundai Motor India Ltd (HMIL) is still eyeing to lift up its market share. At the present time, the company is the second biggest auto producer in the nation after Maruti Suzuki.

News is filtering in that Honda is preparing to bring in a small car below the Honda Brio hatchback in order to compete against the much popular Hyundai Eon and Maruti Suzuki Alto 800 and Tata Nano. According to Hironori Kanayama, CEO, Honda Cars India, the Indian small car market is strong and will continue to be so in the coming times. Seeing this potential of the market, the company hopes to offer something to the Indian people which will satisfy their needs. But as of now, Honda does not have anything to offer in this segment except the 600cc Kei it offers in Japan. But needs and preference of Indian customers are vastly different from their Japanese counterparts and the Kei may not work in India. So according to Hironori, it will take sometime for Honda to finalize something in this regard. When asked about the engine the small car would have, Kanayama refused to say anything specific and said that everything would depend on the result of the study they are going to carry out on this.

But it is certain that Honda’s foray in this segment will raise a lot of eyebrows which is currently dominated by companies like Maruti Alto 800, Hyundai Eon and Tata Nano. But this decision on part of Honda seems to be a good one since the company is now heavily focussing on local manufacturing as well as local R&D.

Two versions of the HB20 are available in the South American market – one is the Hatchback with the name HB20 and another one is the HB20S sedan. Both the vehicles have been designed specifically for the South American market. In South American market the saloon is offered with the 1.0 litre, 80 bhp and 1.6 litre 128 bhp petrol engines. These cars are built on a platform that is entirely different from the one that is being used for the i20 and Verna and share very less number of components with them. So, it will require whole new setup and that will be financially unviable move for the company if it ever decides to bring HB20S to Indian market. Assembling car from an entirely new platform will require the company to put in huge investment.

Moreover, looking at the fact that the vehicle does not lie in the sub 4 meter category, the introduction in the Indian market will cause an elevation in the price due to the tax structure over here. The increased price will put it in a position along Hyundai Verna in the Hyundai’s product line up in India.

But if it was introduced it would surely have been able to catch few eyes. The vehicle looks stunning with the dynamic and sporty design along with the Hyundai patented fluidic philosophy.

HB20S is a stretched version of HB20 hatchback, reclining to that of our i20, and is pitted against the Chevrolet Onix’s extended version named Prisma.

HB20S uses same platform that will be used by its upcoming elder sibling HB20X crossover, and more importantly, new Hyundai sedan measures 4.2 meters in length; henceforth if it really wants to compete Amaze then needs to slash down some of the metals or otherwise sell at a premium price tag, where the first one seems better option and overall Hyundai is also known for competitive segmentation in horizon.

HB20S sedan goes out with two petrol engine options, no diesel choices, namely 1.0 liter three cylinder with 80 bhp and 1.6 liter four cylinder with 128 bhp. Bespoken jags have enticed options of five speed manual and four speed automatic gearboxes.

As we had said April maybe loaded with lots of goodies and fun, there lies a whopping number of metals in the pipeline to entice our fraternity and mentioned below are their model plates tagging. Looking at them, it is concluded, many of them consists facelifts whilst of one major launch, that was very important to India automotive horizon. Read down to discover them more at a glance:

1. BMW 7 Series Facelift:

BMW 7 Series was in same avatar for a quite long time and to get tweaked was its need of the hour. Bavarian had listened to its wishes and had planned to roll out facelift version in this month. Need to confirm, 7 Series Facelift had already seen the unveiling ceremony last month in Jaipur which was attended by various famous personality and riches to mark the luxurious presence, and now only the launching part is left where prices and specifications will be announced. That we expect to follow this month only, as there lies a full whole year to cash on the flagship badge in fraternity. Meanwhile, the updated version is already launched in Malaysia and we expect that same roll-out to land here as well.

2. Hyundai Santa Fe Facelift:

Updated Santa Fe was the big hope for Hyundai to make something big on Indian soil but maybe due to some rumors it is said, it got delayed by a year or so, though we did not take those things into account and expects it to launch by this month’s ends or somewhere very nearby. It was also seem doing test rounds in on Indian tarmac. And if going as per the rumor mills, it says, due to the heavy taxations or so carmaker had postponed its decision to roll out in this month. Contradicting on our take, we speculate, the next year tenure will be full of compact SUV and such small sorts, so they are leaving no gaps for biggies to grasp in the middle, while the powerful compact will also rage in everything from masses to niche, just like the hatchbacks had did to our market when it was launched. The BMW facelift was also launched nearly and Audi Q3 petrol had tempted in that same duration, making a very small crevice to crave in between the price band of Rs. 20-25 lakh, and of course those niches also know how to dirty their hands in dirt as well, must say a strong striding competition ahead.

3. Mercedes Benz E Class Facelift:

Mercedes E Class was almost in the rivaling range with BMW 7 Series and so this German will also accompany the other German neighbor in its footsteps, and as an outcome the E Class facelift will soon take off this month, as expected. There are various spy shots appeared on the internet but no clear cut piece information on its exact launch date. We applied this badging in this month’s list because; the 7 Series facelift may spark off the fire in Mercedes to launch its updates as soon as possible for gaining a better pie of the market. It will be cosmetic change rather than technical ones, so no more thrills on the driving part but a market fresh look is guarantees with along with the bad habit of ‘staring’.

4. Chevrolet Beat Facelift:

Chevy is a complete American but it has those strong guts what it takes to enter deep in any of the international auto fraternity, this may be due to a large number of variations in US itself. Though whatever it may be, we are not here to discuss that but it is to inform, Chevrolet Beat which had been the success mark of this carmaker in the ‘mass’ segment where many of them fails, will receive an award for the same in form of facelift. It is slated to launch in this month, seems that Chevrolet needs some hard cashing point to cover losses from the unsuccessful launch of Sail U-VA hatchback. It is better to do some “great” with Beat, otherwise those deep engraved market foothold will also be loosen by the passing time.

5. Honda Amaze:

Honda Amaze is the only metal that had been standing alone on this list, as because it is the one that had been a complete new and yet fresh piece of metal work, while rest of them are the reworked version of existing models. As everybody knows, Amaze is the stretched version of hatchback Brio, and the new thing that is going to happen with this entry level sedan is Honda’s debut of diesel engine on Indian shores. It was the most awaited jag for India and expectation of it doing well had taken an extra notch. As per Arai, new Japanese oil burner called as i-DTEC will yield fuel efficiency of 25.8 kmpl at its best, which might Maruti and others will envy. It will be interesting to see whether Fiat’s Multijet is going to face the heat or not, we think so ‘Yes’, now what’s your take!

Speaking on the price hike, vice president of Sales and Marketing, Rakesh Srivastava said that the price rise was necessitated due to OBDC (On Board Diagnostic Compliance) change. He further said that the prices have been increased from Rs. 575 to Rs. 2,830 across the entire range of vehicles. He also added that company has tried to absorb the maximum impact thus has been able to minimize the price hike so as to cause less inconvenience to their esteemed customers.

Price has been increased as per the following:

• Eon – Increase of up to Rs 2,500
• Santro – Increase of up to Rs 2,830
• i10 – Increase of up to Rs 900
• i20 – Increase of up to Rs 575 for both petrol and diesel variants
• Verna – Increase of up to Rs 1,340 for both petrol and diesel variants
• Elantra – Increase of up to Rs 1,740 for both petrol and diesel variants
• Sonata – Increase of up to Rs 2,813
• Santa Fe – Increase of up to Rs 2,813

In the present scenario, there are such persons who earns around Rs. 1 lakh in a month but goes for used category, in fact there is a friend of mine who is proving this ideology to fullest. Again, he is not the only personality to be stratified this way, there lies his whole peer circle and many more as well, who tends to be doing on the same path as he is.

As of buying the entry level sedan, one is bestowed with ample of space and a nice amount of boot space, which it is all being deprived in hatchbacks and of course all that can be utilized on a long journey where there is always a scarcity of space in the younger yet compact siblings.

Mentioned below are the three coolest entries which fall easy on pocket at maintenance cost, and also fetch peace of mind when it swoops out on city roads. Meanwhile, they can be found in ample of number with various dealers, hence no worries to wait till someone sells it in the used car market.

1. Maruti Esteem:

Maruti Esteem is the well known face of Indian automotive industry, and even kids can easily resemble it when they see out there passing by road. One may think that how do these models make some cool status quo? Well, it is, one has to do with the new models and a bit of interior tweaks, that will definitely help a lot.

Lest of all the aftermarkets, when buying Esteem look for extra grownups by the previous owner, and if there are such, then we would suggest to avoid that make, it is because, that will be unknown what nuisance had been passed on to metal by employing those extra stuffs and, if there lies a strong desire to buy such of sports beauty or such, best option is to do it yourself after buying it in the original avatar. The decision of DIY will make best exercise when it will be taken out for maintenance, you will know what you have added and in which way. To an extent, previous owners tend to hide some of the drawbacks by deploying those furs of fitments.

Apart from all the clutters, drivability of Esteem is one of the best in price range, inclusive of affordable maintenance cost. It can be said that, a local mechanic will also help you with shortcomings in case, if the breakdown is faced amid long journeys and so. Engine tends to be peppy and yields numerous grunts to climb on almost any of the specified tarmac. Enough examples lie with the pre-owned dealers, and makes of 2005-08 is the most suitable option to go with.

Diesel trend can also be caught up in ‘Esteem-ed’ model plate, but one has to go sometime back than the 2005 registrations, of course that is also safe to add on your buying cart.

2. Chevrolet Aveo:

Chevrolet is an American carmaker but has rolled up its sleeves to enter deep in the veins of Indian audience. Those several attempts by the carmaker may not be found on the new trendy and flashy market ground, but on an exclusive note its pre-owned market value is the one to be talked about when being considered in the upper segment than of hatchbacks. Concluding figures up to half million or so for many of its models, it proves a better and a healthier competitor against India bound badge in our local second hand market.

Talking about the Chevrolet Aveo, one needs no plethora to explain its upmarket quotient, as it is very much famous in our fraternity, with the smart golden tie-bow logo embedded on horizontally slanted chromed front grille, ample of space and premiumness inside, and also available in cool paint jobs, which we can say is the best bet in used car industry. Aveo’s paintjobs are the one which really extracts an overall clean aroma at the first glance itself. Fuel economy and maintenance cost are the ones that had not to be looked after every now and then.

It is a decent car and appeals men as well as women, so no dilution of contrast ideas when being driven by any of them, but for us, it is a bit more manly so if the women would choose to opt red shades and so then it is okay; while a youngster fits better behind its steering rim, and it would also be perfected when his wife may accompany on the front seats. In short, it is a complete family car, henceforth no looking for at least 3-4 years after its purchase. Go for the 2007-09 models.

3. Hyundai Verna:

Hyundai Verna is the premium amongst all three and may also bite you harder than those competitors, while that is dependent on particular year model you select. But as of now, here we can tell you are Verna is the blend of practicality, comfortable interiors, decent built quality and good reliability. All these components are deeply filled into its core and on a most important note it is spacious as well. As we are already informed, Hyundai is famous for the low running cost, henceforth don’t need to worry about the high fuel bills, while it contradicts to the maintenance part, one has to do with additional amount of cash, on comparison, when he chalks out some sort of maintenance activity. But that is bearable when given with the plush interiors and coziness along with it.

There is a ‘jumping with joy’ factor in Verna, as an option of diesel motor also lies beneath its hood. If would take walk around of Verna, a more fluidic stance feel would grasp every bit of it than anyone else, for which Hyundai is very famous; the upkeep of pace with time is also a think about behind its cute aerodynamics. Consider 2006-09 work for the better output in terms of money.