Battle of the Titans. Diesel Automatics

A total of 14 Diesel cars with Auto transmission are available in India. But most are in the lifestyle segment (above 10,00,000) So what options do you really have? Considering the dearth of options we will include those cars which retail at the borderline to lifestyle segment.

1. Hyundai Verna- The cheapest option of the pack is the most expensive option in its lineup. The new generation Accent doesn't have the best of looks and the old Accent which is still on sale looks better. Verna does make up with class leading features but Hyundai has priced its new cars at a premium compared to the competition. 4-speed automatic transmission is old school but still an asset in the current market scenario. I would select Stone black or sleek silver for this car.Automatic is standard and the a/c cools considerable well for the summers. Alloy wheels are standard. Also standard is the much needed foot rest. The audio player is pretty standard and doesnt have the frills of USB or bluetooth like in the Linea. ABS is standard but the car lacks airbags which is a bummer.

Suggestions: Switch to 15-inch alloys with better tyres to aid handling.
Engine 1500cc with 110bhp and 24nm of torque.
ARAI certified mileage- 16.44 kmpl
Ex-showroom Ahmedabad- 922954

2. Mahindra Scorpio- Mahindra is a name in the UV market as strong as Maruti. It has the distinction of being the largest UV maker based on its Bolero platform. With constant efforts to better the product Scorpio has turned out to be a car worth buying. Being a UV it is the only car in this class with a Rear wheel drive chassis. If you thought Verna was fully loaded a simple glance at the feature set here will change your mind. Lets begin with a 2-din Bluetooth enabled car audio with decent speakers to match. With steering mounted controls, USB and SD card capacity this is the most compatible stock car audio in the market right now. Blue vision headlights are an alternative to bi-xenon and look great if not even half as effective. Tyre pressure monitoring system is standard for the automatic. Reverse assist  is the most important feature on a car this size. Rain sensing wipers are not useful in India but a luxury worth mentioning neverthless. But Ambient light sensors do work effectively. And now your SUV talks to you which is much sweeter than the buzzing noise in others cars if you leave your door or lights open. Now the question strikes. After all this how can Mahindra provide cruise control at such a great price? I am yet to know. The list goes on with alloy wheels, ABS and Airbags, auto roll down windows, tubeless tyres, illuminated keyring and footboards.  phew!!! talk about value for money.

Suggestions: Indian cars are always provided with bad tyres. Upgrade alloy wheels to 17-inch. They look great, fill the tyre wells and work effectively too.
Engine_- 2400cc 120bhp with 290 nm of torque
ARAI certified mileage- 11.79 kmpl
Ex-showroom Ahmedabad- 10,75,5900 (no airbag 2wd version)

3. Chevrolet Cruze-  General Motors Cream product and best car to date in India. Cruze sales have eaten into Honda Civic sales big time. With a 150 horses engine Cruze is a hoot to drive. The only car here to have both front and rear disc brakes. 16-inch alloy wheels are standard and do justice to the car. Climate control is standard and so is the telescopic steering wheel. Reverse parking sensors are also standard. Audio is extremely new age with large display and steering mounted controls. I am already in love with push button start since I used it last year. As the name suggests the car comes with cruise control too. rain sensing wipers are not useful but still an addition to value nonetheless. ABS and airbags are standard. The only car here to sport a proper 6-speed transmission.

Suggestions: Bi-xenon projection lamps and rear led lights would've sealed the deal. Make it more round and fly it to Venus.
Engine- 1991 cc 150bhp and 327nm of torque
ARAI certified mileage- 14.4 kmpl
Ex-showroom price- 13,73,928

Results: Get that lazy bum off the chair and buy the Scorpio AT. Cruze is an excellent car though but the price is just a little bit higher compared to whats on offer. It's not GM's fault but just that Mahindra has done a better job at it. If you have the money then Cruze is a close second.