Ravishing Cars |

The Fusion is available in only two trims levels and has an option of two engines a 1.6 petrol and a 1.4 diesel. The petrol comes at Rs 6.30 lakh while the diesel costs Rs 7.22 lakh. The base version is also fairly loaded and gets all the features expect like power steering, power windows, keyless entry, central locking, rear wash wipe, defogger, The next version called the Plus gets ABS with EBD along with alloy wheels and colour coded exteriors. But it still doesn’t get airbags even as an option. This especially when even an Indica has optional airbags. Mini estate proportions liberate good interior space. Fusion is a refined crusier. Stiff suspension gives firm but well controlled ride. Engine pulls well at low speeds, but runs out of breath on the highway. Handling is good and lets you throw the car into corners. AC vents can be shut down completely. Concealed storage box useful for stashing valuables.

The Fabia is available in four trim levels with three engines options. Two petrols and one diesel. Prices for petrols start from Rs 5.11 lakh and go upto Rs 7.14 lakh for the top end. The base diesel will cost Rs 6.13lakh and prices go upto Rs 7.93 lakh for the top end Elegance. The base version gets airconditioning and power steering, rear wiper, defogger along with twin airbags and ABS. The top end Elegance is loaded with parking sensors, sunroof, power windows, keyless entry with immobiliser, electrical mirrors and alloy wheels. The Fabia trumps the group with its excellent road manners. Low speed ride is a bit stiff but improves as speeds build up. Road undulations are handled with ease and without any noise from the suspension. The steering is well weighted and gives good feedback. The brakes feel great and bring the car to a dead stop rather fast. The Fabia rides well and keeps most surfaces out of the cabin. Handling is also very good.

The Swift is available with a petrol and diesel option. The petrol gets three variants which start at Rs 4.29 lakh for the base LXi and go up to Rs 5.49 lakh for the top end ZXi. The base model gets power steering and airconditioning while the ZXI packs climate control, power windows, central locking, rear wiper, defogger, ABS and twin airbags as well. The diesel is available in two variants only. The LDi gets the same equipment as the LXi. The VDi gets airconditioning, central locking, power steering and power windows as standard. Cheapest to buy and fun to drive as well, Offers sharp looks and decent kit too. The Maruti Swift sets the benchmark here. It’s easy to drive, offers decent cabin quality and comes at an attractive price too. The Hyundai Getz doesn’t have the price advantage but it has one of the roomiest cabins and comes with the most powerful diesel engines on a hatchback. Ford’s Fusion is not here merely to make the numbers. Its smooth and responsive engine makes it a good drive in city traffic and it comes with a huge boot as well.