India's Most Dependable Cars
by CARAZOO INDIA
JD Power Asia Pacific 2008 has made a survey on vehicle dependability in India. The survey measures a car��s overall dependability based on the number of problems experienced by the car owners who are 30-42 months old.
Vehicle Dependability Survey provides a rating based on the number of problems experienced per100 vehicles. The cars with lower score indicate a lower rate of problems and hence are more reliable. The study ranks different car models within eight car segments: compact, premium compact, entry midsize; midsize, premium midsize, entry luxury, multi-utility/multi-purpose vehicles, and sport-utility vehicles. Compiled here is a listing of India��s most dependable cars based on the survey:
Maruti Suzuki Swift
Maruti Suzuki Swift is designed exclusively for Indian consumers and roads. The excellent hatchback is available with a competitive pricing, sporty engine and authentic design. Available in five versions, the car is loaded with attractive features like automatic climate control, anti-lock braking system, central locking, and airbag deployment.
Swift is really as swift as the name. The 5-speed manual transmission offers a comfortable and joyful drive. The petrol version is powered by 1.3L engine that generates 87 bhp and the diesel version is powered by 1.3L CRDi engine that generates 75 bhp at 4,000 rpm and 190 Nm of torque at 2,000 rpm.
Maruti Esteem
The fall down of Esteem has no justified reason. Even though Maruti Esteem has been replaced by Maruti Suzuki Swift Dzire, the old workhorse had a great engine with excellent performance. The car had good quality interiors and was available in both petrol and diesel version.
Toyota Corolla
Toyota Corolla is a good, economical, comfortable and refined sedan in the Indian luxury car market. The car has advanced engine technology powered by a 1.8L engine mated with a 5-speed manual or an optional 4-speed automatic. The New Corolla is available in seven trims and a rainbow of metallic colours. Some of the striking features include anti-lock braking system, electronic brake-force distribution, and Toyota's USP, VVT-I (variable valve timings). The car has comfortable seats that absorb road undulations.
Toyota Innova
Toyota Innova is a flawless car with huge passenger carrying and cargo capacity. Available in ten trims, the car is best in its class with excellent performance. Seven out of the ten trims are diesel and the remaining three are petrol versions. The car features a powerful engine, smooth transmission and strong body. It is powered by a 2-litre petrol and a 2.5-litre diesel engine. The petrol engine employs Toyota's unique USP, VVT-I, generating 136 bhp whereas the turbocharged diesel engine generates 102 bhp.
Hyundai Santro
Hyundai Santro is an affordable small car well-equipped with superior technology, roomy interiors and the stamp of dependability by JD Power Asia. Santro has a curvy and boxy shape that is best for small families. The Santro is powered by 1086 cc engine and is available in four variants. The hatchback delivers good fuel economy and is acclaimed by a wide category of people. With adequate power delivery, the car gives an excellent driving experience.
Honda City ZX
The Honda City ZX is a luxury sedan with a sleek look, futuristic styling, cool interiors and the option of a VTEC engine. The car is loaded with enhanced safety features like head restraints, impact absorbing body structure, impact absorbing wiper pivots, a collapsible bonnet hinge, and adjustable headlamp beams. The car is powered with 1.5 litre i-DSI engine that generates 76 bhp. It gives a good fuel efficiency of about 12 kmpl in city driving and a decent 18 kmpl on highway.
Ford Endeavour
The Ford Endeavour is designed with a imposing built. The car gives a comfortable drive with an off-road capability and all-wheel drive system. It is loaded with excellent safety standards including rigid body shell, reinforced cabin and crumple zones.
Endeavour is available in two variants. The base variant is powered with a 2.5L In-line 4 turbocharged diesel engine that generates 141 bhp whereas the Thunder variant is powered with a 3.5L TDCi In-line 4 diesel engine that generates 154 bhp.
Mercedes Benz C Class
Mercedes Benz C-Class is a premium executive car loaded with dynamic interiors and elegant exteriors. Standard features of the car include dust filter, thermatic automatic climate control, trip computer, powered front seats, cruise control, and multifunction steering wheel.
The car is available in both petrol and diesel with engine capacities of 1.8L petrol and 2.2 L diesel. An additional engine type available in this car is the 6.2L V8 petrol engine. The petrol variant generates 178 bhp whereas the diesel variant generates 170bhp.
