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|
| Here is what Mr. Anil Chawda, an architect from Mumbai, had
to say about owning a Ford Escort Diesel Car: |
"When
I purchased the Ford Escort diesel car a year back, I was planning
for future expenses.
Today, having driven the car more than 40000 Km at an operating cost
of less than 80 paise per Km, I feel that I have made a good investment
decision.
I drive the car myself and often travel long distances for work. Sometimes
when you are a long way from home with only a couple of hundred bucks
in your wallet, you realise how valuable this car is.
Driving out on vacations is a pleasure and everyone at home loves
this comfortable car." |
|
| Diesel
v/s Petrol |
The disparity in the prices of Petrol and Diesel has worked well
for the diesel car manufacturers. Unlike a few years back, when
the diesel cars available were far from suitable for city driving,
today's market offers a range of great models. It is hardly surprising
that customers' perception of the diesel car is still that of a
boxy vehicle, with a bench for a seat, making a lot of engine noise
and coughing up black smoke.
|
| (updated
16th Oct. 03) |
Delhi |
Mumbai |
Chennai |
Kolkata |
| Petrol
(Rs/litre) |
31.70 |
36.66 |
34.63 |
34.53 |
| Diesel
(Rs/litre) |
19.73 |
25.03 |
22.00 |
21.90 |
|
|
Manufacturers
see tremendous potential in the diesel car market and are making
models that are getting popular fast. |
Today the
diesel car is not just a product propped by a Government subsidy,
but a competitive and economical solution.
Pros &
Cons: When compared with petrol, the diesel engines are considered
to have the following disadvantages -
Weight, Maintenance, Engine vibration and Noise, Sluggish pickup,
Higher initial price.
The diesel engine of today has come a long way from the first one
designed by Rudolf Diesel, and cannot be overlooked so easily.
Advancement in technology have not only dampened the engine noise
and spruced up overall performance, but also made the diesel car
lesser polluting.
Diesel cars are fast gaining market share. The growing popularity
of diesel models - Ford Escort and the Fiat Uno is
an indication.
General Motors has recently launched the diesel version of the Opel
Astra (Turbo Intercooler) and it is a fair bet that Maruti
Udyog will soon launch its Diesel version of the Esteem.
Your diesel car
runs double the distance of a petrol car, in the same cost.
If you travel long distances (at least 60 kms daily) regularly,
your additional initial investment in purchasing a diesel car is
worthwhile. |
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