Conclusion
The Getz can return 10 kpl in traffic; the Swift can improve it by a notch or two. The Fabia, with its throttled three-cylinder motor, can stretch it to 12 kpl if you drive carefully. On highways, these cars can all return 14-15 kpl with ease. Net-net, if you are looking at Alto-like economy,you won’t be heading towards a Skoda showroom. You can go for the Fabia for its other strengths, like superb build quality and its ability to retain value and, of course, bringing a certain amount of prestige for your money.
The real question here is would Srini and me succumb to the little Skoda if it was available when we made our buying decisions. Srini says that though it is a tempting car, the feeble three-pot motor would make him feel miserable every time an Alto overtook him. So he’d rather spend more quality time with the Getz and save up for a Fabia vRS instead. As for me, I would like to defend my buying decision like scores of people do after spending their hard earned money on cars. When I get back to my own car after spending time in more expensive, better automobiles, I want it to reward me with something or the other. And the Swift never fails to entertain with its rev- happy motor and flickability.
Give me the Fabia with a 1.4 motor with ABS and airbags thrown in at the price of a Swift ZXi and I would succumb. Alas, the Fabia in that spec is way more expensive and I think I am knowledgeable enough not to succumb to badge pressure unless we are talking Mercedes-Benz or BMW. It is indeed a nice car and one that I would recommend to lots of my friends if they want a second car that is economical and safe. There!
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