Would it be advisable to buy the Force 1 with an old-generation Mercedes engine, or a Tata Aria or XUV500 with new-generation engines, leaving aside fit and finish and interiors? Please consider only engine reliability, suspension and maintenance.
Saurabh Kadam, Thane

AAA While the Mercedes-sourced engine in the Force 1 is a proven unit, the 2.2-litre mHawk diesel engine in the XUV500 is quite reliable too, more reliable than the Aria’s DiCOR engine. Hence, we don’t feel that the perceived reliability of the Merc engine is reason enough to buy the Force 1, which is quite crude in most other respects. The XUV500 is the best overall choice here.