I was planning to buy the Toyota Corolla Altis, but then read about the recently introduced Hyundai i20 Active and changed my plan. Would the i20 Active be the right choice in terms of roadworthiness?
MK Ravindran, via email

AAA The new i20 Active, a crossover, is a very different car from the Corolla Altis. The Toyota is much bigger, two segments higher than the Active and hence superior in most respects. If you have the budget, the Corolla will be a more satisfying car to drive. The Active makes sense if you want a compact car for easy manoeuvrability in the city and while parking. Also, the Active, with its raised stance, has an advantage on bad roads and the crossover styling looks good too.