good motoring
Much to go by, more to look forward to
H. Kishie Singh

The latest E-class Merc has 2000 improvements

IF there is one segment where India Inc is shinning, it has to be the automotive segment.

This year saw the Honda bring out the Civic and the Toyota brought out an updated Camry. Both are up-market models and promise the motorists great driving pleasure. The last couple of months saw the Hyundai Verna and a brand new version of the Maruti Zen, the Estilo. For the magnificent offering, dig deep into your pockets and go for the Lamborghini Gallardo. You’ll need over a crore of rupees to park one of these in your garage.

However, the most desirable was the E. class Mercedes, introduced in November 2006, at Rs 60 lakh. In this offering the E.350 Avant Garde is outstanding. The E series may look like the older models but, according to Daimler-Chrysler, the cars have 2000 improvements over the older models. That reflects German engineering.

That was the year that was. Now what to expect for 2007?

There has been a joint venture between Renault and Mahindras and the result will be the Logan. It is going to hit the roads sometime early 2007 and could be priced competitively at just over Rs 4 lakh. At that price it will be possibly the best entry-level car for Indian motorists. The car will have a 1.5 litre diesel engine and this will endear the Logan to the Indian consumer. A petrol engine will also be an option.

General Motors (GM) has not had spectacular success with any of its cars but it may change the scenario with the U-VA. A mid-segment hatch back, the U-VA will have a 1.2 litre petrol engine. With fuel injection, the fuel consumption should be very acceptable.

GM is expected to bring back the Matiz in its new avtar, the Spark. In my opinion it’s one of the best-looking cars since the Miura by Lamborghini in the 1970s. The engine will be 1000 cc, with four cylinders putting out 65 PS. The price should be around Rs 3.5 lakh. Also expect the Muruti Swift to be offered with a diesel engine. With its good looks and fuel-efficiency, it could be one of the better buys.

In the high-end category, the Audi S8 will be around Rs 1.20 crore. The horizon would get further brightened with the availability of the Ferrari and the Maserati. Price? It really does not matter. These cars are of for those who already have their mansions, yatches, private jets and a chalet in Switzerland. They will sell and they will be bought whether they be Rs 1.2 crore or Rs 1.5 crore. For me the Maserati Quatroprote is the car to own. The four-door sedan has sports car performance, the highest level of luxury and it is Italian, which means that it is simply gorgeous.

While talking about gorgeous looks and performance, the Jaguar will be in India soon. Depending on the model, it could be yours for Rs 70 lakh to Rs 80 lakh. With a four-litre V8 double overhead cam (DOHC) engine, it promises performance and luxury. Watch out Mercs and Beemers!

There will be yet another offering – on two wheels. The American legend Harley-Davidson will be available for the price of about two Maruti Swifts. Rs 6.50 lakh.

Happy motoring.

HOME