Adrenaline Shot: The Aston Martin DB9 Special

James Bond started it with the DB5. Let us take an inside look at the latest iteration of the DB series, the DB9.

Showing posts with label Driven. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Driven. Show all posts

Driven: 2013 Skoda Yeti

We would put the Skoda Yeti in the same league as the Subaru Forester. They aren't exactly SUVs but do have the ground clearance like one. Spacious inside? Absolutely! Capable of lugging goods around? Most definitely. And they most definitely do not drive like SUVs, but more like regular cars!

The Skoda Yeti is a very understated, fly under the radar kind of vehicle. You could drive past one and not even give it a second glance, but that is the part of the charm. A reason for that is its plain Jane looks but the main reason we feel is because of the colors the Yeti is offered in. They are all very subdued, almost older person type colors with no fuss or pizzazz. Fortunately, the 2.0L diesel engine that powers the Yeti is anything but subdued! One can also have the peace of mind knowing that Skoda is basically backed by the VW group so you have the flexibility of interchangeable parts, not to mention the same fit and finish that one expects from VWs. The 2.0L turbo-diesel engine comes in 2 specifications, one producing 108 HP and the other 138 HP. We had the opportunity to test out the 4X4 version (the 4X2 FWD version was released after our test was completed) and boy were we surprised at the results.

Plus: The Skoda Yeti is as utilitarian and rugged as it gets (for something that isn't a full blown SUV). With multiple seating configurations, high ground clearance and torque-y motor, it tackles both on road and off road conditions with ease and aplomb all the while maintaining its composure. The Yeti does this without much fuss. The interior is well laid out and comes with all the creature comforts that one would expect from a VW Jetta. It is also very stable at highway speeds and we didn't face any trailing issues on the road. The 6 speed manual gearbox is snappy and the shifts short, crisp and precise. The all time 4WD definitely helps and we were pleasantly surprised by the road grip despite its relatively high center of gravity. Once you are in the power band (between 1800 RPM and about 3800 RPM), there is more than enough torque to keep you smiling and you will have to be careful not to break the speed limit! The Yeti did remind us of the Nissan Cube we tested in the sense where you could just dump a whole bunch of stuff and be on your merry way (of course we did say the interior of the Cube was Spartan but the Yeti's is anything but!).

Minus: Turbo lag. Until about 1800 RPM, you basically don't have much, but cross that number and you are in for a push you to the back of the seat moment when the boost kicks in. And we were a little disappointed with the relatively low red line (only 4200 RPM) and usable power band despite the fact that it is a diesel. The looks can go either way, it is very non-assuming and the colors offered are just the same. The cost is also quite high and we think it is going to be out of reach for a lot of people. Moreover, people will definitely think that they can get a lot more for their money. The biggest gripe we do have is the lack of good service especially since we have heard several horror stories of customers taking their vehicles to the dealership for services. Skoda should definitely take note of this if they haven't already.

Overall: We really loved the Yeti. It is not your run of the mill vehicle and the people that buy one know exactly what they are getting into. This is very evident from the fact that you don't see too many on the road. It is not a vehicle you buy to show off, but it is one of quiet confidence and quality. Due diligence is definitely required on the dealership the vehicle is purchased from especially considering all the negative feedback that has been received. It might be a little on the higher side in terms of cost, but which European brand isn't? But for the price, we would find it hard to find a more capable vehicle (in India at least). This is a vehicle we would definitely recommend purchasing.

The Skoda Yeti is currently on sale in India from Rs. 15,20,000 (~$25,000) to Rs. 19,00,000 (~$32,000) depending on options.

View the complete specifications of the Yeti.

Driven: 2012 Chevrolet Aveo

There are plastic cars and then there are PLASTIC cars. We can safely include the Chevrolet Aveo in the latter category. We realize automotive manufacturers have to cut costs in order to produce a cheaper vehicle but they definitely took it too far with this one. But we will get to that in a bit. The Aveo is GM's attempt at cutting into the budding compact car market segment in India but we wish they had done a little more homework before launching this one.

Plus: We tried hard to find a positive point about this car and could end up with just one. And it isn't a wholehearted plus point either. The price. For the 1.4L petrol model (that along with the CNG version is offered in India), you don't pay as much as a car with a similar engine capacity. That and you get a decent amount of space for 5 adults inside (as long as they aren't over 6'1"). That's it.

Minus: For starters, as soon as you step in, you are bathed in plastic. And plastic in different shades and colors. We tried to figure out if there were any other cars that we tested that even came close to having this much plastic inside and were unsuccessful. We are not saying using plastic is a bad thing. The bad thing is when said plastic rattles incessantly regardless of what activity you are trying to perform. This might be overlooked if there was some performance delivery from the engine. But you would be sorely mistaken. The 1.4L petrol version we drove puts out about 93HP and every time you step on the gas pedal, it seems to take forever to get up to speed (we drove the manual version). Ride quality and handling are mediocre at best and at times we felt like we were riding in a horse carriage. The mileage is also sub-par and we got about 10 kilometers per liter in the city and about 14 on the highway. This brings us to another issue. Why is the petrol version the most marketed version in India? It isn't like the cost of petrol is cheap or anything. Ok so GM realized their folly and introduced a CNG version. Have they really driven around these parts to see how many places actually offer CNG to fill up your car? You'll be standing in line behind buses and auto rickshaws trying to fill it up. Remember the cost factor we talked about earlier? Well, try to add some options and the price goes up significantly. You know, things like airbags, ABS or an MP3 player.

Overall: Here is a market that is ripe for the plucking if GM play their cards right. Unfortunately this isn't the case with the Aveo. We can honestly say the Aveo is the worst car that we have tested here at hapless geek... and we've had our fair share of unsatisfactory drives. Someone at GM must have been smoking something good to green light their entry into the Indian market with this offering. It is a good thing GM has other models like the Beat and Cruze which are actually doing well in the market.

The Chevrolet Aveo is currently on sale in India from Rs. 6,30,000 (~$12,000) to Rs. 7,80,000 (~$15,000) depending on options.

View the complete specifications of the Chevrolet Aveo.

Driven: 2012 Honda City S

One of the gripes we have with a lot of the cars sold in India is their ride height. With the road conditions being less than ideal, it helps to have a ride that isn't close to the ground. We loved the Honda Civic we tested but its ride height would make you reconsider buying it. Thankfully Honda has another option, the City. We tested the S variant, the middle of the range offered by Honda. The E is the entry level while the V is the luxury version. All variants are powered by the same 1.5L 4 cylinder i-VTEC engine that puts out 116HP and 108 ft lbs. 

Plus: The Honda City is a very well equipped car. Aside from having manual controls to raise the seat height, everything else is powered. The stereo system is very good for a car this size, which by the way is surprisingly spacious. It is almost as big as the Civic on the inside despite having a shorter wheelbase. You can seat 4 adults comfortably along with some weekend luggage. Add another person to the mix and it gets cramped. Another plus is the mileage, which is way better than the Civic where we were lucky to break 10 kilometers per liter. In the City we saw 15... in the city. With the petrol prices hiked by Rs. 7.50 this week, people will definitely appreciate the better mileage. Oh and in case you were wondering, there is no diesel or hybrid version of the City. The ground clearance is also a boon on these roads and you can actually push the car without fear of scraping the bottom.

Minus: The 1.5L motor we felt was underpowered. Usually we enjoy Honda engines but this is the first car we felt the engine was all noise and no go. And this is inspite of pushing the motor all the way to redline where they usually make the most power. But we thought about it and this made sense. If this car had the same motor as the Civic, it would definitely beat it outright due to its lesser weight. It is kind of the same story of what Porsche did with the Cayman so that it didn't outshine the 911. Coming to the handling, with the raised suspension, driving at highway speeds did make the car feel a little floaty. Not exactly confidence inspiring to say the least. It is fine around town though which is where most people will use the car anyway!

Overall: While we really liked the Civic, the City is really the car that makes sense for well... city driving. It is well optioned, gives great mileage and most importantly is priced to sell. And by priced to sell we are talking two thirds the price of the Civic (while getting about 80% of the Civic's performance). How do you like them apples? Looks like we might have a winner in the compact car segment on our hands.

The 2012 Honda City S is currently on sale in India from Rs. 7,90,000 (~$15,000) to Rs. 10,65,000 (~$19,500) depending on options.

View the complete specifications of the Honda City.

Driven: 2012 Toyota Innova

The Toyota Sienna is not sold in India. Instead we are graced by the presence of the Toyota Innova. The Innova is tailored to run on the Indian roads, which aren't exactly in the best of shape. This is the case with most automotive manufacturers that sell their vehicles in the subcontinent. The Innova is sold in two variants - gasoline and diesel. We test drove the diesel version which comes equipped with a 2.5L turbodiesel engine putting out 100HP and 150ft lbs of torque. Not exactly powerful, but it is good enough to get the job done.

Plus: You get loads and loads of space. The interior is absolutely huge. You can comfortably fit 7 adults and all their luggage with room to spare. The features are also quite comprehensive and includes almost everything you could possible think of to take the family out. Parking sensors all around? Check. DVD display audio unit with USB port, Aux-in, and Bluetooth connectivity? Check. Steering controls for audio/DVD/Bluetooth? Check. Fancy illuminated dials? Check. Power... everything? Check. Comfortable and supportive seats? Check. Immobilizer and air bags all around? Check. And the list goes on... it really is fully loaded. From a looks perspective, it isn't exactly a looker but something tells us people that purchase the Innova aren't going to buy it for their looks. The suspension isn't too firm and it soaks up all those bumps with ease.

Minus: There aren't too many faults we could find with the Innova. The engine could definitely use some more power. Yes the torque figures are nice to get you off the line, but if you push the engine, it definitely chokes as you go higher in the power band. It is ok if you are driving around the city but out on the open road (which is where the Innova will be used the most) it really makes a difference. The looks could also have been a little better... it looks like a plain jane in its current form. It would be cool if Toyota offered a Sport package like it does with the Sienna. Mileage could also be better since the diesel version only gives you about 12 kilometers per liter.

Overall: It is hard to fault such good a package. The Innova also has the Toyota brand name going for it... a brand that stands for economy and reliability. It is no surprise the Innova is selling like hot cakes. Sure there are some minor flaws but for the price, it would be really hard to get a better deal on a similarly equipped MPV.

The Toyota Innova is currently on sale from Rs. 9,00,000 (~$18,000) to Rs. 14,00,000 (~$28,000) depending on the variant and options.

View the complete specifications of the Toyota Innova.

Driven: 2011 Honda Civic 1.8S

If you are a car nut, you can't help but appreciate Hondas. Time and time again they have delivered superior products across all segments, be it the compact car segment or even the luxury car segment (via Acura). Their engines are world renowned and are constantly on the list of best engines ever built (B18C5 anyone?). We have been driving around a manual 2011 Honda Civic for the past few days on Indian roads and as expected it doesn't disappoint.

Plus: Let's start with the looks. The Civic is a modern looking car. Granted it doesn't have those svelte curves but it still has that aggressive stance and bold look. Considering Civic models past, this is a big change. And thankfully the chrome and bling is kept to a minimum which we absolutely appreciate. The interior is also well laid out and comfortable for 5 adults and with the trunk you won't have too many issues lugging their gear around either. We wish the seats had a little more support on the sides to stop the sliding around when things start getting a little hairy. The stereo system is pretty good too and doesn't get too jarring when you crank up the volume and base. Now that we got the pleasantries out of the way, let's get to the main course. The Civic is equipped with a 1.8L 4 cylinder 130HP i-VTEC engine which we absolutely love. We have always been suckers for the VTEC crossover and this car is no different. The car really comes alive (and is a different beast) once that VTEC lobe gets engaged. Once minute you are puttering around town doing your grocery shopping and the next minute you feel like you should be on a race track thrashing the car around. You almost feel like the car is begging you do to just that. It is just a fun car to drive around.

Minus: Ground clearance, ground clearance, ground clearance. It is fine if you drive around in places where the roads are very smooth but on these Indian roads, it is a real bitch. We can't count the number of times the car bottomed out just driving around town. The Civic is just too low at times and a couple of people who got in the car complained that they felt like they were getting into a ditch. Compare the Civic to say the Honda City and the latter feels like an SUV with its ground clearance. Changing the ride height is a double edged sword though... raise the ride height and there goes the handle like its own rails feeling the Civic has. Before buying the car you'll have to make up your mind if you are willing to live with this issue. Honda advertises the Civic as giving almost 15 kilometers per liter of petrol but we didn't even get close. Not in the city. Not on the highway. When we hit 10 kilometers per liter we felt happy. Another point to consider if you are going to purchase the car.

Overall: Honda has made another winner with the Civic. This is a car we would recommend to others. It isn't perfect and has its idiosyncrasies but we would overlook them. Just make sure you have a good dealership near you. In India based on conversations we have had with owners here, there aren't many people who can work on these cars aside from some of the mechanics at the dealerships themselves. Then again since India is a relatively new market, it will take time for the expertise to spread. This is a common theme across all brands of cars that are being introduced in the market. Time will be the healer.

The Honda Civic is currently on sale in India from Rs. 13,00,000 (~$26,000) to Rs. 15,35,000 (~$30,700).


Take a look at the detailed specifications.

Driven: 2012 Mahindra Scorpio

If you think the 2012 Mahindra Scorpio looks like a tank, it is. If you think it drives like a tank, it does. Talk about a behemoth on the road. We took the Scorpio in and around the roads of Bengaluru, and this time we did a little off-roading as well. Here are our impressions.

Plus: You can stuff a lot of people and things into the Scorpio. It is absolutely huge inside. We think you will be able to fit at least 7 adults comfortably... with some of their luggage too. The version we drove came equipped with a fairly decent entertainment system (and DVD player) which will help you keep the kids at bay. It also had parking sensors and a tire pressure monitoring system which comes in very handy. The 2.2L mHawk turbodiesel engine puts out 120 HP and produces enough torque (215 lb ft) in the lower part of the power band (1800 - 2800 RPM) to push you to the back of the seat every time you step on the gas pedal. Also very handy when you are off-roading. With its ground clearance it made mince meat of almost every obstacle we put in its path. It actually felt most comfortable off-road than on the road... which makes sense considering how rugged the Scorpio is. You also have the option of getting it either in a 2WD or 4WD version.

Minus: If you plan on driving this beast within the city, frankly, we pity you. The steering is not easy to handle, the turning radius is horrible and it is just huge. It will definitely cause you some major heart ache and inconvenience. And don't think taking it on the highway will inspire much confidence either. The faster you go, that feeling of floating also increases (due to the ground clearance and suspension setup) and you sort of feel like the car has a mind of its own. Another negative aspect is the cheap finish of the interior. You get a lot of features, but the least they could have done was present them well.

Overall: Mahindra is known for making rugged vehicles (and heavy duty farming machinery). When we drove the Scorpio it seemed to us that they have tried to tame a wild beast. With its rugged looks and capabilities, the Scorpio is meant to roam in the wild and not wear a dress and prance around town. It makes sense considering how at home it felt off-road.

The 2012 Mahindra Scorpio is currently on sale in India from Rs. 7,75,000 (~$15,500) to Rs. 13,00,000 (~$26,000) depending on the options you choose.

See all the available models and options of the 2012 Mahindra Scorpio.

Driven: Hyundai i20

Hyundai it seems has been on a roll lately. We had a chance to check out the new Sonata and were impressed with all the features that came included in the base model. Their warranty also happens to be among the best in the business (10 years/100,000 miles). They have also been selling their lower models like hot cakes especially in India. The i10 and i20 are among the most sold models currently in the market. We tested the 1.2L, 84HP petrol version (you also get a 1.4L petrol and 1.4L diesel version) of the Hyundai i20 around the roads of Bengaluru as part of our quest to test out all the hot hatchbacks to see what the fuss was all about. Here's what we found out.

Plus: If you drive around Bengaluru, you will notice how bad the roads really are. Not to mention the number of speed humps on any major road. The raised ride height on the Hyundai i20 was a blessing in disguise for us on the trip. Yes there were adverse effects, but the ride height makes it livable to drive this car around town. Another thing we noticed is the amount of storage space. There are numerous cubby holes in the car but all of them are surprisingly large once you open them. Special mention also goes to the trunk of the car and we were honestly taken aback by the amount of space you got from this compact car. The car is also very easy to drive and the steering wheel is very sensitive to the touch and responds almost instantaneously (almost too sensitive for our liking though). You also get airbags all around which is a great addition to even the base version of the car. The engine though lacking in power, makes up for it by being able to deliver the power in the lower and middle region of the power band which makes city driving a breeze. We also felt the seats were also quite supportive. All this while getting about 16 kilometers per liter on the petrol version! That's among the best we've tested while driving around the city.

Minus: That sensitive steering we talked about earlier makes the car feel very twitchy when you take it out on the highway. You don't get that rock solid feel as the speed increases which is further exaggerated by the raised ride height. You will notice significant body roll when you try to take those bends a little too fast. It makes your drive very unsettling. The interior we felt was made out of very cheap materials and we noticed a lot of rattles while pottering around town. Considering the price, we are not surprised.

Overall: Hyundai has definitely delivered a winning combination in the i20. The combination of base features coupled with the price is hard to beat. This shows especially with the wait times associated with the purchase of a brand new i20. Hyundai has set the bar pretty high for themselves. It will be interesting to see how they follow-up with such a successful entry into the market.

The Hyundai i20 is currently on sale in India from Rs. 4,85,000 (~$9,700) to Rs. 7,90,000 (~$15,800) for the petrol version and from Rs. 6,10,000 (~$12,200) to Rs. 7,60,000 (~$15,200) for the diesel version.

Driven: 2012 Toyota Corolla Altis

Yaaawn... oops! We're supposed to review the 2012 Toyota Corolla Altis here. But before we get to it, one thing really bothers us. What is Toyota doing these days? Granted they have been recovering from the tsunami, are dealing with recalls (multiple times), manufacturing defects, but how did it come to all this? This is the same company that built the Supra, the 2000GT, the MR2, the AE86, used to race in Formula 1, races in Le Mans... they own Lexus that gave us the absolutely mindblowing LFA... what gives? If you are wondering why we are ranting so much, there is a reason. The cars we listed earlier are all so exciting, so... raw that they got your blood going and adrenaline pumping. It is hard to believe this is the same company that builds the Toyota Corolla. Could it be the case where the once mighty have fallen?

Plus: In all honesty, we found it really hard to pin point the good aspects of this car. After thinking hard (and really hard), we came up with a few points. Mileage. Toyotas are known to be very fuel efficient cars. That has not changed. The 140HP, 1.8L, 6 speed manual, petrol version we tested gave us about 12 kilometers per liter around town. That's very good for a 1.8L engine considering the amount of stop and go traffic you have to deal with. The interior, while not luxurious, is well laid out and you get the impression the engineers have actually put some thought into the interior design. The stereo system is actually very nice and you get some cool features like an in-dash DVD touchscreen and a remote. The price is average compared to other cars in its segment (Honda Civic, Chevrolet Cruze etc.) It reminds us of a Jack of all trades.

Minus: Where do we begin!? They say every car has a soul. Drive the 2012 Toyota Corolla Altis and you will feel like the soul went out for a walk. It is that boring. Sure you have enough power to get you from Point A to Point B, but you most definitely don't want to feel like a corpse getting there! They also say looks are subjective but we in our right minds cannot get ourselves to say this is a good looking car. Let's just say it is functional. Toyota also had the reliability factor going for it in the past but with all the recalls lately, one has to question the quality control process at the plants for their current models.

Overall: Being automobile enthusiasts we wouldn't recommend purchasing the Corolla. But we also realize several potential buyers will overlook the negatives and still purchase the Toyota just for the name. Years of marketing, brand management and delivering a reliable product does have its plus sides. Toyota definitely has that going for them. We just hope they are able to get out of this funk they seem to be in and step it up a notch. The other two big Japanese manufacturers (namely Nissan and Honda) have definitely cut into Toyota's marketshare and this trend will continue unless Toyota can show why they were voted the most reliable car in the world. Over and over again.

The Toyota Corolla Altis is currently on sale in India at a starting price of Rs. 12,50,000 (~$25,000) for the Petrol version to Rs. 16,50,000 (~$33,000) for the Diesel version.

Take a look at the detailed specifications.

Driven: 2011 Honda CRV

If you have ever driven on Indian roads, then you know the jittery and jiggly feeling that comes from the experience. And if your vehicle has a low ground clearance, you are literally at a crawl with all the potholes and bumps in the road. Enter the Honda CRV. With its raised height and 2.4L i-VTEC engine pumping out about 160 HP and 218 Nm torque coupled with the Realtime 4WD, you can really make mince meat out of most roads you would normally come across. Let us see how the CRV fared on these roads.

Plus: The ride height coupled with the beefy tires comes in very handy on the roads here. You won't have to worry about scraping the undertray anymore! The suspension is also very forgiving on bumps and also inspires confidence when taking bends at speed. Visibility is simply superb from the inside. You get these huge rear view mirrors that reduce the blind spot to a minimum. As with all Hondas, the engine is also glorious when you decide to punch it. With the 4WD, once you pass the VTEC crossover, it feels like you are being pulled by a freight train. Compared to other vehicles available elsewhere, it isn't too big but it does feel big when you drive it in India. But the good thing is that it is very easy to drive and doesn't feel like a big vehicle. Clutch engagement was very smooth (we tested the 6 speed manual transmission) and shifting gears was short and crisp. The ability to fold down the rear seats is a plus especially if you carry around a lot of luggage.

Minus: Owing to its size, one would expect separate AC vents for passengers in the back, but there aren't any. We can also see leg room getting a little tight in the back if you have a couple of tall people in the front. We also wish you could turn off the 4WD since you don't really need it all the time especially while driving around the city. This would also aid the mileage which is a paltry 11 kilometers per liter. This is kind of surprising considering how fuel efficient most Hondas are. The sound system also left a lot to be desired and we thought the system that came in the Honda Civic 1.8S sounded a lot better (we'll tackle that in a separate review).

Overall: As a utilitarian vehicle, the CRV hits all the points well. Good interior space, comfortable seating, a good engine, great ground clearance, beefy tires, easy to drive, power everything (seats, steering, windows etc.). But we feel Honda should have done better with the mileage especially considering the steep price it is sold at in India (primarily due to excise duty). And we don't really see too many people that purchase the CRV taking it truly off-road. The option to turn off the 4WD would have also been a good addition. In the end, it is a good vehicle, but we won't be rushing to the dealer to pick it up right away.

The Honda CRV is currently on sale in India for Rs. 27,70,000 (~$55,400) to Rs. 30,35,000 (~$60,700). If you are interested in picking one up, Honda is offering a discount of Rs. 3,50,000 ($7,000) if you purchase a CRV by the end of April 2012. Now that is some food for thought!


Driven: 2011 Suzuki Swift

At first glance, the Suzuki Swift reminds you of those little radio controlled cars you parents got you when you were a kid. You'd be surprised at how spacious this little ride is once you get inside. With its growing popularity the Swift is the 2nd best selling hatchback in India behind the Maruti WagonR. Not bad for a newcomer. So what makes this hot hatchback so special? We found out when we headed on our little road trip.

Plus: It looks good. It is priced well. It is offered in two variants (petrol and diesel). The 1.3L petrol engine puts out a little under 90HP and just like the Fiat Punto, you would be hard pressed to feel the lack of power. Delivery is quite linear and it has enough zip to get you up to speed on those city roads. Also quite handy when trying to perform overtaking maneuvers.We were also surprised by the interior space and how comfortably we were able to fit 5 adults. This reminded us of the Volkswagen Beetle and the way the interior is laid out. A definite plus. Gas mileage is also on par with most other options in the segment with the petrol version putting out between 16 and 18 kilometers per liter and the diesel at 18 to 23 kilometers per liter. Since it is on the cheaper side, aftermarket tuner support is also available and you can actually see quite a few modified version rolling around.

Minus: The interior finish has left a lot to be desired. One assumes due to the price they had to cheapen materials somewhere, and it definitely shows on the inside. Lots of cheap plastic along with minimal sound deadening makes the interior rattle quite a lot while driving around. Then again with the traffic and honking that goes along with it, this is something we are sure will be overlooked by most buyers. You also can't expect much from the trunk (boot) in a car of this size, but it is enough to fit a couple of normal sized carry-ons.

Overall: We are not surprised the Suzuki Swift is such a hot seller. It has the right combination of looks, performance, price and utilitarian features coupled with the backing of a long selling brand name in India, Maruti (which happens to be synonymous with economical and people friendly). The sales figures for this bad boy in India have no where else to go up even though many other brands are being introduced into the market owing to its price and brand recognition.

The Suzuki Swift is available for sale in India for Rs. 4,60,000 (~$9,200) for the petrol version to Rs. 7,00,000 (~$14,000) for the fully loaded diesel version.

For more information on the specifications and pricing in your town, visit the Suzuki Swift website.

Driven: 2012 Maruti A-Star

Technically the Maruti A-Star isn't a hot hatchback. But it is a hatchback nonetheless and we would put it in the same category as the Nissan Micra... micro-hatchbacks if you will. Their mass appeal involves the following: low low cost of purchase and ownership, fantastic mileage, low engine output, low weight and a basic list of features all designed to keep the cost down as much as possible. Oh and by basic list of features, we are also referring to the lack of power steering, not that the A-Star needs it, but it has been a while since we came across a model without power steering.  But you will definitely not be able to tell the difference. C'est la vie. On to our review then!

Plus: The A-Star is surprisingly spacious for such a compact car. They say you can fit 5 adults but try that and you will be looking to put an occupant's legs some place other than the inside of the car. 4 adults is a bit of a squeeze but definitely manageable. It also lives up to the claims of fantastic mileage, with our car getting above 18 kms per liter (Maruti advertises 19.5 kms per liter). As far as the cost of ownership goes, we believe that it would be low considering how pliant the materials used are on the interior and exterior of the vehicle. Even if you get dinged or scraped against, it can't be that hard or expensive to fix. That's good when you want to keep costs low. Shifting gears and the steering are silky smooth which enhances your driving experience.

Minus: 3 cylinders and 1L engine putting out a little under 70HP means this isn't a driver's car. It is a point A to point B drive within the city type of car. Our advice would be to keep your expectations low to none. And in case you do get the model with the air conditioning, turn it on and you are robbed of the horsepower that is already lacking.

Overall: The Maruti A-Star isn't a car people buy with performance in mind. This is a car that you buy when you are on a minimal budget and are looking to stretch every last paise or penny without undergoing any unwanted expenses. In that sense, this car is a great buy especially knowing that it actually holds it resale value quite well. And you can get it with an automatic gearbox too!

The Maruti A-Star is currently on sale in India with a price point between Rs. 3,85,000 (~$7,700) and Rs. 4,63,000 (~$9,260).

If you like this vehicle, look at dealers/pricing and buy the car online.

Driven: Maruti Gypsy

Now here was a surprise entry on our list of vehicles to be tested on our road trip. We happened to visit a National Wildlife Park in Ranthambore, where the preferred mode of transportation was the Maruti Gypsy. Rules stated that we were not allowed to the drive the Gypsies but that did not stop us from observing this work horse put through the paces on some very very harsh terrain and some very hard to reach places. The version we were in was a modified safari going version of the Gypsy so if you are looking for much in the way of creature comforts, you will be sorely disappointed. What you will observe is this: disbelief that a vehicle that looks this puny compared to the big named off-roaders climbing across terrain you would think twice to take a big named off-roader on! On that note...

Plus: We couldn't find any terrain on our trip that the Gypsy couldn't handle. We encountered gravel roads, jungle paths, rocky roads and brush and this little gem just kept trucking on and on. Granted we weren't going too fast considering the terrain but our ride had a driver plus 4 adults. With a 1.3L petrol engine putting out just 80HP and a curb weight of 1585 kgs (~3500 lbs), it is no small feat it managed to get through some almost impassable terrain. The manual 4WD, that can be disengaged if required, is a huge part of the Gypsy's climbing capabilities. It was simple superb. And no surprise that the Gypsy is the preferred choice for the rallying scene in India.

Minus: Zero comfort. And we mean zero. No air conditioning, no leather, no stereo... and oh... no power steering either. Nothing. This is as purpose built as it gets. We should note that these comforts are available and are offered by Maruti if you want them. It so happens the pure off-road version we rode in did not come with these options. We did have seat cushioning though... which came in really handy on those rocky roads. Sadly though we did come off with a couple of bumps when our heads decided to get too close to rollcage on those same roads!

Overall: This rugged little gem's specialty is the outdoors and boy does it shine. Get in this bad boy and go off exploring and it will make you smile and forget about all those comforts (but you can get them if you want to). The price is also hard to beat when other off-roaders in the Indian market start off at almost twice the price of the Gypsy. Go figure.

The Maruti Gypsy is available in India at a price starting from Rs. 5,60,000 (~$11,200) going up to Rs. 6,15,000 (~$12,300).

Driven: 2012 Toyota Etios

When we left for our road trip, we planned on test driving hot hatchbacks. Unfortunately when it came to the Toyota Etios, due a last minute issue, we couldn't drive the Liva hatchback. Instead we go to drive the sedan version. Not a bad trade-off since a lot of the parts are common between the two variants. Toyota is primarily known for its reliability, economical cost of ownership and for holding its resale value better than most of its competitors. So how does the Etios hold up?

Plus: Simplicity. Our impressions through out the time we were with the Etios was that it is a very simple car. Right from the exterior styling to the interior, it gives you the bare essentials and does not create much fuss. This car will not stand out on the road and definitely doesn't have that "Look at me!" sign plastered all over it. We were surprised Toyota even bothered to include the speedometer in the center of the dashboard instead of facing the driver a la Prius. Still, for a daily commuter it has all you need without commanding a premium price. The interior is also surprisingly spacious (with enough head room for 5 adults) as is the trunk and you can fit a couple of large suitcases with ease. Mileage is also above par with 14 to 17.5 km per liter for the petrol version and 20 to 23.5 km per liter for the diesel.

Minus: Now despite having the creature comforts from home so to speak, it doesn't get your blood flowing. We felt the car was lethargic even with the 1.5L petrol engine putting out 90HP. Stepping on the gas just made you feel like the engine was straining and creating a lot of noise without actually going anywhere. This was a big difference compared to the Fiat Punto we tested. We also felt like there was no soul to the car and this was a big downer. Toyota is planning creating race versions of the Etios so it will be interesting to see if this lack of soul is addressed on the track.

Overall: If you are looking for a vehicle that will get you from point A to point B without much fuss while keeping your wallet safe, the Toyota Etios is a good bet. If you are looking for a little excitement, then look elsewhere.

The Toyota Etios is currently on sale in India at a starting price of Rs. 5,00,000 (~$10,000) to Rs. 7,20,000 (~$14,400) for the petrol versions and Rs. 6,45,000 (~$12,900) to Rs. 7,88,000 (~$15,760) for the diesel variant.

We are going back to seeing if we can get our hands on the Toyota Etios Liva hatchback. On paper it does have less power than the Etios sedan but it also weighs less. We'll try and find out if less is more in this case!

Driven: 2011 Fiat Punto

All the emerging economies of the world are the primary market for several of the biggest automotive manufacturers around the world. In India alone, if you look at the hot hatchback segment, you have the Fiat Punto, Toyota Etios, Honda Jazz, Suzuki Swift, Volkswagen Polo and Maruti A-Star to name a few. They are compact, not too powerful and yet have enough ooomph to zip through traffic.  We took a look at the 2012 Honda Jazz a little while ago. And now its our turn to see how the Italian beauty in the Fiat Punto fares against the competition.

Plus: Its looks. It is just beautiful to look at. That streamline almost teardrop like shell is a sight to behold. The Punto only comes with 90HP but you will definitely not be able to feel it. The pickup is instantaneous, it handles like its on rails, the brakes are great and the seats very supportive. The interior is well laid out and comfortable and the car can seat 4 adults comfortably. And since it is an Italian, it sounds fantastic as well especially as you enter the higher RPMs.

Minus: The handling on rails bit has a flip side. When the road gets bumpy, the car does get very unsettled. The short wheelbase is probably also a factor in this. And despite the brakes being very responsive, we heard from several owners that the brake pads wear out quite quickly and often. Not a good thing if you live in the city. Trunk size is also an issue (but that can be remedied by putting down the rear seats) and you will not be able to fit more than a couple of carry-ons.

Overall: For the price and the features you get, the Fiat Punto is a great buy... on paper. Though we did not experience any issues, several of the owners we spoke to mentioned how finicky the car can be. Interestingly enough this seems to be a common theme with other Italian car makes especially the Alfa Romeo. They have had random issues occur during the course of their ownership (wiper works intermittently, clutch issues and having to be replaced prematurely etc.). But they also said when all systems were a go, the Punto was a joy to drive and always brought a smile to their face. One thing though, if you are into cars, you have to own an Italian make at least once.


The Fiat Punto starts off at Rs. 5,10,000 ($10,200) and goes all the way up to Rs. 7,40,000 ($14,800) depending on the variant. The vehicle we tested was the 1.4L petrol version. Here is the entire price list.

Driven: 2012 Volkswagen Jetta TDI

If the Germans know how to do something right, it is to build quality cars. We can't think of a single German auto manufacturer that doesn't fit the mold. Yes there are hiccups along the way, but overall the ownership experience is always top notch. This is reflected in the JD Power and Associates ratings that are awarded each year. Volkswagen is among the big dogs of the automotive world and this shows in all cars they produce. The 2.0L turbo diesel powered Jetta is one of the best engines made. In terms of fuel economy, efficiency and performance, the Jetta does not disappoint.

Plus: Aside from the Vento, we love the styling of all the VWs. The styling on the 2012 Jetta is not over the top, has subtle lines and looks very sleek. The 6 speed DSG automatic transmission (it also comes with a 6 speed manual) is also buttery smooth (but will take some getting used to) and the cabin is a very quiet and cozy place to be in. All the honks and outdoor noise seem like they are in the distance. It is a very relaxing experience this. The seats are also very supportive but a little to the sporty side. We could see how some might complain they are stiff but we liked them a lot. They come in handy especially when you push the accelerator pedal down. The 140 HP and more importantly 240 lb ft of torque that is available across the power band makes this car just take off. It really comes alive on the highway when you can actually cruise at higher speeds. The 16" rims and tires along with the fantastic disc brakes in the front and rear (and ABS) make coming to a standstill a walk in the park as well. And coming back to the TDI engine, your mileage will see close to 20 kilometers per liter. That is just fantastic.

Minus: Outside India, the Jetta costs between $16,000 (~Rs. 8,00,000) and $21,000 (~Rs. 10,50,000). Because of the tariffs and import duties, the cost in India is hiked up to between Rs. 15,00,000 (~$30,000) and Rs. 20,00,000 (~$40,000). Granted these price hikes are not just with the Volkswagens but with other imported brands as well, but that puts it out of reach for a lot of people.

Overall: We are not surprised at the complete package the 2012 Volkswagen Jetta TDI offers. Given the reach of the Volkswagen Auto Group (they own Audi, Skoda, Lamborghini to name a few), the attention to detail in every facet of the vehicle is very evident. It is a very well put together vehicle that will make your daily commute a little more relaxing. Of course we can't forget to mention its flip side that can get your adrenaline pumping when do you turn on the tap. This is a great little car.

See the technical specifications of the Jetta.

Driven: 2012 Honda Jazz

In case you are wondering why this car looks like the Honda Fit, there is a reason for that. It is the same car that has just been re-badged depending on the country of sale. Other minor modifications are also made to this peppy little ride to comply with country specific regulations. The i-VTEC engine that Honda has been producing for quite some time now is probably one of the best engines made. Variants have been powering the entire range of Hondas for a long long time. In case of the Honda Jazz, India is offered with the 1.2L version of the motor which packs a mean punch and makes city and highway driving an absolute pleasure.

Plus: We love the way it looks. Honda has taken its futuristic styling and has carefully applied it to the Jazz. The theme is not just on the outside, but on the inside as well. The placement of all the options seems very well thought out. With a weight of just 1055 kgs (~2300 lbs), the car is very nimble and easy to handle especially in rush hour traffic. You really get the feel that the car produces more than the 90HP Honda claims that it makes. The acceleration is very quick as are the brakes. The engine performs better and better the higher you rev. That is a key feature of most Honda motors with i-VTEC. The suspension is stiff but not to the point where the ride becomes too harsh. Mileage is also higher than average with an advertised 16.7 km per liter (although we will admit we did not get the advertised mileage).

Minus: The price. Most other options in the compact hatchback segment run around the Rs. 4,00,000 (~$8,000) to Rs. 5,50,000 (~$11,000) range. The Jazz starts off at Rs. 5,66,000 (~$11,300) and goes up to a whopping Rs. 7,00,000 (~$14,000)! The Jazz just priced itself out of the compact hatchback segment with those numbers. This also shows since the sales figures aren't exactly what Honda expected especially with the myriad of options available from other manufacturers like Toyota, Suzuki and Fiat to name a few.

Overall: Aside from the price, we absolutely loved the Honda Jazz. It is a fun little car to drive around town and when the road opens up, you also get to enjoy that high pitched sound from under the hood. There are quite a few options that you can customize your Jazz with, both on the inside and on the outside. As long as you don't plan on traveling with more than 4 people at a time, this little ride will do exactly what you want it to. And put a smile on your face while doing so.

Driven: 2012 Mahindra Xylo

Ok, so it is not exactly a looker. You can drive right past it and not even notice it. In the looks department, the Mahindra Xylo MPV is a plain jane and is in fact relegated to taxi duty for the most part all across India. That got us thinking. There had to be a reason why so many opted to use the Xylo as a passenger ferry. We tested one out (the face lifted 2012 version) for a few days, across all different kinds of terrain and over long distances. Here are our impressions.

Plus: Loads of interior space. We were able to fit 8 adults and their luggage (for a day or two) comfortably and not one person complained about feeling cramped at all. That's saying something. The 2.5L 112HP turbo diesel engine that was fitted to our Xylo also gave a fantastic 14 kmpl. Great mileage in these times is always welcome. The price factor also comes into play here with the Xylo costing between Rs. 7,40,000 (~$14,800) and Rs. 10,55,000 (~$21,100). The engine also produces a decent amount of torque in the mid range which comes in handy for overtaking in tight spaces. The ground clearance is also very very good and we were able to get through several unpaved and rough sections of the road with ease.

Minus: Like we mentioned earlier, its looks aren't exactly to die for. Going fast doesn't exactly inspire confidence and we experienced a noticeable amount of body roll through the bends. It is a pretty heavy vehicle and tips the scales at 1750 kgs and this shows in the ride quality. The Xylo also comes with piddly 15" rims and tires and we think the ride could have been better if Mahindra had fit it with larger rims and tires (in addition to other modifications). Much like other premium manufacturers, not much is offered in the base model. Yes you get features like ABS with EBD, dual SRS Airbags, IntelliPark Reverse assist, Engine Immobiliser, Tubeless tyres, rear washer and wipers, front and rear fog lamps and warning system, but all those options really drive up the cost.

Overall: We are trying to figure out one area that the Xylo excelled in but are having a hard time. It is comfortable and gives you good mileage, but the rest of it, seems average. It is quite the jack of all trades and master of none. This sort of defines the meaning of MPV. It does make sense now why so many travel companies prefer using the Xylo as a taxi instead of using it for personal use.

Driven: 2012 Volkswagen CC

It is back. The slightly restyled Volkswagen CC. We still consider this to be one of the most beautiful cars in the compact sedan segment. Our 2009 Volkswagen CC has not skipped a beat since our purchase and continues to be an absolute joy to drive. Everyone who has seen, driven or been driven around in this sleek sedan raves about it. And for good reason.

Driven: Mazda 5

Plus: If you know about the "Furai" concept... read on. The looks, interior and exterior... yes. Furai all the way. And I like it. The best part is that it really feels like a car! I do have to admit though (after all the Ford and Ford affiliates... ahem... Mazda) that their speedometers actually coincidence with GPS numbers. Haven't seen that enough lately. But I lament from this point on...

Minus: In this day and age... an automatic transmission with only 5 gears... It just felt like an over-sized car... PLUS here... it actually had Toyo tires... made sense with all the grip but still... it felt like the soul was missing. And forget switching the transmission to the auto mode... too much thinking man! Oh and how can I forget... Mazda/Ford.. gas mileage... I couldn't even get 300 miles on one tank! REALLY!?

Overall: It looks good. It is cheap? Is it good value? I don't know... it felt more like an over-sized car than a minivan or SUV. Honestly, I would spend more on the CX7 if I needed more space. Does it drive like a car? Yes. Does it feel like a car? Yes. Does it have enough space? It could use a lot more... this is still a car. Would I recommend it? No. Too bad... I've always liked Mazdas...

Driven: Ford Focus SEL

 
Plus: I like Ford's new exterior design policy. Smooth lines all around. It is very pleasing to the eye. And for a base model it comes with a lot of technological bells and whistles which is always a plus. Ride quality is also satisfactory. Very good gas mileage too.

Minus : Where do I begin? As soon as you step inside the car you feel like you just walked into the USS Enterprise. I have never seen these many buttons on the center console and steering wheel ever! And two LCD screens? For what? It is all just confusing. Granted Microsoft's sync works but if they spent half as much on the interior than they did on the exterior, they would have had a better quality product. Which brings me to my next point... the engine and transmission. Jeez... Ford, you made the GT40 and Mustang for God's sake. The engine was seriously lacking in power and the transmission was absolutely horrendous. It really detracts from the overall experience of the car.

Overall: I had high hopes for this car since Ford seems to be the only American car manufacturer that seems to know what it is doing. Unfortunately after driving this car, it seems like they are on their way there, but haven't quite reached the point. Yes, it is a good looking car, yes it has got a lot of bells and whistles, but overall it was a huge disappointment. It definitely doesn't get my recommendation.