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AUTO X-TRA The BT Car Bazaar
One of the best-looking cars on Indian roads, the Lancer is sure to get you noticed in a crowd. The ergonomics are great with everything falling perfectly to hand. Its diesel version is one of the smoothest around. Despite the austere interiors, it has best-in-class spaciousness and comfort level.
The Weekend comes with the same tank-like build as its booted cousin and handles the Indian road conditions with aplomb. It fulfills its role superbly, thanks to the generous space inside, vis-a-vis comfort and safety. The 1.6 litre petrol is preferrable over diesel, though. A caveat: Fiat does not have a great dealer network.
The Opel Astra's design reflects its Teutonic heritage and design philosophy. It's built to last, with an accent on comfort and quality. The car's combination of terrific ride, comfort and safety makes it the ideal long-distance runner. But heavy low-speed handling and ride make it a car that's less than ideal for urban roads.
Visually more appealing than the saloon version, the Altura's high-altitude price tag puts it beyond the reach of all but buyers in the upper mid-size segment. The interiors are extremely functional, but the plastics and trim don't reflect its pricey positioning. The extremely good power delivery is one of its strongest points. The car is also comfortable to drive in the city, despite its size.
The talking point of the City vtec is the new motor, which pumps out a class-topping 106bhp. Its performance elevates itself above the ordinary saloon car. The fit and finish are excellent, but lack the solidity of its rivals and loses out on comfort and space as well. Yet, it comes with the Honda reliability.
Four years down the line, the new E-class still looks fantastic-actually, better. The E now comes with more than a dozen active safety features that will save you in most scenarios, except a free fall. The diesel version is silent, fast and, to top it off, frugal. Some day this should be parked in your garage.
Widely regarded as the best car in the world, the S-class is and has been a technological and design trendsetter since its introduction last year. The S-class spoils and pampers its passengers like no other car (it has a four-way split A/C and skid control, among others). The hitch? Its price, stupid. |
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LAYOUT: In-line, four-cylinder, 1,468 cc
p/1,998 cc d
LAYOUT: In-line, four-cylinder, 1,581 cc
p/1,697 cc d
LAYOUT: In-line, four-cylinder, 1,598 cc
p/1,700 cc d
LAYOUT: In-line, four-cylinder, petrol,
1,590 cc
LAYOUT: In-line, four-cylinder, petrol,
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cylinder, 2,148 cc turbo diesel
LAYOUT: Six-cylinder, petrol, 3,199 cc