Toyota Corolla

Why? It's a Toyota
Why Not? It's got a waiting list longer than Chitty-Chitty Bang-Bang

Hidden in the greyness of this vehicle is a surprisingly good package. The ride is very comfortable. In fact, this is a rather tall car, which means that you have quite a lot of headroom. Still, if you want to slouch and crash comfortably on that long drive home after a boy's (or girl's) night out, you should ideally spend a bit more.
Snob Value: *****
Legroom: Premium Economy
Interior: Bachelor Pad
Price Tag: Around Rs 10,00,000

Hyundai Sonata 2.7 V6

Why? Damned good value for money
Why Not? Um, it looks like the bastard child of a Jaguar and a Mercedes, and there is a new Sonata on its way soon

On a drive from Mumbai to Goa in a Sonata in which this correspondent was travelling, a lady journalist managed to nick a three-wheeler. What followed was the owner of the said three-wheeler hanging on to the front windshield (a la Mel Gibson in Lethal Weapon). Then he ended up sitting on the bonnet while the car was moving. I'm sure he found it comfortable, but this correspondent was rolling around the back of the car laughing. There was a lot of room to roll around and laugh in the said car, and the movement of mass (of the said correspondent) did not affect the drivability of the car. Now, if only Hyundai could remove that pointless hood ornament.
Snob Value: *****
Legroom: Executive
Interior: Lounge Bar
Price Tag: Around Rs 14,00,000

Honda Accord 3.0 V6

Why? Lots of leg room and great fun when you want to take over the driver's seat
Why Not? Ride is a bit bumpy, and the neo-modern feline look is not everyone's cup of tea

If you want to get from point a to point b in comfort, and also fast, you really cannot do much wrong if you choose this particular chariot. Yes, it looks like something you might see in the latest Star Trek movies, but it is rather conservative inside. If you happen to have the same dimensions as a 'professional' wrestler, you would really appreciate the additional legroom, but because this car is a solid performer, the ride can seem a bit harsh. That said, this is possibly the most fun car of the lot to drive once in a while. And you just must have it in Black.
Snob Value: *****
Legroom: Executive
Interior: Nightclub
Price Tag: Around Rs 16,00,000

Skoda Superb 2.8 V6

Why? Lots of metal for a not-so-inflated price tag
Why Not? It looks like a bigger Octavia and the ride isn't that good

Skoda believes that the Octavia has been a great success in India, having sold almost 10,000 of them. They also believe that the goodwill that the Octavia has earned will help its upmarket offering, the Superb. One problem: you have to look really hard, and that too through an auto-enthusiast's glasses, to spot the difference between the two cars. Or, one will think that the Superb is a bigger Octavia. One onlooker even asked this correspondent whether the car was the 'Octavia Superb'. Obviously, there are problems when you try and replicate your image across the range. That said, there are rear ac vents, comfortable seats and a nice audio system all coupled with generous legroom. But this car doesn't ride the road as well as you had hoped (too much road noise filters inside). On the plus side it's good fun to drive.
Snob Value: *****
Legroom: Executive
Interior: Coffee Bar
Price Tag: Starts at Rs 23,00,000

Mercedes-Benz E240 CDI/ E270

Why? It has a three-pointed star
Why Not? The heart-attack-inducing bills

For some strange reason, Mercedes-Benz the brand associated itself with the Will Smith and Tommy Lee Jones starrer Men In Black II. Their engineers were obviously paying too much attention to the aliens and not Lara Flynn-Boyle because this car looks like a spaceship on wheels. Unfortunately, there are two problems with the E-Class. First, everybody has one, and second, this car is developed for people who like driving, so to sit at the back is really a waste. No doubt about the fact that it is comfortable, but there are too many of them in South Mumbai. Plus, it does cost a bomb to maintain.
Snob Value: *****
Legroom: International Executive
Interior: Men in Black HQ
Price Tag: Starts at Rs 35,00,000

Mercedes-Benz S350

Why? Anyone who has 'made it' has it
Why Not? Anyone who has 'made it' has one or two or three or...

Ok, people don't buy this car for the comfort it promises or the nice toys. Nope, it is not even for the attempted feline looks. You see, the S-Class is defined not by what it is, but by who sits inside. Put it this way, more than half the heads of state in the world are carted around in one. Here, you have a car that feels gentle, but is built stronger than a T-90 tank. The only problem: you tend to lose that 'special' feeling. What point is it pulling up to The Oberoi in one of these when there are five more crowding the porch? A pity Mercedes-Benz India doesn't have an S-Class owners club, because the members list would be something to look at.
Snob Value: *****
Legroom: First Class
Interior: Cigar lounge
Price Tag: Starts at Rs 75,00,000

Audi A8 4.2L

Why? Vorsprung durch technik
Why Not? It is more fun to drive

Individual ACs for all occupants, a Bose surround system and electronic window blinds. This car is cool. Oh, and if you want you can just change the suspension settings at the click of a button. This car plays the role of the super-powerful executive's wheels very well. Rear legroom is stupendous. But there is one problem; this car is a blast to drive and you really don't want to give it to your driver, rather, chauffeur. This is a two-tonne rocket propelled aluminium hulk. OK, top speed is controlled at 250 Ks. If you are looking in this segment and enjoy more than the occasional drive this is just up your driveway.
Snob Value: *****
Legroom: First Class
Interior: Starship Enterprise
Price Tag: Starts at Rs 65,00,000

Bentley Arnage RL

Why? Big, and stinks of British royalty
Why Not? It's actually German. Boring, eh?

Despite what the Bentley marketing literature tell you about the 75-year heritage of the company and good-old W.O. Bentley who founded the company, the brand today is actually owned by Volkswagen. That aside, this car looks and feels very regal, House of Lords kind of stuff and all that. You can just sink (literally) into the rear seats; the front seats look and feel light years away. You can customise virtually everything in the interior of this car, from the leather, electronics to even the grain on the wood. Every car is completely individual and put together by the best British craftsmen. Somehow, buying things like this makes one wonder if the days of the Raj are truly past.
Snob Value: ******
Legroom: Private Jet
Interior: Buckingham Palace or Beckingham Palace (your choice)
Price Tag: Um, should start at around Rs 2,50,00,000

THE GRANDDADDY OF THEM ALL
The Maybach

Well, other than the fact that owning one will attract income tax raids like moths to a flame, this is the ultimate four-wheel vehicle. It costs a mere Rs 5,00,00,000. Even the most well-paid professional executive can only dream of something like this. But really, is it worth it? One automotive magazine editor dismissed it as looking like a "Nazi officer's car". Well, to be fair, the Nazis did drive nice cars. But really, despite all the toys, gadgets and gimmicks, this is way too ostentatious. And this may not be at the top of the pyramid for too much longer. You see, there is something called the Bugatti Veyron V16/4, the production of which is being considered. That, my friends will set you back a mere $2 million (Rs 8,80,00,000) plus import duties if it is ever made.