I love starting a conversation and then letting my friends take over from there. That’s exactly what I set out to do now and I expect you all to let me in on your thoughts as you swim through this sea of personal observations.
MARUTI ZEN
A Maruti 800 with ‘Hydrolysis’ is how it was described to me when it was launched. An inflated Maruti 800. But. It went on to become a world class car with fuel efficiency to match. The jelly bean shape would just glide through without much of a fuss. Its low ground clearance though would cause many a heart to flutter when it negotiated the inevitable speed breakers.
MARUTI ESTEEM(1000)
Maruti managed to give us a middle class sedan to satisfy those who wished to upgrade from the trusted old Maruti 800s. Its ‘wedge’ shape (quite the trend that time) and spacious interiors finally gave us an option. Again a very ‘low slung’ car that just about swept the obnoxious speed breakers.
DCM Daewoo CIELO
‘Jaldi Lo – Cielo’ was the catch line when it was launched and ‘Times FM’ would belch it out to us on our way to work and back. It would roam the streets of Bombay majestically and cause heads to turn. High maintenance costs and being labeled a fuel guzzler caused its downfall. But it redefined ‘spaciousness’ whilst it ruled.
Daewoo MATIZ
A cute little Barbie doll – cootchie coo ! Tho thweet and curvaceous. The right compact in a ladies purse. Daewoo sneezed and the Matiz caught a cold. Poor dear it was destined for better but ran out of steam. This ‘pretty little thing’ caught many an eye but then got lost in the concrete jungle. Its eyes (headlamps)just gaped at the fading horizon before it was engulfed in a sea of bankrupted principals.
FORD ESCORT
A sturdy dependable vehicle that was behind in technology compared to the other entrants. A ‘has been’ that was shoved down our throats for reasons better known to Ford. Didn’t quite rule the roost.
Ford ICON
A zippier and classier Ford. Very good ground clearance and a lot more maneuverable – A josh machine ? – Yes, definitely. Feline eyes ( headlamps ) and slingy looks with a taut buttock and no flab. An American to the core.
OPEL Astra.
Class and Quality – a German Hallmark. Is there a better way to describe this car? Only those who know German dependability and reliability will echo my feelings. Its high cost of spares is cause for concern. Otherwise a thoroughbred from a renowned stable.
OPEL Corsa
A muted statement of quality and class in an old fashioned shell with soft rounded corners. Not at all exciting to look at, but quite the opposite when you are in it. Sheer pleasure and comfort. Didn’t quite take off though. Again a respectable lineage and German blood makes it a reliable set of wheels.
Hyundai Santro
A runaway success. An ugly box that’s quite comfortable and spacious. A ‘Tall boy’ and it really is one. It had a typical Korean face ‘baring teeth’ grill that went grrrrrrrr with chinky eyes. And an ugly ‘sad-faced’ backside. But functional and economical were its plus points with consistency. Today Hyundai can look back with pride at its growth and achievements. And Santro can lead the parade- proudly !
Hyundai Accent
An economical Honda – The class and spaciousness of a Honda at a more down to earth price. Japanese quality at a Korean price. A ‘me-too’ car that delivers what it promises.
Hyundai Sonata
A luxury sedan that competes with the likes of a Ford Mondeo and a Honda Accord. And comes up with flying colours. A Korean Emperor laced with silk and Oriental pleasures. A beauty that reigns over the Lords and the nouveau rich and stands its ground amongst equals.
Honda City
A no nonsense car with a no frills approach and the stamp of Honda Quality world-wide. A respectable car that’s understated in its looks but quite comfortable and dependable like all Hondas.
Honda Accord.
A breed that has stood the test of time and is still a force to reckon with. Honda reliability and plush luxury are its hallmark. An ‘in with the times’ technology that’s updated regularly – this is a car that’s improved with age.
The Honda Accord is a world wide success story that’s worth emulating.
I definitely have much more up my sleeve and I do intend to come up with more personal observations. But all in good time.
I look forward to a continuing this conversation with all MouthShutters.
Till then – Vrrrrroooooom !