It's been quite a while since I've last seen the Indian car market actually bustling like this.... Every automotive segment seems to have innumerable buying options for the customer - be it the below 5 lakh segment, below 15 lakh segment or any other segment.... All of these have one thing in common - multiple options for the buyer... So, this post is kind of about the 10 lakh to 20 lakh large car buyer segment.....
This year has seen multiple cars enter the Indian automotive market such as the Renault Duster, the Skoda Yeti, and Mahindra's latest, the XUV 500. All of these are extremely competent products, live up to customer expectations (most of the time) and they are all excellent contenders for a vehicle which is ideal for city driving as well as one which is ideal for those weekend getaways....
So first up, the Renault Duster... The Duster seems to be a "hatchback on heels". It's a pretty good deal, but it just isn't up to the mark.... It's Renault first step into becoming an integral part of the Indian market especially after the Logan which seemed to be designed with no more than a pencil and a ruler ! From the outside, the Duster looks brute, strong and large.... But once you enter the car, it seems to be a completely different story itself ! The interiors have an over dose of chrome on the dash....as well as, the dash kind of reminds you of the Logan.... In some places, many parts seem to be after thoughts - such as the rear aircon blower jutting out of the floor barely leaving place for a fifth passenger ; or the music controls placed behind the steering wheel ! All of these contribute to a not so good feeling, especially the fact that they seem like after market add-ons and the quality doesn't seem to fit in with the rest of the car...
Now, moving on to the XUV 500.... The first time I saw the XUV, my reaction was" Hmm .. it looks OK .. but, the looks grow on you... the front lights with the projector beams, the DRLs, the "Cheetah inspired grill" (as Mahindra claims) as well as the big, bulky looks... Now, I really like the way it looks.... Plus, with this XUV, M&M seem to be trying to enter a very important market segment..... the car comes with features expected of maybe 30 lakh+ cars at an amazing price point of about 13 to 17 lakhs ! The W8 variants are the most attractive ones... Available with either 2WD or 4WD, they are absolute Value for Money with the stuff they offer - touch screen navigation, cruise control, leather seats, tyre pressure sensors, SIX airbags, a well tuned 140 Bhp engine, steering mounted controls, Disc brakes on all 4 wheels, rain sensing wipers, Voice Commands (I think)...The list is just endless ! To appreciate every aspect of this car, you have to experience it in person... This car from Mahindra is an amazing feat and is a huge upgrade from the Scorpio...
Finally moving on to the Czech beauty - The Skoda Yeti... It seems like a Fabia from the front, looks like a box at the rear, but step inside the cabin and experience Skoda Superb like comfort... PLUS, a magnificient boot.... out of the 3, this seems most car like and is an excellent option for those weekend escapades.... it's almost like a Superb with 4WD... Out of the competitors, it seems the most worthy... but, Skoda India's after sales service is what this depends on.... I haven't experienced Skoda After Sales Service so i can't say much about this....
THE FINAL JUDGEMENT:
The Duster is for some one with a budget of essentially less than 10 Lakhs.... Its a good car for a small family of maybe 4 plus luggage...but thats it...
If you have a larger family, then look no further than the XUV 500 ! The features it comes with beat all other competitors at the price...
If you were looking at maybe a Volkswagen Jetta, or a Skoda Superb or Laura; or any other such executive car and your work takes you places where such cars would take a bad beating, the Yeti is the car for you ! It's loaded with everything these cars come with, is comfortable and, still has that "Show value" that you would get with a Jetta, a Civic, a Superb or an Elantra !
- By Naayl Humza,
14 year old car enthusiast.
Renault Duster has started a price war in India as it is equipped with all necessary features,spacious interior and stylish exterior.Its price has also been set aggressively.
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