Blame it on Rio!

IN MY MIND
Just two and half decades ago, Premier was one of the largest companies in India .The same firm is all set to launch the Rio — a Rs 5-7 lakh mini SUV for the city. The car, loosely based on the erstwhile Daihatsu Terios, will be assembled in India from Chinese kits. Decent looks and diesel power should find some takers, especially with that price tag. Sure, he may have burnt his fingers in joint ventures with Peugeot and Fiat, but Maitreya Doshi doesn’t want to rely on his machine tools division alone for growth. Nice to see him tracing back his auto roots.

IN MY GARAGE
Okay, allow me to talk to you about my neighbour’s garage this week. I am finding interesting second cars in my building these days ,and what warms my heart is the fact many of them are great used buys. There is this guy who has bought a last generation Honda CR-V. The car is in such good nick that it stopped me in my tracks. A single-owner, 40,000 km CR-V in scratch-free metallic gold for Rs 8 lakh? Brilliant buy indeed — more so when a new one can set you back by Rs 24 lakh and some change.

CAR OF THE WEEK
A Monday morning blast across to Pune (a distant suburb of Mumbai now, thanks to the Expressway) to attend an important test drive organised by Tata Motors. Since I have to respect the embargo, I can’t divulge more details about the product. But that is not the point. Just as we were about to reach Panvel, a magnificent BMW 7 Series blew past the Skoda Superb that we were driving, leaving just enough time for us to get a glance at Bertrand, a fellow motoring scribe from Overdrive magazine, behind the wheel. A quick call later, we were all in the 7 Series, with the Skoda tucked away at a McD parking lot. Bertrand was driving as if he was being chased by a bloodhound and the 7 Series shrunk the distance between the two cities even further. The only time I went faster on this road was when I was driving supercars of the Lamborghini and Audi variety. It was pouring when we started our journey back after the test drive session. And the 730Ld held its speed with no regard for the appalling conditions. Around us there were cars aquaplaning off the road, being rear-ended in poor visibility and simply parked by drivers who couldn’t drive in the blinding rain. It was simply one of those days when a BMW 7 Series owner could rationalise his investment. I have said this before and I will say it again — it’s the best car money can buy today indeed.

BIKE OF THE WEEK
Alright, six months back I spent Rs 10,000 to buy, restore and apply graphics on a Vespa clone. We found a Priya 150 (built by Maharashtra Scooters) in decent shape and commenced work. The scooter ,in brilliant white ,is to be liveried in Lamborghini edition graphics in black. And I hear the work is almost done. Can’t wait. The little wasp has great company in the form of a Lambretta 150 back in my hometown.

QUESTION OF THE WEEK
How many cars did Hyundai India move in September this year?

The figure is 53,804,including exports. This is the first time in 11 years that the number has crossed the 50,000 mark.