Our list of five machines to bring out the good times during the bad.
Okay, everybody knows that the automotive industry is feeling low nowadays along with the rest of the economy. So does that mean we just sit around doing nothing and ignore the high you get piloting a good machine? Of course not. So we have assembled a list of five machines that buck the trend, keep you charged up during these tough days, and when the sun eventually emerges from behind the dark clouds, make you feel good about the wise investment you made. Here, cheer up...
CHEVROLET SPARK
What do I recommend about it?
Almost everything, to be honest. It’s arguably the cutest, most cheerful small car in the market and, contrary to the girlie image attached to most such cars, it’s also spunky enough for young males. It’s a well-rounded design, inside and out. It’s compact enough to squirt through dense traffic and also to park in those hard-to-reach places, yet it’s spacious enough to accommodate four adults. The engine’s quite peppy, and it’s possible to have fun with this car when you’re in the mood.
Why is it good when times are bad?
Frankly, this is a car for all times. It’s cheap to buy, to begin with. It comes with a 3-year, 100,000 km warranty (whichever comes first) and free service and maintenance for three years (conditions apply, naturally), as added bonuses. It’s extremely fuel efficient and will return around 15 kpl overall (city and highway), so your wallet will breathe easier. Parts are also rather cheap — another wallet saver. And hey, it’s small, so your watchman will charge you less to clean it every day! Rumour has it that a smaller 800cc engine is on the way, as is an LPG-powered model. How much more money do you want to save?
And what happens when things get better?
To the Spark? Nothing, because it’ll continue to be cheerful, fun and frugal. As things get better and you have more money to play with, you can always buy a bigger car with the cash you’ve saved owning the Spark! The only downside, true to most GM vehicles, will be the less-than-exceptional resale value — but that’s a reality at all times, not just bad times.
How much do I need to shell out?
The (very) small matter of Rs 2.66 lakh, ex-showroom Delhi.
— Pablo Chaterji
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FIAT MILLICENTO 1100
What do I recommend about it?
This iconic 1954-1957 Fiat recommends itself. These loveable Fiats are what you call accessible classics — cars that are cheap to buy and run, yet give you the unparalleled joy of owning an iconic, historic automobile. However, the best part is that you can use a Millicento as a daily runner... good for the commute as well as for taking your family out on weekends. Of course, you’ll need to be able to handle the attention!
Why is it good when times are bad?
The classic ‘dukkar’ shape can put a smile on the most glum stockbroker’s face. Suicide doors, the central light in the 1956-57 Elegant versions, the rounded bottom and tasteful dabs of chrome all make it a good-looking runabout that will stand apart from today’s me-too cars. Besides that, the rorty four-cylinder motor has the pep to keep up with traffic, while maintenance and access to spares is not that difficult or expensive either. The Millicento is practical and comfortable, besides giving you the pride of owning a slice of automotive history. What more do you want?
And what happens when things get better?
You’ll develop respect for these tough, doughty machines that have already outlasted a series of depressions. And of course, by then you would have fallen hopelessly in love too. You’ll give it new paint schemes and add accessories. It will become your weekend car of choice. You’ll drop your daughter to school in the Fiat rather than let her take the school bus. Soon, you’ll be the owner of more of these... which will make you well-prepared for the next downturn!
How much do I need to shell out?
While you can get one for as low as Rs 20,000, you should be able to acquire a decent runner for about Rs 40,000 to Rs 50,000. You need not pay over Rs 1 lakh for a mint-condition specimen.
— Srinivas Krishnan
YAMAHA FZ16
What do I recommend about it?
The looks. And the looks it gets you too. It single-handedly makes every other bike on Indian roads look dated. It’s extremely rider-friendly too, which means even if you’re selling off your car and buying this bike, you’ll have no problem getting used to it. What’s more, it has no problem getting either of its wheels pointing skyward. Try doing that with your car... actually, don’t. The FZ16 is more fun than all the others on this list put together. So what if it seats only two? Because you have no money, nobody will want to hang out with you anyway, which means a car’s ferrying capacity would be wasted.
Why is it good when times are bad?
Funny how something called inflation can lead to recession, no? Fortunately, with the FZ only the tyres need to be inflated, while your ego will inflate automatically. It’ll make you forget the bad times, because you’ll be busy basking in the limelight. Anyone seen riding it will be taken to be least bothered by the penny-pinching frenzy. And why should they be? Even if you ride like we do, the FZ will be at least three times more fuel efficient than the biggest fuel miser on this list. You’ll actually travel more and get around quicker, traffic jams be damned.
And what happens when things get better?
Hopefully, you’ll be able to go buy the FZ1. Or maybe even an R1. And fuel will go back to 1980’s prices... before I get carried away, I must inform you that the FZ will always remain as cool as it currently is. A hot body never goes out of fashion, you see, and this one’s got adequate substance under its skin too, meaning you’ll be happy on it for a long time to come. This is a bike with which you’ll want to spend quality time, and you’ll keep coming back for more.
How much do I need to shell out?
Rs 65,000, ex-showroom anywhere in India, plus the amount you’ll have to spend on riding gear. Still works out cheaper than anything else on this list (well, anything that’ll run at least). A brand new bike IS better than a second-hand car. It’s as simple as that.
— Kartik Ware
HONDA CIVIC HYBRID
What do I recommend about it?
Think about it, you get a Honda Accord for around the same price. You could probably spend some more and buy a DSG equipped Passat. But would you really be making a statement? Nah! So when your tech-phobic friends nudge you over drinks, you can boast about its two motors, battery packs, loads of digital gauges and make their so-called D-segment saloons melt like hot butter. And it comes with green bragging rights.
Why is it good when times are bad?
Honda have sweetened the deal in these recessionary times. They’ve slashed the ex-showroom price by Rs 8.14 lakh (New Delhi), and that makes it a very tempting option. There’s a catch though, it’s only until the end of December. Now, consider the fact that it offers at least 10 per cent better mileage than the standard 1.8 and if you are easy with the right foot and have the eyesight of an F-15 Eagle pilot (anybody ever seen those digital gauges?), you can bump that up to 20 or 25 per cent. That would mean a straight saving of Rs 1,000 on fuel in a month, if you traverse 1,000 kilometres a month. And you still get those space-age looks to boot.
And what happens when things get better?
When people have more money to buy cars, the streets get a bit more crowded. And with the Civic using battery power at speeds less than 40 kph, you will save enough to invest more than your 1.8 Civic owning neighbour.
How much do I need to shell out?
It’s Rs 13.3 lakh, ex-showroom Delhi for now. Buy one quickly and put the extra eight-odd lakh in a 10.5 per cent fixed deposit. Sweet, isn’t it?
— Rohin Nagrani
AUDI Q7 3.0 TDI
What do I recommend about it?
This reco is based on the fundamental principal of capitalism that if people don’t buy goods, the economy won’t recover. Think of this purchase as your bit for the country. This is the biggest ‘car’ money can buy in India — this side of the Phantom. I am not recommending the Rolls only because it competes with expensive wives and small islands and not other cars. Every time you see the Q7 in your driveway, you will be happy that at least some of your hard earned lakhs didn’t “erode.” It comes with a capable diesel motor that can take you far in the safest possible way. An additional set of seats at the rear means you can invite your investment banker friend — hey, he has all the time in the world now. Brilliant road presence and excellent ride quality are added assets.
Why is it good when times are bad?
So you want a bank loan to keep your company floating? Emerge from the Q7 and no banker will deny you that. And it is important that you have a car that gives you that “mine is larger than everybody else’s” feeling or that “Losses? What? Who?” image. It has got eight airbags — so that you live to be one when things turn for the better. Not many people will realise that your Q7 runs on cheap diesel and returns 10 kpl if driven carefully. And not many will know the kind of money you save on flight tickets — this machine can connect towns between meals, really.
And what happens when things get better?
The Audi Q7 cannot go out of fashion. Ever. It is the first ever SUV from Audi and that alone lends it classic status. You can pass it on as an inheritance to your hybrid-driving grandchild and he will be mighty impressed. Its all-wheel drive capabilities will come in handy too, once you decide to get away from it all — now that your assets have moved into fixed deposits, gold and real estate (what would PF writers do without these three magic words).
How much do I need to shell out?
Less than what you let “erode” in the last quarter or so. Rs 75 lakh, ex-showroom Mumbai.
— Bijoy Kumar Y
