The hand that rocks the cradle now also turns the wheel. Rev your engines because Meenakshi Doctor test drives the latest to write a woman's ultimate car shopping guide.
Face it, we are more open to making new choices, to selecting a car that might look like a kindergarten lunch box, or a small handbag, as long as we can slide into it comfortably and drive to work. And automobile manufacturers have taken notice. They have been coming up with smaller, smarter, brighter cars, with women drivers in mind.
Contrary to what men like to believe, we are more attentive to details such as comfort and styling when it comes to choosing a car, and of course, we are more inclined to look at the price tag quite carefully. So let’s check out what’s on the road!
FORD MONDEO Sexy. The only word to describe this machine is ‘sexy’. The Ford Mondeo is a great car to drive. The power and throttle of the turbo engine (available in the diesel model), makes this car seem like an aircraft zooming off into the horizon!
The reality is that this big beauty from Ford is a driver’s car. The styling is subtle, contemporary and dignified. It incorporates much of the Ford family resemblance. Therefore, while you might not stop to gasp as it slithers down the road, you will certainly recognise it to be a Ford, quite easily.
With ample boot space and extra room created by collapsing parts or the whole of the back seat, this car is roomy and robust. The air conditioning (with automatic temperature control and rear heater ducting) and great attention to detail that includes tiny water jets that spray soap solution to clean the headlights, and a rear-view mirror that protects the driver from strong rear headlight glare on highways, front loading six-CD music system, and little niches to store your sunglasses, magazines and cola cans make this car a delight to own, drive and just simply desire!
Engine: 2.0L DOHC 16V (Petrol); 2.0L DOHC 16V Turbo (Diesel) Acceleration/Power: Zero to 100 kmph in 11.15 sec / 142.7 ps @ 6000 rpm (Petrol); 115 ps @ 4000 rpm (Diesel) Top Speed: 203 kmph** Colours: Panther Black; Oyster and Stardust Silver Looks: ‘New Edge Design’ - where lines and curves disappear into each other seamlessly *Price: Petrol: Rs 15,64,496 Diesel: Rs 16,89,037 Philosophy: A study in solidity
HYUNDAI SONATA A Sonata is to Indian cars what caramel is to chocolate. Smooth, soft, silky, comforting and sensuous! The looks, the plush and tasteful soft leather interiors and the overall sense of comfort that the Sonata offers has met with tremendous customer response. It is very well priced for a car of this size and the elite segment it belongs to.
The technology Hyundai offers with it is on par with some of the best in the world. The gears slide into place with startling ease. Moreover, even at speeds of over 160 kmph, you will hardly feel a thing. The outer looks of the car are simply stunning, and it moves ever so gracefully that even on the grubbiest of roads, one can’t help but feel that a bit of automobile royalty is passing through, and you do stop to stare!
The in-built air purifier, leather consoles, electric chrome rear-view mirror, sunglass holder, trip computer and a power outlet to recharge your mobile phone, are some of the exciting gee-gaws that this car offers. Engine: Sirius - II 2.0 DOHC with 1,997 cc displacement Acceleration / Power: Zero to 100 kmph in 12.94 secs / 98.4 ps @ 6000 rpm Top Speed: 195 kmph** Colours: Noble White, Ebony Black, Exotic Silver, Prime Beige, Modern Grey and Celadon Green. Looks: Sensuous, stylish and state of the art *Price: Sonata GOLD: Rs 13, 20,926 Philosophy: Unmatched styling with functional excellence at a good price for all that it offers.
Mercedes Benz C-Class Classic C-200 CDI /articleshow.cms?msid=19763582