My computer keyboard broke last week and I was handicap for not being able to use my PC. My e-world came to halt. Still I managed to surf using mouse. The AMC guy could not fix it and I had to wait for a week. I barked at him and was getting restless, for delay. I somehow manage to access my mailbox but could not replay the mails. I could not write blogs and my mind was overflowing with bright ideas to write new blogs.
Therefore, what can we call this addiction, need, slavery, laziness, advance technology, or are we idiots, glued to these tubes. Age group from 5 to 50 yrs are addicted to various latest electronic gadgets, like TV, Mobile phones, Computer- Internet, DVD, Music, etc. If our mobile is misplaced or lost, we panic like anything as if our heart has stopped pumping. Every house must have a TV, even people having second home opt for having a TV and if its not LCD or LED then you are BPL.Recently I visited my friends place and rather than entertaining me, he kept his TV on and ignored me being his guest, buddy I had come to meet you and not watch TV at your home.
I conducted an experiment of not having a TV at my second home and it was really peaceful and could read lot of books and newspaper. Therefore, we can live without the idiot box.
Worst addiction is Internet surfing and playing online Games. In Korea a guy died of playing online game for straight 48 hrs, I had heard people died with electric shocks but nothing whimsical like this. Imagine not checking mails for months, Internet addicts will need some trauma treatment. Same for people in Pune, not owning a vehicle to travel across the length and breadth of city. If you do not have a two wheeler here, one would be wasting 3 hours traveling by city bus.
I oppose the above cause as these gizmos where not available 40 years back. They lived a healthy and happy life. People used to travel by cycles and often walked to their destination. Still today, there is a small town in Germany where all modern amenities are ban by the village. Villagers still use horse cart, hand pumps, Ancient tools, and hand woven clothes to wear. They do not have electric, car and modern gizmos. They had installed hand pump in there kitchen and had prohibited themselves from being photographed / video shoot.
Definitely, technology is a boom for us but we have crossed the limited to use it. In Cities if there is no power supply for few hours, faces turn red of tax payers. However, what about the villages who do not have power supply for last 25 years.
Therefore, its upto us whether we should be like the community in Germany or be an addict for not so necessary things.
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
My Blind Girlfriend:
I had a blind girlfriend she was intelligent, beautiful, stubborn, strong, sensitive and silent. She never saw me but always imagined me as a person. Her imagination was too good. However, describing her outside world was difficult for me. Touching each object was a mystery for her, since her need to imagine them in her mind. But she was quiet happy holding my hand and feeling secured. She looked great with her shades on, and nobody could imagine she was blind.
Her everyday statement was “My hands were the entire world for her.” However, it was very difficult for me to explain her world and its complicated objects. She used to ask me, how trees, flowers, grass, butterfly, and insects look like, while a visit to park. However, watching movies was quiet ok as it was an audio enjoyment for her. However, I was happy because I could understand the feeling of being sightless. Usually we see white can people banging there stick and pass away quietly.
She was quiet sharp at her daily routine. So after marriage it was little easy life. But what after babies come in to picture. That is a little difficult part; it is very difficult to handle a jumpy baby. Anyway I was thinking too long.
She could cleanly differentiate between my hand and a stranger’s hand; it was the only identification to recognize me along with my voice. Once we were dining in a restaurant, she was having difficulty serving herself. I kept two dishes at her right and others at her left and gave her the sequence and she was perfect serving herself, so it was not all about depending on me.
People and friends were always taunting me for being crazy living with a vision less person. So I invited few of them to her house for lunch and she was a perfect host with her glares on. Basically handicap people are not dependent, but they need to be exposed to normal people and they would far better than us.
It was time to give her a great gift on marriage day, and I donated my one eyesight to her and today she is working with a MNC as executive Manager. Well her early blindness and now her one sight has made her super women. Therefore, it was not her handicap but an extra power to be something different.
Now is not my blind girlfriend, but a visionary wife.
Her everyday statement was “My hands were the entire world for her.” However, it was very difficult for me to explain her world and its complicated objects. She used to ask me, how trees, flowers, grass, butterfly, and insects look like, while a visit to park. However, watching movies was quiet ok as it was an audio enjoyment for her. However, I was happy because I could understand the feeling of being sightless. Usually we see white can people banging there stick and pass away quietly.
She was quiet sharp at her daily routine. So after marriage it was little easy life. But what after babies come in to picture. That is a little difficult part; it is very difficult to handle a jumpy baby. Anyway I was thinking too long.
She could cleanly differentiate between my hand and a stranger’s hand; it was the only identification to recognize me along with my voice. Once we were dining in a restaurant, she was having difficulty serving herself. I kept two dishes at her right and others at her left and gave her the sequence and she was perfect serving herself, so it was not all about depending on me.
People and friends were always taunting me for being crazy living with a vision less person. So I invited few of them to her house for lunch and she was a perfect host with her glares on. Basically handicap people are not dependent, but they need to be exposed to normal people and they would far better than us.
It was time to give her a great gift on marriage day, and I donated my one eyesight to her and today she is working with a MNC as executive Manager. Well her early blindness and now her one sight has made her super women. Therefore, it was not her handicap but an extra power to be something different.
Now is not my blind girlfriend, but a visionary wife.
WalMart return Indian Parents:
Yeah the title is little weird, I am talking about parents visiting their kids in US and returning with rich experience. Parents traveling for the first time, especially the middle class are excited about the trip. Entire life they had save penny to give good education to their kids, probably sacrificing lot of desirable things. And kids complete their education and fly to foreign land for higher education or jobs. Kids settle down in US and don’t come back. Mother and Father in India are lonely, only excitement is when kids call them up on web cam and send tickets for their US trip.
Mummyji and Papaji are happy as its their first trip to USA and also their first flight trip. They are happy cause their sacrifices have brought colors after a long time. And why not they deserve to see other part of developed world. Son and Daughter in law give them traveling and etiquette tips before they start. Initially parents enjoy their stay, like the life style, cleanliness, huge shopping malls, departmental stores, luxury car, long stretch of free ways, express highways, discipline, and respect. Luxury apartments make them cozy and probably start comparing with Indian standard of living. Well definitely, there is a huge gap of Indian life style and developed countries. People in US love their country and have less patience, need to get the work done very fast, which is opposite in India.
So finally Ma and Pa are settled down in US for their 6 months stay. Pa enjoying shopping at hyper market and Ma cooking favourite dishes for their kids. Also trying to digest culture shock and keeping a check of not intervening in the life of local citizens. Site seeing, shopping, traveling, meeting relatives, celebrating birthdays, Baby Shower day, parties and get togthers keep Ma and pa busy. Son and daugther in law try to keep their loving parents as comfortable as possible. Probably a modern Ma , may change her style of clothing or remain the same.
Its almost 4 months and few parents start getting bored since their kids might be out for work whole day and they have nothing to do much, even though they might be having grandchildren to take care. They start missing India as they cannot jump into neighbour’s house or even visit relatives frequently. No gossips, not aware whats happening around in the neighbour hood and not interested in US economy progress.
They start missing the dirt, pollution, people, relatives and sharing daily quota of news with relatives, friends etc. Some Pa enjoy staying their but Ma is not much interested in this Luxury jail. Well Ma cannot bargain with the Walmart vegetable guy, also there are no fishwali coming at the door step to buy fresh fish, They had gone through so much of hardship, its this hardship a luxury for them. The aroma of their Indian home starts calling them back. Some people feel something is missing till they do not jump in muddy puddle of Indian rains.
So after much argument with kids the “US return” parents are back in India with lot of goodies.First few week it takes time to adapt Indian style of living and they are excited about sharing experience and stay in US. But final conclusion is loneliness kills them.
They start comparing being lonely in India is much better than in US. In India if Ma and Pa gets a little scratch or some small illness, crores of relatives come to meet and ask their health status.
The sabji wala will be the same here, always calling Maji Maji, I think nobody will call Ma and Pa in Walmart, Maaji or Papaji. The Fishwali bargaining on fishy things.The Grocery guy and shopkeepers asking Maaji aur kay du, naya chaval aya hai bhej du kay. Kamwali sharing gossips of neighbour. The aroma of grocery shop, vegetable markets, crowed market will always keep Indians their Indianess. Ma and pa will meet their kids frequently and also travel to US, but finally most of the MA and PA will avoid travelling to US giving reason like”What we will do coming there its boring and lonely” and kids wont come since they are entangled in time factor, Citizenship rules and money factor. Ma and Pa are happy here in India.
Its finally the India Soil where we are born and brought will never detach us.
Mummyji and Papaji are happy as its their first trip to USA and also their first flight trip. They are happy cause their sacrifices have brought colors after a long time. And why not they deserve to see other part of developed world. Son and Daughter in law give them traveling and etiquette tips before they start. Initially parents enjoy their stay, like the life style, cleanliness, huge shopping malls, departmental stores, luxury car, long stretch of free ways, express highways, discipline, and respect. Luxury apartments make them cozy and probably start comparing with Indian standard of living. Well definitely, there is a huge gap of Indian life style and developed countries. People in US love their country and have less patience, need to get the work done very fast, which is opposite in India.
So finally Ma and Pa are settled down in US for their 6 months stay. Pa enjoying shopping at hyper market and Ma cooking favourite dishes for their kids. Also trying to digest culture shock and keeping a check of not intervening in the life of local citizens. Site seeing, shopping, traveling, meeting relatives, celebrating birthdays, Baby Shower day, parties and get togthers keep Ma and pa busy. Son and daugther in law try to keep their loving parents as comfortable as possible. Probably a modern Ma , may change her style of clothing or remain the same.
Its almost 4 months and few parents start getting bored since their kids might be out for work whole day and they have nothing to do much, even though they might be having grandchildren to take care. They start missing India as they cannot jump into neighbour’s house or even visit relatives frequently. No gossips, not aware whats happening around in the neighbour hood and not interested in US economy progress.
They start missing the dirt, pollution, people, relatives and sharing daily quota of news with relatives, friends etc. Some Pa enjoy staying their but Ma is not much interested in this Luxury jail. Well Ma cannot bargain with the Walmart vegetable guy, also there are no fishwali coming at the door step to buy fresh fish, They had gone through so much of hardship, its this hardship a luxury for them. The aroma of their Indian home starts calling them back. Some people feel something is missing till they do not jump in muddy puddle of Indian rains.
So after much argument with kids the “US return” parents are back in India with lot of goodies.First few week it takes time to adapt Indian style of living and they are excited about sharing experience and stay in US. But final conclusion is loneliness kills them.
They start comparing being lonely in India is much better than in US. In India if Ma and Pa gets a little scratch or some small illness, crores of relatives come to meet and ask their health status.
The sabji wala will be the same here, always calling Maji Maji, I think nobody will call Ma and Pa in Walmart, Maaji or Papaji. The Fishwali bargaining on fishy things.The Grocery guy and shopkeepers asking Maaji aur kay du, naya chaval aya hai bhej du kay. Kamwali sharing gossips of neighbour. The aroma of grocery shop, vegetable markets, crowed market will always keep Indians their Indianess. Ma and pa will meet their kids frequently and also travel to US, but finally most of the MA and PA will avoid travelling to US giving reason like”What we will do coming there its boring and lonely” and kids wont come since they are entangled in time factor, Citizenship rules and money factor. Ma and Pa are happy here in India.
Its finally the India Soil where we are born and brought will never detach us.
Practising Austerity Vs Poor Austerity
Poor Austerity:
Somebody taught Rahul Gandhi a lesson "Der se aye magar galat aye". You came late but at a wrong time, by breaking the glass pane. Democracy is dead Mr Gandhi. After 50 years asking a layman issues is very late. VIP’s better be confined to there First class travel.
Practising Austerity:
Today’s headlines
Congress President Sonia Gandhi will travel the economy class while flying to Mumbai On Monday
“Austerity” definitely is a nice word and excellent way to present congress party, before elections. Principal Soniaji has started the practice and the entire schools need to follow the new notice. Oh !!! congress has finally realized they are living a lavish life. The notice says, everybody should travel in economy class, Five Star stay prohibited, pay cuts, and power saving, which power I don’t know.
If it is an election stunt then forget it would not last long. Ministers are already spoil brats they will not compromise for their lavishness, as they work very hard to serve our country. If they are serious then question is what would they do, for the amount save? …..donate towards welfare of BPL people, no way.
It is a good inventiveness, but I have doubt about its accomplishment. In addition, Soniaji needs to display the comparative statement on monthly basis to public and where exactly the saved amount used. Probably this would be a plus point for next general election.
In UP the Govt is spending lakhs, on tea and refreshment for their staff. And, what about Mayaji’s, Elephant and status dream land project, I really do not have words for this idiocy, that woman is either a nut or insane. Public money for position ?
So what about the past, Amount spend last 40-50 years on VIP with not a satisfactory output and a grumbling compatriots, who will pay back our money. If we really look back and see the books of accounts for the amount spend on VIP, the question will come to our mind why did we pay our taxes for nothing? We still have poverty, distress, basic issues food, water and electricity stand still from the day Gandhiji said India is in Villages, serve them better.
Congress is doing nothing but playing a political card for this election, please do not play with public money we work hard to earn it and every day is an Everest climb for us.
Until date, whatever money Govt promised for floods, drought and human acts has never reached people affected. If ministers are not accountable for their duties, it is difficult for us and the country to grow.
Somebody taught Rahul Gandhi a lesson "Der se aye magar galat aye". You came late but at a wrong time, by breaking the glass pane. Democracy is dead Mr Gandhi. After 50 years asking a layman issues is very late. VIP’s better be confined to there First class travel.
Practising Austerity:
Today’s headlines
Congress President Sonia Gandhi will travel the economy class while flying to Mumbai On Monday
“Austerity” definitely is a nice word and excellent way to present congress party, before elections. Principal Soniaji has started the practice and the entire schools need to follow the new notice. Oh !!! congress has finally realized they are living a lavish life. The notice says, everybody should travel in economy class, Five Star stay prohibited, pay cuts, and power saving, which power I don’t know.
If it is an election stunt then forget it would not last long. Ministers are already spoil brats they will not compromise for their lavishness, as they work very hard to serve our country. If they are serious then question is what would they do, for the amount save? …..donate towards welfare of BPL people, no way.
It is a good inventiveness, but I have doubt about its accomplishment. In addition, Soniaji needs to display the comparative statement on monthly basis to public and where exactly the saved amount used. Probably this would be a plus point for next general election.
In UP the Govt is spending lakhs, on tea and refreshment for their staff. And, what about Mayaji’s, Elephant and status dream land project, I really do not have words for this idiocy, that woman is either a nut or insane. Public money for position ?
So what about the past, Amount spend last 40-50 years on VIP with not a satisfactory output and a grumbling compatriots, who will pay back our money. If we really look back and see the books of accounts for the amount spend on VIP, the question will come to our mind why did we pay our taxes for nothing? We still have poverty, distress, basic issues food, water and electricity stand still from the day Gandhiji said India is in Villages, serve them better.
Congress is doing nothing but playing a political card for this election, please do not play with public money we work hard to earn it and every day is an Everest climb for us.
Until date, whatever money Govt promised for floods, drought and human acts has never reached people affected. If ministers are not accountable for their duties, it is difficult for us and the country to grow.
Angry young man (Amitabh Bachchan)
Angry young man (Amitabh Bachchan)
Not to guess about whom I am talking, definitely:
Amitabh Bachchan
This tall guy had influenced every corner of this world. “Jab se hosh sambhala hai” I am great fan of this guy. The first movie I saw was “Amar Akbar Anthony” at the age of 6-7 yrs, I have a indistinct remembrance of this movie which made me immense aficionado of this lambuji. In fact I remember another movie where audience had gone round the bend in theatre and started dancing and throwing money on the screen. Those days people used to keep AB hair style and act themselves as AB. Definitely I was one to follow the bandwagon. In fact I had bought a shirt with movie name embossed “DON”. Spilling his dialogues was common in every street. Every street corner had hair saloon displaying his hair style. He was / is the number one guy in Hindi film industry. The team Prakash Mehra, Javed Akhtar and AB gave hits after hits and pushed him to Everest peak. His deep throat voice was rejected by AIR test, but same voice kept everybody astonished.
AB was and is a magnet and god for Indian fans. During his height of career the legend was definitely flying in air, but god taught him few lessons and now definitely his feet are firmly attached to gravel. His endless achievement, experience, lesson learnt, interaction with people would probably generate huge information bank. Now AB is very down to earth and humble legend , if you hear him talking, you would feel his simple formula of living. Though now his health is not up to date, he still starts his day in a studio, listening to young directors/dialogue writers with patience.
I still watch his movies, as of now his experiment with various roles passed him with
flying colours. Recently Bhoonath was a brilliant movie where he worked with small kid with ease. Knowing his plus and minus, has kept him immovable to acting skills. He tried everything in his life but finally came to conclusion acting is his skill set . His meekness is reflected in TV show KBC, where dealing with common people, displayed his excellent skills, cause there is a thin line between fame and courtesy. His bungalow is like a temple, as you can see huge crowd of fans doing all kind of nuisance at his gate to attract attention.
Big b’s blog site http://bigb.bigadda.com/ is definitely giving a open view to his day to day activities, his art of writing has depth of modesty and attracts lot of hits. I read his few blogs about his daily shooting, experience with Hrishikesh Mukherjee, Allah bad, PM Prakash Mehra and accident. In an interview/blog he had given the details about the accident during shooting of movie Coolie. He had almost reached the doors of heaven, but due to intense efforts of doctors he could see his beautiful daughter-in-law. But heavy drugs had left him with terrible side effects and has to carry a team of doctors to every shooting venue.
His love towards parents is open to everybody. Both being close to him he is really missing them during heart moving moments. In fact he had kept his ailing mother in hospital and gave her the best treatment, I think very few mother’s get such luxury, of course he should have kept her at his home during the last stage, but his commitment had kept him away from mother.
He is still the King, nobody has replaced him or close to him, probably a AB Oscar award would be a great respect to him. This Star will never fade from sky. His comments, like he is still learning acting will keep this legend alive forever. May god bless his sweet family and Jayaji’s steady company.
Not to guess about whom I am talking, definitely:
Amitabh Bachchan
This tall guy had influenced every corner of this world. “Jab se hosh sambhala hai” I am great fan of this guy. The first movie I saw was “Amar Akbar Anthony” at the age of 6-7 yrs, I have a indistinct remembrance of this movie which made me immense aficionado of this lambuji. In fact I remember another movie where audience had gone round the bend in theatre and started dancing and throwing money on the screen. Those days people used to keep AB hair style and act themselves as AB. Definitely I was one to follow the bandwagon. In fact I had bought a shirt with movie name embossed “DON”. Spilling his dialogues was common in every street. Every street corner had hair saloon displaying his hair style. He was / is the number one guy in Hindi film industry. The team Prakash Mehra, Javed Akhtar and AB gave hits after hits and pushed him to Everest peak. His deep throat voice was rejected by AIR test, but same voice kept everybody astonished.
AB was and is a magnet and god for Indian fans. During his height of career the legend was definitely flying in air, but god taught him few lessons and now definitely his feet are firmly attached to gravel. His endless achievement, experience, lesson learnt, interaction with people would probably generate huge information bank. Now AB is very down to earth and humble legend , if you hear him talking, you would feel his simple formula of living. Though now his health is not up to date, he still starts his day in a studio, listening to young directors/dialogue writers with patience.
I still watch his movies, as of now his experiment with various roles passed him with
flying colours. Recently Bhoonath was a brilliant movie where he worked with small kid with ease. Knowing his plus and minus, has kept him immovable to acting skills. He tried everything in his life but finally came to conclusion acting is his skill set . His meekness is reflected in TV show KBC, where dealing with common people, displayed his excellent skills, cause there is a thin line between fame and courtesy. His bungalow is like a temple, as you can see huge crowd of fans doing all kind of nuisance at his gate to attract attention.
Big b’s blog site http://bigb.bigadda.com/ is definitely giving a open view to his day to day activities, his art of writing has depth of modesty and attracts lot of hits. I read his few blogs about his daily shooting, experience with Hrishikesh Mukherjee, Allah bad, PM Prakash Mehra and accident. In an interview/blog he had given the details about the accident during shooting of movie Coolie. He had almost reached the doors of heaven, but due to intense efforts of doctors he could see his beautiful daughter-in-law. But heavy drugs had left him with terrible side effects and has to carry a team of doctors to every shooting venue.
His love towards parents is open to everybody. Both being close to him he is really missing them during heart moving moments. In fact he had kept his ailing mother in hospital and gave her the best treatment, I think very few mother’s get such luxury, of course he should have kept her at his home during the last stage, but his commitment had kept him away from mother.
He is still the King, nobody has replaced him or close to him, probably a AB Oscar award would be a great respect to him. This Star will never fade from sky. His comments, like he is still learning acting will keep this legend alive forever. May god bless his sweet family and Jayaji’s steady company.
Friday, August 28, 2009
BJP Crisis
“Fresh Blood” please is the only slogan for BJP, current situation demands there should be updated ideology for BJP, keeping religious sentiment at the back ground. The Senior members should make for young ideology set in same like what congress had done by introducing many young parliamentary members.
The RSS and VHP should do what they are doing since we need people would represent the minority Hindu community against the entire world. Coming back to BJP they have long being into opposition for the reason, new ideas had never being intruded to make them a wining party. The recent loss has only broken them badly, since they are getting rid of members who had performed badly in the last election. Rather they should find out the reason why they loss badly. In Indian politics even if politicians do not do any progress work atleast they should have charismatic personality.
Todays call for all the political party is 50% senior members and 50% young politicians. Take eg of Scindia, Pilot, Rahul Gandhi, they have been provided full open culture in congress. The young members should always be backed with senior members, cause experience counts a lot to run this huge machinery in our country. Young people bring new ideas and work on and they can connect to the entire nation.
BJP should stop this fighting and pulling each other legs and get reunited to make a strong opposition. Corruption, red tape and bad politics are surely a bad part in India, but these need to be tackle by young members with strict measures. Just imaging in last 50 years if the entire corruption money, black money would have been properly utilize for the country, we would have been 20 times much ahead of US and European nations. Corruption is worst than Cancer and Swine flu which makes the economy weak at the root.
Whether its Jaswant Singh or Kulkarni or Advani or people above the age of 70 yrs should be retired with respect and get people who are really working at the grass root level, I say percentage of people who work really for this society and are unsung hero would be more than the useless members in any of the political party. I agree everything is not dirty, we the Indian citizens make it dirty in the greed of earning multi crore trunks.
BJP really needs another chintan baithak and think about the future of the party rather saving our own baithak in the party.
The RSS and VHP should do what they are doing since we need people would represent the minority Hindu community against the entire world. Coming back to BJP they have long being into opposition for the reason, new ideas had never being intruded to make them a wining party. The recent loss has only broken them badly, since they are getting rid of members who had performed badly in the last election. Rather they should find out the reason why they loss badly. In Indian politics even if politicians do not do any progress work atleast they should have charismatic personality.
Todays call for all the political party is 50% senior members and 50% young politicians. Take eg of Scindia, Pilot, Rahul Gandhi, they have been provided full open culture in congress. The young members should always be backed with senior members, cause experience counts a lot to run this huge machinery in our country. Young people bring new ideas and work on and they can connect to the entire nation.
BJP should stop this fighting and pulling each other legs and get reunited to make a strong opposition. Corruption, red tape and bad politics are surely a bad part in India, but these need to be tackle by young members with strict measures. Just imaging in last 50 years if the entire corruption money, black money would have been properly utilize for the country, we would have been 20 times much ahead of US and European nations. Corruption is worst than Cancer and Swine flu which makes the economy weak at the root.
Whether its Jaswant Singh or Kulkarni or Advani or people above the age of 70 yrs should be retired with respect and get people who are really working at the grass root level, I say percentage of people who work really for this society and are unsung hero would be more than the useless members in any of the political party. I agree everything is not dirty, we the Indian citizens make it dirty in the greed of earning multi crore trunks.
BJP really needs another chintan baithak and think about the future of the party rather saving our own baithak in the party.
Monday, August 24, 2009
Car War
Small Car Segment:
I would like to start review of small car’s launched in last two years. The market is huge for Auto industries in India right now since lot of car companies are invading Indian market.
In this segment we have Fabia, Punto, i10, i20, Honda Jazz, A Star, Ritz, Swift. My favorites are Ritz, Fabia and Honda Jazz. Though Fabia (Rs 7.36 Lacs) and Jazz (Rs 8 Lacs) are far more expensive compared to Ritz – Rs 4.36 Lacs are the near about onroad price, but definitely Fabia has far more good interiors and Jazz as usual has the refined Honda engine, the Ritz is the clear winner in terms of price, interior, enough head room and leg space, K-Series engine and Maruti service. Chevy Spark, Wagon R are the best option for beginners and small time budget. Indica Vista has lot of space and a good family car but quality really matters for Tata Vehicles.
Punto as usual has the first class fiat diesel engine and is a hard car to drive with less performance in terms of pick up and performance, Safety is there slogan. I10 has a kappa engine but less interior space and i20 is a fully loaded petrol version and (nice exterior/lot of space) inside looks is worth trying but has less performance compared to Ritz. Swift is growing old in the market it’s a good option near to dzire.
Sedan Segment:
Maruti SX4, Hyundai Verna, Dzire, Fiat Linea, Honda City, Logan, Ford Fiesta, Ford Icon.
My dream car is a Honda any make, but it’s a cream car, so definitely vote again for Maruti SX4, its truly men are back metal. Its smooth, great pickup, you doubt whether the engine is working or not for a brand new piece. Lot of space, height, head room and boot space definitely it’s a go for Rs 7 Lacs piece and lastly Maruti service. Due its high ground clearance its suitable for Indian road conditions having bumpy and potholes. Rest sedan do not have much ground clearance.
Honda city any make is always a go go provided you have big budget to buy it. The old Honda 1.3 are still going strong and current one’s are good take for round about Rs 9 Lacs. Honda City Vtec engines will definitely give far more mileage and refined engine. The stability on highways are superb for Honda cars, whether you step into the gas for 100 or 130 Kms per hour. Honda is Honda.
Third favorite is Fiat Linea the diesel version, when I took a test drive I thought I was driving a Petrol version, the new brand heavy metal is super quite with diesel engines. You can feel the safety with heavy doors and hoods. Good interior and exterior’s, nice colours and boot space with top end model for near about Rs 8 Lacs it’s a good go for diesel lovers. Now almost all diesel cars have Fiat engines under their hood they are capturing the engine market fast. I like the diesel version than the petrol one’s.
Dzire is extended version of swift and small budget with a price tag of Rs 5.36 Lacs it’s a good option for sedan section still having a waiting list. Verna definitely needs a test drive before making a decision to buy a sedan.
Ford is not making much noise in Indian car market, I was upset about the Ford icon diesel version and Ford Fiesta made sales graph little up but the above versions of cars is definitely beating Fiesta. Think tank in Ford has to work something fast before they become GM. The spares are expensive and if you get a bad piece you are bankrupt.
Logan failed due to looks, but has enough space for three at the back compared to all the above sedan. This is a big issue cause all sedan cars do not place three buns comfortably. Logan has lot of space but other things are not so good, Mahindra needs to rework on this piece.
Luxury Segment:
Honda Civic, Honda Accord, Skoda Superb, Skoda Laura, VW Jetta, Toyota Altis, Toyota Camry.
Hmm yummy it’s the Skoda and Honda the clear winner for me.
Honda Civic- Rs 13 Lacs
Honda Accord – N/A
Skoda Superb – Rs 18 Lacs
Skoda Laura – Rs 20 Lacs
VW Jetta – Rs 17 Lacs
Toyota Altis – Rs 13 Lacs
Toyota Camry – N/A
Above price tag need to be confirmed.
Honda again refined engines, I took a test drive of Honda Civic, it took few seconds to reach 100 Kms speed and I did not realized I was at the high speed. The back seat has flat floor removing the hump compared to other cars. Lot of space and a cool Steering wheel and a dash board.
Skoda is surely a SUPERB. The latest one has got a good face uplift and they are muscle car with Skoda engines. They are reliable Czech stuff. So buy them blind folded.
VW Jetta is a great car, I drove them in city and little difficult to drive them in narrow, congested and crowed roads and lanes.Its a good German car so you have safety. Smooth, huge, performance and pickup. Try your test drive on highways and you will be dead with its speed. It has something called Emergency exit from back seat. You fold the back seat and you have a way out to boot with a button to open the boot from inside and you are out if your electronics set failed in heavy rains. That’s cool.
Toyota’s has good engines as usual and not to be missed.
Super Luxury Segment:
Audi, BMW, VW Passat,
Go for anything above 4,5,6,7 for Audi / BMW, your choice and money, especially Audi R8 with a V8 engine and for Rs 1.17 Crores.
SUV’s Sedan:
Toyota Innova gives a tuff to Tata sumo grande, Tavera . Compared to buying a high end sedan car people now prefer Innova. It has conquered the market for 8 and 7 Seaters people carrying vehicle which is just for Rs 10 Lacs. Driving a Innova gives a feeling of driving a Sedan. Its gives a nice smooth drive in city and on highways, though a diesel version its less noisy than other Indian diesel vehicle, A lot of space and comfort for a long drive and big family. Of course it’s a expensive maintain ace vehicle but definitely a go. I am quite impressed.
Next in this line are Mahindra Xylo, Tata Sumo, Grande, GM Tavera. For Rs 8 Lacs GM Tavera is a smooth driven 8 seater, specially if you get a option of two seats in the middle, the suspension ensures nothing moves in your stomach. They are very popular commercial use in India. Mahindra Xylo is tall, sturdy, spacious but hard to drive since the gear knob is too hard to move but a good strong SUV for rural India. Tata Grande has not much changed the view of customers since I can see very few grande on roads and it’s a huge tank if you sit inside and try to drive.
Luxury SUV’s:
Tata Safari, 2009 Mahindra Scorpio, Grand Vitara, Chevy Captiva, Ford Endeavour, Mitsubishi Outlander, Porsche Cayenne, Mitsubishi Pajero, Honda CRV, Audi Q7, Toyota Land Cruiser, Mercedes-Benz GL-Class
Captiva and Honda CRV are good SUV within a price range for Rs 19 Lacs. They give lot of comfort for long drives and have good engines. Mahindra Scorpio are huge and very popular in this diesel section, since Mahindra are well versed with Diesel engines. Tata Safari and Grand Vitara are old now nothing new except external UI features. TO mention is the HULK Toyota Land Cruiser, which is released recently in India. The white African elephant has a V8 engine with almost a 4000 CC fuel drinking middle piece. It has a huge music system and lot of luxury fitted inside and you can adjust the height of the entire vehicle up and down. So better have a close look if you see it on the road. Benz will certainly give value for your money. Rest see the tech specification of SUV below:
Tata Safari
The Tata Safari was launched a decade ago to the Indian market. Tata Safari with its slightly puffed yet elegant body and comfortable interiors became the darling of the young middle class urban elite. Safari comes in eight trims and two drive configurations, front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive. It comes with two engine options: a 2.2L VTT diesel that churns out 138 bhp and 2.0L MPFI petrol that produces 125 bhp. Estimated fuel economy is 9/13 km/l (city/highway). It is furnished with a height-adjustable driver's seat, power windows, a climate control system, and a tilt power steering. The Safari comes with a starting price tag of Rs 6.47 Lakh (ex-showroom Delhi).
2009 Mahindra Scorpio
Since decades, Mahindra & Mahindra is known to supply general purpose vehicles to the Indian mass and the tradition is maintained with the launch of Mahindra Scorpio. This SUV became an instant hit and created a wave of enthusiasm among young professionals. The 2009 Scorpio comes with a new engine. The all-new 2.2-litre, four-cylinder mHawk diesel pumps out 120 bhp, which can be considered the right kind of output for Indian conditions from an SUV. The new engine comes with the micro hybrid mode. What this does is to switch off to standby when the vehicle does not need the engine, such as in idling conditions. This is believed to make some contribution to fuel conservation.The 2009 Scorpio is given a new grill, which comes with a central ‘silver tooth’. As the name suggests, this fork-like shape for the grill makes it more noticeable. This feature is common to the Bolero, as well as Mahindra's new introduction, the Xylo. The new headlights get a highly powerful and piercing ‘projector’ lenses. Available in four variants, the 2009 Mahindra Scorpio is available within the price range of Rs 7 Lakh to Rs 9 Lakh
Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara
After having established itself as an undisputable leader in the small car segment, Maruti Suzuki has set foot in the SUV market with the launch of Grand Vitara. This SUV comes to India with a single petrol engine option, a 5-seater configuration, and an enthralling exterior design that resembles the Honda CR-V. The gutsy 2.0L VIS Inline-4 petrol engine churns out 119.5 bhp and is linked to either a 5-speed manual transmission or a 4-speed automatic transmission. An all-wheel-drive configuration is standard and the fuel economy is 10.3 km/l for variant with automatic transmission and 11.2 km/l for variant with manual transmission. The starting price tag for the Grand Vitara is Rs 13.8 Lakh (ex-showroom Delhi).
Chevrolet Captiva
The SUV is blessed with aggressive looks, classy exterior & interiors and uncompromised performance. The engine follows the Common Rail Direct Injection fuel system coupled to a 5-speed manual transmission and powered by 2.0L Inline 4 cylinder delivering 150bhp. The car now comes with automatic transmission that adds value to the already competent car. Available only in single diesel variant, Captiva offers the fuel economy of 9/12 km/L (city/highway). Chevrolet Captiva comes with a starting price of Rs 19.9 Lakh (ex-showroom Delhi).
Ford Endeavour
Struggling to cope with the new Globalised competition, Ford was not to lag behind others while vying for the Indian pie. The Endeavour may look a bit obsolescent, but it has user-friendly interiors with plenty of legroom. The car comes with a common 2.5L turbocharged diesel VGT Inline-4 engine which generates 141 bhp and is propelled by a 5-speed manual transmission. The only difference between the two available variants is the drive configuration, which is rear-wheel-drive (RWD) for one and all-wheel-drive (AWD) for the other. The car comes with alloy wheels and tubeless tyres. The estimated fuel economy of the car is 7/10 km/l (city/highway). The Endeavour comes with a starting price tag of Rs 14.72 Lakh (ex-showroom Delhi).
Mitsubishi Outlander
This Stunning SUV is launched in India by a joint venture of Hindustan Motors and Mitsubishi. Designed meticulously, the Outlander is gifted with brilliant styling, faultless performance, unmatched fuel efficiency, and innovative engineering. This SUV offers driving pleasure with its convertible smooth 2WD mode to rugged 4WD mode. The car is propelled by a 2.4L MIVEC I4 engine which delivers 168bhp. The gearbox offered a 6-speed INVECS-III CVT with a 6-speed manual mode controlled through paddle shifters. The estimated fuel economy is 8/11 km/L (city/highway). The starting price tag is Rs 20.20 Lakh (ex-showroom Delhi).
Porsche Cayenne
Porsche is well-known for imparting unique sporty character to its cars and the same is truly reflected in the design and aesthetic of the Cayenne. Continuing Porsche’s legacy of excellence in automotive engineering, the SUV exudes both elegance and masculinity at the same time. The naturally aspirated 3.6-litre V6 engine produces 290 bhp. Complimenting the high energy is the invigorating engine sound that is unique to every Porsche car. With awe-inspiring power and well-balanced acoustics, it goes from 0 to 100 km/h in a span of 8.1 seconds and can touch a top speed of 227 km/h.
A ‘Sport’ mode on the car offers a quicker pedal response and more dynamic as well as direct engine performance. It also assists in achieving a firmer ride and responsive handling. The Porsche Traction Management (PTM) on the SUV combined with Porsche’s enhanced Stability Management system tune the ride for optimum off-road performance. The maximum ground clearance of 241 mm and air suspension confirm the superior traction and smooth driving dynamics. The luxurious and powerful Cayenne SUV models sell within the range of Rs 56 Lakh to Rs 1.5 Crore (ex-showroom price).
Mitsubishi Pajero
The Japanese car maker Mitsubishi entered the fray of the lucrative Indian SUV market with its Pajero. The Pajero has a military-vehicle sturdy front with a boxy rear. It is great off-road and tackles difficult terrain with panache. The Pajero comes in a single variant SFX with a 2.8L turbocharged Inline-4 diesel engine that churns out 117 bhp and is coupled to a 5-speed manual transmission. The Pajero also has height-adjustable driver seat, ABS brakes, and climate control. This all-wheel-drive vehicle has an estimated fuel economy of 8/11 km/l (city/highway). The Pajero comes with a starting price tag of Rs 19.80 Lakh (ex-showroom Delhi).
Honda CR-V
This is a top-end luxury SUV one will simply love to own. This extremely popular, new-age urban vehicle has sold over 2.5 million units across 160 countries, and its popularity doesn't show the slightest sign of waning.The Honda CR-V is as stylish as a premium SUV can get. Its wonderful GCON body, catchy tail gate design, attractive front cabin, cockpit-like interior and sun roof combine deftly with the luxury that is packed inside.There is a seemingly unlimited set of interior amenities and comforts inside. A dynamic dashboard, dual climate control, plush leather upholstery, multi-info display, adjustable tilt-telescopic steering and Noise, Vibration and Harshness (NVH) reduction feature are some of the wonders of this vehicle. It has a terrific feel of the road. Its superior stability and road handling complement the high view that offers wonderful visibility. This gives the driver a feeling of being king of the road.The Honda CR-V comes in 3 variants with two 2.0L i-VTEC and 2.4L i-VTEC engine that gives out 141 bhp and 151 bhp, respectively. Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), dual SRS airbags, Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS), security alarm and immobilizer are some of the safety features that the CR-V comes with.Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), dual SRS airbags, Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS), security alarm and immobilizer are some of the safety features that the CR-V comes with. The price of the car falls within the range of Rs 17 Lakh to Rs 19 Lakh.
Audi Q7
Audi Q7 is a full size luxury SUV built on the customized version of the Volkswagen 7L platform. Enhanced with Audis Quattro all-wheel drive system, it has an option of three engines in petrol and diesel version - 3.0L V6 Turbo diesel that churns out 230bhp, 3.6L V6 delivering 276 bhp and 4.2L V8 producing 350bhp. It is available in three variants - 3.0 TDI Quattro, 4.2 FSI Quattro and 3.6 FSI Quattro. The engine is mated with a 6-speed automatic transmission. The estimated fuel economy is 7/9 km/L (city/highway). Its price tag starts at Rs 53.4 Lakh (ex-showroom Delhi).
Toyota Land Cruiser
Toyota Land Cruiser from the SUV segment is one of the most expensive models from Toyota in the Indian car market. The sturdy SUV will be powered by a 4.5 litre V8 engine with an output of 282 bhp and a 6-speed automatic gearbox. The engine comes with the reputation of providing better performance and fuel economy compared to the petrol version that is available in the Indian market.
Bigger wheel arches and bumpers, thick and chrome surround grille gives the SUV a classy appeal. Toyota Land Cruiser Prado comes to India as a completely CBU will be positioned against Porsche Cayenne, BMW X5, Mercedes-Benz M-Class, Audi Q5 and Volkswagen Touareg. It comes with the price tag of Rs. 84 Lakh (Ex-Showroom, New Delhi).
Mercedes-Benz GL-Class
Mercedes will be expanding its premium SUV segment in India with the introduction of Mercedes-Benz GL-Class. The seven-seater SUV will be available in both petrol and diesel versions. The petrol engine will come equipped with 5.5-litre capacity whereas the diesel variant will be powered by a 3.0-litre engine. The GL Class will impress Indian luxury car buyers with its royal styling, flawless performance, luxury features, and outstanding safety features.
Expected Launch Date: Late 2009Estimated Price Tag : Rs 75 Lakh
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