After yet another year of outrageous fun on wheels, these are the cars and bikes that really got us going in 2016.
After yet another year of outrageous fun on wheels, these are the cars and bikes that really got us going in 2016.
BEST BUDGET HATCHBACK
MARUTI SUZUKI BREZZA
What is it?
A ‘compact SUV’-style hatchback.
Why do we dig it?
It looks funky, to begin with, and a range of cosmetic and other mods can be carried out when you buy it. Other than that, it’s comfortable, fun to drive and comes with a range of safety features, so it’s a great family car.
BEST PREMIUM HATCHBACK
VOLKSWAGEN GTI
What is it?
A little firecracker on four wheels.
Why do we dig it?
This is a hatchback with a bloody great 189 bhp engine, which gives it the capability to easily wallop much bigger cars. At Rs 26 lakh, it costs a bomb, but we’d have it in our garage in an instant.
BEST EXECUTIVE SEDAN
HYUNDAI ELANTRA
What is it?
An all-new version of Hyundai’s bestseller.
Why do we dig it?
The Korean company quickly mastered the art of offering all things to all people, and the new Elantra is no different. It looks great, drives well, is fantastically appointed and excellent value for money.
BEST PREMIUM SEDAN
BMW 3 Series GT
What is it?
A more comfortable version of the 3 Series.
Why do we dig it?
If you’re a keen driver, the 3 Series is the best sedan in its segment – but it’s not the roomiest. The GT fixes this, with more rear seat room, great features and no discernible loss in the handling stakes.
BEST COMPACT SUV
MERCEDES-BENZ GLC
What is it?
The long-awaited gap filler between the GLA and GLE.
Why do we dig it?
The GLA is too small and the GLE a tad expensive, so the GLC is nigh-on perfect if you want a luxury SUV with the 3-pointed start. It’s very nice to drive, rather comfortable and has a stately elegance to its design.
BEST PREMIUM SUV
JAGUAR F-PACE
What is it?
The first ever SUV from Jaguar.
Why do we dig it?
Because it’s really, really good – it’s probably the best Jag product on the market. You get smashing looks, elegant interiors, rock-solid dynamics and a high level of fun.
BEST BUDGET SPORTSCAR
FORD MUSTANG
What is it?
Ford’s legendary sportscar for the people.
Why do we dig it?
Well, because it’s finally available in India, albeit with a slightly detuned engine. OK, so Rs 65 lakh isn’t ‘budget’, but it’s a small price to pay for a glorious engine note, muscular looks and automotive history.
BEST SPORTSCAR
PORSCHE 718 CAYMAN
What is it?
The best sportscar experience on the planet.
Why do we dig it?
Where do we start? Porsche keeps raising the bar with every new Cayman, and the 718 is without peer in the handling and thrills game, even though it now has a turbocharged engine. This thing is sheer automotive perfection.
BEST SUPERCAR
NISSAN GT-R/ AUDI R8 V10 PLUS
NISSAN GT-R
AUDI R8 V10 PLUS
What are they?
Insane pieces of automotive engineering.
Why do we dig them?
This one’s a tie, and for very good reasons. The GT-R simply rips the laws of physics to shreds in the way it accelerates, and it looks like a fevered anime dream; the R8 V10 Plus is the most usable supercar you can buy, going from purring cat to vicious T-Rex in an instant. You simply must have both.
BEST BUDGET MOTORCYCLE
Benelli TNT25
What is it?
The baby of the Benelli lineup.
Why do we dig it?
It’s a quick, nimble machine that will serve you well in all conditions, especially when the hilly sections appear. It takes a while to get used to its vibey nature, but all in, this little bike’s a hoot.
BEST SPORTSBIKE
DUCATI 959 Panigale
What is it?
A drop-dead gorgeous motorcycle that belongs at a racetrack.
Why do we dig it?
We don’t really need reasons to dig a Ducati, especially one this beautiful. Nevertheless, in the right hands, it’s a thrilling machine that will break lap records all day long.
BEST BUDGET TOURER
ROYAL ENFIELD HIMALAYAN
What is it?
RE’s first ground-up, all-new bike in… well, forever.
Why do we dig it?
This is a comfortable, relaxed motorcycle that will happily potter around the city and soak up the no-road conditions of Ladakh with equal ease. It isn’t revolutionary, but it’s a welcome step in the right direction from Royal Enfield.
BEST PREMIUM TOURER
HARLEY-DAVIDSON STREET GLIDE SPECIAL
What is it?
Part of H-D’s 2017 range, with a new engine.
Why do we dig it?
It’s the quintessential touring motorcycle – big, heavy, comfortable and shiny. The new engine puts out more power and torque, which is always a good thing.
