Drivers Wanted

There is a 1800 CC engine also on offer, but we recommend you pick the 250 bhp 3.2 V6 version. And don’t ding it.
HOW GOOD: Finally, a TT with enough punch
HOW MUCH: Rs 45 to Rs 50 lakh
WHEN: Order now

Porsche Cayman S
Business rival owns Mercedes SLK? Make him gag with your new Cayman S. Slotted between the Boxster and the 911, Porsche’s new coupe, derived from the former car, is equipped with a 3400 CC 295 bhp six cylinder boxer engine mated to a six-speed manual gear box. Translated, that means you could compress a 0 to 100 kph run into 5.4 seconds.

While there are trademark Porsche touches—auto-extend spoiler, for instance—bulging haunches and a steeply sloping hatchback manage to, if you look closely enough, make the Cayman S different from its siblings.

Also on board is a new aluminium suspension and stability and suspension management systems. If you’ve got the dough, the car is here. All you need is a winding road.
HOW GOOD: Next question
HOW MUCH: Rs 51 lakh approx
WHEN: Early 2006

Mercedes-Benz S-class
It’s all so predictable. Every five years or so, automobile writers sit down after a driving impression of the latest iteration of an S-class and write the same line they did half a decade ago—that the flagship Merc is probably the world’s best automobile.

With the 2006 S-class, it shouldn’t be too different. One might have a slight issue with the over-aggressive styling, but that’ll be about it. In all other areas, the bar has been raised yet again.

The tech quotient, as usual, is high. Similar to BMW’s iDrive system, a Comand Control located between the front seats controls functions as diverse as the audio system and suspension settings.

And since it will usually carry valuable people, the S-class’s safety systems have become even more intuitive. Brake Assist Plus, for example, uses a radar to gauge the proximity of an object ahead and, after two polite warnings, applies appropriate braking force. Motors on offer will range from a 3500 CC V6 to eight and 12 cylinder monsters. Sad, the chauffeur will be doing most of the driving.
HOW GOOD: The world’s best car
HOW MUCH: Rs 80 lakh approx
WHEN: Early next year

Mitsubishi Lancer Cedia
AFTER years of hawking retro and New Age Ambys, and improved Lancers, HM’s finally getting an all-new car.

The Cedia, a Toyota Corolla baiter, is an evolved, bigger Lancer, and while it might look like a regular car, you won’t be able to find fault with its performance.

Its 2000 CC 125 bhp engine is typical Japanese stuff—refined and reliable—and the car’s expected to be equipped with ABS, EBD and air bags. If you liked the Lancer, here’s the upgrade.
HOW GOOD: Mr Reliable
HOW MUCH: Rs 11 to 12 lakh
WHEN: December

Skoda Octavia L&K and RS Combi
Happy family, yeah? With lots of in-law visitations? Ah… we can understand. But maybe, Skoda can help.

Sometime next week, the company plans to launch its estates, the Octavia RS Combi and the L&K Combi (Combi is Skodaese for estate) and though wagons have generally left Indians unexcited, the car maker thinks it has got enough brand equity to push the estates.

Expect looks similar to Octavia (obviously) and also the same rock solid attributes—performance, impressive build and realibility—along with lots more space than a three-boxer. The RS, with its 1800 CC 150 bhp petrol engine, will be aimed at the sporty family man, who loves to frazzle mom-in-law’s perm every time he tackles a corner.

The L&K, on the other hand, comes with bells, whistles and trumpets and its 1900 CC turbodiesel delivers a more relaxed 90 bhp. Perfect for that beach house getaway. Just don’t let the in-laws know.
HOW GOOD: Intelligent buy
HOW MUCH: Rs 14 to Rs 16 lakh
WHEN: This month

Bitten by the Buggy

HAVE four fat wheels, will go anywhere: Mumbai buggy-lover motto. Buggy sightings (the vehicle’s actually called an ATV, short for All Terrain Vehicle, or a quad) in the city have been on the increase in the past couple of months. Owners include model Upen Patel and car designer Bonny Chabbria.

But what exactly is an ATV? Think of a small, open motorised buggy and you get the picture. ATVs, or quads, are mostly designed for off-road use and, come to think of it, are handy steeds to have in pothole-peppered Mumbai. We flagged down quad owners Patel and student Sahil Thadani for a lowdown.

What
Upen: Polaris Sportsman 500
Sahil: Yamaha Breeze

Size
Upen: 500 CC
Sahil: 125 CC

How Fast
Upen: I’ve done around 140 kph and it can do more for sure
Sahil: 100 kph

How Much
Upen: I can’t tell you that
Sahil: It cost a couple of lakhs, after duty and all that

Why an Atv
Upen: I’m a huge bike fan and this four-wheeler offers stuff no other ATV does.
Sahil: It was a gift from my mom

Best Compliment
Upen: People ask me everything about the bike, but no one has actually paid me a compliment
Sahil:The usual stuff—‘Cool bike!’

Others in the Garage
Upen: A Suzuki Hayabusa
Sahil: I’ve sold my Ducati and am ordering a custom bike

Next Buy
Upen: A Ducati 999, in bright yellow
Sahil: It’s a mini Chopper

Jharna Thakkar