[amolbh]

IIRC, in someone's review thread, GTO had commented that the A-Star is his most favourite small hatchback in terms of FTD quotient. Had expected it here.

[a4anurag]

Originally Posted by amolbh

IIRC, in someone's review thread, GTO had commented that the A-Star is his most favourite small hatchback in terms of FTD quotient. Had expected it here.

IIRC it was the Toyota Liva TRD and yes it features in this thread.

Anurag.

[asitkde]

Originally Posted by GTO

Honda City no longer on sale. Maybe the next generation.

The City currently is not on sale - true. But the thread title is "2013 Lineup: The Best Enthusiast Cars in India", isn't it? I'd assume then that this means all cars that have been produced during 2013. Not to include the City in that list is hugely incorrect, I'd think.

I also do not agree with notions that the City is a poor handler. It's not an excellent handler, but the City (at least the one 2012 onwards) is a reasonable handler, despite having a light steering. But the steering hold is excellent, and it's precise.

[venkyhere]

I think the reason why there are so many conflicting thoughts in this thread is- "reference". Each of us, based on our experience with cars that we have driven, have certain benchmarks for bad/neutral/good/exceptional 'handling' cars. For example, somebody like Jeremy Clarkson would rate the M3 as a 'good' handler and the nissan GTR as 'exceptional' ; whereas an average joe like me would rate the figo as 'good' and linea as 'exceptional' . Its all a question of how wide-ranging is you experience of 'feeling-the-car-handle' . I guess the motivation for this thread is to just 'average-out' the different benchmarks & rank the cars of 2013 based on an 'average' benchmark.

[asitkde]

Originally Posted by venkyhere

I think the reason why there are so many conflicting thoughts in this thread is- "reference". Each of us, based on our experience with cars that we have driven, have certain benchmarks for bad/neutral/good/exceptional 'handling' cars. For example, somebody like Jeremy Clarkson would rate the M3 as a 'good' handler and the nissan GTR as 'exceptional' ; whereas an average joe like me would rate the figo as 'good' and linea as 'exceptional' . Its all a question of how wide-ranging is you experience of 'feeling-the-car-handle' . I guess the motivation for this thread is to just 'average-out' the different benchmarks & rank the cars of 2013 based on an 'average' benchmark.

I do not know the above is directed at my post above. I agree with your general observation, but like to add very humbly that: based on the cars that have made the list, and based on my experience of driving for more than 30 years in a variety of terrain, almost half of the period abroad, many varieties of cars, including a few exotic ones, my opinion is as opined in my above post.

[BurningHeart]

@GTO, while everything is where it should be, why is cruze not making this list? I am hurt :-)

[venkyhere]

Originally Posted by asitkde

I do not know the above is directed at my post above. I agree with your general observation, but like to add very humbly that: based on the cars that have made the list, and based on my experience of driving for more than 30 years in a variety of terrain, almost half of the period abroad, many varieties of cars, including a few exotic ones, my opinion is as opined in my above post.

my post was generic, did not aim at you at all ; there are many who are of the opinion that many 'good ones' are missing from the list (in fact, i am disappointed that the figo never made it here - you know why ).

[jvm_1986]

Excellent thread. Good selection of cars here. However, Wouldn't the Skoda Yeti ( at least 4*4 variant) make it to this list? It's quite powerful and handles quite well too.

[Surprise]

Originally Posted by GTO

EcoSport & Duster. XUV500 isn't too bad either.

Sir, XUV500 follows ES and Duster??? or XUV500 leads the way....Duster handles better & quicker than XUV500???

[knightrider_25]

Has every one forgot the Santa Fe

Most enthusiastic SUV to drive in India with almost 200bhp power and 42kgm of torque....

Simply awesome....

[Motoringlover]

Originally Posted by GTO

Thanks guys.

Would've added the Figo, but it's too slow. Sibling, the Fiesta made it.

Honda City no longer on sale. Maybe the next generation.

Punto 90 is again too slow, let down my awful gearing. Sibling T-jet makes the cut.

Again another feature offers great value, thanks to your earlier feature i am now a convert for the value the pre-worshipped rides bring to the table, besides the fun factor and not to mention the pleasure of possibly living EMI free [Case Depending]. i love my Octy RS, look forward to everyday driving.

GTO - Reward for good work is more work - Sorry to be sounding that way, but unfortunately greed has no cure, having tasted blood the last time, Could you please contemplate doing a feature around the million rupee mark, that could help take the game at another level. Please let me know if i can help contribute.

Thank you very much for your time and resources in the forum.

ML

[zenren]

Originally Posted by knightrider_25

Has every one forgot the Santa Fe

Most enthusiastic SUV to drive in India with almost 200bhp power and 42kgm of torque....

Simply awesome....

When even the relatively lower slung Hyundai hatches and sedans don't handle well enough when compared to other competitors, I don't think a high CG SUV from Hyundai stands a chance. Just having high power/torque figures won't make a car an enthusiast drive.

Besides, it doesn't fit in the sub 20L category anyway.

[knightrider_25]

Originally Posted by zenren

When even the relatively lower slung Hyundai hatches and sedans don't handle well enough when compared to other competitors, I don't think a high CG SUV from Hyundai stands a chance. Just having high power/torque figures won't make a car an enthusiast drive.
.

Exceptions are always there.... Santa fe rides & handles much better than the sedans from Hyundai stable for sure...!!!

[GTO]

Originally Posted by ghostrider

Nope. I mean the Jetta. I was equally surprised to hear about it and my first reaction was the same - "Don't you mean the Passat?"

Buddy, as expected, seems to be the Passat only

November 2013 factory dispatches of the Passat = 0 (full sales report coming up soon).

[Vid6639]

Originally Posted by a4anurag

But why not the 1.5 L TDCi? That also is a pocket rocket. Am I missing anything?

How would you rate the Getz CRDi? I know it is discontinued.

Anurag.

The 1.5L TDCi EcoSport is mediocre at best when it comes to performance. 90PS and wuite heavy weight ensures it will not feature on that list.

The 1.0L Ecoboost on the other hand is quick and great fun for an enthusiast. High revving turbo petrol engine and decent poke. It's the most fun SUV out there but hatchbacks like the Polo GT TDI and GT TSI will run circles around it.

The Getz CRDI is not on the list because it simply is not available. List is of cars you can buy in 2013.

Originally Posted by Surprise

Sir, XUV500 follows ES and Duster??? or XUV500 leads the way....Duster handles better & quicker than XUV500???

Any day or any night. The XUV weight and dynamics cannot match the Duster's dynamics. EcoSport is not entirely an SUV but both of these are in a different league than the XUV500.

The XUV500 handling can be termed better than ladder on frame SUV's like Safari Storme, Scorpio and even Fortuner.

Originally Posted by jvm_1986

Excellent thread. Good selection of cars here. However, Wouldn't the Skoda Yeti ( at least 4*4 variant) make it to this list? It's quite powerful and handles quite well too.

What extra does the 4X4 offer except go anywhere capability? For an enthusiast the Jetta or the Octavia will be the choice compared to the practical Yeti.