Thanks to everyone in the past two pages for their inputs.
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Originally Posted by Aroy I say go for Duster. There are very few roads (or tracks) you would drive on that require 4x4 low ratio, unless you are traveling regularly on mud/snow and jungle trails a normal 4x4 suffices. |
Slush/Snow/Trails are a relatively new environment which we want to experience, of course without damaging any mechanicals, from the little we know about 4x4 it can be a expensive hobby.
The reason we warm up to the Duster is to cover distances in comfort and go that extra mile beyond paved roads, currently we walk after parking our cars, I sweated it out in 4x4 habitat once, when I beached my friends Qualis in slush and we had to resort to prayers, brain storming and struggle to dislodge the 2 tonne beast, since then 4x4 has been a 'magic term'.
Hence Duster will be of little interest unless 4x4 to cover the road less explored, for regular road use we are not fancying GC much as we normally slow down whenever the road surface is patchy to avoid aggravating panel vibrations.
For the kind of 4x4 usage I foresee, Duster 4x4 will do justice as we wont really indulge in rock climbing or stream crossings, as mentioned earlier any hobby which can damage a 15L product is not something we currently find fun in.
We can pick a simpler 4x4 for hard core off-roading.
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Originally Posted by Aroy ... The problem with Thar is the soft top - no safety for your things and the rear seats, apart from indifferent interiors. Further the Duster has better FE. |
Thar is definitely not in contention, we need comfort to cover the distance to get to the spot before venturing off road, the decision is between Duster and Vento/Polo DSG.
What I meant is Thar being a commonly visible ambassador of the 4x4 badge, stops us from going the 'car' way again, each time we see a Thar on Goan roads.
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Originally Posted by ampere - (Do you need AWD version remains to be seen)
- Now you decide between GC and AT (if you care).
- So depending on the two, its Duster 110 vs Vento DSG as per me |
As mentioned earlier the Duster is in picture only for its ride and 4x4 advantage, we've always wanted a comfortable go anywhere tourer and currently only the Duster fits this idea and budget, Safari 4x4 is the other distant alternative, maybe pre-owned in case we pick a DSG.
Every time we limit our journeys to roads and walk the remaining trail, wish for a 4x4. We don't want to get our current road cars stuck someplace remote.
Since we aren't really sure how much we will utilize 4x4 capabilities, I am tilting towards Polo DSG as it will aid everyday driving and will be a comfortable tourer of sorts (on roads).
Other pluses are Polo has better safety ratings, is a looker, better plastics, is 3/5th the Duster 4x4 price, more over Polo is the current WRC (favorite sport) champion and though there are lot many mechanical differences between the one in WRC and our roads, the idea excites us.
On a separate note, since DSG is the factor playing havoc on our minds, will it make sense to pick a Laura Tdi with DQ250 in the same price of Polo. With Laura we have multi-link comfort and bonus power.