[vnabhi]

@MC---Only a vRS will whet your appetite for a fun-to-drive car on weekends. If not that, then the Laura TSI should suit your needs. Two of my neighbours own one and they are quite happy with it.

On the other hand, if it were not for your aversion to MUL cars, the Kizashi makes a strong case for itself, moreso with the juicy discounts on offer. It would be great to see you drive by on it on weekends yelling 'Banzai'

[karan561]

Buy a CRUZE , mammoth fun, but dont forget to upgrade the tyres immediately ( should take care of the handling part )

[Red Liner]

Originally Posted by MileCruncher

Please to explain what is DUC ?

A Ducati.

Originally Posted by MileCruncher

Another downer is I don't have covered and secured parking area to keep an exotic bike.

Move into a new house which has one, my good man. What an excuse

Ani, meet the ducati:

[ashis89]

I would stick with what most people have suggested, the Laura TSi. But I would suggest to buy the Ambition/Elegance(as Shankar Balan) suggested though only if there is more than 1L INR difference after discounts over the vRS. IMO the money saved can be used for better shoes. The vRS doesn't have significant performance upgrade(apart from stiffer suspension) and is more of a visual upgrade which is not neccessary.

[drmohitg]

Car shopping is always so much fun. Going by your requirements I would suggest the following:
1. The much praised Linea Tjet by many on the forum. Since you have enjoyed Fiat cars before, this looks like a great option and would also turn out to be cheaper to buy and maintain than the Skoda.
2. Ofcourse the Skoda laura as everyone has already suggested.
3. Why not wait for somemore time and see if VW launches the Polo 1.6 TDI. It might be amazingly fun to drive too and would be a niche product.

[Abhi_abarth]

As most of them suggested, I would also go for Skoda Laura vRS. Another car which comes to my mind is the Mitsubishi Cedia sports. Your choice

[Speed Pujari]

Get an Abarth 500 T-Jet imported.
No point in getting the yard soiled 2010 Linea T-Jet.
Laura vRS is good but what I have learned in the forum that the steering is not as precise as the Linea.

Your call.

[suhaas307]

MC

Since you're not averse to Fiats, the Linea T-Jet is a great option. Just don't forget to give it a nice set of wheels and tires with the left-over cash. Even then you'll still have some left for the paid-services and fuel.

After-sales-service is dismal for both Fiat and Skoda, but I think Fiat is worse off. If you don't mind that, then the Linea is worth considering. The vRS also makes great sense.

The Jetta 1.8 TSI isn't as powerful or as fast as the Laura vRS. And It's more expensive.

Oh, and don't forget the Forester option that I'd pointed out earlier (rally derived boxer-4 pot mill, massive tuning-potential, AWD, lots of space, dirt-cheap to buy)

Originally Posted by Speed Pujari

Get an Abarth 500 T-Jet imported.
No point in getting the yard soiled 2010 Linea T-Jet.
Laura vRS is good but what I have learned in the forum that the steering is not as precise as the Linea.

The MJD Fiat 500 was itself around 17 lakhs when it was briefly sold by Fiat. I doubt the Abarth 500 would be under 20. Heck, I think it's in Mini Cooper territory.

[KINI]

Why don't you chuck out the Scorp and get the Captiva??
Looks great,decent handling and its power can put some sedans to shame.Best part is the high GC should help you tide over city conditions,so it can be used as a daily drive as well!!

[MileCruncher]

Originally Posted by KINI

Why don't you chuck out the Scorp and get the Captiva??
Looks great,decent handling and its power can put some sedans to shame.Best part is the high GC should help you tide over city conditions,so it can be used as a daily drive as well!!

Are you kidding me?

With no offence meant to Captiva owners, I find the Captiva good for nothing. Its nothing better than a Soccer mom's car.

It surely cannot handle the rough and definitely won't take me to Ladakh. So it can't replace the Getaway.

The only decent SUVs north of 10L available in India that I would buy are

1. Toyota Fortuner
2. Mitsu Pajero Sport
3. LR Disco
4. LR Freelander
5. Volvo XC90

And none of these come anywhere close to the original go anywhere vehicle i.e. the LR Defender.

[.anshuman]

Originally Posted by karan561

Buy a CRUZE , mammoth fun, but dont forget to upgrade the tyres immideately ( should take care of the handling part )

Unfortunately grip or lack of grip does not really make a car super handler. I things were so simple a Verna shod with 255 section tires would shame a M3.

[MileCruncher]

Tomorrow planned as Baby's Day Out with the THAR.

Wifey is "supposed" to have a whole day with it!

[karan561]

Originally Posted by .anshuman

Unfortunately grip or lack of grip does not really make a car super handler. I things were so simple a Verna shod with 255 section tires would shame a M3.

Well, i just meant get rid of those JK Vectras

[MileCruncher]

Originally Posted by karan561

Well, i just meant get rid of those JK Vectras

Continuing on what Anshuman already said, driving dynamics between Jap/Korean cars and European cars is very different.

The main differentiating factor is the suspension, build quality and overall engineering.

[karan561]

Originally Posted by MileCruncher

Continuing on what Anshuman already said, driving dynamics between Jap/Korean cars and European cars is very different.

The main differentiating factor is the suspension, build quality and overall engineering.

Cruze (American) is a FUN car, i agree it isnt as inspiring as the German/European cars but , hey the engine is a stonker.

I respect the Laura too as i sold the Laura 1.9 PD L&K M/T ( after using 1.13 L kms ) & bought the Cruze.

But for the best of both the worlds the Laura is the better option, I'd suggest wait for the 2013 Octavia