Five underrated vehicles in premium car segment
When you think premium cars, think BMWs, Audis and Mercedes. Here's a look at five underrated vehicles in this segment.
MINI COUNTRYMAN
The Mini Countryman adds a bit of ruggedness to the famed small car's line up. This variant has been built taller and longer than its urban cousins, to accommodate five adults quite comfortably. The 4-wheel drive option combined with the iconic John Cooper Works upgrade allows you belt out upto 220 bhp for a top speed of 190 kmph. That's quite a speed! That makes this not-so-little car a great option for longer drives that don't always take smooth roads. Mini lets its customers chose from peronalised paint schemes, interior and equipment packages, optional leather upholstery, automatic climate control, keyless entry, automatic headlights and rainsensing wipers. Accessories include beautiful 17-inch alloys and ambient lighting.
Price Rs 31 lakh onwards
TOYOTA LAND CRUISER
Toyota doesn't make them any bigger than this. The Land Cruiser traces it lineage back to 1951 as Japan struggled to recover from World War II. What started as a functional all-wheel drive has morphed into a palace on wheels. The Land Cruiser is not subtle, which explains its popularity among certain customers. Don't let their patronage put you off. The 4-litre engine generates 381 bhp and it does 0 to100 kmph in 12 seconds. Inside, you're treated to 14 speakers, four-zone automatic climate control, a superb GPS navigation system, steering wheel controls, a chiller box in the front arm rest and electrical charging ports in the rear.
Price Rs 88 lakh onwards
VOLKSWAGEN PHAETON
The Phaeton is 'exhibit A' on the list of most underrated luxury cars. It was designed to exacting standards under the direction of no less than VW chairman Ferdinand Piech himself. Reportedly, one such standard was being able to drive all day at 300 kmph with an exterior temperature of 50 C and a cabin temperature of 22 degrees Celsius. Built by hand at VW's 'transparent factory' in Dresden, every Phaeton is unique. Officials say the level of customisation is "limited only by a client's fantasy and finances." Nineteen-inch LCD screens, humidors for cigars and even a fridge are all items that have been requested and installed for buyers. What's more, VW even allows you to visit the factory and install your own steering wheel and driver's seat.
Price Rs 76 lakh onwards
VOLVO XC90
While they have always enjoyed a reputation as makers of some of the world's safest cars, in India, for some strange reason, Volvo has not yet managed to earn as much recognition for the premium quality it puts into them. With that said, Volvo's seven-seater, crossover XC90 deserves a thorough second look. In terms of safety, the car is understandably unmatched (a whiplash protection system, energy absorbing interiors and a roll cage are standard accessories). Where the car truly begins to stand out is its luxury trims. An electric cooler-cum-heater box in the back, twin screens for passengers seated in the middle row, cabin air quality monitoring and leather upholstery all combine to make for a very comfortable, and safe, ride.
Price Rs 43 lakh onwards.
NISSAN 370Z
Continuing its 40-year tradition, the Nissan 370z is a surprisingly good sports coupe. Let's start with the look. Its quotation-mark shaped head- and tail-lights enclose a body that screams one word-speed. The 3.7 litre V6 belts out 332 horsepower for an electronically-limited top speed of 250 kmph. Inside, aluminium pedals, knee pads for both occupants and smooth, understated leather trims make you feel like you are sitting in a true-blue racer. Tilt the steering column and you tilt the entire instrument cluster as well, improving visibility for drivers of all heights. Add to that power seats with lumbar support and numerous storage bins to augment the boot, and you have a capable, comfortable, convenient sports car that makes you look good without breaking the bank.
Price Rs 53 lakh onwards
The Mini Countryman adds a bit of ruggedness to the famed small car's line up. This variant has been built taller and longer than its urban cousins, to accommodate five adults quite comfortably. The 4-wheel drive option combined with the iconic John Cooper Works upgrade allows you belt out upto 220 bhp for a top speed of 190 kmph. That's quite a speed! That makes this not-so-little car a great option for longer drives that don't always take smooth roads. Mini lets its customers chose from peronalised paint schemes, interior and equipment packages, optional leather upholstery, automatic climate control, keyless entry, automatic headlights and rainsensing wipers. Accessories include beautiful 17-inch alloys and ambient lighting.
Price Rs 31 lakh onwards
Toyota Land Cruiser
Toyota doesn't make them any bigger than this. The Land Cruiser traces it lineage back to 1951 as Japan struggled to recover from World War II. What started as a functional all-wheel drive has morphed into a palace on wheels. The Land Cruiser is not subtle, which explains its popularity among certain customers. Don't let their patronage put you off. The 4-litre engine generates 381 bhp and it does 0 to100 kmph in 12 seconds. Inside, you're treated to 14 speakers, four-zone automatic climate control, a superb GPS navigation system, steering wheel controls, a chiller box in the front arm rest and electrical charging ports in the rear.
Price Rs 88 lakh onwards
Volkswagen Phaeton
The Phaeton is 'exhibit A' on the list of most underrated luxury cars. It was designed to exacting standards under the direction of no less than VW chairman Ferdinand Piech himself. Reportedly, one such standard was being able to drive all day at 300 kmph with an exterior temperature of 50 C and a cabin temperature of 22 degrees Celsius. Built by hand at VW's 'transparent factory' in Dresden, every Phaeton is unique. Officials say the level of customisation is "limited only by a client's fantasy and finances." Nineteen-inch LCD screens, humidors for cigars and even a fridge are all items that have been requested and installed for buyers. What's more, VW even allows you to visit the factory and install your own steering wheel and driver's seat.
Price Rs 76 lakh onwards
Volvo XC90
While they have always enjoyed a reputation as makers of some of the world's safest cars, in India, for some strange reason, Volvo has not yet managed to earn as much recognition for the premium quality it puts into them. With that said, Volvo's seven-seater, crossover XC90 deserves a thorough second look. In terms of safety, the car is understandably unmatched (a whiplash protection system, energy absorbing interiors and a roll cage are standard accessories). Where the car truly begins to stand out is its luxury trims. An electric cooler-cum-heater box in the back, twin screens for passengers seated in the middle row, cabin air quality monitoring and leather upholstery all combine to make for a very comfortable, and safe, ride.
Price Rs 43 lakh onwards.
Nissan 370Z
Continuing its 40-year tradition, the Nissan 370z is a surprisingly good sports coupe. Let's start with the look. Its quotation-mark shaped head- and tail-lights enclose a body that screams one word-speed. The 3.7 litre V6 belts out 332 horsepower for an electronically-limited top speed of 250 kmph. Inside, aluminium pedals, knee pads for both occupants and smooth, understated leather trims make you feel like you are sitting in a true-blue racer. Tilt the steering column and you tilt the entire instrument cluster as well, improving visibility for drivers of all heights. Add to that power seats with lumbar support and numerous storage bins to augment the boot, and you have a capable, comfortable, convenient sports car that makes you look good without breaking the bank.
Price Rs 53 lakh onwards
