Q. Do you have a particular preference about the drive train of your car (RWD/FWD/AWD)? Any particular reason for the same? Also, ditto about the structure of your car (monocoque/ body-on-chassis)? I have just sold our Scorpio (after 14 years of a labour of love with it) and am looking to fill the vacancy.

Thanks Virendra, I understand your point of view but I have to admit that I have a slightly different take on the subject. I have been touring the length & breadth of Uttaranchal for the past 20+ years (I am 66+ !) & I have found fully laden FWD-ers often in difficulties on the steeper (1 in 3 or more) inclines with tight hairpins, specially if the surfacing was gravel or kaccha. They would be scrabbling for traction & the engine could be heard straining. I am talking about the larger FWD-ers, with WB-es over 2.4 mts (City, Ikon, Verna, or larger). The small hatchbacks on the other hand showed great agility and had no difficulty on the inclines. In contrast RWD-ers (Omni, Eeco, Bolero, Sumo, Tavera etc) displayed no drama at all but managed to trundle on in the lower gears. Needless to add, our Scorpio showed complete disdain for all inclines (so long as the approach & departure angles were alright). This leads me to conclude that RWD (or AWD) might be the preferred choice for me Regarding the structure (monocoque or otherwise) I have not made up my mind yet. As an engineer I feel that a monocoque would undoubtedly provide the rigidity (specially torsional rigidity) needed for agile handling & maneuverability. But my experience with the Scorpio leads me to feel that as far as ruggedness & durability is concerned, the older body-on-chassis structure suggests itself. There are other factors of course - the budget most importantly (I am retired now and financial planning is of vital importance!) and interior space is important too - we have pets, our pair of active and largish boxers, who have accompanied us frequently during our Uttaranchal sojourns So I am still undecided and am looking for feedback like yours and from others too.

My reply was basically for an average person and I didn't know about your credentials and I am 42 years old guy who has done bit of off roading too. gypsy, mahindra mm440 so I do own a Scorpio and I never liked it one bit poor handling even worse suspension and that continuous movement on both sides the only reason it's selling is because there is no other vehicle is class by any other company. so what I am trying to say is don't judge the book by its cover. so now you want to know my choice it's definitely Renault capture. list of vehicles I have driven and owned till dateJeep (without di)Fiatambassador maruti gypsymaruti vanmaruti esteem Opel AstraFord ikonScorpioToyota livaand will be buying the Toyota yaris soon and I am a farmer by profession so I know all about mud and gravel roads I would like an awd vehicle that would be my choice for drive train.

It depends on where you are planning to use it. I prefer RWD or AWD. Go online and you will find awd is better than fwd. In city driving and highway sprints monocoque is better. I will go for an awd as next change. As you had Scorpio you already know many things about SUVs. You may try long test drive by dealers or just try your preferred car on any car rental and go for long drive before concluding.