5 Cars That Embody Freedom

One of mans' most cherished freedoms is the freedom to move freely, and our machines enable us to enjoy this freedom to a greater extent. The car is as popular as it is because it allows (those who can afford one) to go almost anywhere at any time that they want. The following is a list of five cars that we think allow us to enjoy the freedom of travel in the best way possible.

The freedom to enjoy speed: Volkswagen Polo GTI

What if you wanted a car that would fulfil your need for speed without being limited to a racetrack? Hot hatchbacks provide the perfect blend of crazy-grin-inducing performance, practicality (seat four/five, fit some luggage) and daily usability without putting a huge dent in your finances. 

One of the best hot hatchbacks you can buy in the country today is the Volkswagen GTI. It looks like a Polo at first glance but there are many signs that this is not just another Polo, the most obvious of which is that it only has two side-doors. 

The real magic is under the hood; the GTI is powered by a 1.8-litre, 4-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine developing 192PS of peak power and 250Nm of peak torque which is a paired to a 7-speed quick shifting dual-clutch transmission. 0-100kmph is achieved in 6.7-seconds, with the hatchback going on to hit a claimed top speed of 235kmph. 

If the stock performance does not quench the speed demon inside of you, you will be happy to know that cars from Volkswagen are some of the easiest ones to modify with parts available from tuners worldwide!

The freedom to go where few cars can go: Mahindra Thar

Get latest updates on
the automobile community

Login Now

If you find that driving over demarcated roads is stifling your freedom, an SUV is a perfect answer. If it has to be a capable SUV to go where very few can follow you, the Mahindra Thar can be your perfect tool.

The numbers are not impressive. The Thar is (practically) a two seater SUV powered by a 2.5-litre, 4-cylinder turbocharged motor which develops a modest 105PS of maximum power and 247Nm of torque and paired to a 5-speed manual transmission. 

What makes the Thar impressive is its off-road ability; a shift-on-the-fly 4x4 system with a mechanically locking rear differential, a flexible chassis and jaw-dropping suspension articulation make this a capable off-roader even in stock form. Enthusiasts will find that minimal modification (off-road tyres, snorkel) can make this the off-road explorer of one's dreams.

The freedom to go anywhere with friends/family: Isuzu D-Max V-Cross

The Mahindra Thar is a capable off-roader, but what if you wanted to share the joys of going almost anywhere with more than just one person? Lifestyle pickup trucks like the Isuzu D-Max V-Cross are your answer. In fact, for now, the V-Cross is the only answer.

The D-Max V-Cross is as long as its name sounds - 5.3-metres; that is longer than a Mercedes-Benz S-Class! It is also 1.8-metres wide and 1.8-metres tall. Within this dimension is a 4-door, four/five seater SUV with an open cargo-deck (as stock) which can be used to haul 265kg of whatever you like.

A bullet-proof 2.5-litre turbo-diesel motor sits under the tall hood, paired with a 5-speed manual transmission and a shift-on-the-fly 4x4 system with low-ratio gearing. The V-Cross is at home both on-road and off it, providing a sense of comfortable freedom that no other vehicle of its size gives. The good news is, if you want to make this more capable off-road, there are many modification kits available in the country. This is the perfect car to go for that private family holiday at that place that most people have no idea about.

The freedom to feel the breeze in your hair: MINI Cooper Convertible

There are few other cars which combine the feeling of being closer to nature like a two-wheeler and the safety of a four-wheeler as well as a convertible. And what better way to enjoy that unique feeling than to drive the most affordable new convertible you can buy in India, the MINI Cooper Convertible.

With a flick of a toggle-switch, the fabric roof of the MINI folds down in 18 seconds at speeds of up to 30kmph. On a good day, the Convertible makes the otherwise confined spaces of a car transform into a claustrophobic's paradise. The sun is shining, the wind is blowing, you look and feel cool and there is not a worry in the world.

The freedom to stretch out one's legs: Mercedes-Benz E-Class

The freedom to travel in style and luxury is now not restricted to those who can spend a minimum of Rs 1 crore; spend half of that and you can enjoy almost similar levels of backseat comfort.

The Mercedes-Benz E-Class is just under 20cm shorter than the company's flagship sedan and has a wheelbase about 90cm shorter too. In the top-of-the-line 350d trim, the E-Class offers similar equipment to keep you comfortable at the back. 

The rear seats recline, feature headrests which can be controlled electronically and the front passenger seat can be pushed forward to free up more than enough space to stretch your legs. If you ever felt like buying that car to relax in between your busy schedule, the E-Class offers you that freedom!