Three types of cars!

Things were kept simple. You either owned a European car that wreaked extreme quality, looked great and ran extremely well. Or you bought an American car – and that was most probably if u were American anyway – big block V8 engine, double-bed bonnet that never seems to end, bench up front and a chassis that just didn’t handle. And then there were the Japanese – small, light, lithe, agile and all that with tiny engines that were tuned to dish out unbelievable power and reliability – and be easy on your pocket as well.

Like I said, life was simple, your choices were already made – if you like muscle, you drove American, you liked sophistication and quality you drove European and if you got all starry-eyed with the thought of technology and sheer surprise you went for Japanese. But human nature means that simple is boring and we just have to go and complicate things. So the American cars started becoming more Japanese and European while the other two mixed up with what was rest. Well, since all that started getting boring as well, two new world orders are emerging in the global car arena.

First up on that front are the Koreans. Once thought to be a load of undigested crap leftover from the Japanese car industry, the Koreans have proved to be a force to be reckoned with. Leading the Korean onslaught is none other than Hyundai – with some fabulous cars and even more amazing concepts in their kitty. Most of us commit the grave mistake of dismissing Korean cars without even driving them, but truth is, the Koreans are exactly where the Japanese were some fifteen years back – only more stronger and definitely on a faster progress path. Driving some Korean hatchbacks really makes you respect them more than you ever have and this is a hot topic for debate even within the ZigWheels team. I’m all for Korean cars though and I guess it’s not long before they take over the world! Or something like that at least!

And then we have us Indians! With Mahindra and Tata going global in a big way, it is just an indication of the good times ahead. Mahindra’s doing good with the Scorpio and has established itself as a maker of rugged vehicles with their success in International rallies. Tata made waves with the Nano and the Nano Europa. With the crash test video out, it is getting greater acceptance globally as well.

These are good times for the Koreans and us Indians. Things will only get better. Just makes you so proud to be Indian doesn’t it? Or Korean in fact, if you’re reading this in Korea…or have dual citizenship…whatever!