After you learn the 'A-B-C's of driving, I suggest that you practise, at your own pace, the following:

 

1. Up and down a steep slope, in forward gear, then in reverse gear;

2. Experience how 1st and 2nd gear 'engine braking' works in steep slopes;

3. Learn to make a perfect '8';

4. Choose a parking slot and reverse *exactly* into the middle of the slot *without* turning back. That is, using your rear-view mirror and both wing mirrors *only*. When you master this technique, your peripheral vision automatically gets honed and you will have fewer dents/ scratches/ accidents on account of you;

5. Repeat #4 at night, in a dimly lit street;

6. Repeat #4 & #5 on a steep slope;

7. Learn 'tight' parallel (kerb-side) and angular parking to perfection, once again, using only your wing and rear-view mirrors;

8. Learn to drive in *any* traffic situation *without* honking;

9. Take your car through very crowded, very narrow market places without honking;

10. Finally, never be afraid of getting a few minor scratches and dents - consider the cost of repair as your learning cost. The more deeply you feel hurt when your car gets 'hurt', the better driver you'll turn out to be!

How to protect your car from THEFT

Picture this. You are on a day out with your family. After driving around all day, you settle in to enjoy a movie at your favorite theater, only to come back later to the parking lot and find your car missing! Or waking up one morning to find the car stolen from your own residential parking spot. All this may sound like your worst nightmare come true, but the fact is, car theft is a big business in India. Auto theft is a national-level racket that runs into crores of rupees. Team-BHP tells you how to prevent your car from becoming a mere statistic on police records.

What happens to cars once they are stolen?

Stolen cars from one state are usually sold in another state to unsuspecting buyers. Cross selling across states makes it difficult for authorities to track the cars down. Forged registration papers, supporting documents and a fake registration number are not difficult to procure in India. Often, used car dealers work hand in glove with car thieves, who frequently operate as part of a larger gang. In other cases, these cars are dismantled and individual parts are sold in the open market. Stolen cars can also be used in crimes and then abandoned. In such a situation, there is high potential of a legal problem to the actual car owner.

Which cars are the usual targets for car thieves?

Though a thief can target almost any kind of vehicle, the following cars are hot favorites:

VFM and popular hatchbacks. The Maruti 800, Alto, Wagon R, Swift, Tata Indica, Hyundai Santro, i10 etc.

VFM and popular sedans like the Maruti Esteem, Dzire, Tata Indigo, Honda City, Toyota Corolla etc.

MUVs & SUVs like the Mahindra Scorpio, Bolero, Chevrolet Tavera, Toyota Qualis and Innova. Premium SUVs like the Mitsubishi Pajero are darlings too.

The above-listed cars find buyers almost anywhere in the country; this is exactly what thieves look for. Cars that are easy to sell and with minimum fuss.

Lessening the appeal of your car:

Number etching :

• Etch the registration number of your car on the glass areas and a few other secret spots that only you know about. Etched registration numbers on windows are a deterrent to thieves (potential problem at "naka bandi"). Plus, this step will help you / the Police identify your car if & when it is recovered.

No valuables :
• Keep the laptops, shopping bags and cell phones away from prying eyes. These goodies invite a thief and only give him more incentive to steal your car. Never keep valuables in open sight (e.g. on your seat). Lock them away in the boot or carry them along with you. Also, if your stereo headunit has a removable panel, detach and take it with you.

Buy a market dud :
• Cars like the Fiat Palio, Ford Mondeo and Mitsubishi Cedia found few takers in the new car bazaar. Good news is, thanks to their dismal market performance, even fewer thieves are interested in these cars.

Some other important points:

Photo copies only :

• Do not leave your driving license and original registration papers in the car. These documents can be doctored, and it is possible that the thief will impersonate you when selling the car. Keep only photocopies of registration & insurance documents in the car and carry your driving license with you at all times.

Car Jacking :
• Though an infrequent occurrence today, car jacking is growing in popularity with urban thieves. When driving through isolated areas, or late at night, always keep the doors locked and your windows rolled up. Don't stop the car in suspicious areas either.

Offroaders :
• Good idea is to leave your 4x4 vehicle parked with the transfer case in N or L mode. A majority of thieves don't even know how to operate the transfer case.

For the really paranoid :
• Remove the main fuse and carry it along with you. No one expects thieves to come equipped with fuses. This is a worthy suggestion for those times that you are out travelling, and your car will remain unused in its parking spot for a longer period of time.

Protection from the "other" car :
• Applicable to those of you who have 2+ cars and a narrow parking area. Use the less desirable car as protection, park it at the end, and block access to the other cars. For instance, block the Hyundai i20 and Toyota Innova out with the ol' Premier 118 NE at the entrance.

Hyundai i20

Hyundai i10

The Hyundai i10 is a city car produced by the South Korean automaker Hyundai Motor Company. It was launched in October 2007, and in 2008 in the UK replacing the Hyundai Atos in some markets.

The i10 is produced in India at Hyundai's Chennai plant for the domestic and export markets. It is positioned near the lower end of Hyundai's hatchback subcompact range (above the Hyundai Eon).

In Europe, it has 4 different versions Classic, Style, Comfort and and Eco Blue Version with a smaller 1.0 litre engine, all come with front electric windows, ABS, Air-conditioing and a RDS Radio/CD Player with a USB connection.

Hyundai started development of the i10 to replace the Hyundai Atos, also known as the Santro. The development for the concept was code-named Hyundai PA. The car was targeted primarily at the Indian market and intended for production in India, given the popularity of hatchback subcompacts in the country.

Styling

The i10 has a large gaping air-dam, pulled-back headlamps, chrome-lined grill, integrated clear lens fog lamps, a bonnet that has a clam shell hint and a rear window with an upswept kink.

The tailgate has a chrome-lined boot-release handle and an integrated roof spoiler on the top- end versions.

Overall length (3565 mm) and wheelbase (2380 mm) are identical to the Santro with slightly more interior space; Ergonomic design was intended to accommodate tall drivers and increasing rear knee room. The width has been increased (and front and rear track) by 70 mm (2.8 in) for more shoulder room. The height has been reduced by 40 mm (1.6 in). Boot space at 225 litres (7.9 cu ft) is significantly lower than that of Getz.

Interior
The interior has a plastic dash housing with an optional integrated stereo. The instrument binnacle has a large white-faced speedometer, flanked by the tachometer and fuel and temperature gauges.

The gear lever is built into the centre console, leaving space between the front seats for a couple of cup holders.

Exteriors

Hyundai introduce an all-new front-end design inspired by the Fluidic Sculpture design language. Its centrepiece is a new radiator grill which features chrome detailing. It also boasts a bracing set of 3D wraparound headlamps with multi-reflector chrome surround fog lamps. The bumpers have also been redesigned with a new front grille to lend a more aggressive look. It also features a micro roof antenna, body colour door handles and the side indicator lights incorporated on the outside rear view mirror. The rear of new i10 boasts of sleek and elongated tail lamps, bold rear bumper with body coloured inserts as well as rear bumper reflectors and trendy full wheel cover.


Interiors
The new i10 has a two-tone beige and light brown colour in certain markets. To impart a more aesthetic appeal, the interiors have been accentuated with chrome and silver accents at multiple points. Other interesting design features like metal finish centre console, new instrument cluster, blue interior illumination, etc., have been added to offer a more luxurious and ergonomic experience.

Apart from this, the i10 brings in a host of highly innovative design features like first- in-segment gear shift indicator display (M/T only), digital fuel indicator, Bluetooth, steering mounted audio & bluetooth controls and multiple power outlets

What should be looked before buying a car?

Budget

Mileage

Looks

Usage

Features

Interiors

Space/comfort

Maintenance

Brand Value

Resale value

Checklist for buying a new car

1. Never accept the delivery in the late evening. Call the dealership ahead of time and let them know that you plan to perform a very detailed delivery check during daylight hours. Getting through your checklist may take couple of hours or more so see that you get an earliest possible appointment (0930 hrs or even earlier if possible) so that you will be having sufficient time to inspect the car, put accessories/modifications and fix any defects found, complete the paper work, all under a bright daylight.

Also insist that no Invoice to be made in your name till you complete the pre-delivery inspection.

2. Some people believe that taking delivery of 'Metal' goods on Saturday is inauspicious, while some insist on a `Muhuraat', plan and prepare accordingly if you are one of them.

3. Call couple of days in advance to confirm the delivery date and time to avoid any disappointment in case dealer is unable to deliver the car for what so ever reasons on that appointed day.

4. In the mean time, keep your paperwork ready. Check with the dealer well in advance about documents required to complete Car Registration, Insurance, Car finance formalities etc.

5. If any financial transactions are to be completed on that D- Day, carry all PDC, cash, DD etc.

6. Check and verify that your car insurance starts the minute you take delivery.

7. It is prudent to have somebody, a third person, not emotionally attached to your car buying process, accompany you during the whole process. And if you can manage to have an experienced Auto mechanic or an eagle-eyed friend or relative along with you nothing like that; four eyes are better than two. This also helps in case dealership tries to pressurize you on any account.

8. Don't forget to take your camera / camcorder with you (of course with fresh batteries, film/cassette/memory card), not only for capturing the moment of joy but in case you find any cosmetic defect in the car, a picture will serve as a proof.

9. Carry a pre recorded Audio cassette / CD to test the Music System in the car (if fitted).

Hyundai Santro Xing

 

 

 

 

XL eRLX - Euro III

 

 

Overall 4
Looks 4
Performance 4
Space/Comfort 4
Fuel Economy 4
Value For Money 4