Who said you need big money to have big fun? Who said you need a bottomless bank account and your own fuel pump to drive a great car every day? What we’ve assembled here are cars that deliver the thrills without breaking your bank balance. We dug around to find some driver’s cars with soul, that were available for under Rs 2 lakh at the time. Yes, you will have to buy them used, but as long as they make you grin from ear to ear, does that really matter?
Honda City VTEC
The first generation of the Honda City in India occupies a very special place in every motorhead’s heart. That low-slung look is distinctly cool even today, and that high-revving, high-tech petrol engine is dynamite. The VTEC suffix denotes that this car employs variable valve timing and lift electronic control – what this essentially does, in layman terms, is optimise the opening and closing of the valves according to the revs of the engine; at low revs, the focus is on fuel efficiency, while at high revs, it is on maximising power output.
So, in action, the VTEC’s bottom end feels slightly weak. But the mid-range on, it picks up with ever more vigour to a top-end that is just manic. In fact, the way the engine builds power all the way up to its 7,100rpm redline is what makes the VTEC so special. Then, there’s that gearbox. It’s light, precise and has short throws, making it an absolute joy to use. The engine-gearbox just make you want to drive harder and harder and harder.
There’s also a street racer vibe to the VTEC today. The sight of the trademark spoiler in the rear view mirror could have something to do with this. Also, while the cabin may seem spartan, you won’t really complain. There’s just something very pure and unadulterated about the package.
The low ride height and aerodynamic shape also provide great straightline speed, and tight control around corners. However, Honda had to make some compromises in terms of the firmness of the suspension, so you do get better ride in the city at the cost of sheer cornering ability.
The VTEC remains truckloads of fun to drive. It won’t have valets running to you at the hotel porch but fellow boy racers will nod in approval. We strongly suggest buying a later model though, because once the 15-year rule for cars kicks in, early models will be headed for the scrap yard in some states.
