Winter is the perfect time to hit the road and explore the diverse landscapes of India. Whether you crave snow-capped mountains, serene backwaters, coastal adventures, or desert trails, the right car can make all the difference. With their unique capabilities, the following five vehicles promise to elevate your road trip experience, ensuring both comfort and excitement.
Mahindra Thar Roxx: To the mountains
The Mahindra Thar Roxx is a bold and rugged SUV that truly comes into its own in mountainous terrain. Designed for adventure, this vehicle offers unmatched control and stability, making it perfect for snow-clad regions. Its powerful engine options, including a 2-litre mStallion turbo-petrol and a 2.2-litre mHawk diesel, ensure you have all the power you need to conquer steep inclines and treacherous paths. Equipped with a capable 4×4 system that offers high and low-range ratios, the Thar Roxx handles icy roads and challenging terrain with ease. The generous 226 mm ground clearance allows it to navigate rough and uneven paths without a hitch. This SUV is ideal for destinations like Manali, Gulmarg or Spiti, where its rugged capabilities will shine. The Thar’s comfortable interiors and robust build further add to its winter readiness, allowing you to embrace the thrill of snowy adventures while staying comfortable. Did we mention that it gets a panoramic sunroof that allows you to enjoy the scenery in absolute style?
MG Windsor: Exploring Kerala
MG Windsor
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The MG Windsor, an electric utility vehicle, combines the best of SUVs and sedans, offering eco-friendliness and luxurious comfort. With a 38 kWh battery that delivers 136 bhp and 200 Newton-metres of torque, the Windsor ensures a smooth and powerful ride. Its impressive 330-kilometre range on a single charge and 186 mm ground clearance make it perfect for exploring Kerala’s diverse landscapes. Whether you are navigating the tranquil backwaters of Alappuzha, climbing the misty hills of Munnar or enjoying the old-world charm of Kochi, the Windsor delivers a seamless driving experience. Kerala’s extensive EV charging network eliminates range anxiety, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the state’s beauty without any interruptions. The Windsor’s silent operation complements the state’s serene environment, while its spacious and plush interiors make every journey feel indulgent. The addition of advanced driver-assistance systems ensures safety and ease during long drives. With a large panoramic glass roof and a rear bench seat that reclines to give you lounge-like comfort, the Windsor is the ideal companion to explore this lush terrain.
Citroën Basalt: For a coastal adventure
Citroën Basalt
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Special Arrangement
The Citroën Basalt, an SUV coupe, blends style and practicality, making it an excellent choice for coastal road trips. Its standout feature is the exceptional comfort it offers, especially for rear passengers, thanks to its advanced suspension system. Powered by a 1.2 litre turbo-petrol engine producing 110 bhp and 190 Newton-metres of torque, the Basalt delivers outstanding driving dynamics and fuel efficiency. With its generous legroom, plush interiors and 470 litres of boot space, this vehicle is designed for long journeys. The Basalt is perfect for exploring the scenic coastal roads from Goa through Karnataka and into Kerala. Its compact size allows it to manoeuvre narrow, lesser-travelled roads, ensuring that your trip is as adventurous as it is comfortable. For those who love road trips with frequent stops to explore small beaches or coastal towns, the Basalt’s frugal engine and ergonomic seating are a bonus. The high-tech infotainment system keeps passengers entertained while navigating the picturesque coastal routes.
KIA Carnival: Tour of Rajasthan
Kia Carnival
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The Kia Carnival redefines luxury and space, making it the ultimate vehicle for a family road trip through Rajasthan. With its 2.2 litre CRDi diesel engine delivering 200 bhp and 440 Newton-metres of torque, the Carnival ensures a powerful yet smooth drive. Its spacious interiors, featuring reclining captain seats with leg rests and three-zone climate control, provide a royal experience for passengers. The 12-speaker Bose premium sound system and expansive boot space further enhance the comfort and convenience of this MPV. Whether you are visiting Jaipur’s palaces, Udaipur’s lakes or Jaisalmer’s sand dunes, the Carnival serves as a palace on wheels. The sliding doors make it easier to get in and out at crowded tourist spots, while the panoramic sunroof offers stunning views of Rajasthan’s vast desert skies. For long stretches between cities, the Carnival’s advanced cruise control and plush interiors ensure that the journey is as enjoyable as the destination, while keeping everyone safe as it also benefits from Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) Level 2. It is the perfect choice for travellers who love to pack heavily, with room for luggage and all the treasures you might shop for along the way.
Maruti Suzuki Swift: Southern quest
Maruti Suzuki Swift
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The Maruti Suzuki Swift, a compact and nimble hatchback, is perfect for exploring southern hill stations like Kodaikanal, Ooty or Munnar. Its 1.2 litre Z-Series petrol engine, producing 82 PS and 112 Newton-metres of torque, provides a peppy and efficient driving experience. With a mileage of 24 kilometres per litre and a 163 mm ground clearance, the Swift is well-suited to tackle narrow mountain roads and occasional rough patches. Its agile handling and compact size make parking and navigating crowded hill towns a breeze. Whether you’re winding through Ooty’s tea gardens or enjoying the tranquil mountain roads of Kodaikanal, the Swift offers a reliable and enjoyable journey that perfectly complements the charm of these destinations. The hatchback’s light steering and responsive brakes enhance driver confidence on steep inclines and sharp bends. Additionally, the Swift’s practicality extends to its fuel efficiency, ensuring fewer stops at the pump, giving you more time to soak in the scenic vistas.
While these vehicles are just suggestions, they highlight the importance of choosing the right car for your road trip. A road trip is a wonderful way to spend quality time with family and friends, and the right vehicle can make the experience even more enjoyable. So, pack your bags, pick a destination, and let these incredible cars take you on a winter journey filled with adventure and memories. With the right companion on wheels, every road trip becomes a story worth telling and an experience worth cherishing!
Motorscribes, in association with The Hindu, brings you the latest in cars and bikes. Follow them on Instagram on @motorscribes
Published – December 27, 2024 03:23 pm IST
