TOP ROADSTER

Hopping from a fire breather of an SUV into a smallish two-seater isn't something I would have greeted with enthusiasm. I needn't have worried because it was a classic roadster from Porsche, the creator of the Cayenne. While it wasn't the supreme 911, it was the infinitely more modern mid-engined Boxster, the car which spawned a new breed of Weissach thoroughbred when it was launched in the last decade and one which has proved to be as big a success as the Cayenne is shaping up to be.

The Boxster is one of the cars which has an Indian future writ large on itself. And it is natural considering the fact that Porsche had indicated that its pricing will be ultra competitive, being priced on par with international prices for the importers before tax and duty. I think that this is the way to go and could severely shake up the market for exotic cars, forcing maybe even the redoubtable Mercedes-Benz to have a relook at prices for its SLK, CLK, SL and M-class cars. (For more details on the same get in touch with Ashish Chordia of Shreyans Motors at 022-56604833).

As a driver's car, the Boxster is a purist's dream and yet is also one of the safest cars to drive. A new version is due later this year and so firm up your orders today.

Adil Jal Darukhanawala