May legends live on

One fine day our Environment Minister made a certain remark which would have felt like a brick in the face to some of our good friends from Germany and also to anyone who enjoys powerful motorized vehicles.  A harmless little remark made in good faith that went something like this, “using SUVs in India is criminal!”  Though he obviously meant it in the interest of future generations and sustainable development and what not, the backlash he received should be proof enough that petrolheads in the country are far from extinct.

It’s come to the point where some sections of society see owning big cars as taboo. Ever since tiny, practical hatchbacks have stormed markets, even good old sedans have taken a beating, and saloons are a far cry. But in such a situation, shouldn’t concerned politicians and people who drive the Toyota Prius spare a thought for those of us who love the roar of a diesel engine, the whine of a turbocharger and the sweet symphony of smoking tires on tarmac? After all, what would he who drives the humble hatchback know about the glory of pushing down the pedal while standing at a red light and watching heads turn in awe, of getting the approving glances  of lesser mortals and feeling the surge of hormones? 

The extremely critical attitude toward vehicles that do not give mileage equal to the age of the person driving it is sad, especially for the youth who one day hope to own BMW’s (yours truly!) and Audis. After all, if people like the respected Minister mentioned above get their wish, they will at least have experienced the satisfaction of having travelled by or perhaps even owning a great vehicle. But for those of us who see legendary four wheelers whizzing around Monza or conquering the Dakar Rally and fantasize about laying hands on such machines, reality may slowly be slipping away.

No one is really to blame here, resources are finite indeed. But then wouldn’t you harp on about Bill Gates’ fortune if you had the chance? Consider SUVs, supercars and luxury saloons to be the Bill Gates equivalents of the automobile world. They need to exist, but they will be criticised. We who love our cars (in the true sense of the word and not those excuses that run on concoctions that can be mixed by the soda vendor on the street) will do whatever it takes to keep the legacy of the Mustangs, Camaros, McLarens and Veyrons from being wiped away.

 Our good friends from Germany are trying their best to make sure that our fantasies on wheels continue to roll off assembly lines while giving hatchbacks a run for their money as far as fuel consumption is concerned.  But there may yet come a day when the Tata Nano is king, and we will be left with no choice.

But that day is not here yet. Today we still have vehicles that raise the hair on the back of the neck, that send chills through the spine and cause goose bumps to erupt. Today we still feel pride as the sleek Mercedes draws up next to the bus we ordinary mortals travel in, and allow ourselves to indulge in a little daydream about one day being more than mortal. Because cars are not just practical machines that take people places. They are an indulgence, an expression of freedom and a statement all rolled into one. So the next time you are driving along in your frugal little Alto and you see an Audi appear in your rear view mirror flashing millions of shiny LEDs, give way humbly and behold royalty as it breezes past. Like the mortal you are.