BMW X3

Call it the odd one out but the baby SUV in BMW's range (at least before the X1 came on the scene) is the best suited for India and its tight traffic conditions. The term ultimate driving machine fits well on the X3 especially as it carves its way through small gaps yet delivers a big car feel to the man behind the wheel. Our X3, won a short three month stint with us, came with almost 12,000km on the clock and we have already put in an additional 16ookm.

What is impressive from my daily drive perspective (house to office and back) is its relative lack of bulk and that near perfect driving position while yet keeping the SUV smile inducer intact - the commanding view from the wheel.

The Tiptronic works a dream and the diesel motor is a willing one thanks to the streaming torque which is whipped up in a jiffy. The overall dynamic ability is brilliant and while the X3 doesn't have its X5 elder brother's design flair (ditto for the new and even smaller X1), I think this underrated aspect is actually a good thing for it makes you enjoy your motoring (and a fair bit of off-roading too) without being too conspicuous.