Like the horse a century ago, cars have become an intimate part of our lives. There are now 700 million cars in use worldwide; it is not surprising that many car owners do not regard cars as just a means of transport, but as objects of deep love and devotion. Car styling, advertising and film sponsorships help give them distinct personalities. Perhaps this is why so many wives or girlfriends can become insanely jealous of their male friends’ passion for cars.

Cars do ignite a passion among many drivers because almost nothing else can give such a heady sense of speed and power. For a competent driver, and there are few people who do not consider themselves one, few things stir the adrenaline as much the thrill of taking a car to its limit. And, if there is a pretty lass to show off to, the excitement multiplies.

For the young at heart

The Maruti Alto remains the largest selling car in India but it has slipped down the social scale because it is considered a bit cheap and is being upstaged by a bunch of bigger hatchbacks. So many of the brightest and best young executives plumb for the Maruti Swift or Hyundai i20 that offers a bit more space, zippy performance and a macho attitude. The more affluent will go for SUV’s or crossovers like the Mahindra Scorpio, Renault Duster, Nissan Terrano or Maruti Brezza. The great Toyota Fortuner is bigger and more expensive.

Women are also emerging as important buyers with very definite preferences about the cars they want. They usually prefer smart smaller cars that are quick on the road and easy to park. Many girls are therefore opting for the new mini SUV’s like the Renault Kwid and will no doubt also like the new Maruti Ignis.

For the executive types

The corporate types prefer sedans like the Honda City or Hyundai Verna, and some prefer the bigger and more expensive Toyota Corolla Altis or Hyundai Elantra. Still bigger are cars like the Skoda Superb, or Toyota Camry.

For the rich and famous

Few people can afford a Bentley or Rolls and the German trio of Audi, BMW and Mercedes are the choices for those who want to make an impression. They are all great cars, so buyers choose them for their personalities. The Mercedes C, E and S Class saloons used to be the last word in prestige, but began to be associated with older people and had to freshen up with great new styling and sporty model variants to compete with the BMW models that have a younger and sportier image. The BMW’s 3, 5 and 7 Series saloons compete with the Audi A4, A6 and A8 saloons that appeal to those who want to project a `techy’ image. Those who want a sportier image may opt for a sporty saloon like the Porsche Panamera. A Ferrari or Mesarati are undoubtedly even more sporty but far too expensive to risk on our roads.

We now have a choice of about 200 models but our choices will not be based on what the maker wants to sell but on what the buyer feels will best fit his or her personality. Manners may have once madeth the man, but today it is the car that maketh his image.

The author is the region’s most celebrated automobile columnist