You got into cars by collecting die-cast models. But why did you give them away? They might have been worth something some day…
Actually we were moving home and my mum was adamant that they would not be cluttering up our new place. I tried my best to convince her but eventually had to let them go.
But you were soon driving a real car at university. Tell us about that Honda City which your dad bought for you. Was it the typical student car?
It was a special car, not just because it was my first one, but I was the first amongst my university friends to get a car. They all appreciated it for this reason as it helped mobilise us.
It was very small but it could hold a lot of people. I remember once we were going to the cinema and we could not find a cab. So eight of us squeezed inside the Honda. There were two in the front and six at the back. But it hampered progress a bit since it only had a 1.3-litre engine.
Lugging eight passengers around took a lot out of it. It took time to pick up speed and once it did, it took ages to slow down.
Then you saw a Ford Mustang that belonged to your mate and you were smitten with muscle cars...
Indeed. The moment I saw his 'Stang, I was floored. It just looked so hot. Muscle cars look great and have loads of power. They grab a lot of attention and that is what every university-going student wants.
Your previous Dodge Charger, with a 3.5-litre V6, got you plenty of that, didn't it?
It was perfect for me. I did not test-drivea single car before buying that black Charger in 2007. I just went to the showroom, saw it and made up my mind. The most difficult part was to convince my dad. My mum and siblings loved the car but I had to prepare an Excel spreadsheet with all the calculations including how I'd be able to pay back the loan. My dad was more concerned about the safety, resale and maintenance aspects. But I managed to convince him.
When the time came for a change, you test-drove quite a few different cars, right?
Yes this time I actually test-drove about10 different cars. They were a mix of German and Japanese and ranged from saloons to SUVs, but I couldn't find something that would make me say "yes".
I tried out a pair of Volkswagens — the Golf GTI and Passat CC, an Audi A4, Infiniti G37 and also a Ford Edge. I had decided on theG37 but when I told my friends, they advised me against it.
So you had a rethink and decided to buy American again?
Yes I did. The main reason for buying this 2012 Charger was for its looks, power and practicality. It is an ideal car for a family of five and even better when you're driving solo.
It has more guts than your previous one.Tell us about that 5.7-litre Hemi V8. It has plenty of power, around 370bhp and 536Nm of torque. When I accelerate, the sound of the engine gives me such an adrenaline rush.
I just don't feel like getting out of the car. Floor it and it grabs you by the scruff of the neck. It certainly makes life interesting.
And how does it handle for a large saloon? Does it feel sporty?
It handles really well. The ESP and independent suspension keep it under control very nicely, even at high speed. And the acceleration is impressive for such a large car: It does 0-100kph in about 5.5 seconds.
Have you taken it out on the track?
I hope to take it to the track some day. Probably after it's a little older. I just don't feel like wearing out the tyres yet as I have only had this car for three months.
Fair enough. Since you owned the previous model, you must be able to feel the difference and improvements that havebeen made to that car…
Yes I can. I would say the exterior and especially the interior have been improved a lot. There is a huge difference between the old model and this beast. One of best upgrades to the exterior are the taillights, which are composed of 164 individual LEDs. Inside, the 8.4in touchscreen and entertainment system makes you feel like there is an iPad in the car. Some other features I like are the blind-spot monitors, paddle shifters and heating and cooling cup holders. I have seen these on high-end Mercedes and BMWs but I got all this and more for half the price.
My friend always told me to buy this car as it combines luxury with power but I was always under the impression I needed something different. Boy, was I wrong!
But, you've kept this car a bit of a secret, haven't you? Why?
That's right. Not everyone knows I own this. I wanted it to be a surprise and what better way for people to find out than seeing it featured in wheels? Now, everyone will know about it.
They sure will! It has loads of extras and packs a punch, but as we know there's no such thing as too much power. So any plans to modify it?
I have no immediate plans to do anything to it. It already has the RT package which includes a Mopar sports exhaust, suspension and black honeycomb grille. I'm happy with the way it is.
You have been faithful to Dodge for five years — do you ever see yourself buyinga different car?
I hope so, probably after couple of years. Itis too early to think about another car right now as this one is still fresh out of the box,so to speak.
Finally, what is your dream car?
I have a few, but I'd love a Lamborghini Murciélago.
Bio
- Name Anish Mehta
- Job Audit and risk management supervisor
- From India
- Wheels 2012 Dodge Charger R/T
- In the UAE Born and raised in Dubai
