BHPian Dippy recently shared this with other enthusiasts: Test-driving a new car is always fun. Car enthusiasts often visit dealerships to check out new models and take test drives, even without the intention to buy. This thread is about memorable test drives from showrooms-whether considering a purchase or simply loving the car. Let me start with mine. I’ve driven many cars, but one test drive from over 20 years ago still brings a smile to my face. The year was 2004, and Skoda had just launched the 1st gen Octavia vRS in India. A 1.8-litre turbo petrol engine putting out 150 BHP was brag-worthy then (Today, a Thar petrol makes that much). Seeing photos of the car, I just had to drive it. I was working as a web designer back then in Vile Parle, a Mumbai suburb. I found out that there was a Skoda dealership just 15 minutes away from my office, so I gave them a call. I spoke to a very friendly sales executive and told him I was interested in the VRS and wanted a test drive. I didn’t expect a positive answer, but he was quick to answer in the affirmative. I asked him if he could send the car to my office. He immediately agreed, and in 20 minutes, there was a gleaming yellow Octavia vRS standing outside my office gate. I will still say that the Gen-1 vRS is the best looker of the lot even today. After checking out the car, he handed me the keys, and I got into the driver’s seat. The attention to detail was fantastic, everything from the dials to the sexy gear knob and the seats. I started the car, and the turbo-petrol motor just roared to life. I slotted into first, took the car out of my office lane and headed to the Western Express Highway nearby. While that road is a mess today, in those days it used to be empty, especially in the afternoons. That gave me a chance to put the car through its paces. The explosive acceleration just brought a big grin to my face. The gearshifts were sharp, while the turbo whistle was addictive. The three-spoke steering had a superb feel to it. The test drive lasted around 45 minutes. We returned to my office, after which the sales guy handed me a pamphlet on the car. Price of the vRS was approximately Rs. 15 lakhs on-road that time in Mumbai. I thanked him and then returned to my office desk, smiling ear to ear. The vRS was the most powerful car I had driven till date at that time, and it remained so till I drove the Honda Accord V6 months later. The Gen-1 Octavia vRS will always be a special car for me. My first taste of a powerful turbo petrol. Some misc pictures I had clicked with my digital camera then: Would be awesome to hear similar stories from fellow BHPians. Here’s whatBHPian Rajeevrajhad to say on the matter:I used to do that a lot in the 2013-2019 time period. Would go and test drive random cars. The ones that I really remember (Have not driven any fancy cars, so its a normal list). The Polo GT TSI in 2013. This was probably the most memorable. Never having experienced a DSG or the TSI before, that was a mind blowing test drive for me. So much that I immediately booked it knowing it won’t meet my family needs. Later better sense prevailed and I did switch to its slightly toned down version-the Vento TSI.Other honorable mentions:The Mahindra Thar. Not an SUV person at all, but the Thar was a memorable drive and made me want to buy it. Not even sure why as it was a short drive and it is not a car with good ride quality.The BYD Seal. First car in a long time after my Polo/Vento TSI that I really wanted to buy. Loved every aspect of it.The Skoda Kodiaq. One of my favorite cars. Changing the DCC to comfort and going over a terrible stretch like it was a carpet still is in my mind.Here’s whatBHPian dicKyhad to say on the matter:Not the most powerful or most expensive one that I TDed (joy ride since I didn’t have any real intention to buy) Ford Figo 1.5D. Such a small car with that power. No lag, not constrained, doesn’t taper off easily. Felt like a well tuned 2000cc NA petrol engine in a sub 4m car.Read BHPian comments for more insights and information.
