‘Race’ Up your Sporty Side! (BMW 530d M Sport)

If you have experienced the BMW 5 Series, get ready to race it up with the sports version of the sedan

The recently launched upgraded version of BMW’s popular 5 Series, has added an M Sports Package. We get behind the wheels to figure out whether it’s just a cosmetic upgrade or potent enough to be a mechanical advance over its predecessor.

Exterior

This latest generation of the 5 Series offers an enhanced exterior design, which now comprises of a larger front grille, chrome surrounds for front fog lamps, re-carved lower air intakes, along with a front and rear apron, and a pair of sleeker tail lamps. Its 18 inch alloy wheels and turn indicator integrated with the side view mirrors, further help in bringing out its overall design.

Interior

Having altered its exterior design, BMW has also spruced up the interiors of this sports model, in order to provide a better level of comfort than before. The first step towards this direction is the inclusion of a new instrument cluster that lights up in red, the moment you slide it into the sports mode. Conversely, the comfort and eco pro driving mode caters to an analog meter. What’s more, the German automaker has gone and improvised the car’s drive system, which now features a bigger 25.8 cm display, along with a track pad available on the controller. This is quite useful for the end user. Two LCD screens for rear passengers comes as a standard fitment. In this version of the 5 Series, the front seats offer better thigh support, with the rear seats providing ample comfort to the passengers.

Engine

There are no drastic changes under the hood; however what has changed is the sedan’s performance output, which now offers 12 bhp more than the previous generation. The torque figure remains the same.

Verdict

5 Series has been one of the bestsellers for BMW and this one is no exception. It is improvised both on the inside as well as the outside, giving it an immense appeal. Its performance is the icing on the cake, completing the package on the whole.

The King of Off-Roading

Ford Endeavour, Mitsubishi Pajero Sport and Toyota Fortuner battle it out to 

determine who is the real champ of off-roading 

When you go to buy a SUV (Sports Utility Vehicle), what is it exactly that you look out for? Drive, space, comfort or is there something else that fires your imagination? Well for me, it was the “off-road” experience that mattered when I set out to review Ford Endeavour, Mitsubishi Pajero Sport and Toyota Fortuner. So, let’s find out who comes out on top when faced with some serious mud and slush bashing.

Ford Endeavour

The Ford Endeavour has been one of the forerunners ever since its launch back in 2003. Its sheer muscular appearance and ­massive ground clearance have been its main attractions. Having said that, its updated looks, especially the face lifted front end, does add character. But somehow, when it comes to the drivability factor, especially off-road, the ­experience isn’t that great. When I took it through an open field run, the Endeavour failed to impress me in the handling department. Its overall ride quality feels a bit compromised, while rest of the features, such as space and comfort, are fairly satisfactory.

Mitsubishi Pajero Sport

The latest generation of Pajero Sport scores high on the style and brand quotient meter. Its curvaceous ­exterior appeal will surely ­fascinate onlookers, but its real USP is the positive attitude to go anywhere and tackle any sort of terrain quite successfully. The interiors are up-to-date and the comfort factor does not go unnoticed. Having said that, the car’s heavy steering does make city commuting a bit of an issue. However, highway cruising is more suitable for long trips.

Toyota Fortuner

This is one of the most sought after 4 wheelers in the market. Its modern looks, interior space and ­current features on offer, make it one of the most preferred SUVs around. Its on and off-road capabilities have won it novice as well as hardcore off road enthusiasts. To be precise, its handling and ride characteristics are quite smooth, no matter what comes in its way. Be it city roads or the highway, the Fortuner will not fail to impress you with its on and off-road capabilities.

Verdict

Comparing all three machines on just hardcore off-road capability, it would be Mitubishi Pajero Sport on top, followed by the Toyota Fortuner and Ford Endeavour. However, since a country like ours is price sensitive, the Endeavour would top the list due to its cheaper price tag, with Fortuner coming in at second, and Pajero Sport at third. On sheer passion and experience, we feel that the Toyota Fortuner is an ideal fit for both on and off-road utilization, as the Pajero Sport comes closest as the next best option.