Introduction

It is that time of the year again, the holidays are here and everyone is celebrating. As the year comes to close, the highlight of the holidays is obviously Christmas (December 25th); a day involving family time, good food and of course unhinged commercialism in the form of gift giving.

Now one of the highlights of Christmas is the story of Santa Claus. Combining multiple legends, the story goes that every year Santa Claus takes off from his base in the North Pole and riding his 8BRP (brake reindeer power) sleigh he travels around the world delivering presents to children who have been good that year and lumps of coal to those who have been bad.

It’s a timeless story and has captivated many a young mind (mine included) for centuries. However, while time has moved ahead Santa’s modus operandi has stayed the same and we felt that he too must move with the times. So, we put together a list of cars that Santa could use during his Indian leg. Who doesn't like a change?

Seven reasons to ditch

Tata Nano

It is India’s answer to how can we make most use of a vehicle design when it comes maximising cabin space. It is a perfect vehicle for Santa to fit his generous frame and large sack of gifts. The 624cc two-pot mill and small proportions would help Santa navigate congested urban areas while the smiley facade would help him win public appeal during the gift run.

Maruti Suzuki Wagon R AMT

The Maruti Suzuki Wagon R takes the same formula as the Nano but thanks to the larger proportions as well as the higher roofline would make an ever better space for Santa to be in to do his gift rounds. Now we are all for secret deliveries through the chimney at night, but let us be honest, Santa is sure to get stuck delivering gifts in the middle of the day and what better companion than an AMT to help him navigate our congested roads. It would also allow him to keep an eye on the gift sack in the back seat in case some felt that they deserved a gift more than little Timmy or Johhny.

Honda Jazz

This is about the point where we begin to direct Santa to higher sections of the auto industry. It is a point where Santa’s ride moves beyond the bare basics and into the comfort zone. The Honda Jazz is a good answer to how to overcome the combination of the big red wool suit and our ‘not-so-cold’ climate that would leave Santa perspiring quite a bit. Further, the Jazz’s magic seat option will allow Santa to adjust the cabin to carry more gifts and maybe even let a few elves tag along for the ride.

Hyundai Creta

Hyundai’s Creta SUV is for when Santa has to go and deliver gifts to people living near paths that are less travelled. Its high ground clearance and curvy looks are a combination that would bring smiles to many faces in far off places. The automatic diesel option is one that Santa will relish as it would allow him to drive, faster and longer without the fatigue of routine;, something that Mr Claus would have to battle with given his tight schedule and large work load (pun intended).

Renault Lodgy

The Renault Lodgy is a perfect vehicle for Santa in an obvious sense. It’s a large, very practical MPV with loads of space and fills into nearly every reason that we have recommended the previous vehicles for. However, one reason why we would recommend the Lodgy to Santa is that he would be able to take along a team of elves from his factory and set up a temporary workshop in the back two rows to wrap, repair or even reassign gifts (good boy, bad boy etc…). In essence this would become a more precise job and make the gift giving a better experience.

Mercedes-Benz GL63 AMG

It a bit brash, decently loud and has a large V8 engine up front. This is in essence what Santa would be driving if he was delivering gifts to the rich and famous. It has all the sex appeal but also the practicality if Santa’s needs to deliver his gift to a place where only the rich and famous could afford to build a house.

Audi RS6

BIG.RED.V8.GERMAN.WAGON.ahhhhh!

A German engineered beast for the man with the gifts. We could not possibly think of a better way for Santa to arrive at your doorstep to give your gift. The large cavernous boot of the RS6 would be more than enough for all the gifts while its understated looks would mean he could pull up to your gate without attracting too much attention. Further, the massive V8 and excellent agility means Santa would arrive with time to spare but also in lots of style. We would recommend the car only in a shade of red to match the suit.

Merry Christmas from all of us at CarWale!