So, let's not go down that route. Let's, instead, pause for reflection and look back at the hits and misses of 2011. On the plus side, car buyers in India have never had it so good – with a new car launched every other fortnight. And, intense competition in the small car space means that quality, features, design, and cutting-edge technology are available at a price-point that couldn’t have even been imagined just a few years ago. Not only do you get more bang-for-your-buck in the form of technology, refinement, and style, but also enhanced fuel economy through advanced engine technology.

On the contrary, advancements in technology appear to have well-and-truly sounded the death knoll for the manual transmission. The writing does seem to be on the wall, and with the exception of a few purist sports cars, the manual transmission is becoming harder to find on performance cars – which means that the number of new cars in the fantasy garage of a die-hard manual transmission fan like myself continues to dwindle to appalling numbers.

Of course, not only can automated manuals and dual-clutch transmissions shift better than a mere mortal like myself, they also work out ways of providing better fuel economy. So, while I may lament my redundancy in the driver’s seat, at least it could mean fewer trips to the pump – because if there’s one thing that could brandish 2011 as the year of vehicular vices it’s the quantum and quantity of petrol price increases over the year. It was certainly free reign for whoever was issuing that order through 2011.

Perhaps 2012 will bring back some sanity on that front, but it’s unlikely. What it will do, however, is further up the ante in terms of new car launches – starting with the Auto Expo at the very beginning of the year. It also appears that European cars could get cheaper, by way of a reduction in duties, if a proposed FTA with the EU is implemented.

But, all that aside, really what any form of reflection should tell you is that it’s the journey, and not the destination, that’s important. So, when you’re in your car or on your bike, just appreciate the machine and enjoy the road whenever the opportunity presents itself. Embrace the moment, and you’ll have a lot more to reflect on at the end of the year!

Dhruv Behl
dbehl@autox.in