Outlook English - Print Subscribers Copy Outlook English, 18 June 2018 | Page 49

autox.com
Once a straight forward segment has now become so versatile and
overloaded that even Confucius would have a tough time choosing
the ideal sub 4-metre automobile. We compare the latest entries
in this class to reveal the one that trumps them all.
words: arup das // photography: kapil vashist
i
f you’re in the market to buy a sub
4-metre vehicle, the most obvious
and common feeling is that of
bewilderment. Why? Well, because of
the variety of options available in the
segment.
The sub 4-metre segment has
become so versatile and crowded that
choosing what’s best for you is not
only overwhelming but also mentally
draining. Psychologists have a term for
it –overchoice, which basically means
the difficulty of making a choice when
overloaded with options. For instance,
let’s say you want to buy a sedan, but
then during your research you come
across a range of SUVs and hatchbacks.
Now, you’re confused and have begun
to doubt your initial choice. Every time
you choose something, a number of
other options are there to confuse and
distract you. And, after days of research,
all you have is more confusion and no
conclusion. In 1970, a sociologist named
Alvin Toffler suggested that overchoice
can even lead to psychological conditions
like depression and anxiety. Who’d have
thought that buying a car could do that
to a person?
So, how about you take a deep breath
18 June 2018 OutlOOk 49