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Sudhir’s love for Range Rover
Sudhir and his car. PHOTO BY EDDIE CHICCO
Which car do you drive?
It is a Range Rover Sport- Autobiography. It has been my favourite car for the last five years. I used to fear that they were not suitable for the roads. When Tata bought the company, they changed everything. It is very comfortable to drive.
When did you acquire it and at what price?
The first Range Rover was in 2007 which cost me $100,000 (about Shs260m) and my second one Range Rover- Autobiography, I bought it about a year ago at $120,000 (Shs311m).
Which other cars do you have?
I have a General Dodge, six and a half engine which I sometimes drive on Sundays.
What is the engine size of your Range Rover Sport?
Three and half litres. It is a turbo diesel.
Are you comfortable with manual or automatic transmission cars, which is your favourite and why?
Automatic cars are pretty good now. Generally, the shift gear is out of fashion now and most cars are naturally automatic from the factory. In the olden days, you had to pay more for manual cars, now it is the other way round.
How much do you spend on fuel a week for city duties and how much is spent on upcountry trips?
Thirty litres, which is roughly Shs100,000. I buy diesel cars because they are more economical. And also if you are doing long journeys, diesel is more advantageous. If you are in the jungle you can wave down a truck driver who will help. In Africa, diesel is the best economical car in terms of fuel.
Have you been with this car upcountry?
I have been to Hoima, Jinja, Mbale. etc.
How does it handle the terrain?
Very good. Very firm and holds onto the ground. It is light.
Any challenges with this car?
Frankly, I have not gone in a deep swampy forest where the car is stuck in the swamp and I have had to use a four-wheel. I would say there is only one other car that is capable of handling Africa. That is Toyota Land Cruiser. I had one before I acquired my Range Rover Sport.
Do you give it out?
In 2007 we bought two Range Rovers, one for me and another for my son, Rajiv.
How many drivers do you have?
One, working from Monday to Saturday
Do you also drive it yourself?
On Sundays or when he goes on his annual leave.
If you are to sell it off and replace it, which car would you replace it with?
I don’t know. I would not replace it but I would get another car. When I move to my new house in Kololo, I will get a Bentley.
What is your dream car?
I like a Bentley much better than most cars though I am not sure it would handle the roads here. Our roads are not good for such cars.
Does your car ably handle our potholes?
Ha ha ha. That is the challenge.
How much do you spend on spare parts?
Not much.
How much do you spend on servicing?
Servicing takes Shs1m.
What is the interior like?
It is very nice for sitting. It has leather chairs. It is quite comfortable. These cars were well-designed. The new owner Tata has changed these cars.
Who cleans it? Your driver or washing-bay guys?
We have one guy whose job is to clean all the cars for the family.
Do you have car perfume? If so which type and what was the cost?
I think there is air-freshener, the driver buys it.
Does your wife drive this car? Do you swap cars sometimes?
No. In our family, everyone has their own car and no one drives the other’s car.
Which was your first car?
It was Morris Minor 1100cc. I bought it for £80 (about Shs320,000) in UK, in 1974.
When and from where did you learn driving?
I passed my driving test in England at my first attempt and I got my license in April 25, 1974. It is quite historical. I was 18 years.
Have you driven in other countries other than Uganda?
I have driven in Dubai and in Europe.
What do you find strange with our motorists in Uganda?
Well, you know I got used to the flow of traffic so I don’t think they are such bad drivers. They are pretty good. They are not rough. They are not aggressively dangerous. There are not reckless on the roads although we have many accidents because of speeding, but not reckless driving.
What makes you impatient or go mad while on the road?
I think I am a patient guy. I used to rush in my younger days but not anymore. That is why I keep a driver during the weekdays.
Any particular colour that you fancy and why?
Metallic grey and maroon.
Have you ever changed a tyre or someone does it for you?
Now someone does but I used to change tyres when I was in London.
Do you have a first aid kit in your car?
Yes. It is a must. Every motorist must have one.
What of a wheel spanner and other tools?
Yes. Standard tools for changing tyres and stand spanners.
When was the last time you were stranded in your car?
I think when I was travelling to Queen Elizabeth National Park and I was with Captain Roy.
He had low profile wheels, the moment we hit the potholes, the wheels were affected and we had a puncture.
Have you ever washed this car by yourself?
Not here in Uganda. In England, I used to do every Sunday.
Do you have nick names for your cars?
No nicknames.
How do you feel on seeing someone with a car similar to yours but in bad shape?
You see it is a very personal thing. You don’t know how people keep cars. I keep mine neat and clean.
Some men like their cars more than their spouses, what is your take on this thorny subject?
Well cars are only tools to help you in your daily life. To become more of a possession than your wife is not cool.
How much does one tyre of your car cost?
Shs2m. In Dubai, I have a Mercedes S500, a 5000cc machine worth $150,000 (about Shs390m).
Have you ever driven a left-hand car in Uganda?
Yes. It was a Mercedes. It was my first car here, a Mercedes 320.
