FROM CITY STREETS TO SNOW-CAPPED PEAKS

The summer sun beat down mercilessly, a stark contrast to the yearning for cool mountain air.

- NIHAL RASHID KP

A solo escape wouldn't suffice; this called for quality time with loved ones, far from the city's cacophony. Neither the call of the north nor an invitation to MG Experience drive was undeniable. Spur of the moment, we flew our way to Chandigarh. Unlike other airports, Shaheed Bhagat Singh International Airport shares its space with the Indian airforce and you are treated with a handful of fighter planes and choppers.

Stepping out, a convoy of MG Hectors awaited us, ready to be our companions on this adventure. So we set a challenging mission for ourselves, and although we got many suggestions, we aimed for Bara-lacha la. This high mountain pass in Himachal's Lahaul district carves a path towards Leh in Ladakh. The real kicker? Even in May, you might just brush shoulders with snow! Meanwhile, amongst the convoy were the latest Hector BlackStorm Edition, sporting a starry black colour scheme with red accents, and exuding an air of power. But for this journey, we got something even more thrilling: the Glaze Red Hector. As I gazed inside, it was a diesel manual - a perfect match for driving enthusiasts.

Not only did the automatic tailgate impress, but the segment's best boot space swallowed our luggage with ease, making a strong first impression. We started off in Punjab, the land of jacked-up cars with elaborate alloy wheels, the Hector continued to hold its own with its commanding height and expansive windows. Soon after clearing the city, we hit the express highway, and the 100kmph speed limit felt like a mere suggestion. The 2.0L turbocharged diesel engine, though not the quietest at startup, purred along at the tap of the right foot, and its 168 horsepower of power on offer was perfect for highway cruising.