How modern can you get when you borrow from the 1960s? The 118NE, launched in 1986, was Premier Auto Limited's 'new' car. Its body is reminiscent of the 1966 "Car of the Year" -- the Fiat 124 which is outdated today except in India and Russia, where it operates as the Lada. The 118NE uses a Nissan engine [hence the suffix NE] and gearbox. The engine is very smooth, free-revving and is no glutton on gas, consuming a reasonable 12 odd kilometer per litre. The gearbox, a FW56A unit, is super-slick with a delightful feel -- it provides the smoothest gear shift amongst all Indian cars.