Innholdsfortegnelse for October 2025 i Auto Today

It has been an action-packed 10 years for us at Auto Today magazine, the highlights and the action of which we are recounting in this magazine as well, in the form of the ten best drives that we have done over the years as well as a feature on how much automotive technology has changed over this last decade. But it’s not just flashback montages; we are also picking out the 10 best EVs in the market and went out looking for new adventures that push the boundaries of everything we’ve done so far including hitting the race track behind the wheel of a JK Tyre Levitas Cup car. This issue by itself is packed with all that we specialise in starting with first drive reviews of not just the…

THE HYUNDAI VENUE has undergone a comprehensive makeover. The SUV is taller by 48mm and wider by 30mm, while the refreshed front fascia now sports Hyundai’s signature parametric grille with tasteful chrome detailing. Flanking it are sleeker LED projector headlamps with integrated DRLs. Around the back, a new full-width connected LED light bar amplifies its visual width, and redesigned bumpers give it a more planted appearance. Completing the look are the fresh 16-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels. For enthusiasts, the N Line dials up the aggression with red accents on the bumpers, brake callipers and side mouldings, exclusive sportier alloy wheels, a twin-tip exhaust setup and a reworked suspension for a stiffer ride. Step inside, and the cabin feels like a significant upgrade over the outgoing model. The dashboard layout is…

INDIA’S TOP SELLING OFF-ROAD SUV, the Mahindra Thar has gone through a subtle makeover for 2025. Starting with the exterior, the new Thar remains largely similar but has changes like a body-coloured grille, dual-tone bumper, and new paint options like Tango Red and Battleship Grey. Inside, it offers better features like a larger 10.25-inch infotainment panel, a blacked-out dashboard, rear AC vents, that are complemented by more convenient touches like one-touch power windows and better seat ergonomics. Mechanically, the powertrains remain familiar: 2.0-litre turbo-petrol, 1.5-litre diesel, and 2.2-litre diesel engines, available with manual and automatic options, in both RWD and 4x4 versions. The SUV now retails at a starting price of Rs 9.99 lakh (ex-showroom).…

JEEP INDIA HAS LAUNCHED THE COMPASS TRACK EDITION, a special version of its entry-level SUV. Based on the Compass Model S, it adds exclusive styling cues like a signature hood decal, Piano Black accents, and 18-inch diamond-cut Tech Grey alloys. Inside, the cabin gets plush Tupelo Leatherette seats, Smoke Chrome finishes, and Spruce Beige contrast stitching for a crafted, luxurious feel. Powered by a 2.0-Iitre diesel engine, ex-showroom prices start at Rs 26.78 lakh (ex-showroom).…

ASTON MARTIN HAS TAKEN THE wraps off the DB12 S, the most powerful version of its grand tourer. Powering it is a 4.0-litre twin-turbo-charged V8 that pumps out 700bhp and 800Nm of torque, 20bhp more than the standard DB12. Power is sent to the rear wheels through an 8-speed automatic gearbox, allowing the car to sprint from 0-100kmph in just 3.4 seconds, while top speed is 325kmph. But it isn’t just about more power, the S gets serious chassis upgrades, including Bilstein DTX adaptive dampers, a stiffer rear anti-roll bar, and an electronic rear differential. On the outside, it stands out with functional bonnet louvres, a deeper front splitter, quad exhausts, and subtle red ‘S’ badging. The interior has Alcantara leather, custom stitching, anodised metal detailing, and plenty of personalisation…

 FERRARI’S FIRST EVER electric will be called the Elettrica, and the brand has revealed the platform that it will be based on. It is being developed and built in Maranello, and in true Ferrari fashion, it will come with headline figures. Three e-motors, with access to 830bhp and 1,200Nm of torque, with Ferrari claiming a 0–100kmph sprint of under two seconds and a top speed exceeding 350kmph. It will get a 100kWh battery pack offering a range of 500km (WLTP), with 350kW fast-charging. It is being designed by Flavio Manzoni, and will feature latest in driver-car engagement, aero and driving dynamics. The low-floor mounted battery will ensure an almost equal 48:52 weight distribution. Further details of the EV will be revealed in 2026.…

MONTRA ELECTRIC HAS LAUNCHED THE ALL-NEW Super Auto, a refreshed version of its popular electric three-wheeler, under the new marketing campaign named ‘Aap Ke Liye – Izzat Se’. The campaign celebrates India’s hardworking auto drivers, the individuals who keep our cities moving, while the new Super Auto brings meaningful upgrades in comfort, performance, and safety. Equipped with LED headlights, radial tubeless tyres, and a reworked suspension system, the Super Auto is said to offer a smoother and more stable ride. The addition of Montra’s one million connected software gives drivers real-time access to performance data and nearby charging stations. The Super Auto offers a claimed range of 160km per charge, and is priced at Rs 3.79 lakh (ex-showroom). It is available white, blue, and green, colour options along with a…

ATHER ENERGY HAS ROLLED OUT ITS 5,00,000TH ELECTRIC scooter from its Hosur facility in Tamil Nadu. The landmark unit happens to be the Ather Rizta, which has quickly become one of the company’s most popular models. Within its first year on sale, the Rizta already accounts for over a third of Ather’s total production. The firm currently operates two manufacturing facilities with a combined capacity of 4.2 lakh units per year, and a third, Factory 3.0, is under construction in Maharashtra.…

Mahindra Racing, one of the founding pillars of Formula E, is poised for a significant push in the upcoming season, leveraging their hard-won experience and the introduction of the advanced Gen3 Evo car. Their decade-long journey has seen the Indian manufacturer climb from initial spec-car learning to the technical highs of securing a third place finish in the Teams’ Championship during the Gen1 era, validating their commitment to powertrain innovation. The team faced a tough technical reset with the original Gen3 car, highlighting the brutal nature of the championship’s engineering arms race. The subsequent internal overhaul and strategic shift, including the crucial decision to become a powertrain supplier to ABT SportsLine, were not signs of retreat, but rather calculated steps toward engineering maturity. The latest Gen3 Evo is the perfect…

VinFast, is aggressively charting its course on the world stage, demonstrating an incredible pace of expansion and industrial deployment, and recently commenced deliveries for the VF 7 and VF 6 in India, marking a successful debut of its products in one of the largest auto markets in the world. This move extends far beyond mere market entry; it establishes India as VinFast’s first assembly site outside of its home base in Vietnam, a foundational element of its colossal USD 2 billion investment plan for the region. The facility is spread across 400 acres, in the State Industries Promotion Corporation of Tamil Nadu (SIPCOT) industrial estate, in Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu, and has already commenced operations. This is the only such facility from VinFast outside of its home base in Vietnam, and…

The Thar has been a runaway success for Mahindra ever since its superbly timed launch in 2020. In fact, it crossed the 2,00,000 unit sales mark last year. And for a vehicle that does not make a lot of sense if you’re practical or think along any lines of comfort, the Thar is a true emotion. Nevermind the ill repute the SUV gets owing to hooligans getting 23-inchers and swerving around with the Thar, the ones who actually put the SUV through the paces in far reaches of this country know what it is capable of, and it is a lot. Now coming to the updates, which surprisingly is the first time that Mahindra has done anything to the three-door Thar, is mainly in the realm of fixing issues and…

Lights out, and for a split-second, everything else fades—the start-line tension, the blur of red tail-lights, the ear-splitting bark of engines echoing off the grandstand. I’m nestled in the cockpit, sixth on the grid, heart hammering, knuckles white on the wheel of a race car that looks tame until you try to tame it. At that moment, grid position didn’t feel like it belonged just to me: it belonged to every novice, every pro, every underdog who’d ever dreamed of slipping into the cockpit and getting sideways in anger. Because the Levitas Cup isn’t just another weekend of hot laps—it is one of India’s only one-make grass-roots series, where professional racers and novices share the grid, push the same cars, and bludgeon their way through the same carnage. Opportunity and…

ROUND 4 OF THE MRF MMSC FMSCI INDIAN National Motorcycle Racing Championship 2025 at the Madras International Circuit was packed with drama, comebacks, and dominant rides. Rahil Pillarisetty from Hyderabad stole the spotlight with twin victories in the Pro-Stock 301–400cc Open class, extending his lead over Sarthak Chavan, who settled for second in both races. Local favourite Jagathishree Kumaresan delivered a fairytale weekend, winning twice in the Girls (Stock 165cc) category, including a stunning charge from last to first after a qualifying crash. Among other highlights, Rajender Beedani scored double wins in the Stock 165cc (Novice) class, while Varun Patil and Raj Kumar clinched wins in their respective categories.…

The Duke badge carries weight. It’s built a reputation for aggressive design, sharp dynamics and a willingness to prioritise performance over comfort. With the new KTM Duke 160, the brand wants to lower the entry barrier without diluting that DNA. But in a segment full of competent commuters and sporty 160s, is KTM offering an authentic Duke experience or just a familiar face with fewer thrills? More importantly, does KTM DNA survive in this smaller package, or is it just another commuter in an orange zoot suit? On the design front, KTM hasn’t compromised. The Duke 160 looks almost identical to its bigger siblings, carrying the same muscular tank extensions, split LED headlamp, edgy panels and upright stance. Park it next to the 200 or even the 250, and the…

Variant Essence Test Started August 2025/13,101km Current ODO reading 15,665km Mileage This Month 2,564km Efficiency 310km/charge Six airbags | Tilt adjust steering wheel | Automatic climate control | Ventilated Seats | Electric ORVMs | Keyless entry | Powered tailgate | 15.6-in touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto | 360-degree camera | Wireless smartphone charger |Auto high beam | Level 2 ADAS | Warranty 3yrs/unlimited km The Windsor has been a true daily driver in the Auto Today fleet and it serves its purpose rather diligently. I spent the festive weekend using the Windsor for all the household tasks, and a few things stand out. Even with a full load of five occupants and luggage, the efficiency figures are impressive, with our Windsor giving nearly 300km on a single charge.…

At some critical junctures in its history, BMW has made some crucial decisions for the way forward for the company in terms of products that have made it one of the premium automotive powerhouses of the world. While there have been many such instances, one such was the launch of the Neue Klasse in the 1960s, that was critical to the company’s survival and growth. For another crucial juncture in the company’s journey, BMW once again announced the Neue Klasse back in 2021, a platform of electric vehicles that would spawn a family of six cars. Then it showcased two Neue Klasse concepts in 2023 and 2024 before the launch of the first of the new class of cars, the iX3. This will be followed by the 2nd Neue Klasse…

ENTHUSIASTS HAVE reason to rejoice and mourn! The much-awaited Octavia RS is back in India, albeit as a completely built unit (CBU). The performance sedan’s new generation derives its power from a 2.0-litre TSI petrol engine that can put out a peak output of 265bhp and 370Nm of torque. This power is transferred to the wheels through a 7-speed DSG automatic transmission paired to a front-wheel-drive layout with an electronic differential lock (VAQ). In acceleration terms, the Octavia RS can sprint from 0-100kmph in just 6.7 seconds. The design of the new Octavia RS builds on its motorsport DNA with blacked out exterior bits, with signature RS badging, gloss-black grille, and aerodynamic body kit. Other design elements include LED Matrix headlamps, 19-inch alloy wheels, a rear spoiler, coupe-like roofline and…

THE MID-SIZE SUV segment of the Indian market might just be rocked soon with the return of its pioneer. Yes, the Renault Duster is on its way back to India, with its debut slated for Republic Day 2026. First launched in 2012, the Duster was a game changer that was rugged, simple, and had a go-anywhere attitude that made it a favourite among Indian SUV buyers. But as competition intensified and Renault shifted its focus to smaller cars, the Duster quietly bowed out. Now, its comeback marks the brand’s renewed focus on the SUV market and its ambition to regain a foothold in India. The third-gen Duster is built on Renault’s CMF-B platform, which also underpins several global models. The Renault-badged Duster on sale overseas measures 4,343mm long, 1,813mm wide and…

THE YANGWANG U9 Xtreme, which recently became the fastest production EV in the world has now shattered the Bugatti Chiron’s fastest production car record. Originally known as the U9 Track/Special Edition, the hypercar sprinted to a maximum speed of 496.3kmph (308.4mph) at the ATP Automotive Testing Papenburg test track in Germany, with German driver Marc Basseng behind the wheel. The BYD-owned brand did not stop at this record either, as the hypercar also set out to conquer the record of the fastest electric hypercar around the Nürburgring Nordschleife. The U9 Xtreme took 6 minutes and 59.157 seconds to lap the 20.832km circuit, making it the fastest EV around the track, while also being the first EV to set a time under the 7 minute mark. Driving the car in this…

ROLLS-ROYCE’S FLAGSHIP NAMEPLATE IS TURNING 100, and to celebrate this, the brand has introduced the Phantom Centenary Private Collection. This edition, limited to 25 units worldwide, gets an exterior finished in a bespoke two-tone paint infused with crushed-glass particles and a Spirit of Ecstasy made of 18-carat gold and plated in 24-carat gold. Inside, the rear seats have hand-stitched tapestry of over 160,000 stitches while the cabin has intricate woodwork and 3D marquetry.…

A TOWERING CHROME-FRAMED grille, long bonnet and a flowing silhouette inspired by the 1930s classics, that is how Mercedes-Benz envisions its future with the Vision Iconic. This concept marks the start of what Mercedes calls its “New Iconic Era.” Integrated contour lighting and an illuminated three-pointed star on the bonnet lend the car a commanding presence. It’s not only radical on the outside, as the concept has a floating “Zeppelin” glass dashboard combining analogue animations and digital displays, and even straw-marquetry flooring. Under the skin, this concept previews high-tech innovations: solar paint that could generating additional range, steer-by-wire controls, neuromorphic computing, and Level 4 autonomous driving readiness.…

TVS HAS FINALLY entered the adventure tourer segment with the Apache RTX. Built around TVS’ all-new RT-XD4 engine platform, its first major ground-up engine for this category. Powering the RTX is a 299.1cc single-cylinder, liquid-cooled DOHC motor producing around 36bhp at 9,000 rpm and 28.5Nm at 7,000 rpm, mated to a six-speed gearbox with assist & slipper clutch and a bi-directional quickshifter. The RTX 300 comes loaded with features typically found on much more expensive ADVs. It offers four riding modes – Urban, Rain, Tour, and Rally – allowing riders to tailor throttle response and traction control to different terrains. Other highlights include ride-by-wire throttle, cruise control, dual-channel ABS, traction control, and a tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS) on the top trim. The five inch TFT instrument cluster with smartphone…

About six years ago, Hyundai introduced the Venue in India — and it was a runaway success. The compact SUV consistently ranked among the country’s top ten best-selling cars, a testament to its popularity and strong appeal. Now, with the competition heating up, Hyundai has decided it’s time for a major update. The new Hyundai Venue debuts with a completely fresh design, making it look noticeably different from the outgoing model. The smooth, rounded lines of the previous version have been replaced by sharper creases and flared wheel arches, giving the SUV a more muscular stance. Up front, the Tucson-inspired fascia stands out, with prominent LED DRLs and sleek LED headlamps flanking a dark chrome radiator grille. A closer look reveals a front camera, a new addition made possible by…

There’s a majesty about JLR vehicles that I’ve always loved. It’s one of those things that are almost expected, thanks to the British having a controlling interest in snobbery (arguably). That’s the kind of aristocratic feel the Defender has in troves, and when I heard the V8-powered version was coming to the office, I was curious. Not because I hadn’t heard of it or not been behind the wheel of a V8, but because I was curious about its differentiating factor from the full-fat Defender Octa. The important thing to note here is that the P425 V8 came earlier this year, as an alternative to the P525 powertrain, which had a higher power and torque output. At the heart of the Defender V8 is the 5.0-litre, supercharged V8 petrol engine.…

The Renault Triber has always been a clever car; not because it’s fast, but because it does more with less. I remember way back in 2019, the Triber was a revelation, much like the Espace, which is credited with creating the MPV segment when it first arrived on the scene in 1984. The Triber, though, is arguably India’s most space-efficient sub-4-metre vehicle. This modular seven-seater can transform into a five-seater, six-seater or a luggage-hauling mini-MPV with just a few tugs and clicks. For 2025, Renault has finally decided to give it the attention it deserves, a proper facelift that refreshes the design, packs in more features, and improves safety. But, with no change under the hood, the question remains: has Renault done enough to keep the Triber relevant in an…

There’s a small Austrian town called Graz that looks like it slipped straight out of a travel magazine. People pedal by with calm smiles, life glides on, and the whole scene feels like someone pressed pause on chaos. Watching over it all is Schöckl Mountain, a rugged giant that isn’t just scenic wallpaper. It’s ground zero to legend of the Mercedes-Benz G-Class. Since 1979, everyG-Class has been born here, and it was on these rocky slopes that the SUV first proved it could take a beating and snigger. So where else would you build a proving ground for a machine with this kind of stubborn spirit? Graz is home to the G-Class Experience Center, a massive, purpose-built off-road playground carved into virgin German countryside . This is where owners and…

Road travel remains one of humanity’s most thrilling adventures, bringing us closer to nature and the world around us. At Auto Today, we go far beyond joyrides to achieve the extraordinary. We were the first to lap the Golden Quadrilateral in record time, and later, to repeat it with an EV. We pioneered international drives across Nepal and Bhutan, and even shipped two Indian-made Mercedes-Benz cars to Germany, driving them all the way back home. Our spirit of adventure also took the tiny Tata Nano and the nimble Honda Navi to the mighty Khardung La. In the following pages, join us as we revisit a decade filled with record-breaking journeys and relentless pursuit of exploration. EUROPE CROSSED, RECORDS CHARGED Even today, many in India wonder if an EV can handle…

Ducati isn’t known for subtlety. The Hypermotard 698 Mono doesn’t even pretend to try. It’s the Italians saying, “We can build a single-cylinder bike that’ll still scare twins.” At a time when the motorcycle world is obsessed with smoothness, refinement and compliance, the Italians have gone and built something beautifully unnecessary. The ‘Mono’ in its name is quite literal. A single cylinder, 659cc motor, derived from half of a Panigale 1299’s Superquadro engine. And while the idea of a single-cylinder Ducati sounds like a retro experiment, it’s actually one of the most advanced thumpers on sale today. It revs to a dizzying 10,250rpm, puts out 77.5bhp, weighs just 151 kilos dry, and sounds like an angry superbike with a sore throat. In the past, I’ve had the privilege of reviewing…

Variant ZX CVT Test Started August 2025/5,961km Current ODO reading 10,209km Total Mileage 4,248km Overall Efficiency 14kmpl Six airbags | Tilt adjust steering wheel | Automatic climate control | Electric ORVMs | Keyless entry I Powered tailgate | 8-in touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto | 360-degree camera | Remote engine start | Wireless smartphone charger |Auto high beam | Level 2 ADAS | Warranty 3yrs/unlimited km likes/dislikes Premium cabin Part-digital console Level 2 ADAS Three months with the Honda Amaze have been an eye-opener. I’ll be the first to admit that my relationship with it didn’t begin on the strongest note. The Amaze isn’t a car that wows you right away. It’s not shouty, doesn’t try too hard, and blends into traffic with quiet confidence. Initially, I found…

Variant Black Gold Test Started November 2025/1,050m Current ODO reading NA Mileage This Month NA Efficiency NA Digital display Yes | Tachometer No | FuelgaugeYes| Electric start Yes | Disc brakes Both | Tyres Tube Type| Price Rs 2.02 lakh (ex-showroom) | Warranty 3 years/Unlimited The Royal Enfield Bullet 350 is a motorcycle that needs no introduction yet deserves one every single time it’s mentioned. Because in an age where retro-styled motorcycles are carefully designed to look old-school, the Bullet simply is. It’s not playing a part; it’s living its legacy. And now, it’s joined the Auto Today long-term fleet, in its top-end ‘Gold Black’. I’ll be honest, I prefer the lower chrome-laden variants. In recent years, the Bullet has often felt like the ignored sibling in Royal Enfield’s resurgent…

If there’s one player that’s truly commanding the race toward EV dominance in India, it’s none other than JSW MG Motor India. The brand has adopted a holistic, forward-thinking approach, offering an electric vehicle for every kind of Indian consumer. The Comet caters perfectly to the urban commuter, compact yet full of personality; the Windsor adds a dash of sophistication and comfort for those seeking refinement in their everyday drives; and the ZS EV completes the trio, blending luxury, practicality, and long-range performance in one compelling package. Each of these models is a standout in its own right, redefining what consumers can expect in their segments. They combine cutting-edge features, superior comfort, and impressive performance, all hallmarks of MG’s engineering excellence. Along with this, one aspect that has given MG…

A AFTER THE BASALT AND THE C3, Citroen has now launched the Aircross X in India. Available in both five and seven seat configurations, it gets notable upgrades, like ventilated leatherette seats, ambient lighting, a 10.25-inch infotainment system, and a seven inch digital cluster. Outside, the SUV is available in a new Deep Forest Green hue while adding features like passive entry and push start, cruise control, LED projector fog lamps, and a 360-degree camera with satellite view. It also gets CARA, Citroen’s in-car digital assistant that supports 52 Indian languages. Powertrain options are the same as the standard version while ex-showroom prices start at Rs 8.29 lakh.…

MERCEDES-BENZ HAS completed the trinity of petrol, electric and diesel with the G-Class in India for the first time ever by launching the G 450d. This marks the return of the diesel G, that was previously available in the G400d guise. The 450d is powered by the same motor, but in a slightly higher state of tune, with the 3.0-litre inline six-cylinder producing 362bhp and 750Nm of torque, with an additional 20bhp of electric boost from the integrated starter generator. Despite its shape, the 450d can sprint from 0-100kmph in 5.8 seconds, while top speed stands at 210kmph. Being the de facto off-roader from Merc, the G450d has three mechanical differential locks, ladder-frame construction, and independent double-wishbone front suspension paired with a rigid rear axle. Prices start at Rs 2.90…

IF YOU’VE ALWAYS wanted to have a Land Cruiser but found them a little too large (or expensive), then Toyota has something for you. Dubbed the Land Cruiser FJ, this SUV reimagines Land Cruisers in a compact SUV form and is set to make a global debut in 2026 in Japan. Designed for those who crave adventure but prefer something more manageable than the massive LC300 or LC250 (Prado), the FJ blends toughness with modern versatility. Despite its smaller size, it carries the unmistakable Land Cruiser DNA, evident through its muscular, boxy design with flared fenders, a flat bonnet, and old-school round headlights that pay homage to classic off-roaders. Built on a body-on-frame chassis derived from Toyota’s IMV platform, the FJ has a wheelbase of 2,580mm, making it highly agile…

VOLKSWAGEN TOUAREG IS bowing out, after more than two decades as the German automaker’s flagship SUV, and also forming the base for the various SUVs made under the Volkswagen Group. Its combustion-engine version is officially being retired in 2026, and VW is sending it off with a special “Final Edition” that can be ordered until the end of March 2026. On the styling front, subtle cues mark the send-off that include laser-engraved “FINAL EDITION” lettering on the rear door window surrounds, the gear lever embossed with the same, and illuminated sill plates and dash panel trim that are unique to this edition. Looking back, the Touareg made its debut in 2002, went through three generations, and sold over 1.2 million units globally.…

TATA MOTORS COMMERCIAL Vehicles (Tata CV) has launched its flagship LPO 1822 bus chassis, marking a leap forward in inter-city mobility. With full-air suspension and low noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) levels, the LPO 1822 is designed to transform long-haul bus operations across India. The platform supports flexible seating configurations from 36 to 50 seats, including sleeper layouts, catering to the needs of fleet operators. Powering it is a 5.6-litre, six-cylinder Cummins diesel engine delivering 220bhp and 925Nm of torque. Complementing the hardware is Tata’s Fleet Edge connected vehicle platform, offered with a four-year subscription, enabling real-time diagnostics, predictive maintenance and smarter fleet operations. The chassis also complies with the latest emission norms and comes with improved driver ergonomics.…

THE DUCATI MULTISTRADA V4 Rally is entering 2026 with some upgrades. At its heart lies the 1,158 cc, V4 Granturismo engine delivering 170bhp and 121Nm. The Rally edition ramps up long-haul comfort and off-road readiness with like 200mm of suspension travel, a 30-litre fuel tank, an automatic lowering device to aid low-speed handling, and a lightweight aluminium monocoque frame. On the tech front, it introduces Ducati’s advanced electronics suite which includes radar-based adaptive cruise control and blind-spot detection, alongside Forward Collision Warning, while the Ducati Vehicle Observer (DVO) system processes data from dozens of sensors to fine-tune ABS, traction control, and wheelie management. The 2026 Multistrada V4 Rally will be offered in three trims: Radar, Adventure Travel & Radar, and Full Adventure, along with two colour schemes: Ducati Red/Brushed Aluminium with…

THE KTM 990 RC R has finally stepped out of the shadows and into the production spotlight, marking the Austrian brand’s bold return to the supersport arena. Powering it is a 947cc, parallel-twin engine tuned to deliver 130bhp and 103Nm of torque, paired with premium hardware like fully-adjustable WP Apex suspension at both ends and Brembo four-piston brakes. Design-wise, it’s bred for the track with features like winglets, sharp fairing inspired by MotoGP bikes, and rider-adjustable ergonomics with customisable footpegs and levers. The electronics suite packs a punch too, with multiple ride modes (Rain, Street, Sport, Custom), launch control, telemetry, and an 8.8-inch TFT screen.…

The Mini Countryman John Cooper Works is what happens when a brand famous for small cars with big hearts decides to go big — without losing the heart. It’s an interesting balance, really. Here’s a car that needs to be both an SUV and a Mini, both practical and playful, both sensible and slightly mad. And against all odds, it somehow pulls it off. Mostly. You don’t so much walk up to the Countryman JCW as you size it up. It’s not the cute, button-nosed Mini from your childhood poster. This one’s wider, meaner, more sure of itself. And it is big. Like really big. This thing is larger in every way than a Jeep Compass. The stance is aggressive, with swollen arches, a squared-off nose and a face that’s…

The full-size SUV segment has several options to choose from but the GLS has established itself as the staple choice for the rich and the influential – it is burly, it makes other cars move out of the way, it is lathered with expensive materials and it comes with the most powerful diesel in the country. The car you see on these pages isn’t new, but the reason behind this review is the fact that this is the GLS AMG Line, that gets Night Package as an accessory. Firstly the SUV gets an Obsidian Black paint, coupled with the Night Package. The AMG Line brings in a sportier bumper down below. The dark chrome bits continue all around the GLS, including the window garnish, roof rails and the three-pointed star…

There’s something about the word impossible that makes Mahindra grin. For a brand that built its name not in air-conditioned boardrooms but in the dust and rock of real India, ‘impossible’ has always been a starting point, not a dead end. From the early days of building rugged, go-anywhere 4x4s to leading modern-day off-road culture in the country, Mahindra hasn’t just sold vehicles; it has sold the idea of courage on wheels. And so, when the chance came to drive the Thar Roxx 4x4 and the Scorpio-N 4Xplor to what is now officially the highest motorable pass in the world, Mig La, perched deep within Ladakh’s remote expanse, the question wasn’t why we’d go. It was how soon we could start. But exploration isn’t always about the destination. It’s about…

ROUND 2 OF THE JK TYRE Racing Season 2025 at Coimbatore’s Kari Motor Speedway brought a weekend filled with high-octane drama, close finishes, and emerging racing talent. The JK Tyre Levitas Cup saw Jai Prakash Venkat claim top ranks on Sunday after intense duels with guest driver Mira Erda. Youngster Nihal Singh impressed early on, winning the first race before technical issues slowed him down. Our very own, Dipayan Dutta was another standout performer, displaying remarkable pace and consistency across the races to finish strongly in the rookie class, even winning Race 3. Over on the two-whels, the Royal Enfield Continental GT Cup delivered nail-biting action as Navaneeth Kumar edged past Anish D Shetty by a mere 0.002 seconds in the final race. Meanwhile, the open-wheel JK Tyre Novice Cup saw…

Ten years ago, the idea of an electric car on Indian roads felt niche, almost experimental. It was a concept reserved for the earliest of adopters, a talking point hampered by the twin spectres of prohibitive cost and crippling range anxiety. The public charging map, where it existed at all, was a sparse and lonely landscape. Today, as we stand here in 2025, that reality is almost unrecognisable. The last decade hasn’t just been an evolution; it’s been an automotive revolution, and India has emerged as one of its most exciting global battlegrounds. Fueled by a potent mix of government incentives, ambitious local manufacturing, and a seismic shift in consumer mindset, the EV has charged from the fringes to the mainstream. We witnessed pioneers lay the groundwork, but the real…

When Ultraviolette launched the F77, it set the tone for what an Indian electric performance motorcycle could aspire to be. It was bold, sharp, and uncompromising, and it left us curious about what would follow. Now, with the arrival of the X47, I feel the promise has been fulfilled. That’s to say that it has taken all the good bits from the F77 and SuperStreet, and turned it up a notch with practicality. As one would imagine, the X47 is built on the same philosophy of performance and design, but it’s sharper, smarter, and more complete. It’s a motorcycle that wants to do everything: go fast, look futuristic, deliver usable range, and bring in safety tech you don’t expect at this price point. It’s as much about the future of…

For years, enthusiasts have wondered when TVS, the brand that gave us razor-sharp Apaches and track-honed RTRs, would finally turn its attention to the adventure segment. After all, most brands have been making headway in the Indian ADV space, the writing was on the wall: TVS had the pedigree, performance DNA, and technological knowhow to build one of its own. And now, it has. Enter the TVS Apache RTX, the company’s first-ever adventure motorcycle, and perhaps its most ambitious product yet. This isn’t just a badge exercise or a taller RTR in trekking boots. The Apache RTX is built ground-up on a new platform with a brand new 299cc single-cylinder engine, a trellis frame, long-travel suspension, and a design language that screams intent. It also marks TVS’ bold move into…

Model HTX+ 6MT Test Started October 2025/4,046km Tenure/Target mileage 6 months/5,000km Mileage this month NA Efficiency this month NA Six airbags | Tilt adjust steering wheel | Automatic climate control | Electric ORVMs | Keyless entry | Powered tailgate | 12.25-in touchscreen infotainment with wired Apple CarPlay, Android Auto | 360-degree camera | Remote engine start | Wireless smartphone charger | Auto high beam | Level 2 ADAS | Warranty 3yrs/unlimited km The Kia Carens Clavis has long been seen as a practical, level-headed choice—the sort of car you buy with your accountant’s approval and your family’s gratitude—the particular specification of our test car has introduced an unexpectedly audacious edge. Ours is the HTX+ 1.5 TGDi 6MT, powered by Kia’s delightfully eager 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine and paired with a…

Variant Z Test Started June 2025/1,190km Current ODO reading 1,684km Mileage This Month 146km Efficiency 130km/charge Digital display Yes | TPMS Yes | ReverseModeYes| Disc brakes Front | Tyres Tubeless | Price Rs 1.30 lakh (ex-showroom) | Warranty 3 years/30,000km The Rizta has quickly become a favourite among our team members largely because of the sheer practicality it offers. During one of our shoots, we handed it over to our resident DOP, who managed to slide his entire camera bag onto the floorboard while still having enough room to rest his feet comfortably. Additional equipment was stored under the seat, which offers an impressively spacious compartment. That said, we do leave the large charger at the office, as it tends to occupy a significant portion of the under-seat storage and…