21 Delhi Gun Salute Competition
The 21st edition of Gun Salute - International Classic Car Rally will be held in Delhi from February 21 to 23, 2025. The three-day event will pay homage to the golden age of automobiles and India’s vibrant cultural diversity. With India Gate as the backdrop, the 21st edition of Salute Elegance will feature 125 rare vintage and classic cars and 50 vintage motorcycles. Highlights include the 1939 French Delahaye (Figoni et Falaschi), British classics such as Rolls-Royce, Bentley and Aston Martin, as well as American legends such as Cadillac and Ford. The event is not just about cars but also a celebration of India’s artistic and cultural heritage. Visitors can enjoy mesmerizing Kathak, Bharatanatyam, Kathakali and folk performances from Rajasthan, Uttarakhand and Haryana, a true feast for the senses. The event will also feature a distinguished panel of judges and experts from across the globe, including Christian Kramer, Chief Judge; Nigel Matthews, Deputy Chief Judge; Andrew Bagley; Max Giraldo and…
Seven-seater model under Rs 15 lakh
Indian car owners often have large families, and a seven-seater car makes sense for many of them. Here are more affordable options. Seven-seater cars are not what most consumers need, but a considerable number of people operate on the premise of "having it but not using it is better to have it and not use it", so it is quite popular among Indian car buyers. Most of the car sales in India are concentrated in the Rs 5 Lakh to Rs 15 Lakh price range, so we have compiled a list of seven-seater models in this price range and highlighted what makes each model unique among the competition. Maruti Suzuki Price: Rs 5.61 Lakh The Maruti Suzuki Eeco is a seven-seater car, although it comes in a single trim, all other trims are five-seater. It's definitely the cheapest way to transport seven people from point A to point B, and passengers have to make considerable sacrifices in creature comforts for…
Skoda Kylaq First Drive Review – Cream
Is the Skoda Kylaq the best among compact sports utility vehicles (SUVs) under four meters? Can it defeat its opponents and reach the top? We were driving in Goa. Story: Jim GoldPhotography: Sanjay Lekha Only good cars will have good reviews. A great car will also get good reviews and find more takers through word of mouth and repeat brand customers. The sub-four meter segment has always been a busy arena, with gladiators of all kinds trying to dominate it. However, lacking a noteworthy name, a Volkswagen Group product has not appeared for a long time, but, with the emergence of the Skoda Kylaq, this gap has now been filled, and we might add, quite successfully. We've driven the camouflage version and had a static experience with the Skoda Kylaq, but the actual driving experience of the production car is yet to be determined. so far. The Skoda Kylaq is 3,995 mm long and has a wheelbase of 2,566 mm,…
Vayve EVA – India’s first solar-powered electric vehicle launched
Yes! You heard that right. India's first solar-powered electric vehicle, Vayve EVA, was launched at the Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2025. Vayve EVA is powered by Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) and is available in three battery options; 9.0 kWh (Nova), 12.6 kWh (Stella) and 18 kWh (Vega), with a range of 125km to 250km on a single charge, depending Selected battery option. Vayve EVA is a three-door solar electric vehicle with a compact design. There's just a driver's seat in the front and a padded bench seat in the back, with room for a total of two adults and one child. Vayve EVA ensures cutting-edge technology by delivering information and entertainment through its smart dual displays, with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay built-in. EVA air purifier equipped with PM2.5 filter ensures a pollution-free cabin and provides a healthy environment away from traffic smoke and dust. There's also a foldable door tray that can be used for quick snacks or convenient…
Toyota Camry 2024 Review – At the Top of the Game
The latest generation of Toyota Camry might just be the perfect sedan. Read on to find out if it has everything you need. Story: Joshua Varghese Photography: Sanjay Lekha Toyota is one of the best car manufacturers in the world and Camry is one of the best cars they have launched in the Indian market. Until now, the Camry was associated with people who wore suits and went to meetings. These smart, pragmatic people realize that they don't need to spend more than Rs 50 lakh to commute comfortably. It's also a great example of stylish sedan styling. The Japanese giant now wants to change that. This is the ninth generation Camry in the world, and the manufacturer hopes to attract young customers into the emotional world of Toyota Camry. So, it’s not just about suits anymore. It's also about people who take time out from the day's work to walk around town in business casual attire. In my opinion,…
Nissan, Honda and Mitsubishi begin merger discussions
The joint holding of Nissan, Honda and Mitsubishi is expected to become the world's third-largest automaker by 2026 Just a few years ago, we were facing a situation that many car enthusiasts considered crazy. Basically, three Japanese auto giants, Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. and Honda Motor Co., Ltd. have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to explore potential business integration, and Mitsubishi Motors could join the alliance as early as January 2025. The partnership, which will be completed under a joint holding company, could become the third-largest automaker on the planet. Digging deeper into these merger talks, the partnership aims to bring together talent, technology and resources to help advance carbon neutrality, electrification and vehicle intelligence. The timetable for the plan has already begun, with a clear agreement on the joint holding company scheduled for June 2025. The entire process is expected to be completed in August 2026. Some of the key milestones to look forward to include standardized platforms…
Osamu Suzuki dies at 94
Osamu Suzuki, former chairman of Suzuki Motor Corporation, has died. He died of lymphoma at the age of 94. Born on January 30, 1930, his original name was Matsuda Osamu. After marriage, he adopted his wife's surname, a past practice in Japan for families without male heirs. He joined the family business in 1958 and was promoted to director within five years. His approach was to lead by example, and he continued to excel well into his eighties. Suzuki mulberryHis vision and foresight made him the automotive giant we know today, but he was also a smart and frugal man. Lowering factory ceilings to save on air-conditioning costs and to keep flying economically in his later years were among the many methods he used to avoid unnecessary expenses. This mindset is key to shaping the company's future. They are popular for their cheap compact cars and reliable motorcycles. Suzuki mulberry Understand the importance of partnerships and the potential of new…
Hyundai Motors and Empowering Women II – Pritha Jha Ascension
The gender gap has been a chronic pain point for half of the population. However, some people are brave enough to make changes and fight for equal opportunities. Our special series with Hyundai Motor India continues with Pritha Jha, one of Asia's most recognized lawyers and Partner at Pioneer Legal. It’s almost 2025, but women still have to fight for equal status in society. They do not receive the consideration or recommendations that men enjoy, let alone have equal opportunities or equal pay for equal work. However, some of them are raising the bar for what women are capable of. Pritha Jha is one such person. She drives legal practice in a more modern and sustainable way, while also creating opportunities outside of work. As we said before, keeping things running smoothly is what matters, and staying true to your cause will build momentum. Pritha is a resident of Mumbai and a double degree graduate of ILS Law School with…
Mahindra XEV 9e first drive review – the game-changing flagship
Does Mahindra XEV 9e redefine the eSUV experience as we know it? We tested the coupe in different scenarios to find out Story: Gaurav Dhavare Photography: Sanjay Lekha We know that SUVs have been dominating the automotive landscape for some time now, and recently, starting with the Citroen Basalt and Tata Curvv, the trend towards coupe-SUVs has begun. Well, after much anticipation from the concept preview, Mahindra has begun a new era of quiet revolution and entered the coupe-SUV game with the XEV 9e. One of two eSUVs launched by Mahindra The Electric Origin SUV range promises a lot on paper, but is it enough to be a game-changer in this ultra-competitive segment? We drove the XEV 9e to find out. Utilizing the Heartcore design philosophy, what immediately makes it stand out is the futuristic design and is very close to its concept version, which is a big positive. That being said, there's some arc in the aggressive cut and…
Mahindra BE 6e first drive review – space age charm
Does Mahindra BE 6e show it all or does it walk the talk? we found Story: Gaurav Dhavare Photography: Sanjay Lekha In an age where many vehicles tout a common design philosophy, having something that truly stands out and evokes a certain charisma is like finding a unicorn. Well, Mahindra has launched the radical BE 6e, which was launched alongside the XEV 9e as part of the Mahindra Electric Origin SUV series. Although the two SUVs are based on the same INGLO architecture, they have completely different personalities. The BE 6e exudes a bold aura just by looking at it. Now we all know to never judge a book by its cover, so let’s see if the Mahindra BE 6e can live up to the standards of the aggressive cover it displays. The Mahindra XEV 9e's resemblance to the concept is already impressive, but you have to pinch yourself to believe that the BE 6e isn't a concept and is…
2024 Maruti Suzuki Dzire price starts at Rs 6.79 lakh
2024 Maruti Suzuki Dzire sculpts its own image instead of being essentially a stretched Swift like previous iteration After taking the wraps off the latest Maruti Suzuki Dzire recently, it has finally been launched with launch prices ranging from Rs 6.79 lakh to Rs 10.14 lakh (ex-showroom). Available in LXi, VXi, ZXi and ZXi+ variants, the biggest highlight of the new Dzire is undoubtedly the sedan, which now truly differentiates itself from the Swift hatchback. Variants Price (ex-showroom) wxya 6.79 Lakhs VXiMT 7.79 Lakhs VXi AMT 8.24 Lakhs VXi MT compressed natural gas 8.74 Lakhs Midwest MT 8.89 Lakhs ZXi AMT 9.34 Lakhs ZXi MT CNG 9.84 Lakhs ZXi+MT 9.69 Lakhs ZXi+ AMT 10.14 Lakhs *Introductory price valid until December 31, 2024 In more detail, in previous iterations of Dzire, it was always referred to as "extended Swift" because its design was almost identical. That all changes with the latest iteration as it gets a subtle yet modern concept with…
Maruti Suzuki Dzire (4th Generation) Review – Desirable
The new Maruti Suzuki Dzire looks like it has everything it should have, but is it a perfect fit? Story: Joshua VarghesePhotography: Sanjay Lekha Not many of us ask us which compact sedan to buy these days. The segment's popularity seems to have declined over the years. Although there are multiple options on sale, no one is offering more options than the facelift in recent times, which is why the new Maruti Suzuki Dzire is an important car. Not only is it largely a new product, but it has been the undefeated king of the ring to date. We got to experience the fourth generation of the popular Maruti Suzuki Dzire in Goa. I haven't been a fan of Dzire's Swift-ish look since the first iteration. So when Maruti Suzuki decided to replace the 'Swift Dzire' moniker with 'Dzire' on the previous model, it felt like a step in the right direction. For the current generation, they have taken some…
Mahindra Thar ROXX, XUV 3XO and XUV400 get 5 stars
Mahindra Thar ROXX becomes the first non-load-carrying SUV to receive five stars, the highest score in the history of Bharat NCAP The second generation Mahindra Thar created history by receiving a four-star safety rating in Global NCAP and Mahindra continues the tradition with its latest car, the Mahindra Thar ROXX, which received a five-star safety rating in the Bharat NCAP test. Not only is it the first non-body-carrying construction vehicle to receive a five-star rating in Bharat NCAP, it also has the highest score achieved by any vehicle in Bharat NCAP. Mahindra Thar ROXX scored 31.09/32 in Adult Occupant Protection (AOP) and 45/49 in Child Occupant Protection (COP). With such performance in a body-on-frame SUV, it's no surprise that Mahindra's monocoque offering also received five stars regardless of its powertrain type, as the ICE-powered Mahindra XUV 3XO and XUV400 EV both received Five Star Ratings Five stars each from Bharat NCAP. Mahindra XUV 3XO scored 29.36/32 in Adult Occupant Protection…
November 2024 – Indian Auto Show
uncertain timesThe automotive industry is going through a period of great uncertainty about the mode of propulsion: electric, internal combustion engine (ICE), hydrogen or other means. McKinsey Group conducted a survey of U.S. electric vehicle (EV) owners. The report revealed a shocking result: 47% of current EV owners want to switch to a petrol or diesel vehicle. There are several reasons for this, with most car owners citing charging as one of the main issues. Range anxiety is the second reason, and the third is the need to plan your trip in advance; there are no detours when taking a road trip. If 47% of Americans want to return to internal combustion engine vehicles, the future of electric vehicles does look bleak. As of now, the best option is a plug-in hybrid. It's green, and at the same time, it doesn't bring range anxiety. I was in the United States last month. The first time I saw the Tesla Cybertruck,…
Kia Carnival Luxury Sedan Review – The Carnival Makes a Comeback
The Kia Carnival luxury sedan is back; twice the features and twice the price. Story: Joshua VarghesePhotography: Sanjay Lekha The Kia Carnival's comeback is big news for two reasons. Its predecessor recalibrated our expectations of second-row travel for less than Rs 35 lakh (ex-showroom), and in its latest iteration, it's almost twice as expensive as before. Kia India has confirmed that this is the latest generation multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) and it comes with all the bells and whistles through the SKD route. Out of curiosity, we found ourselves in rainy Bengaluru to get acquainted with the latest Fiesta limousine. As the name suggests, this time around the Fiesta is only available in limousine form. This means we only get a seven-seat layout. This seems fair considering this is Kia India's new internal combustion engine (ICE) flagship in the country. At over 5.1 meters long, it is 40 mm longer than its predecessor and longer than the Mercedes-Benz E-Class LWB. It…
Hyundai Motors and Empowering Women I – Irisha Poonawalla
For half the population in particular, the gender gap is a one-sided affliction. But some brave souls swim against the current and wade through it, not only making themselves stronger but leaving a mark that inspires others. In this special series Hyundai Motor Indiawe interview women who are making a difference and inspiring others to follow their dreams, start here Dr. Alyssa Poonawallaworld-class Latin dancer, eco-entrepreneur and lifestyle journalist. Being a woman in this day and age can still be tough. Why? you might ask. Mainly because, while more and more people are talking about women's rights and gender bias in society, few are actually taking action. Whether it's providing equal opportunities or closing the pay gap, gender equality still has a ways to go and we want to highlight how some women can make a difference by being themselves and following their passions. After all, making things run smoothly is what matters. Staying true to your cause will build…
The new Porsche 911 GT3 – everything you need to know
There's a new Porsche 911 GT3 on the planet. Honestly, more than one. There's a lot more going on with GT3 in the 992.II generation, here's what you need to know. For 25 years, every new Porsche 911 GT3 has embodied the company's essence. Four generations of exciting naturally aspirated sports cars continue the 911 success story, with impressive performance both on the track and on the road. The GT3 is unlike any other 911, bearing the hallmarks of Porsche's motorsport division and road-legal The sports car surpasses itself with every new version, becoming faster, more precise and more dynamic. Now we move on to the next one. New generation 992.II Porsche 911 GT3 Sharper than ever and designed to be more engaging. The 4.0-liter six-cylinder boxer engine remains, producing 510 hp and 450 Nm of torque, but the main change is the gear ratio, which has been shortened to provide greater acceleration and more excitement. Available with six-speed manual…
Volkswagen Virtus and Taigun launch new models
Volkswagen Virtus gets GT Line and GT Plus Sport variants, while Taigun gets new mid-spec Highline Plus variant, updating existing variant line-up To keep things fresh, Volkswagen is rejigging the variant line-up of Virtus sedan and Taigun SUV by launching new variants. For Virtus, it's the much-awaited GT Line and GT Plus Sport variants priced at Prices start at Rs 14.08 Lakh and Rs 17.84 Lakh respectively (ex-showroom, India). The updates are a bit tame for the Taigun, but not worth scoffing at. new variant Price (ex showroom) Virtus Highline Plus Rs 13.88 Lakh (MT)/Rs 14.98 Lakh (AT) DajunHighline Plus Rs 14.27 Lakh (MT) / Rs 15.37 Lakh (AT) Virtus GT Series Rs 14.08 Lakh (MT) / Rs 15.18 Lakh (AT) Virtus GT Plus Sports Edition Rs 17.85 Lakh (MT)/Rs 19.4 Lakh (AT) Starting with the Virtus in GT Line variant, it is designed to bring the sporty GT experience to a more affordable price point. The main highlight is…
BYD eMAX 7 first drive review – powerful people mover system
BYD's latest product in India, the BYD eMAX 7 electric MPV, has great advantages. The product is designed to leverage its first-mover advantage in the electric MPV segment, which currently has only one car: the eMAX 7 Story: Scientific Ethics Photography: Sanjay Lekha BYD entered the Indian market in 2021 with the e6 MPV, which will be sold exclusively to fleet operators for a year before going on sale to the general public in 2022. We now have a direct replacement for the e6, the BYD eMAX 7 electric MPV, which aims to fill a gap in the market and continue BYD's success story in India. In a way, this is their most important launch yet, and BYD certainly hopes this car has the ability to single-handedly establish an entirely new segment. We drove to Chennai. The BYD eMAX 7, known as the BYD M6 in other markets, looks good but doesn't hurt. It’s not going to make anyone fall…
India to recall over 90,000 Honda cars
The recall will affect Honda cars produced in India between 2017 and 2018 If you own a Honda car manufactured in India between August 2017 and June 2018, Honda has voluntarily recalled 92,672 units of the Amaze, City, BR-V, Jazz, WR-V and Brio models. The reason behind this is that the fuel pump has an underlying issue with a defective impeller, which Honda will replace for free. Of this list of over 90,000 cars, 2,204 are older models (Accord, Amaze, Brio, BR-V, City, Civic, Jazz, WR-V) that may have had this defective part previously Replaced as spare parts. Those wondering whether their car is part of the affected batch can contact their nearest Honda dealer or enter their car's Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) on the Honda website (www.hondacarindia.com). Additionally, Honda recommends owners who purchased a fuel pump assembly from any Honda dealer between June 2017 and October 2023 to check whether their vehicle is affected. Honda's recall process will begin…
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