Auto Today

GROUP EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Aroon Purie
Editorial
VICE CHAIRPERSON AND EXECUTIVE EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Kalli Purie
GROUP CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Dinesh Bhatia
The government's new EV

GROUP EDITORIAL DIRECTOR Raj Chengappa
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Manoj Sharma
EDITORIAL
AUTO TODAY
policy is a game changer
T
India Today Mediaplex,
FC - 8, Sector, 16/A, Film City, Noida - 201 301, UP he news this month is ob-
Tel: (0120) 4807100, www.autotodayindia.com viously the new electric ve-
hicle policy of the government
EDITOR Yogendra Pratap and the doors that it opens up
ASSOCIATE EDITOR Rahul Ghosh
ASSISTANT EDITOR Dipayan Dutta
for companies wanting to set
PRINCIPAL CORRESPONDENT Dhruv Saxena up base in India like Tesla, Vin-
SENIOR CORRESPONDENT Abhinav Jakhar Fast, Fisker, Lucid, and others,
CORRESPONDENT Anagh Bhaskar
ART DIRECTOR Gurdeep Bhalla
and also companies that are al-
SENIOR DESIGNER Ashok Sharma ready present in India like Hyun-
INTERNATIONAL EDITOR Vitoldas Milius dai, Kia, Mercedes and BMW as
well as the Volkswagen Group.
PRODUCTION Harish Aggarwal (Chief of Production), Narendra Singh
And while MG Motor seems to
SENIOR ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER (IMPACT) Suparna Kumar
have found a way forward with
IMPACT TEAM Senior General Managers: Mayur Rastogi (North and
East), Jitendra Lad (West), General Manager: Syed Naveed (Chennai) its joint venture with the JSW
MARKETING Vivek Malhotra (Group Chief Marketing Officer) Group, there still hangs a ques-
CONSUMER MARKETING SERVICES
GL Ravikkumar (Chief Mgr-Subscriptions & Distribution) tion mark about BYD which is
SUBSCRIPTIONS: For assistance contact Customer Care India Today making great electric vehicles,
Group, C-9, Sector-10, Noida (UP) – 201301. Email: wecare@intoday.com |
has wanted to invest in India but
Phone / Whatsapp: +91 8597 778 778 (Monday to Friday, 10 am – 6pm)
NEWSSTAND SALES Deepak Bhatt (Senior GM-National Sales), Vipin Bagga has not got the nod to go ahead with its investments.
(GM-Operations), Rajeev Gandhi (GM-North), Yogesh Godhanlal Gautam Our cover story this month is another really path-breaking electric SUV
(Regional Sales Mgr-West) Delhi NCR Auto Today, A1-A2, Ground Floor,
Enkay Centre, V.N. Commercial Complex, Udyog Vihar, Phase V, Gurgaon from Kia, the Indian launch of which has also been delayed as the company
–122 016, Tel.: (0124) 4948 400, Fax: (0124) 4948 919 Mumbai 1201, 12th decides the route it should take for launching its flagship model in the coun-
Floor, Tower 2 A, One Indiabulls Centre, (Jupiter Mills), S. B. Marg, Lower
try. Of course, GST of five per cent and import duties of just 15 per cent have
Parel (West), Mumbai – 400 013. Tel: (022) 69193355, Fax: (022) 69193375
Pune Tel: (020) 26166849, Fax: ( 020) 26161782 Ahmedabad Tel: (079) both been considered and make more sense as opposed to direct import.
26560393, Fax: (079) 26565293 Bangalore 202-204, Richmond Towers, We have logged on another 10,000 plus km with three XUV700s this
12, Richmond Road, Bangalore. Tel: (080) 22212448/3037/4106 Fax: (080)
22218335 Hyderabad Tel: (040) 23400479 / 1657 / 2481, 23410100 month as we partnered with Mahindra Automotive to launch our Drivers of
Fax: (040) 23403484 Chennai 5th Floor, Main Building No. 443, Guna Change initiative. We love to drive cars and we keep finding different reasons
Complex, Anna Salai, Teynampet, Chennai – 600 018, Ph: 044-28478525,
to drive them over long distances, but our Drivers of Change journey has
Fax: 044-24361942 Chandigarh Tel: 09815608630, Fax: (0172) 4661596
Kolkata 4th Floor, 52, JL Nehru Road, Kolkata-700 071. Tel: (033) been one of the more fulfilling ones and you can read all about it in this
22825398/7726, Fax: (033) 22827254 Kochi Tel: (0484) 2377057,2377058, issue of the magazine.
Fax (0484) 2377059
Also in this issue are drives of the uprated BMW iX as well as the Hyundai
Creta N Line – both sportier versions of existing models at different ends
VOLUME 9, ISSUE 06, March 2024
Auto Today reserves all rights throughout the world. Reproduction in any of the SUV spectrum – not just in terms of fuel or energy used but also in
manner, in whole or part, in English or other languages, is prohibited. Auto terms of positioning.
Today does not take responsibility for returning unsolicited publication mate-
And finally, apart from all the usual sections we also have the updated
rial All disputes are subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of competent courts
and forums in Delhi/New Delhi only Jawa 350 as well as the 650 Twin custom bobber from Royal Enfield, the
● Printed and published by Manoj Sharma on behalf of LIVING Shotgun – both of which we have ridden and appreciated.
MEDIA INDIA LIMITED. Printed at Thomson Press India Limited,
As I sign off on another editorial, remember that cars are only as safe as
18-35 Milestone, Delhi Mathura Road, Faridabad-121007, (Haryana).
Published at F-26, First Floor, Connaught Place, New Delhi-110001. you allow them to be – by wearing seatbelts. So always buckle up whenever
Editor: Yogendra Pratap you are in a car and no matter where you are seated in it. And always don
A MEMBER OF a helmet when you are in a two-wheeler, and strap it tight!
IC OT Y Yogendra Pratap
INDIAN CAR OF THE YEAR
Editor
A PART OF INDIA
UTO
INDIA yogendra.pratap@intoday.com
THE INDIA TODAY GROUP @YogenPratap
March 2024 | Auto Today 3

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JSW
NewXMercedes-Benz
MG Motor IndiaC-Class
Details
Future are out and we’ve got a
roadmap
previewnew
outlining of the new car which is
expected
models from to
thebe launched in India
in venture
joint the near future
10 8
New
NewCars
Cars Refreshed
Refreshed
KIA EV9Kiger
Renault Hyundai Creta N LineCitroen C5 AirCross
India-bound electric
Offers premium Facelifted SUV gets the N Line treatment
We drive French brand’s maiden
features SUV
flagship at afford- product in the country
able price
32 36
Mercedes-Benz A-Class Limousine BMW iX xDrive50
German carmaker’s yet-to-be launched, but More power and range
most accessible offering in India
30 38 4044
4 6 Auto Today
Auto | March
Today 2024
| March 2021
www. autotodayindia.com
Car & bike guide
For the most comprehensive price
Preview
Road Test Motorcycle
list of all the cars and two-wheelers
on sale in the country, head straight
BYD Seal to page 111 Jawa 350
All-electric premium sedanMahindra
goes XUV300 vs Maruti Old school
Suzuki Vitara Brezza vs Hyundai
on sale in Indiament
Update
new motor
Venue vs Kia Sonet

14 Domestic News
22 International News
27 CV News 94
28 Motorcycle News
10 50 84110Royal Enfield Shotgun 650
Motorsport
Factory News
custom bobber
Update
Long Term 20 104 Hyundai i20
International News
12100Domestic
HyundaiNews 24 106
Kona EV Motorcycle News
Kia Sonet FORM– IV
FORM – IV
19101CVHyundai
News Creta 27 107 Motorsport News
Hero Xpulse BS6 Place of Publication
Place of Publication : New Delhi
: New Delhi
Periodicity of its
Periodicity of Publication : Monthly
its Publication : Monthly
102 Hyundai Tucson 108 RE Meteor 350 Printer’s Name
Printer’s Name : Manoj Sharma
: Manoj Sharma
Feature
103 MS Vitara Brezza 109 Benelli Imperiale Nationality
Nationality
Address
Address
: Indian
: Indian
: 1806, Sylvan View-1, Silver
: A-3/723,Tower-8, EldecoCity,
Utpoia,
Sector-93,
Sector-93,
Noida-201301, Uttar Pradesh Nagar,
Noida, Gautam Buddha
Drivers of Change Uttar Pradesh-201301
Feature 10,000km across the country with the
Publisher’s Name
Publisher’s Name
Nationality
: Manoj
: Manoj Sharma
: Indian
Sharma
Nationality : Indian
62 ICOTY/IMOTY
XUV700 on a noble mission 2021 Address
Address
: A-3/723,Tower-8, Silver City, Sector-93,
: 1806, Sylvan View-1, Eldeco Utpoia,
We felicitate the best cars & Noida-201301, Uttar Pradesh
Sector-93, Noida, Gautam Buddha Nagar,
BMW Motorrad
44
bike from the past year Editor’s Name
Nationality
Editor’s Name
: Yogendra
Uttar Pratap
Pradesh-201301
: Indian Pratap
: Yogendra
68 Safari 2021
Address
Nationality : 34-C, Green View, SDF, Sector 15A, Noida -201301
: Indian
Address : 34-C, Green View, SDF, Sector 15A,
70 Royal Enfield Names and Addresses of individuals who Pradesh
Noida, Uttar own the newspaper and partners or
Himalayan vs shareholders holding more than one percent of the total capital:
Hero XPluse Names and Addresses of individuals who own the newspaper and partners or
Owner holding more than one
shareholders : M/s. LivingofMedia
percent India
the total Limited, F26, Ist Floor,
capital:
78 Magnificent India Connaught Place, New Delhi – 110 001.
Part two of the Magnificent Owner : M/s. Living Media India Limited, F26, Ist Floor,
India series takes us to Jaipur Shareholders holding more than one percent
Connaught Place, of
NewtheDelhi
total– capital
110 001.of the owner
to explore centuries-old crafts company:
Shareholders holding more than one percent of the total capital of the owner company:
1. Mr. Aroon Purie, 6, Palam Marg, Vasant Vihar, New Delhi – 110 057.
Motorcycle Geneva 2. Mrs.
1. Mr. AroonRekha
Purie,Purie, 6, Palam
6, Palam Marg,Marg,
VasantVasant
Vihar,Vihar,
New New
DelhiDelhi
– 110–057.
110 057.
Long
BMWTerms
F 900 R Preview
International 3. Mr.Rekha
2. Mrs. Ankoor Purie,
Purie, 6, Palam
6, Palam Marg,
Marg, Vasant
Vasant Vihar,
Vihar, NewNew Delhi
Delhi – 110
– 110 057.057.
Motor
CB Show 4. Mrs. KoelPurie,
Purie6,Rinchet, 6, Palam Marg, Vasant
NewVihar,
DelhiNew
– 110Delhi
057. – 110 057.
94
3. Mr. Ankoor Palam Marg, Vasant Vihar,
Honda
100 Hyundai Ioniq 5 350RS 2024
5. Mrs.
4. Mrs.
5. Mrs.
KoelKalli
KalliMedia
6. World
Purie
Purie Bhandal,
Rinchet,
PuriePrivate
Bhandal,
6, Palam
6, Palam
6, Palam
Limited,
Marg,Marg,
F26, Marg,
Vasant
Vasant
Vasant
1st Floor,
Vihar,
Vihar, NewNew
Vihar, Place,
Connaught
Delhi
Delhi
New Delhi
– 110– 110
057.057.
– 110–057.
New Delhi 110 001.
102 Hyundai Verna 6. World
7. IGHMedia PrivatePrivate
Holdings Limited,Limited,
F26, Ist Floor, Connaught
1st Floor, Place,House,
Industry New Delhi
159 –Churchgate
110 001.
7. IGHReclamation,
Holdings Private
Mumbai- Limited,
4000201stFloor,Industry House, 159 Churchgate
103 Maruti Suzuki Jimny Reclamation, Mumbai- 400020
104 Hyundai Exter 84 I, Manoj Sharma, hereby declare that the particulars given above are true to the
I, Manoj
best ofSharma, hereby declare
my knowledge that the particulars given above are true to the
and belief.
best of my knowledge and belief.
105
90 MGBMWComet F 900 XR 96 Triumph
106 REplenty
Light and agile with
Himalayan Bonneville Range 76 Date:
Date: 1st 1st March,
March, 20242021 Manoj
Sd/-Sd/-
Manoj Sharma
Sharma
of power Gets fresh lease of life Signature
Signature of Publisher
of Publisher
March 2024
March | Auto
2021 Today
| Auto Today 5 7
WINDSCREEN
THE PATHBREAKERS
We covered 10,000km across the country with three Mahindra XUV700s
in a quest to identify, and honour women who have broken societal
barriers and are paving the way forward for the next generation. This
XUV700 showcased at the felicitation event in Mumbai, is one of the
three which were driven by team Auto Today pan-India for this epic
journey. Turn to page 44 to read about our journey and the remarkable
women we met during our quest.
6 Auto Today | March 2024

UPDATE!
(Left to right) Sajjan Jindal, Chairman

of JSW Group, Parth Jindal, member of
steering committee of JSW MG Motor
India and CEO (emeritus) of MG Motor
India, Rajeev Chaba, pose next to the MG
Cyberster electric sports car
MG Motor's fresh aspirations

The joint venture between MG Motor India and JSW Group has been a long time coming, but it's finally
here. SAIC-owned MG has laid out a plan for the future. Abhinav Jakhar brings you all the details
M
G Motor India has officially an- troduce new models every 3-6 months. In
PICTURES Abhinav Jakhar
nounced its joint venture with fact, two of them are set to arrive within this
the JSW Group. The JV, which year. These models will have a high level
is called JSW MG Motor India, of localisation and will be manufactured in
will primarily focus on bringing new ener- India. To cater to this, the company plans
gy vehicles to India. It will concentrate on to expand its production capacity in Halol,
creating a robust EV ecosystem, as it plans Gujarat. The hope is to increase production
to introduce a number of electric vehicles capacity to 3 lakh units annually. Currently,
and plug-in hybrids in India. Sajjan Jindal, the capacity sits just above the 1 lakh units
Chairman of the JSW Group, stated that per annum mark.
post September 2024, the company will in- By 2030, JSW MG Motor India aims to

JSW MG Motor Joint Venture
SAJJAN JINDAL, CHAIRMAN OF THE JSW

GROUP, STATED THAT POST SEPTEMBER
2024, THE COMPANY WILL INTRODUCE
NEW MODELS EVERY 3-6 MONTHS
take the lead in terms of new energy is powered by electric motors on each
vehicles sales in India. There is also a axle, making it an all-wheel drive car ca-
plan by the company to foray into the pable of producing 536bhp and 725Nm
premium vehicle segment, which was of torque. The claimed 0-100kmph time
made clear by the appearance of the stands at just 3.2 seconds. There’s also
Cyberster convertible electric sports car. a 64kWh version which has a claimed
The headline figures on the Cyberster? It CLTC range of 520km. This one comes
comes with a 77kWh battery pack which with a single motor mounted to the rear-
has a claimed China Light-Duty Vehi- axle, churning out 308bhp. This is one
cles Test Cycle (CLTC) range of 580km car that most enthusiasts will look for-
on full charge. This particular version ward to in the near future.
Apart from the riveting Cyberster,
MG also showcased the MG4 and MG5,
both of which are EVs. While the MG4
is a larger hatchback in terms of design
language, the MG5 is an estate vehicle.
In foreign markets, the MG4 comes with
two battery options; a 51kWh one with
a claimed WLTP range of 350km and
a 64kWh battery pack with a claimed
range of 452km. The MG5, on the other
hand, only gets a 61.1kWh battery pack
with a claimed range of 402km. In all
likelihood, the MG4 and MG5 will be
the first models to be launched in In-
dia under this brand-new joint venture.
Other than these two, MG also displayed
a unique version of the Comet EV, which
had its roof removed, making for inter-
esting concept.

PREVIEW
BYD Seal arrives in India

This is the third product from the Chinese automaker, the first two being the Atto 3 electric
SUV and e6 electric MPV. Abhinav Jakhar takes a closer look at the Seal
B
YD recently launched its electric se-
dan in the country, called the Seal.
Build Your Dreams (BYD), which is a
Chinese multinational conglomerate,
has priced its latest product from Rs 41 lakh to
Rs 53 lakh (all prices are ex-showroom). The
company itself was founded in 1995 and is
based out of Shenzhen, Guangdong Province,
China. BYD India was first established in 2007
and the Indian subsidiary already has two
factories. The company’s business in India
covers electronics, electric forklifts, battery
energy storage, electric buses, electric trucks
and electric passenger cars. Currently, BYD
has 24 showrooms across 21 cities in India.
Other than the recently launched Seal,
BYD also sells the Atto 3 electric SUV and e6
electric MPV. The Seal is available in 3 vari-
ants - Dynamic, Premium and Performance.
While Dynamic and Premium are rear-wheel
drive variants, the all encompassing Perfor-
BYD Seal
1. The Seal is underpinned
1 2
by BYD’s e-Platform 3.0.
To add to the structural
rigidity, space and safety
of the car, the company
has equipped it with ‘Cell
To Body’ technology (CTB)
which integrates the bat-
tery and vehicle body floor
together. 2. BYD has also
equipped the Seal with
ADAS level 2 features,
3 which boasts of features
like Adaptive Cruise Con-
trol (ACC). 3. The Seal also
gets BYD’s famed ‘Blade’
battery technology, with a
maximum claimed range
of 650km
mance variant comes with all-wheel drive. inside, the Seal boasts of a 15.6-inch cen- fact, Euro NCAP has granted the BYD Seal
The Dynamic variant comes with 61.44kWh tral infotainment screen which can swivel a 5-star safety rating. Bookings for the Seal
battery pack, which is capable of a claimed on demand. Other prominent features in- have already commenced and customers
New European Driving Cycle (NEDC) range clude dual wireless phone chargers, ADAS that book the car before March 31, will
of 510km. The Premium variant comes with level 2 technology, 8-way adjustable electri- receive additional benefits. In terms of
an 82.56kWh battery pack with a claimed cally controlled driver’s seat with memory pricing, the BYD Seal is an alternative the
range of 650km; the top-of-the-line Perfor- function, 9 airbags and a 10.25-inch digital Hyundai Ioniq 5, Kia EV9 and Volvo XC40
mance variant also gets the same 82.56kWh instrument cluster, just to name a few. In Recharge.
battery pack, but, with a claimed range of
580km.
This is mostly down to the fact that the
Performance variant gets two electric mo-
tors, in-charge of powering the front and
rear wheels. The motor at the front pro-
duces 217hp and 310Nm of torque, while the
rear one puts out 312hp and 360Nm. That’s
an astonishing-combined figure of 530hp
and 670Nm of peak torque. As a result of
this, 0-100kmph comes up in just 3.8 sec-
onds (claimed). The Premium variant gets
the same rear motor as the Performance
variant, putting out 312hp and 360Nm, and
in this spec, 0-100kmph comes up in just
5.9 seconds (claimed). Last but certainly
1
not least, the Dynamic variant comes with
a rear-motor which churns out 203hp and 2 3 1. The BYD Seal’s
310Nm of torque, which translates to an all-black theme is
extremely respectable claimed 0-100kmph headlined by the
time of 7.5 seconds. 15.6-inch infotain-
Apart from being equipped with BYD’s ment screen right in
patented ‘Blade’ battery technology, top- the centre, which can
spec Performance variant also comes with swivel. 2. Just above
Intelligence Torque Adaption Control the 10.25-inch LCD
instrument cluster
(ITAC), which the company claims dimin-
sits the Heads-Up Display (HUD). 3. Just behind the
ishes loss of traction by monitoring wheel dual wireless chargers, the Seal gets a crystal gear-
speed and motor revolver sensors. On the shifter with multiple functions on each side
UPDATE!
Hyundai Creta
gets N Line avatar
JUST A few months after the debut of the new Hyundai
Creta, the brand has added the Creta N Line to the fold.
This joins the Venue and the i20 in Hyundai’s N Line model
range. This isn’t a different variant essentially, as it mainly
dons a different skin with certain minor mechanical chang-
es. Exterior-wise, the Creta N Line get a sportier look with a
new blacked out grille, new chunky bumper, sporty looking
18-inch alloys and red highlights on the outside. This also
includes the red brake callipers, both at the front and the
rear. There are twin-tip exhausts and the only difference
otherwise is the positioning of the reversing lamps. The
blacked out theme continues to the cabin which also gets
plenty of N Line badging and red accents. There is a new
sporty steering, metal pedals and red ambient lighting to
complete the package. The Creta N Line continues with the
1.5-litre turbo petrol engine which produces 160bhp, and is
available with both a 6-speed manual and a 7-speed DCT.
There are two trims on offer, N8 and N10, both available
with the manual and automatic transmission options.
Variants & Price
Variant Petrol MT Petrol DCT

N8 16.82 19.34 (L-R) Gopala Krishnan CS, CMO, Hyundai India, Unsoo Kim, MD & CEO, Hyundai
N10 18.32 20.30 India, Tarun Garg COO, Hyundai India and J T Park, ED, Sales, Marketing and
Service, Hyundai India with the new Creta N Line
* All prices in lakh rupees, ex-showroom Delhi
XC40 Recharge gets single motor variant

VOLVO CAR INDIA has launched the Plus variant for the
XC40 Recharge electric SUV, and commenced bookings
for the same. This is essentially a single motor variant
alternate to the Ultimate variant, which comes with dual-
motors. The XC40 Recharge Plus is priced at Rs 54.95 lakh
(ex-showroom), undercutting the Ultimate variant by almost
Rs 3 lakh. Along with the deletion of a motor, the SUV also
misses out on Pixel LED headlamps, fog lamps, 360-degree
camera, side parking sensors, and the Harman Kardon au-
dio system. But it does continue with dual-zone climate
control, 12-inch instrument display, 9-inch infotainment
display, panoramic sunroof, powered seats and ADAS fea-
tures. The single-motor powered EV has access to 238bhp
and 420Nm of torque, which means a 0 to 100kmph time
of 7.3 seconds and a top speed of 180kmph. This is paired
to a 69kWh battery pack, which gives it a WLTP certified
range of 475km on a single charge.

Domestic News
Tata inaugurates 5th
RVSF in the country
TATA MOTORS has inaugurated its fifth Registered Ve-

hicle Scrapping Facility (RVSF) near the national capital.
Christened Re.Wi.Re which stands for Recycle with Re-
spect, the facility uses environment friendly processes
to disassemble vehicles. The Re.Wi.Re has the capacity
to disassemble 18,000 vehicles annually, and has been
developed in partnership with Johar Motors. Tata Mo-
tors has been successfully operating four other RSVFs
across the country in Jaipur, Bhubaneswar, Surat and
Chandigarh. Not only will the facility dismantle passenger
vehicles but also cater to commercial vehicles, that too
across all makes and models, and has dedicated cell-
type and line-type dismantling for commercial vehicles
and passenger vehicles respectively. There are dedicated
stations to disassemble various components, including
tyres, batteries, fuels, oils, and other vital components.
The V12-powered Purosangue is here

FERRARI HAS launched the Purosangue in India, with
customer deliveries already underway. The price for the
SUV-ish Ferrari is set at Rs 10.50 crore (ex-showroom),
this price however isn’t for the base car, but includes a
number of extra options which are commonly specced
by Indian customers. There are numerous more cus-
tom options that customers can spec their Purosangue
with. The Italian marque went ahead with a pure-bred
naturally-aspirated 6.5-litre V12 engine, which makes
725bhp and 716Nm of torque, which is sent to all the
wheels. The Purosangue is the first attempt from Ferrari
on an SUV, but maintains that this is a four-door, four-
seat model, which is quite apparent by the way that the
car is shaped. The cabin has a layout similar to that of
the SF90 with two displays, while the rear passengers
too benefit with fully adjustable bucket seats, and are
accessible via counter-hinged doors.

Update!
Tata refreshed SUVs get Dark editions

TATA MOTORS has launched special editions room), and is based on the top-spec Empowered for the ORVMs, alloy wheels and bumpers. On
of the Nexon, Nexon.ev, Harrier and Safari. The + Long Range. The Harrier Dark edition and Sa- the inside, the ‘Dark; badges embroidered on
Nexon Dark comes in four variants - Creative, fari Dark edition are priced at Rs 19.99 lakh the headrests, black leatherette seats and
Creative+, Creative+S and Fearless. Prices for and Rs 20.49 lakh (ex-showroom), respectively. overall all-black theme. While the Nexon.ev
the ICE-powered Nexon Dark edition starts from Mechanically, all the aforementioned vehicles Dark edition costs more than Rs 20,000 over
Rs 11.45 lakh and go up to Rs 15.80 lakh (ex- remain the same as the standard variants. The the standard variant; the Nexon Dark edition
showroom). The Nexon.ev Dark edition, on the changes on the outside include the Onyx Black demands a premium ranging between Rs 20,000
other hand, is priced at Rs 19.49 lakh (ex-show- paint job, ‘Dark’ badges and all-black treatment and Rs 35,000.
Government of India to reduce import duty on EVs

THE GOVERNMENT OF INDIA has announced a minimum of Rs 4,150 crore in the country ease matters, there will be an incentive for
an electric vehicle policy which drastically within three years, with no cap on maximum these companies to import a limited number
cuts import duty to 15 percent instead of the account. Furthermore, interested companies of vehicles at a lowered custom duty rate. To
current 70 to 100 percent. GOI also stated that must set up a manufacturing facility within add to this, these brands must then achieve
automobile manufacturers can only reap the the first three years. They must also begin 25 percent localisation by the third year and
benefits of this new policy only if they invest commercial productions of their EVs. To help 50 percent localisation by the fifth year.

Domestic News
Bentley unveils five bespoke editions inspired by India

IN A first, Bentley has unveiled five bespoke house customisation wing, which has its head- the tricolour flag. These one-of-a-kind Opulence
models for the Indian market. These Mulliner quarters in Crewe, England. The aforementioned Edition models get interiors finished in Cumbrian
models have been specially commissioned, five models include a Flying Spur Speed, Conti- Green and Mandarin Orange leather. The exte-
keeping India in mind. Bentley has christened nental GT Speed and three Bentayga Extended rior, on the other hand, gets the Scarab Green
these models as the Opulence Editions, and have Wheelbase Azure SUVs. Since these models are paint, which is the first use of the colour from a
been made by the British luxury carmaker’s in- based around India, the paint job is inspired by Mulliner coach building programme.
Ultra-luxury Lexus LM MPV launched
LEXUS HAS finally brought the LM luxury ‘Lounge’ package, which as the name sug- self-charging motor comes mated to an e-
MPV to India. The Japanese carmaker has gests, comes with all the bells and whistles CVT gearbox. It also comes with Lexus’ all-
priced the LM 350h between Rs 2 crore and in terms of luxury. It is powered by a 2.5-li- wheel drive system. The Lexus LM sits on the
Rs 2.50 crore (ex-showroom). The top-end tre, 4-cylinder hybrid petrol engine which same platform as the Toyota Vellfire, which
spec of the LM 350h comes with a 4-seater produces 247bhp and 239Nm of torque. This is priced at Rs 1.20 crore (ex-showroom).

Update!
MG Motor lowers prices, rejigs variants

MG MOTOR INDIA has announced lower prices for the Hector, Comet and ZS EV.
The Hector range now starts from Rs 14 lakh, with two new trims – Shine Pro
and Select Pro which replace the Shine and Smart trims respectively. The Shine
Pro is priced from Rs 16 lakh, while the Select Pro is priced at Rs 17.30 lakh, a
premium of Rs 20,000 over the Smart. Over in the electric portfolio, the Comet
EV has also received a price slash, and trim rejig, with Executive, Excite, and
Exclusive trims. The Excite and Exclusive trims also get a new FC trim, which
adds a 7.2kW fast charger. There are new features too, such as rear disc brakes,
EPB, ESC, electronically foldable ORVMs and creep mode. Prices for the Comet
now start at Rs 6.99 lakh and goes up to Rs 9.13 lakh, making it almost a lakh
cheaper. The ZS EV is also cheaper, with a new entry-level Executive trim priced
at Rs 18.98 lakh, making it almost Rs 4 lakh cheaper. (All prices ex-showroom)
BMW 6 Series GT gets new Signature trim

BMW INDIA has expanded the 6 Series
Gran Turismo range with the addition
of the 620d M Sport Signature, which
is now the top-spec trim in the model
range. This adds soft-close doors, fully-
electric front seats with memory func-
tion and lumbar support and backrest
seat cushions for the rear. Additions
to the features list includes the BMW
Display key with Remote Parking assist,
keyless entry, powered tailgate and two
10.25-inch rear entertainment displays.
Power comes from the same 2.0-litre
diesel motor which makes 190bhp and
400Nm of torque, as in other 6 GT vari-
ants. Priced at Rs 78.90 lakh, the 620d
M Sport Signature is about Rs 3.5 lakh
costlier than the regular 6 GT.

Domestic News
Hyundai launches new Kia recalls 4,358 units

turbo variant for the Venue of the Seltos SUV
HYUNDAI INDIA has launched the Venue mounted controls, cruise control, TPMS and
Executive Turbo variant. This is priced at rear aircon vents. This misses out on drive
Rs 10 lakh (ex-showroom), and is the most modes, sunroof, paddle shifters and height
accessible variant of the turbo-petrol pow- adjustable driver’s seat. Along with this,
ered venue. The Executive Turbo trim sits Hyundai has also added a sunroof to the
below the S(O) Turbo trim, and is Rs 75,000 Venue S(O) Turbo trim, which is priced at
lighter on the pocket. In terms of features, Rs 10.75 lakh (ex-showroom). Mechanically
customers will gets an 8-inch infotainment the SUV uses the same 1.0-litre turbo pet-
display with wireless Apple CarPlay and rol which makes 118bhp, which also gets KIA HAS issued a recall of 4,358 units of the Sel-
Android Auto, reclining rear seats, steering Idle Stop and Go feature. tos to replace potentially faulty electronic oil pump
controller. The recall covers the 1.5-litre petrol IVT
variants manufactured between February 28 and July
13, 2023. Kia will directly reach out to the owners of
the affected vehicles to update them.
Tata rolls out millionth

car from Sanand Plant
Punjab Police gets Kia Carens Shailesh Chandra (R), MD, Tata Motors and Pramod
Choudhary, VP, Operations, Tata Motors flagging off
HAVING SHOWCASED purpose built ve- Police. These will be used as emergency re-
the 1,00,000th car at the Sanand facility
hicle (PBV) versions of the Carens at the sponse vehicles. The Carens PBV features
Auto Expo in 2023 and more recently at the custom high-intensity strobe lights, PA sys- TATA MOTORS has announced that the automaker
Bharat Mobility Global Expo, Kia has now tems, and ‘Dial 112 - Emergency Response has rolled out the millionth vehicle from its manu-
delivered 71 units of these to the Punjab Vehicle’ decals. facturing facility in Sanand, Gujarat. The facility was
established in 2010, and is spread across an area of
1,100 acres and employs over 6,000 individuals. Tata
manufactures the Tiago and Tigor models at the plant,
including the EV, CNG and automatic versions.
Bharat Mobility Global Expo

2025 dates announced
THE 2025 EDITION of the Bharat Mobility Global Expo
will take place from January 17 to 22, 2025. This will
take place simultaneously at Bharat Mandapam, Yas-
hobhoomi, India International Convention and Expo
Center in Dwarka and the India Expo Center & Mart
in Greater Noida.

Update! Domestic News
Mercedes EQS SUV to arrive later this year
MERCEDES-BENZ INDIA has big plans for 2024. After

achieving its highest-ever sales in 2023, the luxury car-
maker has grand plans to introduce 12 new models
this year including three electric vehicles and most
importantly, the EQS SUV. The SUV is likely to feature
the same powertrain as the EQS 580 sedan, with a dual
electric motor setup which combined deliver 544bhp,
858Nm of torque and a claimed WLTP range of 609km.
The EQS SUV is likely to be joined by the Mercedes-
Maybach EQS SUV later this year.
The first and only Maybach electric to date, will come
with a 108.4kWh battery pack, and a claimed range
of 600km. The Mercedes-Maybach EQS will come with
two electric motors, churning out 658bhp and 950Nm
of torque. The claimed 0-100kmph time sits at 4.4 sec-
onds and the Mercedes-Maybach will hit a claimed top Above: A seven seat layout will be a favourable selling point of the EQS SUV. Below: The
speed of 210kmph. design aesthetic is in line with the EQ design philosophy
There’s a strong possibility that the 450 4Matic
variant could also find its way to India. In the UK, it
is powered by two electric motors producing 360bhp
and 800Nm of torque. The 108.4kWh battery pack has
a claimed WLTP range of 610km.
On the inside, the EQS SUV will carry the same
single-piece, curved glass, 56-inch MBUX touchscreen
infotainment system as the sedan. There are dual
screens at the back with a tablet-like controller. Most
importantly though, there is a seven-seat layout, which
could be a favourable selling point in the Indian market.
From the outside, the EQS SUV follows the path of the
EQ design language. The EQS SUV is expected to arrive
by the end of the year and it will be interesting to see
just how it sets itself apart from its siblings and rivals,
alike. The estimated price range should be between Rs
1.62 crore and Rs 4 crore (approximately).

UPDATE! Commercial Vehicle News
New electric
three-wheeler
from Greaves
GREAVES ELECTRIC MOBILITY has
launched the Eltra City. This electric
three-wheeler is powered by a 9.6kW
(13bhp) e-motor, which offers 49Nm of
torque. This ensures that the Eltra City
has a 14 degree gradability and as it
comes with hill hold assist, means that
transporting passengers across urban
landscapes is easy. There is a 10.8kWh
battery pack which gives it a claimed
range of 160km on a single charge, mak-
ing this ideal for an entire day of opera-
tion, meaning there is close to no down
time. There is a 6.2-inch digital instru-
ment cluster, which comes with connect-
ed tech, allowing real-time tracking and
navigation. The Eltra City has a full metal
body and comes with a comprehensive
3-year warranty which can be extended
to 5-years, making this a value proposi-
tion for customers.
Jindal Steel joins Tata Steel gets new-gen CV fleet

JBM to make e-buses TATA MOTORS has flagged off its next-gen
green-fuel powered vehicles to Tata Steel. The
including ESC, Active Traction Control, Driver
Monitoring System as well as Advanced Driver
fleet of vehicles includes Prima tractor trucks Assistance Systems, ensuring optimum safety
and tippers, which are powered by Liquefied for the driver and others where these vehi-
Natural Gas as well as the Ultra electric bus. cles operate. The Tata Prima 3530.K LNG and
The vehicles will be utilised by Tata Steel in 5530.S tipper LNG will be used for surface,
various stages of its vast operation, in a bid to mining and long-haul commercial transporta-
make the transportation and logistics section tion, while the E28.K and E46.S electric trucks
of its business as carbon neutral as possible. will be deployed to establish real-world per-
The new-age fleet of commercial vehicles from formance. The Ultra EV buses will be used to
Tata come with a number of safety features transport employees across plant locations.
JBM HAS partnered with Jindal Stainless Ltd
(JSL) to roll out 500 electric buses. These will
be manufactured using steel from Jindal Stain-
less, which will provide low-carbon, chromium-
manganese austenitic stainless steel JT Tubes
to JBM. This category of steel is three times
stronger than carbon steel currently used in
bus manufacturing. JT Tubes will be used in
making the superstructure of the buses, tai-
lored for domestic operations in Telangana,
and suitable to combat the corrosive climate.

UPDATE!
Q6 e-tron heralds new era for Audi
AUDI’S LATEST EV is the Q6 e-tron, but this introduced to the rest of the Audi cars, ICE 387bhp, both getting a dual-motor quattro AWD
actually marks the next step in the German models included. The design, while resonating setup. There is a 100kWh battery pack for both
marque’s electric journey. The Q6 e-tron is the e-tron, comes with certain details which mark it the models, with the Q6 getting a claimed range
first car based on the new PPE (Premium Plat- apart from previous e-tron models. The rear is of 625km and the SQ6 getting a claimed range
form Electric), developed by Audi and Porsche. adorned by a full width OLED bar, which is cus- of 598km. The battery pack supports 270kW fast
The Q6 also debuts a new theme for the elec- tomisable. There are two powertrains on offer charging, which means 10 to 80 per cent can be
tronics and the software, which will then be with the SQ6 making 517bhp and the Q6 making achieved in 21 minutes.
Epiq is Skoda’s new entry-level electric SUV

CZECH AUTOMAKER SKODA has tak-
en the wraps off a new entry-level EV
named Epiq in its concept form. This
debuts a new design language from
Skoda, including the Tech-Deck face,
which does carry the brand’s radiator
grille look. The DRLs are T-shaped, while
the headlamps are placed below. The
lower fascia carries a chunky bumper,
with eight slats, and is also replicated
at the rear. The interior is very clean,
and follows the Modern Solid design lan-
guage, dominated by a 13-inch central
display and a 5.3-inch drivers’ display.
The interior has been made using eco-
friendly and recyclable materials, while
the boot space offered sits at 490-litres.
While Skoda hasn’t revealed the speci-
fications of the Epiq, it says that the EV
will get a 400km range.

International News
Porsche Taycan Turbo GT is a 1,100bhp track beast

PORSCHE HAS fully revealed the Taycan erything to uptick the performance. The rear means that equipped with the track-ready
Turbo GT, which previously set the lap re- motor has been given a big upgrade, so now Weissach package, the car can sprint from
cords at the Nurburgring and Laguna Seca the total power output sits at 788bhp and 0 to 100kmph in just 2.3 seconds. Liberal use
and is also the brand’s most powerful road- 1,340Nm. But Porsche has also heavily re- of carbon fibre has resulted in a reduction of
legal car yet. This is based on the facelifted worked the push-to-pass and the overboost 75kg, along with the lightweight 21-inch forged
Taycan, revealed alongside. This is the first system, which means that the car has access alloys. Adding the Weissach package deletes
electric car to come out of the famed GT di- to 1,033bhp in the overboost mode and for the rear seats, adds more aero components
vision, which made changes to almost ev- two seconds can push that to 1,100bhp! This and a greater top speed of 305kmph.
Update!
Rivian’s surprise double EV reveal

RIVIAN HAS revealed the R2 and R3 self, to fit in larger cargo. The first motor setup will boast a 0-100kmph
- which are based on the brand’s new and second rows inside the car can launch time of less than 3 seconds.
midsize vehicle platform. The R3 is be folded fully flat too. The R2 is a The interior of two use a similar
a midsize-SUV which has a large- larger SUV, with similar properties layout and gets a digital instrument
hatch-like design aesthetic, remi- to the R3, but more conventional cluster and a large infotainment
niscent of the Hyundai Ioniq 5. The design. Rivian will be offering two display, panoramic glass roof, a flat
front gets the distinctive Rivian look, battery packs with both the models, floor and an overall minimalist ap-
with the pod-like headlamp housings with the larger offering a maximum proach. Rivian will commence deliv-
and the full-width LED strip. The rear range of over 480km, and also says eries of the R2 in 2026, with the R3
windshield drops into the tailgate it- that the top-spec models with a tri- reaching the market after.
New Mercedes-AMG E 53 gets 603bhp hybrid powertrain

THERE IS a new Mercedes-AMG E 53 and brid system that makes use of a 21.2kWh access to 576bhp. This motor comes mated
it is a plug-in hybrid. That’s right, the new battery pack with claimed electric range of to a 9-speed torque converter transmission.
E 53 is powered by the same with 3.0-litre, 100km. The engine itself produces 603bhp In the sedan version, 0-100kmph is claimed
twin-turbocharged, straight-six petrol engine and 750Nm, albeit with the AMG Dynamic to come up in just 4 seconds, while the estate
as before, but now comes with a plug-in hy- Plus package, without which the system has does it in 4.1 seconds.

International News
New Dodge Charger gets an electric powertrain

DODGE HAS decided to ditch the famed Hemi V8
motor for the Charger. The renowned American
muscle car can now be had with either a 3.0-litre,
twin-turbocharged, six-cylinder petrol engine or
an electric powertrain. The petrol engine comes
in two states of tune, the standard output version
produces 420bhp and the higher output version
which churns out 550bhp. This motor has been
borrowed from the Jeep Grand Wagoneer and is
dubbed the ‘Sixpack’. The entry-level EV version
of the Charger, called the Daytona R/T, comes
with a 100.5kWh battery pack with a claimed
range of 510km. Its dual-motor setup produces
455bhp and 548Nm of torque. In terms of design
language, the new Charger Daytona clearly takes
after the Mk2 Charger from the late 1960s.

UPDATE!
New colours for KTM’s
RC and ADV models
KTM HAS introduced

new colours for the RC and Ad-
venture range of motorcycles in India. Currently, the RC
125, RC 200, RC 390, 250 Adventure and 390 Adventure
are sold under these two model ranges in the country.
Apart from this, KTM also sells the 125 Duke, 200 Duke
and 390 Duke, as well. When it comes to new colours,
the RC 125 now comes with two dual-paint options; black
and blue, and, orange and blue. The RC 200 gets two new
colours; navy blue with orange highlights and stickers,
and, black with orange accents. The RC 390 gets a new
orange-on-black and orange-on-blue paint jobs. The 250
Adventure also gets two new paint schemes; grey and
blue with a hint of white. Lastly, the 390 Adventure also
comes with two new colour options; orange combined
with black, and, grey and white combination. Mechani-
cally, all the bikes remain the same as before and pric-
ing, too, is identical. Although, the 390 Adventure still
comes with the older 373cc motor instead of 399cc one
on the 390 Duke.

Motorcycle News
Hero Vida V1 Plus

reintroduced in India
HERO MOTOCORP has relaunched 3.4 seconds. The Pro, for ref-
the V1 Plus variant of the compa- erence, comes with a 3.94kWh
ny’s electric scooter. When the Vida lithium-ion battery pack with a
was first launched, it arrived in both claimed range of 165km. Both
the Pro and Plus avatars. However, variants are powered by the
shortly after the launch, the Plus same electric motor with a
variant was taken off the shelf. The continuous power output
Vida V1 Plus model has returned of 3.9kW and 6kW of peak
with a price tag of Rs 1.15 lakh power. The Vida comes
(ex-showroom). This price includes with two removable bat-
the FAME II subsidies as well as a teries, each of 1.72kWh in
portable charger. Although, the cost capacity, that can charge from
will further come down, thanks to 0 to 80 percent in 5 hours in
state government subsidies. For ex- 15 minutes. Feature-wise,
ample, in New Delhi, the V1 Plus will the Plus and Pro mod-
be sold for Rs 97,800. When com- els share goodies like
pared to the higher-end Pro model, LED lighting, cruise
the Plus variant retails at roughly control, 7-inch TFT
Rs 30,000 lesser. The Vida V1 Plus instrument con-
comes with a smaller battery, a sole, electronic
3.44kWh one, which has a claimed seat and handle
range of 100km. The claimed top lock and connected
speed stands at 80kmph, while 0 features like turn-by-
to 40kmph is said to come up in turn navigation.
Yamaha TMAX 560 Harley unveils Hydra-Glide Revival

maxi scooter unveiled AMERICAN MOTORCYCLE manufacturer few other details. The 1949 Hydra-Glide, by
Harley-Davidson recently unveiled the Hy- the way, was the first Harley-Davidson to
dra-Glide Revival in the US. This special-edi- come with a telescopic fork.
tion model will be limited to only 1,750 units This brand-new ode to the past is pow-
worldwide and is a part of Harley’s Icons ered by a 1868cc, V-Twin motor capable of
Collection series. It is inspired by the 1949 churning out 92hp and 161Nm of torque.
Harley-Davidson Hydra-Glide but is based This engine comes mated to a 6-speed
on the Harley-Davidson Heritage Classic gearbox. It is priced at USD 24,999, which
with changes to the paint job, design and a roughly translates to Rs 20 lakh.
YAMAHA HAS taken the wraps off of its sporty

maxi scooter for the Japanese market. The TMAX
560 is powered by a 562cc, liquid-cooled, paral-
lel-twin engine that produces 47bhp and 55.7Nm
of torque. It’s mated to an CVT gearbox, making
the TMAX an automatic. It’s got a 800mm seat
height, 220kg kerb weight and a 15-litre fuel tank.
Interestingly, the maxi scooter has been seen
testing in India last year.

Update! Motorcycle News
23MY Streetfighter V4 launched in India

THE 2023 model year Ducati Streetfighter V4 range has been launched
in India. This is offered in V4 and V4 S variants, with prices ranging
from Rs 24.62 lakh to Rs 27.80 lakh (ex-showroom). Ducati offers an
aluminium front frame and single-sided swingarm which is 4mm higher,
increasing stability, while the motorcycle itself is suspended between
fully adjustable 43mm Showa Big Piston fork up front and a fully ad-
justable Sachs monoshock at the rear. Braking is handled by Brembo
Stylema callipers. The V4 S gets better kit in the form of semi-active Ohlins
43mm USD and TTX36 rear units, as well as Marchesini forged wheels. The
electronics suite now gets a wet and track riding mode, and a new engine
braking control EVO 2 software, along with revisions to the Ducati Quick
Shift. The motorcycle continues with the 1,103cc Desmosedici Stradale
motor which pushes out 205bhp and 123Nm of torque, which has been
slightly altered to accommodate the bigger exhaust opening.
Ather Rizta reveal The 2024 KTM RC 8C is

next month limited to only 100 units
KTM HAS revealed the 2024 RC 8C which features a carbon kevlar bodywork, built
is a fully track focused motorcycle limited on a purpose-built 25CrMo4 steel tubular
to just 100 units worldwide. The motorcycle frame. Made in collaboration with Kramer
Motorcycles, the track-ready mo-
torcycle gets a quick-release tank,
Dymag wheels and Pirelli race-
spec sticky rubber. Power for the
RC 8C comes from an 889cc twin-
cylinder liquid-cooled motor which
makes 135bhp mated to a six-speed
transmission. KTM has specced the
ATHER IS set to launch its latest scooter, christened motorcycle with WP Apex Pro sus-
Rizta next month. Ahead of this, the brand has been pension units at the front and the
teasing the scooter widely on social media. This is rear, along with Brembo brakes and
set to be a new type of scooter from Ather, which Brembo 19RCS Corsa Corta radial
till now has a wide model range based on the 450 master brake cylinders. The RC 8C
platform, which are a sporty breed. The Rizta is set also gets an AIM MXS 1.2 dash,
to be a family-oriented scooter, with a wide seat, with data logger while the braking
relaxed riding position and more storage space than is handled by 290mm dual front
the 450 series. More details of the Rizta will be discs and a single 230mm rear disc,
revealed closer to the launch date. as well as an Akrapovic exhaust.

UPDATE! Motorsport News
IRF Roadshow kicks off in Srinagar

AHEAD OF the 2024 season of the Indian Racing off a cross country roadshow to promote the se- and Formula 4 cars driven by young motorsport
Festival, a multi-tier series that combines the ries. The roadshow to spread awareness about icons - Sohil Shah, Rishon Rajeev, Formula 4
Indian Racing League, the FIA-backed Indian F4 the championship was kicked off on the banks India driver Shriya Lohia. Not to mention action
Championship, and the JK Tyre FMSCI National of the iconic Dal Lake. Spectators in Srinagar with drifting and stunt shows to give the audi-
Racing Championship (JKNRC), organisers Rac- got an early glimpse of what they can expect ence a taste of the what is to come. The season
ing Promotions Private Limited (RPPL) led by when the season gets underway, whetting their will span five rounds for each class, comprising
Hyderabad-based Akhilesh Reddy have kicked appetite with a showcase of the Wolf GB08 cars over ten races throughout the season.
Pecco's MotoGP Kush Maini flies the tricolour

supremacy continues
high on Formula 2 podium
AFTER THE disappointment of being bumped ter inheriting pole position from form pole-
off the pole in the season opener, India’s sitter Oliver Bearman who dropped out of
Kush Maini put on a strong performance in the race to sub for Carlos Sainz in F1. Maini
the second round of the championship af- defended the lead admirably until the first
round of pitstops when
Van Amersfoort Racing’s
Enzo Fittipaldi managed
to bridge the gap to the
leader, following to seize
DEFENDING CHAMPION, Francesco Bagnaia the net lead back on Lap
onboard the factory Ducati GP24 pulled off an 13. Maini then defended
impressive win in the hotly contested season the position to the end
opener at Qatar. Pecco surged to the front in of the race claiming his
the opening lap and refused to relinquish it second podium since his
while the rest of the pack squabbled for the debut in F2 last year.
next five positions. He finished 1.3 seconds Maini is now in fifth
ahead of KTM’s Brad Binder and 1.9 ahead place in the F2 champi-
of Prima Pramac’s Jorge Martin who took the onship 20 points behind
final step of the podium. leader Zane Maloney.

A HERO’S TALE:
MAVRICK IN THE
MAKING
Hero MotoCorp, the world’s largest motorcycle and
scooter manufacturer is now stepping into the world of
premium motorcycles and creating waves already
IMPACT FEATURE
I
t was January 19, 1984, when Hero began its
journey in the Indian automotive space. Fast-
forward 40 years, and Hero MotoCorp is one of
the recognisable two-wheeler brands in the world.
The home-grown automaker has a presence in more
than 47 countries, more than 115 million customers
and, 9,000 plus customer touchpoints across
the globe. This is further accentuated by Hero’s
dedication towards promoting technology through its
two world-class centres, more than 1,000 engineers
and technology experts and 750 plus patents. All this
combined makes Hero MotoCorp the world’s largest
manufacturer of scooters and motorcycles.
After conquering the world of budget two-
wheeler, Hero MotoCorp forayed into the world of
the premium motorcycle market with nothing short
of a winner. Hero’s Mavrick already has all the
necessary pedigree to make it stand out from the
competition. At its launch at Hero World 2024, the
brand’s annual event, the Mavrick made a lasting
impact on customers and enthusiasts alike, not
only in India but international markets. The Mavrick
made its arrival in the Indian market in three
variants, priced from Rs 1.99 lakh to Rs 2.24 lakh
(ex-showroom). An incredibly reasonable price for a
bike that has the latest from the world of motorcycle
technology.
Hero promises a mix of performance, style, and
cutting edge technology with its latest offering in
the middleweight motorcycle segment. It comes
packed with a 440cc, single-cylinder engine, which
is air and oil-cooled, churning out 27bhp@6,000rpm
and 36Nm@4,000rpm. Hero has ensured a smooth
experience right from the get go; this is because
the engine has been designed with low-end
torque in mind, hence 90 percent of the torque is
accessible from just 2,000rpm, ensuring a hassle-
free experience in the city. This powerful mid-sized
motor is mated to a slick-shifting 6-speed gearbox
with a slip-and-assist clutch.
The 17-inch wheels, both at the front and rear,
combined with the 175mm of ground clearance and
trellis frame ensure that the Mavrick sticks to its
promise of delivering a truly world-class product.
Niranjan Gupta, CEO, Hero MotoCorp (left) and Dr Pawan Munjal, executive chairman, Hero MotoCorp (right)
Thanks to its specially-crafted steel radial pattern
with the new Mavrick 440
tyres, the Mavrick sticks to the road, too, even
during extreme lean angles. Furthermore, Hero trouble-free stopping experiences on the tarmac. like remote tracking through the ‘Connected 2.0’
hasn’t skimped on keeping the rider comfortable That’s not all, the Mavrick also sports a digital technology. Since there will be a maverick riding each
during any given situation. The 43mm telescopic speedometer with a negative display which can be Mavrick out there, Hero is offering its latest with
front forks and 7-step preload adjustable twin connected to a smartphone with ease. Thus offering five colour options across their three variants. These
shocks at the back make for not only a comfortable useful information like phone battery status, missed include Arctic White, Celestial Blue, Fearless Red,
experience, but, a customisable one, as well. The call alert, low fuel indicator, distance to empty and Phantom Black and Enigma Black. Hero’s Mavrick
320mm disc brake up front and 240mm one at the a lot more. There’s even an eSIM-based connectivity isn’t just out to make a place in the premium market,
back, along with the dual-channel ABS, ensure feature which grants access to over 35 functions it’s out to make a dent like a true maverick.
FIRST DRIVE
Flagship
destroyer
The Kia EV9 is sized similar to any other 3-row
flagship luxury SUV, but aggressive pricing
and world-class features on a proven EV-
platform make it a formidable contender

Kia EV9

First Drive
T
he EV9 is the third electric vehicle from 1. The 12.3in instrument
1 display in true Kia fashion
Kia to be based on the Electric Global
Modular Platform (E-GMP) of the Hyun- gets crisp and stylish
graphics. Customers can
dai Motor Group, following up from the
also opt for a 12in HUD
EV6 that is also present in India as well as the which beams all relevant
EV5 SUV that is being made in China and slat- information right into the
ed for exports globally. E-GMP also underpins driver’s field of view.
Hyundai’s Ioniq cars, the 5 and the 6 and in the 2. The EV9’s clever stor-
future will also underpin the Ioniq 9 as well as age solutions is high-
the Kia EV3 and EV4. lighted by the extendable
2 2nd-row centre console
The EV9 sits in a unique position for electric
vehicles as it is one of the few nearly full-sized which can be used as
a tray table or to store
SUVs with three rows of seats, comes from a
objects inside, and when
mass-market though upmarket vehicle manu- not required can be conve-
facturer, has design and styling, safety and tech- niently pushed back into
nology, convenience and assistance systems to the centre console
match the most premium of vehicles. Its pricing
in global markets starts just above where the EV6
stops and is well under similar-sized offerings
EV9 MANAGES TO BE STRIKING AND AT THE SAME TIME NOT

BEING DIVISIVE ABOUT THE FUTURE OF AUTOMOTIVE DESIGN
3
THE OVERALL DESIGN AND SHAPE OF THE EQS

RESULT IN THE BEST CO-EFFICIENT OF DRAG
EVER SEEN ON A PRODUCTION CAR OF 0.20

Kia EV9
from premium and luxury car manufacturers. For what

one would get for a similar price in the EV SUV world,
the Mercedes EQB comes to mind though they are
vehicles from different segments.
It is a three-row SUV that at 5,015mm is just shorter
than the Kia Carnival but has a wheelbase of 3,100mm
that is longer than that of the Carnival, thereby having
even more interior space than the Carnival could pos-
sibly have. Both its width and its height are similar to
that of the Carnival, though of course its body shape
is totally unlike that of the Carnival.
Based on Kia’s new design philosophy of Opposites
United, the EV9 is a striking vehicle, no matter which
angle one looks at it from. The Tiger Nose design
that Kia was pursuing for the face of its cars has now
evolved to a digital Tiger Face and features vertical
headlamps, a black colour palate on the GT-Line ve-
1
hicle that we drove, ‘star map’ digital DRLs that are
also very long and very eye-catching. These will be
the face of future Kias and an integral element of the
digital Tiger Face that we are already seeing on the
EV5. These elements add up with the digital pattern
lighting grille to make for one of the nicest and most
striking car faces seen on any new car in the recent
past. The side profile is that of a typical hardcore SUV
with muscular and well-structured wheel arches that
give the vehicle a very rugged look. That though is
belied by the flush door handles and the large 21in low
profile tyres which add to the overall Opposites United
design philosophy. The rear is nearly as striking as the
front with the tail lamps mirroring the DRLs and the
geometric shoulders on the sides that lead into the
D-pillar wrapping around to the rear to present a very
cohesive design. While most striking designs alienate
a large proportion of car lovers, the EV9 manages to 3
2
be striking and at the same time not being divisive
1. The driver’s seat

comes with 10-way
power adjust, 4-way
lumbar adjust, 2-way leg
extention and ERGO Mo-
tion. 2. Second-row gets
8-way Power Lounge
seats with Relaxation
mode and leg extention.
3. Being a full-size SUV,
and based on an electric
platform means that the
third-row is spacious and
comfortable and gets
charging ports too

First Drive
1. Like other E-GMP based EVs, 1 2
the EV9 too gets a charging-level
indicator beside the charging
port, and an electrically-operated
charging flap. 2. As the third-row
can fold flat, there is 1,232 litres
of space for carrying luggage,
but even with the third-row
upright, the boot has 572 litres of
space which is ample
Likes
Interiors, features, about the future of automotive design. ertrain options as is possible with the advanced
safety systems, perfor- Even though the EV9 has the most typical of dedicated platform the vehicle is built on and will
mance, range SUV proportions and an unmistakable silhouette feature two battery packs, a 76.1kWh battery that
that harks to the most basic of SUV designs, it has will be coupled with a single motor on the rear
Dislike a coefficient of drag of just 0.28. That remarkable axle (Standard) and a 99.8kWh one that will be
Ground clearance figure has been achieved by a number of design coupled with both a single (Long Range) and a
elements including a 3D sculpted underbody twin motor setup (AWD), thereby also offering
cover, extremely aerodynamic wheels as well as AWD capability. The EV9 GT-Line we drove came
a multitude of small elements like air curtains with a 99.8kWh battery coupled with two motors
incorporated into the front bumper. for a total output of 380bhp and 600Nm of torque
While the EV9 will come with a range of pow- that can be increased by 100Nm by purchasing a
Kia EV9 GT-Line AWD

Motor
2 PMSM, AWD
Power
385bhp
Torque
600Nm
Wheelbase(mm)
3,100
LxWxH(mm)
5,015x1,980x1,780
Battery
99.8kWh
Range
505km (WLTP)
AC Charging time
(11kW)
8.5 hours
DC Charging time
(350kW)
24min
Top Speed
200kmph
0-100kmph
5.3s
Price: Rs 85 lakh
(estimated)
On Sale June, 2024

Kia EV9
Boost mode online to give it 0-100kmph sprint roll and was very comfortable to be in.
COMPETITION
time of just over 5 seconds. The Standard option And that brings me to the best part about the
CHECK
gives a range of about 400km, the Long Range EV9 – the interiors! There are just so many wow
option gives the EV9 a range of about 550km things about the EV9 that it would take a full
while the AWD GT-Line has a range of about separate article to go through them. The info-
500km. While they all have an on-board charger tainment system and the screens that are right up
for a max of 11kW AC charging, fast charging can there with the best and all the driver assistance
be done at DC power outlets. While the standard and convenience systems that outnumber the
vehicle with the smaller battery pack can charge many that you can possibly think about leading
Mercedes-Benz EQB 350 4Matic
at a maximum of 235kW, the larger battery pack to autonomous driving systems. And then there
BATTERY 66.5kWh POWER 292bhp
can be charged at a peak of 210kW. This means is the second row of seats that has fully electric
TORQUE 520Nm PRICE 77.50 lakh
that a 15 minute charge at a DC ultra-fast charger control and can be operated in much the same
can add over 200km of range. way as the front seats which also have a calf sup-
The car is as good to drive as any of the other port feature built-in. While the car I drove at LA
cars on the E-GMP platform. I drove the car dur- did not have this feature as it was not yet ap-
ing the World Car Awards LA test drives on the proved for sale in the US – the cars I had seen at
city roads, on the motorway and up and down a the motorshow had seats that could be swivelled
mountain road and the EV9 was exceptional. The around a full 180 degrees so the two rows face
Volvo XC40 Recharge P8 AWD power delivery and performance one can imagine, each other – how cool!
BATTERY 78kWh POWER 406bhp but its neutral handling was a joy combined with Options in the seat configuration also abound
TORQUE 660Nm PRICE 57.90 lakh a crisp steering set-up and planted stance made and seating can be for a maximum of seven peo-
it a joy to take around the corners on the winding ple. While the second row also gets the relaxation
roads. Despite its size and weight the EV9 feels seats, the third row is also a comfortable place
light on its feet exhibiting very little to no body with cup holders and charging points.
Yogendra
Pratap
Editor
yogendra.pratap@intoday.com
@YogenPratap
VERDICT
The Hyundai Motor Group has shown the world its prowess not only with EVs but also with
design, style and its premium quotient with the EV9. This electric SUV is a gamechanger in
the way SUVs as well as electric cars are designed and packaged. And while it will not be
cheap to buy whichever route it takes to get to India, it will offer great value, features and
systems on par with the luxury cars at a fraction of the price.

REFRESHED
The emperor’s
new clothes
PICTURES Harvinder Singh

Hyundai Creta N Line
Hyundai has launched the Creta in N Line guise. So what does it offer and why you should get one? We find out
T
he Hyundai Creta has remained the philosophy, Hyundai has decided to offer the The Creta N Line to begin with comes
bestseller in the segment almost Creta in N Line trim, a couple of months af- with two new colour options which include
all through its lifespan. While the ter the refreshed version was launched. The a matte grey and a blue and both of them
product is a strong one, credit also Creta N Line then joins the i20 and Venue are just brilliant. The matte grey especially
goes to the company which has constantly which were launched in N Line guise some- endows the Creta N Line with a stealth look
refreshed the Creta keeping it relevant to time back. So what makes the Creta N Line while the blue one gives it a sporty over-
the market. Keeping in sync with the same special? Let’s find out. tone. Overall the design remains the same,

Refreshed
THE RED STRIPE CIRCUMVENTS THE OUTER BODY

AND LOOKS SPLENDID. A RED INSERT HAS ALSO BEEN
ADDED INSIDE FOR THAT SPORTY TOUCH
Hyundai Creta N Line but look closely and you will notice a revised Inside, the Creta N Line features an all-black
black grille, revised bumper and skid plate. The cabin. A red insert has also been added inside For
Engine red stripe circumvents the outer body and looks that sporty touch. Adding to it is the red ambient
1,482cc, four-cylinder splendid. Matching red brake calipers and 18in al- lighting. The steering wheel has been upgraded
turbo-petrol loys have been added too. At the back, the spoiler and features the N badge prominently. On auto-
Power
160bhp@5,500rpm
looks cool and so does the twin-tip muffler. While matic variants, one also gets large paddle-shifters
Max torque much of the lighting remains unchanged, the po- which are easy to use. The pedals now feature
253Nm@1,500rpm sitioning of the reversing lamps are different. metal covers as well. Other than that the N Line
Gearbox
7-speed DCT
LxWxH(mm)
4,330x1,790x1,635
Wheelbase(mm)
2,610
Fuel tank
50 litres
Price: Rs 20.30 lakh

(ex-showroom)
On sale Now
1
The cabin is now all
black. The red insert
adds to the contrast. The
steering wheel is new
and so is the upholstery.
Note the paddle shifters

Hyundai Creta N Line
WHAT’S NEW
4 The 10.25in infotainment system

remains the same and impresses
with its connectivity features. Note,
the red stripe which is an addon
2
18in diamond cut alloy wheels look good on the N Line. The red brake callipers also remain
limited to the N Line. Ground clearance and all other specs remain unchanged
continues to feature everything else offered The SUV accelerates fast and there is a sense
by the standard Creta. This includes the twin of confidence on the go. Even at 120kmph,
10.25in displays which constitute the curvi- the Creta feels planted on the road and one
linear infotainment system and instrument can relax as the SUV gobbles up the kilome-
panel. The Creta also remains as spacious tres. Acceleration is fast but not blisteringly
as ever and overall the strong points of the
package have been retained.
fast. There is a sense of calm in whatever
this SUV does and this is perhaps because 5 The toggle buttons for the venti-
lated seats have been revised. The
drive modes can be sifted through
Powering the Creta N Line is the 1.5-litre of the inherent trait of the Creta. Around
turbo petrol engine which offers 160bhp and corners too, the SUV holds its ground well, using the circular dial
253Nm of torque. Hyundai offers a 6-speed and enthusiastic drivers will enjoy the well-
manual and a 7-speed DCT with the N Line. weighed steering that offers good feedback.
The Creta N Line then has ample power to But it is the ride quality that impresses the
propel to 100kmph in a claimed 8.9 seconds. most. The suspension absorbs nearly every-
Fuel efficiency claims are healthy too with thing that comes its way which in turn keeps
the MT scoring 18kmpl and the DCT offering occupants comfortable. In all the Creta N
18.2kmpl as per ARAI claims. Line adds to the sporty element of what is
On the go, the Creta N Line feels good. already a complete package.
6 The grille gets an all-black treat-

ment and also gets the N Line
logo. The bumper is revised too
7 N Line badges found aplenty all

around the SUV. Reverse lamps
have been repositioned
Rahul Ghosh
Associate Editor
3
rahul.ghosh@intoday.com
The twin tip muffler is more for looks. The exhaust note remains identical to the standard
@bulletcompany
Creta. The spoiler though looks rather handsome and adds to the aura of the N Line

REFRESHED
50 shades
of
touring
Building on the core of an already capable iX
the xDrive50 brings performance and touring
range to BMW’s flagship electric SUV

BMW iX xDrive50

Refreshed
W
e had the opportunity to drive could be capable of so much more. Enter impressive, with the xDrive50 accelerating
the BMW iX in its xDrive40 the iX xDrive50, more range, more perfor- from 0-100kmph in just 4.6 seconds. It’s the
spec last year and despite a mance, same incredible highway potential. kind of performance that boggles the mind,
smaller battery pack, the iX The iX xDrive50 gets a larger 105.2kW bat- considering the sheer bulk of the iX. Beyond
stood out amongst the current crop of elec- tery and as a result, the WLTP-rated range straight-line speed lies the challenge of en-
tric cars. Not only for its explosive perfor- extends to an impressive 635km. Addition- gineering a 2.6-tonne SUV to handle like a
mance and the understated luxury in the ally, with 200kW rapid charging capabil- sports car, especially one as plush as the iX.
cabin but its roadworthiness in the Indian ity (compared to 150kW for the xDrive40), Yet, the larger battery model incorporates
context. The only real limiting factor then the xDrive50 can replenish its battery standard-fit air suspension, offering a trans-
was the 425km range, which meant 300km from 10 to 80 per cent in just 34 minutes. formative effect on dynamic ability. Switching
in the real world and maybe 250km out on However, the extra investment brings sub- to Sport modes sets the entire car to atten-
the highway. Now for those looking for an stantial upgrades, including a pair of en- tion, the suspension stiffens up, the steering
urban solution, the iX xDrive40 was more hanced motors producing a combined wheel weighs up and the throttle is a whole
than sufficient but to us, it felt like the iX 523bhp. Performance is nothing short of lot more sensitive. There’s probably a NASA
THERE’S PROBABLY A NASA LAUNCH DOCK WORTH OF

COMPUTING IRONING EVERYTHING OUT, BUT FROM THE DRIVER’S
SEAT, THE IX FEELS LIKE A NEWTONIAN ANOMALY

BMW iX xDrive50
BMW iX xDrive50
Motor
Dual motor AWD
Power
523bhp
Torque
765Nm
Wheelbase (mm)
3,000
LxWxH (mm)
4,953 x 1,967 x 1,696
Battery
105.2kWh, Li-ion
Range
635km (claimed)
The interiors are largely unchanged between the xDrive40, the iX’s cabin is minimal and futuristic without
compromise on the luxe quotient with multiple material choices for the upholstery on offer
Top Speed
200kmph
launch dock worth of computers ironing every-
0-100kmph
4.6 seconds thing out under the surface, but from the driver’s WHAT’S NEW
seat, the iX feels like a Newtonian anomaly.
There is one slight drawback though. While the
Price: Rs 1.39 crore
On sale Now iX excels in comfort mode and Sport, it tends to
pitch and wallow in default drive mode, which
means you’re constantly reaching for the dial to
set it back to comfort or sport depending on the
road ahead. The xDrive50 feels versatile, offer-
ing quiet and supple cruising when desired and
a more responsive demeanour when needed. The
cabin exudes luxury, with comfortable seats and
impeccable build quality, the only drawback in 1 Bigger battery with the higher state
of tune on the motors not only
means an extended range but also
my mind is the needlessly complex UI of the in-
fotainment system that is laid out unintuitively better perfromance as compared
to the 40
especially when compared to the iDrive systems
on ICE BMWs.
The BMW SUV EV matches up closely in size
with the company’s mid-size X5 and X6 cross-
overs, with comparable passenger and cargo
space. Inside the cabin, the iX flaunts a sleek and
contemporary interior design, adorned with an
array of cutting-edge features. Among these are a
striking curved touchscreen instrument panel and
a distinctive hexagonal-shaped steering wheel.
For those craving an open-air experience, BMW
2
presents the option of a spacious panoramic sun- The xDrive50 gets a new design
roof with electrochromic shading—a rarity among for the alloy wheels as well as the
vehicles. Comfort is paramount, with power front air suspension as standard
seats that are not only heated but also equipped
with integrated speakers for an immersive stereo
experience. To cater to varied tastes, BMW offers
a selection of upholstery options, including vegan Dipayan Dutta
leather, genuine leather, and a unique textile seat Assistant Editor
dipayan.dutta@aajtak.com
fabric named Loft, crafted from top-shelf sustain-
@dipayandutta
ably sourced microfiber cloth.

FEATURE

Winds of
change
Join us on a 10,000km journey with the Mahindra
XUV700 across the country as Dipayan Dutta
and Dhruv Saxena share stories of
extraordinary women who have gone
against the grain to fight for
what they believe in

Feature
Scan QR codes
inside to read
more about our
Drivers of Change
T
he Republic Day parade this time was a rath- listed women at their workplaces. These 12 women
er special one. The parade which has always then for us were the “Drivers of Change.”
AUTO been the most sought-after event on the cal- The flag-off itself was a grand event with the entire
endar was dominated by women from vari- Mahindra headquarters buzzing with activity. Mahin-
TODAY ous walks of life. This was primarily because the 75th dra invited all their women employees to be a part of
JOINED Republic Day was dedicated to ‘Nari Shakti’ or women the event and that led to the excitement rising. Fur-
empowerment. But there was something special brew- thermore, Gul Panag, actor and automotive enthusiast,
HANDS WITH ing in the background. joined in the celebration and that brightened up the
MAHINDRA Auto Today collaborated with Mahindra Auto to play atmosphere. Veejay Nakra, President - Automotive
its part in honouring women and thus was born the Division, Mahindra, said, “Aligned with our ethos of
AUTO TO concept of ‘Drivers of Change’. The initiative is dedicat-
PLAY ITS ed to the untold stories of women who have emerged as
inspiring role models, instilling a spirit of perseverance
PART IN and aspiration in others. Their journeys and achieve-
HONOURING ments serve as a beacon, guiding and motivating a new
generation to break barriers and forge their paths of
WOMEN AND success and innovation. The team came up with a list
THUS WAS of hundreds of women who have done stellar work in
their fields and then boiled it down to 12 women who
BORN THE were exemplary examples of trailblazers.
CONCEPT OF On the eve of India’s 75th Republic Day, a convoy
of Mahindra XUV700s driven by team Auto Today was
‘DRIVERS OF flagged off from the Mahindra headquarters in Mum-
CHANGE’ bai. The idea was to embark on a 10,000km pan-India
drive where the team would reach each of the short-

Drivers of Change
Mahindra leader- ‘Rise for a more equal world’ we are proud to flag
ship team; Veejay off our new endeavour ‘Drivers of Change’. This ini-
Nakra, President, tiative serves as our modest tribute to the theme of
Automotive Divi-
Viksit Bharat on the occasion of the 75th Republic
sion, Nalinikanth
Gollagunta, CEO, Day, with a particular focus on women empower-
Automotive Division ment – Naari Shakti. The drive aims to spotlight and
and Neha Anand celebrate the indomitable women who not only serve
VP-Global brand & as exemplary role models but also play a significant
marketting commu- role in shaping a new, progressive India.”Adding to
nications along with this, Yogendra Pratap, Editor, Auto Today, said, “India
Yogendra Pratap, Today Group & Mahindra Automotive, in an endeav-
Editor, Auto Today, our to transform the society and create a better world
Pooja Shali, TV
together, are embarking on yet another journey of
Anchor, India Today,
and actress Gul rising above the ordinary. After the immense success
Panag all attended of the Green Drive Project last year which culminated
the flag-off from with the plantation of 75,000 trees, we’re pleased to
Mahindra’s HQ partner with Mahindra once again.”

Feature
10,000KM | 14 STATES | 20 CITIES

12 EXTRAORDINARY WOMEN
MAP COURTESY
GOOGLE MAPS
(NOT TO SCALE)

Drivers of Change
Mittal Patel A fter the grand flag-off, our convoy set our sights on our first destination
Ahmedabad. That meant leaving behind the megapolis that is Mumbai at
FOUNDER, VICHARTA SAMUDAY SAMARTHAN MANCH rush hour. The outside was smoggy, polluted, hot and muggy but inside the
XUV700, the air of excitement was kept fresh with the HEPA-certified air fil-
AHMEDABAD, GUJARAT ter, powerful air-conditioning and ultra-comfortable interiors. The din of the
city was drowned out by the spatial audio speakers from the Sony infotainment
OUR first driver of change, Mittal Patel, a system. With 10,000km to cover before we returned to Mumbai, these XUV700s
mass communication graduate, chose a less were going to be our home, and all of this comfort in the worst that Mumbai’s
conventional path by dedicating herself to social rush hour could throw at us was a good sign for the journey ahead. We exited the
work. A selfless endeavour to empower the final suburb of Mumbai at Vapi and began our 500km drive to Ahmedabad. The
marginalised and delisted tribes of Gujarat. smooth dual-carriageway of National Expressway 4 had plenty of truck traffic
In 2010, she founded the Vicharta Samuday which meant that progress was slow, although that did not seem to dampen the
Samarthan Manch (VSSM), aiming to secure excitement in the cars which were eager to begin this extraordinary journey that
rights for Gujarat’s nomadic and denotified tribes. was unlike anything we had done before. Contemplating the journey ahead, saw
Despite societal stigma, Patel’s relentless efforts us exit NE4 onto the National Expressway 1 that starts at Vadodara. This eight-
have led to over 100,000 tribal members gaining lane infrastructure marvel is XUV700 territory if there ever was one, the XUV700
voting rights and 12,000 families obtaining ration is just so smooth at highway speeds that hundreds of kilometres melt together
cards. Through VSSM, 1,500 families received and before we knew it the adaptive headlights lit up a signboard that welcomed
residential plots. Patel’s advocacy began with us to Ahmedabad. While we traversed the city towards our halt for the night, our
the marginalized Dafer tribe, securing loans attention was quickly captured by the vibrant city lit up against the night sky, the
for 100 families and facilitating employment Atal pedestrian bridge that crosses the Sabarmati river left a lasting image of just
for youth, formerly involved in crime. She also how much Ahmedabad has changed in the last few years.
empowered the Saraniyas, addressing issues of
sexual exploitation and stigma. Patel envisions
a hostel with vocational training and a museum
to preserve nomadic culture, emphasizing the
THE XUV700 IS JUST SO SMOOTH AT
urgency to act before these traditions vanish. HIGHWAY SPEEDS THAT HUNDREDS OF
KILOMETRES MELT TOGETHER
Feature

Drivers of Change
Kriti Bharti
MANAGING TRUSTEE, SAARTHI TRUST
JODHPUR, RAJASTHAN
DURING her studies in Jodhpur, Kriti discovered
the transformative potential of counseling
while aiding a rape survivor, reflecting on her
tumultuous past. Born prematurely in Gujarat
due to family pressure and raised amidst
rejection in Bhilwara, she suspected poisoning
at age 10, crediting her miraculous recovery to
Reiki. Despite abandoning education in fourth
grade, she resumed studies at 14, considering
her Class 10 achievement more significant than
her later doctorate. While researching child
O ur visit with Mittal renewed our sense of purpose on this journey that would
traverse almost the length and breadth of the county in search of women who
became the change they wanted to see in the world. Our next stop was Jodhpur,
psychology, Kriti uncovered the plight of girls in and we continued our journey north through the mesmerizing tapestry of land-
forced marriages, prompting her to explore legal scapes, culture and heritage that unfolded in front of us, capturing our collective
remedies. Surprised by the law’s provision for imaginations. The bustling streets of Ahmedabad gradually gave way to the open
annulment, she secured the first-ever annulment highway, and the adventure began in earnest, with the road winding through the
in Jodhpur in 2012, setting a precedent with rustic charm of Gujarat’s countryside. With every mile, the landscape around us
the case of Laxmi Sargara. Today, Kriti leads seemed to morph with panoramic views of rolling hills tempered with quaint vil-
the Saarthi Trust, advocating for women’s and lages and sprawling farmlands. As the journey progressed, the terrain gradually
children’s rights through initiatives like the transitioned from the fertile plains of Gujarat to the arid expanse of Rajasthan. The
‘Aapno Saathi’ helpline and slum creches. golden sands of the Thar Desert beckoned from the horizon, offering a glimpse
into the rugged beauty of the desert landscape. Approaching Jodhpur, the majestic
silhouette of the Mehrangarh Fort looms large against the skyline, a testament to
the city’s rich history and royal legacy. The vibrant streets of Jodhpur are always
bustling with activity, offering a vibrant tapestry of colours, sounds, and flavours to
explore. With its winding lanes and bustling bazaars, Jodhpur invites travellers to
lose themselves in its labyrinthine alleys, discovering hidden gems at every turn.
From ornate palaces to bustling markets, the city offers a fascinating blend of tradi-
tion and modernity, where ancient customs coexist with contemporary culture.
APPROACHING JODHPUR, THE MAJESTIC

SILHOUETTE OF THE MEHRANGARH FORT
LOOMS LARGE AGAINST THE SKYLINE
Feature
W e set out from Jodhpur for one of the longest legs of our jour-
ney in continuation of our quest to uncover stories of remark-
able women shaping their communities. Departing from the majestic
backdrop of Mehrangarh Fort, we embarked further northward. The
ancient bustling streets of Jodhpur gradually faded into the distance,
yielding to the open road that stretched before us. Our journey to
Mohali was one of the longest legs of our sojourn across the country
covering three states in one long day. From inside the XUV700’s
massive glass house, we watched the sandy terrain around us slowly
melt away to give way to fields of millions of yellow mustard flowers
that are characteristic of Haryana and Punjab in the winter.
As the evening began to unfold, a thick fog began to roll in from
the fields that flanked the highway, a firm reminder that we were
back in the north of the country. Soon the fog was so thick that we
were driving through a cloud of white. This is where the XUV700s
onboard safety suite with radar sensors comes into play in a big
way. While we may have been able to see only a few feet ahead of
us, the sensors on the XUV700 can see through the fog spotting
anything that we might miss. Adaptive cruise control meant that
our convoy could pass through the fog safely and maintain a safe
distance from the car in front. Before we knew it the fog gave way
as the brightly lit city of Mohali came into view. From bustling
markets to serene countryside, Mohali embodied a unique blend
of tradition and modernity. Our drive with the Mahindra XUV700
was not just a journey from one destination to another—it was an
odyssey through the heartlands of India, where every mile brought
us closer to the stories of courage, resilience, and hope that define
our nation’s spirit.
FROM BUSTLING MARKETS TO SERENE COUNTRYSIDE, MOHALI

EMBODIED A UNIQUE BLEND OF TRADITION AND MODERNITY

Drivers of Change
Lt Col
Ravinder Jit Randhawa
OFFICER, INDIAN ARMY
MOHALI, PUNJAB
RAVINDER Jit Randhawa exemplified courage
by joining the Indian Army eight months after her
husband, Major Sukhwinder Jeet Randhawa’s
death in combat, despite the challenges of being
a single mother to their one-year-old daughter.
Ravinder’s journey wasn’t easy; she exceeded
the age limit to join the Army and faced the
daunting task of balancing her responsibilities
as a mother with her military aspirations. With
determination and support from her family and
Army officials, she secured a special waiver
and began her training at the Officers Training
Academy in Chennai. Despite initial obstacles,
Ravinder excelled in her training, reflecting
the resilience instilled in her by her husband’s
legacy and her athletic background. Her military
journey saw her becoming a scuba diver and
participating in marathons, showcasing her
strength and determination. As a single mother,
Ravinder never sought leniency in her duties,
embodying the ethos of the Army and inspiring
others. Her story stands as a testament to
the indomitable spirit of Veer Naris and their
contributions to the nation.

Feature
Saskia Rao-de Haas

CELLO MAESTRO
NEW DELHI A s the dawn painted streaks of orange across the foggy sky, we embarked on
the next leg of our journey, leaving behind the vibrant tapestry of Mohali.
Behind the wheel of the Mahindra XUV700, we set our course towards the bustling
SASKIA Rao-de Haas is a world-renowned heart of India, Delhi. The hum of the engine reverberated through the vehicle, a
cellist, composer, cultural entrepreneur, and steady rhythm accompanying us on our odyssey through the diverse landscapes of
educationalist from the Netherlands. Following the Indian subcontinent. Leaving the city limits of Mohali behind, we merged onto
her initial training in her home country as a NH44 which connects Chandigarh to the national capital region.
Western cellist, her journey turned in a different The XUV700’s powerful 2.2-litre turbo-diesel effortlessly glided along the
direction when she discovered Indian music in smooth tarmac at triple-digit speeds, each mile bringing us closer to our destina-
1993. She is a recognized master performer tion. One thing that stood out in particular is just how well Mahindra has managed
of Indian classical music and is credited with to control the NVH from the mHawk diesel inside the cabin. The comfort of the
inventing a unique instrument called the Indian spacious cabin enveloped us, shielding us from the bedlam of the outside world
cello. Her Guru, Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia, as we pressed onward towards Delhi to the sound of some relaxing instrumental
the revered flute maestro, stated that her tunes from the XUV700’s Sony audio system. Approaching the outskirts of Delhi,
music is a gift from God that everyone should the skyline gradually came into view emerging as silhouettes through the smoggy
experience. Along with her husband, sitarist horizon, a sprawling metropolis teeming with life and energy. Despite having al-
Shubhendra Rao, Saskia leads a foundation to ready covered over 3,000km and our first major third of the journey, we rolled into
make music education accessible to every child. Delhi barely feeling the strain of over a week on the road, proving once again that
Sangeet4All is a complete music framework for the XUV700 was indeed the perfect choice for this drive.
institutes focusing on resource development,
teacher training and improving the musical
infrastructure in schools and institutes. Over THE XUV700’S POWERFUL 2.2-LITRE MHAWK
50,000 children and 200 teachers have benefited
DIESEL EFFORTLESSLY GLIDED ALONG THE
from the programme.
SMOOTH TARMAC AT TRIPLE-DIGIT SPEEDS
Drivers of Change

Feature
Anukriti Sharma
IPS OFFICER
SAMBAL, UTTAR PRADESH
ANUKRITI Sharma, a 36-year-old IPS officer
from the 2020 batch, currently serves as the
Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP). She
has dedicated herself to enhancing the efficiency
and approachability of the police force. Anukriti WE ROLLED SLOWLY THROUGH A
prioritizes empowering female officers, believing
it’s crucial for a more effective force. Under THICK LAYER OF FOG, RELYING ON
her leadership, women officers are assigned XUV700’S ONBOARD RADAR TO SEE
significant roles and given opportunities THINGS THAT WE COULDN’T
for fieldwork, such as serving summons,
conducting raids, and making arrests. Anukriti
emphasizes assigning tasks based on interest
rather than stereotypical roles. This approach
has led to the apprehension of four male
criminals by the Narora Thana women’s police
team in the past month. Anukriti’s efforts aim
to create a more efficient, people-friendly, and
responsive policing system. Through initiatives
like ‘Mission Shakti,’ she encourages women to
report their grievances, aiming to make policing
more citizen-centric. Anukriti’s ultimate goal
is to improve public perception of the police,
achieved through public meetings, school visits,
and community engagement. Her dedication is
gaining recognition, notably with a viral video
showcasing police assistance in providing
electricity to a 70-year-old woman’s house. For
Anukriti, bringing smiles to people’s faces is an
integral part of policing duty.

Drivers of Change
A fter the cars got a quick inspection and

a wash in Delhi, we left the national
capital behind and headed further into Ut-
radar to see things that we couldn’t through
the wall of white. The Mahindra XUV700’s
intelligent safety features, including adap-
a sweat, and keeping the cabin occupants
comfortable and at ease. As we approached
Moradabad, the city’s rich history and cul-
tar Pradesh towards the small town of Mo- tive cruise control and lane-keeping assist, tural heritage came into view. Known for its
radabad. Progress along UP’s dual carriage provided peace of mind as we navigated vibrant markets and exquisite handicrafts,
state highways lined with fields of mustard the busy highways and winding country Moradabad beckoned us to explore its bus-
flowers alternated by golden fields of wheat roads. State highways also meant that the tling streets and colourful bazaars. The
was slow. roads were pockmarked with potholes. This XUV700’s ample cargo space meant that
North India’s bitter cold wave was at its is where the XUV700’s impressive suspen- even with a boot full of luggage and equip-
peak and we rolled slowly through a thick sion paid dividends, absorbing most of the ment there still was little space for some
layer of fog, relying on XUV700’s onboard sharp breakers without so much as breaking souvenirs.

Feature
E mbarking from Moradabad, Uttar

Pradesh, our journey to Siliguri promised
an exhilarating adventure, traversing through
historical landmarks beckoned us to explore
its vibrant streets. Continuing our journey
eastward, we made our way towards Patna,
malayas. The journey through the foothills
of the majestic mountains was a testament
to the XUV700’s versatility and reliability,
the vibrant heartlands of India. Behind the the capital city of Bihar. Along the way, we effortlessly conquering steep inclines and
wheel of the Mahindra XUV700, our longest traversed through picturesque landscapes, winding roads. Finally, as we approached Sil-
leg yet would take over two days of travel passing quaint villages and lush green fields. iguri, we were greeted by the awe-inspiring
from the north of the country to the east. The XUV700’s robust performance and in- sight of the snow-capped peaks towering in
Leaving the bustling streets of Morad- telligent safety features provided us with the distance. Our journey with the Mahindra
abad behind, we set our sights towards Luc- confidence as we navigated through diverse XUV700 had been nothing short of extraor-
know, the capital city of Uttar Pradesh. The terrain. Upon arriving in Patna, we immersed dinary, a testament to its performance, com-
powerful engine of the XUV700 effortlessly ourselves in the city’s bustling atmosphere, fort, and reliability. Reflecting on the miles
propelled us along the smooth highways, filled with crowded markets and narrow travelled and the memories made, we were
while the advanced technology ensured a streets. As we bid farewell to Patna, our fi- filled with a sense of gratitude for the op-
comfortable and safe ride. As we approached nal destination of Siliguri lay ahead, nestled portunity to explore the diverse landscapes
Lucknow, the city’s rich cultural heritage and amidst the breathtaking beauty of the Hi- and cultures of India.

Drivers of Change
THE JOURNEY WAS A TESTAMENT TO THE XUV700’S

VERSATILITY AND RELIABILITY, CONQUERING THE
OFTENTIMES UNFORGIVING NATURE OF OUR ROADS

Feature
BEING IN SILIGURI MEANT WE WERE IN THE EASTERN

HIMALAYAN FOOTHILLS, TANTALIZINGLY CLOSE TO THE
NATURAL BEAUTY OF THE EASTERN HIMALAYAS

Drivers of Change
Sonia Jabbar
WILDLIFE CONSERVATIONIST
NAXALBARI, WEST BENGAL
AFTER inheriting the 1200-acre Nuxalbari
Tea Estate, Sonia noticed that the number of
elephants visiting her tea estate was growing
with each passing year. Elephants have a
B eing in Siliguri meant we were in the Eastern Himalayan foothills, tantaliz-
ingly close to the underappreciated treasure trove of natural beauty that is
Northeast India. The want to head into the mountains was high, especially given
traditional migration route travelling between the extremely capable SUVs at our disposal, but the purpose of this drive went
Assam and Nepal and back. With Nepal erecting far beyond indulging us automotive enthusiasts in a spot of spirited driving and
a fence along its border with West Bengal, the sightseeing. Instead, we charted a route against the flow of traffic, driving past a
elephants were hitting a roadblock and getting seemingly unending queue of vehicles heading toward the upper reaches of North
diverted to her tea estate and neighbouring Bengal and Sikkim, making our way to Naxalbari for our rendezvous with the next
farmlands. Plus, intensive infrastructure driver of change. Tea estates straddling roads we drove on served as a reminder
development meant the traditional elephant of the region’s contribution to India’s tea industry, with West Bengal and Assam
corridors were being disrupted, bringing them together contributing to over 80 per cent of total production. Tea is a primary driver
into direct conflict with humans. Realising that of the region’s economy as evidenced by the presence of sprawling tea estates, but
elephants had very little forest cover left in the that also means a very high potential for human-wildlife conflict. Sonia Jabbar,
area and were chased wherever they went, a wildlife conservationist and owner of Nuxalbari Tea Estate, has been effecting
Sonia decided to welcome them whenever they change by turning human-wildlife conflicts into peaceful human-wildlife interac-
entered her estate. Her efforts have been directed tions. The day was spent touring parts of her 1200-acre estate engaged in insightful
towards creating peaceful coexistence between conversations about the need for conservation and why it’s imperative for humans
humans and wildlife. She has also engaged in to move forward along with the environment and its stakeholders instead of racing
a re-wilding project to create a 100-acre native ahead with a shortsighted approach that comes at the massive cost of irreparable
species forest on the estate, both to conserve damage to the ecosystem. The narrative about development needs to shift to one
biodiversity and to afford shelter and forage for that doesn’t just focus purely on economy, but factors in ecological aspects as well.
the elephants. Through the Haathi Saathi Nature Towards the end of the day, the conversation shifted to cars, inevitable really
Club for the children of estate workers, she has given our presence, and the short drive in the XUV700 was enough for her to remark
helped spread awareness about the importance how impressive it was, commenting on the refinement and the feel-good factor
of peaceful human-wildlife interactions. of the cabin. With a fair few Mahindra vehicles employed at her estate, she got a
chance to pick our brains about the next one she should get.

Feature
W e weren’t done with North Bengal just yet as the next hero of our story was
Swapna Barman a resident of Jalpaiguri. This meant that this section of the journey was one
of those rare occasions where we spent more than a day in a single city enabling
us to indulge in another aspect of our country’s nearly infinite diversity – local
ATHLETE cuisine. The other benefit was a break from day after day of long hours on the
road. That’s not something we’re complaining about, driving is something we
JALPAIGURI, WEST BENGAL never get enough of and having great cars to do it in only makes it better, but
still, a break from hours of, for a lack of a better word, fighting Indian traffic
BORN into a poor family in Bengal’s Jalpaiguri was a welcome change.
district, Swapna Barman was pushed into sports Jalpaiguri is around 50km from Siliguri towards the east. It sits along NH27, a
at a young age in the hope that this would help critical connector between the Seven Sisters and the rest of the country, resulting
her in getting a job to support her family. Her in fairly heavy commercial vehicle movement. Bringing us here was athlete Swapna
inspiration simply being able to put food on the Barman who resides on the outskirts of this small town. Born into a poor family,
table. Being born with six toes on each foot, she her story of overcoming life’s hurdles and reaching the highest levels of success as
found standard shoes ill-fitting and couldn’t an Asian Games gold medal winning athlete is as inspirational as it comes. It puts
afford customised footwear, but practised for into perspective the privileged lives most of us have led and, more often than not,
hours nonetheless powering through the pain. taken for granted. While she hosted us at her newer residence, we got a chance
She won gold medals at the 2017 Asian Athletics to visit her childhood home as well and interact with members of her family who
Championship and the Patiala Federation Cup. couldn’t be more proud of her achievements. Her infectious smile and a level of
The following year, she became the country’s grit and determination that manifested in her at an age as early as it did left a last-
first heptathlete to win a gold medal at the ing impression. While one team spent the day in Jalpaiguri with Swapna Burman,
Asian Games. In 2019, she was honoured with another went off to answer the call of the mountains to get a taste of the Eastern
the Arjuna Award for her achievements. Her Himalayas’ natural beauty. It also gave them a chance to experience yet another
success has given her a platform to champion aspect of the XUV700’s vast breadth of capabilities as they made their way through
the cause of improved infrastructure to nurture winding mountain roads. Once back in Siliguri, the teams reconvened to chart out
talent in the field of athletics. the route for the next leg of the journey that saw us head south driving along the
Bihar-West Bengal border into Jharkhand.

Drivers of Change
DRIVING IS
SOMETHING
WE NEVER GET
ENOUGH OF
AND HAVING
GREAT CARS
TO DO IT IN
ONLY MAKES IT
BETTER

Feature
THE MEMORY FUNCTION ON THE XUV700’S ELECTRICALLY

ADJUSTABLE DRIVER’S SEAT THAT ALLOWS USERS TO SAVE
MULTIPLE SEAT PROFILES, MADE LIFE ON THE ROAD EASIER

Drivers of Change
Asha Sinha
IPS OFFICER (RETD.) T he thing about spending extended periods of time in a car for days on end
and clocking the kind of kilometres we had been over the course of this mam-
moth drive is that one gets to know the vehicle rather intimately. It’s second
RANCHI, JHARKHAND only to actually owning the car. But even as an owner, certain features might
not evoke as much appreciation. The memory function that accompanies the
BORN as Asha Thampan in Kottayam, Kerala, XUV700’s electrically adjustable driver’s seat that allows users to save multiple
Asha Sinha joined the Indian Police Service seat profiles, for instance, made life on the road that much easier. Given the nature
(IPS) in 1982 serving the nation for 34 years. of our journey, there were regular driver swaps and instead of going through the
Asha Sinha created history by becoming the first mildly tedious process of adjusting the seat every single time someone else got
lady officer to command a paramilitary force in behind the wheel, they could simply trigger their preferred seating position at the
India, as commandant, CISF, Mazagoan Docks, touch of a button. The XUV700 takes it a step further by saving the corresponding
Mumbai. She also became the first female IPS ORVM settings as well. Ranchi was where we were to meet the next driver of change,
officer to head the Intelligence Department in a roughly 14-hour drive from Siliguri. We chose to break the journey down into two
Special Branch and later Crime Investigation days with an overnight stop in Deoghar, Jharkhand. The condition of the roads for
Department (CID) in the State of Jharkhand. As the most part in Jharkhand ranged from passable to deplorable requiring immense
head of the State Intelligence Wing, Asha Sinha focus dodging potholes and stray e-rickshaws as we drove through several busy
ensured that the Lok Sabha and Vidhan Sabha towns and villages. The decision to stop overnight in Deoghar seemed more and
elections of 2009 were incident-free despite more vital with every passing kilometre affording a much-needed break for the
Naxalite threats. In 2010, she was awarded the cars and crew after a strenuous test of driver skill and the XUV700’s suspension.
President’s Medal in recognition of her service. Mercifully, the Deoghar to Ranchi stretch served up far better tarmac albeit
She strongly believes that in her profession with several patches of road works and a massive religious procession slowing us
gender isn’t of consequence. All that matters is down. Patratu Valley was a sight for sore eyes, more so for those of us who were
an individual’s professionalism and commitment deprived of the joys of driving in the mountains when in Siliguri. The tarmac was
and that is what makes the difference. flawless, the scenery, breathtaking and the weather, perfect. It is hands down, one
of the best stretches of road we’ve ever driven on.

Feature

Drivers of Change
Tejdeep Kaur Menon

IPS OFFICER (RETD.)
HYDERABAD, TELANGANA F rom Ranchi, we headed further south passing through Odisha, Chattisgarh
and Madhya Pradesh on our way to Hyderabad in Telangana to meet the
next driver of change. The roads were fine, but the landscapes were gorgeous. So
TEJDEEP Kaur Menon joined the Indian Police much so, that they warranted frequent stops to capture their beauty on our cameras.
Service (IPS) in 1983 and retired as Director This did, however, mean we were falling behind schedule. Requesting the camera
General of Police heading the Telangana State crew to pass up on an opportunity to capture the magnificence of these locations
Special Protection Force. For her, though, it proved futile warranting an overnight stop earlier than planned in Sambalpur, Odi-
was only retirement from a salaried job. She sha instead of Raipur in Chattisgarh. Driving at night shed light, quite literally, on
has worked tirelessly towards the betterment another extremely helpful feature of the XUV700 – the headlamp auto boost func-
of society. She is the inaugural president tion. At speeds over 80kmph, the additional LEDs in the headlamps get activated
of the Telangana Sikh Society, founded in lighting up the road ahead for improved visibility. This also highlights just how well
2018, which has a wide social outreach and Mahindra understands Indian conditions, buyers’ needs and the sheer amount of
makes interventions to attend to the health thought that has gone into the development of this SUV. The highway leading up
and education needs of the poor in Telangana. to Raipur and then to Nagpur, though, was in great shape for the most part which
Tejdeep Kaur Menon is also a poet having meant we were able to make up plenty of lost time and realign with the original
written on varied subjects including women schedule. Of course, playing a starring role in helping us to that were the XUV700s
empowerment, conservation of nature and we had for company, munching miles at a steady pace with consummate ease.
biodiversity protection. An IPS officer, advocate We were greeted by Tejdeep Kaur Menon in the midst of a massive health
of women’s rights, environmentalist and poet; checkup camp in Hyderabad that she helped organize, giving us an instant intro-
she is the epitome of limitless potential. Her duction to her work towards the betterment of the society. Her aura of strength,
multifaceted personality is an impetus for all determination and authority and the insights into her journey served as yet another
women to explore their higher calling. reminder of why this journey spanning days and thousands of kilometres was
absolutely worth it.
DRIVING AT NIGHT SHED LIGHT, QUITE LITERALLY, ON ANOTHER EXTREMELY

HELPFUL FEATURE OF THE XUV700 – THE HEADLAMP AUTO BOOST FUNCTION
Feature
THE GRANDEUR OF BANDIPUR AND THE SERENITY OF THE HILLS

AROUND OOTY MADE EVERY EXPLETIVE-INDUCING POTHOLE AND
ENCOUNTERS WITH ERRANT DRIVERS TOTALLY WORTHWHILE

Drivers of Change
C ontinuing our journey southward along NH44 with Hyderabad in our rear-
view mirror, we crossed into Andhra Pradesh as we made our way towards
Tessy Thomas
Bengaluru. National Highway 44 happens to be the longest national highway SCIENTIST, DRDO
in India at 4,112km. It connects Srinagar in the north all the way to the
southernmost point, Kanyakumari. Although the next hero of our story, BENGALURU, KARNATAKA
the ‘Missile Woman of India’, is a resident of Bengaluru, our rendezvous with
her was to take place in her hometown – Alappuzha, Kerala. This meant more TESSY Thomas was born in Alappuzha,
kilometres on the road, more picturesque landscapes and a tryst with ‘God’s Own Kerala. She joined the Defence Research and
Country’ and that was music to our ears. We chose to take the slightly longer Development Organisation in 1988 and was
route to Kerala via the Bandipur Tiger Reserve and then towards Ooty before placed by Dr APJ Abdul Kalam in the Agni
ending the day in Kochi. The grandeur of Bandipur and the serenity of the hills missile programme. Tessy Thomas was the
around Ooty made every expletive-inducing pothole and encounters with errant associate project director of the Agni III missile
drivers totally worthwhile. Places like these make it so hard not to stop and take project. She was the project director for Agni IV
in the sights. Of course, we had to resist that urge driving through Bandipur and later, Tessy Thomas was appointed as the
since it’s prohibited within the reserve, but along the climb to Ooty, we did, quite project director of the Agni V programme in
frequently. Still, with the primary purpose of our drive awaiting us in Kerala, we 2009. In 2018, she became the Director General,
got moving reaching Kochi well past midnight. Alappuzha is about 50km from Aeronautical Systems of DRDO. She is a recipient
Kochi but with ongoing roadwork for pretty much the entirety of those 50km, the of the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Award and
going was slow. We met up with Tessy Thomas in her ancestral home, a humble her pioneering work over the years has earned
woman who has been letting her work do all the talking. Mere words can never her the title of ‘Missile Woman of India’. She has
do justice to Tessy Thomas’ work and contribution to the nation, and in fact, been a critical driving force behind India’s self-
that of the other Drivers of Change featured on these pages. We were grateful reliance in the field of missile technology.
for the opportunity and honoured to have been able to converse with them.

Feature
Virali Modi
SOCIAL ACTIVIST
MUMBAI, MAHARASHTRA
MEET social activist Virali Modi whose petition
had spurred the Indian Railways into action,
advocating for increased accessibility for the
disabled. Enduring harassment and indignity
during her train travel, 25-year-old Virali Modi
bravely spoke out against being treated as mere
luggage due to her wheelchair-bound condition.
K ochi to Mumbai is a distance of over 1,400km, which, by no means, is a small
number, but in the context of this mammoth drive spanning over 10,000km,
it was the home stretch. Playing a starring role throughout were the Mahindra
Her outcry has gained traction. XUV700s we drove. A vehicle that has won the hearts of consumers and critics alike
After addressing a petition to Prime as evidenced by sales figures and the Indian Car of the Year (ICOTY) 2022 title.
Minister Narendra Modi, Railways Minister Comfortable, capable and feature-rich, the XUV700 made the journey that much
Suresh Prabhu, and Minister for Women and more enriching. Despite putting over 10,000km on the odo and the unforgiving
Child Development Maneka Gandhi, tangible nature of driving across India’s roads, the cars remained faultless. No squeaks, no
changes began to materialize. Chennai Central rattles, no signs of wear, they felt as fresh as the day we first got into them for the
became the pioneer station to introduce flag-off in Mumbai on Republic Day. The sense of fulfilment accompanying the
foldable wheelchairs fitting inside coaches. end of the journey was laced with a hint of disappointment because we would’ve
Similarly, Thiruvananthapuram and Kochi loved to carry on driving through the country, exploring its diversity and uncover-
stations implemented portable ramps alongside ing more such stories. As we drove towards Mumbai to bring this drive to a close,
wheelchairs. Virali’s account of molestation our sense of accomplishment was dwarfed by the achievements of the Drivers of
at Mumbai Central has drawn attention to the Change we had the honour of meeting. Their stories, the struggle, the determina-
gravity of the issue. With support from Twitter tion, their passion left a lasting impression and these conversations were the kind
users like comedians Aditi Mittal and Tanmay we will cherish forever. These women embody Nari Shakti in every sense of the
Bhatt, her petition amassed over one lakh word and prove that ambition, determination and dedication can help anyone rise
supporters, signalling a turning point. Virali above every difficulty, and every hurdle, to succeed and they’ve set an example for
emphasizes the government’s responsiveness, the world to follow. They represent the strength of women and their journeys prove
citing the initiation of the Accessible India that no challenge is insurmountable. So, what’s your excuse?
Campaign in 2015 as evidence that disability is no
longer a source of shame. Her proposals entail
refurbishing existing trains to include spacious COMFORTABLE, CAPABLE AND FEATURE-
berths and passageways and larger wheelchair-
accessible bathrooms. RICH, THE XUV700 MADE THE JOURNEY THAT
MUCH MORE ENRICHING
Mahindra XUV700 Drivers of Change
Dr Seema Rao
SPECIAL FORCES TRAINER
MUMBAI, MAHARASHTRA
SEEMA Rao, dubbed the “Wonder Woman of
India” by the media, holds the distinction of
being India’s first female special forces trainer,
dedicating over two decades to training various
Indian forces without compensation. Renowned
for her expertise in close-quarter combat,
she partners with her husband, Major Deepak
Rao. Born to Indian freedom fighter Professor
Ramakant Sinari, Rao boasts an MBA in crisis
management and was a finalist in the Mrs.
India World beauty pageant. She earned her
Para Wings through skydiving in the Indian Air
Force course and excels as a combat shooting
instructor, an Army mountaineering institute
medalist, and an 8th-degree Blackbelt in military
martial arts. As one of the few authorized
instructors in Jeet Kune Do, she co-invented The
Rao System of Reflex Fire, a method tailored for
close-quarters combat.

Feature
RISE FOR CHANGE

Glimpses from the grand ceremony that took place, rather fittingly, on International Women’s Day to bring
together and felicitate all the incredible Drivers of Change we had met over the course of our 10,000km journey
Nalinikanth Gollagunta, CEO, Automotive Divi-

sion, Mahindra and Mahindra Ltd. addressing
the guests at the Drivers of Change felicita-
tion ceremony in Mumbai (above). Yogendra
Pratap, Editor, Auto Today and Neha Anand,
VP-Global Brand & Marketing Communication,
Automotive Division, Mahindra and Mahindra
Ltd. (below) speaking about the idea behind
this initiative. Also in attendance were the very
Mahindra XUV700s that made the massive
10,000km drive possible

Drivers of Change
(L-R) Actor and automotive enthusiast Gul Panag, whose father retired as a Lt General from the Indian Army conversing with Lt Col Ravinder Jit Randhawa, Seema Rao
and Tessy Thomas, women who have driven change through their association with the Indian Armed Forces and the defence sector
(L-R) Akshita Nandagopal, India Today TV, speaking with Sonia Jabbar, Mittal Patel, Virali Modi and Kriti Bharti about societal and environmental issues with Abanti
Sankaranarayanan, Chief Group Public Affairs Officer and Member of Group Executive Board, Mahindra Group joining in on the conversation (above). Anukriti Sharma,
Asha Sinha and Tejdeep Kaur Menon spoke about their experiences as women in the Indian Police Service (below left). Suhani Singh, India Today, introducing cellist
Saskia Rao-de Haas and her creation – the Indian Cello (below right)

Feature
Raj Chengappa, Group Editorial Director (Publishing), India Today Group and RM Vishakha,
MD & CEO, IndiaFirst Life Insurance speaking about breaking the glass ceiling (above). Dia
Mirza, actor, producer and UN Environment Programme Goodwill Ambassador graced the
Drivers of Change felicitation ceremony (right)
(Clockwise from above) Nalinikanth Gollagunta, CEO, Automotive Division, Mahindra and Mahindra Ltd., Gul Panag and Manoj Sharma, CEO (magazines), India Today
Group felicitating ‘Everyday Sheroes’ Shraddha Dhawan and Shilpa for literally driving change by owning and operating commercial vehicles. Dr Anish Shah, Group
CEO & MD Mahindra Group and President FICCI addressing the gathering. The Drivers of Change felicitation ceremony also honoured leading automotive journalists
Renuka Kirpalani and Swati Khandelwal

Drivers of Change
Raj Chengappa, Group Editorial Director (Publishing), India Today Group and Dr Anish Shah, Group CEO & MD Mahindra Group and President FICC in a conversation
with Swati Piramal, Vice-chairperson, Piramal Group. Poonam Mahajan, Politician & MP graced the occassion
(L-R) Anukriti Sharma, Saskia Rao-de Haas, Lt Col Ravinder Jit Randhawa and Asha Sinha being felicitated by Poonam Mahajan, Politician & MP, Gul Panag, actor, Neha
Anand, VP-Global Brand & Marketing Communication, Automotive Division, Mahindra and Mahindra Ltd., and Rohit Thakur, CHRO-AFS, Mahindra and Mahindra Ltd.
(L-R) Sonia Jabbar, Seema Rao, Kriti Bharti and Tejdeep Kaur Menon (above), and Mittal Patel, Tessy Thomas and Virali Modi (below) being felicitated by Poonam
Mahajan, Politician & MP, Nalinikanth Gollagunta, CEO, Automotive Division, Mahindra and Mahindra Ltd., Neha Anand, VP-Global Brand & Marketing Communication,
Automotive Division, Mahindra and Mahindra Ltd., Gul Panag, Actor, and Raj Chengappa, Group Editorial Director (Publishing), India Today Group

FEATURE
Geneva returns to the motor show calendar
The Geneva International Motor Show is back to Switzerland and Anagh Bhaskar brings you the highlights
T
he Geneva International Motor Show (GIMS) year marked the first return of the show to Geneva after
has been, since 1905, arguably the greatest and the pandemic. However, almost every major automaker
most influential automotive exhibition on the skipped the show, which has been the site for almost
planet. However, post the pandemic the 2020, every major car launch and announcement for the past
2021 and the 2022 shows were cancelled due to health few decades. Chinese automakers though were in heavy
safety norms. Having entered into an agreement with attendance as these brands continue to push expansion
Qatar, the 2023 show was held in Doha last year. This in the lucrative European market.
RENAULT R5 E-TECH
THE FRENCH auto major revealed the production-

spec Renault 5 E-Tech EV at Geneva. This honours
the iconic Renault 5 and is more or less similar to
the concept car which was unveiled a few years ago.
This is based on the AmpR Small platform, which
is a new-gen platform for small electric vehicles.
The design of the car is a futuristic adaptation of the
Renault 5’s design with a rectangular theme which
also includes really cool looking LED signature lights
on the lower section. The taillamps are stacked
vertically, and overall the car inspires a playful
theme with the choice of vibrant colours. The cabin
is a modern take on the older car’s theme mixed
with vibrant colours, and has been made with
sustainable materials. Renault will be offering two
battery packs one 40kWh and a larger 52kWh pack.
The company offers three e-motor configurations -
94bhp, 121bhp and a 147bhp motor with the last one
capable of helping the car hit 100kmph in 8 seconds.
Moreover the claimed range sits at 300km for the
smaller battery and 400km for the larger battery.

GIMS 2024
DACIA SANDRIDER MCLAREN P1 GTR
WHILE THE exposition wasn’t as star

studded as its previous iterations, it did
have a dedicated Adrenaline zone. This
included the McLaren P1 GTR, which
made its debut at Geneva in 2014. Limited
to only 58 units, the P1 GTR has access
to 1,000bhp via its hybrid powertrain.
Compared to the standard P1, the GTR has
more power, track-ready suspension, and
lighter materials.
DACIA REVEALED the Sandrider - its contender for the 2025 Dakar rally and other rally raid
LAMBORGHINI
events across the world. This will compete in the T1+ Ultimate category, and has been designed COUNTACH
in-house with a tubular chassis which Dacia claims is 15kg lighter to comparable prototypes. To
tackle extreme conditions for days on end, the Sandrider is equipped with a robust chassis and
suspension with 350mm of travel for all the wheels. Power comes from a 3.0-litre turbocharged
V6 making 360bhp, which is sent to all the wheels. The Sandrider team will bring together rally
legends Sebastien Loeb and Nasser Al-Attiyah to compete W2RC from the 2025 season.
OVER IN the Classics Gallery, this

Lamborghini Countach stole the show. One
of the most iconic cars to hit the roads
in the last five decades, the Countach
embodied the term supercar with its UFO-
like shape and unbeatable road presence.
The Countach used Lamborghini’s iconic
V12, and was for most the definitive
supercar.

Feature
SILENCE S04
SILENCE REVEALED the S04 electric car in Geneva, which
technically is a quadricycle. The S04 has been designed,
engineered and built in Spain. This measures less than
2,300mm in length. The seating is slightly staggered,
to keep enough space for both driver and passenger,
while the boot has a capacity of 247 litres. Despite being
tiny, there are quite a bit of features that one gets with
the Silence S04 including a 7-inch instrument display,
aircon, keyless entry, powered windows, and smartphone
connectivity. Urban mobility is key for the vehicle, with
the turning radius standing at a mere 3.5m. There are
two electric motors placed at the rear which combined
make 30bhp. These draw power from
a 5.6kWh battery pack, which has a
pre-heating system making it ideal for
use in winters. There are three driving
modes – Eco, City and Sport as well as
regenerative braking. Silence claims
that the maximum range sits at 150km,
while the top speed achievable by the
S04 is above 80kmph.

GIMS 2024
ERREERRE FUORISERIE
THE ERREERRE FUORISERIE made its appearance in Geneva after it was unveiled two years ago. This essentially is a Alfa Romeo Giulia
Quadrifolgio underneath, with the entire body stripped out and replaced with a new body which replicates the look of the iconic Alfa Romeo Giulia.
What is more interesting is that the car which continues with the Quadrifolgio’s proven 2.9-litre twin-turbo V6 will actually have access to 562bhp,
which is about 59bhp more than what the motor makes in the modern day super saloon. To add to this, the firm is also keen on pairing this motor
with a six-speed manual, which they showcased at the exhibition. It gets other upgrades too including a Bilstein suspension system, a Capristo
exhaust and ceramic brakes. Each Fuoriserie takes around two years to commission, and will have a production run of only 33 units.
THE MORE than a century-old

Geneva based motorcycle brand
was once the largest motorcycle
maker in Switzerland. Merging
its rich heritage, the brand is
now owned by a new holding
company and has been
developing the Type A electric
bicycle. This features a retro
design, with the metal parts
being as straight as possible
unlike the curved designs
which are a sign of modernity.
This also is carried over to
the frame, which is devoid
of any suspension - no front
fork or a rear shock. There is
a 1,000W motor which makes
80Nm of torque and drives the
rear wheel via a belt drive.
The battery pack meanwhile
is a 845Wh pack which is
swappable, and allows a single-
MOTOSACOSHE TYPE A charge maximum range of
60km.

Feature
BYD SEAL U DM-I
THE CHINESE auto giant brought a huge selection of cars, including

the BYD Tang and the Yangwang U8 brand which made their european
debuts. The primary exhibit however was the Seal U, which was
showcased with a new powertrain. Called the Seal U DM-i, the SUV uses
a plug-in hybrid system. This uses a 1.5-litre engine paired to an electric
motor and a Blade battery to back it all up. This operates in something
called ‘dual-mode’, which essentially is the smart switching of the
internal combustion engine and the battery pack to keep the vehicle in
electric-only mode at all times. BYD hasn’t disclosed the specifications
or the performance figures from the powertrain as of yet, but expect the
SUV to boast really impressive fuel efficiency. The Seal U DM-i also gets
DC fast charging compatibility, taking the battery from 30 to 80 per cent
in 35 minutes.
MICROLINO LITE
MICROLINO, THE Italian microcar brand, revealed its latest creation - the Microlino Lite. This is a younger sibling to the Microlino, and uses the same body,
which is 2.5m long, 1.47m wide and 1.5m high, and weighs less than 600kg. Considering that the Lite has a 6kW motor, it is classified as an L6e vehicle,
meaning that individuals with a moped licence can drive it in most of Europe. The battery pack is a 5.5kWh unit, which gives it a range of 100km on a single
charge. Microlino offers a larger 11kWh battery pack which gives it a range of 177km. There are amenities too, including a sunroof, a 230-litre boot space.

GIMS 2024
KIMERA EVO38
KIMERA IS an Italian brand which has revealed the Evo38 - a modern take
on the Lancia 038. The 038 was supposed to be a successor to the 037 - the
last RWD car to ever win the WRC title back in 1983. To combat the AWD Audi
Quattro S1, Lancia added more power and AWD to the 038, but the Delta S4
ultimately succeeded the 037, meaning that the 038 never competed in the
WRC. The Evo38 uses the same 2.1-litre turbocharged engine as the Evo37,
but has access to almost 600bhp, which is sent to all the wheels and gets
a six-speed manual gearbox. Despite the gain in performance, the Evo38 is
light, tipping the scales at just 1,100kg, which means acceleration levels sit
in the sub 3 second category. Kimera has also added an electrohydraulic
differential, an electronically controlled suspension system and more
performance enhancements to keep the extra power in check and ensure
that the Evo38 holds on to tarmac. Kimera hasn’t revealed the pricing for the
Evo38, but considering that its predecessor - the 037 was limited to only 37
units and retailed for half a million Euros, the Evo38 will make a considerable
dent on one's bank balance.
TOTEM
GTAMODIFICATA
THE ALFA Romeo restoration company will cap off
its GT series production run with the GTAmodificata.
Limited to just five units and with a price tag touching
a million Euros, the GTAmodificata has ludicrous
numbers. It uses a 3.2-litre V6 which produces 810bhp,
which is sent to the rear wheels only via a sequential
gearbox. This means that the GTAmodificata which
weighs less than a tonne can launch from 0 to 100kmph
in less than 3 seconds. Totem has also added new
Bilstein suspension and dampers - custom designed
for this car, along with Pirelli Trofeo R tyres. The entire
body is made out of carbon fibre, while the design
elements include quite a bit of exposed carbon.

Feature
MG MOTOR MG3
FOXTRON, THE mobility brand

FOXTRON MODEL B under the umbrella of Apple-
manufacturer Foxconn revealed
the Model B. Showcased in
almost production spec, this
has been designed by the iconic
Italian firm Pininfarina and
will soon be on sale in Taiwan.
The electric vehicle has an
aerodynamic design, including
a vent in the bonnet, and an
air curtain in the D-pillar,
all in a bid to improve the
efficiency. The car measures
4,300mm long, 1,865mm wide
and 1,530mm tall while the
wheelbase sits at 2,800mm.
Foxconn hasn’t revealed
specifications of the electric
powertrain, but claims that the
range will sit in the vicinity of
500km. The Foxtron brand is
a venture between Foxconn
and Yulon Motor Company, a
Taiwanese automaker while
the design bits are handled
by Pininfarina - the Mahindra
owned design firm.

GIMS 2024
IM L6
MG MOTOR showcased the MG3 hatchback now in its second generation in Geneva. The hatchback
has been designed keeping the elements from MG’s other models, and is slightly larger compared
to its predecessor. What makes the MG3 interesting is that this is the first hybrid car from MG to not
use a plug-in hybrid system. The powertrain uses a 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine which makes
102bhp and comes paired to a 108bhp electric motor, for a combined output of 195bhp.
IM, the luxury arm of MG also made its European debut in Geneva with L6. With the way this car
looks, it leaves no doubt that this is yet another Chinese car out to directly combat the Tesla Model 3,
and it does on paper have the credentials to give the Tesla a stiff competition. The top-spec L6 makes
776bhp which can dispatch the 0 to 100kmph sprint in 3.5 seconds. The 100kWh battery gives the car
a single charge range of up to 700km, and as it is based on 800V architecture the car is compatible
with charging speeds over 300kW as claimed by the brand.
LUCID GRAVITY
THE AMERICAN luxury electric brand Lucid brought its latest creation, the Gravity to Geneva. The Gravity is the second model under the
Lucid brand, and gets a design aesthetic similar to the brand’s flagship saloon - the Air with a smooth aerodynamic design. Lucid claims that
the aerodynamic efficiency sits at just 0.24. Continuing on its luxury quotient with the Gravity, the SUV gets a plush interior with a lot of tech,
including a 34-inch curved display relaying all relevant information as well as a smaller display in the centre. Lucid has 5, 6 and 7-seater
configurations for the Gravity. Power comes from two electric motors which together produce 792bhp, translating to a 0 to 100kmph time of
3.67 seconds. Paired with the 114kWh battery, Lucid claims that the Gravity can achieve a maximum range of 708km on a single charge.

FIRST RIDE
Shoot
to thrill
Is the Shotgun 650 just a projectile weapon, or does it serve a
specific purpose? Will sibling rivalry mean that Shotgun is just
another 650 from Royal Enfield? We find out

Royal Enfield Shotgun 650

First Ride
R
COMPETITION oyal Enfield’s onslaught of new models I personally would’ve preferred the Plasma Blue
CHECK rages on. The story of the new-genera- or even the relatively plain looking Sheet Metal
tion J-series 350s began with the Mete- Grey. The single-seat, sculpted tank - which
or and now carries on with the Classic, holds slightly less fuel than the Super Meteor -
Hunter and Bullet. We even have a brand-new looks quite well done. There’s also a feeling that
Himalayan with an all-new engine, and Scram Royal Enfield is improving on its quality levels
still comes with the 411cc engine from the older with each motorcycle that it brings out. The ro-
Himalayan. Then there’s the 650 saga, which tary dials to control the ignition and headlamps
began with the Interceptor and Continental GT get a gloss aluminium finish, which further adds
and then moved on with the Super Meteor. If you to its appeal.
Royal Enfield Continental GT keep a keen eye on social media and spy shots, The Super Meteor-borrowed tail lamp with
Engine 648cc Power 47bhp you know there’s a lot more to come, but where the large rear fender looks rather substantial, but
Torque 52Nm Price 3.44 lakh does the Shotgun 650 fit into the equation? Let’s there is a downside to this design aspect, thanks
begin with its most striking quality. to the unusually long pea-shooter exhaust pipes.
The biggest talking point of the Shotgun 650, They are long and jut out quite a bit to the sides
by far, is its design language. The whole point of as well. This does make one slightly nervous in
this motorcycle appears to be the way it looks. tight traffic, but nothing that is overtly discon-
And there are no two ways about it - it looks certing. I also like the unique headlamp cowl,
quite handsome in the flesh. The Stencil White which makes the Shotgun stand out from the ap-
colour does help the Shotgun feel distinctive, but parent family feud. Moreover, the blacked-out
*Prices are ex-showroom
1 2
Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650
Engine 648cc Power 47bhp
Torque 52Nm Price 3.63 lakh
1. Part-digital instrument
cluster remains the same as the
other 650s, which feels like a bit
of a sore point. But, it is quite
clear, and the tripper navigation
pod is a welcome bonus. 2. The
Shotgun 650 looks quite hand-
some head-on. The headlamp
cowl along with that flat handle-
bar fit well together. 3. Brushed 3
blacked-out treatment to the
switchgear looks quite unique. 4
4. Air and oil cooled engine does
a decent job of heat manage-
ment. 5. 648cc, twin-cylinder
motor has an easy-going nature.
Notice the same treatment as
the switchgear. 6. The twin
exhausts do jut out quite a bit
to the sides, but sounds sweet
on the go
5
Likes
Striking design, re-
fined motor, exhaust
note, braking
Dislikes
Ground clearance,
6
weight

finish of the engine casing and switchgear features. It gets a USB type-A charging port, needs. In terms of safety, it only gets dual-
does look quite cool. Overall, the design is LED headlamps, tubeless tyres with alloy channel ABS, which is a slight bummer since
where it as at for the Shotgun 650. When wheels, RE’s tripper navigation pod and a motorcycles with lesser capacity and lesser
you’re stopped at a traffic signal or going part-digital instrument cluster just like the price get a traction control system, at the
through slow moving traffic, people will no- Super Meteor. That’s pretty much it. To give very least.
tice and awe at this bike. further appeal to the customisation angle, From a mechanical standpoint, the Shot-
Just like its other models, Royal Enfield the Shotgun can be had with a luggage rack gun 650 sits on the same steel tubular frame
has kept it quite simple when it comes to at the back or even another seat, as per one’s as the Super Meteor 650, but, there are some
I ALSO LIKE THE UNIQUE HEADLAMP COWL,

WHICH MAKES THE SHOTGUN STAND OUT FROM
THE APPARENT FAMILY FEUD

First Ride
Royal Enfield Shotgun 650 ROYAL ENFIELD SHOTGUN 650 FEELS MUCH MORE
Engine COMFORTABLE THAN THE SUPER METEOR 650
648cc, twin-cylinder
Power key changes. The handlebar is flat now and the Super Meteor. One slight concern was the 140mm
47bhp@7,250rpm seating position has been moved slightly up, tak- of ground clearance, but in my commute from
Torque ing the seat height to 795mm. Just for reference, Gurugram to Noida, I didn’t really face any is-
52Nm@5,650rpm the Super Meteor’s seat height sits at 740mm. Tyre sues. The footpeg position is also mid-set, which
Gearbox
6-speed sizes are also different, with the Shotgun getting combined with the changes to the riding position
an 18-inch front wheel and 17-inch rear wheel, as make the Shotgun 650 a much more comfortable
opposed to the 19-inch and 16-inch set-up on the bike than the Super Meteor. The wheelbase, too,
Wheelbase
1,465mm is down 15mm, compared to the Super Meteor.
Kerb weight 1 There’s also 9mm more travel at the back, which
240kg makes the ride a lot more plush.
LxWxH (mm) In the corners, the Shotgun feels willing to
2170x820x1105
lean, but the footpegs can scrape quite easily, al-
Ground Clearance
140mm though that is in extreme situations. On normal
Fuel tank capacity riding stints, the Shotgun feels comfortable, easy
13.8 litres going and an able handler. However, one can’t
help but wonder if the handle is a little too com-
Price: 3.59 lakh - 3.73 mitted, given the application of the RE’s latest
lakh (ex-showroom) 650cc offering. Another minor complaint is the
2
On sale Now immense wind blast one experiences out on the
highway, but, that’s down to more the riding po-
sition than the fault of the RE engineers. Due to
1. Fuel tank is a little smaller this, sustaining speeds on the Shotgun is a little
than the Super Meteor, measur- harder than it is on the Interceptor or Super Me-
ing in at 13.8 litres. 2. Single- teor. Honestly, that’s missing the point with the
seat set-up looks cool. It’s wide Shotgun 650. It’s all about pottering around town
and offers good support, too with style, it’s about being unique from the crowd,

and the way one sits on the Shotgun does sort velope, this motor will oblige with a calm and
of accentuate that fact. vibe-free resolve.
Just like its 650 siblings, the Shotgun gets The 6-speed gearbox compliments this en-
the same 648cc, parallel-twin engine which pro- gine very well, with slick shifts. Speaking of
duces 47hp and 52Nm of torque and is paired to which, the brakes are confidence inspiring,
a 6-speed gearbox. Royal Enfield has made no too, but the rear one was set up so firmly, that
adjustments to the tuning of the twin-cylinder, just touching calls for intrusion from the dual-
so in terms of power delivery there isn’t any channel ABS. The claimed efficiency from Royal
change. The Shotgun stutters a bit when you get Enfield stands at 22kmpl, but one can extract
moving from a standstill, and requires a slight a little more if they stick to higher gears and 1
amount of throttle input and clutch modulation. lower speeds. So if you’re light with the throttle,
Once you’re past the 3,000rpm mark, this gem expect a figure in the higher 20s. Overall, this
of an engine comes alive and power delivery 650cc engine feels at its most appropriate with
becomes linear and effortless. One tug at the the Shotgun. That’s because the riding posture
throttle in the mid-range is enough to overtake combined with those gorgeous looks means
almost anything on the highway. It is joyous, you’d want to take it easy. Luckily, that’s exactly
addictive and extremely easy to get used to. what RE’s 650cc motor excels at in spades. Oh, 2
Although, if you’re in the mood to push the en- and the exhaust note is a sweet one, too!
1. 320mm front disc brakes do

a fairly good job at stopping the
hefty Shotgun. 2. Rear-brake
lever feels a little snug but even
a slight input offers immediate
feedback. 3. Showa twin shock
absorbers do a commendable job
at keeping you comfortable
VERDICT
The Shotgun 650 is priced between
Rs 3.59 lakh and Rs 3.73 lakh
(ex-showroom), which kind of puts
it just below the Super Meteor
and above the Interceptor and
Continental GT. Its biggest rivals
are its siblings, and in that respect,
if you find the Interceptor a bit
too upright, the Continental GT to
be too committed and the Super
Meteor to be too uncomfortable,
then Shotgun could well be the
middle path you’re looking for. We
feel it’s a good-looking, factory
custom bobber motorcycle that
will do the occasional highway runs
and short bursts around town with
aplomb.
Abhinav Jakhar
Senior Correspondent
abhinav.jakhar@aajtak–.com
@AbhinavJakhar

IMPACT FEATURE
IMPACT FEATURE
FIRST RIDE

Jawa 350
Jaw(a)line
Adjustment
Can the significantly updated Jawa
finally come out as a real contender
in the heavily contested 350cc
motorcycle space? We took it out for
a spin recently to find out

First Ride
2
1. Classic Leg-
ends has done
a good job with
keeping the
engine casing
and overall
3 look quite close
to the authentic
Jawa. 2. The
speedometer
and fuel gauge
are extremely
hard to read
4
during the day.
3. Position of
the ignition and
handle lock can
be a bit odd
for new riders. EVERYWHERE I WENT ON THE JAWA,
4. Switchgear
quality levels PEOPLE OF A CERTAIN AGE LOOKED
are accept-
able, the horn
UPON IT WITH FAVOUR
is quite loud.
5. Oil-cooler is
large and does
a decent job
5

Jawa 350
W
hen Classic Legends first an- figure out if these changes are just skin deep, comes with a slip and assist clutch. The
nounced the return of the leg- or have they made an actual difference to chassis is also new to accommodate the big-
endary Jawa brand name, there the motorcycle. ger engine. The Jawa 350 sits on a double
was a myriad of speculation, First, let’s get all of those changes out of cradle frame with an extended swingarm
both positive and negative. Fast-forward the way. The most crucial difference has to and a new subframe. This results in a longer
5 years and things aren’t really as rosy as be the bigger 334cc, liquid-cooled, single- wheelbase, which is up by 80mm, measuring
those nostalgia-tinted glasses will have you cylinder motor which churns out 22.5hp and in at 1,449mm. This has also helped raise
believe. There have been quite a few user 28.1Nm of torque. Strangely, the the ground clearance, which now stands at
reported issues with Jawa motorcycles, but, power output figure is down 178mm. The weight, too, is up by 9kg and
things are slowly starting to turn. Earlier this by around 5hp in compari- the Jawa 350 gets wider tyres, as well.
year, Classic Legends launched the updated son to the earlier 293cc en- How does it all come together in the real
Jawa 350, which, as the name suggests, gets gine. Although, torque is up world? Well, one thing is for sure.
a larger engine and a number of other crucial by around 1Nm. Gearbox There has been a significant im-
changes. We got our hands on this revised duties are handled by a provement in certain areas. The
Jawa not too long ago, in order to try and 6-speed unit which mid-range punch is a hefty one and

First Ride
1 2 since this bike has relatively compact dimensions,

in comparison to the competition, it feels fairly nim-
ble through traffic. The rejigged 334cc engine feels
sprightly, and there’s a sweet exhaust note to the Jawa
350 which feels distinct. That throaty beat from the
engine really comes alive when you’re revving up to
the mid-range, which is a boon since that is where this
3 bike feels most at peace. I feel the Jawa 350’s natural
cruising speed is between 60kmph to 80kmph. How-
ever, this eager motor is let down by some niggles.
One which I find particularly annoying is the play in
the throttle. It’s a rather small issue, but it’s one that
really gets my goat, even with the Royal Enfield 350s.
There were also some fuelling issues that I encoun-
tered as well. There was a sudden cut out of power
4 when revving hard, which, in all honesty, should have
been fixed on the production motorcycles.
One other issue that I felt really robs one of a good
riding experience is the rear brake. The Jawa comes
a 280mm front disc and a 240mm rear disc. Dual-
channel ABS is standard, but, the lack of bite from
5
the rear-disc was quite poor. Don’t get me wrong,
they work, but they only work in the last 10 percent
1. Footpegs have slightly sharp edges, interfere when at a standstill. 2. 280mm front
disc has good stopping power. 3. 240mm rear disc works but brake lever lacks feel. of foot pedal being pressed. The first 90 percent there
4. Seat cushioning is inadequate, pillion doesn’t have grab handles. 5. One has to is quite vague, which can be disconcerting when one
bend forward and cover the instrument cluster to get the best reading of the dials is at highway speeds. Although, the front brakes quite
OVERALL, THE SEATING POSITION FEELS RATHER NATURAL AND

COMFORTABLE BUT FOR SHORTER STINTS AT BEST
COMPETITION
CHECK
Likes
Design, performance,
exhaust note
Dislikes
Inconsistent throttle,
refinement, seat
Royal Enfield Classic 350

ENGINE 349cc POWER 20.2bhp
TORQUE 27Nm PRICE 1.93 lakh
Honda CB350
ENGINE 348.36cc POWER 21bhp
TORQUE 29.4Nm PRICE 2.13 lakh

Jawa 350
Jawa 350
Engine
334cc, oil-cooled,
single-cylinder
Power
22.5hp@7,000rpm
Max torque
28.1Nm@5,000rpm
Gearbox
6-speed
Wheelbase
1,449mm
Kerb weight
194kg
Seat height
802mm
Fuel capacity
13.2 litres
Price: 2.15 lakh

(ex-showroom)
On sale Now
well, even though the front forks dive slightly throwback to Jawas of yore feels extremely well VERDICT
under hard braking and make a squeaky noise done. Everywhere I went on the Jawa, people of All in all, I’d sum up the Jawa
when going over speed breakers at low speeds. a certain age looked upon it with favour. There 350 as an improvement over
its previous version. There’s
Getting on the Jawa 350 is quite easy, thanks are some niggles, though, like the handlebar no doubt about the fact that
to the 802mm seat height, which is up from doesn’t quite align with the headlamp cowl and this should have been the Jawa
765mm from the previous iteration of this mo- the instrument cluster is extremely hard to read. we got over 5 years ago. But,
Why? Because they’re reversed, so the speed- it’s never too late to improve
torcycle. However, the seat could’ve done with
on oneself, is it? Classic
more cushioning, as after an hour in the saddle, ometer goes from right to left, just like the fuel Legends certainly deserves
my backside began to hurt. The slight rear-set gauge. On a hot day with the sun bearing down, some brownie points for that.
footpegs and knees-up riding position is good I couldn’t see the dials because of the glare, and As for the Jawa 350, I do feel
this update brings it closer
for handling, and the Jawa does do well in that if the Jawa is in reserve, there’s no way of tell-
to being a competitor, but, it
department; it doesn’t, however, bode so well ing other than keeping your hand to cover the needs a little more polish and
in terms of touring comfort. Overall, the seating sunlight. Even the position of the ignition, which refinement to make it a real
position feels rather natural and comfortable but is just next to the radiator, feels like an idio- contender.
for shorter stints at best. syncrasy. But, there’s no denying the fact that it
I cannot possibly deny the fact that there is is a pretty motorcycle with the spoked wheels,
a sense of occasion when you’re out and about chrome bits, twin exhausts and red paint job. In Abhinav Jakhar
Senior Correspondent
on the Jawa 350. This is down to the fact that it fact, the Jawa 350 feels specially calibrated for abhinav.jakhar@aajtak.com
rides and performs rather well, but, more so be- runs to the local shop, wherein everyone will @AbhinavJakhar
cause it looks absolutely gorgeous. The authentic notice this uniquely old-school motorcycle.
LONG TERMS
WRAP UP Six airbags | ESC | VSM | Dual-Zone climate control | Electric ORVMs |
Hyundai Ioniq 5
Keyless entry I 12.3in touchscreen Infotainment with, Bluetooth, USB, Apple
CarPlay, Android Auto | Wireless charging | 360 Camera with guidelines
| ADAS Level 2 | Tilt & telescopic steering wheel adjust | Bose 8 speaker
system | Front electrically adjustable, ventilated & heated seats | Power
Model Long Range Single Speed 2WD tailgate | Electric Parking Brake | Panoramic glass roof | Vehicle Warranty
3yrs/Unlimited km | Battery Warranty 8yrs/1,60,00km
Test Started June

2023/9,368km
Current ODO reading
17,901km
Total Mileage
8,533km
Overall Efficiency
7.7km/kWh
THE PLANTED
STANCE OF
THE CAR, AND
ITS PERFECT
FRONT-REAR
WEIGHT
BALANCE
COMBINED
WITH REAR-
WHEEL DRIVE
MAKES IT
A DRIVER’S
DELIGHT
A
fter over six months and eight inside. It offers all the benefits of a sedan in pleasure. On occasions when I have indulged
thousand five hundred kilometres terms of easy ingress and egress while being in a little spirited driving, the planted stance
I am trying to sum up my experi- spacious and airy. The interiors are pleasing of the car, as well as its perfect front-rear
ence with the Ioniq 5. I have really and set a benchmark, not only in the tech weight balance combined with rear-wheel
loved driving this car, which has been driven and the gadgetry, but also in the materials, drive makes it a driver’s delight. Add to that
mostly in the city but has been on two inter- the space management and the flexibility. instantaneous torque of 350Nm and that
state journeys - on one as far north as Gurez Convenience features abound and even the translates in to a lot of fun. We have mostly
in Kashmir. rear seats have heating built in – and that charged the Ioniq 5 on our office 22kW AC
The exteriors are elegant, the headlamps has served us well in the extremely cold last charger that charges the car at its max AC
and DRLs eye-catching, and the light ele- winter. The panoramic sunroof has justified power input of 11KW and that has been suf-
ments on the bumper are head turners. While its presence also because of the severe winter ficient for the normal running of the car. I
the Ioniq 5 is shaped like an SUV, it looks this time in the north of India and basking have not had to put it on charge more than
small from the outside and it is large on the in the sun on long city drives has been a once a week given that on occasion when

Feel good
1 2
3 4
1. Great IP and infotain-

ment screens that are not
only large but can be cus-
tomised to have a white
Feel bad or a black backgrounds.
Shown here is the IP
showing a 520km range
5 6 at full charge. 2. Regen
levels work well and can
be selected through pedal
shifters with the i-pedal
mode quite effective in
city driving. 3. Seats both
5. No wireless Apple CarPlay or Android Auto and at the front and the back
that is a big let-down especially considering the great are very comfortable with
flexibility. 6. No rear windshield wiper is a problem in the front ones also having
dusty and monsoon conditions that one encounters a under-calf support that
across India. 7. No spare wheel is a psychological bar- comes into play when
rier that needs getting accustomed to. I for one never the zero-gravity mode is
once needed the spare wheel selected by the press of a
button. 4. Rear seats can
7 also be reclined manu-
ally and adjusted front to
rear electrically. They also
have a warming function
it has a full charge, range displayed is invariably
and are 60:40 split
well over 500km and that is accurate. On outstation
trips we have charged it across a range of DC fast
chargers, and with its 350kW DC charging capability, Yogendra
charging times are very quick though we are yet to Pratap
charge it at over 150kW given the paucity of really Editor
yogendra.pratap@intoday.com
high speed chargers here in India.
@YogenPratap
While there are a multitude of features we could
talk about, the AC outlet is one that I thought I would During the time that I have been driving the Ioniq
use a lot but somehow never got around to using 5, a number of people have asked me about the car
much and the vehicle to load feature I never used and already there are a few now in office. The feed-
despite having seen it at work at the car’s launch at back has been all positive and the new owners are
the Gateway of India earlier last year. loving the car as much as I have loved driving it.

Long Terms
Six airbags | ESC | VSM | Auto climate control | Electric ORVMs
Hyundai Verna
| Keyless entry I 10.25in touchscreen Infotainment with,
Bluetooth, USB, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto | Wireless charging
| Rear Camera with guidelines | ADAS Level 2 | Tilt & telescopic
steering wheel adjust | Bose 8 speaker system | Front electrically
Model 1.5 Turbo GDi 7DCT SX(O) adjustable, ventilated & heated seats | Electric Parking Brake |
Sunroof | Warranty 3yrs/Unlimited km
Test Started August
2023/6,838km
Current ODO reading
14,315km
Mileage this month
421km
Efficiency this month
15.6kmpl
T
he Hyundai Verna is now closing in on 15,000km, and in the last
few months, the one thing it has done is cement my belief that
The backseats are so sedans are better in every way than similar-sized SUVs. The first THE FIRST BIG
comfortable that even big surprise for me is just how much space is in the cabin. The SURPRISE FOR
with the driver seat set to front row is special for sure with ventilated seats and an electric driver’s
ME IS JUST HOW
my driving position, I have seat, but what is surprising to me is how well Hyundai has integrated the
space to stretch my legs sloping roofline of Verna’s almost notchback like silhouette. Despite this
MUCH SPACE IS
in the back. Now that’s the backseats of the Verna are among the most spacious and ergonomic IN THE CABIN
smart use of space seats I have been in. I’m the last person you’ll find in the second row
of seats but the Verna is an exception. The seats
have been angled onto the floor so that you have
more than enough knee and leg room. Because they
are slightly angled they also ensure that you’re not
painfully upright either. The other thing that makes
Dipayan Dutta
Assistant Editor
the cabin so special, at least to me, is the Bose au- dipayan.dutta@aajtak.com
dio system. It is one of those things that make the @dipayandutta
experience of driving the Verna so enriching, and

so premium. It doesn’t end there either, details like
the ambient lighting and the accents on the trims
are integrated so neatly that it really feels like a car
from a segment above it.

Six airbags | ESP | HDC |Hill-Hold control | Automatic
Maruti Suzuki Jimny

climate control | Electric ORVMs | Keyless entry I 9-in
touchscreen with, Bluetooth, USB, wireless Apple CarPlay,
Android Auto | Headlamp washer | Rear camera with
guidelines | Brake limited slip differential | Tilt steering
Model Alpha MT Dual Tone wheel adjust | ARKAMYS 4 speaker audio | Front adjustable
seats fore/aft | Vehicle Warranty 2yrs/40,000 km
Test Started December
2023/10,022km
Current ODO reading
13,042km
Mileage this month
418km
13.9kmpl
A
s soon as I got my hands on the Jimny I realised why my
colleague(s) were reluctant to part ways with this borderline comi-
While the front window
cal off-roader. But having driven the Jimny for a few weeks, my SIMPLY PUT
switches feel great to opinion, rather the respect for the car has increased. Simply put IT IS ONE OF
it is one of the most enjoyable machines one can have, and its down to
use with their old-school THE MOST
utilitarian feel, the the entire package. The engine is quite great, the manual gearbox makes
actual process isn’t very you feel each shift and the clutch is unforgiving if rushed while the steer- ENJOYABLE
convenient. Placing the ing requires precision and focus at most times. It is a car which makes MACHINES ONE
front switches in the two me feel good about getting up in the morning and heading to the garage CAN HAVE
blank spaces beside the and sitting in the drivers’ seat of the Jimny to drive to the office. The
handbrake like the rear suspension and the tyres mean that obstacles are mere undulations for
window controls would’ve
the Jimny, and well, going over them puts a smile on my face each time.
made more sense
All isn’t perfect though with the loving relationship I have with the Jimny.
The footwell doesn’t leave enough room for ones left leg, and considering Anagh Bhaskar
Correspondent
there isn’t any dead pedal means that longer driving sessions induce quite anagh.bhaskar@aajtak.com
a bit of discomfort. The other not so thought about part of the Jimny are @anagh_bhaskar
the window switches, which for the front two are placed below the aircon
controls, and while the operation is quite satisfying, the process of looking
down there, especially if one is reaching for the passengers’ side switch is
a bit of a task, and to be fair, doing this for the power windows do really
take away the convenience part of ‘power windows’.

Long Terms
Hyundai Exter
Six airbags | Automatic climate control | Electric
ORVMs | Keyless entry I Touchscreen Infotainment
with, Bluetooth, USB, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto |
Wireless charging | 360 Camera with guidelines |
Model SX(O) Connect Dual Tone 5MT Sunroof | Vehicle Warranty 3yrs/Unlimited km
Test Started December

2023/5,545km
Current ODO reading
9,120km
Mileage this month
551km
15.7kmpl
T
he Hyundai Exter is our car of the year, not because it does any
one thing exceptionally well but because as a package aimed at the
urban demographic it is unbeatable. We’ll start with the 1.2-litre THE EXTER
motor paired with the 5-speed gearbox. Now this is the same 4-pot RETURNS
motor that we’ve seen on the Grand i10 Nios and the Aura, and even in BETWEEN
the Exter, the motor retains its two most endearing qualities, the refine-
The factory-fitted dashcam
ment and efficiency. This is a motor that you can drive to the redline and
15-17KMPL
is perhaps the coolest
feature on the Exter, barely hear from inside the cabin. That’s not to say it isn’t fun to drive, IRRESPECTIVE
providing a solution to so the 83bhp output is paired with a short ratio gearbox that enhances the OF THE DRIVING
many problems faced by off-line performance of the Exter. The shift lever itself is matched to one CONDITIONS
Indian road users of the best H-tracks on the market right now and a perfectly light clutch
that makes driving within the city an absolute breeze. In all,
the pairing returns anywhere between 15-17kmpl irrespective Rahul Ghosh
of the driving conditions. That means you get almost 600km Associate Editor
rahul.ghosh@intoday.com
from its 37-litre tank, which makes it very inexpensive to run @bulletcompany
on the day to day. Having said all of that the Exter does get
its fair share of premium features like automatic headlamps,
wireless charging, climate control, not to mention, the Exter
also gets the built-in dashcam which is a first for cars in
this segment.

MG Comet
Two airbags | | Automatic climate control | Electric
ORVMs | Keyless entry I 10.25in touchscreen
Infotainment with, Bluetooth, USB, Apple CarPlay, Android
Auto | Rear camera with guidelines | | Tilt steering wheel
Model Plush adjust | Vehicle Warranty 3yrs/1,00,000km
Test Started October

2023/87km
Current ODO reading
3,088kmkm
Mileage this month
473km
11.5km/kWh
T
his Comet really does feel otherworldly. Everywhere I go, there’s a
great deal of attention, almost like people on the streets are witness-
ing an experiment. Some people chuckle, some scoff, but mostly THERE’S AN
there is admiration, especially from those on two-wheelers. There’s ASPIRATIONAL
an aspirational value to the Comet that I truly admire. The 200km of range
on a full charge also comes quite handy in my commute from Gurugram to
VALUE TO THE
Noida. The commute itself has a mix of heavy traffic on the highway, slightly COMET THAT I
The internal rearview
mirror feels slightly congested dual-lane roads and the occasional open stretch of tarmac depend- TRULY ADMIRE
large, given the smaller ing upon the time. Through it all, the Comet does more than a decent job,
dimensions. At certain albeit, there are some issues. One of the things that instantly caught my eye
angles, it’s difficult to see was the size of the internal rearview mirror. Granted, the field of view is Abhinav
the traffic ahead of you quite vast, but, it kind of works as a double-edged sword. Since the Comet’s
Jakhar
windscreen is so small, it blocks the view in certain situations, and I Senior Correspondent
found myself contorting myself the best I can to make sure that I can abhinav.jakhar@aajtak.com
see the traffic in front of me. Another fly in the ointment is the wind @AbhinavJakhar
noise inside the cabin when you’re on the go. However, that’s not to say
I am not enjoying my time with the Comet. There is something quite
endearing about driving around in a little green, erm, green machine,
if you know what I mean. I eagerly look forward to discovering more
little foibles on my little Comet in the coming days.

Long Terms
Royal Enfield Himalayan

Digital display Yes | Tachometer Yes
| Fuel gauge Yes | Electric start Yes |
Disc brakes Both | Tyres Tubeless |
Price Rs 2.63 lakh (ex-showroom,
Summit Hanle Black Delhi) | Warranty 3 years/30,000km
Test Started
December 2023/28km
Current ODO reading
835km
Mileage this month
158km
27kmpl
I
’ve been on the road for a large part of the last two months, and that
meant a Royal Enfield lying at home with no one to start her up. My
history with the brand meant that I knew I’d be coming home to a FROM THE
dead battery, and the unique problem of pushing the 200kg mo- PERSPECTIVE OF
torcycle in question two floors out of my basement. With this daunting AN END-USER,
Total number of pages 108 (including cover pages)
task in mind, I took the keys and headed down to our Himalayan long
term. A trepidacious turn of the key later, the instruments lit up and the
THIS REPRESENTS
This is polarizing, but HOW FAR RE
the minimal tail section headlight came on, this was more than I was expecting so I thumbed the
with the indicators and starter fully hoping for that grim metal-on-metal sound of the battery HAS COME AS A
tail lights using the same simply unable to output the desired volts. Instead, I was greeted by a BRAND
LEDs is something that I quick ignition sound followed by an audacious thump as the single ef-
quite like fortlessly came to life. Two months unstarted and the Himalayan didn’t
even flinch. For me, from the perspective of an end-user, this Dipayan Dutta
represents how far Royal Enfield has come as a brand. More Assistant Editor
dipayan.dutta@aajtak.com
than the way it looks, more than the performance and more
@dipayandutta
than the engineering prowess that the brand has showcased
in the making of this motorcycle, it is the quiet confidence of
reliability that makes me want to own the Himalayan more
than anything else. The Himalayan is scheduled to be serviced
this month after which we can begin to explore the potential
of the motorcycle over the months to come.

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