evo India Podcast

In the latest episode of the evo India podcast, we’re joined by Pratik Kamdar, Co-founder of Neuron Energy, to dive deep into the world of EVs and battery packs. Founded in 2018, Neuron Energy focuses on sustainable solutions for electric mobility, developing advanced lithium-ion batteries for bikes, commercial vehicles, and drones. In this episode, we discuss how different battery packs are made, energy storage, challenges and the complexities of manufacturing EV batteries, and lots more. This one’s a must-listen for science enthusiasts and EV fans!

In this evo India episode, Sirish Chandran and Adil Jal Darukhanawala reflect on the visionary impact of Ratan Tata. From launching India’s first indigenous car to acquiring Jaguar Land Rover, Tata’s influence transformed the automotive industry and built a legacy of innovation. Tune in to hear untold stories, the challenges behind the Nano, and insights into the future he envisioned for Tata Motors and the nation. Share your thoughts in the comments and join us in celebrating a legend who believed in driving India forward.

In the latest episode of the evo India Podcast, Editor Sirish Chandran and Assistant Editor Aatish Mishra dive into the growing negativity and shifting sentiments around electric vehicles (EVs) in India. They discuss the recent discounts on the Tata Nexon EV, the innovative Battery-as-a-Service (BaaS) program introduced by MG Motors with the new Windsor EV, and how these programs aim to make EV ownership more accessible. The conversation also covers hybrid vehicle plans, government policies, the PM E-Drive Scheme, and the future of electric mobility in India. Tune in for an insightful discussion on the state of EVs, the challenges in adoption, and what lies ahead for the Indian automotive industry.

The Indian EV market has faced challenges, with consumers showing a lack of interest in adopting electric vehicles, primarily due to the higher purchase costs compared to traditional ICE (Internal Combustion Engine) cars. In an exclusive interview, we speak with Santosh Iyer, MD and CEO of Mercedes-Benz India, at the launch of the second made-in-India Mercedes-Benz electric SUV, the EQS 580. Santosh Iyer shares insights into the factors contributing to the slower adoption of EVs in India, the current challenges faced by the industry, and what the future holds for electric mobility in the country. Join us as we delve into the key reasons behind the slow EV adoption, how manufacturers like Mercedes-Benz plan to tackle these issues, and what consumers can expect in the coming years for EV technology and infrastructure.

In part 1 of the "Everything You Need to Know About Mahindra" podcast, Ed Sirish Chandran and Adil Jal Darukhanawala, author of Timeless Mahindra, took a journey through Mahindra & Mahindra's history, from producing iconic Jeeps to launching the Thar in 2010. The discussion covered key vehicles produced by Mahindra Auto, including the CJ-3B, Armada, Classic, Major, MM 550, Legend, and more. In part 2 of the podcast, they explore the 2020 Mahindra Thar, the creation of the Mahindra Research Valley (MRV) in Chennai, the XUV700, and the key figures in Mahindra's leadership team. They also discuss failed partnerships with Renault and SsangYong, rumors about Mahindra acquiring Volkswagen's India operations, and Adil’s favorite topic—EVs. Sit back, relax, and enjoy this in-depth podcast to learn everything about Mahindra Auto. 0:00 Intro 0:56 2020 Mahindra Thar and MRV 9:04 Copying of the Jeep design 11:16 Could the 3-door Thar have had a different design? 13:31 Transformation of Mahindra Auto 14:14 Mahindra XUV700 16:25 Key people of Mahindra Auto 24:45 Current leadership team at Mahindra Auto 32:57 Mahindra's partnerships 33:09 Mahindra and Ford 37:36 Mahindra and Renault 39:55 Mahindra and SsangYong 43:45 Mahindra buying Aston Martin rumours 44:04 Mahindra and Volkswagen India rumours 45:10 Why is the Thar not sold in global markets? 47:15 Should the Thar Roxx be named Armada originally? 48:33 Mahindra and Reva 51:00 Is the future for Mahindra electric? 56:53 Outro

In this podcast, editor Sirish Chandran sits down with Adil Jal Darukhanawala, an automotive historian, author of Timeless Mahindra, and editor-at-large at evo India magazine. They take a journey back in time to explore how Mahindra & Mahindra evolved, from producing iconic Jeeps to launching the Thar in 2010. The discussion covers all the significant vehicles Mahindra Auto has produced, including the CJ-3B, Armada, Classic, Major, MM 550, Legend, and more. Adil shares insights into the various strategies Mahindra adopted to build the brand it is today. Sit back, relax, and enjoy this in-depth podcast to learn everything about Mahindra Auto.

You can also get a copy of Timeless Mahindra here: https://rzp.io/l/timelessmahindra

Get ready for the next episode of the Boss Talks podcast, featuring Ashish Gupta, Brand Director of Volkswagen Passenger Cars India, in the studio with Ed Sirish Chandran! In this exciting episode, they tackle the burning questions: Is Volkswagen India planning to exit the market or seeking an Indian partner? Plus, they dive into hot topics like ownership costs, upcoming facelifts for the Volkswagen Taigun and Virtus, the future of EVs, and the question every enthusiast wants answered—will the new Polo make a comeback in India? Watch the podcast now to get the inside scoop on Volkswagen India's future plans! 0:00 Intro

1:22 On rumors about VW leaving India

3:06 Is the automobile industry going back to the pre-COVID era

5:37 Views from the Volkswagen India loyalist

6:40 Volkswagen India's journey

7:58 Is the sedan segment coming back?

9:27 What draws people to buying a sedan

10:29 Volkswagen Taigun facelift

11:38 Cost of ownership of a VW

13:19 Does safety aspect of a car result in sales?

14:42 Expansion of the GT badge

15:22 VW Experience or VWe

16:40 Ashish Gupta's journey at Volkswagen India

17:18 Main focus areas during the transition to INDIA 2.0

19:37 What's a day like in the life of a Brand Director

21:58 Do plans change when a new policy is made

23:08 Involvement with various authorities/agencies

23:44 Ashish Gupta's career

25:35 Upcoming Volkswagen India products

27:39 How does the new EV policy change things for VW India

29:02 Sub-4-meter SUV

30:33 Volkswagen Ameo

31:14 Volkswagen Polo

32:02 Is there a need for more products?

32:52 The new Volkswagen Tiguan

34:25 Diesel

36:14 CNG in VW India cars

36:32 Polo GTi

38:01 Volkswagen and Skoda working together

39:07 Views on the Indian automotive market

41:56 Rapid Fire round

44:42 Outro

For the next episode of the Boss Talks podcast, we have with us Martin Uhlarik, Global Head of Design, Tata Motors in the studio with Ed Sirish Chandran. In this podcast, they talk about the Tata Curvv - its inception, design attributes, and more. They also talk about the challenges faced while designing dual-platform vehicles, the role of management, and how the different design studios in the UK, Italy, and Pune operate. Martin also tells us that the Tata Sierra is the next big launch for Tata Motors in 2025 and the development of the Avinya is also in process. Watch the podcast now and get some insights into how the Tata Curvv came to life and the upcoming vehicles from Tata Motors

Narayan Subramaniam & Niraj Rajmohan, founder and co-founder of electric motorcycle manufacturer, Ultraviolette Automotive in studio with Ed Sirish Chandran, talk about Ultraviolette’s progress so far, what the company has been up to, international expansion plans, dealership growth and a lot more. There's an important update about the F99 Factory Racing Platform plans which you do not want to miss!

The monsoons are probably the best time to head out for a drive or ride, contrary to what you might believe. The landscape changes its color, making for breathtaking views. But before you head out, did you know, that as much as the monsoon calls for a fun time of driving or riding, it is equally dangerous because of the challenges like slippery roads, waterpools, fogging up of windscreen and lots more. To address that and to be better prepared to have the best time in the monsoons, we bring you this monsoon special podcast. We talk about all the safety gear, tips and tricks you need to be ready with so that you keep yourself safe and make the most out of your monsoon adventure.

Join us on the latest episode of the evo India podcast as we delve into the rapidly evolving landscape of hybrid vehicles in India. In this engaging discussion, we explore whether manufacturers are placing their bets on hybrids over electric vehicles (EVs) and what this shift means for the Indian automotive market. We talk about cars from manufacturers like Mercedes-Benz, Toyota, Maruti Suzuki, Mahindra and Tata. From the environmental benefits to the practicality and infrastructure considerations, we analyze why hybrids are gaining traction and whether they could be the future of sustainable mobility in India.

We all know about Royal Enfield and its iconic products. They call the Himalayas their spiritual home because, many years ago, Royal Enfield was the first to scale the highest passes in the regions of Ladakh and Himachal, even before roads were constructed. Today, Royal Enfield has grown far beyond just motorcycles and accessories. It has now ventured into making a much larger impact at its spiritual home through initiatives designed to help and support local communities and riders who intend to explore the Himalayas.We had a conversation with Bidisha Dey, the Executive Director of the Eicher Group Foundation, which oversees Royal Enfield's social missions. We discussed the various social responsibility roles they have taken up in the region, including road safety, empowering locals, and even supporting ice hockey.

For the second episode of the Boss Talks podcast, we've got Rakesh Sharma, Executive Director, Bajaj Auto Ltd in the studio with Ed Sirish Chandran and editor-at-large Adil Jal Darukhanawala. In this podcast, they'll talk about the first ever CNG-powered bike which is bi-fuel capable that Bajaj Auto will launch on 17 July 2024, development codename: Bruzer. No power figures or specs have been revealed yet but we know that this bike will cater to economy-conscious buyers while keeping the styling quotient desirable. They also talk about his daily schedule and role as executive director. And, lastly, they talk about Triumph's success in India and the future plans for this company along with KTM going forward.

In this podcast, Ed Sirish Chandran and Aatish are in the studio discussing everything from the automotive space globally to the Indian context. Starting with the new Porsche 911 hybrid which now gets a 3.6-litre, flat-six hybrid power plant. Prices for the Porsche 911 Carrera start at ₹1.98 crore and the Porsche 911 Carrera GTS start from ₹2.75 crore. From fast supercars, we move to hot hatchbacks in India which is about to get a new entrant in the form of the Tata Altroz Racer. First showcased at the 2023 Auto Expo and then at the Bharat Mobility Global Expo in 2024, the Altroz Racer is finally ready for the Indian market. Powering it will be a 1.2-litre, turbo-petrol mill, making 118bhp and 170Nm, which is 8bhp and 30Nm more than the regular Altroz hatchback. From the business side, Land Rover will manufacture their flagship SUVs, the full-size Range Rover and Range Rover Sport, locally in India starting this month. India becomes the first country outside of the UK, to build the Range Rover and the Range Rover Sport. This move means that the LWB Range Rover and the Range Rover Sport will now have a slightly reduced price if you wish to buy one. Bentley Motors, the British luxury car manufacturer, will operate under Skoda Volkswagen Group India from 2025 Lastly, from the motorsport world, the 2024 Indian MotoGP or the BharatGP has been canceled due to expected weather conditions. But it's not all sad news, the organisers are aiming for a March 2025 calendar slot and the option of pre-season testing is also being evaluated. Watch the full podcast now to get yourself up to speed with all the news.

In this podcast, we have an in-depth conversation with Anand Kulkarni, Chief Product Officer, Tata Passenger Electric Mobility, and Ed Sirish Chandran. We learn an interesting story about how Tata Motors started its EV journey. Anand also shares his thoughts on whether he feels EVs are the future, upcoming EVs, the challenges faced, and how Tata Motors overcomes them. There is also a segment on how you can make a career at Tata Motors. Listen to the te full podcast to find out.

Join Ed Sirish Chandran and Aatish Mishra in this insightful podcast episode as they delve into the highly anticipated launch of 2024, the Maruti Suzuki Swift. With updated styling, features, and a brand-new engine, the new Swift promises efficiency and performance. However, despite its claimed fuel efficiency of 24.8kmpl for the manual and 25.75kmpl for the automatic, it falls short on power compared to its predecessors. Surprisingly, the absence of a 1-liter boosterjet engine or a hybrid option raises questions, especially when competitors offer a turbo-mill-equipped sporty alternative. Nevertheless, the new Swift retains its reputation as a driver's car with good ride and handling. Watch the full podcast now to find out whether it retains the Swift DNA in 2024.

Just before the launch of the NS 400 which will be the biggest Pulsar ever, Adil Jal Darukhanawala, Editor-at-large and Sirish Chandran, Editor of evo India, delved into the significant landmarks of Bajaj Autos' evolving history. Bajaj Auto has come a long way from a rising sensation with the Chetak in the scooter market to uplifting the motorcycle segment with Pulsars. In this insightful podcast, they shed light on the inception of the Indian motorcycle space, along getting into the details on the government's role in shaping the market. They have also briefly discussed Bajaj Auto's strategic partnership with global brands like Kawasaki, KTM, Triumph and Renault. The discussion delves into the Pulsar rising craze, transforming the brand image and setting the standard for enthusiasts. Watch till the end for views on the EV push, the upcoming Pulsar launch and Bajaj Autos' first CNG bike. 

We're starting a new podcast series, called the Boss Talks where we feature CEOs, MDs, and all the movers and shakers of the Indian automotive industry. We'll talk to them about the ups and downs, challenges faced and future opportunities. We have Santosh Iyer, MD and CEO of Mercedes-Benz India with Ed Sirish Chandran for the first episode with us in the studio. They talk about his journey to becoming CEO and completing 15 years with Mercedes-Benz India, future plans of the brand, his daily job as a CEO and what the future holds for us. For the ones looking to make a career in the automotive space, we do have a segment on careers with Mercedes-Benz India as well. Don't forget to watch the full podcast because we have a special rapid-fire round with him where we get a little hint of his likes, dislikes and some never seen, never heard before things.

Today's podcast is a very special one on Tata Motors. Editor Sirish Chandran and Adil Jal Darukhanawala start with the brand's history in the mid-1900s. They also talk about how Tata Motors almost collaborated with Porsche to manufacture the Beetle in India. Then came Tata Motors' famous tie-up with Mercedes to manufacture trucks in India. This tie-up set up the base for Tata Motors' truck business in India, which then later allowed them to start manufacturing cars like the Tata Sierra and the Tata Estate. Then came the iconic Tata Sumo and the Tata Safari. Tata Motors then shifted focus to small cars, starting with the Indica, the platform of which is still in use by the Nexon. Adil gives us an insight into how the people within Tata Motors contributed to its image and success. All of which later helped Tata Motors acquire Jaguar-Land Rover from Ford. They also talk about the Punch, Harrier and the Safari, and how the entire Tata Motors' portfolio is five-start safety rated, making it one of the safest car brands in India. And then moving on to upcoming cars from Tata Motors like the Harrier.ev, Curvv, and the Sierra. It's a long podcast, but this one is really, really special.

In this podcast on evo India, Assistant Editor Aatish Mishra is in conversation with Editor-at-Large Adil Jal Darukhanawala about the Indian roads. The conversation starts with the newly constructed Atal Setu and moves on to the history of Indian roads, where Adil delves deep into the Indian road network, how roads were planned, and more. They also discuss on the current condition of our roads, how the urban network is planned, and how motorsports has impacted some roads in India. And they also talk about the toll collection on our roads, and traffic law enforcement.

Celebrating four decades of the iconic Maruti Suzuki 800, the beloved people's car of India, Editor Sirish Chandran and Editor-at-large Adil Jal Darukhanawala delve into the profound impact that Maruti Suzuki has had on the Indian automotive industry throughout these 40 years. In this engaging podcast, they share captivating insights into Adil's personal experiences with the 800, exploring the evolution of this legendary vehicle through various generations, such as the Zen, A-Star, and Alto. But it's not just about the cars – the conversation also provides a fascinating glimpse into the automotive landscape of India before the inception of Maruti Udyog Limited. Adil sheds light on the conditions, challenges, and dynamics of the Indian auto industry during that era, setting the stage for the transformative journey that was to follow. The discussion also delves into the origins of the SS80, unravelling the story behind its creation, and provides insights into why the Maruti Suzuki 800 earned its reputation as the people's car.

Following our previous podcast, Editor Sirish Chandran and Assistant Editor Aatish Mishra talk about the upcoming luxury cars and EVs in India. They start off with a barrage of Mercedes including the EQG, GLS and the E-Class. Followed by the Audi Q8, Q4, and the Q6 e-tron. Continuing with the German cars, they tell us about the Porsche Panamera, 911 992.2, and the Taycan and Macan electric. A new Range Rover Evoque is also coming in, which Aatish drove a while ago. The Skoda-Volkswagen group also has a bunch of electric cars lined up for India, including the long-awaited Enyaq iV and the ID4 GTX. Coming to Indian manufacturers, the Maruti Suzuki EVX is also expected in 2024, and so is the Mahindra XUV e8, which is an EV based on the XUV700. While Tata has just launched the Punch Electric, we should also see the Curvv EV and hopefully the Sierra EV. Sirish and Aatish give a complete download and share some inside secrets about the upcoming luxury cars and SUVs of 2024

2024 is going to be full of exciting new cars and SUVs. Few that we have known about for a long time, some that are new. Editor Sirish Chandran and Assistant Editor Aatish Mishra discuss about these upcoming cars and SUVs of 2024. Starting with the hotly anticipated Volkswagen Polo, followed by the new Virtus GT Manual. They also discuss the Tata Curvv, which will come in as an EV as well as ICE. Then there's the hottest SUV on the block -- the Mahindra Thar 5-door (could it be called the Mahindra Thar Armada?). On the top, the Force Gurkha 5-door is also around the block. The Maruti Suzuki Swift will also get a new avatar and an engine. The new Hyundai Creta is also on the way. The Skoda Kodiaq and Volkswagen Tiguan will be refreshed too with some new looks and features. The Nissan X-Trail will make its comeback in 2024. Kia will launch the new Carnival MPV, and finally, the Skoda Superb will get some updates. Sirish and Aatish give us an in-depth download on all these cars and SUVs launching in 2024.

The 2024 Dakar Rally is just around the corner, and Editor Sirish Chandran gets candid with Ashish Raorane, an Indian motorsport athlete who will be racing in the most gruelling rally in the world. They talk about how Ashish got into motorsports with the Indian National Rally Championship in 2015, and his growth as a motorcycle racer. Apart from training on the bike, he also explains the importance of diet, sleep, and other things that are necessary to keep oneself fit for rally racing. He also explains what it takes to race in Dakar; things like previous experiences, the costs involved, the skills, and a whole lot more. And to help him fuel his passion, Ashish also runs an off-road riding school, called Off Piste Racing, where he trains young and new riders and helps them build their careers in off-road racing.

We are at the end of 2023, and it has been a year filled with some amazing motorcycles and scooters. The big launches of the year included the Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650, the new Royal Enfield Himalayan (the Indian Motorcycle of the Year), Hero Karizma XMR, Hero Xtreme 160R 4V, Hero Xoom 110, the Harley-Davidson X 440 which was a result of Hero and Harley's collaboration; speaking of collabs, Triumph and Bajaj also joined forces to come up the Speed 400 and the Scrambler 400 X. And also from Chakan came the new KTM 390 Duke and the 250 Duke. On the electric front, we have the Orxa Mantis, TVS X, River Indie, Ather 450S, and the Kinetic Green Zulu. Karan Ramgopal and Mandar Sawant take a look at these launches and tell what they like, and don't like about them. They also share their two-wheeler highlights and give their top three picks from the list.

On this episode of the evo India podcast, join Sirish and Aatish as they dive deep into the world of automotive awards. They discuss the top eight contenders for the prestigious Indian Car of the Year (ICOTY), including the Toyota Innova Hycross, Hyundai Verna, Maruti Suzuki Fronx, MG Comet, Maruti Suzuki Jimny, Hyundai Exter, Honda Elevate and the Citroen C3 Aircross. They also discuss their standout cars of the year, explain why certain cars didn't make the cut and the ICOTY green awards. Sirish also provides valuable insights into the rigorous judging processes and measures in place, ensuring that the ICOTY selection is both fair and unbiased.

The Kia EV6 is the brand's first electric car and has the ICOTY Green Car of the Year Award! That does speak a lot about it. There are several factors that have helped the Kia EV6 bag this prestigious award. Starting with its styling, to its luxurious and spacious interiors that feel a class apart. The Kia EV6 is a born-electric car and doesn't share its platform with any ICE vehicle. It's a comfortable yet fun-to-drive family car that can sprint from 0 to 100kmph in just about 5s, thanks to its 226bhp, 350Nm dual motors. Kia has launched the top-most variant of the EV6 in India and pulled all the stops so that we Indians get the same experience with the EV6 as the rest of the world. Assistant Editor Aatish Mishra explains to Rohin Lalwani what makes the Kia EV6 worthy of this award.

It’s World Motorcycle Day and we’re celebrating it by of course going for a ride but also speaking to a hardcore motorcycle enthusiast, who lives and breathes motorcycles. Case in point is Deepak Gupta, who’s clocked over 16 lakh kilometres in his riding journey. Karan Ramgopal catches up with Deepak to talk about his riding journey — where and how it started, how it’s going, and what advice he has for aspiring motorcyclists.

In this podcast, our Ed, Sirish Chandran, gets into a conversation with Narayan Subramaniam, CEO of Ultraviolette Automotive. They talk about Narayan's journey until now. How he has been an avid motorcyclist for a long time, and having owned and ridden multiple motorcycles has immensely helped in developing the Ultraviolette F77. It has also been made possible due to investment from Vishesh Rajaram, TVS Motor, and Dulquer Salmaan. Narayan also shares some secrets about the future of Ultraviolette and debunks a very common myth about the brand! He shares his thoughts about the co-existence of EVs and ICE vehicles in India, and the transition. And there's a whole lot more that the duo talk about.

In this episode of the news of the week, we talk about the new Volkswagen ID2.all concept – and affordable EV based on the MEB platform. We discuss the significance of the compact electric car along with along with its implications for India. Could this be the new Polo replacement, if localised and made more affordable? We also talk about the global unveils in the new Kia EV9, the Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe and on two wheels, we discuss the launch of the Honda Shine 100 and Ola's recall.

In this podcast, we head out on a drive with Piyush Arora, the MD and CEO of Skoda Auto Volkswagen India and get chatting about a whole bunch of subjects. We start with his decision to switch over from Mercedes-Benz to SAVWIPL, and from there, we get in to the thick of things with the Group. We talk about the infrastructure in place today and how it came in to place, the platforms like the MQB-A0-IN that have caused a resurgence in sales and the future with electric cars from the volume brands like Skoda and Volkswagen. We also talk about safety – in the aftermath of the Kushaq and Taigun scoring a full five stars at the GNCAP tests. Being evo India, we had to touch upon motorsport and why VW gave up on their one-make championship in India, and we talk about the growth of the premium brands including Audi, Porsche and Lamborghini. Enjoy the podcast!

On this episode of the evo India podcast, Sirish and Aatish discuss what it is like to be an automotive journalist and what it is like to get here. They discuss their experiences starting out in the industry, how things have changed over the last twenty years, what qualifications you need and what skills and temperament will see you through to being successful. Catch all this and a lot more in the latest episode of the thrill of driving podcast!

Join the evo India team 👇 

Editorial internships:https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1j61UtCnPrkR8K7JhErxoI_KkVoXgNMuqv7SP4rw2OqA/viewform?edit_requested=true  

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In this week's news of the week show, we talk about the biggest launches of the last week which include the Red Dark editions of the Tata Nexon, Safari and Harrier including what you can expect on them and their prices. We also talk about the facelifted Hyundai Verna that we saw pictures of. It looks striking, but it has polarised opinions and we read out your comments on our social media about the Verna's styling. We also talk about Ola's new announcement about its integrated EV production facility in Tamil Nadu. This week we're mixing it up with both Sirish and Aatish hosting things. throwing plenty of perspective in there for good measure

On this edition of the podcast, our editor Sirish Chandran is in conversation with Adil Jal Darukhanawala summarising the 2023 Greenko Hyderabad E Prix. They discuss a range of topics including the popularity and significance of the sport, the unique rules and regulations that govern it, how it has evolved and also what panned out over the race weekend. Along with this, they also talk about the involvement of the Telangana government in hosting this event in Hyderabad, Mahindra Racing and the big question of whether Formula E is the future of motorsports.

The first new motorcycle we have ridden in 2023 is the Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650. It is a significant motorcycle — one that brings the big bike cruiser experience to the market. In this podcast, Aatish Mishra and Karan Ramgopal discuss exactly what makes the Super Meteor 650 such a great product — covering everything from how it rides, how it is priced and its rivals in the market. They also discuss the future of Royal Enfield and it’s plans for the Dakar!

Tata Motors was on a roll at the 2023 Auto Expo with no less than six new SUVs showcased! From the highly anticipated Sierra EV, which is now closer to production and amazed us with its styling, to the highly unexpected Harrier EV which will bring back with it AWD for Tata. The Curvv coupe-suv, which will see production a lot sooner than you'd think, will debut with an all-new turbo-petrol engine. And also a more enthu-cutlet focussed version of the Altroz, complete with a manual 'box! We talk about when these cars will be launched, what drivetrains they will get, how much of the concepts will be retained and expected price and positioning of these SUVs. Give it a watch and don’t forget to like, comment and subscribe to evo India!

BMW M turns 50! There have been some absolute icons over the last few years and plenty of them have made their way to India as well.  In this video, join Sirish Chandran as he looks back at his favourite M car memories in his 22 years of being an automotive journalist. Right from the E90 M3 with its V8 engine, the E60 M5 with its F1-derived V10, watching the rise of the Super SUVs, driving more contemporary M3s and M5s — Sirish is a treasure trove of experiences, and this is not an episode you want to miss!

 Royal Enfield is a company that has an immense cult following today, making great bikes, accessories and quality riding gear. Apart from this, the company also has a strong sense of community with various rides and festivals to get RE riders together from all over the country. However, this was not always the case. In this edition of the evo India podcast, Adil Jal Darukhanawala, Rishad Cooper and Sirish Chandran get together and talk about Royal Enfield's journey in India and how far they've come after almost being on the brink of getting shut down. 

In the aftermath of Cyrus Mistry’s tragic accident Adil Jal Darukhanawala and Sirish Chandran sit down to discuss the dismal state of affairs as regarding road safety in India. On the Thrill of Driving podcast the duo discuss the importance of seat belts even in the back seat, safety engineered into cars, and the importance of taking responsibility for their own safety. They also talk about holding the powers that be accountable for the dismal state of affairs on road quality and road design, while also pushing for better policing standards and stricter enforcement of rules. 

In this episode of the Thrill of Driving Podcast Sirish Chandran and Adil Jal Darukhanawala dive deep into the heart of the SUV phenomenon talking about the designs, the trends and which one plasters the biggest smile on your face when it comes to the Thrill of Driving

It’s been an eventful year for the evo India team and for the first Thrill of Driving Podcast of 2022 Sirish Chandran and Adil Jal Darukhanawala talk about the best hatchbacks, sedans and compact SUVs they drove in 2021 and debate on which one put the biggest smile on their face. In the upcoming episode of the podcast, Sirish and Adil will also be talking about the SUVs that delivered on the Thrill of Driving in 2021

Thrill of Driving podcast is back where Sirish Chandran and Adil Jal Darukhanawala talk about the 2021 Formula 1 season in general and the shocking finale that was the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. We discuss the rights and wrongs, who should be held accountable and more. While on the motorsport subject we also talk about Rossi impact on motorsport and his retirement plus how that will impact MotoGP in 2022. And of course we also talk about the new hybrid era in WRC and the fiasco that was round 1 of the Indian National Rally Championship.

Welcome to Episode 1 of Season 2 of the Thrill of Driving podcast! In this reboot, we’re doing things differently — giving news a pass and instead talking about things that the Indian car enthusiast wants to talk about! To get this series of the ground, we’re going to start by telling you everything you need to know about the Volkswagen Polo in India. In this free flowing conversation, Sirish Chandran and Aatish Mishra go back to even before the Polo was launched in India to when the media drives first happened abroad. They then trace the launch of the Polo in India, the various updates and engines it has had over the years, the launch of the GT variants, and everything else right up to the BS6 era when it got its latest update with the 1.0 TSI engine. They also talk about the possibility of the new MQB-based Polo coming to India! As an Indian automotive enthusiast, this is not an episode you want to miss!

What cars, concepts, electric vehicles and bikes you must see at #AutoExpo2020? In this special Thrill of Driving podcast editor Sirish Chandran and editor at large Adil Jal Darukhanawala list out their best of show. Some of the show stars are on expected lines - the Tata #Sierra concept, Kia #Sonet, Hyundai #Creta, MG #Gloster and more. But why does Adil rate the Mahindra Atom so highly? Watch this podcast to find out. Adil has been to every single Auto Expo in India and along with Sirish they provide an in-depth analysis of the state of the Indian automotive industry. We also analyse the new comer, Great Wall Motors and also express disappointment that India’s bike majors chose to stay away.  This podcast also has visuals of all the show stars so if you haven’t made it to Delhi NCR you will be able to see all the show stars in this podcast.

 This week's podcast is a little different. We've recorded it in the backseat of the Mercedes-Maybach S650. This is the most luxurious version of the S-Class you can get your hands on: it is more spacious, packs more luxury and gets a V12 engine. Safe to say we were very, very comfortable while recording this podcast. This week also saw the unveil of the Lotus Evija. It's a fully electric hypercar from Lotus, however it is a departure from the company's legacy of making lightweight, quick and affordable cars.  We're finally allowed to tell you what we think of the new Kia Seltos! We've driven it in Korea, and finally in India too. It seems to be a promising package but it will need to be prices right for it to work. We also talk about what's coming next for us: the launch of the BMW X7, 7 Series and the Porsche Macan!