On-road runner

Introduction The Aria has been around since October 2010 but so far it’s been available only as a 4x4. Admittedly, one did have the option to switch to 2WD on the fly but then you end up paying for 4WD in any case. Now however, to increase the sales numbers,...

Apr 19, 2025

Audi A8 VS BMW 7-Series VS Mercedes-Benz S-Class

OverviewThe epitome of diesel Luxury. The new A8 L sets new benchmark in the uber-luxury segment. And now with a diesel engine, the appeal of the car has gone up further. But is it better than the competition.What we have here is the very epitome of European luxury. The flagship...

Apr 19, 2025

Black Beauty

Introduction Most of us of begin relating Aston Martin to James Bond movies. To make matters worse, our press demonstrator’s number plate read 007. The Vantage has no strings connected with Bond and any of his fantasies, all it be pictured as is to be wrapped in British racing green...

Apr 19, 2025

Honda City Vs Hyundai Verna Vs Volkswagen Vento

Overview If the Honda City was the champion of the mid-size sedans in the country, Volkswagen’s Vento came along and quietly edged it out. Now there’s a new threat – Hyundai’s new Verna. AUTO BILD INDIA finds out if the Korean will become the new champ… Recently I got a...

Apr 19, 2025

Swift Shift

Introduction The Maruti Suzuki Swift revolutionised the Indian car market. It was a watershed for the industry and from the Swift on car manufacturers started believing that they could launch contemporary cars that commanded a premium, that style was appreciated to such an extent that people were willing to pay...

Apr 19, 2025

Hasta la Vista!

Introduction Tata Motors has been expanding its current offerings and at the same time even giving facelift to its existing models. The Pimpri-based automaker launched the Aria 4x2 this month to fill in the price gap between the already existing Safari and the 4x4 version of the Aria. Now, they...

Apr 19, 2025

Big change

Introduction Besides being a little long in the tooth in terms of looks, there wasn't much that was wrong with the previous generation Jetta. It was built solidly, had one of the better ride and handling packages in its segment and scored decently high on comfort. It had a big...

Apr 19, 2025

For Mr Bond and family

Introduction If Bond had a family then this would have been the car that he would have used to drop the kids off to school before racing off to fight the forces of evil. We get behind the wheel of the Aston Marting Rapide It's a difficult scene to watch...

Apr 19, 2025

Born to be wild

Introduction The SUV, which won The Golden Steering Wheel for the best SUV has joined our long term fleet. And as is becoming the norm rather than the exception, the day it came we headed for a long trip. You see when our colleague Ashish Chavan was tying the knot,...

Apr 19, 2025

Refreshed

Introduction It has been a while since the Mercedes-Benz C-class has been in the market. With time however the competition has got hotter and the C was just waiting to get spruced up. While in overseas markets, the upgraded C-class has been available for a couple of months, Mercedes is...

Apr 19, 2025

Bling Bling

Introduction The day before I was set to drive the new RS version of the Laura here in India, I learned about Skoda’s recent milestone; the company had just crossed the 200mph (over 320kmph) barrier at the Bonneville Salt Flats with its special prepped-up Octavia RS (the Octavia is of...

Apr 19, 2025

Brio-logy

Introduction Honda had unveiled the concept version of the Brio at the 2010 Indian Auto Expo. After about a year and a half, the company is now ready to launch the Brio in India. The Brio is Honda’s second hatchback offering and will be placed a segment below the Jazz,...

Apr 19, 2025

Ford Figo VS Hyundai i10 VS Skoda Fabia VS Toyota Liva

Overview Youthful affluence. Toyota is positioning its latest, the Liva, as a car for the well-to-do youth. The question is, with other options available,where it really stands. We find out with the help of three potent competitors. What we have here are models that the young middle class buyers would...

Apr 19, 2025

Now on a diesel diet

Introduction The Etios is Toyota’s first offering in the entry level sedan category in India and has so far been successful in its initial few months. It is a practical car with acres of space, good fuel efficiency and of course the Toyota badge, which is quite aspirational in our...

Apr 19, 2025

For the real world

Introduction It’s not that the premium SUV segment - one that comprises of SUVs costing between Rs 15 to 25 lakh - is devoid of choices. You have both petrol and diesel options; the choice of manual and automatic transmissions; and then, the option to seat five or seven. But,...

Apr 19, 2025