Soul curry

Introduction The rebirth of an icon - now in a Fiat showroom near you! Introduction Have you ever watched The Italian Job? Not the recent flick with Mark Wahlberg and Charlize Theron, but the original British one with Michael Caine’s patois urging everyone to hurry in mighty colourful language. The...

Feb 28, 2025

Change of heart

Introduction Once upon a time, diesels were sluggish, noisy and needed deep pockets to maintain. The Ikon did have a 1.8-litre naturally aspirated diesel under its hood at one point (a carry over from the Escort), but it wasn’t something that appealed to the consumer. Now Ford have given the...

Feb 28, 2025

Starry, starry flight

Introduction Oh Lord, won't you buy me a Mercedes Benz? Introduction Janis Joplin sang about a Mercedes-Benz two days before she died. It wasn’t her last wish, but she did pass over the Porsches for the Merc. For many in India, the three-pointed star is as alluring as the real...

Feb 28, 2025

Maruti Suzuki A-star vs Alto vs Swift vs Wagon R

Overview The family line up: The A-star is the newest followed by the Swift, Alto and Wagon R So, you have decided to buy a Maruti Suzuki small car. But, which one is best suited as an everyday runabout in the sea of models available? The car, for starters, has...

Feb 28, 2025

Fiat Linea vs Skoda Fabia vs Toyota Innova

OverviewThe big and small of Things Rs 10 lakh gives you a lot of choice. Here's an odd selection of vehicles that fit this budget. But, which offers the most bang for the buck? Does an expensive small car really makes sense? Or is buying a behemoth the more sensible...

Feb 28, 2025

Small Wonder

Page 1 Nano has cute looks and contemporary styling. Good paint quality and exterior finish. With the unveiling of the much awaited small car from Tata earlier this evening, the Nano has had more hype and attention from the world media than any other Indian carmaker in the past. When...

Feb 28, 2025

Hyundai Sonata Transform vs Skoda Laura vs VW Jetta

Overview Czeching out the Transform. Hyundai has named the latest incarnation of the Sonata, Transform. But it doesn't look like it's transformed much. AUTO BILD INDIA pits it against the competition. The Hyundai Sonata you see on these pages is a refurbished one. And if we hadn’t mentioned it, chances...

Feb 28, 2025

Gentleman thug

Introduction Buy this car if you've already acquired an oil well and a trailer truck. We're saving up for that oil well. Introduction Have you ever had your beliefs proven wrong? Not petty beliefs like the one that tells you the grass is always greener on the neighbour’s lawn, but...

Feb 28, 2025

Skoda Superb vs Volkswagen Passat

Overview Czech finesse vs German excellence Does the more modern Skoda Superb match up to the technical prowess of its more illustrious German sibling? The Superb has very little competition in its price range which we witnessed with the Superb petrol, as it was easily able to outdo the Honda...

Feb 28, 2025

Wolf in wolf’s clothing

Introduction If it's attention you want, the A4 it is. The children in my neighborhood didn’t like me until a short while ago. You see, we fight for space, just like any species in an ecosystem. I am the ‘uncle’ who brings a lot of different cars home and needs...

Feb 28, 2025

Maruti's grown-up hatchback

Maruti's grown-up hatchback The Ritz's design ensures you get more than a glance on the road. Maruti knows how to make and market a small car. They’ve got something for everyone’s tastes. Want the world’s cheapest car, bar the Nano? They’ve got it. Want one of the most fuel-efficient diesels...

Feb 28, 2025

Dial M for mud-plugging

Introduction The M-Class caters to the customer looking for a SUV with a three-pointed star. “Go to the address mentioned on the slip, we have an account there,” said Mr. Thomas of Mercedes-Benz while handing over the M-Class. “We always fill up our cars and hand them over to the...

Feb 28, 2025

Super(b)lative

Introduction Superlatives are something we reserve for things that exceed our expectations. Things that pleasantly shock us, and make us go “I want one of those”. We certainly thought that when we saw the first images of the new Superb, and that feeling was reinforced when we stepped inside it....

Feb 28, 2025

Honda Civic vs Skoda Laura vs Toyota Corolla Altis vs VW Jetta

Overview The fourth front You have bought a house and stacked it with entertainment and comfort gear your wife would allow. It’s now time to take the first step towards automotive luxury. And with the new Skoda Laura in petrol guise, you have four choices. When you were younger, single...

Feb 28, 2025

Playing a different tune

First impression Honda Siel Cars India has built up a reputation for building cars that people want. They began with the City, and moved on to the Accord and then the Civic. They’ve set their sights on bigger numbers now, which means they’ve got only one way to go: smaller...

Feb 28, 2025