Deep Drive | Autocar India

EICMA 2026 saw a big showing from Indian manufacturers, with exciting new motorcycles, global ambitions and plenty of action in the middleweight segment. On this week's episode of Deep Drive, powered by Kotak Mahindra Prime, Rishaad Mody and Ketan Thakkar discuss the biggest highlights from the show. They also discuss the growing Chinese competition, the impact of 40% GST on premium motorcycles and what lies ahead for India's two-wheeler industry.

Views expressed in this podcast belong solely to the speakers.

The new Renault Duster Hybrid has arrived with aggressive pricing, an impressive hybrid powertrain and plenty riding on its shoulders. But can it revive the Duster nameplate and put Renault back in the game in India?

On this episode of Deep Drive, Hormazd Sorabjee and Sergius Barretto discuss the Duster Hybrid's strengths and shortcomings, its pricing, driving experience and how it stacks up against rivals like the Maruti Grand Vitara and Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder. They also look at Renault's future product plans, upcoming engine options, the possibility of a CNG version, and what lies ahead for Nissan in India.

Views expressed in this podcast belong solely to the speakers.

On October 1, 2025, Tata Motors demerged into two entities: Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles Ltd and TML Commercial Vehicles Ltd (TMLCV). In this episode of the Autocar Deep Drive Podcast powered by Kotak Prime, Hormazd Sorabjee - Editor, Autocar India - and Ketan Thakkar - Editor, Autocar Professional - discuss the passenger vehicle business, what's gone right and what hasn't since the demerger.  

Stellantis has announced a fresh Rs 4,000 crore investment in India which includes 12 launches from Jeep and Citroen by 2030. On this episode of the Autocar Deep Driive Podcast powered by Kotak Prime, Hormazd Sorabjee - Editor, Autocar India - and Ketan Thakkar - Editor, Autocar Professional - discuss the models that could come our way, and Stellantis' plans to turn things around for Jeep and Citroen in India.   

There’s a slew of hybrid cars and SUVs beings readied for launch in India. While battery electrics remain the end goal, why are carmakers rethinking their powertrain strategies to include hybrids and which are the models in the pipeline? Hormazd Sorabjee - Editor, Autocar India - and Sergius Barretto - Managing Editor, Autocar India - discuss  on this episode of the Autocar Deep Drive Podcast powered by Kotak Prime. 

India-made car exports are on course to surpass the one-million mark this year. On this episode of the Autocar Deep Drive Podcast powered by Kotak Mahindra Prime, Sergius Barretto - Managing Editor, Autocar India - and Ketan Thakkar discuss what's driving automotive exports from India and why they're a matter of survival for many manufacturers. 

Car buyers will be left spoilt for choice this festive season with a slew of important new models all set for launch. On this episode of the Autocar Deep Drive Podcast powered by Kotak Mahindra Prime, Hormazd Sorabjee - Editor, Autocar India - and Sergius Barretto - Managing Editor, Autocar India - discuss what's coming and why you should be interested. 

Maruti Suzuki, Tata Motors, Mahindra, Hyundai, Kia and Toyota combined have well over 90 percent share of India's car market, leaving the remaining players with a minuscule share to fight for. On this episode of the Autocar Deep Drive Podcast powered by Kotak Mahindra Prime,  Hormazd Sorabjee - Editor, Autocar India - and Ketan Thakkar - Editor, Autocar Professional - discuss how the top 6 players have big plans to go from strength to strength and the tough fight ahead for the other carmakers.  

Views expressed in this podcast belong solely to the speakers.

A whole host of Chinese cars are headed to India and all of them will be premium products. Hormazd Sorabjee - Editor, Autocar India - and Sergius Barretto - Managing Editor, Autocar India - discuss China's upmarket push on this episode of the Autocar Deep Drive Podcast powered by Kotak Mahindra Prime.  

Views expressed in this podcast belong solely to the speakers.

Ather is entering a new phase of growth, with its new scooter, the Konarc, new EL platform, a new manufacturing plant and a growing product portfolio aimed at taking the brand into the mainstream. Rishaad Mody - Bikes Editor, Autocar India - and Ketan Thakkar - Editor, Autocar Professional - discuss Ather’s strategy, the significance of its new platform and plant, and what this means for its ambitions in India on this edition of the Autocar Deep Drive Podcast powered by Kotak Mahindra Prime.

Views expressed in this podcast belong solely to the speakers.