In the latest episode of the evo India Podcast, Executive Editor Aatish Mishra is in the studio with Assistant Editor (Bikes) Karan Ramgopal. Aatish as you all know is a jury member for the Indian Car of the Year (ICOTY) and Karan is the newest journalist to join the jury of Indian Motorcycle of the Year (IMOTY).

In this episode, they deep dive into the ICOTY and IMOTY judging process, explaining how points are awarded, what parameters matter the most, and how cars and motorcycles are evaluated before a winner is decided.

At this year’s awards ceremony, the Maruti Suzuki Victoris was crowned Indian Car of the Year 2026, while the TVS Apache RTX 300 won Indian Motorcycle of the Year. The Mahindra XEV 9e took home the Green Car of the Year, and the Volkswagen Golf GTI was named Premium Car of the Year.

Watch this episode of the evo India Podcast to understand how cars and bikes are scored, ranked, and ultimately crowned winners at India’s most respected automotive awards.

The best cars of 2025 is the subject of this week's evo India podcast with editor Sirish Chandran and executive editor Aatish Mishra. The duo, who also serve on the jury for the Indian Car of the Year drill down into the shortlist for the prestigious 2026 ICOTY including Premium Car of the Year and Green Car of the Year.

ICOTY 2026 shortlist: Hyundai Creta Electric, Hyundai Venue, Škoda Kylaq, Kia Carens Clavis EV, Kia Syros, Mahindra XEV 9e, and Maruti Suzuki Victoris.

They also clarify why the Tata Sierra, Mahindra XEV 9S, even the VinFast models aren’t in the shortlist.

Watch this podcast now for a complete roundup of all the cars that shaped India’s automotive scene in 2025.

In this episode of the evo India Podcast, Editor Sirish Chandran sits down with Hikaru Ikeuchi, President of Lexus India, for an in-depth conversation about the brand’s journey, strategy and future in the Indian luxury car market. Ikeuchi-san shares his experience from joining Toyota Motor Corporation to leading Lexus India, his passion for the Lexus RX, and what it means to build the Lexus brand in a fast-growing and highly competitive market like India.

The discussion dives into the growth of Lexus in India, the current lineup including the Lexus RX, ES, NX and LX, the roadmap for future Lexus launches, and the possibility of local assembly to make the brand more accessible. They also touch upon the importance of the India–Japan FTA, the challenges of running a luxury brand, customer expectations, dealer expansion, and Lexus’ focus on hybrid technology, Takumi craftsmanship and Omotenashi hospitality.

If you want to understand where Lexus is headed in India — from market strategy to upcoming products — this podcast is your complete update. Hear the full episode to stay updated on everything Lexus India.

There are a number of cool cars sold worldwide that aren’t sold in India. In this episode of the evo India podcast, Sirish and Aatish comb through international markets like North America, Europe, Japan and the Middle East to figure out which cars from those markets would make a great fit for India. From the likes of Hyundai’s full blown N models to the Civic Type R, from the extended Land Cruiser range to the Nissan Patrol, from kei cars in Japan to Renault’s incredibly cool European EVs, this podcast covers it all. We’ve looked at cars that would have mass appeal, but also luxury cars and cars that would appeal to the enthusiast.

In this video, Sirish and Aatish deep drive in to Honda Cars India’s big plans for resurgence. At the centre if it is the new Zero Alpha SUV, an electric SUV based off the Elevate. Honda is planning a compact SUV, has big hybrid plans, is considering the Super One and is even evaluating a halo car like the Prelude for India. With 10 new cars planned, of which 7 are new SUVs, Honda is set for a full blown resurgence in the Indian market.

In this Tokyo Motor Show 2025 Special Episode of the evo India Podcast, Executive Editor Aatish Mishra and Assistant Editor (Bikes) Karan Ramgopal break down everything unveiled at this year’s show in Japan. From Honda’s big India plans, including the Honda 0 Alpha Electric SUV Concept, 10 new car launches by 2030 out of which 7 are SUVs, and the Super One EV, based on kei car, to Toyota’s new Land Cruiser FJ (based on the same platform as the Fortuner, Hilux and Innova Crysta), Century Coupe Concept (a rival to the likes of Rolls-Royce and Bentley), and the Corolla Concept, the duo discusses it all.

They also deep-dive into Lexus’ futuristic LS Concepts, including a six-wheel MPV, and Suzuki’s Vision e-Sky, a small EV with cues of the Wagon R and S-Presso, along with flex-fuel and methane gas-powered variants of the Fronx and Victoris.

In the two-wheeler space, Suzuki showcased a hydrogen-powered Burgman scooter, Honda unveiled the Outlier EV Concept, and Yamaha unveiled its Proto BEV, PHEV, and SPHEV electric concepts.

Tune in to this episode of the evo India Podcast for all the highlights, insights, and key takeaways from the Tokyo Motor Show 2025, including how Japanese automakers are focused on EVs, SUVs, and two-wheelers for India and the global market.

In the latest episode of the evo India Podcast, Editor Sirish Chandran is joined in the studio by Gurpratap Boparai, CEO of Manufacturing at Suzlon Energy, to discuss why some cars and carmakers fail in India, what it truly takes to manufacture cars successfully in the Indian market, and also how not to manufacture them.

With decades of experience across both local and global automotive industries, from his early days at Tata Motors to his work with Fiat in Italy and the Tata-Fiat joint venture, which produced cars like the Fiat Linea, Punto, and Abarth Punto, he has deep expertise. He also contributed to India 2.0 at Skoda Auto Volkswagen India Pvt. Ltd., helping bring cars like the Skoda Kushaq, Skoda Slavia, Volkswagen Taigun, and Volkswagen Virtus to the Indian market.

In this podcast, he shares valuable insights on operational costs, manufacturing timelines, planning challenges, and explains why many car brands and manufacturers have failed in India. He also outlines strategies needed to succeed in one of the world’s most challenging automotive markets.

Hear the full evo India Podcast for an honest conversation about the Indian automotive industry, its failures, and the lessons that will shape future car manufacturing.

In this episode of the evo India Podcast, Editor Sirish Chandran and Executive Editor Aatish Mishra talk about the features in modern cars that really bug them. From sunroofs without covers and blinding white LEDs to odd steering wheel shapes and under-tyred cars, they break down all the little things in today’s cars that enthusiasts love to hate.

It’s not a rant, but a fun and engaging conversation on the quirks and annoyances of modern-day cars.

In this special episode of the evo India Podcast, Editor Sirish Chandran sits down with Skoda India Brand Director Ashish Gupta, who confirms the launch of the Skoda Octavia RS in India next month. Yes, you heard that right — the iconic performance sedan is making a comeback, with pre-bookings opening on October 6.

Ashish Gupta also sheds light on the impact of the new GST 2.0 reforms, which are making Skoda cars more affordable in India. Additionally, he reveals that the Skoda Kodiaq RS SUV is being evaluated for a future launch in India.

Tune in to the evo India Podcast for exclusive insights straight from the Skoda Auto India boss, from the Octavia RS comeback to GST benefits and future EVs and RS cars.

In the latest episode of the evo India Podcast, Editor Sirish Chandran sits down with veteran automotive journalist Bob Rupani for an in-depth discussion on the highs and lows of the Indian automotive industry. The conversation begins with the ban on old cars in Delhi and India’s scrappage policy, raising concerns about losing iconic cars such as the Maruti 800, Premier Padmini, Hindustan Ambassador, and classic Tata Motors models, vehicles that deserve to be preserved in museums to keep Indian automotive heritage alive for future generations.

They also highlight the inconsistency of automotive policies in India, the challenges faced by car manufacturers, and the uncertainty created for consumers. Another key topic is the proposed diesel ban in India, which could impact not just the auto industry but also multiple sectors that rely heavily on diesel fuel.

The podcast further explores issues with traffic laws in India, road safety, and the urgent need for stricter and more consistent enforcement to reduce accidents, fatalities, and injuries. Listen now to hear Bob Rupani and Sirish Chandran discuss India’s old car ban, scrappage policy, automotive heritage, diesel ban, policy challenges, and road safety.