evo India Podcast

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!

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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.