Explore every episode of the podcast Deep Drive | Autocar India

The Tata Punch has driven past the Maruti Suzuki Wagon R to become India's best selling car in the first half of 2024. Hormazd Sorabjee - Editor, Autocar India - and Sergius Barretto - Managing Editor, Autocar India - discuss the mini SUVs rise up the sales charts in this episode of Autocar Deep Drive powered by Kotak Mahindra Prime. 

Mahindra & Mahindra is riding a wave of success but the manufacturer has seen its share of ups and downs over its eight decade journey. In this episode of the Autocar Deep Drive Podcast powered by Kotak Mahindra Prime, Hormazd Sorabjee - Editor - Autocar India - and Ketan Thakkar - Editor, Autocar Professional - look back at the pivotal moment that changed Mahindra's trajectory forever: the launch of the Mahindra Scorpio. 

Good fuel economy was, is, and will remain something dear to car owners. But what's pushing carmakers to eke out the best efficiency possible? Hormazd Sorabjee - Editor, Autocar India - and Sergius Barretto - Managing Editor, Autocar India - discuss the latest regulations and their impact in this episode of Autocar Deep Drive brought to you by Kotak Mahindra Prime. 

Stellantis brands Citroen and Jeep are selling all of a few hundred units a month in India. Where did they go wrong and how are they planning to make amends is the topic of discussion for this episode of Autocar Deep Drive brought to you by Kotak Mahindra Prime. Hormazd Sorabjee - Editor, Autocar India - and Ketan Thakkar - Editor, Autocar Professional - share some intel.

In this episode of Autocar Deep Drive brought to you by Kotak Mahindra Prime, Hormazd Sorabjee - Editor, Autocar India - and Sergius Barretto - Managing Editor, Autocar India - discuss Maruti's history of diesels and why the carmaker abruptly exited diesel engines in 2020.

Battery electric vehicles might be dominating the news but it's the internal combustion engine that will still be powering the majority of new vehicles for the coming decade and perhaps even beyond. Hormazd Sorabjee - Editor, Autocar India - and Sergius Barretto - Managing Editor, Autocar India - discuss carmakers and the paths they've taken to keep the internal combustion engine firing on all cylinders. Welcome to Episode 10 of the Autocar Deep Drive Podcast powered by Kotak Mahindra Prime.

The future might be electric but should you make the switch to an EV today? Hormazd Sorabjee - Editor, Autocar India - and Sergius Barretto - Managing Editor, Autocar India - discuss the joys (and pains) of EV ownership, and all the options available in the latest Autocar Deep Drive Podcast powered by Kotak Mahindra Prime.  

The Maruti Suzuki Jimny was amongst the most talked about launches of 2023 but within a year of launch sales have dropped to low triple digit figures. Hormazd Sorabjee - Editor, Autocar India - and Sergius Barretto - Managing Editor, Autocar India - discuss what went wrong in the latest Autocar Deep Drive Podcast powered by Kotak Mahindra Prime. 

Passenger vehicle sales have grown to a record 4.2 million units in FY24. Hormazd Sorabjee - Editor, Autocar India - and Ravi Bhatia - President and Director, JATO Dynamics India - break down the numbers, discuss the winners and losers, and talk of emerging trends in the Indian car market in the latest Autocar Deep Drive Podcast powered by Kotak Mahindra Prime.

Autocar India’s Shapur Kotwal is back from a visit to Auto China 2024 in Beijing. He talks of the cars and carmakers of interest to us in India in conversation with Sergius Barretto in the latest Autocar Deep Drive Podcast powered by Kotak Mahindra Prime.

MG Motor's parent company SAIC and India's JSW Group have entered into a strategic joint venture to form JSW MG Motor India Pvt. Ltd. What does the move entail and what products can we expect from a revitalized MG Motor? Hormazd Sorabjee and Sergius Barretto discuss in the latest Autocar Deep Drive Podcast.

On this episode of Autocar Deep Drive, Hormazd Sorabjee and Sergius Barretto discuss what's fuelling the buzz about Ford's return to India, why Ford stopped sales in the first place and what to expect in the future. 

As India celebrates its 78th Independence Day, it's a good time to look back at our motoring history. In 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 - drive back in time and discuss the cars, people and regulations that shaped the automotive landscape. 

The new Urban Cruiser Taisor is Toyota's version of the Maruti Suzuki Fronx. The Invicto is Maruti's version of the Toyota Innova Hycross. The Terrano was Nissan's version of the Renault Duster. The list of badge engineered products is long. But why do carmakers share models? That's the top of discussion on this week's Deep Drive podcast. Hormazd Sorabjee and Sergius Barretto weigh in.

Alliance partners Renault and Nissan have had a quiet few years in India but a fresh USD 600 million investment which includes the launch of 6 new models could just put the carmakers back on the map. Autocar India Editor Hormazd Sorabjee and Autocar Professional Editor Ketan Thakkar analyse Renault and Nissan’s India innings so far and decode what the future holds for them in India.

At a time when rivals are betting entirely on EVs, Maruti Suzuki has chalked out plans to go big with hybrids. Hormazd Sorabjee and Sergius Barretto discuss the rationale and the story behind the news.

The Tata Altroz Racer and Hyundai i20 N Line are the sportiest hatchbacks you can buy for sensible money in India. But are they really hot hatches? Hormazd Sorabjee - Editor, Autocar India - and Sergius Barretto - Managing Editor, Autocar India - discuss the hot hatch past, present and future in this episode of the Autocar Deep Drive Podcast powered by Kotak Mahindra Prime. 

India witnessed record car sales in FY24 but while sales are touching new highs, the number of carmakers and models is declining.  Hormazd Sorabjee - Editor, Autocar India - and Sergius Barretto - Managing Editor, Autocar India - discuss the reasons in this episode of the Autocar Deep Drive Podcast powered by Kotak Mahindra Prime.  

Honda might be one of the most loved carmakers in India but sales are down and it seems to have lost its Midas touch. Hormazd Sorabjee - Editor, Autocar India - and Ketan Thakkar - Editor, Autocar Professional - discuss Honda's heyday, the present line-up and what's to come in this episode of the Autocar Deep Drive Podcast powered by Kotak Mahindra Prime. 

Skoda and Volkswagen have had a long innings in India and started a new chapter with the India 2.0 Project of made in India models. But after a spurt of activity and increased sales, both brands are witnessing a decline. Hormazd Sorabjee - Editor, Autocar India - and Ketan Thakkar - Editor, Autocar Professional - discuss the carmakers past and talk of their future plans in this episode of the Autocar Deep Drive Podcast powered by Kotak Mahindra Prime.  

 

There are a slew of new launches from Royal Enfield in the coming years but it's an entry 250cc motorcycle that promises to take the bike maker to the next level. Ketan Thakkar - Editor, Autocar Professional - and Rishaad Mody - Editor: Bikes, Autocar India -  discuss why Royal Enfield's small bike is a big deal in this episode of Autocar Deep Drive brought to you by Kotak Mahindra Prime.

Hyundai is gearing up for its next phase of growth in India. In this episode of Autocar Deep Drive brought to you by Kotak Mahindra Prime  Hormazd Sorabjee - Editor, Autocar India - and Ketan Thakkar - Editor, Autocar Professional - have the juicy details on the secret products that will take the carmaker to its target of 1 million units in India in 2027-28. 

You ask, we answer! In this episode of Autocar Deep Drive brought to you by Kotak Mahindra Prime  Hormazd Sorabjee - Editor, Autocar India - and Sergius Barretto - Managing Editor, Autocar India - scan through the comments and answer some of your automotive questions.

 Maruti Suzuki recently inaugurated its 500th Nexa dealership. Why did Maruti branch out with the premium retail channel and how it’s an integral part of Maruti’s future plans is the topic of discussion in this episode of the Autocar Deep Drive Podcast powered by Kotak Mahindra Prime. Sergius Barretto - Managing Editor, Autocar India - and Ketan Thakkar - Editor, Autocar Professional - share their insights. 

This episode of the Autocar Deep Drive Podcast powered by Kotak Mahindra Prime is all about automatic transmissions. Hormazd Sorabjee - Editor, Autocar India - and Sergius Barretto - Managing Editor,  Autocar India - discuss the different automatic option types, how they work and their pros and cons.

Starring in this episode of the Autocar Deep Drive Podcast powered by Kotak Mahindra Prime is actor and petrolhead John Abraham. In a freewheeling chat with Hormazd Sorabjee - Editor, Autocar India -, John talks of his love affair with cars and bikes, and what goes on behind the scenes to put together some of the most riveting stunts.

From basic audio players a fee decades ago to TV-sized touchscreens today, in-car technology has sure come a long way. But have we gone overboard with onboard gadgets? Sergius Barretto - Managing Editor, Autocar India - and Nishant Padhiar - Editor, Stuff India and Editor, What HiFi? India - discuss in the latest Autocar Deep Drive Podcast powered by Kotak Mahindra Prime.

With cumulative sales of over 4.7 million sales, the Maruti Suzuki Alto is India's all-time best selling car. However, the sales champ has been on a steady decline and now ranks 16th in monthly sales. In this episode of the Autocar Deep Drive Podcast powered by Kotak Mahindra Prime, Hormazd Sorabjee - Editor, Autocar India - and Ravi Bhatia - President and Director, JATO Dynamics India - discuss the Alto's drop in popularity and what it means for the hatchback segment. 

The Mahindra Thar Roxx has got a rockstar reception with a staggering 1.76 lakh bookings within 60 minutes of orders opening. Why is there such a craze for the new Mahindra? Hormazd Sorabjee - Editor, Autocar India - and Sergius Barretto - Managing Editor, Autocar India - try to decode in this episode of the Autocar Deep Drive Podcast powered by Kotak Mahindra Prime. 

Autocar India has completed 25 years! In this very special episode of the Autocar Deep Drive Podcast powered by Kotak Mahindra Prime, Hormazd Sorabjee - Editor, Autocar India - and Shapur Kotwal - Deputy Editor, Autocar India - look back at the quarter century journey. 

Toyotas have a reputation to go on and on. What makes this bulletproof reliability possible and what makes the Japanese carmaker tick in India is the subject of this episode of the Autocar Deep Drive Podcast powered by Kotak Mahindra Prime. Hormazd Sorabjee - Editor, Autocar India - and Ketan Thakkar - Editor, Autocar Professional - share their insights.

In 2012, diesels made up over 50 percent of car and SUV sales in India. That figure is down to just 18 percent today. What caused diesel's downfall, is there truth to its 'dirty fuel' image and, as a buyer, should you still consider a diesel-powered car? Hormazd Sorabjee - Editor, Autocar India - and Ketan Thakkar - Editor, Autocar Professional - share their insights on this episode of the Autocar Deep Drive Podcast powered by Kotak Mahindra Prime. 

The Kylaq is Skoda’s smallest SUV yet and is coming soon to take on an established field of compact SUVs. Hormazd Sorabjee - Editor, Autocar India - and Sergius Barretto - Managing Editor, Autocar India - discuss where the Kylaq fits into Skoda’s big picture and why  it’s a model of interest on this episode of the Autocar Deep Drive Podcast powered by Kotak Mahindra Prime.

The Hyundai Creta has been a roaring success since its launch in 2015. The model crossed the 1 million units sales milestone earlier this year and 2024 is also set to be its best year of sales. What makes the Creta tick and why is it the default choice of midsize SUV? Hormazd Sorabjee - Editor, Autocar India - and Ketan Thakkar - Editor, Autocar Professional - discuss in this episode of the Autocar Deep Drive Podcast powered by Kotak Mahindra Prime. 

Jaguar is reinventing itself as a maker of high-end EVs. But while the first model from the 'new' Jaguar only comes in 2025, it's the carmaker's rebranding exercise that has made headlines and lit up social media. Hormazd Sorabjee - Editor, Autocar India - and Sergius Barretto - Managing Editor, Autocar India - discuss the need for the rebrand, the response to the new logo as well as the products that will essentially make or break the brand.

While electric vehicle sales remain on the uptrend, 2024 witnessed both a slowdown in interest as well as a bounce back in the last few months. Hormazd Sorabjee - Editor, Autocar India - and Sergius Barretto - Managing Editor, Autocar India - discuss what's up and talk of the hot new electric models that could make 2025 the year of the EV.

There's been a surge of interest for vintage and classic cars over the past few years. Hormazd Sorabjee - Editor, Autocar India - and Perseus Bandrawalla - Curator - Mercedes-Benz Classic Car Rally and Modern Classic Rally - discuss what's driving this newfound enthusiasm in India and the world over.

The Maruti Suzuki Dzire is India's bestselling sedan. What makes it tick and can the recently launched fourth-gen model grow sedan sales in SUV-crazy India? Hormazd Sorabjee - Edittor, Autocar India - and Sergius Barretto - Managing Editor, Autocar India - discuss in this episode of the Autocar Deep Drive Podcast powered by Kotak Mahindra Prime.

Rishaad Mody - Editor - Bikes - Autocar India and Ketan Thakkar - Editor, Autocar Professional - are fresh from a visit to EICMA, the world's largest bike show. Among the highlights of this year's show was the increased participation from Indian bike makers. What's driving this globalisation drive is the topic of discussion on this episode of the Autocar Deep Drive Podcast powered by Kotak Mahindra Prime. 

Skoda entered India in 2000 and made its mark immediately. Since then, 25 years have gone by and Skoda still stands strong while many of its rivals have succumbed. Hormazd Sorabjee - Editor, Autocar India - and Shapur Kotwal - Deputy Editor, Autocar India - discuss how the Czech brand started out and what helped it sustain. 

Small cars and hatchbacks have been on a downward trajectory in India and SUVs are the preferred choice. Hormazd Sorabjee - Editor, Autocar India - and Sergius Barretto - Managing Editor, Autocar India - discuss the importance of small cars, taxation and advantages and impact on Indian car industry. 

Honda has been on an upward trajectory in India and is quickly catching up to Hero in terms of volumes. Rishaad Mody - Editor (Bikes), Autocar India - and Ketan Thakker - Editor, Autocar Professional - discuss why on this episode of the Autocar Deep Drive Podcast powered by Kotak Mahindra Prime.  

India might be the world's third largest car market but our bestselling cars simply won't cut it in advanced markets. Hormazd Sorabjee - Editor, Autocar India - and Sergius Barretto - Managing Editor, Autocar India - discuss why on this episode of the Autocar Deep Drive Podcast powered by Kotak Mahindra Prime.  

The 2025 edition of Auto Expo, India's largest motorshow, has just concluded. In this episode of the Autocar Deep Drive Podcast powered by Kotak Mahindra Prime, Autocar India's Sergius Barretto, Shapur Kotwal, Gavin D'Souza and Rishaad Mody discuss all the big car and bike reveals of the show.

Manufacturers are very liberal in labelling their cars as 'new', sometimes even years after the model's original launch. Hormazd Sorabjee - Editor, Autocar India - and Sergius Barretto - Managing Editor, Autocar India - discuss the different phases of a product lifecycle in this episode of the Autocar Deep Drive Podcast powered by Kotak Mahindra Prime.  

Osamu Suzuki passed away on 25 December, 2024 aged 1994. In this episode of the Autocar Deep Drive Podcast powered by Kotak Mahindra Prime, Hormazd Sorabjee - Editor, Autocar India - and Ketan Thakkar - Editor, Autocar Professional - pay tribute to the man who took a bet on India, set Maruti Suzuki up for success and proved that with the right vision, even small companies could achieve outsized success and stay independent. 

We've gone through the comments and compiled a list of your most frequently asked questions. Hormazd Sorabjee - Editor, Autocar India - and Sergius Barretto - Managing Editor, Autocar India - answer them on this episode of the Autocar Deep Drive Podcast powered by Kotak Mahindra Prime. 

As the sun sets on 2024, Hormazd Sorabjee - Editor, Autocar India - and Sergius Barretto - Managing Editor, Autocar India - look back at all the key automotive news and events of the year gone by, and also discuss developments that could shape 2025. Welcome to Episode 40 of the Autocar Deep Drive Podcast powered by Kotak Mahindra Prime. 

Stellantis is set to bring Chinese EV maker Leapmotor to India later this year. In this episode of the Autocar Deep Drive Podcast, Hormazd Sorabjee ⁃ Editor, Autocar India ⁃ & Ketan Thakkar ⁃ Editor,
Autocar Professional ⁃ discuss China's lead in EVs and Leapmotor's potential in India.

Luxury car sales crossed 50,000 units for the first time in FY25. What's driving the demand and which manufacturers are leading the luxe race? Hormazd Sorabjee - Editor, Autocar India - and Ketan Thakkar - Editor, Autocar Professional - discuss on this episode of the Autocar Deep Drive Podcast powered by Kotak Mahindra Prime.