Deep Drive | Autocar India

 Electric vehicle sales haven’t matched early projections, leaving carmakers with billions invested in dedicated EV platforms. Now, a new solution is emerging - converting born-electric architectures to support hybrid powertrains, giving manufacturers far greater flexibility in a changing market. Sergius Barretto - Managing Editor, Autocar India - and Ketan Thakkar - Editor, Autocar Professional - discuss the development and strategies carmakers are adopting for India. 

Nissan has been struggling in India for years but a revival plan is now in place. Hormazd Sorabjee - Editor, Autocar India - and Sergius Barretto - Managing Editor, Autocar India - discuss what lies ahead for the Japanese carmaker.

The choice of fuel type has greatly changed over the past decade. On this epsiode of the Autocar Deep Drive Podcast powered by Kotak Mahindra Prime, Hormazd Sorabjee - Editor, Autocar India - and Ketan Thakkar - Editor, Autocar Professional - discuss the decline of petrol, the future of diesel, the rise of CNG and EVs, and also what's shaping the change. 

India's two-wheeler sales touched a record high of 21 million units in FY26. Rishaad Mody - Editor, Bikes,  Autocar India - and Ravi Bhatia - President and CEO, JATO Dynamic India - break down the numbers on this episode of the Autocar Deep Drive Podcast powered by Kotak Mahindra Prime. 

India's passenger vehicle sales touched a record high of 4.7 million units in FY26. Hormazd Sorabjee - Editor, Autocar India - and Ravi Bhatia - President and CEO, JATO Dynamic India - break down the numbers on this episode of the Autocar Deep Drive Podcast powered by Kotak Mahindra Prime. 

Toyota has quietly worked its way up the sales charts over the past few years, helped largely by Maruti Suzuki-sourced models. However, there's a lot more in the pipeline from Toyota. 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 the products and strategy that will drive Toyota's future growth in India.  

What makes a strong brand? And is today's buyer swayed by a brand to begin with? Hormazd Sorabjee - Editor, Autocar India - and Sergius Barretto - Managing Editor - Autocar India - discuss in this episode of the Autocar Deep Drive Podcast powered by Kotak Mahindra Prime. 

 The Tata Nexon has sold over a million units powered by a record 200,000 unit sales in FY26. What keeps the Nexon ticking even in the face of fresh competition and what's next for the compact 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.  

Battery electric vehicles might be growing in popularity but there's also a long road ahead for ICE vehicles. How are carmakers preparing for this multi-fuel future? Sergius Barretto - Managing Editor, Autocar India and Ketan Thakkar - Editor, Autocar Professional - discuss on this episode of the Autocar Deep Drive Podcast powered by Kotak Mahindra Prime.

 The JSW Group has a huge presence across steel, energy, cement and infrastructure sectors and has made an ambitious foray into the automotive space. Hormazd Sorabjee - Editoer, Autocar India - and Ketan Thakkar - Editor, Autocar Professional - discuss JSW's gameplan on this episode of the Autocar Deep Drive Podcast powered by Kotak Mahindra Prime.   

 Maruti Suzuki has finally entered the EV race with the e Vitara. Hormazd Sorabjee - Editor, Autocar India - and Sergius Barretto - Managing Editor, Autocar India - discuss the product and what it means for Maruti Suzuki and the EV segment on this episode of the Autocar Deep Drive Podcast. 

 Indian manufacturers are enjoying a stellar run, with record sales, robust launch pipelines and more ambitious plans than ever before. In this episode of the Autocar Deep Drive Podcast powered by Kotak Mahindra Prime, Hormazd Sorabjee, Editor of Autocar India, and Ketan Thakkar, Editor of Autocar Professional, discuss what’s driving this rise and what it means for the future of India’s auto industry. 

 This episode of the Autocar Deep Drive Podcast powered by Kotak Mahindra Prime is all about your questions. Sergius Barretto - Managing Editor, Autocar India - and Rishaad Mody - Editor, Bikes at Autocar India - answer some frequently asked questions. 

The India-EU FTA has opened up a whole new and exciting conversation for European cars in India. Hormazd Sorabjee - Editor, Autocar India and Ketan Thakkar - Editor, Autocar Professional talk on its advantages, myths and what to expect. 

 The new Renault Duster made its high voltage debut in India on January 26, 2026. Hormazd Sorabjee - Editor, Autocar India - and Sergius Barretto - Managing Editor, Autocar India - discuss the Duster and what it means for Renault on this episode of the Autocar Deep Drive Podcast powered by Kotak Mahindra Prime. 

TVS Motor Company has grown to become the world's third largest two-wheeler manufacturer. What's driving the growth and what's next? Rishaad Mody - Editor - Bikes, Autocar India - and Ketan Thakkar - Editor, Autocar Professional - discuss in this episode of the Autocar Deep Drive Podcast powered by Kotak Mahindra Prime. 

 2026 is shaping up to be an exciting year for car buyers and enthusiasts. 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 the most important cars set for launch in 2026 and what they mean for their respective manufacturers. 

We've completed 25 years of the new century so it's a time as good as any to look back and reflect on  how the Indian car market has evolved in the period. Hormazd Sorabjee - Editor, Autocar India - and Sergius Barretto - Managing Editor, Autocar India - go from past to present in this episode of the Autocar Deep Drive Podcast powered by Kotak Mahindra Prime.  Views expressed in this podcast belong solely to the speakers.

Two-wheeler sales crossed the 20 million milestone in 2025. Rishaad Mody - Editor - Bikes, Autocar India - and Ketan Thakkar - Editor, Autocar Professional - break down the numbers, discuss the stories behind the numbers and also discuss the road ahead in 2025. Welcome to episode 93 of the Autocar Deep Drive Podcast powered by Kotak Mahindra Prime. 

 As 2025 comes to an end, Hormazd Sorabjee - Editor, Autocar India - and Ketan Thakkar - Editor, Autocar Professional - give a wrap up of the automotive year gone by. Welcome to Episode 92 of the Autocar Deep Drive Podcast powered by Kotak Mahindra Prime.  

 There's been a spurt of activity in the mid-size SUV segment with the arrival of the new Tata Sierra, second-gen Kia Seltos and Maruti Suzuki e Vitara, and there are even more models coming soon. What's driving the craze for mid-size SUVs and which carmakers readying their own challengers in the segment? Hormazd Sorabjee - Editor, Autocar India - and Ketan Thakkar - Editor, Autocar Professional - discuss on the Autocar Deep Drive Podcast powered by Kotak Mahindra Prime.  

 Tata Motors second attempt to take down Creta’s dominance comes with the return of an iconic nameplate. On this episode of the Autocar Deep Drive Podcast, Hormazd Sorabjee - Editor, Autocar India - and Sergius Barretto - Managing Editor, Autocar India - discuss the importance of the Sierra’s success and what impact will it have on Tata Motors. 

With 2026 just a few days away, there is also a wave of new cars set to launch in India. On this episode of the Autocar Deep Drive Podcast, Hormazd Sorabjee - Editor, Autocar India - and Ketan Thakkar - Editor, Autocar Professional - discuss what’s in the pipeline for manufacturers, the rumors with regards to new cars and when can you expect them.  

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 good cars that aren't selling to their potential. 

News of collaborations, shared development, technical tie-ups and strategic investments between carmakers have become increasingly frequent over the past few years. On this episode of the Autocar Deep Drive Podcast, Hormazd Sorabjee - Editor, Autocar India - and Ketan Thakkar - Editor, Autocar Professional - discuss what's driving carmakers to get into or at least consider alliances and partnerships with other manufacturers.   

 Honda revealed big plans for India at the recently concluded 2025 Japan Mobility Show. 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 where Honda’s at currently and break down why the announcement is a big deal. 

Electric vehicles might have come into the limelight for zero tailpipe emissions but a deeper look will tell you their wider impact on the entire automotive ecosystem. 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 the other facets of EVs. 

 This episode of the Autocar Deep Drive Podcast powered by Kotak Mahindra Prime is dedicated to you and answering your questions. Hormazd Sorabjee - Editor, Autocar India - and Sergius Barretto - Managing Editor, Autocar India - answer some buring questions and clear the air on some hot topics. 

 Hyundai has announced big plans at its first Investor Day in India. 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 the planned product offensive and why it marks the start of a new era for Hyundai in India. 

 Austrian bike maker KTM has had a troubled few years but Bajaj Auto that took over operations earlier this year sees potential for a return to glory. On 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 - discuss what went wrong at KTM and Bajaj Auto’s vision for the manufacturer. 

A few car and bike manufacturers have set up separate premium showroom channels to retail certain products. On 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 - discuss why manufacturers see merit in the approach and if it really makes a difference to buyers. 

 The Victoris is not only the latest midsized SUV to go on sale in India but also Maruti Suzuki's second offering in the segment; it will sell alongside the Grand Vitara. What is the carmaker's gameplan? Hormazd Sorabjee - Editor, Autocar India - and Sergius Barretto - Managing Editor, Autocar India - discuss in this episode of the Autocar Deep Drive Podcast powered by Kotak Mahindra Prime.  

 The government has reworked the Goods and Services Tax (GST) and car buyers have lots to cheer. 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 the new rates on cars, implications for the industry and why now is a great time to buy a new car. 

The Munich Motorshow (formally IAA Mobility 2025) had lots to wow. Show attendees Hormazd Sorabjee - Editor, Autocar India - and Sergius Barretto - Managing Editor, Autocar India - discuss the best of the show and the models headed to India in this episode of the Autocar Deep Drive Podcast powered by Kotak Mahindra Prime. 

How much bearing does a car's name have on its success? That's the topic of discussion on this week's Autocar Deep Drive Podcast powered by Kotak Mahindra Prime. Sergius Barretto - Managing Editor, Autocar India - and Avik Chattopadhyay - Founder, Expereal - talk carmakers and their naming strategies. 

2025 marks 20 years of the Maruti Suzuki Swift. How has the lovable hatchback evolved, what it’s done for Maruti and what lies ahead is the topic of this week’s episode of the Autocar Deep Drive Podcast. Joining Hormazd Sorabjee - Editor, Autocar India - and Sergius Barretto - Managing Editor, Autocar India - for rhis special episode is Avik Chattopadhyay, an auto industry veteran who was part of the very team that launched the Swift in 2005.

The Toyota Innova has completed 20 years in India. 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 - look back at the model's journey and discuss the brand that's gone from strength to strength. 

At its annual Independence Day extravaganza, Mahindra debuted its all-new monocoque platform called NU_IQ. It is completely modular and will underpin a host of SUVs in the mid-segment, both above and below the 4-metre mark. 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.

India has switched almost entirely to E20 fuel, a good five years ahead of the original 2030 timeline. Why is the move to E20 significant and why has it caused an uproar amongst motorists in India? Hormazd Sorabjee - Editor, Autocar India - and Sergius Barretto - Managing Editor, Autocar India - discuss in this episode of the Autocar Deep Drive Podcast powered by Kotak Mahindra Prime 

 India is the world's largest two-wheeler market but changes in regulations, the advent of EVs and evolving buyer behaviour over the past few years have had far reaching implications on prices and volumes. Rishaad Mody - Editor - Bikes, Autocar India - and Ketan Thakkar - Editor, Autocar Professional - discuss the ride the industry's on in this episode of the Autocar Deep Drive Podcast powered by Kotak Mahindra Prime.     

 India and UK have signed a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) that, among other things, brings down duties on car imports. 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 how car prices could be impacted and the other ramifications of the FTA. 

 After years of speculation, Tesla has finally come to India. How big a deal is Tesla's India entry? 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 Mahindra Prime.  

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 Indian car buyers really value. Be it car features or performance characteristics, what is it that Indian buyers are happy to pay for?0:00 - Intro1:17 - Mahindra’s new platform4:49 - Adjusting to policies7:52 - 3XO replacement 9:26 - Creta rival needed12:05 - Vision T and new 1.5 engine15:47 - EV segment with BE 6 and XEV 9E19:56 - Mahindra leading with the leaders21:25 - Partnering with Mahindra22:20 - Success globally25:45 - Challenges with EVs globally32:50 - Body-on-frame SUVs and new Bolero36:47 - SUVs only for Mahindra40:19 - Ready for the world

 Japan's two-wheeler manufacturers are not just an intrinsic part of the Indian two-wheeler industry but also helped establish it. But at a time when Indian manufacturers are raising the game and startups have the potential to disrupt, Japan's legacy bike makers appear on the back foot.   Rishaad Mody - Editor - Bikes, Autocar India - and Ketan Thakkar - Editor, Autocar Professional - discuss what's happening at Honda, Yamaha, Suzuki and Kawasaki and the approaches the manufacturers are taking to stay relevant. Welcome to the Autocar Deep Drive Podcast powered by Kotak Mahindra Prime.  

This special episode of the Autocar Deep Drive Podcast powered by Kotak Mahindra Prime is all about Tata Motors - its early years as a truck maker, journey as a carmaker, meteoric rise up the sales charts and also what's in store for the future. 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, Sergius Barretto - Managing Editor, Autocar India - and Ketan Thakkar - Editor, Autocar Professional - analyse car sales for FY25 and talk data, trends and the winners and losers

Crash test ratings have made safety a talking point, but are we viewing the bigger picture? Hormazd Sorabjee - Editor, Autocar India - and Sergius Barretto - Managing Editor, Autocar India - weigh in on this episode of the Autocar Deep Drive Podcast powered by Kotak Mahindra Prime.

While electric vehicles might hold the key to a zero emissions mobility future, consumer demand so far has been way short of projections. At the same time, interest in hybrids is growing sharply. 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 hybrids fit into the big picture and carmakers' plans to meet the growing demand.  

 Hyundai's sales in India have seen a decline with the carmaker even ceding its long held number 2 position in the market over the past few months. What's caused the drop in sales and how does Hyundai plan to fight back? Hormazd Sorabjee - Editor, Autocar India - and Ketan Thakkar - Editor, Autocar Professional - discuss in the episode of the Autocar Deep Drive Podcast powered by Kotak Mahindra Prime. 

Hormazd Sorabjee - Editor, Autocar India - and Sergius Barretto - Managing Editor, Autocar India - answer your automotive questions in this episode of the Autocar Deep Drive Podcast powered by Kotak Mahindra Prime.