Connecting Rod

Buying a new car or bike is often an exciting milestone—one that many people look forward to for years. It’s a moment that sometimes even brings the entire family together. But how can you ensure that you walk away with not just a good deal, but also a truly good vehicle? In this edition of Connecting Rod, we tell you exactly how. Tune In! Produced by Areeb Raza Sound mixed by Aman Pal

At 19,400ft above sea level, The newest highest motorable pass in the world is still under construction.  But we took two 4x4s to see if we could make it to the top. This podcast should tell you everything you need to know about trying to conquer high altitude passes in the winter. Tune in! Produced by Taniya Dutta Sound mixed by Suraj Singh

In this episode we're talking about EVs.Volumes in the EV space are driven by India's burgeoning C-segment and why Maruti's entry in the space could drastically change the way India moves. Tune in! Produced by Areeb Raza Sound mixed by Aman Pal

In this edition of Connecting Rod, we bring you highlights from EICMA 2025 — the world’s largest motorcycle show, held in Milan, Italy. The event took place between November 6-9 served as the ultimate stage for global motorcycle brands to showcase their latest innovations. Honda unveiled its very first electric motorcycle, the Honda WN7, marking a major step into the EV space. TVS-owned Norton made waves with the debut of the Norton Manx and the new Norton Atlas range. BMW also revealed the much-anticipated F 450 GS, drawing significant attention from adventure enthusiasts. Royal Enfield had a busy show, presenting multiple unveilings, including the first look at the bigger and more powerful Himalayan 750. Meanwhile, Flying Flea expanded its lineup with the launch of the FF S6, an all-new electric scrambler. All in all, it’s a motorcycle-packed edition of Connecting Rod — celebrating innovation, performance, and the exciting future of two-wheeled mobility. Tune in! Produced by Areeb Raza Sound mixed by Rohan Bharti

This time on Connecting Rod, we delve into the world of motorsport, essentially a very particular category - electric motorsport, and the spearheading series - Formula e. The all-electric series that made its debut as an alternate to Formula 1 has become a very important aspect in the world that is rapidly adopting electric technology. And one of the true stalwarts in the world of Formula e is Mahindra Racing, the true Indian manufacturer, that has not just competed in every single season of Formula e, but won races and showcased exemplary technological knowhow. We discuss Mahindra's involvement in the pinnacle of electric racing and how the technology has trickled down to passenger cars, including the Mahindra XEV 9e and the BE 6 Tune in! Produced by Areeb Raza Sound mixed by Aman Pal

As a follow-up to the last episode, we bring you stories from the road but this time from around the world. Joining this episode, Editor Auto Today Yogendra Pratap sits in to talk about his adventures, places that you dream of being and some that you’ve probably never heard of and everything in between. Tune in! Produced by Taniya Dutta Sound Mixed by Suraj Singh    

A casual conversation between our hosts Dipayan Dutta and Anagh Bhaskar recounting dramatic, humorous and challenging experiences from their long driving adventures across India. It covers everything from unexpected encounters during record attempts and daunting highway mishaps, to surreal ghost stories and the unique logistics of big road trips. The stories reveal unseen aspects of motoring journalism—chaos, fatigue and camaraderie—underscoring both the unpredictability and thrill of life on the road. Produced By Areeb Raza Sound Mixed By Aman Pal

OEM service centres or private? What to look out for? How to ensure your car has been serviced properly and the full details of owner and caring for your car right in India. We explain the challenges, and some key loopholes to ensure a smooth and hassle free ownership experience. Tune in! Produced by Areeb Raza Sound Mixed by Aman Pal

GST regularisation and removal of Cess charges, will drive a surge in the Automotive sector, we discuss the big gainers, who stands to lose out and how these changes will shape the industry going forward. In conversation with Yogendra Pratap about these changes and what they mean for the buyer and the industry as a whole. Producer: Nikhil Khattar Sound mixed by Rohan Bharti

What separates the authentic SUVs from their cosmetic counterparts. Why the cosmetic SUVs so popular and how to prepare your 4x4 SUV for your next adventure.

The Auto Today team has driven a few lakh kilometers around India cumulatively. Putting their brains and experience together to bring you their top hacks, riding and driving tips and monsoon preparedness advice for Indian motorists telling some hilarious stories of their adventures along the way.

Breaking down the plight of the Indian motorist who is constantly under pressure from knee-jerk legislature and rarely raises their voice. We break down E20 Fuel and its benefits and limitations. The Fast Tag policy and finally even touch on EoLVs in the NCR region. Touching on how the common man can have their voices heard in the face of legislature and make a difference. Produced by Nikhil Khattar Sound mixed by Rohan Bharti

Just like motorcycles, cars too have played a pivotal role in shaping our country’s mobility story. There was a time when owning a car was a luxury—people waited for months, only to receive machines that were poorly put together, lacked reliability, and offered almost no features. Then came the Maruti 800, the car that truly put India on the move. It was reliable, well-equipped for its time, and marked a turning point in Indian motoring. What followed was a wave of improvement—cars like the Hyundai Santro, Maruti Suzuki Wagon R, and Maruti Suzuki Omni collectively brought personal transport within reach of millions. In this episode, we explore that remarkable transition—from a time when cars were rare symbols of status to an era where they became everyday household staples. Produced by NikhilSound mixed by Rohan Bharti

Today, Indian buyers are spoilt for choice when it comes to two-wheelers. From sporty bikes and adventure tourers to performance-oriented scooters, there’s something for everyone. But it wasn’t always this way. Back in the day, simply owning a two-wheeler was a big deal. Scooters dominated the roads, while motorcycles played second fiddle. That changed with the arrival of fuel-efficient 4-stroke motorcycles, which quickly gained popularity. The shift was accelerated by the decline of Bajaj’s scooter lineup and LML’s struggles with quality issues. Scooters, however, made a strong comeback in the early 2000s, thanks to Honda’s introduction of the Activa. And from there, the commuter segment took a rather fascinating turn. Produced by Garvit Srivastava Sound mixed by Rohan Bharti

Vietnam’s VinGroup has entered India in a big way. The company showcased a wide range of cars at the last Auto Expo. But not just offering cars in India, Vinfast is following PM Narendra Modi’s Make in India ideology and has invested in a huge plant in Tamil Nadu. The plant is all set to be inaugurated and production begins soon.Yogendra Pratap, Editor, Auto Today recently went to Vietnam and experienced the might of the brand and tells us all about it.Produced by Garvit SrivastavaSound mixed by Rohan Bharti

Tesla has finally entered India! But is it too little, too late? In this episode of Connecting Rod, automotive journalists Rahul Ghosh and Dipayan Dutta dive deep into Tesla’s strategy for India, the ₹60 lakh Model Y, and whether Indian EVs like the Tata Curvv, Mahindra XUV.e8, and Hyundai IONIQ 5 already have a head start. They explore the EV landscape, pricing challenges, and whether Tesla can match local expectations in a market that’s both price-sensitive and performance-hungry. Tune in for a no-holds-barred take on Elon Musk's India plans, indigenous innovation, and what this means for the future of mobility. Produced by Garvit Srivastava Sound mixed by Rohan Bharti

Join us for a powerful 2‑hour special as we delve into Delhi’s End‑of‑Life Vehicle (ELV) policy with two leading voices: Kamlesh Kishor Singh (News Director, India Today; Tau of Teen Taal) and Yogendra Pratap (Editor, Auto Today). We explore: • The emotional, cultural pushback – “repair, don’t replace” – spotlighting Tau’s critique on the loss of heritage tied to older vehicles • The technical and policy side from Yogendra Pratap – age vs emissions, infrastructure readiness, incentive effectiveness, EV integration • Enforcement challenges like ANPR-based fuel bans, NCR coordination, and policy fairness Tau and Yogendra bring unique angles on pollution, equity, economic impact, and future-ready transport. Buckle up—this is one of the most comprehensive ELV policy discussions in recent memory. Featuring: * Kamlesh Kishor Singh aka Tau (Teen Taal) * Yogendra Pratap (Editor, Auto Today) * Rahul Ghosh (Associate Editor, Auto Today) * Dipayan Dutta (Associate Editor, Auto Today) Don’t forget to subscribe and hit the bell icon for more deep‑dive policy podcasts! Produced by Garvit Srivastava Sound mixed by Rohan Bharti

Why are adventure motorcycles booming in India? Thanks to the new wave of riders seeking freedom beyond city limits, improved highways, rugged terrains, and a thirst for exploration, ADVs are designed to offer a perfect blend of comfort, capability, and the promise of adventure. This time, we discuss the rise of ADVs in India, as well as some of the most important models, both past and present. Produced by Garvit Srivastava Sound mixed by Rohan Bharti

The sub-20 lakh rupees segment has become one of the most hotly-contested segments in the Indian market in the modern times. We bring to you a clash of opinions with the pros and cons of the most popular products at this price range so you can decide which one suits you best. Produced by Garvit Srivastava Sound mixed by Rohan Bharti

In this high-octane episode of Connecting Rod, Auto Today's very own Rahul, Dipayan, and Abhinav go head-to-head in a passionate debate about the best motorcycles and scooters of their respective eras — from the 80s, 90s, and 2000s. Whether you grew up idolizing the RX100, racing a Shogun, showing off a Samurai, or revving up a Pulsar 220, this episode hits all the right gears. From the thump of the Yezdi to the roar of the Pulsar, and the cult status of the Karizma, this episode of Connecting Rod is a full-throttle ride through India’s most iconic two-wheelers. Produced by Prateek Lidhoo Sound mix by Suraj Singh

Is Tesla coming to India ? And what does that mean for the Indian luxury car market. We break down all the details and tell you whether it's worth waiting for. Produced by Prateek Lidhoo Sound mix by Suraj SIngh

In this episode of Connecting Rod, automotive geeks Dipayan and Rahul will walk us through the dos and don'ts of buying a second hand car. From a paint job to a manipulate odometer, these guys know it all. Make sure you get the best value out of your money while exploring the used car market. Tune in! Produced by Prateek Lidhoo Sound mix by Rohan Bharti

It’s that time of the year to load up those cars and bikes and make that trip to Ladakh. Automotive enthusiasts who’ve made a living driving and riding to Ladakh. We tell you exactly what you need to know to prepare for the journey. What to look for along the way, the best routes, and the best time of the year to make the trip. Tune in now! Produced by Prateek Lidhoo Sound mix by Suraj Singh

In this fiery episode of Connecting Rod, Dipayan Dutta and a visibly frustrated Rahul Ghosh dive deep into the controversial 15-year vehicle scrappage policy. With tempers flaring, the duo dissects the guidelines, laying bare the many loopholes and logistical nightmares that plague its implementation. Rahul doesn’t hold back, calling out the lack of infrastructure, poor incentives for vehicle owners, and the absence of clarity in execution. They also explore what real reforms and government support would be needed to make the policy not just functional, but actually beneficial for the environment and the auto industry. Produced by Prateek Lidhoo Sound mix by Aman Pal

The incredible history of the world's oldest motorcycle company. From a British arms manufacturer to one of the world's largest manufacturers and everything in between. Tune in now! Produced by Prateek Lidhoo Sound mix by Aman Pal

Introducing Connecting Rod by AutoToday! A podcast for car and bike enthusiasts – from exciting new launches to insightful industry trends. Get ready to accelerate your love for automobiles. In the first episode, Yogendra Pratap, Rahul Ghosh, and Dipayan Dutta from the Auto Today team face off in a heated debate: Are electric vehicles truly the future, or should we stick with the trusty internal combustion engines? Tune in as they share wild stories from their EV adventures. Produced by Prateek Lidhoo Sound mix by Suraj SIngh