autoX - founded autoX in 2006 with little clue of what lay ahead. Driven by a passion for anything on four wheels and a stubborn will to succeed, he moulded a team as pig-headed

Rahul is a die-hard automobile enthusiast. His love for cars started at the age of five, at his cousin’s vintage car garage. It was then he decided that he would mould his life around cars, photography and racing. He also has a keen interest in music, and has produced and engineered music as well as sound for short films before he became a journalist. He lives his life with a peculiar attitude of “how hard can it be?”

People of today have very specific demands, like comfort, practicality, performance, quality or value for money. And after driving the Ciaz for the last few months, I have realised that for Indian roads it’s one of the best options available right now.

The 1.5-litre petrol engine is smooth, refined and delivers decent efficiency. While the 103bhp seems more than enough on our congested city roads and slightly crowded highways. The clutch is light and shifting through the gears requires a little effort.&nbsp;

The cabin itself is quite spacious and the seats are comfortable – five people can travel in the vehicle quite comfortably. But for long journeys, it is best to limit passengers to a maximum of four. The boot is very large and can carry a substantial amount of luggage.

Additionally, the convenience features like the Smartplay Infotainment touchscreen is probably the best in the business. Using Apple CarPlay, you never really need to pick up your phone while driving, as everything you might need can be controlled by the touch screen or by voice activation through Siri – even the native system works perfectly well. However, there are some nit-picking I could do, but I'll save that for next month’s report.

Also: 
<a href="https://www.autox.com/long-term-reports/maruti-suzuki-ciaz-long-term-review-january-2019-105347/">Maruti Suzuki Ciaz Long Term Report: January 2019</a>

<a href="https://www.autox.com/long-term-reports/maruti-suzuki-ciaz-long-term-review-december-2018-105172/">Maruti Suzuki Ciaz Long Term Report: December 2018</a>

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When it came: October 2018

Current Odo reading: 6,032kms

Mileage this month: 442kms

Fuel efficiency: 15.5km/l

Faults: None

What’s good: Cabin Space, comfortable seats

What’s not: Smart hybrid battery under front passenger seat

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Maruti Suzuki Ciaz Long Term Report: February 2019

People of today have very specific demands, like comfort, practicality, performance, quality or value for money. And after driving the Ciaz for the last few months, I have realised that for Indian roads it’s one of the best options available right now.

French car manufacturer Citroen, a part of Groupe PSA, will enter India by 2021.

Following its ‘Push to Pass’ strategy, Groupe PSA had announced in 2017 that it will enter the Indian market. The strategy will involve one of the company’s three brands (Peugeot, Citroen and DS) to be launched and produced in India, with significant localisation.

Carlos Tavares, Chairman of the Managing board, has confirmed that the group will introduce the Citroen brand in the Indian market – the first launch is expected before the end of 2021 following the launch of production of powertrains.

<img alt="Citroen C3 Aircross 2018" height="336" src="/uploads/2019/02/Citroen-C3-Aircross-2018.jpg" width="642" />&nbsp;

Groupe PSA and the CK Birla Group have signed two long-term partnership agreements to manufacture vehicles and powertrains locally in the state of Tamil Nadu, India. The first agreement allows Groupe PSA to hold a majority stake in the joint venture with Hindustan Motors Financial Corporation Limited (HMFCL) for assembly and distribution of their vehicles in India. The second agreement involves a 50/50 JV between Groupe PSA and the AVTEC ltd. (also part of the CK Birla Group) to manufacture and supply powertrains.

In 2017, Groupe PSA announced an initial investment of Rs 700 crore towards a manufacturing facility with an annual capacity to manufacture 1,00,000 units. Additional investment at later stages is contingent on the growth in the long term.

Additionally, the group also acquired the ‘Ambassador’ car brand name from the CK Birla Group for Rs 80 crore in 2017. The Hindustan Ambassador was India's first mass-produced vehicle, and to date, it holds the record of being the longest produced car in the world (1958-2014).

<img alt="Citroen C5 Aircross 2018" height="336" src="/uploads/2019/02/Citroen-C5-Aircross-2018.jpg" width="642" />

Groupe PSA is the largest car manufacturer in France that produces 3.6 million vehicles annually under the three brands.&nbsp;In an interview with Executive VP, India &amp; Pacific, PSA Group in 2017, Emmanuel Delay stated that their offering will consist of a product that will ‘look like an SUV’.

Delay also mentioned during the interview that ‘there will be a number of vehicles that will suit the market. This doesn’t mean that they will be unique and specific to India, but they will be a good fit for the market.’

With the Citroen brand being confirmed for India, the brand’s range of products mostly consists of crossovers and SUVs. It seems unlikely that Citroen will design a brand-new market-specific product, instead, it will have their existing models adapted to fit the needs of the Indian market. Citroen’s current product lineup includes the C1 hatchback and C3 crossover, both of which are under 4 metres in length. The range also includes the C3 Aircross, C4 Cactus and C5 Aircross SUV. Additionally, their 7-seater MPV range consists of the Grand C4 Space Tourer, which is slightly generous in length than the <a href="https://www.autox.com/reviews/car-reviews/mahindra-marazzo-review-first-drive-104442/">Mahindra Marazzo</a> but shorter in length compared to the Toyota Innova.

<img alt="Citroen Grand C4 Picasso 2017" height="" src="/uploads/2019/02/Citroen-Grand-C4-Picasso-2017.jpg" width="" />

As for the Ambassador name, Delay stated that ‘the name Ambassador could be part of this journey… But we’re not worried about the name Ambassador having different connotations in the market, and we will decide in future how we can leverage the name.’

‘We are very proud to launch Citroën in India, one of the fastest growing markets in the world. Building on the Brand's success in Europe with 5 consecutive years of growth, I am convinced that Citroën’s selling proposition of unique styling, eco-friendly &amp; comfortable cars at the heart of the market has all the potential to satisfy Indian customers,’ said Linda Jackson, Citroën Chief Executive Officer.

<img alt="Citroen C3 2017" height="336" src="/uploads/2019/02/Citroen-C3-2017.jpg" width="642" />

‘Announcement of Citroën brand for our Vehicle JV in India, soon after the inauguration of the Powertrain JV greenfield facility at Hosur in late 2018, is a major milestone for the long-term partnership of Groupe PSA &amp; the CK Birla Group. It is truly an exciting brand for the Indian consumers seeking international eco-friendly products designed for &amp; made in India with unique styling &amp; comfort,’ said C.K. Birla, Chairman CK Birla Group of Companies.

<img alt="Citroen C4 Cactus 2018" height="336" src="/uploads/2019/02/Citroen-C4-Cactus-2018.jpg" width="642" />

In November 2017, Groupe PSA and the CK Birla Group inaugurated the construction of their brand-new engine manufacturing plant in Hosur, Tamil Nadu. Further confirmation of the brand’s product offering for the Indian market will be released at a later stage along with specifications of the engines that will be manufactured by AVTEC at the engine manufacturing plant in Hosur.

PSA Group confirms the launch of Citroen in India by 2021

Carlos Tavares, Chairman of the Managing board, confirmed the Group will be introducing the Citroen brand in the Indian market with the first launch expected before the end of 2021 following the launch of production of powertrains.

BMW gives new cosmetic upgrades to the M850i xDrive Coupe First Edition, which is set for a limited run.

The BMW M850i xDrive Coupe First Edition has been revealed with cosmetic upgrades. The First Edition of the M850i will be launched later this spring and will see a limited production run of 400 units.

<img alt="BMW M850i XDrive Coupe Rear" height="" src="/uploads/2019/02/BMW-M850i-xDrive-Coupe-Rear.jpg" width="" />

The exterior of the First Edition model will feature blacked-out accents, like the side-window surrounds, front kidney grille and frame, air intakes on the front bumper and the tailpipe trims. The body will come with a new colour – Frozen Barcelona Blue metallic, which will feature on a BMW for the first time. The car will sit on 20-inch blacked out alloy wheels. An M Carbon roof and an M Carbon exterior package will be offered as an option as well.

​​​​​​<img alt="BMW M850i XDrive Coupe Centre Console" height="" src="/uploads/2019/02/BMW-M850i-xDrive-Coupe-Centre-Console.jpg" width="" />

Step inside the cabin, and you’ll be welcomed with full Merino leather upholstery, finished in contrasting colours – Night Blue and Ivory White. The steering wheel is also wrapped in leather, while the roofline is finished in Alcantara in Night Blue colour. The centre console has a Piano black finish touch etched with the model’s production number and lettering – ‘First Edition 1/400’. The cabin is also equipped with a Bowers &amp; Wilkins Diamond Surround Sound System, while the start/stop button, the iDrive Controller, the volume control and the illuminated gearshift lever are made from Crafted Clarity glass.

<img alt="BMW M850i Coupe Interior" height="" src="/uploads/2019/02/BMW-M850i-Coupe-Interior.jpg" width="" />

At its heart, the BMW M850i xDrive Coupe features a 4.4-litre, twinpower turbo V8 engine that develops 523bhp and 750Nm of torque. All of which is channelled to the all-wheel-drive system through an 8-speed automatic gearbox.

BMW will manufacture the M850i at their production facility in Dingolfing in limited numbers between April and June 2019.

BMW M850i xDrive Coupe First Edition revealed

The BMW M850i xDrive Coupe First Edition has been revealed with cosmetic upgrades. The First Edition of the M850i will be launched later this spring and will see a limited production run of 400 units.

After&nbsp;spending another month with the Ciaz, I must admit that it's difficult to not fall in love with the car. The drive is exceptionally smooth, the engine is extremely refined and efficient, and overall, the car is a tremendously relaxing place to travel in. 
&nbsp; 
On average, with a full 43-litre tank of fuel, I am able to drive around 590 – 610 kilometres in mixed conditions. But the tank-to-tank calculations revealed that it can deliver 15 – 16km/l if you’re careful.

However, to be able to achieve that efficiency, you've to make some compromises. For instance, the car has to be light, meaning that sound deadening panels, which are used&nbsp;to dampen ambient noises, can't be in abundance. So, if you are stuck in traffic, the honking of other cars around you can get annoying.

Another small niggle that I noticed lately is the Ciaz's&nbsp;weak LED projector headlamps. They could definitely do with a better spread of illumination. In foggy conditions, the white light disperses into the white mist, and it gets difficult to drive, especially at night.

And while a bit of ambient sound and headlight issues can be annoying, there are way too many benefits of the Ciaz that outweigh the cons. For example, the top-end spec that I’m driving costs only ₹ 9.90 lakh (ex-showroom), and the amount of kit it offers is simply the best in its segment by quite some margin.

Also: 
<a href="https://www.autox.com/long-term-reports/maruti-suzuki-ciaz-long-term-review-december-2018-105172/">Maruti Suzuki Ciaz Long Term Report: December 2018</a> 
<a href="https://www.autox.com/long-term-reports/maruti-suzuki-ciaz-long-term-review-november-2018-105026/">Maruti Suzuki Ciaz Long Term Report: November 2018</a>

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When it came: October 2018

Current Odo reading: 5,590kms

Mileage this month: 1,346kms

Fuel efficiency: 15km/l

Faults: None

What’s good: Refinement, fuel efficient

What’s not: Lack of cabin sound isolation

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Maruti Suzuki Ciaz Long Term Report: January 2019

The new Maruti Suzuki Ciaz is indeed a relaxing car to use in everyday traffic conditions. However, the car seems to cut a few corners when it comes to refinement. However, despite these small niggles, the overall feedback remains very much positive.

Porsche has revealed the convertible version of the new 992 generation of the 911

In under two months after the debut&nbsp;of the coupe, Porsche has revealed the convertible version of the all-new 911.

Ever since the first drop-top 911 surfaced in 1982, it has been a staple of the Porsche’s 911 range ever since. With the latest model, the 911 convertible has all the innovations of the coupe in addition to a new hydraulic system that&nbsp;opens and closes the roof faster.

<img alt="Porsche 911 Carrera 4S Cabriolet 2019 Rear" src="/uploads/2019/01/Porsche-911-Carrera-4S-Cabriolet-2019-rear.jpg" />

Based on the new 992 model of the 911, the cabriolet builds on the exact same design, albeit with a removable soft-top roof and an integrated glass rear window. The new model can operate the opening and closing of the roof at speed of up to 50km/h.

The 911 Cabriolet will be initially available as a rear-wheel-drive Carrera S model and the 4S with all-wheel drive. Both are powered by a twin-turbo 3.0-litre flat-six engine mounted at the rear, as tradition goes. The engine is capable of developing 443bhp and 530Nm of torque. Mated to the PDK 8-speed twin-clutch auto transmission, the Carrera S Cabriolet sprints from 0 to 100km/h in 3.9 seconds and can climb all the way up to 306km/h. While the 4S is a tenth quicker to 100km/h and maxes out to 304km/h, the optional Sports Chrono Package can help shave off two more tenths and is available for both cars.

<img alt="Porsche 911 Carrera 4S Cabriolet Interior 2019" src="/uploads/2019/01/Porsche-911-Carrera-4S-Cabriolet-interior-2019.jpg" />

For the first time, Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) sport&nbsp;chassis is available for the 911 Cabriolet. The 911 sits on large 20-inch wheels at the front and 21-inch wheels at the rear. The interior is borrowed from the brand new hardtop model featuring a 10.9-inch touch screen in the centre console with the Porsche Communication Management (PCM).

Porsche 911 Cabriolet breaks cover

Porsche has revealed the convertible version of the new 992 generation of the 911. In under two months after the debut of the coupe, Porsche has revealed the convertible version of the all-new 911.

Its been around 8 years since my family last bought a new car – a 2011 Ford Figo. And it has been a dependable workhorse ever since. But its finally starting to show its age, meaning that it’s probably time for an upgrade.&nbsp;

While it was never a preference initially, the new <a href="https://www.autox.com/new-cars/maruti-suzuki/ciaz/">Ciaz</a> in the last couple of weeks seems to have grown on me. I have driven the Ciaz to work every day and have also taken a few long trips with my family. And I am yet to find a fault with the car that could really annoy you every day.&nbsp;

I'll admit it’s not the most fun car to drive. It’s tuned for comfort, and it performs exceptionally well in that regard. However, I did notice that the Auto Stop/Start is a little too eager to cut the engine as soon as the revs drop below 800rpm. This forces the car to vibrate in start/stop traffic situations, as the system gets confused regarding what it’s supposed to do. You could turn it off, but that defeats the whole purpose.

Other than that, the Ciaz is a good car to drive every day. The seats are comfortable, even the rear bench, but you can’t help but wish for an adjustable lumbar support. The ride is supple with a subtle underlying firmness, which adds stability. The engine is efficient, and the hybrid battery system does well to aid acceleration, which makes it easy to drive on busy highways.&nbsp;

But considering all the good factors and assessing the cons, I have a feeling that we might get that upgrade after all.

Also: 
<a href="https://www.autox.com/long-term-reports/maruti-suzuki-ciaz-long-term-review-november-2018-105026/">Maruti Suzuki Ciaz Long Term Report: November 2018</a>

&nbsp;

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When it came: October 2018

Current odo reading: 4,243kms

Mileage this month: 849kms

Fuel efficiency: 15km/l

Faults: None

What’s good: Passenger comfort and space

What’s not: Fit and finish

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Maruti Suzuki Ciaz Long Term Report: December 2018

Its been around 8 years since my family last bought a new car – a 2011 Ford Figo. And it has been a dependable workhorse ever since. But its finally starting to show its age, meaning that it’s probably time for an upgrade. 

The first ever SUV from Rolls-Royce has finally been launched in India for a price of Rs 6.95 crore.

<img alt="Rolls Royce Cullinan Rear" height="" src="/uploads/2018/12/Rolls-Royce-Cullinan-Rear.jpg" width="" />

The first ever all-terrain SUV model from the Goodwood based manufacturer has been launched in India. The Rolls-Royce Cullinan is based on the ‘Architecture of Luxury’ platform which it shared with the latest generation Phantom.

<img alt="Rolls Royce Cullinan Interior" height="" src="/uploads/2018/12/Rolls-Royce-Cullinan-Interior.jpg" width="" />

For a price of Rs 6.95 crore (ex-showroom), the Cullinan is the most expensive SUV available in the Indian market. It also trumps all other vehicles in terms of proportions as well. From front to back, the Cullinan measures in a length of 5,341 mm, 2,164mm in width and stands 1,840mm tall. It has a wheelbase which stretches to 2,164mm while it sits on huge 22-inch alloy wheels.

<img alt="Rolls Royce Cullinan Engine" height="" src="/uploads/2018/12/Rolls-Royce-Cullinan-Engine.jpg" width="" />

Under the bonnet, is a 6.75-lite, twin-turbocharged V12 engine which produces 571bhp and sends 850Nm torque to all four wheels via an eight-speed automatic gearbox. During the development stage, the Cullinan was put through an extensive and exhaustive test to make sure it is a capable SUV off-road. Unlike other off-roaders which come with millions of combinations of off-road settings, the Cullinan comes with one simple ‘Everywhere’ button which is said to take care of everything if you do choose to take your Rs 6.95 crore SUV through some crags. It allows the behemoth to wade through 540mm of water and adjusts the suspension by raising the ride height by 40mm.

Rolls-Royce Cullinan launched at Rs 6.95 crore

The first ever SUV from Rolls-Royce has finally been launched in India for a price of Rs 6.95 crore. The first ever all-terrain SUV model from the Goodwood based manufacturer has been launched in India.

Since its launch in India, the Honda City became a dominant force in the midsize sedan segment. Now, while Maruti Suzuki attempted a few times to dethrone the City from its status, they never quite managed to succeed.

<img alt="Maruti Suzuki Ciaz Parameters" src="/uploads/2019/01/Maruti-Suzuki-Ciaz-Parameters.jpg" style="float: right; width: 343px; height: 269px; margin-bottom:10px;" />However, all of that changed in 2014, when Maruti launched the Ciaz. The midsize sedan segment finally had a contender from Maruti to give the City a run for its money. Maruti also nailed the pricing of the Ciaz, increasing its value for money quotient. In fact, it was so good that it was one of our ‘Best of 2014’ machines.

But that was four years ago, and a lot has changed since then. The Ciaz was in the need of an update, which it received this year – mostly in terms of styling and features. But, with new and more stringent emission norms coming in place, Maruti has done something very clever and also equipped the new Ciaz with a new 1.5-litre petrol motor mated to a smart hybrid system.

Driving the Ciaz on the road, and on the track, allowed us to make some phenomenal observations. Interestingly, the updates aren’t just limited to appearance, they run deeper. The new Ciaz is far more refined than the previous model, and more efficient as well. The car feels quite balanced and corners well. Though the engine is not designed to be a rev monster, being a petrol – unlike most offerings in the segment – it has good top-end grunt. Additionally, the car handles so well that it was just one tenth of a second slower than the new, lighter and smaller, Swift on the track. This just goes to show how good the chassis and drivetrain really are. However, at expressway speeds, the car is prone to being unsettled by larger vehicles. Also, the electric power steering could provide better feedback to the driver. Moreover, while quality levels have improved, they could have improved further.

At its price point, and given the competition, the Ciaz provides exceptional value for money – and that’s where it really scores, not to mention in the space and comfort that it offers for the price. With our sensible hat on, it would be our pick in the segment.

<a href="https://www.autox.com/mega-test/mega-test-best-of-2018-12th-anniversary-special-105045/">Best of&nbsp;2018</a>&lt;&lt; BACK

Maruti Suzuki Ciaz, Track Test

Since its launch in India, the Honda City became a dominant force in the midsize sedan segment. Now, while Maruti Suzuki attempted a few times to dethrone the City from its status, they never quite managed to succeed.

After 70 years of being the go-to choice for utility, practicality, user-friendliness and, above all, unparalleled off-road capability, Land Rover has decided to take a different approach to bridge some of the gaps in their line-up.&nbsp;

<img alt="Range Rover Parameters2" src="/uploads/2018/11/Range-Rover-Parameters2.jpg" style="float: right; width: 343px; height: 269px; margin-bottom: 10px;" />

In terms of appearance, the Range Rover Velar looks otherworldly and is capable of attracting a lot of attention on the road – part of which is because it’s immediately recognisable as a Range Rover. But, take a look inside, and you’ll immediately know the real meaning of otherworldly.&nbsp;

This might make you think that Land Rover has gone off track, and that the Velar is one of those pretend SUVs that’s nothing more than a slightly raised sedan or hatchback – but you’d be wrong. The Velar is not only gorgeous to look at, it’s designed to be almost as capable as a Discovery. And, of course, it’s comfortable and luxurious – even for five people.&nbsp;

From behind the wheel, the Velar feels just like any other Range Rover – better even. It’s comfortable, quiet and refined – even with the coil spring set up instead of the optional pneumatic suspension. On the whole, it’s actually very mature, even though some of the blingy bits might seem outlandish at first.&nbsp;

But there are a few issues. With massive touchscreens in the cabin, after a few minutes of use, it looks a bit like a crime scene with fingerprints everywhere. And with a starting price of just under `80-lakh (ex-showroom), the Velar doesn’t come cheap. Plus, the rear seat can feel a little confined. So, really what you’re paying for is style and refinement – which is on par with the flagship Range Rover. &nbsp;

&nbsp;Some of the greatest objects in the world have flaws, which is exactly what gives them a distinct character. And the Velar certainly has a story to tell. For the first time, here’s a Land Rover that’s not looking back but one that’s giving us a glimpse into a future where form and function coexist peacefully. I never thought I would say this, but if one were to make a list of some of the best-looking cars today, it would have to include a Range Rover.

<a href="https://www.autox.com/mega-test/mega-test-best-of-2018-12th-anniversary-special-105045/">Best of&nbsp;2018</a> &lt;&lt; BACKNEXT&gt;&gt; : <a href="https://www.autox.com/track-test/2018-audi-q7-track-test-104940/">Audi Q7</a>

Range Rover Velar, Track Test

After 70 years of being the go-to choice for utility, practicality, user-friendliness and, above all, unparalleled

The auto industry around the world is going through – for lack of a better term – an SUV love affair. Everyone wants to own an SUV, and every car manufacturer thinks that they can make one. While it’s perfectly acceptable for manufacturers to cater to this demand, it takes courage to take a step back and evaluate all your options in order to secure your future.

<img alt="Maserati Steering Parameters" src="/uploads/2018/11/Maserati-Steering-Parameters.jpg" style="float: right; width: 343px; height: 269px; margin-bottom: 10px;" /> 
&nbsp;Now, every brand has a specific character and attitude that’s reflected in their products – but, with time, things change. Which brings me to Maserati – an Italian brand with a century long reputation of manufacturing some of the prettiest and fastest sports cars that the world has ever seen, not to mention a marque with a rather successful racing history. With SUVs being the need of the day, Maserati has had to step out of its comfort zone. What the world gets in return is this gorgeous SUV – the Levante.&nbsp;

Powered by probably the best sounding diesel engine available on the market, the turbo V6 generates 217bhp and a whopping 600Nm of torque – more than enough for you to have a hair-raising experience from behind the wheel. The brakes also feel more than sufficient to stop the car dead in its tracks, even at high speeds. On the road, the Levante drives extremely well and is always planted. Drop the suspension down to its lowest setting, and it really does feel like a sports car – despite its high seating position. At higher speeds on track, some body roll is apparent around bends. But, on the whole, it’s very well behaved and allows you to carry massive speeds through the corners – as demonstrated by a very impressive lap time. &nbsp;

However, it’s not just the engine that gives you this sense of power. I find it amusing the way lesser mortals jump aside, trying not to get impaled by the Trident on the nose of this monstrous machine as it barrels towards them. Oh, and it rides quite well on bad roads too. The only downside to the Levante is the fact that plenty of the switchgear is taken straight from the Fiat-Chrysler parts bin. &nbsp;

The Levante delivers on all the aspects that we’ve come to associate with a Maserati, albeit with a different approach. Let me put it this way, if anyone ever asks you, ‘What do you drive?’ You’ll never get tired of responding – ‘A Maserati.’

<a href="https://www.autox.com/mega-test/mega-test-best-of-2018-12th-anniversary-special-105045/">Best of&nbsp;2018</a> &lt;&lt; BACKNEXT&gt;&gt; : <a href="https://www.autox.com/track-test/range-rover-velar-track-test-104939/">Range Rover Velar</a>

Maserati Levante, Track Test

The auto industry around the world is going through – for lack of a better term – an SUV love affair

Rahul Kapoor

Articles By Rahul Kapoor