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

Shivank joined mechanical engineering thinking it would be all about working on fancy cars and fast motorcycles. Fortunately, before reality struck, he jumped ship and started penning down his love for all things automotive to earn a living. Despite being a distressed engineer, he still has a nose for mechanics. And, given a chance, he can talk incessantly about his love for Jeremy Clarkson and MotoGP.

<p>
The Chang International Circuit is F-A-S-T. Long straights, hard acceleration zones, and harder braking points – all stitched together with some truly terrifying high-speed corners. Common sense would suggest it’s not exactly the ideal playground for first-timers on a top-dog, litre-class superbike. But when it’s about Ducati, there’s always some room for surprise. Which is why they flew me to this MotoGP track to get my first taste of the 2025 Panigale V4 S.</p>

<h2>2025 Ducati Panigale V4 S: What’s New and Why It Matters</h2>

<p>Now, this is a big deal. This is about the brand-new Panigale V4 – the flagship from Bologna. As you’d expect, Ducati has been shouting from the rooftops that this is the best-ever, fastest-ever, and most forward-looking Panigale, ever. A manufacturer hyping its latest product? Business as usual, or are they actually telling the truth?</p><div style="width: 100%; height: auto;" class="post-image">
        <img src="https://images.autox.com/uploads/2025/05/1747141659627-vsrg-Ducati-Panigale-V4-S-side-profile.webp" alt="Ducati Panigale V4 S-side-profile.jpg" style="width: 100%; height: auto;">
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<p>Well, after spending a full day on it, lapping a racetrack under the sweltering Buriram sun, we think we have the answer. The new Panigale V4 is fan-effing-tastic!</p><p>Now, of course, a whole lot of fine-tuning and fresh changes have gone into this 7G Panigale. But let’s start with the familiar. The 2025 version is still propelled by the same 1,103cc V4 engine. It’s still blazingly red. And it’s still very desirable. Some might complain the design has softened, but it grows on you with time. Two minutes, to be precise. That’s how long it took me to fall for it.</p><h2>Ducati Panigale V4 S Engine, Frame and Suspension Updates Explained</h2><p>Let’s move to the finer details. The frame is all-new, and so is the dual-sided swingarm, which replaces the gorgeous single-sided unit of the outgoing model. Why the change? Because it’s all about form following function here. The new swingarm reduces lateral stiffness by a whopping 37%. It’s a similar story with the front frame – it claims to bring lateral rigidity down by an impressive 40%.</p>
    

    
  
    
  




<p>There are also new electronics, an updated Öhlins semi-electronic suspension setup, a beefed-up braking package, and more. Now, I could go on and type out the entire brochure for you, but I’m pretty sure I’d run out of space on these pages. So, let’s cut to the chase and talk about what really matters: the riding experience.</p><p>
      <div style="width: 100%; height: auto;" class="post-image">
        <img src="https://images.autox.com/uploads/2025/05/1747141569427-9mcu-Ducati-Panigale-V4-S-2.webp" alt="Ducati Panigale V4 S-2.jpg" style="width: 100%; height: auto;">
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    </p><p>If you’ve ridden the original Panigale V4, especially the first-gen from 2017, you’ll remember what an assassin it was. Relentless. Rigid. Unforgiving. It was hot-blooded and temperamental, like a heavyweight boxer dialled up to 11. A lethal weapon that wouldn’t hesitate to chew you up and spit you out for the slightest mistake.</p><h2>How the 2025 Panigale V4 S Rides on Track</h2>

    
  
    
  


<p>Ducati realised the problem quickly, which is why the later versions of the Panigale V4 became a bit less feverish and a little more friendly. But, as they say, a leopard doesn’t change its spots – the red mist never fully cleared from the Panigale’s head. Well, that was until now. The new Panigale V4 is a complete rethink. It’s no longer out for your blood the moment you twist the throttle. Instead, this one gently holds your hand, calms your nerves, and then blows your pants off – same, same, but very different.</p><div style="width: 100%; height: auto;" class="post-image">
        <img src="https://images.autox.com/uploads/2025/05/1747141550068-wqj2-Ducati-Panigale-V4-S-Motion.webp" alt="Ducati Panigale V4 S-Motion.jpg" style="width: 100%; height: auto;">
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<p>It is noticeably friendlier to ride – something that was clear from the very first lap. It feels lighter, roomier, and far less physically demanding. At 213bhp, the V4 motor still produces more or less the same power, but these 2025-spec horses are far more accessible.</p>

<p>For instance, the throttle no longer feels like you’re cracking open the lid of a nuclear reactor. The response is sharp but measured, and not barking mad. Make no mistake, the acceleration is still mind-tinglingly brutish, and a slight twist of the wrist will still leave you breathless – just not in a suicidal way.</p>

<p>And those long straights? The Panigale eats them up like Pac-Man. The acceleration is jaw-dropping. But before you can even pick your jaw off the floor, you’re hard on the brakes, and down it goes again on the floor – the stopping power from the new Brembo Hypure brakes are simply sensational.</p><div style="width: 100%; height: auto;" class="post-image">
        <img src="https://images.autox.com/uploads/2025/05/1747141575618-c30a-Ducati-Panigale-V4-S-3.webp" alt="Ducati Panigale V4 S-3.jpg" style="width: 100%; height: auto;">
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<p>What’s more, you now get Race eCBS – a linked braking system that automatically engages the rear brake for trail braking when you grab the front lever. The result? Tighter lines into apexes and a sense that, just maybe, you’re the second coming of Marc Márquez.</p>

<p>And last but not least, the handling and electronics. While the old Panigale needed to be muscled into corners at high speeds, this one flows with you, like an extension of your body. You can hurl it into a bend without a second thought, and it’ll rocket out the other side, gripping the tarmac like a leech. Honestly, it feels more like a middleweight than a full-fat litre-class machine.</p><p>
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        <img src="https://images.autox.com/uploads/2025/05/1747141542250-9h1j-Ducati-Panigale-V4-S-Speedometer.webp" alt="Ducati Panigale V4 S-Speedometer.jpg" style="width: 100%; height: auto;">
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<p>Adding to that sense of confidence is its suite of stellar electronics, including the new DVO (Ducati Vehicle Observer), which constantly tweaks wheelie control and traction control in real time. Not only does it keep you from launching yourself into space but also helps you post faster lap times.</p>

<h2>2025 Ducati Panigale V4 S Verdict: Should You Buy One?</h2>

<p>As far as I’m concerned, the Panigale V4 S is faultless. It’s blisteringly fast and drop-dead gorgeous, and now it’s also friendlier and more welcoming than ever. Regardless of your skill level, it’s a motorcycle that urges you to push harder, without punishing your body or bruising your ego. The only downside? That price tag. At ₹36.5 lakh (ex-showroom), it demands a heck of a lot of money. But, then, in return, you also get a heck of a lot of bike.</p><p>
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        <img src="https://images.autox.com/uploads/2025/11/Ducati_Panigale_V4_S_First_Ride_Review_Chang_Circuit_autoX-1764048271090.webp" alt="Ducati_Panigale_V4_S_First_Ride_Review_Chang_Circuit_autoX.jpg" style="width: 100%; height: auto;">
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<p>[tabs]</p>

<p>[tab title="<strong>Ducati Panigale V4 S</strong>"]</p>

<p><strong>Engine:</strong> 1,103cc V4</p>

<p><strong>Transmission:</strong> 6-Speed</p>

<p><strong>Power:</strong> 213bhp </p>

<p><strong>Torque:</strong> 121Nm</p>

<p><strong>Fuel:</strong> Petrol</p>
 
<p><strong>Price:</strong> ₹36.5 Lakh Ex showroom</p>

<p><strong>X-Factor:&nbsp;</strong><em>Not just the best superbike of the present era, but perhaps an all-time great!</em></p>

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			<p><strong>Pros &nbsp;</strong>&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<br>
			•&nbsp; Handling, performance, electronics</p>

			</td>
			<td>
			<p><strong>Cons</strong><br>
			• Costs a bomb!</p>
			</td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>

<p>[/tab]</p>

<p>[/tabs]</p>


Ducati Panigale V4 S First Ride Review - Top Dog

The Chang International Circuit is fast and unforgiving, but that’s exactly where Ducati sent us to sample the new Panigale V4 S — and discover just how different it really is.

<p>It’s been a long, long time coming, but the Volkswagen Golf GTI – arguably the greatest hot hatch in history – has finally landed on our shores. However, what should have been a landmark moment for enthusiasts has, sadly, turned into something of a damp squib, thanks to its astronomical sticker price – an eye-watering ₹53 lakh (ex-showroom).
For a car that looks like a Polo on steroids and carries a badge that literally translates to ‘People’s Car’, that price tag is – for lack of a better word – ridiculous.</p>

<p>And the woes don’t end there. The GTI isn’t just out of reach for your average petrolhead Joe – it’s also priced a full ₹8 lakh higher than the Mini Cooper S in India. If the Mini seems too impractical for your needs, there’s always the far more accomplished BMW M340i, which – for not a whole lot more than what the GTI demands – offers greater performance, more space, better equipment, and the badge prestige that comes with a BMW.</p>

    
  
    
  
<p>As it stands, Volkswagen seems to have landed the GTI in no man’s land with this absurd pricing. It’s a serious misstep... but only if your experience of the GTI is limited to the internet. Because once you get behind the wheel of the GTI – holy hell – it redeems itself…and how!</p>

<h2>Volkswagen Golf GTI: Top Speed</h2>



    
  
    
  
<p>To give us our first taste of the GTI in India, Volkswagen chose the high-speed and handling tracks at NATRAX, Madhya Pradesh. I kicked things off with a top-speed run on the 11.3km high-speed oval. Let’s cut straight to the chase – the Golf GTI clocked a top speed of 267km/h. Remember, this isn’t some sports car – it’s a four-door family hatchback!</p><div style="width: 100%; height: auto;" class="post-image">
      <img src="https://images.autox.com/uploads/2025/06/Volkswagen-Golf-GTI-Top-Speed-1750920602762.webp" alt="Volkswagen Golf GTI Top Speed.jpg" style="width: 100%; height: auto;">
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  <p>What’s surreal isn’t just the number, but the way the GTI achieved it – like a walk in the park. Powered by the 2.0-litre EA888 turbo-petrol engine rated at 261bhp and 370Nm, the GTI delivers relentless performance. It slices through the air like a hot knife through butter. Its high-speed stability is exceptional, wind noise is minimal, and the raspy notes from the intake and exhaust add to the drama – yes, some of that is artificially piped in via the Soundaktor system, but it still sends a tingle down your spine.</p>

<p>There’s no let-up when it comes to straight-line speed. The 0–100km/h sprint is dismissed in under six seconds. Keep your foot buried for another 16 seconds or so and 200km/h flashes on the dash, followed shortly by the limited top speed of 267km/h. All of this in sixth gear, with the engine spinning at around 5,000rpm, and there’s still one more gear to go, suggesting that more speed can be unlocked. You can bet tuners across the country are already rubbing their hands in anticipation.</p>

<h2>Volkswagen Golf GTI: Handling</h2>



    
  
    
  
<p>While the GTI can hit breakneck speeds in a straight line, its real charm lies in its stellar handling. It’s common knowledge that when Volkswagen slaps GTI badges on a Golf, the driving experience is bound to be something special, and that’s exactly how it turned out when we pushed the GTI to its limits on NATRAX’s handling test track.</p><div style="width: 100%; height: auto;" class="post-image">
      <img src="https://images.autox.com/uploads/2025/06/Volkswagen-Golf-GTI-Cornering-1750920977735.webp" alt="Volkswagen Golf GTI Cornering.jpg" style="width: 100%; height: auto;">
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  <p>Now, about the track – it’s not your typical racetrack. Sure, it has fast and technical sections, and there are kerbs to clip, but there’s no runoff area. Instead of gravel traps, you’re greeted by boulders and rocks. A momentary lapse in concentration, a misjudged turn-in point, or overshooting a braking marker could do more than just bruise your ego – it could wreak havoc on the GTI’s sleek bodywork.</p>





    
  
    
  
<p>Yet, when you’re in the GTI, none of that crosses your mind. It inspires so much confidence that you find yourself carrying absurd speeds through corners – my fastest corner entry was around 140km/h! – and the GTI remains unflappable. The front-end grip is just staggering – it’s as if the tyres are clawing into the tarmac without any retardation whatsoever. It just grips and grips and grips some more.</p><p>Despite being front-wheel drive, the GTI gives virtually no indication that it sends power to just the front wheels. Understeer? Barely noticeable – no matter how hard you push it. The nose points exactly where you want it to go, and the GTI carves through corners with scalpel-like precision – it sniffs &amp; hunts apexes like a predator on the prowl. What’s more, the steering drips with feedback, and the acceleration out of corners is simply otherworldly. The brakes? Equally phenomenal. From the progression of the pedal to the bite and overall stopping force – everything feels absolutely top-drawer.</p><div style="width: 100%; height: auto;" class="post-image">
      <img src="https://images.autox.com/uploads/2025/06/Volkswagen-Golf-GTI-Cornering-2-1750921141807.webp" alt="Volkswagen Golf GTI Cornering 2.jpg" style="width: 100%; height: auto;">
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  <p>So, how does it drive so well despite being a FWD machine? The secret lies between the front wheels themselves – Volkswagen’s Vorderachsquersperre, or VAQ. It’s an electronically controlled limited-slip differential, which uses a multi-plate clutch pack and an electric hydraulic pump to distribute power between the front wheels in real-time, based on grip levels. In simple terms, it sends more power to the wheel with the most traction, thereby minimising wheelspin. Add torque vectoring into the mix – which sends more power to the outer wheel when you’re accelerating out of corners – and you get a tighter radius and more precise cornering. In short, it eliminates the understeer that usually plagues front-wheel drive cars. And that’s what makes the Golf GTI not just competent but a true driver’s delight.</p>

<h2>Volkswagen Golf GTI: Practicality</h2>

<p>The whole point of a hot hatchback is that it should go fast but not at the expense of practicality. Now, in this regard, the Golf GTI is a bit of a mixed bag, considering Indian driving conditions. Yes, it can comfortably seat four adults, the ride quality is surprisingly supple, there’s a large and usable boot, and all the essential creature comforts are in place. But there is no denying that it’s less than perfect in several key areas.</p>



    
  
    
  
<p>Take the ground clearance, for instance. At just 136mm, it’s borderline impractical for Indian roads. If you live in a pothole-riddled neighbourhood, you’ll have a tough time. Forget potholes, I suspect that even a mildly inclined ramp or a normal speed breaker could scrape the GTI’s underbelly.</p><div style="width: 100%; height: auto;" class="post-image">
      <img src="https://images.autox.com/uploads/2025/06/Volkswagen-Golf-GTI-Ground-Clearance-1750921632311.webp" alt="Volkswagen Golf GTI Ground Clearance.jpg" style="width: 100%; height: auto;">
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  <p>Then there’s the equipment list, or rather, the lack of it. For a hatchback with a price tag north of ₹50 lakh, the omissions are glaring – no seat ventilation, no electric adjustment for the driver’s seat or steering, no 360-degree camera…well, you get the idea. Now, these aren’t just luxuries anymore, especially at this price point, and their absence will leave you feeling short-changed for sure. But what will particularly sting the enthusiasts is the absence of the Vehicle Dynamics Manager (VDM) and adaptive dampers – both offered in global markets. While they may not completely transform the driving experience, it’s always good to have different levels of adjustability.</p>



<p>What I do like about the Golf GTI is its appearance. It’s suave without being flashy. It’s hot, but not mercurial. It stands out, but never in a loud look-at-me sort of way. There’s an assertiveness to its stance, balanced by an air of understated elegance. The upshot? A design that, I think, will age rather gracefully.</p><div style="width: 100%; height: auto;" class="post-image">
      <img src="https://images.autox.com/uploads/2025/06/Volkswagen-Golf-GTI-View-Of-Steering-Console-And-Instrumentation-1749472422210.webp" alt="Volkswagen Golf GTI-View-Of-Steering-Console-And-Instrumentation.jpg" style="width: 100%; height: auto;">
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  <p>It’s a similar story inside. You get just the right dose of tech paired with modern touches, wrapped in classic tartan fabric. The steering wheel feels good in your hands, with chunky buttons that make toggling through settings intuitive. There’s a crisp 12.9-inch touchscreen with wireless phone connectivity, and the sport seats do a fine job of holding you in position. It’s a genuinely pleasant place to be. That said, the touch controls for volume and HVAC can be a bit irritating to use. Also, I can’t help but wish it came with the iconic golf ball gear lever – a subtle but meaningful nod to its heritage.</p>

<h2>Volkswagen Golf GTI First Drive Review Verdict</h2>

<p>If you think about it logically, the Golf GTI makes no sense for India. It’s too fast, too low, and too expensive for this country. Plus, it doesn’t carry the snob value of an Audi, BMW, Mercedes or Mini, so it’s unlikely to make your neighbour go green with envy.</p><p><img src="https://images.autox.com/uploads/2025/06/Volkswagen-Golf-GTI-Headlight-1749472484533.webp" alt="Volkswagen Golf GTI-Headlight.jpg" style="width: 100%; height: auto;"></p>



<p>The Golf GTI, then, is strictly for enthusiasts who know their onions. It’s for petrolheads who care about only one thing – driving pleasure. And in that regard, believe you me, it doesn’t disappoint one bit. If you ask me, there’s no car this side of ₹60 lakh that goes as fast or handles as well as the Golf GTI. Sure, it may cost a king’s ransom to own, but what you get in return is hot-hatch royalty.</p><p>Anyway, it doesn’t matter what you or I think about the Golf GTI now. The simple fact of the matter is that Volkswagen India doesn’t give two hoots about what we say, for all 150 units of the GTI headed to India have already been spoken for!</p><iframe width="1425" height="500" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/oRTsvpebtrc" title="The Golf GTI Makes No Sense for India, BUT… | Review | autoX" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen=""></iframe>
  




<p>[tabs]</p>

<p>[tab title="<strong>Volkswagen Golf GTI</strong>"]</p>

<p><strong>Engine:</strong> 1,984cc 4-Cylinder</p>

<p><strong>Transmission:</strong> 7-Speed DSG FWD</p>

<p><strong>Power:</strong> 261bhp </p>

<p><strong>Torque:</strong> 370Nm</p>

<p><strong>Fuel:</strong> Petrol</p>
 
<p><strong>Price:</strong> ₹53 Lakh (Ex-showroom)</p>

<p><strong>X-Factor:&nbsp;</strong><em>The Golf GTI is a hot hatch par excellence and caters to true-blue driving enthusiasts.</em></p>

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			<p><strong>Pros &nbsp;</strong>&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<br>
			•&nbsp; Stellar performance, scalpel-sharp handling</p>

			</td>
			<td>
			<p><strong>Cons</strong><br>
			• Pricey, low ground clearance</p>
			</td>
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<p>[/tab]</p>

<p>[/tabs]</p>


Volkswagen Golf GTI First Drive Review - Badge of Honour

It may cost a king’s ransom in India, but the Volkswagen Golf GTI rewards you with hot-hatch pedigree and driving purity that very few cars on our roads can match.

<p>This Bavarian duo couldn’t be more different – one is a four-door family sedan, and the other is a two-door sports convertible. Yet, they share a common thread – both are powered by one of the greatest turbo petrol engines of all time – BMW’s B58 3.0-litre six-cylinder powerhouse.</p><p>Objectively speaking, it doesn’t make much sense to compare the M340i and Z4 M40i, for they are built for entirely different purposes. However, that ‘M’ badge…well, that’s where the trouble lies. Why, you ask? Well, because that badge signifies that both vehicles have been primarily designed to offer one thing – sheer driving pleasure. So, putting their purposes aside, the question is – which of the two is the more engaging 40i?</p>
  <h2>BMW M340i Review – The Ultimate Sleeper Performance Sedan</h2><p>Guess which one’s more expensive between the two? Yes, you’re right – it’s the Z4. Now, guess which one is more powerful and quicker? Well, nope, you’re wrong this time. It’s the M340i!</p><p>
      <div style="width: 100%; height: auto;" class="post-image">
        <img src="https://images.autox.com/uploads/2023/05/BMW-M340i-Front-Three-Quarter.jpg" alt="BMW M340i Front Three Quarter" style="width: 100%; height: auto;">
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    </p><p>Would it be fair to say that the M340i is the most complete performance car under a crore? I’d say it is. The M340i is the kind of product that isn’t about asking what you get for your money, but what is it that you don’t? You get my drift? There’s virtually everything that it brings to the table – high performance, impeccable dynamics, four-door practicality, and the latest tech. Plus, when you’re not aiming for the 1/10ths, it’s a luxury sedan par excellence. And the icing on the cake is its phenomenal pricing. The first time I drove the M340i, about four years ago, I called it ‘the bargain M3’. Even after all these years, that statement still holds true.</p><p>Now, BMW has tweaked the M340i to make it more user-friendly in India, but it retains the sleeper soul of the original. In short, the star of the show is still the B58 engine, pushing out nearly 370 horses and 500Nm of twisting force. Cutting straight to the chase, the B58 is an absolute firecracker of an engine. Push the pedal to the metal and this engine propels the M340i from a standstill to license-cancelling speeds in no time.  What’s more, it can do the 0 – 100km/h sprint in just 4.4 seconds, which not only makes it the fastest accelerating Made-in-India ICE vehicle, but that’s also half a second faster than the legendary V8-powered E90 M3. That’s quite something.</p><p>
      <div style="width: 100%; height: auto;" class="post-image">
        <img src="https://images.autox.com/uploads/2025/01/1738235868131-ortc-BMW-M340i-Taillight.webp" alt="BMW M340i-Taillight.jpg" style="width: 100%; height: auto;">
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    </p><p>There’s no denying though that it’s not a real M car – which means it often gets slagged, mostly by trolls, on the internet for featuring an M badge. But if you ask me, it feels like an M car 80% of the time. That’s no way a bad deal because while it has the go of an M car, it’s not constantly on edge. In fact, with just a press of a button it turns into a docile luxury sedan. More so in the latest version, since it now gets the M Adaptive Suspension as standard. As a result, the ride isn’t jarring all the time – it’s supple, quiet, and absorbent on bad roads. It feels like a proper luxury sedan – until you turn to Sport or Sport Plus modes. Then all hell breaks loose!</p><p>When you’re blasting down a straight, the M340i – with its all-wheel drive or xDrive system – is blistering fast and sticks to the road like a leech. The grip, traction, and stability – all impeccable. Around corners, it’s much the same story. It corners like it’s being driven on rails. The new flat-bottom M steering wheel is direct and precise, and the nose darts around turns without missing a beat. What’s more, the overall composure and adjustability of this chassis is simply remarkable. Classic BMW traits.</p><p>
      <div style="width: 100%; height: auto;" class="post-image">
        <img src="https://images.autox.com/uploads/2025/01/1738235837048-oxv8-BMW-M340i-side-profile-dynamic.webp" alt="BMW M340i-side-profile-dynamic.jpg" style="width: 100%; height: auto;">
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    </p><p>But you might argue that it’s not rear-wheel drive. Well, no, it’s not. But, this is still a BMW at heart, which means that the xDrive system unashamedly favours the rear axle.  So, while cornering hard, you can always sense the car being pushed and rotated from the back. The handling is delectable, period.</p>
  
  
  
  <p>If there’s one slight criticism I have, it’s that the M Adaptive Suspension in the LCI version has made it a little too plush – even in the sportiest of settings, there’s a bit more boy roll compared to the old car. It’s still incredibly sharp for a four-door family sedan, but it doesn’t seem to be fully committed to the cause. Let’s just say that it’s now easier to live with on a daily basis on our roads, and I completely understand why BMW chose to do that.</p><p>On the flip side, what has become better, surprisingly, is the noise. This thing is markedly louder than the outgoing version. I distinctly remember being underwhelmed by the whole experience of the previous model  – even while driving at the speed of sound, it always felt a little muted inside. But not this one – it growls. It pops and bangs on the overrun, and you don’t have to stick your ear to the exhaust – it’s easily audible in the cabin. Now, of course, you might argue that this is nothing but BMW’s infamous piped-in noises coming through the speakers. However, I rolled down all four windows, stuck my head out, and noticed that it was very much a genuine noise coming straight from the exhaust pipes.</p><p>
      <div style="width: 100%; height: auto;" class="post-image">
        <img src="https://images.autox.com/uploads/2025/01/1738235910090-1qap-BMW-M340i-steering-wheel.webp" alt="BMW M340i-steering-wheel.jpg" style="width: 100%; height: auto;">
      </div>
    </p><p>What makes life feel even better in the M340i is its interior. This isn’t a stripped-down performance car on that front – it’s a full-on luxury car instead. You get BMW’s latest iDrive 8.5, along with the new-age Curved Display with two screens. There are all the creature comforts that you get in a regular 3 Series, meaning it’s opulent and tech-laden. Plus, the new Vernasca black leather upholstery, combined with contrast blue stitching and a heavy dose of carbon fibre, is so tastefully done.</p><p>The M340i is irresistible, and of that, there’s no doubt. But can it better the Z4 – a two-door sportscar with limitless headroom – as the ultimate driving machine? If you ask me, it’s got its work cut out!</p>
  
  
  <h2>BMW Z4 M40i Roadster Review – Open-Top Thrills</h2><p>The moment you jump into the Z4, especially after experiencing the M340i, you realise the difference between a performance car and a sports car. In the Z4, everything feels more serious. You sit low, almost on the floor, the seats are narrow, the overall sense of space is tighter, and every control is more driver-focused. The dashboard is tilted towards the driver, the M steering wheel – it’s perfectly round here – is smaller and has a thinner rim, and the pedals are relatively closer to each other.</p><p>
      <div style="width: 100%; height: auto;" class="post-image">
        <img src="https://images.autox.com/uploads/2025/01/1738235979507-46rw-BMW-Z4-M40i-steering-wheel.webp" alt="BMW Z4 M40i-steering-wheel.jpg" style="width: 100%; height: auto;">
      </div>
    </p><p>Now, one important thing to note is that tech and gadgets here are a generation behind what you get in the M340i. So, no curved displays or big screens. What you get instead is the old iDrive 7 with two 10.25-inch screens – one for the infotainment and the other as a driver display. Compared to the M340i, this interior does feel outdated, but we’re not here to play with screens – not on this occasion, at least.</p><p>Because the Z4’s cabin feels a generation older, it has a more analogue and old-school charm of the two. Plus, it comes with a proper gear lever, instead of the soulless toggle button / shifter of the M340i. Now, let’s move to the juicier bits. The Z4 does not have an M avatar and thus the M40i is the top-spec version of the roadster that money can buy. Although, if you happen to be anywhere else in the world, there’s something called the Toyota Supra for you, which is based on the same platform as the Z4 – but that’s a story for another day.</p><p>In terms of the hardware, the Z4 M40i gets more or less the same kit as the M340i – M Adaptive Suspension, M Sport Differential, M Brakes, and, of course, the B58 firecracker.  However, there’s a catch. The Z4’s B58 is offered in a lower state of tune in India, producing 335bhp and 500Nm. A bit of a downer, considering BMW offers it in a more powerful state of tune in global markets. There’s a manual transmission on offer, too, but in India, it’s only offered with the 8-speed ZF auto, the same as the M340i. On the upside, it can still crack 0 – 100km/h in 4.5 seconds, and unlike the M340i, it’s a pure front-engine, rear-wheel drive machine.</p><p>
      <div style="width: 100%; height: auto;" class="post-image">
        <img src="https://images.autox.com/uploads/2025/01/1738236134428-2mf9-BMW-Z4-M40i-Motion.webp" alt="BMW Z4 M40i-Motion.jpg" style="width: 100%; height: auto;">
      </div>
    </p><p>If you stomp on the A-pedal in the M340i carelessly, its AWD and long wheelbase ensure that you’re well taken care of. But do the same in the petiter RWD roadster, and it won’t hesitate to throw caution to the wind, resulting in a furious wheel spin and fishtailing. Sure, the traction control and electronics reign it in before you end up embarrassing yourself, but it does send a warning to your senses. It’s lively but in a fiery way.</p>
  
  
  <p>Once the Z4 gains traction, though, it takes off with blistering speed. There’s no dearth of performance, as it picks up pace quickly, all while making glorious noises. And that difference of 0.1s hardly matters, especially when the roof is down, the sun is shining on your receding hairline, and you feel the full force of Delhi’s filthy air against your face. That’s what a convertible does – it creates a sense of occasion even in such dystopian times.</p><p>Surprisingly, the Z4’s exhaust produces understated noises. Even with the roof down, it’s not as loud. However, the induction noise is deeper, and the pops on the overrun are bassier. Put the roof back up – it takes only 10 seconds to open or close the roof – and it becomes even more muted. However, if you do a rev battle at a standstill, it’s the Z4 that produces a throatier and louder noise.</p><p>In the handling department, the Z4 is every bit a sports car, and then some. The nose is sharp, and it’s more agile for obvious reasons. Despite being RWD, the traction is phenomenal. It never loses composure around corners regardless of how hard you push it. There’s some movement at the back when you turn the TC off, but to break traction and slide – and to catch the tail back again – you would have to be a driving god! It’s unshakeable. This is also down to its tyres. While both the M340i and Z4 feature 19-inch staggered set, the latter gets fatter tyres – 255/275 vs 225/255 at the front and rear. The wider contact patch makes all the difference.</p><p>
      <div style="width: 100%; height: auto;" class="post-image">
        <img src="https://images.autox.com/uploads/2025/01/1738236143534-9g8z-BMW-Z4-M40i-vs-BMW-M340i-side-profile-dynamic.webp" alt="BMW Z4 M40i vs BMW M340i-side-profile-dynamic.jpg" style="width: 100%; height: auto;">
      </div>
    </p>
  <p>Then there’s the suspension. The Z4 has a stiffer setup, and you can feel it when you’re pushing it around corners. However, its roadholding isn’t as impeccable as the M340i, for the Z4 tends to hop and skip when the surface isn’t silky smooth. There’s also a lot of side-to-side movement, and it feels excessively rigid in its Sport modes. The steering is direct, but it’s got an artificial heft unlike the M340i, which feels better weighted and consistent through and through. It’s a similar story with the gearbox. The ZF 8-speeder is identical in both vehicles, but it offers snappier shifts, especially in manual mode, in the M340i.</p><p>Much like the M340i, the Z4 can go from being a rowdy machine to a gentle luxury car in no time. Despite having a soft top, the noise insulation is impressive, and the overall refinement is simply brilliant. What’s more, in Comfort mode, the suspension is supple and the ride isn’t bone jarring. In fact, for a sports car, it’s surprisingly easy to live with, even on Indian roads. Even the ground clearance is decent. The only thing you have to deal with is the attention it garners  – it’s an outright head-turner.</p><h2>BMW Z4 vs M340i – Which 40i You Should Buy?</h2><p>Having driven both the 40is to my heart’s content, I can convincingly tell you that there’s no loser here. They are both fantastic driver’s cars, with a lot of character and charisma. That said, if you put a gun to my head, along with a crore in my bank account, I’ll give you a clear winner in terms of sheer thrills. It’s the M340i. Not only is the B58 drivetrain livelier, louder, and more engaging in the M340i, but it’s also more playful in terms of driving dynamics. The fact that it happens to be a four-door practical sedan and considerably more affordable than the Z4 only makes the whole deal sweeter.</p><p>
      <div style="width: 100%; height: auto;" class="post-image">
        <img src="https://images.autox.com/uploads/2025/01/1738235940255-dmnn-BMW-Z4-M40i-vs-BMW-M340i-Front-Three-Quarter.webp" alt="BMW Z4 M40i and M340i" style="width: 100%; height: auto;">
      </div>
    </p><p>As for the Z4, it may not be an outright driver’s delight as the M340i, but it has a greater sense of occasion for sure. And in terms of performance and handling or sheer driving thrills, it trails the M340i only by a whisker or so. But that’s precisely it – it trails its four-door siblings, and not leads. So, from a driver’s perspective, it’s the M340i, which is the better 40i of the two. This also means that, for me, the M340i is now also the most exciting car under a crore, in addition to being the most complete.</p>

<p>[tabs]</p>

<p>[tab title="<strong>BMW M340i</strong>"]</p>

<p><strong>Engine:</strong> 2,998cc  6-Cylinder</p>

<p><strong>Transmission:</strong> 8-Speed AT AWD</p>

<p><strong>Power:</strong> 369bhp </p>

<p><strong>Torque:</strong> 500Nm</p>
 
<p><strong>Fuel:</strong> Petrol</p> 

<p><strong>Price:</strong> ₹74.90 Lakh Ex showroom</p>

<p>[/tab]</p>

<p>[tab title="<strong>BMW Z4 M40i</strong>"]</p>

<p><strong>Engine:</strong> 2,998cc  6-Cylinder</p>

<p><strong>Transmission:</strong> 8-Speed AT RWD</p>

<p><strong>Power:</strong> 335bhp </p>

<p><strong>Torque:</strong> 500Nm</p>
 
<p><strong>Fuel:</strong> Petrol</p> 

<p><strong>Price:</strong> ₹90.90 Lakh Ex showroom</p>

<p>[/tab]</p>

<p>[/tabs]</p>

BMW Z4 vs M340i Comparison Review - Naughty 40ies

Two BMWs. One heart. Different beats. One’s a stealthy four-door missile, the other a wild drop-top. But when it comes to pure thrills, which 40i truly delivers?

2025 Mercedes-Benz E-Class vs BMW 5 Series LWB Comparison Review - The Long Game

Can the long-legged 5 Series stretch the E-Class LWB to its breaking point? There was only one way to find out – a head-to-head battle.

<p>
    It’s raining performance cars in India this year, isn’t it? Volkswagen started the trend with the Golf GTI earlier this year; its sister brand, Škoda, followed with the Octavia RS, and now Mini India wants a slice of the action with the all-new Countryman JCW.</p>

<p>Unlike the VW Group twins, the Mini is more expensive — but it also offers more poke, more practicality, and, of course, greater snob value. It is, after all, a luxury badge. And oh, it’s an SUV — the country’s most-loved automotive format right now. The question is, does it live up to the promise? We had a brief interaction with the latest (and largest) Mini at the Buddh International Circuit during its launch, and here’s why the Countryman JCW deserves your attention.</p>





<h2>Mini Countryman JCW Design &amp; Styling: The Works</h2>

<p>When John Cooper Works sprinkles its magic on a Mini, they go the whole nine yards — every component gets re-engineered to bring out the brand’s sporty alter ego. Now, the current-gen Countryman isn’t exactly a looker if you ask me. At 4.4 metres long, it’s hardly “mini”, and it tries a bit too hard to look SUV-ish when, in essence, it’s more of a jacked-up hatchback or a crossover at best. That said, the JCW makeover adds real intent. Plus, in its special British Racing Green, Legend Grey, and Midnight Black colour options, it looks properly menacing.</p><p>
      <div style="width: 100%; height: auto;" class="post-image">
        <img src="https://images.autox.com/uploads/2025/11/Mini-Countryman-JCW-Taillight-1763013409591.webp" alt="Mini Countryman JCW-Taillight.jpg" style="width: 100%; height: auto;">
      </div>
    </p><p> Adding yet more drama to its outer appearance are special 19-inch JCW wheels with red brake callipers, aggressive bumpers with loud red detailing, quad exhaust tips, and JCW badging all around. Okay, it won’t make you go weak in the knees, but it does exude a purposeful and racy stance.</p><p><strong>Also Read:</strong> <a href="https://www.autox.com/reviews/car-reviews/2025-skoda-octavia-rs-first-drive-review---czech-mate-122112/" target="_blank">2025 Skoda Octavia RS First Drive Review - Czech Mate!&nbsp;</a></p>

<h2>Mini Countryman JCW Interior &amp; Practicality Review</h2>

<p>Step inside and you’re greeted by a cabin drenched in JCW flair. There are electrically adjustable sport seats, a JCW steering wheel with aluminium paddles, the signature 9.4-inch circular OLED infotainment display, a panoramic sunroof, Level 1 ADAS, a head-up display, and a Harman Kardon audio system — all standard.</p><p>
      <div style="width: 100%; height: auto;" class="post-image">
        <img src="https://images.autox.com/uploads/2025/11/Mini-Countryman-JCW-steering-wheel-1763013403994.webp" alt="Mini Countryman JCW-steering-wheel.jpg" style="width: 100%; height: auto;">
      </div>
    </p><p>The all-black interior, finished in knitted fabric with red accents, feels both classy and sporty, while the signature toggle switches reinforce Mini’s go-kart-meets-retro design language. The rear compartment has generous space for two adults, and the sliding rear bench (by up to 130mm) helps free up more legroom or boot volume (500 litres as standard) as needed. Overall fit-and-finish levels feel premium.</p>

<h2>Mini Countryman JCW Engine, Performance &amp; Handling</h2>

<p>Under the hood sits a 2.0-litre, four-cylinder turbo-petrol that churns out 296bhp and 400Nm. Power is channelled to all four wheels via a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic and Mini’s ALL4 AWD system. With that setup, the Countryman JCW dispatches the 0–100km/h sprint in 5.4 seconds, half a second quicker than the Golf GTI.</p><p><strong>Also Read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.autox.com/track-test/volkswagen-golf-gti-wins-car-of-the-year---autox-awards-2025-122162/" target="_blank">Volkswagen Golf GTI Wins Car of the Year - autoX Awards 2025</a></p><p>Out on the BIC, it built speed effortlessly, thanks to its seamless power delivery, rapid-fire shifts, and unflappable traction. It’s got the go, for sure, but what I don’t like is how it pretends to be going faster than it actually is, for the piped-in exhaust note dulls the authenticity. The brakes, however, are exceptional, offering strong bite and confidence to dive deep into corners.</p><p>
      <div style="width: 100%; height: auto;" class="post-image">
        <img src="https://images.autox.com/uploads/2025/11/Mini-Countryman-JCW-Rear-Static-1763013397942.webp" alt="Mini Countryman JCW-Rear-Static.jpg" style="width: 100%; height: auto;">
      </div>
    </p><p>Handling, too, feels properly sorted. Even from our limited, lead-car-paced run, it’s clear the JCW is a driver’s car through and through — taut suspension, direct steering, and phenomenal grip. That said, this sporty setup will be a bit of a bother on public roads as the ride quality will suffer.</p>







<h2>Mini Countryman JCW Price, Verdict &amp; Should You Buy It?</h2>

<p>The Countryman JCW is aimed at keen drivers who primarily want three things — sports-car-like performance &amp; handling, SUV-like practicality, and Mini’s iconic badge (&amp; shape). It nails all three with surprising ease. Priced at ₹64.90 lakh (ex-showroom), it isn’t cheap, but it packs in performance, personality, and usability in a way few others in the segment do.</p><p>
      <div style="width: 100%; height: auto;" class="post-image">
        <img src="https://images.autox.com/uploads/2025/11/Mini-Countryman-JCW-1-1763013393317.webp" alt="Mini Countryman JCW-1.jpg" style="width: 100%; height: auto;">
      </div>
    </p><p>Now, whether it can truly challenge other performance cars around the ₹60-lakh mark is a question for another day — one where Mini lets us loose on the track without a lead car perhaps. Because after my brief stint at the BIC, I’ve been itching to unleash its full potential. And trust me, I can’t wait for that next go.</p><p><strong>Also Read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.autox.com/news/car-news/new-mini-countryman-se-all4-launched-at-rs-6690-lakh-in-india-122119/" target="_blank">New Mini Countryman SE All4 Launched</a></p>





<p>[tabs]</p>

<p>[tab title="<strong>Mini Countryman JCW</strong>"]</p>

<p><strong>Engine:</strong> 1,998cc Inline-4</p>

<p><strong>Transmission:</strong> 7-Speed DCT AWD</p>

<p><strong>Power:</strong> 296bhp</p>

<p><strong>Torque:</strong> 400Nm</p>

<p><strong>Fuel:</strong> Petrol</p>

<p><strong>Price:</strong> ₹64.90 Lakh Ex showroom</p>

<p><strong>X-Factor:&nbsp;</strong><em>Hot hatch performance clubbed with crossover practicality, this Mini hits the sweet spot.</em></p>

<table cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1">
    <tbody>
        <tr>
            <td>
                <p><strong>Pros &nbsp;</strong>&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<br>
                    •&nbsp; Performance, handling, X-Factor</p>

            </td>
            <td>
                <p><strong>Cons</strong><br>
                    • Stiff suspension; not an SUV! </p>
            </td>
        </tr>
    </tbody>
</table>

<p>[/tab]</p>

<p>[/tabs]</p>

Mini Countryman JCW All4 First Drive Review - Max Mini

The Countryman JCW may no longer be ‘Mini’ in size, but does it still carry the brand’s iconic essence? We headed to the BIC to find out.

<p>
It’s a strange, strange world out there. Politicians are doing comedy, comedians are doing politics, Trump wants a Nobel Peace Prize, and SUVs are beating sports cars around racetracks. Take the Audi RS Q8 Performance, for instance – a full-blown luxury SUV turned all the way up to eleven to keep the boy racer in every family man alive.</p><p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://youtu.be/OJ2oVUvSrzQ?si=C8gkOTr5aw1_0WYL">2024 Audi Q8 Facelift First Drive Review | Have These Changes Made The SUV Better? | autoX</a></p>

<p>It’s the most powerful ICE car ever to come out of Ingolstadt, and since it wears the RS badge, it obviously goes like stink. Need proof? It currently holds the Nürburgring Nordschleife record for the fastest production SUV, with a lap time of 7:36.7 – faster than some of your bedroom-poster icons like the Lexus LFA, Ferrari 430 Scuderia, and Lamborghini Murciélago SV.</p><p>With a resume that strong, we expected the RS Q8 Performance to be among the fastest cars in our test. What we didn’t expect was for it to absolutely annihilate the competition, which included the Aston Martin DBX 707, BMW M5, Mercedes-AMG CLE 53, and Porsche Macan Turbo EV. With a staggering lap time of 1:02.8, the RS Q8 Performance is our ‘Performance Car of the Year 2025’.</p>

      
    
      
    


<p>The RS Q8 Performance’s recipe for speed starts with its impeccable 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8, which produces 631bhp and 850Nm of torque. Power is sent to all four wheels via an 8-speed automatic and Audi’s legendary quattro system. The result? A 0 – 100km/h time of 3.6 seconds and a top speed of 305km/h – those are supercar numbers, period.</p>

<p>What truly boggles the mind, though, is its handling. Thanks to the immense grip provided by its chassis, AWD system, and sport differential, the RS Q8 Performance behaves more like a surgical tool than a sledgehammer on the track. The steering is quick and precise, and that massive grille can sniff out apexes like a bloodhound. The whole experience is thrilling but never intimidating. You can stand on the throttle through most corners, and it won’t bite. The AWD system helps rotate the rear mid-corner, allowing you to flirt with four-wheel drifts like a rally car before catapulting you out of bends with incredible traction. All the while, the V8 roars with a wicked, muscle-car soundtrack that adds drama to the whole experience. It’s almost laughable how sharp and fast this high-riding family SUV is on the racetrack.</p><p>
      <br></p><div style="width: 100%; height: auto;" class="post-image">
        <img src="https://images.autox.com/uploads/2025/11/Audi-RS-Q8-Performance-steering-wheel-1762927634122.webp" alt="Audi RS Q8 Performance-steering-wheel.jpg" style="width: 100%; height: auto;">
      </div><p>
    As a luxury car, the RS Q8 Performance impresses just as much. The cabin is exquisitely built, laden with features, and tastefully garnished with RS-specific touches. The space inside is generous for family and friends, and with a simple press of the Drive Select button, it transforms from a track monster into a subdued luxury car.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.autox.com/news/car-news/audi-q3-q5-signature-line-launched-in-india-prices-start-at-rs-5231-lakh-122126/">Audi Q3, Q5 Signature Line Launched in India; Prices Start at Rs 52.31 Lakh</a></p>

<p>What further seals the deal is that it’s mechanically identical to the Lamborghini Urus Performante. Sure, it may not have the Italian’s flash or flamboyance, but when it comes to delivering a supercar-like experience in a family SUV body, it’s every bit as capable, if not better. And the best part? It costs only half as much. Makes you wonder why anybody would want an Urus over the RS Q8 Performance, doesn’t it? But, then, for better or worse, that’s the new world order.
</p>



<p>[tabs]</p>

<p>[tab title="<strong>Audi RS Q8 Performance (Lap Time: 01.02.8)</strong>"]</p>

<table cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1" width="100%">
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<th scope="col">PARAMETERS</th>
			<th scope="col">POINTS</th>
			<th scope="col">SCORE</th>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<th scope="row">QUALITY</th>
			<td>5</td>
			<td>4.5</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<th scope="row">COMFORT &amp; SPACE</th>
			<td>5</td>
			<td>4</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<th scope="row">REFINEMENT</th>
			<td>5</td>
			<td>4.5</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<th scope="row">DESIGN</th>
			<td>5</td>
			<td>3.5</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<th scope="row">DRIVETRAIN</th>
			<td>5</td>
			<td>5</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<th scope="row">RIDE &amp; HANDLING</th>
			<td>5</td>
			<td>4</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<th scope="row">PRACTICALITY</th>
			<td>5</td>
			<td>4</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<th scope="row">X FACTOR</th>
			<td>20</td>
			<td>12</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<th scope="row">LAP TIME</th>
			<td>15</td>
			<td>15</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<th scope="row">VALUE FOR MONEY</th>
			<td>30</td>
			<td>6</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<th scope="row">TOTAL</th>
			<td>100</td>
			<td>62.5</td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>

<p>[/tab]</p>

<p>[/tabs]</p>

Audi RS Q8 Performance: Performance Car of the Year - autoX Awards 2025

The Audi RS Q8 Performance is the most powerful ICE car ever to come out of Ingolstadt, and since it wears the RS badge, it obviously goes like stink.

<p>
    You may or may not believe in black magic, but once you’re behind the wheel of a Porsche Macan Turbo Electric, pushing it at breakneck speeds around the racetrack, you’re bound to become a believer. Despite weighing only a few kilograms less than the planet Jupiter, the way this thing grips, steers, and annihilates straights can turn your frontal lobe into jelly!</p>

<p>How fast is it, you ask? Well, it finished third overall in this test, but more impressively, it’s nearly two seconds quicker than both the Aston Martin DBX 707 and the BMW M5!</p><p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.autox.com/news/car-news/bharat-mobility-expo-2025-porsche-macan-ev-launched-at-rs-121-crore-in-india-119626/">Porsche Macan EV Launched in India</a></p>

<p>We’ve long believed the Macan to be a sports car on stilts, but with the latest generation going all-electric, expectations were understandably tempered. Yet, the Macan Turbo Electric turns out to be every bit as precise and surgical as any machine wearing the Porsche crest. Built on Porsche’s all-new Premium Platform Electric (PPE) architecture, it shares nothing with its ICE sibling. This variant features a dual-motor setup, rated at 630bhp and 1,130Nm, resulting in a 0-100km/h time of just 3.3 seconds.</p>

<div style="width: 100%; height: auto;" class="post-image">
    <img src="https://images.autox.com/uploads/2025/11/Porsche-Macan-Turbo-Electric-2-1762951941312.webp" alt="Porsche Macan Turbo Electric-2.jpg" style="width: 100%; height: auto;">
    
</div>

<div style="width: 100%; height: auto;" class="post-image">
    <img src="https://images.autox.com/uploads/2025/11/Porsche-Macan-Turbo-Electric-1762951946805.webp" alt="Porsche Macan Turbo Electric.jpg" style="width: 100%; height: auto;">
    
</div>

<p>The acceleration is brutal and precise. No tyre squeal, no drama – just grip and go. The real magic, though, lies in how it handles. The steering drips with feel, and the body control is taut. The electronics? Pure witchcraft. They don’t just keep you going in the right direction; they also help you stitch the apexes together like a pro.</p>

<p>Yet, despite all that athleticism, the Macan Turbo Electric is a genuinely comfortable luxury car. The ride is supple, the refinement levels are exceptional, and the cabin’s fit-and-finish is pure Porsche perfection.</p><p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.autox.com/news/car-news/porsche-delays-ev-plans-confirms-ice-and-hybrids-well-into-the-2030s-121831/"> Porsche Delays EV Plans, Confirms ICE and Hybrids ‘Well Into the 2030s’</a></p>

<p>Is there anything missing? Well, it’s a bit too quiet for a Porsche. You can’t help but long for Porsche’s signature mechanical acoustics. And that, really, is the crux of Porsche’s EV dilemma – no matter how spectacular its electric cars become, they can never quite replace the combustion-powered icons that built the brand’s soul. Even Porsche’s balance sheet reflects this – the manufacturer recently posted a $1.1 billion quarterly loss, largely due to its ambitious electrification push. In the end, while there’s absolutely nothing wrong with the Macan Turbo Electric in itself, its only flaw might be that it doesn’t fully align with what Porsche has always stood for.
</p>

<p>[tabs]</p>

<p>[tab title="<strong>Porsche Macan Turbo Electric (Lap Time: 01.04.1)</strong>"]</p>

<table cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1" width="100%">
    <tbody>
        <tr>
            <th scope="col">PARAMETERS</th>
            <th scope="col">POINTS</th>
            <th scope="col">SCORE</th>
        </tr>
        <tr>
            <th scope="row">QUALITY</th>
            <td>5</td>
            <td>4.5</td>
        </tr>
        <tr>
            <th scope="row">COMFORT / SPACE</th>
            <td>5</td>
            <td>3</td>
        </tr>
        <tr>
            <th scope="row">REFINEMENT</th>
            <td>5</td>
            <td>5</td>
        </tr>
        <tr>
            <th scope="row">DESIGN</th>
            <td>5</td>
            <td>3</td>
        </tr>
        <tr>
            <th scope="row">DRIVETRAIN</th>
            <td>5</td>
            <td>5</td>
        </tr>
        <tr>
            <th scope="row">RIDE &amp; HANDLING</th>
            <td>5</td>
            <td>4</td>
        </tr>
        <tr>
            <th scope="row">PRACTICALITY</th>
            <td>5</td>
            <td>3</td>
        </tr>
        <tr>
            <th scope="row">X FACTOR</th>
            <td>20</td>
            <td>11</td>
        </tr>
        <tr>
            <th scope="row">LAP TIME</th>
            <td>15</td>
            <td>13.6</td>
        </tr>
        <tr>
            <th scope="row">VALUE FOR MONEY</th>
            <td>30</td>
            <td>7</td>
        </tr>
        <tr>
            <th scope="row">TOTAL</th>
            <td>100</td>
            <td>59.1</td>
        </tr>
    </tbody>
</table>

<p>[/tab]</p>

<p>[/tabs]</p>

Porsche Macan Turbo Electric at autoX Awards: Best Cars of 2025 Ranked

The Porsche Macan Turbo Electric is as precise as any model with the brand’s badge. Its acceleration is brutal and clean — no tyre squeal or drama, just grip and go.

<p>
    As a country, we can have varied opinions about a zillion things, but we can all agree that India is primarily a hatchback country. And before you utter the word ‘SUV’, let me tell you that the majority of the so-called compact SUVs we drive are nothing more than glorified and jacked-up hatchbacks. So, that argument goes right out the window.</p>

<p>Anyway, back to hatchbacks. Now, we have had some great hatchbacks over the years but never the greatest. Well, that changes now – because the Volkswagen Golf is finally here.</p><p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.autox.com/news/car-news/volkswagen-golf-gti-to-return-with-second-batch-in-india-bookings-to-begin-by-year-end-120854/">Volkswagen Golf GTI to Return with Second Batch in India; Bookings to Begin by Year-End</a></p>

<p>Frankly, it was downright criminal for Volkswagen to have kept its best-selling model away from India for this long. Thankfully, they seem to have realised this, which is why they’ve redeemed themselves by finally bringing the Golf to us in the exciting GTI flavour. After spending a fair bit of time behind the wheel, all we can say is: ‘God bless them!’</p>

<p>The original Golf GTI was conceived to combine the practicality of a hatchback with the thrill of a sports car. Eight generations later, that formula has been perfected. Cutting straight to the chase, the Mk8.5 Golf GTI offers the ultimate hot-hatch experience for Indian petrolheads. It seats four adults comfortably, and with its 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine producing a hearty 261bhp and 370Nm, it can clock 267km/h without breaking a sweat. It can be your grocery-getter, but it can also put sports cars twice its price to shame – whether on the track or on your favourite hill road. And being a VW, a true People’s Car, it can also tackle India’s infamous roads and speed breakers with grace. What’s more, with its subdued design, you can also use it every day without drawing crowds, but that’s not to say it’s boring – not by a long chalk!</p>

<div style="width: 100%; height: auto;" class="post-image">
    <img src="https://images.autox.com/uploads/2025/11/Volkswagen-Golf-GTI-View-Of-Steering-Console-And-Instrumentation-1762929352085.webp" alt="Volkswagen Golf GTI-View-Of-Steering-Console-And-Instrumentation.jpg" style="width: 100%; height: auto;">
    
</div>



<p>The GTI is an absolute blast, wherever you drive it. I can’t remember a single member of our jury who didn’t step out of it singing its praises after a few laps around the BIC. And that’s the beauty of the Golf GTI – it’s all the car you’ll ever need. On the track, its performance and handling are simply stellar. You can charge into corners at silly speeds, fluff your lines, and yet the GTI will find a way to thread the apexes together with uncanny precision. The front-end grip is absurdly good, and steering is as direct as your grandmother’s taunts, ensuring the front wheels remain where you want them to.</p>

<p>Then there’s Volkswagen’s famed Vorderachsquersperre – VAQ electronic limited-slip differential – which is a work of art. Push a regular FWD car to its limits, and you’ll find yourself fighting understeer. Push the GTI, and the VAQ tightens your line, finds grip where none exists, and shoots you out of corners with surgical composure. It’s a true driver’s delight, this thing!</p><p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.autox.com/videos/the-golf-gti-makes-no-sense-for-india-but-review-autox-120858/">The Golf GTI Makes No Sense for India, BUT… | Review | autoX</a></p>

<p>At ₹53 lakh, the Golf GTI isn’t for everyone, and that’s a bit of a shame. But when you consider what it offers to serious driving enthusiasts – the performance, handling, heritage, aura, and everyday practicality – it all starts to make perfect sense. Plus, don’t forget that it’s a hatchback, which means it’s the perfect fit for all occasions. It’s fair to say that the Golf GTI isn’t just another car – it’s truly The God of Small Things.
</p><p>[tabs]</p>



<p>[tab title="<strong>Volkswagen Golf GTI (Lap Time: 01.07.4)</strong>"]</p>

<table cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1" width="100%">
    <tbody>
        <tr>
            <th scope="col">PARAMETERS</th>
            <th scope="col">POINTS</th>
            <th scope="col">SCORE</th>
        </tr>
        <tr>
            <th scope="row">QUALITY</th>
            <td>5</td>
            <td>3.5</td>
        </tr>
        <tr>
            <th scope="row">COMFORT &amp; SPACE</th>
            <td>5</td>
            <td>3</td>
        </tr>
        <tr>
            <th scope="row">REFINEMENT</th>
            <td>5</td>
            <td>4.5</td>
        </tr>
        <tr>
            <th scope="row">DESIGN</th>
            <td>5</td>
            <td>4</td>
        </tr>
        <tr>
            <th scope="row">DRIVETRAIN</th>
            <td>5</td>
            <td>4.5</td>
        </tr>
        <tr>
            <th scope="row">RIDE &amp; HANDLING</th>
            <td>5</td>
            <td>4</td>
        </tr>
        <tr>
            <th scope="row">PRACTICALITY</th>
            <td>5</td>
            <td>4</td>
        </tr>
        <tr>
            <th scope="row">X FACTOR</th>
            <td>20</td>
            <td>13</td>
        </tr>
        <tr>
            <th scope="row">LAP TIME</th>
            <td>15</td>
            <td>10.2</td>
        </tr>
        <tr>
            <th scope="row">VALUE FOR MONEY</th>
            <td>30</td>
            <td>13</td>
        </tr>
        <tr>
            <th scope="row">TOTAL</th>
            <td>100</td>
            <td>62.7</td>
        </tr>
    </tbody>
</table>

<p>[/tab]</p>

<p>[/tabs]</p>

Volkswagen Golf GTI Wins Car of the Year - autoX Awards 2025

The original Volkswagen Golf GTI was conceived to combine the practicality of a hatchback with the thrill of a sports car. Eight generations later, that formula has been perfected.

<p>
The Aprilia Tuono 457 is the naked twin of the RS 457 – the motorcycle that shook up India’s entry-level supersport segment with its seductive Italian design, hot-blooded performance, and razor-sharp handling, which explains why it won autoX’s ‘Best of 2024’ award, along with the Indian Motorcycle of the Year (IMOTY) title later that season.</p>

<p>Now, as brilliant as the RS 457 is, it’s also unapologetically sporty and aggressive. That’s why Aprilia decided to bring out an easier-on-the-wrist naked version of it this year – the Tuono 457. With its wide and tall handlebar and noticeably more relaxed rider’s triangle, it’s an easier bike to ride for sure. Mechanically, it’s unchanged – you still get the 457cc parallel-twin engine producing 47bhp and 43.5Nm, meaning it’s every bit as punchy and addictive as its faired sibling. Aprilia has, however, tweaked the final drive ratio with an extra tooth on the rear sprocket for quicker intial acceleration, but the trade-off is that it is about a second slower to reach 100km/h. The missing (and slippery) bodywork also plays a part in slightly compromising the top end. And, of course, being a naked, you’ll be fighting through a fair bit of wind blast at triple-digit speeds.</p><p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.autox.com/videos/2025-aprilia-tuono-457-india-first-ride-review-new-king-of-street-naked-bikes-autox-120382/">2025 Aprilia Tuono 457 India | First Ride Review | New King of Street Naked Bikes | autoX</a></p>

<p>That brings us to its styling, or the lack of it. In this area, the Tuono 457 is a bit of a mixed bag. While the overall stance is muscular and purposeful, the front end lacks the sharp, predatory appeal of the larger Tuonos.</p>

<p>On the track, though, the Tuono absolutely redeems itself. The front end feels planted and composed around corners. The only problem during our track test was noticeable handlebar vibrations beyond 5,000rpm.</p><p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.autox.com/news/bike-news/aprilia-tuono-457-vs-rs-457-key-differences-explained-119950/">Aprilia Tuono 457 vs RS 457: Key Differences Explained</a></p>

<p>Overall, the Tuono 457 is a phenomenal naked machine that nails the essentials – a thrilling engine, a dynamic chassis, and everyday usability. It just misses out on being as stellar as the RS 457. And, lastly, Aprilia’s after-sales service and long-term reliability have recently come under scrutiny. Naturally, that dents its score in the practicality category.
</p>


<p>[tabs]</p>

<p>[tab title="<strong>Aprilia Tuono 457 (Lap Time: 01.11.2)</strong>"]</p>

<table cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1" width="100%">
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<th scope="col">PARAMETERS</th>
			<th scope="col">POINTS</th>
			<th scope="col">SCORE</th>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<th scope="row">QUALITY</th>
			<td>10</td>
			<td>8</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<th scope="row">COMFORT &amp; PRACTICALITY</th>
			<td>10</td>
			<td>7.5</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<th scope="row">REFINEMENT</th>
			<td>10</td>
			<td>7</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<th scope="row">DESIGN</th>
			<td>10</td>
			<td>6</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<th scope="row">DRIVETRAIN</th>
			<td>10</td>
			<td>8</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<th scope="row">RIDE &amp; HANDLING</th>
			<td>10</td>
			<td>8</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<th scope="row">X FACTOR</th>
			<td>10</td>
			<td>9</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<th scope="row">LAP TIME</th>
			<td>05</td>
			<td>3.7</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<th scope="row">VALUE FOR MONEY</th>
			<td>20</td>
			<td>11</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<th scope="row">TOTAL</th>
			<td>100</td>
			<td>68.2</td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>

<p>[/tab]</p>

<p>[/tabs]</p>

Aprilia Tuono 457 at autoX Awards: Best Bikes of 2025 Ranked

With its wide and tall handlebar and noticeably more relaxed rider’s triangle, the Aprilia Tuono 457 is an easier bike to ride for sure.

<p>
    ‘What’s in a name?’ – well, if the said name happens to be Classic and you’re Royal Enfield, then everything. You see, if there’s one motorcycle that single-handedly transformed Royal Enfield’s fortunes – in India and worldwide – it has to be the Classic.</p>

<p>The ‘Classic’ name first appeared in 2009, when RE introduced the all-new Classic 500 and 350, powered by their then-modern UCE engine. The twins were an instant hit among the masses, perfectly blending the Royal Enfield vintage charm with newfound reliability and refinement. Naturally, the Classic range set the cash registers ringing, and how! Buoyed by its success, RE scaled new heights, poured resources into fresh platforms, and transformed itself into the global powerhouse that it is today.</p>

<div style="width: 100%; height: auto;" class="post-image">
    <img src="https://images.autox.com/uploads/2025/11/Royal-Enfield-Classic-650--1762924370479.webp" alt="Royal Enfield Classic 650-.jpg" style="width: 100%; height: auto;">
</div>



<p>Over the past decade and a half, the Classic has remained RE’s star performer, consistently topping sales charts. Most of its success, of course, came from the Classic 350, especially after the 500’s discontinuation in 2020. Last year, though, RE revived the idea of a bigger Classic – this time with more cubic capacity, an extra cylinder, and heaps of cool. Enter the Classic 650 – a motorcycle that merges the nostalgia and philosophy of the original with the superior engineering of RE’s 650 platform. A winning formula? You bet.</p><p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.autox.com/reviews/bike-reviews/royal-enfield-classic-650-first-ride-review-revisiting-the-golden-formula-120450/">Royal Enfield Classic 650 First Ride Review: Revisiting the Golden Formula</a></p>

<p>Despite no mechanical similarities with the smaller 350, the Classic 650 instantly feels familiar. The moment you lay eyes on it, you know RE has nailed the brief again. It’s a true modern classic – the silhouette is unmistakably Classic, the proportions are beefier, and the detailing is spot-on. Round LED headlamps, analogue dials, authentic metal bodywork, and those gorgeous colourways – every element is exquisitely executed. Compared to the 350, which is no featherweight itself, the 650 looks brawnier, all thanks to its 648cc parallel-twin engine and low-slung twin exhausts. At 243kg, it’s quite hefty too, but once you’re on the move, the weight quickly disappears – just like your worries.</p>

<div style="width: 100%; height: auto;" class="post-image">
    <img src="https://images.autox.com/uploads/2025/11/Royal-Enfield-Classic-650-Motion-1762924383682.webp" alt="Royal Enfield Classic 650-Motion.jpg" style="width: 100%; height: auto;">
</div>



<p>On the go, the power delivery is creamy, performance effortless, and the relaxed ergonomics turn every ride into a therapy session – yes, even on the racetrack. As for ride quality, it’s firm but composed. Like most modern RE 650s, the setup leans toward the stiffer side, although it’s far more compliant than that of the Super Meteor or the Bear 650.</p><p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.autox.com/news/bike-news/royal-enfield-classic-650-vs-interceptor-650-spec-comparison-whats-different-120413/">Royal Enfield Classic 650 vs Interceptor 650 Spec Comparison: What's Different?</a></p><p>The suspension is taut and absorbent without ever feeling punishing. Sure, it’s not as plush as the Classic 350’s, but that’s the point – the 650 delivers the signature Classic experience with a slightly different flavour, yet with the same intent and emotion. The Classic 650 is more than just a name – it’s a whole new vibe, which is what makes it worthy of the ‘Best of 2025’ tag.
</p>



<p>[tabs]</p>

<p>[tab title="<strong>Royal Enfield Classic 650 (Lap Time: 01.31.6)</strong>"]</p>

<table cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1" width="100%">
    <tbody>
        <tr>
            <th scope="col">PARAMETERS</th>
            <th scope="col">POINTS</th>
            <th scope="col">SCORE</th>
        </tr>
        <tr>
            <th scope="row">QUALITY</th>
            <td>10</td>
            <td>8</td>
        </tr>
        <tr>
            <th scope="row">COMFORT &amp; PRACTICALITY</th>
            <td>10</td>
            <td>7</td>
        </tr>
        <tr>
            <th scope="row">REFINEMENT</th>
            <td>10</td>
            <td>8.5</td>
        </tr>
        <tr>
            <th scope="row">DESIGN</th>
            <td>10</td>
            <td>8</td>
        </tr>
        <tr>
            <th scope="row">DRIVETRAIN</th>
            <td>10</td>
            <td>8.5</td>
        </tr>
        <tr>
            <th scope="row">RIDE &amp; HANDLING</th>
            <td>10</td>
            <td>7</td>
        </tr>
        <tr>
            <th scope="row">X FACTOR</th>
            <td>10</td>
            <td>11</td>
        </tr>
        <tr>
            <th scope="row">LAP TIME</th>
            <td>05</td>
            <td>0.7</td>
        </tr>
        <tr>
            <th scope="row">VALUE FOR MONEY</th>
            <td>20</td>
            <td>11</td>
        </tr>
        <tr>
            <th scope="row">TOTAL</th>
            <td>100</td>
            <td>69.7</td>
        </tr>
    </tbody>
</table>

<p>[/tab]</p>

<p>[/tabs]</p>

Royal Enfield Classic 650 Wins Bike of the Year - autoX Awards 2025

Compared to the 350, which is no featherweight itself, the Royal Enfield Classic 650 looks brawnier, all thanks to its 648cc parallel-twin engine and low-slung twin exhausts.

Shivank Bhatt

Articles By Shivank Bhatt