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>I drove to the hills of Himachal for the year-end holidays with our long-term Victoris, the strong hybrid version. Now, anyone considering this variant is likely prioritising fuel efficiency above everything else. So, during my recent 1,200km journey, the aim was simple: to find out just how efficient it really is across different driving conditions – city roads, expressways, and mountain roads.</p>
<p>Day 1 involved a Delhi-Chandigarh run, roughly 300 kilometres. Thanks to the newly inaugurated Delhi-Katra Expressway and the Trans-Haryana Expressway, I often cruised at 100-120km/h. Interestingly, while the Victoris was returning a stellar 21 km/l in the city, it dropped to 17.5 km/l by the time I reached Chandigarh. The next day, I began climbing towards Kalga, a quaint little village in Himachal. Just as I was exiting Chandigarh, the Victoris hit reserve. I tanked it up – it gulped down 36 litres of fuel, reset the trip meter, and decided to run a reserve-to-reserve fuel economy test.</p>
<p>As expected, fuel efficiency took a further hit while climbing, dropping to 13 km/l. Honestly, this wasn’t surprising – when you demand sustained power from a hybrid system, efficiency is bound to suffer. However, on the return leg, the Victoris bounced back with an impressive 22km/l. By the time it hit reserve again, I had covered 632km on the odometer – an average fuel efficiency of around 17-17.5km/l. Not bad at all, considering the mixed driving conditions.</p>
<p>Beyond efficiency, the Victoris proved quite comfortable on such a long journey. Any drawbacks? A few. The brakes, especially when working in tandem with regenerative braking, feel wooden and don’t inspire much confidence. The Infinity sound system doesn’t sound particularly special either. Lastly, the strong hybrid versions miss out on ADAS features – something I did miss, especially adaptive cruise control, while cruising on the new expressways. </p>
<p>[tabs]</p>

<p>[tab title="<strong>LOGBOOK</strong>"]</p>

<p><strong>When it came:</strong> October 2025</p>
<p> <strong>Current odo reading:</strong> 3,024km</p>
<p><strong>Mileage this month:</strong> 2,300km</p>
<p><strong>Fuel efficiency:</strong> 17.5km/l</p>
<p><strong>What’s good:</strong> Mileage, comfort</p>
<p><strong>What’s not:</strong> Brakes, missing ADAS</p>

<p>[/tab]</p>

<p>[/tabs]</p>


Maruti Suzuki Victoris Long Term Report: Month 2 - Mr Frugal

A long highway haul, steep mountain roads, and city traffic — our 1,200km Himachal trip was the perfect test of the Victoris strong hybrid’s efficiency.

<p>
    At a time when poor AQI dominates prime-time headlines, introducing a drop-top convertible might seem hopelessly out of touch. But Mini India doesn’t care one bit, which is why the Cooper S Convertible has returned to our roads. If we’re all destined to go out choking, you might as well do it in style, right? Honestly speaking – no matter how tone-deaf it sounds – I’m completely on board with that philosophy!</p>

<h2>Mini Cooper S Convertible Design </h2>

<p>The Mini Cooper is one of the most recognisable shapes in the automotive world, and it also happens to be the most revered nameplate in Mini’s global lineup. The convertible version doesn’t dilute that identity one bit. In fact, it amplifies it. It has the same familiar ingredients, the same unmistakable design DNA, and plenty of X-factor. I’d even go so far as to say it’s cooler than the regular three-door Cooper – simply because it’s a soft-top.</p><p>
      <div style="width: 100%; height: auto;" class="post-image">
        <img src="https://images.autox.com/uploads/2025/12/MINI-Cooper-S-2-1765454118422.webp" alt="MINI Cooper S 2.jpg" style="width: 100%; height: auto;">
      </div>
    </p><p>The fabric roof can fold and retract in just 18 seconds, making it impressively convenient. You can also open it partially, using it like a large sunroof, which is perfect if you want a bit of fresh air without fully committing to open-top motoring.</p><h2>Mini Cooper S Convertible Engine and Performance</h2><p>Powering the Cooper S Convertible is BMW’s familiar 2.0-litre, four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine. It produces 201bhp and 300Nm of torque, which may not sound like much, but for a pint-sized drop-top, those are solid numbers.</p><p>
      <div style="width: 100%; height: auto;" class="post-image">
        <img src="https://images.autox.com/uploads/2025/12/MINI-Cooper-S-9-1765454126076.webp" alt="MINI Cooper S 9.jpg" style="width: 100%; height: auto;">
      </div>
    </p><p> Mini claims it can do the 0-100km/h sprint in just 6.9 seconds – not quick-quick but quite brisk. The drive goes to the front-wheels via a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission, and top speed is electronically limited to 240km/h.</p>







<p>I drove the car in and around Jaisalmer, where you get a mix of long straights, some bumpy sections, moderate city traffic, and some lovely winding roads. Surprisingly, it felt right at home. The engine is super refined, with the transmission complementing it with smooth and swift shifts.</p><p>
      <div style="width: 100%; height: auto;" class="post-image">
        <img src="https://images.autox.com/uploads/2026/01/Mini-Cooper-S-Convertible_Steering-Console-And-Instrumentation-1768289082202.webp" alt="Mini Cooper S Convertible_Steering-Console-And-Instrumentation.jpg" style="width: 100%; height: auto;">
      </div>
    </p><p>There’s a noticeable bit of torque steer during full-bore acceleration runs, but nothing hairy, really. It adds a bit of theatre to the driving experience. The exhaust is muted – a bit of a downer – though sportier profiles (modes), especially Go-Kart, add piped-in engine noise through the speakers.</p><h2>Mini Cooper S Convertible Suspension Comfort and Handling</h2><p>Interestingly, it not only felt plenty fast but also absorbed road imperfections quite adeptly. Sure, it doesn’t have a magic-carpet ride, but it’s not a spine-crusher either. However, at slow speeds around town, the suspension shows its ’sporty’ side. It’s firm, and combined with the short wheelbase, the car doesn’t feel particularly surefooted when you encounter undulations.</p><p>
      <div style="width: 100%; height: auto;" class="post-image">
        <img src="https://images.autox.com/uploads/2025/12/MINI-Cooper-S-1-1765454112176.webp" alt="MINI Cooper S 1.jpg" style="width: 100%; height: auto;">
      </div>
    </p>







<p>Handling is sharp and predictable, and it turns in like a go-kart, indeed. However, the steering wheel is as lively as a dead fish – it feels numb and offers little to no feedback. Adding to that sense of detachment is the absence of paddle shifters, which is disappointing in a performance-oriented car like this.</p>





<h2>Mini Cooper S Convertible Interior, Space and Features</h2>

<p>The cabin features the signature Mini design elements, including the knitted dashboard and the chunky Mini steering wheel. The large circular infotainment system is a highlight – it’s crisp, high-definition, and works seamlessly. </p><p>
      <div style="width: 100%; height: auto;" class="post-image">
        <img src="https://images.autox.com/uploads/2026/01/Mini-Cooper-S-Convertible_-instrument-cluster-1768289065091.webp" alt="Mini Cooper S Convertible_ instrument-cluster.jpg" style="width: 100%; height: auto;">
      </div>
    </p><p>At the back, there are seats for two additional passengers, making it technically a four-seater. Headroom is not a problem at the back, obviously, but legroom is almost non-existent, rendering the rear seats largely unusable for adults.</p>

<h2>Mini Cooper S Convertible Review Verdict</h2>

<p>Mini is positioning the Cooper S Convertible as a lifestyle product infused with classic Mini DNA, and in that respect, it ticks almost all the right boxes. It delivers performance, carries an undeniable cool factor, wears an iconic badge, and promises open-top fun in a compact package.</p><p>
      <div style="width: 100%; height: auto;" class="post-image">
        <img src="https://images.autox.com/uploads/2026/01/Mini-Cooper-S-Convertible_Rear-Three-Quarter-1768289089130.webp" alt="Mini Cooper S Convertible_Rear-Three-Quarter.jpg" style="width: 100%; height: auto;">
      </div>
    </p><p>Plus, at Rs 58.50 lakh (ex-showroom), it has become the most affordable convertible in the country. For someone who wants a fun-to-drive car with a premium badge and oodles of X-factor, there is very little to fault with the Cooper S Convertible…except, perhaps, the not-so-convertible-friendly AQI.
</p>




<p>[tabs]</p>

<p>[tab title="<strong>Mini Cooper S Convertible </strong>"]</p>

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

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

<p><strong>Power:</strong> 201bhp</p>

<p><strong>Torque:</strong> 300Nm</p>

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

<p><strong>Price:</strong>&nbsp;Rs 58.50 Lakh, ex-showroom</p>

<p><strong>X-Factor:&nbsp;</strong><em>Iconic badge, go-kart handling, open-top fun, and it’s also the most affordable convertible in the country now. </em></p>

<table cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1">
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td>
			<p><strong>Pros &nbsp;</strong>&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<br>
			•&nbsp; Styling, X-factor, surprisingly practical &amp; fun</p>

			</td>
			<td>
			<p><strong>Cons</strong><br>
			• Not an outright driver’s car; feels a bit detached</p>
			</td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>

<p>[/tab]</p>

<p>[/tabs]</p>

Mini Cooper S Convertible First Drive Review - Air Time

In an era of worsening air quality, launching a drop-top seems odd. Yet Mini India has reintroduced the Cooper S Convertible. We drove it to find out more.

Mega ADAS Test 2026: Safari vs Victoris vs Innova Hycross vs XEV 9S vs Creta N Line vs Carens Clavis EV

India’s top six carmakers go head-to-head in the third edition of our Mega ADAS Test, revealing which driver-assistance systems truly work on our roads.

<p>
Gone are the days when a dashcam was an optional accessory. With the sheer number of bad drivers, distracted riders, and the general chaos on our roads, having your drives documented has become more of a necessity than a luxury. However, since India remains a fiercely price-sensitive market, most buyers are likely to spend just enough to get the most basic equipment. Keeping that in mind, we tested one of the most affordable dashcams on the market – the Dylect Sense Classic. Priced at Rs 2,299, it packs all the essentials you’d expect from an entry-level dashcam. But does it do its job well, and can you rely on it?</p>

<h2>Dylect Sense Classic Dashcam: Box Contents &amp; Installation</h2>

<p>You get a single-channel (front) dashcam, a car charger, a USB Type-C cable, adhesive stickers, wire clips, and a pry tool. The SD card must be purchased separately, and if you want 24×7 surveillance, you’ll also need a hardwire kit (about Rs 1,700 extra). The dashcam itself is small and cylindrical, and at just 63 grams, it weighs less than a packet of kitchen masala. Installation is simple, but I’d have preferred a suction mount instead of a sticky pad, which would have made removal and repositioning far more convenient.</p>

      
    
      
    
<h2>Dylect Sense Classic Dashcam Video Quality, Features &amp; Performance</h2>

<p>Dylect claims the Sense Classic records at 1080p with a 140-degree field of view. During the review, the FOV proved more than adequate, but the video quality itself leaves you wanting more.</p><p>
      <div style="width: 100%; height: auto;" class="post-image">
        <img src="https://images.autox.com/uploads/2025/12/Dylect-Sense-Classic-1-1765443490313.webp" alt="Dylect Sense Classic-1.jpg" style="width: 100%; height: auto;">
      </div>
    </p><p>Don’t expect crisp, clean 1080p captures like those from a smartphone. This produces grainy footage even in good lighting, and at night or in low light, it becomes noticeably pixelated. That said, you have to understand that this camera isn’t meant for content creation – it’s meant to document incidents. And for that purpose, the footage is acceptable, especially at this price point. It features loop recording, which overwrites older footage once the card is full. It also packs a G-sensor that detects sudden impacts and saves a one-minute clip that won’t be overwritten.</p>

<h2>Dylect Sense Classic Dashcam Verdict: Should You Buy It?</h2>

<p>The Sense Classic is a solid pick for anyone on a tight budget who wants a basic, dependable dashcam. However, a dual-channel setup with similar specs would’ve made this a far more complete package. Currently, Dylect’s dual-camera options start at around Rs 10,000, marking a steep jump. Not offering a rear-camera variant in the ‘Classic’ lineup feels like a missed opportunity.
</p>

Dylect Sense Classic Dashcam Review - Basic Needs

With dashcams becoming essential on Indian roads, we put the ultra-affordable Dylect Sense Classic to the test to see if basic protection is enough.

<p>We had the Elevate with us for just two months, and as I type this, it has already gone back to Honda. So yes, this was a short long-term test. Still, our time with it was enough to understand exactly where the Elevate shines and where it falls short.</p>
<p>Let’s start with the positives. The Elevate’s biggest strengths are its reliability, comfort, and overall space and practicality. It’s fuel-efficient, honest in its execution, and very much a form-follows-function kind of SUV. Its ADAS suite is among the best in the mass-market space — as our Mega ADAS comparisons have repeatedly proven. </p>
<p>There are, however, more than a few occasions when the Elevate feels out of its depth. My biggest complaints are its high NVH and mellow performance, especially when compared to its key rivals. As you may have read in Sid’s report last month, I took the Elevate on a road trip to the hills. On the first leg, cruising at 90–100km/h, performance wasn’t an issue per se, but the cabin got so noisy that it constantly felt like the engine was being stressed. Over long distances, that gets tiring.</p>
<p>The climb to Shimla was when it went even more downhill for the Elevate. Overtakes demand frequent gear changes, and even at 4,000rpm, refinement is nothing to write home about. The handling is tidy, but you’re so busy figuring out the right-gear-right-rpm that you’re not really having fun. All things considered, the Elevate is mechanically sound, but it lacks the effortless nature and finesse of its main rivals. In isolation, you could easily live with it. Start comparing, though, and it does feel a bit yesterday next to the competition.</p>
<p>[tabs]</p>

<p>[tab title="<strong>LOGBOOK</strong>"]</p>

<p><strong>When it came:</strong> October 2025</p>
<p> <strong>Current odo reading:</strong> 9,309km</p>
<p><strong>Mileage this month:</strong> 584km</p>
<p><strong>Fuel efficiency:</strong> 15km/l</p>
<p><strong>What’s good:</strong> Efficient, comfortable, ADAS</p>
<p><strong>What’s not:</strong> High NVH, performance<br>
</p>

<p>[/tab]</p>

<p>[/tabs]</p>


Honda Elevate Long Term Report: Month 2 - Fuss Me Not

Two months with the Honda Elevate revealed a sensible, reliable SUV that gets the basics right, but it starts to show its age when pushed hard or compared to rivals.

<p>As car reviewers, we usually get enough seat time in new cars to form a conclusive opinion. And over time, you start recognising a pattern — no matter how glossy the brochure, no matter how all-new the model claims to be, manufacturers rarely stray from their core values. For example, VW &amp; Skoda remain driver’s cars. Tata &amp; Mahindra excel at design and tech. Hyundai &amp; Kia are the dependable all-rounders. Honda &amp; Toyota lean on legacy and reliability. And Maruti Suzuki? Well… spend a few days behind the wheel of any of their new cars, and you’ll instantly understand why they continue to dominate the market. Maruti is synonymous with fuel efficiency, and after all these years, nobody has managed to match them, let alone beat them.</p>
<p>All of this hit me over the past three weeks while living with our latest long-term member — the Maruti Suzuki Victoris. We’re running the top-spec ZXI+ (O) strong-hybrid, and in this short time, I haven’t refuelled it even once. It arrived with a full 45-litre tank, I’ve already clocked around 550km, and the gauge still shows half a tank left — with an estimated 400km of range to go. The MID hovers around 21 km/l, and honestly, I have zero reason to doubt it.</p>
<p>Given that the Victoris shares its hybrid hardware with the Grand Vitara, its stellar efficiency isn’t a revelation. What is surprising is how much better the Victoris feels in every other area. It’s clear the engineers took all the (negative) feedback that the Grand Vitara received seriously, and fixed them in the Victoris. The plastics feel richer, the fit-and-finish is tighter, the cabin looks more upbeat, the sunroof blind is thicker, the infotainment is more intuitive, ADAS is finally here (although not in the version we’re testing), and safety has taken a big leap, as it has received full five-star ratings from both Global NCAP and Bharat NCAP.</p>
<p>Out on the road, the Victoris also feels more sorted than its NEXA cousin. The suspension is tauter, the ride more supple, and the steering is noticeably sharper. Maruti says the Victoris is aimed at Gen-Z buyers, and that’s easy to see in the overall vibe. But at its heart, it’s still a Maruti, meaning efficiency and reliability go hand in hand.</p>
<p>Of course, it isn’t perfect. The ride can feel a bit firm at low speeds, especially over larger bumps. And during cold starts, I’ve noticed a brief knocking sound from the electric motor right after setting off — only in the mornings, never otherwise. I also miss some ADAS features — it’s a shame the strong-hybrid variants don’t get it. But, overall, it has been smooth — and very pocket-friendly — sailing with the Victoris so far. Let’s see how things unfold in the coming months. </p>
<p>[tabs]</p>

<p>[tab title="<strong>LOGBOOK</strong>"]</p>

<p><strong>When it came:</strong> October 2025</p>
<p> <strong>Current odo reading:</strong> 742km</p>
<p><strong>Mileage this month:</strong> 607km</p>
<p><strong>Fuel efficiency:</strong> 21km/l</p>
<p><strong>What’s good:</strong> Sufficiency, ride &amp; handling</p>
<p><strong>What’s not:</strong> Low-speed ride</p>

<p>[/tab]</p>

<p>[/tabs]</p>


Maruti Suzuki Victoris Long Term Report: Month 1 - Fill It. Shut It. Forget It.

After 550km and not a single fuel stop, the Maruti Suzuki Victoris makes a strong case for why hybrid efficiency still defines Maruti’s dominance.

<p>
    I don’t quite know what the official record for the most horsepower gathered at one place in India is, but if I were to hazard a guess, I’d say Launch Control India is very likely the reigning champion. Now in its eighth edition, Launch Control has grown into the country’s largest supercar and sportscar meet, and without doubt the go-to event for hardcore enthusiasts who actually drive their high-performance machines the way they’re meant to be driven. Why, you ask? Because it’s arguably the only car meet in the country where you can push your thoroughbred to its absolute limits – drifting, drag racing, or hammering around the Buddh International Circuit for hot laps, Launch Control has all the bases covered.</p>

<h2>Launch Control India 8.0: Supercars, Hyper Builds &amp; Drag Strip Chaos</h2>

<p>autoX has participated in several Launch Control editions over the years, but for some reason or the other, I’ve always managed to miss them. This year, I wasn’t going to make the same mistake!</p><div style="width: 100%; height: auto;" class="post-image">
        <img src="https://images.autox.com/uploads/2025/12/Launch-Control-8.0-High-Speed-Hangover-4-1765442147737.webp" alt="Launch Control 8.0-High-Speed Hangover-4.jpg" style="width: 100%; height: auto;">
      </div>
    <p>And with the mighty Audi RS Q8 Performance – fresh off winning the ‘Best of 2025’ Performance Car of the Year at the autoX Awards – at my disposal, I had even more motivation to not skip the event.</p><p>Launch Control 8.0 was split across two days – Day 1 for drag races, Day 2 for track sessions.</p><div style="width: 100%; height: auto;" class="post-image">
        <img src="https://images.autox.com/uploads/2025/12/Launch_Control_8_Report_autoX_Drifting-1765971220430.webp" alt="Launch_Control_8_Report_autoX_Drifting.jpg" style="width: 100%; height: auto;">
      </div>
    <p>Running on the sidelines on both days were drifting sessions, where you could go sideways all day long, provided you’ve got the skill and a spare set of tyres (or two). Since my big-burly RS Q8 wasn’t exactly a drift weapon, I decided to skip that part and soak in the action as a spectator – and honestly, it was spectacular viewing.</p>







<p>Day 1 saw me line up for a total of 14 drag races. The RS Q8 Performance ran like clockwork every single time – 0–100 km/h in under four seconds across most runs, and quarter-mile times in the low 12s. All GPS-verified.</p><div style="width: 100%; height: auto;" class="post-image">
        <img src="https://images.autox.com/uploads/2025/12/Launch_Control_8_Report_autoX_RS_Q8_Performance_vs_BMW_XM-1765971497244.webp" alt="Launch_Control_8_Report_autoX_RS_Q8_Performance_vs_BMW_XM.jpg" style="width: 100%; height: auto;">
      </div>
    <p>I managed to outrun a handful of heavy hitters – the Lamborghini Urus, Mercedes-Benz G-Wagen EV, BMW XM, plenty of modified M340is, and even an Audi RS5. But I was quickly humbled when I lined up next to Jasmehar’s (@jxzzy_22 on Instagram) Stage-2 G82 M4. Rated at 800bhp and 950Nm, his M4 is a rocket ship. It runs quarter-miles in under 10 seconds. Calling it insane would be an understatement. And the thing is – Jasmehar’s M4 wasn’t even an outlier. At Launch Control, most cars are equally mental, if not more. If you show up in a stock supercar, then you might probably be the odd one out.</p><p>
      <div style="width: 100%; height: auto;" class="post-image">
        <img src="https://images.autox.com/uploads/2025/12/Launch_Control_8_Report_autoX_Modified_Audi_R8-1766030526944.webp" alt="Launch_Control_8_Report_autoX_Modified_Audi_R8.jpg" style="width: 100%; height: auto;">
      </div>
    </p><p>Speaking of mental, Sean Rogers (@srpdrive on Instagram) brought his ludicrous 1,700bhp twin-turbo, flame-spitting Audi R8. It currently holds the title of the fastest-accelerating car in India, having clocked an 8.86-second quarter-mile. Unsurprisingly, it was the showstopper.</p><p>
      <div style="width: 100%; height: auto;" class="post-image">
        <img src="https://images.autox.com/uploads/2025/12/Launch_Control_8_Report_autoX_Jxzzy_Start_Line-1766031043442.webp" alt="Launch_Control_8_Report_autoX_Jxzzy_Start_Line.jpg" style="width: 100%; height: auto;">
      </div>
    </p><p>I ran into other wild builds too – Prateek’s (@gtpotomotivindia on Instagram) M2 with a full carbon-fibre package and close to 650bhp; Silas’ (@brutal_rs5 on Instagram) 700bhp RS5 that embarrassed many supercars; and Devesh’s (@m4sterdd on Instagram) Ironman-spec Stage 2+ M4 putting out 877bhp and 965Nm.</p>













<h2>Launch Control 8.0 at BIC: Track Sessions, Lap Times &amp; Flat-Out Battles</h2>

<p>For day 2, I returned with the RS Q8 Performance, while Dhruv joined me in his BMW M2. We squeezed in a good amount of track time with both cars – even managed to shoot a quick lap-time comparison video between the Audi and the BMW to see how a super-SUV stacks up against a petite sportscar. </p><p>
      <div style="width: 100%; height: auto;" class="post-image">
        <img src="https://images.autox.com/uploads/2025/12/Launch_Control_8_Report_autoX_RS_Q8_Parade-1766031270807.webp" alt="Launch_Control_8_Report_autoX_RS_Q8_Parade.jpg" style="width: 100%; height: auto;">
      </div>
    </p><p>The video will be live on our YouTube channel soon. While our laps were fairly quick, there were faster cars out there. By the end of the day, Sumat’s heavily modded M2 topped the leaderboard with a blistering 2:10 lap.</p>

<p>To sum it up, Launch Control 8.0 was one of the most adrenaline-fuelled weekends of my life. If you’re a car lover, the speed, the sound, and the sheer spectacle are unmatched. But what stands out the most is the camaraderie – win or lose, everyone’s there for the love of cars.</p><p>
      <div style="width: 100%; height: auto;" class="post-image">
        <img src="https://images.autox.com/uploads/2025/12/Launch_Control_8_Report_autoX_Start_Line-1766031391657.webp" alt="Launch_Control_8_Report_autoX_Start_Line.jpg" style="width: 100%; height: auto;">
      </div>
    </p>

<p>As for me, I’m still nursing a post-Launch Control hangover. And no, that doesn’t mean I’m giving up on my latest addiction.</p>

<p>See you next year, Launch Control!
</p>



Launch Control 8.0 - High-Speed Hangover

Blistering speeds, outrageous builds, and flat-out action at BIC — Launch Control India 8.0 was a no-holds-barred celebration of horsepower and adrenaline.

<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;">
      </div>
    

<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>

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			<p><strong>Cons</strong><br>
			• Costs a bomb!</p>
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	</tbody>
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<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;">
    </div>
  <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>

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			<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;">
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    </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>
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        <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;">
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    </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;">
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    </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;">
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  <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;">
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    </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?

Shivank Bhatt

Articles By Shivank Bhatt