Plenty to look forward to in 2018
The Swift from Maruti-Suzuki has been one of the most revered nameplates in the annals of Indian automotive history. Apart from revolutionising the Indian automotive market, it has also won not one but two ICOTY awards, including the very first one and then with its second generation car it was again Indian Car of the Year 2012.
As Maruti prepares to launch the third generation car next month, we had an opportunity to drive the Sport variant, which has what it takes to catapult the nameplate into automotive folklore.
While the company has not announced any plans for its launch, I feel that it would be wise for the Maruti-Suzuki to have an affordable car that is actually sporty in its portfolio.
Another marque quietly making a name for itself in a different segment of cars is Volvo, and with the launch of the XC60 it does not disappoint.
Also in this issue, we pit the giant of an SUV, the Toyota Fortuner against the not-so-imposing Skoda Kodiaq, and the moto-scooter Honda Grazia against the Suzuki Access. Is it a case of the underdog felling a mightier opponent? Which one makes more buying sense? The answers are all there inside the magazine.
Finally we have the TVS version of the bike it is making for BMW, the Apache RR310. Not only does the fully-faired super-sport bike look good, but it also impressed us when we first rode it and at just over two lakh rupees, it also seems to be good value for money.
It has already been a very eventful and impactful year with lots of fluctuations with the effects of demonetisations first and then uncertainty over GST later causing ups and downs. Hopefully, the policies will remain steady and with some certainty about the short term future, markets will return to normalcy. Ofcourse, there are momentous things lined up for the future with the Auto Expo kicking off the year and the implementation of our own NCAP being put into place we see an era of safer cars here in India. Here’s keeping my fingers crossed and wishing all of you a very Happy New Year. Drive safe and keep using seat-belts and helmets while driving and riding respectively.