Ed speak

I HOPE YOU ARE KEEPING WELL, STAYING positive, and that some semblance of normalcy has returned post the lockdown. We are in what they call the ‘new normal’ and the quicker we adapt, the faster we can rebuild and move forward — at least that’s the general mindset within the automotive industry. Sales figures have obviously been decimated and it is anybody’s guess when customers will walk back into showrooms. But manufacturing activities have resumed, (sanitised) showrooms have opened up, and I attended two press conferences in my pyjamas!

The automotive industry is the largest contributor to India’s manufacturing GDP and there’s nothing like a new car to keep the gears turning. Launches are of course now all-digital, which does give you the freedom to dress as you please while sat on the couch. And I must say Skoda did a mighty fine job, not just with the slick virtual launch but getting conversations rolling with the Rapid TSI’s pricing. It might be stripped down but that Rider edition has created solid excitement and I, for one, would use the cash saved to slap on bigger wheels, a banging sound system, and take it to a tuner to bolt on go-faster parts. Of which plenty will be available; this engine is shared with the delightful Up GTI.

In normal course we’d have a review of the Rapid but these aren’t normal times. Cars aren’t coming to us, we are going to wherever they are (if they can get out of the factory). Early morning wake-up calls have wound back to the middle of the night as we rustle up our breakfast and lunch before heading out to pick up and sanitise test cars. And while we should be enjoying the empty roads, I must tell you it is spooky as hell.

But I can also tell you that we’ve enjoyed putting these stories together. And driven with a vengeance. Check out the C 63 AMG Coupe story, that’s what being locked up for 8 weeks can do — your right foot refuses to let go of the accelerator. With more time on our hands we are also pouring more love into the stories, and so the Polo TSI gets 6 pages and a 10-minute video. For the all-important Creta vs Seltos comparison test we’ve pored into the smallest details to find out what’s different with these identical cars. The first rains couldn’t keep us away from the Skoda Karoq, which we discovered is truly excellent. And from this issue we start our new Fast Bikes section, headlined by the mental 205bhp Ducati Streetfighter V4 and the immensely desirable Honda Africa Twin.

Stay safe, stay positive and enjoy the issue. ⌧