Tata has two SUVs in this issue and both are quite iconic

As

is the sign of the times, the cover of our February issue has only SUVs on it and nearly the same is the case with the content on new cars.

Tata actually has two SUVs in this issue and both are quite iconic – one a global icon and the other an Indian icon and neither of those two cars we have driven for this issue have anything much to do with the originals, except perhaps carry forward the name and capitalize on the legacy. Both are at very different ends of the spectrum as well. The Land

Rover Defender also carries forward the prowess of the original. Not so with the Safari though. I will leave you to find that out for yourself as you read the first drive reports of the two SUVs. Also driven this month are the 3 Gran Limousine from BMW, the refreshed Mercedes GLC as well as the Tata Altroz i-Turbo. SUVs dominate the previews as well with the Skoda Kushaq seen when still camouflaged and the Renault Kiger. While Renault has had a couple of big successes in the Kwid and the Duster, Skoda is a much more niche player and it will be interesting to see what these two companies are able to do with their new SUVs, which are critical.

We also have two road tests in this issue – one a sedan road test and the other one a motorcycle road test. While we have pitted three sedans against each other we have also put three cruising oriented motorcycles to the test. No spoilers here but what I will say is that after seeing a lot of Hyundai and Maruti cars winning tests, we decided to find out which of the others was the best and there will be no surprises – that much I can assure you. Besides we have again taken the Hyundai i20 up into the mountains because we just could not get enough of being in a place at a time when it was not possible to be there. Read the first story of the Magnificient India drive series to find out.

And till we meet again next month, wear a mask and always belt up no matter where you are sitting in the car and wear a helmet, no matter where you are sitting on the bike. Drive and ride safe!