This month we give you an exclusive road test of the all-new BMW 3-series and tell you why it is once again the leader of its segment. We also take a look at two new, more affordable Mercedes models, the A-class and B-class, that could be huge successes here in badge-conscious India. All this and more in the August 2012 issue of Autocar India:
- BMW 3-series – The last 3-series was the car that BMW opened its Indian innings with and it’s been a strong contender ever since. But now there’s a brand new version, and we’re happy to report that, once again, it’s the class benchmark. Read our exclusive road test of the petrol and diesel versions of the new (F30) 3-series, as well as a three-way shootout against the Mercedes C-class and the Audi A4.
- Hyundai Elantra – Forget the unexciting Elantra from some years ago, this one is a completely different animal. It certainly delivers on the Hyundai hallmarks of good looks and great equipment, but just how good is it to drive?
- Mahindra’s mini-Xylo – The inside story on what should be one of the most interesting cars to hit the market. Part-MPV, part-SUV, part-hatchback, Mahindra’s sub-four-metre Xylo has more than a few tricks up its sleeve.
- Renault Duster – Our first impressions of the Duster last month were very good, but now we’ve given it the full road test treatment to see if it can actually be all the SUV you really need.
- Mercedes-Benz B-class – The next big thing from Mercedes for the Indian market is actually quite small, and we’ve managed to get some time behind its wheel in Pune this month. It’s spacious, comfortable, and definitely a Benz, but will it work here?
- Mercedes-Benz A-class – It may still be a while away from the Indian market, but in many ways the A-class is an even more tempting package than the B-class. It takes the brand in a whole new direction, and it truly is a class apart.
- Bajaj Pulsar 200NS vs KTM 200 Duke – The two best 200cc streetbikes in the country right now just happen to come from the same stable. But which one is right for you? We’ve put them head to head this month to help you decide.
- Piaggio Vespa LX125 – Much like how BMW brought back the Mini, Piaggio has brought back the iconic Vespa scooter as a modern 125cc scooter clad in a retro-chic suit. We’ve done a full road test to highlight some of the substance on this stylish scooter.
- Mahindra Great Escape – We love a bit of mud-plugging here at Autocar India, and so we decided to enter our long-term Thar CRDe in this year’s Lonavala leg of Mahindra’s popular off-roading experience. Needless to say we returned with big smiles on our mud-caked faces.
- McLaren Technology Centre – Is it a factory or a laboratory? Even as you walk through its pristine white hallways it’s hard to tell. But this is where McLaren’s sports and racing cars are developed and built, and it is truly a magical place.
- Motorsport – This was a busy month for motorsport. There was the 24 Hours of Le Mans, which saw its first hybrid-car victor, and the British GP weekend, whose myriad weather caught both fans and teams off-guard. We also stopped by the Goodwood Festival of Speed to watch several generations of motorsport come together at one place.
- FREE 36-page booklet – The Driver’s Bible, our complete guide to looking after your car and driving it safely and enjoyably, is free with this issue.
