First look of the new Toyota Glanza. Looks better than Baleno or too busy?

The 2026 Audi Q3 is here and it’s better than ever! Having driven all three generations of the Q3 extensively, it’s interesting to see how this SUV has evolved over the years. The first generation was a huge success with both petrol and diesel engines, while the second and now the third generation are petrol-only affairs. The new Q3 gets a 2.0-litre, four-cylinder TSI engine producing 200 HP and 320 Nm. It’s a fantastic engine with great performance and refinement, paired with a smooth DSG gearbox. That said, I do wish Audi had offered a higher state of tune, considering the same output is available in the Skoda Kodiaq and Volkswagen Tayron. The gearbox can occasionally feel confused at low speeds, but it’s quick and smooth otherwise. What really stands out is the way the Q3 drives. The suspension can feel a little stiff and jittery at low speeds, but the ride gets fabulous as you pick up pace. The handling is excellent by SUV standards, and the steering offers great feel and feedback. This is an SUV that genuinely puts the driver first! The interiors feel premium, the seats are comfortable, and the design looks fantastic. Plus, its four-cylinder petrol engine is something you won’t find in its direct rivals. However, the absence of ventilated seats, a 360-degree camera, ADAS, TPMS and a full-size spare wheel is disappointing. And yes, the diesel engine is still missing. Overall, the new Q3 is a very well-rounded package and one of the better driver-focused luxury SUVs in its segment. It has plenty going for it, and I expect it to do well for Audi India. Prices will be announced on 16th October. The big question is: will Audi price it right?

New Honda Elevate pricing. Prices at bottom are of the outgoing model.

Variant breakdown of the new Honda Elevate

Some interesting colour options on the Honda Elevate

At the launch of the 2026 Honda Elevate. Check out the updated interior. Gets front and rear ventilated seats!

Honda Accord Hybrid! This generation of the Accord sold in the least numbers compared to its predecessors but what a sophisticated and comfy sedan.

Skoda Slavia facelift has arrived, and while there aren’t any major mechanical changes, there’s one update that makes a big difference - the 1.0 TSI now gets a new 8-speed torque converter automatic, replacing the older 6-speed unit. The new gearbox makes the Slavia smoother to drive, especially in the city. At highway speeds, the engine runs at much lower RPMs, which should also help efficiency. Even the creep mode feels smoother and less aggressive than before. And honestly, the 1.0 TSI still has enough performance to keep things fun. It definitely doesn’t feel underpowered. Then there’s the 1.5 TSI. It continues with the 7-speed DSG and gives you considerably more performance. Being a four-cylinder, it is also more refined and quieter than the 1.0 TSI. Sadly, there’s no manual option with the 1.5, so if you want a manual, the 1.0 TSI is the one to go for. Both engines have their own appeal. If you want more power, the 1.5 TSI is an easy choice. But if you want a fun-to-drive sedan without spending more, the 1.0 TSI is still a very good option. There are a few other updates too, including a 360-degree camera, rear-seat massage function and some cosmetic changes. The cabin is largely familiar, but these additions make it feel more complete. And the Monte Carlo? I really like it. The Steel Grey colour, sporty details and premium feel give it a very classy look. The ride though firm at low speeds feels quite balanced otherwise and the 179 mm generous ground clearance is a big reason why the Slavia can be considered over compact SUVs. With the sedan segment shrinking in India, the Slavia continues to be a strong contender for anyone who still wants a proper, fun-to-drive sedan.

Kia Sorento has genuinely impressed me. I drove both the diesel automatic AWD and hybrid AWD versions, and both powertrains are extremely well sorted. The diesel returned upwards of 15 km/l in realistic driving conditions, while the hybrid is even more efficient and noticeably quicker. What stands out is how refined both engines are. Even the diesel is quiet, smooth and has very little noticeable clatter. The AWD system is capable, but I’m not sure how many buyers in this segment will actually need it. If you don’t, the 2WD version makes a lot more sense and can save you upwards of ₹4 lakh. But where the Sorento really shines is ride quality. The suspension is extremely plush and pliant, making it a fantastic SUV for Indian roads. It isn’t as sporty to drive as something like the Volkswagen Tayron or Skoda Kodiaq, but the Sorento prioritises comfort, and does that exceptionally well. The interiors are another strong point. Fit, finish and material quality are consistent throughout, while the second row gets plenty of thoughtful touches including Type-C ports, storage spaces, AC vents, sunshades and more. The third row is usable for kids and mid-sized adults, but tall passengers will find it tight, and getting in and out isn’t the easiest. This is one area where the Toyota Innova Hycross has an advantage. But perhaps the biggest talking point is the fact that the Sorento is locally manufactured in India, rather than being brought in as a CKD. Kia has invested in local sourcing and manufacturing, and that shows in the very attractive starting price of ₹28 lakh. Tayron and Kodiaq have higher entry points. With multiple variants and powertrains to choose from, there’s a Sorento for different kinds of buyers. And after driving it, I genuinely feel it has what it takes to be a winner in this segment. Kia might just have another big success on its hands.

Driving the 2026 Skoda Slavia Monte Carlo 1.5!

The Mahindra Thar OG (that’s what it is called now) has just got a whole lot better. I drove the diesel automatic 4x4 ZXT extensively, and the biggest change is how much more comfortable and easy to live with it has become. The ride quality is significantly better than before. It is less bumpy and feels more settled on bad roads. Yes, it is still a body-on-frame off-roader, so there is some horizontal movement and it isn’t as plush as a monocoque SUV, but the improvement is massive. It feels much more practical for everyday use now. The steering is also much lighter, similar to the Thar Roxx and Scorpio N, making the Thar much easier to drive in the city. The 2.2-litre diesel continues to impress with strong performance, good efficiency and, of course, the Thar’s legendary off-road ability. The longer feature list is welcome too, while the cosmetic changes give it a fresher look. The new grille looks great and the LED headlamps are a nice addition. I do wish Mahindra had added a few more features, especially ventilated seats and an auto-dimming IRVM. The Thar OG has always had the character. Now, it has become a lot more livable too. I drove the diesel automatic 4x4 ZXT, which costs around ₹23 lakh on-road in Mumbai

Camry Sprinter. Love this underrated sedan.

Spent a few days driving the new BMW i5 LWB. What a package. It’s great to drive, has an excellent cabin, lots of space and even the suspension is tuned really well for Indian roads. At Rs. 84 Lakh, On-Road Mumbai, it’s going to find a lot of takers. BMW is killing it with their EVs.

It was indeed a wonderful experience visiting the Toyota Kirloskar Motor plant in Karnataka. Loved watching the Innova and Fortuner come alive 😍

Is this the best looking steering wheel in India under Rs. 20 lakh?

The new Maruti Baleno gets a few updates, but are they enough? On the outside, changes are very limited. There’s a new grille, but honestly, I feel Maruti Suzuki could have done more to make the new Baleno look different from the outgoing one. Inside, things are better. You now get wireless charging, front ventilated seats (which are really powerful and effective) and Level 2 ADAS, a first for this hatchback segment. The Baleno was already loaded with features like automatic climate control, 360° camera, HUD and more. The only big miss is a sunroof. The cabin continues to be comfortable and spacious. The front seats are supportive and there’s decent space at the back, but I do wish Maruti had given a rear centre armrest. The biggest change is under the hood. The 1.2-litre four-cylinder K-Series engine is gone, replaced by a new 1.2-litre three-cylinder Z-Series engine. Power and torque are slightly lower, but drivability is still good both in the city and on the highway. The AMT is reasonably smooth for an AMT, although there is some lag at times. The three-cylinder engine does have noticeable vibrations, especially at lower RPMs. On the other hand, fuel efficiency has improved. The base Baleno starts at ₹6.10 lakh (ex-showroom), which is quite attractive. I’ll reserve my final judgement on the pricing until we know the prices of all the variants. Overall, the Baleno remains a very no-nonsense hatchback. Practical, spacious, feature-loaded and easy to live with. But honestly, I still wish Suzuki would bring the Boosterjet engine to the Baleno. It would be a hoot to drive. 😄 What do you think of the new Baleno?

The Audi Q3 is now in its third generation, and its India launch will take place in the coming months. It’s a very important car for Audi India. The Q3 has been around in India since 2012 and has been one of Audi’s most popular models. The first-gen car came with both 2.0-litre diesel and 1.4-litre petrol engines, while the second generation moved to the 2.0-litre TFSI. The new Q3 is also expected to continue with the 2.0-litre petrol engine. It has grown in size, so there is more space inside, along with more features and technology. The design is sharper and the cabin feels more modern, although there are still some plasticky bits that you wouldn’t expect in a car at this price. The biggest talking point, though, could be what’s under the bonnet. The BMW X1 and Mercedes-Benz GLA use three-cylinder petrol engines in India, while the Q3 gets a four-cylinder petrol engine. It will go on sale in India in the coming months and will continue to take on the X1 and GLA. A very important car for Audi, and this new generation has a lot riding on it. We will also get the new gen Q5, Q7 and even the Q9 in India in the coming years.

Some important announcements from Skoda India today - - Slavia facelift revealed. Price announcement in the coming weeks. Gets rear massage seats, 360 cam, 8-speed gearbox with 1.0-litre engine and some cosmetic tweaks. - Octavia RS is back. 50 units allocated to India for now. - Superb is back and also diesel is back after long. First VAG car to get diesel in a long long time. However, Superb deliveries will start only by the end of Q2 2027.