Volkswagen Golf GTI headlines the April 2025 issue of evo India: The legendary hot hatchback is finally here!

The Mk 8.5 Volkswagen Golf GTI has finally landed on Indian shores, and we’re bringing you an in-depth review of this legendary hot hatchback—even before its official India launch! As a bonus, we also present a Golf GTI Clubsport vs Golf R comparison story.

We have first-drive reviews of the India-bound 2025 Audi Q5—a completely new car inside and out; the BMW X3 facelift, which features revised styling and has grown in size; the Audi RS Q8 Performance, the fastest SUV around the Nürburgring Nordschleife; and the Nissan GT-R NISMO—the swansong of the legendary supercar killer from Japan. We’ve also driven the Lotus Emira sports car on our favourite road near Pune.

In this issue, you’ll find the full story of our Kashmir to Kanyakumari record run with the Tata Curvv.ev. Two of the best six-cylinder sports cars go head-to-head in the Porsche 911 Carrera vs BMW M4 Competition story. We also delve into everything that unfolded during our Indian Navy x Hyundai India nautical drive, which deployed 15 Creta SUVs along the entire length of the East Coast.

Plus, we have two special road trips in two Mercedes-Benz SUVs: we drive the GLC to three different parts of India—covering air, land, and sea—and take the GLS on a road trip to Spiti Valley to spot the elusive snow leopard.

In the Thrill of Riding section, we’ve got reviews of the new Hero Xpulse 210, Xtreme 250R, Royal Enfield Classic 650, Honda Activa e:, QC 1, and the Hero Xoom 125 scooter. All this and a whole lot more!

To order the latest issue, click here.

Volkswagen Golf GTI

After years of anticipation, the Volkswagen Golf GTI will finally be sold in India. Now in its eighth generation, this legendary hot hatch is powered by a 2-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine that churns out 261bhp and 370Nm. This engine is paired with a seven-speed DSG, which sends power to the front wheels. As a result, it can accelerate from 0 to 100kmph in just 5.9 seconds and tops out at 250kmph.

Volkswagen Golf GTI Clubsport vs Golf R

Two of the most dynamic iterations of the Golf go head-to-head in this comparo to find out which is the better of the two. Both may look similar, but they are drastically different under the skin. Although powered by the same EA888 2-litre turbo-petrol engine, the GTI Clubsport is front-wheel drive, whereas the Golf R uses an all-wheel-drive system, giving it a completely different driving character.

Tata Curvv.ev K2K Record

76 hours and 35 minutes—that’s the new record for the fastest drive in an EV from Kashmir to Kanyakumari, which we’ve set with the Tata Curvv.ev. Breaking the previous record by almost 20 hours, we’ve also shattered 21 more records along the way.

Lotus Emira

The Lotus Emira is everything you’d expect a Lotus to be. It has gorgeous styling, a potent engine, a driver-focused cabin, and delivers an engaging driving experience. But there’s a big problem—one that could dig its grave even before it can take off.

2025 BMW X3

The BMW X3 has received a major facelift, with a more aggressive design language and a completely new interior. It has also grown in size, offering more space inside, and gains an array of new features. So, is it the best mid-size luxury SUV in the Indian market today?

2025 Audi Q5

The new Audi Q5 makes its debut with all-new underpinnings, Audi’s updated design language, and more kit on the inside. It also gets a new hybrid powertrain and will make its way to India early next year.

2025 Nissan GT-R NISMO

After a 17-year production run, the R35-generation Nissan GT-R has finally been axed. This final NISMO edition celebrates the iconic sports car with a proper send-off.

Audi RS Q8 Performance

The Audi Q8 gets even more power and subtle design updates. Now the fastest SUV around the Nürburgring Nordschleife, we tested it on Indian roads to see how it fares.

Porsche 911 Carrera vs BMW M4 Competition

How does the base model Porsche 911, the Carrera, stack up against the BMW M4 Competition on some stunning B-roads in the UK? Which is the better all-rounder? We find out in this gripping test.

Indian Navy x Hyundai India Nautical Drive

A fleet of 15 Hyundai Creta and Creta N Line SUVs was deployed for Indian Navy personnel, who journeyed from Kolkata to Kanyakumari, exploring India’s maritime heritage—from historic naval strongholds to ancient trade routes.

Porsche’s Iconic Cars

Aatish gets behind the wheel of not one, not two, but three of the most iconic Porsches ever! He drives the 930 Turbo, 964 Turbo, and 944 Turbo Cabriolet through the stunning twisties of the Jebel Jais mountains in the UAE—and gives them the beans!

Mercedes-Benz GLC Across India

We took the Mercedes-Benz GLC to three different regions of India to embody the symbolism of the brand’s three-pointed star—representing dominance over land, sea, and air.

Anatomy of a NASCAR Cup Car

We go under the skin of the new, next-gen Ford Mustang Dark Horse NASCAR. It gets improved aero, a naturally aspirated V8 engine, and sharper performance.

Mercedes-Benz GLS to Spiti

To spot the elusive snow leopard, we drove the luxurious and extremely capable Mercedes-Benz GLS on a breathtaking journey to Spiti, including a stop at Chicham—one of the highest inhabited villages in the world.

TUNED: Race Concepts 118NE

An iconic 1980s sedan reborn as the ultimate sleeper! Race Concepts in Bengaluru have resto-modded a 118NE with a 1.6-litre Maruti Suzuki Esteem engine, turbocharged to over 250bhp!

Hero Xpulse 210

While it may look similar to its predecessor, the new Hero Xpulse 210 is an entirely different bike. With a new chassis, a more powerful engine, and multiple updates, it’s now even more capable on- and off-road.

Hero Xtreme 250R

Hero’s second new bike for 2025 is the all-new Xtreme 250R. With class-leading specs, a rich features list, and a competitive price tag, is it the new benchmark in the 250cc segment?

Royal Enfield Classic 650

The highly anticipated Classic 650 is finally here—and surprisingly, it’s not the most expensive bike in RE’s 650 line-up. It’s a Classic dialled up to 11, with better styling, performance, and road presence.

Honda Activa e:

Honda’s first electric two-wheeler for India adopts a lp battery-swapping strategy, which makes it less practical than some rivals. Still, with respectable range, outstanding build quality, and the best touchscreen display in the segment—is it worth your consideration?