Nat-asp V8 legends and the cars and bikes that built modern India headline the 154th issue of the evo India Mag-Book
This month we step into the era of the potent and sonorous NA V8s, followed by the era which brought the first wave of mid-size SUVs like the Renault Duster and Ford EcoSport in India, along with advent of entry-level performance bikes like the Yamaha R15, Honda CBR 250R and KTM 200 Duke. Also in store: BMW X6 M60i, Skoda Kodiaq RS, Mercedes-Benz V-Class, VW Golf GTI, Triumph Tracker 400 and more!
The cover story for issue 154 revisits the golden era of naturally aspirated V8 performance — when 400bhp-plus engines in saloons and estates were almost commonplace, before downsizing engineered their sounds away. Editor Sirish Chandran brings together four icons: the Audi RS4, BMW M3, Mercedes-AMG C 63, and Lexus IS F. Pure, unassisted cars like these are unlikely to be built again.
In evo Eras India, we go back to 2011–2015, the half-decade that rewired what India drives. The Duster created the mid-size SUV segment; the Creta consumed it. The EcoSport created the compact SUV category, then got discontinued while everything it inspired lives on. The XUV500 proved an Indian manufacturer could take on global OEMs. The Tata Aria had the best interior Tata had ever made and still couldn't dent the Innova. And through all of it, the Alto refused to break. On two wheels, the era brought the R15 V2, CBR 250R, KTM 200 Duke and 390, Pulsar NS200, Continental GT 535, and more.
Also in this issue: the BMW X6 M60i with its 523bhp twin-turbo V8; the Skoda Kodiaq RS, that sold out in six minutes; the Mercedes-Benz V-Class LWB versus the Toyota Vellfire; first drives of the Renault Duster 1-litre, Tata Tiago in petrol, CNG, and EV forms, Triumph Tracker 400, and the Bajaj Dominar and Pulsar NS400Z, now downsized to 350cc. Plus, the Kawasaki Teryx KRX 1000 buggy goes off-road, and the Golf GTI celebrates World Music Day with grunts, pops, and crackles.
Get Issue 154 here!
evo Eras: Naturally Aspirated V8 icons
The 414bhp RS4, the 8300rpm M3, the 6.2-litre C 63, and the IS F — pure, unassisted, analog performance cars of a kind unlikely to be built again. We find out if they're still as good to drive in 2026 as they were then.
evo Eras: Cars of 2011–2015, India
The half-decade that changed how India drives — compact and mid-size SUVs arrived, luxury got accessible, one MPV proved Tata could design a world-class car while still not selling one, and through it all, the Alto continued to set sales charts on fire. Featuring the Maruti Suzuki Alto, Renault Duster, Hyundai Creta, Ford EcoSport, Mahindra XUV500, Tata Aria, Mitsubishi Pajero Sport, Audi Q3, BMW 1 Series, Volkswagen Passat, Mercedes-Benz GLA, and Honda Mobilio.
evo Eras: Bikes of 2011–2015, India
The era that put India on the map as a serious destination for performance motorcycling. Featuring the Yamaha R15 V2, Honda CBR 250R, KTM Duke 200 and 390, RC 390, Bajaj Pulsar NS200, Hero Impulse, Royal Enfield Continental GT 535, TVS Jupiter, and more.
BMW X6 M60i
523bhp, a 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8, rear-biased all-wheel drive, rear-wheel steering, and a body style that was controversial when it arrived in 2008 and hasn't gotten any less polarising since. We find out if the M60i is the sweet spot in the X6 range — and whether it can really do it all.
Skoda Kodiaq RS
50 units, sold out in six minutes. The RS badge finally arrives on Skoda's seven-seat SUV, with the same 261bhp EA888 engine that does sterling work in the Octavia RS and Golf GTI. We find out if it translates to a large family SUV.
Mercedes-Benz V-Class v Toyota Vellfire
Luxury MPVs are redefining executive travel, and these are the two benchmark products. The locally assembled Merc against the Japan-imported Toyota — on space, comfort, powertrain, and the case each makes for being your only car.
Renault Duster Turbo 100
The 1-litre three-cylinder turbo-petrol with a 6-speed manual, tuned specifically for Indian conditions. We drive it to find out if it makes a stronger case for itself in the city than the more powerful 1.3-litre, or whether this is a case of less not being more.
Tata Tiago Petrol, iCNG and EV
New exterior, a noticeably more premium interior, structural changes, and updated batteries on the EV, all while keeping the price fiercely competitive. We drive all three drivetrains and find out which one makes the most sense.
Volkswagen Golf GTI
On World Music Day, we let grunts, pops, and crackles do the talking — an exploration of what makes the GTI's soundtrack so particular, and why a good intake note is still worth celebrating.
Duster Track Attack
Renault took the all-new Duster to five circuits — Buddh International Circuit, Madras International Circuit, CoASSTT, Taneja Aerospace, and the Aamby Valley airstrip — giving registered customers and prospects a firsthand look at what it can do when pushed.
Bajaj Dominar 400 and Pulsar NS400Z
Government policy forced a downsize to 350cc — we find out if the Dominar and Pulsar NS400Z can hold on to what made them worth having in the first place.
Triumph Tracker 400
Distinct character, heritage sports styling, and a strong enough personality to differentiate itself from the Speed 400 it sits alongside. We find out if the Tracker makes sense at the money.
Kawasaki Teryx KRX 1000
Not road-legal, not interested in being subtle, and purpose-built for effortless jumps, slides, and unadulterated off-road fun. No driving licence required. We took it to a dirt track for a joyride.
All this and more in the 154th issue of the evo India mag-book. [Click here to purchase!]
