evo India Podcast

In the latest episode of the evo India Podcast, Editor Sirish Chandran is joined in the studio by Gurpratap Boparai, CEO of Manufacturing at Suzlon Energy, to discuss why some cars and carmakers fail in India, what it truly takes to manufacture cars successfully in the Indian market, and also how not to manufacture them. With decades of experience across both local and global automotive industries...

In this episode of the evo India Podcast, Editor Sirish Chandran and Executive Editor Aatish Mishra talk about the features in modern cars that really bug them. From sunroofs without covers and blinding white LEDs to odd steering wheel shapes and under-tyred cars, they break down all the little things in today’s cars that enthusiasts love to hate. It’s not a rant, but a fun and engaging conversati...

In this special episode of the evo India Podcast, Editor Sirish Chandran sits down with Skoda India Brand Director Ashish Gupta, who confirms the launch of the Skoda Octavia RS in India next month. Yes, you heard that right — the iconic performance sedan is making a comeback, with pre-bookings opening on October 6. Ashish Gupta also sheds light on the impact of the new GST 2.0 reforms, which are m...

In the latest episode of the evo India Podcast, Editor Sirish Chandran sits down with veteran automotive journalist Bob Rupani for an in-depth discussion on the highs and lows of the Indian automotive industry. The conversation begins with the ban on old cars in Delhi and India’s scrappage policy, raising concerns about losing iconic cars such as the Maruti 800, Premier Padmini, Hindustan Ambassad...

In the latest episode of the evo India Podcast, Editor Sirish Chandran sits down with veteran automotive journalist Bob Rupani for an in-depth conversation on the history of Indian motorsport. They talk about the inception of rallying in India, the legendary London–Sydney Marathon that passed through Indian cities, and Bob’s experiences working with the late Nazir Hoosein: the visionary who introd...

In the latest episode of the evo India Podcast, Editor Sirish Chandran and Executive Editor Aatish Mishra dive deep into Mahindra’s newly unveiled NU.IQ platform — the foundation for the brand’s upcoming ICE and electric SUVs. Revealed on Independence Day, Mahindra also showcased four bold new concept SUVs: the Vision X, Vision T, Vision S, and Vision SXT. In this episode, they discuss the design...

In this special episode of the evo India podcast, Ed Sirish Chandran and Assistant Editor Aatish Mishra talk about The Vietnamese automaker – Vinfast. Aatish visited Vietnam recently to check out their cars and their plans for India. The brand is launching its cars in India this year and have already begun production at their plant in Tamil Nadu. Sirish and Aatish discuss about Vinfast’s products...

In the latest episode of the evo India Podcast, Editor Sirish Chandran sits down with Akhilesh Reddy, Chairman & MD of RPPL — the organisers of the Indian Racing Festival, which includes the Indian Racing League and the Formula 4 India Championship. Akhilesh shares his vision for building a strong motorsport ecosystem in India, creating pathways for Indian racing drivers and motorsport enginee...

In this episode of the evo India Podcast, Editor Sirish Chandran and Assistant Editor Aatish Mishra dive into the latest buzz from the Indian automotive world. They discuss the big news about Tesla's India launch, with the Tesla Model Y, the brand's first offering. Aatish shares his experience driving the MG M9 EV and the Kia Carens Clavis EV, while also talking about a chilled-out road tr...

Ever wondered what China, the world's automotive manufacturing hub, truly produces? This podcast is your ultimate guide to the Chinese car market! We dissect Chinese car culture, contrasting consumer preferences in China vs. India. Explore the most popular cars driven by Chinese consumers and the performance of premium brands like BMW China, Audi China, Mercedes-Benz China, and Volkswagen Chin...

In this special episode of the evo India Podcast, Editor Sirish Chandran and Assistant Editor Aatish Mishra talk about the recently finalised India-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA), signed on May 6, 2025. This landmark trade deal is set to boost bilateral trade between India and the UK, open up market access, and significantly influence the Indian automotive industry. What does the FTA mean for impor...

Diesels are very much on the agenda says Ashish Gupta, brand director of Skoda India on the evo India podcast. In this conversation with editor Sirish Chandran, Ashish Gupta hints at the time frame for the Octavia vRS launch plus they delve into hot topics such as ownership and service costs of Skoda cars, the facelift of the Skoda Kushaq, and discuss whether there is a rivalry between Volkswagen...

In this week’s episode, Sirish and Aatish discuss the affordable enthusiast cars in India. Last decade, it was a booming segment with over six warm hatches on sale, however in 2025, it is just the i20 N Line holding fort. With customers moving to the compact SUV segment, manufacturers are focussed there as well creating a whole spectrum of options. There are pics for the enthusiast — the Kylaq and...

In this episode of the evo India Podcast, Editor Sirish Chandran and Assistant Editor Aatish Mishra bring you the latest updates from the Indian automotive world — including detailed insights, first impressions, and expert opinions on the cars and bikes in India. They start with the two new SUVs from Skoda Auto Volkswagen India, as the new Skoda Kodiaq and the Volkswagen Tiguan R Line were recentl...

In the latest episode of the evo India podcast, Sirish Chandran, editor, evo India, sits down with Aravind Mani, co-founder and CEO of River Mobility and takes a deep dive into what it takes to setup a successful startup in this day and age. Aside from that, Aravind tells us how him and his co-founder went about getting funding, what the major challenges were, the inspiration behind setting up Riv...

In the latest episode of the evo India podcast, Sirish Chandran, Editor, evo India is in conversation with our chief videographer, Sachin Khot. Sachin started out as an intern and now heads the entire team of videographers. He tells Sirish all about automotive videography. He also talks about how one can build a career as an automotive videographer, the skillset needed along with the equipment, an...

In the latest episode of the evo India podcast, Aatish Mishra, assistant editor, evo India is in conversation with our chief photographer, Rohit Mane. Rohit has been with evo India for the last 9 years and started as an intern. He tells Aatish all about automotive photography. He also talks about how one can build a career as an automotive photographer, the skillset needed along with the equipment...

In this podcast, Sirish and Aatish discuss the top 10 best road trips in India. They cover every corner of the country, from the Himalayas in the north, to the western coast, the gems of the south and even the north east. At evo India, we spend so much time on the road that we discover some really special roads and destinations. This is a culmination of over three cumulative decades of road trippi...

In this podcast, Sirish and Karan dive into the making of the latest record set by evo India – the fastest time from Kashmir to Kanyakumari in an EV. Set with the Tata Curvv.ev, they talk about how the record attempt was different from the attempt with the Nexon EV in 2023, how the infrastructure has improved since (both roads and charging) and what the importance of having safe and skilled driver...

In this podcast, Sirish and Aatish recount the epic adventure they had covering 2500km in two Porsches. They took the Porsche 911 Carrera and electric Macan Turbo on a drive from Delhi to Pune, but they took the long road home. Taking the route via Jaisalmer, they stayed away from the mega expressways and drove through the true India. In this podcast, they discuss what it is like to drive a sports...

In this episode of the evo India Podcast, Editor Sirish Chandran and Assistant Editor Aatish Mishra bring you the latest updates from the Indian automotive world. Kicking things off is Aatish, who tells us everything about the new Kia Syros, the comfort on offer and how it has knee room similar to that in the E-Class. Sirish talks about the Defender Octa which he drove in the vast landscape of Sou...

In this special episode of the evo India podcast, Adil Jal Darukhanawala, editor-at-large, speaks with Sanjay Takale, the first Indian to drive a car at Dakar 2025. Sanjay Takale partnered with the French team Compagnie Saharienne and drove a Toyota Land Cruiser HZJ78, finishing 18th overall and 10th in class. In this podcast, Adil quizzes Sanjay about his journey as a rally driver, including his...

In this special Formula 1 episode of the evo India podcast, we have Editor Sirish Chandran and Editor-at-Large Adil Jal Darukhanawala in conversation with former F1 driver and Sky Sports broadcaster, Karun Chandhok. They discuss the biggest F1 news of 2025—7-time world champion Lewis Hamilton joining Ferrari—and whether he can secure his elusive 8th drivers’ championship. The conversation also rec...

The Auto Expo 2025, India’s biggest auto show, is just around the corner, and this special episode of the evo India Podcast is your ultimate guide to what’s in store. Join Ed Sirish Chandran and Assistant Editor Aatish Mishra as they dive into all the exciting details about the car manufacturers attending and the incredible cars set to be unveiled, showcased, and maybe even launched! From the much...

In this special episode of the evo India Podcast, automotive historian and editor-at-large at evo India, Adil Jal Darukhanawala is in conversation with Sudhir Mehta, Chairman and MD of EKA Mobility. EKA Mobility is an Indian manufacturer of electric commercial vehicles, ranging from three-wheelers to buses, LCVs, and trucks. In this podcast, Sudhir shares insights on electric mobility for both peo...