autoX - October 2018

Maruti Suzuki’s mid-size sedan kingpin is back and this time it brings with the USP of being the first-ever petrol mild hybrid contender in the mass market space. And with that, the Ciaz has raced back to reclaim its top spot on the sales chart for the segment. Deservedly so, we should say, for the Ciaz continues to be the most affordable car in its class and it does so without really falling short on any parameter. But then again, some of its rivals have really pushed the boundaries in terms of performance, features, etc. So, it was inevitable that we pit the updated Ciaz, complete with its new powertrain and all, with some of its most competent and newer rivals.

Another hot comparo to look out for is the naked, middle-weight motorcycle showdown that sees two of the latest segment entrants compete against the segment leader. So, can, Suzuki’s delicious 4-cylinder GSX-S750 and Ducati’s stunning new Monster 821 really take the fight to the mighty Street Triple RS that continues to boast the best power-to-weight ratio amongst its rivals? Well, there’s only one way to find out…

There’s also something else rather interesting you need to find out in our latest issue. And that is if Honda’s new CR-V has what it takes to challenge the mighty Toyota Fortuner. Of course, the two aren’t really direct competitors. The CR-V, after all, is a soft roader at heart. But then again, the new CR-V will be bang on the money against the Fortuner on the price front, and crucially, this time around there is a diesel option too! Bet you’re interested in the comparison now, aren’t you?

Speaking of SUVs, we go dune bashing in a V8 Nissan Patrol in Dubai while our international partners drive Audi’s much awaited, first-ever, fully electric SUV, the e-tron. And driving it up the famous Pikes Peak mountain in Colorado ought to have revealed its real-world performance to a fair degree.