Running for a limited time across Volkswagen dealerships nationwide, Autofest 2025 isn’t just another “mega sale”. It’s a festival. A pilgrimage for car lovers. A season where car keys jingle with joy and pre-owned cars get a second chance at life.

Trade-ins? Check. Test drives? Check. Complimentary evaluations? Double check.
Volkswagen is rolling out the red carpet—and quite possibly rolling in your old sedan while rolling out a shiny new Virtus, Taigun, or the Tiguan R-Line with a roar. And let’s be honest: it’s not really a carnival until someone finances a turbocharged upgrade.

“Volkswagen Autofest is more than just a sales event—it’s a celebration,” said Nitin Kohli, Brand Director, Volkswagen India. “This is where you exchange not just your car, but your entire driving experience. Whether you’re Virtuously cruising, Taigunning through traffic, or Tiguaning into the sunset—there’s something for everyone.”

Key Highlights of Autofest 2025:

• Exchange offers that make your wallet say Danke Schön
• Loyalty rewards for existing Volkswagen enthusiasts (and yes, your loyalty is finally being monetised!)
• Attractive finance options—because who doesn’t want German precision with Indian EMI flexibility
• Free evaluations—finally, someone judging your car and not your parking
• Special service packages—because even Volkswagens love a spa day

So, if your car’s been giving you Volks-wagon vibes without the actual ‘Volkswagen’, it might be time to make the switch. Drop by your nearest dealership, grab a coffee (maybe a brochure too), and get yourself something that makes the neighbours peek twice.

Because at Autofest 2025, the only thing you’ll be driving… is envy.

The post Volkswagen India Shifts Gears with Autofest 2025: Trade In, Drive Out, and Taigun Your Way to Glory! appeared first on NamasteCar.

A Brief History of the German Jungle Cat

First unleashed in 2007, the Tiguan has quietly become Volkswagen’s global superstar—over 7.5 million units sold worldwide, roughly one every 4 seconds. Which makes it more prolific than most Bollywood item numbers. This is the third-generation Tiguan, and it’s back with only one version for India: the R-Line, the sporty, snazzily dressed cousin in the VW family that probably drinks sparkling mineral water unironically.

The price? A modest ₹49 lakh ex-showroom—because nothing says “entry-level luxury” like a car that costs more than your MBA.

Exterior: Business-Class Lizard

At first glance, it looks like a Golf went to the gym and started eating boiled chicken and creatine. With its R-Line bumpers, black honeycomb inserts, 19-inch Coventry alloys, and an LED light strip that looks like it’s permanently winking at you, the Tiguan means business—and maybe a touch of mischief.

There’s Cipressino Green paint on this one, which sounds like a mocktail at a Goa beach shack. But you also get the usual suspects—black, white, silver, blue, and red. The black-glossy wheel arches and sleek 3D LED tail lamps with animated signals add drama in a very Berlin techno club way.

4MOTION all-wheel drive and 176mm ground clearance ensure it can handle Indian roads, monsoon potholes, and the occasional existential crisis.

Interior: Lufthansa Lounge on Wheels

Step inside and you’re welcomed by ambient lighting in 30 shades—more than your ex had moods. There’s a VW logo puddle lamp, brushed steel pedals, illuminated centre console, and even a glass etching of an iguana, just in case you forget who the star of the show is.

The ErgoActive front seats come with massage, heating, and enough adjustments to make chiropractors obsolete. The rear gets 40/20/40 split seats with longitudinal sliding thigh support—fancy words meaning your backseat passengers won’t file complaints.

A 652-litre boot expands to 1650 litres with seats down—perfect for a weekend getaway or a small IKEA showroom.

Infotainment: MIB4 and Chill

The dashboard is a digital Disneyland. You get a 15-inch touchscreen, 10.25-inch Digital Cockpit Pro, Head-Up Display, and a sound system that features something called Electronic Engine Sound—which basically fakes engine noise because the cabin’s too well insulated to hear the real thing.

Support includes everything short of Morse code: Wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, USB, Navigation, Voice control, and a Voice Enhancer (because your voice deserves studio acoustics while asking for directions to the nearest dosa stall).

Performance: Dad Bod Outside, Gym Freak Within

Under the hood, it’s all serious muscle: a 2.0L TSI EVO petrol engine, with 201 hp and 320 Nm of torque, mated to a 7-speed DSG. It hits 100 km/h quicker than you can say “Stratified Injection.” The claimed mileage is 12 kmpl, which is decent if you consider it spends half its energy on looking smug.

Also included: Dynamic Chassis Control, Vehicle Dynamics Manager, and 6 drive modes: Eco (for penny pinchers), Comfort (for chauffeurs), Sport (for Delhi boys), Individual (for control freaks), Offroad (for Ladakh dreams), and Snow (for Instagram stories from Manali).

Safety: A Mobile Fortified Bunker

Euro NCAP gave it 5 stars, and VW didn’t stop there. You get 9 airbags, ESC, ADAS Level 2 with 21 driver assistance features, including lane assist, drowsiness monitoring, emergency braking, and a deadlock system called Safelock—which sounds like a Batman gadget.

Even the first-aid kit is from KALFF, which we assume is the German equivalent of “Yes, we mean business.”

Verdict: Should You Buy One?

The Volkswagen Tiguan R-Line is for someone who appreciates engineering, drinks single-origin coffee, and might pronounce “Versace” correctly on the first try. It’s the perfect car for those who want luxury, safety, tech, performance—and a bit of Deutsche panache—without yelling about it.

Sure, it doesn’t come with a diesel or hybrid in India. Sure, it costs as much as a Himalayan yurt on Airbnb for a year. But does it matter? You’re driving a vehicle that shares its platform with everything from an Audi A3 to a Skoda Superb. It’s basically the James Bond of SUVs—dressed to kill, licensed to pamper.

Final Scorecard:

Design: 9/10 – German precision with a hint of rebellion
Interior: 9.5/10 – Backseat of this car > most office chairs
Tech: 9.8/10 – Feels like Silicon Valley with a steering wheel
Performance: 8.5/10 – Fast enough, but not a hooligan
Safety: 10/10 – Makes you feel like you’re driving inside a vault
Value: 7.5/10 – You pay for the badge, but you also get the engineering

If you want your SUV to feel like a five-star hotel lobby and occasionally throw you back in the seat on a straight road, the Tiguan R-Line is your lizard in shining armour.

The post Volkswagen Tiguan 2025 Review: Meet the Turbocharged Teutonic Lizard in a Tuxedo appeared first on NamasteCar.

Bangalore – In a world of budget hatchbacks that often treat safety like an optional garnish, Toyota Kirloskar Motor has pulled out the big airbags — literally. In a move that’s part reassurance, part red carpet rollout, the company has announced six airbags as standard across all variants of the Toyota Glanza, along with a limited-period ‘Prestige Package’ that adds just the right amount of bling to your morning commute.

Because nothing says “I care about my passengers” like six cushions inflating in milliseconds while your door visors glisten in chrome.

Safety First, But Make It Standard

With safety norms evolving and buyers getting smarter, Toyota’s decision to make six airbags standard is as timely as a monsoon downpour in Bangalore. Whether you’re buying the base model or the top-spec trim, you now get comprehensive airbag coverage — a real “inflated value” proposition, and for once, it’s a good thing.

“It’s like hugging your entire family in a moving car,” said a Toyota spokesperson, not officially, but probably in spirit.

Prestige Package: Because Even Hatchbacks Deserve Some Drama

Running from XX June to 31st July 2025, the new Prestige Package is Toyota’s way of saying, “Why not accessorize your car like you accessorize your Instagram selfies?”

Here’s what’s inside the Prestige package, apart from an ego boost:

• Premium door visors (for dramatic exits)
• Chrome & black body mouldings (because subtlety is overrated)
• Rear lamp garnish (to impress those tailgaters)
• Chrome garnishes for ORVMs and fenders (extra shine, extra fine)
• Rear skid plate (urban jungle, sorted)
• Illuminated door sills (enter like a boss)
• Lower grille garnish (because your grille deserves attention too)

Toyota didn’t just give the Glanza some bling – it gave it a wardrobe change worthy of a fashion week finale.

Glanza: Still Gliding, Still Glorious

Celebrating six successful years and over 2 lakh units sold, the Glanza remains the unofficial car of choice for the urban multitasker who wants premium flair without frightening the bank manager.

Powered by a 1.2L K-Series engine, the Glanza claims up to 22.94 km/l (AMT) and 30.61 km/kg (CNG) — enough mileage to skip at least one small argument at the petrol pump. With segment-first features like a 9-inch infotainment screen, HUD, 360-degree camera, and Toyota i-Connect, the Glanza continues to pretend it’s a luxury sedan that just happens to be under 4 meters.

Hatchback with a Halo

The Glanza now checks even more boxes: safety, style, tech, comfort, and value. And with prices starting at just Rs. 6.90 lakh (ex-showroom), it continues to be the responsible grown-up’s answer to “What car should I get that won’t bore me in a week?”

Whether you buy it for the airbags, the chrome, or the sheer peace of mind that comes with the Toyota badge, one thing’s for sure — this Glanza isn’t just safe. It’s stylishly safe.

And frankly, who doesn’t want a hatchback that’s safer than your last relationship?

The post From Safety Nets to Chrome Sets: Toyota Glanza Levels Up with Six Airbags and a Prestige Makeover appeared first on NamasteCar.

New Delhi: If you thought only models turn heads at fashion week, think again. Hyundai Motor India Limited (HMIL), in collaboration with the Fashion Design Council of India (FDCI), has announced the 18th edition of the Hyundai India Couture Week 2025 (HICW)—a week where fabric meets futuristic mobility, and drapes share the spotlight with drivetrain tech.

From July 23rd to 30th, the Taj Palace, New Delhi will transform into the country’s most glamorous garage, where silk lehengas sashay alongside sleek electric SUVs. Yes, you read that right—Hyundai Creta Electric is revving up for its couture debut.

Celebrating 10 Years of Creta: From Suburban Drive to Style Icon

Marking a decade of dominance with 1.2 million customers, the Hyundai Creta isn’t just a car anymore—it’s a cultural icon that’s now gone fully electric and fabulously fashionable.

Tarun Garg, Whole-Time Director & COO, Hyundai Motor India, couldn’t resist the runway vibes:

“HICW is a platform where craftsmanship, creativity, and culture converge—much like what the Creta stands for. This year, the Creta Electric isn’t just on the road—it’s on the ramp!”

Where Designers Sew, Hyundai Glows

India’s leading couturiers are ready to turn the ramp into a canvas of dreams. Names like Manish Malhotra, Tarun Tahiliani, Ritu Kumar, JJ Valaya, and Rahul Mishra are part of a showstopper-studded lineup. And somewhere between the sequins and silhouettes will stand a fully electric SUV, perfectly accessorized with LED DRLs and silent torque.

FDCI Chairman Sunil Sethi added his sparkle to the announcement:

“Hyundai brings a unique synergy of mobility and design to HICW. Couture meets current, and we’re absolutely charged about it!”

Fashion with a Plug-in Twist

This isn’t just a fashion week. It’s a runway revolution—one where sustainability gets a standing ovation, and zero emissions become the new black. As the Creta Electric gets the couture spotlight, Hyundai reiterates its commitment to blending technology with emotion, and vehicles with values.

So whether you’re into hemlines or headlamps, silhouettes or signature grilles, HICW 2025 promises to be a high-voltage fusion of glamour and green mobility. And who knows? By next year, fashionistas might be accessorizing their looks with EV charging ports.

The post Haute Wheels & High Heels: Hyundai Creta Electric Glides Down the Ramp at India Couture Week 2025 appeared first on NamasteCar.

If James Bond ever decided to retire, move to Delhi, and become the head of a global spice export empire, this is the car he’d drive. The Mercedes-AMG S 63 E Performance is not merely a car—it’s a 2.5-tonne, 5.3-metre-long flying carpet stitched together with carbon fibre, red nappa leather, and an alarming amount of German sarcasm.

Now in its 6th generation since its 1989 debut, the 2025 AMG S 63 is the most powerful S-Class ever. And also, quite possibly, the most opulent missile ever fitted with massaging seats and a heated cupholder. At ₹3.34 crore (ex-showroom), this is the full-stop at the end of every luxury argument—be it about legroom, horsepower, or how many LED spotlights you need to read a newspaper in the backseat.

Let’s talk numbers. The heart of this beast is a twin-turbo V8 petrol engine paired with a 13.1 kWh lithium-ion battery and a 188 hp electric motor, all orchestrated into symphonic chaos by the Mercedes-Benz M177 powertrain. Total system output? A spine-altering 791 horsepower and an earth-moving 1430 Nm of torque. 0–100 kmph? Just 3.3 seconds. That’s faster than your local pizza delivery guy can say “30 minutes or free.”

And if you’re the sort who likes to adjust their exhaust note to match the mood of a business acquisition, worry not. There’s an AMG Performance exhaust with fluted trapezoidal tailpipes and active flaps to let your neighbours know when you’re in Sport+ mode… or when you’ve just found parking in South Delhi.

Design-wise, this car means business. You’ve got the optional ₹67,000 AMG Panamericana grille with the iconic central star—used for the first time on an S-Class sedan. The V223 codename might sound like a villain from a sci-fi movie, but it actually belongs to one of the most elegant shapes on the Modular Rear Architecture (MRA2) platform, the same one underpinning the latest C, E, CLE, and GLC.

And this isn’t just any sedan. This is a sedan that’s been to finishing school in Affalterbach. There’s rear-axle steering for better agility (rear wheels turn up to 3 degrees), AMG Active Ride Control+ with adaptive air suspension, and AMG-specific dynamic modes: from pure-electric ‘sneak-out-of-the-house’ mode to ‘Sport+’—also known as ‘wake-the-dead’.

You want carbon? There’s a ₹7.25 lakh AMG Exterior Carbon Package. You want wheels? Choose between 20 or 21-inch alloys, or go full Bollywood villain with the optional ₹11 lakh carbon ceramic brakes. And if you’re the type who needs a red caliper to match your red leather seats, that’ll be ₹1 lakh more. Because of course it is.

And oh, the seats. Up front, you get electrically adjustable AMG Sport thrones with 3 memory settings, massage, ventilation, and even luxury head restraints. But the real party is in the back. With the ₹4.14 lakh First-Class rear compartment, you get a full-length business console, optional ₹1.56 lakh executive chairs, optional ₹2.52 lakh rear comfort package, and if you’ve really messed up a board meeting, ₹1.88 lakh climatised rear seats to cool those hot tempers.

Add to that folding tray tables, adaptive rear lighting, seatbelt feeders (yes, for ₹45,000 someone hands you your belt), rear airbags in the front seatbacks, and a ₹1.71 lakh fridge for those late-night sparkling waters.

Entertainment? Try 31 Burmester speakers throwing 1750 watts of 4D surround sound at your ears. Or the standard 15-speaker 3D system if you’re being ‘budget conscious’. There’s a ₹74,000 MBUX rear tablet, two ₹5 lakh 11.6” screens, and wireless headphones that cost more than a mid-range phone.

And if you’re wondering about features like remote parking, digital key sharing, 360-degree cameras, Guard 360° anti-theft surveillance, adaptive cruise, blind spot detection, and Distronic radar-based assistance—yes, it has all that. It also has a fingerprint scanner. Because you’re not just unlocking a car—you’re verifying your identity as a VIP.

Let’s not forget the cabin lights in 64 colours, automatic sunblinds, double cup holders with temperature control, heated centre armrests, and a panoramic sunroof that could double up as a luxury observatory.

Infotainment? You get a 12.8-inch OLED screen with MBUX, haptic feedback, voice commands, AMG Track Pace telemetry, and even augmented reality nav via a ₹4.72 lakh heads-up display. The instrument cluster is a 12.3-inch 3D screen, because flat dashboards are for peasants.

On the tech side, you’ve got 5G SIM connectivity, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, WiFi hotspot, over-the-air updates, and a literal app to control everything—from your AC to your back massage to the speed limit of your teenage son’s joyrides.

And don’t worry about the boot—it’s a respectable 305 litres, with independent locking and through-loading functionality in case you feel the sudden urge to carry skis to your shareholder meeting.

So, what’s it like to drive? Imagine a cruise missile with a sense of empathy. The AMG Speedshift MCT 9-speed transmission keeps everything smooth, while three-stage AMG steering, carbon fibre trim, and active engine noise cancellation keep you focused. It’s whisper quiet when you want it, banshee loud when you need it.

In a nutshell, the Mercedes-AMG S 63 is less a car, more a business jet that got tired of waiting at the airport. It’s the ultimate paradox—a thunderous brute in a tuxedo, a rocket with a reading lamp, a racehorse with back massagers.

If luxury had a sport mode, this would be it.

And if that doesn’t convince you, just remember—this car has seatbelt airbags. Your seatbelt. Has. Airbags.

Of course it does. It’s an AMG.

The post Boardroom on Boost: The Mercedes-AMG S 63 is a CEO’s Missile in a Tuxedo (REVIEW) appeared first on NamasteCar.

Revealed at Bentley’s newly minted design studio (presumably built from diamond-quilted bricks and fox-brothered mortar), the EXP 15 isn’t a car for sale. No, no — this is a “design vision”. Think of it as a mood board that decided to become a five-metre-long reality.

This spectacular three-seater (yes, three — we’ll get there) is Bentley’s tribute to the iconic 1930 Speed Six “Blue Train” coupe. But instead of racing a French locomotive, this Bentley seems more ready to challenge Elon Musk to a drag race on Mars.

A BLUE TRAIN FOR THE DIGITAL TRACKS

The EXP 15’s silhouette pays respectful homage to the Speed Six — with an “endless bonnet” long enough to hide not one, but two Tesla Cybertrucks, and a cabin pushed so far back you’ll need a passport to find it. It’s muscular, majestic, and positively meditative — if that meditation was guided by an AI monk in titanium robes.

But it’s what’s under that bonnet that bends the mind — not engines, but storage compartments. Yes, Bentley has repurposed old engine space into twin luggage pods. If that’s not the most polite flex in automotive history, we don’t know what is.

TAILGATING, BUT MAKE IT SAVILE ROW

At the rear, the Prestigious Shield — which sounds like a Hogwarts house but is in fact a glorious slab of tailgate — opens up into a fridge-equipped picnic throne. Slide out a chair, pour a chilled rosé, and impress your friends with a tailgate party that makes Glastonbury look like lunch break at B&Q.

INSIDE: ONE SEAT, MANY PERSONALITIES

Now to the seating: three seats, three doors. This is not your UberPool. There’s the driver’s throne, a wraparound rear lounge seat, and a passenger seat that swivels out like a red carpet host. Yes, Bentley has designed an entire door-opening, chair-rotating system just so you can exit gracefully in one take. Royal wave optional.

This passenger seat moves more than your average political manifesto. It glides forward, back, reclines, and — if required — clears space for your dog to stretch out in style. There’s even a floor-mounted footrest-storage-combo that might double as a yoga mat.

DIGITAL, BUT MAKE IT GENTLEMANLY

The dashboard? A digital theatre of calm. Or excitement. Or “just wood,” depending on your mood. One moment it’s a full-width touchscreen; the next, it politely dissolves to reveal actual veneer and a “Mechanical Marvel” — a twinkly little kinetic sculpture that tells you nothing vital but everything delightful.

Bentley calls this “Magical Fusion.” We call it: Alexa meets an English butler who also knows Morse code.

TEXTILES THAT DESERVE A KNIGHTHOOD

Inside, the materials are so British it’s a miracle they don’t start reciting Shakespeare. Wool from Fox Brothers? Check. Silk jacquard from Gainsborough? Naturally. Titanium? Only if it’s 3D printed with zero waste and maximum Gatsby.

Illuminated quilting, metallic mesh embedded in acrylic, and active 3D ambient lighting make the cabin feel like the set of a Bond villain’s reading nook.

IT’S ELECTRIC (BOOGIE WOOGIE WOOGIE)

Powertrain details remain top secret — like the Colonel’s chicken recipe or the Queen’s handbag contents — but we know it’s all-electric, all-wheel-drive, and almost certainly all-astonishing.

DESIGNING FOR THE FUTURE, NOT FOR SALE

Bentley insists the EXP 15 won’t go on sale. Of course not — mere mortals couldn’t handle this level of luxury origami. But make no mistake, this isn’t just for show. The EXP 15 gives us a glimpse of Bentley’s first fully electric production car, coming in 2026, and a glimpse into their future design language that clearly speaks fluent grandeur.

A CATHEDRAL ON WHEELS

With the EXP 15, Bentley has delivered a rolling paradox: minimalist opulence, futuristic nostalgia, and high-tech craftsmanship. It’s not just a car — it’s a cathedral on wheels, a Picasso of picnic prep, and a BBC costume drama powered by electrons.

So, no, you can’t buy one.

But in a world full of SUVs shaped like confused toasters, it’s nice to know someone’s still designing dreams.

The post EXP 15: Bentley Builds a Spaceship, Parks It in 1930, and Calls It a Sedan appeared first on NamasteCar.

Chevrolet has just dropped the gauntlet — and possibly the laws of physics — with the introduction of the 2026 Corvette ZR1X, a red-white-and-boom hypercar that marries American V8 thunder with electrified AWD finesse. With a combined 1,250 horsepower, a 0-60 time under 2 seconds, and a quarter-mile time that scares drag strips into early retirement, this isn’t just a Corvette. It’s a Corvette that’s been hitting creatine, meditating on lap times, and whispering “launch mode” in its sleep.

“From day one, we designed the mid-engine Corvette architecture with ZR1X in mind,” said GM’s Ken Morris, trying very hard not to look smug. “This is the most revolutionary platform in Corvette history.”
Translation: This is Corvette Thanos — and it just snapped half the hypercar world out of relevance.

Under the Hood: Where V8 Fire Meets Electric Fury

At its core is the LT7 twin-turbo V8 producing 1,064 hp and 828 lb-ft of torque — a small-block symphony with twin 76-mm turbos and a “maniturbo” exhaust setup that sounds like it was engineered in a NASA wind tunnel and tested on a volcano. Add in an 186 hp front-axle electric motor, and you get a drivetrain that thinks “physics is for pedestrians.”

No plug required. This isn’t your neighbor’s EV. The ZR1X’s 1.9 kWh battery is charged via regenerative braking and track abuse. It’s not here for EV range — it’s here to deliver electric oversteer at 150 mph and leave your spine wondering what just happened.

Handling: AWD Wizardry and Enough Downforce to Threaten the Tarmac

ZR1X features eAWD smarter than your uncle with YouTube conspiracy theories. It juggles Push-to-Pass, Qualifying Mode, and Endurance Mode, all while whispering sweet nothings to the PTM Pro system, which adds regen torque vectoring and custom launch control for that “roller coaster got nothing on me” experience.

Carbon ceramic brakes with 10-piston calipers and 16.5-inch rotors stop this beast faster than you can say “I regret flooring it.” GM even claims 1.9G of deceleration, which is practically time travel in reverse.

And if you really hate your tires, tick the ZTK Performance Package and Carbon Aero Kit, which delivers 1,200 pounds of downforce and the aerodynamic subtlety of a jet fighter landing on a pizza.

Interior: Screens, Speed, and Supercar Swag

The 2026 ZR1X isn’t just brawn — it’s brains too. A new three-screen dashboard, high-end materials, and a built-in Performance App mean you can monitor your 150 mph AWD power split while sipping a latte (on closed courses only, please).

Oh, and yes — it’s still a Corvette. You can get it as a coupe or a hardtop convertible. Because what’s the point of 1,250 horsepower if your hair can’t catch the wind?

Built in Bowling Green. Engineered for Bragging Rights.

Hand-built in Kentucky by master engine builders and assembled with the precision of a bourbon distillery, the ZR1X is America’s answer to anything Europe can throw at it — and a reminder that stars, stripes, and screaming turbos are still a compelling formula for world domination.

Coming Soon. Price? Not for the faint of heart. Performance? Not for the faint of G-force.

Brace yourselves, Bugatti and Ferrari — the Corvette just learned kung fu.

The post Chevrolet’s 2026 ZR1X Unleashes 1,250 HP, Breaks the 2-Second Barrier, and Quietly Whispers: “I Am the Storm appeared first on NamasteCar.

The affected stretch — a 6-lane, 130 km marvel through Gujarat — found itself facing not just potholes but a full-blown credibility crack. While the corridor was meant to carry economic ambitions at top speed, it stumbled over 10 patches on the Left Hand Side (1.35 km) and 5 patches on the Right Hand Side (1.36 km), where the pavement crust decided to… well, flake out.

Preliminary investigations pointed fingers at defects in the Aggregate Inter Layer (AIL), Cement Treated Base (CTB), and poor drainage — or as engineers might now call it, the unholy trinity of roadwork doom.

In response, NHAI acted with the urgency of a highway patrol spotting an over-speeding truck.

• The contractor, M/s CDS Infra Projects Ltd, has been debarred from all current and future NHAI bids, and served a Show Cause Notice with a Rs. 2.8 crore penalty.
• The Authority’s Engineer, M/s SA Infra (with M/s Upham), has also been shown the exit ramp from all future engagements.
• And the NHAI Project Director at Palanpur has been suspended, presumably with enough time now to reflect on load-bearing ratios.

In a move that screams both accountability and academia, Expert Committees featuring esteemed professors from IIT-BHU, IIT-Delhi, and IIT-Gandhinagar have been deployed. These minds are currently collecting samples, inspecting the site, and presumably using terms like “subgrade failure” and “shear stress anomalies” to describe what the rest of us call “bad roads.”

The project, built under the Engineering Procurement & Construction (EPC) mode, has not yet been granted its Completion Certificate — which now seems less like a delay and more like divine foresight.

In good news (relatively speaking), the contractor has already begun rectification work — free of charge and presumably with a lot more supervision this time.

NHAI is making it clear: if your crust crumbles, so does your contract. Because in the world of expressways, there’s no fast lane for faulty foundations.

The post NHAI Cracks the Whip as Crust Crumbles on Amritsar-Jamnagar Corridor appeared first on NamasteCar.

The news comes as BMW continues to steer ahead in India, now a high-growth hotspot on the brand’s global radar. Announcing the leadership reshuffle, Jean-Philippe Parain, Senior VP for the vast Asia-Pacific, Eastern Europe, Middle East and Africa region, said, “India is an important market for us, and Brar’s deep-rooted expertise makes him the perfect driver for our next lap of growth.”

New Driver, Same Track

Hardeep Singh Brar is no stranger to fast lanes and premium brands. From kickstarting sales strategies at Kia India to navigating leadership roles at Maruti Suzuki, Volkswagen, General Motors, Nissan, and Great Wall Motors, Brar has pretty much test-driven every corner of the Indian auto circuit. Armed with a Mechanical Engineering degree from Thapar Institute and an executive pit stop at Harvard Business School, Brar is expected to bring a potent blend of horsepower and human insight to the luxury marque.

“I look forward to steering BMW India into its next growth phase. Hopefully with more launch events and fewer traffic jams,” Brar said with a smile that probably costs extra in the accessories list.

The Pawah Legacy: An M Performance Ride

Vikram Pawah, who has already had stints both in India and Australia with BMW, is now taking his leadership talents back to the southern hemisphere. During his tenure, BMW India accelerated electric mobility, digitalisation, and market share — all without needing launch control.

He leaves behind not just a stronger brand, but some very big driving shoes to fill.

From Punjab to Power Seats

As Brar prepares to slide into the driver’s seat, industry observers are hopeful that under his guidance, BMW India will continue its upward trajectory — perhaps with a few new models, more EVs, and the occasional 0-100 km/h surprise.

In BMW India’s corporate cockpit, it’s clear: the next lap has already begun.

The post BMW India Shifts Gears: Hardeep Singh Brar Takes the Wheel as New CEO, Vikram Pawah Zooms Off to Australia appeared first on NamasteCar.

And there’s more — the brand has zoomed ahead in the popularity charts, vaulting into the Top 7 carmakers in India. That’s four positions up in just one year — the kind of jump even rally cars would envy.

From Octavia Dreams to Kylaq Reality

As Škoda celebrates its 25th year in India and 130 years globally, it’s not just blowing out candles — it’s blowing up charts. The launch of the Kylaq, its first sub-4m SUV, has clearly struck the right chord with Indian buyers who love their style with a side of practicality. Whether you’re in the fast lanes of Mumbai or the narrow gallis of Indore, the Kylaq has become everyone’s new compact crush.

In parallel, the second-gen Kodiaq luxury 4×4 is flexing its European muscle across Indian highways. And with the ever-dependable Kushaq and the suave Slavia sedan holding fort, Škoda now boasts a portfolio that says: Pick your flavour of Czech delight.

More Showrooms. More Škodas. More Swagger.

From just 120 touchpoints in 2021 to 295 (and counting) in 2025, Škoda is doing more outreach than your clingy ex. With a target of 350 touchpoints by year-end, the brand’s “Closer to the Customer” philosophy is now more literal than ever.

And while the cars are racking up numbers, the after-sales peace of mind is the cherry on top. From best-in-class warranties to complimentary Škoda Supercare packages that push your first service bill well into year two — owning a Škoda today is practically like having a Czech uncle who pays your bills.

Official Word (with Zero Brake Puns, Surprisingly)

Ashish Gupta, Brand Director, Škoda Auto India, said,

“Our landmark half-yearly sales reflect the strong acceptance of Škoda products and services by customers in India… This achievement encourages us to stay focused on being relevant through timely product actions, offer unique value to our customers… and to continue building trust with an unmatched ownership experience.”

(Translation: We’re killing it, and we’re only getting started.)

Legacy, But Make It Turbocharged

With turbo-petrol tech across the board, a growing SUV family, and sedans that still make hearts skip a beat, Škoda is proving that you can build a legacy and have fun while doing it. And with a “global icon” teased for launch soon — let’s just say, the second half of 2025 might need an even bigger scoreboard.

If 2022 was a good year, and 2024 was a warm-up, then 2025 is Škoda’s full-bore turbocharged lap of honour. One that comes with more dealerships, more milestones, and way more Kylaqs per kilometre.

Škoda’s not just back — it’s shifting into overachiever mode.

The post Škoda Goes Full Throttle: Breaks Sales Record, Becomes India’s Fastest-Rising Czech Mate appeared first on NamasteCar.