1. Turbocharged Jan 2021 Magazine

LAUNCH ISSUE DUCATI PANIGALE V2 INDIA'S YOUNGEST AUTOMOTIVE PUBLICATION `150 • JANUARY 2021 AFRICGALCTW43INHONDA MERCEDES-AMG COUPÉ #MAKEININDIA VOLVO APRILIA SXR160 SKODA OCTAVIA RS245 S60#SUPERSWEDE ITALIAN MAXI-SCOOTER THE MOST POWERFUL NANOLI SPEEDWAY FOR THE WIN! OCTI YET ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT INDIA’S NEWEST RACETRACK!





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[ EDITOR'S NOTE ] www.turbocharged.in LABOUR OF LOVE Vol. 01 - Issue 01 New Year, new beginnings and a new magazine to @turbochargedmag turbocharge 2021 for you! CO-FOUNDER, Turbocharging I don't think I've looked forward to a new year EDITOR & PUBLISHER has been quick to as much as I have to 2021. And I’m guessing ABHAY VERMA find its way into that’s with pretty much the entire world. My our cars lately single biggest reason to look forward to the FOUNDER & CEO and I hope this New Year though is this very magazine you SANGRAM PAWAR magazine will find are reading! 2020 was tumultuous but I also its way into your saw an opportunity. To create something new. To ROAD TEST EDITOR hearts in similar look at everything in a different light. To seize the BENJAMIN GRACIAS fashion! moment. CORRESPONDENT And that’s where the seed for TURBOCHARGED VEDANT SATHYE was sown. Well, most of you would remember this was supposed to be SpeedShift. But 2020 was also CONTRIBUTING EDITOR a year of learning for me that you cannot be in HALLEY PRABHAKAR control of everything. CONTRIBUTOR In my 13 years as an automotive journalist YASH SOMAIYA (working as an employee), I never thought getting a magazine’s name registered can be so challenging! CREATIVE DIRECTOR Nonetheless, TURBOCHARGED is special too, to PRASAD PATANKAR me and to all enthusiasts. Turbocharging has been quick to find its way into our cars lately and I hope JUNIOR DESIGNER this magazine will find its way into your hearts in YASHIKA HAYARAN a similar fashion! I am an emotional person and always try to be emotive in my writing too. And I’m ILLUSTRATOR glad I have a team at TURBOCHARGED that thinks SHWETA PASARKAR alike. We’ve tried to add a little emotion to it all because it’s our emotions for cars and motorcycles IMAGE EDITOR that bind us to them. Whether 110cc commuter or JITENDRA CHILLAL full-sized adventure tourer, hatchback or supercar, the emotions are always present. PHOTOGRAPHER & VIDEO EDITOR GAURAV CHANDRASHEKAR So this issue isn’t special just because it’s our maiden issue, but because it is our labour of love. GM SALES & MARKETING Teamwork can make a lot of things possible. The HEM CHANDRA SUYAL last two months have perhaps been the most hectic ones for the entire team, putting each story ADVERTISING & PROMOTIONS together. And I sincerely hope you will feel it all as [email protected] you read through. I look forward to hearing from you and will be glad to know your thoughts on SUBSCRIPTIONS the issue! [email protected] Abhay Verma | Co-Founder, Editor & Publisher The publisher and editors make every [email protected] | @abhay_v effort to ensure accuracy of the content. However, no responsibility can be taken for any effect from errors or omissions and for any decisions taken on the basis of the information provided. The publisher also does not take responsibility for any claims made in the advertisements carried. All material published in this magazine is copyright protected and unauthorised reproduction is prohibited without written permission of the editor. Printed and published by Abhay Verma on behalf of Supercharged Publishing LLP. Editor Abhay Verma. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without written permission is strictly prohibited. All prices are correct at the time of going to press but are subject to change. All disputes are subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of competent courts and forums in Pune only. This magazine contains 132 pages. Cover price: `150 January 2021 www.turbocharged.in 5

CONTENTS VOLUME 01 | ISSUE #01 MAKE IN INDIA! 48 The Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 4MATIC Coupé and Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin Adventure Sports are shining examples of the #MakeInIndia movement. We headed to the Himalayas with both of them for a roadtrip! 6 www.turbocharged.in January 2021

SPEEDSHIFTING 13 Our news section is a supercar special this month with entries from Ferrari, Bugatti, Porsche, Hennessey, Lamborghini and McLaren. We get under the skin of Jaguar's driver-focused 2021 F-Pace SVR and tell you about four new launches this month. REVIEWS 24 We spent a week with Skoda's firecracker - the Octavia RS 245, drove the Volvo S60 around and went sideways in the Nissan Magnite! F E AT U R E S 4 2 We romanced the Ferrari Portofino, explored India's newest racetrack – the Nanoli Speedway near Pune and spent a Supercharged Sunday morning with the Pune Supercar Club members TAKE TWO 67 We decoded some upcoming motorcycles even as the Ed got his knee down on the the Ducati Panigale V2 and wheelie'd Triumph Street Triple R. Halley rode a custom Royal Enfield Continental GT 650. We also swung a leg over the Aprilia SXR 160, KTM 250 Adventure, BMW G 310 GS and Honda H'ness CB 350 MOTORSPORT 108 We caught up with F2 racer Jehan Daruvala and also followed the two rounds of INRC 2020 held in Arunachal Pradesh TAIL ENDERS 111 We've inducted the MG ZS EV, Hero Xtreme 160R, Benelli Imperiale 400, Royal Enfield Meteor 350 and KTM 790 Duke into the TURBOCHARGED garage! PRODUCT WATCH 124 We've got our hands on the Royal Enfield Nirvik jacket and Levi's riding jeans, Mi air compressor and a whole bunch of riding gear from SCOTT this month January 2021 www.turbocharged.in 7

{COLUMN} EL PRESIDENTE VIR Where does one start a column? NAKAI Traveller and E specially after a year like 2020 where I barely rode a motorcycle! Till co-founder of November last year, I seemed to have driven my Renault Duster more Helmet Stories than I rode in the whole year. Which is very bizarre, because of all the 40,000km the car has done I had driven just a fraction of those until 2020. virnakai The family and I escaped Mumbai after 90-odd days of being cooped MY TRUE AUTOMOTIVE up in our flat to the greener pastures of Chandigarh. It took us three days LOVE LIES IN TWO on the road - Mumbai-Udaipur, Udaipur-Ambala, Ambala-Kathgarh (the WHEELS AND I ASSUME THAT IS wife’s village home) where we self-quarantined for 14 days before we WHAT ABHAY HAD IN made it to Chandigarh to join the family. And that’s where we have been MIND WHEN HE MADE THE CALL TO ME since. But for the people who know me, you know that my true automotive love lies in two wheels and I assume that is what Abhay had in mind when he made the call to me 15 minutes before I wrote this, asking me to pen a regular column for his new publication TURBOCHARGED. After pondering for a bit, I now know where to start. Back in 2007, I was a graphic designer at Autocar India who was lucky enough to get to ride motorcycles and do a story here and there. On one such story, I was riding to Rider Mania that was being held in Hyderabad. Back then in the old days Rider Mania was hosted by a different club every year in its home town. Royal Enfield had some part to play in it but the clubs were at the forefront. It was only in 2009 that Royal Enfield held its first official Rider Mania in Goa, but the club RMs still happen every year. So I was riding my Thunderbird 350 from Mumbai to Hyderabad with the Inddie Thumpers (The Mumbai Royal Enfield club) and as we had to cut through Pune we met up with the Roadshakers (The Pune club) and all of us made our way towards Hyderabad together. On this trip, I met a stocky Pune rider who seemed quite alien on the chrome- finished Royal Enfield LB500 he was riding. How alien you say? He was wheelie- ing the LB500 and dragging the rear number plate like no one I had seen do Illustrations by: Shweta Pasarkar (@whiffler_whims) before! I mean Enfields can’t do that was my first thought, but well, I was wrong. This alien motorcyclist turned out to be Abhay Verma the then newest recruit of OVERDRIVE magazine, as part of its motorcycle testing crew. Since 2007 Abhay and I have crossed paths many a time, the more memorable one being a ride through Sri Lanka on TVS Apaches. Yeah, we rode all the Apaches from the 150 all the way to the RR 310 through and around the island country and it was quite mad. I think I can wrap my head around this column business and belt out a few lines every month, that is if you guys want to read my musings (you can write to the magazine and let them know!). But till then I shall ride the Hero XPulse 200 (complete with the Rally Kit) around riverbeds and trails around Chandigarh. Now only if I can find where I left the keys! 8 www.turbocharged.in January 2021

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{COLUMN} CHAMPION Illustrations by: Shweta Pasarkar (@whiffler_whims) GAU R AV The 2020 INRC had a delayed but fantastic season opener thanks to GILL the state of Arunachal Pradesh backing the rally INRC Champion gillracing A runachal Pradesh is one of the only parts of our country that has active tribes even today and that’s beside the fact that it boasts a rich cultural THE EVENT WAS heritage and history. More importantly, Arunachal Pradesh is also PLANNED IN A SMART involved in motorsport and adventure sport very actively! And given MANNER WHEREIN NO its natural mountain terrain, it sets itself as the perfect location for INCONVENIENCE WAS rallying. CAUSED TO LOCALS AS I still remember my first visit to a couple of quiet towns far into 50 PERCENT OF THE the East Dirang and Bomdila post my first APRC title win, where my STAGES RAN AT NIGHT friend Lhakpa was organising a rally for the locals. Lhakpa has been an inspiration for most of the North Eastern motorsport enthusiasts, as he is the only one from the region to win big events including the Raid De Himalaya recently. In 2018 we all were invited to rally in Arunachal Pradesh by Lhakpa and when I heard we will use the National Highway as competitive stages, I was in awe and thought this to be the best opportunity to drive on superfast stages, closest to WRC ones! The most important fact of the event was the involvement of the government of Arunachal Pradesh wherein we saw eternal support straight from the Chief Minister for the event. This is the kind of backing that was never seen or heard of in Indian Motorsport and thanks to his wit and will Lhakpa successfully ran not one but three rounds of the 2020 INRC back to back recently, post the pandemic, which was the icing on the cake. To pull off an event of this magnitude takes a mountain of commitment and courage especially to hold off traffic on a national highway. The event was planned in a smart manner wherein no inconvenience was caused to locals as 50 percent of the stages ran at night, adding more challenge to the already intense high-speed stages. One should see this as an exemplary feat and owe the praise to the state police along with the government officials. The highlight of the event was the Chief Minister’s interest in the sport. We were astonished to see how he took to this event by inviting us to his office and understanding the finer nuances of rallying. It’s not very often that a CM takes time out to understand a sport that is niche. To top it off it was also great to see him come out to the night stages to personally witness the action unfold and taking tips on driving from our very own legend Hari Singh, who was there to accompany him. This is in addition to the rally being followed personally by Kiren Rijiju, the Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports. Now, this is something I’ve never seen or heard of in my career! Lhakpa and his event has set the bar very high in Indian Motorsport and I wish other state governments take this as an example to be followed sometime somewhere. Until then I’m going back to my rally car in Coimbatore to conclude the 2020 Indian Rally Championship that was delayed due to the ongoing pandemic. 10 www.turbocharged.in January 2021



{COLUMN} HANDBRAKE HALLEY Do budget petrol enthusiast cars even exist today? PRABHAKAR C ars for the enthusiast, yes there’s one for everyone and we love them Contributing at TURBOCHARGED. Which is why this column will focus on the Editor entire mod scene. Over time, there have been a few cult cars that have had tuner potential but not all of them, as some folks think, come at @halley.27 a bargain. Cars that feature on enthusiasts’ lists today come at a price and while bolt-on parts are more accessible, very few cars make sense DIESEL CARS ARE when you factor in the cost-to-performance ratio. QUICK IF NOT WAY QUICKER THAN Cars like the Volkswagen Polo and Skoda Laura TSI are great used car MANY PETROL CARS AND A LOT MORE options to get a good deal on, but they’re pretty much the only options FRUGAL TOO we have and it really isn’t a budget build when the mods start to roll in from Euroland. Then there are Japanese cars which have always been a better choice not just in India but anywhere on the planet. Modifying them is not only easy on the pocket but there are also some great mod options. But then, the newer generation NA engine powered cars lack that outright performance from the base engine. This situation has led to enthusiasts also opting for diesels. Every diesel car features turbocharging today and that’s been a clear determining factor. These cars are quick if not way quicker than many petrol cars and to make it worse (for petrol cars), they are a lot more frugal too. A flashed ECU, better brakes, stiffer suspension and better rubber can literally transform them into seriously fast and capable machines. A Ford Figo 1.5 diesel is a perfect example. It is quick even in stock form and a few mods make it a true enthusiast car for under Rs 10 lakh! But deep inside I still like petrol cars more and most of you will agree. I enjoy driving them the most even today – be it the Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 Coupe we drove to the mountains for the cover story this month or my first-generation Maruti SS80 battling with Bangalore traffic. Thanks to emission norms getting more stringent, turbo-petrols are finally coming in though! You may say that Illustrations by: Shweta Pasarkar (@whiffler_whims) we got some some affordable, enthusiast oriented turbo-petrols like the Maruti Suzuki Baleno RS, Tata Tiago JTP and Fiat Punto Abarth, but what happened to them? They were discontinued due to fewer takers. This only makes it harder for the few enthusiasts – I say few – because majority buyers including the younger audience aren’t looking for sportier and more powerful variants unless they’re the only option. Just like diesels when more petrol cars get turbocharging, options will increase and hopefully, this will give birth to a new generation of petrolheads. This is also probably the last decade when people will still opt for ICEs before the mass EV phase begins and we are left with no choice. So let’s hope it’s a good one because this can’t be the end! Turbocharged will always support the enthusiast in you and we only hope to make this community stronger than ever before! 12 www.turbocharged.in January 2021

SPEED SHIFTING ALL ABOUT FOUR WHEELS Hypercars are all the news this month. We've kickstarted our first issue with turbocharged cars like the Skoda Octavia RS 245, Volvo S60, Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 Coupé and the Ferrari Portofino. We also met a bunch of supercar owners from our very own Pune and caught up with the man behind the upcoming Nanoli Speedway January 2021 www.turbocharged.in 13

[ SPOOLING UP ] NO LIMITS What happens when you design a supercar unshackled by FIA regulations? E nzo Ferrari was cool. He started a supercar edition special and while the car maker has not company to fuel his passion for racing. This revealed pricing it's safe to assume you'd need to be obsession gave us some iconic road-going a startup mogul or a dictator of a small nation to own Ferraris such as the 250 GTO, F40, Testarossa, one. Well, even that might not be enough. Ferrari 308 GTS and the Enzo. Even today, the racing states the Modificata will initially be reserved only obsession remains strong. Take a look at Ferrari's for those who have raced in the Competezioni newest track weapon, the 488 GT Modificata. GT. That might be a good idea given the racecar's capability else YouTube could trend with videos of A TRACK-ONLY FERRARI: 488 GT Modificatas wrapped around armcos. The 488 GT Modificata is a more hardcore version of the 488 GT3 since not restrained by FIA race BANG FOR YOUR BUCK: regulations. This does not mean you can’t race Ferrari engineers were given a free rein with the it. The Modificata was made for rich men to fulfil Modificata and that’s a good thing. The twin-turbo, their ambitions of entering Ferrari's uber-exclusive 3.9-litre V8 offers a heady 700PS. That’s more power racing club – the Ferrari Club Competizioni GT. than the regulation-bound 488 GT3 it is based on. To better utilise all this power the racecar gets a BEING RICH ISN’T ENOUGH: carbon-fibre clutch. Ferrari says the 488 GT Modificata will be a limited- The use of carbon fibre does not end there. 14 www.turbocharged.in January 2021

TOP: You have to get a special Master's degree in space travel to properly operate the Except for the aluminium roof and uprights, the 488 GT Modificaticata's cockpit. We are kidding of course, but with the complicated body is carbon fibre and aerodynamically more array of buttons, you might actually need one! efficient than the 488 GT3. Ferrari states the updated bodywork offers a downforce of 1000kg at 230kmph that too without increasing overall drag. The suspension comes from the 488 GTE, the race ABS system is shared with the 488 GT3 EVO but in a different state of tune. The cockpit can put the Starship Enterprise to shame with its array of buttons. Inside is a V-Box and Bosch's telemetry data acquisition system along with a high-definition rear camera screen and tyre pressure monitoring system that even shows tyre temperatures. It even gets a passenger seat so that you have a companion to scream together at the fast-approaching horizon. The good thing about racing is that the tech used in race cars trickle down to road cars. So we can expect some even more awesome Ferraris in the future. As far as the 488 GT Modificata's racing pedigree is concerned, we are sure Enzo would approve. OTHER TRACK-ONLY SUPERCARS Ferrari isn’t the only one making exotic track-only specials. Here are three more *- excluding duties FORD GT MKII MCLAREN SENNA GTR PORSCHE 911 GT3 R `8.80 crore* `12.10 crore* `4.12 crore* Like the Ferrari 488 GT Modificata Despite the heady price tag each The Porsche's price tag feels the Ford isn’t bound by regulations of the 75 Senna GTRs have been modest as compared to the other and offers a similar 700+PS from its sold. The quickest McLaren around two cars here but the carbon-fibre 3.5-litre, twin-turbo EcoBoost V6 a track (baring an F1 car of course) bodied racecar packs in a 550PS motor. Only 45 such cars will be built makes 825PS from its 4.0-litre 4.0-litre flat-six motor that’s built to maintain exclusivity. twin-turbo V8 engine. for endurance racing. January 2021 www.turbocharged.in 15

THE MOLSHIEM EXPERIMENT FANGED PASSION W hat do you do when you have a 1000+PS W16 motor that’s only ever used in one hypercar family. A T he Venom F5 is production- Bugatti designer with time on his hands and a brain ready and in Hennessey brimming with imagination answered the perennial style offers earth-shattering question – what if? What if Bugatti used the 8.0-litre performance. This all-new, built quad-turbo W16 motor to power an uncompromised, from the ground up hypercar track-only hypercar. The Bugatti Bolide is the answer. will be the most powerful production The experimental hypercar concept weighs just 1240kg - made road car. It's 6.6-litre twin-turbo possible by ditching comfort bits, using race seats and lightweight V8 pushes out a staggering 1,817PS 3D-printed materials. With the fettled 1,850PS motor, you have a and 1,617Nm. The Venom F5 gets power-to-weight ratio of 1,492PS/tonne! Bugatti claims a top speed a carbon fibre monocoque frame of 500kmph and Formula 1 race car levels of handling. weighing just 86kg. Coupled with the carbon fibre bodywork, the Venom RAISE YOUR CUPS F5 weighs 1,385kg. So effectively you are looking at a power-to- Q uicker track times are everything when it comes to racecars. weight ratio of 1,298PS/tonne in a So the first thing Porsche tells you is that the 992-generation production hypercar! 911 GT3 Cup car is a full one-second quicker around the track than its predecessor. The Cup car gives a glimpse of Hennessey has the reputation of what to expect from the upcoming, road-going GT3 car. It is building some of the world's fastest wider and gets a front splitter with a bigger rear wing. Surprisingly cars and with the Venom F5 it plans weight is up by 35kg despite switching to 70 percent aluminium to breach the 500kmph mark. and 30 percent steel bodywork. Power from the 4.0-litre naturally The American carmaker claims aspirated flat-six motor is up 25PS at 510PS while the 470Nm of the Venom F5 accelerates from torque remains unchanged. The new 911 GT3 Cup car is set to hit 0-100kmph in a scant 2.6 seconds racetracks across Europe this February. and 0-400kmph in 15.5 seconds. To cope with the speed the hypercar gets fully-adjustable independent double-wishbone suspension from Penske, carbon-ceramic brakes and Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tyres. Only 24 units will be made, each costing `15.41 crore (excluding taxes). 16 www.turbocharged.in January 2021

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[ SPOOLING UP ] RACING TOPLESS offers 770PS and 720Nm so the customer won’t be complaining about performance while cruising T his roofless and screenless Lamborghini down the Monaco coast. Lamborghini has not SC20 is a one-off commission built for an revealed the price for the SC20 but given its hyper extremely wealthy customer. It is designed exclusivity, it might go into a couple of million by Lamborghini's Centro Stile while the Euros. This is not the Lamborghini Squadra Corse's engineering work is taken care of by its first one-off creation though. In 2018, it built an Squadra Corse division. Based on an Aventador, Aventador-based SC18 Alston. the new roadster bodywork uses carbon fibre for rigidity. Its 6.5-litre naturally-aspirated V12 SABRE-TOOTHED Case in point is the central spine running from behind HYPERCAR the cockpit to the large wing. Only 15 examples will be made and each will go to US-based billionaires. I t's the season of bespoke hypercars. McLaren Each McLaren Sabre is unique and spoken for. In is going big on hybrid technology but thankfully fact, McLaren says each customer was involved in they have chosen the naturally-aspirated path the Sabre's development process! with the Sabre. This limited-edition hypercar is the most powerful non-hybrid McLaren given that it's 4-litre twin-turbo V8 powerplant offers 835PS, 35PS more than the Senna. The torque output stands at 800Nm. With its 351kmph top- speed, the Sabre also holds the distinction of being the quickest two-seater non-hybrid Mclaren (before you scream F1 and Speedtail, both are three-seater supercars). The Sabre appears to be based on the McLaren Senna and draws design cues from LMP1 racecars. 20 www.turbocharged.in January 2021



[ SPOOLING UP ] SHARPER CLAWED JAG AUDI'S DAKAR DREAMS The Jaguar F-Pace SVR gets a fresh face, new cabin and Audi not only plans to enter more driver-focussed improvements. the Dakar rally in 2022, it J aguar's SVO division seems plans to do so with a hybrid to be focussing on more supercharged V8 has been race buggy. The German driver involvement than carried over but has been tuned carmaker is not new to the outright performance. to offer 700Nm. Its 550PS power world of rallying and has in fact, Take a look at the new output remains unchanged. The dominated Group B rallying in the torque converter gearbox is a '80s with its A1 and A2 quattro rally cars. It is thus surprising that Audi F-Pace SVR. For 2021, it gets more robust unit from Jaguar's did not venture into the toughest and most prestigious rally-raid of a lot of driver-focussed upgrades XE SV Project 8 super sedan. It them all! for better driving dynamics. now boasts a quicker 0-100kmph Having dominated WRC, 24 Hours of Le Mans and Formula E, It gets a new quicker steering time of 4 seconds and a 286kmph Audi now has some interesting plans for Dakar. It will enter the rack that offers better feedback top speed. The cockpit has been rally-raid with a purpose-built race buggy with electric motors as well. The suspension overhauled and feels more powering its four wheels. Besides a high voltage battery to provide package offers better sportiness upmarket and includes a new juice it is rumoured to have an internal-combustion motor to act and comfort in its respective infotainment system, a 12.3-inch as a generator to charge up the batteries and add extra range for modes. A new brake booster digital instrument console and those long stages. Audi is not new to high-speed electric propulsion, offers reduced brake travel a curved 11.4-inch touchscreen having participated in and won in Formula E and even enjoyed and feedback. The 5.0-litre central unit. success at Le Mans with its R18 e-tron quattro. For the Dakar outing though it will partner with Q Motorsport who have over two decades of experience in racing in cross-country rally raids. 22 www.turbocharged.in January 2021

CAR LAUNCHES THIS MONTH TOYOTA FORTUNER & MERCEDES-BENZ S-CLASS FORTUNER LEGENDER MAESTRO EDITION `29.98 lakh to `37.42 lakh and `37.58 lakh `1.51 crore Toyota has added a new, more premium Legender Distinguished by its Anthracite Blue variant that boasts Lexus-like styling, premium paintjob, the Maestro Edition gets interiors and features. While the 2.7-litre petrol eucalyptus wood-lined interiors, a remains unchanged, the 2.8-litre diesel offers a panoramic sunroof with Magic Sky Control stonking 500Nm in AT trim! and Mercedes Me Connect (MMC). AUDI A4 MG HECTOR `42.34 lakh to `46.67 lakh `12.89 lakh to `18.33 lakh Audi's luxury sedan gets a comprehensive Minor cosmetic updates for 2021 include makeover and looks sportier now. Inside it a new grille, smarter looking and larger 18-inch dual-tone alloys, dual-tone interiors, gets a large 10.1-inch central screen. The wireless charging and an updated previous 1.4-litre petrol unit has been replaced voice assistant that accepts commands by a more potent 190PS 2.0-litre petrol motor in 'Hinglish'. which should make it far more exciting now. January 2021 www.turbocharged.in 23

[ REVIEWS ] WORDS BENJAMIN GRACIAS PHOTOGRAPHY GAURAV CHANDRASHEKHAR Skoda Octavia RS 245 It’s a car that perfectly sums up the ethos behind our magazine’s name; a sportscar for all seasons! SKODA OCTAVIA RS 245 Engine: 1984cc, Inline 4-cylinder, turbo-petrol Power: 248PS @ 5,000rpm Torque: 370Nm @ 1,600rpm-4,300rpm Weight: 1,465kg 0-100kmph: 6.6 seconds (claimed) Price: `36 lakh (ex-showroom, New Delhi) 24 www.turbocharged.in January 2021

I love winters, but for a rather different reason. baring the AWD, the Skoda Octavia RS 245 is a car The air is denser in winters than other that uses the same format as the legendary Evo X. seasons which results in a more charged There’s a stonker of an inline-four-cylinder, 2.0-litre up combustion, which is why automobiles turbocharged engine under the hood which makes generally perform better in winters. They scaring friends or family ridiculously easy. I plead perform even better with forced induction, guilty! And like the Evo X, the Octavia RS 245 was especially turbocharging. Get the drift? also sold as a limited edition model. Out of the 200 units that came to our shores, baring a handful all <Insert evil grin> are sold out. I still remember my first tryst with a Both are special. Heck, the Octavia RS 245 looks special in this shade of blue. Those familiar with its turbocharged car which was a Mitsubishi Lancer predecessor, the RS 230, will notice the similarity in bodywork. Not much has changed except for a few Evo X. The heady rush when the turbo spools up and the all-wheel-drive thrusts you ahead is something that’s etched into my memory permanently! And January 2021 www.turbocharged.in 25

[ REVIEWS ] blacked-out accents and snazzier looking 18-inch wheels. Not to forget, the spoiler and dual exhausts adorning the rear. The RS 245 feels special inside as well. The all-black cabin is swathed in leather with faux carbon fibre accents, the leather-wrapped and flat-bottomed steering wheel is a joy to hold and the bolstered Alcantara seats hold you in place snugly. Like the RS 230 where the numbers denoted the horsepower, the RS 245 here denotes the 245PS output. Peak torque produced is also up by 20Nm, to 370Nm. Another update is the switch to a new seven- speed DSG gearbox from the earlier six-speed unit. Skoda claims the Octavia RS 245 sprints from 0-100kmph in 6.6 seconds and I totally believe them. Calling the car quick is a gross understatement, yes, but even more impressive is the throttle response. Turbo lag is minimal and in Sport mode the gearbox keeps the turbo spooled so there is an immediacy to response every time you step on the gas. The FROM TOP: Manual mode on the DSG-auto gearbox is WHEN DRIVEN IN addictive; Skoda prefers to call it the 'RS' though the NORMAL MODE, THE RS badge on the grille says otherwise 245 FEELS SURPRISINGLY DOCILE AND VERY EASY TO DRIVE IN CITY 26 www.turbocharged.in January 2021

7-speed box pretty much ensures you run out of sharpens and the gearbox lets you hold to each gear road before you run out of performance! Oh, and for longer, allowing the motor to rev right up to the the transmission is rated to withstand more torque, redline before shifting. The steering offers a more should you feel like adding extra performance bits. weighted feel, allowing you to enjoy its precision That said, when driven in normal mode the RS 245 and feedback even better. Upshifts are quick, but feels surprisingly docile. It is easy to drive in the downshifts could have been a wee bit quicker. city and feels almost similar to a stock turbo-petrol Thankfully you can downshift manually using the Octavia, just that the pedals and steering are more paddles. The mannerisms only get better around reactive to inputs. The only thing you might notice is corners. The RS 245 uses a new, electronically the subdued burble from the exhaust. controlled VAQ limited-slip differential. With the use of an electronically-controlled clutch pack on That’s not all on the performance front though. the front axle, the system is capable of sending up An inconspicuous button marked VRS sits next to the to 100 percent power to the one wheel with the most gear lever. Press it twice and exhaust note changes grip thus almost completely eliminating understeer to a mild growl. It adds to the sense of occasion that – a bane in front-wheel driven sports cars. the Octavia RS 245 is, as every go-fast bit in the car seems to suddenly work a lot faster to send even I got nowhere close to overcoming the vast more power to the wheels. So throttle response reserves of grip the tyres offered, but the system January 2021 www.turbocharged.in 27

[ REVIEWS ] impressed me with the way it lets you tackle corners. Having spent a week with the Octavia RS 245, Turn in with the throttle buried and you feel the I can attest to its practicality as well. It rides lower inside front wheel digging into tarmac, pulling the than the standard Octavia but it did not scrape car deeper into the corner. There is no escaping the the underbody on speed breakers even with five slight body roll but it is not overwhelming enough passengers onboard. The ride is firm but not stiff and for you to lift off the gas pedal. The RS 245’s rear track Skoda has balanced the ride and handling package is 30mm wider than the 230 to make it more stable. beautifully. This despite the car’s low profile and 18- Around corners is where I felt the gearbox didn’t inch wheels. Besides the acres of cabin space and a allow me to downshift early enough – I had to wait cavernous boot you also get all the features expected for the revs to drop before the left paddle actuated in a luxury sedan. You get two large screens, dual- a downshift. I really like the RS 245's brakes too. zone climate control, a touchscreen infotainment The updated, dinner plate-sized discs offer strong system with Apple CarPlay connectivity, electrically- bite and you can rely on the brakes to get the near adjustable front seats and more to keep you and your 1.5-tonne car to shed speeds rapidly. passengers happy. HAVING SPENT A WEEK WITH THE OCTAVIA RS 245, I CAN ATTEST TO ITS PRACTICALITY AS WELL 28 www.turbocharged.in January 2021

WHEN IT COMES TO DUALITY OF PURPOSE, THE OCTAVIA RS 245 CAN PLAY THE JEKYLL AND HYDE ROLES CLOSE TO PERFECTION BELOW: Driving the Octavia RS 245 feels special owing to the driver focussed driving position, chunky steering wheel and heavily bolstered seats When it comes to duality of purpose, the Octavia RS 245 can play the Jekyll and Hyde roles close to perfection. Close because it could benefit from the optional Dynamic Chassis Control (DCC) or adaptive suspension Skoda offers as an option on the Octavia RS 245 abroad. But that would bump up the price, which given the CBU import duties is already high and rather close to the rear wheel driven BMW 330i territory. However, being a limited edition model the Octavia RS 245 is more exclusive and undoubtedly will grab more eyeballs. All things considered, the RS 245 can easily be the only car you need in your garage and certainly a sportscar for all occasions. January 2021 www.turbocharged.in 29

[ REVIEWS ] WORDS ABHAY VERMA PHOTOGRAPHY GAURAV CHANDRASHEKAR VOLVO S60 We’re glad to see an all-new luxury sedan come to our shores amidst a sea of SUVs! VOLVO S60 Engine: 1,969cc, Inline 4-cylinder, turbo-petrol Power: 190PS @ 5,000rpm Torque: 300Nm @ 1,680rpm-4,020rpm Weight: 1,702kg 0-100kmph: 7.1 seconds (claimed) Price: `43 lakh onwards ex-showroom (estimated) 30 www.turbocharged.in January 2021

ome of Volvo’s best-sellers in the country This is a full generation change meaning pretty are its SUVs – the XC40 and XC60 to much everything about the car is new. Yes, I know be more precise. However, Volvo is you’ll be quick to say, “Boss, the design is just like continuing to focus on sedans too, with the S90!” Yes, the new S60 does look like a scaled the launch of the next-generation S60. down S90 in many ways but the overall treatment to This makes me really happy as I am the details helps distinguish it. In fact thanks to the S90 inspired design, the car looks like it belongs to a S someone who still likes his sedans. I’ve segment above. And I think the design looks really had a better connect with Volvo’s sedans good. The silhouette is that of a proper, low-slung than its SUVs, especially the S60 since luxury sedan just like it should be, especially with its I have some sweet memories with it. Like driving long hood. In today’s world of hopped up cars and the last generation S60 Polestar at the Kari Motor crossovers, it’s nice to see the way the S60 sits on the Speedway, besides spending lots of time with the S60 road. The Thor’s Hammer headlights and chromed diesel on various occasions. The new one though is grille dominate the face, while the rear looks sleek on offer with just a 2.0-litre petrol engine. BOTTOM: The new S60 looks like a scaled down version of the S90, but design elements have been sharpened further, like the tail lights. The rear looks particularly alluring given the sharper tail lights and dual exhausts January 2021 www.turbocharged.in 31

[ REVIEWS ] TOP: The 'Thor's hammer' headlights and grille design make the front look very distinctive. BOTTOM: Interiors are very familiar looking and exude the same luxurious feel as any other Volvo 32 www.turbocharged.in January 2021

and futuristic thanks to the sharper tail lamp design TOP: Eight-speed Aisin torque converter offers seamless (as compared to the S90) and dual, chrome-finished gear changes and helps in sending power to the front exhausts. wheels in a very linear manner There’s a sense of understated elegance to it all With 190PS and 300Nm on offer and an Aisin and attention to detail is excellent, especially the torque converter to send the power to the front way the lines are executed. Unlike its rivals, the S60 wheels, the S60 is quick to say the least. However, has a very relaxing air about it, which continues what is more important is the power delivery and the inside the cabin too. The cabin is familiar territory manner in which the car accelerates. It really sets in fact, thanks to the massive iPad-like touchscreen the S60 apart from the rest. Despite the acceleration, in portrait mode. The familiarity certainly doesn’t there’s a very relaxed feel to it all. It is like as if the end there as the centre console with the stubby drive car wants to be perceived as more mature in terms selector, driving mode selector and engine start/stop of the performance as well. Cabin insulation is knob are all identical to other Volvos. Again, I’m not excellent which means quietness is a given, besides complaining about the similarity as it has the same, which the motor itself is extremely refined. uber-luxurious feel to it all, be it the rich leather, wood finishes or the knurled metal on the knobs and The gearbox impresses with its smooth rotors. I do wish there was some ambient lighting in mannerisms too and you barely notice the gear the cabin with changeable colours. changes unless revving hard. In fact this is one car where I didn’t really miss paddle shifters thanks to The rear seat is where most owners will park the overall relaxed nature of the powertrain. That themselves and it’s quite the place to be in, with said, a glance at the speedometer might just surprise the under thigh support, perfect seatback angle you, as the S60 is no slouch at all. The ride quality and kneeroom on offer. Volvo is bringing only the is in keeping with the aforementioned character so Inscription variant which means you get the massive there’s a sense of firmness to the way the car drives panoramic sunroof and four-zone air-conditioning, on our roads, but you are well insulated from bumps which further add to the S60’s classiness. I’m also and potholes. The firmness also ensures the car stays very impressed by the Harman Kardon audio system planted, be it going fast around bends or doing triple that offers crisp audio. I found this out, listening digits on a highway. So whether in the driving seat to jazz on the way back home after a day at work. or back bench, you will have a sense of calm prevail It is a great way to soothe your senses! The Harman around you. I would have liked more feedback from Kardon system isn’t the only soothing bit about the steering at speeds but then, the current setup driving the new S60 though. Volvo has an interesting feels more in sync with the car’s overall character. take on everything it does, including its powertrains. The only engine on offer is the T4, which is a four- cylinder, 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine. I FOUND THAT LISTENING TO SOME JAZZ IN THE S60'S HARMAN KARDON AUDIO SYSTEM IS A GREAT WAY TO SOOTHE YOUR SENSES WHEN DRIVING BACK HOME AFTER A LONG DAY AT WORK January 2021 www.turbocharged.in 33

[ REVIEWS ] TOP: The 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine puts its power down in a relaxed manner but the car is quick to accelerate and the power delivery very linear. BOTTOM: Sunroof is standard on the Inscription variant coming to India

Being a Volvo the S60 is also loaded to the gills with safety features. There’s the full radar tech including front collision avoidance, adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist and pilot assist (which is a semi- autonomous mode). So the Volvo S60 does have that distinctive flavour of Swedish luxury we’re so used to seeing in its cars. It also has an air of exclusivity courtesy the high quality materials in the cabin, the premium features, silky-smooth powertrain and of course, the Volvo- spec radar-based safety features. It isn’t gunning for the sportiness or sharpness its competitors offer but instead, the S60 offers a more laidback, relaxing feel. And when it goes on sale, we expect it to be priced just above `40 lakh ex-showroom making it a tempting option in its segment! January 2021 www.turbocharged.in 35

[ REVIEWS ] WORDS YASH SOMAIYA PHOTOGRAPHY GAURAV CHANDRASHEKAR Nissan Magnite Nissan’s make or break product is one that promises to offer more for less! NISSAN MAGNITE Engine: 999cc, 3-cylinder, turbo-petrol Power: 100PS @ 5,000rpm Torque: 152Nm @ 2,200rpm Weight: 1039kg Power-to-weight: 96.24 PS/tonne Price: `5.49 lakh onwards (ex-showroom, New Delhi) 36 www.turbocharged.in January 2021

U nless you’ve been living under that and the first thing you notice is that it is very well- proverbial rock, you’d know that the sub designed, sans over-the-top elements. The front end 4-metre SUV segment is that lucrative is very appealing and no single element overpowers pie in India which every mass market it. In case it hasn’t struck you, the Magnite’s grille car maker wants a share of. And also looks very similar to the Datsuns and that’s because that Nissan is the newest entrant with its originally the Magnite was to wear the Datsun Magnite. The Japanese car maker has badge and not the Nissan one! The grille looks nice has been witnessing some strong and sits flanked by sharp-looking headlights and headwinds which means there’s a lot chrome embellished LED daytime running lamps. riding on the Magnite’s shoulders to help Nissan The sides boast some well-executed lines as well and get back to being seen as a serious volumes player. I particularly like the slight flare on the rear three- That said, we do know for a fact that the Magnite has quarter section as it adds a nice heft to the design. garnered an ecstatic response. The last we heard, The rear is easily one of the best executed ones in the Magnite had bagged over 32,000 bookings which the segment. Wide, split tail lamps and a dominant has had Nissan ramp up production and hire more Magnite badge right in the centre. workers at the factory to reduce waiting periods! Interior space is often at a premium in this We just had to drive this Nissan to see what it is segment, given the tight dimensions, though the about the Magnite that’s making it such a magnet Magnite begs to differ given Nissan’s clever space for our SUV-hungry buyers! Look at it head on management. Space at the front is strikingly January 2021 www.turbocharged.in 37

[ REVIEWS ] THE BEST PART IS, STRONG PERFORMANCE WILL NOT BE AT THE COST OF FUEL EFFICIENCY generous, with enough and more cubbyholes. More of information that’s easy to read without being importantly, Abhay is just an inch under six feet distracting, though the colours are a little loud. The tall but I could sit behind him comfortably. The interior is well-built, but somehow lacks the crucial flat floor enhances the sense of space at the back premium feel that rivals offer. The Magnite is further, while ingress and egress at the rear are equipped with dual front airbags and ABS as standard, also very good. At 336 litres the boot is also fairly while turbo petrol variants also get tyre pressure spacious besides which you can fold the rear seats monitors, traction control and ISOFIX mounts. with a 60:40 split too. The dash is well laid out with an 8-inch touchscreen that supports wireless Apple Coming to the heart of the matter, the Magnite CarPlay and Android Auto. There’s a 360-degree is powered by two three-cylinder, 1.0-litre petrol camera system too and both features are segment engines. One is naturally aspirated and puts out firsts! The screen’s touch response could have been 72PS and 96Nm and is paired to a five-speed manual better and I would have preferred a unit that was gearbox. We didn’t get to drive it though and only flush with the dash and with minimal bezels, but it drove the 1.0-litre, three-cylinder turbocharged gets the job done. petrol (Ha! We just had to drive it, no?). It offers 100PS and 160Nm and can be had with a five-speed There are practical touches like a wireless charger, manual or CVT. The three-cylinder patter and vibes 12V socket and a USB charger too. The instrument are present at idle, but get going and the engine binnacle is a 7-inch TFT display and shows a wealth feels smooth. Its 100PS output aside, the brand- 38 www.turbocharged.in January 2021

TOP: The all digital dash is well laid out, conveys all new XTronic CVT is a highlight in this powertrain. information in a clutter free manne. BOTTOM: Boot is Nissan has spent considerable time and resources decently spacious for the size and can accommodate to ensure it works well and it shows! This is one weekend luggage for four easy of the nicest CVTs I’ve driven and that’s saying a lot. The rubberband effect is well-controlled and the transmission responds to throttle inputs with minimal to zero lag. The CVT also compensates for the turbo-lag that’s present in the manual version. That said, you do have some of the rubberband effect at high revs besides the engine sounding strained. But let’s be honest you won’t be bouncing off the redline on most days, will you? And the CVT does a bloody good job in city and on highway both, which makes the turbocharged petrol-CVT the powertrain of choice. The best part is, strong performance will not be at the cost of fuel efficiency. Back of the envelope estimations tell me 12-13kmpl is possible in city traffic, which is excellent for a 100PS car! And because the CVT is so good it’s a little hard to recommend the manual. Clutch travel is long, there isn’t enough space to rest your foot and shifts aren’t as slick either. Nissan has done a good job with the ride and handling too. The steering is light at low speeds and weighs up nicely as you pick up pace. Same goes for the ride as well – it’s absorbent at low speeds and with a ground clearance of 200mm, speed breakers January 2021 www.turbocharged.in 39

[ REVIEWS ] IN FACT IT OFFERS A LOT, WHILE COSTING A WHOLE LOT LESS THAN EVEN SOME PREMIUM HATCHBACKS and potholes will never be a problem! The Magnite BOTTOM: The CVT gearbox compensates for the turbo lag better than the does tend to let you feel large potholes and bumps, manual and is our powertrain of choice for the turbo-petrol variant but nothing is too concerning. It offers a very practical blend of comfort and stability around corners and is also stable at highway speeds, though I would have liked a slightly sportier feel on the handling front. That said, it will certainly deliver the goods for the target audience in this department. It’s hard to understate the Magnite’s importance for Nissan. The work put into the overall build quality, engineering and segment-first features shows. The interiors may not feel as plush and premium as well- entrenched competition, but then there’s that fantastic price. Starting from `5.49 lakh ex-showroom, the Magnite costs as much as smaller hatchbacks while delivering better value. In fact it offers a lot, while costing a whole lot less than even some premium hatchbacks. Now to see how Nissan expands its sales and service network to get back into the thick of things! 40 www.turbocharged.in January 2021



{ FEATURE } WORDS ABHAY VERMA PHOTOGRAPHY ROSHNI MANGHANI Ferrari Portofino Meet the Portofino, a Ferrari that's not just beautiful but versatile too 42 www.turbocharged.in January 2021

errari is one of those few fairytale car I had driven it briefly last year, but who says no to a makers that bring a sparkle to the eyes of chance to drive a Ferrari! I really didn’t mind waking anyone even remotely interested in cars. up at 3am and driving to Mumbai for the purpose. It’s one that generations have grown up As I got to the showroom the car had been taken out in awe of and who’s posters have adorned and was ready, waiting for me, wearing its trademark the walls of millions the world over. I was smile. The Portofino replaced the erstwhile California and in that sense is an ‘entry-level’ Ferrari, if there F looking forward to driving the new F8 exists a term like that! The name comes from the Tributo for our inaugural issue – it just ties Italian town of Portofino which is known for its good in perfectly with our magazine’s name! I life – yachts, the vibe, the cafés and the like. had been following up with the Ferrari PR in Dubai (India as a market is handled by their Middle East The Ferrari Portofino is thus meant to make you PR team) for it too. They did call me and offered feel good, I guess hence it wears a perpetual smile the car, however, I was travelling. Much against in the grille! It’s more of a lifestyle statement and my wishes, I had to turn down the limited period while it is potent as a sportscar, the Portofino isn’t offer. I say limited period because Ferrari Mumbai really intended for slaying racetracks like some of had organised a small drive for select journalists, as its siblings. On the same note, the Portofino is the the F8 was going to be unavailable after the said date. entry-point to the world of the prancing horse. If What a bummer! But when I came back the good folks anything, the huge success of the California and now at Ferrari Mumbai offered me the Portofino instead. the Portofino bear testimony to the fact that this is an FERRARI PORTOFINO Engine: 3,900cc, twin-turbo, V8 Power: 600PS @ 7,500rpm Torque: 760Nm @ 3,000rpm-5,250rpm Weight: 1,664kg 0-100kmph: 3.5 seconds (claimed) Price: `3.50 crore onwards (ex-showroom, New Delhi) January 2021 www.turbocharged.in 43

{ FEATURE } 44 www.turbocharged.in January 2021

excellent recipe. More so, since majority of buyers for CLOCKWISE FROM BELOW: Alloy wheels look beautiful and complement both models are first time Ferrari buyers! The fact that the car's curvy design very well. The prancing horse is embroidered onto it is a hardtop convertible ties in with that positioning the seat as well, seats are well-bolstered and offer good support. Tail lamp perfectly as well. design reminds of the Ferrari 458 Given that it was December (this was actually the last car I drove in 2020!) the first thing I did on getting into the Portofino was put the roof down. Thankfully Mumbai gets pleasant enough in December-January to put the top down in a convertible. The folding roof aside, the Portofino is a looker. The overall lines are more curvaceous than racy but the intent, as always, is to evoke emotion. Ferrari’s Centro Stile has done a fantastic job of marrying the brand’s sportiness through the car’s scoops and overall aero to lines that make it look very sexy. I particularly like the rear end – the tail lamp design is reminiscent of the 458’s, which is merged nicely into the curvy boot design. The boot can also hold a small bag and while the Portofino is intended to be a 2+2 GT, the rear seats are best suited for kids only. Under that beautiful design is some serious engineering as well. The Portofino’s chassis is a composite of 12 different alloys and most auxiliary systems have been lightened (as compared to the California) to give the car a sportier feel. This is something the powertrain conveys in heaps. The January 2021 www.turbocharged.in 45

{ FEATURE } ABOVE: The carbon-fibre covered steering is a delight to hold and THE CAR LETS offers excellent feel and feedback, while the large, centrally-positioned YOU FEEL EVERY tachometer sits perfectly in your line of vision. BOTTOM: The folding roof OUNCE OF ITS is a treat to watch, every single time and can even be operated at up to PERFORMANCE AS 40kmph on the go - all it takes is 14 seconds to fold down or open up YOU BUILD SPEEDS AND THE V8 PLAYS A SONOROUS NOTE THROUGH THE EXHAUSTS 46 www.turbocharged.in January 2021

Portofino is powered by a 3.9-litre, twin turbocharged and quicker gear changes. Early morning, Mumbai V8 churning out 600PS and 561Nm, which is mated does offer some vast, empty stretches of tarmac to a seven-speed dual clutch gearbox. that allowed the Portofino to stretch its legs. Putting pedal to metal in a 600PS, rear-wheel-drive car is The engine sits in front and sends power to the always something that has you break into a grin! rear wheels, which where it should be sent! Fire it up This, accompanied by some quick gear changes and the V8 rumbles to life before settling down at an makes the Portofino a lot of fun to drive fast. idle. This is a Ferrari and performance is blisteringly quick to say the least. As you accelerate there is a very I was also pleasantly surprised by how well the visceral feeling to it all. The car lets you feel every Portofino tackled Mumbai’s broken roads – the ride ounce of its performance as you build speeds and quality is surprisingly good! This adds a lot to the the V8 plays a sonorous note through the exhausts. car’s credentials as an everyday Ferrari. In fact that’s Holding the carbon fibre-wrapped steering wheel is one thing Ferrari has tried to do with the Portofino an occasion in itself and the feel and feedback it offers – make it practical and comfortable enough to be a is something else. There’s tonnes of communication daily driver. It’s something you don’t see very often coming in at all times, the way it should be. in the world of sportscars, but Ferrari has pulled it off well. In fact, Ferrari has pulled off the Portofino The wheel of course holds most of the controls really well as an overall package. Prices begin from including the Manettino or ‘little switch’ in Italian `3.50 crores ex-showroom, which isn’t exorbitant in to choose driving modes. I started off in Comfort my books given the badge value, the car’s abilities and but moved to Sport soon in the interest of a sportier head turning design! exhaust note besides the sharper throttle response January 2021 www.turbocharged.in 47

{ FEATURE } FINDING SOLACE We gave 2020 the send-off it deserved, the TURBOCHARGED way! 48 www.turbocharged.in January 2021

WORDS ABHAY VERMA PHOTOGRAPHY GAURAV CHANDRASHEKAR 2020 is forever etched into the world’s memories for all possible reasons. It’s a year we all will never forget for showing us new facets of life and making us adapt to new normals. But somewhere, the petrolhead in me was missing the old normal. The typical life of an automotive journalist. Bleary eyed early morning flights. Riding/driving new motorcycles and cars every other day. Early morning shoots. Travel. Hectic schedules. So I thought the best way to end 2020 (and start 2021, while kickstarting proceedings for TURBOCHARGED!) would be a road trip, the one thing I truly missed doing last year. And a memorable road trip is all about good roads, a good set of wheels and good company, no? It struck me while planning what to ride/drive on the trip that 2020 was also a landmark year for the Indian automobile industry. Amidst everything that happened, Mercedes-Benz created history by locally manufacturing – assembling at least – the first ever AMG, the GLC 43 4MATIC Coupé in India! That’s big news – a world-class luxury performance SUV put together right here, at the Mercedes- Benz India factory in Pune. 2020 also saw Honda (finally!) launch the Africa Twin manual. This is the heavily updated CRF1100L Africa Twin Adventure Sports model and is also assembled in India. I was instantly hooked onto the idea of getting the AMG and Africa Twin both for the trip! A thoroughbred, full-sized adventure tourer and a German luxury performance SUV to break free from the shackles of the lockdown and get some fresh mountain air into my lungs. There could not have been a better way to kickstart proceedings at TURBOCHARGED? Hail #MakeinIndia! As a wingman for this trip, there was no one better than Halley Prabhakar; one of my best friends from the industry. We both started our careers together over a decade ago and have gone roadtripping around the country on assignment multiple times. And we both have a thing for the hills so we decided to head to Shimla. December is also when Himachal Pradesh gets its first snowfall. Mercedes-Benz and Honda were kind enough to confirm both vehicles and we were set to put 2020 behind us with what was looking like an awesome road trip already. The idea was to also introduce you, dear reader, to the TURBOCHARGED life! January 2021 www.turbocharged.in 49

{ FEATURE } TOP: The GLC 43's 20 inch alloys look properly sporty and The GLC 43 coupe SUV greeted us at Delhi airport looking like a add to its performance quotient visually but with low profile proper stunner, thanks to the gloss black paint job, 20-inch alloys, road biased tyres there isn't much you can do on snow or ice. distinctive DRLs and trademark AMG Panamericana grille. A sporty BOTTOM: The gloss black paint contrasted well with the snow! looking diffuser and quad exhausts make for an equally beautiful derriere along with the swooping roofline and tail gate spoiler. This is the updated GLC 43 which has a more potent powertrain under its hood, a turbocharged, 3.0-litre V6 petrol engine churning out 390PS and 520Nm mated to a nine-speed automatic transmission. The AMG is also high on technology inside and features the latest version of MBUX that offers full-time internet, voice control and wireless smartphone connectivity, all accessed via a massive 10.25 inch touchscreen. This is in addition to the crisp 12.3 inch instrument cluster screen. Both screens complement the elegant interiors – the dashboard has a luxurious feel with its colour changeable ambient lighting, while the seats and steering are swathed in a mix of leather and Alcantara. A Burmester sound system ensures music quality is as good as it gets. The GLC 43 also boasts serious techno-gadgetry like customisable settings for the drivetrain, transmission, dynamics, the air suspension and exhaust as well. My favourite of them all is the exhaust switch that releases more decibels by opening the baffles! The coupé roofline eats into bootspace, but I had done some clever planning beforehand to ensure we had ample space on the trip. From the airport we headed straight to Honda’s BigWing dealership to pick up the Africa Twin. 50 www.turbocharged.in January 2021