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Hormazd Sorabjee

Hormazd Sorabjee is one of the most senior and much loved auto journalists in India, and is the editor of Autocar India.

Articles by Hormazd Sorabjee

Weekend Drive by Hormazd Sorabjee: Just go with the floe

Driving an Audi RS4 Avant and the e-tron GT over a frozen lake in Finland is a test of control, speed and ultimately, your ego

The secret to smoothly pirouetting round the multiple tracks on ice is weight transfer.

Brunch

Updated on Mar 01, 2024 03:13 PM IST

ByHormazd Sorabjee

Weekend Drive by Hormazd Sorabjee: Luxe look and a range of frills

The Range Rover SV isn’t just the best in its segment. It’s like travelling business class without ever leaving the ground

The SV is commanding and offers a pillow-soft ride. It’s the closest thing to a private jet on land.

Brunch

Updated on Feb 16, 2024 03:58 PM IST

ByHormazd Sorabjee

Weekend Drive by Hormazd Sorabjee: Down to a fine Artura

British luxury car manufacturer McLaren has a new, high-performance hybrid supercar that puts function over form

The scissor doors that swing upwards add drama to McLaren’s Artura’s simple design.

Brunch

Updated on Feb 02, 2024 04:16 PM IST

ByHormazd Sorabjee

Weekend Drive by Hormazd Sorabjee: Zipping down the Trans Harbour Link

India’s longest sea bridge, the Atal Setu, is a 21.8km long six-lane trans-harbour bridge that is both cool and convenient

The new Atal Setu bridge will cut the journey from Mumbai to Navi Mumbai down from two hours to 20 minutes.

Brunch

Updated on Jan 19, 2024 04:25 PM IST

ByHormazd Sorabjee

Weekend Drive by Hormazd Sorabjee: Luxe cars for 2024

Big spenders are keenly tracking these luxury car launches. Sedan, SUV, electric, and fuel powered, they’ll be here soon

German car maker Mercedes will launch new sedans around Diwali 2024.

Brunch

Updated on Jan 05, 2024 06:19 PM IST

ByHormazd Sorabjee

Weekend Drive with Hormazd Sorabjee: Go speed racer, go!

In a 992 Porsche 911 GT3 RS, Narain Karthikeyan just set his third production-car lap record at the Buddh Circuit

For Karthikeyan is the only Indian driver to have raced on the Buddh Circuit in the Indian GP, in 2011 and 2012.

Brunch

Updated on Dec 22, 2023 06:38 PM IST

ByHormazd Sorabjee

The car that sparked India’s automobile revolution

The Maruti 800 captured the imagination of motorists who until then had to make do with expensive, antiquated and unreliable cars.

Harpal Singh and Gulshanbeer Kaur of Delhi became the first proud owners of the first Maruti 800 car in 1983. The couple bought the car for <span class='webrupee'>₹</span>47,500 and its keys were handed to them by the then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. The Maruti 800 fuelled a car revolution in the country and became a symbol of status for the Indian middle class in the 1980s.

Opinion

Published on Dec 18, 2023 10:00 PM IST

ByHormazd Sorabjee

Weekend Drive by Hormazd Sorabjee: Revving up the past

The Mercedes-Benz Classic Car Rally brought together physical reminders of a past long forgotten as 77 vintage cars rolled up in their shiny best

The line-up at the MBCCR 2023 included rare and well-preserved historic vehicles.

Brunch

Updated on Dec 08, 2023 04:06 PM IST

ByHormazd Sorabjee

Weekend Drive by Hormad Sorabjee: Drive around the Benz

The Mercedes G400d has little to offer conventional buyers, but the hardy SUV is a diesel-car driver’s dream

The G400d has one of the best diesel engines around, which is responsive, powerful and refined.

Recipes

Updated on Nov 24, 2023 03:41 PM IST

ByHormazd Sorabjee

Weekend Drive by Hormazd Sorabjee: Lexus looks to the future

Lexus’s LF-ZC and LF-ZL concept cars are proof that the brand’s all-electric dreams are bigger than we’d realised

The LF-ZL is a blueprint of what future all-electric SUVs could be.

lifestyle

Updated on Nov 10, 2023 03:36 PM IST

ByHormazd Sorabjee

Weekend Drive by Hormazd Sorabjee: Viva la Revuelution

Lamborghini’s newest hybrid supercar, the Revuelto, is an improvement over all its predecessors, potentially making it the best model the brand has ever built

While the Revuelto may not look revolutionary, it blends electric power with a thunderous V12 engine, making it smooth, fast and exciting.

lifestyle

Updated on Oct 27, 2023 04:44 PM IST

ByHormazd Sorabjee

Weekend Drive by Hormazd Sorabjee: How Merc does the electric slide

Mercedes’ newer EVs are more aerodynamic, futuristic and tech-laden. The long-range EQE is the perfect but pricey example of this new philosophy

The EQE SUV’s low-slung, rounded and smooth shape is more crossover than SUV.

lifestyle

Updated on Oct 13, 2023 05:46 AM IST

ByHormazd Sorabjee

Weekend Drive by Hormazd Sorabjee: Ford’s massive attack

The Everglades variant of the Ford Bronco SUV packs some serious 4x4 hardware. It’s a hardcore off-roader

The show-stopper on the enormous Ford Bronco is the winch with a 30-metre tow line that juts out 20cm from the front bumper.

lifestyle

Updated on Sep 29, 2023 03:55 PM IST

ByHormazd Sorabjee

Weekend Drive by Hormazd Sorabjee: The new power move

With sustainable materials, bio-engineered elements, tonnes of LED lights and a range of 750 km, the Mercedes-Benz Concept CLA Class is the future

The cabin of the Mercedes-Benz Concept CLA Class echoes its sustainable stylishness.

lifestyle

Updated on Sep 15, 2023 04:53 PM IST

ByHormazd Sorabjee

Weekend Drive: A current affair with Volvo’s C40 Recharge

Volvo’s newest electric SUV-coupe, the C40 Recharge, offers a game-changing 530km range on a single charge

The C40 Recharge can overtake just about anything without hesitation, which makes it compelling to drive.

lifestyle

Updated on Sep 01, 2023 04:17 PM IST

ByHormazd Sorabjee

Weekend Drive by Hormazd Sorabjee: A king returns

The revamped Mercedes-Benz GLC is bigger, roomier and feels a perfect fit in the mid-size luxury SUV segment

The new GLC is longer, wider and taller. However, seats aren’t cooled and the massage function is missing, small missing details in an otherwise tech-packed car.

lifestyle

Updated on Aug 18, 2023 04:57 PM IST

ByHormazd Sorabjee

Weekend Drive by Hormazd Sorabjee: Rise up in re-volt

The facelift of the Audi Q8 e-tron brings some subtle improvements on styling and a long range unmatched by other EVs

The new Q8 e-tron has better aerodynamics, more features and, crucially, the Sportback version can go 600km on a single charge.

lifestyle

Updated on Aug 05, 2023 07:37 PM IST

ByHormazd Sorabjee

Roaring in the deep: BMW’s new SUV

The BMW X1 is a larger and more luxurious SUV compared to previous generations, with a spacious interior and impressive features. But, it has some flaws

Though its priced competitively, the X1 falls slightly short in power output and lacks an all-wheel-drive option, placing it behind some rivals. Nevertheless, it has broadened its appeal and offers a compelling package to luxury SUV buyers in India.

lifestyle

Updated on Aug 10, 2023 08:06 PM IST

ByHormazd Sorabjee

Weekend Drive by Hormazd Sorabjee: The hills are alive

... with the sound of the Audi S5 Sportback, a luxury sedan that finds the right balance between comfort and performance

The S5 Sportback is effortless and engaging, managing to reach 100kph in under five seconds, which is not as quick as the more ferocious RS-badged Audis, but quick enough for most occasions.

lifestyle

Updated on Jul 21, 2023 04:49 PM IST

ByHormazd Sorabjee

Weekend Drive by Hormazd Sorabjee: A Mercedes E-Class holds its ground

A drive through Jordan in a Mercedes E-Class takes the author to historical sites, including the Citadel, Jerash, Wadi Rum and Petra, ending at the Dead Sea

Highways in Jordan are more or less smooth but are sprinkled with rough patches and some nasty potholes, which the E-Class stoically soaks up.

lifestyle

Updated on Jul 19, 2023 07:08 PM IST

ByHormazd Sorabjee

Weekend Drive by Hormazd Sorabjee: A volt of lightning

BMW’s new electric sedan, the i7, goes farther than the competition. It’s like a business-class upgrade, but for the road

The BMW i7 can go from 0 to 100kph in 4.5 seconds. A full charge takes only five hours, providing a range of approximately 600 km.

lifestyle

Updated on Jul 20, 2023 02:40 PM IST

ByHormazd Sorabjee

Weekend Drive by Hormazd Sorabjee: The power and the glory

How the Vida V1 Pro, India’s home-grown electric scooter, set a new Guinness World Record, powered by batteries and grit

The Vida V1 is India’s first e-scooter that has removable batteries you can swap for fully charged ones in seconds.

lifestyle

Updated on Jul 21, 2023 05:37 PM IST

ByHormazd Sorabjee

A sporting chance: Audi’s speedy new offering

The Audi Q3 Sportback is the first ever coupe design with SUV functionality, but is this something we need?

The Q3 Sportback has style, and comes in an exclusive shade of blue, but the sharply sloping roof ends up eating into a fair bit of headroom.

lifestyle

Updated on Jul 21, 2023 05:19 PM IST

ByHormazd Sorabjee

Weekend Drive by Hormazd Sorabjee: A top-down approach

The new Mercedes-AMG E 53 4Matic+ has a fabric roof and may just be the luxury convertible India has been looking for

lifestyle

Updated on Jul 19, 2023 07:45 PM IST

ByHormazd Sorabjee

Weekend Drive by Hormazd Sorabjee: The year of the bull

Lamborghini’s newest offering, Revuelto, is a two-seater, plug-in hybrid supercar that will replace the Aventador

The Revuelto captures the sharp, edgy and extravagant design DNA of past Lamborghinis, retaining the iconic Y-shaped design signature and the trademark scissor doors.

lifestyle

Updated on Jul 21, 2023 05:59 PM IST

ByHormazd Sorabjee

Weekend Drive by Hormazd Sorabjee: Life in reverse gear

At last week’s Modern Classic Rally, cars built from 1970 to 2010 got Mumbai enthusiasts to cruise down memory

There were classic Mercedes-Benzs and old-school BMWs at the rally. Making its first outing was also a legendary US Army HUMVEE (above).

lifestyle

Updated on Jul 24, 2023 06:33 PM IST

ByHormazd Sorabjee

Weekend Drive by Hormazd Sorabjee: A new Italian stallion

Ferrari’s first four-door, four-seater car, the all-new Purosangue, seems like it was made for India

The Purosangue is comfortable, spacious and high enough above the ground to suit India’s inconsistent roads.

lifestyle

Updated on Jul 24, 2023 07:09 PM IST

ByHormazd Sorabjee

Weekend Drive by Hormazd Sorabjee: Lightning bolts

The fastest, heaviest, most expensive supercar in the world is also electric. Even at 2.2 tonnes, the Pininfarina Battista can do 358 kph

The Pininfarina Battista rockets from 0 to 100kph in a scarcely believable 1.86 seconds.

lifestyle

Updated on Jul 24, 2023 07:22 PM IST

ByHormazd Sorabjee

Weekend Drive by Hormazd Sorabjee: The winning streak

The Cayman was conceived for track use, which is why it may be the best-handling Porsche of all time

The Cayman GT4 RS roars from 0 to 100kph in just 3.4 seconds. And, if you can legally find the right road, it will hit a top speed of 315kph

lifestyle

Updated on Jul 24, 2023 07:48 PM IST

ByHormazd Sorabjee

Weekend Drive by Hormazd Sorabjee: Just skidding

Driving two kinds of cars, in sub-zero temperatures, over a frozen field in Austria, isn’t foolhardy. It’s one for the bucket list

The Audi Ice Experience is set against the backdrop of the Austrian Alps. One must drive on pure ice, where grip levels are negligible.

lifestyle

Updated on Jul 20, 2023 02:53 PM IST

ByHormazd Sorabjee

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Hormazd Sorabjee

Hormazd Sorabjee is one of the most senior and much loved auto journalists in India, and is the editor of Autocar India.

Driving an Audi RS4 Avant and the e-tron GT over a frozen lake in Finland is a test of control, speed and ultimately, your ego

The Range Rover SV isn’t just the best in its segment. It’s like travelling business class without ever leaving the ground

British luxury car manufacturer McLaren has a new, high-performance hybrid supercar that puts function over form

India’s longest sea bridge, the Atal Setu, is a 21.8km long six-lane trans-harbour bridge that is both cool and convenient

Big spenders are keenly tracking these luxury car launches. Sedan, SUV, electric, and fuel powered, they’ll be here soon

In a 992 Porsche 911 GT3 RS, Narain Karthikeyan just set his third production-car lap record at the Buddh Circuit

The Maruti 800 captured the imagination of motorists who until then had to make do with expensive, antiquated and unreliable cars.

The Mercedes-Benz Classic Car Rally brought together physical reminders of a past long forgotten as 77 vintage cars rolled up in their shiny best

The Mercedes G400d has little to offer conventional buyers, but the hardy SUV is a diesel-car driver’s dream

Lexus’s LF-ZC and LF-ZL concept cars are proof that the brand’s all-electric dreams are bigger than we’d realised

Lamborghini’s newest hybrid supercar, the Revuelto, is an improvement over all its predecessors, potentially making it the best model the brand has ever built

Mercedes’ newer EVs are more aerodynamic, futuristic and tech-laden. The long-range EQE is the perfect but pricey example of this new philosophy

The Everglades variant of the Ford Bronco SUV packs some serious 4x4 hardware. It’s a hardcore off-roader

With sustainable materials, bio-engineered elements, tonnes of LED lights and a range of 750 km, the Mercedes-Benz Concept CLA Class is the future

Volvo’s newest electric SUV-coupe, the C40 Recharge, offers a game-changing 530km range on a single charge

The revamped Mercedes-Benz GLC is bigger, roomier and feels a perfect fit in the mid-size luxury SUV segment

The facelift of the Audi Q8 e-tron brings some subtle improvements on styling and a long range unmatched by other EVs

The BMW X1 is a larger and more luxurious SUV compared to previous generations, with a spacious interior and impressive features. But, it has some flaws

... with the sound of the Audi S5 Sportback, a luxury sedan that finds the right balance between comfort and performance

A drive through Jordan in a Mercedes E-Class takes the author to historical sites, including the Citadel, Jerash, Wadi Rum and Petra, ending at the Dead Sea

BMW’s new electric sedan, the i7, goes farther than the competition. It’s like a business-class upgrade, but for the road

How the Vida V1 Pro, India’s home-grown electric scooter, set a new Guinness World Record, powered by batteries and grit

The Audi Q3 Sportback is the first ever coupe design with SUV functionality, but is this something we need?

The new Mercedes-AMG E 53 4Matic+ has a fabric roof and may just be the luxury convertible India has been looking for

Lamborghini’s newest offering, Revuelto, is a two-seater, plug-in hybrid supercar that will replace the Aventador

At last week’s Modern Classic Rally, cars built from 1970 to 2010 got Mumbai enthusiasts to cruise down memory

Ferrari’s first four-door, four-seater car, the all-new Purosangue, seems like it was made for India

The fastest, heaviest, most expensive supercar in the world is also electric. Even at 2.2 tonnes, the Pininfarina Battista can do 358 kph

The Cayman was conceived for track use, which is why it may be the best-handling Porsche of all time

Driving two kinds of cars, in sub-zero temperatures, over a frozen field in Austria, isn’t foolhardy. It’s one for the bucket list

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