Little Wonder

I am amazed at the frequency with which people in India are changing their cars, some within months of buying their previous model. According to industry experts, an average consumer in the country changes a car every three years, which is about how long it takes to pay off the car loan. It may be a sign of rising affluence but it is also to do with the number of new variants and models being launched every month. The auto revolution may have come late to India but we are fast catching up with the rest of the world, where cars and motorcycles are an integral part of modern life.

Even with the Nano still to make its debut, a rapidly growing number of Indians either own a vehicle or are planning to buy one. The large number of models available in every segment makes it a difficult decision for the average buyer. For the true auto buff, minute differences in specifications and technology matter. Over a million cars will be sold in our country this year and over 10 million two wheelers, and buyers are desperate for credible information on what model to buy, results of test drives, comparative rankings and inside information on the industry. Keeping this in mind, India Today will bring you the latest from the automotive world every month in a new publication called India Today Auto.

The new magazine, produced by experts in the field, adds to our stable of publications distributed with India Today and will provide you everything you need to know about cars and bikes from India and around the world. It will be your authoritative guide to buying a car and also help you get the best from your purchase. Apart from auto-related information, we also tell you the best getaways to drive to from your city and will guide you on how to get there.

In keeping with that effort, the first issue of AUTO previews and test drives more than 10 cars and bikes for you, including the adorable Fiat 500. The car has been a huge success and in part helped turn around Fiat. That success may not be replicated here but our exclusive report indicates why the car appeals to both the young and the young-at-heart. On the subject of two wheelers, Yamaha promises to take the world of motorcycling a few notches higher by launching the R15, the first affordable bike with true sporting credentials. And to round off the issue, there is a getaway drive to Lansdowne in the Mahindra-Renault Logan.

We hope you enjoy this new addition to the India Today portfolio, which will bring you all the excitement from the world of automobiles, and wish all our readers happy driving!