In this issue, we drive Renault’s new soft-roader, take a Jaguar to the desert, road test one of the fastest saloons on the planet and revisit the world’s first ever mid-engined supercar. Here’s what’s in store for the July 2012 issue of Autocar India:

• Renault Duster – The Duster promises a great blend of ruggedness and practicality, and is likely to have a knock-out price too. It could very well be the car that turns the tide of Renault’s fortunes in the Indian market, and we take a spin to find out what it’s all about.
• BMW M5 – Supercars and Indian road infrastructure don’t generally mix, but BMW may have just delivered the exception with the M5. The latest version of the original super-saloon is an uncannily brilliant combination of practicality and lunacy, and we give it the full road test.
• Chevrolet Cruze update – The last thing the Cruze needed was more power, but this engine upgrade offers something more crucial. With greater power has come greater driveability – not to mention a new six-speed manual gearbox. Read our road test to find out more.
• Fiat 500 MPV – We’ve got the scoop on Fiat’s forthcoming family car headed for India. It’s a seven-seat version of the 500L, which in turn is a taller, longer take on the retro-chic 500 hatchback, and could bring that all-important desirability factor to this practical segment.
• VW Jetta 1.4 TSI – In these times of skyrocketing petrol prices, it may seem unusual to launch a new petrol engine, especially in a plush executive car. But that’s just what VW has done, and we stretch this new high-tech engine’s legs on empty Mumbai streets to see if it can make it in today’s diesel-happy market.
• Great car, great road – Could Jaguar’s XKR coupé be the perfect grand tourer for India? We take it on an exhilarating drive through Gujarat, with a small stop-off at the Little Rann of Kutch, to put it to the test.
• Mahindra Thar AC – For all its rugged goodness, the Thar lacked a few creature comforts to make it a proper everyday-driver. Mahindra has given it a few helpful updates, and one big one – an air-conditioner – to make it more appealing.
• Lamborghini Miura SVs – 43 years ago, the Lamborghini Miura starred in one of the most famous scenes of one of the most famous car movies of all time – The Italian Job. We take a drive down the fabled route in three Miura SVs to see if we can relive the magical moment (minus the devastating crash, of course).
• Hero Maestro – With Hero MotoCorp’s existing Pleasure scooter tailored primarily to female buyers, the company has now launched the Maestro – aimed at wooing the men. We give this 109cc scooter the full road test treatment.
• Husqvarna Nuda 900R – BMW is bringing the Husqvarna motorcycle brand to India, and we swing a leg around the company’s debut offering, the wildly styled Nuda 900R. Read our first impressions of the intimidating but thrilling motorcycle.

Motorsport – This month we drive two Indian tin-top racers, the petrol-powered Polo R Cup TSI and Toyota’s all-new Etios EMR, on the track. Plus, a look at the role of the third driver in a Formula 1 team during the first 

Articles in this issue

Feature Czech-ing the right boxes

Feature Discover India Thanedhar

News Fiat evaluating Ertiga rival

Feature The Dukes are out

About Autocar India Magazine

Autocar India is the country's leading authority for car and motorbike buyers.

Having pioneered road testing in India, its road test verdicts are the last word on new cars and bikes. Its monthly content of exclusive news, features and riveting stories continues to be unrivalled.

Autocar India is lauded for its high level of editorial content and production standards, and the magazine is complemented by its website AutocarIndia.com.

Autocar India pioneered the concept of advertorials in India, conceptualised and created by the in-house Special Projects team. The magazine also has the biggest and liveliest classified services section of any monthly motoring magazine.