Automobile - HPBL News

Anita NishadJune 28, 2025

New Rules For 2-Wheelers: Two Helmets, ABS Mandatory For All Two-Wheelers; Check Full Details Here

New Rules For 2-Wheelers:The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways announced new safety rules for two-wheelers in India. According to…

To gauge the Polo's cult status in India-a market in which it was discontinued in 2022-snatch a quick look at Volkswagen India's Instagram page and you will see scores of messages from disappointed enthusiasts asking for the car to be brought back to India, in a collective social media war cry, if you will. And while the car is not available in India anymore, it is an international 'auto celebrity' in its own right, thanks to its iconic cultural vibe. In June, the VW Polo turns 50 with a series of celebrations across the globe, conducted by heritage car enthusiasts as well as speed junkies. What started off, half a century ago, as a sort of modern follow-up to Volkswagen's culturally significant Beetle, the Polo today has clocked over 20 million units worldwide, making it one of the most popular cars ever made. Pop culture enthusiasts love the iconic Polo limited editions such as the colourful Harlekin (based on the Harlequin clowns), the Polo Jeans and the Polo Genesis. India Today Spice got exclusive access to the 'Home of the Polo' in Kariega, South Africa, the historic automobile plant, which is the only one manufacturing and exporting the Polo across the globe. Since 1975, and over multiple iterations, the Polo is still alive and relevant in 2025, and, today, we are on a celebratory lap in its punchiest iteration, the GTI, boasting a torquey 2.0 litre turbocharged petrol engine that surges forward at the slight tap of the accelerator, with its power of 152 kW. Some pop culture references The GTI version that I am driving, first appeared in 1998, and went through many iterations to arrive at the digital-heavy one I am driving between Kariega and Cape Town today. Fifty years ago, creature comforts of this car were intermittent wipers, a carpet and heater blowers, while today, I enjoy a host of digitalised perks like touchscreen infotainment and a suite of ADAS safety features, all underpinned by a genuine need (and love) for performance and design. What, then, makes this small car cult? It all dates back to 1975, when the German manufacturer sought inspiration in the Audi 50, and created the smallest car it had ever built, with a 3.5 metre wheelbase. The Polo was designed to be a car for the common man, seating four people, and powered by a 0.9 litre engine manufactured in Audi's Ingolstadt factory. Over the years, it evolved into a motorsport icon featuring in touring car racing, and rally driving. It went on to become the World Rally Championship title winner in 2013 and 2014, with the first generation Polo R WRC (a modified racing edition). There have been six versions of the Polo in its 50 year history, each adding new performance features. The Polo is a small, highly performative car that has managed to become culturally significant, over and beyond being a mere transporter. As a culmination of my '50th birthday drive', I park the Polo in front of another icon, Cape Town's Table Mountain, to get that perfect Instagram moment. Both emblematic, and in no hurry to go anywhere. Happy 50th, Polo and thank you for the speedy rides!

Anita NishadJune 28, 2025

Volkswagen’s iconic Polo | A speedy half century

To gauge the Polo’s cult status in India-a market in which it was discontinued in 2022-snatch a quick look at…

Anita NishadJune 25, 2025

2025 Mahindra Scorpio N teased, likely to get ADAS

Mahindra and Mahindra has officially teased the updated version of its popular SUV, the Scorpio N, signaling a leap forward…

Anita NishadJune 20, 2025

Honda City Sport launched at Rs 14.89 Lakh; limited edition with sporty flair

Honda Cars India Limited (HCIL) has launched the City Sport at Rs 14,88,900 (ex-showroom), a new variant of the…

Anita NishadJune 19, 2025

No Hasselblad in OnePlus 15? New leak reveals big OnePlus camera update

Here we go again! The rumoured OnePlus 15, said to be the successor to the OnePlus 13, will reportedly launch…

Anita NishadJune 19, 2025

Defender Trophy Edition is a more off-road capable version of the Defender 110

Defender has revealed the new Defender Trophy Edition with a global adventure competition that consists of off-road challenges with some…

Anita NishadJune 18, 2025

Hero to launch Vida VX2 with Battery-as-a-Service model starting July 1

Hero MotoCorp’s electric mobility brand, Vida with the launch of theVida VX2will introduce Battery-as-a-Service (BaaS) subscription model. The model will…

Anita NishadJune 17, 2025

Honda Launches 2025 XL750 Transalp in India at ₹10.99 Lakh

New Delhi – Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India (HMSI) has launched the 2025 XL750 Transalp, a premium adventure tourer priced…

Anita NishadJune 17, 2025

Bajaj Chetak 3001 electric scooter launched at Rs 99,990 with 127km range

Bajaj has launched the new Chetak 3001, an advanced upgrade to the Chetak 2903. Priced at Rs 99,990 (ex-showroom), the…

Anita NishadJune 17, 2025

Maruti Launches 2025 Grand Vitara S-CNG With 6 Airbags As Standard – Details

2025 Maruti Grand Vitara S-CNG: Maruti Suzuki, India’s leading carmaker, launched the 2025 Grand Vitara S-CNG in two variants – Delta…