e’re nearing the end of another year and we are certain that this was an eventful time for all of you. It certainly was for us at OVERDRIVE. In 2018 we drove everything from the segment-redefining Hyundai Santro to manic exotics like the Porsche 911 GT2 RS. Along the way we’ve also had our share of the current poster boys of the car world, SUVs and EVs. It wasn’t all just serious testing. In true OD tradition we pulled off some crazy feats too. There was a lot of planning, effort and shouting along the way, but we did manage to test 25 SUVs at an APRC stage in Chikmagalur and covered 2,200 km in 24 kms in two Mercedes-Benz C-Class’ at the Buddh International Circuit, a new record.
But all of the blood, sweat and tears was for one thing and one thing only. Bringing you guys, our readers, the best automotive coverage possible. So what better way to celebrate the end of this year and the beginning of a new one than with the OVERDRIVE reviews you liked the most. Take a look.
1) 2018 Hyundai Elite i20 first drive review
The facelifted Elite i20 came in at a time when the Baleno had established itself as the king of premium hatchbacks, the Jazz had a facelift in the waiting and Maruti Suzuki had just revealed prices for the new Swift. That was some timing and we found that it improved on an aleady likeable package and continued to be one of the best buys in the segment.
2) 2018 Ford Freestyle first drive review
The Freestyle might, on the face of it, seem like a quick hack to cash in on the SUV craze. But it is so much more. It rides and handles like how a Ford should, despite the added height. Add to this a gem of a petrol motor, fresh looks, and the best infotainment system in this price bracket and you have a car which offers something to everyone.
Apart from a redesigned front end, the 2018 Mahindra also gets a more powerful engine now
3) 2018 Mahindra Scorpio first drive review
The Mahindra Scorpio’s take on what an SUV should be is decidedly simple and effective. Its robustness and presence already made it a favorite in both cities and the heartland. The new genration car, the first change since this car was launched in 2002, brings better dynamics, new features and a more powerful engine.
4) 2018 Maruti Suzuki Swift first drive review
The first generation Swift single-handedly created a new segment of premium hatchbacks in the country when it first launched in 2005. This third generation car builds on those attributes which made it a success like good dynamic ability, nice looks and frugality but adds more positives like better interior space and an AMT option.
5) 2018 Mahindra Marazzo first drive review
With the toyota Innova moving up the market with its new generation, the Mahindra Marazzo fills the gap for buyers who have around Rs 20 lakh to spend for a spacious family hauler but don’t want to get on the SUV bandwagon just yet. It’s extensive features and technical innovations sweeten the deal.
6) 2018 Honda Amaze first drive review
Every carmaker who is serious about the Indian market has a presence in the sub-four metre sedan segment in the country. The first generation Honda Amaze was quite a success before others like the Dzire moved the game along significantly. The new Amaze brings back that lost mojo, especially with the deeply impressive diesel CVT variant.
7) 2018 Ford Ecosport S first drive review
The Ford Ecosport S brings back the sweet 1.0-litre Ecoboost motor in a car with more features and updated looks. Space is at a premium and the ride a bit stiff but you effectively get a hot hatch dressed as an SUV.
8) 2018 Hyundai Creta facelift first drive review
The Creta’s mid-life updates gives it slightly more aggressive styling, more features and a simplified line-up. Truthfully, these are minor changes but that’s all this Hyundai SUV needed anyway. It’s the segment leader, bettered to remain dominant.
9) 2018 Toyota Yaris first drive review
The Japanese giant priced itself out of contention with the Yaris. The sedan is competent, spacious and will most likely be bullet-proof. It has very competent rivals in the the city, Ciaz and Verna, all of which are more affordable and in certain cases, more exciting.
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