Connecting Rod

Breaking down the plight of the Indian motorist who is constantly under pressure from knee-jerk legislature and rarely raises their voice. We break down E20 Fuel and its benefits and limitations. The Fast Tag policy and finally even touch on EoLVs in the NCR region. Touching on how the common man can have their voices heard in the face of legislature and make a difference. Produced by Nikhil Khattar Sound mixed by Rohan Bharti

Today, Indian buyers are spoilt for choice when it comes to two-wheelers. From sporty bikes and adventure tourers to performance-oriented scooters, there’s something for everyone. But it wasn’t always this way. Back in the day, simply owning a two-wheeler was a big deal. Scooters dominated the roads, while motorcycles played second fiddle. That changed with the arrival of fuel-efficient 4-stroke motorcycles, which quickly gained popularity. The shift was accelerated by the decline of Bajaj’s scooter lineup and LML’s struggles with quality issues. Scooters, however, made a strong comeback in the early 2000s, thanks to Honda’s introduction of the Activa. And from there, the commuter segment took a rather fascinating turn. Produced by Garvit Srivastava Sound mixed by Rohan Bharti

Tesla has finally entered India! But is it too little, too late? In this episode of Connecting Rod, automotive journalists Rahul Ghosh and Dipayan Dutta dive deep into Tesla’s strategy for India, the ₹60 lakh Model Y, and whether Indian EVs like the Tata Curvv, Mahindra XUV.e8, and Hyundai IONIQ 5 already have a head start. They explore the EV landscape, pricing challenges, and whether Tesla can match local expectations in a market that’s both price-sensitive and performance-hungry. Tune in for a no-holds-barred take on Elon Musk's India plans, indigenous innovation, and what this means for the future of mobility. Produced by Garvit Srivastava Sound mixed by Rohan Bharti

Why are adventure motorcycles booming in India? Thanks to the new wave of riders seeking freedom beyond city limits, improved highways, rugged terrains, and a thirst for exploration, ADVs are designed to offer a perfect blend of comfort, capability, and the promise of adventure. This time, we discuss the rise of ADVs in India, as well as some of the most important models, both past and present. Produced by Garvit Srivastava Sound mixed by Rohan Bharti

In this high-octane episode of Connecting Rod, Auto Today's very own Rahul, Dipayan, and Abhinav go head-to-head in a passionate debate about the best motorcycles and scooters of their respective eras — from the 80s, 90s, and 2000s. Whether you grew up idolizing the RX100, racing a Shogun, showing off a Samurai, or revving up a Pulsar 220, this episode hits all the right gears. From the thump of the Yezdi to the roar of the Pulsar, and the cult status of the Karizma, this episode of Connecting Rod is a full-throttle ride through India’s most iconic two-wheelers. Produced by Prateek Lidhoo Sound mix by Suraj Singh

In this episode of Connecting Rod, automotive geeks Dipayan and Rahul will walk us through the dos and don'ts of buying a second hand car. From a paint job to a manipulate odometer, these guys know it all. Make sure you get the best value out of your money while exploring the used car market. Tune in! Produced by Prateek Lidhoo Sound mix by Rohan Bharti

In this fiery episode of Connecting Rod, Dipayan Dutta and a visibly frustrated Rahul Ghosh dive deep into the controversial 15-year vehicle scrappage policy. With tempers flaring, the duo dissects the guidelines, laying bare the many loopholes and logistical nightmares that plague its implementation. Rahul doesn’t hold back, calling out the lack of infrastructure, poor incentives for vehicle owners, and the absence of clarity in execution. They also explore what real reforms and government support would be needed to make the policy not just functional, but actually beneficial for the environment and the auto industry. Produced by Prateek Lidhoo Sound mix by Aman Pal