Introduction

The Mercedes-Benz GLA has certainly evolved with time. A vehicle that used to earlier be more of a coupe-SUV during its first generation has gradually changed into more of an SUV presently. Add to that a refreshed & more spacious interior cabin with a slew of connected features and what you get is an altogether different machine. At the inception of Spring this year, the Mercedes-Benz GLA 220d came to visit us at Power Drive. Join us as we take you on a drive date on the new Mercedes-Benz GLA – up close and personal.

Design and Engineering

The new design of the Mercedes-Benz GLA exudes elegance from every angle. It boasts of powerful proportions and expressive lines which lends the GLA a sporty, yet classy appearance. The new GLA is a very versatile car; designed for the wilderness and yet extremely enjoyable in the city.

When you first lay your eyes on the Mercedes-Benz GLA, it clearly looks larger and more substantial than its first generation iteration. A lot of the added visual bulk comes from the higher roof, which is now a huge 10cm up. While it’s more SUV-like now, it isn’t all straight lines in profile and the roof starts to drop down towards the rear.

The LED high performance headlamps provide more safety at night and an unmistakable, distinctive look. LED technology illuminates the road ahead better than conventional headlamps – and it uses less energy. The pleasant light colour is easy on the eyes. This is because the evenly bright, warm white light of the LED high performance headlamps is closer to the colour temperature of daylight than that of halogen headlamps. The all-LED adaptive tail lights in a two-piece design emphasise the broad rear and at the same time enable a wide boot loading aperture.

The GLA 220d which we tested came with 45.7 cm (18-inch) 5-twin-spoke light-alloy wheels adds to the style quotient.

Interior and Comfort

The interior combines a sense of space, sportiness and materials of impressive level. In so doing, the new Mercedes-Benz GLA is more functional than ever before and always adapts to your needs. The design sets standards with a flowing, modern design idiom. The free-standing instrument cluster display plus media display, and the illuminated air vents with sporty, progressive styling ups the style quotient.

The elegant leather lining gives the multifuction sports steering wheel a high quality look. It makes it a highlight of the interior. And as the motorist you enjoy a double benefit: what looks good also feels good. The steering wheel sets the course, and not just on the road surface. It connects you with the vehicle and becomes a control centre. The Touch Control buttons on the left and right operate various navigation, telephony and entertainment functions. Last but not the least, they set the speed/proximity control without taking your hands off the steering wheel.

The seats offer good ergonomics and a high level of comfort, even on longer journeys. The Seat Comfort Package with its many adjustments options lets you find your ideal sitting positing. All drivers can find their own personal and ergonomic setting.

The new GLA is well thought out in every detail and offers even more functionality for any occasion. Comfort starts when getting in. With its large, continuos door opening, the new GLA facilitates an easy entry and thereby ensures a comfortable drive from the first moment.

The rear impresses with its generous amount of space. When compared with the predecessor, the new GLA has taken things to an even higher level in terms of shoulder and legroom.

Extremely practical, the easy-pack tailgate can be opened and closed electrically and makes loading and unloading the boot even more convenient. You can start the opening and closing process very conveniently at the press of a button again. You can also press the button on your vehicle key from a distance so that the tailgate open by the time you get to the vehicle. In addition there is also the classic option of using a switch in the driver’s door or the release handle directly in the tailgate.

Whether open or closed, with the panoramic sliding sunroof, you experience a wonderful feeling of freedom and enjoy a pleasantly bright ambiance in the interior. When viewed from the outside, the large sliding sunroof makes a unique visual impression, as it lends lightness and exclusivity to the exterior.

Technology and Features

Inside the new Mercedes-Benz GLA, you experience the entire range of digital display possibilities. The large, high-resolution 10.25-inch (26.03cm) display is individually configured by you – for example in the classic form, with the speedometer on the left and the rev counter on the right. Visually impressive and easy to read travel and driving assistance information is superimposed using the full display area.

The media display is touch-sensitive. Symbols make operation easier and improve concentration. Highly appealing combination; when the media display is combined with the larger instrument display, the result is a widescreen cockpit.

Showcase the interior according to your personal preferences or current mood. The 64 colours of the ambient lighting create fascinating colour schemes, in the illuminated air vents, doors or the dashboard. When you adjust the air conditioning, feedback is provided in colour. This makes even more of an impression on all passengers.

The thermotronic controls the individual temperature in two zones. The passengers can thus set their preferred climate independently of one another. And you never have to readjust, because the sensitive sensors even register changes in conditions, such as sunlight.

Driving time becomes charging time in the Mercedes-Benz GLA. Just drop your smartphone into its allotted place in the oddments tray for wireless charging. Irrespective of the model and brand, compatible smartphones are charged wirelessly.

Samrtphone integrations links the mobile phone with the media system via Apple CarPlay or Anroid Auto. This gives you convenient access to the most important apps on your smartphone. You can also use apps from third-party providers such as Spotify quickly and easily. The available displays of the smartphone are optimised for the media display’s interface and are even more clearly arranged. You can submit your requests via the voice assistant in the car too.

In the new GLA, the MBUX functions are very intuitive to oprate. You decide which way is the most convenient for you: with the touchpad in the centre console, the Touch Control buttons on the steering wheel or the multimedia touch display. All input options are intelligently interlinked to ensure you always stay flexible.

Activate the Linguatronic voice control with the talk button on the steering wheel or simply with “Hey Mercedes”. This enables you to use many offerings of MBUX without taking your hands off the steering wheel. This makes it not only safer, but also more convenient.

Performance

At the heart of the Mercedes-Benz GLA 220d is a responsive and punchy 190hp diesel pot. Set it in Sport mode and the throttle responses are instantly strong. Just put your foot down and feel the diesel engine deliver a strong tug without any delay or pause. One look at the rev counter and you instantly realise that the 400 Nm of torque at just 1,500 rpm clearly has a role to play in this. What also helps keep it hot is the quick-to-respond eight-speed twin-clutch gearbox that always seems to keep you in the powerband by snapping up to the next gear in a flash. Acceleration, as a result, is relentless. The GLA 220d hits 100 kmph in an impressive 7.5 seconds, almost half a second quicker than its closest rival – the BMW X1.

You will experience a marginal body roll while driving quickly through the corners, but because the brakes allow you to feel your way into a corner and the direct steering is accurate, placing the car exactly where you want is easy. Once in the corner, there is adequate traction and the GLA even feels quick when driven in an extremely committed manner, the rear axle chipping in on longer corners.

Ride and Handling

Set the new GLA in Comfort mode and the vehicle is nice and relaxing to drive in city conditions. When you press the throttle, the power delivery is immediate & linear, and the steering is light & easy to twirl. The ride is comfortable. The Mercedes-Benz GLA glides gently without much body movement even while going over uneven road surfaces. While driving over small potholes, there’s no real kick from the suspension, and that’s despite the large 18-inch wheels. The suspension, however, does get a bit stressed while driving over deeper potholes and sharp-edged bumps, over which a sharp thud is felt. Once you go quicker, the ride smoothens up and then nothing really fazes the GLA.

Off-Road Engineering

If you happen to get behind the wheel of the Mercedes-Benz GLA 220d 4MATIC, then make it fit for difficult terrain: the additional Off-Road drive program optimises traction, for example on snow, slush or loose surfaces. For this, it adjusts the power delivery of the engine and the ABS control for light terrain away from paved roads. You can set the additional Off-Road drive program via dynamic select – for example, when you are driving in light off-road terrain. You can also access an animation of the driving situation on the media display. A realistic representation of the gradient, inclination angle and technical settings.

With the Downhill Speed Regulation (DSR), your vehicle gets a helpful assist system. The downhill driving assist system automatically maintains a pre-selected slow speed between approx. 2 and 18 kmph, which can be viewed in the Instrument Display. With targeted brake actuation the assist systems helps you to maintain control when driving on steep downhill gradients.

Verdict

The new GLA is equipped with everything that makes your drive even more pleasant. It is designed for the wilderness and yet extremely enjoyable in the city. The new Mercedes-Benz GLA is a more accomplished luxury SUV when compared to any of it closest rivals. And this holds true in practically all areas. Elegant design, superior space, greater comfort, stronger performance, more enjoyable to drive and even the quality of materials used on the inside are superior than other vehicles in the segment. So if you are looking for a compact luxury SUV that delivers a strong all-round performance, your quest ends with the Mercedes-Benz new GLA which truly has all the qualities to be the best in its class.

All photographs by Sourish Meryson.

India’s leading luxury carmaker Mercedes-Benz today announced delivery of 4022 new Mercedes-Benz cars to customers in the January-March 2022 period, underlining the firm leadership of the Three-Pointed Star in the Indian luxury car market. The company recorded a growth of 26 percent over Q1 2021 supported by bullish sales and market recovery supported by launch of new desirable products, a seamless omnichannel luxury experience created for customers through the ‘direct to customer’ sales model- ROTF, flexible financing programmes and overall positive customer sentiments.

The Q1 sales growth is also achieved against the backdrop of continuing semi-conductor shortage, global supply chain challenges and increasing operating cost for the company. Mercedes-Benz ended Q1 2022 with a highest-ever order bank of 4000+units as it strives to produce more cars and reduce the current waiting list for its products.

Martin Schwenk, Managing Director & CEO, Mercedes-Benz India commented, “We are excited with our sales performance achieved in Q1 2022, laying a strong foundation for a long term sales recovery. This achievement becomes important in context of continued intense headwinds like semi-conductor shortage, global supply chain disruptions and rising input costs.

The Q1 performance firmly reiterates customers’ clear preference for luxury experience offered by Mercedes-Benz and the brand’s leadership position in the Indian luxury market. The overwhelming customer response can also be attributed to a fine combination of our superior product portfolio and an enhanced retail experience implemented through ROTF, which offers full transparency on price and offers a seamless omnichannel experience. We will continue exciting the market with introduction of most desirable products and superior luxury experience in retail, in Q2.”

“With the highest order bank in our history, we are confident of continuing this growth momentum in the coming months. However, we sincerely regret the delays in the deliveries to our customers, due to the ongoing challenges in the global supply chain. Our top priority remains to deliver our customers their cherished Mercedes-Benz at the earliest, and strive to reduce the waiting period significantly.” added Mr. Schwenk.

Jaguar Land Rover has committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions across its operations by 46 per cent by 2030. In addition, the company will cut average vehicle emissions across its value chains by 54 per cent, including a 60 per cent reduction throughout the use phase of its vehicles.

The goals, which are approved by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), confirm the company’s pathway to a 1.5°C emissions reduction in line with the Paris Agreement. The commitment by Jaguar Land Rover meets the most ambitious goal set in Paris.

By the end of the decade, Jaguar Land Rover will reduce its direct greenhouse gas emissions across vehicle manufacture and operations by 46 per cent in absolute value compared to a 2019 baseline. The company has also committed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions per vehicle by an average of 54 per cent across the entire value chain, including a reduction of 60 per cent in the vehicle use phase.

These targets represent Jaguar Land Rover’s commitment to 2030, followed by a second-decade ambition for net zero emissions across supply chain, product, and operations by 2039, as part of its Reimagine strategy. To achieve this, the company will decarbonise across design and materials, manufacturing operations, supply chain, electrification, battery strategy, circular economy processes, and up to end-of-life treatment.

To support its mission, Jaguar Land Rover has introduced the new role of Sustainability Director, appointing Rossella Cardone to drive its transformation and support François Dossa, Executive Director, Strategy and Sustainability.

Rossella Cardone, Director and Head of Sustainability Office at Jaguar Land Rover, said: “Sustainability sits at the core of our Reimagine strategy, with the aim to achieve net carbon zero by 2039, as the creator of the world’s most desirable modern luxury vehicles. As we move from climate ambition into action, we are now embedding sustainability into the Jaguar Land Rover DNA to minimise our carbon footprint across our value chain. Science-based targets tell us how much and how quickly we need to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions as well as keeping stakeholders informed about our progress.”

Alberto Carrillo Pineda, Managing Director, Science Based Targets at CDP, one of the Science Based Targets initiative partners, said: “We congratulate Jaguar Land Rover on setting science-based targets consistent with limiting warming to 1.5C, the most ambitious goal of the Paris Agreement. By setting ambitious science-based targets grounded in climate science, Jaguar Land Rover is taking action to prevent the most damaging effects of climate change.”

Jaguar Land Rover first announced its commitment to the SBTi as part of its support for COP26, the climate change summit held in November 2021.

BMW Group Plant Chennai has completed 15 years of operations in the country today. Following all necessary safety guidelines, the plant celebrated this significant landmark at a memorable event with all associates.

Mr. Thomas Dose, Managing Director, BMW Group Plant Chennai said, “BMW Group Plant Chennai has emerged as a centre of manufacturing excellence in the last 15 years. It is a world-class facility that locally produces ‘Made in India’ BMWs and MINIs with the toughest quality standards. Along with consistently modernising and building our technical competencies, we have built a very strong, connected team that outshines due to its steadfast commitment, deep value system and cultural diversity. BMW Group Plant Chennai achieves its goals every time, even under difficult situations, because of a positive attitude and high level of efficiency in all pillars. We look forward to establishing many more milestones.”

Mr. Vikram Pawah, President, BMW Group India said, “Big congratulations to the team at BMW Group Plant Chennai on this joyous event. The plant plays the most instrumental role in fulfilling demand for the latest, most aspirational BMW and MINI products. The unparalleled quality of our ‘Made in India’ cars, immaculate efficiency and fast turn-around time are key strengths of the plant that have contributed towards building a fine product offensive strategy and sales success. We are also proud of the pioneering role that BMW Group Plant Chennai has assumed in sustainable manufacturing practices in the auto industry.”

On the same day in 2007, BMW Group Plant Chennai built its first car – a BMW 3 Series. Since then, it has grown in multi-fold ways, expanding the facility, increasing operations, growing manpower and substantially increasing localisation. Recently, the plant rolled-out the 100,000th locally produced car from its assembly lines.

BMW Group Plant Chennai has set a benchmark in quality production with advanced manufacturing processes, technology, state-of-the-art machinery and skilled associates. Each car that rolls-out of the facility has the same international quality standards as any other BMW Group plant across the world.

BMW Group Plant Chennai started operations on 29 March 2007. Since then, the BMW Group has continuously increased the number of its locally produced car models. Currently, 13 car models are locally produced – BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe, BMW 3 Series, BMW 3 Series Gran Limousine, BMW M340i, BMW 5 Series, BMW 6 Series Gran Turismo, BMW 7 Series, BMW X1, BMW X3, BMW X4, BMW X5, BMW X7 and MINI Countryman.

After an intense battle of man & machine that lasted for three days, the team of Sk. Ajgar Ali & Mohammed Musthafa were crowned champion of the coveted JK Tyre Indian National Regulatory Run Championship (INRRC) 2021. Closely following on their heels was the duo of Sk. Aniruddha & Raj Kumar Mundra who emerged second, while the experienced driver-navigator team of Subir Roy & Nirav Mehta clinched the third position. 

The team of Jit Mitra & Dinky Varghese triumphed in the Adventure Category. The duo of Abhijit Singh & Sk. Ibrahim Ali came second while the young team of Nisan Chowdhury & Chandrasish Roy finished third.

In the Ladies Cup, the team of Sheena Sabharwal & Trupti Gupta finished first followed by Jasmeet Kaur & Jyoti Iyengar in second position and the mother-daughter duo of Nilasha Das & Ipsita Das emerged third.

The team of Pranjal More & Milindo Paul won in the Local Category.

JK Tyre Himalayan Drive 8, which also was the Grand Finale of INRRC 2021 started from Siliguri on March 24 and culminated in Darjeeling in the evening of March 26. A total of 24 teams, including seven all-ladies’ team, took part in this event.. 

Several big names in this format of motorsports locked horns in the bid for the ultimate glory in INRRC 2021. The 24 teams had reached the national finals after going through grueling qualifying rounds at the six zonal levels in Northeast, East, North, West, Central and South India. 

The competitors had to navigate through some tough terrains, including dirt tracks, river beds and hilly roads to reach the finish point of each leg. The river beds on the first and second legs of the rally proved to be especially challenging with many vehicles getting bogged down in the sand, gravel and rocks.

JK Tyre Himalayan Drive 8 was ceremonially flagged off from Siliguri’s City Centre on March 23 by North Bengal Inspector General of Police Devendra Prakash Singh and Siliguri Deputy Mayor Ranjan Sarkar in the presence of senior police and civil administration officials and corporate bigwigs. JK Tyre Head of Training Ajoy Shah was also present at the event. 

On the first day of the rally run on March 24, the competitors started from City Centre and sped down a highway before entering a dirt track that took them past a tea garden and then on to a river bed. This river bed took a toll on the vehicles with six of them requiring assistance from the recovery team. The veteran team of Jogendra Jaiswal (the runners-up of Himalayan Drive 7) and Suvrajit Dutta had to retire from the first leg due to a clogged gearbox on this river bed. 

Once successfully past the river bed, the competitors drove through more dirt sections and challenging terrains to reach Gajoldoba where the first part of leg 1 culminated at a resort called Bhorer Alo. The night section of the leg 1 started around 7 PM and the competitors then drove through a long river embankment to reach Malbazar and Chalsa before going into village roads to arrive at Murti where the day’s run culminated. At the end of day 1, the team of Sk. Aniruddha and Raj Kumar Mundra were leading, closely followed by last year’s champions Sk. Ajgar Ali and Mohammed Musthafa. 

The second leg (March 25) was equally challenging. After being flagged off from Murti, the competitors – including the duo of Jaiswal and Dutta who got their vehicle back in action – drove down to Jaldhaka river bed. The river bed presented a tricky loop which had even the most experienced rallyists in a fix. Many competitors, including some top league ones, were seen making mistakes, thereby picking up penalty points. A few vehicles also required help from the recovery team. 

Once out of the river bed, the competitors drove through verdant forests and picturesque hamlets nestled in the Himalayan foothills. The second day’s run also took them through many popular tourist spots like Lataguri, Damdim, Gorubathan and Chalsa, as well as several tea gardens en route to Murti where the leg culminated. The day’s only casualty was, once again, the team of Jaiswal & Dutta who were forced to retire for the second consecutive day, this time due to fuel line failure. 

The final leg of the rally on Saturday (March 26) saw the competitors being flagged off from Murti in the morning to drive through the dense forests of Gorumara and Chapramari before entering the narrow roads through Matelli Tea Estate and driving past scenic spots like Samsing and Gorubathan.

During this leg, the competitors crossed the 81-year-old Coronation Bridge over the Teesta to start climbing the Himalayan mountains through narrow and winding roads with hairpin bends. They drove past Mungpoo, Jorebunglow and Ghoom to ultimately reach Darjeeling in the evening. The team of Jaiswal & Dutta deserves a special mention who despite of two consecutive retirements, showcased great sportsmanship to turn up at the starting line of leg 3 and successfully finished the final leg of the rally.

The prize distribution ceremony was held at Bhanu Bhavan in Darjeeling on March 27. An array of dignitaries including the General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the Sukhna-headquartered 33 Corps, Lieutenant General Tarun Kumar Aich and his wife Saswati Aich, 123 Mountain Brigade Commander Vikas Batra and his wife Pallavi Batra, former Darjeeling MLA Amar Singh Rai and Darjeeling Municipality Chairman Ritesh Portel gave away the coveted trophies to the winners.

Nissan India rolled out its 50,000th Nissan Magnite from the Renault Nissan Automotive India Pvt Ltd (RNAIPL) plant in Chennai. Magnite was the first global product to launch under the Nissan NEXT transformation plan.

Sinan Ozkok, President, Nissan Motor India, commented: “The ‘Make in India, Make for the World’ SUV has been a core model under Nissan’s global transformation strategy. The Big, Bold, Beautiful SUV is playing a key role in strengthening Nissan’s presence in India and overseas. We express our gratitude to our customers, business partners and employees for making Nissan Magnite an overwhelming success in India and across global markets.”

Since its launch, 50,000 Magnites have been produced in Chennai, despite the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic and ongoing semiconductor shortage. The Nissan Magnite scored a 4-star safety rating in the adult occupant protection category by Global NCAP in February 2022. The ‘Make in India, Made for the world’ SUV provides safety through a variety of driving conditions, making it a versatile build SUV for any setting. From navigating city traffic to winding hilly slopes, the quality of its body coupled with its range of safety features is what builds the customers’ trust in the Nissan Magnite’s safety.

Rakesh Srivastava, Managing Director, Nissan Motor India, added: “Nissan Magnite- Big, Bold, Beautiful SUV was designed to be a game changer to deliver premium experience with a world class technology and design coming together in an unbeatable package- redefining value in the SUV segment. Love for Nissan Magnite is phenomenal with it being the most awarded Nissan Vehicle in the Indian market with strong customer demand with more than one lakh plus bookings demonstrating the Nissan’s global SUV DNA and technology.”

Biju Balendran, MD & CEO, RNAIPL, said “We have been able to achieve the 50,000th Magnite milestone in less than 15 months despite head winds from COVID and the Semi-conductor crisis. Our employees and supplier partners have contributed immensely with innovative strategies to overcome this crisis. Thanks to all of them, we as one team will continue to move to challenge the ongoing crisis and support the waiting customers with quality cars at the earliest possible time”.

The eighth edition of JK Tyre Himalayan Drive supported by Experience Bengal & GTA – was ceremonially flagged off by Mr. Devendra Prakash Singh, Inspector General of Police – North Bengal along with Mr. Ranjan Sarkar, Deputy Mayor of Siliguri, from Siliguri’s City Center on March 23. Also in attendance were several other dignitaries and guests. Himalayan Drive 8, popularly referred to as HD8, will also form the Grand Finale of the Indian National Regulatory Run Championship (INRRC) 2021.

Just Sportz Management Pvt. Ltd., an affiliate of Federation of Motorsports Clubs of India (FMSCI), the National Sports Federation approved by Govt. of India proposes to run HD 8, a competitive TSD Car Rally from 23rd to 27th March 2022. Himalayan Drive which has already run seven successful editions from 2013 to 2019 with the active support of West Bengal Tourism and other government departments, has been able to showcase the North Bengal as a premier destination for adventure sports to the entire nation.

The Rally also draws inspiration from Hon’ble Chief Minister of West Bengal Ms. Mamata Banerjee’s vision of connecting various regions of Bengal and encourage people to people connect in the region. Many of the previous editions have also travelled to neighbouring Bhutan and Nepal making it the only Tri-Nation Event of India. This has been another step in that direction of establishing a connect with our neighbours and towards the aspiration of Biswa Bangla – Connecting Bengal To The World. Though this year HD8 is unable to travel to the neighbouring countries due to Covid restrictions, the core ideology of connecting people and showcasing of North Bengal as a sought after destination continues to be at the core of the event.

Twenty-two qualifying teams including seven All Ladies teams from all over the country will pit their driving and navigation skills against each other through tough terrains, including dirt tracks, river beds, and narrow and steep mountain roads, in the three-day event in the bid to be crowned the Indian National Regularity (TSD) Rally Champion for 2021. The All Ladies teams will also be competing for the INRRC Ladies Cup. The INRRC qualifiers will concurrently take part in the Pro Category and another eight teams will be participating in the Adventure Category of Himalayan Drive 8.

The INRRC 2021 qualifying rounds for East, West, North, Central, South and Northeast zones were held over the past few months and Himalayan Drive 8 will be the Grand Finale of this championship.

After the ceremonial flag-off from City Center, Siliguri, on March 23 at 4 PM, the competitive part of the rally will begin on March 24. The competitors will drive through tea gardens, embankments and riverbeds spread over many parts of Jalpaiguri districts to reach Murti, a popular tourist destination. This first leg will also have a night stage.

The second leg will be flagged off from Murti on March 25. A very challenging route through narrow village roads, riverbeds, tea estates and the Himalayan foothills has been chalked out for this second leg that will culminate at Murti.

In the third and final leg, competitors will be flagged off from Murti and will take to the mountains, passing through scenic tea estates and popular tourist spots like Samsing and Gorubathan to cross the 80-year-old Coronation Bridge spanning the Teesta River to drive through mountain roads to cross Jorebunglow and Ghoom to culminate at Darjeeling.

The prize distribution ceremony will be held at Darjeeling on March 27.

The Zonal Champions:
The Kolkata team of Subir Roy & Nirav Mehta have emerged as zonal champions from East Zone, while former national champions S.K. Ajgar Ali & Mohammed Musthafa won from North East zone, Sandip Mukherjee & Prakash M from West Zone, Adarsh Tiwari & Chirag Thakur from Central Zone and Santosh Kumar V & Nagarajan T from South Zone.

The press was welcomed by Mr. Siddhartha S. Bose, Director – Just Sportz and Chairman of the Rally and the conference was addressed by Mr. Tamal Ghosal Director – Just Sportz, Council Member & Chairman of Regularity Rally Commission of FMSCI, Mr. Suchandan Das, Director – Just Sportz & COC of HD8, Mr. Binny Sharma, Chief Rally Coordinator and moderated by Mr. Jaideep Mazumdar, Media Coordinator.

JK Tyres & Industries Limited, India’s leading tyre manufacturer, has been associated with Himalayan Drive as the Title Sponsor since its inception in 2013. According to Mr. Sanjay Sharma, Head – Corporate Communication and Motorsport – JK Tyres & Industries Limited said “We are really excited about the JK TYRE HIMALAYAN DRIVE 8. The fact that it is the National Championship Finals shows how the event has grown over the last 7-8 years into one of the important motorsports events in the country & It has been a privilege for JK Tyres to have been associated with event since inception & see it grow into it’s present avatar.”

According to Mr. Tamal Ghosal, “The first seven Himalayan Drive Rallies have unlocked the great prospect of adventure sports in the Eastern Himalayas. This year by becoming the Grand Finale of the National Championship it will showcase the best motorsports talent in India & it will be a privilege & honour to crown the National Champions at Darjeeling on 27th March 2022.”

Mr. Binny Sharma said: “The development of North Bengal, especially for tourism, is a priority for the Government. The Rally promises to showcase and unveil the lesser known and yet to be explored areas of North Bengal which, if properly marketed and will surely be one of the most treasured tourist destinations in India in times to come. I thank Just Sportz wholeheartedly for promoting such destinations.”

The eighth edition of JK Tyre Himalayan Drive supported by Experience Bengal & GTA – will be flagged off from Siliguri’s City Center on March 23. Himalayan Drive 8, popularly referred to as HD8, will also form the Grand Finale of the Indian National Regulatory Run Championship (INRRC) 2021.

Just Sportz Management Pvt. Ltd., an affiliate of Federation of Motorsports Clubs of India (FMSCI), the National Sports Federation approved by Govt. of India proposes to run HD 8, a competitive TSD Car Rally from 23rd to 27th March 2022. Himalayan Drive which has already run seven successful editions from 2013 to 2019 with the active support of West Bengal Tourism and other government departments, has been able to showcase the North Bengal as a premier destination for adventure sports to the entire nation.

The Rally also draws inspiration from Hon’ble Chief Minister of West Bengal Ms. Mamata Banerjee’s vision of connecting various regions of Bengal and encourage people to people connect in the region. Many of the previous editions have also travelled to neighbouring Bhutan and Nepal making it the only Tri-Nation Event of India. This has been another step in that direction of establishing a connect with our neighbours and towards the aspiration of Biswa Bangla – Connecting Bengal To The World. Though this year HD8 is unable to travel to the neighbouring countries due to Covid restrictions, the core ideology of connecting people and showcasing of North Bengal as a sought after destination continues to be at the core of the event.

Twenty-two qualifying teams including seven All Ladies teams from all over the country will pit their driving and navigation skills against each other through tough terrains, including dirt tracks, river beds, and narrow and steep mountain roads, in the three-day event in the bid to be crowned the Indian National Regularity (TSD) Rally Champion for 2021. The All Ladies teams will also be competing for the INRRC Ladies Cup. The INRRC qualifiers will concurrently take part in the Pro Category and another eight teams will be participating in the Adventure Category of Himalayan Drive 8.

The INRRC 2021 qualifying rounds for East, West, North, Central, South and Northeast zones were held over the past few months and Himalayan Drive 8 will be the Grand Finale of this championship.

After the ceremonial flag-off from City Center, Siliguri, on March 23 at 4 PM, the competitive part of the rally will begin on March 24. The competitors will drive through tea gardens, embankments and riverbeds spread over many parts of Jalpaiguri districts to reach Murti, a popular tourist destination. This first leg will also have a night stage.

The second leg will be flagged off from Murti on March 25. A very challenging route through narrow village roads, riverbeds, tea estates and the Himalayan foothills has been chalked out for this second leg that will culminate at Murti.

In the third and final leg, competitors will be flagged off from Murti and will take to the mountains, passing through scenic tea estates and popular tourist spots like Samsing and Gorubathan to cross the 80-year-old Coronation Bridge spanning the Teesta River to drive through mountain roads to cross Jorebunglow and Ghoom to culminate at Darjeeling.

The prize distribution ceremony will be held at Darjeeling on March 27.

The Zonal Champions:
The Kolkata team of Subir Roy & Nirav Mehta have emerged as zonal champions from East Zone, while former national champions S.K. Ajgar Ali & Mohammed Musthafa won from North East zone, Sandip Mukherjee & Prakash M from West Zone, Adarsh Tiwari & Chirag Thakur from Central Zone and Santosh Kumar V & Nagarajan T from South Zone.

The press was welcomed by Mr. Siddhartha S. Bose, Director – Just Sportz and Chairman of the Rally and the conference was addressed by Mr. Tamal Ghosal Director – Just Sportz, Council Member & Chairman of Regularity Rally Commission of FMSCI, Mr. Suchandan Das, Director – Just Sportz & COC of HD8, Mr. Binny Sharma, Chief Rally Coordinator and moderated by Mr. Jaideep Mazumdar, Media Coordinator.

JK Tyres & Industries Limited, India’s leading tyre manufacturer, has been associated with Himalayan Drive as the Title Sponsor since its inception in 2013. According to Mr. Sanjay Sharma, Head – Corporate Communication and Motorsport – JK Tyres & Industries Limited said “We are really excited about the JK TYRE HIMALAYAN DRIVE 8. The fact that it is the National Championship Finals shows how the event has grown over the last 7-8 years into one of the important motorsports events in the country & It has been a privilege for JK Tyres to have been associated with event since inception & see it grow into it’s present avatar.”

According to Mr. Tamal Ghosal, “The first seven Himalayan Drive Rallies have unlocked the great prospect of adventure sports in the Eastern Himalayas. This year by becoming the Grand Finale of the National Championship it will showcase the best motorsports talent in India & it will be a privilege & honour to crown the National Champions at Darjeeling on 27th March 2022.”

Mr. Binny Sharma said: “The development of North Bengal, especially for tourism, is a priority for the Government. The Rally promises to showcase and unveil the lesser known and yet to be explored areas of North Bengal which, if properly marketed and will surely be one of the most treasured tourist destinations in India in times to come. I thank Just Sportz wholeheartedly for promoting such destinations.”

After the recent success of their Goodbye 2021 Breakfast Meet, Eastern India Motoring Group (EIMG) was back with yet another exquisitely curated event in the form of The Lake Club – EIMG Concours D’Elegance 2022 in association with ACE Commercial which was held on Sunday, March 13, 2022 at The Lake Club, Kolkata.

While the City of Joy has been witness to innumerable vintage and classic car events in the past, a few of which have been successfully organised by EIMG over the last couple of years, however, this particular event occupies a pride of place for being the city’s first ever Concours D’Elegance.

The mere mention of the term ‘Concours D’Elegance’ among historical car enthusiasts conjures up the image of a very special automotive event. Like several objects of beauty and admiration, not surprisingly, the term ‘Concours D’Elegance’ is also French, and translates to ‘competition of elegance.’

According to sources, the first such events were held in France when carriages were still in use, and later shifted to automobiles in the early 20th century. Those early Concours not only celebrated automobiles, but women’s fashion and food as well. Prizes were awarded in all categories, and the celebrations extended over several days. Today, some critics of those early dismiss them as mere ‘beauty contests’. Judging was entirely subjective, which gave birth to the term ‘French judging’, which is still considered by many purists to be true Concours judging.

Fast forward to March 2022, and EIMG sets the temperature soaring in Kolkata with an array of stunning automobiles which took part in The Lake Club – EIMG Concours D’Elegance. Mr. Shrivardhan Kanoria, Founder and President of EIMG handpicked 80 heritage vehicles and classified them into seven different categories inspired by the world-renowned Pebble Beach and other internationally acclaimed Concours D’Elegance held globally. The cars were judged by Kanoria himself assisted by his Concours Restoration Team on the basis of authenticity, restoration, maintenance, historical importance, and rarity.

While each of the 80 participating heritage vehicles on display at the EIMG Concours D’Elegance came with considerable history and interesting anecdotes from the yesteryear, however, worth a special mention are Ananda Chowdhury’s 1913 Stoewer (oldest car of the show), Hossain’s 1923 Panther, Sanjay Agarwal’s 1926 Fiat, Sanjay Ghosh’s 1932 Ford V8 (the maestro’s favourite), Azam Monem’s 1937 Rolls Royce (an exquisite car), Golam Momen’s 1938 Rolls Royce (a showstopper and the Best of Show), Rupak Ghosh’s 1947 MG (a marvel), Siddharth Swarup’s 1947 Wolseley (a very original car), Abhishek Jaiswal’s 1938 Mercedes (this came all the way from Ranchi for this event), Sanjay Ghosh’s 1947 Chevrolet (a stunner), S.K. Lahiri’s 1948 Plymouth (owned by a true blue enthusiast), Sarojesh Mukerjee’s 1959 Ford Zephyr (latest addition to Kolkata) and Saikat Dutta’s 1963 Triumph Spitfire (a head turner) that left the audience mesmerised.

Although not participating in the Concours D’Elegance, however, the two cars which drew admiration from onlookers were Shrivardhan Kanoria’s 1925 Rolls-Royce Phantom 1 and Rekha Kanoria’s 1931 Chevrolet Big 6.

Mr. Shrivardhan Kanoria, Founder and President – EIMG, commented: “Such shows are the call of the day when it comes to enjoying this Heritage Vehicle hobby. I feel it as an integral responsibility towards this movement and hence put in my time and effort towards organising these events, throughout the year, for the benefit and encouragement of the Heritage Vehicle owners of Eastern India.

Organising an event of this magnitude can’t succeed without the support of your team. I would like to thank Mr. Shubhajit Kumar, Secretary – EIMG for coordinating with our venue partner and Ms. Siddique Cowper & team for marshalling the event. I would like to acknowledge Mr. Dharmaditya (Julia) Patnaik (ACE Commercial) for sponsoring the beautiful mementoes and trophies and Mr. Diljeet Titus (founder of The Titus Museum) for hosting a gala dinner for the participants and EIMG team.”

“For the past three years, The Lake Club has been collaborating with EIMG in organizing this vintage and classic car & bike show for their members and guests. This annual event has steadily gained in popularity becoming one of the most awaited events in the Club’s calendar which witnesses a great turnout of exotic heritage cars, as well as a huge footfall of both members and guests, making this the best heritage motoring event in Kolkata. I’m grateful to Lake Club for their continued support”, Kanoria added.

Californians like to regard Pebble Beach as the most prestigious heritage car show in the world. We Kolkatans are undoubtedly much more reserved in our acclaim, although the ‘zest and fervour’ that was witnessed The Lake Club – EIMG Concours D’Elegance 2022 was perhaps parallel to the best heritage car show anywhere in the world. California might have its Pebble Beach, London its Salon Prive’, Lago di Como its Villa d’Este, but Kolkata’s first Concours D’Elegance certainly has the potential to become as illustrious in years to come.

This marquee event will hopefully inspire other Kolkata based heritage motoring clubs to organise more Concours D’Elegance, but like Neil Armstrong, EIMG will always be known for doing it first.

Photographs courtesy Sourish Meryson and Deepanjan Sarkar.

Tata Motors has launched the much-awaited Altroz Dual Clutch Automatic (DCA) at a starting price of INR 8.1 lakhs. The Altroz DCA is equipped with several segment-first features such as wet clutch with active cooling technology, machine learning, shift by wire technology, self-healing mechanism, and auto park lock. The Altroz DCA will be mated with the 1.2-litre Revotron petrol engine and will be available in the top four variants – XM+, XT, XZ, and XZ+.

Commenting on the launch, Mr. Rajan Amba, Vice President, Sales, Marketing and Customer Care, Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles Ltd. said, “We are elated to launch the much-awaited ALTROZ DCA, equipped with a world-class automatic transmission, designed for the Indian customers. Since the commencement of bookings for the ALTROZ DCA, we are witnessing an encouraging number of queries. The ALTROZ DCA with its segment-first features will certainly captivate the minds of prospective buyers and provide a seamless driving experience. With more than 1.25 lakh happy customers, the Tata ALTROZ has witnessed an overwhelming response from customers and has set certain benchmarks in the segment. The addition of the ALTROZ DCA will bolster our product portfolio, help us in expanding our market share and take our success story further to set a ‘Gold Standard’ in automatics.”

The Tata Altroz DCA sports many premium features such as premium leatherette seats, auto headlamps, 7-inch touchscreen by Harman, 7-inch TFT digital cluster, rear AC vents, and iRA connected car technology among other features.

The Tata Altroz DCA gets a brand-new Opera Blue colour. In addition, the Altroz DCA will be a part of the ‘dark range’ other than being available in the Downtown Red, Arcade Grey, Avenue White and Harbour Blue exterior colour options.