August is a month of renaissance. A classic Japanese car brand is reborn, a classic two-seat sportscar is re-envisioned and a classic motorcycle gets a new engine. Luxury cars are getting smaller and cheaper, and we drive two exciting models that are on their way to India soon. The new E-class meets its three closest rivals, and an Oscar-winning director tells us about his new motorsport movie.

Datsun Go

Nissan has brought back the Datsun name as a stylish but affordable brand for the aspirational middle class of developing nations. So, it’s no surprise that India, with one of the fastest growing car industries in the world, was chosen as the launch pad for both the brand and its first car, the attractive Go hatchback. We take an in-depth look at what’s in store.

Jaguar F-type

The British luxury carmaker has taken a swipe directly at the Porsche Boxster and 911 with its latest sportscar, the F-type. The stunning two-seater certainly has the looks, but to find out if it could really be a better sportscar than Stuttgart’s finest, we took it for a blast down Mumbai’s brand new Eastern Freeway.

BMW 1-series

With the A-class and B-class, Mercedes has shown us that Indian people will in fact pay big bucks for a small luxury car. And now hot on its heels is BMW’s 1-series hatchback, which promises to add rear-drive thrills to the compact luxury package. We grab the keys to a 120d and test this theory.

Audi A3 saloon

Audi, on the other hand, believes we’re still not quite ready for luxury hatchbacks and so is going to bring a saloon version of its A3 here first. It may be small, but it is every inch an Audi, and it could be priced very attractively too.

Mini Countryman D

You may remember the Countryman S – Mini’s chunky crossover/compact SUV – from our first drive last year, where we found it great, but a bit too expensive and niche. However, since then, Mini has begun assembling it here, and has even launched a diesel version. We’ve got a full road test.

Spare parts survey 2013

It’s back, and bigger than ever! Our comprehensive list compares nearly 4000 spare parts prices from across 150 vehicles, to help you find out just how much you will really be paying to run your car. Some of the numbers are quite revealing!

New Mercedes E-class vs Jaguar XF vs Audi A6 vs BMW 5-series

We really liked the new E-class when we drove it last month, and felt it was a real return to form for the Three-Pointed Star. And since the outgoing car was the oldest model in the segment, we thought it best to round up the old gang for another group test with the new model.

Royal Enfield Bullet 500

The venerable Bullet is the latest recipient of Royal Enfield’s mighty 499cc single, after the Classic and the Thunderbird, and along with it has come a few subtle but useful updates. Does this engine work well here, or are you better off with a 350?

Motorsport

Director Ron Howard talks to us about his upcoming film Rush, which depicts the famous rivalry between James Hunt and Niki Lauda. We also took a trip to the La Sarthe for the 24 Hours of Le Mans, speaking also to Karun Chandhok about his experience there this year. Plus, loads of news and information from all across the world of motorsport.

Be sure to pick up your copy of Autocar India’s August 2013 issue today!

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.