After watching an episode of “The Auto Show” on CNBCTV18, you realise it isn’t just another average automobile-related show.This is a serious automobile programme, meant for real auto-enthusiasts, who love the fun and excitement, not to mention the dedication associated with automobiles.Here are the brief accounts of different sections of the programme----
THE CONCEPT----
The concept of this programme is very simple—to present the current and vivid description of the Indian automobile scenario to the viewers in a very formal and tasteful manner.No unnecessary gossips and objectionable words or phrases.There are seven different sections of the show.Each section has its own presenter.They are as follows---
a)THE INTRODUCTION—
A formal “Welcome viewers” note given by Renuka Kriplani , a veteran auto technician and a former rallyst, (and an excellent driver, of course) forms the introductory part, followed by the “Motoring News”.
b)THE NEWS UPDATES----
This is very much like the audio-visual form of the “news section” of the an automobile magazine.It contains the latest news from the automotive world and it often gives us an opportunity to watch some exciting forthcoming vehicles from different manufacturers.
c)THE COVER STORY----
This is the most exhaustive part of the show, similar to the cover story of any magazine. This part often features detailed roadtests of new vehicles, superb previews of soon-to-be-launched vehicles, even comparison tests between vehicles in the same segment and exclusive shootouts involving all the vehicles in a particular segment. Recently, the new 135 b, h.p Tata Safari was tested, a comparison test between an Indica and a Palio was also featured.You can see how a car is actually performing in the tests and personally, I feel this gives us a fair idea about the skills needed in this profession. We, the average drivers cannot explore a car’s abilities.Common people aren’t aware of the aspects of critical vehicle tests.
In magazine photographs I have often seen a Tata Safari jumping its way out of a muddy wasteland, or a new Chevrolet Optra experiencing a wheelspin (and resulting in smoking tyres)for its 0--100 km/hour speed test.Now I realise that photographs don’t do justice to these exciting activities. You don’t get the real feel!
But when you see this main section of “The Auto Show” you get a fair idea of the excitement and expertise involved in these activities. I have SEEN a 2040 kg Safari actually jumping (yes, jumping!) out of a lowland in Tata Motor’s test track with Renuka behind the wheel.(Suspension stiffness test)I have SEEN a Palio screeching to a halt (with the wheels smoking) from a healthy 80kph. However a word of caution to you, the reader :do not try these at home.
So we get to see things we usually don’t do in real life as drivers. But it is good to see what our cars are really capable of in extreme situations.It increases our faith on our vehicles.
We also know that there are also some exotic foreign cars available in India like Mercedes-Benzes and BMWs.(various models).We do see these cars in Bollywood and Hollywood flicks but in this programme you get a closer look. Personally, I have never seen the new Mercedes SL500 in metal , let alone its legendary folding hardtop system in action, but I was thrilled to see an exhaustive story on this car in “The Auto Show”.The vision of a blue-black new SL500 transforming itself into a coupe from a convertible is still fresh in my mind.
Apart from all these, we also get to know lots of other things about the vehicles as well, like their engines, technical aspects, interiors and functionability. Its wonderful to watch these in detail.No programme shows these details in such an useful manner.
d)THE AUTO SELECTOR----
In this section consumers are guided by none other than the editor of Autocar India himself, Mr. Hormazd Sorabjee on which car to buy.He will help you choose your car, depending upon your parameters.Viewers can call in and post their queries to Sorabjee, which will be addressed in the course of the episodes.The email address is: auto@tv18online.com .
Conversations with the viewers are shown in this part of the programme.The way Hormazd handles the queries are excellent and he gives clear advices, which are really helpful.
e)THE MOTORING TIPS----
Suppose you are driving a car.What will you do if you realise that your brakes aren’t functioning?What will you do if your car breaks down in the middle of the road?Or even, do you know how to change a flat tyre?
The, ”Motoring Tips” section, guides you on how to deal with tricky situations like the ones mentioned above.The anchor does the job and shows you the entire solution.The result: your knowledge increases considerably and you become an auto-expert.You can SEE everything and thats the main advantage.You can even note down their solution steps.
f)THE GENERAL HIGHLIGHT----
This section focuses on auto-related events like the recent “Ford Centenary”celebration at Bangalore, or the “Mahindra and Mahindra Great Escape” adventure challenge drive.Personally, I feel this section is a bit boring compared to the rest because here you do not get practical knowledge, but mere info.
THE ANCHORS----
i) Renuka Kriplani------
A rally driver and a veteran auto-technician. She is an excellent driver and she presents the programme in a very formal and dignified manner (no useless stupid laughs and oversmart, gestures like the “Top Drive” anchors).I appreciate her presentation and driving skills.
ii) Hormazd Sorabjee----
The former editor of Auto India and now heading Autocar India, (the best automobile magazine of India)Hormazd is an important and known auto personality. He is very direct (but not aggressive) in his interaction with the viewers and answers their queries clearly.Previously, he used to be present at the beginning of the show alongwith Renuka but now he appears only in the Auto selector section.
iii) Robin Ghosh----
A handsome boy who does all the tough jobs like changing flat tyres, and offers you driving tips.Actually his section (“Motoring Tips”)gives you an idea of the potential hazards in real life motoring and how to cope with such situations.
iv)Rahul Guha----
He is an auto-enthusiast.
Very sorry indeed, dear reader, but I must confess I do not know much about Robin and Rahul.My apologies for the same.
All these four anchors have a serious (but not boring, ) attitude and the way they present the programme is commendable. They are very polite and formal. They don’t indulge in the unnecessary, stupid, and embarrassing “jhatkas and matkas” like the anchors of “Top Drive” and I really appreciate that.
THE FOUNDATION----
The Autocar India magazine is the foundation of this programme. Every test, every shootout and even the motoring tips are from this fabulous magazine. This( the programme) is indeed an audio-visual version of Autocar India.
THE NEGATIVE ASPECT-------
The downside of the programme is that it is too short. Better CNBC makes it a one-hour programme.
VERDICT----
Frankly, this show is only for serious enthusiasts.If you are one, watch it, or else watch ’’Top Drive’’ instead.For your info, the show is aired on Tuesdays at 10:30 pm with repeat episodes on Saturdays at 12 pm and Sundays at 10 pm.