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Siddharth Vinayak Patankar
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Siddharth Vinayak Patankar

Siddharth is one of the best-known faces of Indian journalism. He has set up a new media entity at Acko Tech, with the Acko Drive channel as its first platform. It focuses on bringing consumers content relevant to them from the automobile industry. Siddharth began his career as a news journalist and features producer at the prolific NDTV network. He spent many years reporting from the field from around the world, and also was one of the country's top primetime news anchors for several years. As the anchor and editor of the country's most-watched and longest-running automobile based programme - The Car and Bike Show, on the NDTV network, Siddharth helped evolve a new niche of auto-based viewing and programming for Indian television and on the Internet. He is a well-respected name, not just as an automobile journalist, but also as a former financial correspondent who specialises in the automobile industry. He also conceived and began the annual carandbike Awards, and now subsequently the Acko Drive Awards, which hold the reputation of being the most non-controversial and sought-after awards for the Indian auto industry. In 2014 Siddharth helped create the digital automobile entity carandbike which now commands a massive traffic of 22 million visitors per month, and leads all digital automobile media in India on content. He routinely travels to all parts of the world to test new cars and cover the latest in automobile design and technology. When he gets the time, he loves to cook and try new food! Siddharth holds a Master of Science degree in Communication Studies from the prestigious Pune University. He has also studied in Australia and the United States. He has represented India on the World Car jury since 2011 and has served as Director - the first Asian to hold the post - since 2014. He also became the first Asian to be Vice Chair (2021-23), and now Chair (2024-present).

Siddharth is one of the best-known faces of Indian journalism. He has set up a new media entity at Acko Tech, with the Acko Drive channel as its first platform. It focuses on bringing consumers content relevant to them from the automobile industry. Siddharth began his career as a news journalist and features producer at the prolific NDTV network. He spent many years reporting from the field from around the world, and also was one of the country's top primetime...
Siddharth is one of the best-known faces of Indian journalism. He has set up a new media entity at Acko Tech, with the Acko Drive channel as its first platform....
Stories by Siddharth Vinayak Patankar
New-Gen Renault Duster Review: Time To Reclaim The Lost Crown?
While we’ve learnt a great deal about the new Renault Duster over the past few weeks. All that’s left to know now is how it drives. So let’s get straight into that.
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2026 Acko Drive Car of the Year Hyundai Venue Now A Finalist At World Car Awards
The made-in-India Hyundai Venue joins the Chevrolet Spark EUV electric subcompact SUV and another EV – the Nio Firefly in the top three for 2026 World Urban Car.
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Exclusive! Volkswagen Tayron Review: The Practical Family SUV That Plays it Safe
The Volkswagen Tayron prioritises utility and comfort over dramatic styling or thrilling dynamics.
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Skoda Elroq Wins 2026 German Car of the Year
The Elroq is one of the electrics earmarked for India and is excepted to debut in our market in early 2026.
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2026 GCOTY Segment Winners Announced
The German Car of the Year 2026 has announced its five segment winners: Dacia Bigster (Budget), Skoda Elroq (Compact), Hyundai Ioniq 9 (Premium), Cadillac Vistiq (Luxury), and Lucid Air Sapphire (Performance). These vehicles will now compete for the overall title.
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Mercedes-AMG CLE 53 4Matic+ Coupé Review: The AMG To Buy?
Why exactly would you buy the Mercedes-AMG CLE 53 4Matic+ Coupe?
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EXCLUSIVE! Maruti Suzuki Victoris Gets Double 5-Star At GNCAP Crash Test
ACKO Drive Editor-in-Chief Siddharth Vinayak Patankar with the Victoris, which has now achieved Maruti Suzuki’s highest score at Global NCAP.
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EXCLUSIVE: Leapmotor C10 and T03 First Drive Review: Stellantis’ Chinese EVs Headed for India
Will this new brand change Stellantis’ fortunes in India, which Citroën and Jeep couldn’t?
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