Table of contents for January 2025 in Auto Today

HYUNDAI HAS taken the wraps off the Creta Electric, and commenced bookings for the same. The EV looks exactly like the ICE-powered SUV, but changes have been made to certain elements such as the front bumper, which is now blocked off, there are active air flaps and a new skid plate. The alloys also feature a slightly altered, aerodynamically efficient design. The changes to the inside include the new steering, and the steering-column mounted drive selector as well as a new central console. Hyundai will offer the Creta Electric with two battery packs, a 51.3kWh pack and a 42kWh pack, offering 473km and 390km of claimed range respectively. It gets a 171bhp motor with the larger battery pack, with the 0-100kmph time sitting at 7.9 seconds.…

MAHINDRA HAS announced the pricing for the top-spec variants of the BE 6 and XEV 9e eSUVs. The BE 6 Pack Three (top model) is priced at Rs 18.90 lakh (ex-showroom), while the XEV 9e Pack Three (top model) is priced at Rs 30.50 lakh (ex-showroom). When the two eSUVs made their global debut back in November 2024, Mahindra had only disclosed the introductory pricing for the base-spec Pack One, with the BE 6 priced at Rs 18.90 lakh (ex-showroom) and the XEV 9e priced at Rs 21.90 lakh (ex-showroom). Mahindra will commence bookings for the BE 6 and XEV 9e Pack Three on February 14, with bookings for Pack One and Pack Two variants of the two eSUVs to begin in March. The two eSUVs mark a significant step…

MERCEDES-BENZ INDIA has introduced a new variant of the EQS SUV, the 450 at Rs 1.28 crore (ex-showroom). This joins the EQS 580 SUV, which is priced at Rs 1.41 crore and the main difference between the two SUVs is the lack of a third row and a lower power output from the electric motors. The EQS 450 comes with the same 122kWh battery, and a dual-motor AWD setup making 360bhp and 800Nm of torque, putting its claimed range at 820km. The interiors are the same, save for the large boot behind the bench seats in the second row. Features are shared as well, including the 12.3-inch instrument panel, passenger display, 17.7-inch infotainment system, Burmester audio, 4-zone climate control, soft-close doors to name a few. At this price point, the…

THE SKODA ENYAQ has received a facelift for both its SUV and coupe-SUV bodystyles. The electric car now adopts the Modern Solid design aesthetic, and changes to the powertrain and technology onboard. At the front it gets the new Tech Deck face, with Skoda lettering in the middle. There are 36 LED DRLs segmented into the black face, which is flanked by the twin LED pods, below which sit the LED headlamps. This look is similar to the Elroq, and is expected to be replicated to every other EV from the Czech automaker. Aerodynamics have been improved with changes to the front bumper, and some body panels, which have improved the SUV’s drag coefficient from 0.264 to 0.245. The Enyaq coupe meanwhile which its slimmer rear section and sloping roofline also…

BMW HAS shared the first set of images of what will be the electric M3. Codenamed the ZA0, this is based on BMW’s Neue Klasse platform that is going to underpin the upcoming electric 3 Series (i3) and other electric cars. Even though it is camouflaged, one can notice the dual-headlamps and the signature kidney grille. M-specific bits such as the wide wheel arches, flared fenders and alloys are also visible, but being based on the otherwise simple Neue Klasse 3 Series, the M3 has a sedate appearance in the images. Although BMW is tight-lipped about any specifics of the electric M3, some reports have hinted at a quad-motor setup making over 1,000bhp. But this setup will more likely be used for the electric M5. The Neue Klasse platform can…

BAJAJ HAS launched the updated Pulsar RS200 for Rs 1.84 lakh (ex-showroom). The faired motorcycle now gets new graphics, a wider rear tyre and a redesigned tail section with an integrated LED taillamp. This is the first update the RS200 has received since it was first launched almost a decade ago. The refreshed RS200 also has the same colour LCD as the NS400Z, a slipper clutch, and riding modes. The 2025 Pulsar RS200 now costs Rs 10,000 more than the previous model, and it competes against the Hero Karizma XMR and Yamaha R15 V4. The powertrain remains the same as before; 199cc, single-cylinder motor churning out 24bhp and 18.7Nm.…

ROYAL ENFIELD has discontinued the Military Silver colour options from the Bullet 350 range. Currently, RE’s oldest running model is available in Military Black, Military Red, Battalion Black, Standard-Black, Standard-Maroon and the top-of-the-line Black Gold, which gets black treatment for the engine casing and exhaust pipe. Under the Military Silver umbrella of colours, there was the Military Silver Black and Military Silver Red, both of which had painted pinstripes on the fuel tank on each side.…

LML HAS received CMVR certification for its upcoming electric scooter Star. The certification validates the LML Star’s compliance with the required quality and safety standards. The LML Star will offer a claimed range of 203km, as well as a peak power output of 5.87kW (7.9bhp). LML claims a top speed of 90kmph, and in terms of equipment, will get 14-inch wheels, a digital display, a swappable battery pack and a wireless charger, as well. When it comes to safety equipment, the Star electric scooter will get a tyre pressure monitoring system, hill hold assist, reverse mode, and ABS. The images shared by LML also show a disc brake at the front, alloy wheels and a maxi-scooter-inspired design language.…

AFTER UPDATING the Activa 125, SP160, Unicorn and SP125 for OBD2B compliance, Honda has now done the same with the Dio scooter. Apart from this, the Dio has also gotten a new 4.2-inch TFT display and a price increase. The updated Dio’s TFT has useful information like a distance to empty, fuel efficiency indicator and trip meters. Honda’s also equipped the Dio with a Type-C charging port. The Dio is powered by the same 109.51cc, single-cylinder PGM-FI engine that is now OBD2B-compliant. It puts out 7.8bhp and 9.03Nm and now gets an idling-stop system. Prices for the 2025 Dio now range between Rs 74,930 (ex-showroom) and Rs 85,648 (ex-showroom), and there are a total of five colour options.…

LAND ROVER will be competing in the World Rally-Raid Championship (W2RC) with the Defender. The works team will field two Defenders in all five rounds of the championship from next year, as part of a three-year programme. A third Defender will compete in W2RC’s halo event, Dakar. The Defenders will enter in the Stock class, which will see a regulation overhaul from next year. Defender has also tied up with Dakar, which will be used to recce for route planning of the rally from 2026-2028.…

The Nexon has been around for almost seven and a half years in the market and Tata has successfully managed to keep it from feeling long in the tooth. Consistent updates, particularly the most recent one in 2023, have been crucial in not just keeping it from feeling old, but new-age enough even with the advent of new rivals. The 2023 facelift almost feels like an all-new car with comprehensive changes to the exterior and interior. Pratap Bose’s original design fused with Martin Uhlarik’s modern revisions ensures it still cuts a rather attractive figure with the sportiest proportions in its segment. Bold designs like the Nexon don’t often age well, but this sub-4m SUV looks better than ever. The evolution of the interior has been even more appealing with a…

A little confession is in order, the Apache RTR 310 hasn’t seen much of the outside world in this past month. It’s been resting in the garage along with the other set of two-wheelers, and that makes me sad. Why, you may ask? Well, partially because of the immense cold in Delhi NCR but mostly because we’ve been travelling around the country for various features, drives and rides. So, once I did get a chance to get back in the saddle, the Apache RTR 310 was on the dot from the get-go. I love the way it feels like a perfect fit for a person of my height, which is about 5’9/5’10, and all the confidence from the earlier riding stints just comes back instantly. Cutting through traffic feels natural…

Another month with Mavrick 440 has brought more of its true nature to the forefront. This is a motorcycle that wants to take it easy, whether it be from a riding perspective or a power delivery one. Upon riding the motorcycle for my everyday commutes from Noida Extension to the office, I’ve found the Mavrick to be a comfortable commuter, but it isn’t without its faults. Sure, it offers almost everything that the REs do, but the media unit we’ve been assigned seems to have an alarming amount of vibrations to it. I also feel the front end feels jittery on undulations, which takes away from its excellent ride quality. The gradual build-up of speed in higher gears with good bottom-end torque helps it along for most everyday situations. But,…

MARUTI SUZUKI HAS revealed ‘e for Me’, electric mobility vision that will spearhead the brand’s campaign alongside the launch of its first ever EV in India, the e Vitara. The strategy will focus on both the adoption of electric vehicles and the expansion of electric vehicle infrastructure, to ensure a smoother transition for customers who adopt electric mobility. India’s largest automaker will undertake this strategy to ensure a comprehensive ecosystem for customers, including the e Vitara, the Maruti Suzuki showrooms and a charging infrastructure designed to cater to Maruti Suzuki customers. This will mean that Maruti Suzuki that currently operates the largest chain of dealerships and service centers across India, will soon become capable of handling electric cars. Not only will this push customers to adopt the e Vitara and…

KIA HAS commenced bookings for the Syros subcompact SUV for Rs 25,000. The SUV will be making its first public appearance at the Bharat Mobility Show, and the prices for the car are expected to be revealed on February 1. Compared to the Kia Sonet, the Syros has a wider and taller stance, while using a longer wheel-base. It comes with many unique features such as sliding and reclining second row seats, seat ventilation for the second row, 465-litre boot space, and tech from more expensive cars. The Syros gets two engines, a 120bhp petrol and a 115bhp diesel, both with manual and automatic transmission options.…

MERCEDES-BENZ INDIA has appointed Emrah Ozer as its Chief Financial Officer. Emrah previously served as the Member of the Board of Management and Head of Finance & Controlling, Mercedes-Benz Turkey. He will also be inducted into the Board of Mercedes-Benz India as Evren Cakabey moves on to Mercedes-Benz G, Austria as CFO. Emrah has played various roles within Mercedes-AMG, Mercedes-Benz AG and Smart. He became head of Product Control for Smart and then he moved to Mercedes-Benz Turk and has since been instrumental in pivoting the company into a profitable enterprise.…

RAM HAS updated the 2500 and 3500 trucks for the 2025 model year with subtle changes to the exterior, kit and the powertrain. The truck is still offered with the 6.4-litre Hemi V8 petrol, and the 6.7-litre inline-six diesel from Cummins and it is the latter which has been overhauled to meet customer demands. Ram has also standardised the high output diesel for the entirety of the 2500 and 3500 range. The engine also makes more power than before, at 430bhp. It also comes paired to a new eight-speed automatic and a new differential, that Ram says will aid efficiency at cruising speeds. The design has been updated and the interiors now get new displays for instrument and infotainment, as well as a passenger display.…

THE INEOS GRENADIER has a new one-off special edition called the Quartermaster Kaiju, meant for the harsh terrain of Australia. Kaiju is the Japanese name for monsters, and this one-off is a nod to Japanese off-roaders, that are popular in Australia. Ineos worked with Norweld, Rhino-Rack, Brown Davis, REDARC and STEDI on the project. The off-roader gets extra storage boxes, a long range fuel tank with 144 litres, 16-stage adjustable suspension and BF Goodrich KM3 mud tyres. To ensure survival in the Australian Outback, it also gets an off-grid power and storage solution, including RS3 Pure Sine Wave Inverters, and a full BMS. The Kaiju continues with the same 3.0-litre inline-6 motor making 282bhp, mated to an 8-speed automatic and 4WD system.…

THE AC COBRA GT Roadster and Coupe are set to gain a new powertrain from 2026. Currently offered with the Ford Coyote V8, in both NA and supercharged variants, the Cobra will soon gain a 2.0-litre 4-cylinder engine, making the sportscar much affordable. AC has confirmed that the motor will be available in two states of tune with the superior one making up to 390bhp. AC is also offering a new dual-clutch transmission with the Coyote V8, that is also available with a 6-speed manual. All the powertrains of the AC Cobra will be offered with manual and automatic transmissions and both Roadster and GT bodystyles.…

ATHER ENERGY has launched the 2025 editions of the 450 electric scooter lineup. This includes the 450S, 450X, and 450 Apex. The entire range now gets multi-mode traction control and MagicTwist. The prices range between Rs 1.30 lakh (ex-showroom) and Rs 2 lakh (exshowroom). The electric scooters have also gotten an updated claimed range across the board with the 450X with the 3.7kWh battery now offering 161km, 450 Apex offering 157km, 450X with a 2.9kWh battery delivering 126km of range and the 450S offering 122km (IDC).…

SUZUKI HAS introduced an updated version of the evergreen Hayabusa. International markets now get three new colour options - Metallic Matte Green/Metallic Matte Titanium Silver, Glass Sparkle Black, and Metallic Mystic Silver/Pearl Vigor Blue. Furthermore, the Japanese automotive brand has also revised the launch control modes along with a smart cruise control system. Riders can now use the quickshifter without cancelling the cruise control, like the older models. Mechanically, it still uses the 1,340cc, inline fourcylinder, which puts out 190bhp and 140Nm.…

DUCATI HAS introduced a new colour scheme for the Diavel V4, called the Black Roadster. It has been developed by the Ducati Centro Stile and was unveiled at Intermot 2024. The new graphics are based on colours linked to the history of the Bologna-based manufacturer and the Diavel. It consists of yellow, titanium silver and black, all of which come together to give this special edition Diavel V4 a unique look. It is powered by the same 1,158cc, V4 Granturismo engine that produces 165bhp and 123Nm of torque.…

TRIUMPH MOTORCYCLES has unveiled two new special editions of the Rocket 3 R and GT, paying tribute to the legendary stuntman Evel Knievel. Triumph has had a partnership with Knievel since the 1960s and his famed jump over the fountains at Caesars Palace was performed on the Triumph motorcycles. Mechanically, the motorcycles are the same as the standard models; it’s in the design department in which Triumph has made changes. For example, the design is inspired by the stuntman’s iconic white jumpsuit with stars, and bikes get a similar colour scheme, starting from the fuel tank. Both the Rocket 3 R and GT Evel Knievel Limited Editions get chrome fuel tanks, contrasting matte Sapphire Black panels and leather seats with Knievel’s gold-embroidered signature logo embossed in the seats. Both…

FORCE MOTORS, one of India’s leading manufacturers of commercial and speciality vehicles, announced its selection by the Uttar Pradesh Government’s Health Department to supply 2,429 ambulances. The Force Traveller Ambulance, which is custom-made by the homegrown brand to cater to emergency services, is available in multiple configurations. These include Patient Transport, Basic Life Support (BLS), Advanced Life Support (ALS), and Mobile Medical Unit (MMU), catering to the varying needs of healthcare providers. Force Motors also claims that its ambulances come with advanced suspension systems, ergonomic seating arrangements, and optimized space for medical equipment. The UP-Government Health Department has decided to procure 2,429 ambulances from Force Motors. The company was established in 1958 by N. K. Firodia and currently has nine manufacturing units across the country with a workforce of more…

AKCEL GP has teamed up with PHM Racing of Germany to compete in the F4 Middle East Championship 2025 and Formula Regional Middle East Championship. Akcel GP is actually the renamed Indian Warriors Racing team, which raced in the 2024 GB4 Championship. It is helmed by Rohit Koul, and is based in Milton-Keynes, and has been acquired by Akcel Group, headed by Amit Kaushal. The team will compete in the F4 ME with three cars and in the Middle East Championship with two cars. The 2025 season will see Indian drivers Jaden Pariat and Aditya Kulkarni for the team. Hamda Al Qubaisi, the F1 Academy star, will also race for the team alongside Reno Francot and David Cosma Cristofar.…

India has had many people’s cars over the years, but in recent times, some of them have been more so than others. Case-in-point, the Maruti Suzuki Dzire. The newest iteration of this car has taken things up several notches. First, the design feels spot-on! I remember when the first chopped-up Dzire was introduced, its shape wasn’t exactly attractive. Now, however, it’s a whole different story. The Dzire looks like a handsome little sedan, especially in the Gallant Red paint scheme, which I love. Speaking of which, I also greatly appreciate the powertrain’s frugal nature, which is only enhanced by the AMT gearbox. For reference, the MT has a claimed fuel efficiency figure of 24.79kmpl while the AMT pushes that up to 25.71kmpl, which is staggering. The 1.2-litre Z-series, three-pot motor…

MAHINDRA HAS a new electric vehicle manu-facturing facility in Chakan, Maharashtra. This new facility will serve as the manufacturing hub for Mahindra’s new EVs, the BE 6 and the XEV 9e. The facility is fully integrated and highly automated with over a thousand robots and transfer systems. A fully automated press shop, an AI-driven body shop and a robotic paint shop highlight the advanced factory. Alongside this is Mahindra’s new battery assembly plant, which is fully automated and employs patented processes and lean module assembly. Along with the manufacturing, storage and transfer of battery packs, the facility also tests the batteries to replicate real-world conditions.…

LAND ROVER HAS relaunched the V8-powered De-fender SUV, as it had been taken off the brand’s website some time back in 2024. The 2025 Defender V8 is priced from Rs 1.39 crore (ex-showroom), and is offered in the 90, 110 and 130 bodystyles. The 2025 MY Defender V8 uses the same 5.0-litre V8, but it makes 426bhp, which is lower compared to the 518bhp-output specification offered before it was discontinued. In addition to the V8, customers can opt for the Defender with the 3.0-litre diesel or the 2.0-litre petrol.…

HYUNDAI HAS updated the Venue, Verna and Grand i10 Nios for the 2025 model year. The Venue can now be had in SX Executive with 1.2-petrol at Rs 10.79 lakh, that gets features such as an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen, automatic climate control, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and a sunroof. The S and S+ manual, S (O) Knight and S(O)+ Adventure MT get a rear-view camera and wireless charger. The Grand i10 Nios Sportz (O) is now available with manual and AMT options, and gets 15-inch alloys, 8-inch infotainment, climate control, and smartphone pairing. The Verna now gets more affordable petrol trims, including the S CVT and S(O) DCT. The former gets a sunroof, drive modes and paddle-shifters while the latter comes with 16-inch alloy wheels, front brake calipers…

BMW HAS unveiled its newest infotainment system, which is essentially the same as previewed by the brand on the Neue Klasse prototype in 2023. Called the BMW Panoramic iDrive, the system uses a full-width panoramic display that integrates the central display. Along with this, the new steering is also part of the system, as it comes with haptics feedback. The system is powered by a new UI called Operating System X, that has been designed by BMW and is based on Android Open Source Project. Like all new softwares, the BMW Panoramic iDrive also comes with artificial intelligence built in. According to BMW, the AI uses a Large Language Model to make dialogue and by extension, voice commands more natural. The system will debut on the Neue Klasse vehicles.…

MERCEDES-AMG HAS revealed the first teaser of what will become the first fully AMG-developed electric SUV. Akin to the BMW XM plug-in hybrid, which has been developed completely by BMW’s M Division, the AMG SUV will prioritise performance over practicality. Based on the AMG.EA electric vehicle platform, the yet unnamed SUV will debut a fresh design language for AMG electrics, unlike the current EQ AMG models, including the EQS 53 AMG. One can spot the long bonnet, slim headlamps, and lots of aero at the front, and by shape it appears to carry a low sloping roofline with a cab backward design, a shooting brake in essence. This will be the second model to be based on the AMG.EA platform, with the first being the electric replacement for the AMG GT…

SUZUKI MOTORCYCLE INDIA has launched its updated range of V-Strom SX, Gixxer SF and Gixxer. The 2025 models of these motorcycles are now OBD2B compliant, and the Gixxer and Gixxer SF are now priced at Rs 1.38 lakh (ex-showroom) and Rs 1.47 lakh (ex-showroom), respectively. The 2025 Gixxer 250 and Gixxer SF 250 are priced at Rs 1.98 lakh and Rs 2.07 lakh (ex-showroom) and are available in three new colour schemes. Last but not least, the 2025 V-Strom SX has been priced at Rs 2.16 lakh (ex-showroom). It is available in the same three colour options as the earlier model. The Gixxer and Gixxer SF are powered by a 155cc, single-cylinder motor producing 13.3bhp and 13.8Nm while being mated to a five-speed gearbox. The Gixxer 250, Gixxer SF 250…

HONDA HAS launched the CB650R and CBR650R in India, for a price of Rs 9.20 lakh (ex-showroom) and Rs 9.99 lakh (ex-showroom), respectively. Both these models have been reintroduced in the country and Honda is expected to commence deliveries of these updated models from February 2025. Both motorcycles are powered by a 649cc, inline-four cylinder engine that makes 95bhp and 63Nm of torque. This is the same output as the European model, and mechanically the motorcycle remains unchanged from the earlier model. However, changes have been made to the design and both motorcycles now have a five-inch TFT display, which brings with it Bluetooth connectivity via Honda’s RoadSync App. Both the CBR650R and CB650R can be had in two colour options - Honda’s trademark red or a more subtle matte…

BENELLI HAS unveiled a new adventure motorcycle for international markets, called the TRK 902 Xplorer. On the face of it, this new motorcycle appears to be the most off-road-focused model from the Italian motorcycle manufacturer. Benelli aims to take on the likes of the the KTM 890 Adventure, Husqvarna Norden 901, BMW F900GS, and Suzuki V-Strom 800 DE with its Xplorer. It is powered by a 904cc, parallel-twin, liquid-cooled motor churning out 99bhp. This motor is based on the existing 754cc engine, with increased bore and the stroke size. The TRK 902 Xplorer comes with a six-speed gearbox along with a 19-inch front and 17-inch rear wheel.…

BMW Group will be making a major showcase at the Expo from their pavilion. The pavilion will host the three major brands from the BMW Group, BMW, Mini and BMW Motorrad. First off the group, will be the parent brand BMW which will launch the much-awaited BMW X3 as its headline product for the event. The fourth generation of the SAV as BMW calls it will feature all-new styling and also be the pilot for the launch of the new BMW Operating System 9 which integrates the integral telematic and infotainment functions of the SUV. Alongside this, the brand will also showcase the all-electric BMW i7, BMW X7, BMW 5 Series Long Wheelbase, BMW M5, BMW M4 and BMW M2. Aside from the vehicles at the show, to engage with…

The Swift has been part of the Auto Today fleet for 3,600km, and it’s the kind of car that spends time with a very specific archetype of people. Yobs. And for good reason too, it’s the kind of car that will get you to work on time when you’ve told the boss you left 15 minutes ago but really you just got out of bed. Its tiny footprint and surgical steering wheel ensure that you cut through traffic with the deftness of a scalpel in the hands of Dr Frankenstein, still surgical just for all the wrong reasons. There’s barely any flex too, so when you’re driving much faster than you should be and throw it into a corner with reckless abandon of having no sense of mechanical grip or…

It has been a while since Ather launched the Rizta family scooter and I for one have been waiting eagerly to ride it. Finally, we have got the top-of-the-line 3.7kW variant in a rather nice Deccan Grey Duo shade for a long-term test. Needless to say, I am taking charge of it and here are the preliminary findings. The scooter looks well-made and I like the colour combination. Perhaps this would be my pick among the dual-tone options. The scooter comes with a 7in TFT dash which is operable via a toggle switch on the handlebar. The toggle is easy to reach and sifting through is not a concern. The high-beam switch though is a bit far off for my liking. I am also mighty impressed with the under-seat storage…

The Guerrilla has been offered to me as my everyday ride and I am rather happy for that. The bike impressed me with a rather impressive performance especially thanks to the new liquid cooled engine. But here is something which I felt about the bike’s ride and handling. The Guerrilla is endowed with a soft front end tune and a stiffer set up at the back. It is like the front end absorbs the bumps with ease while the same cannot be said for the rear. However, it is not exactly a deal breaker but surely felt like a sporty set up. The bike also impressed me with its handling abilities. The corners are a joy to take on and I for one am enjoying this trait. I have been…