Auto Today -julkaisun October 2024 -irtonumeron sisällysluettelo

Can sedans be revived? Can the sub-4m segment sedan segment be the one to spur this revival? The once hottest and most fiercely fought segment in the country is down in the doldrums as are sedan sales across segments except for maybe the super-premium or luxury segments. From a time when a compact sedan topped the sales charts month after month and was also the most sought-after car in the country to now, when not even a single compact sedan is in the top 10 and only one in the top 20. It has also now become a chicken and egg situation as sedan sales plummet, less companies are likely to launch or make heavy investments in sedans. As result when the buyer goes to the market they have a…

LAND ROVER has launched a special Ranthambore Edition of the Range Rover at a starting price of Rs. 4.98 crore (exshowroom). This is the first limited-edition from the British automaker specially made for India. It is customised by the SV division and is based on the Range Rover LWB sold in India. There will be only 12 units of the Ranthambore Edition with the bespoke door sill plates denoting the production number, between 1 to 12. It gets a black finish with contrasting Corinthian Bronze and Anthracite accents on the grille, tailgate and wheels inspired by the stripes of a tiger. Around the cabin, there are Caraway and Perlino semi-aniline leather with contrast stitching. The embroidery of the seats are inspired by the stripes on the spine of a tiger.…

MARUTI SUZUKI has launched the Regal Edition of the Baleno that adds complimentary accessories to the standard model including underbody spoiler, a rear underbody spoiler, dual-tone seat covers, steering cover, fog lamps in the ones that skip them, a vacuum cleaner, a body cover, Nexa cushions, door visors, sill guards, rear parcel tray, window curtains, tyre inflator, puddle lamp and chrome door handles. These accessories are worth Rs 45,829 and Rs 60,199 depending on the variant chosen but come at no extra cost to the customer.…

MERCEDES-BENZ HAS launched the new E-Class LWB in India with a starting price of Rs 78.50 lakh. The luxury sedan gets three trims: 200 (petrol), 220d (diesel) and 450 4Matic (petrol). The 220d is priced at Rs 81.50 lakh, while the 450 4Matic is priced at Rs 92.50 lakh (ex-showroom). The E200 has a 2.0-litre fourcylinder petrol engine that produces 204bhp and 320Nm of torque. The 220d gets a 2.0-litre four-cylinder diesel motor producing 197bhp and 440Nm, while the top-spec 450 gets a 3.0-litre six-cylinder engine churning out 381bhp of power and 500Nm of torque. The new E-Class is 13mm taller, 14mm longer and gets a 15mm longer wheelbase. It gets updated styling on the front and the rear with highlights including a new front grille, new tail lights and…

MARUTI SUZUKI DZIRE has scored five stars in the Global NCAP crash tests, making it the first car from the company to achieve this feat. The five star rating applies to the Adult Occupant Protection category where the Dzire scored 31.24 out of 34 points. On the other hand, the compact sedan was awarded four stars in the Child Occupant Protection category where it scored 39.20 out of the 49 total points. The 2024 Dzire is based on the HEART-ECT platformandaddsvariousnewmaterials in its fabrication over the outgoing model that might have contributed to its GNCAP score. Safety updates include six airbags, ESC, ISOFIX mounts, 3-point seat belts with reminders for all seats. It also complies with UN 127 pedestrian protection norms. The model tested by GNCAP was made in India…

TESLA HAS unveiled the Cybercab, which is the first fully-developed autonomous taxi from the electric car maker. Design wise, the Cybercab has taken cues from the Cybertruck, it gets a full-width LED light bar up front, and sharp angled panels all around. It gets butterfly doors, while the rear comes without any rear glass. As it is fully autonomous, it doesn’t even get a steering or pedals, but the display is similar to that found in the Model 3. As of now, the Cybercab has been previewed with a two-seater layout, with a large boot space for luggage.…

MCLAREN WAS the first of the high-performance brands to reveal a weaponised hybrid system in a supercar with the P1, which became one of the three hybrids known as the Holy Trinity, with the other two being the Ferrari LaFerrari and the Porsche 918 Spyder. And now the British automaker has revealed the successor to the P1, christened the W1. The powertrain uses a 4.0-litre flat-plane-crank twin-turbo V8 from Ricardo which uses both direct injection and port fuel injection to make 928bhp. This is paired to a 347bhp radial flux e-motor, and a 1.384kWh battery pack, which also serves as the reverse drive and offers 2km of electric-only range. The W1 can accelerate from 0 to 100kmph in 2.7s and has a top speed of 350kmph. Like the current-gen of F1…

FERRARI HAS revealed the F80, which is the successor to the LaFerrari, that made up one of the three cars in the Holy Trinity. This is the most powerful road-legal car from Maranello, making 1,200bhp from its 499P (Le Mans winner) derived powertrain. This uses a 3.0-litre twin-turbo V6 which revs to 9,200rpm and makes 900bhp on its own, making it the most powerful engine ever from Ferrari. There are three e-motors, two at on the front axle, each making 142bhp while the rear serves as the MGU-K, energy recuperation unit. The turbochargers use F1 derived tech, reducing lag, and enhancing throttle response. Ferrari claims that the F80 can launch from 0 to 100kmph in 2.15 seconds. There is a Boost Optimisation feature, which records a racetrack lap, and then deploys…

KTM INDIA has introduced the updated 200 Duke at a starting price of Rs 2.03 lakh. The 2024 200 Duke gets updated features like a 5-inch TFT display, which it shares with the KTM 390 Duke. It allows smartphone connectivity as well as turn-by-turn navigation via Bluetooth. The colour theme of this screen is customisable for the gearshift indicator. The other addition in the motorcycle is Supermoto ABS, which is also present on 390 Duke. Mechnically, the motorcycle remains the same as the previous iteration. It is still powered by the same 199.5cc, single-cylinder, liquidcooled engine that generates 25bhp of power and 19.3Nm of torque. It has a 13.4-litre fuel tank and weighs 159kg. KTM has also added the TFT display to the 250 Duke. The other change on this…

HONDA HAS unveiled the CB1000 Hornet internationally after it was showcased at last year’s EICMA. It gets a base variant along with a top-of-the-line SP variant. The motorcycle has sharp creases but a chunky 17-litre fuel tank with its headlight divided into two angular pods. It is powered by a 999cc, inline four-cylinder engine that has varied ouputs. The base makes 150bhp and 104Nm of torque, while outputs increase to 155bhp and 107Nm in the SP trim. It has an aluminium twin-spar frame with a fully adjustable Showa fork and monoshock. For braking, the CB1000 Hornet has twin 310mm discs at the front and a 240mm disc at the rear. Tyres are same on both trims a 120/70 R17 front and 180/55 Z R17 rear. It has various electronic aids…

RAPTEE.HV LAUNCHED its new T30 recently with a starting price of Rs 2.39 lakh (exshowroom). The electric motorcycle maker did not share motor or battery information but revealed the performance that the bike is capable of. It gets a claimed 200km+ IDC range and IP67-rated pack with a CCS2 charging port, generally used in 4-wheelers. It can sprint from 0-60 kmph in 3.5 seconds and is claimed to be based on a high-voltage architecture, which might be 240-Volt as indicated on graphics of the motorcycle.…

TATA MOTORS has announced that they’ve hit the milestone of 15 lakh sales in the Intermediate, Light and Medium Commercial Vehicles (ILMCV) segment. This makes Tata the first truck maker in India to achieve this feat. Tata commemorated the achievement by unveiling new variants of the Tata SFC 407 Gold, Tata LPT, Tata SFC 709G, Tata LPT 1109G, Tata LPK 1112 and Tata LPK 1416 range of trucks and tippers. It also announced new financing schemes that target first-time buyers, along with a six year extended warranty on all ILMCV trucks. The ILMCV segment refers to the trucks with a gross weight between 4 to 19 tonnes serving multiple needs including agriculture, e-commerce, construction and logistics, and many more. Tata’s ILMCV portfolio includes multiple cabin options like the LPT, SFC,…

One can set ones calendar by the launch of BMW’s next generation cars as they get launched every seven years like clockwork. The X3 nameplate made its debut way back in 2003 and ever since then we have had the 2nd-gen SUV (or SAV as BMW likes to call them) in 2010 followed by the 3rd-gen in 2017 leading up to the 4th-gen this year in 2024. Initially BMW sold the X3 in India as an import a couple of years after setting up shop in the country but with the next generation started assembling it at its plant in Chennai in 2011 and has continued ever since following up with the assembly of the 3rd generation car. Globally the X3 has been one of the most successful models with…

The two-wheeler electric revolution continues to grow stronger, as we have an all-new electric scooter that has been completely developed and made in India. It’s called the Ampere Nexus and the top-of-the-line variant is called the ST. If you’re wondering what Ampere exactly is, then don’t fret. It is a Greaves Cotton-owned brand, which also sells other two and three-wheeler electrics in the Indian market. Clearly, Ampere and Greaves do have some skin in the electric game which should mean their brand-new scooter should fare well in the already competitive electric scooter space. At least, on paper, things seem to be on the up-and-up. As mentioned earlier, the Nexus serves as its flagship electric two-wheeler and we got our hands on it to see if it earns that title. First,…

Ahighway trip for the Exter had been pending for a long time, and thankfully, this month, we went on an epic trip to Fatehpur Sikri. Getting out of the city, like it usually is, was a doodle with the Exter. Its light steering wheel and small dimensions make cutting through traffic easy. However, once we were past city limits and on the Yamuna expressway, the little SUV did feel slightly out of its element. Don’t get me wrong, it performed the duty of sitting at the speed limit fairly well, but there was a sense that it didn’t feel as effortless as a city run. Nevertheless, the four-pot motor performs without complaining too much and sitting between 80kmph and 100kmph isn’t too cumbersome. However, anything above that feels slightly out…

Our market has for the past few years favoured petrol vehicles, so it comes has a welcome relief that Tata Motors has sent over the new Nexon with a diesel powertrain and for someone who hasn’t had much mileage behind the wheel of a diesel, this is an opportunity that I look forward to for the next half year. The Nexon constantly shows up on the top-ten bestsellers in the Indian market month after month, and a lot of this is because of the customer’s belief in the homegrown automaker. And Tata has been more than doing it right, because since the Nexon arrived on the scene in 2017, the brand has sold over 7,00,000 of these, and that is a testament to just how strong this model is, and…

MERCEDES-BENZ HAS launched the AMG G63 in India at a starting price of Rs 3.60 crore (ex-showroom), making it the most expensive SUV from the German marque in India. It is powered by a 4.0-litre twinturbo-petrol V8 engine, with the 48V mildhybrid architecture that produces 585bhp of power and 850Nm of torque with hybrid system adding 20.4bhp on demand. It can accelerate from 0 to 100kmph in 4.3 seconds and can achieve a top speed of 240kmph. This engine is mated to a 9-speed AT and 4Matic all-wheel drive. On the inside, the G63 gets a 12.3-inch MBUX infotainment system and the digital instrument cluster. Along with that, it has a new three-spoke AMG performance steering wheel, temperature-controlled cup holders, wireless mobile charger and an 18-speaker, 760W Burmester audio system.…

NISSAN HAS facelifted the Magnite in India with an introductory price of Rs 5.99 lakh (ex-showroom) for the first 10,000 buyers, the same as the outgoing model. This facelift brings subtle changes to the looks of the compact SUV along with some feature additions. On the exterior, it gets a larger grille with more use of chrome and gloss black. There is a more distinguished faux plate with fog lamps integrated in it. On the inside, it gets a new dual-tone copper and black colour scheme for the dashboard, seats and the door pads. The steering has been blacked out. The engine options of the Magnite remain the same as before: a 1.0-litre naturally aspirated petrol and a 1.0 litre turbo-petrol. The former can be mated to either a 5-speed…

BMW INDIA has launched the M4 CS at Rs 1.89 crore (ex-showroom). The model comes to India as a completely built-up unit (CBU). It gets red contour lines with the M4 CS badge on the grille, redesigned headlamps and sportier yellow DRLs while featuring updated tail lights, spoiler, diffuser, a titanium exhaust system and red treatment for the brake callipers. Powering the M4 CS is a 3.0-litresix-cylinderin-lineenginewithan updated M TwinPower Turbo (up from 1.7bar to 2.1bar) that produces 550bhp and 650Nm of torque. It is mated to a 8-speed automatic transmission that transmits power to all four wheels through the fully-variable M xDrive all-wheel-drive system. The car can complete the 0-100kmph sprint in 3.4 seconds while having an electronically capped top speed of 302kmph. It has BMW’s Adaptive M suspension…

ROLLS ROYCE CULLINAN facelift, officially called the Cullinan Series II has launched in India with starting price of Rs 10.50 crore (ex-showroom). It also gets a Black Badge trim starting at Rs 12.25 crore (ex-showroom). The updated SUV has subtle design changes along with a new glass panel across the dashboard and a new display cabinet that gets an analogue clock and a small illuminated Spirit of Ecstasy mascot. It is powered by the same 6.75-litre twinturbocharged V12 that produces 571bhp and 850Nm of torque in the standard variant while producing 600bhp and 900Nm on the Black Badge version.…

ROLLS-ROYCE HAS updated the Ghost with a new look and more customisation options, as the brand faces increased interest in personalised vehicles. The new Ghost is less curvy, with a squarish design approach, similar to the new Cullinan. It gets a new shape for the headlamps, as well as bolder LED DRLs. The grille and the bumper have also been altered. At the rear, the taillamps have been given a new look, with an altered lighting pattern. Rolls-Royce now offers a more comprehensive customisation package for the Ghost, as most of their customers have asked for even further personalisation levels. The cabin gets a singular glass panel which makes up the dashboard, with the displays inset. The Ghost continues to use the 6.75-litre twin-turbo V12 as before which can be…

THE NEW-GEN MINI Convertible and John Cooper Works have been revealed. These are based on the new fourth-gen Cooper hatch. The Convertible is offered in two variants C and S, with the former using a 1.5-litre threecylinder turbo-petro making 163bhp and the S using a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol making 204bhp. Compared to the hatch, the Convertible S does a 0 to 100kmph in 6.9s making it 0.3s slower than the Cooper S, which is primarily due to the 40kg of extra weight. The JCW meanwhile uses the 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol which makes 231bhp and 380Nm of torque, which is the same as the older JCW. This allows the car to sprint from 0 to 100kmph in 6.1 seconds.…

LEXUS HAS added a third powertrain option for its global flagship SUV, the LX. This is called the LX 700h, and it uses a petrol-hybrid powertrain, which makes it the third engine option after the petrol and diesel. Alongside this, the LX has been updated the LX with changes to the chassis and some added features. The LX 700h uses a parallel hybrid system that uses a 3.5-litre twin-turbo V6 and an electric motor, mated to a 10-speed automatic. This makes 463bhp and 790Nm of torque, although Lexus says that these figures are preliminary. The SUV gets a new 12.3-inch instrument panel, and fast wireless charging as well as improved massage seats. Along with this, the LX is now also offered in the Overtrail trim, with more off-road based persona…

ON THE 25th Anniversary of the original 911 GT3, Porsche has revealed the new 992.2-gen 911 GT3 & GT3 Touring. As before, the GT3 continues with the same engine, the 4.0-litre flat-six that makes 510bhp and 450Nm of torque, which revs to 9,000rpm and can be paired to a 6-speed manual or a 7-speed PDK automatic. Porsche has tuned the dampers for better control over bumps and kerbs, while the anti-dive system provides better pitch control under braking. Visual tweaks are more or less the same as the standard 911, with a new LED signature light, Matrix LED headlamps and some changes to the bumper and aero setup. The GT3 can be had in standard guise with the proper aero setup, or in the Touring spec which deletes the large…

YAMAHA HAS revealed the brand new YZF-R9 and the facelifted YZF-R3 globally. The R9 is powered by an 890cc, inline 3-cylinder engine that produces 119bhp and 93Nm of torque. The engine is housed in revised aluminium Deltabox frame, which weighs just 9.7kg. It has a 43mm KYB USD front fork and a rear KYB monoshock. Meanwhile, the R3 gets exterior changes with the YZF-R design philosophy similar to the R9 and the R7. There are sleeker LED DRLs with a single projector headlamp placed within a MotoGP-style central air intake. The side fairing is also updated along with a reworked rear section. Yamaha now offers a quickshifter as an optional extra with the R3.…

THE KAWASAKI KLX230 was recently revealed in India. It is powered by an air-cooled, 2-valve, 233cc single-cylinder engine that produces 18.1bhp and 18.3Nm and is paired to a 6-speed transmission. It gets a telescopic fork and monoshock with 240mm of wheel travel at the front and 250mm at the rear. The motorcycle weighs 139kg and offers two seat options: 880mm and 866mm. Colour options include and Lime Green and Battle Grey. Bookings for the motorcycle are open with pricing expected in December.…

SUZUKI RECENTLY launched the GSX-8R in India at Rs 9.25 lakh (ex-showroom). It is powered by a 776cc parallel twin engine that it shares with the Suzuki V-Strom 800DE and churns out 83bhp and 78Nm. The engine is mated to a 6-speed transmission that gets a bi-directional quickshifter as standard. On the design front, the GSX-8R has multiple changes including stacked LED headlamps surrounded by air intakes. The features of the motorcycle include a ride-by-wire throttle, traction control, ABS and ride modes. Braking duties are handled by twin 310mm discs on the front and a single 240mm disc one on the rear. The GSX-8R has a kerb weight of 205kg and its fuel tank can store 14-litres of petrol. It runs on 17-inch wheels on the front and rear that are…

BAJAJ RECENTLY launched the Pulsar N125 with a starting price of Rs 94,707 (ex-showroom). The N125 gets two variants: Standard and Bluetooth, with the latter costing Rs 98,707 (ex-showroom). The N125 marks the 15th version of the Pulsar, with it joining the N series of the marque. Other than the N125, the N series also has the N150, N160 and N250. Meanwhile, if you are in for a 125cc Pulsar, you can also choose the standard Pulsar 125 and the NS125. The N125 is powered by a brand new air-cooled, 124.58cc, single-cylinder engine that produces 12bhp and 11Nm of torque and is paired to a 5-speed gearbox. For braking, the motorcycle gets a 240mm disc on the front while the rear disc is 130mm, they are aided by CBS. The N125…

BYD, the Chinese auto giant has a minor presence in India but it has gained a fair bit of popularity since the introduction of the Seal, which is an absolute looker, and by all accounts, an incredible VFM package. However, it was the e6 which introduced BYD’s passenger vehicles to India, and now the automaker has brought in a replacement for the e6, in the form of the eMax 7. What makes the eMax 7 so vital is that unlike the e6 which was a five-seater, this is a three-row MPV with seating for six or seven people, which puts it smack dab in the middle of the Innova territory, India’s favourite MPV. That means that the BYD has its work cut out, to eke out a niche for itself…

JK Tyre recently entered the Ultrahigh performance space with the Levitas Ultra range of tyres and their sights locked firmly on the premium car market. To test the tyres, they invited us to the foremost automotive testing facility in Asia, the NATRAX facility just outside Indore. Where we were given a chance to put the tyres to the ultimate test. To match up to the segment the tyres are targetted at the tyres were fitted to the creme de la creme of the premium car space the likes of the Mercedes-BenzC-Class, AudiA6, and BMW 3 and 5 Series. Now before we jump into the specifics of the test, one of the factors that stood out to us on all the testing ground is just how quiet these tyres are. Whether…

The Swift is supposed to be an everyday machine. But there is something about it that makes it all the more special. This new Swift is still underpinned by the HEARTECT platform. However, a lot of work has been done on the materials used on the chassis. 20 per cent of the chassis uses ultra-high tensile steel on key flex points, while 45 per cent of the chassis is HSS. The result is that the Swift is rather impressive to drive on an everyday basis. We are driving the car in the Delhi NCR area and the only corners here are those found on clover leafs. The Swift makes for such a fun to drive car around these tight corners and combined with the responsive steering, it is just pure…

Ever since I got my hands on the updated TVS Apache RR 310, I have been pondering the versatility of its powertrain. It’s used on the G 310 RR, G 310 R and G 310 GS when one talks about BMW Motorrad India. From TVS’ end, there’s the aforementioned Apache RR 310 and the Apache RTR 310. Out of all of these motorcycles, perhaps the most aggressive in terms of design language has to be the RTR 310. In my book, it’s also the most interesting of the lot and feels sort left of field. Hence, I was quite glad when TVS had it available for a long-term test, and it’s a treat to have this motorcycle join our fleet. Right off the bat, the first thing that struck me…

JEEP HAS updated the Meridian SUV with new features and a variant rejig. The Meridian is now available in four trims: Longitude, Longitude Plus, Limited (O) and Overland. Longitude is the new base trim of the SUV priced at Rs 24.99 lakh (exshowroom) that gets 5 seats, freeing up space in the boot that now has 670 litres of boot space. The Longitude Plus adds the third row of seats and some added features including a panoramic sunroof. The top-spec Overland variant now gets a new colour for the upholstery, 30+ connected car features and 10+ features in the ADAS suite. The Meridian is powered by the same 2.0-litre diesel engine that generates 170bhp and 350Nm of torque. This engine can be mated to either a 6-speed manual or a…

TOYOTA HAS introduced a new Limited Edition of the Taisor at a starting price of Rs 10.56 lakh. On the outside, the model gets accessories like front and rear lip spoilers, door sill guards, chrome garnish around the headlamps, front grille, and side moulding. On the inside, the Limited Edition offers door visors, all-weather 3D mats, and door lamps. It is available with the 1.0-litre turbo-petrol engine producing 100bhp and 147.6Nm of torque. This engine can be had with either a 5-speed manual or 6-speed torque convertor automatic gearbox.…

PORSCHE HAS launched the 911 Turbo 50 Years in India at a starting price of Rs 4.05 crore (ex-showroom). This model was launched to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the 911 Turbo with the total number of units capped at 1,974. and has a 70 lakh premium over the Turbo S. The car has vinyl graphics on the side that celebrate the Porsche 911 RSR Turbo concept’s livery with a special turbo badging and logos, including on the rear engine cover grille and puddle lights. You can get a retro-themed Heritage Design Package that adds a new Aventurine Green Metallic hue and satin white graphics. The pack also has the 1964 Porsche crest on the bonnet and Sport Classic wheels. Further on, Porsche and Turbo 50 logos are finished in…

BMW AND TATA TECHNOLOGIES have collaborated to form a 50:50 joint venture called the BMW TechWorks India. This JV will focus on innovating automotive software and create innovations for BMW Group’s Business IT. The companies claim it will also expedite BMW’s global production network and focus the development of AI applications and platforms to increase the efficiency of the business processes. It will start with 100 employees at three locations: Pune, Bengaluru and Chennai that is expected to increase to 1,000 employees by the end of 2025. It will create solutions for the upcoming BMW Group models. The companies claimed that the JV will propmote “Engineer in India for the world’ that will give Indian professionals to work on products that will shape future mobility.…

BMW HAS replaced the i7 eDrive60 with the eDrive50 that costs Rs 2.03 Crore (ex-showroom). Powered by a single motor at the rear, it makes 449bhp and 650Nm of torque. It gets the same 101.7kWh battery with a claimed range of 603km. 11kW AC charging will juice the i7 in 10 hours and 45 minutes. It supports 195kW DC fast charging that allows a 10-80 per cent charge in 34 minutes. An addition in this variant is the spare wheel that its predecessor missed out on. In terms of features, the i7 eDrive60 offers self close doors, Bowers and Wilkins sound system and a host of accessories to choose from.…

SKODA HAS revealed the Elroq, which becomes the first car to debut the ‘Modern Solid’ design aesthetic. It sits below the Enyaq iV and is already on sale in Europe. There is a new black panel grille that replaces the signature Skoda grille, and also integrates LED DRLs which make up the face of the Elroq with the headlamps positioned below. The Elroq also gets air vents which close or open automatically. There are three variants, 50, 60 and 85, with the 50 getting a 52kWh battery paired with a 170bhp motor while the 85 gets a 77kWh battery and 285bhp on tap, with a 0 to 100kmph sprint time of 6.6 seconds.…

CITROEN HAS revealed the C5 Aircross concept ahead of the official reveal at the Paris Motor Show later this year. Like other models from the brand, the concept has a sharper look, with a new adaptation for the double chevron theme including the LED signature lights. Aerodynamic efficiency has been optimised with flatter panels and air channels all around the car. Compared to the older car, this is 150mm longer, which Citroen says will result in much improved legroom. This is a major step for Citroen, as the C5 Aircross marks the first model from the automaker to be based on the STLA platform from Stellantis. This platform is modular, and allows ICE, hybrid and BEV powertrains, so the Aircross is expected to offer all three types of powertrains.…

THE HYUNDAI INSTER has a new version called the Inster Cross. This is essentially a more rugged variant of the electric SUV. Over the standard car, the Cross gets chunkier bumpers along with skid plates, new design for the 17-inch alloys and a new roof rack. It also gets exclusive Amazonas Green matte paint option. The cabin too follows a bit of the adventure theme, with grey and yellow upholstery. The Inster Cross gets the same powertrain as the standard car, so it has two variants to choose from. There is a 96bhp e-motor paired to a 42kWh battery pack. The topspec variant gets a 113bhp motor paired to a larger 49kWh battery, which gives it a claimed range of 350km on a single charge.…

BMW HAS revealed the mid-life update for the 2 Series Gran Coupe. The look now resembles the 1 Series that made its debut recently, with a chunkier kidney grille and sharper lines courtesy of the new bumper. The headlamps are new as well, while the LED DRLs feature a slimmer, more compact look. BMW has also made changes to the dimensions, with the 2 Series GC growing by 20mm in length, and 15mm in both height and width. The boot at the rear gets a sportier look, along with new taillamps that resemble the ones on the X1. Inside, the 2 gets the curved display, which serves as its central control unit, deleting a lot of buttons. The powertrains are the same as before, but get a mild-hybrid supplement.…

YAMAHA HAS launched the updated the RayZR Street Rally with a new look and some other additions at a price of Rs98,130(ex-showroom). Its new design includes LED DRLs placed above the number plate holder and a new colour option called the Cyber Green. Talking about features, the RayZR Street Rally 125 has a new answer back feature that is meant to help users in locating their scooter in crowded places through blinking indicators and a beeping sound. This feature can be used through the Y-Connect app on your phone. The RayZR Street Rally is powered by the same air-cooled 125cc singlecylinder engine from before, that produces 8.2bhp and 10.3Nm of torque.…

KTM HAS unveiled the 1390 Super Adventure S Evo globally, its flagship road-focused ADV. It is powered by the same 1,350cc, V-twin liquid-cooled engine from the Super Duke R that produces 173bhp and 145Nm of torque. This engine is paired with an AMT gearbox that doesn’t require rider changing gears in the automatic mode while they can to do so through the paddles on the handlebar in manual mode. There are changes to the chassis that KTM has claimed is stiffer than before. The motorcycle also gets the semiactive electronically controlled WP suspension.…

THE HUSQVARNA VITPILEN 801 has made a global debut with some changes. It follows the design language of the Svartpilen 801 with some updates to the front-end. It has a new LED headlamp, updated radiator and bodywork. It is powered by a 799cc parallel-twin engine producing 105bhp and 87Nm of torque. New tech on the motor allows for longer service intervals at 15,000km. It has a 5-inch TFT, four riding modes, a quickshifter, cornering ABS and cornering traction control.…

TRIUMPH HAS updated the Speed Twin 900 shortly after Speed Twin 1200. It now has a sleeker design with a new LED headlight, shorter fenders and subtle tail-light. It is now offered in three colours: white, silver and black. It is powered by the same liquid-cooled, 900cc, parallel-twin engine that makes 65bhp and 80Nm and now has a Marzocchi USD fork instead of the gaitered telescopic one. For braking, it has a 320mm disc and a Triumphbranded radial caliper while the tyres remain the same 100/90 R18 on the front and 150/70 R17 on the rear wrapped in Michelin Road Classic rubber.…

ASHOK LEYLAND’S subsidiary, OHM Global Mobility has received an order for 500 12-m ultra-low floor electric buses from the Metropolitan Transport Corporation (MTC), Chennai. OHM is the electric arm of the commercial vehicle maker that focusses on the Mobilityas-a-Service business. The buses involved are Switch EiV12 buses, supplied by Switch Mobility, also a subsidiary of Ashok Leyland. The buses can seat 37 passengers, while 24 can stand, and a claimed range of 200km.…

The word freedom can mean many different things for different people. Its connotation is almost solely dependent on the context. For example, for you and I, it might be hitting the open road or a dirt trail. But, for Bajaj, Freedom seems to represent one’s personal choice of fuel. Confused? Well, don’t be. The homegrown two and three-wheeler giant has launched the world’s first CNG motorcycle, and it’s called the Freedom 125. So, what’s the point of a CNG motorcycle? Is this purely an experiment or will this motorcycle serve a particular purpose? We took the world’s first CNG motorcycle out for a spin in search of some pertinent answers. Let’s kick off things with design, I feel the Freedom 125 looks rather handsome, almost like an affordable dual-sport. That’s…

”IT’S A MILE MUNCHER AND WELL WORTH THE MONEY IF YOU’RE LOOKING FOR A COMFORTABLE FAMILY CAR THAT IS BORN TO THE HIGHWAY The nine thousand odd km that we have added to the Sonet’s odometer over the last six months that the car has spent in the Auto Today long-term fleet should be a testament enough to just how well this motor/gearbox combination pairs with this already quite capable subcompact SUV. It’s a mile muncher and well worth the money if you’re looking for a comfortable family car that comes into its own as soon as you hit the highway. It’s about the 1.5-litre 4-cylinder diesel which in my book is a proper size for a motor for a car of this size, not just because it makes more…