Innholdsfortegnelse for June 2025 i Auto Today

It is not often that a new automotive brand makes its debut in the country! And that too a brand that is making the vehicles in India. The last few that come to mind are Kia just over five years back along with Citroen also around then. They have been followed into the Indian market by BYD that first entered the fleet market less than four years ago, albeit their FDI proposal to start full manufacturing was turned down. This year we will have atleast two if not three or even four new brands entering India, all of them electric only and the first one of them is perhaps least known here in the country. VinFast is actually part of VinGroup, a Vietnamese conglomerate with diversified interests in real estate,…

JSW MG MOTOR INDIA has expanded its Windsor lineup with the introduction of the Pro grade, that mainly adds a larger battery pack to the crossover. The Windsor Pro is available in two trims - Exclusive and Essence, with prices starting at Rs 17.25 lakh (ex-showroom). The Windsor Pro comes with a 52.9kWh battery pack, and this means that the claimed range has gone up from 332km to 449km on a single charge. The motor is shared between both the variants, it is still the 134bhp and 200Nm front mounted motor. In addition to the bigger battery, the Pro also gets Level 2 ADAS, which includes adaptive cruise control, traffic jam assist and lane departure warning, enhancing safety and convenience. MG has also added Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) and Vehicle-to-Vehicle (V2V) tech,…

AUDI INDIA has launched the Signature Edition for the A4 sedan, and is priced at Rs 57.11 lakh (ex-showroom), same as the A4 Technology trim. Externally, the A4 Signature gets ‘Audi rings’ decals on the rear doors, new self-levelling wheel caps, new alloy wheels and a new boot-lid spoiler.. On top of the A4’s feature list, the Signature gets Park Assist with 360 degree camera, new LED puddle lamps, stainless steel pedals, fragrance dispenser, oak wood decorative inlays and custom key covers. Mechanically, the A4 continues with the same 2.0-litre turbo-petrol that makes 204bhp and 320Nm of torque. The A4 will be replaced by the A5 sedan that was launched for global markets recently.…

MINI HAS launched the Countryman John Cooper Works Pack, essentially a cosmetic update over the standard SUV that brings in sportier elements. This is a limited-edition offering, and is priced at Rs 62 lakh (ex-showroom), and only 20 units of these will be sold here. It gets a chequered flag design on the nose, which is also present on the bumper. This sporty treatment is also present on the side skirts, rear spoiler and door sills, while it rides on blacked out alloy wheels. Inside, the customers get a JCW-spec steering, sports seats, black upholstery and red accents around the dash. It gets the same motor and battery setup as the standard Countryman Electric.…

OLYMPICS MEDALLIST NEERAJ CHOPRA has joined Audi India on a collaborative basis. The javelin thrower has pushed Indian sports to new horizons, especially with his performance at the Olympics, for which he received a Gold medal at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and a Silver medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics. His brand collaboration with DNA resonates with the German automaker’s values, the brand says. It remains to be seen in what manner the collaboration between Chopra and Audi India will continue.…

RANGE ROVER has launched a new Indiaspecific special edition, in the form of the Range Rover SV Masara. This is priced at Rs 4.99 crore and is the second Indiainspired edition after the Ranthambore Edition. Based on the LWB Range Rover SV, this comes with a Deep Satin Blue paint, that has been specially formulated, and pays homage to sapphires found in the Indian Himalayas, and gets bronze and chrome highlights around the exterior. Inside, the Masara gets a cabin upholstered in Liberty Blue and Perlino leather. The seats are embroidered while elements come with chrome accents, and to add to the exclusivity, the door sills have ‘Masara Edition’ branding and designate the car as 1 of 12 units only. It gets the SV Signature Suite, with a powered table,…

DODGE HAS expanded the electric Charger Daytona lineup with the new four-door sedan that will be available from next year. Visually, the sedan carries over the same aesthetic as the two-door muscle car, sharing the front and the rear. The base variant offered for the Charger Daytona is the Scat Pack, that starts off with 670bhp from its two electric motors, strapped to a 100.5kWh battery pack. This means that despite being longer, and having four doors, the Daytona sedan, can dispatch a 0 to 100kmph sprint in just 3.3 seconds. While the Daytona and its electric heart haven’t really caught on, Dodge hopes that this more ‘practical’ fourdoor version will help with the model sales. While Dodge hasn’t revealed the interiors of the Daytona sedan yet, it is expected…

PORSCHE HAS a new one-off that harks back to the iconic 917, called the 963 RSP. Not just that, the 963 is actually Porsche’s WEC competing LMDh racecar, that has been watered down ever so little to go over the cusp of being road legal, yes, this high-tech piece of machinery that goes full-chat for 24 hours, and reaches speeds of over 340kmph on the Mulsanne straight can legally be driven on roads! Five decades ago, Porsche had created a road-legal version of the iconic 917 for Count Rossi (of Martini & Rossi), with a bit of extra trim inside, and this got Porsche thinking if the same could be commemorated with the modern hypercar. Porsche modified the 963 for road use, that includes closed wheel wells, softer dampers, Michelin…

SUZUKI MOTORCYCLE INDIA has updated its popular scooters, the Access and Avenis. The Access now has a new Ride Connect TFT Edition equipped with a coloured TFT digital instrument cluster offering Bluetooth connectivity and is now available in a new Pearl Mat Aqua Silver colour, with prices of this trim set at Rs 1,01,900 (ex-showroom). The Avenis gets a new Standard trim and OBD-2B norms compliance. Priced at Rs 91,400 (ex-showroom), this variant Rs 1,800 more accessible than the higher-spec trim.…

KTM HAS revealed the 2025 450 Rally Replica, a Dakar-grade motorcycle limited to 150 units. It gets a hydraulic clutch, dual radiators, a die-cast aluminium swingarm, carbon fibre navigation tower and a hand-welded chassis with laser-cut sections. Suspension duties are handled by a WP 48mm closed cartridge front fork and a rear monoshock. It is also available in a special Sanders Edition, which features RedBull livery and a numbered frame. Only five of these will be made, with the buyers getting a personal handover and a chance to ride with Daniel Sanders.…

THE SCRAMBLER 400 XC is the newest 400cc modern classic from Triumph in India. Inspired by the Scrambler 900 and 1200, it has rugged styling and positions itself as the first-in-class modern classic with adventure capabilities. The motorcycle runs on 19-inch front and 17-inch rear cross-spoke tubeless wheels, with a USD fork that gets 150mm suspension travel. On the feature front, you get switchable traction control, off-road ABS, ride-by-wire throttle, torque-assist clutch, USB charging socket, and a dual-format instrument cluster. Powering the Scrambler 400 XC is a 400cc TR-series engine capable of delivering 40bhp of peak and 37.5Nm. Prices of the Scrambler 400 XC start at Rs Rs 2.94 lakh (ex-showroom).…

THE HONDA REBEL 500 has been launched in the Indian market and is available for booking at BigWing Topline dealerships in Gurugram, Mumbai, and Bengaluru or through the Honda Big-Wing website. The motorcycle has a classic bobber styling with a full LED lighting system and is available in a single Matt Gunpowder Black Metallic colour with a single standard variant. Powering it is a 471cc, liquid-cooled, parallel twin-cylinder engine, producing 45.59bhp and 43.3Nm of torque. On the mechanical front, the Rebel 500 gets telescopic front forks and Showa dual rear shock absorbers with a 296mm front disc and 240mm rear disc for braking along with dual-channel ABS. Honda has priced it at Rs 5.12 lakh (ex-showroom).…

SUZUKI RECENTLY updated two motorcycles in its portfolio, the V-Storm 800DE and GSX-8R, making them both compatible with the latest OBD-2D emission norms. The V-Storm 800DE can now be bought in a new Pearl Tech White colour that has blue rims in place of the gold and is now priced at Rs 10.30 lakh (ex-showroom). The 2025 version of the GSX-8R only caters the the emmission norms compliance and does not bring any notable difference compared to the outgoing model. This holds true for the price of the motorcycle as well as it still retails at Rs 9.25 lakh (ex-showroom).…

TERRA TIGERS hosted the 19th edition of the Palar Challenge, that saw a gruelling competition. Dr Mohammed Fahed and Ashish from Jeepers of Bangalore won the Palar Challenge overall. Meanwhile, Pradeep Kumar M and Siddharta Chennagiri Santosh from Team BODA, Bangalore were awarded the Most Performing 4WD. V5 Off-roaders with Chetan Chengappa and Sabu Xavier won in the Individual Category, while Naveen Bollineni, Sarfaraz Bhasha and Sunil Kumar won in the Thar category.…

I’m beginning to feel like the engineers at Audi’s RS division have been feeling a little left out of this whole process of making Audi a brand that aligns with tree-huggers and polar bear lovers. While the rest of the Audi lineup gets increasingly friendly, hybridised, and dare I say—mindful—the RS boys have just been hanging around the Nürburgring car park like unsupervised teenagers with access to a CNC machine. Sure, there’s the occasional S3 update or a facelifted RS 3 that makes the rounds, but by and large, they’ve been quiet. Too quiet. So, when their presumably cobweb-riddled hotline finally rang to inform them they needed to begin work on a quick update for the RS Q8, they overcompensated with the enthusiasm of a teenager left alone with their…

India as a market is evolving, and one of the most incredible trends that have emerged is the success of unconventional vehicles that provide a value package aimed at maximizing mobility and comfort, and not rewarding the so-called SUV shape. One of the key breakthrough vehicles that have emerged is the MG Windsor, which crossed the 20,000 sales mark last month, and is the highest selling electric vehicle in India every month, ahead of the king of EV sales - the Tata Nexon.ev. MG has now upgraded the Windsor, in a electric vehicle’s most vital aspect - the battery pack, say hello to what is the MG Windsor Pro. Let me quickly wrap up what the changes to the exterior are, as these are minimal. Because the Windsor Pro is…

The VF6 is the smaller of the two SUVs that Vinfast will be launching in India and is similar in size to an SUV that all of us know very well, the Hyundai Creta. The VF6 is just shorter than the Creta but has a larger wheelbase, is broader but lower. Overall the looks are of a crossover rather than an outright SUV, but then again some may prefer the more rounded appearance of the VF6. It is a nice looking crossover, riding on large 18inch wheels. There is the signature V upfront formed by a light strip that is distinct both during the day and prominent at night and the same pattern is repeated at the rear as well though the V at the rear is not as raked.…

Six airbags | Panoramic sunroof | Tilt adjust wheel | Automatic climate control | Electric ORVMs | Keyless entry I Remote boot release | 12.3-in touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto | 360-degree camera | Harman Kardon 8 speaker audio | Wireless charging |Level 2 ADAS | Warranty 3yrs/Unlimited km Model HTX+(O) Test Started May 2025/2,053km Current ODO reading 4,550km Mileage this month 2,497km Efficiency this month 16.1kmpl I’ve been driving the Syros over the last month, and its exceptional approach to the sub-four-meter segment certainly makes it stand out. Still, it also shares an interesting insight into the evolution of the Indian market and, down the line, the Indian consumer. For the first time since the WagonR, a brand has been able to meet the consumer in the…

Digital display Yes | Tachometer No | Fuel gauge Yes | Electric start Yes | Disc brakes Both | Tyres Tubeless | Price 2.38 lakh (ex-showroom) | Warranty 3 years/unlimited km Model Trip Teal Test Started June 2025/1,665km Tenure/Target mileage 6 months/5,000km Mileage this month NA Efficiency this month NA After weeks of eager anticipation, the left-off field Classic 350 has finally joined the ranks of our long-term fleet. It’s safe to say that every single member of our team was fascinated with the Goan Classic 350 ever since it was first unveiled at Motoverse last year. To my eye, at least, the Classic is a good-looking retro machine, but the Goan takes that level even higher (no pun intended, of course). I’m also glad to report that we’ve received…

Digital display Yes | Tachometer No | Fuel gauge Yes | Electric start Yes | Disc brakes Front | Tyres Tubeless | Price Rs 1.54 lakh (ex-showroom) | Warranty 3 years/30,000km Model 3.7kW Test Started June 2025/1,190km Tenure/Target mileage 6 months/5,000km Mileage this month NA Efficiency this month NA There is little to doubt that the Ather 450X is one of our favourite scooters. So when Ather asked us if we wanted to have one along with the Rizta for a long-term test, we could not refuse. Quite immediately, the 450X was swept up by me as I have always loved the performance offered by the Ather 450X. So, what is new in this variant of the 450X? The first thing one will notice is the new colour. It is…

In Ladakh, silence is more than the absence of sound — it’s a presence that seeps into you. Three lakes — Pangong Tso, Tso Moriri, and Tso Kar — lie scattered across this stark, high-altitude landscape, each one more remote and reflective than the last. Driving through this otherworldly terrain in the Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 4MATIC, the journey becomes as introspective as it is physical. The SUV’s all-wheel-drive system and refined comfort transform it into a cocoon, gliding over rock, sand, and stream with quiet confidence. Pangong dazzles with shifting colours. Moriri humbles with its sacred stillness. Tso Kar, forgotten and windswept, lingers in memory like a half-heard prayer. In chasing these lakes, we discover that the road offers something rarer than comfort — clarity. What does it feel like…

AFTER MAKING appearances over the last few years at motor shows, Tata has finally launched the Harrier.ev. The Harrier.ev becomes the only all-wheel drive model from Tata on sale today, since the discontinuation of the Safari Storme. Visually, the electric SUV resembles its gas-powered sibling, with the same overall design aesthetic, minor changes such as the closed-off grille, and a new lower bumper with elements that we have seen on other Tata.ev models. It rides on 19-inch wheels, that are aero optimised, and it is 2mm longer while being 22mm taller than the Harrier. The cabin layout is similar as well, except for the larger 14.5-inch Samsung Neo QLED panel on the infotainment. There is a 10.25-inch driver’s display, and a four-spoke steering with Tata’s piano-black aesthetic. It gets a…

VOLKSWAGEN HAS launched the Golf GTI, that comes here in its 8.5-gen avatar, at an ex-showroom price of Rs 53 lakh. This is the second GTI model to come to India, after the Polo GTI that was sold here in limited numbers. The initial import batch has 150 units, and all of these have already been sold out. The Golf GTI is powered by a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol that makes 265bhp and 370Nm. Power is sent only to the front wheels, while the transmission is the DQ380I 7-speed DCT. This helps the GTI launch from nought to 100kmph in just 5.9 seconds and hits a top speed of 250kmph (electronically limited). The Golf carries a familiar VW aesthetic, with an illuminated logo and Matrix LED headlamps. Sporty elements are present all…

HONDA CARS INDIA has added a new trim to the Elevate SUV, called the Apex Summer Edition. It comes with a dual-tone white and black interior, new leatherette seat covers, seat cushions, ambient lighting, a 9-inch infotainment and a 360-degree camera. The Elevate Apex Summer Edition is priced at Rs 12.39 lakh (ex-showroom) for the manual transmission and Rs 13.59 lakh (ex-showroom) for the CVT, and this makes it more affordable than the V trim that it is based on despite offering more features and tech.…

THE MARUTI SUZUKI FRONX has been tested by the Japan NCAP, scoring a 4-star safety rating. Japan NCAP awarded the Fronx 163.75 points out of 193.8 points in Overall Safety Performance. In Preventive Safety Performance, the Fronx scored 79.42 points out of 85.80 points, while it scored 76.33 out of 100 points in Collision Safety Performance. In the Automatic Emergency Call System, the Fronx scored 8 out of 8 points. As the Fronx also comes with Level 2 ADAS, it scored a Level 5 score in the Autonomous Emergency Braking test, and Level 3 for the intersection category, while scoring Level 3 in pedestrian head protection and Level 5 for pedestrian leg protection. The Japan-spec Fronx comes with AWD in addition to ADAS, and is yet to be tested by…

JEEP COMPASS has moved to its third generation and shares its underpinnings with the new Citroen C5 Aircross. For the first time, it gets a BEV variant along with hybrids. It is an evolution of the older SUV, and the design aesthetic is butch and angular. Inside, the Compass gets a revamped look, with a large 16.0-inch display, and a 10-inch instrument panel, that comes as standard. It gets an array of touch controls, and physical switches for the drive selector and terrain modes. It gets a 1.2-litre three-cylinder petrol with a 0.9kWh battery and 48V mild-hybrid tech, while the PHEV uses a 1.6-litre four-cylinder, that along with the 125bhp e-motor makes 195bhp and has a 21kWh battery. The electric version has two battery options - 73kWh and 97kWh, with the…

BMW M’S obsession with extracting more performance from existing models is not new, and these versions generally gain the title - CS or Competition Sport. The M2 is the latest recipient of the CS treatment, and this has more power, improved suspension, and uses lighter materials. Power comes from the same S58 3.0-litre inline-six that makes 530bhp amd 650Nm of torque, a gain of 50bhp and 100Nm compared to the standard M2. Unlike the M2, the M2 CS can only be had with the 8-speed automatic, as the 6-speed manual cannot handle the torque of the uprated motor. It gets a carbon fibre roof and boot lid, that sheds the kerb weight by 30kg, in all it results in a 0 to 100kmph time of 3.8 seconds. It also gets…

BAJAJ AUTO LTD has emerged as the saviour of KTM’s sinking ship by investing 800 million Euros into the Austrian brand through it’s Netherlands-based subsidiary, Bajaj Auto International Holdings BV (BAIHBV). This comes after KTM entered a court-supervised restructuring in November 2024 due to severe liquidity issues. Of the 800 million, 200 million was already infused and 600 million are now being infused. With this capital, KTM will pay its creditors and revive operations, restarting its production lines and supply chains.…

THE HONDA X-ADV has made an entry in India with bookings open at BigWing dealerships across the country. The X-ADV offers the capabilities of an adventure motorcycle with the convenience of a maxi-scooter. Its design quite distinct, marked by elements like LED headlamps, integrated daytime running light (DRL) and turn indicators on the front. It has a reshaped seat with thicker padding and a 22-litre storage compartment under it. Features of include a 5-inch full-color TFT display with Honda RoadSync app connectivity, a USB Type-C charging port, five riding modes: Standard, Sport, Rain, Gravel and User, and Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC). Talking of the powertrain, the X-ADV features a 45cc liquid-cooled SOHC 8-valve parallel-twin engine that puts out 59bhp and 69Nm. On the mechanical front, the X-ADV is equipped…

HONDA’S CB650R AND CBR650R are now available in 2025 avatars, which add Honda’s E-Clutch Technology. The E-Clutch system, first introduced in 2023, helps with smoother gear shifts and allows starting the motorcycle without using the clutch lever. The CB650R and CBR650R are both powered by a 649cc inline four-cylinder engine that puts out 45.6bhp and 43.3Nm of torque. The CB650R is priced at Rs 9.50 lakh (ex-showroom) while the CBR650R retails at Rs 10.40 lakh (ex-showroom).…

HONDA HAS revealed its first electric motorcycle in China called the E-VO that the firm has made in partnership with Wuyang. It is available with two battery pack options: a 4.1kWh unit and a 6.2kWh one. The former has a range of 120km, while the latter can last a claimed 170km. The smaller battery can be charged in 1.5 hours with a home charger while the larger one takes around 2.5 hours. Both are paired to a single motor that produces 21bhp. The motorcycle has a 16-inch front and 14-inch rear wheel, with dual-channel ABS. Further on, it is equipped with features like a 7-inch colour TFT touch display, front and rear dashcams and Traction control. Prices for the E-VO start at ¥29,999 (Approximately Rs 3.56 lakh) for the 4.1kWh…

TATA MOTORS has announced the launch of factory-fitted air conditioning systems across its entire truck range. This upgrade spans the SFC, LPT, Ultra, Signa, and Prima cabins, while also extending to cowl models for the first time. The new air-conditioning system offered by the firm comes with dual-mode operation - ‘Eco’ and ‘Heavy’. Tata’s range of heavy trucks, tippers and prime movers also offers higher power output of up to 320bhp. Furthermore, other improvements include duty-cycle-based fuel efficiency features such as engine idle auto-shut, a voice messaging system for real-time alerts, among others. Tata Motors’ commercial vehicle portfolio is complemented by a service network of over 3,000 touchpoints, coupled with a host of value-added services designed for vehicle lifecycle management through its Sampoorna Seva 2.0 initiative. This all-inclusive solution includes…

NUEGO HAS launched a new service on the Delhi–Lucknow route via its all-electric buses, offering fares at Rs 999. The launch of its newest and longest electric intercity bus route, connecting Delhi to Lucknow, will cover this route in approximately 10 hours. The Delhi-Lucknow service is part of NueGo’s growing sustainable mass mobility network across India, with over 300 electric buses operating more than 500 daily departures. NueGo electric buses feature real-time geolocation tracking through a dedicated mobile NueGo App. The brand claims that travellers will from well-trained staff, premium in-cabin comfort, and access to airport-like lounges in select cities. NueGo’s electric buses offer zero tail-pipe emissions, and each bus is said to undergo 25 rigorous safety checks, including mechanical and electrical inspections. NueGo’s fleet also boasts a range of…

PHILIPPOS MATTHAI showcased outright class winning four categories in the Vamcy Merla Chennai Gravel Fest, that served as the second round of the Octane Pits FMSCI Indian National Autocross Championship 2025, held at the Madras International Circuit. Matthai in is INRC 2 Polo blitzed the fields in the INAC 1 and INAC 2 class, winning both the Open and 2000cc classes, while posting the fastest time of 1 min 38.880 secs over the 1.8km track. He held off Syed Salman, Arnav Pratap Singh, Chetan Shivram and Vaibhan Marathe, all of them finishing on the podium in four classes of the INAC Round 2. Salman meanwhile win in the INAC 2 Up to 1650cc and Up to 1450cc classes, getting two wins under his belt.…

In Ladakh, stillness is not a lack of movement. It is a presence of air, of scale, of silence so deep it echoes in your thoughts. Across this towering, stark, and lunar expanse lie three lakes that don’t just define the landscape—they elevate it: Pangong Tso, Tso Moriri, and Tso Kar. Each is a mirror of Ladakh’s many moods, each more remote than the last. And to chase them is to understand that the journey is as much about the road between them as the water itself. The mission wasn’t a checklist. It was a pursuit. Not for speed or spectacle, but for immersion. In a land ruled by geology and weather, where time dilates and the horizon always stays distant, the search for Ladakh’s sacred lakes is a meditative…

Tata Motors has been a dominant force in the market for the past few years, but the homegrown automakers’ lead has been limited to compact and subcompact SUVs, where it enjoys an indomitable rule. Tata’s smaller cars though, including the Tiago, Tigor and the Altroz haven’t replicated success like their stablemates, and the last has been given an upgrade for the 2025 model year, with an overhaul to the exterior and the interior, with a focal point on a making it a more attractive package. Starting with the front, the Altroz which for me has been the looker in the premium hatch segment now gets a new LED DRL, below which sit new twin-pod LED headlamps. The black panel connecting the headlamps has a new design, while the entirety of…

Can an object really be defined by the price one puts on it? In our field, it’s often detrimental to judge a vehicle purely by the price tag it carries, and it’s better to just look at all that it has to offer and then factor in the cost. However, there are some cars, motorcycles, and in this case, scooters, that are defined by their asking price, and the BMW CE 04 is one such machine. One big reason for the hefty fee is the fact that it is an imported model or CBU. When I first arrived at the BMW office to pick up the CE 04, there it was in all its glory, standing apart from all the other models present in the basement parking. It made an…

Six airbags | Sunroof | Tilt adjust wheel | Hill-start Assist | Automatic climate control | Electric ORVMs | Keyless entry I Remote boot release | 9-in touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto | 360-degree camera | Arkamys premium 6 speaker audio | Wireless charging | Cruise Control | Warranty 3yrs/100,000 km Model ZXi+ AMT Test Started February 2025/2,022km Current ODO reading 6,700km Mileage this month 1,656km Efficiency this month 16.4kmpl It’s finally time to address the most glaring chink in the Dzire’s armour. But first, let’s talk about one of the Dzire’s strong points - that threepot motor. Sure, not a lot will agree, especially four-cylinder purists. Maruti Suzuki has worked around this omission by offering a special something all us Indians love. The Dzire has a claimed…

Digital display Yes | Tachometer No | Fuel gauge Yes | Electric start Yes | Disc brakes Front | Tyres Tubeless | Price Rs 1.49 lakh (ex-showroom) | Warranty 3 years/30,000km Model Z 3.7kWh Test Started January 2025/137km Current ODO reading 1,491km Mileage this month 180km Efficiency this month 105km/charge Just a few weeks back I spoke about the fact that few of the accessories that the company had showcased at launch would make very good sense for the Rizta. Among them was the frunk and the under seat organiser. To our surprise, Ather was quick to act on it and within a week these accessories were sent to us along with the Halo helmet. So, how has it been having these accessories? Let us say it was a bit…

In a bid to boost the local manufacturing of electric vehicles, the Government has approved a new Scheme to Promote Manufacturing of Electric Passenger Cars in India (SPMEPCI). The policy proposes slashing import duties on electric vehicles from the current 70-100 per cent to 15 per cent for five years, incentivising global automakers to invest in India. To qualify, companies must invest at least Rs 4,150 crore within three years of first sale towards establishing local manufacturing facilities. The reduced duty applies to up to 8,000 imported EVs annually, each must be valued at $35,000 (Rs 30 lakh) or above, with a total benefit cap of Rs 6,484 crore or the actual investment, whichever is lower. Unused import quotas can be carried forward. Participating automakers must achieve 25 per cent…

MAHINDRA HAS added to the already brimming feature list of the Thar Roxx with the addition of 4-Channel Dolby Atmos, there by making it the first global SUV to debut this technology. Dolby claims that 4-channel Dolby Atmos brings a new level of aural experience for Roxx users, with immersive audio. The 4-channel Dolby Atmos system has been integrated into the 9-speaker Harman Kardon audio system. Only the AX7L variant of the Thar Roxx comes equipped with this feature, prices for which start at Rs 19.79 lakh (ex-showroom).…

MAHINDRA HAS introduced the Bold Edition for the Bolero and Bolero Neo SUVs. This is essentially a cosmetic package that adds dark chrome finishes above the headlamps, grille, door handles and the faux vents above the rear wheel arches. Along with these, the SUVs also get a blacked-out surround for the fog lamps and the bumper. Inside, the cabin comes with new black upholstery, for the seats and steering wheel as well as new door sill plates and floor mats. The Bolero Neo Bold Edition gets additional neck cushions, as well as a reversing camera. Prices for the Bolero Bold Edition start at Rs 10.02 lakh (ex-showroom) while the Bolero Neo Bold Edition is priced Rs 11.90 lakh (ex-showroom) onwards.…

TATA HAS introduced the facelifted Altroz with priced starting at Rs 6.89 lakh (ex-showroom). It gets an all new front, with new LED twin-pod headlamps, LED DRLs, an LED foglamp (that also serves as the cornering lamp), a new air dam and a lower bumper. Along the sides, the fenders and the doors are new, and have a smoother shoulder line, while the front doors sport flush door handles. At the rear, the tail-lamps are new, and also feature a new fullwidth strip. The new Altroz is heavily inspired by other Tata products, such as the two spoke steering, 10.25-inch infotainment, 10.25-inch instrumentation, touch-based aircon controls, as well as a sunroof, Harman audio system, auto headlamp and wipers, and a 360-degree camera. It can be had with the 88bhp petrol,…

IN A bid to incentivise its electric flagship, BMW has announced a revision in its pricing pan India for the i7. BMW India will be bearing the registration charges, GST and cess, effectively levying a uniform price for the i7 pan India, i.e. Rs 2.05 crore. This price does not however include the Tax Collected at Source, or other local taxes and the vehicle insurance. The BMW i7 is available in the eDrive50 variant, that comes with a 101.7kWh pack and a 450bhp single electric motor propulsion.…

ASTON MARTIN has taken the wraps off the Valkyrie LM - an almost identical version of the British team’s Le Mans contender. While this does not match the FIA homologation requirements, Aston Martin says that the LM is as close to the endurance racer as possible, with minor changes to make it customer-use friendly. It uses the same Cosworth 6.5-litre naturally aspirated V12, that develops 697bhp - same as the race-spec car, but it has been tuned to run on high-octane fuel, rather than race fuel, and supports lean-burn efficiency, rather than outright fuel burn for racing performance. Racing systems such as the closed-loop torque control, ballast, FIA-mandated electronics and torque sensors have been removed. The Valkyrie LM continues to ride on the same race-spec suspension. Inside the cockpit, focus…

ONE OF Toyota’s most successful models, the RAV4 has undergone a generational update that brings it in line with the current crop of Toyotas. Visually, the new RAV4 features a similar design aesthetic to the bZ and Camry models, with the ‘hammerhead’ LED signature lighting. The cabin gets a new dashboard layout, with a 12.9-inch infotainment display, that runs Toyota’s latest Arene OS, that is compatible with OTA updates. The RAV4 can be had in petrol, strong-hybrid and plug-in hybrid variants - with PHEVs being a new addition for the SUV. There are two options, a 268bhp and a 304bhp AWD, with the latter getting a 0 - 100kmph time of 5.8 seconds and 100km of electric only range. For Japan, the RAV4 gets a 2.0-litre 171bhp with AWD as…

THE BMW CONECPT RR has made a first appearance as a part of the e Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este at Lake Como and it previews the future of the brand’s RR superbike range. It builds on the base of the BMW M 1000 RR and is powered by an inline-four, water-cooled engine that it shares with the WSBK race motorcycle and churns out more than 230bhp. BMW claims the Concept RR gets a spcecially tuned chassis, motorsport electronics and aerodymically optimised panels with integrated winglets. The motorcycle is capable of achieving speeds of over 290kmph on straights thanks to its low drag and optimised air routing.…

YAMAHA ROLLED out its five millionth two-wheeler from its Chennai manufacturing facility in form of an Aerox 155 Version S. This marks the 10 years since operations commenced in this plant, which has produced products for both the domestic and international markets. Currently, it manufactures models like the RayZR 125 Fi, Fascino 125 Fi and Aerox 155 Version S. Exports account for 30% of the production, with models like the Saluto range, the FZ series and the Alpha taking centre stage. The plant is spread over 177 acres, of which Yamaha uses 109 acres while the vendor partners use 68 acres under the ‘One Factory’ model that is followed to improve efficiency and integrate supply-chain. It has seen upgrades over the years to cater to the changing strategy of the…

TRIUMPH HAS globally unveiled the Speed Triple 1200 RX based on the Speed Triple 1200 RS. Limited to 1,200 units worldwide, it has a sportier riding position thanks to the new clip-on handlebars and taller and rear-set footpegs. It now gets an electronically adjustable Ohlins steering damper, a new neon yellow colour, carbon fibre panels and an Akrapovic muffler. It runs on 17-inch wheels, shod in Pirelli Supercorsa V3 tyres with twin, radially mounted Brembo Stylema calipers for braking. It is priced at GBP 19,000 (Rs 21.62 lakh approximately), GBP 1,500 (Rs 1.69 lakh) more than the standard.…

THE 2025 iteration of the TVS Apache RTR 200 4V has been launched in India. This version complies with the OBD2B emission norms and brings some upgrades like the 37mm USD front suspension and a new hydroformed handlebar. Design changes include new graphics, red alloy wheels and three colour options: Glossy Black, Matte Black, and Granite Grey. It is powered by a 197.75cc, single-cylinder, oil-cooled engine producing 20.8bhp and 17.25Nm. Prices start at Rs 1.53 lakh (ex-showroom).…

TO BOLSTER its digital capabilities, Magenta Mobility has partnered with Bosch Mobility Platform and Solutions (MPS) to strengthen its backend technology operations. Through this collaboration, Bosch will support Magenta in areas such as cloud engineering, infrastructure management, vulnerability management, and digital operations. Magenta Mobility currently has a significant fleet of more than 2,700 EVs across seven cities. In its next phase of growth, the brand aims to scale up to 10,000 electric vehicles by 2026. Bosch’s domain expertise will play an important role in supporting and optimizing the digital infrastructure.…

KUSH MAINI has converted a Pole position at the Formula 2 Monaco GP Sprint into a win, becoming the first Indian to win at one of motorsports most iconic venues. Maini qualified P10 for the F2 Feature Race, allowing him to start the Sprint Race in Pole position. He led the race from the start, but remained under pressure from Gabriele Mini, his Alpine Academy teammate. The Safety Car in Lap 12 did allow him some breathing room, as he perfected the restart and kept ahead of Mini’s DRS. leading from the start, Maini won his second F2 Sprint, with a margin of 3.705 seconds to Mini. He has had a difficult start to the season, but this also marks his first win with the Dams Lucas Oil team. With…

The Kia Carens has been doing stellar numbers ever since its launch. However, with time, the MPV started looking a bit dated, and a facelift was surely on the cards. Kia, though, had other plans in mind. Instead of replacing the existing version with the new one, it seems like Kia decided to launch a new model instead and let the existing version of the Carens co-exist. Sure, they have trimmed down the variants of the Carens to give the Carens Clavis the edge as personal transportation. This move, though, is not a new one as Maruti Suzuki did the same with the Eritga and the XL6. Kia says that the changes seen on the Carens Clavis are a result of the feedback the company received from the customers and…

Here’s the thing about the Volkswagen Golf GTI Mk 8.5. If you’re the kind of person who looks at a hot hatchback and instinctively starts calculating boot space, fuel economy, and how many Excel sheets the infotainment system can support, you might want to flip these pages right now. But if you’re someone who hears the word GTI and immediately pictures a red stripe slicing across a blacked-out grille like a katana through tofu, welcome. Let’s get the elephant in the room out of the way first. This is not a cheap car. Not here in India anyway. It’s going to be a fullblown CBU import, and that means a sticker price of just above Rs 50 lakh, all said and done. Fifty. For a Golf. That’s more than a…

We were in Vietnam to experience the two cars engineered for the Indian market at the company’s sprawling mother plant in Haiphong, another coastal industrial town on the coast in north Vietnam, near the large financial hub of the country, Hanoi. Here is what we think of the VF7, the larger and the more premium of the two. The VF7 is the larger of the two SUVs that VinFast will be launching in India. Unlike its smaller sibling, the VF7 is a much sharper design with more angles, has sharper edges and a bit more flair with a very pronounced sporty roof that slopes back a lot and resulting in a minimalistic glasshouse on a very chunky body. The front V signature is more upright and similar to the design…

There is little doubt that if you are looking for a 125cc family scooter, the Suzuki Access is by far one of the best out there. Sure, there are other options, including the Honda Activa 125 and even the TVS Jupiter 125, but there is something about the Access that makes it brilliant. That something is the ability to play a dual role of impressing the oldies as well as the youngsters in the family. So can the e-Access do the same for Suzuki all over again? The e-Access is designed to impress all. It is not as sporty as the Ather 450 series and neither is it too committed to the family like the TVS iQube. Suzuki has endowed the e-Access with a sleek front apron that houses the…

Digital display Yes | Tachometer No | Fuel gauge Yes | Electric start Yes | Disc brakes Front | Tyres Tubeless | Price Rs 91,891 (ex-showroom) | Warranty 2 years/24,000km Model SXC Test Started March 2025/561km Current ODO reading 1,227km Mileage this month 666km Efficiency this month 52kmpl If you asked me to personify the word comfort on two wheels, I would introduce you to the TVS Jupiter, let me tell you why. First, the simple act of starting it, taken care of by the i-Touch start tech, enabling a silent start. Once started, you hear the melodious whirring of the engine, and yes, I used the words ‘melodious’ and ‘whirring’, because that’s how gentle it is. Once you’re off, the iGo Assist comes into play, offering a slight boost…