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Bajaj Auto has rolled out limited-period festive benefits across its Pulsar motorcycle range in India. Customers can avail of benefits worth up to Rs 12,000 on select models, with the offer covering motorcycles ranging from the Pulsar 125 to the flagship NS400Z.
The benefits include cash offers, no processing fees and five free services. However, the actual savings vary depending on the model and region.
The offer applies to several motorcycles in the range, including the Pulsar 125, NS125, Pulsar 150, N160 S/SS, NS160, NS200, N250, P220F, RS200 and NS400Z.
The festive campaign follows recent updates across the Pulsar lineup. The Pulsar 125 and Pulsar 150 now feature a 5-inch TFT display with Google Maps, alongside updated mechanical components and features such as ride modes and Crawl Tech.
The Pulsar N160 S/SS gets a 5-inch TFT console, traction control, ride modes and Intelligent Throttle technology. Bajaj claims a 0-60kmph acceleration time of 4.5 seconds for the N160 S/SS.
Meanwhile, the Pulsar NS400Z gets a 5-inch TFT display with Google Maps, a USB Type-C port and hazard lights. It continues to produce 40 PS and features ride modes, traction control and a quickshifter with Sports Shift functionality.
The festive offers are currently available across markets for a limited period. Customers will need to check with their local Bajaj dealership for the applicable benefits on individual models.
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Skoda Auto India has launched the facelifted Slavia at Rs 10.00 Lakh in India, bringing a series of exterior and interior updates along with a new 8-speed automatic transmission. The facelifted sedan continues to offer the existing 1.0-litre and 1.5-litre TSI petrol engines, while adding features such as a 360-degree camera, a larger digital instrument cluster and a rear-seat massager.
Skoda Slavia Facelift Price
Variant
1.0 TSI MT
1.0 TSI AT
1.5 TSI DSG
Classic
₹9,99,900
–
–
Classic+
₹10,99,000
₹12,49,000
–
Signature
₹13,94,000
₹14,94,000
–
Sportline
₹14,34,000
₹15,34,000
–
Prestige
₹15,89,000
₹16,89,000
₹18,59,000
Monte Carlo
–
₹17,29,000
₹18,84,000
New Exterior Design
The updated Skoda Slavia gets a redesigned front end, with the most noticeable change being the new all-LED headlights. The outgoing sedan featured LED projector headlights with halogen turn indicators, while the facelift gets sequential LED indicators.
Between the headlights sits a revised grille with a reworked outer shell featuring a carbon-fibre-like finish. The vertical slats now get chrome inserts, replacing the blacked-out treatment seen on the outgoing model.
The bumper has also been redesigned and features a new 3D air intake with an arrow-like shape. The facelifted Slavia also gets LED projector fog lights, replacing the halogen units on the pre-facelift model.
At the rear, the sedan gets updated taillights along with sequential turn indicators. The Monte Carlo variant also gets red brake callipers and all-black alloy wheels.
Interior And Features
Inside, the Slavia gets a larger 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, replacing the previous 8-inch unit. The new display gets turn-by-turn navigation, while the fuel-level and engine-temperature indicators have also been redesigned.
The sedan also gets a new 10-inch infotainment system with built-in connectivity. It continues to support wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Moreover, the system uses Google Cloud's Automotive AI Agent and Gemini-based voice assistance.
Additionally, the 360-degree camera system helps with parking in tight spaces. The cameras are positioned on the front grille, ORVMs and tailgate, providing a bird's-eye view of the sedan.
The feature is not available on the recently updated Skoda Kushaq, making the Slavia the first model from the Volkswagen Group's India 2.0 programme to offer a 360-degree camera.
The most notable interior addition is a rear-seat massager, which Skoda claims is a first-in-segment feature. However, the massaging function is limited to the two outer rear seats. The middle seat does not get the feature, with the centre section occupied by a fold-down armrest.
Powertrain Details
The biggest mechanical update is the introduction of an 8-speed torque-converter automatic gearbox. It replaces the 6-speed torque-converter automatic previously offered with the 1.0 TSI.
The 1.0-litre TSI engine continues to produce 114 bhp and 178 Nm of peak torque. The 1.5-litre TSI engine is also carried forward. The Slavia continues to be offered with a 6-speed manual, while the 1.5 TSI retains the 7-speed DSG automatic.
The new 8-speed automatic is also available on the Skoda Kushaq and Volkswagen Taigun.
The 2027 Skoda Slavia is now available in 10 exterior colour options, excluding dual-tone combinations. Arctic Silver and Cappuccino Beige are the two new additions to the existing colour palette.
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Today, Honda Cars India will launch the highly anticipated Elevate facelift, and from the teasers shown so far, it's clear the SUV will feature some important changes. The booking amount is set at Rs 21,000. With the SUV’s launch just a few hours away, let’s see what we can expect.
The facelift will get some minor design changes on the exterior. The SUV will feature connected DRLs and tail-lights, along with a redesigned grille, bumpers and headlights, as seen in the earlier teasers. Moreover, the teasers reveal that the Honda logo on the front will now be placed on the hood instead of the grille.
However, the LED headlamps, eyebrow-style DRLs and 17-inch alloy wheels appear to remain unchanged from the current Elevate.
There are not many details available about the interior, but we can speculate that it could get electrically adjustable and ventilated seats, a 360-degree cameras, dual-zone automatic climate control and a panoramic sunroof. Ambient lighting will also be added across the dashboard and door panels.
We can also expect a new look for the seats, along with refreshed trim accents. The ADAS suite could also be revamped, with more features added to the list.
Under the hood, the Elevate facelift will continue with the 1.5-litre i-VTEC petrol engine, paired with either a six-speed manual or a seven-speed CVT automatic with paddle shifters. Power and torque are expected to remain unchanged at 119 bhp and 145 Nm.
Currently, the Honda Elevate is priced from Rs 11.80 lakh to Rs 16.77 lakh, ex-showroom. With the additional equipment, the facelift could command a premium over the outgoing model.
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Both bikes fall into the entry-level dual-purpose segment, which is currently dominated by the likes of the Hero XPulse 210 and, to some extent, the Kawasaki KLX 230. The XR300L and XR300 Rally are based on the same 293.5cc single-cylinder platform, but each has a distinct use case, with the Rally version adding touring-focused equipment.
The story is being updated; stay tuned!
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The Maharashtra Transport Department has launched a 13-day special inspection drive to identify vehicles registered in other states but being used in Maharashtra beyond the permitted period. The drive will run from October 5 to October 17 and has been ordered by Transport Commissioner Rajesh Narvekar, according to news agency reports.
The inspection does not aim to ban all out-of-state vehicles. Instead, the department will focus on vehicles that have been based in Maharashtra for more than a year without being re-registered in the state or paying the applicable state motor vehicle tax.
Under Section 47 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, a vehicle registered in one state can be kept and used in another state for a period of up to 12 months. If the vehicle is to remain in the other state beyond this period, the owner is required to apply for a new registration mark in that state.
If a vehicle is found to have exceeded the permitted period, it could be detained where warranted, along with action related to re-registration and recovery of the applicable motor vehicle tax.
The Transport Department will maintain digital records of the enforcement action. Details such as registration numbers, action taken, vehicles detained and tax recovered will be recorded through Google Sheets.
According to the department, the drive is intended to ensure compliance with registration and taxation requirements. The move also comes amid concerns that some vehicle owners may register their vehicles in states or Union Territories with lower taxation while using them primarily in Maharashtra.
The re-registration process requires documents such as the original registration certificate, insurance and PUC certificates, applicable forms, and a No Objection Certificate from the original registering authority. Financier consent may also be required, where applicable.
The special drive provides for the detention of vehicles where warranted, along with action related to re-registration and recovery of the applicable motor vehicle tax.
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Tomorrow, Honda Cars India will launch the highly anticipated Elevate facelift, and from the teasers shown so far, it's clear the SUV will feature some important changes. The booking amount is set at Rs 21,000. With the SUV’s launch slated for tomorrow, let’s see what we can expect.
The facelift will get some minor design changes on the exterior. The SUV will feature connected DRLs and tail-lights, along with a redesigned grille, bumpers and headlights, as seen in the earlier teasers. Moreover, the teasers reveal that the Honda logo on the front will now be placed on the hood instead of the grille.
However, the LED headlamps, eyebrow-style DRLs and 17-inch alloy wheels appear to remain unchanged from the current Elevate.
There are not many details available about the interior, but we can speculate that it could get electrically adjustable and ventilated seats, a 360-degree cameras, dual-zone automatic climate control and a panoramic sunroof. Ambient lighting will also be added across the dashboard and door panels.
We can also expect a new look for the seats, along with refreshed trim accents. The ADAS suite could also be revamped, with more features added to the list.
Under the hood, the Elevate facelift will continue with the 1.5-litre i-VTEC petrol engine, paired with either a six-speed manual or a seven-speed CVT automatic with paddle shifters. Power and torque are expected to remain unchanged at 119 bhp and 145 Nm.
Currently, the Honda Elevate is priced from Rs 11.80 lakh to Rs 16.77 lakh, ex-showroom. With the additional equipment, the facelift could command a premium over the outgoing model. Bookings are already open for Rs 21,000.
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Mahindra's Thar Electric has been one of the anticipated launches in the brand's product pipeline. A five-door SUV, heavily camouflaged, was recently spotted testing on public roads by Rushlane. It appears to retain the proportions of the Mahindra Thar Roxx, while some design details suggest that it could be based on the Mahindra Vision T Concept.
The Mahindra Vision T was unveiled in August 2025, and the spied vehicle appears to follow the same design language. Its dimensions seem comparable to those of the Mahindra Thar Roxx. The Vision T follows Mahindra's new HEARTCORE design philosophy.
Although the SUV was heavily camouflaged, its outline reveals an upright front fascia with a split grille incorporating horizontal slats, drawing inspiration from the Thar Roxx. It gets square-shaped headlamp units with distinctive LED lighting elements arranged in two horizontal rows.
It has a boxy silhouette with a high shoulder line, short overhangs, flared wheel arches and chunky body cladding. Moreover, the tyres do not appear to be production-ready, and based on their proportions, they could measure around 19 to 20 inches.
At the rear, very little was visible, but it might feature a centrally mounted spare wheel, another characteristic design element of the Thar family. The tail-lamps follow a distinctive horizontal LED lighting pattern, while the redesigned bumper maintains the SUV's rugged character.
The cabin's design language is expected to be closely based on the Vision T Concept and Mahindra's Scorpio Lifestyler design philosophy, featuring a more conventional layout compared to the futuristic Thar.e Concept. It gets a freestanding digital instrument cluster and a larger, portrait-oriented infotainment display.
Overall, it combines the familiar proportions of a traditional off-roader with contemporary lighting, sharper body surfaces and a more refined cabin. While its overall design retains the Thar's recognisable identity, its monocoque architecture and updated styling indicate a shift towards a more versatile, modern SUV.
The Vision T is a more production-oriented interpretation of the Thar.e Concept, retaining the rugged character of the Thar while introducing a new design direction for Mahindra's SUV family.
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Honda Cars India has dropped another teaser for the upcoming Elevate facelift ahead of its October 6, 2026 launch. The latest teaser unfolds several of the SUV’s exterior changes, including a noticeably revised front end, along with some of the feature additions already hinted at in earlier teasers.
One of the major changes is the redesigned fascia, which now incorporates horizontal, segmented LED DRLs. Honda has also repositioned the logo upfront, and it now sits on the leading edge of the bonnet. Above the grille sits a chrome element that appears to have a contrasting finish, while the SUV shown in the teaser appears to be wearing a new grey exterior shade.
The 360-degree camera setup is also visible. However, several existing design elements seem to have been carried over. The LED headlamps, eyebrow-style DRLs and 17-inch alloy wheels appear unchanged from the current Elevate.
Honda had already shown some of the rear and cabin changes in an earlier teaser. The facelift gets a connected light bar at the rear, along with additional grille elements. Inside, Honda appears to be moving away from the current tan cabin in favour of a lighter interior theme, similar to the recently launched City.
Ambient lighting will also be added across the dashboard and door panels. Honda has not revealed the entire cabin yet, but the facelift is expected to gain considerably more equipment. The expected additions include electric and ventilated seats, dual-zone automatic climate control and a panoramic sunroof. The seats could also get a new design, accompanied by refreshed trim accents. The carmaker could further update the ADAS package with additional features.
The mechanical package is not expected to change. The Elevate facelift will continue with the 1.5-litre i-VTEC petrol engine, paired with either a six-speed manual or a seven-speed CVT automatic with paddle shifters. Power and torque are expected to remain unchanged at 119 bhp and 145 Nm.
The current Honda Elevate is priced from Rs 11.80 lakh to Rs 16.77 lakh, ex-showroom. With the additional equipment, the facelift could command a premium over the outgoing model. Bookings are already open for Rs 21,000.
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Kawasaki has given the Ninja 650 a more substantial update for 2027, with the middleweight sportbike getting new suspension and braking hardware, along with a few changes to its electronics package. This is more than the usual colour update, although the overall design of the motorcycle remains largely unchanged.
Starting with the biggest change, which is the front suspension. The 41mm telescopic fork on the current bike has been replaced by a Showa 37 mm SFF-BP inverted fork, while the rear suspension gets a revised spring rate. Kawasaki has also upgraded the front brakes, retaining the twin 300mm discs but replacing the existing axial-mount calipers with opposed four-piston radial-mount units.
For the first time, the Ninja 650 will also be available with Kawasaki's Quick Shifter (KQS) as an accessory. It allows clutchless upshifts while accelerating. The 4.3-inch colour TFT continues on the 2027 Ninja 650, but gets a redesigned layout. Rideology smartphone connectivity has also been expanded, adding navigation and voice-command functions.
On the visual side, keen-eyed observers would notice a slightly wider front fender, although the rest of the styling remains the same. The updated model is offered in Lime Green, Metallic Flat Spark Black with Metallic Carbon Grey, and Metallic Matte Graphenesteel Grey with Metallic Spark Black. The colour options for India could be different.
The Ninja 650 continues with its 649cc liquid-cooled parallel-twin engine, churning out 67 bhp and 64 Nm. The torque figure is up from 62.1Nm on the current motorcycle, while the six-speed gearbox continues.
The European-spec 2027 bike also gets a 785mm seat height, 194kg kerb weight, a 1,395mm wheelbase and 125mm of ground clearance. The current Indian-spec motorcycle has a 1,410mm wheelbase and 130mm ground clearance, while its kerb weight is 2kg higher.
The current Kawasaki Ninja 650 is priced at Rs 7.91 lakh (exs-showroom) in India. The 2027 model is expected to cost more and could move into the Rs 8 lakh price bracket.
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September 2026 saw strong sales across major carmakers, with Maruti Suzuki leading the chart with 2,36,013 units, followed by Mahindra at 1,14,874 units. Hyundai ranked third with 77,916 units, while Tata Motors recorded 70,210 passenger vehicle sales in the month. Kia was next with 32,017 units, its highest-ever monthly sales in India, followed by Toyota with 28,218 units, Renault with 3,399 units and MG with 8,018 units.
Maruti Suzuki sold a total of 2,36,013 units in September 2026, including 1,85,252 domestic sales, 6,542 units sold to other OEMs and 44,219 exports. Domestic passenger vehicle sales stood at 1,81,838 units, up from 1,32,820 units in September 2025. For FY2026-27 so far, domestic passenger vehicle sales have reached 10,80,240 units, compared with 7,95,446 units during the corresponding period of FY2025-26. Exports also rose to 44,219 units from 42,204 units a year earlier.
Mahindra Auto recorded overall sales of 1,14,874 vehicles in September 2026, including exports, representing 15 per cent growth. Domestic utility vehicle sales stood at 64,092 units, up 14 per cent year on year. Mahindra exported 4,019 vehicles during the month, compared with 4,320 units in September 2025. For the April-September period, exports stood at 30,031 units, up 48 per cent from 20,303 units during the same period last year.
Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles recorded total sales of 70,210 units in September 2026 across domestic and international markets, including EVs This was a 15 per cent increase over the 60,907 units sold in September 2025. Domestic passenger vehicle sales stood at 68,810 units, up 15 per cent, while international business sales reached 1,400 units.
Tata’s EV sales, including domestic and international markets, stood at 15,384 units in September, up 67 per cent from 9,191 units a year earlier. The company recorded 2,01,723 passenger vehicle sales in Q2 FY27, its highest-ever quarterly sales, representing 40 per cent growth over Q2 FY26. EV sales for the quarter stood at 47,150 units, up 90 per cent year on year.
Hyundai Motor India recorded its highest-ever monthly total sales since inception in September 2026, with 77,916 units sold across domestic and export markets. This represents 10.8 per cent year-on-year growth. Domestic sales stood at 57,166 units, up 10.9 per cent, while exports rose 10.4 per cent to 20,750 units.
Kia India recorded its highest-ever monthly sales since entering the Indian market, selling 32,017 units in September 2026. This represents 41 per cent growth over the 22,700 units sold in September 2025. Kia also recorded 89,259 units in Q3 2026, up 38.5 per cent from 64,443 units in Q3 2025. Its January-September 2026 sales stood at 2,53,008 units, a 22.5 per cent increase over the 2,06,582 units sold during the same period last year.
Toyota Kirloskar Motor sold 28,218 units in September 2026, comprising 25,027 units in the domestic market and 3,191 exports. Its cumulative sales for January-September 2026 stood at 2,94,914 units, up 8 per cent from 2,72,824 units during the same period last year. Domestic sales grew 9 per cent to 2,69,619 units, while exports stood at 25,295 units, down 2 per cent from 25,743 units in the corresponding period of 2025.
JSW MG Motor India recorded 8,018 wholesale vehicle dispatches to dealers in September 2026, marking 19 per cent year-on-year growth. The carmaker also commenced deliveries of the Tomahawk EV during the month, its latest electric vehicle for the Indian market.
Renault India recorded domestic wholesales of 3,399 units in September 2026, marking a 20 per cent month-on-month increase over August. Its January-September 2026 domestic sales stood at 35,378 units, up 36.6 per cent from 25,886 units during the corresponding period last year.
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BYD is bringing the fireworks this Diwali – its luxury division ‘Denza’ has announced its India entry is imminent, and car&bike can now confirm the first Denza models for India will arrive in November 2026. Denza will land here with two strikingly different products to begin with – the imposing D9 MPV and the swoopy Z9 GT shooting brake. Both are expected to be launched in all-electric form – even though both are also offered with BYD's DM-i plug-in hybrid powertrains overseas – and as fully built-up (FBU) models, sold through standalone Denza outlets, and not from existing BYD showrooms.
That BYD is a leader in electric vehicles worldwide is a well-known fact. However, the tech advancements BYD continually makes inevitably pushes up prices of flagship models with the latest in battery and in-vehicle technology. To diversify its portfolio, BYD has also spun off multiple sub-brands under which it can sell its more luxurious models.
The easiest way to understand what Denza (Tengshi Auto in its home market of China) is to BYD is to look at what Lexus is to Toyota. Just like the Japanese carmaker has Lexus as its luxury sub-brand and Century as its ultra-luxury marque, BYD has Denza as its luxury car brand and Yangwang as its top-of-the-line, super-luxury brand.
Denza D9: Highlights
Arguably the better fit for India among the two products headed here first, the Denza D9 is a luxurious, three-row MPV that is set to take on the Toyota Vellfire and the Lexus LM. The D9 is more than 5.2 metres long, with a wheelbase longer than 3,100 mm, making it substantially longer than both the Toyota as well as the Lexus.
Fitted with a 115 kWh LFP Blade battery, the Denza D9 has a range of up to 800 kilometres on China's test cycle. In its home market, it is available in single- and dual-motor forms, with power output of up to 550 bhp. Top speed is capped at 180 kmph. In China, the D9 is also compatible with 1500 kW ‘Flash’ charging.
The D9 promises to spoil occupants silly with its exhaustive equipment list. Aside from the three screens on the dashboard, it can also be specced with a roof-mounted screen, as well as displays in the doors to control individual seat functions. All three rows of seats are powered as well as ventilated, with the two front rows also featuring massage functions. The D9 also comes with 9 airbags and a laundry list of advanced driver assistance functions. Expect prices for the D9 to start at under Rs 1 crore (ex-showroom).
The Z9 GT is a halo car for Denza; a clear sign of the brand's desire to go global and find acceptance in more mature markets, such as Europe. The Z9 GT is a full-blown shooting brake that wants to blow the competition away with searing performance.
It's long, at over 5.1 metres, and also has a long wheelbase (3,125 mm). The cabin has room for five passengers, and 495 litres of boot space, in addition to a frunk. The focus remains firmly on dynamic capabilities – the all-electric Z9 GT has three electric motors (1 at the front, 2 at the rear), developing a combined 1,140 bhp and 1,210 Nm of peak torque. Thanks to those staggering numbers, the Z9 GT can do 0-100 kmph in just 2.7 seconds, and hit a top speed of 269 kmph.
It has a 122 kWh cell-to-body LFP battery, which can accept up to 1500 kW of ‘Flash’ charging in China, and up to 11 kW of AC charging. Range is rated at up to 600 kilometres on the WLTP cycle. Expect the Z9 GT to cost somewhere between Rs 1.50 crore to 2 crore (ex-showroom).
The closest rival to the Z9 GT in India will be the Porsche Taycan.
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