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Skoda has commenced production of the upcoming Kushaq facelift at the Skoda Auto Volkswagen India plant in Pune ahead of its launch. The facelifted SUV made its global debut in January, showcasing an updated design as well as getting features and mechanical enhancements. Prices are expected to be announced in the coming weeks, with Skoda having confirmed that customer deliveries will start in March 2026.
Cosmetically, the Kushaq gets a revised fascia with a wider, more upright grille with an embedded lightbar on higher variants, revamped LED headlamps and a cleaner front bumper with high-set fog lamps. Around the back, the new Kushaq gets a faux lightbar design taillamp, which features an illuminating Skoda wordmark. Also updated is the rear bumper design, which adds some muscle to the SUV.
Changes within the cabin are subtler with a new black and beige colour scheme and new interior trim elements, though the overall look has not changed much from the outgoing model. The big changes, however, come on the feature front with the updated SUV getting new tech such as a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, massaging rear seats - unique in the segment, a panoramic sunroof and an updated 10-inch touchscreen with a Google Automotive AI-powered voice assistant.
Mechanically, the 1.0 TSI and 1.5 TSI turbo-petrol engines carry forward, though the former now gets a new automatic gearbox. The 1.0 TSI drops the old 6-speed torque converter automatic in favour of a new 8-speed torque converter unit, while a 6-speed manual gearbox remains the default offering. The 1.5 TSI, meanwhile, continues to be offered with a 7-speed DSG automatic as standard.
KTM has officially ended its decades-long partnership with KISKA, the Salzburg-based design studio that has worked closely with the brand since the early 1990s. As part of this move, KTM has sold its remaining stake in KISKA to technology company Loxone GmbH. The move comes after Bajaj Auto assumed control of Pierer Mobility, KTM’s parent company, and is seen as part of KTM’s restructuring process under new ownership. According to reports, Bajaj Auto wants to set up its own design studio for KTM.
Cost control and tighter internal processes seem to be the major reasons for the decision to part ways with KISKA and develop an in-house design centre. The new centre will be based in Salzburg and not in Mattighofen where KTM’s development and production centre is located. For now, KTM will continue working with KISKA, and access to KISKA’s design resources is still open.
KISKA Design was theoretically part of the KTM Group and was instrumental in shaping the identity of KTM as we know of it today. Since the ‘90s KISKA has not just been contributing to product design and engineering at KTM, but also to other areas of the KTM brand, including brand strategy, communication and apparel. For now, KTM’s design language is unlikely to go through massive changes, and new KTM motorcycles are likely to retain the sharp and chiselled lines that have sort of become identifiable design elements of KTM bikes.
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Audi has unveiled the all-new RS5, Audi Sport’s first-ever high-performance plug-in hybrid. The successor to the defunct RS4 - a result of Audi’s short-lived odd and even number naming policy to denote ICE and EVs, the new RS5 will go on sale in global markets in both sedan and Avant (estate) body styles when it goes on sale later in the year.
The biggest talking point of the new RS5 is the powertrain - and its weight, though we’ll talk about that later. The RS gets Audi Sport’s first high-performance plug-in hybrid powertrain from Audi Sport. The system pairs the VW Group’s 2.9-litre twin-turbo V6 with a 130 kW electric motor and an on board battery to deliver a peak 630 bhp while also promising up to 80 km of emissions-free driving. While the outgoing RS4 and RS5 too featured a 2.9-litre V6, the one in the new RS5 gets some notable changes.
To meet upcoming Euro 7 emission regulations, the engine now runs on a modified Miller Cycle with the intake valves closing early for a leaner burn and thus reducing NOx emissions. The unit also features higher fuel injection pressure as well as new variable geometry turbos and a new intake system with water-cooled intercoolers. The result is an engine that now produces around 60 bhp more at 503 bhp than the unit in the outgoing RS4 while improving efficiency by a claimed 20 per cent. Engine torque is rated at 600 Nm.
The engine is paired with an electric motor offering a peak output of 174 bhp and 460 Nm, which also doubles as the starter motor for the engine. Peak total output stands at 630 bhp and 825 Nm. Power is sent to the wheels via an 8-speed automatic gearbox.
The 25.9 kWh battery sits above the rear axle and gives the RS5 a range of over 80 km in EV mode alone. Aside from sending power to the main electric motor paired with the engine, Audi says that the battery also sends power to a second electric motor that is integrated into the RS5 electromechanical torque vectoring unit on the rear axle - a first for Audi. The unit can adjust the power sent to each real wheel in under 15 milliseconds to offer maximum power at the wheel with the most grip to enhance cornering.
Also new to the RS5’s all-wheel drive system is a new, limited-slip centre differential capable of sending up to 70 per cent of the power to the front axle or up to 85 per cent to the rear.
Moving to the suspension, the RS5 features a 5-link set-up at the front and rear with RS-specific twin-valve shock absorbers and adaptive dampers. Stopping power comes via 420 mm front and 400 mm steel disc brakes as standard, with carbon ceramic units available as an option.
All of this tech, however, does come at a cost - weight. Audi says that the RS5 tips the scale at 2,355 kg for the sedan and 2,370 kg for the Avant. This makes it as heavy as some full-size pick-up trucks sold in American markets - a Toyota Tundra weighs between 1880 kg and 2453 kg. Despite the weight, Audi claims a 0-100 kmph time of 3.6 seconds and a top speed of up to 285 kmph with the optional Audi Sport pack.
On the styling part, the RS5 looks every bit like an Audi RS car with its bulging fenders and aggressive aero elements. Audi says that the RS5 is up to 80 mm wider than the standard A5 sedan sold in global markets. Buyers can pick between 20 or 21-inch alloy wheel designs to fill out the flared wheel arches.
Up front, the RS5 gets model-specific LED DRL patterns within the Matrix LED headlamps. The fascia is dominated by an oversized three-dimensional honeycomb grille flanked by prominent vents on either side. At the rear, the bumper integrates a dual exhaust and rear diffuser, while a small lip spoiler sits atop the bootlid of the sedan.
Inside, the RS5 carries over the new-gen interior from the standard A5, including the panoramic display housing an 11.9-inch Virtual cockpit anda 14.5-inch central touchscreen. The 10.9-inch third display for the front passenger is standard fit as well, though a heads-up display is optional. Buyers can also spec an interior in five distinctive designs, including a leather-free cabin.
Audi says that the new RS5 will go on sale in European markets in the coming months, though it remains to be seen if it will come to India. The standard A5 is likely to come to India sometime this year, with the current A4 a fairly dated model in Audi’s range. Additionally, with models such as the M4 and AMG C 63 on sale in India, the RS5 should also be able to find buyers in the market.
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Tata Motors has launched the recently unveiled Punch EV facelift with prices starting from Rs 9.69 lakh (ex-showroom). Unveiled in studio images earlier in the month, the Punch EV facelift follows a similar design direction as the internal combustion Punch facelift, along with some notable updates under the skin.
The Punch EV is also being offered under the battery subscription model with prices starting from Rs 6.49 lakh (ex-showroom). Battery EMI starts from Rs 2.6 per km.
Starting with the mechanical changes, the Punch EV now offers even greater range with the introduction of two new battery packs 40 kWh and 30 kWh battery - up from 35 kWh and 25 kWh. Tata claims an ARAI-certified range of 468 km with a C75 (Tata’s tested real-world) range of up to 355 km on a full charge for the 40 kWh battery.
Charging times have also improved with the Punch EV now supporting 65 kW DC fast charging - up from 50 kW - with a 20-80 per cent charge taking a claimed 26 minutes. Additionally, the new 40 kWh battery also comes with a lifetime warranty, though it is only valid for the first purchaser and will not apply to second sales.
The 40 kWh battery also brings with it a more powerful electric motor with peak output rising from 121 bhp in the outgoing Punch EV LR to 127 bhp. Tata claims a sub-9 sec 0-100 kmph time. As before the Punch EV will come with three drive modes and four regen modes. Tata claims a kerb weight of 1360 kg for the Punch EV.
Cosmetically, the Punch EV borrows some styling elements from its internal combustion sibling. The split headlamp design is retained with the LED DRL design marginally different from the units on the ICE Punch. The EV also gets a cleaner bumper design with lighter cladding than its ICE sibling and only a large intake vent at the base of the bumper. The headlamps look to be further in-set than in the outgoing model, though they still feature within angular housings on the bumper.
At the rear, the connected tail lamp set-up is straight from the ICE Punch facelift with the EV getting a revised bumper design.
Inside, there are no notable design changes to the cabin aside from a lighter dual-tone colour scheme, with the Punch EV retaining the use of the 10.25-inch free-standing central touchscreen and 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster in top variants. The touch-based HVAC controls are also unchanged.
Tata says that the Punch EV will get standard safety features such as tyre pressure monitoring, 6 airbags, ISOFIX child seat mounts, ESP and hill start assist.
In terms of comfort features, the Punch EV gets kit such as two drive modes, iRA connected car tech, height adjustable driver seat and front power windows in the base model. Higher variants add in features such as an 8.0-inch touchscreen, USB Type C fast charging ports, electronic parking brake, a reverse camera, keyless entry and go, cruise control and more.
Top variants meanwhile pack in tech such as a 10.25-inch touchscreen with wireless smartphone integration, a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, 16-inch diamond cut alloys, 350 degree camera, blind spot monitoring, auto headlamps and wipers, a sunroof, ventilated front seats and more.
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At the third edition of the ADAS Show held in recent weeks, it was revealed that Level 2 ADAS looks set to be the most widely used active safety tech going forward. ADAS has been gaining popularity across the globe, with many global safety bodies such as Euro NCAP, Japan NCAP and more requiring the system to be present in vehicles to be able to qualify for full safety scores.
“The projection from 2030 to 2035, which is not very far. We would expect more and more vehicles to be getting into L2 & L2+. And that is across geography. Of course, in North America or Western Europe, they have probably taken a bit of leeway, but this part of the world, which includes Asia Pacific, it's a very different ball game, which is emerging,” Abhijit Sengupta, Head of Business for SE Asia and India, said during a presentation.
In his presentation, Sengupta previewed the growth of ADAS tech over the next 10 years in graphical format, suggesting that sales of vehicles with Level 2 and Level 2+ ADAS across all markets could cross 7 crore units by 2035. The graphics also pointed to a growth in Level 2+ ADAS system availability going forward, with the system expected to outsell lower-spec L2 systems. Penetration of Level 3 and higher systems was also projected to grow but at a much slower pace.
L2 ADAS systems generally refer to the basic ADAS suits requiring hands-on and eyes-on driving, while L2+ does offer some hands-off driving features. Higher systems call for hands-off and eyes-off driving, all the way to driverless vehicles.
Speaking separately to car&bike on Level 3 and higher safety systems, Sengupta later said, “So Level 3 and above it takes a lot of other sets of information and has to handle lots of variables. Level 3 and Level 3+ is a lot of hands-free driving. The software needs to be ready for similar driving conditions. We do not have this sort of software ready yet for India, maybe at some point of time."
Demand For ADAS Systems Could Rise In India Due To Regulations
Going in line with this projection was the announcement from auto tech firm Mobileye, which said it would start testing its Level 2+ ADAS tech in India from 2027. Speaking to car&bike, Mobileye India Director of Business Development & Strategy Dhairyashil Gaikwad said that the company did see a market for Level 2+ systems in India.
“There is a propensity of customers to buy cars above $25,000 and $30,000, and in cars, the main differentiation is happening specifically in two-three key areas, like the infotainment system and the safety system. And safety is where the differentiation is being provided by the hands-free eyes-on systems,” Gaekwad said.
He added that a core driving factor was also the upcoming regulations, including the updates set to come in under Bharat NCAP 2.0 where ADAS technologies could play a role in receiving a 5-star rating.
ADAS is set to also become mandatory in heavy commercial vehicles by late 2027, which Mobileye projects could potentially increase volumes by over 1 million units. Further regulations in relation to passenger vehicles could further increase demand.
Indian Road Conditions Require Tailoring Of ADAS
A common point brought up by all speakers, however were the challenges faced for ADAS adoption in India - mainly India’s ever-changing and often chaotic road conditions.
Speaking at the ADAS show Nina Roeck, VP Software - Drive and Comfort at Renault Group said that ADAS systems were generally “designed for structured roads for standard road users and also for very predictable traffic with rule-based driving,” though the reality in India was much different where vehicles negotiated tight spaces and “non-standard” road users including load carrying two-wheelers, animals, autorichshaws, pedestrians, merging traffic and more.
“It’s just completely different to what the ADAS system is trained for in other parts of the world,” Roeck commented.
“So when designing ADAS for India, we have to move from theory to trust. First of all, we have to tune the perception for India. We have to detect two-wheelers, pedestrains and all kind of other participants in the traffic in a very robust way. And we have to not only detect them, but we also have to track them,” she added.
Sengupta had a similar viewpoint when talking about ADAS technologies for India. He said, “As we all know, those who have driven in India, they all have similar experiences. There are lots of variables which are on the road. The data set which needs to be analysed is immense - from the animals on the roads to the biggest types of vehicles and pedestrian crossings, there are multiple of those barriers where the data needs to be trained,” he added.
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KTM India has announced a new set of benefits for customers purchasing the 390 Adventure and 250 Adventure models, which includes complimentary accessories valued at Rs 12,748 along with a 10-year extended warranty. The offer was revealed through the brand’s official social media channels and will remain valid until February 28, 2026.
As part of this limited-period scheme, buyers will receive a range of complimentary accessories. These include a mudflap extension, lower fender, headlamp protector, centre stand, touring seat, and a motorcycle cover. KTM states that the combined value of these items is Rs 12,748, and they are currently being bundled with both the motorcycles until the end of February.
Alongside the accessory package, KTM is also offering an extended warranty for up to 10 years on the 390 Adventure and 250 Adventure. This coverage is likely applicable for either 10 years or a specified kilometre limit, whichever is reached first. However, we advise confirming the exact terms and conditions with their nearest authorised KTM dealership.
Powering the 390 Adventure is a 399cc, single-cylinder engine that produces 46 bhp and 39 Nm of torque. This motor is paired with a six-speed gearbox and has a bi-directional quickshifter.
The 250 Adventure, on the other hand, is powered by a 249cc, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine that churns out 30.57 bhp and 25 Nm of peak torque. The six-speed gearbox continues its duty, assisted with a bi-directional quick shifter.
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After being sighted undergoing road tests in India in January, the updated Hyundai Exter has now been spied in South Korea. The fresh set of spy images indicates that Hyundai’s compact SUV is progressing through development ahead of its expected launch later this year.
As with the earlier test car seen in India, the South Korean prototype is covered in heavy camouflage all around. The test vehicle appears to retain the signature H-shaped, high-mounted LED daytime running lights, while the square projector headlamps seem largely unchanged. However, the front bumper design could see some reworking, and the grille on the camouflaged model looks taller and more upright.
Towards the rear, most visual details remain hidden under camouflage. From what can be made out, the tail lamps appear similar to those on the current Exter, including the H-shaped lighting signature. What could be expected is the addition of a connecting light bar, though such a feature is not clearly visible in the available images.
Interior details of the facelifted Hyundai Exter remain under wraps for now, but we expect the overall cabin layout to remain familiar; however, the equipment list could see additions. Possible updates may include a larger infotainment touchscreen, enhanced digital instrument cluster functions, and additions to the connected car tech suite.
Mechanically, significant changes are not expected. The facelifted Exter is likely to continue with the existing 1.2-litre petrol engine, offered with manual and AMT transmission options. The factory-fitted CNG variant equipped with Hyundai’s twin-cylinder tech should also continue as part of the range.
The Hyundai Exter, which competes with the Tata Punch, was introduced in India in mid-2023 and has received minor feature revisions since launch. The facelifted version is expected to arrive in the Indian market later this year.
Spy shot source - onyoukim
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Tata will be introducing the new and updated Punch EV facelift in India tomorrow. This is the first major update for the entry-level electric micro-SUV since its introduction in 2024. With this update, there will be some cosmetic changes cued from the recently updated ICE counterpart, while there is a bigger battery pack expected under the skin.
Bigger Battery pack
Now the current Punch EV has two battery options – 25kWh and 35kWh. With the update, we expect the smaller 25kWh battery to go obsolete, while the 35kWh will become the smaller of the two choices. A newer and larger battery is expected to be offered with the update.
It could be the 45kWh from the Nexon EV, which seems like a no-brainer. It's already serving a larger sibling and would offer a healthy range. In the teasers ahead of the launch, Tata says the new Punch EV facelift has clocked 593.6 km on a single charge. This is achievable if the battery pack is above 40kWh.
Talking about 40kWh, to keep the price in check, and eradicate the packing difficulty of fitting a bigger 45kWh in the smaller footprint of the Punch, the bigger battery pack could be the discontinued 40.5kWh unit, which used to be offered with the Nexon EV earlier. Whether it’s the 40.5 or 45kWh, we know that the Punch EV is now getting a bigger battery.
With the facelift, the fascia has been revised with the LED daytime-running bar now being not connected in the middle. Lower down, the bumper is redesigned with the headlamp housing being slightly bigger and more distinct. At the back, the exact connected tail lamp setup seen on the ICE Punch facelift is carried over.
On the inside, the changes remain more or less unchanged as the Punch EV was already carrying all the modern bits offered elsewhere in the Tata electric line-up – be it the digital driver’s display, the steering wheel design, the seats (although the additional bolsters seen on the Altroz facelift and Punch facelift will be added here), the phygital control in the centre console, and the newer infotainment screen will be seen.
With the update, the Punch EV facelift is expected to get a slight bump in the price tag. Right now, it retails between Rs. 9.99 - 14.44 Lakh, but with the update, the price could go up by a lakh or two, especially owing to the bigger battery pack.
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Volkswagen India is all set to announce prices of the Tayron R-Line tomorrow, February 19, shortly after opening pre-bookings earlier this month. Positioned as the brand’s new flagship SUV for India, the Tayron R-Line is essentially a three-row version of the Tiguan R-Line and is being assembled locally.
Volkswagen has commenced local assembly of the Tayron R-Line at its Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar plant in Maharashtra. This is expected to help keep prices competitive and improve availability, especially since the model will not be limited by restricted import numbers like some of the brand’s earlier offerings.
The SUV is built on the same MQB Evo platform as the Tiguan and uses the familiar 2.0-litre TSI EVO petrol engine from Volkswagen’s EA888 family. In India, this motor is tuned to produce 200 bhp and 320 Nm of torque. It comes paired with a seven-speed DSG automatic gearbox and Volkswagen’s 4Motion all-wheel-drive system.
In terms of design, the Tayron R-Line carries forward Volkswagen’s familiar European SUV styling. It gets LED headlamps with DRLs, connected LED taillamps and sporty dual-tone alloy wheels. Inside, the cabin layout is largely shared with the Tiguan R-Line, featuring a 15-inch touchscreen, a 10.25-inch digital cockpit and a panoramic sunroof.
Bookings are currently open both online and at dealerships with a token amount of Rs 51,000. Prices are expected to fall in the Rs 45 lakh to Rs 50 lakh range. Deliveries are slated to begin in the coming weeks.
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Royal Enfield has rolled out an updated side stand for the Himalayan 450, addressing a concern that many owners have faced since the motorcycle went on sale. The revised component features a more upright design and will now be offered as standard on the 2026 model year Himalayan.
On existing versions, the side stand caused the motorcycle to lean quite deeply and heavily when parked. Given the Himalayan’s 196 kg kerb weight, this steep angle often made it difficult for riders to lift the motorcycle back up, especially on uneven ground or soft surfaces. Over time, several owners opted for aftermarket solutions, such as wider stand bases or adding an extension to the stand, in a bid to improve stability and ease of use.
With the new design, Royal Enfield aims to provide a more balanced resting position, making the motorcycle easier to manage when parked. The revised side stand is essentially aimed at reducing the excessive lean of the erstwhile component.
Existing Himalayan owners will also be able to upgrade to the new side stand. The component can be ordered through authorised Royal Enfield service centres, although sources suggest that it may not be readily available at all outlets and could require advance ordering. Once available, it can be fitted directly at the service station. The updated side stand is priced at Rs 3,250. While this is an additional expense for current owners, it offers a factory-approved solution to a long-standing issue.
The update to the side stand has been introduced following consistent feedback from Himalayan owners, many of whom highlighted the excessive lean angle as a day-to-day inconvenience. Riders had pointed out that the steep tilt made parking and lifting the motorcycle more demanding, particularly when the bike was fully loaded or parked. By revising the design, Royal Enfield appears to have responded directly to these concerns, using real-world feedback.
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Ducati has unveiled the Formula 73, a limited-edition café racer that celebrates the brand’s 1973 Super Sport Desmo. That iconic production model that was itself launched as a tribute to the original Ducati 750 Imola Desmo piloted by Paul Smart to win the 1972 Imola 200. That win is considered the beginning of Ducati’s production-derived racing dominance and largely attributed desmodromic valve timing as the brand’s technical lineage for decades.
The Formula 73 is a true nod to the 1973 Super Sport Desmo, borrowing design elements like the half-fairing and two-tone, silver and green colour scheme, but re-imagined as a modern interpretation. The classic café racer styling is complemented by clip-on handlebars, bar-end mirrors as well as a single-seat with a chopped off tail section. Wire-spoke wheels further cement the 1970s retro-inspired café racer design.
Under the bodywork, the bike is based on the Ducati Scrambler, one of the last of Ducati’s model range to feature the 803 cc, air-cooled, 90-degree Testastretta v-twin with desmodromic valve timing. The motor puts out 71 bhp and 65 Nm of peak torque while mated to a six-speed gearbox. The frame and swingarm also appear to be shared with the Ducati Scrambler, so the Formula 73 is a retro-styled café racer based on the Scrambler.
Despite its retro design, the Formula 73 is kitted out with a modern electronics suite, with ride-by-wire throttle, cornering ABS, traction control, quickshifter and two standard ride modes. The 17-inch spoked wheels are kitted out with Pirelli Diablo Rosso IV tyres, and braking hardware comprises a Brembo four-piston caliper up front, paired with a 330 mm disc and suspension is from KYB. Other bits and bobs include billet aluminium brake, clutch levers and footpegs and a Rizoma fuel cap. There’s full LED lighting and a TFT display.
The Formula 73 will be limited to 873 numbered units worldwide, with each bike kitted out with a serialised steering plate, certificate of authenticity, and a box of period sketches from Ducati’s Style Centre. For those customers who want the full period-correct look, Ducati is also offering a matching Arai Concept-XE helmet and Dainese jacket.
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