Mercedes-Benz CLA Electric Debuts In India: Bookings Open March 10

Mercedes-Benz has unveiled the all-electric CLA for the Indian market, nearly a year after its global debut. Bookings will open on March 10, while the carmaker will announce prices for it in mid-April 2026. The new CLA will replace the A-Class Limousine, EQA, and EQB in the brand’s entry-level lineup and marks the first time the nameplate is being offered with a fully electric powertrain.

 

Mercedes-Benz CLA Electric: Exterior

The new CLA continues to draw heavily from its concept design, featuring a sleek, coupe-like silhouette and rounded edges. The electric sedan gets a closed front panel filled with 142 illuminated three-pointed stars and a centrally lit Mercedes-Benz logo. The side profile is highlighted by flush-fitting door handles, similar to those seen on larger Mercedes sedans.

 

At the rear, the CLA features star-shaped LED tail lamps connected by a full-width light bar, which also displays animated lighting sequences while locking and unlocking. Buyers will be able to choose from ten different alloy wheel designs, ranging from 17 to 19 inches.

 

Also Read: New BMW X3 30 Vs Mercedes-Benz GLC 300: Midsize Luxury SUV Faceoff

Mercedes-Benz CLA Electric: Dimensions

 

Compared to its predecessor, the new CLA has grown in size. It now measures 4,723mm in length, which is 34mm longer than before and makes it slightly larger than the previous-generation C-Class. The width has increased to 1,855mm, up by 25mm, while the height stands at 1,468mm. The wheelbase has also been extended by 61mm to 2,790mm, which is expected to translate into better cabin space.

 

Mercedes-Benz CLA Electric: Interior

The interior of the new CLA has been completely revamped and now features Mercedes-Benz’s latest Superscreen setup, inspired by the EQE and EQS. The dashboard integrates a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, a 14.6-inch central infotainment screen, and an optional 14-inch display for the front passenger.

 

A panoramic sunroof is offered as standard. In terms of luggage capacity, the CLA offers a boot space of 405 litres. In addition, it also gets a front trunk, or frunk, which provides an extra 101 litres of storage.

 

Also Read: 2025 Mercedes-Benz E-Class LWB Diesel Review: Bestseller For A Reason!

Mercedes-Benz CLA Electric: Powertrain and Battery Pack

 

The new CLA is based on Mercedes’ Modular Architecture (MMA) platform, which has been developed primarily for electric vehicles but is also capable of supporting internal combustion engines as seen in global markets. For India, the CLA will be offered in a single 250+ variant. It features a rear-wheel-drive layout with a single electric motor that produces 268 bhp and 335 Nm of torque.

 

According to Mercedes-Benz, the rear-wheel-drive CLA offers a maximum WLTP-certified range of up to 792km. The car uses an 800-volt electrical architecture, which enables ultra-fast DC charging. With a 320kW fast charger, the CLA is claimed to be capable of adding up to 325km of driving range in just 10 minutes.

Mercedes-Benz CLA Electric: Launch Timeline

 

Bookings for the CLA Electric in India will begin on March 10, with the official launch scheduled for mid-April 2026. The model is expected to serve as Mercedes-Benz’s new entry point into the electric sedan space in the country.

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New-Gen Toyota Fortuner Spied For The First Time

Spy shots of Toyota SUVs are relatively rare, making this latest spotting particularly noteworthy. Following the debut of the ninth-generation Hilux in November last year, Toyota has begun preparations for the next-generation Fortuner. The first spy image of the SUV undergoing testing has now surfaced online from Thailand, offering a glimpse of what’s to come.

 

The current-generation Fortuner has been on sale for nearly a decade, and the Japanese automaker is now working on its successor. The all-new model is expected to make its global debut later this year, and here is what the spied test mule showcased.

 

New-Gen Toyota Fortuner: Exterior

 

The test mule is covered in dense camouflage, but several design elements are still visible. The SUV appears to feature a wider and more upright grille, while slim, horizontal LED DRLs are visible at the top, and the main headlamp units seem to be positioned lower. The front bumper appears more sculpted, featuring a pronounced central air intake and what seem to be vertically stacked elements at the corners.

 

From the side, the new Fortuner retains its tall and boxy proportions, but with sharper body lines. The wheel arches look more pronounced, and the SUV appears to ride on multi-spoke alloy wheels. The shoulder line seems slightly higher.

 

Also Read: Toyota Ebella EV Review: Compact And Fun-To-Drive With The Promise Of Stress-Free Aftersales

Towards the rear, the camouflage conceals most styling details, but the overall shape suggests a more squared-off tailgate. The rear windscreen appears relatively upright, while the tail-lamp units seem to be slimmer and more horizontally oriented than before. There also appears to be a connecting trim strip between the lamps, though this is hidden under wraps. The rear bumper looks chunkier, with a deeper lower section and a skid-plate-style insert. Parking sensors and reflectors are integrated neatly into the bumper layout.

 

New-Gen Toyota Fortuner: Interior and Features

While the latest spy images do not provide a look at the cabin, the next-generation Fortuner is expected to undergo a comprehensive interior overhaul. Drawing inspiration from the newer Hilux, the SUV is likely to feature a significantly more modern dashboard layout, headlined by a fully digital instrument cluster and a larger 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system.

 

In terms of overall equipment, the next-generation model is expected to offer dual 12.3-inch displays, Level 2 ADAS, a 360-degree camera, and ventilated as well as powered front seats.

 

Also Read: Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder: 10,000 km Long-Term Review

 

New-Gen Toyota Fortuner: Engine

The next-generation Fortuner is expected to retain its proven powertrain options, continuing with the familiar 2.7-litre petrol and 2.8-litre diesel engines. The diesel motor is likely to remain paired with Toyota’s 48V mild-hybrid system, which has already been introduced in the Indian market on the Fortuner Neo Drive. Both engines will be offered with a choice of a 6-speed manual gearbox and a torque-converter automatic transmission. 

 

New-Gen Toyota Fortuner: Expected Debut

 

The next-generation Fortuner appears to be in the final stages of development, as seen in the spy shots taken in Thailand. The SUV is expected to make its global debut sometime this year, with Thailand likely to be among the first markets to receive it. Subsequently, we expect it to launch in India in early 2027.

 

Spyshot source

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Skoda Kushaq Facelift Production Commences Ahead Of Launch

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.

 

Also read: 2026 Skoda Kushaq Facelift Revealed With New Tech, Powertrain Updates
 

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.
 

Also read: Skoda Kylaq Crosses 50,000 Units Sales Milestone
 

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.
 

Also Read: Skoda Kylaq Classic+, Prestige+ Prices Revealed

 

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.
 

Also read: Skoda Kodiaq RS India Launch In Q2 2026; Additional 100 Units Of Octavia RS India-Bound

 

Pre-bookings for the Kushaq are currently open.

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KTM Ends Long-Term Partnership With KISKA Design

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.

 

Also Read: Pierer Mobility AG Rebranded As Bajaj Mobility AG

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.

 

Also Read: Bajaj Auto Takes Charge of KTM With Full Buy-Out

 

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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New Audi RS5 Debuts With 630 bhp V6 PHEV Powertrain

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.

 

Also read: Audi SQ8 India Launch On March 17
 

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.
 

Also Read: Audi India Adds ‘My Auras’ In-Car Experience Modes

 

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.

 

Also Read: Next-gen Audi Q3 Spied In India Ahead Of Launch In 2026

 

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.
 

Also Read: Audi Unveils Concept C; Signals Reborn TT Coming In 2027

 

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 Punch EV Facelift Launched In India; Prices Start From Rs 9.69 Lakh

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.

 

Also read: Tata Punch EV Facelift Launch LIVE Updates: Price, Specifications, Features, Images
 

Tata Punch EV Facelift Variant	Price (ex-showroom)
Smart 30 kWh	Rs 9.69 lakh
Smart+ 30 kWh	Rs 10.29 lakh
Smart+ 40 kWh	Rs 10.89 lakh
Adventure 40 kWh	Rs 11.59 lakh
Empowered 40 kWh	Rs 12.29 lakh
Empowered+ S 40 kWh	Rs 12.59 lakh

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.

 

Also Read: Tata Punch EV Facelift Revealed Ahead Of Launch

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.
 

Also Read: Tata Punch Facelift Launched At Rs 5.59 Lakh; Gets Turbo-Petrol Engine Option

 

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.
 

Also read: Tata Punch Facelift Review: New Turbo Engine; Same Old Soul
 

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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Level 2 ADAS Systems To Be Mainstay Of Auto Industry

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 390, 250 Adventure Offered With Free Accessories And 10-Year Extended Warranty

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.

 

Also Read: KTM 390 Adventure R Launched in India at Rs. 3.78 Lakh

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.

 

Also Read: KTM 200 Duke Receives Hardware Updates; Priced at Rs 1.94 Lakh

 

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.

 

Also Read: KTM 390 Adventure X Vs Triumph Scrambler 400X Comparison Review

 

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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Hyundai Exter Facelift Spied In South Korea

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.

 

Also Read: Hyundai i20 Line-Up Now Starts At Rs 5.99 Lakh

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.

 

Also Read: Hyundai Creta Electric Now Supports 100 kW DC Fast Charging

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 Punch EV Facelift To Be Launched Tomorrow: What To Expect?

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. 

 

Also Read: Tata Punch Sales Cross 7 Lakh Units

 

Design Changes:

 

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. 

 

Also read: Tata Punch EV Facelift To Be Launched On February 20
 

Prices:

 

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 Tayron R-Line To Launch In India Tomorrow

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.

 

Also Read: Volkswagen Tayron R-Line Review: Sensible Flagship For India
 

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.

 

Also Read: Skoda Kylaq Crosses 50,000 Units Production Milestone

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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