New Renault Duster Exports Commence From India

Renault has started exporting the all-new Duster from India, with the first batch of 750 compact SUVs leaving its Chennai plant for South Africa. The shipment marks the beginning of exports for the new-generation Duster, which will also be sold in multiple international markets over the coming months.

 

Also Read: 2026 Renault Duster Review: The Hero Returns, But Does He Deliver?

The development comes as Renault ramps up production of the new SUV at its Chennai facility, which also serves as a manufacturing base for a number of export markets. South Africa is among the first countries outside India to receive the latest-generation Duster.

Renault Group India CEO Stephane Deblaise described the start of Duster exports as "an important moment for Renault India" and said it underlined the "quality, capabilities, and competitiveness" of the company's Chennai operations. He added that Renault continues to see India as a key export hub and is working towards its goal of generating €2 billion in annual exports from the country by 2030.

 

Also Read: 2026 Renault Duster Fuel Efficiency Figures Announced

In India, the compact SUV is currently offered with two turbo-petrol engine options. The entry-level variant uses a 1.0-litre three-cylinder turbo-petrol engine producing 99 bhp and 160 Nm, paired with a six-speed manual gearbox. Higher variants are powered by a 1.3-litre turbo-petrol engine that develops 158 bhp and 280 Nm of torque, and are available with either a six-speed manual or a six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.

 

Also Read: Renault Duster 1.0-Litre Turbo Review: Small Engine, More Than Enough Performance

Renault is also gearing up to introduce the Duster E-Tech hybrid later this year, which, even before its price announcement, is sold out for 2026. The hybrid powertrain combines a 1.8-litre petrol engine, a 1.4 kWh battery pack and two electric motors, delivering a collective output of 158 bhp.

 

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Skoda Kodiaq RS Bookings Open In India Ahead Of Launch

Skoda Auto India has opened bookings for the Kodiaq RS, its first RS-badged SUV for the Indian market, ahead of its launch. Interested buyers can reserve the SUV by paying a token amount of Rs 3 lakh, with only 50 units earmarked for the first batch. The Kodiaq RS sits at the top of the Kodiaq range and borrows its powertrain from the Octavia RS, which is also expected to return later this year through a second allocation for India.

 

Also Read: Skoda Peaq Electric SUV Interior Previewed Ahead Of Global Debut

Compared to the standard Kodiaq, the RS adopts a more aggressive appearance with redesigned bumpers, gloss-black exterior detailing, larger alloy wheels and a twin-exit exhaust setup at the rear. The SUV will be available in four paint finishes: Moon White, Magic Black, Velvet Red and Steel Grey.

Inside, the Kodiaq RS gets a sportier treatment with an all-black cabin theme, contrast red stitching and front sports seats featuring integrated headrests. Despite the performance upgrades, it continues to offer the same 5+2 seating layout as the regular Kodiaq. The feature list includes a 13-inch touchscreen infotainment system, 10-inch digital instrument cluster, ambient lighting connected car tech and a lot more. 

 

Power comes from a 2.0-litre TSI turbo-petrol engine producing 261 bhp and 400 Nm, making it 60 bhp and 80 Nm more powerful than the standard Kodiaq sold in India. The engine is paired with a 7-speed DSG automatic transmission and an all-wheel-drive system as standard. Skoda claims the Kodiaq RS can accelerate from 0-100 kmph in 6.3 seconds and reach a top speed of 231 kmph, making it the quickest and most powerful Kodiaq to be offered in India to date.

 

Also Read: Skoda Peaq SUV Exterior Revealed In Design Sketches; Unveil On June 23

Skoda Auto India currently retails the standard Kodiaq at up to Rs 46.99 lakh (ex-showroom), though the RS is expected to command a significant premium owing to its uprated powertrain and RS-specific treatment. The performance SUV is likely to be offered in a single, fully loaded trim, with prices expected to hover around the Rs 55 lakh (ex-showroom) mark. For reference, the Octavia RS was launched in India at Rs 49.99 lakh (ex-showroom) last year.

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Aprilia Tuono 457 Special Edition Launched At Rs 3.99 Lakh

Aprilia India has launched a new special edition of the Tuono 457 priced at Rs 3.99 lakh (ex-showroom, Maharashtra). Called the Tuono 457 Special Edition, the motorcycle gets two new liveries derived from the 2006 Tuono 1000R, with Aprilia also claiming to make some ergonomic tweaks to the motorcycle.

 

Also read: Aprilia SR 125, SR 175 Tribute Edition Launched: Prices Start At Rs 1.17 Lakh
 

The special edition Tuono 457 is offered in two new colours – Mamba Black and Puma Grey- along with featuring redesigned graphics and logos. Other cosmetic updates include a new smoked finish aerodynamic flyscreen and higher set handlebars for a more upright riding position.

 

Also Read: car&bike Awards 2026: Aprilia Tuono 457 is Premium Motorcycle of the Year (Under 500cc)

 

Aprilia says that the special edition also gets tweaks to the seat for greater comfort over long distances, while the suspension too has been tweaked to better handle Indian roads. Additionally, the motorcycle comes with an adjustable brake lever as well, which was previously an accessory.

Also Read: Aprilia SR-GP Replica 175 Launched In India At Rs 1.23 Lakh

 

Moving to the engine, Aprilia has made no change to the powerplant with the Tuono 457 continuing to feature the 457 cc parallel twin engine pushing out 46.9 bhp and 43.5 Nm of peak torque.

 

Aprilia says that bookings for the Tuono 457 Special Edition are now open at select showrooms across the country.

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Tata Sierra EV QWD Confirmed Ahead Of Launch

Tata Motors has commenced releasing a string of teasers for the upcoming Sierra EV ahead of its launch on June 30. The teasers so far have previewed aspects of the Sierra EV’s exterior design, with the latest short video shared on social media confirming that the electric SUV will get dual-motor all-wheel drive or Quad Wheel Drive (QWD) in Tata’s terminology.

The name carries legacy.
The car carries a new power.

Loading Sierra.ev — the legend hypercharged.
Ready to challenge everything you thought an EV could be!

30.06.26.#Tataev #MoveWithMeaning #Sierraev #LegendHypercharged #FirstLook pic.twitter.com/SQtT0INoSF

— TATA.ev (@Tataev) June 20, 2026

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Also read: Tata Sierra EV India Launch On June 30
 

The teasers confirm some of the design updates to the Sierra EV over its internal combustion sibling, including a revamped fascia with an enclosed body coloured grille and a restyled bumper with more prominent use of black plastics along the lower section. The lighting elements, including the edge-to-edge lightbar, slim headlamps, and vertically stacked fog lamps, are all common. On the sides, there are no differences between the ICE and electric SUVs, with Tata choosing to offer the same alloy wheels on both.

 

The rear design too is unchanged between the ICE and EV, save for the Sierra.ev badge on the tailgate.

 

Also read: Tata Sierra EV Launch Confirmed For July-September Quarter; 2 New Nameplates Coming In 2026
 

Inside, the internal combustion and electric Sierras are expected to be near identical down to the tri-screen display spanning the width of the dashboard and familiar control surfaces. The EV, however, is likely to get the new Tata.ev mascot on the steering wheel that we first saw on the new Tiago EV.

 

Also read: Tata Cars, SUVs To Become Pricier From July 1
 

Moving to the underpinnings, the Sierra EV is set to use Tata’s Acti.ev+ platform from the Harrier, thus allowing Tata to offer the option of all-wheel drive. Rear-wheel drive is expected to be standard with the Sierra, expected to offer both the 65 kWh and 75 kWh battery pack options also offered in the Harrier EV. The range is expected to be in excess of 500 km.

 

Also read: Tata Altroz Pure Features Updated: Gets Bigger Touchscreen; LED Headlights Dropped
 

At the time of launch, Tata is expected to price the Sierra EV aggressively with a starting price under Rs 20 lakhs (ex-showroom).

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Aprilia SR 125, SR 175 Tribute Edition Launched: Prices Start At Rs 1.17 Lakh

Shortly after teasing a special edition on social media, Aprilia has launched the Tribute Edition versions of the SR 125 and SR 175 in India. Priced at Rs 1.17 lakh and Rs 1.24 lakh (ex-showroom, Mumbai), respectively, the new variants sport a fresh cosmetic package while retaining the mechanical underpinnings as the standard scooters.

 

Also Read: car&bike Awards 2026: Aprilia Tuono 457 is Premium Motorcycle of the Year (Under 500cc)

The biggest talking point is the new camouflage-inspired paint scheme. Unlike traditional military camouflage themes, the special edition flaunts a matte olive green base with beige, black and bright orange graphic elements spread across the front apron, side panels and rear bodywork.

The styling is further complemented by orange highlights on the wheel rim stickers and lower body panels, while oversized Aprilia branding continues on the side. The front apron continues to feature '#be a racer' branding beneath the headlamp, while the darkened headlamp housing and overall bodywork remain unchanged from the standard SR range.

 

Also Read: Aprilia SR-GP Replica 175 Launched In India At Rs 1.23 Lakh

Mechanically, there are no changes. The SR 175 Tribute Edition continues to be powered by the 174.7 cc single-cylinder engine that develops 13 bhp and 14.14 Nm of torque. The SR 125 Tribute Edition, meanwhile, retains its 124.45 cc motor producing 10.46 bhp and 10.4 Nm.

With the introduction of the Tribute Edition, both scooters are now available in four visual themes. The SR-GP Replica, inspired by Aprilia's MotoGP machines, continues to remain on sale alongside the new special edition models.

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E85 Petrol Now Available In Mumbai At Rs 91.18 Per Litre

After debuting in the national capital earlier this month, E85 petrol has now made its way to Mumbai. The first E85 fuel dispenser in the city has been installed, with the higher-ethanol fuel priced at Rs 91.18 per litre. For reference, regular petrol in Mumbai currently contains up to 20 per cent ethanol (E20) and is priced at Rs 111.21 per litre. That makes E85 petrol Rs 20.03 per litre cheaper than the standard fuel currently sold at retail outlets in the city.

 

Also Read: What Exactly is E85 Fuel? A Complete Breakdown Of India's New Rs. 82/Litre Petrol Alternative

As the name suggests, E85 contains 85 per cent ethanol and 15 per cent petrol, making it knowingly different from the E20 blend that has become the default fuel across India. However, the fuel cannot be used in conventional petrol vehicles and is meant only for vehicles specifically engineered to run on higher ethanol concentrations.

 

Also Read: Hero Splendor+, HF Deluxe Flex Fuel Models Offered With Rs 4,000 Discount

To avoid confusion at fuel stations, E85 dispensers will be clearly marked and will cater exclusively to E85-compatible vehicles. At present, the list of vehicles capable of running on E85 remains relatively small. Among two-wheelers, the Suzuki Gixxer SF 250 Flex Fuel is one of the few motorcycles currently available with E85 compatibility. Hero MotoCorp has also entered the space with the recently launched Splendor Plus Flex Fuel and HF Deluxe Flex Fuel, though deliveries of both motorcycles are slated to begin in July 2026.

On the passenger vehicle front, the recently introduced Maruti Suzuki Wagon R BioFlex is among the first mass-market cars in India capable of operating on E85 fuel. Though for now, the Wagon R BioFlex is only being offered in the commercial and fleet sectors. 

 

Speaking at the inauguration of India's first E85 outlet in Delhi earlier this month, Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri said that between 50 and 100 E85 dispensers are expected to be operational across the country in the coming months. The government has also outlined an expansion plans for the fuel. The target is to have 500 E85 dispensing stations operational by the end of 2026, with that number expected to rise to 5,000 outlets by the end of 2027.

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Skoda Peaq Electric SUV Interior Previewed Ahead Of Global Debut

Weeks after previewing the exterior design of its upcoming three-row all-electric flagship SUV, the Peaq, in design sketches, Skoda has now teased the SUV’s cabin in new sketches. The sketches preview the production-ready interior of the flagship electric SUV, which looks to feature a seven-seat layout and a minimalist dashboard design.

 

Also read: Skoda Peaq SUV Exterior Revealed In Design Sketches; Unveil On June 23
 

Previewed by the Vision 7S SUV concept in 2022, the Peaq, when it debuts on June 23, will be Skoda’s largest production model, measuring close to 4,900mm in length and sitting on a 2,965mm wheelbase. The cabin will feature both a five- and seven-seat layout.

Also Read: Skoda Epiq Debuts As Brand's Smallest EV Yet; Gets Two Battery Options And 440 KM Range

 

Talking of the interior, the Peaq looks to get a layered dashboard design with the upper, central and lower dashboard forming three distinctive layers. The light tone of the central section of the dashboard – in line with the seats and parts of the door cards- hints that this section will likely be wrapped in leather or fabric while the air-con vents are neatly integrated into a slim slit-like element that runs on both sides of the touchscreen on the centre section of the dashboard.

Also Read: 2026 Skoda Kodiaq: What’s New?

 

As for the displays themselves, we get our first proper look at the previously confirmed 10-inch digital instrument cluster and the vertically oriented 13.6-inch touchscreen. The instrument cluster looks to be a free-standing unit – not featuring a hooded binnacle – while the touchscreen is reclined at a slight angle on the centre console. Also visible are a pair of charging pads at the base of the touchscreen as well as a pair of cupholders. Skoda says that the central touchscreen will handle a lot of core functions, though some key features will be operated via physical controls.

 

Another interesting element is the lounge-style seat for the front passenger with a built-in ottoman, letting the occupant stretch out and relax should they need. The second row seat features a traditional split folding bench seat with a folding centre armrest, while the third row features seating for two.

 

Also read: Skoda Kodiaq RS Bookings Open On June 22
 

On the powertrain front, Skoda has confirmed single- and dual-motor powertrain options for its upcoming flagship SUV as well as two battery options. The entry models will feature a 63 kWh battery paired with an electric motor offering 201 bhp. Higher models will get a larger 91 kWh battery paired with a more powerful electric motor pushing out 282 bhp. A dual-motor all-wheel drive option will be offered with the larger battery, with peak output rising to 295 bhp. Skoda has said that the larger battery will offer over 600 km of range. All variants will also support DC fast charging with a 10 to 80 per cent charge under 30 mins. 

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Tata Sierra EV India Launch On June 30

Tata Motors has confirmed that the much-awaited Sierra EV will launch on June 30, 2026. The all-electric derivative of the Sierra is perhaps one of Tata’s most anticipated launches of the year, with the SUV previously shown as a near-production concept back in 2023.

 

Also read: Tata Sierra EV Launch Confirmed For July-September Quarter; 2 New Nameplates Coming In 2026
 

Tata Sierra EV concept

 

The Sierra EV will get some styling differences over the internal combustion Sierra, with the most obvious being up front. Unlike the blacked-out grille on the ICE SUV, the EV will feature a blanked out body coloured grille with a lightbar up top. The bumper design will also be different compared to its ICE sibling, with a larger black-finished lower section featuring a central air intake with a faux skid plate below. Down the sides, the EV is set to get its own unique alloy wheel designs, while round the back, it's just the badging that will set it apart from its internal combustion sibling.

 

Also read: Tata Cars, SUVs To Become Pricier From July 1
 

Inside, the EV is expected to mirror the ICE Sierra, with top variants getting the triple screen layout on top variants along with getting features such as ventilated front seats, a panoramic sunroof, auto climate control, Level 2 ADAS and more.

Tata Sierra EV concept

 

Also read: Tata Altroz Pure Features Updated: Gets Bigger Touchscreen; LED Headlights Dropped
 

As for the platform, the new Sierra EV is expected to sit on Tata’s Acti.ev+ architecture – the same as the Harrier EV. The two electric SUVs are also likely to share the same battery packs as well – 65 kWh and 75 kWh – with the latter also likely to get Tata’s new Quad-Wheel-Drive powertrain (dual-motor all-wheel drive). It remains to be seen if AWD will be offered from launch or added to the range at a later date. As for range, expect the Sierra EV to do over 500 km on a full charge.

 

Also read: Tata Safari EV Spied Testing; Debut Likely In 2026
 

Coming to the pricing, Tata is expected to price the Sierra aggressively to take on the Hyundai Creta Electric and Mahindra BE 6. Prices for the entry variant are expected to sit below the Rs 20 lakh mark, while the fully-loaded AWD versions could be pricier than rivals.

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Kia Cars To Get Costlier From July 1: Prices Up By Up To 2%

Kia India has announced its decision to increase car prices in the country across its model range. Come July 1, 2026, all Kia cars sold in India will become dearer by up to 2 per cent. The Korean carmaker says that this price hike is the result of rising input costs and an overall increase in operational expenditure. The exact increase in price will vary depending on the model and variant; however, the company says it will ensure that the overall value proposition of each offering is maintained.

 

 

Currently, Kia India sells about eight different models in the country, out of which the Carnival, EV6 and EV9 come to our shores as a completely built-up (CBU) unit. The models that are produced locally include – Sonet, Syros, Seltos, Carens Clavis and Carens Clavis EV. 

 

 

Currently, prices for the models range from Rs. 7.33 lakh for the entry-level Sonet, going up to Rs. 25 lakh for the top-spec Clavis EV. The Carnival, EV6, and EV9 are priced at Rs. 59.45 lakh, Rs. 67.98 lakh, and Rs. 1.3 crore, respectively (all prices ex-showroom).

 

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Bajaj Pulsar 220F Updated With LED Headlight: Now Priced At Rs 1.36 Lakh

Bajaj Auto has updated the Pulsar 220F with an LED headlight, finally bringing one of the oldest motorcycles in its lineup in line with newer models on the feature front. Along with the update, the semi-faired motorcycle has also become more expensive and now carries a sticker price of Rs 1.36 lakh (ex-showroom), roughly Rs 8,000 more than before.

 

Also Read: Bajaj Adventure Motorcycle Spotted Testing in India; Launch Expected by 2027

The biggest change for 2026 is the introduction of a new LED headlamp unit with integrated daytime running lamps, replacing the halogen setup that had remained unchanged for years. The updated lighting is housed within the familiar semi-faired front end, while the rest of the motorcycle's design remains largely untouched. LED indicators had already been introduced as part of the update rolled out in December 2025.

 

Beyond the new headlight, the Pulsar 220F carries over the same package. Power continues to come from the 220 cc air- and oil-cooled single-cylinder engine, producing 20.6 bhp and 18.55 Nm of torque. The motor remains paired with a five-speed gearbox.

 

The motorcycle also retains the Bluetooth-enabled LCD instrument cluster that was introduced on other Pulsar models and later extended to the 220F.

 

Also Read: 2026 Bajaj Avenger Street 220 Launched in India; Priced at Rs 1.30 Lakh

Buyers can continue to choose from the four colour schemes introduced with last year's update. These include a black-and-copper finish, a black-and-gold, along with red-and-black and blue-and-black options. Notably, the green-and-orange combination has been removed from the colour palette.

 

The 220F remains one of the longest-serving nameplates in Bajaj's portfolio. First launched in 2007, the motorcycle built a loyal following thanks to its combination of performance and distinguishing semi-faired design. Although Bajaj briefly pulled the plug on the model in 2021 following the arrival of the Pulsar 250 twins, strong customer demand saw it return to showrooms in 2023.

The update also comes at a time when Bajaj is preparing a broader overhaul of its Pulsar range. Recent spy shots have revealed what appears to be a next-generation Pulsar 125 under development, featuring an all-new chassis and a rear monoshock suspension setup. Whether the iconic 220F will eventually drift to that new platform remains to be seen.

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India-UK FTA To Come Into Effect On July 15; Auto Import Duties To Fall To 10% Under Quota System

It was in the July 2025 when the India-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA) was signed and now, we finally have a date for its roll out. The FTA will officially come into force on July 15, ending months of uncertainty around its implementation and setting the stage for lower import duties on British-built vehicles entering India.

 

Also Read: India-EU Trade Deal: List Of Cars Likely To Get More Affordable In India

The development is particularly significant for the automotive industry, as it confirms the timeline for a gradual reduction in tariffs on UK-manufactured cars. Several luxury carmakers, including Jaguar Land Rover and McLaren, have already announced adjusted plans in India in anticipation of the agreement.

 

Announcing the implementation date, the UK government said businesses now have 28 days to prepare before the deal takes effect. UK Business and Trade Secretary Peter Kyle described the agreement as one that would allow businesses and consumers to begin seeing benefits immediately.

 

"We are bringing our landmark trade deal with India into force as quickly as we can, because we want businesses and the public to feel the benefits immediately," Kyle said.

 

For carmakers, the biggest change lies in the tariff structure. Under the agreement, import duties on eligible UK-built internal-combustion vehicles will be reduced through a quota-based mechanism over the next five years.

 

Also Read: UK-India FTA Impact: CBU Range Rover Prices Slashed By Up To Rs. 75 Lakh

The first phase will see duties on larger petrol and diesel vehicles fall substantially. Petrol cars with engines above 3.0 litres and diesel vehicles above 2.5 litres will attract a 30 per cent duty in the first year, down from the current effective rate of 110 per cent, subject to an annual quota of 10,000 units. The rate will continue to reduce over time before reaching 10 per cent by the fifth year.

 

Smaller-engined passenger vehicles will also benefit, though at a more gradual pace. The agreement provides for lower duties within specified quotas, creating a pathway for British manufacturers to become more competitive in a market where import taxes have historically been among the highest in the world.

 

The prospect of lower tariffs has already begun to influence prices. Jaguar Land Rover became the first manufacturer to publicly pass on some of the expected benefits, reducing prices of the UK-built Range Rover SV and Range Rover Sport SV by up to Rs 75 lakh earlier this year.

 

Also Read: McLaren Prices In India To Drop By Over Rs 3 Crore With India-UK FTA

McLaren Automotive is also preparing to revise prices in India. The British supercar manufacturer is set to roll out a significant downward revision for its model prices in India, with select models slated to become cheaper by as much as Rs 3.32 crore.

 

Other British luxury marques, including Bentley, Rolls-Royce and Aston Martin, are also expected to benefit from the agreement, though none have announced pricing changes yet.

 

While the FTA opens the door for cheaper imports, the benefits will initially be restricted to pure internal-combustion vehicles. Battery-electric and hybrid passenger vehicles remain outside the concession framework for the first six years of the agreement. Duty reductions for alternative-fuel vehicles will only begin later and will be subject to separate conditions and quotas.

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