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Tata has given the Altroz a minor feature update focused on the lower mid-spec Pure trim. The second-from-base variant in the Altroz line-up, the updated Pure trim packs in some new features, while also dropping some features. Prices for the Altroz Pure range from Rs 7.10 lakh up to Rs 8.70 lakh (ex-showroom) depending on the powertrain.
Starting from the exterior, Tata has chosen to drop the LED headlights from the Pure trim, with the variant now getting halogen projector units as seen on the lower-spec Smart trim. Inside, the big update is to the touchscreen, which is now an 8.0-inch unit – up from 7.0-inches – and supports wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Interestingly, the new touchscreen is not a Harman unit. Tata has also swapped the older Pure trim’s dark upholstery for a lighter beige colour.
Other updates include a new high-definition rear-view camera and the inclusion of a shark-fin antenna. The latter was previously offered from the Pure S trim onwards. Other features such as a height adjustable driver seat, auto headlights and wipers, auto folding wing mirrors and auto climate control are unchanged.
As before, the Pure trim is offered with petrol, CNG and diesel engine options, with the former two available with manual and AMT gearbox options. The diesel remains a manual-only offering.
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Audi has unveiled the new third-gen Q7 SUV ahead of its going on sale in global markets in the second half of 2026. Now underpinned by Audi’s Premium Platform Combustion architecture, the new Q7 adopts Audi’s latest design direction while offering customers the option for a six-seat layout for the first time in its history. The biggest news, however, is the engine line-up, with Audi only offering buyers 3.0-litre V6 diesel engine options initially.
The new Q7 conforms to Audi’s latest design direction with a split headlamp arrangement up front. The SUV features high-set digital LED DRLs at the base of the bonnet with the main headlamps flanking the large single-frame grille (illumination optional) lower down. As with the outgoing model, the DRL signatures remain configurable while the headlamps can be upgraded to Digital Matrix LED units replete with symbol projection capabilities. The sculpted bonnet and large intakes on the bumper round out the Q7’s more aggressive and upright looks.
Down the sides, the new Q7 gets smoother surfacing with soft bodylines and prominent haunches, with the wheel arches filled out by 20-inch or 21-inch wheels as standard. At the rear, the new Q7 gets the new taillamp design from its siblings with inverted L-shaped light clusters connected by a lightbar. Here too, users can configure the SUV with OLED units with configurable lighting elements as well as projection capabilities for the turn signals.
New Audi Q7: Interior & Features
Inside, the dashboard copies that of the upcoming all-new Audi Q9 with a curved display atop the dashboard housing the digital instrument screen and central touchscreen and a standard fit third display for the front passenger. The central floor console features twin wireless charging pads along with a small storage cubby and the central armrest. In typical Audi fashion, almost every surface is finished in leather or trim inserts, with the carmaker offering buyers a range of customisation options. The front seats are power adjustable as standard, with ventilation and massage functions offered as options.
Moving to the second row, the new Q7 is now a 5-seater as standard, with buyers also getting the option of a new six-seat configuration with captain chairs in the third row. A seven-seat layout is also offered. The second-row seats feature power adjustability with the bench seat featuring a three-part split folding backrest as well. Audi claims a boot capacity of up to 806 litres in the five-seater and up to 722 litres in the three-row configuration.
As for other features offered, the new Q7 gets a panoramic sunroof with electrically dimmable sections, a 22-speaker 4D B&O sound system with speakers built into the seat headrests, dynamic ambient lighting on the dashboard (performs welcome function & lights up along with the turn signals), multi-zone climate control, powered tailgate with kick sensor, ADAS suite and more.
New Audi Q7: Powertrain & Dynamics
In a rather surprising move, Audi has chosen to debut the Q7 solely with diesel engine options – no petrol or plug-in hybrid options yet. Initial batches of the new Q7 are offered with a 3.0-litre turbocharged V6 diesel engine in two states of tune – 295 bhp and 630 Nm or in a lower tuned 241 bhp and 500 Nm. Both units feature 48V mild hybrid technology as standard, with the powertrain generator capable of delivering a temporary boost of up to 24 bhp and 370 Nm. An 8-speed automatic gearbox and quattro all-wheel drive are standard.
The new Q7 also gets steel spring suspension as standard, with buyers offered the option of adaptive air or adaptive air sport suspension – the latter lowering the SUV by 30 mm. The adaptive air suspension also allows users to raise or lower the SUV’s height and provides an exit function that lowers the SUV by 62 mm for easy egress.
New Audi Q7: Expected India Launch
For now, Audi says that sales of the new Q7 will commence in global markets in the second half of the year, with deliveries in Europe commencing in September 2026. As for an India launch, there is no official word yet, though expect the new Q7 to arrive sometime in 2027.
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BMW Group India has announced a price hike of up to 2 per cent across its model range, effective July 1, 2026. The revision will apply to both BMW and Mini cars sold in India, covering locally assembled models as well as completely built-up unit (CBU) imports.
This marks the second price hike announced by BMW Group India in recent months. Earlier this year, at the start of FY2027, the luxury carmaker had revised prices citing rupee depreciation and rising logistics costs. The company has attributed the latest increase to the same factors.
BMW Group India President and CEO Hardeep Singh Brar said: “To protect our premium standards against macroeconomic headwinds - specifically rupee depreciation and escalating logistics costs - we are introducing a price increase of up to 2 per cent across our portfolio”.
The price increase will impact BMW's locally produced range, which includes models such as the 2 Series Gran Coupe, 3 Series Long Wheelbase, 5 Series Long Wheelbase, 7 Series, X1, X3, X5, X7, M340i and the iX1 Long Wheelbase.
The revision will also extend to imported BMW models sold as CBUs, including the i5 M60, i7, i7 M70, iX, M440i Convertible, M2 Coupe, M4 Competition, M5 and XM. Mini’s lineup in India will also become more expensive from July 1, although the company has not specified model-wise revisions.
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Nissan has revised prices of the Gravite subcompact MPV by up to Rs 18,000. The price hike comes just a few months after the Gravite's launch in February 2026, which essentially means that the introductory pricing period has now come to an end. Following the revision, the Gravite range is priced between Rs 5.73 lakh and Rs 9.08 lakh (ex-showroom).
Take a look at its old and new prices along with the difference:
Nissan Gravite Variants
Old Price
New Price
Difference
Visia MT
Rs 5.65 lakh
Rs 5.73 lakh
Rs 8,000
Acenta MT
Rs 6.59 lakh
Rs 6.68 lakh
Rs 9,000
N-Connecta MT
Rs 7.20 lakh
Rs 7.38 lakh
Rs 18,000
N-Connecta AMT
Rs 7.80 lakh
Rs 7.95 lakh
Rs 15,000
Tekna MT
Rs 7.91 lakh
Rs 8.08 lakh
Rs 17,000
Tekna AMT
Rs 8.49 lakh
Rs 8.64 lakh
Rs 15,000
Limited Launch Edition MT
Rs 8.35 lakh
Rs 8.52 lakh
Rs 17,000
Limited Launch Edition AMT
Rs 8.93 lakh
Rs 9.08 lakh
Rs 15,000
The biggest increase has been applied to the N-Connecta MT variant, which is now dearer by Rs 18,000, while the entry-level Visia MT sees the smallest revision of Rs 8,000. Most other variants have received hikes ranging between Rs 15,000 and Rs 17,000.
Under the hood, the Gravite gets the same 1.0-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine as the Triber. This unit produces 71 bhp and 96 Nm of torque and is offered with either a 5-speed manual or 5-speed AMT. Moreover, Nissan claims a mileage of 19.3 kmpl for the petrol-MT version of the Gravite, while in AMT guise, the compact MPV delivers 19.6 kmpl.
The Gravite shares its platform and mechanical package with the Renault Triber but wears Nissan-specific styling and features. The MPV marked Nissan's entry into the affordable sub-four-metre people mover segment earlier this year.
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The Federation of Automobile Dealers Associations (FADA) has reported a 9.55 per cent year-on-year increase in vehicle retail sales for May 2026, with dealerships across India collectively registering 25.31 lakh vehicles during the month. Despite higher fuel prices and concerns surrounding the West Asia situation, the industry recorded its best-ever May performance across passenger vehicles, three-wheelers, tractors and overall retail sales.
While sales were down 6.75 per cent month-on-month, FADA attributed the decline to the usual seasonal slowdown following April and a delayed onset of the southwest monsoon.
Passenger vehicles emerged as the strongest-performing segment in May, with retail sales rising 23.25 per cent year-on-year to 4,02,591 units, making it the highest-ever May for the segment. Rural demand continued to outpace urban markets, growing 30.35 per cent, compared to 18.80 per cent in cities.
Dealers attributed the growth to healthy booking pipelines, recent product launches and continuing demand for ‘SUVs’. Interestingly, FADA also noted signs of a revival in the small-car segment, suggesting that affordability-focused buyers may be gradually returning to the market alongside the continued popularity of utility vehicles.
The shift towards alternative powertrains also gathered pace. CNG vehicles accounted for 23.34 per cent of passenger vehicle sales during the month, while EVs contributed 6.63 per cent. Combined, alternative-fuel vehicles represented more than 38 per cent of all passenger vehicle registrations.
One area of concern, however, remains inventory. Passenger vehicle stock levels increased to 31-33 days at the end of May, up from 28-30 days in April and well above FADA's recommended 21-day benchmark.
Two-wheeler retail sales stood at 18.44 lakh units, up 7.54 per cent compared to May last year. Urban markets grew by 11.75 per cent, while rural markets registered a 4.74 per cent increase.
According to dealers, commuter purchases helped support volumes. FADA also highlighted a growing preference for fuel-efficient vehicles following the recent fuel-price revision, with the EV share in the two-wheeler segment rising to 9.25 per cent, up from 6.11 per cent a year ago.
One of the key takeaways from May's retail performance was the growing adoption of electric vehicles. FADA said overall EV penetration crossed the 11 per cent mark for the first time, making May the strongest month on record for EV retail share across vehicle categories.
The industry body noted that the recent fuel-price revision appears to have accelerated interest in alternative powertrains, with EV and CNG adoption increasing across both passenger and two-wheeler segments.
Commercial Vehicles
Commercial vehicle retail sales spiked 5.29 per cent year-on-year to 83,823 units, with rural markets outperforming urban centres. Light commercial vehicles led the segment with 7.66 per cent growth, supported by steady freight movement, e-commerce demand and replacement purchases.
Tractor sales also posted a healthy 11.17 per cent increase. Three-wheeler sales increased by 3.56 per cent, while wheeled construction equipment remained the only segment to decline, falling 17.51 per cent on a high base.
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TVS Motor Company has announced a new retail format called TVS Paddock, which will serve as a dedicated sales and service network for the company's premium motorcycle range. The upcoming Norton Motorcycles lineup is likely to be retailed through this channel when it arrives in India.
This essentially leverages TVS to create a separate retail identity for its higher-end products, much like several premium motorcycle manufacturers that operate standalone outlets distinct from their mass-market dealership networks. These include Honda’s BigWing dealership or even Maruti’s Nexa chain of outlets.
TVS says the first Paddock outlets will begin opening during the second quarter of FY2027. Besides motorcycle sales, the facilities will house dedicated service areas, merchandise sections, customisation zones and spaces for rider communities and events.
TVS says customers visiting a Paddock outlet will have access to its Built-To-Order (BTO) customisation programme, accessories, riding gear and merchandise. The company has also planned dedicated consultation areas and digital retail tools aimed at simplifying the purchase and ownership process.
The retail concept has been developed with London-based design firm Checkland Kindleysides, which has previously worked on automotive and luxury retail projects globally.
While TVS is yet to announce which cities will receive the first Paddock outlets, the network is expected to become the focal point for the company's growing premium portfolio, including upcoming Norton products and motorcycles such as the RTR 310, RR 310, and the Apache RTX 300.
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On the occasion of World Environment Day, a senior government official inuaugurated Delhi's first E85 fuel dispenser. E85 fuel – which contains 85 per cent ethanol, and just 15 per cent petrol – will be made available alongside E20 fuel, promised petroleum minister Hardeep Singh Puri at the launch event. E85 fuel in Delhi is priced at Rs 82.12, making it Rs 20 cheaper than E20 petrol, which currently costs Rs 102.12 in Delhi. Puri mentioned the gap between E20 and E85 fuels will be Rs 20.
At the event, Puri explained that users of E20-compliant vehicles need not worry, as E20 fuel will continue to be sold alongside E85 fuel across the country. He explained that E85 dispensers will be clearly labelled and open only to E85-compliant vehicles.
The minister also confirmed that anywhere between 50 to 100 E85 dispensers are expected to be opened across India in the coming months. With a target of 500 E85 dispensers by the end of 2026, and an ambitious goal of 5,000 E85 dispensers by end-2027, the ministry has its sights set on countrywide availability of E85 fuel.
For now, there are no E85-compliant passenger vehicles on sale in India. Hero MotoCorp recently launched flex-fuel variants of the Splendor Plus and HF Deluxe commuter motorcycles, both of which will only start reaching customers from July 2026 onwards. Maruti Suzuki, too, showcased the Wagon R Flex Fuel recently, but there is no clarity on launch timeline.
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Over 2 months after announcing the ARAI figures for the Duster TCe160 (1.3 Turbo), Renault has now revealed the fuel efficiency numbers for the Duster TCe 100 (1.0 Turbo). The engine, offered in the entry Authentic, Evolution and mid-spec Techo trims, has a claimed efficiency figure of 19.41 kmpl – compared to 17.75 kmpl for the 1.3 Turbo.
The 1.0 Turbo unit develops a peak 98.6 bhp and 166 Nm of peak torque and is offered solely with a 6-speed manual gearbox. There is no automatic gearbox option.
Renault launched the all-new Duster in India earlier this year, with buyers able to pick between a 1.0-litre turbo-petrol or 1.3-litre turbo-petrol engine option. The latter is offered with both manual and automatic gearbox options from the Evolution trim. Currently, buyers can pick from six variants – Authentic, Evolution Techno, Techno+, Iconic and a limited-run Iconic Launch Edition. Prices for the Duster currently range from Rs 10.49 lakh up to Rs 18.89 lakh (ex-showroom).
Hyundai has put out the first teaser for the next-gen i20 premium hatchback ahead of its global debut next month. The new i20 has been testing globally for some time now, with the fourth-gen hatchback also spied on Indian roads, suggesting that it could arrive in our market not long after global sales commence.
The sole teaser shared only provides a brief glimpse at the new i20’s front-end lighting, confirming design elements such as a light bar, Y-shaped LED daytime running lamps and an angular headlight design with multi-projector elements. Images of the i20 test mule in global markets have revealed the same design elements.
Additional design details from the test mules suggest that the new i20 will conform to Hyundai’s latest design direction, moving away from the oversized front grille to a smaller, more rectangular unit paired with a prominent lower air intake sitting between squared-out housings for fog lamps. In profile, the new-gen i20 looks to get a prominent kink to the windowline on the rear door, though the heavy cladding on the models hides away the presence of a rear quarter glass.
Not much is visible of the rear on the test cars, though we assume the tail lamps will feature a connected lightbar design alongside a sharply raked rear windscreen.
As for the interior, test mule images have revealed the presence of a curved display atop the dashboard housing twin screens for the infotainment and digital instrument cluster. The test cars also looked to get the new steering design we saw on the second-gen Venue and featured fabric upholstery – though his could change depending on the region.
Moving to the mechanics, the Brazilian car is expected to make use of a range of flex-fuel engines, including a 1.0-litre turbocharged mill. For the Indian market, the hatchback is expected to carry over the existing 1.2 naturally aspirated petrol and 1.0-litre turbo-petrol engine options. Mild hybrid tech could also be considered for either of the engines, with Hyundai last year revealing plans to launch up to 8 hybrid cars and SUVs in India by FY2030, ranging from the compact segments up to premium SUVs.
As for an India launch, expect the new i20 to make its India debut as well in the coming months, with sales likely to commence around the festive season.
E85 fuel, or 85% ethanol-blended fuel, will be priced significantly below conventional petrol and will create a strong economic case for the adoption of flex-fuel vehicles in India, Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Hardeep Singh Puri has said. The minister was speaking at the launch of Hero MotoCorp’s flex-fuel variants of its highest-selling motorcycles – the Splendor Plus and HF Deluxe.
Hardeep Singh Puri, Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister (File Picture)
“E85 fuel will be available at designated petrol dispensing points. I can share with you, E85 fuel will be used with vehicles compliant with E85. It will be substantially cheaper than normal fuel. If 1 per cent of the annual petrol vehicle sales in India shifts to E85, over 4 crore litres of ethanol demand will be generated,” said Petroleum Minister Hardeep Puri.
With E20 already available across the country, the government is now increasingly focussing on a higher mix of ethanol in petrol, emphasising on increasing ethanol blending to 85 per cent. Speaking at the event, the Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister said affordable fuel pricing will be critical to driving consumer acceptance of flex-fuel technology.
The launch of Hero MotoCorp’s flex-fuel motorcycles marks one of the first major attempts to bring the technology into the mass-market two-wheeler segment. The Hero Splendor Plus E20-E85 Flex Fuel variant has been priced at Rs. 82,710 (Ex-showroom), while the Hero HF Deluxe Flex Fuel variant has been priced at Rs. 72,792 (Ex-showroom).
The Hero Splendor+ Flex Fuel Variant is priced at Rs. 82,710 (Ex-showroom)
According to the company, the FFV versions of the motorcycles will get marginally more power and torque, but will also have reduced fuel consumption, which will be offset by the lower price of E85 fuel and benefit consumers. Deliveries of the flex fuel Hero motorcycles will begin from July 1, 2026.
The prices of the flex fuel variants are approximately 6 per cent more than their petrol-powered counterparts, and as many as 36 components have been changed, according to Hero MotoCorp. The primary changes are a recalibrated ECU, new fuel pump and a secondary fuel filter which have been introduced in the flex fuel variants of the HF Deluxe and Splendor+.
The flex fuel variants will be offered at the same price as their petrol-powered versions during the month of July 2026 to accelerate faster adoption, company officials said on the sidelines of the launch.
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On the eve of World Environment Day, Hero MotoCorp has launched two flex-fuel motorcycles – the Splendor Plus Flex Fuel, priced at Rs 82,710, and HF Deluxe Flex Fuel, priced at Rs 72,792 (both prices, ex-showroom). With growing uncertainty over compatibility of new models with higher ethanol blends, Hero aims to clear up any hesitance with flex-fuel variants of two of its most popular motorcycles that can accept up to E85 fuel (which constitutes 85 per cent ethanol, and merely 15 per cent petrol). For now, both motorcycles will go on sale starting July, but only in Delhi-NCR and ‘select regions’ in Maharashtra.
This is a developing story. Please stay tuned for more details.
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