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Kawasaki India has announced a significant discount on the Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R through its social media channels. The litre-class supersport is now available with a price reduction of Rs. 2.89 lakh, making it considerably more accessible for enthusiasts looking to enter the superbike segment. The limited-time offer is valid until 31 March 2026.
The Ninja ZX-10R is officially priced at Rs. 20,79,000 (ex-showroom). With the newly announced discount applied, the effective ex-showroom price comes down to Rs. 17,90,000. This price drop brings the superbike closer to the territory of some middleweight motorcycles, making it an even more tempting option for buyers who were already considering stepping up to a litre-class machine.
Even before this offer, the Ninja ZX-10R was regarded as one of the more accessible superbikes in India, particularly for riders who prioritise track-focused performance. With the reduced pricing, the motorcycle now presents an even stronger value proposition. The discount also leaves buyers with additional room in their budget to invest in essentials such as high-quality riding gear or track-day equipment.
Mechanically, the motorcycle remains unchanged. The Ninja ZX-10R continues to be powered by a 998cc, E20-compliant inline-four-cylinder engine that produces 202 bhp with the RAM Air intake system and 112 Nm of peak torque. This engine is paired with a six-speed gearbox and delivers the high-revving performance expected from a litre-class supersport.
In terms of features, the bike is equipped with a TFT instrument console that displays all essential information. Kawasaki has also packed the motorcycle with an extensive suite of electronic rider aids. These include multiple riding modes, a bi-directional quickshifter, traction control, launch control, engine brake control, and even cruise control.
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Lotus has taken a surprising turn with its flagship SUV. What looked like an all-electric line-up, the British marque has gone back to making a car with an ICE engine (although alongside a battery pack) as a plug-in hybrid. Called the Eletre X, it was revealed in China first and will go global in June.
Powering the Eletre X is a performance-focused hybrid powertrain which combines the familiar 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine with an electric motor on each axle. The combined power output is massive 939bhp, which on paper is more than the 892bhp of the all-electric Eletre R. Lotus claims this one can sprint from 0–100kmph in just 3.3 seconds.
The PHEV system is paired with a 70kWh battery pack, smaller than the 108kWh unit used in the electric Eletre. But despite the battery downsize, Lotus claims an impressive 350kms of electric-only range on the WLTP cycle, while the overall/total driving range (EV+ICE combined) is said to be around 1200kms.
As for the charging speeds, the battery supports ‘6C’ ultra-fast charging, allowing the battery pack to go from 30 to 80% in just eight minutes. There’s also Lotus’ 6D Digital Dynamic Chassis under the skin, along with an adaptive 48V anti-roll bar, designed to minimise the body movements often associated with large luxury SUVs. Despite the added hybrid hardware, the Eletre X weighs between 2575kg and 2625kg, broadly similar to the pure-electric model.
Lotus is clearly aiming at the Lamborghini Urus and the Ferrari Purosangue with the Eletre X. For your reference, the Urus is now sold only as a plug-in hybrid, and it produces 789bhp, which is significantly less than the Lotus. With the PHEV, Lotus is expecting to appeal to luxury buyers who are hesitant about going fully electric, especially when the EV adoption is at a slower pace.
Following the Eletre, the Emira is also expected to get a PHEV version, which will arrive around 2027, as it will be required to meet the upcoming Euro 7 emissions.
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Hyundai India's first passenger car launch of 2026 is the Verna facelift, which has been introduced at a starting price of Rs 10.98 lakh (ex-showroom). This comes almost exactly three years after Hyundai launched the current generation of the Honda City-rivaling sedan, which also won the car&bike Car of the Year award in 2024. This midlife update does not bring much in the way of cosmetic changes, but it does lengthen the Verna's equipment list, enabling it to take on its soon-to-be-updated rivals on a more even footing.
2026 Hyundai Verna facelift: What's new on the outside?
If you were hoping for wholesale design changes with this update, you will be disappointed. Most people will find it impossible to tell the facelift apart from the original, simply because the changes are limited to the lighting arrangement, bumpers and wheel design.
The 2026 Hyundai Verna features a redesigned headlight cluster and a revised front bumper, new 16-inch alloy wheels and a diffuser-style element added to the rear bumper along with a silver insert. Two new colours have been added to the palette – Titan Grey Matte and Classy Blue. And that about wraps up the changes for the exterior.
On the inside is where a majority of the changes are to be seen. The 2026 Verna has the same steering wheel as seen in the new Venue, featuring the Morse code depiction of the ‘H’ logo, and the car now has dual curved 10.25 inch displays, with the outgoing Verna's basic digital instrumentation being replaced with a full digital display.
The front seats are powered, with the driver's seat also featuring a memory function, and a ‘Boss mode’ switch for the front passenger's seat, which allows the rear seat occupant to adjust the front seat as per their comfort. The Verna now features seven airbags, up from six previously, and also comes with a rear sunshade.
Another key addition to the equipment list is 360-degree cameras, replacing the single reverse camera seen on the outgoing Verna. As before, the sedan continues with Level 2 ADAS.
2026 Hyundai Verna facelift: Engine and transmission options
As before, the 2026 Hyundai Verna will be available with two petrol engine options – a 1.5-litre naturally-aspirated unit, and a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine. A six-speed manual is available with both engines, but when it comes to automatic transmissions, the 1.5 NA is available only with a continuously variable transmission (CVT), while the turbo-petrol can be had with a dual-clutch automatic (DCT).
2026 Hyundai Verna facelift: Rivals due for update
The facelift for the Verna is a timely one, as the hot-selling Volkswagen Virtus, as well as the Skoda Slavia, are set to get a comprehensive update in the coming months. Both sedans from the VW Group stable are expected to receive a new look, along with more equipment, by the middle of 2026, which will inject new life into the segment.
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Underseat storage has always been one of the biggest advantages of scooters over motorcycles. From carrying helmets to keeping grocery bags or office backpacks, a large boot can dramatically add to day-to-day usability. While many scooters offer decent storage, only a few stand out with genuinely cavernous underseat storage space. The list below ranks petrol scooters currently on sale in India based on their underseat storage capacity, starting from the largest.
The TVS Jupiter 110 and 125 is a family-oriented commuter scooter that is heavily marketed around practicality and everyday convenience. One of its biggest USPs is the massive 33-litre underseat storage, currently the largest among petrol scooters in India.
This is made possible because TVS has relocated the fuel tank to the floorboard, freeing up space under the seat for a deep and wide boot that can accommodate two half-face helmets or a large backpack along with some space for groceries. The storage area also gets an LED boot lamp, making it easier to access items at night. The Jupiter’s storage-centric design makes it one of the most practical scooters for urban commuting and family use.
The Yamaha Aerox 155 is positioned as a sporty maxi-style scooter and is marketed towards enthusiasts looking for motorcycle-like performance in a scooter format. Despite its aggressive design and underbone chassis that replaces the flat floorboard with a central spine, it still offers a 24.5-litre underseat storage compartment.
The boot is shaped deep enough to accommodate a full-face helmet, which is impressive considering the scooter’s performance-focused layout and fuel tank placement in the centre spine. The storage area also features an LED lamp, adding convenience during night use.
The Suzuki Access 125 is one of India’s most popular family scooters in the 125cc segment and is marketed as a balanced everyday commuter with strong performance and practicality. With the latest update, the underseat storage capacity has been increased to 24.4 litres, making it one of the good spacious boots in the 125cc scooter category.
The space is wide enough to store a full-face helmet or a combination of backpack, smaller bags and essentials, which enhances its daily usability. The compartment is also equipped with an LED underseat lamp, improving visibility when accessing the storage in low light environments.
TVS Ntorq 125/150– 22 litres
Price: ₹83,750 / ₹1,09,400 (ex-showroom)
The TVS Ntorq 125/150 is marketed as a sporty, tech-focused scooter for younger riders, featuring sharp styling and connected features. Despite its performance orientation, it still offers a generous 22-litre underseat storage compartment, which is quite practical for the segment.
The boot can comfortably store one half-face or a small full-face helmet, or everyday items like a backpack or groceries. TVS has also equipped the storage area with an LED boot light, making it easier to access items in dim lit conditions. This combination of sporty character and decent practicality makes the Ntorq 125/150 a strong versatile urban scooter.
The Suzuki Burgman Street 125 is a maxi-style scooter designed with an emphasis on comfort, long seats, and premium styling. Its approximately 21.5-litre underseat storage is reasonably spacious and shaped to hold a half-face helmet along with small bags or daily essentials.
While the Burgman prioritises rider comfort and touring-like ergonomics, the storage remains practical for urban use thanks to its wide opening and deep tub design. The underseat compartment also gets an LED lamp, improving visibility when retrieving items at night.
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The Government of Maharashtra has proposed measures to encourage vehicle owners to retire older vehicles from the road. The proposal includes higher green taxes on ageing vehicles along with tax concessions for owners who voluntarily choose to scrap them and purchase newer models.
Under the proposed plan, vehicle owners who scrap older vehicles could receive motor vehicle tax concessions when buying a replacement. Owners scrapping BS-III or older vehicles may receive a 30 per cent concession on motor vehicle tax, while those scrapping BS-IV vehicles could be eligible for a 16 per cent concession when purchasing a new vehicle. The move is intended to encourage the replacement of older vehicles with newer models that comply with stricter emission norms.
Alongside the incentives, the state government has also proposed a revision of the green tax applicable to older vehicles. As per the proposal, the environmental tax could be doubled. If implemented, the green tax for two-wheelers may increase from Rs 2,000 to Rs 4,000, while petrol cars could see it rise from Rs 3,000 to Rs 6,000. For diesel cars, the tax could increase from Rs 3,500 to Rs 7,000. These taxes are typically collected at the time of vehicle registration renewal once a vehicle crosses a certain age threshold.
The proposal is aligned with the broader framework of the Vehicle Scrappage Policy introduced by the central government. Under this system, vehicles scrapped at authorised Registered Vehicle Scrapping Facilities (RVSFs) are issued a certificate of deposit, which can then be used to claim benefits when purchasing a new vehicle.
The state government’s proposal aims to encourage owners to phase out older, higher-emission vehicles. The measures are currently under consideration, and details on implementation timelines are expected to be clarified as the proposal progresses.
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Renault has revealed full details of its new Global Modular Platform (RGMP) that debuted as the base for the all-new Duster in India. The new modular platform Renault says has been designed and engineered with the Indian market in mind, though it does share some aspects with the company's global CMF platforms.
RGMP can be used in models ranging from sub-4m to 4.7 metres.
Can Underpin Vehicles Ranging From Sub-4m To 4.7m; Support Multiple Body Styles
Renault says that the new RGMP platform is scalable and will allow the brand to develop models ranging from the sub-4m segment to midsize models measuring up to 4.7 metres in length. The company says that the scalable nature of the platform will allow Renault to alter the length of the platform to suit the varying applications with all three major sections of the chassis - the front overhang, rear overhang and the wheelbase capable of being stretched or shrunk depending on the use case.
Front & rear overhangs are adjustable and can be stretched or shrunk depending on the use case.
Starting with the wheelbase, the RGMP platform supports models with a wheelbase of between 2,632 mm and 2,748 mm. The front section, meanwhile, is scalable between 780 and 860 mm, while the rear overhang can be stretched from a compact 665 mm to up to 1020 mm depending on the use case. The platform can also support wheel sizes ranging from 16 to 19 inches with tyre sections ranging from 205 to 225 mm.
Wheelbase is adjustable as well, and the platform can be configured for three-rows of seating.
As for the new Duster, the SUV currently sits in the middle ground of what the platform can offer with a 2,657 mm wheelbase, 855 mm front overhang and 834 mm rear overhang. And as for the sub-4 metre models, we’re likely to see the first application of the RGMP in a sub-4m model with the upcoming Bridger concept that debuts on March 10.
Upcoming Bridger concept likely to be first sub-4m application of the RGMP
SUVs aside, Renault also says that the RGMP platform can support a variety of top hats, including hatchbacks, sedans and MPVs.
Flexible Seating Capabilities
Renault says that the RGMP will be capable of offering flexible seating configurations ranging from the standard 5-seater, as seen on the Duster, to a three-row configuration. The carmaker says that the platform can allow for the development of six- and seven-seater models, with the company claiming ‘segment-best’ levels of space in the third row.
Multiple Powertrain & Drivetrains Supported: RGMP Is EV Ready
At the time of the Duster’s global debut on Republic Day 2026, Renault said that it would arrive with turbo-petrol and strong hybrid powertrain options. The turbo-petrols are set to be launched later this month, while the strong hybrid is due during the festive season. Those aside, Renault says that the RGMP platform will also be capable of forming the basis for future all-electric vehicles, though there are currently no concrete plans from Renault for the same. CNG powertrains are also supported.
New platform supports both 4x2 and 4x4 tech and is EV ready as well.
Additionally, the company says that the platform can support its 4x4 systems - both mechanical, where the engine provides all the power, as well as electrified 4x4 with an electric motor powering one of the axles. Globally, the Duster does get a strong hybrid 4x4 variant with an electric motor powering the rear axle.
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Toyota has introduced a new entry-level E variant of the Toyota Rumion at Rs 9.56 lakh (ex-showroom). The addition of a new base variant reduces the Rumion’s starting price by Rs 95,000. The Rumion is now available in four trims: E, S, G and V. Prices for the rest of the lineup remain unchanged, with the range topping out at Rs 13.86 lakh (ex-showroom).
The E variant is offered only with a petrol-manual configuration. It uses the same 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine producing 103hp, paired with a 5-speed manual gearbox. This trim does not offer an automatic transmission or a CNG option. In terms of equipment, the base variant gets projector halogen headlights, LED taillights, manual air conditioning, all four power windows and rear parking sensors. Safety features include six airbags and hill-hold assist.
However, it misses out on several features available in higher variants, including rear AC vents, powered outside rearview mirrors, an adjustable inside rearview mirror and an infotainment system with speakers. The Rumion continues to compete with the Maruti Suzuki Ertiga, Maruti Suzuki XL6 and Kia Carens in the Indian MPV segment.
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JSW Group’s intention to enter the automotive space is not secret. While on one side the company has already partnered with China’s SAIC’s MG Motor India, on the other side, it’s also working on launching an independent brand – JSW Motors. And one of them could be a Hyundai Creta rival, based on the Jaecoo J5, built by China’s Chery Automobile. A heavily camouflaged version of the SUV was recently spotted undergoing ARAI testing in Pune, Maharashtra.
The SUV in question here – the Jaecoo J5, was introduced in 2025, and is sold in China, Indonesia and a couple of other markets. Depending on the market, the SUV is offered either with a petrol engine, a strong hybrid motor, or even an all-electric powertrain. The model that has been spotted testing, in all likelihood, is the EV version. All that said, the first model under JSW Motors is likely to be a large SUV based on the Jetour T2, also from Chery Auto.
Based on what we can see and information on the global model, the SUV will come with sleek all-LED lighting, regular door handles (no flush door handles), and aero-style alloy wheels. There’s a large rear spoiler. The cabin, at the same time, will be quite minimalistic with a large central touchscreen for the infotainment system and a small digital display for the driver cluster.
Expect to see features like wireless charging, Android Auto & Apple CarPlay, a panoramic sunroof, 360-degree view cameras and ADAS. Globally, the Jaecoo J5 EV comes with a 58.9 kWh battery that offers a WLTP range of around 400 km. The SUV is expected to be locally assembled at JSW's upcoming plant in Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar.
In July 2025, patent images filed by Honda revealed an electric motorcycle based on the chassis of the made-in-India Honda Shine 100. The Shine 100 is one of the most affordable and simple models in Honda’s motorcycle range. Now, a new patent from Honda seems to suggest that it may be developing yet another low-cost electric motorcycle, designed specifically for developing markets.
While Honda hasn’t made much headway in the electric scooter segment, this new patent seems to underscore Honda’s future strategy for the electric motorcycle segment. And Honda’s belief, as more than one patent suggests, seems to be that running costs and purchase costs go hand in hand to make mass-market products more widely acceptable, particularly in developing markets.
The latest patent images seem to be of an electric version based on a low-cost petrol-powered model that Honda currently sells in Africa. From the patent images, the design reveals enough details to suggest that it’s a real project. Like the Honda Shine electric, the silhouette of the new motorcycle seems to be based on the Honda Ace 125, a mass-market model manufactured in Nigeria which has been on sale since 2011. It is sold in several other African markets.
The electric motorcycle uses the existing backbone-style frame from the Ace 125 with batteries fitted on either side and an electric motor fitted in the space typically used for the engine and transmission. What Honda seems to be trying to get patent protection specifically for appears to be the battery mounting system.
The solution in Honda’s patents, is to make the batteries easily removable, allowing them to be taken indoors overnight for charging or to be swapped for re-charged batteries, but also make them secure and theft-proof, despite being mounted in exposed cages on either side of the bike.
Honda seems to have designed a simple locking system with durable cages for the batteries which also act as “crash guards” to protect the batteries in the event of an accident. The battery cage hinges on the frame’s downtube at the front and is designed to swing open to give access to the batteries. With both batteries installed, the cages swing closes, securing them into the sides of the motorcycle.
There don’t appear to be any fancy electronics, and even the braking set-up is basic at best, with cable-actuated brakes with a front and rear drum set-up. Other components like the headlight, seat, handlebar and suspension seem to be shared with the petrol-powered model.
So far, there’s no word on when this new Honda electric motorcycle will see production, and if it does, which markets will it be launched in. One thing is clear though – Honda’s electric motorcycle strategy will be focussed on mass-market inexpensive commuter products going forward, rather than on expensive and premium, performance-oriented electric motorcycles.
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The Hyundai Exter is set to receive a mid-cycle update, with a test mule of the facelifted model spotted testing on Indian roads once again. Spy images of the updated micro-SUV had first surfaced online in January this year. Hyundai India introduced the first-generation Exter in 2023, and the upcoming facelift is expected to bring minor exterior revisions along with feature updates. The refreshed model is likely to arrive in the first half of 2026.
The facelifted Exter has also been spotted testing in South Korea, and the latest Indian test mule appears similar to that version. It retains its signature H-shaped, high-mounted LED daytime running lights, while the square projector headlamps look largely unchanged. However, the front bumper could receive subtle revisions, and the grille on the camouflaged vehicle appears taller and more upright than before.
At the rear, most design elements remain concealed under camouflage. From what is visible, the tail lamps appear similar to those on the current model, including the H-shaped lighting signature. A connecting light bar between the tail lamps could be added in this update.
Interior details of the facelifted Exter are not visible in the latest spy shots. The overall cabin layout is expected to remain largely unchanged, though Hyundai could update the equipment list. Potential additions may include a larger infotainment touchscreen, expanded functions for the digital instrument cluster, and updates to the connected car tech suite.
Under the hood, the Exter facelift is unlikely to see major mechanical changes. It is expected to continue with the existing 1.2-litre petrol engine, paired with manual and AMT gearbox options. The factory-fitted CNG variant with Hyundai’s twin-cylinder technology is also expected to remain part of the lineup.
The updated Exter is expected to be introduced in the Indian market later this year. The current model is priced between Rs 5.64 lakh and goes up to Rs 8.85 lakh (ex-showroom). Expect the facelift to command a marginal premium over this. Once launched, it will continue to compete with rivals such as the Tata Punch and Citroen C3X.
Ultraviolette Automotive has introduced a new ownership programme called ‘Battery Flex’ for its electric motorcycles sold in the country. The initiative is essentially a battery-as-a-service (BaaS) model, allowing customers to purchase the motorcycle at a lower upfront price while subscribing to the battery separately through a monthly plan.
With the new scheme in place, the X-47 can now be purchased for Rs 1.49 lakh, while the battery subscription begins at Rs 2,499 per month. This brings down the initial purchase cost by Rs 1 lakh compared to the full purchase price of Rs 2.49 lakh (ex-showroom).
Model
Upfront vehicle cost
Battery EMI (Monthly)
Cost per km (Claimed)
F77 Original
Rs 1.99 lakh
Rs 2,678
₹2.6/km
F77 Recon
Rs 2.49 lakh
Rs 4,016
₹4/km
X-47 Original
Rs 1.49 lakh
Rs 2.499
₹2.5/km
X-47 Original +
Rs 1.99 lakh
Rs 2,499
₹2.5/km
X-47 Recon
Rs 1.99 lakh
Rs 4,016
₹4/km
X-47 Recon +
Rs 2.49 lakh
Rs 4,016
₹4/km
X-47 Desert Wing
Rs 2.69 lakh
Rs 4,820
₹4.8/km
The Battery Flex programme has also been extended to the Ultraviolette F77 electric motorcycle. Under the BaaS model, the F77 can now be bought at a starting price of Rs 1.99 lakh, while the battery subscription starts at Rs 2,678 per month. In comparison, the motorcycle’s standard purchase price stands at Rs 2.99 lakh (ex-showroom).
According to Ultraviolette, the new ownership model reduces the upfront investment required to own the X-47 by 40 per cent. At the end of the subscription period, the ownership of the battery is transferred to the customer without any additional cost.
The company has partnered with Ecofy, a green-focused non-banking financial company, to roll out the Battery Flex programme. Enrolments for the Battery Flex scheme will begin from March 5, 2026.
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Wheelbase is adjustable as well, and the platform can be configured for three-rows of seating. 
