All-New BMW i3 Leaked Ahead Of Global Debut

Days ahead of its global debut, the new Neue-Klasse BMW i3 has been leaked in what looks to be an official video that has subsequently been pulled down. The video provides an up-close look at the new-gen electric sedan ahead of its March 18 debut.

 

Also read: car&bike Awards 2026: BMW X3 Bags The Premium Car Of The Year Title
 

The new i3 follows the same family design as we saw on the all-new iX3 last year. The headlamps and grille are neatly integrated as part of singular panels with LED lighting elements, providing a radical re-interpretation of BMW’s iconic kidney grille. A low-set central air-dam, flared front fenders, and a sculpted lower bonnet add to i3’s aggressive looks.

 

Also read: BMW M2 CS Comes To India; 530bhp, RWD, But Available In Limited Numbers
 

In profile, the new i3 looks quite well proportioned with an almost traditional three-box design, with the C-pillar neatly integrating into the rear deck. The wheel arches are filled with large alloy wheels, while a soft shoulder line is visible running the length of the car. The prominent flared rear wheel arches add some substance to the i3’s rear end design, with other notable design elements being a notable integrated spoiler-like boot lip, slim tail lamps and a faux diffuser element on the bumper.

 

Also read: Second-Gen BMW iX3 Revealed As First Neue Klasse Electric SUV
 

Inside, the cabin looks to be identical to the new iX3, replete with the large hexagonal central touchscreen designed to look angled towards the driver. The electric sedan also gets the edge-to-edge panoramic display at the base of the windshield and the new design steering with vertical spokes. As with the iX3, physical buttons are minimal.

 

Also read: All Electric BMW M3 Details Out; Will Offer Simulated Gear Shifts, Synthetic Sounds
 

 

Also read: All-Electric BMW M3 Teased Ahead Of Debut
 

Mechanically, the new i3 will also be underpinned by BMW’s Neue Klasse platform that debuted in the iX3 with the sedan expected to share much of its running gear with its SUV sibling. BMW has also confirmed a hot M variant of the i3 will be arriving shortly after the standard sedan.

 

Image Source: Wilcoblok/Instagram. 

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2026 Renault Duster Launched At Rs 10.29 Lakh

Renault has launched what is possibly its most important new car in years – the 2026 Renault Duster has arrived, with introductory prices starting at Rs 10.29 lakh for the 1.0-litre turbo-petrol model for bookings made by March 31, 2026. This will rise to Rs 10.49 lakh for customers making bookings from April 1. The new-gen Duster will also be available with a bigger, more powerful 1.3-litre turbo-petrol engine, prices for which range from Rs 12.69 lakh to 18.09 lakh (ex-showroom). Prices will be hiked by up to Rs 40,000 for bookings made from April 1, 2026.

Renault has confirmed deliveries of the new Duster will begin by the middle of April, but those looking forward to the Duster E-tech hybrid will have to wait for a few more months, as that will only be launched by Diwali later this year.

 

New Renault Duster: Design and Dimensions

 

The new Duster measures in at 4,343 mm in length, 1,813 mm in height, 1,659 mm in width and has a 2,657 mm wheelbase, which falls some way short of the new Tata Sierra's wheelbase. Ground clearance is rated at 212 mm, and the new Duster, in its lightest version, weighs 1,411 kg. Boot space is 518 litres, but folding the rear seats down frees up 1,789 litres of room.

Compared to the new Duster sold overseas, the new Duster for India is built on the Renault Global Modular Platform (RGMP), and has almost nothing in common with the Duster available abroad. It has a redesigned headlight cluster, the Renault lettering on the nose is replaced by Duster lettering, and the front bumper is also different. The new Duster rides on 18-inch alloy wheels, and has arrow-shaped tail-lights connected by an LED light bar.

 

New Renault Duster: Interior and features

 

The India-spec new Duster also has practically nothing in common with the Duster sold abroad when it comes to the interior. Features include a 10.1-inch central touchscreen infotainment system, 10.25-inch digital instruments display (7.0-inch on lower-spec models), dual-zone auto climate control, powered and ventilated front seats, Arkamys sound system, panoramic sunroof and a powered tailgate. The new Duster also features built-in Google integration, which will enable the Gemini AI assistant with a future software update.

 

Buyers will be able to pick from five trim levels - Authentic, Evolution, Techno, Techno+ and Iconic.

 

New Renault Duster: Engine and transmission options

 

For now, the new Duster will be available with two turbo-petrol engines: a 1.0-litre, three-cylinder unit that produces 99 bhp and 160 Nm of torque, and a 1.3-litre, four-cylinder unit that develops a peak 158 bhp and 280 Nm of torque. The 1.0-litre engine is available only with a six-speed manual, while the 1.3-litre engine can be had with either a six-speed manual or a six-speed dual-clutch automatic. The 1.0 turbo unit will be offered across all trim levels while the more powerful 1.3 turbo will be offered from the second-from-base Evolution trim

 

The Duster E-tech hybrid due in Diwali pairs a 1.8-litre, four-cylinder petrol engine (Atkinson cycle) with a 1.4 kWh battery powering two electric motors for a combined power output of 158 bhp and 172 Nm of torque. 

 

New Renault Duster: Rivals

 

The new Duster enters a fiercely competitive segment, taking on the likes of the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Tata Sierra, Maruti Suzuki Victoris, and Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder.

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2026 Renault Duster Launch LIVE Updates: Price, Features, Specifications, Images

The Renault Duster is set to make its return to the Indian market, with prices slated to be announced today, March 17. First introduced in 2012, the Duster played a key role in popularising the compact SUV segment in India, and its comeback marks a significant re-entry for Renault India. 

  

The carmaker has already unveiled the India-spec version of the new Duster and shared key details ahead of its launch. While the overall design, platform and powertrain options have been outlined, pricing and variant-wise details are set to be revealed today. 

 

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Hero Electric To Be Liquidated After Revival Efforts Fail

Hero Electric, India’s first electric two-wheeler brand, is headed for liquidation following an order from the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) after efforts to revive the company through the insolvency resolution process failed to produce an approved plan. The NCLT noted that no resolution proposal received the required support from the Committee of Creditors (CoC) under the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC).

 

The insolvency proceedings against Hero Electric began on December 20, 2024, following a petition filed by Metro Tyres Ltd under the IBC. A Committee of Creditors (CoC), comprising financial institutions like Bank of Baroda, South Indian Bank, IDFC First Bank and Kotak Mahindra Bank, among others.

 

The CoC held multiple meetings and evaluated proposals from companies interested in taking over the business. Expressions of interest were invited from potential investors and several parties reportedly showed interest in acquiring the company. Eventually, two resolution plans were formally submitted for consideration. However, when put to vote, neither of these two resolution plans managed to secure the minimum approval required under the IBC of 66 per cent. 

 

The creditors remained divided over the future course of action, and the CoC failed to reach a consensus within the insolvency resolution timeline. The tribunal has said that continuing the process would not serve any purpose and ordered liquidation of the company under Section 33 (1) (a) of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code. 

 

Hero Electric is India’s first electric two-wheeler brand when the company first launched electric scooters with lead acid batteries in 2007. Although the brand has the “Hero” name, it’s an offshoot of the Munjal family which owns Hero MotoCorp. While Hero MotoCorp’s EV vertical Vida is slowly and steadily growing, India’s first electric scooter brand from the same family is heading for liquidation. 

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New Renault Duster Launch Tomorrow: What to Expect?

It started the trend of Compact SUVs in India way back 2012 and now the Renault Duster is set for a grand return on March 17. The French car brand has already taken the wraps off the India-spec Duster and has also revealed some key details about the SUV including the platform it is built on. What is left to know are the prices and the variant details and here’s what you can expect when the SUV is launched on Tuesday.

 

 

Renault has already revealed that the new Duster is built on the Global Modular Platform (RGMP) which according to the brand has been designed and engineered with the Indian market in mind. It is scalable which means the company can built models from different segments on this platform. The SUV looks quote boxy with its name written in bold on the front grille. Other highlights are a fair bit of cladding all around along with connected tail lamps.

 

The cabin gets dual 10 inch screens which are a part of a single unit. Other premium features include, dual zone AC, electric and ventilated front seats along with a panoramic sunroof they’re likely to be seen only in the top variants. The Duster is also one of the fe cars in the segment which will come with 17 Level 2 ADAS function making it a safer bet out on the roads.

 

Also Read: New Renault Duster’s Global Modular Platform Can Spawn Nexon Rival, Sedans, MPVs & More

 

Three engine options have been conformed by Renault though only two will be launched now while the 1.8 litre Petrol with a hybrid setup will be launched later in the year. For now the first option will be 1.0-litre three-cylinder turbo-petrol engine which makes 99 bhp and 160 Nm and comes with a manual transmission option. A 1.3-litre turbo Petrol will also get an automatic gearbox and will deliver higher numbers (158 bhp and 280 Nm). This engine could be seen in the higher variants of the SUV. Renault could launch the Duster at an introductory starting price of Rs. 9.99 lakh, ex-showroom. 

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Ducati Desmo450 MX Launched In India At Rs. 17.24 Lakh

Ducati India has launched its first-ever motocross bike, the Ducati Desmo450 MX in India, with introductory prices beginning at Rs. 17,23,600 (Ex-showroom). According to Ducati, the Desmo450 MX is designed to deliver thrilling performance to both professional riders and amateur enthusiasts across India. Although, like many motocross bikes on sale, the Desmo450 MX is not street legal and can only be used in close circuits.

 

Also Read: Ducati Desmo450 MX Teased Ahead of India Launch

Also Read: 2025 Ducati Multistrada V4 S Review

 

As the name suggests, the Desmo450 MX is built around a 449.6 cc, single-cylinder engine with Desmodromic distribution, a feature unique in the motocross landscape. Ducati says the Desmodromic valve system allows for an exceptionally broad power delivery, combining strong torque at low-to-medium revs with remarkable extension. 

 

The Desmo450 MX also features a sophisticated traction control system, the first in motocross bike to feature this system, which accurately measures rear wheel slip and intelligently activates only when needed, ensuring it does not interfere with the bike’s performance.

 

The 450 cc, single-cylinder engine puts out 64 bhp at 9,400 rpm and 53.5 Nm of peak torque at 7,500 rpm. The engine utilises titanium intake valves and steel exhaust valves and has a high rev limit of 11,900 rpm. The engine is paired to a five-speed gearbox and is equipped with a quickshifter. It is mounted on a lightweight aluminium frame with minimum welds to improve strength, rigidity and agility.

 

With a 21-inch front wheel and 19-inch rear wheel, shod with Pirelli Scorpion MX32 mid-soft tyres, suspension hardware consists of a Showa 49 mm upside down fork and a rear monoshock, both fully adjustable, while braking hardware comprises of a 260 mm front disc and a 240 mm rear disc. 

 

The introductory ex-showroom price of over Rs. 17.24 lakh makes the Desmo450 MX an expensive toy, and it will be available only at four select Ducati dealerships across India – Ducati New Delhi, Ducati VFM Bengaluru, Ducati Chennai and Ducati Pune. Bookings are now open and deliveries are scheduled to begin by the end of March 2026. 

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carbike Awards 2026: Mahindra Crowned Manufacturer Of The Year

Category-defining product launches, meaningful updates for its core lineup, rising production to match growing demand and finding more buyers overseas – Mahindra Automotive had a lot going for it in 2025, which has led to the carmaker receiving the Manufacturer of the Year award, under the Special Citations category, at the 2026 car&bike Awards. The Mumbai-based firm barely put a foot wrong in the last 12 months – launching three electric vehicles that genuinely shook up the market, consistently ramping up supply to ensure customer waiting times weren't agonisingly long, and forging a unique partnership that enamoured customers.

Also Read: Mahindra To Set Up Its Biggest Automobile Plant In Nagpur; Production To Begin In 2028

 

The year started on a high for Mahindra, with the commercial rollout of its ‘Electric Origin' SUVs, the BE 6 and XEV 9e, which were recently joined by the three-row XEV 9S. Cumulatively, Mahindra has sold well over 40,000 units of its Electric Origin SUVs so far, with the XEV 9e leading the charge. The XEV 9e also won the Midsize Electric SUV of the Year at the 2026 car&bike Awards.

 

With demand growing for its existing products such as the XUV 3XO, Scorpio N and the XUV 700 (recently updated as the XUV 7XO), Mahindra found a way to produce substantial numbers of all SUVs. It also rolled out timely updates for its core models, including the Bolero Classic, Bolero Neo and the Thar 3-door, and as a result, sold the most SUVs in its history. In the process, Mahindra also leapfrogged Tata Motors and Hyundai to end 2025 in second place on overall sales charts.

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Mercedes-Benz, Audi Cars To Cost More In India From April 2026

Audi India and Mercedes-Benz India have become some of the first brands to announce a hike in prices from the start of the new fiscal year. Both European carmakers have said that they will hike prices of their range of cars by up to 2 per cent, citing the fluctuating rupee and rising input costs as factors. Mercedes had previously said that it was considering hiking prices for its range of cars across all quarters of 2026 in a bid to offset the exchange rate fluctuations.
 

Also read: Mercedes-Benz CLA Electric To Be Launched In Two Trims; Expected Prices To Start At Rs 55 Lakh
 

This marks the second price hike for Mercedes-Benz in 2026, with the company having previously hiked prices on January 1, 2026. Meanwhile, this is Audi’s first price hike in the calendar year.
 

Also read: New Mercedes-Benz VLE Electric Van Revealed
 

In a statement, Mercedes-Benz India Vice President, Sales & Marketing Brendon Sissing said, “Starting April 1, we will be implementing a price correction of around 2 per cent across our portfolio. This decision is largely driven by continued forex volatility, particularly the sustained depreciation of the rupee against the euro, along with rising input costs. While we always strive to absorb cost pressures, some price adjustments become necessary to maintain business sustainability.”
 

Also read: Audi SQ8 India Launch On March 17
 

In a similarly worded statement, Audi India Brand Director Balbir Singh Dhillon said, “Due to recent rising input costs and currency fluctuations, we are implementing a price adjustment of up to 2 per cent effective from April 01, 2026. We remain committed to minimising the impact of the price hike on our customers.”
 

Also read: New Audi A6 Long-Wheelbase Makes Global Debut; Wheelbase Stretched By Over 130 mm
 

Price hikes aside, Mercedes-Benz is set to have another busy year in India in 2026, with the company having confirmed the launch of 12 new or updated models in the Indian market. The carmaker has already launched new variants of the Maybach GLS and EQS SUV so far, with the all-electric CLA sedan set to arrive next year. Audi, meanwhile, is readying for its first launch of the 2026 calendar year in the form of the new SQ8 in the coming week.

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Kia Sonet Gets Sub-Rs 10 Lakh Automatic Variants For 2026

As part of a model year update, Kia has added more automatic gearbox variants to the Sonet subcompact SUV. Previously, only offered on the top HTX, GTX and X-Line trims, buyers are now offered the option of an automatic gearbox from as low as the second-from-base HTE(O) trim, depending on the engine.

 

Also read: Hyundai Venue HX8 Diesel Automatic Variant Launched At Rs 13.70 Lakh
 

 

Turbo-Petrol-DCT Range Now Starts From Rs 9.90 Lakh
 

Starting with the turbo-petrol, the 1.0 T-GDi engine was previously offered with the DCT gearbox option in the HTX, GTX+ and X-Line trim levels. Now buyers get the option for the DCT unit in the mid spec HTK(O) and HTK+(O) trim levels. The former is priced at Rs 9.90 lakh with the latter costing Rs 10.84 lakh (ex-showroom). Prior to the update, both variants were only offered with an iMT gearbox with the 1.0 T-GDi engine.
 

The new variants bring down the starting price for the turbo-petrol-DCT powertrain by almost Rs 1.7 lakh. The HTX DCT is priced at Rs 11.60 lakh (ex-showroom).
 

Also read: Kia Seltos Achieves 6 Lakh Unit Sales Milestone
 

Variant	Price (ex-showroom)
Kia Sonet 1.0 T-GDi DCT HTK(O)	Rs 9.90 lakh
Kia Sonet 1.0 T-GDi DCT HTK+(O)	Rs 10.84 lakh

 

Sonet Diesel-AT Now Priced From Rs 9.78 Lakh

 

The bigger update comes to the Diesel-AT powertrain option, which has gone from just two variants - HTX and GTX+ - to six variants. Buyers are now offered the option of a diesel-automatic from the second-from-entry HTE(O) trim level priced at Rs 9.78 lakh (ex-showroom). Those wanting more features can also get the powertrain in the HTK(O), HTK+ and HTK+(O) trim levels. The standard HTK trim remains a petrol-only offering.
 

Also Read: 2026 Kia Seltos Review: Formula Is Spot On, But Is The Timing Right?

 

In terms of pricing, the new variants bring down the starting price of the Sonet diesel-auto by almost Rs 2.25 lakh, with the HTX Diesel-AT priced at Rs 12.03 lakh (ex-showroom).
 

Variant	Price (ex-showroom)
Kia Sonet 1.5 Diesel AT HTE(O)	Rs 9.78 lakh
Kia Sonet 1.5 Diesel AT HTK(O)	Rs 10.73 lakh
Kia Sonet 1.5 Diesel AT HTK+	Rs 11.09 lakh
Kia Sonet 1.5 Diesel AT HTK+(O)	Rs 11.57 lakh

 

In terms of features, there is currently no news on any changes to the subcompact SUV’s features for the new model year.

 

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New Audi A6 Long-Wheelbase Makes Global Debut; Wheelbase Stretched By Over 130 mm

Audi has unveiled the long-wheelbase derivative of the new-gen A6 sedan in global markets. The new A6L arrives about a year after the debut of the new A6L e-tron EV and will initially be a China-exclusive sedan sold under the FAW-Audi joint venture.

 

Also read: New Audi RS5 Debuts With 630 bhp V6 PHEV Powertrain
 

 

In terms of looks, the A6 long-wheelbase looks a lot like its European sibling, with only minor design updates to the front and rear. The grille gets a tweaked mesh design with new metallic inserts and a new illuminated bar flowing into the two-dimensional Audi logo, which too is illuminated. The front and rear bumpers also get minor tweaks, and that wraps up the cosmetic updates to the front and rear.

 

Also read: Audi SQ8 India Launch On March 17

 

In profile, the A6L is longer than its European sibling - 5,142 mm as compared to 4,999 mm of the standard A6 - while the wheelbase has been stretched by 139 mm to 3066 mm. The standard A6 has a wheelbase of 2972 mm.

 

Inside, the cabin remains in line with the standard new-gen A6 with three screens atop the dashboard - including a dedicated passenger display, fitted as standard. Audi says that key changes over the standard A6 are centred around the redesigned rear seat, which features an electrically adjustable backrest as well as a seat heating function. The front seats, meanwhile, are heated, ventilated and feature a massage function and power adjustable and include a seat memory function.

 

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

On the feature front, the A6L is packed with tech, including ADAS tech backed by LiDAR sensors, a heads-up display, hands-free parking, a Bang & Olufsen sound system, four-zone climate control and a panoramic glass roof with embedded RGB lighting and electrochromic dimming across 9 zones. Adaptive air suspension and rear-wheel steering are optional.
 

On the powertrain front, the A6L is being offered with a choice of 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol engines in two states of tune - 201 bhp/340 Nm and 268 bhp/400 Nm. The top variant, meanwhile, gets a more powerful turbo-petrol V6 - 362 bhp/ 550 Nm, and standard fit quattro all-wheel drive.

 

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

 

For now, the A6L remains exclusive to the Chinese market, though given the trend for long-wheelbase sedans in the luxury car market in India - it could very well be considered for the Indian market. The A6’s rivals in India - the Mercedes E-class and BMW 5-Series are both sold in long-wheelbase spec.

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BMW M2 CS Comes To India; 530bhp, RWD, But Available In Limited Numbers

The new BMW M2 CS sits at a very interesting point in the Bavarian carmaker’s performance hierarchy. The badge itself needs a bit of decoding first. In BMW speak, CS stands for Competition Sport. That places it neatly between a standard M car and the hardcore CSL machines. In other words, it’s the sweet spot. Think of it as the closest thing to a road-going race car you can buy without stepping into full-blown motorsport territory.

Under the hood sits a familiar but significantly angrier engine, a 3.0-litre twin-turbo straight-six derived from the same family that powers the BMW M4 GT3 Evo race car. In this application, it produces a mighty 530bhp and nearly 650Nm. That’s a healthy jump of 50bhp and 50Nm over the standard BMW M2 and places it right in the territory of the bigger BMW M4 Competition.

The engine delivers its peak power at around 6,250rpm and keeps pulling all the way to a screaming 7,200rpm redline. Where a ‘normal’ turbo engine often runs out of breath early, this one still loves to rev all the way past 7,000rpm mark. BMW claims a 0–100 km/h sprint of 3.8 seconds. If you account for the one-foot rollout method, that drops to about 3.5 seconds. And the M2 CS will also blast from 0–200kmph in just 11.7 seconds before eventually topping out at a claimed 302kmph.

Unlike earlier M2, the M2 CS does not get a manual gearbox. Instead, it uses BMW’s eight-speed automatic transmission. The upside, however, is that every single one of those 530 horses goes exclusively to the rear wheels. Helping keep all that power in check is a race-derived differential on the rear axle. Buyers can also opt for M-specific carbon-ceramic brakes if they want some serious stopping power. 

Compared to the standard M2, this version is around 30 kilograms lighter. BMW achieves that through extensive use of CFRP, or carbon fibre reinforced plastic. You see it on the roof, the boot lid, which also features an integrated ducktail spoiler crafted from the same material, the rear diffuser, mirror caps and even parts of the cabin, like the centre console also use lightweight carbon fibre components. The interior continues the performance theme. The biggest visual and functional upgrade comes in the form of M Carbon bucket seats. These lightweight seats feature illuminated CS logos and provide significantly more lateral support for spirited driving.

The CS branding appears throughout the cabin as well — on the doors, centre console and even the Alcantara-wrapped steering wheel. The steering wheel itself also features lightweight carbon-fibre paddle shifters, adding to the motorsport vibe. Despite its weight-saving focus, the cabin hasn’t been stripped bare. The M2 CS still retains plenty of creature comforts expected in a modern performance coupe. 

As for availability, the M2 CS will be produced in limited numbers. That’s typical for BMW’s CS models and usually means strong demand from collectors and enthusiasts alike. Pricing is expected to reflect that exclusivity. While the regular M2 in India sits around the Rs 1.2-crore mark, the CS version is likely to command somewhere in the Rs 1.5–1.6 crore bracket. And honestly, for a compact coupe delivering over 500bhp, rear-wheel drive theatrics and serious track credibility, that starts to make a lot of sense.

 

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