Kia Confirms Sorento Hybrid, Carnival Hybrid For India By 2030

Kia has laid out its roadmap for India over the next few years, and hybrids are clearly going to play a bigger role in it. At its 2026 CEO Investor Day, the carmaker confirmed that it plans to have a 10-model lineup in the country by 2030, with as many as 8 from the lot being electrified in some form. That list includes hybrid versions of the Kia Sorento and Kia Carnival. The former will be a new offering from the brand in India, while the latter is currently offered in diesel guise.

 

Also Read: Kia Seltos Gets 5-Star Bharat NCAP Safety Rating, Outscores The Tata Sierra

 

Kia Sorento HEV

Starting with the Sorento, this is a model that will essentially sit above the Seltos in the brand's India portfolio and will offer a three-row layout. In its hybrid form overseas, it packs a 1.6-litre turbo-petrol engine paired with an electric motor, putting out 224 bhp. It is paired with a 6-speed automatic gearbox, and in some markets, it also gets the option of all-wheel drive.

In terms of size and positioning, the Sorento is a step above what Kia currently offers here, stretching over 4.8 metres in length. The feature list includes dual screens for the infotainment and instrument cluster, ventilated seats, a head-up display and a panoramic sunroof on higher trims.

 

Also Read: 2026 Kia Carens Clavis Gets Variant Rejig; New HTX(O) A, GT-Line & X-Line Trims Introduced

 

Kia Carnival HEV

Then there’s the Carnival. The current India-spec Kia Carnival, which returned in its latest generation in 2024, is diesel-only. Globally, though, Kia also offers a hybrid version of the MPV, and that’s what is being considered for India. This version runs on a 1.6-litre turbo-petrol engine with an electric motor, which should provide better efficiency than the diesel.

 

Apart from the powertrain, not many changes in terms of layout or features for the Carnival are expected in the Hybrid version.

 

Also Read: Kia Seltos Achieves 6 Lakh Unit Sales Milestone

 

Kia Syros EV

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Kia will also introduce the Syros EV in India, which has already been spotted testing on Indian roads. It is expected to share its underpinnings with the Carens Clavis EV. Power is likely to come from a front-mounted electric motor, paired with either a 42 kWh or a 51.4 kWh battery pack, with a claimed range of up to 490 km on a single charge.

 

In terms of design, the Syros EV appears to retain the boxy, tallboy stance of the ICE version, with test mules showing similar alloy wheels and the L-shaped tail-lamps positioned around the rear windscreen. The charging port is expected to be located on the front left fender, as seen in earlier spy shots.

 

“Kia says it is targeting annual sales of 4,10,000 units in India by 2030, with a projected market share of 7.6 per cent. As part of this strategy, the company plans to expand its lineup to 10 models, including eight electrified vehicles such as the Syros EV, Sorento Hybrid and Carnival Hybrid, while also scaling its dealer network to 800 outlets.”

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Mercedes-AMG GLE Coupe Performance Edition, A45 S Aero Track Edition Launched In India

Mercedes-Benz India has expanded its AMG portfolio with the launch of a new Performance Edition for the AMG GLE 53 Coupe, while also launching the AMG A45 S in a new Aero Track Edition avatar. The GLE in this edition is priced at Rs 1.52 crore, while the A45 S costs Rs 87 lakh (ex-showroom).

 

Also Read: 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLS Facelift Unveiled With Updated Engines, ‘Cloud-Based' Suspension

 

AMG GLE 53 Coupe Performance Edition

The AMG GLE Coupe Performance Edition is priced at Rs 1.52 crore (ex-showroom) and gets the addition of the AMG Dynamic Plus Package. This package introduces a range of performance-focused changes, including AMG Active Ride Control suspension and high-performance composite brakes with ventilated and perforated discs, finished with red callipers.

 

The SUV also gets an AMG Performance steering wheel with integrated controls, along with the AMG Track Pace system integrated into the MBUX interface. This setup allows drivers to access real-time telemetry such as lap times, acceleration, braking and steering inputs. The model rides on 22-inch AMG cross-spoke alloy wheels.

Powering the GLE Coupe is a 3.0-litre inline-six engine producing 429 bhp and 520 Nm, enabling a 0 to 100 kmph sprint in 5.3 seconds and a top speed of 250 kmph.

 

Also Read: 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE Facelift Debuts With Updated Looks, New Interior & More Powerful Engines

 

AMG A45 S Aero Track Edition

Alongside the GLE, Mercedes-AMG has launched the A45 S Aero Track Edition, priced at Rs 87 lakh (ex-showroom). This version brings a motorsport-inspired aerodynamic package, including a larger front splitter with flics, a fixed rear wing, additional rear airflow elements and an optimised diffuser.

 

The Aero Track Edition also features the AMG Night Package, adding blacked-out elements such as the splitter, side sills, window trims, mirror caps and black chrome exhaust tips. It rides on 19-inch AMG forged cross-spoke wheels and gets red-painted brake callipers.

Under the hood, the A45 S continues with its 2.0-litre turbocharged inline-four engine producing 416 bhp and 500 Nm, allowing it to accelerate from 0 to 100 kmph in 3.9 seconds, with a top speed of 270 kmph.

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Royal Enfield Flying Flea C6 Electric Motorcycle Launched In India At Rs 2.79 Lakh

At last, Royal Enfield's first-ever electric motorcycle is now on sale in India – albeit in a single city, for the time being. The Flying Flea C6, which debuted in 2024, has been rolled out at a price of Rs 2.79 lakh (ex-showroom), and it can also be had with a battery-as-a-service plan, which lowers the initial purchase price to Rs 1.99 lakh. This places Royal Enfield's maiden EV in unique territory, because while it may not have a direct rival, it is priced rather close to the Ultraviolette F77, which is a vastly more powerful electric sport bike. The C6 will be retailed via dedicated Flying Flea stores, the first of which has been inaugurated today in Jayanagar, Bengaluru. Deliveries will begin in May, and the motorcycle will be introduced in other cities in a phased manner, the company said in a statement.

 

Also Read: Flying Flea C6 Review: Royal Enfield’s Electric Gamble?

 

 

2026 Royal Enfield Flying Flea C6: Battery and performance

 

At the core of the Flying Flea C6 is a 3.91 kWh battery, which powers a permanent magnet motor developing a peak 20.6 bhp at 3,500 rpm and a peak 60 Nm of torque, sent to the rear wheel via belt drive. Since the C6 weighs just 124 kg, it can do 0-60 kmph in just 3.7 seconds, and hit a top speed of 115 kmph.

 

2026 Royal Enfield Flying Flea C6: Range and charging

 

The low weight of the motorcycle also means it has a reasonably high range for a motorcycle that's also quick. Royal Enfield promises a range of up to 154 km (Indian Driving Cycle), and even real-world range should be in triple digits.

 

Royal Enfield has built a 2.2 kW onboard charger into the Flying Flea C6, which can charge the motorcycle fully in two hours and 15 minutes when plugged into a 16-amp wall socket. The company claims charging from 20 to 80 per cent takes just a little over an hour, and the motorcycle will also come with three selectable charging speeds –  Rapid, Standard and Trickle.

 

Also Read: 2026 Royal Enfield Hunter 350 Gets New Base Premium Variant: Priced At Rs 1.50 Lakh

 

 

2026 Royal Enfield Flying Flea C6: Design and dimensions

 

Inspired by the original Flying Flea motorcycle from the 1940s, which was developed for the battlefield, the C6 has more than a hint of yesteryear to its design. It is unrivalled in the way it looks, especially when it comes to electric motorcycles, with one of its defining design highlights being the forged aluminium girder fork, paired with an articulating mudguard. Also unique is the finned magnesium casing for the battery. 

 

The C6 employs a 19-inch wheel at each end, shod in thin 90/90-section Ceat tyres. Seat height is rated at 823 mm, while ground clearance is rated at 207 mm. The tank area houses the start button for the motorcycle, along with a 15-watt wireless phone charging pad. The pillion seat is removable, and the footpegs are adjustable.

 

2026 Royal Enfield Flying Flea C6: Tech and safety

 

In keeping with the retro theme, the Flying Flea C6 has a round 3.5-inch TFT touchscreen dash, which houses a variety of vehicle functions, including selectable energy regeneration levels. In addition to the wireless charger, the C6 also has a 27-watt USB-C charge port, and the bike comes with an electronic handlebar lock.

 

In terms of safety, the C6 employs a disc brake at either end, coupled with lean angle-sensing anti-lock braking system (ABS) and traction control (TCS). 

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2026 Volkswagen Taigun Unveil Highlights: Specifications, Images, Details

Volkswagen India is set to debut the Taigun facelift in the country today, April 9, 2026. The carmaker has already previewed the exterior of the refreshed model on the sidelines of announcing the start of production at its Chakan facility in Pune.

The update marks the first significant refresh for the compact SUV since its introduction in 2021 and brings in design cues inspired by the Tiguan and Tayron SUVs, especially from the front end.

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2026 Volkswagen Taigun Unveil LIVE Updates: Specifications, Images, Details

Volkswagen India is set to debut the Taigun facelift in the country today, April 9, 2026. The carmaker has already previewed the exterior of the refreshed model on the sidelines of announcing the start of production at its Chakan facility in Pune.  
 
The update marks the first significant refresh for the compact SUV since its introduction in 2021 and brings in design cues inspired by the Tiguan and Tayron SUVs, especially from the front end.

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2026 Volkswagen Taigun Launch LIVE Updates: Price, Specifications, Images

Volkswagen India is set to launch the Taigun facelift in the country today, April 9, 2026. The carmaker has already previewed the exterior of the refreshed model on the sidelines of announcing the start of production at its Chakan facility in Pune.  
 
The update marks the first significant refresh for the compact SUV since its introduction in 2021 and brings in design cues inspired by the Tiguan and Tayron SUVs, especially from the front end.  

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Volkswagen Taigun Facelift To Be Launched In India Tomorrow; What To Expect

Volkswagen will be introducing the new and updated Taigun facelift in India tomorrow. It is the first major update for VW’s C-SUV offering since its arrival in 2021. Production of the new Taigun has already commenced at Volkswagen’s Pune plant, and here’s everything you need to know about the new Taigun. 

 

New 1.0-litre 8-Speed AT

Following the heels of the new Skoda Kushaq facelift, the new Taigun will also get the new eight-speed torque converter, which will replace the six-speed unit. This new automatic gearbox is made by the AISIN (like the old one) and is quick shifting as well as smooth shifting one. Meanwhile, the 1.5-litre four-cylinder with DSG automatic will continue without any change. 

 

Tiguan/Tayron Inspired Face

Change on the surface will be seen on the fascia, which adopts its family cues seen on the bigger Tiguan and its three-row version, Tayron. The sleeker headlamps and sculpted bumpers now look more modern and upmarket. At the back, the connected tail lamp setup wears a newer signature. New colour options and alloy wheel design are part of the update as well.

 

Refreshed Cabin

 

Where the Skoda Kushaq facelift didn’t carry a significant change when it comes to the cabin. There might be a newer infotainment screen interface, the all-digital driver’s display is expected to get newer graphics, and a dashboard layout might get some tweaks as well. While features like the panoramic sunroof are now offered in the Kushaq, whether that will be offered in the Taigun remains to be seen. Moreover, features like the 360-degree camera or ADAS are not offered in the Kushaq and may not be included here as well.   

However, debuting with the Kushaq is a rear seat massage function. We could also expect this feature to be offered in the Taigun. 

 

Price and Rival

 

While the current Taigun is priced between Rs 10.58 – 19.19 lakh (ex-showroom), the new one is expected to get a slight bump in the pricing. When it goes on sale, it will continue to rival other C-SUVs like the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Tata Sierra, Toyota Hyryder, Skoda Kushaq Facelift, Maruti Grand Vitara, Maruti Victoris, MG Astor, Honda Elevate, and the new Renault Duster.

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VinFast MPV 7 vs Rivals: Clavis EV, eMax 7 and XEV 9S

VinFast has finally confirmed the arrival of the MPV 7 in India as its third offering. Bookings are open, and launch is around the corner. On paper, with its three-row seating, it’s aiming straight at the sweet spot of India’s growing electric MPV space. So let us take a look at the three other three-row EVs that the MPV 7 will go up against. 

 

Dimensions: 

Dimension	VinFast VF MPV 7	Kia Carens Clavis EV	BYD eMax 7	Mahindra XEV 9S
Length (mm)	4,740	4,550	4,710	4,737
Width (mm)	1,872	1,800	1,810	1,900
Height (mm)	1,734	1,730	1,690	1,747
Wheelbase (mm)	2,840	2,780	2,800	2,762

The MPV 7 leads in wheelbase, which translates to better third-row practicality, at least on paper. But the XEV 9S is the widest and tallest owing to its proper SUV stance, and that matters to a lot of buyers in India. Also, the VinFast rides on 19-inch wheels, a size larger than its competitors here. 

 

Powertrains

Specification	VinFast VF MPV 7	Kia Carens Clavis EV	BYD eMax 7	Mahindra XEV 9S
Battery	60.13 kWh	42 kWh / 51.4 kWh	55.4 kWh / 71.8 kWh	59 kWh / 70 kWh / 79 kWh
Power	200 bhp	135 bhp / 171 bhp	163 bhp / 204 bhp	231 bhp / 286 bhp
Torque	280 Nm	255 Nm	310 Nm	380 Nm
Range (Claimed)	450 km (NEDC)	404 km / 490 km (MIDC)	420 km / 530 km (NEDC)	521 km – 679 km (MIDC)

The VinFast positions itself right in the middle, offering more power than the Kia Clavis EV. It does match the top-spec BYD on power but sits below the Mahindra on outright performance. Battery-wise, too, it threads the gap, offering a 60kWh battery pack that’s larger than the Kia’s 51kWh but is slightly smaller than the biggest BYD and Mahindra packs, both of which offer 70+kWh.

When it comes to range, we will consider the claimed figures for this comparison, and the eMax 7 and XEV 9S stretch significantly further on paper. VinFast’s 450 km claimed figure is under NEDC, but the Vietnamese carmaker claims a 500+ km MIDC figure is expected for India. Also worth noting here is that the Mahindra is the only rear-wheel-drive model here, while the rest are only offered as front-wheel drive.

Pricing:

Model	Price Range
VinFast VF MPV 7	Rs 15–20 lakh (expected)
Kia Carens Clavis EV	Rs 17.99–24.99 lakh
BYD eMax 7	Rs 26.90–29.90 lakh
Mahindra XEV 9S	Rs 19.95–29.45 lakh

We have already discussed the shock price strategy VinFast can adopt to disrupt this segment on the MPV 7’s arrival. While at the moment, the Kia remains the most accessible, and the BYD sits at the premium end. The Mahindra spans both ends of the spectrum. The VinFast is expected to make this segment a lot more accessible, and that’s critical for its success, too.

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KTM 390 Duke Price Hiked By Over Rs 40,000; Now Costs Rs 3.39 Lakh

KTM India has increased the price of the 390 Duke by over Rs 40,000, with the motorcycle now carrying a sticker price of Rs 3.39 lakh (ex-showroom). Before this revision, the model was priced just under the Rs 3 lakh mark. 

 

The increase comes in the wake of the revised GST structure introduced under GST 2.0, which came into effect in late September 2025. As per the new tax regime, motorcycles with engine capacities above 350 cc now attract a 40 per cent GST, up from the earlier 31 per cent (28 per cent GST plus 3 per cent cess).

 

Also Read: Triumph 350cc Range Launched In India; Speed 400, Thruxton 400 Cheaper By Up To Rs 21,500

 

At the time of the announcement, both KTM India and Triumph Motorcycles, operating under Bajaj Auto in India, had indicated that prices for their respective 390 and 400 cc models would remain unchanged, with the company choosing to absorb the additional costs. However, that approach appears to have been revised over time. KTM had already rolled back this decision for select models in November 2025, when it increased prices of the 390 Adventure and Adventure X.

 

Notably, Triumph Motorcycles recently adopted a downsizing formula with its erstwhile 400cc model, switching to a 350cc engine with lower power output and price. It remains to be seen if Bajaj Auto follows a similar formula for the KTM 390 range. The recent price hike for the 390 Duke could also be aimed at positioning it higher in the lineup, especially if a new 350cc Duke is expected to join the range.
 

With sub-350cc motorcycles now attracting a lower 18 per cent GST, KTM could price the model competitively. That said, if introduced, the smaller-capacity Duke is likely to offer lower performance compared to the 390 Duke.

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Yezdi Scrambler India Launch On April 23

Classic Legends is gearing up to launch the new Yezdi Scrambler in India on April 23, 2026. This will mark the first significant revision for the motorcycle since its launch in early 2022. While other models in the Yezdi lineup have received updates over time, the Scrambler has remained largely unchanged.

 

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Test mules of the motorcycle have been spotted on multiple occasions. Among the updates we could expect is a revised rear suspension setup, which should offer increased travel compared to the current model. Beyond this, some cosmetic tweaks are expected along with fresh colour options.

 

Mechanically, the Yezdi Scrambler will likely continue with the same Alpha 2 334 cc, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine, paired with a six-speed gearbox.

 

Also Read: Yezdi Roadster Red Wolf Launched at Rs 2.10 Lakh

There has also been speculation around the introduction of a larger-capacity scrambler from the BSA brand. This version could potentially use the 650 cc, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine that powers the BSA Gold Star 650. Notably, the Gold Star has already spawned a scrambler variant in international markets.

 

In recent months, Classic Legends has been updating its portfolio, including the launch of the Roadster Red Wolf Edition, while the Yezdi Adventure has already gone through multiple update cycles, the latest being in mid-2025.  

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Volkswagen Taigun Facelift Unveiled Ahead Of April 9 Launch

In a build-up to its India launch on April 9, Volkswagen has taken the wraps off the updated Taigun, with production commencing at its Chakan facility in Pune. The facelift marks the first significant update for the compact SUV and brings in design cues borrowed from the Tiguan and Tayron SUVs.

 

Also Read: Volkswagen Taigun Facelift Spotted Undisguised Ahead Of April 9 Launch

Starting with the most noticeable changes, which are at the front. The Taigun now features a sharper and more defined fascia, with slimmer headlamps that are more integrated with the grille. The grille itself looks wider and more horizontal in its layout. The bumper has been reworked with horizontal elements, along with revised air intake sections.

 

Along the sides, the overall silhouette remains unchanged. However, the facelift introduces a new set of alloy wheels, which feature a dual-tone finish and a more intricate design compared to the outgoing model. The cladding and body lines remain largely similar.

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Towards the rear, previous spy shots have showcased a fresh pair of LED taillights and the connecting light bar, which is more pronounced than the previous model. The bumper has also been tweaked slightly to complement the set of changes.

 

The interior details are yet to be officially revealed, though it is expected to mirror updates seen on the facelifted Kushaq. Likely additions include a larger 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, updated touchscreen interfaces, and the introduction of a panoramic sunroof, which has already been spotted on test mules.

 

Also Read: Volkswagen ID.Polo Leaked Ahead Of Debut

Powertrain specifications remain undisclosed for now, but the Taigun is expected to retain the existing 1.0-litre and 1.5-litre TSI engine options. However, similar to the Kushaq, the 1.0 TSI could be updated with a new 8-speed torque converter automatic in place of the current 6-speed unit. A 6-speed manual is expected to continue as standard with the 1.0 TSI, while the 1.5 TSI is likely to remain paired exclusively with a DSG gearbox. 

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