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Yamaha India is getting ready to launch its new entry-level sports bike, the new Yamaha YZF-R2. The R2 will essentially introduce a 200 cc, full-faired sports bike, expanding what the company believes will be as successful as the R15, which was first introduced in 2008. A ‘Block your Date’ invitation from Yamaha suggests that the R2 will be launched on August 27, 2026, in Chennai.
The R15 has a strong following in India and is still considered as one of the best beginner-friendly sports bikes offering a high-revving engine and sharp dynamics. For reference, the R15 is powered by a 155 cc, liquid-cooled, four-valve engine which puts out 18.1 bhp at 10,000 rpm and 14.2 Nm of peak torque at 7,500 rpm.
The 200 cc engine of the R2 could be a bored out version of the same unit, offering more performance, yet retaining fuel efficiency and refinement. More details will be known on August 27, 2026 when full specifications and price of the Yamaha R2 will be announced.
Yamaha’s 155 cc models are likely to continue to be offered on sale, including the R15, as well as the MT-15 and the XSR155. Essentially, the new R2 will sit just above the R15 offering a worthy competitor to the likes of the KTM RC 200 as well as the Hero Karizma XMR 210.
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We already knew the electric derivative was imminent when the newborn Sierra arrived with petrol, turbo-petrol, and diesel engine options late last year. Now the covers are off the Sierra Electric, giving buyers a different way to bring home the iconic nameplate.
At first glance, the two derivatives of the Sierra might look nearly identical, but take a closer look, and there are a few important differences which set them apart. And that’s why we took that closer look, so that you don’t have to before making an informed decision between the two.
Tata has kept the overall silhouette unchanged between the two versions. But where the Sierra’s signature upright stance, with near-vertical nose, has a blacked-out, squared-off, piano-finished grille, in the ICE derivative, the EV gives that up for a sleeker connected LED light setup on top and a comparatively bigger lower bumper. The fog lamps, silver skid plate and overall bumper layout remain unchanged.
In profile, the wraparound rear quarter glass and clean proportions remain, as do the flush door handles and 19-inch alloy wheels. But the ones in the EV get the aero design like the ones seen on the Curvv EV and Harrier EV. The easiest way to tell them apart is by the badging on the front doors.
At the back, the only noticeable distinction is the tailgate badge. Everything else, including the connected LED tail lamps, spoiler and bumper design, remains more or less the same on both derivatives.
On the inside, you'll immediately notice that Tata hasn't heavily reworked the cabin for the electric version. The same dashboard layout with three displays stretching across the width of the cabin is seen on both, but the biggest recognisable difference comes in the form of colour scheme.
The Sierra EV uses a lighter grey and off-white theme with contrast stitching, while the ICE version gets a darker black-and-beige combination. In terms of feature lists, they are almost identical too. Common features between the two are: a panoramic sunroof, wireless phone charging, ventilated and powered front seats, dual-zone climate control, a powered tailgate, a 12-speaker JBL Black audio system and a head-up display.
However, the EV has a few features and technologies that are exclusive to an electric car. For instance, there’s Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) and Vehicle-to-Vehicle (V2V) charging apart from new-age auto park assist, summon mode and a 540-degree camera system that expands on the standard 360-degree setup.
As for the safety, the equipment list remains largely unchanged between the two. Both come equipped with six airbags as standard, Level 2 ADAS, an electronic parking brake with auto hold, front and rear fog lamps and a comprehensive suite of active safety features. Both are equally well equipped when it comes to occupant crash protection.
The new Sierra EV is built on Tata's Acti.ev+ architecture and is available with two battery pack options. The 63kWh battery powers a rear-wheel-drive setup with a claimed range of up to 535km. And a larger 75kWh battery with either rear-wheel drive single-motor or an all-wheel drive dual-motor configuration. The RWD version offers a claimed range of up to 665km, while the dual-motor AWD variant claims to deliver 504Nm of torque with a claimed range of 624km. Interestingly, the AWD version also makes the Sierra EV only the second Tata electric SUV to offer four-wheel traction after the Harrier EV.
The standard Sierra ICE powertrain options include a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol, 1.5-litre turbo-petrol and 1.5-litre diesel engine options. The Revotron petrol makes 105bhp and 145Nm and can be had either with a 6-speed manual or a 7-speed DCT automatic. And the newer Hyperion turbopetrol produces 156bhp and 255Nm but can be had exclusively with a 6-speed torque-converter automatic. Lastly, the Kryojet diesel generates 118bhp and 260Nm of torque (manual) or 280 Nm of torque (automatic) and is available with a 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic transmission.
The Tata Sierra ICE is priced between Rs 11.49 lakh and Rs 21.29 lakh (ex-showroom), while the Sierra EV starts at Rs 18.79 lakh and goes up to Rs 25.99 lakh (ex-showroom). That means the electric version commands a sizeable premium, especially at the entry level. However, it also brings unique capabilities such as rear-wheel drive, an optional all-wheel-drive setup, significantly higher technology content and EV-exclusive convenience features.
The Sierra ICE is likely to appeal to buyers looking for a familiar ownership experience with multiple engine options and a more accessible starting price. The Sierra EV, on the other hand, targets those willing to spend more for emission-free driving, longer driving ranges, new-age technology and the added go-anywhere capability of an AWD system.
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Renault India has updated the Kwid with a revised variant strategy, lower prices and minor cosmetic changes aimed at making the hatchback easier for first-time buyers to understand and purchase. The refreshed range now starts at Rs 4.53 lakh and goes up to Rs 5.61 lakh (ex-showroom), while the fully-loaded Climber manual can be had for an effective Rs 5 lakh through Renault's online sales platform.
One of the biggest changes comes in the form of streamlining the variant structure. The Kwid is now offered in just two variants: Evolution and Climber, down from four earlier. The variants themselves remain unchanged in terms of equipment.
2026 Renault Kwid: Prices Revised Across The Range
Variant
Old Price
New Price
Difference
Evolution 1.0 MT
Rs 4.66 lakh
Rs 4.53 lakh
Rs 13,000
Evolution 1.0 AMT
Rs 5.00 lakh
Rs 4.90 lakh
Rs 10,000
Climber 1.0 MT
Rs 5.58 lakh
Rs 5.15 lakh
Rs 43,000
Climber 1.0 AMT
Rs 5.99 lakh
Rs 5.61 lakh
Rs 38,000
All prices ex-showroom
Renault has reduced prices across all available versions of the Kwid as part of the update. The Evolution MT is now priced at Rs 4.53 lakh, down by Rs 13,000, while the AMT version is cheaper by Rs 10,000 at Rs 4.90 lakh. The Climber sees the biggest reduction, with the manual variant now costing Rs 5.15 lakh, Rs 43,000 less than before. The Climber AMT, meanwhile, is priced at Rs 5.61 lakh, reflecting a price cut of Rs 38,000.
Buyers purchasing the Climber trim online will also receive an additional Rs 15,000 cash benefit, bringing the effective price down to Rs 5 lakh (ex-showroom) for the manual version.
2026 Renault Kwid: What's New?
The updates themselves are subtle. The Kwid now wears Renault's new logo, while the Climber gets redesigned wheel covers as part of the refresh. Beyond that, the hatchback remains largely unchanged both inside and out.
The move to a two-variant strategy means buyers now only have to choose between the Evolution and Climber trims, although the feature set has been carried over from the outgoing model.
One notable talking point is that the base Evolution variant continues to get an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, making it the most affordable car in India to offer a touchscreen as standard. However, six airbags are still not offered across the range and remain exclusive to the top-spec Climber variant.
2026 Renault Kwid: Features
Feature highlights include a fully digital instrument cluster, rear parking camera, keyless entry, power windows, power steering and dual-tone interiors. The Climber further adds its signature exterior accents and some additional styling elements. The hatchback also retains its 184 mm ground clearance and 279-litre boot space.
2026 Renault Kwid: Powertrain
The Kwid continues with its 1.0-litre petrol engine, paired with either a five-speed manual gearbox or an AMT option. Both trim levels are offered with both transmission choices. A dealer-level CNG kit is also available for an additional Rs 70,449.
The updated Kwid is now available across Renault dealerships and through the company's online sales platform.
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India's performance electric scooter market has just welcomed a new entrant in the form of the Keeway Hypevolt-R, which has been launched today at a rather competitive price of Rs 1.99 lakh (ex-showroom). Keeway – part of Adishwar Auto Ride India (AARI), which also handles QJ Motor and Benelli – has brought an electric two-wheeler to India for the first time, and priced it rather smartly, undercutting the stillborn TVS X (Rs 2.66 lakh) and placing it nearly on level terms with the Ather 450 Apex (Rs 1.95 lakh). And yet, at least on paper, the Hypevolt-R seems to offer a whole lot more.
Keeway Hypevolt-R: Battery, motor and performance
The Keeway Hypevolt-R, for starters, has two battery packs with nickel-manganese-cobalt (NMC) cells, totalling up to 5 kWh in capacity – higher than both the TVS as well as the Ather.
Powering a mid-mounted permanent magnet motor that has a continuous output of 6 kW (8 bhp) and a peak output of 12 kW (16 bhp), it can propel the Hypevolt-R from standstill to 40 kmph in a scant 2.3 seconds (Sport mode). Top speed of the Hypevolt-R is 115 kmph.
Range, meanwhile, is rated at 180 kilometres on the Indian Driving Cycle – expect the real-world range to be closer to 120 kilometres. Charging the battery from 0 to 80 per cent will take around three hours, claims the company.
Keeway Hypevolt-R: Braking, safety and ARAS
And since it can accelerate rapidly, Keeway has also ensured it can stop quickly, by including front and rear disc brakes with dual-channel anti-lock braking system (ABS). Other vital safety features include traction control, hill descent control as well as hill hold control.
Speaking of safety, the Hypevolt-R brings something we've not seen on a sub-Rs 2 lakh scooter yet – advanced rider assistance systems (ARAS). It includes a rear camera, which enables blind spot detection. This is a feature Ultraviolette was expected to bring first to the market with the Tesseract, which has now been delayed to 2027, meaning Keeway holds the distinction of being first to market with ARAS on a scooter.
Keeway Hypevolt-R: Dimensions and features
The Hypevolt-R – which may remind some of the BMW CE 04 in its appearance – has a 1,454 mm wheelbase, and an accessible seat height of 770 mm. It rides on 14-inch alloy wheels at either end, but has a ground clearance of just 130 mm, and weighs 140 kg.
Underseat storage capacity is rated at 27 litres. The scooter is equipped with a 5.0-inch colour TFT dash, with auto day/night UI adjustment and Bluetooth connectivity.
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Hyundai has joined the growing number of carmakers offering the Battery-As-A-Service model for its electric cars. The carmaker has launched the program for the Creta Electric, which reduces the starting price of the EV to Rs 10.99 lakh (ex-showroom). The battery rental cost starts at Rs 3.9 per kilometre. The standard purchase price of the Creta Electric starts at Rs 18.03 lakh (ex-showroom).
Hyundai has also made some small updates to the electric SUV, including offering a new integrated side step on variants as well as a new home charging option. Hyundai says that based on customer feedback and market demand, it has chosen to now offer a 7.4 kW AC wallbox charger for buyers opting for the EV with a home charger. At the time of launch, the Creta EV got the option for an 11 kW AC wallbox charger on the top variants. All variants of the Creta Electric ship with an onboard charger.
The Creta Electric is currently available in seven trim levels and with two battery options. Buyers can opt for a 42 kWh or 51.4 kWh battery pack, with the latter giving the SUV a claimed range of up to 510 km (ARAI). On the feature front all variants come with kit such as auto LED headlights, LED daytime running lamps, height adjustable driver seat, dual zone climate control, electronic parking brake, drive modes, cruise control, keyless entry and go, rear wiper and twin 10.25-inch screens for the instrumentation and touchscreen.
Top variants add in bits such as a panoramic sunroof, powered front seats with ventilation, driver seat memory, Bose sound system, ambient lighting, wireless phone charging pads for front and rear passengers and Level 2 ADAS tech.
The Creta Electric goes up against the Mahindra BE6, Tata Curvv EV, Maruti Suzuki e Vitara, Toyota Urban Cruiser EBella and will also compete with the recently launched Tata Sierra EV.
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Revolt Motors has updated its electric motorcycle portfolio with the launch of the all-new RVX in India. Positioned as the company's new flagship offering, replacing the RV400, the RVX promises an upgrade in performance, technology, and everyday usability over Revolt’s existing models. The RVX has been launched at an introductory sticker price of Rs. 1.30 lakh, ex-showroom, exclusive of applicable PM E-DRIVE incentives. The RVX will soon be available through Revolt's 200+ dealerships network across the country. The RVX is available in three colour options – Pearl Black, Electric Blue, and Eclipse Red.
Notably for buyers in Delhi, the newly announced state EV incentives further improve the RVX’s accessibility. The company states that the RVX can be purchased at Rs. 94,990, ex-showroom, after accounting for applicable subsidies under the latest Delhi EV policy.
The new RVX is powered by a newly-developed 4 kW mid-drive Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor (PMSM) that produces a peak output of 5.3 kW, making it the most powerful production motorcycle by Revolt till date. The company claims the electric motor develops up to 230 Nm of torque at the rear wheel, allowing the RVX to sprint from 0-40 kmph in 3.9 seconds. Next, the RVX comes with a new Boost Mode, allowing it to achieve a top speed of 90 kmph. Beside the boost mode, users can choose from Sport, City and Eco riding modes depending on ride requirements.
Powering the RVX is a 3.24 kWh removable NMC battery pack. According to Revolt, the RVX offers a claimed 160 km IDC-certified riding range on a single charge. Charging time has also been improved, with the battery pack capable of being charging from 0 to 80 per cent in approximately 80 minutes when connected to a compatible fast charger.
In terms of cycle parts, the RVX is kitted with an upside-down fork setup up front with a monoshock at the rear, and disc brakes at both ends with CBS. It gets chain drive instead of belt for the final drive, rides on 17-inch alloy wheels at both ends, while ground clearance stands at 190 mm. The RVX has a kerb weight of 120kg and a saddle height of 815 mm.
On the feature-front, the RVX is equipped with a 3.5-inch IP67-rated PMVA digital instrument display with Bluetooth connectivity and telematics support. Riders also benefit from connected features such as over-the-air (OTA) software updates, call and message alerts, geo-fencing, vehicle tracking, and an immobiliser. Additionally, the RVX is equipped with Hill Hold Assist, Reverse Mode, and Walk Assist.
In terms of competition, the Revolt RVX goes up straight with the recently launched Oben Roar EVO which is priced at Rs 1.25 lakh, ex-showoom.
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Skoda Auto India has finally announced prices for the Kodiaq RS. The carmaker’s first RS-badged SUV for India arrives as a full import, priced at a whopping Rs 66.99 lakh (ex-showroom). All 50 units from the first allocation of the Kodiaq RS were booked within six minutes when order books opened on June 22. Compared to the top-spec trim of the standard Kodiaq, which is priced at Rs 46.99 lakh (ex-showroom) and is locally assembled, the RS commands a premium of Rs 20 lakh.
Starting with the engine. Power comes from the familiar 2.0-litre TSI turbo-petrol engine, which also does duty in the Octavia RS. In the Kodiaq RS, the four-cylinder unit develops 261 bhp and 400 Nm of torque, up by 60 bhp and 80 Nm over the regular Kodiaq. The engine is paired with a 7-speed DSG automatic gearbox and an all-wheel-drive system.
Skoda claims a 0-100 kmph time of 6.3 seconds and a top speed of 231 kmph. The RS also gets progressive steering, which alters the steering ratio based on input, along with Dynamic Chassis Control (DCC) adaptive dampers offering levels of adjustment.
Visually, the Kodiaq RS sets itself apart with a sportier body kit, redesigned bumpers, 20-inch RS-specific alloy wheels and stainless-steel dual exhaust tips. RS badges adorn the grille and tailgate, while the front grille, ORVMs, roof rails, upper window surrounds and D-pillars receive a gloss-black finish. A slightly larger roof spoiler further adds to the aggressive look. Buyers can choose from Moon White, Magic Black, Velvet Red and Steel Grey paint finishes.
Skoda Kodiaq RS: Interior
Coming to the interior, the seven-seat SUV gets an all-black theme with red contrast stitching on the seats, dashboard and steering wheel, along with RS embossing on the seats and metallic trim inserts on the dashboard and doors. The feature list includes a 12.9-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster with RS-specific layouts, three-zone climate control, and powered front seats with ventilation, heating, massage, memory and thigh-extension functions.
Also on offer is a 13-speaker Canton audio system with a subwoofer, while safety equipment includes nine airbags, a 360-degree camera and an ADAS suite.
Skoda Kodiaq RS: Rivals
The Kodiaq RS rivals the Volkswagen Tayron R-Line, which is also based on the MQB Evo platform. However, the Tayron is locally assembled in India and is significantly more affordable at Rs 46.99 lakh (ex-showroom).
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Indian automakers closed June on a mixed note, with Tata Motors and Mahindra posting strong year-on-year gains, while Hyundai's monthly volumes were impacted by supply-side issues. MG, meanwhile, reported its best-ever wholesale numbers, helped largely by electric vehicle demand. Let's take a look at how each brand performed in the month of June 2026.
Maruti Suzuki continues to lead the sales chart in June 2026, reporting total sales of 2,00,390 units, including domestic sales, exports and supplies to other OEMs. Domestic sales stood at 1,50,150 units, while exports contributed 42,768 units. Sales to other OEMs came in at 7,472 units during the month.
Within the domestic passenger vehicle business, utility vehicles continued to be a major growth driver. The segment, which includes models such as the Brezza, Ertiga, Fronx and Grand Vitara, recorded sales of 61,726 units, up from 47,947 units in June last year. Passenger car sales across the mini, compact and mid-size segments stood at 75,231 units, while the Eeco van contributed 10,230 units. Overall domestic passenger vehicle sales reached 1,47,187 units, compared to 1,18,906 units in June 2025.
For the first quarter of FY27, Maruti Suzuki reported exports of 1,24,736 units, up from 96,972 units in the corresponding period last year, while total domestic passenger vehicle sales stood at 5,25,228 units.
Tata Motors reported total passenger vehicle sales of 63,083 units in June 2026, including domestic and export markets, compared to 37,237 units in the same month last year. This marks a growth of 69 per cent. Domestic sales stood at 62,076 units, while exports contributed 1,007 units.
The company's EV business continued to grow, with sales of 14,800 electric vehicles during the month, up from 5,228 units in June 2025. For the first quarter of FY27, Tata sold 1,82,574 passenger vehicles, registering a 46 per cent increase over the corresponding period last year.
Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles MD and CEO Shailesh Chandra said the company saw strong demand for the updated Tiago and Punch, while adding that supply constraints affected Sierra volumes during the quarter. He noted that measures are being taken to increase production and improve deliveries from the second quarter.
Mahindra Auto reported overall sales of 1,06,207 vehicles in June, including exports, up 37 per cent year-on-year. The company sold 60,393 utility vehicles in the domestic market, compared to 47,306 units a year earlier. Total SUV sales, including exports, stood at 61,504 units. Exports spiked to 5,918 units, more than double the 2,634 units recorded during the same period last year.
Mahindra Automotive Division CEO Nalinikanth Gollagunta said demand remained steady across both the SUV and light commercial vehicle segments during the month.
Hyundai Motor India reported total sales of 51,335 units in June, comprising 39,635 domestic sales and 11,700 exports. The company said a fire at one of its suppliers' facilities led to a production loss of 13,900 units during the month, affecting overall volumes. Production across Hyundai's plants returned to normal from June 22, with the automaker expecting to recover the lost output during the second quarter of FY27.
Commenting on the numbers, Hyundai MD and CEO Tarun Garg said the company had arranged alternate sources for components to minimise disruption and restore normal production levels.
JSW MG Motor India recorded wholesale sales of 7,568 units in June, a 30 per cent increase compared to the same month last year. The figure also marks the company's highest-ever monthly wholesale performance. Electric vehicles continued to account for the bulk of sales, contributing more than 75 per cent of the company's volumes during the month.
MG Managing Director Anurag Mehrotra said customer demand remained steady across both electric and internal-combustion models. The company also began deliveries of the recently launched MG Majestor during the month.
Kia India reported its best-ever June sales since entering the Indian market, dispatching 24,552 units during the month, up 19 per cent from the 20,625 units sold in June 2025. The first half of 2026 also proved to be Kia's strongest yet, with wholesale volumes reaching 1,63,749 units, a 15.2 per cent increase over the 1,42,139 units recorded during the corresponding period last year.
Commenting on the milestone, Atul Sood, Senior Vice President, Sales and Marketing, Kia India, said, "Closing the first half of the year at a record high with best-ever June sales is a significant milestone for Kia India and reflects the trust customers continue to place in our brand." He added that continued demand for the Seltos, Sonet and Carens Clavis, along with a positive response to the MY26 Syros and Clavis EV, contributed to the company's performance.
Skoda Auto India did not disclose its June sales figures but reported a strong first half of 2026, with total sales reaching 38,894 units, up 7.5 per cent compared to the same period last year. With this, H1 2026 has now become the brand's strongest first-half performance in the country.
Commenting on the results, Ashish Gupta, Brand Director, Skoda Auto India, said, "Our record half-yearly sales reflect the growing confidence and trust customers place in the Škoda brand." He added that demand for the new Kushaq, updated Kodiaq, and the recently launched Kodiaq RS, which sold out within minutes of bookings opening, had contributed to the sales, while the Kylaq continued to drive volumes.
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Around 6 months after its launch, Kia has updated the second-gen Seltos with new top variants – GTX(O) and X-Line(O). Priced from Rs 21.57 lakh (ex-showroom), the new range-topping variants of the Seltos pack in some additional features, including an enhanced ADAS suite with 28 safety features – up from 21 offered in the GTX(A) & X-Line(A). The new variants are about Rs 1.57 lakh more expensive than the GTX(A) & X-Line(A).
Starting with the ADAS tech, Kia says that the new top variants of the Seltos get the company’s new ADAS F+ suite with greater capabilities than the Level 2 tech already offered. The enhanced functionalities include a more comprehensive frontal collision avoidance assist function that covers junction crossing, lane change (both oncoming and side) and, more importantly, it now includes Evasive Steering Assist. The Level 2 system currently offers only front collision avoidance assist with vehicle, pedestrian and cyclist recognition and avoidance assist for direct oncoming and junction turning.
Other new ADAS features include navigation-based smart cruise control that automatically adjusts the vehicle’s speed based on map data and highway driving assist that ensures the vehicle stays in its lane and within speed limits.
Moving to comfort and convenience features, the new GTX(O) and X-Line(O) get a new dashcam setup with front and rear cameras, a head-up display and an air purifier with AQ readout.
Moving to the powertrain, the new top variants are offered with either the 1.5-litre T-GDi turbo-petrol or 1.5-litre diesel engine options. As with the GTX(A) and X-Line(A) trims, buyers can only get the engine options with an automatic gearbox.
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From hatchbacks to compact SUVs, lifestyle pickups, hybrid SUVs, and a PHEV, there will be something for everyone in July, making it one of the busiest months of the year. Here is the list of cars that will make their way to India in July 2026.
1) Renault Kwid facelift
Renault seems to have already gone full throttle in the Indian market after the successful launch of the Duster. The company is set to give the entry-level hatchback, the Kwid, a facelift on July 3. The hatchback will get its second major facelift, a decade after it was launched in 2015.
Based on spy shots, the Kwid looks to get a more upright fascia than the outgoing model. It might retain the split headlamp design. The LED daytime running lamps look to feature Y-shaped lighting elements, while the main headlamps seem smaller and sit flush with the bumper. The grille, too, appeared to be slimmer.
On the inside, it is expected to get a new floating touchscreen, a new steering wheel with a new digital instrument cluster, and also standard six airbags. However, mechanically, the new Kwid is expected to remain unchanged, with the familiar 1.0-litre naturally aspirated petrol, and is expected to continue to be paired with either a 5-speed manual gearbox or an AMT.
2) Nissan Tekton
Nissan is gearing up to challenge compact SUV segment leaders with its Tekton. The badge-engineered sibling of the new Renault Duster will be launched on 9 July. The teaser shows its fascia, which gets L-shaped daytime running lamps with a traditional rectangular grille with horizontal slats flanked by rectangular headlamps.
Apart from the teaser of it, the Tekton has been recently spied undisguised on public roads. At the rear, the Tekton gets revised lighting elements with different patterns, though the lightbar-style design is common with the Duster.
On the interior, it will get all the bells and whistles like the Duster and will share the same powertrain options as the Duster, i.e., 1.0-litre turbo-petrol and 1.3-litre turbo-petrol engine options, as the Duster, the latter getting manual and automatic gearbox options.
3) Maruti Suzuki Brezza facelift
One of the biggest launches of the year is the Maruti Suzuki Brezza facelift. On July 23, this facelift is anticipated, as the Brezza will get a turbo petrol engine along with the already NA petrol. Launched back in 2022, the current generation of the Brezza will also get a longer list of features.
Currently, Brezza comes with a 1.5-litre NA petrol, but the facelifted model will get a 1.0-litre Boosterjet unit from Fronx, which generates 100 bhp and 148 Nm, expected to only be available with manual transmission. Apart from this, another notable change will be with the Brezza CNG. Like Victoris, Maruti will adopt the underbody CNG tank layout on the Brezza facelift, which will free up boot space even in the CNG variant.
4) Honda ZR-V
From compact SUVs, now it's time to dive into a premium hybrid SUV from Honda, the ZR-V. Honda Car India unveiled the ZR-V hybrid SUV in May 2026, with prebookings currently open across the country. The ZR-V will be arriving in India as a CBU import and will sit a few rungs above the Elevate in the brand's line-up. At the launch, Honda told us deliveries will begin in the second half of July, so expect a price announcement in the coming weeks.
At 4,657 mm in length, 1,840 mm in width, and 1,621 mm in height, the ZR-V is closer in size terms to the now-discontinued Hyundai Tucson. Though it doesn't have any direct rivals due to its hybrid powertrain, it will see competition from the likes of the Skoda Kodiaq and Volkswagen Tayron.
The hybrid SUV is powered by a 2.0-litre, direct-injection petrol engine, which is paired with an electric motor. Combined peak power output is 181 bhp and 315 Nm of torque, which enables a claimed 0-100 kmph acceleration time of 7.9 seconds. The top speed of the Honda ZR-V is rated at 173 kmph. The expected price is upwards of Rs 45 lakh (ex-showroom). This makes it a premium SUV in India.
4) 2026 Toyota Hilux
The ninth-generation Hilux broke cover globally in late 2025 and looks set to join Toyota India's line-up in the coming weeks. A few weeks ago, the new-gen pickup truck was spied during a commercial shoot in India, reinforcing the belief that the Hilux will launch in the Indian market soon. The new-gen Hilux gets a notable redesign over its predecessor with a layered front fascia and more sculpted surfacing than the outgoing model.
The slim main headlamps are connected by a blanked-out strip featuring the Toyota wordmark with the grille sitting lower, flanked by triangular vents on either side. The 2026 Hilux measures 5,320 mm in length, 1,885 mm in width, and 1,815 mm in height, with a 3,085 mm wheelbase and 700 mm water-wading capability.
Although it debuted with ICE and EV powertrains globally, India is expected to get the ICE version only. Under the hood, the Hilux is expected to continue with the 2.8-litre diesel engine with a 4x4 system, available with both manual and automatic transmissions. Toyota might think of adding the 48V ‘Neo Drive’ mild hybrid system that was introduced with the Fortuner last year.
5) JSW-MG PHEV SUV
We got an invite a few days ago, and we have a hunch that JSW-MG is gearing up to launch its first PHEV in India on July 16. We have a hunch that this is the one. The SUV is likely to be a badge-engineered version of the Wuling Starlight 560 SUV, which has been spotted testing on Indian roads in recent months.
The Starlight 560 is a 4.74 m, 3-row SUV. That makes it slightly longer than Hector Plus. It's a boxy, elongated SUV with an upright stance, a large grille, and rides on 18-inch alloy wheels. In Global markets, it is available in both 5-seat and 7-seat configurations and sits on a 2,810mm wheelbase. Inside, it features a dual-tone cabin with a minimalist dashboard design featuring a two-spoke steering wheel, a 12.8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, and an 8.8-inch digital driver’s display.
As for the powertrain, it is expected to get a 1.5-litre petrol engine paired with an electric motor and a 20.5 kWh battery, which gives it a claimed range of over 1,000 km in global markets.
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Tata Motors made a splash at the launch of the much-awaited Sierra EV by revealing the 0-100 kmph acceleration time of its latest electric SUV. The Sierra EV QWD – Tata-speak for dual-motor – will do 0-100 kmph in a mere 5.8 seconds. This makes it the first car from an Indian carmaker to duck the 6-second barrier, besting the Tata Harrier EV's acceleration time by a full half second (6.3 seconds). The Sierra EV QWD is equipped with a 138 bhp motor at the front, and a 235 bhp motor at the rear. Tata is yet to confirm the final combined output for this variant, and there are no performance figures yet for the single-motor variants.
The Tata Sierra EV will be available with two battery options – 63 kWh and 75 kWh – with both using lithium ferro-phosphate (LFP) cells. Both batteries come with a lifetime warranty. Tata says the real-world range of the 63 kWh variant will be up to 460 kilometres, and up to 530 kilometres for the 75 kWh variant.
Customers will be able to use both 3.3 kW as well as 7.2 kW chargers for regular charging, and the Sierra EV can accept up to 120 kW of peak DC fast charging at a speed of 1.6C. This, claims Tata, is sufficient to provide a 20-80 per cent top-up in less than 30 minutes.
The SUV also features vehicle-to-load (3.3 kW) and vehicle-to-vehicle (5 kW) charging capabilities.
Prices for the Sierra EV range from Rs 18.79 lakh to Rs 26 lakh (ex-showroom), and opting for a 7.2 kW AC home charger will add another Rs 49,000 to the price.
This is a developing story. Please stay tuned for more details.
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