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On the eve of World Environment Day, Hero MotoCorp has launched two flex-fuel motorcycles – the Splendor Plus Flex Fuel, priced at Rs 82,710, and HF Deluxe Flex Fuel, priced at Rs 72,792 (both prices, ex-showroom). With growing uncertainty over compatibility of new models with higher ethanol blends, Hero aims to clear up any hesitance with flex-fuel variants of two of its most popular motorcycles that can accept up to E85 fuel (which constitutes 85 per cent ethanol, and merely 15 per cent petrol). For now, both motorcycles will go on sale starting July, but only in Delhi-NCR and ‘select regions’ in Maharashtra.
This is a developing story. Please stay tuned for more details.
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Not JLR, but CJLR – Tata Motors has made a vital platform sourcing switch for its upcoming Avinya range of electric vehicles (EVs). In 2023, Tata Motors had announced its most ambitious models till date, to be sold with the ‘Avinya’ name, would be developed on Jaguar Land Rover's Electrified Modular Architecture (EMA), but now, the Indian carmaker is set to use a platform co-developed by Chinese carmaker Chery Automobile Co. Ltd. Chery, which is JLR's partner in China (CJLR), will supply the platform used for the new Freelander SUV, to Tata Motors, for the Avinya line of EVs.
Tata Issues Statement On Adoption Of CJLR Platform
In an email response to car&bike, Tata Motors confirmed the switch to CJLR's Freelander platform for the first Avinya model, which is due for market launch in 2027. The company also confirmed this new Avinya EV will be built at Tata's new plant in Tamil Nadu.
New Freelander 8 co-developed by Chery debuted in April 2026.
“The first Avinya vehicle to be launched in India in 2027 will leverage the Freelander platform produced by CJLR and will be made at the recently opened, state of the art TMPV - JLR manufacturing facility in Panapakkam, Tamil Nadu. It brings together holistic new age advancements and robust engineering foundations to deliver a compelling luxury EV experience for Avinya”, read Tata's statement.
The new Freelander, built on Chery's E0X platform, employs 800-volt architecture, which enables ultra-fast charging. CJLR has claimed a peak charge rate of 6C for the new Freelander EV, which can accept up to 350 kW of DC fast-charging.
Additionally, the Freelander platform enables the fitment of not just a pure electric powertrain, but can also accommodate plug-in hybrid and range extender EV powertrains.
CJLR's E0X platform can also accommodate PHEV and range-extender powertrains.
Tata Motors' first Avinya model is expected to be an SUV based on the Avinya X concept. The Freelander platform works perfectly for Tata, as it can spawn an SUV over five metres in length, and also provide benefits of ultra-fast charging and flexibility in powertrains. And this is a scalable architecture that is expected to underpin upcoming Avinya models for other segments, too, something Tata hints at in its statement.
“Avinya is being developed as a global premium brand for a next-generation EV portfolio to be built on multiple, scalable platforms and architectures while being anchored in Tata Motors’ design, engineering and integration capabilities. Our collaboration with JLR and its partners will be an important pillar of our global premium EV journey as we expand the Avinya portfolio across segments and geographies", the statement adds.
First Avinya EV is expected to be a five-metre long SUV.
The biggest, most advanced Tata passenger vehicle till date will mark the Indian carmaker's entry into the Rs 40 lakh market. Tata previously stated the first Avinya will debut towards the end of 2026, but we expect to see the Avinya make its world premiere at the 2027 Auto Expo.
Tata has also previously said Avinya EVs will be sold through a new retail chain separate from Tata's existing dealerships. The company is also evaluating a ‘hybrid’ sales model, where customers could also choose to configure and buy Avinya EVs online, if they choose to not visit a physical store.
The Avinya X is expected to be available with single- and dual-motor options, with the latter estimated to develop in excess of 500 bhp. Battery options are likely to be in the range of 70 kWh to 90 kWh, and while Tata intends to source battery cells from Agratas' India plant in the future, the first Avinya is likely to utilise battery cells sourced from overseas.
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One of Audi's most popular models of all time, the Q7, is about to receive a much-needed overhaul. The German carmaker has confirmed it will take the wraps off the all-new, third-generation Audi Q7 in the coming months, with the SUV expected to be unveiled in full before September this year. The introduction of the Gen 3 Q7 will mark the end of a long run for the second generation of the SUV, which was globally introduced all the way back in 2015.
For now, Audi has published a single teaser image, which gives practically nothing away save for a design detail of the front door and outer rear-view mirror.
The all-new Q7 will have pull-type door handles, and not flush-fitting handles seen on a number of high-end vehicles of late. Also visible in the teaser is a character line that runs along the profile, aligning with the door handle, along with the ‘S Line’ trim badge on the flank.
For starters, the new-gen Q7 will have a different design language; a much-needed change given how tired the second generation Q7 started to look towards the end of its lifecycle. Spy shots have confirmed a split setup for the Matrix LED headlights, a large, blacked-out honeycomb grille, and a full-width light bar linking the tail-lights.
Also expected to change is the interior design philosophy, along with the introduction of a completely new infotainment system. This switch will be facilitated by the move to Audi's Premium Platform Combustion (PPC) architecture, which will also spawn the larger Audi Q9 SUV in the coming months.
2026 Audi Q7: When will it come to India?
We expect Audi to bring the new Q7 to India some time in 2027, as the Q7 has a fairly large fan base in our market, with the first-gen Q7 being wildly popular back in the day and being the choice of several Bollywood stars as well.
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Bajaj Auto has launched the 2026 Avenger Street 220 in India at a price of Rs 1.30 lakh (ex-showroom). The motorcycle has quietly been added to the company's official website, marking the return of the Street 220 badge to the Avenger range after it was discontinued back in April 2020 due to emission norms.
Mechanically, the Avenger Street 220 remains identical to the Cruise 220. Power comes from a 220cc single-cylinder, air/oil-cooled engine that produces 19bhp at 8,500rpm and 17.6Nm of peak torque at 7,000rpm. The motor is paired with a five-speed gearbox.
The key differences between the two models lie in their design and ergonomics. The Avenger Street 220 features a lower-set handlebar, which is aimed at delivering a more commanding and urban-friendly riding position. Unlike the Cruise 220, it does away with the pillion backrest and replaces the tall windshield with a compact flyscreen.
Visually, the Street 220 adopts a darker and sportier appearance thanks to its blacked-out treatment. Bajaj is offering the motorcycle in two colour schemes — Ebony Black and Cocktail Wine Red.
With the re-introduction of the model, Bajaj has streamlined the Avenger lineup once again. The Avenger Street 160 has been discontinued, leaving the Avenger Cruise 220 and the new Avenger Street 220 as the only cruiser motorcycles in the company's portfolio.
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Bajaj Auto appears to be working on a long-awaited entry into the trending adventure motorcycle space. A heavily camouflaged test mule has been spotted on Indian roads, offering the clearest indication of the brand developing a new dual-sport motorcycle.
At first glance, the motorcycle ticks all the right boxes for a purpose-built dual-sport. It features a tall beak-style front fender, a slim and upright fuel tank section, and a long single-piece seat designed for both on-road comfort and off-road mobility. While the front end looks completely new, the rear section carries familiar Pulsar design cues, including the split LED taillight setup. An upswept exhaust further adds to its rugged adventure-ready stance.
With underpinnings leaning towards dual-sport intentions, the test mule was equipped with long-travel suspension, with a telescopic fork setup at the front and a monoshock with linkage at the rear. It rides on spoke wheels that appear to be 19-inch front and a 17-inch rear—a favoured setup for touring and light off-road capability.
While there is no information on the technical specs or cycle parts, from the looks of it, the engine casing suggests the bike could be powered by a 250cc single-cylinder motor borrowed from the Pulsar N250 with a different tune. Interestingly, the test bike was seen alongside a Pulsar N250, which further suggests the shared powertrain. The Pulsar N250’s motor is capable of churning out 24.1bhp and 21.5 Nm, which can be a ballpark figure for the upcoming dual-sport motorcycle.
Based on the proportions and silhouette of the test mule, the motorcycle appears to be close to the production-ready stage. If that is the case, one can expect Bajaj to introduce the motorcycle by late 2026 or the first quarter of 2027. In terms of segment classification, the upcoming motorcycle might be targeted at the Hero Xpulse 210 or the more premium and capable KTM 390 Enduro space.
VinFast has reached an important milestone in India, rolling out its 10,000th vehicle from its manufacturing facility in Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu. The achievement comes less than a year after the Vietnamese EV maker started production in India and signals that its local operations are gathering pace.
VinFast's India plant currently manufactures the VF 6 and VF 7 electric SUVs. While neither vehicle has become a common sight on Indian roads just yet, the Vietnamese carmaker has been steadily laying the groundwork with local manufacturing, supplier partnerships, and dealer network expansion. The Thoothukudi facility is VinFast's first manufacturing plant outside Vietnam and currently has an annual production capacity of 50,000 units. That figure can be increased significantly as demand grows.
The company has also outlined plans to increase localisation and use India as an export base for select international markets in the future. Of course, producing cars is only half the battle. The bigger challenge lies in convincing Indian buyers to choose a relatively unknown brand over established players. Sales, service support, charging infrastructure, and long-term ownership experience will ultimately decide VinFast's success story.
For now, though, crossing the 10,000-unit production milestone is a strong start and proof that VinFast's India journey is moving in the right direction.
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Tata Motors' heavy push into the Indian EV market looks set to continue with a host of new models. Aside from the already confirmed Sierra EV and the all-new Avinya electric SUV, Tata also looks to be readying an all-electric derivative of the Safari. The electric Safari could arrive as early as late 2026, with Tata previously confirming that it would launch at least two new nameplates in India in 2026. Reports suggest the production spec Avinya is expected to arrive early next year.
The heavily camouflaged test mule was spotted on Indian roads recently. While only visible from the rear, the housing for the rear electric motor can be clearly seen under the vehicle. Given that the Safari shares its platform with the Harrier, the Safari EV too is expected to be rear-wheel drive as standard with an option for a dual-motor all-wheel drive powertrain on top variants. Battery sizes are also expected to mirror the Harrier EV's, which comes with 65 kWh and 75 kWh options. Range, however, is expected to be lower than on the Harrier given the Safari’s slightly larger dimensions and the additional weight, in part because it is a three-row SUV.
Cosmetically, not much is visible with the basic elements, such as the connected tail lamps and lower secondary lights on the bumper edges, all unchanged from the ICE Safari. The camouflage on the wheels suggests that the EV will get its own unique alloy wheels for improved aerodynamics.
On the tech front, the Safari EV is expected to get all the bells and whistles from the Harrier EV, including a 14.5-inch QLED touchscreen, JBL Black audio system, powered front seats with ventilation, powered boss mode, digital rear-view mirror, panoramic sunroof and more.
India's electric scooter market is set to welcome a new player next month – Keeway, which will launch the EZI Hypevolt e-scooter in June. So far, Keeway – part of Adishwar Auto Ride India (AARI), which also handles QJ Motor and Benelli – has been a fringe player in India, and has previously offered high-capacity petrol scooters such as the Vieste 300 and the Sixties 300i. However, Keeway is now introducing its first electric scooter in the Indian market, picked up from its ‘EZI’ sub-brand in China.
What is EZI?
To roll out a range of electric two-wheelers, Keeway founded EZI in 2020. EZI has a manufacturing facility in Ziyang, Sichuan, in China, and the brand currently produces a variety of scooters and electric motorcycles, including a scrambler, a cruiser and a maxi-scooter, among others.
EZI Hypevolt: Design and powertrain
In its design, the EZI Hypevolt may remind some of the BMW CE 04, with its long, avant-garde shape. It even has a CE 04-like bench seat, split into sections for the rider and pillion.
The Hypevolt has split LED headlights flanked by vertical LED daytime running lights, and it will have a raised stance, as it rides on large, 14-inch alloy wheels. Seat height is 770 mm, and the scooter weighs 145 kg.
In China, the Hypevolt is available with twin 2.5 kWh batteries for a total capacity of 5 kWh. The scooter, in its home market, can be had with either a hub motor, or a mid-drive motor. Continuous output is rated at 6 kW (8 bhp) for the latter, while peak output is 12 kW (16 bhp). Top speed, as per EZI, is 115 kmph.
EZI claims the Hypevolt will have a range of up to 140 kilometres. The scooter features fast charging as well.
EZI Hypevolt: Safety and features
The Hypevolt will have disc brakes front and back, and while a variant with a combi-braking system (CBS) is offered in China, we expect the India-spec scooter to be offered with dual-channel anti-lock braking system (ABS).
Other key safety equipment on the scooter includes traction control, hill descent control and hill hold control. Interestingly, in its home market, the Hypevolt is also equipped with a rear camera and a blind spot detection system, but it remains to be seen if these features are included on the India-spec scooter.
EZI Hypevolt: How much will it cost?
With the launch likely to take place in mid-June, the EZI Hypevolt will enter uncharted territory, as it is likely to be one expensive e-scooter. While it won't be as pricey as the BMW it somewhat resembles, the Hypevolt – with its twin batteries and equipment levels – is expected to cost upwards of Rs 3 lakh (ex-showroom).
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Tata recently launched the heavily updated Tiago siblingsin India with prices starting from Rs 4.70 lakh (ex-showroom). Now underpinned by what Tata calls the X-ALFA platform, the Tiago siblings receive a substantial styling overhaul along with a new design cabin as well as more tech.
The new Tiago is available in a choice of six trim levels – Smart, Pure, Pure+, Pure+ A, Creative and Creative+, with petrol and CNG engine options available on all but the fully loaded trim. Additionally, both powertrains can be had with manual and AMT options depending on the variant. Here’s a look at what features you get in each variant.
Petrol MT: Rs 5.50 lakh CNG MT: Rs 6.50 lakh Petrol AMT: Rs 6 lakh CNG AMT: Rs 7.05 lakh
In addition to Smart
Digital Instrument Cluster with Bluetooth connectivity
14-inch Steel wheels with covers
Height-adjustable driver's seat
Rear defogger
Steering-mounted audio controls
Steering-mounted paddle shifters (AMT)
Power windows
Electric adjust wing mirrors
Remote lock/unlock & central locking
Day/Night IRVM
Follow Me Home Headlamps
Front USB charging sockets (Type A & Type C)
2 speakers
2026 Tata Tiago Pure+
Petrol MT: Rs 6 lakh CNG MT: Rs 7 lakh Petrol AMT: Rs 6.55 lakh CNG AMT: Rs 7.55 lakh
In addition to Pure
8-inch touchscreen
Wireless Android Auto/Apple CarPlay
Reverse camera
Cruise Control
ESP & Traction Control
Hill Start Assist
4 Speakers
Tyre Pressure Monitoring
Speed-sensing auto door lock
65W Type C charging socket (Front)
2026 Tata Tiago Pure+ A
Petrol MT: Rs 6.50 lakh CNG MT: Rs 7.50 lakh Petrol AMT: NA* CNG AMT: NA*
In addition to Pure+
Rear lightbar
Front centre armrest with storage
Rear AC vents
Auto climate control
Keyless entry and go
Auto headlamps
Rain-sensing wipers
Rear wiper & washer
14-inch stylised steel wheels
Rear parcel shelf (Petrol)
2026 Tata Tiago Creative
Petrol MT: Rs 7 lakh CNG MT: Rs 8 lakh Petrol AMT: Rs 7.55 lakh CNG AMT: Rs 8.55 lakh
In addition to Pure+ A
360-degree cameras
Blind spot monitoring
10.25-inch touchscreen
LED headlamps with DRLs
15-inch diamond cut alloy wheels (Petrol)
Auto-fold ORVM
Cooled Glovebox
One-Touch driver window down
Seat back pockets
2026 Tata Tiago Creative+
Petrol MT: Rs 7.30 lakh Petrol AMT: Rs 7.85 lakh
In addition to Creative
Smartphone deck with wireless charger
Connected car features
LED fog lamps
65W Type C charging socket (rear)
Black-finished roof
Moving to the powertrains, the petrol and CNG options continue to use the same 1.2-litre three-cylinder naturally aspirated engine as the outgoing Tiago. The unit is good for 85 bhp and 113 Nm in petrol and 74.5 bhp and 96.5 Nm in CNG guise. Both are paired with either a 5-speed manual or a 5-speed AMT depending on the variant.
*Expect prices for AMT to be about Rs 55,000 higher
All prices ex-showroom
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Tesla has introduced the 2026 Model Y in India in a single Premium RWD spec. Priced at Rs 50.89 lakh (ex-showroom), the Model Y Premium RWD is priced almost Rs 9 lakh lower than the Model Y Standard Range launched in India last year, with the new variant featuring identical specifications.
Coming to the updates, the new Model Y gets the larger 16-inch touchscreen we first saw in the new Model Y L that arrived earlier this year. The remainder of the feature list is more or less similar to the outgoing Model Y, including features such as an 8-inch rear touchscreen, powered front seats with heating and ventilation, power folding rear seats with heating, 8 exterior cameras, electric adjustable air-con vents, a panoramic glass roof, frequency-selective dampers and a 9-speaker sound system.
Buyers can pick between all-black or grey upholstery options for the cabin. Going by images on Tesla’s official website, the grey upholstery option now extends to cover the upholstery used on the centre floor console, which was previously only finished in black. The all-black option now also includes a dark finished headliner.
Moving to the mechanicals, the Model Y Premium is offered in RWD spec with the Standard Range battery only offering a WLTP range of up to 500 km. As before, the Model Y supports Supercharging at up to 175 kW, adding up to 238 km of range in 15 minutes. Tesla claims an unchanged 0-100 kmph time of 5.9 seconds. Kerb weight is also unchanged at 1,928 kg.
Bookings for the 2026 Tesla Model Y are now open, with deliveries slated to commence from July 2026. The Model Y Premium RWD will be sold alongside the larger Model Y L.
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Price of the long-delayed Toyota Urban Cruiser EBella has finally been announced, and the top-spec E3 variant has been launched for Rs. 23.60 lakh. Sadly, as of now the carmaker has only announced the price of the top-spec model, and prices for the lower versions – the E1 and E2, remain unknown. It appears Toyota plans to launch the other variants in a phased manner, and given how this EV has already been delayed so much, we wish that wasn’t the case.
The Maruti Suzuki eVitara, the EBella EV twin, has already been on sale for a while now. Interestingly, the former’s Alpha variant, the counterpart to the E3 grade of EBella, is priced at Rs. 20.1 lakh (ex-showroom) that’s a price difference of almost Rs. 3.6 lakh.
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