Welcome to Gulf News, your premier destination for comprehensive coverage and insights into the dynamic landscape of the Gulf region and beyond. As a trusted source of news and information, we pride ourselves on delivering timely updates, in-depth analysis, and compelling stories that resonate with our diverse audience.
From breaking news to in-depth features, business trends to cultural happenings, sports highlights to technological advancements, Gulf News covers it all with accuracy, integrit
The upcoming HondaElevate facelift has been spied testing on Indian roads. A heavily camouflaged test mule of the compact SUV was spied testing in Delhi, hinting that there could be some notable updates on the card. Honda has previously confirmed that it was lining up six launches for the Indian market this fiscal year, with the facelifted City, ZR-V and the 0 Alpha-based SUV making up half the list. The Elevate is also expected to launch in this fiscal year along with at least one more model from Honda’s global portfolio.
The heavily camouflaged test mule gives little away about any design updates, with even the alloy wheels using the same design as the existing Elevate. The use of camouflage on the taillight units suggests that the internals could be updated, and we could also see Honda adopt an edge-to-edge lightbar incorporated into the units. The rear bumper, too, is expected to be a new unit.
The Elevate’s current boxy and upright proportions are very much intact with the facelift, though given the extent of cladding, we could expect Honda to make design updates such as changes to the black plastic cladding along the lower bodyshell. The front of the SUV is not visible, though here too we can expect changes to the headlamps as well as the grille and bumper designs.
On the feature front, Honda could look to make the new Elevate more feature-rich with kit such as 360-degree cameras (currently optional), ventilated seats, ambient lighting and more.
On the powertrain front, Honda is unlikely to make any big changes here, with the familiar 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine set to carry forward. It remains to be seen if the Elevate facelift could get the hybrid option from the City.
Mercedes-Benz India has launched the facelifted S-Class in the country with a starting price of Rs 2.20 Crore (ex-showroom). Revealed globally earlier this year, the updated flagship sedan brings a host of styling, tech and powertrain upgrades. Mercedes-Benz claims around half of the vehicle has been reworked, with the biggest headline being the plug-in hybrid powertrain for India in the 450e spec. Deliveries are slated to begin in Q4 2026.
2026 Mercedes-Benz S-Class: Exterior
Starting with the looks. The exterior updates are subtle, though there are enough changes to distinguish the facelift from its predecessor. Up front, the S-Class gets a larger grille featuring multiple embedded three-point star motifs, while the headlamps now incorporate Mercedes-Benz's latest three-point star LED daytime running light signature.
The bumper has also been redesigned and features additional chrome detailing. In profile, the changes are subtler, with the most noticeable update being a new range of alloy wheel designs. Among them are intricate 50-spoke wheels manufactured using a new high-pressure casting process. At the rear, the S-Class receives slimmer tail-lamps that mirror the front lighting theme with illuminated three-point star graphics.
Mercedes-Benz has also expanded the colour palette with several new paint options, including shades previously reserved for its Manufaktur customisation programme.
2026 Mercedes-Benz S-Class: Interior And Features
The cabin receives a more comprehensive update. The centrepiece is Mercedes-Benz's new Superscreen setup, which combines a 14.4-inch central touchscreen with two 12.3-inch displays for the instrument cluster and front passenger. The system runs the latest MB.OS software architecture and supports over-the-air updates.
Mercedes has also integrated a new suite of AI-powered functions, including an enhanced voice assistant, Google Maps-based navigation and vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication capabilities.
The dashboard layout has been streamlined. Like the latest E-Class, the air-con vents are electrically operated and can be adjusted digitally through the touchscreen, though manual adjustment remains. Physical buttons have been reduced, though Mercedes has retained some physical interaction points by introducing a new scroll wheel and toggle switch on the steering wheel to improve usability while driving.
Another notable change is the removal of the fingerprint scanner. Instead, facial recognition tech now handles user authentication via a camera mounted on the dashboard. The same camera can also be used for video conferencing, selfies and cabin monitoring while the vehicle is parked.
Rear seat occupants continue to get twin 13.1-inch entertainment screens, though the outgoing tablet-style rear controller has been replaced by two smaller handheld touch controllers resembling smartphones.
2026 Mercedes-Benz S-Class: Powertrain
The biggest mechanical update comes under the hood as the S-Class now introduces a plug-in hybrid powertrain. The setup combines a 3.0-litre six-cylinder turbo-petrol engine with an electric motor and a 21.96 kWh battery pack, enabling an electric-only driving range of up to 117 km on a full charge. Speaking of charge, Mercedes-Benz says the battery pack can be charged from 10 to 80 per cent in 20 minutes using a 60 kW DC fast charger. The plug-in hybrid setup is also claimed to deliver a combined fuel efficiency figure of 32.3 kmpl (WLTP).
Globally, Mercedes offers the system in two configurations. The S450e develops 429 bhp and 680 Nm, while the more powerful S 580e produces 577 bhp and 750 Nm of torque. The latter also comes equipped with Mercedes-Benz's 4MATIC all-wheel-drive system. For now, the carmaker has only introduced the S450e trim in India for which, power is sent to the rear wheels via a 9-speed automatic transmission.
from carandbike - News https://ift.tt/8bh1I4S
via IFTTT
Maruti Suzuki has listed the price of the recently showcased Wagon R Flex Fuel. Called the Wagon R BioFlex, the Flex Fuel Vehicle is based on the top ZXi+ trim of the hatchback and is priced at Rs 7.24 lakh (ex-showroom). This puts it at a premium of roughly Rs 86,000 over the full-loaded Wagon R ZXi+ petrol-manual.
Under the hood, the Wagon R BioFlex features the 1.2-litre, four-cylinder, K-Series petrol engine in line with the standard ZXi+, though the unit has been reworked to run on higher ethanol blended fuels. As per the company website, the unit develops an identical 90 bhp and 113.7 Nm of peak torque and, for now, will only be offered with a 5-speed manual gearbox. Official fuel efficiency figures are yet to be revealed.
Cosmetically, the big difference between the BioFlex and the standard Wagon R will be the BioFlex badge on the boot lid and the lack of a dual-tone colour option offered with the petrol Wagon R ZXi+. The cabin too is virtually unchanged over the standard Wagon R, with the BioFlex getting all the bells and whistles from the petrol ZXi+ hatchback, including a 7.0-inch SmartPlay Pro touchscreen infotainment system, electric adjust and folding wing mirrors, remote locking, manual air conditioning and fog lamps.
Kawasaki has extended its Rs 2.89 lakh discount on the Ninja ZX-10R, with the offer now valid until the end of June 2026. The same benefit was first introduced in March this year and has now been carried forward. With the discount applied, the litre-class superbike is available at an effective ex-showroom price of Rs 17.90 lakh, down from its listed price of Rs 20.79 lakh. Kawasaki announced the extension through its official social media channels.
The Ninja ZX-10R continues to be powered by a 999 cc liquid-cooled, inline-four engine that develops 200 bhp at 13,200 rpm and 114.9 Nm of torque at 11,400 rpm. The engine is paired with a six-speed gearbox and comes equipped with an assist and slipper clutch.
The ZX-10R has traditionally been among the more competitively priced litre-class superbikes in the Indian market. The latest discount widens the gap further, making it one of the more affordable options in the segment. For reference, its rivals in the Indian market are the BMW S 1000 RR (Rs 23.25 lakh) and the Ducati Panigale V4 (Rs 32.70 lakh).
Feature highlights include a TFT instrument console, multiple riding modes, traction control, launch control, engine brake management, cruise control and a bi-directional quickshifter. The motorcycle also benefits from Kawasaki's suite of electronic rider aids developed from its experience in World Superbike racing.
The offer is applicable to the 2025 model year Ninja ZX-10R and remains valid until June 30, 2026, subject to availability.
from carandbike - News https://ift.tt/SWhJcUG
via IFTTT
BMW has taken the wraps off the M Concept Neue Klasse at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, previewing what is expected to become the brand's first all-electric M3. While the German marque is stopping short of officially calling it the iM3, the concept appears curiously close to production and shares much of its shape and proportions with the standard Neue Klasse i3 sedan revealed earlier this year.
The concept also marks the debut of BMW M's next-generation design language, which ties familiar performance-car cues with EV-specific elements. According to BMW, the M Concept Neue Klasse is intended to showcase how future high-performance electric M models will intertwine design, tech and driving dynamics.
BMW M Concept: Exterior
Starting with the looks. The M Concept Neue Klasse is instantly recognisable as a BMW M product despite lacking a heart under the hood. The familiar long-wheelbase sports sedan proportions remain, complemented by flared wheel arches, a muscular shoulder line and a low, planted stance.
The front end adopts the Neue Klasse's signature shark-nose design, but receives several M-specific touches. The kidney grille and headlights are integrated into a single visual unit, while new yellow lighting elements reference BMW's GT racing cars and the BMW M Hybrid V8 endurance racer. A large V-shaped vent on the bonnet helps cool the electric drivetrain, while redesigned aerodynamic mirrors in BMW M colours improve airflow.
Further down, the front bumper uses what BMW calls a "trimaran" design, inspired by high-speed sailing boats. Besides giving the car a more aggressive appearance, it also helps support the front splitter and manage airflow around the vehicle.
At the rear, the concept features a pronounced ducktail spoiler, a large diffuser and new three-dimensional "Track Lights" integrated into the bumper. BMW has also incorporated natural-fibre composite materials into components such as the front splitter, bonnet vent and rear diffuser.
Finished in a new Monza Red metallic paint scheme, the concept rides on centre-lock style wheels featuring red and blue accents inspired by BMW M's motorsport heritage.
BMW M Concept: Interior
Coming to the interior. The M Concept Neue Klasse appears much closer to production than many concept cars typically do. The dashboard layout closely mirrors that of the standard Neue Klasse sedan, with a simple design centred around BMW's new panoramic head-up display system stretching across the base of the windscreen.
The cabin features four newly developed bucket seats trimmed in a combination of blue and red Merino leather, reflecting BMW M's signature colours. Structural elements within the seats are made from natural-fibre materials, while red five-point harnesses emphasise the motorsport-inspired theme.
BMW has also introduced black nubuck leather for the first time in an M vehicle, applying it to the steering wheel, door panels and roll bar. The dashboard is trimmed in black knitted material with hexagonal backlighting, while red accents on the steering wheel, paddles and digital interfaces add contrast throughout the cabin.
BMW M Concept: Powertrain
BMW has yet to reveal power and torque figures, but it has confirmed that the concept uses a quad-motor electric drivetrain. The setup is paired with a new control system called BMW M Dynamic Performance Control, which works alongside the company's "Heart of Joy" central computing architecture.
The system independently manages power delivery and braking at each wheel, claiming more precise torque distribution, improved traction and improved handling. BMW says the tech is designed to preserve the engagement and agility expected from an M car despite the switch to electric propulsion.
The concept is based on BMW's sixth-generation EV architecture and features an 800-volt electrical system paired with a battery pack exceeding 100 kWh in capacity. BMW says the new cylindrical battery cells have been optimised specifically for M applications.
BMW M Concept: What Happens Next?
Although BMW has not confirmed a production name, the M Concept Neue Klasse is widely expected to evolve into the electric successor to the M3. Judging by the nearly production-ready exterior, interior and underlying tech package, the finished model is unlikely to differ dramatically from what has been shown at Le Mans.
from carandbike - News https://ift.tt/OiVJ9BS
via IFTTT
Hyundai has been teasing the fourth-generation i20 for the Brazilian market for some time now, and the hatchback has finally been revealed in full. The biggest change to the all-new i20 is its exterior design, which moves away from the sharp, sporty styling of the current model in favour of a more upright look with several crossover-inspired elements.
New Hyundai i20: Exterior
At first glance, the new i20 appears noticeably more substantial than its predecessor. The front end is characterised by Y-shaped LED daytime running lamps linked by a slim light bar, while the bumper gets prominent black cladding and a layered design.
From the side, the crossover influence becomes even more apparent. The wheel arches are more pronounced, the body gets thick black cladding along the lower edges, and the window line kicks upwards sharply towards the rear. Higher variants ride on 17-inch alloy wheels.
At the rear, the i20 receives connected LED tail lamps, a chunky bumper with silver detailing and a roof spoiler integrated into the tailgate design. Overall, the new model appears closer to a crossover hatchback than a conventional small car.
New Hyundai i20: Dimensions
The fourth-generation i20 has also grown in size compared to the third-gen model currently sold in India. At 4,130 mm long, it is 135 mm longer than it, while width has increased marginally by 5 mm to 1,780 mm. Height has been reduced by 10 mm to 1,495 mm. Interestingly, the wheelbase remains unchanged at 2,580 mm.
New Hyundai i20: Interior and Features
Inside, Hyundai has thoroughly redesigned the cabin. The dashboard is now dominated by a curved display panel that houses a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen within a single frame on higher variants. The centre console follows a cleaner vertical layout, with slim air-conditioning vents flanking the climate controls and a new three-spoke steering wheel featuring Hyundai's Morse-code-inspired illuminated logo.
The cabin is finished in a combination of grey and cream shades. Other notable elements include soft-touch materials across the dashboard and doors, semi-leatherette upholstery with subtle i20 branding embossed into the seats, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, connected car technology, over-the-air software updates, a wireless charging pad and rear AC vents.
The second-row seats get a 60:40 split-folding setup while it also gets adjustable headrests and three-point seatbelts for all occupants. The boot offers 346 litres of capacity. Interestingly, the Brazil-spec model does not appear to feature a sunroof, though the current India-spec i20 offers on higher trims.
Safety equipment has also been upgraded. Six airbags are standard across the range, while higher variants can be equipped with Hyundai's SmartSense ADAS suite, which includes adaptive cruise control, autonomous emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert and safe exit warning.
New Hyundai i20: Powertrain and Variants
Powertrain options include naturally aspirated and turbocharged versions of Hyundai's 1.0-litre three-cylinder petrol engine. The turbocharged unit develops 115 hp and 172 Nm of torque. For Brazil, Hyundai will offer the new i20 in six variants: Comfort, Limited, Limited Turbo, X Line, Platinum and Ultimate.
The third-gen i20, which was launched in India in 2020, has received multiple updates ever since. The fourth-generation i20 is currently being manufactured at Hyundai's Piracicaba facility in Brazil and has initially been introduced for the Brazilian market. Hyundai has not announced plans to offer the model in other regions, including India.
from carandbike - News https://ift.tt/Z8YowXT
via IFTTT
Honda has launched E-Clutch-equipped versions of the CB750 Hornet and XL750 Transalp in India, bringing clutch-free gear shifting to its 755cc twin-cylinder lineup. Along with the new technology, both motorcycles have received significant price revisions. All prices are ex-showroom, Gurugram. The launch comes shortly after the introduction of the E-Clutch-equipped NX500.
Honda's E-Clutch system allows riders to start, stop and shift gears without operating the clutch lever, while still retaining the option of manual clutch use. The setup adds 3kg to the motorcycles' kerb weight.
Apart from the addition of E-Clutch, both models remain mechanically unchanged. The CB750 Hornet continues with the same 755cc parallel-twin engine and cycle parts. The only change in the livery offered which is now available only in a black colour scheme with a red frame and front fork. Subsequently, the XL750 Transalp also remains unchanged and gets two new colourways: white and grey.
In terms of costs, the CB750 Hornet E-Clutch is priced at Rs 10.49 lakh, a premium of Rs 1.27 lakh over the outgoing model. The XL750 Transalp E-Clutch costs Rs 13.20 lakh, up by Rs 1.39 lakh from its standard version. Going by Honda's decision to offer the NX500 only with E-Clutch, expect the standard versions of the Hornet and Transalp to also be phased out once existing inventory is over.
from carandbike - News https://ift.tt/pa9IQjU
via IFTTT
Honda has reintroduced the CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP in India, with the flagship supersport now priced at Rs 33.50 lakh (ex-showroom). The motorcycle was briefly on sale in the country following its September 2025 launch before being removed from the brand's lineup. Its return comes as part of a broader refresh of Honda's premium BigWing portfolio, which recently welcomed the CB750 Hornet E-Clutch, XL750 Transalp E-Clutch, and a new colour option for the Gold Wing.
Powering the Fireblade SP is a 999cc inline four-cylinder engine which churns out 214.5 bhp at 14,000 rpm and 113 Nm of torque at 12,000 rpm. The engine is mated to a six-speed gearbox and a bi-directional quickshifter. Exhaust gases are channelled through a 4-2-1 system paired with an Akrapovic titanium exhaust.
The electronics package remains extensive, with multiple riding modes, nine levels of traction control, three levels of engine braking, wheelie control and three ABS settings. All rider aids are accessed through a 5-inch TFT display.
Suspension duties are handled by Ohlins Smart Electronic Control units at both ends, while braking is taken care of by twin 330 mm front discs with Brembo Stylema R radial-mount calipers and a 220 mm rear disc with a Brembo two-piston caliper. The Fireblade SP rides on 17-inch wheels wrapped in Pirelli Diablo Supercorsa SP V3 tyres.
In terms of dimensions, the superbike has a 1,455 mm wheelbase, 830 mm seat height, and 115 mm ground clearance. It weighs 201 kg (kerb) and carries a 16.5-litre fuel tank.
The biggest talking point, however, is the revised pricing. At Rs 33.50 lakh, the Fireblade SP now costs Rs 4.51 lakh more than the Rs 28.99 lakh price tag it carried when it briefly returned to the Indian market last year. It goes up against the likes of the BMW S 1000 RR and the Ducati Panigale V4 S.
from carandbike - News https://ift.tt/dlYqDn1
via IFTTT
Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles Ltd. has announced a revision in the prices of its vehicle lineup, effective from July 1, 2026. The increase in prices will be seen across both ICE and EV models by up to 1.5 per cent.
According to Tata Motors, the price revision comes in response to rising input costs and inflationary pressures. The company has also stated that it continues to absorb a significant portion of the cost increase, with only a part of the impact being passed on to customers. The price increase will vary across models and variants.
Last month, Tata Motors launched the refreshed versions of the Tiago Petrol, Tiago CNG and Tiago EV at ₹4.69 lakh (ex-showroom), ₹5.79 lakh (ex-showroom) and ₹6.99 lakh (ex-showroom), respectively.
The company also introduced a battery-as-a-service subscription on the Tiago EV, bringing its starting price down to ₹4.69 lakh (ex-showroom), making the Tiago EV the country’s most affordable EV.
from carandbike - News https://ift.tt/WKrSPFj
via IFTTT
First images of the new-gen Hyundai i20 have leaked online, providing an up-close look at the design of the premium hatchback. The new hatchback follows Hyundai’s latest design language and sees a marked difference from the edgy-styled hatchback currently on sale in India while also adopting some crossover-inspired themes. Inside, the highlight is a single-frame curved display that sits atop the dashboard, housing a pair of screens for infotainment and instrumentation.
Starting with the exterior design, the new i20 comes across as a more mature design overall compared to its edgy and sporty-looking predecessor. Up front, the hatchback gets new LED projector headlamps with integrated Y-shaped daytime running lamps and a connected lightbar. The central air vent features a split design with the upper and lower sections separated by a blank panel. Lower down, the bumper features the use of plastic cladding.
Moving to the sides, the i20 continues to feature the use of black cladding along the lower edges of the body as well as on the pronounced wheel arches. The window line features a sharp upward kink on the rear door, while a soft shoulder line is visible lower on the door. At the rear, the new i20 features a chunky rear bumper with notable use of black cladding and silver accents. The tailgate features a notable lip below the windshield with the new look connected taillamps, and a wrap-around integrated roof spoiler rounds out the looks.
Inside the cabin, the highlight element looks to be the almost BMW-like curved display atop the dashboard housing the central touchscreen and digital instruments display. Going by previous teaser clips, the digital instrument display is set to be in line with the unit in the new Venue and Creta, with customisable graphics and providing drivers with a range of information. The upper and lower dashboards look to be separated by a shelf-like element on the front passenger side.
The centre console, meanwhile, features a new vertical design theme with controls for the air-con in the centre flanked by vertical air-con vents on either side. The cabin looks to be following a grey and cream colour scheme with notable use of soft-touch elements on the doors.
As for the powertrains, the leaked images look to feature the i20 with the 1.0-litre T-GDI turbo-petrol engine – a unit that is also expected to be offered in the car in India. Other engine options are expected to vary depending on the market with the India-spec car expected to continue to offer a 1.2-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine. Mild hybrid tech is also expected to be on the cards.
As for an India launch, Hyundai could look to introduce the model in India in the build-up to the festive season.
Skoda is gearing up to launch the Kodiaq RS in India, with bookings for the performance SUV slated to commence on June 22, 2026. This will mark the arrival of the Czech brand's first RS-badged SUV in the country. Limited to just 50 units in the first batch, the performance-oriented version of the Kodiaq shares its 2.0-litre TSI turbo-petrol engine with the Octavia RS, which is also expected to return later this year as part of a second allocation for India.
Visually, the Kodiaq RS distinguishes itself from the standard model with a more aggressive body kit, featuring redesigned bumpers, gloss-black exterior accents, larger RS-specific alloy wheels and a twin-exit exhaust setup at the rear. The sportier theme continues inside with an all-black cabin, contrast red stitching and front sports seats with integrated headrests. Despite the performance-focused upgrades, the SUV retains the 5+2 seating layout as standard.
The cabin layout remains largely unchanged, though globally, one can choose between RS Suedia upholstery featuring a combination of Suedia microfibre and leatherette, or the RS Suite trim finished in leather. Feature highlights include a 13-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a 10-inch digital instrument cluster, ambient lighting and a host of connected car functions.
Under the hood sits the familiar 2.0-litre TSI turbo-petrol engine that also powers the Octavia RS. The four-cylinder motor develops 261 bhp and 400 Nm of torque, which is 60 bhp and 80 Nm more than the standard Kodiaq sold in India. Power is sent to all four wheels through a 7-speed DSG automatic gearbox. Skoda claims a 0-100 kmph sprint time of 6.3 seconds and a top speed of 231 kmph.
Skoda Auto India recently introduced the updated Kodiaq with prices ranging up to Rs 46.99 lakh (ex-showroom). Given the additional performance hardware and RS-specific enhancements, the Kodiaq RS is expected to be offered in a single, fully loaded variant with prices likely to be around Rs 55 lakh (ex-showroom). For reference, the Octavia RS was launched at Rs 49.99 lakh (ex-showroom) in October 2025.
from carandbike - News https://ift.tt/aoBbWjA
via IFTTT