Future Hyundai, Kia Cars May Feature In-Built UVC Sanitiser

Germophobes will be enthralled by Hyundai Motor Group's latest tech development – an in-car sanitiser that is claimed to ‘destroy’ bacteria without impacting occupants. Hyundai and Kia have together come up with what they claim is the world's first in-vehicle sanitisation technology with plasma lamps to eliminate viruses in the cabin, even with passengers on board. 

 

Also Read: New Hyundai Elantra Makes Global Debut: Boxy Styling, Hybrid Powertrain & Pleos Infotainment

 

Light from multiple plasma lamps will reach and disinfect every corner of the car.

 

What is Hyundai's Plasma Care UVC tech?

 

Dubbed ‘Plasma Care UVC’, this system employs far-ultraviolet C (Far-UVC) light in the 200–230 nanometer (nm) range. This specific wavelength, claims Hyundai, can only reach the ‘outer keratin layer of human skin without reaching deeper layers’. However, as bacteria and viruses lack this protective barrier, Far-UVC light can penetrate and destroy them entirely. This also has another pleasant knock-on effect, as any bad odours present inside the car are also eliminated.

 

The system was tested inside a Kia PV5.
 

Once illuminated, the light from the plasma lamps – chosen over LEDs for their effectiveness in generating Far-UVC light – covers every corner of the car, Hyundai claims, aside from making the car's interior resemble The Undertaker's abode. 

 

Also Read: Kia Cars To Get Costlier From July 1: Prices Up By Up To 2%

 

Does in-car sanitisation really work?

 

To assess the system's effectiveness, Hyundai tested it in an 8-cubic-metre chamber ‘simulating a vehicle cabin environment’, which confirmed a 96.8 percent reduction in airborne viruses within 30 minutes. In a separate test, subjecting pneumonia-causing bacteria to Far-UVC light through Plasma Care UVC resulted in total elimination of the bacteria in just 60 seconds.

 

Plasma lamp features a specialised optical filter to control UVC emission.

 

Testing the system in an actual vehicle (Kia PV5), the Group revealed a 99.9 percent removal of Escherichia coli (E. coli) from the vehicle's cabin in 40 minutes.

 

Will this system make its way to road cars?

 

Yes, it will, and not in the distant future. Hyundai and Kia have already confirmed their intent to put this technology into production vehicles, starting first with purpose-built vehicles, such as those used as school vans and vehicles being used to sold food.

 

Much like how air purifiers came to be hygiene (pun intended) in production Hyundai and Kia cars, expect in-car UVC sanitisation to make its way to feature lists in the coming years.

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2026 Maruti Suzuki Brezza Facelift To Be Launched On July 23

One of Maruti Suzuki's biggest launches of 2026 is slated for next month – car&bike can now confirm the Maruti Suzuki Brezza facelift will be launched in India on July 23. The Brezza, which has now been in the market for a little over a decade, continues to be among the best-selling cars in Maruti Suzuki's portfolio. The second-generation Brezza, which was introduced in 2022, has soldiered on without changes for the last four years, but is now receiving a significant mid-life update, which is expected to bring a refreshed look, more features and a new engine option.

 

Also Read: Maruti Suzuki CNG Sales Rise Post Petrol Price Hike

 

2026 Maruti Suzuki Brezza facelift: What's new?

 

Given how successful the subcompact SUV has proven to be over the years, Maruti has chosen against making any substantial styling changes to the 2026 Brezza. This midlife update is expected to bring only a lightly revised front-end, restyled alloy wheels and possibly new exterior colour options. 

 

Brezza remains one of Maruti's best-sellers.

 

However, Maruti is likely to introduce a slew of new features on the inside, which will help the Brezza compete with its rivals on a more even footing. One of these is expected to be front seat ventilation, among others.

 

Also Read: Maruti Baleno Facelift Spied Testing; Previews Design Updates

 

2026 Maruti Suzuki Brezza facelift: Will it get a new engine?

 

Yes, for the first time in 10 years, the Brezza will be available with two different engine options. The trusty 1.5-litre K15B will continue unchanged, but the big news with the 2026 Brezza will be the addition of a 1.0-litre turbo-petrol engine, aimed at buyers who seek more performance than the naturally-aspirated Brezza can offer. 

 

Switching to an underbody CNG tank layout will free up boot space like in the Victoris.

 

Another notable change with powertrains will be with the Brezza CNG. Maruti will adopt the underbody CNG tank layout we first saw on the Victoris, which will free up crucial boot space even in the CNG iteration of the SUV.

 

2026 Maruti Suzuki Brezza facelift: How much will prices rise by?

 

Maruti Suzuki will increase prices of the Brezza with this update. The subcompact SUV is currently priced from Rs 8.26 lakh to Rs 13.01 lakh (ex-showroom), and with the changes, we expect the Brezza facelift's prices to range from Rs 8.50 lakh to Rs 13.50 lakh (ex-showroom).

 

The 2026 Brezza will renew its rivalry with the likes of the Tata Nexon, Kia Sonet, Hyundai Venue and Skoda Kylaq.

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New Hyundai Elantra Makes Global Debut: Boxy Styling, Hybrid Powertrain Pleos Infotainment

Hyundai has unveiled the latest generation of the Elantra, or Avante as it's called in South Korea. The latest iteration of the Hyundai executive sedan adopts Hyundai’s new Art of Steel design language, featuring more angular, boxier proportions with almost retro-inspired elements, while the cabin takes on a more minimalist design theme.

 

Also read: New-Gen Hyundai i20 Revealed
 

New Hyundai Elantra: Exterior

Starting with the styling, the new Art of Steel design language gives the Elantra a more traditional three-box proportions, but with sharp cuts and creases evident throughout the bodywork. The coupe-styled look of the predecessor is carried over, though the bodylines are not as sinewy as before, swapping out the flowing bodylines for harder edges.

 

Up front, the fascia features a layered design with the pseudo ‘H’ motif visible in the shape of the high-set daytime running lamps at the base of the heavily sculpted bonnet. The bumper features a mix of body-coloured and blacked-out sections, with squared-off design detailing, and also incorporates the main headlamps within the faux side vent housings.

 

Also Read: Hyundai Ioniq 3 Electric Hatchback Revealed; Smallest Ioniq EV Offers Up To 496 km Range

 

In profile, the prominent flares to the front fender and rear haunch are apparent, while a crisp shoulderline runs the length of the vehicle. The roofline is more squared out than before as well, with a notable dip only noticed at the meeting of the C- and D-pillar from where the roofline flows downwards and neatly merges with the shallow rear deck with its integrated spoiler. An interesting design element visible in the vehicle’s profile is the small rear quarter window between the thick C and D-pillars.

 

At the rear, the tail lamps also form a pseudo-H motif, while the rear bumper features a prominent diffuser-like element and a low-set number plate housing.

In terms of size, the new Elantra sits on a 30 mm longer wheelbase, while overall length is up by around 55 mm.

 

Also read: Hyundai To Introduce 2 New SUVs In FY2027
 

 

New Hyundai Elantra: Interior

 

Inside, the layered dashboard design does share some similarities to Hyundai’s other all-new models, such as the new Ioniq 3. A slim digital instrument cluster sits near the base of the windshield behind the steering, acting as a pseudo head-up display, while a large central touchscreen – either 12.9 inches or 14.6 inches – sits atop the centre console. This is Hyundai’s new in-house developed Pleos system that will feature in all new Hyundai cars going forward. The dashboard also features embedded ambient lighting, with the lower section of the dashboard featuring the use of soft-touch materials.

 

Focusing on the centre stack, a row of physical controls sits below the central touchscreen with the central air con vents positioned below. The central floor console, meanwhile, features a split design with the driver's side partially higher than the passenger's. The driver gets a two-piece centre armrest piece with a charging tray at the front, while the passenger gets his own charging tray and cupholders on his side – instead of the second armrest unit.

 

Also Read: Hyundai Ioniq 5 Facelift Launched At Rs 55.70 Lakh; Range Rises To 690 KM

 

New Hyundai Elantra: Powertrain

 

So far, Hyundai has confirmed a petrol and hybrid powertrain option for the sedan. The petrol unit displaces 2.0 litres and is naturally aspirated, pushing out 147 bhp, while the hybrid features a 1.6-litre engine and develops a combined 155 bhp. Full powertrain details are not revealed, though Hyundai does say that the hybrid comes with a new predictive regenerative braking that automatically adjusts the level of regen based on road conditions observed through a litany of on-board sensors. There is also a new ‘stay’ mode that uses the hybrid’s battery pack to power the vehicle’s air conditioning and infotainment when the vehicle is parked.

 

New Hyundai Elantra: Global Sales

 

The new Elantra is expected to go on sale in its home market of South Korea later in the year, with launches in other international markets likely to follow.

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TVS NTorq 125 Launched With New Colours From Rs. 82,500

TVS Motor Company has introduced new colours and graphics in the TVS NTorq 125 Race Edition and Disc variant trims to give the 125 cc scooter fresh appeal ahead of the festive season. The TVS NTorq 125 Disc variant is priced at Rs. 82,500 (Ex-showroom), while the NTorq 125 Race Edition is priced at Rs. 87,950 (Ex-showroom). 

 

Also Read: TVS NTorq 125 vs Hero Xoom 125 Comparison Review

 

New Colour Options

 

The most affordable disc variant of the TVS NTorq 125 now gets two new colour options – Midnight Black and Spiti White. The existing Nardo Grey colourway now features sharper graphics to the base variant, priced at Rs. 82,500 (Ex-showroom). The TVS NTorq 125 Race Edition, priced at Rs. 87,950 (Ex-showroom), now gets three new colour combinations – Drift Blue, Inferno Red and Rush Green.

 

Both the Disc and Race Edition variants of the NTorq 125 also get a new LCD instrument console along with Bluetooth connectivity which unlocks a long list of features through the TVS SmartXconnect app. Mechanically, there are no other changes in the TVS NTorq 125. It continues to be powered by 125 cc, 3-valve engine which puts out 9.4 bhp at 7000 rpm and 10.6 Nm of peak torque at 5500 rpm. 

 

Watch the TVS NTorq 125 Race XP vs Hero Xoom 125 Comparison Review:

 

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New BMW X6 Launched In India At Rs 1.78 Crore

BMW India has launched the new BMW X6 M60i in India with prices starting at Rs 1.78 crore (ex-showroom). This marks the return of the X6 nameplate to the Indian market after a 3-year hiatus, with the model arriving with an M-tuned V8 engine under the hood and as a CBU. The X6 was previously on sale between 2020 and 2023, with the new model a facelift of that SUV-Coupe.

 

Also read: New Mini Countryman C Launched In India At Rs 47.50 Lakh
 

On the design front, the new X6 shares much of its basic styling with the X5 up front, with the bulk of the differences in design coming from behind the A-pillar. The m60i spec also brings with it sportier looks, including an M aero package, 21-inch wheels, Shadowline package as standard, M branded brakes, as well as an M sports exhaust.

 

Also read: BMW M Concept Neue Klasse Revealed; Previews Electric M3
 

The cabin too gets sportier design touches, including M seat belts, M steering wheel, and illuminated M logo on the dashboard. Overall, the cabin design too is much the same as in the X5, with a large curved display atop the dashboard housing a 12.3-inch digital instruments display and a 14.9-inch central touchscreen. Unlike the full-blown X6 M, the M60i gets comfort seats up front with electric adjustment, ventilation and optional massage function. In terms of features, the X6 packs in adaptive LED headlights, M adaptive suspension, a panoramic glass roof, configurable ambient lighting, a head-up display, dual-zone climate control, soft-close doors, 360-degree cameras, Harman Kardon Sound System, hands-free parking and ADAS tech.

 

Also read: BMW India To Increase Prices Of Its Cars And SUVs By Up To 2% From July 1

Moving to the powertrain, the X6 M60i gets BMW’s 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 engine under the hood, developing a peak 523 bhp and 750 Nm. The unit features the company’s 48-volt mild-hybrid technology and is paired with an 8-speed automatic gearbox as standard. Power is sent to all four wheels with the M60i also featuring an M Sport differential. BMW claims a 0-100 kmph time of just 4.3 seconds for the SUV.

 

Also Read: BMW X6 M60i xDrive Coupe SUV Bookings Open Ahead Of Launch

 

In terms of competition, the X6 M60i goes up against the in-line six-powered Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 Coupe-SUV as well as the recently-launched V8-powered Audi SQ8.

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TVS iQube Electric Scooter Crosses 10 Lakh Units Production Milestone

One of TVS' most popular two-wheelers has crossed a vital milestone – TVS has produced the one millionth unit of its iQube electric scooter at its Hosur manufacturing facility. The iQube, which was launched all the way back in 2020, has, over time, risen to the top of electric two-wheeler sales charts, and has only traded the top spot with the equally popular Bajaj Chetak in recent times. In a media statement, TVS revealed how iQube customers have collectively ridden over 14.94 billion kilometres, helping cut down 522,969 tonnes of CO₂ emissions in the last six years.

 

Also Read: TVS iQube S 4.7 kWh Launched At Rs 1.54 Lakh

 

The iQube is one of India's best-selling electric scooters.

 

Sudarshan Venu, Chairman, TVS Motor Company said, “The rollout of one million TVS iQubes reflects the scale at which electric mobility is becoming part of everyday life in India. The milestone is built on years of investment in engineering, innovation and manufacturing capabilities that have enabled us to build world-class electric mobility solutions designed and manufactured in India for the world. As India progresses towards the vision of Viksit Bharat, it has a unique opportunity to emerge as a global leader in the future of mobility. At TVS Motor, we remain committed to advancing this vision through exciting and sustainable mobility solutions that strengthen India’s position as a global mobility powerhouse."

 

Remarkably, the iQube has soldiered on without any major changes made to the scooter in the last six years. TVS has regularly updated the scooter with new colour schemes, features and revised battery options, but the key to the iQube's substantial sales lies in TVS making it available in more than 3,000 cities across the country. 

 

The TVS iQube is available in three variants – base, S and ST – with battery capacities ranging from 2.2 kWh to 5.3 kWh. Prices for the iQube start at Rs 1.07 lakh to Rs 1.72 lakh (ex-showroom, Karnataka). 

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Kawasaki KLX230 Gets Dearer For MY2027; Price Increased By Rs 35,000

Kawasaki India has updated the KLX230 for the 2027 model year, pricing the dual-sport motorcycle at Rs 2.19 lakh (ex-showroom). The revision makes the bike Rs 35,000 more expensive than the MY2026 version, with no corresponding changes to its design, features or mechanical package.

Kawasaki also launched the MY2027 KLX230 S, a lower-seat-height version aimed at shorter riders which also carries the same sticker price. Alongside the road-legal KLX230, Kawasaki has introduced the MY2027 KLX230R S. Unlike the standard model, the KLX230R S is intended exclusively for off-road riding and closed-course use. It is priced at Rs 1.89 lakh (ex-showroom).

 

Also Read: 2026 Kawasaki Ninja 500 Launched At Rs 5.76 lakh

 

The KLX230 is the Japanese manufacturer's entry-level dual-sport offering continues to target riders looking for a lightweight motorcycle that can comfortably transition between trails and public roads. While the price has gone up, Kawasaki has not announced any upgrades or explained the reason behind the increase.

Power comes from the familiar 233cc, air-cooled, single-cylinder engine that develops 18.7bhp and 19Nm of torque. The motor is housed in a lightweight chassis that helps keep kerb weight to 139kg, making the KLX230 one of the more approachable off-road-focused motorcycles currently on sale in India.

 

Also Read: Kawasaki Patents Modular Electric Motorcycle Platform

 

Suspension hardware remains unchanged as well. The motorcycle continues to use long-travel telescopic front forks and a rear monoshock, offering 220mm and 223mm of wheel travel respectively. Ground clearance and suspension travel remain among the bike's strongest attributes, although the 880mm seat height may still be intimidating for some riders.

Visually, the MY2027 KLX230 is identical to the outgoing model. Buyers can choose between Lime Green and Battle Grey paint schemes, both of which have been carried over without any notable graphic updates. A fresh colour option or revised graphics package could have helped distinguish the new model year from its predecessor.

With its lightweight nature, simple mechanical package and genuine off-road capability, the KLX230 remains a niche but appealing option for trail enthusiasts. However, the steep price increase for the MY2027 model is likely to raise questions among prospective buyers, particularly given the absence of any meaningful changes or updates.

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New Renault Duster Exports Commence From India

Renault has started exporting the all-new Duster from India, with the first batch of 750 compact SUVs leaving its Chennai plant for South Africa. The shipment marks the beginning of exports for the new-generation Duster, which will also be sold in multiple international markets over the coming months.

 

Also Read: 2026 Renault Duster Review: The Hero Returns, But Does He Deliver?

The development comes as Renault ramps up production of the new SUV at its Chennai facility, which also serves as a manufacturing base for a number of export markets. South Africa is among the first countries outside India to receive the latest-generation Duster.

Renault Group India CEO Stephane Deblaise described the start of Duster exports as "an important moment for Renault India" and said it underlined the "quality, capabilities, and competitiveness" of the company's Chennai operations. He added that Renault continues to see India as a key export hub and is working towards its goal of generating €2 billion in annual exports from the country by 2030.

 

Also Read: 2026 Renault Duster Fuel Efficiency Figures Announced

In India, the compact SUV is currently offered with two turbo-petrol engine options. The entry-level variant uses a 1.0-litre three-cylinder turbo-petrol engine producing 99 bhp and 160 Nm, paired with a six-speed manual gearbox. Higher variants are powered by a 1.3-litre turbo-petrol engine that develops 158 bhp and 280 Nm of torque, and are available with either a six-speed manual or a six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.

 

Also Read: Renault Duster 1.0-Litre Turbo Review: Small Engine, More Than Enough Performance

Renault is also gearing up to introduce the Duster E-Tech hybrid later this year, which, even before its price announcement, is sold out for 2026. The hybrid powertrain combines a 1.8-litre petrol engine, a 1.4 kWh battery pack and two electric motors, delivering a collective output of 158 bhp.

 

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Skoda Kodiaq RS Bookings Open In India Ahead Of Launch

Skoda Auto India has opened bookings for the Kodiaq RS, its first RS-badged SUV for the Indian market, ahead of its launch. Interested buyers can reserve the SUV by paying a token amount of Rs 3 lakh, with only 50 units earmarked for the first batch. The Kodiaq RS sits at the top of the Kodiaq range and borrows its powertrain from the Octavia RS, which is also expected to return later this year through a second allocation for India.

 

Also Read: Skoda Peaq Electric SUV Interior Previewed Ahead Of Global Debut

Compared to the standard Kodiaq, the RS adopts a more aggressive appearance with redesigned bumpers, gloss-black exterior detailing, larger alloy wheels and a twin-exit exhaust setup at the rear. The SUV will be available in four paint finishes: Moon White, Magic Black, Velvet Red and Steel Grey.

Inside, the Kodiaq RS gets a sportier treatment with an all-black cabin theme, contrast red stitching and front sports seats featuring integrated headrests. Despite the performance upgrades, it continues to offer the same 5+2 seating layout as the regular Kodiaq. The feature list includes a 13-inch touchscreen infotainment system, 10-inch digital instrument cluster, ambient lighting connected car tech and a lot more. 

 

Power comes from a 2.0-litre TSI turbo-petrol engine producing 261 bhp and 400 Nm, making it 60 bhp and 80 Nm more powerful than the standard Kodiaq sold in India. The engine is paired with a 7-speed DSG automatic transmission and an all-wheel-drive system as standard. Skoda claims the Kodiaq RS can accelerate from 0-100 kmph in 6.3 seconds and reach a top speed of 231 kmph, making it the quickest and most powerful Kodiaq to be offered in India to date.

 

Also Read: Skoda Peaq SUV Exterior Revealed In Design Sketches; Unveil On June 23

Skoda Auto India currently retails the standard Kodiaq at up to Rs 46.99 lakh (ex-showroom), though the RS is expected to command a significant premium owing to its uprated powertrain and RS-specific treatment. The performance SUV is likely to be offered in a single, fully loaded trim, with prices expected to hover around the Rs 55 lakh (ex-showroom) mark. For reference, the Octavia RS was launched in India at Rs 49.99 lakh (ex-showroom) last year.

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Aprilia Tuono 457 Special Edition Launched At Rs 3.99 Lakh

Aprilia India has launched a new special edition of the Tuono 457 priced at Rs 3.99 lakh (ex-showroom, Maharashtra). Called the Tuono 457 Special Edition, the motorcycle gets two new liveries derived from the 2006 Tuono 1000R, with Aprilia also claiming to make some ergonomic tweaks to the motorcycle.

 

Also read: Aprilia SR 125, SR 175 Tribute Edition Launched: Prices Start At Rs 1.17 Lakh
 

The special edition Tuono 457 is offered in two new colours – Mamba Black and Puma Grey- along with featuring redesigned graphics and logos. Other cosmetic updates include a new smoked finish aerodynamic flyscreen and higher set handlebars for a more upright riding position.

 

Also Read: car&bike Awards 2026: Aprilia Tuono 457 is Premium Motorcycle of the Year (Under 500cc)

 

Aprilia says that the special edition also gets tweaks to the seat for greater comfort over long distances, while the suspension too has been tweaked to better handle Indian roads. Additionally, the motorcycle comes with an adjustable brake lever as well, which was previously an accessory.

Also Read: Aprilia SR-GP Replica 175 Launched In India At Rs 1.23 Lakh

 

Moving to the engine, Aprilia has made no change to the powerplant with the Tuono 457 continuing to feature the 457 cc parallel twin engine pushing out 46.9 bhp and 43.5 Nm of peak torque.

 

Aprilia says that bookings for the Tuono 457 Special Edition are now open at select showrooms across the country.

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Tata Sierra EV QWD Confirmed Ahead Of Launch

Tata Motors has commenced releasing a string of teasers for the upcoming Sierra EV ahead of its launch on June 30. The teasers so far have previewed aspects of the Sierra EV’s exterior design, with the latest short video shared on social media confirming that the electric SUV will get dual-motor all-wheel drive or Quad Wheel Drive (QWD) in Tata’s terminology.

The name carries legacy.
The car carries a new power.

Loading Sierra.ev — the legend hypercharged.
Ready to challenge everything you thought an EV could be!

30.06.26.#Tataev #MoveWithMeaning #Sierraev #LegendHypercharged #FirstLook pic.twitter.com/SQtT0INoSF

— TATA.ev (@Tataev) June 20, 2026

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Also read: Tata Sierra EV India Launch On June 30
 

The teasers confirm some of the design updates to the Sierra EV over its internal combustion sibling, including a revamped fascia with an enclosed body coloured grille and a restyled bumper with more prominent use of black plastics along the lower section. The lighting elements, including the edge-to-edge lightbar, slim headlamps, and vertically stacked fog lamps, are all common. On the sides, there are no differences between the ICE and electric SUVs, with Tata choosing to offer the same alloy wheels on both.

 

The rear design too is unchanged between the ICE and EV, save for the Sierra.ev badge on the tailgate.

 

Also read: Tata Sierra EV Launch Confirmed For July-September Quarter; 2 New Nameplates Coming In 2026
 

Inside, the internal combustion and electric Sierras are expected to be near identical down to the tri-screen display spanning the width of the dashboard and familiar control surfaces. The EV, however, is likely to get the new Tata.ev mascot on the steering wheel that we first saw on the new Tiago EV.

 

Also read: Tata Cars, SUVs To Become Pricier From July 1
 

Moving to the underpinnings, the Sierra EV is set to use Tata’s Acti.ev+ platform from the Harrier, thus allowing Tata to offer the option of all-wheel drive. Rear-wheel drive is expected to be standard with the Sierra, expected to offer both the 65 kWh and 75 kWh battery pack options also offered in the Harrier EV. The range is expected to be in excess of 500 km.

 

Also read: Tata Altroz Pure Features Updated: Gets Bigger Touchscreen; LED Headlights Dropped
 

At the time of launch, Tata is expected to price the Sierra EV aggressively with a starting price under Rs 20 lakhs (ex-showroom).

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