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The Hyundai Exter is set to receive a mid-cycle update, with a test mule of the facelifted model spotted testing on Indian roads once again. Spy images of the updated micro-SUV had first surfaced online in January this year. Hyundai India introduced the first-generation Exter in 2023, and the upcoming facelift is expected to bring minor exterior revisions along with feature updates. The refreshed model is likely to arrive in the first half of 2026.
The facelifted Exter has also been spotted testing in South Korea, and the latest Indian test mule appears similar to that version. It retains its signature H-shaped, high-mounted LED daytime running lights, while the square projector headlamps look largely unchanged. However, the front bumper could receive subtle revisions, and the grille on the camouflaged vehicle appears taller and more upright than before.
At the rear, most design elements remain concealed under camouflage. From what is visible, the tail lamps appear similar to those on the current model, including the H-shaped lighting signature. A connecting light bar between the tail lamps could be added in this update.
Interior details of the facelifted Exter are not visible in the latest spy shots. The overall cabin layout is expected to remain largely unchanged, though Hyundai could update the equipment list. Potential additions may include a larger infotainment touchscreen, expanded functions for the digital instrument cluster, and updates to the connected car tech suite.
Under the hood, the Exter facelift is unlikely to see major mechanical changes. It is expected to continue with the existing 1.2-litre petrol engine, paired with manual and AMT gearbox options. The factory-fitted CNG variant with Hyundai’s twin-cylinder technology is also expected to remain part of the lineup.
The updated Exter is expected to be introduced in the Indian market later this year. The current model is priced between Rs 5.64 lakh and goes up to Rs 8.85 lakh (ex-showroom). Expect the facelift to command a marginal premium over this. Once launched, it will continue to compete with rivals such as the Tata Punch and Citroen C3X.
Ultraviolette Automotive has introduced a new ownership programme called ‘Battery Flex’ for its electric motorcycles sold in the country. The initiative is essentially a battery-as-a-service (BaaS) model, allowing customers to purchase the motorcycle at a lower upfront price while subscribing to the battery separately through a monthly plan.
With the new scheme in place, the X-47 can now be purchased for Rs 1.49 lakh, while the battery subscription begins at Rs 2,499 per month. This brings down the initial purchase cost by Rs 1 lakh compared to the full purchase price of Rs 2.49 lakh (ex-showroom).
Model
Upfront vehicle cost
Battery EMI (Monthly)
Cost per km (Claimed)
F77 Original
Rs 1.99 lakh
Rs 2,678
₹2.6/km
F77 Recon
Rs 2.49 lakh
Rs 4,016
₹4/km
X-47 Original
Rs 1.49 lakh
Rs 2.499
₹2.5/km
X-47 Original +
Rs 1.99 lakh
Rs 2,499
₹2.5/km
X-47 Recon
Rs 1.99 lakh
Rs 4,016
₹4/km
X-47 Recon +
Rs 2.49 lakh
Rs 4,016
₹4/km
X-47 Desert Wing
Rs 2.69 lakh
Rs 4,820
₹4.8/km
The Battery Flex programme has also been extended to the Ultraviolette F77 electric motorcycle. Under the BaaS model, the F77 can now be bought at a starting price of Rs 1.99 lakh, while the battery subscription starts at Rs 2,678 per month. In comparison, the motorcycle’s standard purchase price stands at Rs 2.99 lakh (ex-showroom).
According to Ultraviolette, the new ownership model reduces the upfront investment required to own the X-47 by 40 per cent. At the end of the subscription period, the ownership of the battery is transferred to the customer without any additional cost.
The company has partnered with Ecofy, a green-focused non-banking financial company, to roll out the Battery Flex programme. Enrolments for the Battery Flex scheme will begin from March 5, 2026.
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Maserati has just delivered two bespoke creations in India through its Maserati Fuoriserie customisation programme – a specially commissioned Maserati Grecale in New Delhi and a one-off Maserati GranCabrio in Ahmedabad. Think of Fuoriserie as Maserati’s version of a couture studio, how Aston Martin has got Q, and MSO from McLaren. Here, instead of choosing from a catalogue, customers get a blank canvas, and they can choose colours, materials, finishes – almost everything can be tailored to match the owner’s taste.
The first of the two cars is a Maserati Grecale GT delivered through the Italian marque’s North India dealership in New Delhi. What makes it special is the paint. Called Rose Gold Liquid Metal, the finish comes from Maserati’s Fuoriserie Futura Collection, and it surely looks very special as it carries almost jewellery-like sheen.
To complement the exterior, the Grecale rides on 20-inch forged Etere wheels finished with red brake callipers. On the inside, the theme continues with rich red leather seats contrasted against a Nero-finished dashboard and headliner. Open-pore Radica wood trim softens the cabin with a natural touch.
Meanwhile, across the states, in Ahmedabad, the West India dealership handed over a bespoke Maserati GranCabrio Trofeo. As Maserati’s open-top grand tourer, the GranCabrio already carries plenty of drama; this particular commission simply turns the dial up. The exterior is done up in Blu Royale, a deep and elegant shade from the Fuoriserie Corse Collection.
It sits on staggered 20-inch at the front and 21-inch at the rear forged wheels finished in a diamond-cut matte dark Myron design. Inside, the cabin is trimmed in Nero leather with Rosso contrast stitching running across the seats, dashboard and door panels. Matte carbon fibre weave trim further reinforces the performance character of the Trofeo.
The Fuoriserie programme itself now sits within the broader BOTTEGAFUORISERIE initiative – a creative ecosystem shared between Maserati and Alfa Romeo. The project combines bespoke customisation, heritage restoration, material innovation and motorsport expertise under one umbrella. In other words, it’s where tradition meets experimentation. For customers in India, the experience is available through Maserati showrooms across the country.
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The internal combustion engine has been the preferred motive form of a motorcycle for many years. It contributes to the machine's dynamics, performance, and even its dimensions. The frame’s layout, wheelbase, and general design are determined by the engine's physical dimensions. However, this restriction is changing with the adaptation of electric powertrains. Since electric motors are much more compact, engineers can design motorcycles with much greater flexibility.
Kawasaki's recently released patent images demonstrating how the company intends to leverage this advantage. A modular electric platform that can support several motor options within the same core chassis is the main idea of the concept. Simply put, Kawasaki is looking at the possibility of providing various electric motorcycle performance variants without completely redesigning the frame each time.
The patent drawings depict the silhouette of a motorcycle that resembles the current Kawasaki Z e-1 and Ninja e-1 in terms of layout. Featuring a steel trellis frame, a motor close to the swingarm pivot, and detachable battery packs placed in the middle of a box-like enclosure. However, the mounting of the motor is modular with multiple bolting options with the intermediate subframe positioned between the chassis and the motor-transmission unit.
The upper and lower sections of this subframe can be altered or swapped out to accommodate various motor units. Kawasaki may be able to accommodate different motor types with minimal structural alterations by modifying this smaller attachment instead of the main frame. The mounting points are adjustable to the necessary power output or configuration, but the main chassis stays intact.
The automotive industry has been using a similar strategy for many years. Multiple engine options can be supported by a single car platform without changing the basic structure or appearance of the vehicle. Motorcycles have historically not had that degree of flexibility because of their small packaging. However, the equation is altered by electric technology.
A modular concept like this offers financial benefits in addition to engineering convenience. Sharing key parts among several models simplifies production and lowers research and development costs too. Such approach could turn out to be an important factor in making future EVs more accessible, since high costs continue to be one of the main obstacles to the adoption of electric motorcycles.
The shortlist for the 2026 edition of the World Car Awards has been revealed, with the top three finalists announced across six categories. The winners will be revealed on April 1 at the New York International Auto Show. Notably, the World Car of the Year category features two electric vehicles among the three finalists – the BMW iX3 and Nissan Leaf – alongside the internal combustion-powered Hyundai Palisade.
The finalists were selected by a jury comprising automotive journalists from 33 countries, with three cars shortlisted in each of the six award categories.
World Car of the Year
BMW iX3
Hyundai Palisade
Nissan Leaf
World Electric Vehicle
BMW iX3
Mercedes-Benz CLA
Nissan Leaf
World Luxury Car
Cadillac Vistiq
Lucid Gravity
Volvo ES90
World Performance Car
BMW M2 CS
Chevrolet Corvette E-Ray
Hyundai Ioniq 6 N
World Urban Car
Baojun Yep Plus / Chevrolet Spark EUV
Firefly
Hyundai Venue
World Car Design of the Year
Kia PV5
Mazda 6e / EZ-6
Volvo ES90
For the World Car Design of the Year category, a panel of seven global design experts first reviewed all eligible vehicles and created a shortlist before the final voting stage. The panel included Anja Bracht, Marek Djordjevic, Fabio Filippini, Antony Grade, Gert Hildebrand, Victor Nacif and Shiro Nakamura.
Following the design panel’s review, the final shortlist across categories was voted on by a jury of 98 automotive journalists from around the world. The winners in each category will be announced on April 1, 2026, during the New York International Auto Show.
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Hero MotoCorp’s electric two-wheeler division Vida may be looking to launch the brand’s first electric motorcycle later this year. Less than a month after patent designs of the Vida Ubex electric motorcycle emerged, now an almost-production ready Vida electric motorcycle has been spotted undergoing tests, somewhere in Rajasthan, India.
What sets this apart is that the test mule of the new electric motorcycle appears to be of the upcoming Vida VXZ and not the Ubex. Design patents of the Vida VXZ have also been filed, and the test mule appears to have a similar stance and silhouette as that of the VXZ’s design seen in patent images that also emerged recently.
Currently, Vida has scooter models, and from what we can see from the images, the VXZ sports traditional petrol-powered motorcycle stance and proportions. The overall silhouette is more of an entry-level naked street motorcycle, rather than a commuter motorcycle. The VXZ, believed to be a product of the partnership with Zero Motorcycles, sports a sharp LED headlight, along with muscular body panels, a split-seat set-up, and a flat, wide handlebar.
For now, no details are available on the VXZ. Considering the premium look and feel of the test mule, the Vida VXZ could be positioned as a sporty electric motorcycle which will be positioned as a premium product rather than being a mass market one. On the performance front, the VXZ is expected to rival 150-200 cc petrol-powered motorcycles, offering a balance of performance, dynamics and range. Fast-charging capability is expected, along with premium features and connected tech.
So far, there’s no clear indication of when the Vida VXZ electric motorcycle will be launched. We expect sometime later in 2026, when Vida announces the VXZ, followed by the Vida Ubex electric motorcycle.
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Vietnamese car giant Vinfast has introduced two new luxury cars under its flagship brand called Lac Hong. The 800S and 900S expand the luxury portfolio which already has the flagship 900 LX. While the 800S is an SUV, the 900S is a luxury sedan. Both cars will be launched in 2027, according to Vinfast.
Both vehicles are laden by ultra-luxury amenities such as zero-gravity executive seating, automatic power-assisted doors and premium entertainment systems. The 900S further gets some exclusive features like a privacy partition, a projection entertainment system and a foldable executive workstation for second-row occupants. Cabins see extensive use of Nappa leather, rare woods and refined gold-plated accents
The grille features straight vertical slats inspired by the Vietnamese bamboo, while the Lac bird is the idea behind the wing-shaped emblem. The Lac Hong lettering is written in a calligraphic style and rendered in genuine gold-plated alloy. Both cars will come with triple motor setup including one front motor and two rear motors. A combined output of up to 616 bhp is produced out of this setup and both cars are also equipped with an active suspension system.
Vinfast has announced a restructuring of its brand lines with its entire range falling into three categories. Apart from flagship Lac Hong, the VF line will have all mass-market passenger EVs across segments. These include everything from VF 3 to VF 9, including the seven-seat VF MPV 7. Lastly, the Green brand will include commercial and service mobility solutions, featuring models such as Limo Green, Herio Green, Nerio Green and Minio Green.
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India Yamaha Motor has revised prices of the XSR 155, a little over three months after the motorcycle was launched in India. While the motorcycle continues to be offered in a single variant, the price revision differs depending on the colour option selected. At the same time, Yamaha has expanded the colour lineup with the introduction of a new Metallic Black shade, taking the total number of available options to five.
The newly introduced Metallic Black joins the Metallic Blue variant in featuring a gold-finished USD front fork. The Metallic Black version is priced at Rs 1.59 lakh (ex-showroom).
At launch, the XSR 155 was priced uniformly at Rs 1.50 lakh (ex-showroom) across all colour options. Following the revision, the Metallic Blue shade remains unchanged in price, making it the most affordable variant in the range.
Colour Options
New Price (ex-showroom)
Metallic Blue
Rs 1.50 lakh
Vivid Red
Rs 1.53 lakh
Metallic Grey
Rs 1.57 lakh
Metallic Greyish Green
Rs 1.59 lakh
New Metallic Black
Rs 1.59 lakh
The Greyish Green Metallic colour sees the highest increase of Rs 9,000 and now sits at the top of the range alongside the new Metallic Black. The Metallic Grey version has received a Rs 7,000 hike and is now priced at Rs 1.57 lakh, while the Vivid Red variant has gone up by Rs 3,000 and now costs Rs 1.53 lakh (all prices ex-showroom).
The XSR 155 shares its platform and major components with the Yamaha R15 and MT-15. It is powered by a 155cc, liquid-cooled, single-cylinder engine that produces 18.1 bhp and 14 Nm of torque, paired with a six-speed gearbox and equipped with an assist and slipper clutch. Yamaha also offers Cafe Racer and Scrambler kits for the XSR 155 at an additional cost.
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Tata continued its strong start to the 2026 calendar year in February, holding onto the no 2 position, albeit by a small margin compared to last month. Mahindra remained more or less consistent with sales of over 60,000 units in the domestic market for the second month straight, while both Hyundai and Kia reported personal best wholesale numbers for the month. Maruti Suzuki, meanwhile, saw its sales growth fall flat in the month, with sales in the mini and compact segments shrinking.
Maruti Suzuki witnessed domestic passenger vehicle wholesales fall flat in February 2026, reporting a 0.13 per cent year-on-year growth. Total domestic wholesales stood at 1,61,000 units in the month as the brand failed to build momentum in the hatchback segments though demand for utility vehicles remained high. Sales in February 2025 stood at 1,60,791 units.
Sales in the Mini and Compact segments shrank from a cumulative 83,168 units last year to 76,624 units - sales in the compact segment dropped to 66,386 units viz-a-viz 72,942 units last year. Sales in the Mini segment - Alto & S-Presso - were steady at 10,238 units in 2026 as against 10,226 units last year. Despite this, the Dzire (Compact segment) was Maruti’s best-selling model for the month with over 19,300 units sold. The Brezza and Ertiga followed it, with both selling over 17,800 units.
Utility vehicle sales remain the brand's peak, with total sales of 72,756 units, up from 65,033 last year. Van sales also remained consistent with 11,620 units sold compared to 11,493 units last year.
Strong exports, however, saw the company end the month with overall wholesales of 2,13,995 units as against 1,99,400 units in February last year. Exports in Feb 2026 stood at 39,155 units up from 25,021 units year-on-year.
Tata Motors
Domestic Sales: 62,329 units
Growth: 34%
Tata Motors continued to hold onto its no 2 position in CY2026 with domestic wholesales of 62,329 units - a 34 per cent growth from 46,435 units last year. The Nexon remained the company’s best-selling car for the second month in a row, with sales of 19,430 units followed by the Punch which sold 18,748 units. The Nexon also retained its position as the best-selling car in the Indian market in the month ahead of the Maruti Suzuki Dzire.
Cumulative sales for the month, including exports, stood at 63,331 units - up 35 per cent year-on-year, while cumulative EV sales stood at 8,385 units - up 57 per cent year-on-year.
Mahindra & Mahindra
Domestic Sales: 60,018 Units
Growth: 19%
Mahindra reported a second straight month of over 60,000 units sold in the domestic market in CY2026. The Indian SUV maker reported domestic wholesales of 60,018 units - a 19 per cent growth over February 2025. Total sales, including exports, stood at 60,685 units in the month.
Hyundai remained down in fourth place for February, though the company reported its best-ever domestic sales for the month. The company reported domestic wholesales of 52,407 units - a 9.8 per cent growth over February 2025. Exports, meanwhile, grew 24.8 per cent year-to-year to 13,727 units while cumulative sales stood at 66,134 units - the best ever in February.
The Creta remained the carmaker’s best-selling model with overall sales of over 17,900 units in the domestic market.
Toyota
Domestic Sales: 30,737 units
Growth: 16%
Toyota continued its steady sales growth in CY2026 with a second month of 30,000-plus units sold. Domestic wholesales in February 2026 stood at 30,737 units - a 16 per cent growth over 26,414 units sold in the same month last year. Exports, meanwhile, grew a stronger 65 per cent, rising from a low 2,000 units in Feb 2025 to 3,297 units last month. Cumulative sales stood at 34,034 units - up 20 per cent year-on-year.
Kia also continued to report double-digit sales growth in 2026, reporting its best-ever sales for the month in the process. Kia reported wholesales of 27,610 units - a 10.3 per cent growth over last year. The company said that key drivers for its sales growth in the Indian market were strong demand for models such as the Sonet, which is one of its best sellers, as well as the Carens Clavis and the new Seltos.
Honda Cars
Domestic Sales: 5,629 units
Growth: 0.23%
Honda reported flat sales in the month of February with 5,629 units sold in the domestic market. The carmaker reported a growth of 0.23 per cent over Feb 2025, when it reported 5,616 units sold. As with January, exports continued to remain lower than year-ago levels with 1,583 units shipped as against 4,707 units last year.
JSW MG Motor India
Domestic Sales: 4,957 units
Growth: 24%
JSW MG Motor India reported a 24 per cent growth in domestic wholesales with 4,957 units sold. The carmaker said that it witnessed steady demand across its EV and internal combustion portfolios - the latter of which is set to be strengthened with the launch of the new Majestor SUV that was unveiled last month.
Renault
Sales: 3,495 units
Growth: 31%
Renault India reported cumulative wholesales of 3,495 units in February 2026 - a 31 per cent year-on-year growth over the same month last year. Sales in Feb 2025 stood at 2,676 units. Renault attributed the strong growth to continued demand for the refreshed Kiger and Triber. The carmaker said that the sales of the Triber were up 57 per cent year-on-year in Feb 2026.
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Mercedes-Benz India has reintroduced the V-Class in India at an ex-showroom price of Rs 1.40 crore (introductory). The luxury MPV returns to our market after being discontinued in 2022; however, it received a global update in 2023. The India-spec model is offered in the extra-long wheelbase configuration, measuring over 5.3 metres in length with a wheelbase of 3,430mm.
Alongside the price announcement, the carmaker confirmed that the new V-Class will be assembled locally at its Chakan facility. This follows the launch of the India-made GLS Maybach earlier this year in January. Bookings for the V-Class open today, with deliveries slated to commence by the end of March 2026.
New Mercedes-Benz V-Class: Exterior
The current V-Class is a facelift of the previous-generation model that was earlier sold in India and is offered exclusively in AMG Line trim. On the outside, it gets a larger grille with integrated three-pointed star elements, flanked by new dual-barrel Multi-Beam LED headlamps. The profile features updated alloy wheels, while the rear sees revised tail-lamp internals. The version launched in India comes with the AMG Line exterior package, which adds sportier bumpers and an illuminated grille surround.
The new V-Class measures 5,370mm in length, 1,928mm in width and 1,880mm in height, while the wheelbase stands at 3,430mm.
New Mercedes-Benz V-Class: Interior
Coming to the interior, the cabin sees significant upgrades over the previous model. The earlier analogue instrument cluster and infotainment system have been replaced by a fully digital instrument display and the latest MBUX touchscreen infotainment setup. The V-Class continues with a three-row layout, featuring lounge-style captain seats with ottomans in the second row.
Both the front and second-row seats are electrically adjustable and come with memory functions, while the second-row seats also offer heating and massage features. Wireless charging pads are integrated into the centre armrests of the lounge seats. The third-row seats include ventilation and can be removed entirely from the vehicle.
The seating layout is built around a single rail system for the second and third rows, allowing flexibility in configuration. The second-row seats can be moved further back to increase legroom, while the third-row seats can be repositioned to face rearwards, creating a conference-style arrangement. Three-point seatbelts are integrated into the seat frames for the second and third rows.
In terms of features, the V-Class is equipped with powered sliding rear doors, a powered tailgate, a Burmester surround sound system, 64-colour ambient lighting, multi-zone climate control with a dedicated rear zone, a 360-degree camera system, hands-free parking assist, and a suite of ADAS functions. The MPV also comes with Mercedes’ Airmatic air suspension.
New Mercedes-Benz V-Class: Engine
Under the hood, the V-Class is now offered with a petrol engine option in the V 300 variant. The 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine produces 223 bhp. The diesel option, also badged as the 300, uses a 2.0-litre engine punching out 233 bhp. Both versions come paired with a 9-speed torque-converter automatic gearbox.
New Mercedes-Benz V-Class: Rivals
In India, the Mercedes-Benz V-Class competes with models such as the Lexus LM (Rs 2.15 crore - Rs 2.69 crore), Toyota Vellfire (Rs 1.20 crore - Rs 1.30 crore), while also locking horns with the all-electric MG M9 (Rs 70.90 lakh).
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Mahindra has updated the XEV 9e electric SUV’s line-up with a new Cineluxe Edition priced from Rs 29.35 lakh (ex-showroom, excluding charger). Based on the fully-loaded Pack 3 trim, the new Cilelux Edition costs about Rs 1.15 lakh less than the top-spec 9e (Rs 30.50 lakh) while getting some cosmetic changes and feature updates. Bookings for the Cineluxe Edition commence from March 2 with deliveries to start from March 10, 2026.
On the outside, the Cineluxe Edition is offered in two paint finishes - Satin Black and Satin White, while the interior is finished in black leatherette upholstery with brown accents. The more notable updates come in the form of the features, with the Cineluxe Edition getting some additional features borrowed from the new XEV 9S. These include the new Pet & Camp climate control modes as well as the more comprehensive 360 Secure Pro vehicle monitoring system and a ‘Custom’ drive mode to tailor the individual vehicle settings to the driver’s tastes.
Other new features include a new NFC key, proximity-based vehicle locking & unlocking, a continuous digital video recorder, and a new user profile function.
Mechanically, the Cineluxe Edition is unchanged over the top-sped XEV 9e Pack 3, getting the same 79 kWh battery offering up to 656 km of claimed range. Power output, too, is unchanged at 282 bhp and 380 Nm.
Interestingly, Mahindra is not offering the option of a 7.2 kWh wallbox charger with the Cineluxe Edition. Buyers can either buy the SUV without a wallbox charger or pay an additional Rs 75,000 for the 11.2 kW AC wallbox unit.
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