Michelin Unveils Made-In-India Passenger Vehicle Tyre Range

Michelin Tyres India has rolled out its first made-in-India passenger vehicle tyres from its plant in Chennai. Set to cater to the premium car buyer, the tyres will be offered in sizes ranging from 16 to 22 inches, with Michelin stating that it will primarily target aftermarket buyers. The made-in-India series of tyres will include models such as the Pilot Sport 5, Primacy 5 and the LTX series.
 

Also read: CEAT Launches SecuraDrive CIRCL - India’s First Road-Ready Sustainable Car Tyres
 

For now, dealers across the country will continue to stock imported tyres, as Michelin says that the made-in-India units are still undergoing testing and certification processes. A market launch is expected in the first half of 2026, with prices expected to be announced around the same time. The first series to be launched will be the Primacy 5.

The new tyres will roll out of Michelin’s new passenger vehicle tyre manufacturing facility at its Chennai plant set-up at a cost of Rs 686 crore. The facility, Michelin says, is capable of rolling out multiple tyre sizes from the same production line and will initially boost the company’s overall production capacity in India to 54,000 tonnes.

 

Also read: CEAT Expands SportDrive Tyre Range In India With New Run-Flat And High-Speed Tyres
 

Michelin says that target buyers for its made-in-India range will primarily be premium vehicle owners with no plans in place to offer tyres under 16 inches. The company also added that it would continue to import other series of vehicle tyres into India, with any further plans of local manufacturing to be taken at a later stage.

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Ultraviolette X-47: Variants, Features, Prices Explained

Ultraviolette Automotive recently launched the X-47 electric motorcycle and announced starting prices for the electric bike. Now, we have full variant-wise prices which start at Rs 2.49 lakh and extend up to Rs 3.99 lakh. Here’s a breakdown of what each variant brings to the table. 

 

Variants	Price (ex-showroom)
Original	Rs 2.49 lakh
Original+	Rs 2.99 lakh
Recon	Rs 3.49 lakh
Recon+	Rs 3.99 lakh

 

Also Read: Ultraviolette X-47 Crossover First Ride Review: Sense & Sensibility
  

X-47: Original & Original+

The entry point into the lineup is the X-47 Original, priced at Rs 2.49 lakh, while the Original+ costs Rs 2.99 lakh. Both share the same 7.1 kWh battery pack, producing 36.21 bhp and 550 Nm. Both can accelerate from 0-60 kmph in 2.8 seconds, with a top speed of 145 kmph and an IDC-rated range of 211 km. 

  

Charging on the base trim is managed via a standard charger on the Original variant, though a Boost Charger can be added as an option. The Original+ is offered with an on-board charger. The Original offers standard connectivity (Wi-Fi and Bluetooth), while the Original+ adds long-term evolution (LTE).

 

Also Read: Ultraviolette X-47 Launched At Rs. 2.49 Lakh

 

In terms of features, both come with dual-channel ABS, traction control, with the Original limited to one level, though upgradable to three. The Original trim features three levels of regen (upgradable to ten), while the Original+ gets the full 10-level setup as standard.  
 
Warranty coverage ranges from 3 years/60,000 km (extendable) on the Original to 5 years/1 lakh km (extendable to 8 years/8 lakh km) on the Original+. 
  

X-47: Recon & Recon+

Stepping up, the X-47 Recon (Rs 3.49 lakh) and Recon+ (Rs 3.99 lakh) use a larger 10.3 kWh battery pack, increasing peak power to 40.2 bhp and 610 Nm. Performance improves slightly here, with 0-60 kmph achieved in 2.7 seconds, while the top speed remains capped at 145 kmph. The bigger battery boosts range to 323 km (IDC). 

  

Charging options on the Recon are similar to the Original trim. The standard Recon comes with a regular charger, while the Recon+ adds an onboard unit and also supports optional parallel boost charging. The Recon further gets a crash protection kit as standard, which includes knuckle guards and sliders.

 

Also Read: Ultraviolette X47: In Pictures

For the Recon variants, features like LTE, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth connectivity are included as standard. They also get three levels of traction control, 10-step regenerative braking, dual-channel ABS, and stability control. Additional equipment includes Violette AI and a tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS). Warranty coverage is 5 years/1 lakh km, and can be extended to 8 years/8 lakh km.

   

Common Features Across Variants 

All X-47 variants get three ride modes: Glide, Combat, and Ballistic, along with dual-channel ABS, regenerative braking (different levels), traction control, and stability systems. Across all variants as standard, the Ultraviolette X-47 gets dual-channel ABS, dynamic stability control, Type-C charging, park assist, hill hold, Find My X-47, charge limit settings, and a deep sleep mode. 
 
All variants of the Ultraviolette X-47 come equipped with UV Hypersense and radar-based rider assistance features. This includes rear collision warning, lane-change assist, overtake alert, and blind-spot detection.  
 
All prices mentioned are ex-showroom and vary from city to city.

PS: The beige motorcycle pictured here is the Desert Wing Edition, which gets additional accessories as standard.

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New Renault Kwid Spied On Test: Is It The EV?

After updating the Kiger and Triber, Renault now seems to be preparing a refresh for its entry-level hatchback, the Kwid. A test mule has been spotted on Indian roads, fully camouflaged, and it is stated to be the electric derivative of Renault’s most affordable passenger car in India. This stems from earlier spy shots that surfaced online a few months ago, where the Kwid EV was spied completely undisguised in Brazil. 

 

Also Read: Renault Kiger Facelift Launched In India At Rs 6.30 Lakh 

   

Design updates visible on the test car include a revised front fascia with LED DRLs, halogen headlamps, and Renault’s new logo, which debuted in India on the Triber. The profile looks familiar to the current Kwid. The rear, however, sports noticeable changes such as a fresh pair of Y-shaped tail lamps, a new bumper, roof spoiler, and a rear wiper. 

 

Also Read: Nissan C-SUV Design To Be Revealed On October 7

 

A glimpse inside the cabin from the latest spy shots reveals a reworked interior layout. The test mule is equipped with a large touchscreen, a new steering wheel which will house Renault’s refreshed logo, and a fully digital instrument cluster. Other details about the interior remain under wraps for now. 

 

Also Read: Renault Kiger Facelift Review: More Appealing Inside And Out

At this point, it remains unclear whether the test mule represents an updated ICE Kwid or an all-new EV version. The electric model, if launched, would essentially be the Renault-badged sibling of the Dacia Spring EV, sold overseas.   

 

Spy shot source

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Citroen Aircross 5-Seat Variant Bags 5 Stars In Bharat NCAP Crash Tests

A few days after announcing results for the Maruti Suzuki Invicto, the Bharat New Car Assessment Programme (Bharat NCAP) has awarded a five-star crash test rating to yet another utility vehicle – the Citroen Aircross SUV. Originally introduced as the C3 Aircross (and then renamed to Aircross), this is only the second Citroen model for which crash test results have been announced under the voluntary Bharat NCAP procedures. The first was the Citroen Basalt, which was awarded a four-star rating. This rating applies only to the 5-seat Aircross (not the 5+2 seat variants), and since the tests were conducted in July 2025, this rating applies to the SUV from September onwards.

 

Also Read: Citroen Aircross X Previewed Ahead Of Launch; Pre-Bookings Open

 

Aircross recorded the lowest adult occupant protection score for a 5-star rated car.

 

Citroen Aircross: Adult Occupant Protection

 

It's in the adult occupant protection department where the Citroen Aircross has bagged five stars. It's worth noting, however, that its overall adult occupant protection score of 27.05 points out of a total 32, is the lowest score yet for any vehicle that has been awarded a five-star rating by Bharat NCAP. This is primarily down to the Aircross dropping points in the frontal offset deformable barrier crash test, where it scored 11.05 points out of a total 16.

 

Protection rated ‘marginal’ for driver's chest, and driver's as well as front passenger's knees.

 

A quick look inside the crash test report reveals protection for the driver's chest and knees, and the front passenger's knees, was deemed only marginal, while protection for the driver's feet and front passenger's chest was rated adequate. The driver's head, as well as the front passenger's head and feet, had good protection.

 

Aircross passed the side pole impact test.

 

The Aircross scored full marks in the side movable deformable barrier test (16 points out of 16) and also passed the side pole impact test.

 

Also Read: GST 2.0 Effect: Citroen India Announces Revised Prices Across The Line-up

 

Citroen Aircross: Child Occupant Protection

 

Just like the Basalt, the Aircross lost ground in the child occupant protection department, receiving four stars with a total score of 40 points out of 49 – higher than the Basalt's score. 

 

The 18-month-old and three-year-old child test dummies were installed in the second row outboard seats, facing rearwards, using ISOFIX child seat mounts. While the Aircross received full marks on both dynamic as well as child restraint system installation fronts, it dropped points in the vehicle assessment score, only managing four points out of 13. However, the report does not explain why the Aircross lost ground in this department.

 

Aircross features 6 airbags, ISOFIX child seat mounts as standard.

 

Citroen Aircross: Safety Equipment

 

Standard safety kit on the Aircross includes six airbags, anti-lock braking system with EBD, electronic stability programme, three-point seatbelts for all seats, hill hold control and ISOFIX child seat mounts, among others. Prices for the 5-seat Citroen Aircross range start at Rs 8.32 lakh and stretch up to Rs 13.75 lakh (ex-showroom).

 

Citroen will soon expand the Aircross range with the launch of the Aircross X in October, which is set to usher in a new interior and additional features. 

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Nissan C-SUV Design To Be Revealed On October 7

Nissan will take the wraps off its upcoming C-segment SUV on October 7, giving us a good glimpse of its design. The new C-SUV is slated to go on sale in 2026 and has already been spotted testing multiple times on Indian roads in camouflaged form.

 

Also Read: Nissan's Duster-Based SUV Spied On Test In India For The First Time

 

The test mules suggest that the SUV shares its underpinnings with the next-generation Renault Duster, but Nissan is working to give it its own identity. From what has been seen so far, the SUV will feature a fresh design language with new headlight units, horizontal daytime-running lamps, and a grille with horizontal slats. The rear styling appears to borrow elements from the global-spec Duster, particularly in the taillight design.

 

Powertrain details are still under wraps, but the model is expected to launch with a petrol engine. The Renault-Nissan Alliance has confirmed that alternative fuels -- such as CNG and ethanol-based systems -- are being evaluated for future SUVs, alongside the possibility of a seven-seat derivative to broaden the lineup. 

 

Also Read: Upcoming Nissan SUVs Won’t Get A Diesel Engine; Duster-Based 5-Seat SUV Confirmed For Mid-2026 Launch

 

The new C-SUV will be a crucial product for Nissan in India. The brand currently has a very limited range, with just one locally manufactured model on sale. The upcoming SUV will mark Nissan’s re-entry into the competitive midsize SUV space with contenders like Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, and Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara and Victoris. It remains to be seen how well the brand can strengthen its foothold in one of India’s most demanding segments. 

  

With the October 7 reveal, the carmaker will shed more light on how this SUV will differ from its Renault sibling, both in design and positioning. While Nissan hasn’t confirmed a name, there is a possibility the company could revive the Terrano nameplate for this model.

 

Spy shot source

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Hyundai Verna Facelift Spied Testing In India Ahead Of Expected Debut In 2026

The sixth-gen Hyundai Verna, launched in India in 2023, could be due for its first major update sometime next year. Images of heavily camouflaged test mules have surfaced on the internet over the past few months, suggesting that a facelift is in the works with the car currently undergoing testing on public roads.
 

The images predominantly show the compact sedan from the rear, providing a glimpse of the updated tail lamps and hinting at some of the tweaks to the rear bumper. The full-width lightbar design at the rear looks to be retained, while the tail lamps themselves seem to get new light guides and internals to freshen things up. The bumper, too, looks to have been redesigned with a revised lower section giving it a slightly more squared out look.

 

Also read: New Gen Hyundai i20 Spied Testing In India

 

While the test mule sat on the same alloy wheels as the current car on sale, this could change down the line.
 

Changes to the front fascia for now remain a mystery, though Hyundai could give the Verna a more squared-out look in line with its more recent models. Hyundai's recent crop of sedans in global markets, such as the new Sonata and Ioniq 6 facelift, arrived with a more angular front end, with more boxy looks and squared-out design detailing, giving the cars a sleeker and more muscular look. The same could be carried over to the Verna as well, with the oversized parametric grille likely being replaced by a more staid rectangular design grille flanked by boxier light clusters. The full-width lightbar is likely to be retained.

 

Also read: Second-Gen Hyundai Venue India Launch On November 4
 

Verna's front fascia could draw stylistic inspiration from global models such as the new Sonata (pictured).

 

Moving to the features, Hyundai could look to upgrade the feature list for the sedan with tech such as a larger touchscreen with wireless smartphone connectivity, new digital instrument cluster, an updated ADAS suite and more. The current sedan is already a very well-equipped car with features such as heated and ventilated front seats, a 10.25-inch touchscreen, a powered driver seat, auto climate control, auto headlamps, wireless phone charging, leather upholstery and even Level 2 ADAS.

 

Also read: Hyundai Confirms Entry Electric SUV For Indian Market; Debut In 2027

Mechanically, the Verna is expected to remain unchanged, with buyers offered either a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol or a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine option. Both units are expected to continue to be offered with manual and automatic gearbox (CVT for the 1.5 NA and DCT for the turbo) options.

 

The facelifted Verna will compete against the likes of the Volkswagen Virtus (the segment's bestseller), the Skoda Slavia, the Honda City, and the Maruti Ciaz. 

 

Image Source 1

Image Source 2

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Toyota Land Cruiser 300 GR Sport: In Pictures

Toyota reintroduced the Land Cruiser 300 to the Indian market in February 2025, after having it delisted from the website for quite some time. Bringing it in as a full import, the SUV is available in two trims: ZX, earlier priced at Rs 2.31 crore, and the sportier GR-S, which was set at Rs 2.41 crore.

 

Following revisions in the GST structure, both variants have seen a price drop: the ZX now costs Rs 2.16 crore, while the GR-S is priced at Rs 2.25 crore. All prices mentioned are ex-showroom. Here, we take a closer look at the LC300 GR-S.

 

Also Read: Toyota Camry Sprint Edition Launched At Rs 48.50 Lakh

 

The off-road-focused GR-S version of the Land Cruiser 300 has arrived in India for the first time. 

The LC300 GR-S gets black exterior highlights, including the grille, which is in a mesh pattern paired with a more pronounced front bumper.  

Black alloy wheels, and GR-specific badging at the front, rear and side are also what this trim has to offer.

For the cabin, the GR-S gets a black and dark red interior theme, with an all-black option also available at the same price. 

 

Also Read: Toyota Urban Cruiser Taisor Now Comes With Six Airbags As Standard; Gets New Bluish Black Shade

 

The dashboard is dominated by a 12.3-inch infotainment screen, which also offers Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity options. 

Other features include four-zone automatic climate control, rear-seat entertainment screens, and a head-up display.

It also gets an eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, a wireless charger, an electronic parking brake, and a sunroof.

It gets adaptive variable suspension, a limited-slip differential, and systems such as traction control, hill-start assist, downhill assist, and a four-camera multi-terrain monitor. 

In addition, the LC300 GR-S offers both front and rear electronic differential locks. 

Both LC300 variants come with Toyota’s Level 2 ADAS package as standard. 

Under the hood, it runs a 3.3-litre twin-turbo V6 diesel engine producing 304 bhp and 700 Nm of torque. 

This unit is paired with a 10-speed torque converter automatic gearbox that delivers power to all four wheels. 

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New Gen Hyundai i20 Spied Testing In India

The fourth-gen Hyundai i20 has been spied testing in India for the first time, following the earlier sightings in Europe. The new i20 spy shots taken from the rear show that the overall silhouette is similar; however, its design is quite a departure from the current car.

The fresh round of spy shots only showcases the rear of the next-gen i20. The test mule features a tapered side profile and carries a more rounded shape overall. Although completely disguised, subtle updates such as revised tail-lights and a reworked rear bumper are also expected. Previous spy shots had already highlighted changes at the front, including new LED headlights with repositioned daytime running lamps, a redesigned grille and bumper, and a bonnet with sharper creases. 

 

Also Read: Hyundai i20, Creta Electric, Alcazar Knight Editions Launched In India

 

The interior remains under wraps, but upgrades in the feature set are expected. Hyundai may even introduce the curved display setup, combining a digital instrument cluster and infotainment screen, although in higher variants of the car. The hatchback may also get ADAS features, adding an extra layer of safety.
  

For India, the new i20 is expected to continue with the familiar powertrain lineup: a 1.2-litre petrol engine for standard trims and a 1.0-litre turbo-petrol reserved for the N Line variants. 
 
The third-generation Hyundai i20 made its India debut in 2020 and has since received updates through facelifts and new variants. The most recent addition to the lineup is the i20 Knight Edition, which features a blacked-out exterior and interior along with a few extra features. 

 

Spy shot source

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GST 2.0: Yamaha YZF-R3, MT-03 Prices Fall By Over Rs 20,000

After Yamaha’s earlier price cut of Rs 1.10 lakh on the YZF-R3 and MT-03, the recent GST revision has led to another round of reductions. Prices for both motorcycles have come down by about Rs 20,000, making the parallel-twin duo more accessible to riders looking at entry-level options in this segment. 
 

Model	Pre-GST 2.0 Price	Post-GST 2.0 Price	Difference
R3	₹3,59,900	₹3,39,028	-₹20,872
MT-03	₹3,49,900	₹3,29,608	-₹20,292

 

The YZF-R3, which was earlier priced at Rs 3.60 lakh, now comes in at Rs 3.39 lakh, making it Rs 20,872 more affordable. The MT-03 has also seen a similar cut, dropping from Rs 3.50 lakh to Rs 3.30 lakh, which is a reduction of Rs 20,292. With this revision, both motorcycles become a little more accessible to buyers while continuing unchanged in terms of design and specifications.

 

Also Read: Yamaha XSR 155 Spied Testing In India

 

The R3 and MT-03 are both powered by the same 321 cc parallel-twin engine that is rated to produce 41.42 bhp and 29.5 Nm, mated to a 6-speed gearbox. Both motorcycles are equipped with USDs and a preload-adjustable monoshock setup and disc brakes with dual-channel ABS as standard. 

 

Also Read: 2025 Yamaha R15 Launched In New Colours

 

Yamaha reintroduced the YZF-R3 and the MT-03 in naked form to the Indian market in 2023. At launch, the R3 was priced at Rs 4.65 lakh and the MT-03 at Rs 4.60 lakh, figures that were on the higher side. As mentioned earlier, Yamaha announced a price cut for both models in January 2025, making them relatively more affordable. 

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New CAFE-3 Draft Norms Retain Benefits For Hybrids; Incentives For Small Cars, Flex Fuel Vehicles Proposed

The Bureau of Energy Efficiency has issued new draft norms for the upcoming new Corporate Average Fuel Efficiency 3 (CAFE 3) regulations set to come into effect from 2027. The draft proposes new incentives for small cars, CNG vehicles, and flex-fuel vehicles, while also proposing the continuation of incentives for strong hybrid vehicles. The latest proposal also drops the mention of Hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs), which originally found a mention in the 2024 draft.

 

Also read: Supreme Court Shuts Down PIL On Ethanol-Free Petrol
 

Small petrol cars weighing under 909 kg unladen to get CO2 g/km computation benefits

 

Starting with hybrids, while the original draft from 2024 had suggested a reduction in incentives for CO2 calculations, the new draft retains the existing incentives under the CAFE 2 norms. While the original 2024 draft document proposed reducing the volume derogation factor on PHEVs from 2.5 to 2 and on strong hybrids from 2 to 1.2, the new draft norms maintains the levels from CAFE 2. The new draft also calls for further segregation for strong hybrids, with flex-fuel powered strong hybrids falling in the same category as PHEVs.
 

Furthermore, a new category for flex fuel vehicles has been created with a volume derogation factor of 1.5.

 

Also Read: Ethanol Blending: SIAM Assures Warranties Of Non-E20 Compliant Vehicles Will Be Honoured

 

Strong hybrids to get CO2 set-off in line with current CAFE 2 regulations; flex fuel strong hybrids to also get carbon neutrality factor benefits.

 

A volume derogation factor is essentially a regulatory adjustment that allows for increased allowance for CO2 computation under the CAFE guidelines.
 

Additionally, the new draft also calls for the implementation of a carbon neutrality factor on certain vehicle categories. The carbon neutrality factor is essentially a discount on the manufacturer-declared CO2 levels of a motor vehicle. Petrol cars running on E20 to E30 grade petrol will get an up to eight per cent set-off while CNG vehicles will be offered a set-off of up to five per cent. Flex fuel vehicles - including flex-fuel powered strong hybrids, will attract a carbon neutrality factor of 22.3 per cent on CO2 tailpipe emissions.
 

Also read: Ethanol Now More Expensive Than Petrol; Improves Performance: Govt
 

Flex fuel vehicles to get the highest benefits under the proposed Carbon Neutrality Factor. 

 

Furthermore, small petrol cars will be allowed ‘a further reduction of 3.0 g CO2/km’, subject to a cap of 9.0 g CO2/km, in their manufacturer-declared CO2 performance for CAFE computation. The document defines these as vehicles measuring under 4000 mm in length, having an engine capacity not exceeding 1,200 cc and having an unladed weight of up to 909 kg. This should be beneficial, particularly in the budget end of the mass market segments.
 

The document also states that from 2026, manufacturers will be required to compute g CO2/km of each vehicle based on the Mixed Indian Driving Cycle (MIDC) and Worldwide Harmonized Light Vehicles Test Procedure (WLTP)testing procedures. Manufacturers will also be required to report Fuel Consumption in litres per 100 km. The document also details the computation matrices for the varying calculations required.

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GST 2.0: Suzuki Hayabusa, GSX-8R, V-Strom 800 DE Prices Hiked By Up To Rs 1.16 Lakh

With the Katana now discontinued, Suzuki India’s big bike portfolio is down to three models: the Hayabusa, GSX-8R and the V-Strom 800 DE. All three fall under the higher GST slab for larger-capacity motorcycles and, as a result, now command a higher price tag than before. Here’s a breakdown of how much each model’s price has been revised. 
 

Model	Pre-GST 2.0 Price	Post-GST 2.0 Price	Difference
GSX-8R	Rs 9,25,000	Rs 9,88,551	Rs 63,551
V-Strom 800 DE	Rs 10,30,000	Rs 11,00,763	Rs 70,763
Hayabusa	Rs 16,90,000	Rs 18,06,107	Rs 1,16,107

 
The GSX-8R earlier carried a price tag of Rs 9.25 lakh (ex-showroom), and post GST revision, it now costs Rs 9.88 lakh, which is an increase of Rs 63,551. The V-Strom 800 DE has also seen an upward revision from Rs 10.30 lakh to Rs 11.00 lakh, making it costlier by Rs 70,763. Meanwhile, the flagship Hayabusa has crossed the Rs 18 lakh mark, with its price rising from Rs 16.90 lakh to Rs 18.06 lakh, which is a difference of Rs 1.16 lakh.

 

Also Read: Suzuki Motorcycles & Scooters Get More Affordable After GST 2.0

 

All three of Suzuki’s big bikes were updated earlier this year, with changes limited to new colour schemes and compliance with the OBD-2B norms.  

 

The GSX-8R draws power from a 776 cc, liquid-cooled, parallel-twin engine, which is the same motor that also does duty on the V-Strom 800 DE. It produces 82 bhp at 8,500 rpm and 78 Nm of torque at 6,800 rpm, paired with a six-speed gearbox. The Hayabusa, meanwhile, has a 1,340 cc liquid-cooled inline-four engine, punching out 187 bhp at 9,700 rpm and 150 Nm of peak torque at 7,000 rpm, also mated to a six-speed gearbox. 

 

Also Read: 2025 Suzuki Access Review: Still The 125 cc King?

 

While the larger models have seen a rise in prices under GST 2.0, Suzuki’s sub-350 cc lineup, including both scooters and motorcycles, has moved in the opposite direction. These smaller models have become more affordable, with price cuts of up to Rs 18,024 as the company passes on the benefits of the revised tax rates to customers.

 

All prices mentioned are ex-showroom and vary from city to city.

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GST 2.0: Honda CB650R, CBR650 Prices Increased By Up To Rs 76,000

The updated GST structure has worked out in favour of entry-level cars and smaller two-wheelers, but it’s the big bike segment that ends up bearing the brunt of the changes. Honda’s sub-350cc offerings have gone cheaper; on the other hand, the BigWing range of larger motorcycles has been affected post-GST 2.0, and the 650 cc twins are no exception. Both the CB650R and the CBR650R now come with noticeably higher price tags. 
 

Model	Pre-GST 2.0 Price	Post-GST 2.0 Price	Difference
CB650R	Rs 9,60,000	Rs 10,30,269	Rs 70,269
CBR650R	Rs 10,40,000	Rs 11,16,127	Rs 76,127

The CB650R is Honda’s neo-retro naked and was earlier priced at Rs 9.60 lakh (ex-showroom). It now costs Rs 10.30 lakh, which makes it dearer by Rs 70,269. Its fully faired sibling, the CBR650R, has climbed from Rs 10.40 lakh to Rs 11.16 lakh, becoming more expensive by Rs 76,127. 

 

Also Read: GST 2.0: Honda Rebel 500, NX500 Prices Hiked By Up To Rs 43,000
 

Honda reintroduced its popular 650 cc twins in India in January 2025. A few months later, updated versions of both bikes arrived with the company’s E-Clutch technology. Subsequently, the base versions were discontinued, and the CB650R and CBR650R are now offered only with the 6-speed E-Clutch system. 
 
Powering both bikes is the same 649 cc, liquid-cooled, in-line four engine punching out 94 bhp at 12,000 rpm and 63 Nm of peak torque at 9,500 rpm.

 

Also Read: GST 2.0 Effect: Honda Bikes, Scooters Get Cheaper By Up To Rs 18,887

 

Honda’s entry-level big bikes – the Rebel 500 and NX500 – have also become more expensive. The Rebel 500 has moved up from Rs 5.12 lakh to Rs 5.49 lakh, while the NX500 now costs Rs 6.33 lakh compared to its earlier Rs 5.90 lakh. That’s an increase of Rs 37,469 and Rs 43,180, respectively.

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GST 2.0: Honda Rebel 500, NX500 Prices Hiked By Up To Rs 43,000

After the government’s recent GST update, Honda’s bigger motorcycles sold through the BigWing network have taken a hit in prices. Entry-level models in the premium range, such as the Rebel 500 cruiser and the NX500 adventure tourer, have become more expensive, with prices hiked by as much as Rs 43,180.

 

Also Read: GST 2.0 Effect: Honda Bikes, Scooters Get Cheaper By Up To Rs 18,887

 

The Rebel 500 is Honda’s mid-capacity cruiser, launched in India in May 2025. It now carries a sticker price of Rs 5.49 lakh (ex-showroom). That’s up from its earlier Rs 5.12 lakh tag, translating to a hike of Rs 37,469. The motorcycle is powered by a 471 cc liquid-cooled parallel-twin engine that makes 45.59 bhp and 43.3 Nm of torque, paired with a six-speed gearbox.

 

Model	Pre-GST 2.0 Price	Post-GST 2.0 Price	Difference
Rebel 500	₹5,12,000	₹5,49,469	₹37,469
NX 500	₹5,90,000	₹6,33,180	₹43,180

 

Also Read: Gadkari Slams Criticism Of E20 Rollout As “Paid Political Campaign
 

The NX500 adventure bike, which arrived in India in January 2024 as the replacement for the CB500X, has also seen a price jump. It now costs Rs 6.33 lakh, up from its earlier Rs 5.90 lakh, a difference of Rs 43,180. The motorcycle carries forward the same underpinnings and 471cc liquid-cooled parallel-twin engine from the CB500X, punching out 47 bhp at 8,600 rpm and 43 Nm at 6,500 rpm. The motor is paired with a six-speed gearbox.

 

Also Read: Honda CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP Launched In India At Rs 28.99 Lakh
 

The tax change hasn’t just affected the Rebel 500 and NX500; all of Honda’s larger-capacity motorcycles (above 350cc) now fall under the revised structure and have become more expensive. The GST Council has moved bikes above 350cc into a new 40 per cent slab, up from the earlier effective rate of about 31 per cent (including cess). 
 

Smaller-capacity models, however, have become cheaper. Honda has passed on the full benefit of the revised rates to customers. With the GST on bikes under 350 cc reduced from 28 per cent to 18 per cent, ex-showroom prices for Honda two-wheelers in this category have gone down by up to Rs 18,887.

 

All prices mentioned are ex-showroom and vary from city to city. 

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VLF Mobster 135 Launched In India At Rs 1.30 Lakh

A new scooter has arrived in the Indian market, and it is named Mobster 135. It is priced at Rs 1.30 lakh (ex-showroom) for the first 2,500 buyers. The model comes from Velocifero, an Italian two-wheeler brand that recently entered India through KAW Veloce Motors. Under the MotoHaus retail network, the company has introduced an electric scooter from VLF and a series of Brixton two-wheelers. The Mobster 135 is VLF’s first petrol-powered scooter for the Indian market.

 

Also Read: Brixton Crossfire 500XC Price Slashed; Now Costs Rs 4.92 Lakh

When it comes to design, the VLF Mobster 135 stands apart from other 125 cc scooters typically seen on Indian roads. The front features a split-headlamp setup paired with a tall visor above the handlebars, while the sides are defined by sharp, angular panels. At the rear, a slim taillamp completes the look. The scooter will be available in four colour options: grey, red, white and yellow.  

 

Also Read: Brixton Cromwell 1200, Cromwell 1200 X: In Pictures

 

On the feature front, the Mobster 135 gets a 5.0-inch TFT display with Bluetooth connectivity option, keyless ignition and switchable traction control.  

 

The Mobster 135 is powered by a 125 cc single-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine and is paired with an Infinitely Variable Transmission (IVT). The scooter makes about 12.1 bhp at 8,250 rpm and 11.7 Nm of torque at 6,500 rpm, with a claimed top speed of 100 kmph and a fuel economy figure of 46 kmpl, while the tank size is rated to be 8 litres.

The scooter has a kerb weight of 122 kg and a 1,341 mm wheelbase. It offers a 797 mm seat height and 155 mm of ground clearance. Stopping power comes from a 230 mm front disc and a 220 mm rear disc, along with dual-channel switchable ABS. Suspension comprises a telescopic front fork and gas-charged twin rear shocks, and the scooter rides on 12-inch tubeless tyres (120/70 12” front, 130/70 12” rear).  

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New Skoda Octavia RS India Launch On October 17; 100 Units To Be Imported In 2025

October will witness the launch of an all-new Skoda, as the eagerly anticipated Skoda Octavia RS will finally reach Indian shores next month. Skoda India has confirmed it will open pre-bookings for the spicy sedan on October 6 and announce the price for the Octavia RS on October 17. Ashish Gupta, Brand Director at Skoda Auto India, confirmed to carandbike that deliveries of the Octavia RS will begin on November 6. Gupta also told carandbike the company has decided to import 100 units of the performance sedan to begin with this year, and that it may consider bringing in more cars “based on demand”.

 

Also Read: GST 2.0 Effect: Skoda Kylaq Prices To Be Slashed By Up To Rs 1.19 Lakh From Sept 22

 

Latest RS is based on the facelifted Octavia.

 

“We are [importing] the Octavia RS 245 under the GSR 870 rule; basically, you need to have a UK or Japan specification. So, our cars are UK spec but made in Czech Republic”, Gupta told carandbike during a media interaction.

 

India had its first glimpse of the fourth-generation Octavia RS at the start of 2025, as it was part of Skoda’s impressive Auto Expo display. The launch of the RS will also mark the return of the Octavia nameplate in the Indian market after a near two-and-a-half-year hiatus, with the standard Octavia having been shelved back in 2023. The last time Skoda introduced an Octavia RS in India was all the way back in 2020, when the RS 245 was introduced as a full import, with just 200 units allocated for India.

 

With 261 bhp on tap, this will be the most potent Skoda to come to India till date.

 

The RS coming to India is based on the facelifted Octavia and will be available only in a single variant. While there will be five colours to choose from – Mamba Green, Race Blue, Velvet Red, Magic Black and Candy White – there will be no option to change the 19-inch ‘Elias’ anthracite wheels or add any other equipment to the car.

 

Also Read: Skoda Vision O Electric Concept Unveiled; Previews Future Design Language For Estates

 

Under the hood, the Octavia RS packs a 2.0-litre, four-cylinder TSI petrol engine – paired with a seven-speed DSG automatic – churning out a peak 261 bhp and 370 Nm of torque. Claimed 0-100 kmph acceleration time is 6.4 seconds, and top speed is 250 kmph.

 

All-black interior with suede and leather to emphasise the car's sporty character.

 

The UK-spec Octavia is well-equipped, fitted with a head-up display, 360-degree cameras, 10 airbags, 12.9-inch touchscreen, powered front sports seats with memory, heating and massage functions and a Canton sound system, among other features.  

 

However, it misses out on a sunroof, and lacks dynamic chassis control (DCC), which is available as a Rs 1.44 lakh optional extra in the UK. Gupta explained the company could not make any changes to the standard UK-spec car to adhere to the regulation under which the Octavia RS is being imported into India.

 

Prices for the Octavia RS are expected to be in the range of Rs 50-55 lakh (ex-showroom), which would place it in unique territory with no direct rivals to speak of.

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Baja Pulsar NS400, Dominar 400 Prices Remain Unchanged Post GST Hike

With the new 40 per cent GST on motorcycles over 350cc coming into effect on Monday, some manufacturers have moved to absorb the additional costs on some popular models in their portfolios. KTM and Triumph, both under Bajaj Auto’s management in India, announced that prices of the Triumph 400 series and the KTM 390s would remain unchanged. Now Bajaj Auto has followed suit for its own in-house models - the Pulsar NS400 and the long-running Dominar 400.
 

Also read: Triumph's 400 Range, KTM's 390 Series Prices Unchanged Despite GST Hike On 350cc+ Motorcycles
 

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The Indian two-wheeler manufacturer took to social media to announce that prices for its two largest displacement motorcycles would remain unchanged. The Pulsar NS400 will remain priced from Rs 1.93 lakh (ex-showroom) onward, while prices for the Dominar 400 will continue to start from Rs 2.39 lakh (ex-showroom). The post also showed the effective prices for the models under the GST 2.0 regime - Rs 2.57 lakh for the Dominar 400 and Rs 2.07 lakh for the Pulsar NS200 (both prices, ex-showroom). The company has, however, not said how long the lower prices will remain in effect.
 

Also read: 2025 Bajaj Pulsar NS400Z First Ride Review
 

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Both the Dominar 400 and the Pulsar NS400 share the same 373cc, single-cylinder engine used on the older-gen KTM 390s. In the Dominar, the unit has been tuned to deliver nearly 39 bhp and 35 Nm, with the Pulsar’s mill pushed out a stronger 42.4 bhp, though peak torque is the same.
 

Also read: 2025 Bajaj Dominar Review: Is It Still Relevant?
 

Both motorcycles also received updates earlier in the year, with the Pulsar benefiting from a bump up in performance, a new software-based quickshifter and improved brakes. The Dominar, meanwhile, received a new digital instrument cluster with turn-by-turn navigation and, more importantly, a ride-by-wire system replete with ride modes.

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