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Tata Motors made a splash at the launch of the much-awaited Sierra EV by revealing the 0-100 kmph acceleration time of its latest electric SUV. The Sierra EV QWD – Tata-speak for dual-motor – will do 0-100 kmph in a mere 5.8 seconds. This makes it the first car from an Indian carmaker to duck the 6-second barrier, besting the Tata Harrier EV's acceleration time by a full half second (6.3 seconds). The Sierra EV QWD is equipped with a 138 bhp motor at the front, and a 235 bhp motor at the rear. Tata is yet to confirm the final combined output for this variant, and there are no performance figures yet for the single-motor variants.
The Tata Sierra EV will be available with two battery options – 63 kWh and 75 kWh – with both using lithium ferro-phosphate (LFP) cells. Both batteries come with a lifetime warranty. Tata says the real-world range of the 63 kWh variant will be up to 460 kilometres, and up to 530 kilometres for the 75 kWh variant.
Customers will be able to use both 3.3 kW as well as 7.2 kW chargers for regular charging, and the Sierra EV can accept up to 120 kW of peak DC fast charging at a speed of 1.6C. This, claims Tata, is sufficient to provide a 20-80 per cent top-up in less than 30 minutes.
The SUV also features vehicle-to-load (3.3 kW) and vehicle-to-vehicle (5 kW) charging capabilities.
Prices for the Sierra EV range from Rs 18.79 lakh to Rs 26 lakh (ex-showroom), and opting for a 7.2 kW AC home charger will add another Rs 49,000 to the price.
This is a developing story. Please stay tuned for more details.
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Tata Motors is all set to launch the Sierra EV in the Indian market today. In a build-up to its launch, the carmaker has been dropping teasers for the model, showcasing several key highlights. From the looks of it, the EV derivative of the Sierra appears to be nearly akin to the ICE version despite a few EV-specific treatments.
One of the biggest reveals from Tata's teasers has been the QWD badge, hinting at a dual-motor, all-wheel-drive setup for the Sierra EV. Similar to the Harrier EV, Tata's Quad Wheel Drive system is expected to be offered on higher variants. The Sierra EV is built on the Acti.ev+ platform, which also underpins the Harrier EV, suggesting that the two SUVs could share a significant portion of their mechanical package.
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The Delhi government has approved a new electric vehicle policy that offers full road tax and registration fee exemptions on EVs priced up to Rs 30 lakh, while also laying down timelines for a gradual shift towards electric-only registrations in key vehicle segments. The policy, cleared by the Delhi Cabinet, will come into effect on July 1, 2026, and remain in force until March 31, 2030. It introduces fresh purchase incentives, scrappage benefits and plans for an expansion of charging infrastructure across the capital.
One of the biggest takeaways for private buyers is the complete waiver of road tax and registration charges on electric cars priced below Rs 30 lakh. This is expected to make EV ownership more attractive in the mass-market segment.
The policy also outlines a phased roadmap for electrification in certain segments. From January 1, 2027, only new electric auto-rickshaws and N1 goods carriers will be registered in Delhi. Perhaps the most significant measure in the new policy is the planned shift to electric-only registrations for new two-wheelers from April 1, 2028. Once the rule comes into effect, new petrol-powered motorcycles and scooters will no longer be eligible for registration in Delhi.
The government has also announced purchase incentives across multiple categories. Electric two-wheelers will be eligible for benefits of up to Rs 30,000, while buyers of electric three-wheelers can avail incentives of up to Rs 50,000. N1-category electric goods carriers, which include small commercial vehicles, will qualify for subsidies of up to Rs 1 lakh.
Vehicle owners replacing older, polluting vehicles with EVs will receive additional scrappage incentives ranging from Rs 5,000 to Rs 1 lakh, depending on the category. All eligible benefits under the scheme will be transferred directly to beneficiaries through the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) mechanism, stated the policy.
Additionally, to eventually support the growing EV network, the government plans to set up more than 30,000 charging points across Delhi during the policy period.
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BMW is set to unveil the fifth-generation X5 globally on June 30, 2026, and has released the first teaser image ahead of the SUV's debut. The upcoming X5 will usher in several technologies from the Neue Klasse programme and become the first BMW model to be offered with five distinct powertrain options.
The teaser offers a head-on glimpse of the new SUV, revealing a more upright and squared-off stance than before. The most prominent element is the new X-shaped LED headlights, with two X motifs on either side of the fascia. These are connected to the familiar kidney grille by slim horizontal light bars. The teaser also suggests a flatter bonnet and pronounced shoulders.
While BMW is keeping most details under wraps until the official reveal, the company has already confirmed that the new X5 will be available with petrol, diesel, plug-in hybrid, battery-electric and hydrogen fuel-cell powertrains. The iX5 Hydrogen is slated to enter production in 2028, making it BMW's first hydrogen model to be sold globally.
The new-generation X5 will also bring with it a host of technologies from BMW's Neue Klasse architecture, even on internal combustion-engined models. Central to this is the “Heart of Joy” control unit, which manages functions such as the powertrain, braking, steering, charging and energy recuperation. BMW says the system operates ten times faster than previous generations.
BMW will offer up to 23-inch wheels on the new X5. Adaptive suspension with electronically controlled dampers will be standard across the range, while higher-spec electric and plug-in hybrid variants will offer Adaptive Chassis Control Professional, bringing two-axle air suspension, Integral Active Steering and active roll stabilisation.
The luxury SUV will also debut BMW's latest SAE Level 2 driver assistance systems, including the optional Motorway and City Assistant package. Features include Entry-to-Exit assistance on highways, Address-to-Address assistance in urban environments, Lane Change Warning, Side Collision Warning and automated evasive manoeuvres within the vehicle's lane.
The all-electric iX5 will be the first BMW SUV to use the brand's sixth-generation eDrive technology, featuring an 800-volt electrical architecture and a new “high-voltage battery with cylindrical cells”. The iX5 60 xDrive packs the largest battery ever fitted to a production BMW EV, offering a usable capacity of 144 kWh in the US and 141 kWh in Europe.
Power comes from a dual-motor setup, with one motor on each axle working in conjunction with BMW's xDrive all-wheel-drive system, though exact specifications are yet to be disclosed. We expect the ix5 to debut sometime later this year.
More details, including the full design, interior and powertrain specifications, will be revealed when the fifth-generation BMW X5 makes its global debut tomorrow.
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Tata Motors is all set to launch the Sierra EV in India on June 30, 2026. In the lead-up to the launch, the company has released a series of teasers showcasing its design and other key details. Here's a look at everything we know so far and what we could expect from the launch tomorrow.
Tata Sierra EV: Exterior
While the Sierra EV shares most of its design with the ICE version, Tata has introduced a few changes to distinguish the electric model. Up front, the SUV gets a body-coloured, closed-off grille in place of the conventional intake seen on the petrol and diesel versions. The front bumper has also been redesigned, with a more prominent use of black cladding along the lower section. The connected LED light bar, slim headlamps, and vertically stacked fog lamp arrangement remain unchanged.
The profile is nearly identical to the ICE model, including the alloy wheel design and the signature wraparound rear glass area. At the rear, the only obvious difference appears to be the Sierra.ev badging on the tailgate.
Tata Sierra EV: Interior
Coming to the interior, the Sierra EV is expected to mirror its internal-combustion counterpart closely. That means a three-screen layout stretching across the dashboard, along with similar switchgear and control surfaces.
Tata Sierra EV: Expected Powertrain
As for the powertrain, one of the biggest talking points – spotted from the teaser – was the QWD badge. Akin to the Harrier EV, the Sierra EV is expected to feature a dual-motor, all-wheel-drive setup, which Tata calls QWD (Quad Wheel Drive). The SUV is based on the company's Acti.ev+ architecture, the same platform underpinning the Harrier EV. As a result, the Sierra EV is likely to share much of its mechanical package with its larger sibling.
Standard variants are expected to feature a rear-wheel-drive layout, while higher trims could get the dual-motor QWD system. Tata is also likely to offer 65 kWh and 75 kWh battery pack options, with a claimed driving range of more than 500 km on a single charge.
The Sierra EV is also expected to pack several terrain modes, including Sand, Rain, Snow and Custom settings, similar to what is offered on the Harrier EV.
Tata Sierra EV: Price Expectations
While prices will be announced tomorrow, the Sierra EV is expected to be priced in the Rs 17 lakh to Rs 25 lakh (ex-showroom) range. That would position it along the lines of the Curvv EV (Rs 16.99 lakh – Rs 19.19 lakh) and Harrier EV (Rs 21.49 lakh – Rs 29.48 lakh) in Tata's electric portfolio.
Ahead of its debut on July 9, the Nissan Tekton compact SUV has been spied undisguised on public roads. The vehicle, spied from the rear, looked to be parked on the set of an advertisement shoot with a vehicle with a mounted camera rig standing alongside. Nissan has released a string of teasers for its compact SUV for almost a year now, with the Tekton first confirmed in March 2025.
Over the year, Nissan has released multiple teaser images and design sketches providing a look at the SUV, with the teaser campaign recently amping up ahead of its debut.
Set to be the sister model to the new Renault Duster, Nissan has tried to give the Tekton greater differentiation from its Renault sibling, including a revised fascia and rear end. Starting with the fascia, the Tekton gets a traditional rectangular grille with horizontal slats flanked by rectangular headlamps with L-shaped daytime running lamps. A light bar also spans the width of the grille along the upper edge. The chunky front bumper features prominent use of silver trim. The SUV’s name Tekton, is clearly scrawled across the leading edge of the bonnet.
At the rear, the Tekton gets revised lighting elements with different internals, though the lightbar-style design is common with the Duster. The panel housing the number plate is finished in body colour – as opposed to black in the Duster – and the rear bumper features a more squared-off design while still featuring black and silver plastic trim.
Spy shots and teaser pics of the cabin have also pointed to some differences in the shape and styling of the dashboard, including the use of different trim inserts and colour pallets.
Mechanically, the new Tekton is set to share the same 1.0-litre turbo-petrol and 1.3-litre turbo-petrol engine options as the Duster – the latter getting manual and automatic gearbox options. A strong hybrid could also follow suit once the Duster hybrid is launched during the festive season.
The Tekton will mark Nissan’s return to the compact SUV segment following the discontinuation of the Terrano in 2020.
Renault India is set to give the Kwid entry hatchback a second major facelift a decade after the model was launched in 2015. The facelifted Kwid was first spied testing on Indian roads last year, with the hatch looking to draw styling inspiration from the Dacia Spring sold in Europe and the Renault Kwid E-Tech unveiled in Brazil last year - both of which are all-electric.
Based on previous spy shots, the Kwid looks to get a more upright fascia while retaining the split headlamp design brought in with the last facelift. The LED daytime running lamps looked to feature Y-shaped lighting elements, while the main headlamps were smaller and sat flush with the bumper. The grille too appeared to be slimmer and of a simpler rectangular design, while the bumper featured slim air vents to allow air into the engine bay.
At the sides, the Kwid test mule retained the basic lift-style door handles and new wheel designs, while around the back, the tail lamps also look set to feature Y-shaped lighting inside.
Inside, the test mule featured a new free-standing central touchscreen and a more squared-off instrument binnacle. Globally, the Kwid/Spring received a heavily redesigned cabin with a large free-standing central touchscreen and a digital instrument screen within the instrument binnacle compared to the current Kwid’s LED readout display. It, however, remains to be seen if the India-spec car could get a similar upgrade.
Mechanically, the new Kwid is expected to remain unchanged, with the familiar 1.0-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine expected to soldier on. The unit is expected to continue to be paired with either a 5-speed manual gearbox or an AMT.
The Kwid remains the only direct rival to the Maruti Suzuki Alto in the Indian market, with other mass market brands like Hyundai and Tata no longer fielding models in the segment.
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.
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.
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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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.
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.
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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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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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).
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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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.
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.
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.
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.
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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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.
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 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).
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.
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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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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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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.
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.
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.
Shortly after teasing a special edition on social media, Aprilia has launched the Tribute Edition versions of the SR 125 and SR 175 in India. Priced at Rs 1.17 lakh and Rs 1.24 lakh (ex-showroom, Mumbai), respectively, the new variants sport a fresh cosmetic package while retaining the mechanical underpinnings as the standard scooters.
The biggest talking point is the new camouflage-inspired paint scheme. Unlike traditional military camouflage themes, the special edition flaunts a matte olive green base with beige, black and bright orange graphic elements spread across the front apron, side panels and rear bodywork.
The styling is further complemented by orange highlights on the wheel rim stickers and lower body panels, while oversized Aprilia branding continues on the side. The front apron continues to feature '#be a racer' branding beneath the headlamp, while the darkened headlamp housing and overall bodywork remain unchanged from the standard SR range.
Mechanically, there are no changes. The SR 175 Tribute Edition continues to be powered by the 174.7 cc single-cylinder engine that develops 13 bhp and 14.14 Nm of torque. The SR 125 Tribute Edition, meanwhile, retains its 124.45 cc motor producing 10.46 bhp and 10.4 Nm.
With the introduction of the Tribute Edition, both scooters are now available in four visual themes. The SR-GP Replica, inspired by Aprilia's MotoGP machines, continues to remain on sale alongside the new special edition models.
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