Welcome to Gulf News, your premier destination for comprehensive coverage and insights into the dynamic landscape of the Gulf region and beyond. As a trusted source of news and information, we pride ourselves on delivering timely updates, in-depth analysis, and compelling stories that resonate with our diverse audience.
From breaking news to in-depth features, business trends to cultural happenings, sports highlights to technological advancements, Gulf News covers it all with accuracy, integrit
Hyundai has joined the growing number of carmakers offering the Battery-As-A-Service model for its electric cars. The carmaker has launched the program for the Creta Electric, which reduces the starting price of the EV to Rs 10.99 lakh (ex-showroom). The battery rental cost starts at Rs 3.9 per kilometre. The standard purchase price of the Creta Electric starts at Rs 18.03 lakh (ex-showroom).
Hyundai has also made some small updates to the electric SUV, including offering a new integrated side step on variants as well as a new home charging option. Hyundai says that based on customer feedback and market demand, it has chosen to now offer a 7.4 kW AC wallbox charger for buyers opting for the EV with a home charger. At the time of launch, the Creta EV got the option for an 11 kW AC wallbox charger on the top variants. All variants of the Creta Electric ship with an onboard charger.
The Creta Electric is currently available in seven trim levels and with two battery options. Buyers can opt for a 42 kWh or 51.4 kWh battery pack, with the latter giving the SUV a claimed range of up to 510 km (ARAI). On the feature front all variants come with kit such as auto LED headlights, LED daytime running lamps, height adjustable driver seat, dual zone climate control, electronic parking brake, drive modes, cruise control, keyless entry and go, rear wiper and twin 10.25-inch screens for the instrumentation and touchscreen.
Top variants add in bits such as a panoramic sunroof, powered front seats with ventilation, driver seat memory, Bose sound system, ambient lighting, wireless phone charging pads for front and rear passengers and Level 2 ADAS tech.
The Creta Electric goes up against the Mahindra BE6, Tata Curvv EV, Maruti Suzuki e Vitara, Toyota Urban Cruiser EBella and will also compete with the recently launched Tata Sierra EV.
from carandbike - News https://ift.tt/qnbNBiG
via IFTTT
Revolt Motors has updated its electric motorcycle portfolio with the launch of the all-new RVX in India. Positioned as the company's new flagship offering, replacing the RV400, the RVX promises an upgrade in performance, technology, and everyday usability over Revolt’s existing models. The RVX has been launched at an introductory sticker price of Rs. 1.30 lakh, ex-showroom, exclusive of applicable PM E-DRIVE incentives. The RVX will soon be available through Revolt's 200+ dealerships network across the country. The RVX is available in three colour options – Pearl Black, Electric Blue, and Eclipse Red.
Notably for buyers in Delhi, the newly announced state EV incentives further improve the RVX’s accessibility. The company states that the RVX can be purchased at Rs. 94,990, ex-showroom, after accounting for applicable subsidies under the latest Delhi EV policy.
The new RVX is powered by a newly-developed 4 kW mid-drive Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor (PMSM) that produces a peak output of 5.3 kW, making it the most powerful production motorcycle by Revolt till date. The company claims the electric motor develops up to 230 Nm of torque at the rear wheel, allowing the RVX to sprint from 0-40 kmph in 3.9 seconds. Next, the RVX comes with a new Boost Mode, allowing it to achieve a top speed of 90 kmph. Beside the boost mode, users can choose from Sport, City and Eco riding modes depending on ride requirements.
Powering the RVX is a 3.24 kWh removable NMC battery pack. According to Revolt, the RVX offers a claimed 160 km IDC-certified riding range on a single charge. Charging time has also been improved, with the battery pack capable of being charging from 0 to 80 per cent in approximately 80 minutes when connected to a compatible fast charger.
In terms of cycle parts, the RVX is kitted with an upside-down fork setup up front with a monoshock at the rear, and disc brakes at both ends with CBS. It gets chain drive instead of belt for the final drive, rides on 17-inch alloy wheels at both ends, while ground clearance stands at 190 mm. The RVX has a kerb weight of 120kg and a saddle height of 815 mm.
On the feature-front, the RVX is equipped with a 3.5-inch IP67-rated PMVA digital instrument display with Bluetooth connectivity and telematics support. Riders also benefit from connected features such as over-the-air (OTA) software updates, call and message alerts, geo-fencing, vehicle tracking, and an immobiliser. Additionally, the RVX is equipped with Hill Hold Assist, Reverse Mode, and Walk Assist.
In terms of competition, the Revolt RVX goes up straight with the recently launched Oben Roar EVO which is priced at Rs 1.25 lakh, ex-showoom.
from carandbike - News https://ift.tt/ONPZbju
via IFTTT
Skoda Auto India has finally announced prices for the Kodiaq RS. The carmaker’s first RS-badged SUV for India arrives as a full import, priced at a whopping Rs 66.99 lakh (ex-showroom). All 50 units from the first allocation of the Kodiaq RS were booked within six minutes when order books opened on June 22. Compared to the top-spec trim of the standard Kodiaq, which is priced at Rs 46.99 lakh (ex-showroom) and is locally assembled, the RS commands a premium of Rs 20 lakh.
Starting with the engine. Power comes from the familiar 2.0-litre TSI turbo-petrol engine, which also does duty in the Octavia RS. In the Kodiaq RS, the four-cylinder unit develops 261 bhp and 400 Nm of torque, up by 60 bhp and 80 Nm over the regular Kodiaq. The engine is paired with a 7-speed DSG automatic gearbox and an all-wheel-drive system.
Skoda claims a 0-100 kmph time of 6.3 seconds and a top speed of 231 kmph. The RS also gets progressive steering, which alters the steering ratio based on input, along with Dynamic Chassis Control (DCC) adaptive dampers offering levels of adjustment.
Visually, the Kodiaq RS sets itself apart with a sportier body kit, redesigned bumpers, 20-inch RS-specific alloy wheels and stainless-steel dual exhaust tips. RS badges adorn the grille and tailgate, while the front grille, ORVMs, roof rails, upper window surrounds and D-pillars receive a gloss-black finish. A slightly larger roof spoiler further adds to the aggressive look. Buyers can choose from Moon White, Magic Black, Velvet Red and Steel Grey paint finishes.
Skoda Kodiaq RS: Interior
Coming to the interior, the seven-seat SUV gets an all-black theme with red contrast stitching on the seats, dashboard and steering wheel, along with RS embossing on the seats and metallic trim inserts on the dashboard and doors. The feature list includes a 12.9-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster with RS-specific layouts, three-zone climate control, and powered front seats with ventilation, heating, massage, memory and thigh-extension functions.
Also on offer is a 13-speaker Canton audio system with a subwoofer, while safety equipment includes nine airbags, a 360-degree camera and an ADAS suite.
Skoda Kodiaq RS: Rivals
The Kodiaq RS rivals the Volkswagen Tayron R-Line, which is also based on the MQB Evo platform. However, the Tayron is locally assembled in India and is significantly more affordable at Rs 46.99 lakh (ex-showroom).
from carandbike - News https://ift.tt/gz8qc4n
via IFTTT
Indian automakers closed June on a mixed note, with Tata Motors and Mahindra posting strong year-on-year gains, while Hyundai's monthly volumes were impacted by supply-side issues. MG, meanwhile, reported its best-ever wholesale numbers, helped largely by electric vehicle demand. Let's take a look at how each brand performed in the month of June 2026.
Maruti Suzuki continues to lead the sales chart in June 2026, reporting total sales of 2,00,390 units, including domestic sales, exports and supplies to other OEMs. Domestic sales stood at 1,50,150 units, while exports contributed 42,768 units. Sales to other OEMs came in at 7,472 units during the month.
Within the domestic passenger vehicle business, utility vehicles continued to be a major growth driver. The segment, which includes models such as the Brezza, Ertiga, Fronx and Grand Vitara, recorded sales of 61,726 units, up from 47,947 units in June last year. Passenger car sales across the mini, compact and mid-size segments stood at 75,231 units, while the Eeco van contributed 10,230 units. Overall domestic passenger vehicle sales reached 1,47,187 units, compared to 1,18,906 units in June 2025.
For the first quarter of FY27, Maruti Suzuki reported exports of 1,24,736 units, up from 96,972 units in the corresponding period last year, while total domestic passenger vehicle sales stood at 5,25,228 units.
Tata Motors reported total passenger vehicle sales of 63,083 units in June 2026, including domestic and export markets, compared to 37,237 units in the same month last year. This marks a growth of 69 per cent. Domestic sales stood at 62,076 units, while exports contributed 1,007 units.
The company's EV business continued to grow, with sales of 14,800 electric vehicles during the month, up from 5,228 units in June 2025. For the first quarter of FY27, Tata sold 1,82,574 passenger vehicles, registering a 46 per cent increase over the corresponding period last year.
Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles MD and CEO Shailesh Chandra said the company saw strong demand for the updated Tiago and Punch, while adding that supply constraints affected Sierra volumes during the quarter. He noted that measures are being taken to increase production and improve deliveries from the second quarter.
Mahindra Auto reported overall sales of 1,06,207 vehicles in June, including exports, up 37 per cent year-on-year. The company sold 60,393 utility vehicles in the domestic market, compared to 47,306 units a year earlier. Total SUV sales, including exports, stood at 61,504 units. Exports spiked to 5,918 units, more than double the 2,634 units recorded during the same period last year.
Mahindra Automotive Division CEO Nalinikanth Gollagunta said demand remained steady across both the SUV and light commercial vehicle segments during the month.
Hyundai Motor India reported total sales of 51,335 units in June, comprising 39,635 domestic sales and 11,700 exports. The company said a fire at one of its suppliers' facilities led to a production loss of 13,900 units during the month, affecting overall volumes. Production across Hyundai's plants returned to normal from June 22, with the automaker expecting to recover the lost output during the second quarter of FY27.
Commenting on the numbers, Hyundai MD and CEO Tarun Garg said the company had arranged alternate sources for components to minimise disruption and restore normal production levels.
JSW MG Motor India recorded wholesale sales of 7,568 units in June, a 30 per cent increase compared to the same month last year. The figure also marks the company's highest-ever monthly wholesale performance. Electric vehicles continued to account for the bulk of sales, contributing more than 75 per cent of the company's volumes during the month.
MG Managing Director Anurag Mehrotra said customer demand remained steady across both electric and internal-combustion models. The company also began deliveries of the recently launched MG Majestor during the month.
Kia India reported its best-ever June sales since entering the Indian market, dispatching 24,552 units during the month, up 19 per cent from the 20,625 units sold in June 2025. The first half of 2026 also proved to be Kia's strongest yet, with wholesale volumes reaching 1,63,749 units, a 15.2 per cent increase over the 1,42,139 units recorded during the corresponding period last year.
Commenting on the milestone, Atul Sood, Senior Vice President, Sales and Marketing, Kia India, said, "Closing the first half of the year at a record high with best-ever June sales is a significant milestone for Kia India and reflects the trust customers continue to place in our brand." He added that continued demand for the Seltos, Sonet and Carens Clavis, along with a positive response to the MY26 Syros and Clavis EV, contributed to the company's performance.
Skoda Auto India did not disclose its June sales figures but reported a strong first half of 2026, with total sales reaching 38,894 units, up 7.5 per cent compared to the same period last year. With this, H1 2026 has now become the brand's strongest first-half performance in the country.
Commenting on the results, Ashish Gupta, Brand Director, Skoda Auto India, said, "Our record half-yearly sales reflect the growing confidence and trust customers place in the Škoda brand." He added that demand for the new Kushaq, updated Kodiaq, and the recently launched Kodiaq RS, which sold out within minutes of bookings opening, had contributed to the sales, while the Kylaq continued to drive volumes.
from carandbike - News https://ift.tt/EznA06f
via IFTTT
Around 6 months after its launch, Kia has updated the second-gen Seltos with new top variants – GTX(O) and X-Line(O). Priced from Rs 21.57 lakh (ex-showroom), the new range-topping variants of the Seltos pack in some additional features, including an enhanced ADAS suite with 28 safety features – up from 21 offered in the GTX(A) & X-Line(A). The new variants are about Rs 1.57 lakh more expensive than the GTX(A) & X-Line(A).
Starting with the ADAS tech, Kia says that the new top variants of the Seltos get the company’s new ADAS F+ suite with greater capabilities than the Level 2 tech already offered. The enhanced functionalities include a more comprehensive frontal collision avoidance assist function that covers junction crossing, lane change (both oncoming and side) and, more importantly, it now includes Evasive Steering Assist. The Level 2 system currently offers only front collision avoidance assist with vehicle, pedestrian and cyclist recognition and avoidance assist for direct oncoming and junction turning.
Other new ADAS features include navigation-based smart cruise control that automatically adjusts the vehicle’s speed based on map data and highway driving assist that ensures the vehicle stays in its lane and within speed limits.
Moving to comfort and convenience features, the new GTX(O) and X-Line(O) get a new dashcam setup with front and rear cameras, a head-up display and an air purifier with AQ readout.
Moving to the powertrain, the new top variants are offered with either the 1.5-litre T-GDi turbo-petrol or 1.5-litre diesel engine options. As with the GTX(A) and X-Line(A) trims, buyers can only get the engine options with an automatic gearbox.
from carandbike - News https://ift.tt/fh0c3oy
via IFTTT
From hatchbacks to compact SUVs, lifestyle pickups, hybrid SUVs, and a PHEV, there will be something for everyone in July, making it one of the busiest months of the year. Here is the list of cars that will make their way to India in July 2026.
1) Renault Kwid facelift
Renault seems to have already gone full throttle in the Indian market after the successful launch of the Duster. The company is set to give the entry-level hatchback, the Kwid, a facelift on July 3. The hatchback will get its second major facelift, a decade after it was launched in 2015.
Based on spy shots, the Kwid looks to get a more upright fascia than the outgoing model. It might retain the split headlamp design. The LED daytime running lamps look to feature Y-shaped lighting elements, while the main headlamps seem smaller and sit flush with the bumper. The grille, too, appeared to be slimmer.
On the inside, it is expected to get a new floating touchscreen, a new steering wheel with a new digital instrument cluster, and also standard six airbags. However, mechanically, the new Kwid is expected to remain unchanged, with the familiar 1.0-litre naturally aspirated petrol, and is expected to continue to be paired with either a 5-speed manual gearbox or an AMT.
2) Nissan Tekton
Nissan is gearing up to challenge compact SUV segment leaders with its Tekton. The badge-engineered sibling of the new Renault Duster will be launched on 9 July. The teaser shows its fascia, which gets L-shaped daytime running lamps with a traditional rectangular grille with horizontal slats flanked by rectangular headlamps.
Apart from the teaser of it, the Tekton has been recently spied undisguised on public roads. At the rear, the Tekton gets revised lighting elements with different patterns, though the lightbar-style design is common with the Duster.
On the interior, it will get all the bells and whistles like the Duster and will share the same powertrain options as the Duster, i.e., 1.0-litre turbo-petrol and 1.3-litre turbo-petrol engine options, as the Duster, the latter getting manual and automatic gearbox options.
3) Maruti Suzuki Brezza facelift
One of the biggest launches of the year is the Maruti Suzuki Brezza facelift. On July 23, this facelift is anticipated, as the Brezza will get a turbo petrol engine along with the already NA petrol. Launched back in 2022, the current generation of the Brezza will also get a longer list of features.
Currently, Brezza comes with a 1.5-litre NA petrol, but the facelifted model will get a 1.0-litre Boosterjet unit from Fronx, which generates 100 bhp and 148 Nm, expected to only be available with manual transmission. Apart from this, another notable change will be with the Brezza CNG. Like Victoris, Maruti will adopt the underbody CNG tank layout on the Brezza facelift, which will free up boot space even in the CNG variant.
4) Honda ZR-V
From compact SUVs, now it's time to dive into a premium hybrid SUV from Honda, the ZR-V. Honda Car India unveiled the ZR-V hybrid SUV in May 2026, with prebookings currently open across the country. The ZR-V will be arriving in India as a CBU import and will sit a few rungs above the Elevate in the brand's line-up. At the launch, Honda told us deliveries will begin in the second half of July, so expect a price announcement in the coming weeks.
At 4,657 mm in length, 1,840 mm in width, and 1,621 mm in height, the ZR-V is closer in size terms to the now-discontinued Hyundai Tucson. Though it doesn't have any direct rivals due to its hybrid powertrain, it will see competition from the likes of the Skoda Kodiaq and Volkswagen Tayron.
The hybrid SUV is powered by a 2.0-litre, direct-injection petrol engine, which is paired with an electric motor. Combined peak power output is 181 bhp and 315 Nm of torque, which enables a claimed 0-100 kmph acceleration time of 7.9 seconds. The top speed of the Honda ZR-V is rated at 173 kmph. The expected price is upwards of Rs 45 lakh (ex-showroom). This makes it a premium SUV in India.
4) 2026 Toyota Hilux
The ninth-generation Hilux broke cover globally in late 2025 and looks set to join Toyota India's line-up in the coming weeks. A few weeks ago, the new-gen pickup truck was spied during a commercial shoot in India, reinforcing the belief that the Hilux will launch in the Indian market soon. The new-gen Hilux gets a notable redesign over its predecessor with a layered front fascia and more sculpted surfacing than the outgoing model.
The slim main headlamps are connected by a blanked-out strip featuring the Toyota wordmark with the grille sitting lower, flanked by triangular vents on either side. The 2026 Hilux measures 5,320 mm in length, 1,885 mm in width, and 1,815 mm in height, with a 3,085 mm wheelbase and 700 mm water-wading capability.
Although it debuted with ICE and EV powertrains globally, India is expected to get the ICE version only. Under the hood, the Hilux is expected to continue with the 2.8-litre diesel engine with a 4x4 system, available with both manual and automatic transmissions. Toyota might think of adding the 48V ‘Neo Drive’ mild hybrid system that was introduced with the Fortuner last year.
5) JSW-MG PHEV SUV
We got an invite a few days ago, and we have a hunch that JSW-MG is gearing up to launch its first PHEV in India on July 16. We have a hunch that this is the one. The SUV is likely to be a badge-engineered version of the Wuling Starlight 560 SUV, which has been spotted testing on Indian roads in recent months.
The Starlight 560 is a 4.74 m, 3-row SUV. That makes it slightly longer than Hector Plus. It's a boxy, elongated SUV with an upright stance, a large grille, and rides on 18-inch alloy wheels. In Global markets, it is available in both 5-seat and 7-seat configurations and sits on a 2,810mm wheelbase. Inside, it features a dual-tone cabin with a minimalist dashboard design featuring a two-spoke steering wheel, a 12.8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, and an 8.8-inch digital driver’s display.
As for the powertrain, it is expected to get a 1.5-litre petrol engine paired with an electric motor and a 20.5 kWh battery, which gives it a claimed range of over 1,000 km in global markets.
from carandbike - News https://ift.tt/QHsPVI7
via IFTTT
