New Renault Duster Exports Commence From India

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

 

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

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

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

 

Also Read: 2026 Renault Duster Fuel Efficiency Figures Announced

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

 

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

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

 

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Skoda Kodiaq RS Bookings Open In India Ahead Of Launch

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

 

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

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

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

 

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

 

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

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

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Aprilia Tuono 457 Special Edition Launched At Rs 3.99 Lakh

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

 

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

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

 

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

 

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

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

 

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

 

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

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Tata Sierra EV QWD Confirmed Ahead Of Launch

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

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

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

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

— TATA.ev (@Tataev) June 20, 2026

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Also read: Tata Sierra EV India Launch On June 30
 

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

 

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

 

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

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

 

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

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

 

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

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

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

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.

 

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

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.

 

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

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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E85 Petrol Now Available In Mumbai At Rs 91.18 Per Litre

After debuting in the national capital earlier this month, E85 petrol has now made its way to Mumbai. The first E85 fuel dispenser in the city has been installed, with the higher-ethanol fuel priced at Rs 91.18 per litre. For reference, regular petrol in Mumbai currently contains up to 20 per cent ethanol (E20) and is priced at Rs 111.21 per litre. That makes E85 petrol Rs 20.03 per litre cheaper than the standard fuel currently sold at retail outlets in the city.

 

Also Read: What Exactly is E85 Fuel? A Complete Breakdown Of India's New Rs. 82/Litre Petrol Alternative

As the name suggests, E85 contains 85 per cent ethanol and 15 per cent petrol, making it knowingly different from the E20 blend that has become the default fuel across India. However, the fuel cannot be used in conventional petrol vehicles and is meant only for vehicles specifically engineered to run on higher ethanol concentrations.

 

Also Read: Hero Splendor+, HF Deluxe Flex Fuel Models Offered With Rs 4,000 Discount

To avoid confusion at fuel stations, E85 dispensers will be clearly marked and will cater exclusively to E85-compatible vehicles. At present, the list of vehicles capable of running on E85 remains relatively small. Among two-wheelers, the Suzuki Gixxer SF 250 Flex Fuel is one of the few motorcycles currently available with E85 compatibility. Hero MotoCorp has also entered the space with the recently launched Splendor Plus Flex Fuel and HF Deluxe Flex Fuel, though deliveries of both motorcycles are slated to begin in July 2026.

On the passenger vehicle front, the recently introduced Maruti Suzuki Wagon R BioFlex is among the first mass-market cars in India capable of operating on E85 fuel. Though for now, the Wagon R BioFlex is only being offered in the commercial and fleet sectors. 

 

Speaking at the inauguration of India's first E85 outlet in Delhi earlier this month, Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri said that between 50 and 100 E85 dispensers are expected to be operational across the country in the coming months. The government has also outlined an expansion plans for the fuel. The target is to have 500 E85 dispensing stations operational by the end of 2026, with that number expected to rise to 5,000 outlets by the end of 2027.

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Skoda Peaq Electric SUV Interior Previewed Ahead Of Global Debut

Weeks after previewing the exterior design of its upcoming three-row all-electric flagship SUV, the Peaq, in design sketches, Skoda has now teased the SUV’s cabin in new sketches. The sketches preview the production-ready interior of the flagship electric SUV, which looks to feature a seven-seat layout and a minimalist dashboard design.

 

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

Previewed by the Vision 7S SUV concept in 2022, the Peaq, when it debuts on June 23, will be Skoda’s largest production model, measuring close to 4,900mm in length and sitting on a 2,965mm wheelbase. The cabin will feature both a five- and seven-seat layout.

Also Read: Skoda Epiq Debuts As Brand's Smallest EV Yet; Gets Two Battery Options And 440 KM Range

 

Talking of the interior, the Peaq looks to get a layered dashboard design with the upper, central and lower dashboard forming three distinctive layers. The light tone of the central section of the dashboard – in line with the seats and parts of the door cards- hints that this section will likely be wrapped in leather or fabric while the air-con vents are neatly integrated into a slim slit-like element that runs on both sides of the touchscreen on the centre section of the dashboard.

Also Read: 2026 Skoda Kodiaq: What’s New?

 

As for the displays themselves, we get our first proper look at the previously confirmed 10-inch digital instrument cluster and the vertically oriented 13.6-inch touchscreen. The instrument cluster looks to be a free-standing unit – not featuring a hooded binnacle – while the touchscreen is reclined at a slight angle on the centre console. Also visible are a pair of charging pads at the base of the touchscreen as well as a pair of cupholders. Skoda says that the central touchscreen will handle a lot of core functions, though some key features will be operated via physical controls.

 

Another interesting element is the lounge-style seat for the front passenger with a built-in ottoman, letting the occupant stretch out and relax should they need. The second row seat features a traditional split folding bench seat with a folding centre armrest, while the third row features seating for two.

 

Also read: Skoda Kodiaq RS Bookings Open On June 22
 

On the powertrain front, Skoda has confirmed single- and dual-motor powertrain options for its upcoming flagship SUV as well as two battery options. The entry models will feature a 63 kWh battery paired with an electric motor offering 201 bhp. Higher models will get a larger 91 kWh battery paired with a more powerful electric motor pushing out 282 bhp. A dual-motor all-wheel drive option will be offered with the larger battery, with peak output rising to 295 bhp. Skoda has said that the larger battery will offer over 600 km of range. All variants will also support DC fast charging with a 10 to 80 per cent charge under 30 mins. 

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Tata Sierra EV India Launch On June 30

Tata Motors has confirmed that the much-awaited Sierra EV will launch on June 30, 2026. The all-electric derivative of the Sierra is perhaps one of Tata’s most anticipated launches of the year, with the SUV previously shown as a near-production concept back in 2023.

 

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

Tata Sierra EV concept

 

The Sierra EV will get some styling differences over the internal combustion Sierra, with the most obvious being up front. Unlike the blacked-out grille on the ICE SUV, the EV will feature a blanked out body coloured grille with a lightbar up top. The bumper design will also be different compared to its ICE sibling, with a larger black-finished lower section featuring a central air intake with a faux skid plate below. Down the sides, the EV is set to get its own unique alloy wheel designs, while round the back, it's just the badging that will set it apart from its internal combustion sibling.

 

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

Inside, the EV is expected to mirror the ICE Sierra, with top variants getting the triple screen layout on top variants along with getting features such as ventilated front seats, a panoramic sunroof, auto climate control, Level 2 ADAS and more.

Tata Sierra EV concept

 

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

As for the platform, the new Sierra EV is expected to sit on Tata’s Acti.ev+ architecture – the same as the Harrier EV. The two electric SUVs are also likely to share the same battery packs as well – 65 kWh and 75 kWh – with the latter also likely to get Tata’s new Quad-Wheel-Drive powertrain (dual-motor all-wheel drive). It remains to be seen if AWD will be offered from launch or added to the range at a later date. As for range, expect the Sierra EV to do over 500 km on a full charge.

 

Also read: Tata Safari EV Spied Testing; Debut Likely In 2026
 

Coming to the pricing, Tata is expected to price the Sierra aggressively to take on the Hyundai Creta Electric and Mahindra BE 6. Prices for the entry variant are expected to sit below the Rs 20 lakh mark, while the fully-loaded AWD versions could be pricier than rivals.

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

Kia India has announced its decision to increase car prices in the country across its model range. Come July 1, 2026, all Kia cars sold in India will become dearer by up to 2 per cent. The Korean carmaker says that this price hike is the result of rising input costs and an overall increase in operational expenditure. The exact increase in price will vary depending on the model and variant; however, the company says it will ensure that the overall value proposition of each offering is maintained.

 

 

Currently, Kia India sells about eight different models in the country, out of which the Carnival, EV6 and EV9 come to our shores as a completely built-up (CBU) unit. The models that are produced locally include – Sonet, Syros, Seltos, Carens Clavis and Carens Clavis EV. 

 

 

Currently, prices for the models range from Rs. 7.33 lakh for the entry-level Sonet, going up to Rs. 25 lakh for the top-spec Clavis EV. The Carnival, EV6, and EV9 are priced at Rs. 59.45 lakh, Rs. 67.98 lakh, and Rs. 1.3 crore, respectively (all prices ex-showroom).

 

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Bajaj Pulsar 220F Updated With LED Headlight: Now Priced At Rs 1.36 Lakh

Bajaj Auto has updated the Pulsar 220F with an LED headlight, finally bringing one of the oldest motorcycles in its lineup in line with newer models on the feature front. Along with the update, the semi-faired motorcycle has also become more expensive and now carries a sticker price of Rs 1.36 lakh (ex-showroom), roughly Rs 8,000 more than before.

 

Also Read: Bajaj Adventure Motorcycle Spotted Testing in India; Launch Expected by 2027

The biggest change for 2026 is the introduction of a new LED headlamp unit with integrated daytime running lamps, replacing the halogen setup that had remained unchanged for years. The updated lighting is housed within the familiar semi-faired front end, while the rest of the motorcycle's design remains largely untouched. LED indicators had already been introduced as part of the update rolled out in December 2025.

 

Beyond the new headlight, the Pulsar 220F carries over the same package. Power continues to come from the 220 cc air- and oil-cooled single-cylinder engine, producing 20.6 bhp and 18.55 Nm of torque. The motor remains paired with a five-speed gearbox.

 

The motorcycle also retains the Bluetooth-enabled LCD instrument cluster that was introduced on other Pulsar models and later extended to the 220F.

 

Also Read: 2026 Bajaj Avenger Street 220 Launched in India; Priced at Rs 1.30 Lakh

Buyers can continue to choose from the four colour schemes introduced with last year's update. These include a black-and-copper finish, a black-and-gold, along with red-and-black and blue-and-black options. Notably, the green-and-orange combination has been removed from the colour palette.

 

The 220F remains one of the longest-serving nameplates in Bajaj's portfolio. First launched in 2007, the motorcycle built a loyal following thanks to its combination of performance and distinguishing semi-faired design. Although Bajaj briefly pulled the plug on the model in 2021 following the arrival of the Pulsar 250 twins, strong customer demand saw it return to showrooms in 2023.

The update also comes at a time when Bajaj is preparing a broader overhaul of its Pulsar range. Recent spy shots have revealed what appears to be a next-generation Pulsar 125 under development, featuring an all-new chassis and a rear monoshock suspension setup. Whether the iconic 220F will eventually drift to that new platform remains to be seen.

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India-UK FTA To Come Into Effect On July 15; Auto Import Duties To Fall To 10% Under Quota System

It was in the July 2025 when the India-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA) was signed and now, we finally have a date for its roll out. The FTA will officially come into force on July 15, ending months of uncertainty around its implementation and setting the stage for lower import duties on British-built vehicles entering India.

 

Also Read: India-EU Trade Deal: List Of Cars Likely To Get More Affordable In India

The development is particularly significant for the automotive industry, as it confirms the timeline for a gradual reduction in tariffs on UK-manufactured cars. Several luxury carmakers, including Jaguar Land Rover and McLaren, have already announced adjusted plans in India in anticipation of the agreement.

 

Announcing the implementation date, the UK government said businesses now have 28 days to prepare before the deal takes effect. UK Business and Trade Secretary Peter Kyle described the agreement as one that would allow businesses and consumers to begin seeing benefits immediately.

 

"We are bringing our landmark trade deal with India into force as quickly as we can, because we want businesses and the public to feel the benefits immediately," Kyle said.

 

For carmakers, the biggest change lies in the tariff structure. Under the agreement, import duties on eligible UK-built internal-combustion vehicles will be reduced through a quota-based mechanism over the next five years.

 

Also Read: UK-India FTA Impact: CBU Range Rover Prices Slashed By Up To Rs. 75 Lakh

The first phase will see duties on larger petrol and diesel vehicles fall substantially. Petrol cars with engines above 3.0 litres and diesel vehicles above 2.5 litres will attract a 30 per cent duty in the first year, down from the current effective rate of 110 per cent, subject to an annual quota of 10,000 units. The rate will continue to reduce over time before reaching 10 per cent by the fifth year.

 

Smaller-engined passenger vehicles will also benefit, though at a more gradual pace. The agreement provides for lower duties within specified quotas, creating a pathway for British manufacturers to become more competitive in a market where import taxes have historically been among the highest in the world.

 

The prospect of lower tariffs has already begun to influence prices. Jaguar Land Rover became the first manufacturer to publicly pass on some of the expected benefits, reducing prices of the UK-built Range Rover SV and Range Rover Sport SV by up to Rs 75 lakh earlier this year.

 

Also Read: McLaren Prices In India To Drop By Over Rs 3 Crore With India-UK FTA

McLaren Automotive is also preparing to revise prices in India. The British supercar manufacturer is set to roll out a significant downward revision for its model prices in India, with select models slated to become cheaper by as much as Rs 3.32 crore.

 

Other British luxury marques, including Bentley, Rolls-Royce and Aston Martin, are also expected to benefit from the agreement, though none have announced pricing changes yet.

 

While the FTA opens the door for cheaper imports, the benefits will initially be restricted to pure internal-combustion vehicles. Battery-electric and hybrid passenger vehicles remain outside the concession framework for the first six years of the agreement. Duty reductions for alternative-fuel vehicles will only begin later and will be subject to separate conditions and quotas.

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Porsche 911 GT3 Launched In India At Rs 3.32 Crore

Porsche has launched the new-gen 911 GT3 in India with bookings now open. The GT3 of the 992-series comes as the range-topping version over the Turbo and carries a base price of Rs 3.32 crore (ex-showroom) before the optional extras. 

Power comes from a naturally aspirated 4.0-litre flat-six that produces 503bhp and 470Nm which is good enough for a 0-100 kmph sprint in just 3.4 seconds. It can be had with a manual globally, but the Indian configuration is offered with PDK as standard. This standard spec GT3 has clocked a Nurburgring time of 6:55.34 with Lars Kern behind the wheel. 

In terms of standard equipment, there are 10 colour options to choose from apart from Porsche’s Paint-To-Sample service. It sits on 21-inch forged aluminium wheels, Race-Tex items Black with contrasting colour GT Silver theme interior, and four-way electric seats as standard, while adaptive seats can be added as an optional extra. Porsche’s Manthey Kit and the Weissach Pack can be configured along with loads of performance parts on the official configurator. 

Deliveries are stated for the Indian market to commence later this year for the base spec, but could change depending on the configuration. 

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JLR Eyes US-Specific Defender Models In Partnership With Stellantis

JLR, formerly Jaguar Land Rover, has detailed some of its upcoming model plans, including developing new Defender models for North America in collaboration with Stellantis. The company also reaffirmed the debut of the new Range Rover EV and Range Rover Sport EVs for later in the year, as well as the debut of the new Jaguar Type 01 electric sedan.

 

Also read: Chery Inside: Tata Motors Switches To CJLR's Freelander Platform For First Avinya EV

 

Stellantis Partnership To Explore New Defender Models For US Market

 

Having signed a non-binding MoU with Stellantis earlier in the month, JLR provided the first signals of what could come out of the partnership. The company has said that the collaboration will focus on the development of new SUVs under the Defender brand designed specifically for the North American markets.

Also read: JLR, Stellantis To Explore Co-Development Of New Cars, SUVs In US

 

“To truly manifest the power of our brands, we will increase our focus on North America, our biggest market. The rising demand for luxury products, coupled with the strong preference we see for our brands, signals significant growth potential. Apart from accelerating our existing offerings, we are also exploring new high-potential segments for our Defender brand, which will allow us to offer tailored luxury products and experiences for even more of our US clients,” said P.B. Balaji, Chief Executive Officer, JLR.

 

The collaboration with Stellantis is likely to also include the manufacturing of the new Defender SUVs in North America at Stellantis facilities. The company has identified the US market as a key growth driver in the coming years.

 

Also read: Defender Leads JLR Volumes In India As Overall Sales Decline In FY26
 

Electrified Modular Architecture Underpinned Range Rover, Defender To Get Hybrid Electric Powertrains

 

Moving to future models, JLR reaffirmed the debuts of the Jaguar Type 01 EV, Range Rover EV & Range Rover Sport EV for later this year. The company also revealed that it would share new details for its first Electrified Modular Architecture (EMA) underpinned SUV – under the Range Rover brand – in the coming months. The company also confirmed that the new SUV would not just be electric but also debut a new hybrid electric powertrain, adding a fourth powertrain to its line-up of mild-hybrid, EV and PHEV.

Also Read: Base Range Rover Sport SV Launched In India At Rs 2.05 Crore

 

The second SUV on the EMA platform, confirmed to be on the Defender line, would also arrive with both all-electric and hybrid electric powertrain options down the line. The use of the EMA platform would mean that the new SUV would be the first under the Defender brand to sit on a platform unrelated to the current Defender 90, 110 and 130.

 

Discovery Range To Also Get Upgrades

 

Also read: Jaguar’s Four-Door Electric GT Named Type 01; Unveil In 2026
 

JLR also hinted at future upgrades to the Discovery range going forward, though it has yet to share any concrete details. The company said that the Discovery would be ‘brought into the future with propulsion flexibility and innovations in product design’, suggesting that the company could expand and diversify the range with PHEV, EV and hybrid options – likely with the arrival of all-new Discovery models. The current Discovery has been around since 2017, while the last major upgrade for the Discovery Sport was in 2020.

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2026 Kawasaki Ninja 500 Launched At Rs 5.76 lakh

Just days after reports surfaced online suggesting that the Kawasaki Ninja 500 could be discontinued in India due to a lack of E20 compliance and relatively slow sales, India Kawasaki Motors has launched the 2026 Ninja 500 at Rs 5.76 lakh (ex-showroom). The update is a minor one, with the motorcycle remaining mechanically unchanged while gaining E20 compatibility for the new model year and is now Rs 10,000 more expensive than before.

 

Also Read: Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R Offered With Rs 2.89 Lakh Discount

Apart from the compliance update, the 2026 Ninja 500 is now offered in Kawasaki's signature Lime Green colour scheme and carries over the same design and hardware package as before.

 

The Ninja 500 was introduced in India in 2024 as the successor to the Ninja 400. While it retained much of its predecessor's underpinnings, including the steel trellis frame, Kawasaki equipped it with a larger and more powerful engine. Power comes from a 451 cc liquid-cooled parallel-twin motor producing 44.38 bhp at 9,000 rpm and 42.6 Nm of torque at 6,000 rpm, paired with a six-speed gearbox and an assist-and-slipper clutch.

Suspension duties continue to be handled by telescopic front forks with 120 mm of travel and a rear monoshock offering 130 mm of wheel travel. The braking setup remains unchanged as well, comprising a 310 mm semi-floating front disc with a dual-piston caliper and a 220 mm rear disc paired with a dual-piston caliper.

 

The motorcycle's dimensions have also been carried over for the new model year. The Ninja 500 retains its 785 mm seat height, 1,375 mm wheelbase, 145 mm ground clearance, 14-litre fuel tank and 171 kg kerb weight.

 

Also Read: Kawasaki Patents Modular Electric Motorcycle Platform

Feature highlights include a full LCD instrument console with smartphone connectivity, allowing riders to access vehicle information through their mobile devices. The styling remains familiar as well, with twin LED headlamps, sharp fairing lines and a front fascia inspired by larger motorcycles in the Ninja family.

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Second-Gen Kia Sonet Spied Testing In India; Debut Likely In 2027

The second-gen Kia Sonet has been spied testing on Indian roads as the Korean carmaker looks set to give its popular subcompact SUV a major upgrade. The first-gen Sonet has become a popular model in Kia’s stable, being one of its best-selling models in the country in recent years. Originally unveiled in 2020, the current-gen SUV is now almost 6 years old, with its last major refresh coming in late 2023.

 

Also read: Kia's Sonet For South Africa Gets 1-Star GNCAP Rating: Should Indian Customers Be Concerned?
 

The heavily camouflaged test mule provides a few glimpses into the upcoming second-gen sub-compact SUV’s design. The new Sonet looks to be going for a boxier, more upright design while adopting a new split headlamp design. The test mule looks to feature high-set inverter L-shaped daytime running lamps with the main headlamps sitting lower on the bumper flanking a rectangular grille.

 

Also read: Kia Introduces BaaS Scheme For Carens Clavis EV
 

From the sides, the flattened roof line and the shape of the A-pillar do bring out some of its similarities to the second-gen Hyundai Venue – its sister model, though there look to be enough styling changes under the camouflage to give the car its own identity. The windowline looks to get a gentle upward kink on the rear door – compared to the flat lower edge of the Venue’s glasshouse.

 

Also Read: 2026 Kia Syros Drops ADAS; Features Also Deleted From Base Variant

 

At the rear, the taillamps appear to be in a similar design as on the new Seltos, following a design trend seen on other new Kia SUVs globally. The brief glimpse of the interior hints at the presence of a curved display atop the dashboard featuring the digital instrument cluster and central touchscreen – similar to what is offered on the new Venue.

Also Read: 2026 Kia Carens Clavis Gets Variant Rejig; New HTX(O) A, GT-Line & X-Line Trims Introduced

 

On the mechanical side of things, the new Sonet is expected to sit on the Hyundai Group K1 platform, also featured in the Syros and Venue. The Venue saw improvements in the space inside the cabin as a result of the switch to the new platform, so the same could also be expected of the Sonet. In terms of features, Kia is expected to build on the first-gen Sonet’s already formidable equipment list with bits such as a panoramic sunroof, Level 2 ADAS tech, enhanced connected car functions and more.

 

Also Read: Kia Sorento Hybrid Spied Testing In India Again

 

As for the powertrain, the new Sonet is expected to carry over the trio of 1.2-litre naturally aspirated petrol, 1.0-litre turbo-petrol and 1.5-litre diesel engine options. The gearbox options, too, are expected to carry forward unchanged.

 

The new Sonet is expected to make its global debut in early 2027, with Kia likely to use the upcoming 2027 Bharat Mobility Expo as the launchpad for the second-gen subcompact SUV.

 

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Harley-Davidson X440 Prices Increased By Up To Rs 5,000

Harley-Davidson has revised the prices of the X440 in India, with two variants becoming more expensive by up to Rs 5,000. The price increase affects the mid-spec X440 S and the latest addition to the lineup, the X440 T, while the entry-level X440 Vivid continues at its existing price.

 

Also Read: 2026 Harley-Davidson X440T Road Test Review: Did Harley Just Fix Everything?

 

Variant	Old Price	New Price	Difference
X440 Vivid	Rs 2.35 lakh	Rs 2.35 lakh	No change
X440 S	Rs 2.55 lakh	Rs 2.59 lakh	Rs 4,000
X440 T	Rs 2.89 lakh	Rs 2.94 lakh	Rs 5,000

 

According to the brand’s official website, the X440 Vivid remains unchanged at Rs 2.35 lakh. The X440 S now costs Rs 2.59 lakh, up Rs 4,000 from its earlier price of Rs 2.55 lakh. Meanwhile, the range-topping X440 T, which joined the lineup in December 2025, has received its first price revision and is now dearer by Rs 5,000. With this, it now costs Rs 2.84 lakh, up from the Rs 2.79 lakh price tag it carried at launch (all prices ex-showroom).

The X440 T was introduced as a more premium alternative within the range and brought a handful of updates over the X440 S. These included a redesigned rear subframe, a revised tail section with integrated grab handles, bar-end mirrors and fresh graphics and added features including ride-by-wire, two ride modes (Road and Rain), switchable ABS, switchable rear traction control, and Panic Braking Alert.

 

Also Read: Harley-Davidson Sprint To Be Introduced Based On Made-in-India X440

Mechanically, however, the motorcycle remains unchanged. All three variants continue to be powered by the same 440 cc air/oil-cooled single-cylinder engine, producing 27 bhp and 38 Nm of torque, paired with a six-speed gearbox.

 

 

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Honda Elevate Facelift Spied Testing Ahead Of Debut

The upcoming Honda Elevate facelift has been spied testing on Indian roads. A heavily camouflaged test mule of the compact SUV was spied testing in Delhi, hinting that there could be some notable updates on the card. Honda has previously confirmed that it was lining up six launches for the Indian market this fiscal year, with the facelifted City, ZR-V and the 0 Alpha-based SUV making up half the list. The Elevate is also expected to launch in this fiscal year along with at least one more model from Honda’s global portfolio.

 

Also read: 2026 Honda City Facelift Price, Variants Explained
 

The heavily camouflaged test mule gives little away about any design updates, with even the alloy wheels using the same design as the existing Elevate. The use of camouflage on the taillight units suggests that the internals could be updated, and we could also see Honda adopt an edge-to-edge lightbar incorporated into the units. The rear bumper, too, is expected to be a new unit.

 

Also read: 2026 Honda City Facelift Launched In India; Prices Start At Rs. 12 Lakh
 

The Elevate’s current boxy and upright proportions are very much intact with the facelift, though given the extent of cladding, we could expect Honda to make design updates such as changes to the black plastic cladding along the lower bodyshell. The front of the SUV is not visible, though here too we can expect changes to the headlamps as well as the grille and bumper designs.

Also read: Honda ZR-V Hybrid SUV Debuts In India; Deliveries Start In July 2026
 

On the feature front, Honda could look to make the new Elevate more feature-rich with kit such as 360-degree cameras (currently optional), ventilated seats, ambient lighting and more.

 

On the powertrain front, Honda is unlikely to make any big changes here, with the familiar 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine set to carry forward. It remains to be seen if the Elevate facelift could get the hybrid option from the City.

 

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2026 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Facelift Launched In India At Rs 2.20 Crore

Mercedes-Benz India has launched the facelifted S-Class in the country with a starting price of Rs 2.20 Crore (ex-showroom). Revealed globally earlier this year, the updated flagship sedan brings a host of styling, tech and powertrain upgrades. Mercedes-Benz claims around half of the vehicle has been reworked, with the biggest headline being the plug-in hybrid powertrain for India in the 450e spec. Deliveries are slated to begin in Q4 2026.

 

2026 Mercedes-Benz S-Class: Exterior

Starting with the looks. The exterior updates are subtle, though there are enough changes to distinguish the facelift from its predecessor. Up front, the S-Class gets a larger grille featuring multiple embedded three-point star motifs, while the headlamps now incorporate Mercedes-Benz's latest three-point star LED daytime running light signature.

The bumper has also been redesigned and features additional chrome detailing. In profile, the changes are subtler, with the most noticeable update being a new range of alloy wheel designs. Among them are intricate 50-spoke wheels manufactured using a new high-pressure casting process. At the rear, the S-Class receives slimmer tail-lamps that mirror the front lighting theme with illuminated three-point star graphics.

Mercedes-Benz has also expanded the colour palette with several new paint options, including shades previously reserved for its Manufaktur customisation programme.

 

2026 Mercedes-Benz S-Class: Interior And Features

The cabin receives a more comprehensive update. The centrepiece is Mercedes-Benz's new Superscreen setup, which combines a 14.4-inch central touchscreen with two 12.3-inch displays for the instrument cluster and front passenger. The system runs the latest MB.OS software architecture and supports over-the-air updates.

 

Mercedes has also integrated a new suite of AI-powered functions, including an enhanced voice assistant, Google Maps-based navigation and vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication capabilities.

The dashboard layout has been streamlined. Like the latest E-Class, the air-con vents are electrically operated and can be adjusted digitally through the touchscreen, though manual adjustment remains. Physical buttons have been reduced, though Mercedes has retained some physical interaction points by introducing a new scroll wheel and toggle switch on the steering wheel to improve usability while driving.

 

Another notable change is the removal of the fingerprint scanner. Instead, facial recognition tech now handles user authentication via a camera mounted on the dashboard. The same camera can also be used for video conferencing, selfies and cabin monitoring while the vehicle is parked.

Rear seat occupants continue to get twin 13.1-inch entertainment screens, though the outgoing tablet-style rear controller has been replaced by two smaller handheld touch controllers resembling smartphones.

 

2026 Mercedes-Benz S-Class: Powertrain

The biggest mechanical update comes under the hood as the S-Class now introduces a plug-in hybrid powertrain. The setup combines a 3.0-litre six-cylinder turbo-petrol engine with an electric motor and a 21.96 kWh battery pack, enabling an electric-only driving range of up to 117 km on a full charge. Speaking of charge, Mercedes-Benz says the battery pack can be charged from 10 to 80 per cent in 20 minutes using a 60 kW DC fast charger. The plug-in hybrid setup is also claimed to deliver a combined fuel efficiency figure of 32.3 kmpl (WLTP).

 

Globally, Mercedes offers the system in two configurations. The S450e develops 429 bhp and 680 Nm, while the more powerful S 580e produces 577 bhp and 750 Nm of torque. The latter also comes equipped with Mercedes-Benz's 4MATIC all-wheel-drive system. For now, the carmaker has only introduced the S450e trim in India for which, power is sent to the rear wheels via a 9-speed automatic transmission.

 

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