2025 Yezdi Adventure Launched At Rs 2.15 Lakh: Gains Traction Control, New Lighting

Following its update less than a year ago, the Yezdi Adventure has now been refreshed once again. Jawa-Yezdi Motorcycles has launched the 2025 Yezdi Adventure at an ex-showroom price of Rs 2.15 lakh, which is roughly Rs 5,000 higher than last year’s model. The 2025 edition features refreshed styling, additional features, and a brand-new colour palette. Bookings for the updated motorcycle are now open at authorised dealerships across the country. 

 

Also Read: Jawa 42 FJ Review: ‘Simply The Best’ Jawa?

 

Prices for the 2025 Yezdi Adventure range between Rs 2.15 lakh and Rs 2.27 lakh (ex-showroom). 

 

2025 Yezdi Adventure Colours/Variants	Ex-showroom Prices
Forest Green (Matte)	Rs 2,14,900
Ocean Blue (Matte)	Rs 2,17,900
Desert Khaki (Matte)	Rs 2,17,900
Tornado Black (Matte)	Rs 2,21,900
Wolf Grey (Gloss)	Rs 2,26,900
Glacier White (Gloss)	Rs 2,26,900

 

The 2025 model gets a new asymmetric LED headlight and redesigned twin tail lights.  

 

The most noticeable update on the new model is at the front. Out goes the round headlamp and in comes a new asymmetric LED headlight setup, commonly seen on larger adventure bikes. Additional changes include a taller, rally-style front beak, redesigned tail lamps, a standard bash plate, and a newly adjustable windscreen. The seat cushioning has also been revised, with the brand claiming improved comfort for the rider.  

 

Also Read: Jawa, Yezdi And BSA Motorcycles Now Come With 4-Year Standard Warranty

 

Now gets traction control while ABS modes remain the same. 

 

On the feature front, the Yezdi Adventure now gets traction control along with three ABS modes – Road, Rain, and Off-Road – which were there in the previous model too. Apart from this, the rest of the motorcycle remains the same. It continues with the rectangular instrument console comprising two circular LCD screens for essential readouts. The cluster also offers Bluetooth connectivity, which further enables turn-by-turn navigation. There is also a USB charging port.  

Continues with the same 29.2 bhp 334cc liquid-cooled single-cylinder engine. 

 

There are no changes to the engine or core mechanical components. The motorcycle continues to use the same 334cc, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine, producing 29.2 bhp and 29.8 Nm of torque. The gear-based Alpha2 engine mapping system, introduced in the previous version for improved heat management, has been carried over. 

 

Suspension is handled by a telescopic front fork and a rear monoshock, while braking is managed by a 320 mm front disc and 240 mm rear disc. The bike maintains its 21-inch front and 17-inch rear wheels, 220 mm ground clearance, 815 mm seat height, and unchanged 15.5-litre fuel tank capacity. 

 

Also Read: BSA Gold Star 650 Review: Single & Ready To Mingle!

 

Six new colour options have been introduced in this update. 

 

The updated model is included in the brand’s recently launched ‘Jawa-Yezdi BSA Ownership Assurance Programme’. This includes a standard warranty of 4 years or 50,000 km, optional extended warranty packages of up to six years, one year of complimentary roadside assistance and more.  

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Vinfast To Miss Out On Tax Benefits On Imported Cars Under India's New EV Policy

The new EV policy guidelines issued by the Indian government aim to attract foreign carmakers to invest in India in order to be eligible for lower tax rates. Import duties, which stand at over 100 per cent presently, will be brought down to 15 per cent if the manufacturers meet certain conditions. These include setting an EV manufacturing facility in India by investing at least USD 500 (Approx Rs. 4,150 crore) million over the next 3 years.

Vinfast will begin its India journey later this year with the VF6 and VF7.

 

According to the Minister of Heavy Industries, HD Kumaraswamy, many carmakers have shown interest in investing under the policy, including Skoda-Volkswagen, Hyundai-Kia as well as Mercedes-Benz. However, since the manufacturers will need to first register for the policy and then start investing, brands such as Vinfast, who have already invested in a vehicle manufacturing facility, are likely to miss out on benefiting from lower duties while importing cars in the country, unless they commit to investing the specified amount again. 

 

Also Read: India Finalises New EV Import Guidelines; Offers Conditional 15% Duty Rate

 

As per the new guidelines, EVs imported by foreign carmakers with a cost insurance and freight valuation of USD 35,000 (about Rs 30 lakh) and over will attract a lower excise duty of 15 per cent – down from the current 110 per cent. Carmakers will only be allowed to import up to 8,000 units a year for a 5-year period at the reduced import duty or until a predetermined monetary cap is met, whichever is earlier. The monetary cap is the lesser amount of either the amount invested in to commencing local operations (a minimum Rs 4,150 crore) or a maximum foregone duty of Rs 6,484 crore, whichever is lesser.

 

Vinfast VF8 is likely to be imported to India at a later stage.

In 2024, reacting to the then proposed new EV policy, Pham Sanh Chau, CEO of VinFast India had said, “We highly value the Indian government’s new EV scheme as it aims to drive large investments in manufacturing, create competencies and upskilling, set up a robust supply chain and offer consumers world-class, zero tailpipe emission vehicles. With a long-term growth commitment in India, we have pledged an expenditure of $500 million, which includes the electric vehicle manufacturing facility in Tamil Nadu.”

 

The brand has set up its India manufacturing facility in Tamil Nadu.

In 2024, the Vietnamese electric car brand broke ground for a new electric vehicle factory in Tamil Nadu. The company has planned to invest Rs. 4,000 crore for its manufacturing operations in India in the next few years. The brand will kickstart sales in India with the VF6 & VF7 mid-sized SUVs later this year and is likely to start importing its flagship products into the country post that.  

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Tata Harrier EV vs Mahindra XEV 9e: Specifications, Features, Prices Compared

Tata Motors has finally launched the all-electric Harrier in the Indian market, with prices starting at Rs 21.49 lakh (ex-showroom, excluding charger). The Harrier EV holds the top spot in Tata's electric vehicle lineup and comes equipped with a host of features never seen in any previous Tata vehicle. The Harrier EV gets into the ring with Mahindra’s new contender, the XEV 9e, so let’s see how these two electric SUVs in their top-spec variant stack up against each other on paper.  

 

Also Read: Tata Harrier EV Launched At Rs 21.49 Lakh; Gets Dual Motor Powertrain, Terrain Modes & More

 

Tata Harrier EV vs Mahindra XEV 9e: Dimensions

 

 

	Tata Harrier EV	Mahindra XEV 9e
Length	4607 mm	4,789 mm
Width	2132 mm	1,907 mm
Height	1740 mm	1,694 mm
Wheelbase	2741 mm	2,775 mm
Boot Space	502 litres	663 litres
Frunk Space	35 litres	150 litres

 

The Mahindra XEV 9e is the longer of the two SUVs, measuring 182 mm more in length.  However, the Harrier EV is both wider and taller, by 225 mm and 46mm, respectively. The wheelbase of the Mahindra SUV is slightly longer at 2,775 mm, versus 2,741 mm for the Harrier. In terms of storage, Mahindra also leads with 663 litres of boot space and 150 litres of frunk space, significantly more than the Harrier EV’s 502-litre boot and 35-litre frunk. 

 

Also Read: Tata Harrier EV: In Pictures

 

Tata Harrier EV vs Mahindra XEV 9e: Battery, Motor, Charging

 

	Tata Harrier EV	Mahindra XEV 9e
Motor	Dual motor (AWD)	Single motor (RWD)
Battery Capacity	75 kWh	79 kWh
Power	235 + 156 bhp	281.61 bhp
Torque	504 Nm	380 Nm
Claimed Range	622 km	656 km
AC Charging Time (10-100%)	10.7 hrs/7.2 kW	11.7 hrs/7.2 kW
DC Fast Charging (20-80%)	25 mins/120 kW	20 mins/180 kW

  

The Tata Harrier EV features a dual-motor all-wheel-drive setup with a 235 bhp rear electric motor and 156 bhp front, and 504 Nm of torque in its fully loaded avatar. On the other hand, the Mahindra XEV 9e uses a single rear-mounted motor putting out 281.61 bhp and 380 Nm across its variant lineup. The Harrier EV is the first Tata EV vehicle to feature an all-wheel drive setup, while neither of the Mahindra Born electric duo comes equipped with it.   

 

Also Read: Mahindra BE 6, XEV 9e Sales Cross 10,000 Unit Mark

The XEV 9e comes with a slightly larger 79 kWh battery pack compared to Tata’s 75 kWh unit. This results in a higher claimed range for the XEV 9e at 656 km, whereas the Harrier EV offers a slightly lower range of 622 km. Both the electric SUVs offer the same set of regen levels (L0, L1, L2, L3), where L0 is with no regen at all and maximum regen is achieved at L3 setting. 

 

Both vehicles support AC charging via a 7.2 kW charger, with the Harrier EV taking approximately 10.7 hours to go from 10 per cent to 100 per cent, slightly faster than the XEV 9e’s 11.7 hours. As for DC fast charging, the XEV 9e can be juiced up in 20 minutes from 20-80 per cent using a 180 kW charger, while the Harrier EV takes about 25 minutes to do the same using a 120 kW DC fast charger.

 

Also Read: Mahindra XEV 9e First Drive Review: A Star Is Born!

 

Tata Harrier EV vs Mahindra XEV 9e: Features 

Both the Harrier EV and the XEV 9e are loaded with features, but each takes a different approach. The Harrier EV comes with a larger 14.53-inch touchscreen infotainment system, which Tata claims is a first in the automotive space. On the other hand, the XEV 9e offers a three 12.3-inch Super Screens setup stretching across the width of the dashboard. 

Common to both SUVs are features like an autonomous parking system that can park the car without the driver inside, and a summon function that moves the vehicle out of a parking spot using the remote key of the vehicle, respectively. Both models also share features like a panoramic sunroof, multi-zone climate control, Level 2 ADAS and six airbags.  

Where the Harrier EV stands out is with its Vehicle-to-Vehicle (V2V) and Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) capabilities, allowing it to charge other EVs or power external appliances, features not available on the XEV 9e. It also gets a transparent view mode through its 360-degree cameras, letting the driver see underneath the vehicle, another feature the XEV 9e lacks. 

When it comes to driving modes, the Harrier EV QWD (Quad Wheel Drive) variants offer six terrain modes: Rock Crawl, Snow, Gravel, Sand, Normal, and a customisable sixth mode, along with four standard drive modes. In comparison, the XEV 9e provides five driving modes: Default, Range, Everyday, Race, and Snow.  

 

Tata Harrier EV vs Mahindra XEV 9e: Prices 

 

Tata Motors has revealed only the starting price of the Harrier EV, which begins at Rs 21.49 lakh, while the Mahindra XEV 9e starts slightly higher at Rs 21.90 lakh. The top-spec XEV 9e is priced at Rs 30.50 lakh. Although the fully loaded Harrier EV will feature a dual-motor all-wheel-drive setup – unlike Mahindra’s single-motor rear-wheel-drive configuration – Tata is expected to price it competitively. Bookings for the Harrier EV will open on July 2, with the full price list likely to be announced around that time. 

 

(All prices ex-showroom and excluding charger.)

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Opinion: Can TVS Shake Royal Enfield’s Grip With Norton Motorcycles?

In January 2025, we first broke the story of how Norton Motorcycles is readying its India strategy with a two-pronged platform strategy – a single-cylinder 300-450 cc platform, as well as a 650 cc platform. Recently, TVS Motor Company, which owns Norton Motorcycles, has confirmed that the Norton brand will be launched in India later in 2025. Brand-building will only be part of the strategy required to establish Norton in India.  

 

Also Read: Norton Motorcycles India Launch Confirmed For 2025

The Norton Motorcycles brand has tremendous opportunity, not just in India, but around the world 

 

Without doubt, there’s tremendous opportunity for a storied brand like Norton, not just in the world’s largest motorcycle market, but around the world. But will TVS be able to get its Norton strategy right, from the get-go? More importantly, will TVS be able to disrupt Royal Enfield’s market dominance with Norton? It's early days yet, but establishing the Norton brand won't be easy, more so, when there's hardly any brand recall in India, outside of a few enthusiasts.  

 

Also Read: Norton Motorcycles To Launch Two Models In 2025

Norton Motorcycles is relatively unknown in India, outside of motorcycle enthusiasts. Creating brand equity will require a solid strategy.

 

Brand War

 

For decades, Royal Enfield has enjoyed an almost unshakable dominance in India’s mid-size “modern classic” motorcycle segment. Royal Enfield’s leadership position is fuelled by strong brand loyalty and a classic, rugged appeal that its models are easily identified with.  Will Norton be able to reshape consumer perception and take on Royal Enfield head-on?

 

Creating brand recall similar to what Royal Enfield enjoys will be difficult for Norton 

 

When TVS acquired the iconic British motorcycle brand in 2020, one thing was clear from the beginning. TVS is setting the stage for a major shake-up in the mid-size modern classic motorcycle market.  The Indian two-wheeler giant will look to position Norton as a premium, aspirational brand rooted in British engineering excellence and heritage. 

 

One of the few motorcycle brands to use a V4 engine platform will help Norton create its premium brand positioning.

 

Premium Product Play

 

Part of the strategy will be to blend Norton’s premium heritage with TVS’s manufacturing scale and global reach. And the goal will be to attract a new wave of performance-conscious riders – and potentially, loyal Royal Enfield enthusiasts. The question now is whether this bold strategy can translate into meaningful market disruption.

 

Brand-building will be as important for Norton as product positioning and pricing

 

There are, however, several challenges for the Norton brand, as it prepares for a launch in India. Despite the brand’s iconic British legacy, Norton is relatively unknown to the average Indian consumer. Building brand awareness and trust will require significant marketing investment, and it’s not going to be an easy task. Brand-building will be as important for Norton Motorcycles, as product positioning, quality and engineering as well as pricing of products.

 

Also Read: Norton Motorcycles To Introduce Six New Models 

The Norton V4S is based on the brand's 1,200 cc V4 engine platform

 

Initially, Norton is expected to introduce its flagship superbike, the 1,200 cc Norton V4S in India, by the end of 2025, along with the Norton Commando, based on the company's 961 cc parallel-twin platform. That two-pronged initial product strategy should give the brand enough ammunition to position itself as premium and aspirational. And that's not all, six more models are being planned over a three-year period, across two engine platforms - a 650 cc and the entry-level 350-450 cc platform. 

 

Also Read: Opinion - Will the India-UK FTA Help Norton Motorcycles?

After TVS acquired the brand, Norton Motorcycles has established new headquarters in the UK

 

Product, Price & Promotion

 

Along with the products, what will be interesting to see is how the retail network and product line-up pans out. More importantly, along with the network, what will be interesting to see is how aspirational brand Norton is made out to be. Norton’s current V4 superbikes will be launched, at least to create an initial buzz to establish the brand. But eventually, Norton will need to target the volumes that Royal Enfield currently commands, right from the 350 cc segment to the 650 cc segments it operates in. 

 

Also Read: Exclusive - Norton Working On Two New Engine Platforms For India

The Norton Commando 961 is based on the brand's 960 cc, parallel-twin engine

 

At the same time, at least the entry-level Norton models will need to be reasonably affordable, to get the proverbial foot in the door of the world’s largest motorcycle market. Solid engineering and product quality is only part of the game for brand-building. An entry-level 350-450 cc Norton will appeal to the price-conscious modern classic afficionados, but a more “premium” pricing strategy may actually end up slowing down opportunities for Norton. 

 

The Norton V4CR is based on the 1,200 cc V4 engine

 

Even with the bigger 650s and V4 models creating the aspiration for Norton that TVS will be seeking to create, a price-sensitive market, as well as competitive products from others like Royal Enfield, will need to be kept in mind. In the end, timing is everything. For Norton to create reasonable impact and eventually take the fight to Royal Enfield, not just in India, but around the world, TVS will need to have the right strategy - focussing on the right products, at the right time, and at the right price point. 

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New Bentley Bentayga Speed Revealed; Goodbye W12, Hello Twin-Turbo V8

Bentley has unveiled the latest iteration of the Bentayga Speed for global markets. Essentially the performance-focused iteration of the luxury SUV, the newest version of the SUV ditches Bentley’s renowned 6.0-litre W12 mill for a downsized twin-turbocharged V8 engine, much like the Continental GT. However, unlike its grand tourer sibling, the Bentayga Speed’s powertrain is not hybridised and does not come mated to an electric motor. Bentley further states that the new V8 makes more power and is even faster than the W12-engined model.

 

Also Read: High-End British Cars, SUVs To Get Cheaper With Conclusion Of India-UK Free Trade Agreement
 

The new Bentayga Speed can go from 0 to 100 kmph in 3.4 seconds, 0.5 seconds faster than its predecessor

 

The 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged engine in the new Bentayga Speed churns out 641 bhp and 850 Nm of torque. For reference, the power figures of the W12 were 635 bhp and 900 Nm. The new model is also 43 kg lighter than its predecessor, courtesy of the smaller engine. Naturally, the latest model can also do the 0 to 100 kmph sprint at a faster pace, in 3.4 seconds, 0.5 seconds faster than its predecessor. The top speed of the performance SUV is rated at 310 kmph, when fitted with optional carbon ceramic brakes. The SUV is also fitted with a sports exhaust as standard, although a titanium Akrapovic exhaust is also offered as an option.

 

Also Read: Bentley's Batur ‘Black Rose’ Has 3D-Printed Rose Gold Elements; Limited to 18 Units
 

When Sport mode is activated, there is a 15 per cent increase in the Bentayga's suspension-damping stiffness

 

The Bentayga Speed will be offered with three drive modes- Comfort, Bentley, and Sport. Sport mode leads to a 15 per cent increase in suspension damping stiffness, in addition to improved steering responses. The latest model also features all-wheel steering.

 

Also Read: Bentley’s First Electric SUV To Debut In 2026: Full Electrification Plan Pushed To 2035
 

On the cosmetic front, the design of the latest model remains largely the same as before. The headlamps feature dark bezels and internals. The SUV can be had with a black roof in either a gloss or satin finish as an option. When it comes to the wheels, it is offered with either 22-inch wheels in either a silver or dark shade, or 23-inch units which can be had in grey satin, black or black and bright machined finishes. The interior, meanwhile, features embroidered ‘Speed’ emblems on the seat headrests.

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Tata Harrier EV Launch LIVE Updates: Price, Features, Specifications, Images

Tata is all set to launch the Harrier EV in India today. The Harrier EV is the largest all-electric vehicle from the manufacturer to date, and the only one to be equipped with a dual-motor setup. While showcased at Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2025, much of the SUV’s specifications still remain under wraps, and will be revealed at its launch event today. The Harrier EV will be based on the company’s Acti.ev platform, building upon the OMEGA architecture. 

 

Also Read: Tata Harrier EV Off-Road Features Previewed Ahead Of June 3 Launch
 

 Visually, the Harrier EV retains a lot of its original styling cues, and is quite similar to the Harrier EV concept that was previously showcased in 2023. The front end of the SUV gets a full-width lightbar, which sits above a new enclosed panel grille. The vertically stacked headlights have been retained from the Harrier ICE. The front bumper meanwhile, has been revised, and now features a metallic finish and multiple vertical slats. The Harrier EV will also get aero-style alloy wheels, EV badging on both front doors, connected LED taillamps, and dual-tone body colour options.

 

Also Read: Tata Harrier EV Launch On June 3
 

The interior layout of the Harrier EV will also be identical to the ICE model. The list of features on the SUV will include a 12.3-inch display, a 10.25-inch digital instruments display, ventilated seats with power adjustability, electronic parking brake with auto hold, panoramic sunroof, JBL surround sound system, and more. Level 2 ADAS will also be part of the features list, in addition to cloud-connected telematics, over-the-air update support, vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) and vehicle-to-load (V2L) charging capabilities. A recent video from Tata has also confirmed the presence of off-road cruise control, 360-degree cameras, and an array of driving modes that include a Rock Crawl mode, Road, Snow and Sand.

 

Also Read: Tata Harrier EV Launch Today: What To Expect
 

Tata is yet to reveal the specifications of the powertrain although, Tata has stated that the SUV will be offered in both single-motor and dual-motor guises, with the latter featuring all-wheel drive. The company also went on to claim that it will put out 500 Nm of peak torque, and 500 km of real-world range, although it didn’t specify for which variants of the SUV.

 

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Tata Harrier EV Launch Today: What To Expect

Tata Motors is all set to launch the all-electric iteration of the Harrier today, on June 3. First showcased in its final production form at Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2025, the Harrier EV will be the largest EV from Tata to go on sale upon its launch, and the only vehicle to feature a dual-motor powertrain. The electric SUV will be based on the company’s Acti.ev platform, building upon the OMEGA architecture.

 

Also Read: Tata Harrier EV Off-Road Features Previewed Ahead Of June 3 Launch
 

The Harrier EV's design is quite similar to the ICE version

 

Visually, the Harrier EV retains a lot of its original styling cues, and is quite similar to the Harrier EV concept that was previously showcased in 2023. The front end of the SUV gets a full-width lightbar, which sits above a new enclosed panel grille. The vertically stacked headlights have been retained from the Harrier ICE. The front bumper meanwhile, has been revised, and now features a metallic finish and multiple vertical slats. The Harrier EV will also get aero-style alloy wheels, EV badging on both front doors, connected LED taillamps, and dual-tone body colour options.

 

Also Read: Tata Harrier EV Launch On June 3
 

The interior layout of the Harrier EV appears to be similar to the Harrier ICE

 

The interior layout of the Harrier EV will also be identical to the ICE model, sporting a floating touchscreen display and touch capacitive controls. The central touchscreen looks to be the same 12.3-inch display as in the standard Harrier although it comes with EV-specific graphics. Same is the case with the 10.25-inch digital instruments display. 
 

The list of features offered in the EV will include off-road cruise control, 360-degree cameras, and an array of driving modes that include a Rock Crawl mode, road, snow and sand. The Harrier EV also gets a shift-by-wire gear selector.

Also Read: 2025 Tata Altroz Facelift Launched At Rs 6.89 Lakh 

 

Tata is yet to reveal the specifications of the powertrain although, Tata has stated that the dual-motor, all-wheel-drive model will have a peak torque figure of 500 Nm and a claimed range in excess of 500 km. 
 

Being an electric SUV, the Harrier EV will almost certainly warrant a substantial premium over the combustion Harrier. Considering that the the latter's prices range from Rs 15 lakh to Rs 26.50 lakh (ex-showroom), one can expect the Harrier EV to be priced from Rs 21 lakh to Rs 31 lakh.
 

Upon its launch, the Harrier EV will go up against the likes of the Mahindra XEV 9e and BYD Atto 3.

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Tesla Not Interested In Manufacturing In India: Heavy Industries Minister

Union Minister for Heavy Industries, H D Kumaraswamy has added a new perspective to the long-lasting ‘Tesla in India’ saga by stating that the American electric vehicle giant is not interested in making vehicles in India and is just keen on opening showrooms instead. He said this while notifying the guidelines for the scheme to promote manufacturing of EVs in India.

 

The new EV policy includes a major duty cut for imported EVs in India

 

Kumaraswamy said, “Tesla, they only want to start showroom, they’re not interested in manufacturing in India.” He added that brands like Volkswagen, Skoda, Mercedes-Benz, Hyundai and Kia have already shown interest in manufacturing in India under the new EV policy.

 

Also Read: Tesla Cautious About India Entry Plans: 100% Tariff "Creates Anxiety" Among Buyers

 

Just a few weeks back, Tesla’s CFO, Vaibhav Taneja had called India a very hard market adding that 100% tariff created anxiety among buyers. However the new EV policy announced by the Government has brought that duty down to a mere 15%, provided the brand agrees to invest a minimum of Rs 4,150 crore (USD 500 million) in manufacturing operations in the country.

 

The new EV policy is being seen as a major catalyst to much awaited entry of Tesla In Indian market. In the recent times, the brand has announced job openings in India while also finalising a retail space in Mumbai.
 

 

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Toyota Fortuner Neo Drive Mild-Hybrid Launched In India At Rs 44.72 Lakh

Toyota Kirloskar Motor has launched the Fortuner NeoDrive mild-hybrid in India. Priced at Rs 44.72 lakh (Rs 50.09 lakh for the Legender, ex-showroom), the Fortuner NeoDrive is equipped with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, paired with the ubiquitous 2.8-litre, four-cylinder diesel engine. This system, Toyota claims, will enhance the Fortuner’s fuel efficiency figure, thanks to the presence of an idle stop-start function, and will also benefit performance. It’s worth noting the Fortuner NeoDrive is available only with the four-wheel drive automatic variant of the SUV, and costs Rs 2 lakh more than the equivalent standard Fortuner diesel. Deliveries of the Neo Drive models will begin in the third week of June.

 

Also Read: Toyota Fortuner Crosses 3 Lakh Sales Milestone In India

 

The 48-volt mild-hybrid system features a belt-integrated starter generator and a lithium-ion battery of unspecified capacity. The battery recharges when the SUV decelerates, recouping braking energy which would otherwise be lost, whilst also boosting braking performance. A ‘Boost Assist’ function will aid low-speed acceleration, offering some additional torque at city speeds. The idle start-stop function cuts emissions and fuel consumption by switching off the engine when the SUV is stationary for a prolonged duration.

 

Neo Drive variants will offer enhanced fuel efficiency and low-speed acceleration, claims Toyota.

 

Other new features for the Fortuner NeoDrive include wireless phone charging and Multi-Terrain Select drive and traction modes. Toyota will also offer 360-degree cameras on the Fortuner NeoDrive, but as an optional accessory available at its dealerships.  

 

No other mechanical or design changes have been made to the Fortuner with the launch of the Neo Drive variants. The SUV continues with its 201 bhp, 500 Nm diesel engine, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission.

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Tata Harrier EV Off-Road Features Previewed Ahead Of June 3 Launch

Tata Motors has revealed some of the Harrier EV’s features ahead of its imminent launch on June 3. While having showcased the near-production vehicle at the Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2025 and confirming that it will feature dual-motor all-wheel drive (quad wheel drive in Tata terminology), the carmaker has now provided a glimpse at some of the Harrier EV’s features – particularly those geared for off-roading.

 

Also read: Tata Harrier EV Launch On June 3
 

A video published by the company shows the SUV climbing a hill in Kerala. The video provides a glimpse of features such as off-road cruise control or off-road assist as Tata calls it. Also showcased is a transparent mode for the 360-degree camera, providing a view of the terrain surface under the vehicle to aid in navigating obstacles while minimising the risk of scraping the bottom. The central touchscreen looks to be the same 12.3-inch display as in the standard Harrier and Safari, while the 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster too looks to be shared – just running EV-specific graphics.

 

Performance that doesn't just overcome the impossible, it deletes it all.

Harrier.ev presents the Elephant Rock Challenge.
An impossible incline. An impossible terrain.
All made possible with one powerful SUV.

Be among the first to see history in motion at the Harrier.ev… pic.twitter.com/k6GzoUOHdq

— TATA.ev (@Tataev) June 1, 2025

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Also read: 2025 Tata Altroz Facelift Launched At Rs 6.89 Lakh 
 

The drive mode selector continues to be a circular dial with an inbuilt display, though there appear to be a lot more modes to pick from. Aside from a confirmed Rock Crawl mode, other visible modes look to include road, snow and sand. The internal combustion Harrier only offers Normal, Wet and Rough modes. Rock Crawl mode could also include a pseudo low-range setting as seen on many other four-wheel drive SUVs. 

Also visible are the boost mode and eco mode buttons on the left of the drive mode selector dial. As with other Tata EVs, the Harrier EV also gets a shift-by-wire gear selector.

The video also shows the Harrier EV negotiating a 34-degree incline.

 

Speaking of the powertrain, Tata has still to share full details, though it has previously said that the Harrier EV QWD will develop 500 Nm of peak torque.

 

Also read: Tata Motors Opens 10 EV 'Mega Chargers' Across India
 

The Harrier EV will go up against the likes of the Mahindra BE 6 and XEV 9e, and is also expected to see competition from the MG ZS EV and BYD Atto 3. 

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VinFast To Launch MG Comet-Rivalling VF3 In India Next Year; VF6, VF7 To Lead India Entry

Vietnam’s homegrown car maker VinFast is all set to roll out cars from its Thoothukudi (formerly Tuticorin) factory next month onwards. As announced at the Bharat Mobility Show earlier this year, the first cars to come out of this coastal facility close to Madurai will be the C-segment VF7 crossover, followed by the compact VF6 SUV. However, as part of its aggressive expansion plan, the company is already planning to bring in its entry-level SUV, the VF3, too, by early next year. 

 

Also read: Exclusive: VinFast Working On New Electric Scooter For India
 

The VF3 is the smallest SUV on sale from the Vietnamese car maker. At 3190mm, it is longer than a MG Comet. It is a four-seater but only has two doors, just like the Comet. The car has met with surprising success, given its size, thanks to the interesting design. VF3 customers are going for a lot of customisation options – such as colour and decals – making it a hit with youngsters there. Remains to be seen if it attracts an audience with a similar inclination in India. 

 

VinFast will commence its India innings with the VF6 and VF7 SUVs.

 

The TN facility will be assembling kits of VF7 and VF6 to start with. The company’s Asia CEO, Pham Sanh Chau, revealed this while speaking to a select group of Indian media at the company’s headquarters in Hanoi, which is also home to its first factory. The brand is less than 10 years old. It showcased its first cars – a midsized sedan and a midsized SUV – back in 2018. While these were petrol cars, the company’s founder, Pham Nhat Vuong, took a radical decision to go purely electric. Thus, the VF e34 was born. Currently, every fifth car sold in Vietnam is a VinFast, making it the biggest EV player in the country. 

 

Also Read: VinFast VF6 Makes India Debut

 

Over the years, the company has expanded into overseas markets such as Indonesia and the Philippines in South-East Asia and even the US and some European countries. India is being seen as a high-importance market by the car maker, given its potential and uptake of EVs of late. VinFast is also banking on its ability to make “premium” cars at a cost just like major car makers in India. To keep things relevant, it is sticking to offering only SUVs and crossovers, which is what its global line-up is. 

 

We aim to create the complete EV ecosystem in India - Pham Sanh Chau, CEO, Vinfast Asia.

 

VinFast’s current line-up includes VF3, VF5, VF6, VF7, VF8 and VF9. The latter two are full-sized SUVs, which are currently not being brought to India, given their high price. Interestingly, the VF9 has a 123 kWh battery size, which is bigger than any EV sold in India. 

 

Also Read: VinFast VF7 Confirmed For India Launch

 

Both the VF5 and VF7 were unveiled in India at the Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2025.

 

VinFast is part of Vietnam’s biggest business house, called VinGroup. While it has humble beginnings (the founder started off making instant noodles), it has in a short period of time diversified into real estate, education, medicine and automobiles, among others. Mr Chau, who is also head of its India operations, said that the company’s approach is not just to build EVs but to create an ecosystem to support its businesses – an approach that has helped it grow so fast in the past. For example, just like Tesla, VinFast also has its charging network company V-Green, which has built the charging infrastructure in Vietnam and even buys back its cars. However, he said the company still hasn’t decided on its charging network approach in India, given the size of the country and the existing reasonably robust charging network offered by many neutral companies.  

 

Also read: Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2025: VinFast VF 3 EV Unveiled In India
 

The company is currently close to finalising the initial batch of dealers pan-India. It is also looking at pure service partners in places where it won’t have presence to start with. It is hoping this will reassure customers about investing in the brand. The cars are likely to get 7-10 year warranty too, similar to what it offers at home. This includes battery warranty. 

 

While the cars are yet to be tested, VinFast is hopeful that its cars will achieve 5-star crash-test ratings in Bharat NCAP. “It is something they have aimed at from the moment they started planning both VF7 and VF6 for India”, said Vince Pendlebury, chief engineer of both SUVs. While nearly 60% of the components of both vehicles are similar, they boast different batteries. The VF7, which will be the first car for India, has already moved to LFP (Lithium-Iron-Phosphate) battery chemistry from NMC (Nickel-Manganese-Cobalt), given the former’s better reliability in Indian conditions. 

 

VinFast is also considering launching e-scooters in India; the company had showcased a line-up of e-scooters at the Bharat Mobility Expo 2025.

 

Interestingly, the VF3 won’t be the most affordable VinFast on sale in India as Mr Chau has also not ruled out launching e-scooters. The company already has a range of them and is currently evaluating the business for India. 

 

With the India factory expected to start operations by August, expect VinFast dealerships to open up in time for the festive season. Here’s a quick look at the tentative specs of the VF3 versus a MG Comet: 

	VinFast VF3	MG Comet
Seating	4	4
Length	3190mm	2974mm
Width	1679mm	1505mm
Height	1652mm	1640mm
Wheelbase	2075mm	2010mm
Ground Clearance	175mm	165mm
Boot  (rear seats folded)	285 litres	350 litres
Power	39bhp	41bhp
Torque	110Nm	110Nm
0-100kph	19s	23.9s
Top speed	100kph	101kph
Battery	18.6kWh (air cooled)	17.3kWh
Range	215km	230km
Charger	CCS2 (DC compatible)	Type 2
Drive	RWD	RWD
Wheels	16in	12in
Brakes	Disc/Drum	Disc/Disc

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