Opinion: Will The New Kinetic DX Be Able To Ride On Nostalgia?

The revival of the Kinetic DX, now in an electric avatar, has been much talked about and marketed as a triumphant revival of a legend at its launch in July 2025. And to give credit where its due, the new Kinetic DX does have a healthy dose of nostalgia, with design elements inspired by the original and very popular two-stroke Kinetic Honda DX from the 1980s. Riding on nostalgia, the Kinetic leadership reiterated during the launch of the new Kinetic DX that it promises to offer a similar customer experience in the electric scooter segment as its two-stroke namesake did in the ‘80s. 

 

Also Read: Kinetic DX Electric Scooter Launched At Rs. 1.11 Lakh

It’s early days yet, to comment on the product that is the new Kinetic DX in electric form, without experiencing its performance, dynamics, quality and real-world range. On the face of it, it has a blend of it all – decent performance, features that are not ground-breaking but par for the course in the electric scooter segment, and decent charging time and overall claimed range. But the question we’re trying to address is – will nostalgia be able to power Kinetic back into where it strives to be, with the new Kinetic DX? And is it enough to power the new Kinetic DX into the future?

 

Also Read: Kinetic DX Electric Scooter - In Pictures

The original Kinetic Honda DX was launched in 1984 as the result of a collaboration between the Kinetic Group and Honda. It was a ground-breaking product in its time. It was the first two-wheeler in India to offer the convenience of a self-start, automatic transmission with a twist-and-go throttle, and with features like standard integrated turn indicators (also unheard of at the time), and in bright colour options. As far as scooters went in the late ‘80s, the Kinetic Honda DX was aspirational, youthful, trendy and became a runaway hit, which was welcomed by one and all – including a sizeable number of female riders.

 

Watch the new Kinetic DX first look video:

 

 

The new Kinetic DX attempts to cash in on that history, presenting itself as the product of a company which was known for its groundbreaking achievements in Indian two-wheeler history. From the iconic Luna moped to the much-loved and hugely popular Kinetic Honda DX, Kinetic has been at the forefront of Indian two-wheeler history, at least in the brand's past, more than three decades ago. Now, the new DX revives an iconic name, but the segment is new, although the strategy isn't.  

 

Watch the top highlights of the new Kinetic DX electric scooter:

 

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It’s a page out of a playbook that is not new. After all, brands like Royal Enfield, Triumph Motorcycles, Vespa and more recently, BSA, have all rekindled nostalgia and evoked passion for their historic models. But all these brands have been successful in weaving retro appeal with technologically advanced products, striking a balance between nostalgia and contemporary technology and engineering. And in the motorcycle segment, these efforts have resulted in kickstarting a popular genre or sub-segment, which has come to be known fondly as “modern classic” or “neo retro.”

 

The new and reimagined Kinetic DX, with hints of the old in its stance, proportions and design, may be charmingly familiar to some of us who experienced and lived through the popularity of the original in its heydays. From details in design, including the front fender, headlight and right down to the instrument console and the red power switch, it tries too hard to evoke the past, and not without reason. 

 

Nostalgia can be a powerful and successful brand tool, but only when used in balance with innovation and sincere attempts to address requirements of the contemporary customer. In today’s world, younger buyers, the primary target consumer base for electric two-wheelers – won’t be swayed by nostalgia alone. Many of them will find it difficult to find relevance in the homage to a popular but almost forgotten iconic scooter. 

 

More importantly, Kinetic will also need to compete for market space with other products which have established brand equity and familiarity in the 21^st century. Nostalgia alone will not be enough to take on rivals like the Ather 450X, Ather Rizta, TVS iQube, Chetak and more recently, the Vida VX2, which offer everything the new Kinetic DX offers, and perhaps in some ways more, to the young electric two-wheeler consumer. 

 

What Kinetic needs to get right is the pulse of the customer and address issues like range, ease of charging, performance and unique features. More than playing on heartstrings, Kinetic needs to push boundaries to understand the consumer better and attempt to offer real answers to actual consumer requirements in 2025 and in the immediate future. After all, nostalgia has limitations, to help in the resurgence of any brand, even one widely known and regarded as Kinetic.

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BSA Scrambler 650 vs Gold Star 650: Differences Explained

BSA Motorcycles, part of the Classic Legends family, has unveiled the Scrambler 650 in the UK. Based on the Gold Star 650, it’s the second motorcycle in the lineup to use the 652cc single-cylinder engine. car&bike has learned the Scrambler 650 is most likely to be launched in the Indian market in the coming weeks, or closer to August 15. The Scrambler 650 was unveiled last year at the Birmingham Motorcycle Live Show and was referred to as the B65 Scrambler. Let’s take a closer look at all that is different between the Gold Star 650 and the Scrambler 650. 

 

Also Read: BSA Scrambler 650 Unveiled In The UK, India Launch Soon

 

BSA Scrambler 650 vs Gold Star 650: Design and styling

  

The primary difference between the Scrambler 650 and Gold Star 650 is that it adopts scrambler-style elements, similar to what differentiates the Triumph Scrambler 400 X with the 400 XC. It comes equipped with a raised front fender, a flat and slightly elevated handlebar, and a headlight grille. The side panels also feature number-plate-style design, staying true to the scrambler look. The motorcycle is available in dual-tone colour options, and its mechanical components are finished in black. However, what's missing on the Scrambler 650 are handguards, which ideally should have been included as standard equipment from the factory.

Towards the rear, the Scrambler gets a different sub-frame, which gives it a more stripped-down tail section. There’s also a new exhaust canister, possibly designed to give it a bit more growl compared to the Gold Star.

 

Also Read: BSA Bantam 350 Unveiled

 

BSA Scrambler 650 vs Gold Star 650: Dimensions and weight  

 

The BSA Scrambler 650 is built on the same chassis as the Gold Star 650, but gets some tweaks to suit its scrambler nature. These changes have made the Scrambler slightly longer, wider, and heavier than its sibling. The UK-spec Scrambler 650 weighs in at 218 kg (with fuel), which is 5 kg more than the Gold Star 650’s kerb weight of 213 kg. 
 
The Scrambler 650 has a wheelbase of 1,463 mm and a seat height of 820 mm, while the BSA Gold Star 650 features a wheelbase of 1,425 mm and a seat height of 780 mm. This results in the Scrambler having a wheelbase that is 38 mm longer and a seat that is 40 mm higher than the Gold Star.

 

BSA Scrambler 650 vs Gold Star 650: Cycle parts

 
Coming to hardware, both motorcycles get the same 41 mm telescopic front fork and twin rear shock absorbers, which offer 5-step preload adjustability at the rear. What's different here is the use of fork gaiters at the front, replacing the covered forks seen on the Gold Star. The braking setup remains unchanged, featuring 320 mm front and 255 mm rear disc brakes paired with Brembo calipers. One difference here is that the Gold Star 650 is equipped with a 100/90-18 front tyre and a 150/70-R17 rear tyre, both from the Pirelli Phantom Sportscomp range. 

 

Also Read: BSA Gold Star 650 Review

 

The Scrambler 650, on the other hand, rolls on a 110/80-19-inch front and a 150/70 17 inch rear, fitted with Pirelli Scorpion Rally STR tyres. In terms of differences, the Scrambler’s front tyre is wider by 10 mm and has a larger diameter (19 inches vs. 18 inches) compared to the Gold Star. The rear tyre size remains the same on both models. 

 

BSA Scrambler 650 vs Gold Star 650: Features

 

The Scrambler 650 comes with a round, offset, digital LCD unit. It keeps things simple; there are no smartphone connectivity features or electronics, just the essentials laid out. The Gold Star 650, on the other hand, sticks with a more classic twin-pod setup. It combines analogue dials for the speedometer and tachometer with a small digital section for the trip meter and fuel gauge. 

BSA Scrambler 650 vs Gold Star 650: Engine 

 

On paper, both the Scrambler 650 and the Gold Star 650 still share the same big single-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine with a 652 cc capacity. This engine in the latter makes almost 45 bhp at 6,000 rpm and a peak torque of 55 Nm at 4,000 rpm. The 5-speed gearbox stays the same, though there might be some tweaks to the gear ratios to fit the scrambler’s style better.

 

BSA Scrambler 650 vs Gold Star 650: Price  

 

In India, prices for the Gold Star 650 start at Rs 3.10 lakh, going up to Rs 3.45 lakh for the fully chrome Legacy edition. It comes in six different colours, and the price varies depending on the shade you pick. In the UK, the Scrambler 650 is available in three colours and is expected to cost slightly more than the Gold Star. Once launched in the Indian market, it will go up againsts the likes of the Royal Enfield Bear 650.

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KTM Resumes Motorcycle Production At Mattighofen

KTM has announced resuming full-scale production at its primary manufacturing facility in Mattighofen, Austria, following months of operational and financial disruption. The company had temporarily halted manufacturing twice as part of a broader restructuring process. 

 

Also Read: KTM Is Very Important For Bajaj Auto, Says Rajiv Bajaj

The first production pause began around December 13, 2024, shortly after KTM AG entered a self-administered insolvency on November 29, citing mounting debt and liquidity constraints. Operations remained suspended for approximately three months before resuming in mid-March 2025. 

  

However, continued supply chain challenges forced a second shutdown starting April 28, 2025, as KTM faced severe shortages of key components. After enduring prolonged financial uncertainty, the company secured an investment from Bajaj, which has played a pivotal role in stabilising operations and enabling the full restart of production at the Mattighofen plant. 

 

Also Read: International-Spec KTM 390 Enduro R Launched At Rs. 3.54 Lakh
 
In the first phase of the manufacturing restart, KTM states that production will initially resume with its Offroad range. In the following weeks, output will gradually expand to include additional segments. Alongside the Offroad lineup, KTM will also recommence production of its LC4 platform models, including the KTM 690 Enduro R and KTM 690 SMC R. 
 
While KTM faced production setbacks in Europe, its operations in India remained stable and unaffected. Bajaj Auto continues to expand its lineup here with the introduction of the 2025 KTM 390 Adventure and the 390 Enduro R. Moreover, the entry-level 390 Adventure X has been recently updated with a comprehensive suite of electronic features, and we also saw the launch of the global-spec 390 Enduro R.  

 

Also Read: 2025 KTM 390 Adventure X Review: The More Practical Choice?
 
KTM AG CEO Gottfried Neumeister states, “A special thank you goes to our employees, who have made this restart possible through their tremendous dedication, flexibility and team spirit over the past months. Their commitment during one of the most challenging phases has been - and continues to be - a key success factor for the company’s future development,” said Neumeister. “Restarting production gives us the stability we need to fully refocus on quality, customer proximity and further development.”

Bajaj’s manufacturing facility in Chakan, near Pune, remains crucial in KTM’s global supply chain as it produces and exports motorcycles ranging from 125cc to 390cc to markets worldwide. 

 

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Triumph Thruxton 400 Launch Expected Soon

Triumph Motorcycles has confirmed the launch of its latest 400 cc offering very soon. The latest model in the company’s entry-level lineup will be a cafe racer, expected to be called the Thruxton 400, after the company’s iconic line of high-displacement motorcycles. The motorcycle has been spotted testing in undisguised form previously, giving us a good idea of what the motorcycle will look like upon launch. While the company has not announced a launch date yet, we expect the Thruxton 400 to be launched within the first two weeks of August.

 

Also Read: Triumph Thruxton 400 Spotted Undisguised Ahead Of Launch

The Thruxton 400 gets a new bikini fairing and a rear cowl

 

Visually, the new motorcycle is expected to retain many of the body panels from the Speed 400. Components such as the tank, side panels and alloy wheels appear to be identical to the latter. The most noticeable design change is up front, where this model features a bikini fairing housing a round headlamp. Other visible details include clip-on handlebars, bar-end mirrors, and a rear cowl, which is absent on the Speed 400. The cowl, however, will likely be a removable unit, which will make way for a rear seat. The model is expected to retain the same instrument cluster as the rest of the 400 cc range. 

 

Also Read: Triumph Scrambler 400 XC Launched At Rs. 2.94 Lakh

The motorcycle is expected to be mechanically identical to the Speed 400

 

The Thruxton 400 is also expected to be mechanically identical to the Speed 400, featuring a 43 mm upside-down (USD) fork setup up front and a rear monoshock. Braking duties are handled by a 300 mm disc with a 4-piston radial caliper at the front and a 230 mm disc with a floating caliper at the rear, with ABS. With the fairing added on the Thruxton 400, it is expected to be slightly heavier than the Speed 400's 179 kerb weight.
 

The motorcycle will be powered by the same 398 cc TR-Series engine found in the Speed 400 and Scrambler 400 X. Although there could be adjustments to the gear ratios to better suit the riding style. However, the power figures are expected to remain the same- 39.5 bhp at 8,000 rpm and 37.5 Nm of peak torque at 6,500 rpm. The engine will be mated to a 6-speed gearbox.

Image source

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BSA Scrambler 650 Unveiled In The UK, India Launch Soon

BSA Motorcycles is all set to launch the new Scrambler 650 in the UK, and now, car&bike has learnt that the new Scrambler 650 will soon be launched in India as well. The new BSA Scrambler 650 was unveiled last year at the Birmingham Motorcycle Live Show, and is based on the BSA Gold Star 650, in a scrambler-styled derivative. The Scrambler 650 gets 19/17 inch wire spoke wheels with Pirelli Scorpion Rally STR tyres, along with typical scrambler styling like a raised front fender, headlight grille and flat, raised handlebar.

 

Also Read: BSA Bantam 350 Unveiled

Other scrambler elements include the racing number plate styled side panels, flat bench seat, and single-pod instrument console. The BSA Scrambler 650 will be powered by the same 652 cc, big bore, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine of the Gold Star 650, and is expected to put out similar figures – 45 bhp at 6,000 rpm and 55 Nm of peak torque at 4,000 rpm. The 5-speed gearbox will also be retained, but there could be changes to the gearing to suit the scrambler personality. 

 

Also Read: BSA Scrambler 650 Unveiled At Birmingham Motorcycle Live

 

So far, there’s no word of the ground clearance or suspension travel, while braking hardware includes a single 320 mm front disc with Brembo twin-piston floating caliper up front, and a single 255 mm disc with Brembo single-piston caliper on the rear wheel. Dual-channel ABS is standard. 

 

Also Read: BSA Gold Star 650 Review

BSA has also unveiled the new BSA Bantam 350, which is based on the Jawa 42 FJ, but the Bantam 350 is unlikely to be launched in India, considering Classic Legends has several 350 cc models in the Jawa-Yezdi line-up. The Scrambler 650 though, will be launched very soon in India, in fact, within the next few weeks.

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Triumph Thruxton 400 Spotted Undisguised Ahead Of Launch

Triumph’s current 400 cc lineup in India comprises the Scrambler 400 X, the 400 XC, and the Speed 400, along with a more affordable variant of the Speed 400 known as the Speed T4. This lineup is soon going to expand as a cafe racer based on the Speed 400 platform – likely to be called the Thruxton 400 – has been spotted in India in production-ready form. 

 

Also Read: Triumph Scrambler 400 XC Launched At Rs. 2.94 Lakh
 
The Thruxton 400 was initially spotted in India in December 2024, although in a completely camouflaged state. The latest images reveal a version finished in red paint scheme, accented with silver stripes running across the fuel tank and front fairing. Visually, the motorcycle takes clear inspiration from the discontinued Speed Triple 1200 RR, incorporating a half-fairing and clip-on handlebars for a classic café racer silhouette. 

 

The latest images further display bar-end mirrors and a sculpted fuel tank, while earlier spy shots have already confirmed the presence of a classic round headlamp. At the rear, the Thruxton 400 keeps things simple, featuring a compact tail-light and a body-coloured rear cowl which appears to be removable for the addition of a pillion seat, especially since the bike is also equipped with grab rails. Additionally, it is expected to share the same digital-analogue instrument cluster as the Speed 400.  

 

Also Read: Triumph Scrambler 400 XC Review: Style Over Substance

 
It remains unclear what moniker Triumph will choose for this new cafe racer model. However, it will feature the same 398 cc TR-Series engine found in the Speed 400 and Scrambler 400 X. Although there could be adjustments to the gear ratios to better suit the riding style. Otherwise, the engine puts out 39.5 bhp at 8,000 rpm and 37.5 Nm of peak torque at 6,500 rpm, paired with a 6-speed gearbox. 

The Speed 400-based cafe racer is expected to launch later this year, and as far as its prices are concerned, it is likely to slot between the Speed 400, which is currently priced at Rs 2.46 lakh, and the Scrambler 400 X, available at Rs 2.67 lakh (both prices ex-showroom). 

 

Image source
 

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BYD Atto 2 Electric SUV Spotted Testing In India

Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer BYD appears to be gearing up to expand its lineup in India as the BYD Atto 2 was recently spotted testing in the country. The Atto 2 is a compact electric SUV that would sit below the Atto 3 in BYD’s Indian range if introduced. The model was first showcased at the 2025 Brussels Motor Show and has since gone on sale in several European markets.

 

  

Also Read: BYD Atto 2: Five Things To Know About BYD’s Suzuki e-Vitara Rival

 

The Atto 2 is essentially a rebadged version of the BYD Yuan Up, which is sold in China. Although the test vehicle was heavily camouflaged, its overall silhouette appears to be in line with the Atto 2 sold overseas. If it remains the same as the global model, the Atto 2 measures 4,310 mm in length, 1,830 mm in width, and 1,675 mm in height, putting it in the same category as rivals like the Hyundai Creta EV and the upcoming Maruti Suzuki e-Vitara. 

Though the interior was under wraps, the Atto 2 is expected to feature a 15.6-inch rotating touchscreen infotainment system, a digital instrument cluster, wireless charging, a head-up display, and Level 1 advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS). Moreover, expect the features set to closely mirror that of the Atto 3 sold in the Indian market.  

 

Globally, the Atto 2 is currently available with a 45 kWh battery pack, offering a claimed range of up to 312 km on a full charge. It is powered by a 175 bhp electric motor that drives the front wheels. 

 

Also Read: BYD Rolls Out Its 13 Millionth New Energy Vehicle
 

BYD’s latest addition to its electric vehicle lineup in India is the Sealion 7 SUV, with a starting price of Rs 48.90 lakh (ex-showroom). Alongside the Sealion 7, the company also offers the Seal electric sedan, which begins at Rs 41 lakh. The Atto 3, a compact electric SUV, is priced from Rs 24.99 lakh, while the eMax 7 electric MPV is available starting at Rs 26.90 lakh. These prices are ex-showroom and apply to the base variants of each model.

 

Image source – The Race Monkey

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MG Windsor EV Essence Pro Price Hiked By Rs 21,000

JSW MG Motor India has updated the price of its best-selling electric vehicle, the Windsor EV. The top-spec Essence Pro variant has witnessed a price hike of Rs 21,000, bringing its new ex-showroom cost to Rs 18.31 lakh. Meanwhile, prices for all other variants remain unchanged. The Windsor EV is currently available at a starting price of Rs 14 lakh, going up to Rs 18.31 lakh (ex-showroom). 

 

Also Read: MG Windsor EV Pro 52.9 kWh Review: King Of The Range?

The Windsor EV is offered in five variants: Excite, Exclusive, Essence, Exclusive Pro, and Essence Pro. While the top-spec Essence Pro variant has received a price hike, no mechanical or feature updates have been introduced. It continues to be powered by the new 52.9 kWh battery pack, which, on paper, is claimed to provide a range of 449 km on a single charge. The electric motor produces a peak output of 134 bhp and 200 Nm of torque.

 

Also Read: MG M9 Vs Toyota Vellfire: Specifications, Features, Prices Compared

 
The Pro variants of the Windsor EV benefit from additional features such as vehicle-to-load (V2L) and vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) charging, which means the Windsor EV Pro could be used as a mobile power source.  Moreover, it also features Level 2 advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) with functions including traffic jam assist, lane departure prevention, autonomous emergency braking and adaptive cruise control. 
 
The top-spec variant is offered with six exterior paint schemes and a dual-tone interior theme.  

 

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Honda N-One e: Revealed As Brand’s Smallest EV Yet; Has Range Of Up To 270 KM

Honda has unveiled its newest and most compact electric vehicle in its home market. Named N-One e:, the tiny electric car has an estimated driving range of 270 kilometres and can even power a home! The production-spec N-one e: is the everyday version of the Super EV Concept, which debuted at the Goodwood Festival of Speed.  

 

Also Read: Honda City Sport CVT Launched At Rs 14.89 Lakh: Here’s What’s Different

 
The N-One e: is a tall, box-shaped electric car with flat sides and an upright profile. It features round headlights and rectangular taillights. Honda has yet to reveal full specifications, but the compact hatch is unlikely to exceed 3.4 metres in length, considering the strict kei car regulations in Japan. Moreover, it seems to feature dual charging ports at the front, positioned either side of the Honda logo. 

 
For the interior of N-One e:, Honda has taken a straightforward approach, but far from plain. Honda has sprinkled an abundance of physical buttons with the gear selector positioned on the sloping centre console and the electric parking brake sitting beside. However, the standout feature is the vehicle-to-load (V2L) capability, which allows the car to supply electricity to devices and appliances, as well as its vehicle-to-home (V2H) charging capability. Furthermore, the rear seats of the five-door compact fold down flat with a 50:50 split for enhanced cargo room.  

 

Also Read: VinFast Opens First Showroom In India At Surat

 
Additionally, a recessed shelf runs along the dashboard, providing extra storage space. Higher trim levels are equipped with a free-standing touchscreen infotainment system. Although Honda has only confirmed the vehicle’s 270 km driving range, several visible features include cruise control, lane-keep assist, ventilated front seats, multiple drive modes, hill hold assist, USB charging ports and more.  
 
Honda plans to launch the N-one e: in Japan in September this year, with bookings starting on August 1. 

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2025 Renault Triber vs Maruti Suzuki Ertiga: How The Two Affordable MPVs Compare?

With the arrival of the 2025 Renault Triber facelift, the budget MPV space is heating up once again. And naturally, the question arises that how does it stack up against the ever-popular Maruti Suzuki Ertiga? Both these MPVs cater to the family-first buyer, offer decent space and practicality, and promise great value. But they go about it in completely different ways. So, here’s a quick lowdown comparing the two head-to-head.

 

Design & Dimensions

The Ertiga is the bigger car here, longer, wider, and with a longer wheelbase. So, it naturally helps it to accommodate passengers better, especially in the third row. It also looks more premium thanks to its chrome accents and well-proportioned styling. But don’t write off the Triber just yet. Despite its sub-4 metre footprint, Renault’s MPV manages to squeeze out three rows without looking like a cramped shoebox. And the third row isn’t half too bad either. 

 

Also Read: New Renault Triber Makes India Debut; Launched At Rs 6.29 Lakh

The 2025 update gives it sharper LED lighting, which is much more modern than the simple design of the outgoing version. It also gets a revised grille, taking cues from the international Renault family with a new logo upfront. At the back, the smoked finish to the taillamps also adds to the fresh appeal. 

The Ertiga, on the other hand, hasn’t gotten any significant changes since the second-gen model arrived. It soldiers on strongly with its MPV stance, rounded off with a smooth and familiar design.

 

Cabin & Practicality

On the inside, the Ertiga offers a more upmarket cabin, with beige-finishes, wooden insert materials in the higher variants, and a bigger infotainment screen. The 7-seater layout is more usable for adults, and the boot space with the third row up is better than the Triber; however, the Triber punches way above its weight in modularity. The ultra-flexible third row is removable, the second row slides and reclines, and Renault offers clever storage spots throughout. If you're a family of five who needs occasional 7-seater flexibility, the Triber’s interior is arguably more versatile.

 

Also Read: Renault Triber Facelift: Variants Explained

 

Features & Tech

Both MPVs are pretty neck and neck when it comes to the essentials—touchscreens, smartphone connectivity, rear AC vents, and steering-mounted controls. The Ertiga, being the pricier car, gets a few extra goodies like a better SmartPlay infotainment system, connected car tech in top trims, and more airbags. The 2025 Triber now gets a digital instrument cluster, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and auto climate control, which was missing in the outgoing version.

The Ertiga gets dual airbags as standard, with up to four on higher trims, along with ESP, hill hold, and ISOFIX mounts. The 2025 Triber facelift now matches that with standard ESP, hill start assist, TPMS, and four airbags on the top variant, making both reasonably safe for their segment.

 

Powertrain

Under the hood, the Ertiga gets a 1.5L mild hybrid petrol engine paired with either a 5speed manual or a 6speed automatic. It’s smooth, refined, and great for long-distance cruising. There’s also a factory fit CNG option, which is a huge plus for fleet buyers or mileage conscious families.

The Triber is still powered by a 1.0L naturally aspirated 3-cylinder engine, paired with either a 5-speed manual or AMT. It’s more suited to city commuting than highway sprints. While the Ertiga wins on outright performance and drivability, the Triber claws back points with its better fuel efficiency and ease of manoeuvring in tight spaces.

Some may complain about the lack of a powertrain change in the new Triber. It needed either a turbo or a higher displacement. But spending time with the Triber makes you realise that the real-life usability of the Triber does not need a bigger, more powerful powertrain. The three-pot packs in enough punch for everyday usability and won’t leave you wanting for more. 

 

Price & Value

That’s a significant price gap, and it reflects the different buyers these two MPVs are targeting. The Triber is suited for first-time car buyers or families upgrading from hatchbacks. It offers the flexibility of a 7-seater without breaking the bank. Meanwhile, the Ertiga is more of a complete family car, with better power, space, and a more premium experience, while not burning a big hole in your pocket. 

If your priorities are budget, urban practicality, and flexibility, the 2025 Renault Triber still makes a compelling case. It’s the cleverer of the two in terms of packaging and value. But if you’re looking for a proper 7-seater that can comfortably haul the family with luggage, and you don’t mind spending the extra bucks, the Maruti Suzuki Ertiga is still the benchmark in this segment.

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Maruti Suzuki Fronx Now Gets Six Airbags As Standard; Prices Hiked

The Maruti Suzuki Fronx has become the latest model from the auto giant to feature six airbags as standard. This announcement comes just a few days after the XL6 received the same update in India. As expected, the prices of the Fronx have also gone up slightly for nearly all variants, by 0.5 per cent, now ranging from Rs 7.59 lakh to Rs 12.95 lakh. The Fronx is expected to become the last vehicle from Maruti Suzuki to receive six airbags as standard. The remainder of the vehicles that are yet to be updated are likely to either be phased out or maintained as it is due to affordability concerns. 

 

Also Read: Maruti Suzuki XL6 Now Comes With Six Airbags As Standard; Prices Hiked

Prices for the Fronx now range from Rs 7.59 lakh to Rs 12.95 lakh

 

A senior Maruti Suzuki official had recently confirmed that only 97 per cent of Maruti’s existing passenger car portfolio will have six airbags as standard. The vehicles in Maruti Suzuki’s portfolio that are yet to get six airbags as standard as of now include the S-Presso hatchback, Ignis, and the Ciaz sedan. The Ciaz sedan, which has long been on sale without any comprehensive updates, will soon be discontinued, while the Ignis and S Presso will miss out on this, likely owing to concerns about affordability. 

 

Also Read: Maruti Suzuki Baleno, Ertiga Get 6 Airbags As Standard; Prices Hiked
 

Maruti Suzuki has been rolling out this update for most of the cars in its portfolio. This is in response to a yet-to-be-imposed government norm which will mandate six airbags in all cars sold across India. Models such as the Alto K10, Eeco van, Brezza subcompact SUV, the Celerio and Wagon R have also been updated, and currently offer this safety feature. 

 

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