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TVS Motor Company is all set to launch its latest all-electric scooter in the Indian market. Named the Orbiter, the scooter is expected to be positioned below the currently on-sale iQube as a more accessible offering. Patent filings of the electric scooter, filed in Indonesia, have surfaced previously, giving us an idea of what to expect. This will be the third addition to TVS's electric scooter lineup in India, after the iQube and the TVS X.
TVS’ previous patent images have given us a glimpse of the Orbiter’s design. The scooter will feature a very utilitarian design with boxy and upright proportions while retaining some of the design elements seen on the iQube. These include the edge-to-edge DRL on the front apron and the taillight. The scooter also features a front visor and a horizontal headlamp setup. It is also expected to come with features such as a digital cluster.
When it comes to cycle parts, the suspension set-up is also expected to be quite basic with a telescopic fork up front and twin shocks at the rear. Braking duties are likely to be handled by drum brakes on both ends. The electric motor, meanwhile, looks to be mounted in the rear wheel hub. The powertrain details about the scooter are currently under wraps, with more information to be revealed at the launch event.
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Volvo has pulled the wraps off its all-new XC70, and it’s a big one for the brand. This is the Swedish carmaker’s first long-range plug-in hybrid, capable of delivering over 200km of all-electric driving (CLTC cycle) — the most ever from a Volvo PHEV. And as the name suggests, it slots in between the high-selling XC60 and the flagship XC90.
Built on the new Scalable Modular Architecture (SMA) platform, the XC70 has been designed with one goal: to offer the benefits of electric driving, without the anxiety of going fully electric, states Volvo. As per the stat sheet, on a single charge, the XC70 can handle most daily commutes tailpipe-emission-free.
Add in its combustion engine, and you’re looking at a combined range of over 1,200km. Charging is quick too — 0–80% in just 23 minutes — and bi-directional charging means you can even power camping gear or appliances directly from the car.
While the nameplate isn’t exactly new, as everyone is still a closet fan of the XC70 station wagon, this new one is yet another SUV. Carrying the new design language, there’s a closed grille with active shutters that improve aerodynamics, while the C-shaped taillights blend into the glass for a sleek rear profile. Inside, it’s all about premium comfort: high-quality materials, smart storage, and a cabin designed that feel modern and high-tech.
The XC70 is loaded with digital toys: a 15.4-inch centre display, a 12.3-inch driver’s screen, and even an optional 92-inch AR head-up display. Connectivity includes an AI voice assistant, remote functions via the Volvo Cars app, and OTA software updates to keep it fresh. Equipped with the Safe Space Technology, the XC70 packs radars, cameras, and sensors to prevent accidents and protect road users. It includes smart aids like automatic lane change assist, park pilot assist, and even door-opening alerts to stop cyclists from getting doored in traffic.
The new Volvo XC70 feels like a sweet spot between today’s hybrids and tomorrow’s EVs — long electric range, fast charging, and the benefits of a conventional petrol engine. It’s a smart bridge product for markets like China, where it’s already open for pre-orders, with Europe set to follow. Will it come to India? We will have to wait a bit longer for that.
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TVS Motor Company is all set to launch its latest all-electric scooter in the Indian market. Named the Orbiter, the scooter is expected to be positioned below the currently on-sale iQube as a more accessible offering. Patent filings of the electric scooter, filed in Indonesia, have surfaced previously, giving us an idea of what to expect. This will be the third addition to TVS's electric scooter lineup in India, after the iQube and the TVS X.
TVS’ previous patent images have given us a glimpse of the Orbiter’s design. The scooter will feature a very utilitarian design with boxy and upright proportions while retaining some of the design elements seen on the iQube. These include the edge-to-edge DRL on the front apron and the taillight. The scooter also features a front visor and a horizontal headlamp setup. It is also expected to come with features such as a digital cluster.
When it comes to cycle parts, the suspension set-up is also expected to be quite basic with a telescopic fork up front and twin shocks at the rear. Braking duties are likely to be handled by drum brakes on both ends. The electric motor, meanwhile, looks to be mounted in the rear wheel hub. The powertrain details about the scooter are currently under wraps, with more information to be revealed at the launch event.
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The BYD Yangwang U9 Track Edition has just become the fastest all-electric production car in the world after setting a record. The electric hypercar, which was tested in Papenburg, Germany achieved a top speed of 472.41 kmph. The vehicle was piloted by German racing driver Marc Basseng. The U9 Track Edition is an even more powerful version of the Yangwang U9, which has in recent times, made headlines for its list of innovative features.
BYD says that the U9 Track Edition produces a combined power output of 2959 bhp
The U9 Track Edition is powered by a quad electric motor setup that produces an astronomical combined power output of 2959 bhp. This makes it one of the most powerful production cars in the world, with a power-to-weight ratio of 1200 bhp per tonne. The vehicle also has many other firsts to its name, including a 1200 V ultra-high voltage platform. Other features on the EV include a torque vectoring system and an intelligent body control system.
The tyres on the U9 Track Edition have been developed in collaboration with Giti, a Singapore-based tyre firm, which developed a semi-slick track-focused tyre exclusively for the vehicle. The Track Edition also gets a range of enhancements over the standard model, which include a new front splitter for better aerodynamics, along with a carbon fibre roof. While visually similar to the U9, the Track Edition also gets a special paint scheme with racing stripes and numbering.
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Eight years after rolling out the first-gen T-Roc, Volkswagen is back with the second-generation version. This time around, it’s a bit bigger in size and gets a fully revamped interior. Moreover, the second-gen model also introduces a strong hybrid powertrain – something new for the VW Group – alongside refreshed mild-hybrid options. While VW says this new T-Roc was built from the ground up, it appears to share many similarities with the Golf, albeit in an SUV form.
Also Read:Volkswagen Tiguan R-Line Review: Function Takes Form
Starting with the design, the new T-Roc follows the styling cues of Volkswagen’s latest models. At the front, it sports angular headlights connected by a full-width lightbar. Just below, there’s a large air intake with a honeycomb pattern and chunky cladding on either side. As for the profile, the new T-Roc features some creases, while the alloy wheels on both the standard and R models receive a new design.
To the rear, it gets a full-width taillight with horizontal lighting elements, along with the illuminated Volkswagen logo, which also appears up front. The sloping roofline is still part of the design, keeping the T-Roc’s familiar shape. As expected with a new generation, the latest model has grown in size. It now measures 4373 mm in length, which is 122 mm longer than the previous version. Moreover, the wheelbase has also been extended to 2631 mm, up by 28 mm.
Also Read:Volkswagen Golf GTI Launched In India At Rs 53 Lakh
Volkswagen says that the new T-Roc’s interior is now on par with models like the Tiguan and Tayron. Most physical controls – including the AC controls – in the centre console have been moved into the touchscreen, which comes in either 10.4 or 12.9 inches, depending on the variant. The centre console gets a rotary-style touch controller sitting between the engine start/stop button and electronic parking brake.
The top-spec R-Line trim comes with an all-black interior featuring R badging on the seats and steering wheel, while the standard version gets a lighter dual-tone cabin with contrasting shades. Moreover, the gear lever is gone from the centre console and in its place, there’s now a column-mounted shifter.
Following the Tiguan and Tayron, the new T-Roc is the third Volkswagen SUV built on the latest version of VW's MQB evo platform. This platform includes updated hardware and software features, such as upgraded ADAS, Travel Assist that supports automatic lane changes. The new T-Roc also introduces Park Assist Pro, which uses a memory function to perform fully automatic parking over distances up to 50 meters and allows the vehicle to be moved into and out of parking spaces using a smartphone.
In the European market, the new T-Roc will come standard with mild hybrid turbo petrol engines. At launch, two 48V mild hybrid 1.5 eTSI versions will be available, producing 114 bhp and 148 bhp. Down the line, Volkswagen will introduce two new full hybrid systems, both featuring front-wheel drive.
Like before, the new T-Roc will offer all-wheel drive paired with a 2.0-litre TSI engine, which will also have a mild hybrid variant (mHEV). A high-performance T-Roc R model is also planned, states VW. All mild hybrid 1.5 and 2.0 engines come equipped with a 7-speed dual-clutch gearbox.
The Volkswagen T-Roc was launched in India in 2020 as a compact premium SUV and in limited numbers, under the 2,500 car import rule. Given that Volkswagen has already brought in models like the Tiguan R-Line and Golf GTI to India, there’s a possibility the new-gen T-Roc could make its way here in the future. If it does, it would likely arrive as a CBU like its predecessor, targeting a niche audience.
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Maruti Suzuki has commenced producing hybrid battery packs for the Grand Vitara at its Hansalpur facility in Gujarat. This production now includes the local manufacturing of electrodes, which were previously imported. The plant aims to achieve over 80 per cent of the battery’s value through production within India.
The TDSG (TDS Li-Ion Battery Gujarat) plant, a joint venture between Toshiba, Denso, and Suzuki, is producing batteries specifically for Maruti Suzuki’s hybrid vehicles. This facility represents the start of manufacturing lithium-ion batteries and cells with electrode-level localisation for hybrid vehicles in India. Most components are made locally, with only raw materials and some semiconductor parts imported from Japan.
The Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara is available as a mild-hybrid with a 1.5-litre petrol engine (102 bhp) and manual or automatic transmission, and as a strong-hybrid combining a 1.5-litre petrol engine (91 bhp) with an electric motor (79 bhp) for a total of 114 bhp, using an e-CVT gearbox.
The Hansalpur plant has also started production of the e-Vitara, Maruti Suzuki’s first fully electric model. It will come with two battery options: 49 kWh and 61 kWh. The base models feature a front-wheel-drive setup with a 142 bhp, 192.5 Nm motor, while higher variants offer 172 bhp. According to WLTP, the 49 kWh version delivers up to 346 km of range, and the 61 kWh single-motor model offers 428 km of range.
Suzuki Motor Corporation has also announced an investment of Rs 70,000 crore in India over the next five to six years.
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The production of the Nissan GT-R R35 has officially come to an end, with the last unit rolling off the production line in Japan. This marked the end of a production run spanning almost two decades, with around 48,000 units produced and sold worldwide. Japan was the last market to close the order books for the GT-R, with other markets including Europe, North America and Australia having retired the model over the past few years.
The final unit, a Premium Edition T-Spec finished in Midnight Purple will now be headed to its owner in Japan.
The story of the R35 GT-R started at the 2001 Tokyo Motor Show, where it was first shown as a concept, with the production model debuting at the same motor show in 2007. Sales in Japan started by late 2007 with the car entering GT500 racing in Japan in 2008. Over the years, Nissan made incremental changes to the GT-R, tweaking handling, suspension, power output and more while also introducing more performance-focused models such as the GT-R Nismo in 2013 and special editions to mark 45 years and 50 years of the GT-R nameplate.
In its stock setup, the latest Nissan GT-R’s 3.8-litre twin-turbo V6 petrol engine pushed out 565 bhp - up from the 2007 GT-R’s 473 bhp. The Nismo upped the ante even further with 600 bhp on tap. Power was sent to all four wheels via Nissan’s famed ATESA-ETS all-wheel drive system and a 6-speed automatic gearbox across all model years.
The R35 GT-R also saw success on the track, winning 5 Super GT 500 Series championships, 3 Super GT300 series championships, the 2015 Bathurst 12 hours, and 5 Super Takyu series championships. The sports car also set multiple Nurburgring lap records, posting a time of 7 min 38 seconds in 2007 in damp conditions and improving to 7 min 29 seconds the following year. These times continued to improve till November 2013 when the GT-R Nismo set a time of 7 min 8.679 seconds - the fastest time posted by the R35. A specially tuned R35 also set a Guinness World Record for the world’s fastest drift in 2016 at a speed of 304.96 kmph.
However, while the sun sets on the R35 GT-R, Nissan has confirmed that the iconic nameplate will return sometime in the future. Speaking about the sports car, new Nissan CEO Ivan Espinosa said, “We understand the expectations are high, the GT-R badge is not something that can be applied to just any vehicle; it is reserved for something truly special and the R35 set the bar high. So, all I can ask is for your patience. While we don’t have a precise plan finalised today, the GT-R will evolve and reemerge in the future.”
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Driving in the rain is one of those underrated pleasures that we don’t talk about much. The rhythm of the wipers, the scent of the wet earth, and the dance of those rain droplets on the window, it all just slows you down, that too in the best way. But what I like is not the drizzle. The real thing. Monsoon, in its full glory, it changes everything.
Every year, I chase this moment. Just a short drive out where the rain feels real. This time, I was heading out from Mumbai to a beautiful windmill farm near Nashik, which is a heaven during monsoon. But before I left the city to hit the hills, I did what every driver must do ahead of going on a road trip in the monsoon - get your car checked!
Risks of Driving In The Rain
Preparation is what turns a rainy drive into pure joy
Now, driving in the rain might appear very romantic in photos, but it’s not always pretty, especially in our country. Visibility drops fast, roads stay wet for hours, braking takes longer, and these are just some of the things that you need to worry about. And I am not even getting into things like bad road conditions and flooding.
As for aquaplaning? That can happen even at 50 or 60 kilometres an hour, which is why your tyres, wipers, and brakes need to be in top shape. So, before this drive, I dropped by the Volvo service centre for a monsoon-ready check-up.
Getting Monsoon Ready!
Monsoon drive begins with a Volvo XC90 check at the service centre
The tyres are the first thing that gets checked. Anything less than 2 mm of tread depth and you’re risking grip in the wet. Next, and obviously so, are the brakes. You want them to bite, not fade – to enhance control in emergencies. Wipers wear out faster than you think, especially in our dusty cities, so if they are not in optimal condition, then get them replaced. Also, just water won’t do the trick; you need a full tank of washer fluid to clean up all the gunk that builds up on our windscreens during the rains.
Tyres inspected tread depth above 2 mm means grip in the wet
And don’t forget the lights - they’re your visibility, especially in city traffic or a foggy, wet climb. So, ensure everything – headlight, taillights, indicators, emergency lights all are functioning properly.
The washer fluid needs to be topped up if you want a safe drive on a misty highways
Next, you get inside the cabin. Here it’s all about staying dry and seeing clearly, and a clogged air filter fogs up your windows fast - I got mine replaced. I also made sure the AC and defogger were syncing properly. Switch on both if your windshield fogs up. And leave the air on ‘fresh’ mode and not ‘recirculate’ when the cabin starts to feel humid.
With the XC90 all ready to take on the monsoon, it’s now time to get back on the road!
The Road Trip Begins
Volvo XC90 AWD is ready to take on wet, winding roads
Now that you have done the needful, once back on the road, the car will take care of things for you. And as I wished, the road trip was graced with a proper downpour for most of it. The highway drive was a smooth sail, all thanks to the prep work. However, during the monsoon, one must aim to keep things simple. Slow down, leave more space, and stay off the cruise control.
Defog mode ON. Cabin fresh, visibility clear. Little details make big differences in the rain
Once I hit the rough patch, I knew the XC90 could handle whatever I threw at it. But, despite its all-wheel drive (AWD) capabilities, I avoided the puddles that I couldn’t gauge. And whenever visibility dropped, the fog lamps came on. However, remember to skip the high beam; the lights will just reflect back in the rain.
Foggy ghats? Time to trust the XC90’s fog lamps & 360-degree view camera
Now, cars like the Volvo XC90 get things like electronic stability and traction systems as part of standard fitment, but driving smooth and steady? That’s your responsibility.
The Destination!
Four hours after I left Mumbai, I finally reached my destination – the Ekdare Windmill Farm – one of the most scenic spots in Maharashtra. The drive up-hill on the treacherous trails would have been intimidating, but the grip and control offered by the XC90 made things easy. And the 360-degree view camera was simply a boon.
Four hours later — windmills spinning slowly through the mist. Worth every drop of rain
And once I had a glimpse of those massive turbines spinning slowly in the drizzle, it struck me. There was something poetic about this moment. I was amidst machines that were made to weather the storm, just like the one I drove here in. And the car? Dry cabin. Zero stress. No unexpected squeaks, slips, or warning lights. That’s the thing about preparation. It doesn’t just make the drive safer - it makes it easier to enjoy.
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TVS Motor Company has added a new variant to its Raider lineup, the Super Squad Edition, priced at Rs 99,465 (ex-showroom). This edition draws its visual inspiration from popular Marvel characters, featuring two new themes: one based on Deadpool, showcasing a black and red colour scheme, and the other on Wolverine, featuring a combination of light blue and black.
This latest variant includes TVS’ iGO assist system and Glide Through Traffic (GTT) technology. With the addition of the Super Squad Edition, the Raider range now comprises six variants, placing this new model just below the top-spec SX variant.
Nothing has changed under the skin as it continues with a 124.8cc engine, which makes 11.22 bhp and 11.3 Nm of torque, but the ISG adds a temporary torque boost in Power mode, increasing it to 11.75 Nm. According to TVS, this improves fuel efficiency by up to 10 per cent compared to other Raider variants. The engine remains paired with a five-speed gearbox.
The motorcycle retains its standard suspension setup with telescopic forks at the front and a monoshock at the rear. Braking is managed by a disc brake at the front and a drum brake at the rear, while 17-inch wheels remain standard.
Maruti Suzuki has commenced production of its first-ever EV, the e Vitara, in India. The first shipments of the e Vitara will be headed to the UK soon. The list of dignitaries who attended the function included Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, and Keiichi Ono, Ambassador of Japan. The SUV, which was showcased at the 2025 Bharat Mobility Expo, will be manufactured at Maruti Suzuki’s Hansalpur plant in Gujarat. The EV will be exported to over 100 countries, which include the UK, where the vehicle is currently on sale at a starting price of £29,999 (around Rs 35 lakh).
Talking at the venue, Toshihiro Suzuki, Representative Director & President, Suzuki Motor Corporation, said, “We will export this 'Made-in-India BEV' to over 100 countries, including Japan and Europe. Our 2 nd major milestone is the start of production of India’s first lithium-ion battery and cell with electrode-level localisation, which are used in our hybrid vehicles. These are being manufactured at the Toshiba Denso Suzuki plant here. With only raw material and some semi-conductor parts coming from Japan, this is a big salute to Atmanirbhar Bharat. We will use a multi-powertrain strategy, including Electric, Strong Hybrid, ethanol flex fuel, and compressed biogas, to achieve carbon neutrality and climate change goals. Suzuki will invest over 70 thousand crore rupees in India over the next 5 to 6 years. Honourable Prime Minister, Suzuki has proudly partnered in India’s mobility journey for over four decades.”
Originally slated to go into production by May 2025, plans to launch the e Vitara were delayed due to unknown reasons, despite the start of dispatches to Nexa dealers in India. In a previous earnings call, RC Bhargava, Chairman, Maruti Suzuki India Limited, had stated that domestic sales of the car would start before the end of September and that annual production for this year will be somewhere near 70,000 [units], the bulk of which will be exported.
The list of features offered in the e Vitara will include ambient lighting, Harman sound system, ventilated seats, and a 10-way power-adjustable driver seat. Safety features include seven airbags as standard and Level 2 advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS). The ADAS suite includes features such as a 360-degree camera, lane keep assist, and adaptive cruise control.
When it comes to powertrain options, the e Vitara will be offered with either a 49 kWh or 61 kWh battery pack. Front-wheel drive is standard with a 142 bhp and 192.5 Nm motor integrated into the front axle in the lower-spec models. Higher variants get a stronger 172 bhp on tap. According to the WLTP testing cycle, the 49 kWh variant offers a range of up to 346 km, while the 61 kWh version can go up to 428 km in its single-motor, two-wheel-drive configuration. The UK market also gets a dual motor, 4WD variant with the same 61 kWh battery, offering a range of up to 412 km.
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The latest iteration of the HyundaiVenue has been spotted testing yet again ahead of its launch on October 24. The latest set of spy images gives us a first look at the SUV’s interior, which appears to be completely revamped from the outgoing model. Previous images of the new Venue’s test mules have also given a glimpse at the subcompact SUV's design. The launch of the new Venue will happen six years after the SUV was introduced in the Indian market.
According to the images, the interior of the new Venue will sport a similar layout to some newer Hyundais, which include the Verna, Creta and Alcazar. Sitting atop the dashboard is a curved panoramic display unit which combines the screens for the infotainment screen and digital instruments cluster under a single bezel. The steering wheel appears to be the same unit as the one in the Verna. Other features that are expected to be offered in the model include a panoramic sunroof, Level 2 ADAS and a wireless charger.
The front end of the new Venue will feature a split lighting setup, with a new full-width daytime-running lamp at the top, and vertically stacked headlight units that flank the grille. The lower lighting units also feature separate, angular daytime-running lamps. The silhouette of the Venue appears to have been hardly changed, according to the images. The rear end, meanwhile, appears to get a new connected taillamp unit with new signatures.
On the powertrain front, the new Venue is likely to retain the same crop of engines from the current-gen SUV. These include naturally aspirated petrol, turbo-petrol and diesel engine options. Hyundai could also offer a CNG powertrain option for the Indian market.
