New CAFE-3 Draft Norms Retain Benefits For Hybrids; Incentives For Small Cars, Flex Fuel Vehicles Proposed

The Bureau of Energy Efficiency has issued new draft norms for the upcoming new Corporate Average Fuel Efficiency 3 (CAFE 3) regulations set to come into effect from 2027. The draft proposes new incentives for small cars, CNG vehicles, and flex-fuel vehicles, while also proposing the continuation of incentives for strong hybrid vehicles. The latest proposal also drops the mention of Hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs), which originally found a mention in the 2024 draft.

 

Also read: Supreme Court Shuts Down PIL On Ethanol-Free Petrol
 

Small petrol cars weighing under 909 kg unladen to get CO2 g/km computation benefits

 

Starting with hybrids, while the original draft from 2024 had suggested a reduction in incentives for CO2 calculations, the new draft retains the existing incentives under the CAFE 2 norms. While the original 2024 draft document proposed reducing the volume derogation factor on PHEVs from 2.5 to 2 and on strong hybrids from 2 to 1.2, the new draft norms maintains the levels from CAFE 2. The new draft also calls for further segregation for strong hybrids, with flex-fuel powered strong hybrids falling in the same category as PHEVs.
 

Furthermore, a new category for flex fuel vehicles has been created with a volume derogation factor of 1.5.

 

Also Read: Ethanol Blending: SIAM Assures Warranties Of Non-E20 Compliant Vehicles Will Be Honoured

 

Strong hybrids to get CO2 set-off in line with current CAFE 2 regulations; flex fuel strong hybrids to also get carbon neutrality factor benefits.

 

A volume derogation factor is essentially a regulatory adjustment that allows for increased allowance for CO2 computation under the CAFE guidelines.
 

Additionally, the new draft also calls for the implementation of a carbon neutrality factor on certain vehicle categories. The carbon neutrality factor is essentially a discount on the manufacturer-declared CO2 levels of a motor vehicle. Petrol cars running on E20 to E30 grade petrol will get an up to eight per cent set-off while CNG vehicles will be offered a set-off of up to five per cent. Flex fuel vehicles - including flex-fuel powered strong hybrids, will attract a carbon neutrality factor of 22.3 per cent on CO2 tailpipe emissions.
 

Also read: Ethanol Now More Expensive Than Petrol; Improves Performance: Govt
 

Flex fuel vehicles to get the highest benefits under the proposed Carbon Neutrality Factor. 

 

Furthermore, small petrol cars will be allowed ‘a further reduction of 3.0 g CO2/km’, subject to a cap of 9.0 g CO2/km, in their manufacturer-declared CO2 performance for CAFE computation. The document defines these as vehicles measuring under 4000 mm in length, having an engine capacity not exceeding 1,200 cc and having an unladed weight of up to 909 kg. This should be beneficial, particularly in the budget end of the mass market segments.
 

The document also states that from 2026, manufacturers will be required to compute g CO2/km of each vehicle based on the Mixed Indian Driving Cycle (MIDC) and Worldwide Harmonized Light Vehicles Test Procedure (WLTP)testing procedures. Manufacturers will also be required to report Fuel Consumption in litres per 100 km. The document also details the computation matrices for the varying calculations required.

from carandbike - News https://ift.tt/fJpGODE
via IFTTT

GST 2.0: Suzuki Hayabusa, GSX-8R, V-Strom 800 DE Prices Hiked By Up To Rs 1.16 Lakh

With the Katana now discontinued, Suzuki India’s big bike portfolio is down to three models: the Hayabusa, GSX-8R and the V-Strom 800 DE. All three fall under the higher GST slab for larger-capacity motorcycles and, as a result, now command a higher price tag than before. Here’s a breakdown of how much each model’s price has been revised. 
 

Model	Pre-GST 2.0 Price	Post-GST 2.0 Price	Difference
GSX-8R	Rs 9,25,000	Rs 9,88,551	Rs 63,551
V-Strom 800 DE	Rs 10,30,000	Rs 11,00,763	Rs 70,763
Hayabusa	Rs 16,90,000	Rs 18,06,107	Rs 1,16,107

 
The GSX-8R earlier carried a price tag of Rs 9.25 lakh (ex-showroom), and post GST revision, it now costs Rs 9.88 lakh, which is an increase of Rs 63,551. The V-Strom 800 DE has also seen an upward revision from Rs 10.30 lakh to Rs 11.00 lakh, making it costlier by Rs 70,763. Meanwhile, the flagship Hayabusa has crossed the Rs 18 lakh mark, with its price rising from Rs 16.90 lakh to Rs 18.06 lakh, which is a difference of Rs 1.16 lakh.

 

Also Read: Suzuki Motorcycles & Scooters Get More Affordable After GST 2.0

 

All three of Suzuki’s big bikes were updated earlier this year, with changes limited to new colour schemes and compliance with the OBD-2B norms.  

 

The GSX-8R draws power from a 776 cc, liquid-cooled, parallel-twin engine, which is the same motor that also does duty on the V-Strom 800 DE. It produces 82 bhp at 8,500 rpm and 78 Nm of torque at 6,800 rpm, paired with a six-speed gearbox. The Hayabusa, meanwhile, has a 1,340 cc liquid-cooled inline-four engine, punching out 187 bhp at 9,700 rpm and 150 Nm of peak torque at 7,000 rpm, also mated to a six-speed gearbox. 

 

Also Read: 2025 Suzuki Access Review: Still The 125 cc King?

 

While the larger models have seen a rise in prices under GST 2.0, Suzuki’s sub-350 cc lineup, including both scooters and motorcycles, has moved in the opposite direction. These smaller models have become more affordable, with price cuts of up to Rs 18,024 as the company passes on the benefits of the revised tax rates to customers.

 

All prices mentioned are ex-showroom and vary from city to city.

from carandbike - News https://ift.tt/5E9G7jC
via IFTTT

GST 2.0: Honda CB650R, CBR650 Prices Increased By Up To Rs 76,000

The updated GST structure has worked out in favour of entry-level cars and smaller two-wheelers, but it’s the big bike segment that ends up bearing the brunt of the changes. Honda’s sub-350cc offerings have gone cheaper; on the other hand, the BigWing range of larger motorcycles has been affected post-GST 2.0, and the 650 cc twins are no exception. Both the CB650R and the CBR650R now come with noticeably higher price tags. 
 

Model	Pre-GST 2.0 Price	Post-GST 2.0 Price	Difference
CB650R	Rs 9,60,000	Rs 10,30,269	Rs 70,269
CBR650R	Rs 10,40,000	Rs 11,16,127	Rs 76,127

The CB650R is Honda’s neo-retro naked and was earlier priced at Rs 9.60 lakh (ex-showroom). It now costs Rs 10.30 lakh, which makes it dearer by Rs 70,269. Its fully faired sibling, the CBR650R, has climbed from Rs 10.40 lakh to Rs 11.16 lakh, becoming more expensive by Rs 76,127. 

 

Also Read: GST 2.0: Honda Rebel 500, NX500 Prices Hiked By Up To Rs 43,000
 

Honda reintroduced its popular 650 cc twins in India in January 2025. A few months later, updated versions of both bikes arrived with the company’s E-Clutch technology. Subsequently, the base versions were discontinued, and the CB650R and CBR650R are now offered only with the 6-speed E-Clutch system. 
 
Powering both bikes is the same 649 cc, liquid-cooled, in-line four engine punching out 94 bhp at 12,000 rpm and 63 Nm of peak torque at 9,500 rpm.

 

Also Read: GST 2.0 Effect: Honda Bikes, Scooters Get Cheaper By Up To Rs 18,887

 

Honda’s entry-level big bikes – the Rebel 500 and NX500 – have also become more expensive. The Rebel 500 has moved up from Rs 5.12 lakh to Rs 5.49 lakh, while the NX500 now costs Rs 6.33 lakh compared to its earlier Rs 5.90 lakh. That’s an increase of Rs 37,469 and Rs 43,180, respectively.

from carandbike - News https://ift.tt/mu6QJ4a
via IFTTT

GST 2.0: Honda Rebel 500, NX500 Prices Hiked By Up To Rs 43,000

After the government’s recent GST update, Honda’s bigger motorcycles sold through the BigWing network have taken a hit in prices. Entry-level models in the premium range, such as the Rebel 500 cruiser and the NX500 adventure tourer, have become more expensive, with prices hiked by as much as Rs 43,180.

 

Also Read: GST 2.0 Effect: Honda Bikes, Scooters Get Cheaper By Up To Rs 18,887

 

The Rebel 500 is Honda’s mid-capacity cruiser, launched in India in May 2025. It now carries a sticker price of Rs 5.49 lakh (ex-showroom). That’s up from its earlier Rs 5.12 lakh tag, translating to a hike of Rs 37,469. The motorcycle is powered by a 471 cc liquid-cooled parallel-twin engine that makes 45.59 bhp and 43.3 Nm of torque, paired with a six-speed gearbox.

 

Model	Pre-GST 2.0 Price	Post-GST 2.0 Price	Difference
Rebel 500	₹5,12,000	₹5,49,469	₹37,469
NX 500	₹5,90,000	₹6,33,180	₹43,180

 

Also Read: Gadkari Slams Criticism Of E20 Rollout As “Paid Political Campaign
 

The NX500 adventure bike, which arrived in India in January 2024 as the replacement for the CB500X, has also seen a price jump. It now costs Rs 6.33 lakh, up from its earlier Rs 5.90 lakh, a difference of Rs 43,180. The motorcycle carries forward the same underpinnings and 471cc liquid-cooled parallel-twin engine from the CB500X, punching out 47 bhp at 8,600 rpm and 43 Nm at 6,500 rpm. The motor is paired with a six-speed gearbox.

 

Also Read: Honda CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP Launched In India At Rs 28.99 Lakh
 

The tax change hasn’t just affected the Rebel 500 and NX500; all of Honda’s larger-capacity motorcycles (above 350cc) now fall under the revised structure and have become more expensive. The GST Council has moved bikes above 350cc into a new 40 per cent slab, up from the earlier effective rate of about 31 per cent (including cess). 
 

Smaller-capacity models, however, have become cheaper. Honda has passed on the full benefit of the revised rates to customers. With the GST on bikes under 350 cc reduced from 28 per cent to 18 per cent, ex-showroom prices for Honda two-wheelers in this category have gone down by up to Rs 18,887.

 

All prices mentioned are ex-showroom and vary from city to city. 

from carandbike - News https://ift.tt/Vt1KFmI
via IFTTT

VLF Mobster 135 Launched In India At Rs 1.30 Lakh

A new scooter has arrived in the Indian market, and it is named Mobster 135. It is priced at Rs 1.30 lakh (ex-showroom) for the first 2,500 buyers. The model comes from Velocifero, an Italian two-wheeler brand that recently entered India through KAW Veloce Motors. Under the MotoHaus retail network, the company has introduced an electric scooter from VLF and a series of Brixton two-wheelers. The Mobster 135 is VLF’s first petrol-powered scooter for the Indian market.

 

Also Read: Brixton Crossfire 500XC Price Slashed; Now Costs Rs 4.92 Lakh

When it comes to design, the VLF Mobster 135 stands apart from other 125 cc scooters typically seen on Indian roads. The front features a split-headlamp setup paired with a tall visor above the handlebars, while the sides are defined by sharp, angular panels. At the rear, a slim taillamp completes the look. The scooter will be available in four colour options: grey, red, white and yellow.  

 

Also Read: Brixton Cromwell 1200, Cromwell 1200 X: In Pictures

 

On the feature front, the Mobster 135 gets a 5.0-inch TFT display with Bluetooth connectivity option, keyless ignition and switchable traction control.  

 

The Mobster 135 is powered by a 125 cc single-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine and is paired with an Infinitely Variable Transmission (IVT). The scooter makes about 12.1 bhp at 8,250 rpm and 11.7 Nm of torque at 6,500 rpm, with a claimed top speed of 100 kmph and a fuel economy figure of 46 kmpl, while the tank size is rated to be 8 litres.

The scooter has a kerb weight of 122 kg and a 1,341 mm wheelbase. It offers a 797 mm seat height and 155 mm of ground clearance. Stopping power comes from a 230 mm front disc and a 220 mm rear disc, along with dual-channel switchable ABS. Suspension comprises a telescopic front fork and gas-charged twin rear shocks, and the scooter rides on 12-inch tubeless tyres (120/70 12” front, 130/70 12” rear).  

from carandbike - News https://ift.tt/HKRWyGA
via IFTTT

New Skoda Octavia RS India Launch On October 17; 100 Units To Be Imported In 2025

October will witness the launch of an all-new Skoda, as the eagerly anticipated Skoda Octavia RS will finally reach Indian shores next month. Skoda India has confirmed it will open pre-bookings for the spicy sedan on October 6 and announce the price for the Octavia RS on October 17. Ashish Gupta, Brand Director at Skoda Auto India, confirmed to carandbike that deliveries of the Octavia RS will begin on November 6. Gupta also told carandbike the company has decided to import 100 units of the performance sedan to begin with this year, and that it may consider bringing in more cars “based on demand”.

 

Also Read: GST 2.0 Effect: Skoda Kylaq Prices To Be Slashed By Up To Rs 1.19 Lakh From Sept 22

 

Latest RS is based on the facelifted Octavia.

 

“We are [importing] the Octavia RS 245 under the GSR 870 rule; basically, you need to have a UK or Japan specification. So, our cars are UK spec but made in Czech Republic”, Gupta told carandbike during a media interaction.

 

India had its first glimpse of the fourth-generation Octavia RS at the start of 2025, as it was part of Skoda’s impressive Auto Expo display. The launch of the RS will also mark the return of the Octavia nameplate in the Indian market after a near two-and-a-half-year hiatus, with the standard Octavia having been shelved back in 2023. The last time Skoda introduced an Octavia RS in India was all the way back in 2020, when the RS 245 was introduced as a full import, with just 200 units allocated for India.

 

With 261 bhp on tap, this will be the most potent Skoda to come to India till date.

 

The RS coming to India is based on the facelifted Octavia and will be available only in a single variant. While there will be five colours to choose from – Mamba Green, Race Blue, Velvet Red, Magic Black and Candy White – there will be no option to change the 19-inch ‘Elias’ anthracite wheels or add any other equipment to the car.

 

Also Read: Skoda Vision O Electric Concept Unveiled; Previews Future Design Language For Estates

 

Under the hood, the Octavia RS packs a 2.0-litre, four-cylinder TSI petrol engine – paired with a seven-speed DSG automatic – churning out a peak 261 bhp and 370 Nm of torque. Claimed 0-100 kmph acceleration time is 6.4 seconds, and top speed is 250 kmph.

 

All-black interior with suede and leather to emphasise the car's sporty character.

 

The UK-spec Octavia is well-equipped, fitted with a head-up display, 360-degree cameras, 10 airbags, 12.9-inch touchscreen, powered front sports seats with memory, heating and massage functions and a Canton sound system, among other features.  

 

However, it misses out on a sunroof, and lacks dynamic chassis control (DCC), which is available as a Rs 1.44 lakh optional extra in the UK. Gupta explained the company could not make any changes to the standard UK-spec car to adhere to the regulation under which the Octavia RS is being imported into India.

 

Prices for the Octavia RS are expected to be in the range of Rs 50-55 lakh (ex-showroom), which would place it in unique territory with no direct rivals to speak of.

from carandbike - News https://ift.tt/zjM7esi
via IFTTT

Baja Pulsar NS400, Dominar 400 Prices Remain Unchanged Post GST Hike

With the new 40 per cent GST on motorcycles over 350cc coming into effect on Monday, some manufacturers have moved to absorb the additional costs on some popular models in their portfolios. KTM and Triumph, both under Bajaj Auto’s management in India, announced that prices of the Triumph 400 series and the KTM 390s would remain unchanged. Now Bajaj Auto has followed suit for its own in-house models - the Pulsar NS400 and the long-running Dominar 400.
 

Also read: Triumph's 400 Range, KTM's 390 Series Prices Unchanged Despite GST Hike On 350cc+ Motorcycles
 

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Bajaj Pulsar (@mypulsarofficial)

undefined

The Indian two-wheeler manufacturer took to social media to announce that prices for its two largest displacement motorcycles would remain unchanged. The Pulsar NS400 will remain priced from Rs 1.93 lakh (ex-showroom) onward, while prices for the Dominar 400 will continue to start from Rs 2.39 lakh (ex-showroom). The post also showed the effective prices for the models under the GST 2.0 regime - Rs 2.57 lakh for the Dominar 400 and Rs 2.07 lakh for the Pulsar NS200 (both prices, ex-showroom). The company has, however, not said how long the lower prices will remain in effect.
 

Also read: 2025 Bajaj Pulsar NS400Z First Ride Review
 

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Bajaj Dominar (@bajajdominar)

undefined

Both the Dominar 400 and the Pulsar NS400 share the same 373cc, single-cylinder engine used on the older-gen KTM 390s. In the Dominar, the unit has been tuned to deliver nearly 39 bhp and 35 Nm, with the Pulsar’s mill pushed out a stronger 42.4 bhp, though peak torque is the same.
 

Also read: 2025 Bajaj Dominar Review: Is It Still Relevant?
 

Both motorcycles also received updates earlier in the year, with the Pulsar benefiting from a bump up in performance, a new software-based quickshifter and improved brakes. The Dominar, meanwhile, received a new digital instrument cluster with turn-by-turn navigation and, more importantly, a ride-by-wire system replete with ride modes.

from carandbike - News https://ift.tt/AR5NpiE
via IFTTT

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

A few months after the launch of the new SR 175 scooter in India, Aprilia has announced the first special edition based on it - the SR GP Replica 175. Priced at Rs 1.23 lakh (ex-showroom), or around Rs 4,000 more than the standard model (Rs 1.19 lakh post GST 2.0), with the paint scheme being the primary difference.
 

Also read: 2025 Aprilia SR 175 Review
 

As the name suggests, the SR-GP Replica 175 features a livery inspired by Aprilia’s 2025 RS-GP race bikes piloted by Jorge Martin and Marco Bezzecchi in the 2025 MotoGP season. The special edition scooter features a matte black paint finish with red and purple graphics and sponsorship logos inspired by its MotoGP race bikes. The wheels of the scooter are predominantly black with red accents on the channel of the front wheel - another race-bike-inspired paint finish.

Mechanically, the SR-GP Replica gets no updates over the standard model featuring the same 174.7cc, single-cylinder engine delivering a spirited 13 bhp at 7,200 rpm and 14.14 Nm of torque at 6,000 rpm. Suspension duties continue to be handled by a telescopic front fork and a single-arm adjustable rear shock absorber.
 

Also read: Aprilia Tuono 457 Review: Taste the Thunder!
 

Features, too, are unchanged over the standard SR 175, with the GP Replica also packing in single-channel ABS, an LED headlamp, and a 5.5-inch TFT instrument cluster with Bluetooth support.

 

Aprilia says that the SR-GP Replica is now on sale at dealerships across the country, with deliveries also starting with immediate effect.

from carandbike - News https://ift.tt/J2rHjam
via IFTTT

New Hero Xtreme 160R Combat Edition Leaked Ahead Of Launch

The Hero Xtreme 160R 4V appears to be the next Hero motorcycle to receive the Combat Edition treatment, with a video of the model on display emerging online. The 160R Combat edition was displayed alongside several other Hero products, suggesting that the video could be from a dealer event.

 

Also read: GST 2.0 Effect: Hero Scooters, Motorcycles To Get A Price Cut Of Up To Rs 16,000 From Sept 22

 

Starting with the cosmetics, the Xtreme 160R Combat Edition appears to adopt the same matte grey colour scheme as the Xoom 110 & Karizma Combat Editions that came before it, complemented by yellow contrasting graphics. Other differentiators over the standard 160R look to be a new headlamp - similar to the unit on the 250R, replete with the ‘H’ pattern DRL and projector element, and a new coloured digital instrument cluster.

 

Also read: Exclusive: Hero Xtreme 125R To Get Cruise Control

 

The switchgear, too, looks to be updated, though we can’t get a clear look at any feature updates. It however, remains to be seen if the feature updates will be rolled out to the rest of the Xtreme 160R series or be limited to the Combat Edition.
 

Also read: Hero Xtreme 125R Single-Seat Variant Launched At Rs 1 Lakh
 

Mechanically, expect Hero to make no updates to the Xtreme 160R 4V with the same 163 cc, single-cylinder engine good for 16.6 bhp and 14.6 Nm mated to a 5-speed gearbox.

 

Image credit

from carandbike - News https://ift.tt/18jPzQX
via IFTTT

BMW iX5 Hydrogen To Enter Series Production In 2028

BMW has taken another swing at the powertrain game, this time putting hydrogen on equal footing with petrol, diesel, hybrid, and battery-electric power. The Bavarian carmaker has announced that the all-new iX5 Hydrogen will enter series production in 2028, making it the brand’s first hydrogen-powered model available to customers worldwide.

Also Read: GST 2.0: BMW Cars, SUVs Prices Slashed By Up To Rs 13.60 Lakh
 

For the first time, the BMW X5 lineup will feature five drivetrain options. Before the turn of the decade, customers will be able to choose between petrol, diesel, plug-in hybrid, pure EV, and now, a fuel-cell electric powertrain. Building on years of pilot testing, the iX5 Hydrogen will be powered by BMW’s third-generation fuel cell system, which was co-developed with Toyota. This third-gen FCEV powertrain is claimed to be compact, powerful, and more efficient, while also offering a longer range, higher output, and lower energy consumption.

Prototype production is already underway at BMW’s competence centres in Munich, Steyr, and Landshut. Along with series production, BMW will also bring hydrogen mobility as part of its HyMoS (Hydrogen Mobility at Scale) initiative. HyMoS will partner with stakeholders across industries to build local hydrogen ecosystems. These scale-up refuelling stations will be serving demand from trucks, buses, and passenger cars. While pilot programs are already in place in Germany and France, further metropolitan rollouts are planned across the Old Continent.

from carandbike - News https://ift.tt/72yuRSW
via IFTTT

Triumph's 400 Range, KTM's 390 Series Prices Unchanged Despite GST Hike On 350cc+ Motorcycles

With the new GST 2.0 reform rates coming into effect from today, Triumph Motorcycles and KTM India both, operating under the Bajaj Auto’s management, have announced there will be no hike in prices of Triumph’s 400cc models and KTM’s 390 range. As per the new GST structuring, motorcycles with displacement above 350cc will incur a GST rate hike from 31 per cent (28 per cent + 3 per cent cess) to 40 per cent.

 

Also Read: Bajaj Pulsar 150, RS200, NS200 Prices Reduced By Up To Rs 23,000

While there is no mention till when Bajaj Auto would continue to absorb the price increment, it will benefit the respective brands with more footfalls to make the best of the situation. In the Triumph range, all the motorcycle falling in the 400cc category that include the Speed 400, Speed T4, Scrambler 400X, Scrambler 400XC and the recently introduced Thruxton 400 will continue to retail with no change in sticker price. In the case of the KTMs, the 390cc range consisting of the 390 Duke, RC390, Enduro R and Adventure will experience no change in price tag.

 

Also Read: Suzuki Motorcycles & Scooters Get More Affordable After GST 2.0

Notably, the closest rival brand to the above-mentioned motorcycles is Royal Enfield with its Himalayan 450 which is now more expensive that the 390 Adventure X and similar is the case with the Guerrilla 450 with goes up against the Triumph Speed 400.

 

As for the KTM models under 350cc which include the 160 Duke, 200 Duke, 250 Duke and the 250 Adventure, the full benefit of the GST reduction has been directly passed on to buyers, making the motorcycles accessible at more affordable prices.

from carandbike - News https://ift.tt/T0N5f3v
via IFTTT