Welcome to Gulf News, your premier destination for comprehensive coverage and insights into the dynamic landscape of the Gulf region and beyond. As a trusted source of news and information, we pride ourselves on delivering timely updates, in-depth analysis, and compelling stories that resonate with our diverse audience.
From breaking news to in-depth features, business trends to cultural happenings, sports highlights to technological advancements, Gulf News covers it all with accuracy, integrit
Audi’s next big launch for India is the new-gen Q3, which broke cover globally a few months back. Now, the new Q3 has gone under the hammer and scored a full five stars in the Euro NCAP crash tests. Although the coupe-SUV version hasn’t been tested, the Sportback (which will also make its way to India) is expected to score the same.
Under the test results, the passenger compartment of the Audi Q3 remained stable in the frontal offset test, indicating good protection of the knees and femurs of both the driver and the front seat passenger. A similar level of protection would be provided to occupants of different sizes and to those sitting in different positions.
In the full-width rigid barrier test, there’s marginal chest protection, and the pelvis of the driver dummy slipped beneath the lap portion of the seatbelt, a phenomenon known as ‘submarining’, and a penalty was applied. Besides that, in both the side barrier test and the more severe side pole impact, there’s good protection to all critical body areas, and it scored maximum points in this part of the assessment. Also, the seats and headrests are designed to provide good whiplash protection in case of a rear-end collision.
Part of Audi’s new safety tech, the test car had an eCall system, which alerts the emergency services in the event of a crash. Even the other ADAS tech performed up to the test standards, according to the report. Overall, it scored an impressive 35 points (87%) for adult occupant protection, and child occupant protection scored 42.5 points (86%), with good performance in frontal and lateral impacts. Vulnerable road users received a score of 51.0 points (80%), indicating effective protection for pedestrians and cyclists.
When it arrives in India next year, the third-generation Q3 will see some firsts for the German brand, offering Matrix LED tech, as well as OLED technology, apart from the options of both mild-hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains. With a bump in price, the next one will go head-to-head with the BMW X1 and Mercedes-Benz GLA, both of which will feel outdated next to the new Q3.
from carandbike - News https://ift.tt/MO6S1Nm
via IFTTT
TVS Motor Company has officially jumped into the adventure motorcycle game in India with the launch of the all-new Apache RTX. The ADV segment, especially the sub-500 cc range, has been garnering a lot of attention, and TVS clearly doesn’t want to miss out. The Apache RTX is set to take on some strong rivals, including the KTM 250 Adventure and the Suzuki V-Strom SX, both well-established names in the category. So, let’s see how TVS’s newest player stacks up against the competition on paper.
The new TVS Apache packs a larger 299 cc liquid-cooled engine that produces 35.5 bhp at 9,000 rpm and 28.5 Nm at 7,000 rpm. That’s noticeably higher than the KTM’s 30.5 bhp/25 Nm and the Suzuki’s 26 bhp/22.2 Nm from their 249 cc engines. All three motorcycles get a 6-speed gearbox, but the KTM and TVS also feature a quickshifter and ride-by-wire throttle, while the Suzuki misses out on these. All three motorcycles come with a slipper clutch.
In terms of power-to-weight ratio, the Apache RTX again takes the lead with 197 bhp per tonne, ahead of the KTM 250 Adventure’s 172 bhp per tonne and the V-Strom SX’s 156 bhp per tonne. On paper, this means the RTX should provide stronger acceleration and better overall performance.
TVS Apache RTX vs Rivals: Dimensions and Weight
TVS Apache RTX
KTM 250 Adventure
Suzuki V-Strom SX
Kerb Weight
180 kg
177 kg
167 kg
Seat Height
835 mm
825 mm
835 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity
12.5 litres
14.5 litres
12 litres
Wheelbase
1430 mm
NA
1440 mm
Ground Clearance
200 mm
227 mm
205 mm
Among the three, the TVS Apache RTX 300 is the heaviest, tipping the scales at 180 kg, followed by the KTM 250 Adventure at 177 kg and the Suzuki V-Strom SX at 167 kg. Both the Apache RTX and V-Strom SX have a seat height of 835 mm, while the KTM sits slightly lower at 825 mm, which could make it marginally more accessible to shorter riders.
Fuel tank capacities differ across the trio, with the KTM 250 Adventure offering the largest at 14.5 litres, compared to the Apache RTX’s 12.5 litres and the V-Strom SX’s 12 litres. The wheelbase of the TVS measures 1,430 mm, close to the V-Strom SX’s 1,440 mm, while KTM hasn’t officially listed its figure. Ground clearance is where the KTM leads clearly, standing at 227 mm, ahead of the Suzuki’s 205 mm and the TVS’s 200 mm.
Coming to hardware, both the Apache RTX and the KTM 250 Adventure feature upside-down forks at the front and a monoshock at the rear, while the V-Strom SX uses a more conventional telescopic front fork paired with a monoshock. The Apache, however, offers adjustable suspension in its top-spec BTO variant.
When it comes to suspension travel, the KTM 250 Adventure offers the longest range, with 200 mm at the front and 205 mm at the rear. The Apache RTX sits in the middle with 180 mm of travel at both ends, while the V-Strom SX offers 120 mm of front travel.
All three bikes ride on 19-inch front and 17-inch rear wheels shod on tubeless tyres. For braking, both the TVS Apache RTX and KTM 250 Adventure use a 320 mm front disc and a 240 mm rear disc, while the Suzuki V-Strom SX also employs disc brakes at both ends.
TVS Apache RTX vs Rivals: Features
The TVS Apache RTX 300 brings a long list of equipment to the table, including a few firsts. Features such as traction control and cruise control are standard across all variants. Higher trims also introduce a 5-inch TFT display that supports Google Maps mirroring and smartphone connectivity. Complementing the electronics package is a ride-by-wire throttle, which opens the door for a bi-directional quickshifter, cruise control, and four riding modes: Urban, Tour, Rain and Rally.
On the other hand, the KTM 250 Adventure is equipped with a 5-inch TFT instrument console. The display supports smartphone connectivity and turn-by-turn navigation. The motorcycle also features a ride-by-wire throttle system and comes equipped with a bi-directional quickshifter. However, the 250 Adventure does not include traction control or cruise control functions.
Lastly, the Suzuki V-Strom SX gets a digital LCD instrument cluster that supports smartphone connectivity through the Suzuki Ride Connect app. The system allows for call, message, and turn-by-turn navigation alerts. Unlike its rivals, the V-Strom SX does not feature ride-by-wire throttle, traction control, or cruise control.
TVS Apache RTX vs Rivals: Price
TVS Apache RTX
KTM 250 Adventure
Suzuki V-Strom SX
Prices (ex-showroom)
Rs 1.99 lakh – Rs 2.29 lakh
Rs 2.39 lakh
1.98 lakh
Prices for the TVS Apache RTX start at Rs 1.99 lakh and go up to Rs 2.29 lakh (ex-showroom, introductory) depending on the variant. The KTM 250 Adventure sits higher at Rs 2.39 lakh, while the Suzuki V-Strom SX is the most affordable, priced at Rs 1.98 lakh (ex-showroom). Notably, even the top variant of the TVS undercuts the KTM by Rs 10,000.
from carandbike - News https://ift.tt/5Q1Jm9R
via IFTTT
The twelfth edition of India Bike Week, which was scheduled to take place in Vagator, Goa, on December 12 and 13, has now been rescheduled. According to an update shared on IBW’s official social media handles, the new dates will be announced within the next 72 hours.
The 2025 edition of India Bike Week has been rescheduled due to the announcement of Zilla Parishad elections in Goa during the same period, which has prompted the organisers to shift the event dates in compliance with election protocols. The IBW organising committee confirmed that revised dates will be shared soon.
For those who have already purchased tickets, the social media posts assure that existing tickets will remain valid for the rescheduled dates. Meanwhile, ticket holders unable to attend the event on the new dates will be eligible for a full refund. The organisers have also paused sales of tickets for the next 72 hours until the updated schedule is finalised.
The 2024 edition of India Bike Week attracted over 25,000 riders and enthusiasts from across the country. The festival featured an array of activities, including new motorcycle launches, custom bike showcases, stunt performances, live music, and off-road experiences such as the Dirt Dash track and flat-track racing.
from carandbike - News https://ift.tt/8Z1XfjW
via IFTTT
Skoda Auto India has launched the latest iteration of the Octavia RS in India at an ex-showroom price of Rs 49.99 lakh. Bookings for the performance sedan – limited to just 100 units – opened on October 6, and every single one has already been sold out. Interestingly, the Octavia RS undercuts the Volkswagen Golf GTI by almost Rs 1 lakh. For those who managed to reserve it, deliveries are slated to commence on November 6.
Powering the hot sedan is a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine that produces 261 bhp and 370 Nm of peak torque. The motor comes paired with a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic (DSG) transmission. Skoda claims a 0-100 kmph sprint time of 6.6 seconds and a top speed of 250 kmph.
While the overall silhouette remains true to the regular Octavia, the RS variant stands out with a number of visual changes. These include a blacked-out butterfly grille, matrix LED headlamps with updated DRLs, revised front air intakes, and the two-dimensional Skoda and RS emblems.
The Octavia RS for India is offered in a single fully loaded trim. There are five exterior colour options, including Mamba Green, Race Blue, Velvet Red, Magic Black, and Candy White. The car rolls on 19-inch ‘Elias’ anthracite alloy wheels.
On the features front, the Octavia RS is equipped with an ADAS suite, which includes Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), Lane Assist, and Intelligent Park Assist. Safety features comprise 10 airbags, a 360-degree camera, ISOFIX child seat mounts, a Head-Up Display, and stability and traction control systems. Other highlights include a Canton 675W 11-speaker sound system with subwoofer and an electrically operated boot.
The Skoda Octavia RS finds itself in a unique niche in the Indian market. Its closest rival remains the Volkswagen Golf GTI, while other offerings from BMW and Audi deliver comparable performance but at higher price points.
from carandbike - News https://ift.tt/wIjg0yZ
via IFTTT
TVS Motor Company has officially entered the adventure motorcycle space in India with the launch of the Apache RTX. It is available in three variants: Base (Rs 1.99 lakh), Top (Rs 2.14 lakh) and the BTO (Rs 2.29 lakh), all prices ex-showroom, introductory. Equipped with an all-new engine, the RTX 300 becomes the third category of motorcycle to wear the Apache badge, after the naked and faired models. Let’s take a closer look at the new TVS in town.
The Apache RTX looks unlike any other motorcycle in TVS’ portfolio. It has a touring-focused design, featuring a tall stance and muscular proportions.
There’s a minimal use of body panels, most of which are concentrated around the front. It features a twin-LED headlamp setup with a tall windscreen for better wind protection.
The split seat setup and compact tail section are complemented by a rear luggage rack that can accommodate touring luggage or a top box.
Powering the Apache RTX 300 is the all-new 299.1 cc RT-XD4 engine, first showcased at TVS MotoSoul 2024.
This unit features dual overhead camshafts, twin oil pumps, liquid and oil cooling, and a dual separator breather system. It delivers 35.5 bhp at 9,000 rpm and 28.5 Nm of peak torque at 7,000 rpm.
The RTX 300 uses a 6-speed gearbox with a bi-directional quickshifter and slip-and-assist clutch, along with a ride-by-wire throttle system. Other highlights include an engine guard, upswept exhaust, and multi-spoke alloy wheels.
It also gets a 5.0-inch TFT display with turn-by-turn navigation, cruise control, and four ride modes – Rain, Urban, Tour, and Rally.
For hardware, the Apache RTX comes equipped with 41 mm long-travel gold-finished USD forks sourced from WP and a preload-adjustable monoshock at the rear, both offering 180 mm of travel.
Braking duties are handled by a 320 mm front disc with a radial caliper, and a 240 mm rear disc with a floating caliper.
The bike rides on a 19-17-inch wheel setup with dual-purpose tyres – 110/80 section at the front and 150/70 section at the rear.
Kerb weight stands at 180 kg, with a wheelbase of 1,430 mm, seat height of 835 mm, ground clearance of 200 mm, and a fuel tank capacity of 12.5 litres.
The Apache RTX 300 is offered in three variants – Base (Rs 1.99 lakh), Top (Rs 2.14 lakh) and Built-To-Order (BTO, Rs 2.29 lakh) – all prices ex-showroom, introductory.
from carandbike - News https://ift.tt/JVjNu1g
via IFTTT
Hyundai Motor India has made a slew of announcements at its first-ever Investor Day. This includes launching as many as 26 products over the next five years. The Korean brand will introduce seven new nameplates in India starting next financial year all the way till FY 2030. As many as six full model changes will also happen starting with the new-generation Venue that will hit the roads in November. Additionally, seven facelifts and six new derivatives of existing products will also be launched in the same period.
Talking about powertrains, the lineup will include 13 combustion engine and six CNG models apart from five dedicated electric cars as well as eight hybrids. The first locally manufactured EV will be launched in 2027 while the brand will also foray into new segments with the introduction of an MPV along with an off-road focused SUV. Hyundai aims to achieve more than 15% domestic market share and up to 30% export contribution by 2030.
José Muñoz, President & CEO, HMC said, “Following our landmark IPO last year and 29 years of success in India, now HMIL plans an investment of ₹45,000 crore through FY2030 to drive the next phase of growth. India is a strategic priority in Hyundai’s global growth vision. By 2030, HMIL will be our second-largest region globally aligned with the Honorable Prime Minister Shri. Narendra Modi's vision of ‘Make in India.’ we're making India a global export hub, targeting upto 30 per cent export contribution.”
from carandbike - News https://ift.tt/vFZSkEP
via IFTTT
Tarun Garg, Whole-Time Director and Chief Operating Officer, Hyundai India has been appointed as the next Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Company. The appointment, subject to approval of shareholders, will be effective January 01, 2026. This is the first time in the three-decade existence of Hyundai India that the company will be headed by an Indian. He will replace the incumbent Managing Director, Unsoo Kim, who will take up a new role at Hyundai Motor Company (HMC), South Korea.
L-R: Outgoing Hyundai India MD, Unsoo KIm with Jose Munoz, Chairman Hyundai Motor Corporation and Tarun Garg.
Garg has more than 32 years of industry experience and has been a part of Hyundai India since 2019 when he joined as the Head of Sales, Service and Marketing. During this period, he has led the brand to its highest-ever sales for three consecutive years, delivered record-breaking profits and achieved highest EBITDA margin in FY24. Before Hyundai, Garg spent a long time at India’s leading carmaker, Maruti Suzuki, undertaking various responsibilities.
Speaking on his appointment as CEO, Garg said, “I am deeply honoured by the trust and confidence placed in me by Hyundai Motor Group. India’s automotive sector is in an exciting phase of transformation and I aim to contribute to HMIL’s continued growth in this market by stepping into this role. Success in this industry demands excellence across every touchpoint, from design and engineering to manufacturing, sales and service and I am fortunate to work alongside Hyundai’s talented employees, dealer partners and supplier partners who make it all possible.”
from carandbike - News https://ift.tt/0bpkNso
via IFTTT
After years of will-they-won't-they, Hyundai has finally confirmed it is bringing its luxury vehicle division to India. At its first-ever Investor Day, Hyundai India announced it will launch the Genesis brand in 2027, and the cherry on top is the news that it will be a made-in-India offering. While specific launch details are scarce at this point, car&bike understands that Hyundai plans to propel Genesis into India with an SUV as its first product.
The launch of Genesis' first model in India will take place well over a decade since the first time Hyundai showcased a Genesis car in India, at the 2016 Auto Expo in Delhi. Since then, rumours have ebbed and flowed about Hyundai's intentions to bring its luxury car brand to India, with no concrete developments until now.
Hyundai has already trademarked the design of the Genesis GV80 in India.
Genesis' current global lineup includes a string of sedans and SUVs. The sedan lineup comprises the G70, G80 and flagship G90, while the SUV lineup includes the all-electric GV60, GV70, GV80 and GV80 Coupe. The company has previously registered design trademarks for the GV80 and GV80 Coupe in India, but there's no word on which SUV will be the first to debut in our market.
It's possible that the first Genesis product for India could have a hybrid powertrain. As part of its Investor Day presentation, Hyundai confirmed it will launch eight hybrid electric vehicles by FY2030, spanning segments from compact to premium. Overseas, Genesis has a mix of hybrid as well as full-electric powertrains across its sedan and SUV portfolios.
This is a developing story. Please stay tuned for more details.
from carandbike - News https://ift.tt/l0EY3wD
via IFTTT
The 2026 Hyundai Venue has been spotted completely undisguised, revealing the compact SUV’s updated design weeks before its launch in India. Hyundai’s popular sub-4-metre SUV is set to launch in India on November 4, and the latest set of images reveal a more squared-off look for the new generation model.
The fascia of the new Hyundai Venue now features a wider parametric front grille flanked by LED DRLs, while the overall front end resembles other stablemates like the Tucson, Creta and the Exter. That said, it gets a split headlamp setup, positioned lower on the revised front bumper.
From the side, the 2025 Venue retains its compact proportions but now carries sharper lines and cladding along the wheel arches. A fresh set of dual-tone alloy wheels adds to the look. At the rear, the connected LED taillight stretches across the tailgate, while the taillamp gets new styling. The revised bumper and angular lighting elements complete the look.
Coming to the interior, the cabin design looks familiar, but Hyundai is expected to introduce new upholstery options, updated infotainment tech, and refreshed dashboard trims. Higher variants will likely continue to offer features like a digital instrument cluster, connected car technology, wireless charging, and a sunroof, among others.
As for the powertrain, the 2025 Hyundai Venue facelift is expected to continue with the same set of engine options: a 1.2 litre naturally aspirated petrol, a 1 litre turbo-petrol, and a 1.5 litre diesel engine. Transmission options would include a 5-speed manual, 6-speed iMT, and a 7-speed DCT automatic.
Mini India has launched the Countryman John Cooper Works (JCW) SUV in India at Rs 64.90 lakh (ex-showroom). The JCW marks the first petrol-powered iteration of the new Countryman to make its way to India, with the model previously limited to just a sole all-electric Countryman E variant.
In terms of design, the Countryman JCW doesn't differ all that much from the EV with the majority of differences coming down to sportier-looking bumpers and wheels, a quad exhaust and red highlights around the exterior and interior. The JCW is offered in three exterior colours options - Midnight Black with Red roof and racing stripes, Legend Grey with Red Roof and racing stripes and British Racing Green with Black roof and racing stripes.
Inside, too, the JCW gets more sportier design touches such as JCW steering and seats, red highlights along surfaces, metal-finished pedals, variant-specific graphics for the digital interfaces and a Boost Mode to unlock max performance.
Moving to the performance, the JCW drops the Countryman E’s electric drivetrain in favour of a 2.0-litre, turbo-petrol motor good for 296 bhp and 400 Nm paired with a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox and all-wheel drive. MINI claims a 0-100 kmph time of 5.4 seconds and a 250 kmph top speed.
from carandbike - News https://ift.tt/wzZJrQx
via IFTTT
JLR India – formerly Jaguar Land Rover – has revealed prices for three special edition SUVs based on the Defender and Discovery. The special editions form a part of JLR India’s 2026 model year range with prices starting from Rs 1.26 crore (ex-showroom). The three special editions are, namely, the Defender 100 Trophy Edition, Discovery Tempest Edition and the Discovery Gemini Edition.
Available solely in the 5-door 110 bodystyle, the Defender Trophy Edition is inspired by yesteryear’s Camel Trophy Editions from Land Rover. The special edition Defender is offered in two exterior colours - Deep Sandglow or Keswick Green, paired with a blacked-out bonnet, lower body panels, roof and wheels. Buyers can also opt for a matte protective film to protect the paint finish.
Buyers get the option to also opt for more adventure-oriented accessories for the Trophy Edition, such as a snorkel, mud flaps, a roof carrier, side-mounted gear carriers and a roof ladder for easy access to the roof carrier. Buyers can also choose between all-season and all-terrain tyres for the SUV.
The cabin, meanwhile, features black leather upholstery with features on offer including auto headlamps and wipers, three-zone climate control, configurable ambient lighting, a 13.1-inch touchscreen, Terrain Response modes, a 360-degree camera and more.
Moving to the powertrain, the Defender Trophy Edition is solely offered with a diesel engine - a 3.0-litre six-cylinder turbocharged mill good for 345 bhp and 700 Nm.
The Defender Trophy Edition is priced at Rs 1.30 crore (ex-showroom) before accessories.
Land Rover Discovery Tempest, Gemini Editions
Moving to the two Discovery special editions, the Gemini Edition is the more affordable of the two models, priced at Rs 1.26 crore (ex-showroom). The Tempest Edition, meanwhile, is priced at Rs 1.39 crore (ex-showroom).
Land Rover Discovery Gemini
The differences between the special editions and the standard model come down to the cosmetics, with the Gemini Edition getting a unique Sedona Red paint finish, a gloss black roof, along with exterior trim elements finished in silver. Rounding out the exterior are 21-inch alloy wheels. Buyers, however, do get the option to pick from a range of exterior colour options from the standard Discovery, along with a range of wheels in 20-inch, 21-inch and 22-inch sizes for customisation. The cabin, meanwhile, can be opted in either black or ivory upholstery.
The Tempest Edition meanwhile takes shape as the range-topping Discovery with unique element including copper highlights, copper-toned 22-inch wheels and copper-coloured roof. Inside, the Tempest gets the extended Windsor Leather upholstery as standard in either black, dual-tone black and brown or black and ivory.
Land Rover Discovery Tempest
On the feature front, the Gemini packs in kit such as a panoramic glass roof, powered tail gate, 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, 3-zone climate control, 11.4-inch touchscreen, Meridian audio system, adaptive cruise control and a 3D surround view camera. The Tempest, meanwhile, packs in more tech, including Matrix LED headlamps, A head-up display, power-folding third-row seats, 4-zone climate control, heated 7 ventilated seats (front and middle row) and a Meridian Surround Sound System.
Both variants are offered with a 3.0-litre six-cylinder diesel engine good for 345 bhp and 700 Nm paired with an automatic gearbox as standard.
from carandbike - News https://ift.tt/8g5EKHj
via IFTTT
