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
Alongside the India-bound 0 α SUV, Honda has unveiled a near-production version of its compact electric hatchback, the Super-ONE, at the ongoing Japan Mobility Show 2025. The model evolves from the Super EV Concept, first showcased at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, and now appears closer to its production form.
The Super-ONE builds on the platform of the compact N-ONE e electric kei car. The pocket-sized EV wears a newly designed body kit that includes wider fenders and provides a lower stance. The fenders accommodate wider tyres, and to complement the look, Honda has added functional front and rear air ducts.
At the front, it features circular LED headlights integrated into a closed-off fascia. The charging port flaps sit within the nose section. The black roof, ORVMs, and alloy wheels with red brake calipers add to the overall look.
At the rear, rectangular taillights are positioned at the lower edges of the large rear windscreen. The black tailgate panel carries the Honda nameplate, and a roof-mounted spoiler extends slightly outward. Subtle contours on the bumper and integrated vents complete the look on the pint-sized model.
The interior of the Honda Super-ONE has a straightforward approach. The dashboard is simple in design, with a horizontal layout housing a central touchscreen display and rectangular air vents. The two-spoke steering wheel includes mounted controls and carries the Honda logo. A compact centre console divides the front seats, containing the gear selector, cupholders, and a small storage compartment.
Honda has yet to reveal specific powertrain details for the Super-ONE, but the company has confirmed that the prototype features a simulated seven-speed transmission and an Active Sound Control system that replicates the sound of a high-performance engine. When driven in Boost mode, both the virtual gear shifts and the synthetic engine note are activated.
from carandbike - News https://ift.tt/wHat74O
via IFTTT
Bajaj Auto has announced that the company has secured a regulatory clearance from the Austrian Takeover Commission to acquire full control in Pierer Mobility AG (PMAG), the parent company of KTM AG. This means that KTM’s future will now officially be handled by Bajaj Auto. The ruling by the Austrian commission allows Bajaj Auto’s Netherlands-based subsidiary Bajaj Auto International Holdings BV (BAIHBV) to assume control without any obligation to make a mandatory takeover bid to other shareholders, Bajaj Auto said in a regulatory filing at the Bombay Stock Exchange.
Through Bajaj Auto International Holdings BV, Bajaj already holds 49.4 per cent stake in Pierer Bajaj AG (PBAG), the joint holding company that controls Pierer Mobility AG. Under the latest approval, granted under a “restructuring privilege” Bajaj Auto International Holdings BV can acquire the remaining stake held by Pierer Industrie AG in Pierer Bajaj AG. Bajaj now intends to acquire all 50,100 shares held by PIAG, and to take sole control of PBAG, and in turn, PMAG and KTM AG.
KTM and Bajaj Auto's partnership dates back to 2007 when Bajaj took an initial minority stake in KTM
The latest approval comes after Bajaj rescued KTM from insolvency after investing 800 million Euros earlier this year, which included 450 million Euros as secured term loans, 150 million Euros via convertible bonds, and an additional 200 million Euro package, helping KTM settle 30 per cent of creditor claims by May 2025, restart production, and exit court-supervised restructuring by the middle of the year.
The Austrian regulatory body has imposed a few conditions under which Bajaj Auto must notify the commission of the fulfilment of the takeover conditions, publish the change of control and disclose details of any related-party transactions by the end of 2026. What is not clear at this stage is whether Bajaj will go ahead and take full control of KTM AG, or just take control in the interim so that KTM's restructuring can begin and the brand is back up on its feet. It will be interesting to see how the next phase of this brand partnerships shapes up.
from carandbike - News https://ift.tt/Z3Oisog
via IFTTT
Hero MotoCorp has teased a new electric motorcycle concept under its Vida brand ahead of EICMA 2025. Called the Vida Concept Ubex, the latest electric motorcycle concept certainly looks the part of a conventional road-going motorcycle and could preview the company's first production electric motorcycle.
The shadowy teaser previews the motorcycle in profile, revealing a canted-forward design similar to that of the Hero Xtreme range, complete with an angular headlamp housing and a high-set pillion seat. Other visible elements include five-spoke wheels, disc brakes at both ends and a chain drive system, while the design also suggests the presence of a centrally positioned rear monoshock suspension - similar to the likes of the Xtreme 250R.
The motorcycle could also benefit from some higher-grade components from Hero parts bin, such as a USD front fork, TFT instrument cluster with wireless connectivity and more.
Powertrain details remain unknown, though going by the design, the electric motorcycle will feature a mid-drive electric motor with the battery and motor unit integrated into the section traditionally housing the internal combustion engine. As for charging, the electric motorcycle could adopt the LECCS charging standard developed by Ather Energy.
The Concept Ubex will be joined by the new Vida VX2 electric scooter as well as the Concept Lynx and Concept Acro dirt bikes that were originally shown in 2024.
from carandbike - News https://ift.tt/kaqD7y0
via IFTTT
Nissan’s upcoming MPV, which will be based on the Renault Triber, has been spied testing in India for the first time. Earlier this year, the carmaker shared a teaser and subsequently confirmed that it will launch in the Indian market in the first quarter of calendar year 2026. Now, images of what appears to be the upcoming MPV have surfaced online, revealing a few changes compared to its Renault sibling.
The heavily camouflaged test mule still reveals a few key details about the upcoming Nissan MPV. Up front, it sports a noticeably different fascia compared to the Renault Triber, featuring a larger grille with hexagonal inserts and a new set of headlamps. Moreover, as seen in the teaser, the C-shaped inserts at either end are visible here. The MPV also gets redesigned alloy wheels. While the rear section remains largely covered, subtle changes to the bumper can be expected along with a different set of taillamps.
While interior details remain under wraps, the upcoming Nissan MPV is expected to feature a three-row layout akin to the Triber. The second row is likely to offer a sliding function, while the third row could remain removable. The model is also expected to borrow most of the features from the Triber, including the 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system, cruise control, parking sensors, and other equipment.
Under the hood, the Nissan MPV is likely to carry over the Triber’s 1.0-litre, three-cylinder naturally aspirated petrol engine, which in the Triber makes 71 bhp and 96 Nm of torque. Transmission options are expected to include a 5-speed manual and a 5-speed AMT.
Prices are expected to be announced in the first quarter of 2026, though we expect it to command a marginal premium over the Renault Triber. For reference, the Triber is currently priced between Rs 5.76 lakh and Rs 8.60 lakh (ex-showroom). Additionally, the carmaker has previously confirmed that it will introduce three new made-in-India models by 2027. Leading this lineup will be the Triber-based MPV.
Hyundai recently unveiled the second-generation Venue ahead of its price announcement on November 4. The subcompact SUV gets a host of changes inside and out, featuring new styling and a revamped cabin, while retaining the same set of engine options. However, there is one notable update in its running gear.
Previously, the 1.5-litre diesel engine was available only with a manual gearbox, but it now comes with an automatic transmission option. This diesel-AT combination will be offered in two trims: HX5 and HX10, while the HX2, HX5, and HX7 trims will be offered with the 6-speed manual. The diesel-automatic setup is expected to produce around 114 bhp and 250 Nm of torque.
The new-generation Hyundai Venue sports a sharper, more contemporary design in line with Hyundai’s global SUV styling language. The soft, rounded edges of the previous model make way for a squarer and more upright stance. The Venue has also grown; it now stands 48 mm taller at 1,665 mm, 30 mm wider at 1,800 mm, and its wheelbase has stretched by 20 mm to 2,520 mm.
As for the interior, the cabin sees a complete redesign with the dashboard dominated by a curved glass panel housing twin 12.3-inch displays, one for infotainment and the other for the driver’s display. The centre console houses controls for ventilated seats, parking camera, drive and traction modes, and an electronic parking brake.
Apart from the 1.5-litre diesel, the new Venue continues with the familiar 1.2-litre naturally aspirated petrol and 1.0-litre turbo-petrol engines. Transmission options remain unchanged as well, with manual, automatic, and dual-clutch (DCT) gearboxes continuing to be part of the lineup.
from carandbike - News https://ift.tt/HqAG04k
via IFTTT
Hyundai India has taken the covers off the second-generation Venue, with prices set to be announced on November 4. The compact SUV has been given a major redesign, and almost every aspect, from the way it looks to the way the cabin is laid out, has been changed. However, Hyundai has carried forward the same set of engine options from the previous model. Here’s a look at how the new Venue has evolved compared to its predecessor.
The new-generation Hyundai Venue keeps the familiar overall shape of its predecessor but adopts a sharper design in line with Hyundai’s global SUV styling. Gone is the softer, rounded look of the older model and in its place is a squarer, more upright stance that gives the SUV a sportier appearance.
A full-width LED light bar now runs across the bonnet line, connecting the quad LED headlight housings below. Speaking of that, the headlamp position remains the same – edge to edge – but the lighting pattern has been completely redesigned. The new rectangular grille stretches wider than before, flanked by a chunkier front bumper with silver accents.
Moving to the profile, the alloy wheels get a new design, though the size remains the same at 16 inches. The rounded wheel arches of the older Venue have been replaced with more squared-off outlines.
As for numbers, the Venue has grown too: it’s now 48 mm taller (1,665 mm), 30 mm wider (1,800 mm), and its wheelbase has increased by 20 mm (2,520 mm). There’s also more cladding along the sills, while the rear quarter glass is also a new addition.
At the rear, the Hyundai logo now sits above the connected LED light bar, while the Venue lettering is positioned on a black strip that links the redesigned, block-pattern taillamps on either side. The rear bumper has been updated as well, and just like the front, it adopts muscular details.
Hyundai Venue New vs Old: Interior
Hyundai has completely revamped the Venue’s cabin for its second generation, and it looks far more modern than before. Nearly everything inside is new, even though the layout at a glance remains familiar. The new dashboard is flatter and cleaner, dominated by a curved glass panel that merges two 12.3-inch screens, one for the infotainment system and one for the driver’s display.
The air vents have gone from circular sorts to sleek horizontal units, and the climate control now features a digital display with touch-style buttons instead of rotary knobs. The steering wheel is new too, a three-spoke flat-bottom design with four illuminated dots seen on Hyundai's electric vehicles.
Hyundai Venue New vs Old: Features
The new-generation Hyundai Venue adds a bunch of updates over the outgoing model. For the second row, the new Venue now gets a two-step recline function and sunshades for the rear windows. Hyundai says that the second row now has a bit more legroom, thanks to a slightly longer (20 mm) wheelbase, and that the rear doors open wider, making it easier to get in and out.
The centre console has been redesigned too. It now houses controls for ventilated seats, the parking camera, drive and traction modes, and an electronic parking brake, all of which are new additions for this generation, along with the front parking sensors. There’s also subtle ambient lighting around the dashboard and console area.
With the second generation, Hyundai has also revised the variant naming for the Venue. The new model will be offered in seven petrol trims: HX2, HX4, HX5, HX6, HX6T, HX8, and HX10, and four diesel variants: HX2, HX5, HX7, and HX10.
There are no changes under the hood. The 2026 Venue carries forward the same set of engine options as before: a 1.2-litre naturally aspirated petrol, a 1.0-litre turbo-petrol, and a 1.5-litre oil burner. Transmission options remain unchanged, too, with manual, automatic, and dual-clutch automatic (DCT) continuing as before.
from carandbike - News https://ift.tt/0dfqejp
via IFTTT
Bajaj Auto launched the Chetak electric scooter in India back in 2020, and since then, it has received a stream of updates and special editions, including the 30 and 35 series models. Now, new spy shots hint that Bajaj is gearing up for the next generation of the Chetak. The biggest talking point this time is the hub-mounted motor at the rear, something we have not seen on any Chetak so far.
A camouflaged Bajaj Chetak test mule has been spotted testing, and it appears to feature a hub-mounted motor, replacing the direct-drive setup seen on the current model. The existing Chetak’s motor is mounted on the swingarm and drives the wheel directly. A hub motor, on the other hand, integrates the motor into the wheel itself.
Apart from this, the Chetak seems to retain its familiar silhouette, with only minor styling tweaks expected, possibly refreshed body panels with new graphics, fresh alloy designs, and an updated colour palette. As for lighting, the spy models make use of the existing LED setup at the front but get new units at the rear. Moreover, turn indicators on this test mule are integrated on the handlebars instead of the apron.
Other noticeable bits on the spied model include a new rectangular LCD, replacing the circular cluster. The switchgear design appears to have been updated as well. Moreover, the single-sided front suspension has made way for twin telescopic forks, with twin rear shocks also likely replacing the earlier setup.
As for the battery pack, we expect it to continue with the existing offering, which is either a 3 kWh or a 3.5 kWh. The former is claimed to be good for up to 127 km on a single charge, while the latter can go up to 153 km on a single charge.
Hot off setting a new world record for the fastest production car in the world, BYD’s YangWang U9 electric supercar is back in the news, this time setting a new fastest lap time at the iconic Nurburgring. The limited-run U9 Xtreme, the fastest and most potent variant of the electric supercar, lapped the Nordschleife in 6 min 59.157 seconds, becoming the first electric super sports car to breach the 7-minute mark on the track, beating out the time set by the Rimac Nevera by a little over 5 seconds. Do note that there have been faster EVs around the track, though they fall under the prototype category.
The record run took place on August 22, 2025, with the variant previously called the YangWang U9 Track Edition. The EV also currently holds the World Record for being the fastest production vehicle in the world.
The U9 Xtreme is essentially the rebadged U9 Track Edition, with the company having chosen to change the name for the most powerful variant of its electric supercar in recent months. The EV had previously set a new fastest production car speed record in August 2025 with a recorded speed of 472.41 kmph. This, BYD said, improved to 496.22 kmph in a second run in September. There were, however, some marked differences between the speed record car and the lap record vehicle, with the U9 Xtreme featuring a more downforce oriented aero package at the Nurburgring.
Built on BYD’s E4 platform, the U9 Xtreme is the first EV in the world to sit on a 1200 volt architecture featuring a quad-motor all-wheel drive powertrain pushing out over 2,950 bhp giving it a power to weight ration of over 1,200 bhp per tonne.
The U9 Xtreme is being offered to customers globally in limited numbers, with BYD to produce just 30 units.
from carandbike - News https://ift.tt/lvUzmCZ
via IFTTT
JSW-owned Museum of Solutions (MuSo) in Mumbai has opened a new exhibit under its umbrella called Vroom. It is in partnership with Planet Auto and is an interactive space that introduces visitors to the fundamentals of how vehicles work. The exhibit, which opened to schools, families, and the public on October 16, 2025, is designed mainly for children but is open to anyone interested in exploring cars.
Unlike classroom-based lessons, Vroom takes a hands-on approach to learning. The floor covers a wide range of topics, from the evolution of the wheel to the differences between internal combustion engines and electric drivetrains. Visitors can see what an engine and gearbox in their running form would look like, identify car parts, and learn how basic tools and fasteners are used in vehicle maintenance.
The best part about the Vroom exhibit at MuSo is that it has more practical sessions. It places the visitor in a workshop-style environment where they can actively engage with real components. One of the most interesting experiences allows visitors to slide under a Mercedes-Benz E-Class to observe and identify the car’s underbody and grasp how different systems connect and function.
Other interactive setups focus on checking tyre and battery health, reading dashboard indicators, and understanding basic safety features such as wipers, horns, and lights. A virtual reality zone lets participants assemble an engine digitally, while simulators offer an introduction to driving and riding, which is attained after clearing most of the activities.
Apart from this, a more detailed experience is available in the workshop, where visitors can take part in circuit-building and a range of other interactive activities.
Interested visitors can explore the exhibit by purchasing tickets online through the official Museum of Solutions website or directly at the venue in Lower Parel, Mumbai.
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
