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While we know that the Mahindra Electric Origin SUVs – the BE6 and XEV 9e – debuted two battery packs on the INGLO platform, the newly launched XEV 9s arrived with three battery packs to choose from. Apart from the familiar 59kWh and 79kWh, the new battery pack is a 70kWh unit and here’s a brief rundown on it.
The new 70kWh is the same Lithium iron phosphate (LFP) composition and is available in a single trim – the Pack Two Above. It powers the single motor mounted on the rear wheels, making around 240bhp and the standard 380Nm. The claimed MIDC range of the 70kWh is 600 km. However, we expect it to be good enough for 450 km of real-world driving range.
Charging the 70kWh battery pack from 0-100 per cent with an 11.2kW AC charger will take 7 hours and 10.2 hours with a 7.2kW AC charger. Moreover, this battery pack supports 160kW of DC fast charging owing to is 400V architecture. A 20-80 per cent charge at a 160kW plug will take only 20 minutes, claims the Indian carmaker.
Akin to the other two battery packs, even the 70kWh unit will be offered with a lifetime warranty. The 70kWh Pack Two Above is priced at Rs 24.45 lakh (ex-showroom)
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Ducati India has launched the 2025 Ducati Streetfighter V2 in India, with prices starting at Rs. 17,50,200 (Ex-showroom) for the standard Streetfighter V2 and Rs. 19,48,900 (Ex-showroom) for the top-spec Streetfighter V2 S. The Ducati Streetfighter V2 is a middleweight sport naked based on the Panigale V2 and boasts of being the lightest Streetfighter ever created by Ducati with a claimed dry weight of 175 kg for the top-spec V2 S variant.
The 2025 Ducati Streetfighter V2 follows the typical design language of the Ducati Streetfighter family, with a mass-forward stance, and a sharp face underscored by the full-LED headlights and DRL. According to Ducati, the new Streetfighter V2 focusses on lightness, easy handling and a powerful yet usable engine combined with sporty ergonomics perfectly adapted for everyday use.
Engine & Performance
The 2025 Ducati Streetfighter V2 is powered by a new 890 cc, 90-degree V2 engine which has been Euro5+ homologated. The new engine weighs just 54.4 kg, and is the lightest twin-cylinder engine ever produced by Ducati. The 890 cc, v-twin engine delivers 119 bhp at 10,750 rpm and 93.3 Nm of peak torque at 8,250 rpm. Over 70 per cent of torque is available at just 3,000 rpm promising exciting response across the rev range. A racing exhaust is available as an accessory, increasing power to 125 bhp and reducing weight further by 4.5 kg.
Chassis & Suspension
The 2025 Ducati Streetfighter V2 is built around a monocoque frame, which uses the V2 engine as a stressed element. Inspired by the new Panigale V4, the Streetfighter V2 also uses a double-sided swingarm which is said to enhance stability and mechanical grip. The suspension set-up is different between the V2 and V2 S.
The Streetfighter V2 features a fully adjustable Marzocchi fork and fully adjustable Kayaba rear monoshock. The V2 S, on the other hand, gets fully-adjustable Ohlins NIX-30 front fork and Ohlins rear suspension, a lighter lithium-ion battery, Ducati Power Launch (DPL), Pit Limiter and a 3 kg lighter dry weight of 175 kg (178 kg for the Streetfighter V2).
Both the V2 and V2 S get a Sachs steering damper and the new cast wheels are kitted out with Pirelli Diablo Rosso IV tyres (120/70 front and 190/55 rear). Braking duties are handled by a powerful Brembo system with M50 monobloc calipers and 320 mm front discs.
Electronics & Features
The Streetfighter V2 features a six-axis inertial measurement unit (IMU) which powers the cornering ABS with “slide-by-brake” function for controlled sliding into corners, Ducati Traction Control (DTC) with a new “predictive” control function, Ducati Wheelie Control (DWC), Engine Brake Control (EBC) as well as standard Ducati Quick Shift for seamless up and down shifts.
Four riding modes are offered – Race, Sport, Road & Wet, each offering pre-configured as well as user-modifiable intervention levels for all controls and engine response. The new 5-inch TFT display provides a clear and intuitive rider interface, with three display modes (Road, Road Pro and Track) to suit different riding contexts.
Additionally, Ducati is also offering a range of accessories for the new Streetfighter V2 which include a racing exhaust for track use, a Lap Timer Pro self-timing system, cruise control, turn-by-turn navigation, a USB power socket and a TPMS tyre pressure sensor. The Streetfighter V2 is available in India in Ducati Red from today.
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Exactly a year on since the debut of its first ‘Electric Origin’ SUVs, Mahindra has launched its newest electric vehicle (EV), the Mahindra XEV 9S, at a starting price of Rs 19.95 lakh for the Pack One Above variant. Sitting at the top of the carmaker's electric SUV portfolio, the XEV 9S is the biggest battery-powered model from Mahindra yet, and the third based on its bespoke EV architecture. Mahindra has revealed the Pack Two Above will cost Rs 24.45 lakh (70 kWh) and Rs 25.45 lakh (79 kWh), Pack Three will cost Rs Rs 27.35 lakh and Pack Three Above is priced at Rs 29.45 lakh (all prices, ex-showroom).
Test drives of the XEV 9S will begin on December 5, with bookings set to open on January 14 and deliveries to commence on January 23.
In appearance, the XEV 9S may look similar to the combustion-engined XUV700, because it adopts the same silhouette. The styling touches, though, link it closely to the XEV 9E. In terms of size, the XEV 9S is quite similar to the XUV700, being almost the same height (1,745 mm) but with a marginally longer 2,762 mm wheelbase.
Under the skin, the XEV 9S is more or less identical to the XEV 9E, as it is based on the same Inglo architecture, and borrows the same battery options – 59 kWh and 79 kWh. However, there is a third battery option available on Pack Two Above – a 70 kWh unit.
Powering the XEV 9S are the same motors found in the other Electric Origin SUVs, offering power outputs of 228 bhp and 282 bhp, while torque is the same for all variants, at 380 Nm. This, according to Mahindra, helps make the XEV 9S the fastest seven-seat SUV under Rs 70 lakh, with a top speed of 202 kmph. The 0 to 100 kmph acceleration times are 7.9 seconds for the 228 bhp model, and 7 seconds for the 282 bhp version.
This is a developing story. Please stay tuned for more details.
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Hero MotoCorp has launched the Xtreme 160R 4V with cruise control, with ride-by-wire throttle and a price tag of Rs. 1,34,100 (Ex-showroom). This makes the cruise control variant roughly around Rs. 4,500 more expensive than the standard Xtreme 160R 4V. The Xtreme 160R 4V now gets ride-by-wire with three ride modes – Rain, Road and Sports, as well as cruise control and gets four colour options, including a new Matt Shadow Grey colour option, along with Kevlar Brown, Matt Slate Black and Neon Shooting Star.
Mechanically, the Hero Xtreme 160R 4V remains the same, with the 163.2 cc, single-cylinder, air-cooled, four-valve engine tuned to put out 16.67 bhp at 8,500 rpm and 14.6 Nm of peak torque at 6,500 rpm. The new bike has been given a minor refresh in the cosmetics department though, with a revised and aggressive-looking LED headlight, a new colour LCD display shared with the Xtreme 250R, and updated switchgear to toggle through the ride modes.
The standard Xtreme 160 4V is still available at a price of Rs. 1.30 lakh (Ex-showroom), and the cruise control variant introduces some segment-first features. The Xtreme 160R 4V has a kerb weight of 147.5 kg, with a 800 mm seat height and 165 mm ground clearance. Fuel tank capacity is 12 litres, while the bike rides on 17-inch wheels, shod with 100/80-17 and 130/70-17 tyres front and rear.
Suspension duties are handled by 37 mm KYB upside down front fork and a 7-step adjustable monoshock at the rear. The Xtreme 160R 4V also gets standard dual-channel ABS with a 276 mm front petal disc and a 220 mm rear petal disc. The bike also gets first-in-segment panic brake alert, as an added safety feature.
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The C-SUV segment has never been hotter in India. Where it was already crowded with over 10 choices, Tata has bought its second player in the game. Playing huge on the iconic nameplate, the Sierra comes all guns blazing and facing it is the undisputed bestseller, Hyundai Creta. Both look tempting, but which one brings the better package? Let’s break it down simply and practically.
The Creta’s now familiar design follows a balanced, urban design which doesn’t look out of place. On the other hand, the Sierra makes the opposite statement it tries to bring back its iconic wraparound glass while offering upright stance, clamshell bonnet, and retro-future flavour.
On the inside, the Creta’s approach is function first. Despite being a couple of years old, it feels fresh, the logical dashboard layout has easy-to-reach controls, and a rear bench doesn’t give a reason to complain. But the Sierra’s interior is a newer experience. There are some elements borrowed from Tata’s line-up, whereas some are a first for Tata as well. Take the sound bar design, for instance. Soft touch materials are offered in both, but the cabin feels airy, there are light colours, minimalistic touchpoints and a claimed “lounge-like” second row.
This is where the biggest talking point lies, so let’s compare feature packs.
Category
Hyundai Creta
Tata Sierra
Touchscreen
10.25-inch
Three-Screen setup
Digital Cluster
Yes
Yes
360° Camera
Yes
Yes
ADAS
Level 2
Level 2+
Sound System
Bose
JBL / Harman-tuned
Sunroof
Panoramic
Panoramic
Ventilated Seats
Yes
Yes
Wireless Charging
Yes
Yes
Smartphone Integration
Yes
Yes, Wireless
Climate Controls
Dual Zone
Dual Zone
Rain Sensing Wipers
Yes
Yes
Boss Mode
No
Yes
Engine & Performance
Both the Creta and Sierra offer three engine choices, and very similar ones at that – two petrol engines, and a diesel. Both offer a 1.5-litre four-cylinder naturally aspirated petrol, 1.5 TGDi direct-injection turbo petrol, and 1.5-litre four-cylinder diesel, with options for manual as automatic gearboxes.
While it's new and builds on its iconic nameplate and nostalgia, the Sierra has an uphill task to lock horns with a well-established segment leader like the Creta. The Creta has been a top-seller for ages, and not without reason. So when the Sierra comes in with its tricks up its sleeves, the Creta need not worry yet. How they will fare in real-world conditions, we’ll have to wait a little longer for that.
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MotoVerse is the living, breathing hub of Royal Enfield culture – a fusion of subcultures, craft, style and the people who make motorcycling more than just machines. It’s where riders, makers, musicians and explorers sync to the rhythm of “Pure Motorcycling.” For this year’s edition, nearly 40,000 enthusiasts rolled into Vagator, Goa, the venue of the festival marking the convergence of Royal Enfield riders and enthusiasts from across the globe.
From morning rides to adrenaline pumping races, hands-on workshops, and world-class performances, MotoVerse 2025 was alive with energy from across the globe. Every race, showcase and experience was built by the community, for the community – led by the people who live this culture every single day.
Product Launches: Bullet 650, Himalayan Mana Black & More
The Royal Enfield Bullet 650 made its India debut at the MotoVerse 2025. Although prices are expected to be announced in early 2026, the Bullet, now powered by Royal Enfield’s acclaimed 650 cc parallel-twin offers more muscle, more character, and more presence.
The Royal Enfield Himalayan Mana Black version made its India debut after its global reveal at EICMA earlier in November. Priced at Rs. 3.37 lakh (Ex-showroom), the Mana Black features a deep stealth black colour option with matte elements and comes kitted out with some factory-fitted rally accessories.
Also announced at the MotoVerse was the Royal Enfield Meteor 350 Sundowner Orange, a special edition model introduced to celebrate the half a million strong Meteor 350 community. The Sundowner Oranage not just gets a vibrant new colour but also comes kitted out with tubeless wire spoke wheels. It’s priced at Rs. 2.19 lakh (Ex-showroom).
Also showcased was the new Royal Enfield GT-R750 race bike, the next-generation model for the Royal Enfield GT Cup one make racing series. The new GT-R750 features an all-new engine, which on close look, appears to be more compact than the current 650 Twin platform. This new engine is also likely to be introduced in the next-generation road bikes in the Interceptor 750 and the Continental GT 750.
MotoVerse Experiences
There were other experiences that defined the festival. Maut Ka Kuan, or Well of Death, kicked off proceedings of this year’s edition with daredevils riding around the double storey set-up. The Pure Sport Arena At Moto Thrill delivered an electrifying display of action and skill. Riders also took to track with the Royal Enfield FT450, pushing their limits in thrilling flat track sessions.
MotoReel brought stories from legends like Jonty Rhodes, Nick Sanders, Vanessa Ruck, Freddie Spencer and the Monk and the Warriors team. All the presenters shared powerful journeys of grit, adventure and endurance. MotoVille included Art of Motorcycling with over 51,000 entries, with artists from 12 countries participating in a cine-versed themed celebration of design, technology, and the freedom of two wheels.
The thrill extended to the mainstage with this year’s edition bringing to Goa Grammy-winning producer Diplo, a long time Royal Enfield rider who rode into the festival on the Himalayan 450. Hanumankind rode along with the Royal Enfield leadership on the opening day, on the new Bullet 650. Euphoria, Parvaaz, The Yellow Diary, MIDIval Punditz, x Kutle Khan x Karsh Kale, and Thaikuddam Bridge and more owned the mainstage across three unforgettable days.
From Rider Mania To MotoVerse
From what started as Royal Enfield Rider Mania with a few hundred attendees almost two decades ago as a festival started by clubs of Royal Enfield riders. While Royal Enfield took the Rider Mania name and continued the tradition for years, parallelly, the BOBMC Rider Mania also continued, albeit at a much smaller scale.
The BOBMC Rider Mania is an event which was originally began in 2003 in Goa and then hosted by Brotherhood of Bulleteers Motorcycling Consortium with different clubs hosting it across the country every year. In 2023, Royal Enfield renamed its official festival as MotoVerse, with the leadership deciding to give back the Rider Mania name to the community that started it in the first place, with humble beginnings in 2003 in Goa, the place where MotoVerse is held every year.
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Tata Motors is finally set to launch the reborn Sierra in India today. The company will reveal complete details about the SUV, including its dimensions, features, powertrain choices and, most importantly, its pricing.
The new Sierra’s journey began at the 2020 Auto Expo, where it debuted as an electric concept. A near-production EV version followed at the 2023 Auto Expo, giving a clearer glimpse of the SUV’s direction. Earlier this year, Tata also showcased the internal-combustion-engine (ICE) iteration at the 2025 Bharat Mobility Expo. And now, after several previews and refinements, the production-ready Sierra is finally here.
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Tata Motors is finally set to launch the reborn Sierra in India today. The company will reveal complete details about the SUV, including its dimensions, features, powertrain choices and, most importantly, its pricing.
The new Sierra’s journey began at the 2020 Auto Expo, where it debuted as an electric concept. A near-production EV version followed at the 2023 Auto Expo, giving a clearer glimpse of the SUV’s direction. Earlier this year, Tata also showcased the internal-combustion-engine (ICE) iteration at the 2025 Bharat Mobility Expo. And now, after several previews and refinements, the production-ready Sierra is finally here.
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One of the most anticipated motor shows across the world is the Japan Mobility Show. A country that is home to some of the most popular and advanced automakers in the world has a lot to showcase in terms of products, technologies and innovations. Car&bike was there at the just-concluded 2025 edition of the show to witness what’s the latest on offer for consumers and what could possibly make its way to the Indian market in times to come.
The biennial show kicked off with Koji Sato, President & CEO, Toyota, stating, “Whether it's a battery EV, plug-in hybrid, hybrid, or internal combustion engine vehicle―whatever the power source – let's make good-looking cars that everyone will want to drive!” adding that the brand to make "Mobility for All" a reality. The Toyota pavilion at the show was a testament of that with a wide range of products on display, including the Hiace Concept, IMV origin, Walk Me and yes, the new Corolla concept.
The bestseller has seen various body types and drivetrains in its five-decade-long journey, but the aggressive style on this concept is a notable design departure from its predecessors. Amongst other design elements, the seamless integration of the front windscreen with the roof was a highlight for me. A ducktail spoiler, a full-width lightbar and of course the Corolla lettering stood out too when it came to the rear. The cabin looks quite futuristic, and a similar look in the production version will find a lot of takers.
The showstopper, though, was the Land Cruiser FJ. The smallest member of the LC family was the centre of attraction, one that got car enthusiasts excited here in India too. It promises to be just as capable as its bigger siblings, and the smaller footprint could work to its advantage in many ways. There’s no confirmation from the brand yet that the SUV will come to India, but if and when it does, the baby SUV is sure to find many takers. If it comes at a competitive price point, where it can appeal to a larger section of buyers will be even better.
Tucked in a corner was the first-ever car made by Toyota. The AA sedan was the first production car made by the company and was launched almost a century ago in 1936. The company was still called Toyoda then, named after its founder, Kiichiro Toyoda and was later renamed as Toyota Motor Corporation. From the first car to some cool concepts on display at the show, the pavilion was a living example of how far and fast the auto world has developed.
But Toyota is not just Toyota. From a unique 6-wheel concept shown by Lexus to Century being unveiled as the new flagship brand, the versatility and technology on display were worth experiencing. The former is a high-end MPV that ensures a lot of real estate inside, and the latter is a bold new concept with which the brand aims to take on the likes of Rolls-Royce and Bentley. And then there was the cute K-Open from Daihatsu. In the words of Chairman Akio Toyoda, “ We want to cultivate it as a brand that brings the spirit of Japan – the pride of Japan – out into the world.”
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Royal Enfield expanded its Meteor 350 range at Motoverse 2025 with a new Sundowner Orange edition. Priced at Rs 2.19 lakh (ex-showroom), the Sundowner Edition is the most expensive variant of the Metro 350 series, sitting above Supernova Black.
The messaging from Toyota is clear: the world’s largest automobile group is embracing all automotive technologies—without abandoning any. This stance was reiterated multiple times at the recently concluded Japan Mobility Show, where top management emphasised that the brand intends to offer every kind of powertrain customers may want. Toyota has now been the world’s highest-selling automaker for five consecutive years, surpassing the 10-million-units mark in 2024.
The Japan Mobility Show was a major stage for Toyota, with several group companies showcasing a wide range of vehicles at the biennial event. Toyota itself led the charge with diverse mobility solutions, but the undeniable star was the Land Cruiser FJ, the smallest member of the Land Cruiser family. It drew significant attention and is also expected to make its way to India in the future. The new Corolla concept was another highlight, previewing a bold design shift for the brand’s global bestseller.
In a significant strategic move, Century has now overtaken Lexus as Toyota’s flagship brand. Century displayed a futuristic coupe concept aimed at competing with ultra-luxury marques such as Rolls-Royce and Bentley. Lexus, meanwhile, showcased several striking concepts of its own, including a unique six-wheel MPV called the LS. Notably, Lexus announced that the “LS” name will no longer refer only to its flagship sedan but will extend across a series of models with various body styles.
Beyond the products, the trip to Tokyo offered valuable insights into Toyota’s ongoing efforts in new technologies, drivetrains, and fuels. Toyota’s multi-pathway approach is grounded in the belief that no two global markets are alike. Each region faces unique challenges, and therefore Toyota plans to offer a full suite of technologies— ICE, electric, hybrid, hydrogen, and fuel-cell vehicles—depending on local needs. The group also remains committed to exploring alternative materials for clean-energy production.
Toyota’s Chief Technology Officer, Hiroki Nakajima, explained, “Toyota is committed to all powertrains depending on markets. In some regions, it makes more sense to use hybrids. If we just focus on CO₂, it will be difficult. We have to look at what is the most optimised car for carbon-footprint reduction. Convenience for customers is also important.” Toyota is also working to decarbonise existing vehicles, of which 97% still rely on internal-combustion engines.
Nakajima further noted, “We cannot predict what the world will be like, so we need to be prepared. No one talked about hybrids before, but now it is one of the most popular technologies. We need to ensure we make attractive vehicles so we can generate revenue and continue developing a multi-pathway approach.” A recent example is the newly unveiled Hilux Electric, a zero-emission SUV that promises the same capability as its conventional counterpart.
Toyota’s 1.5-litre petrol-hybrid drivetrain, already popular in India through models like the Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara and Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder, is set for a next-generation upgrade in 2027. This future-ready powertrain is being positioned as an optimal engine for electrification, supporting fuel diversification while offering increased power and improved efficiency. Such advancements could significantly accelerate the adoption of strong-hybrid technology in markets like India.
Akihito Sarada, President of Toyota’s Software Development Centre, reiterated India’s importance in the company’s global strategy: “India is an important market for Toyota, and we want to develop the best cars for Indian people. We will use local engineers and continue to bring peace of mind to Indian customers.” On the subject of ethanol—a major area of focus for India—he added that Toyota is exploring the usage of non-food materials to produce the biofuel, enabling broader global adoption.
Takashi Uehara, President of Toyota’s Powertrain Company, stated, “We have two engines for ethanol compliance. It’s a good fuel for the future. Most engines can handle E20 fuel. In India, we are working on biofuel with the government and stakeholders.” The brand has already taken the lead by showcasing the flex-fuel Innova Hycross, capable of running on up to 85% ethanol. The hybrid MPV relies heavily on its electric system and can deliver up to 35 kmpl.
Another crucial frontier is Toyota’s extensive work on solid-state batteries. The group is developing batteries with side terminals instead of traditional top-mounted terminals, resulting in lighter, lower-profile units with significantly higher energy density. Their future potential includes delivering three times the driving range and four times the lifespan of current EV batteries—a breakthrough that could vastly improve EV affordability, performance, and operating costs.
Hydrogen and fuel-cell technologies also continue to be key pillars of Toyota’s strategy. The company is actively making a case for building a hydrogen ecosystem, with particular focus on commercial vehicles. In India, Toyota previously introduced the Mirai, which runs on this technology for pilot use. The vehicle was used extensively by Union Minister of Road, Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari. According to Toyota, this technology lowers fuel costs and requires minimal maintenance.
Overall, Toyota is undertaking significant efforts in carbon-neutral and next-generation fuel solutions. Its software-defined-vehicle technologies are also contributing to safer mobility, helping reduce road accidents. Improvements in safety infrastructure are also part of the company’s broader vision. As the world’s largest automotive group, Toyota is living up to its reputation—innovating across all fronts and ensuring no one is left behind.
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