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Hyundai has updated the newly introduced Venue line-up with a new variant. Called HX5+, the new variant is launched at Rs 9.99 lakh (ex-showroom) and is available with a single powertrain choice – the 1.2-litre Kappa petrol engine with the manual transmission.
The new HX5+ offers the following features over the HX5 (which is priced at Rs 9.16 lakh):
Roof Rails
Quad Beam LED Headlamps
Rear Window Sunshade
Smartphone Wireless Charger
Driver Console Armrest With Storage
Rear Wiper And Washer
Driver Power Window With Auto Up Down & Safety
Apart from the new variant, the HX4 variant is also updated with a single feature addition - driver seat height adjustment. The new Venue has garnered 50,000 bookings since its introduction.
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After months of plummeting sales, demand for Maruti Suzuki's entry-level cars hit a new high in December, ostensibly benefiting from the lowering of prices following the reduction in goods and services tax (GST). Maruti Suzuki registered wholesales of 14,225 units of its ‘Mini’ category of cars in the final month of 2025, a near-92 per cent increase year-on-year, and its highest sales in the segment in FY2025-26. Of this, it was the venerable Alto K10 that accounted for nearly 10,800 units, with sales of the S-Presso crossing 3,000 units, a senior Maruti Suzuki official confirmed to car&bike.
Alto, S-Presso Production Ramped Up As Bookings Rise
On a media call, Partho Banerjee, Senior Executive Officer, Marketing & Sales, Maruti Suzuki India Limited, confirmed the company currently holds bookings for the Alto and S-Presso worth over one-and-a-half month's supply. While Banerjee refrained from sharing the number of pending bookings, a production filing reveals Maruti produced 19,187 units of its ‘Mini’ cars in December – the highest production volume for this category in calendar year 2025.
Sales of the Alto K10 were sluggish all through 2025, before witnessing a surge late in the year.
However, the ramp up in production of the Alto and S-Presso has come at the cost of reduced production for some other models in the portfolio, according to Banerjee.
“In December, we have been able to cater to the [mini car] demand only because we have been able to reduce some other models' growth, but that is practically not possible every month because [in] other segments also, there is a huge waiting. Our network stock opening was very low in the beginning of December. Now in January, we have almost no vehicles. We need to do a balancing act, as we are also trying to serve the customers who are trying to upgrade to a four wheeler”, Banerjee told car&bike.
Entry-Level Sales Revitalised With Huge Price Cut
Sales of Maruti's entry-level cars have been on the rise since India rolled out reduced GST rates late in September 2025. Maruti has registered growing sales figures for the Alto and S-Presso every month starting October, reaching its highest point yet in this fiscal year in December. Following the cut in GST rates, Maruti introduced additional discounts on the Alto and S-Presso, which led to their prices being reduced by more than Rs 1 lakh, and bringing their starting ex-showroom prices to under Rs 4 lakh. The Alto K10 starts at Rs 3.70 lakh, while the slow-selling S-Presso starts at Rs 3.50 lakh.
S-Presso, at a starting price of Rs 3.50 lakh, is the most affordable Maruti Suzuki car today.
Banerjee pointed out that while growth in demand was strong in the top 100 cities in terms of sales, sales of the Alto and S-Presso have grown even more in smaller cities and towns beyond the top 100 cities.
However, it remains to be seen if this momentum will carry over into 2026. While a bevy of carmakers have announced price hikes that will eat away at some of the GST benefits, Maruti Suzuki is yet to do so. Banerjee hinted the company may decide to increase prices of its entry-level cars in about a month's time, once pending orders have been fulfilled.
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If there was one unmistakable trend that defined India’s two-wheeler landscape in 2025, it was the meteoric rise of mid-size motorcycles – those typically ranging from 250 cc to 500 cc. Long overshadowed by bestselling commuter bikes in the 100-125 cc segment, mid-size motorcycles finally found their moment this year, reshaping both consumer demand and industry strategy. The year 2025 can certainly be called the year of the mid-size motorcycle boom in India, and here’s why.
For years, Indian motorcyclists have been content with small-capacity bikes that are affordable, practical and fuel efficient. But over the past few years, a shift in consumer preference has been brewing, fuelled by a young demographic that’s more aspirational, more digitally connected, and more experiential in mindset. Riders today are no longer satisfied with mere point-to-point commuting. They want comfort, performance, touring capability and style – all in one package.
And it’s this growing aspiration of middle-class India that is fuelling the mid-size motorcycle boom. These bikes (typically 250-500 cc) hit the sweet spot. They offer significantly more performance than smaller commuter bikes, yet are not as intimidating and expensive as bigger motorcycles with more performance and engine displacement.
Suddenly, long rides, weekend getaways, the occasional trail ride, and purposeful commuting could be enjoyed without having to graduate to a heavyweight machine, which would be incrementally more expensive.
And the industry, finally listening, has delivered with products and strategies that addressed this demand. Over the past couple of years, two-wheeler OEMs introduced a wave of competitive mid-size offerings ranging from aggressive streetfighters to adventure tourers and modern classics. Today, the Indian consumer is spoilt for choice like never before.
Royal Enfield’s Sherpa 450 platform has significantly improved the brand’s popular adventure tourer since it was introduced over a year ago. The Himalayan 450 was followed up with a peppy and entertaining roadster based on the same platform – the Guerrilla 450. Triumph’s made-in-India roadster and scramblers (Speed 400, Speed T4, Scrambler 400X) have been widely welcomed and received across India.
But with higher GST rates announced in September 2025 for above 350 cc models, consumers will feel the pinch as much as manufacturers, having to pay more for motorcycles, which, so far, met the aspirations of a growing middle class who finally had performance within a price bracket that was attainable and accessible.
Brands like Bajaj Auto has already announced that it will be downsizing its 400 cc engine platforms for KTM and Triumph to meet the lower GST rates for sub-350 cc models. Others like Royal Enfield and Harley-Davidson have decided to stay put with their 450 cc and 440 cc engine platforms.
So far, there are no indications that the powers that be will take another look at revising the tax rates for motorcycles based on their engine displacements. Time will tell if there are policy changes afoot to widen the scope of lower taxation. Perhaps a more rational policy, maybe up to 500 cc for lower GST rates, will not just benefit the industry but also make the growing middle class’s aspirations achievable.
While the commuter segment continues to rake in the volumes for manufacturers and will remain India’s backbone due to its sheer volume and practicality, 2025 marks a clear pivot, a maturation of the market. The mid-size motorcycle boom is not a fleeting fad; it signals a structural evolution in Indian riding preferences. Riders are ready for more performance, more comfort and more capability.
In retrospect, 2025 wasn’t just another year for motorcycles in India. It was the year the mid-size motorcycle segment truly accelerated.
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The HyundaiCreta has achieved its best-ever sales performance in a calendar year in 2025. The Korean carmaker has reported total sales of over 2 lakh units of the Creta in India for the year, the highest number yet for the popular compact SUV. This translates to daily sales of nearly 550 units for the popular SUV.
Commenting on the milestone, Tarun Garg, Managing Director & CEO designate, Hyundai Motor India Limited, said, “Hyundai CRETA journey in India is nothing short of extraordinary and achieving the highest-ever annual sales of more than 2 lakhs units is a proud and defining moment for all of us at Hyundai. It is also the highest-selling SUV of our country on a cumulative basis from 2020-2025. In fact, over the past 10 years of its journey in India, CRETA’s customer base has grown manifold, transforming it from a capable SUV into a trusted companion for every journey.”
In the powertrain split, Hyundai revealed that diesel still had a role to play in the segment. Around 44 per cent of all Cretas sold in CY2025 were diesel models, with the remaining 56 per cent accounting for the sales of the petrol and electric variants. Hyundai retails the Creta with two petrol engine options – a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated and a 1.5-litre turbocharged unit – and a sole 1.5-litre CRDI diesel engine option. All three units are offered with manual and automatic gearbox options. The EV, meanwhile, is offered with two battery options – 42 kWh and 51.4 kWh – offering a claimed range of up to 510 km on a full charge.
First Time Buyers Rising; Sunroof Equipped Models Account For Over 70 Per Cent of Sales
Hyundai also reported a growth in first-time buyers for the Creta in 2025. About 32 per cent of customers were first-time buyers – up from 13 per cent in 2020. This follows the recent trend in the Indian car market, with slowing or stagnating sales being reported by brands in the hatchback segments, while seeing growing demand for SUVs.
Another statistic that Hyundai shared was that sunroof-equipped models accounted for over 70 per cent of sales. While an impressive number, the Creta in its most recent model year spec offers the option for a sunroof on 9 of the 13 variants (including Creta N Line) on sale for the internal combustion SUV and 8 of the 9 variants of the EV. This puts it to just 3 variants out of 22 lacking a sunroof.
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JSW MG Motor India has announced a new buyback programme aimed at easing long-term ownership for its electric vehicle customers and addressing resale concerns among electric vehicle buyers. Under this initiative, MG is extending assured buyback coverage for its EVs from the existing three-year period to up to five years, which will offer customers a guaranteed resale value at the end of the selected tenure.
With this programme, MG EV owners can opt for an assured resale value after three, four, or five years of ownership, depending on the plan chosen. This follows MG’s earlier buyback offering, which assured up to 60 per cent of the vehicle’s value after three years. Notably, the scheme is independent of any finance or loan arrangement, allowing customers to opt in regardless of how the vehicle was purchased.
Speaking about this buyback scheme, Anurag Mehrotra, Managing Director, JSW MG Motor India, said, “As a customer-centric brand, MG has always introduced initiatives like B-a-a-S (Battery-as-a-service), lifetime warranty on EV batteries that make EV ownership a delightful mobility experience. Resale value has been a key consideration for many customers who are considering buying an EV."
He further added, "With our industry-first MG Value Promise Program (Assured Buyback), facilitated by Lockton India Insurance Broking and Advisory Ltd in partnership with Zuno General Insurance, we want to give MG EV owners complete peace of mind as we now offer an Assured resale value where a customer has the option to choose the tenure from 3 to 5 years. We believe this initiative will play a key role in expanding India’s EV market by eliminating a major concern for buyers and building stronger trust in electric mobility.”
The programme is also applicable to commercial buyers of the MG ZS EV, covering vehicles that are up to three years old or have clocked up to 60,000 km per year. At the end of the chosen tenure, customers can decide whether to retain the vehicle, return it, or upgrade to another MG model.
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Ducati has launched the XDiavel V4 in India, priced from Rs 30.89 lakh (ex-showroom). Positioned as the touring-friendly sibling of the Diavel V4, the XDiavel brings along with it a host of cruiser-style tweaks while retaining much of the hardware and performance of its sportier counterpart. One of the biggest changes this time around is the switch to a chain drive setup, replacing the belt drive used on the outgoing model.
In terms of design, the XDiavel V4 closely mirrors the Diavel V4, though there are subtle differences. These include toned-down front air inlets, newly styled alloy wheels, and a slightly reworked tail section. Ducati has also revised the ergonomics, with a wider and more cushioned seat, a swept-back handlebar, and forward-set footpegs. The result is a more laid-back riding position. The seat height sits at 770 mm, which is 20 mm lower than the Diavel V4, while it tips the scale at 229 kg.
Akin to the Diavel V4, Power comes from the same 1,158 cc Granturismo V4 engine. It punches out 166 bhp at 10,750 rpm and 126 Nm of torque at 7,500 rpm. The engine is paired with a six-speed gearbox and comes standard with a bi-directional quickshifter.
On the feature front, the XDiavel V4 gets the same 6.9-inch TFT display seen on the Diavel, along with a comprehensive electronics package. This includes cornering ABS, traction control, wheelie control, multiple ride and power modes, launch control, and cruise control.
Suspension duties are handled by a fully adjustable 50 mm upside-down fork up front and a fully adjustable rear monoshock. Stopping power comes from twin 330 mm discs at the front with Brembo Stylema monobloc calipers, while the rear uses a 265 mm disc with a Brembo two-piston caliper, supported by cornering ABS.
The Ducati XDiavel V4 is available in two colour options: Red and Black, priced at Rs 30.89 lakh and Rs 31.20 lakh, ex-showroom, respectively. Compared to the standard Diavel V4, the XDiavel commands a premium of Rs 1.80 lakh.
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Honda has filed a patent for a motorcycle turn control device that aims to improve rider safety by actively assisting steering inputs when another vehicle approaches from a blind spot. The system is designed specifically around the dynamics of motorcycles, where even small steering corrections can significantly affect stability. Unlike existing rider-assist systems that only warn the rider, Honda’s concept goes a step further by gently intervening in steering to help avoid a potential collision.
The system essentially uses a camera that continuously monitors the area around the motorcycle. Using this visual data, a blind spot recognition unit identifies vehicles approaching from areas not easily visible to the rider, such as adjacent lanes during a lane change. Once a vehicle is detected in a blind spot, the system evaluates the rider’s current actions before deciding whether and how to intervene.
The steering intervention is managed by a steering control unit, which adjusts its response based on the motorcycle’s riding state. Honda’s patent specifically mentions three rider inputs that influence the system’s behaviour: lane change, acceleration, and deceleration.
Depending on whether the rider is accelerating, braking, or actively steering, the system adjusts the level of assistance accordingly. For example, a gentle corrective input may be applied if the rider begins steering into a lane where another vehicle is approaching, while remaining less intrusive if the rider is already braking or stabilising the bike.
The second illustration outlines the system architecture and how different sensors feed information into the steering control logic. In simple terms, it demonstrates how Honda integrates rider inputs and environmental data to determine the level of steering assistance.
The system consists of:
A camera (imaging device) that captures the surroundings
A steering torque sensor, which measures how much force the rider is applying to the handlebars
A throttle opening sensor, which detects acceleration input
A brake pressure sensor, which monitors braking force
All this data is processed by an event detection unit, which determines what the rider is trying to do, such as changing lanes, accelerating, or slowing down. Simultaneously, a blind spot angle recognition unit analyses camera data to identify vehicles approaching from unsafe angles.
Once these inputs are assessed, the information is sent to the steering control unit, which decides whether steering assistance is needed. If required, a rotation actuator subtly adjusts the steering direction to help the motorcycle avoid the approaching vehicle, while still allowing the rider to remain in control.
To put things in perspective, Honda isn’t the only manufacturer exploring this space. Brands like BMW, Ducati, and others are already moving in a similar direction with radar-based safety systems. Whether such technology makes it to production in its current form remains to be seen.
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Mahindra continues to release teasers of its upcoming XUV 7XO (XUV 700 facelift) SUV ahead of its debut on January 5, 2026. Having already previewed elements of the SUV’s exterior design and cabin, the latest teaser now confirms some additional features not seen previously.
Of the features previewed in the new teaser, the most notable is the new 540-degree camera. The upgraded system looks to use the front camera to map out the road to show the road surface and obstacles under the vehicle as you drive along. Users can also opt for a ‘four-corners’ display mode lets users see camera feeds showing the four corners of the SUV – a handy feature when negotiating tight spaces.
That aside, we also get a look at the streaming capabilities of the dedicated third display for the front seat passenger. The 7XO, like the XEV 9S, will have BYOD (bring your own device), letting users sync their personal devices like tablets, with the co-driver display to stream videos in real time across all paired devices. We also get a look at new graphics for the Level 2 ADAS system located in the instrument cluster. The latest teaser also confirms the name of one of the variants – AX7 L, suggesting that the variant nomenclature could stay unchanged, though recent spy shots have suggested a new AX9 trim could also be coming.
Other features previously confirmed in teasers include projector LED headlamps, triple screen display, a powered boss mode, a panoramic sunroof, drive modes, multi-zone climate controls and ambient lighting.
On the powertrain front, Mahindra is unlikely to make any changes to the 7XO with the tried and tested 2.0-litre turbo-petrol and 2.2-litre diesel engines expected to be carried forward. Expect both engines to be offered with manual and automatic gearbox options, with top spec diesel trims to get optional all-wheel drive.
The 7XO will see competition from the likes of the Tata Harrier & Safari, MG Hector & Hector Plus as well as the Hyundai Alcazar and Jeep Compass & Meridian.
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Bajaj Auto has launched the updated Pulsar 150 in India at a starting price of Rs 1.09 lakh. The motorcycle is offered in three variants: the Pulsar 150 SD priced at Rs 1.09 lakh, the Pulsar 150 SD UG at Rs 1.12 lakh, and the Pulsar 150 TD UG at Rs 1.15 lakh, all priced ex-showroom. Compared to the previous version, there is a marginal price hike of Rs 3,600 at base and here is what the difference gets you.
The latest update for the Classic Pulsar focuses on cosmetic and lighting changes. The Pulsar 150 now gets refreshed graphics along with an LED headlight and LED turn indicators. Moreover, it also gets refreshed graphics along with new paint schemes, including the Green with Orange highlights, which we saw on the updated Pulsar 220F and Blue, Grey and Red options, each paired with Black, respectively.
In terms of specifications, the Bajaj Pulsar 150 remains the same, getting a 149 cc single-cylinder air-cooled motor that puts out 13.8 bhp of maximum power at 8,500 rpm and 13.4 Nm at 6,500 rpm. The motor continues to get a 5-speed gearbox. The rest of the motorcycle remains unchanged.
The Bajaj Pulsar 150 has long been one of the pillars of the Pulsar brand and has played a key role in shaping Bajaj Auto’s presence in the commuter and sporty commuter segments. Despite changing trends and newer models entering the lineup, the Pulsar 150 has continued largely in the same form for quite some time, with only minimal updates along the way.
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The twelfth edition of India Bike Week (IBW) wrapped up a few days ago, leaving behind memories of motorcycles, rasping exhausts, activities, great food, and live music. After weeks of uncertainty leading up to the event, the 2025 edition of the motorcycle festival was held at a new venue in Panchgani, Maharashtra, and concluded on December 20.
While the venue shift and attendance saw a drop in participation (compared to 2024’s reported 25,000 participants), IBW 2025 still drew over 16,000 attendees. For those who couldn’t make it this year, here’s a snapshot of what went down at the latest edition of India Bike Week.
This year’s event featured a wider range of activities, including the Harley-Davidson Flat Track Race, IBW Hill Climb presented by Reise, Dirt Dash, KTM Enduro Cross Track, and Cosplay, among others.
One of the standout attractions was the Hard Enduro show by Pol Tarres at the Gulf Syntrac Enduro Park. His performance, packed with technical and high-intensity stunts, drew large crowds and plenty of applause.
For a change, car brand Skoda Auto India also participated, offering more than 750 off-road trial runs in the Kodiaq SUV for the participants.
Hero MotoCorp’s electric arm, Vida, focused on younger riders by offering over 200 children the chance to experience riding on its DIRT.E K3 electric bike on a small dirt track.
Bajaj Auto returned with its popular stunt showcase, where riders performed wheelies, stoppies, and burnouts on the Pulsar NS400Z.
Meanwhile, the KTM Enduro Cross Track challenged rider skills, with the fastest participants earning a place at the KTM Adventure Rally in Goa, led by Chris Birch.
KTM India also used the platform to showcase its motorcycle lineup and announce two racing initiatives for 2026.
These include the third season of the KTM Cup in India and the brand’s first-ever KTM Adventure Rally in the country.
KTM Cup Season 3 will kick off on January 17, with four zonal rounds scheduled across Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, and Guwahati.
The KTM Adventure Rally, headed by Dakar Rally rider and New Zealand enduro champion Chris Birch, is set to take place in Goa from February 27 to March 3.
Aprilia had a special appearance on its block, and it was MotoGP rider Lorenzo Savadori.
Aprilia also introduced three new colour options for the RS 457: RS GP Replica, Arsenic Yellow, and Coral Snake Blue, along with showcasing other motorcycles.
Reise Moto, along with helmet brands SMK and LS2, also showcased and launched new products at the event.
The music lineup added to the festival atmosphere, with performances by King, Karan Kanchan, Sugga Honey, and Antariksh. Harley-Davidson also marked the return of its Rock Riders initiative during the event.
That wraps up IBW 2025 in a nutshell. With this edition done and dusted, attention now turns to what’s next. Whether India Bike Week returns to Goa in 2026 or moves to yet another new location remains to be seen.
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Following a recall earlier this month to address an engine stall issue, KTM has announced another global recall involving select models from its 390 range. The latest recall is related to an issue with the side stand assembly and affects the KTM 390 Adventure X and 390 Enduro R sold in India, as well as the 390 Adventure R and 390 SMC R currently offered in overseas markets.
According to KTM, quality inspections have found that engine vibrations could, in certain cases, cause the side stand spring to break. The issue is limited to motorcycles equipped with forged side stands and does not affect other side stand designs. KTM states that only a small number of cases have been reported so far, and it is taking a precautionary approach to eliminate any potential safety risk.
As part of the recall, owners of affected motorcycles are requested to visit an authorised service centre to have the side stand spring replaced and a rubber protective component fitted. To help riders safely reach the dealership before the fix is carried out, KTM has also recommended temporarily securing the side stand using a rubber band or a similar solution.
In addition, some motorcycles will receive a new side stand sensor retaining plate during the service visit. This update is intended to adjust the trigger range of the side stand switch, and authorised KTM dealers will inform customers if their motorcycle requires this additional step.
Owners of affected motorcycles will be notified directly by KTM and are advised to contact their nearest authorised dealership. All recall-related repairs will be carried out free of charge through KTM’s authorised network.
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