Tata Punch Facelift To Get Turbo-Petrol Engine Option

Tata Motors has released a new teaser for the upcoming Punch facelift, and it brings the biggest news yet - a new engine option. Buyers who will have wanted more power and torque out of the micro SUV will now be able to pick a turbo-petrol engine option alongside the standard naturally aspirated petrol.

 

Also read: Tata Punch Facelift Teased Ahead Of Launch On January 13

 

(Clockwise from top) New 6-speed manual gearbox; new colour digital instrument cluster; central touchscreen; touch-based air-con controls similar to other Tata cars.

 

The second teaser for the micro SUV provided a glimpse at some new elements, including a new colour digital instrument cluster - not to be mistaken with the Punch EV’s 10.25-inch screen, alloy wheels and a 6-speed manual gearbox, as well as the all-important iTurbo badge. Tata previously used the iTurbo badge to mark out the turbo-petrol Altroz from its standard petrol and diesel models prior to rebranding the variant as the Racer.

 

Also Read: Tata Punch Facelift Spied Again Ahead Of Debut; Previews Updated Rear Design
 

Punch facelift to get 360-degree cameras.

 

 Other elements visible include the free-standing central touchscreen, which looks to have received tweaked graphics, while the air-con controls are the familiar touch-based unit as seen on the Nexon and Curvv. Interestingly, a closer look at the unit reveals the presence of a 360-degree camera function - a feature so far only offered on the Punch EV.
 

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It remains to be seen which turbo-petrol engine Tata could choose to employ in the diminutive SUV, with the carmaker currently offering two small-displacement turbo-petrols in the market. The first is the brand’s tried and tested 1.2-litre Revotron turbo-petrol mill used in the now-discontinued Altroz iTurbo and Altroz Racer, as well as the Nexon and the lower variants of the Curvv. The unit develops a peak 118 bhp and 170 Nm of torque.
 

Also Read: New Kia Seltos vs Tata Sierra: Pricing Compared

 

The second is from the brand’s new Hyperion engine series - again a 1.2-litre unit featuring gasoline direct injection, but with more power and torque on hand - 123 bhp and 225 Nm.
 

Both units have been featured with 6-speed gearboxes in recent applications, save for in the base Nexon, where the Revotron turbo mill is paired with a 5-speed unit.
 

Also Read: Tata To Enter Rs 40 Lakh Passenger Car Market With First Avinya Electric SUV In End-2026

 

The turbo-petrol mill is expected to remain exclusive to the higher trims of the Punch facelift, with lower variants set to be offered with the naturally aspirated petrol engine only paired with either a 5-speed manual or AMT gearbox. The NA petrol is also expected to get factory CNG options across variants.
 

The Punch facelift is Tata’s first important launch of the new calendar year, with prices to be announced on January 13, 2026. The carmaker has also confirmed other notable launches for the year, such as the Sierra EV and the first Avinya EV, which will arrive by mid-2026 and late 2026, respectively.

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Mahindra XUV 7XO India Launch Tomorrow: Here’s What We Know So Far

After an almost month-long teaser campaign, Mahindra will launch the new XUV 7XO in India tomorrow. Essentially, the facelift to the current XUV 700, the popular SUV, is being renamed in line with Mahindra’s latest naming convention, first seen on the smaller 3XO. The mid-size SUV will come with some notable updates, including a refreshed design and significant tech additions.
 

Also read: New Mahindra XUV 7XO Teaser Confirms 540 Degree Cameras
 

Design

On the styling front, the 7XO will get a redesigned fascia with new double-barrel projector headlamps with boomerang-shaped LED daytime running lamps. While on the whole the units appear to be similar to the outgoing model, they now look more angular while there’s only a single LED DRL element in each compared to the dual elements on the outgoing SUV.
 

Also read: Mahindra XUV 7XO Interior Previewed Ahead Of Debut; Triple Screen Layout Confirmed
 

The grille, too, gets a new look and it looks to be more rectangular than before with redesigned openings to feed air into the engine bay. New alloy wheel designs are also confirmed, while around the back, the tail lamps get new internals, though they seem to retain the shape of the XUV 700.
 

Interior

The cabin, meanwhile, is set for some big changes - chief among them the new AdrenoX+ tri-screen layout seen on the XEV series. You get the same three 12.3-inch displays mounted across the width of the dashboard, with a dedicated co-driver display. Mahindra will also offer its BYOD tech to allow for screen mirroring with personal devices to stream content for multiple occupants simultaneously.
 

Also read: Mahindra XUV 7XO Pre-Bookings Open December 15

Top variants look to get a tri-tone upholstery finish mixing black, tan, and what looks to be a light cream or grey, with the SUV also benefiting from some of the tech from its EV siblings and as before, you will still get up to three rows of seating.
 

Features

On the feature side, Mahindra has confirmed features such as powered front seats with driver seat memory, powered boss mode for co-drive seat, sun shades on the rear windows, Harman Kardon audio system with Dolby Atmos, a new 540-degree camera system and ADAS tech with upgraded instrument cluster graphics. Of course, top variants will the afore-mentioned triple screen layout with AdrenoX+ and a lot of features from the outgoing 700 are also set to be carried forward.
 

Also Read: Mahindra XEV 9S First Drive Review: Big Electric SUV, Bigger Expectations

These will include a panoramic sunroof, ventilated front seats - ventilated rear seats could be added to the 7XO, multi-zone climate control, auto headlamps and wipers and more.
 

Engine & Gearbox

Focusing on the powertrain, Mahindra is set to make no changes to the 7XO when it comes to the engines and gearboxes. The 2.0-litre turbo-petrol and 2.2-litre diesel engines are set to be carried over, both with manual and automatic gearbox options. As before, the top diesel variants are also expected to get optional all-wheel drive with off-road modes in addition to the generic drive modes of Zip, Zap and Zoom.
 

Pricing

Expect Mahindra to price the 7XO a little higher than the outgoing 700 prices for which start at Rs 13.66 lakh and top out at Rs 23.71 lakh (ex-showroom). We expect prices for the 7XO to start around Rs 13.99 lakh, with top variants likely to be priced around the Rs 24.50 lakh mark.

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New Bajaj Chetak Spotted Ahead Of Launch

A fresh set of spy images of the upcoming Bajaj Chetak has surfaced ahead of its expected launch in India in January 2025. Similar to earlier sightings, the latest test mule appears to feature a hub-mounted electric motor at the rear, a configuration not seen on the current-generation Chetak models so far.

 

Also Read: Updated Bajaj Pulsar 150 Launched At Rs 1.09 Lakh: Gets LED Lighting, New Colours

The camouflaged scooter continues to suggest a shift away from the existing direct-drive setup, where the motor is mounted on the swingarm and drives the wheel directly. This setup could make it more affordable than the existing Chetak lineup.

 

In terms of design, the test vehicle largely retains the familiar Chetak silhouette, with only minor visual updates expected. These could include revised body panels, new graphics, updated alloy wheel designs, and fresh colour options. While the front lighting appears to carry over the existing LED setup, the rear lighting units seem to be new. Furthermore, previous spy shots of the test model have showcased that the turn indicators are now mounted on the handlebars rather than the apron.

Other visible changes include a new rectangular LCD instrument cluster, replacing the circular unit used previously. The switchgear also appears to have been revised, and the presence of a physical key slot is notable. On the suspension front, the earlier single-sided front setup seems to have been replaced by telescopic forks, while the rear appears to feature twin shocks.

As for the battery, the upcoming Chetak is expected to continue with the existing options, offered with either a 3 kWh or a 3.5 kWh pack. Bajaj currently claims a range of up to 127 km for the smaller battery, while the larger unit is rated for up to 153 km on a single charge.

 

Also Read: Updated Bajaj Pulsar 220F Does Not Get Dual-Channel ABS; Company Issues Clarification

The Bajaj Chetak electric scooter was first introduced in India in 2020 and has since received multiple updates and special editions, including the 30 and 35 series. The upcoming version is expected to focus on affordability and is likely to compete with newer models such as the TVS Orbiter and the Hero Vida VX2. 

Spy shot source - Hiro-natsu3

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Tata Punch Facelift Teased Ahead Of Launch On January 13

Tata Motors has rolled out the first teaser images of the upcoming Punch facelift ahead of its launch in India on January 13. The images offer a partial look at the updated model, highlighting select exterior elements while stopping short of revealing the car in full. The first set of images also hints at potential feature additions; however, the interior for now remains under wraps. Here is what the teaser showcases.

 

Also Read: Tata Punch Facelift Spied Again Ahead Of Debut; Previews Updated Rear Design

At the front, the Punch facelift features horizontally positioned LED DRLs, which are integrated into a slim housing that runs across the upper section of the front end. The main headlamp units remain positioned lower on the refreshed bumper, set within darker surrounds. A revised grille is also visible, with a more squared-off outline and a closed-off appearance.

 

Also Read: New Kia Seltos vs Tata Sierra: Pricing Compared

Towards the rear, the facelifted model gets new LED tail-lamps, which are connected through a central blacked-out element running across the tailgate. From the side, the teaser images show new dual-tone alloy wheels with a multi-spoke design. Apart from the updated wheels, the overall silhouette and body cladding appear the same at this point.

 

Also Read: Tata To Enter Rs 40 Lakh Passenger Car Market With First Avinya Electric SUV In End-2026

Aside from the styling, the teaser also shows a front-mounted camera and a sensor housed within the lower grille area. This could translate to the inclusion of features such as a 360-degree camera setup and other driver assistance systems on higher variants of the model.

 

Mechanically, the Punch facelift is expected to continue with the existing 1.2-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine, paired with either a five-speed manual gearbox or a five-speed AMT. The factory-fitted CNG variant is also likely to remain part of the line-up.  

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2026 Kia Seltos: Variants, Features, Prices Explained

Kia recently launched the second-generation Seltos in the Indian market at a starting price of Rs 10.99 lakh (ex-showroom). The Seltos, in its latest avatar, is offered in 10 variants across three engine options. Here is a breakdown of its variant-wise features, along with their prices, engine, and transmission options.

 

Also Read: 2026 Kia Seltos Launched In India At Rs 10.99 Lakh

Kia Seltos HTE

 

Engine/Transmission and prices (ex-showroom) 

• 1.5 litre NA petrol 6MT – Rs 10.99 lakh  

• 1.5 litre diesel 6MT – Rs 12.59 lakh  

  
Features 

• LED headlight, LED DRLs 

• LED tail lamps 

• 16-inch steel wheels with covers 

• Front & rear skid plates with silver finish 

• Shark fin antenna, integrated rear spoiler 

• Manual AC with rear AC vents 

• 10.25-inch touchscreen with wireless Android Auto & Apple CarPlay 

• 12-inch LCD instrument cluster with TFT MID 

• Cruise control, keyless entry, central locking 

• Dual USB Type-C ports (front & rear) 

• Electrically adjustable ORVMs

 

Also Read: New Kia Seltos vs Tata Sierra: Pricing Compared

Kia Seltos HTE (O)

 

Engine/Transmission and prices (ex-showroom) 

• 1.5 litre NA petrol 6MT – Rs 12.09 lakh 

• 1.5 litre NA petrol IVT – Rs 13.39 lakh 

• 1.5 litre turbo-petrol 6iMT – Rs 12.89 lakh  

• 1.5 litre diesel 6MT – Rs 13.69 lakh 

• 1.5 litre diesel 6AT – Rs 14.99 lakh  

 

Additional Features over HTE 
 

• Steel wheels 

• Connected LED tail lamps 

• gloss black roof rails 

• Semi-leatherette seats 

• 60:40 split rear seat with armrest & cup holders 

• Rear passenger adjustable headrests 

• One-touch driver window (auto up/down) 

• Drive modes & traction modes (automatic variants) 

• Paddle shifters (automatic variants)

 

Also Read: 2026 Kia Seltos Review: Formula Is Spot On, But Is The Timing Right?

Kia Seltos HTK

 

Engine/Transmission and prices (ex-showroom) 

• 1.5 litre NA petrol 6MT – Rs 13.09 lakh 

• 1.5 litre NA petrol IVT – Rs 14.39 lakh 

• 1.5 litre turbo-petrol 6iMT – Rs 13.89 lakh  

• 1.5 litre diesel 6MT – Rs 14.69 lakh 

• 1.5 litre diesel 6AT – Rs 15.99 lakh  

  

Additional Features over HTE (O) 

• 17-inch crystal cut alloy wheels (MT petrol) 

• Auto-folding ORVMs 

• Rear wiper & defogger 

• Smart key with push-button start 

• Proximity unlock 

• Rear sunshade curtains 

• Tilt & telescopic steering 

• Rear parcel shelf

 

Also Read: New Kia Seltos vs Hyundai Creta: Dimensions, Engines, Features Compared

Kia Seltos HTK (O)

 

Engine/Transmission and prices (ex-showroom) 

• 1.5 litre NA petrol 6MT – Rs 14.19 lakh 

• 1.5 litre NA petrol IVT – Rs 15.49 lakh 

• 1.5 litre turbo-petrol 6iMT – Rs 14.99 lakh  

• 1.5 litre diesel 6MT – Rs 15.79 lakh 

• 1.5 litre diesel 6AT – Rs 17.09 lakh 

  

Additional Features over HTK 

• Dual-pane panoramic sunroof 

• Leatherette seats 

• Wireless smartphone charger 

• Front parking sensors 

• Sporty alloy pedals 

• Ventilated front seats (AT only) 

• 8-way power driver seat with relaxation function (AT only)

 

Also Read: New Kia Seltos vs Maruti Suzuki Victoris: Dimensions, Engines, Features Compared

Kia Seltos HTX

  

Engine/Transmission and prices (ex-showroom) 

• 1.5 litre NA petrol 6MT – Rs 15.59 lakh 

• 1.5 litre NA petrol IVT – Rs 16.89 lakh 

• 1.5 litre turbo-petrol 7DCT – Rs 17.69 lakh 

• 1.5 litre diesel 6MT – Rs 17.19 lakh 

• 1.5 litre diesel 6AT – Rs 18.49 lakh 

   

Additional Features over HTK (O) 
• LED fog lamps 

• Skid plates 

• Side door garnish 

• 12.3-inch HD touchscreen 

• Kia Connect 2.0 with OTA updates 

• Dual-zone automatic climate control 

• Bose 8-speaker sound system 

• 64-colour ambient lighting 

• Leatherette dashboard & door trims 

• Gloss black ORVMs

 

Also Read: All-New Kia Seltos Unveiled: A Detailed Look In Pictures

Kia Seltos HTX (A)

 

Engine/Transmission and prices (ex-showroom) 

• 1.5 litre NA petrol 6MT – Rs 1.69 

• 1.5 litre NA petrol IVT – Rs 17.99 lakh 

• 1.5 litre turbo-petrol 7DCT – Rs 18.79 lakh 

• 1.5 litre diesel 6MT – Rs 18.29 lakh 

• 1.5 litre diesel 6AT – Rs 19.59 lakh 

   

Additional Features over HTX 

• Trinity panoramic display panel 

• 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster 

• Level 2 ADAS (21 features) 

• 360-degree camera with blind view monitor 

• Smart cruise control with stop & go (AT only)

 

Also Read: Kia Carens Clavis EV True Range Tested: Claimed vs Real!

Kia Seltos GTX / X-Line

 

Engine/Transmission and prices (ex-showroom) 

• 1.5 litre NA petrol IVT – Rs 18.39 lakh 

• 1.5 litre turbo-petrol 7DCT – Rs 19.19 lakh 

• 1.5 litre diesel 6AT – Rs 19.79 lakh  

  

 Features over HTX

• LED projector headlights

• 18-inch alloy wheels 

• GT-Line / X-Line exterior styling 

• 10-way powered driver seat with memory & lumbar support 

• Integrated memory system (seat & ORVMs)

 

Kia Seltos GTX (A) / X-Line (A)

 

Engine/Transmission and prices (ex-showroom) 

• 1.5 litre NA petrol IVT – Rs 19.49 lakh 

• 1.5 litre turbo-petrol 7DCT – Rs 19.99 lakh 

• 1.5 litre diesel 6AT – Rs 19.99 lakh 

  

Features over GTX
 

• Full ADAS Level 2 suite

• Highline TPMS 

• All-wheel disc brakes 

• Rear occupant alert 

• Parking collision avoidance assist 

• Smart cruise control 

 

2026 Kia Seltos full price table: 

2026 Kia Seltos Variants	Ex-showroom Price
	1.5 NA Petrol MT	1.5 NA Petrol iVT	1.5 T-GDI Turbo iMT	1.5 T-GDI Turbo DCT	1.5 Diesel MT	1.5 Diesel AT
HTE	Rs 10.99 lakh				Rs 12.59 lakh
HTE (O)	Rs 12.09 lakh	Rs 13.39 lakh	Rs 12.89 lakh		Rs 13.69 lakh	Rs 14.99 lakh
HTK	Rs 13.09 lakh	Rs 14.39 lakh	Rs 13.89 lakh		Rs 14.69 lakh	Rs 15.99 lakh
HTK (O)	Rs 14.19 lakh	Rs 15.49 lakh	Rs 14.99 lakh	Rs 16.29 lakh	Rs 15.79 lakh	Rs 17.09 lakh
HTX	Rs 15.99 lakh	Rs 16.89 lakh		Rs 17.69 lakh	Rs 17.19 lakh	Rs 18.49 lakh
HTX (A)	Rs 16.69 lakh	Rs 17.99 lakh		Rs 18.79 lakh	Rs 18.29 lakh	Rs 19.59 lakh
GTX		Rs 18.39 lakh		Rs 19.19 lakh		Rs 19.79 lakh
GTX (A)		Rs 19.49 lakh		Rs 19.99 lakh		Rs 19.99 lakh
X-Line		Rs 18.39 lakh		Rs 19.19 lakh		Rs 19.79 lakh
X-Line (A)		Rs 19.49 lakh		Rs 19.99 lakh		Rs 19.99 lakh

 

Watch our review here:

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BYD Records 4.6 Million Global Sales in 2025; EV Deliveries of 2.26 Million Could Top Tesla

Chinese electric vehicle leader BYD has reported full-year sales of 4.6 million vehicles in 2025, a milestone that puts the carmaker on the brink of surpassing Tesla in annual electric vehicle (EV) deliveries. According to regulatory filings and market reports, BYD’s total sales in 2025 rose 7.7 per cent year-on-year, which in fact is the slowest growth rate the company has posted in five years as it contends with stiffening competition from domestic rivals such as Geely and Leapmotor in China’s highly contested budget segment.

Also Read: BYD Sealion 7 Prices To Be Hiked From January 1, 2026
 

Initially targeting 5.5 million units, BYD revised its sales guidance downward mid-year, ultimately hitting 4.6 million vehicles, a figure that industry watchers say reflects both intensifying market pressures and shifting consumer demand. The month of December underscored the cooling momentum, with sales dipping 18.3 per cent compared with December 2024 — marking the fourth consecutive monthly decline and the steepest drop in nearly two years.

Also Read: BYD’s YangWang U9 Xtreme Electric Supercar Sets New Nurburgring Lap Record
 

However, BYD’s overseas performance was a standout bright spot. International sales surged to 1,046,083 units in 2025, representing a 150.7 per cent increase year-on-year. The jump highlights BYD’s growing global footprint, particularly in Southeast Asia, Europe and Latin America. On the pure EV front, BYD delivered 2.26 million battery-electric vehicles in 2025, a 27.9 per cent rise over the previous year. That figure puts the Chinese brand on track to out-deliver Tesla in annual EV sales for the first time.

Also Read: BYD Atto 2 Electric SUV Spotted Testing In India
 

However, there are still some imminent challenges for further growth. It is noted that China is scaling back EV purchase incentives in 2026, while regulators clamp down on aggressive discounting that has been common across the sector. These policy shifts, coupled with fresh product launches from rivals and potential trade barriers in key export markets, could temper BYD’s growth trajectory. For now, BYD enters 2026 with solid global momentum — even as it braces for a more competitive and less subsidised EV landscape at home and abroad.

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No More KYV: Relief for FASTag Users from February 2026

The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has announced a major policy reform that will bring relief to millions of car owners across the country. From February 1, 2026, car owners will no longer be required to complete the Know Your Vehicle (KYV) process when getting new FASTags for passenger vehicles, including cars, jeeps and vans. 

The issue gained attention after the “One Vehicle, One FASTag” rule was rolled out in late 2024, a policy that was introduced to curb misuse of the toll collection system. However, putting the KYV system into practice led to several real-world issues for car owners. Many users ran into technical issues, including repeated app crashes, problems uploading documents, and OTP failures.

Also Read: Subcompact SUVs In India With Highest Boot Space



Under the new framework, all verification will be completed before FASTag activation rather than after. For newly issued FASTags, car owners will receive activated devices without facing post-issuance KYV requirements. For existing FASTags already in circulation, KYV will no longer be mandatory as a routine requirement. It will be required only in specific cases involving complaints such as loose FASTags, incorrect issuance, or misuse.

To ensure accuracy and system integrity, NHAI has strengthened pre-activation validation norms. Banks must validate all vehicle details against the VAHAN database before activating any FASTag. Where vehicle details are unavailable in VAHAN, banks must validate using the Registration Certificate (RC) before activation, with full accountability. This includes FASTags sold through online channels.

Also read: New Hyundai MPV, Off-Road SUV Confirmed For India

The new policy is meant to create a fair middle ground. It keeps the necessary safeguards to prevent misuse, but removes unnecessary hassle for vehicle owners once FASTags are issued. By addressing one of the most frustrating issues in the earlier system, it is expected to make toll payments easier, faster, and clearer especially for people who commute every day.

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Hyundai Venue HX5+ Variant Launched At Rs 9.99 Lakh

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. 

 

Also Read: 2026 Hyundai Venue Review: Everything You Asked For, And More!
 

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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Maruti Suzuki Alto Leads Revival Of Entry-Level Car Sales For MSIL In December 2025

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.

 

Also Read: Maruti Suzuki Celerio Secures Three-Star Rating In Global NCAP Crash Tests

 

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.

 

Also Read: Maruti WagonR Swivel Front Seat Kit Launched: Check Price, Availability

 

“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. 

 

Also Read: GST 2.0 Effect: Maruti Suzuki To Slash Prices By Up To Rs 1.30 Lakh; Alto, Swift, Dzire, Brezza To Get More Affordable

 

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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Opinion: 2025 – The Year Of the Mid-Size Motorcycle Boom In India

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.

 

Also Read: KTM 390 Adventure X Vs Triumph Scrambler 400X Comparison Review

 

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. 

 

Also Read: KTM 390 Enduro R First Ride Review

 

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. 

 

Also Read: KTM 390 Adventure First Ride Review

 

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. 

 

Also Read: Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 First Ride Review

 

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.

 

Also Read: Royal Enfield Guerrilla 450 Vs Bajaj Dominar 400 Comparison Review

  

KTM continues to attract those who desire performance and purpose-built adventure capability with the KTM 390 Duke, KTM 390 Adventure and KTM 390 Enduro. Harley-Davidson X440 and X440T have also received warm consumer reception. 

 

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. 

 

Also Read: Aprilia Tuono 457 First Ride Review

 

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. 

 

Also Read: Bajaj Working On Sub-350 cc Triumph & KTM Bikes

 

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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Hyundai Creta Sales Cross 2 Lakh Units In CY2025

The Hyundai Creta 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.

 

Also read: Hyundai Aura, Nios-Based Prime SD & Prime HB Taxis Launched In India
 

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.”

 

Also read: Genesis Magma GT Concept Previews Future Mid-Engine Halo Car
 

Diesel Accounts For Over 40 Per Cent Of Sales

 

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.

 

Also read: Hyundai To Launch Made-In-India Genesis Luxury Car In 2027
 

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.

 

Also read: New Hyundai MPV, Off-Road SUV Confirmed For India
 

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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