2026 World Car Awards Finalists Announced

The race for the global automotive industry's most prestigious honours officially entered its final stretch as the World Car Awards announced the top finalists for 2026. A global jury of 98 automotive journalists from 33 countries, including India, selected the shortlists via secret ballot, narrowing down a field of dozens of contenders across six distinct categories.

 

The countdown to the awards ceremony will conclude on April 1, 2026, when the winners will be revealed live at the New York International Auto Show. This year’s competition highlights a shift toward electric mobility and global innovation.

 

"The World Car Awards are a benchmark for excellence and innovation," said Daniele Schillaci, Brembo’s CEO. "Their commitment to advancing mobility mirrors our own drive to shape a zero-accident future."

World Car of the Year (WCOTY) Top 10

 

The flagship category began with 58 eligible vehicles, now narrowed down to these 10 finalists:

 

• Audi Q5 / SQ5
• BMW iX3
• BYD Seal 6 DM-i
• Hyundai Ioniq 9
• Hyundai Palisade
• Kia EV4
• Kia EV5
• Mercedes-Benz CLA
• Nissan Leaf
• Toyota RAV4

 

The top five World Electric Vehicle finalists are:

 

• Audi A6 e-tron / S6 e-tron
• BMW iX3
• Hyundai Ioniq 9
• Mercedes-Benz CLA
• Nissan Leaf

Top five World Luxury Car finalists:

 

• Audi A6 e-tron / S6 e-tron
• Audi A6/S6
• Cadillac Vistiq
• Lucid Gravity
• Volvo ES90

 

Top five World Performance Car finalists:

 

• BMW M2 CS
• Chevrolet Corvette E-Ray
• Land Rover Defender Octa
• Hyundai Ioniq 6 N
• Mercedes-AMG GT 63 Pro

Top five World Urban Car finalists:

 

• Alfa Romeo Junior
• Baojun Yep Plus / Chevrolet Spark EUV
• Firefly
• Hyundai Venue
• Wuling Binguo / Ari Poly

 

All vehicles competing in the five categories above are eligible for the 2026 World Car Design of the Year award. A panel, consisting of respected world design experts, was asked to review each candidate and establish a short-list of recommendations for the jurors’ final vote.

 

Five World Car Design of the Year finalists:

 

• Firefly
• Kia PV5
• Lynk & Co 08
• Mazda 6e / EZ-6
• Volvo ES90

 

The ‘Top Three’ in the World finalists will be announced virtually on March 3rd with final winners in all six categories announced on April 1st at the New York International Auto Show. This year marks the 21st year of the World Car Awards partnership with the show.

 

Kia EV3 had won the overall World Car of the Year title last year. Porsche 911 Carrera GTS (for performance) and Volvo EX90 (for luxury) were some of the other notable winners then.
 

Official partners for the World Car Awards programme include AITASTIC Research & Consult, Brembo, NYIAS, KPMG and Newspress.

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KTM RC 160 Launched In India At Rs 1.85 Lakh

A few months after introducing the 160 Duke in India, KTM has expanded its lineup with the launch of the fully faired RC 160, priced at Rs 1.85 lakh (ex-showroom). The new model sits below the RC 200 and RC 390 and mirrors the role of the 160 Duke by becoming the entry point into KTM’s RC supersport range.

 

Also Read: KTM RC 390 Discontinued Globally, Remains On Sale In India

Powering the RC 160 is the same 164.2cc, liquid-cooled, single-cylinder engine found in the 160 Duke. The unit churns out 18.7 bhp at 9,500 rpm and 15.5 Nm of torque at 7,500 rpm. The engine is paired with a 6-speed gearbox and a slip-and-assist clutch. KTM says the RC 160 has a top speed of 118 kmph.

 

Coming to cycle parts, the KTM RC 160 gets 37 mm upside-down front forks and a rear monoshock. It rides on 17-inch alloy wheels rolling on tubeless tyres, with a 110/70 section at the front and a 140/60 section at the rear. Braking hardware includes a 320 mm front disc and a 230 mm rear disc, along with dual-channel ABS. Fuel tank capacity is rated to be 13.75 litres up to the brim.

 

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

In typical KTM fashion, the RC 160 is equipped with full LED lighting, including the headlamp, tail-lamp and indicators, while it also features an LCD instrument cluster. While the 160 Duke has recently received a TFT display, it remains to be seen if KTM will introduce a new variant for the RC 160 in the future.

 

At Rs 1.85 lakh, the RC 160 commands a Rs 15,000 premium over the 160 Duke and costs almost Rs 19,000 more than the Yamaha R15, its chief rival in the Indian market, which also recently got a price cut of Rs 5,000.  

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Pioneer Ride Connect To Debut As Phone-First Motorcycle Dashboard Platform

Pioneer has announced that it will unveil Ride Connect – a new connected UX platform developed specifically for motorcycles – at CES 2026 in Las Vegas. The system is aimed at next-generation motorcycle instrument clusters and focuses on bringing navigation, connectivity and voice-based controls into a single, integrated interface.

 

Ride Connect is designed to work alongside a rider’s smartphone rather than relying entirely on heavy onboard processing. Using Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) projection, vital information such as maps, routes and connected services can be displayed directly on the motorcycle’s digital cluster, which Pioneer says will reduce hardware complexity and keep power consumption in check. Bluetooth Low Energy is essentially a wireless technology that transfers small amounts of data efficiently, using minimal power compared to standard Bluetooth connections.

 

Also Read: Honda Patents Steering Assist Tech For Motorcycles

Navigation plays a central role in the platform. Ride Connect uses cloud-based mapping and routing services to deliver turn-by-turn navigation, real-time traffic updates and location-based information tailored for two-wheelers. The system is built to function across a range of regions and riding conditions, including areas with limited connectivity, by supporting offline data where required.

 

Another key element is Pioneer’s voice interaction system, which enables hands-free operation while riding. Riders can interact with navigation and other connected functions using voice commands, which essentially reduces the need to take their hands off the handlebars or eyes off the road. Pioneer says the platform also supports the sharing of contextual information, such as traffic conditions and environmental data.

 

At CES 2026, Pioneer will demonstrate Ride Connect as a complete OEM-ready solution rather than a finished consumer product. With no production timelines or partner brands announced, it remains to be seen how this shapes up on production motorcycles at large.  

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Tata Punch Facelift Variants, Key Features Revealed

After offering an early look at the Punch facelift, Tata Motors has now revealed the variant names along with some key features of the updated micro-SUV. The new Punch is set to launch in India on January 13 and will be available in four trims: Smart, Pure, Adventure and Accomplished. Tata has also highlighted some of the key features of each variant, which you can check out below.

 

Also Read: Tata Punch Facelift Revealed Ahead Of January 13 Launch

Smart (Base Variant)

 

• 6 airbags 
• LED headlamps 
• Drive modes: City & Eco 
• Electronic Stability Program (ESP) 
• Remote keyless entry 
• TPMS 
• Illuminated logo on steering wheel 

 

Pure

 

Features Over Smart 
 

• Rear AC vents 
• Steering-mounted controls 
• Front centre armrest
• Rear defogger 
• Day & night IRVM

 

Also Read: Tata Punch Facelift To Get Turbo-Petrol Engine Option

Pure+  

 

Features Over Pure

 

• 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system  
• Reverse camera 
• Wireless Android Auto & Apple CarPlay 
• Cruise control 
• USB Type-C fast charger 
• Height-adjustable driver seat

 

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

Adventure

 

Features Over Pure+

 

360-degree surround view system 

Blind view monitor 

Push-button start 

Rear wiper and washer 

Auto climate control 

15-inch hyper-styled wheels 

Auto headlamps 

Rain-sensing wipers

 

Accomplished

 

Features Over Adventure
 

• 16-inch alloy wheels 
• 10.24-inch touchscreen infotainment system 
• LED DRLs 
• Infinity LED taillamps 
• Extended thigh support seats 
• Touch automatic temperature control

 

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

Accomplished+ S (Top Variant)

 

Features Over Accomplished 
 

• Voice-assisted electric sunroof 
• LED fog lamps with cornering function 
• 7.0-inch digital cluster 
• Wireless smartphone charger 
• Auto-dimming IRVM 
• iRA connectivity

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Ather 450X To Get Cruise Control; All 2025 Examples Will Receive Infinite Cruise Via OTA Update

Ather Energy has once again rolled out a new feature that existing 450X owners will benefit from. The company's cruise control system, named Infinite Cruise, was originally introduced in 2025 on the top-of-the-line 450 Apex electric scooter. Infinite Cruise will now be available on all Ather 450X models sold henceforth, but more interestingly, it will also make its way to existing 450X scooters via an over-the-air (OTA) update. Ather Energy co-founder Tarun Mehta confirmed the news on social media, stating how 450X models manufactured in 2025 already have the required hardware to enable Infinite Cruise.

 

Also Read: Ather Rizta Sales Cross 2 Lakh Units Milestone

 

“Our endeavour is to make as many of our great experiences backward compatible as practically possible and hardware permitting. Not just the new Ather 450Xs, but all 450Xs and 450 Apexs produced and sold in 2025 were shipped with 'traction control' and 'magic twist' - both key parts of the hardware required to enable Infinite Cruise”, Mehta wrote in a post on social platform X.

 

Scaling up Infinite Cruise:

At Ather Community Day 2025, we introduced Infinite Cruise on the 450 Apex and the response since then has been terrific. We saw that once riders start using Cruise, it becomes second nature to enable it on every ride.

So we’re now bringing Infinite…

— Tarun Mehta (@tarunsmehta) January 7, 2026

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What is Ather's Infinite Cruise, and how different is it from regular cruise control?

 

Ather's take on cruise control is possibly the most logical application of the system yet, keeping Indian road conditions in mind. Unlike a conventional cruise control system, which locks on to a specified speed and disengages when the rider accelerates past the limit or slows down, Ather's Infinite Cruise merely takes a pause. 

 

Infinite Cruise will be enabled on all 450Xs with AtherStack Pro.

 

So, if you set Infinite Cruise to a speed of 50 kmph on an Ather 450X, it will cruise at that speed for as long as you want, but in case you choose to speed up (past 50 kmph) to execute a quick overtake, or need to slow down or come to a complete halt, Infinite Cruise remains active in the background, so the next time you get going, it'll once again settle at a speed of 50 kmph.

 

Also Read: 2025 Ather 450X Long Term Report: 1,000 Km Review

 

Reverse mode switch doubles up as Infinite Cruise switch on the move.

 

Engaging Infinite Cruise is also easy, requiring just a single press of the button on the right cube once the scooter is in motion. Infinite Cruise works at speeds of as low as 10 kmph and as high as 90 kmph, and also works as intended on inclines and declines.

 

Ather's Infinite Cruise: Is it standard on the 450X?

 

This is made possible by two other features on the 450X – traction control and Magic Twist (which slows the scooter with negative throttle input), both of which are activated via the Ather Drive Controller. However, it must be noted that all of these features, including Infinite Cruise, will work only on scooters equipped with the AtherStack Pro software package.

 

Prices for the 450X start at Rs 1.48 lakh (ex-showroom).

 

Post a price hike, the Ather 450X range starts at Rs 1.48 lakh (ex-showroom, including PM E-Drive subsidy), but AtherStack Pro adds a considerable Rs 21,000 to Rs 22,000 to that price. 

 

This is not the first time Ather has rolled out a new feature for existing scooters. Back in August 2025, the company, via an OTA update, turned non-touch displays on the Ather Rizta into touchscreens.

 

Ather is set to begin manufacturing its new ‘EL’ range of electric scooters in 2026, at its brand-new facility in Maharashtra. The first of these is expected to be a family scooter that will most likely be the most affordable Ather yet.

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Afeela SUV Prototype Is Sony-Honda’s Next EV

Sony Honda Mobility (SHM), the joint venture between Sony and Honda Motor Company, previewed its second model under its Afeela brand in the form of a new SUV prototype. The yet-to-be-named prototype is Sony's second electric SUV concept in the past five years, following the company's previous unveiling of a Vision-S 02 concept at CES 2022. The new Afeela prototype SUV looks to follow the same design principles as the brand’s upcoming Afeela 1 sedan and is expected to debut in production guise in 2028.

 

Also read: Honda Elevate, City Offered With Discounts Of Up To Rs 1.76 Lakh In Jan 2026
 

The prototype SUV bears a distinct resemblance to a more upright derivative of the Afeela 1, featuring a familiar fascia with a sleek, enclosed grille connected to swept-back rectangular headlamps and a rather featureless front bumper with a vent at its base. The sides feature the same clean lines as on the Afeela sedan, while the flowing roofline gives the car a coupe-SUV aesthetic with an integrated spoiler on the boot lip.

 

Also read: Honda Amaze Secures 5 Stars In Bharat NCAP Crash Tests
 

The rear is characterised by a familiar wrap-around lightbar style tail lamp and a rather staid bumper design. The interior has not been revealed, though the images do provide a glimpse of elements such as a triple-screen display on the dashboard and rear-seat entertainment displays. The SUV also looks to be a strict five-seater
 

 

Also read: CES 2023: Sony, Honda Reveal Electric Prototype 'Afeela' EV
 

SHM has not disclosed any technical details for its new SUV prototype, though we could expect it to be similar in size to 2022’s Sony Vision S 02 Concept, which measured around 4.9 m long and sat on a substantial 3m wheelbase. Additionally, the presence of sensor modules on the roof hints at Level 2+ self-driving capabilities.
 

Aside from the SUV, Sony also showcased the Afeela 1 at its stall at CES 2026, with the model set to go on sale in the US later this year. A launch in Japan is meanwhile expected to take place in 2027.

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New Bajaj Chetak With Hub Motor To Be Launched On January 14

The Bajaj Chetak family is set to grow this month, with the launch of a new derivative confirmed for January 14. Providing a glimpse of the new electric scooter, Bajaj Auto has announced it will roll out this new model next week, and the image reveals the horizontal LED tail-light, which is notably different from the standard Chetak's vertically-oriented tail-lights. The new Chetak scooter, which is likely to bear a suffix to differentiate it from the regular Chetak, is expected to be positioned at the budget end of the electric scooter market, to take on the likes of the TVS Orbiter and Vida VX2.

 

Also Read: New Bajaj Chetak Spotted Ahead Of Launch

 

New Bajaj Chetak With Hub Motor: What We Know So Far

 

Recent spy shots have confirmed a number of key details about the newest addition to the Chetak family. This scooter, while still related to the regular Chetak, will have more compact dimensions and tighter bodywork, with a sharpened focus on practicality. 

 

The new Chetak scooter will employ a large, flat seat – unlike the stepped seat seen on the regular Chetak – and is expected to feature a simple LCD dashboard. It will house a conventional key slot, and an open glove compartment. 

 

More interestingly, Bajaj will venture into a new direction with the mechanicals. This will be the first Chetak to feature an in-wheel hub motor, unlike the regular Chetak, which has always used a swingarm-mounted direct-drive motor. Hub motors are usually more cost-effective, but are less efficient than mid-drive motors, and bring reliability and durability concerns.

 

Also Read: Mid-Mounted Motor vs Hub Motor: Key Differences India’s Electric Scooter Buyers Should Know

 

Also confirmed in the spyshots is the presence of a twin-sided swing arm on the new Chetak scooter, which is in contrast to the regular Chetak's single-sided swing arm. The telescopic fork, too, appears to be hooded, and the new scooter has dual shock absorbers, as opposed to the monoshock on the standard Chetak.

 

We expect this scooter to have multiple battery options in the range of 2.5 kWh to 3.5 kWh, with range on the top-spec model likely to exceed 120 kilometres. 

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Nissan Gravite MPV To Debut On January 21

Nissan has confirmed that its all-new Gravite MPV will be unveiled in full on January 21, 2026. The Gravite is essentially Nissan’s take on the Renault Triber - a subcompact three-row people mover built on the Renault Nissan Alliance-developed CMF-A+ architecture.
 

Also read: Nissan Gravite MPV Spied Testing Yet Again Ahead Of Jan 2026 Debut
 

Nissan has shared multiple teasers of the Gravite over the past few months, revealing much of its design. There is more than a passing resemblance to the Triber in terms of the overall design, with shared elements including the stepped roof, sculpted bonnet and the rear end design save for the bumper. The Gravite, however, features its own unique fascia, characterised by a cheese-grater-style grille flanking swept-back headlights with integrated LED DRLs, as well as a distinctive front bumper design.
 

Also read: Nissan Gravite MPV (Renault Triber Derivative) To Be Launched Early In 2026
 

The cabin, too, is likely to get some styling changes over its Renault platform twin, though we expect it to retain bits such as third row seats that can be completely removed and a sliding and reclining second-row bench.
 

On the powertrain front, expect the Gravite to get the same 71 bhp and 96 Nm 1.0-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine as used in select variants of the Nissan Magnite and the Renault Triber. Gearbox options are expected to include a 5-speed manual and a 5-speed AMT. A CNG option, too, could be offered as a dealer-level fitment.
 

Also read: Nissan MPV Based On Triber Platform: All We Know So Far
 

Earlier in the month, Nissan said sales of the Gravite will start nationwide by March 2026, so we expect Nissan to only open bookings at this time with deliveries to start in the ensuing months.

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Mahindra XUV 7XO Prices, Variants Explained

Mahindra recently launched the XUV 7XO (XUV 700 facelift) in India with prices starting from Rs 13.66 lakh (ex-showroom). This puts it on par with the outgoing XUV 700 in terms of starting prices, although the SUV does receive notable upgrades over its predecessor, including refreshed styling, updated suspension, and additional technology inside the cabin.

Also read: Mahindra XUV 7XO Launched In India; Prices Start From Rs 13.66 Lakh
 

Mahindra XUV 7XO	Prices (ex-showroom)
Variants	Petrol MT	Petrol AT	Diesel MT	Diesel AT	Diesel AT AWD
AX 7-seater	Rs 13.66 lakh	---	Rs 14.96 lakh	---	---
AX3 7-seater	Rs 16.02 lakh	Rs 17.47 lakh	Rs 16.49 lakh	Rs 17.94 lakh	---
AX5 7-seater	Rs 17.52 lakh	Rs 18.97 lakh	Rs 17.99 lakh	Rs 19.44 lakh	---
AX7 7-seater	Rs 18.48 lakh	Rs 19.93 lakh	Rs 18.95 lakh	Rs 20.40 lakh	---
AX7 T 7-seater	---	Rs 21.97 lakh	Rs 20.99 lakh	Rs 22.44 lakh	Rs 23.44 lakh
AX7 T 6-seater	---	Rs 22.16 lakh	Rs 21.39 lakh	Rs 22.84 lakh	---
AX7 L 7-seater	---	Rs 23.45 lakh	Rs 22.47 lakh	Rs 23.92 lakh	Rs 24.92 lakh
AX7 L  6-seater	---	Rs 23.64 lakh	---	Rs 24.11 lakh	---

 

The 7XO is offered in a choice of six variants - AX, AX3, AX5, AX7, AX7 T & AX7 L, with Mahindra no longer offering a non-AdrenoX-equipped model as in the outgoing SUV (XUV 700 MX). Here is a look at what each variant has to offer:
 

Mahindra XUV 7XO AX
 

• Bi-LED projector headlamps with follow-me-home function
• LED tail lamps
• 17-inch steel wheels with covers
• Triple 12.3-inch displays with front passenger touchscreen
• AdrenoX
• Wireless Android Auto & Apple CarPlay
• Smart Watch compatibility
• Alexa built-in with Chat GPT
• Cruise Control
• Drive Modes (Diesel only)
• Electronic Stability Control
• Hill Start Assist & Hill Descent Control
• Traction Control
• 6 Airbags
• Smart Door Handles
• Key-less Go
• Tyre position display
• Height-adjustable driver, front passenger seat
   

Mahindra XUV 7XO AX3

In addition to AX
 

• Rear View Camera
• Power folding wing mirrors with Auto Fold
• Rear Wipers & washer
• Rear defogger 

 

Also read: Auto Sales December 2025: Mahindra Edges Out Tata To No. 2, Hyundai Drops To Fourth In Domestic Sales
 

Mahindra XUV 7XO AX5

In Addition to AX3
 

• Panoramic sunroof
• Front parking sensors
• Telescopic-adjust steering
• 17-inch alloy wheels
• Proximity sensor-based vehicle lock/unlock
   

Mahindra XUV 7XO AX7

In addition to AX5
 

• 18-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels
• AdrenoX+
• Leatherette upholstery
• Powered driver set with memory & welcome function
• Co-Driver Ergo Lever (Boss mode)
• Bring Your Own Device support with 65W Type C outlets on front seatback
• 2 spoke steering
• 540-degree cameras
• Blind spot monitor
• Digital video recorder
• Dual-zone climate control
• Air purifier with carbon filter & AQI readout
• Memory function for wing mirrors
• Auto headlamps & wipers
• Remote key-based AC, window operation (AT only)
• Tyre pressure monitoring 

 

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

Mahindra XUV 7XO AX7 T

In addition to AX7
 

• Level 2 ADAS tech
• Adaptive cruise control (AT only)
• 16-speaker Harman Kardon audio system
• Dolby Atmos
• Studio & 3D-immersive sound
• Vehicle noise compensation
• Ventilated front seats
• Fog lamps & cornering lamps
• Driver drowsiness detector
• Passive Keyless entry
• Electronic parking brake
• Electric smart door handles
• Wireless phone charging pad (front)
• Dynamic indicators (front & rear)
   

Mahindra XUV 7XO AX7 L

In addition to AX7 T
 

• 19-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels
• Multi-zone ambient lighting
• Dolby Vision & Dolby Atmos
• Powered co-driver seat with boss mode
• Ventilated rear seats (second row)
• Rear window sunblinds
• Wireless charging pad (second row)
• Plus seat pads (front & rear)
   

Mechanically, Mahindra says it has upgraded the 7XO’s suspension over its predecessors with all-wheel independent suspension with new Frequency Selective Dampers. Engine options are unchanged from the outgoing model, with the familiar 200 bhp 2.0-litre turbo-petrol and 182 bhp 2.2-litre diesel engines on offer. Mahindra has dropped the option of the lower-tune diesel offered on the 700 in its base trim.
 

The new 7XO goes up against rivals such as the Tata Safari, MG Hector Plus and the Hyundai Alcazar.

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Honda Elevate, City Offered With Discounts Of Up To Rs 1.76 Lakh In Jan 2026

Honda Cars India is offering some hefty discounts and benefits on its cars and SUVs in January 2026. The Japanese carmaker is offering discounts of over Rs 1.3 lakh on its City compact sedan and Elevate SUV. The new Amaze is being offered with discounts of up to Rs 60,000, while the older Gen 2 Amaze can be had with additional discounts of up to Rs 10,000.
 

Also read: Honda Amaze Secures 5 Stars In Bharat NCAP Crash Tests
 

Honda Elevate

Discounts Of Up To Rs 1.76 lakh
 

Honda's compact SUV hasn’t quite set the sales chart on fire in the segment and can currently be picked up with discounts of up to Rs 1.76 lakh. Based on the same underpinnings as the City, the Elevate has all the traditional strengths of Honda cars, including a spacious and comfortable cabin and good driving dynamics, though the 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine isn’t the most potent of units in the segment. Gearbox options include manual and CVT options. Prices for the Elevate range from Rs 10.99 lakh to Rs 16.47 lakh (ex-showroom).
 

Honda City

Discounts of Up To Rs 1.38 lakh
 

Buyers will like the Honda City for its spacious and practical cabin and comfortable seating, though in recent years sales have started to slow. The petrol City is being offered with discounts and benefits of up to Rs 1.38 lakh, depending on the variant. The petrol City is powered by Honda’s tried and tested 1.5-litre iVTEC petrol engine paired with either a manual or an automatic.
 

Also Read: New Honda Amaze vs Maruti Suzuki Dzire: Subcompact Sedan Battle Continues

 

Buyers wanting the strong hybrid City are being offered discounts on the 7-year extended warranty cover for the vehicle.

 

Honda Amaze

Discounts of Up to Rs 70,000
 

Also read: 2026 Honda Prelude First Drive: Domesticated Civic Type R
 

Honda’s subcompact sedan is being offered with discounts and benefits ranging up to Rs 70,000, depending on the variant and generation selected. Currently, Honda retails the new Gen 3 Amaze alongside the Gen 2 sedan, which is limited to just lower trim levels. Buyers going for the older-gen car are being offered discounts of up to Rs 70,000 on the vehicle, while buyers for the new Gen 3 Amaze can get up to Rs 60,000 off on the sedan.

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Mahindra XUV 7XO India Launch Today: 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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