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Bajaj has expanded the Chetak electric scooter family with its most affordable series yet - the C25. Priced at Rs 91,399 (ex-showroom, including PM e-drive subsidy), the new C2501 sits below the 30 and 35 series and is the first Chetak model to feature a hub-mounted electric motor.
The motor develops a peak output of 2.2 kW (1.8 kW in continuous usage) and gives the electric scooter a top speed of 55 kmph. The motor is paired with a 2.5 kWh battery that gives the scooter a claimed range of up to 113 km. As for charging, the scooter comes with a 750W off-board charger that can charge the battery from 0-80% in 2 hours and 25 minutes, or up to 100% in about 3 hours and 45 minutes.
Moving to the design, the Chetak C25 series also features a metal body shell, as on its more expensive siblings, with the overall design still identifiable as a Chetak. However, look closer, and you notice some of the design changes. The front apron gets a revised design with the indicators now housed alongside the headlamps on the cowling. The side panels also get an altered design. Around the rear, the twin light clusters of the 30 and 35 series have been replaced by a single edge-to-edge unit.
The suspension set-up, too, is changed with the C25 featuring a telescopic fork up front and twin shocks at the rear. The 30 and 35 series, meanwhile features a leading link set-up at the front and a monoshock at the rear. As with its siblings, the C25 continues to feature a front disc brake.
Colour LCD instrument cluster in line with its siblings.
On the feature front, the C25 comes with a colour LCD instrument cluster, LED DRL, Bluetooth connectivity, a reverse mode and 25 litres of underseat storage. The optional TecPac, meanwhile, adds features such as hill hold, two ride modes, Guide Me Home lights, and music controls.
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Mercedes-Benz India has launched the locally assembled Maybach GLS at an ex-showroom price of Rs 2.75 crore, which is Rs 42 lakh lower than the earlier imported version priced at Rs 3.17 crore. With the Maybach GLS now being assembled in India, this makes it the first market outside the United States where the model is locally built.
The Maybach GLS currently on sale was last updated in India in 2024 and continues with design changes introduced at that time. These include a revised grille with chrome slats, updated front and rear bumpers, redesigned LED headlamps and tail-lamps, and differentiated exhaust outlets. The SUV retains the 22-inch alloy wheels, while two new 23-inch wheel designs are offered as optional extras.
Powering the Maybach GLS 600 is a 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 engine rated at 550 bhp, supported by an integrated starter generator that contributes an additional 22 bhp and 250 Nm of torque. The engine is paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. Mercedes-Benz claims a 0-100 kmph acceleration time of 4.9 seconds, with the top speed electronically limited to 250 kmph.
The luxury SUV comes equipped with Airmatic air suspension as standard, while the E-Active Body Control system with a dedicated Maybach mode is available as an optional feature. Other equipment includes Level 2 advanced driver assistance systems, 360-degree cameras, active parking assist and the Guard 360 vehicle protection package.
Aside from the launch, Mercedes-Benz India reported deliveries of 19,007 units in calendar year 2025. While volumes were marginally lower than the previous year, the company stated that it recorded its highest annual revenue to date. Entry, Core and Top-End models contributed 13 per cent, 62 per cent and 25 per cent of total sales, respectively.
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Tata Motors has launched the much-anticipated Punch facelift in India with prices starting from Rs 5.59 lakh (ex-showroom). The popular micro-SUV has received some notable updates, including a design more in line with its larger SUV siblings as well as new features and, more crucially, a new turbo-petrol engine option. Prices for the turbo-petrol start from Rs 8.29 lakh (ex-showroom).
Unveiled ahead of its launch, a few weeks back, the Punch facelift gets a more squared-out design compared to its EV sibling, though the overall look remains close to Tata’s family SUV design. There are new angular DRLs atop the fascia connected via a slim black closed-off grille, while the main headlamps and fog lamps are integrated into triangular housings lower on the bumper. There notable use of plastic cladding as well on the front bumper to give it a more muscular stance.
Down the sides, the Punch gets new wheel designs, while around the back, the older car’s simple tail maps make way for new, larger units with an integrated lightbar.
The cabin too gets some updates, including a new digital instrument cluster on top variants with a 7.0-inch colour display at the centre, while the air-con controls are now similar to those on the Nexon and Curvv. The upholstery colours, too, have been changed.
On the feature front, the Punch now packs in kit such as a 360-degree camera, blind spot monitoring, a 10.25-inch HD touchscreen, connected car tech, a voice-activated sunroof, a wireless phone charger, an auto-dimming IRVM and connected car tech in the fully loaded spec. The Punch is offered in six trim levels - Smart, Pure, Pure+, Adventure, Accomplished and Accomplished+ S.
On the powertrain front, the biggest updates is the new turbo-petrol engine. Buyers of the top variants of the Punch can now opt for the 1.2-litre Revotron turbo-petrol mill from the Nexon in Tata’s smallest SUV. The unit is good for 118 bhp and 170 Nm and is paired with a 6-speed manual gearbox.
The other significant update is the option for a CNG AMT powertrain, first introduced with the Tiago and Tigor, alongside the standard-fit manual transmission. The AMT gearbox also features paddle shifters, likely in an effort to enhance the driving experience. The old 1.2-litre naturally aspirated petrol too is carried forward and is offered with both manual and AMT units.
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Tata Motors is set to launch the 2026 Punch facelift in India tomorrow. The Punch has been on sale in India since October 2021, with the SUV only having received minor tech upgrades over the years. The 20206 model is the first comprehensive mid-cycle update to the micro SUV and brings with it notable changes to the design as well as new powertrain options.
The update brings the internal combustion Punch’s design in line with its siblings. The micro SUV looks more squared out than its EV sibling, with a black-finished enclosed grille flanking new angular LED daytime running lamps. The headlamps and foglamps sit low on the bumper within angular housings on the bumper - in line with other Tata SUVs. The ICE Punch’s bumper also looks a lot more prominent than before with notable use of cladding and silver skid plate elements.
The rear design, meanwhile, also gets a new look with a connected tail lamp set up in place of the older car’s small tri-arrow pattern tail lamps.
Interior
Moving to the cabin, the basic design has stayed unchanged, though there are still some updates. The central air-con vents get a revamped surround with the hazard light switch - previously located between the vents - moved lower down on the centre console. The air-con unit from the old Punch also makes way for the unit used by the Nexon and Curvv with touch-sensitive buttons and physical toggle switches.
The digital instrument cluster has also been updated with the facelift, getting a new unit with a 7.0-inch colour display flanked by LED readouts for fuel, etc. The fabric colours, too, have changed.
Features
On the feature front, the Punch will get some new features, with the most notable feature addition being the availability of a 360-degree camera.
On the powertrain front, the Punch will get the option for a turbocharged petrol engine for the first time ever. Tata has confirmed a new iTurbo variant for the micro SUV, replete with a 6-speed manual gearbox. The new engine is likely to be either the 1.2-litre Revotron unit from the Nexon or Tata could look to add its new 1.2-litre Hyperion unit from the Curvv in the micro SUV. The existing 1.2-litre naturally aspirated petrol and CNG engine options are set to carry forward unchanged.
Expect Tata to hike prices of the Punch following the update. Prices for the micro SUV currently range from Rs 5.50 lakh to Rs 9.30 lakh (ex-showroom), with prices for the facelifted micro SUV likely to start from around Rs 5.90 lakh, and top variants to hover around Rs 10 lakh (ex-showroom).
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KTM India finally launched the RC 160 at an ex-showroom price of Rs 1.85 lakh. The RC 160 is positioned as the entry-level model in the brand’s supersport RC range, and its chief rival in the Indian market is the incredibly popular Yamaha R15, which also most recently received a price cut of Rs 5,000. With that, let’s see how the two stack up against each other on paper.
KTM RC 160 vs Yamaha R15: Specification Check
KTM RC 160
Yamaha R15
Engine
164.2 cc liquid cooled single
155 cc liquid cooled single
Max Power
18.74 bhp @ 9,500 rpm
18.10 bhp @ 10,000 rpm
Peak Torque
15.5 Nm @ 7,500 rpm
14.2 Nm @7,500 rpm
Gearbox
6-speed
6-speed
Kerb Weight
155 kg
141 kg
Power-to-weight ratio
121 bhp per tonne
128 bhp per tonne
On paper, the KTM RC 160 has a small advantage over the Yamaha R15 in terms of outright output. Its 164.2 cc engine is slightly larger and puts out 18.74 bhp, brushing past the R15’s 18.10 bhp. The KTM also makes more torque at 15.5 Nm, compared to the R15’s 14.2 Nm, with both engines delivering peak torque at the same 7,500 rpm.
The Yamaha R15, however, reaches its peak power higher in the rev range at 10,000 rpm, while the RC 160 does so at 9,500 rpm. Both motorcycles come equipped with a six-speed gearbox equipped with a slip-and-assist clutch. Even though the KTM RC 160 makes slightly more power, the Yamaha R15 ends up with the better power-to-weight ratio because it is significantly lighter.
KTM RC 160 vs Yamaha R15: Dimensions and Weight
KTM RC 160
Yamaha R15
Kerb Weight
155 kg
141 kg
Seat Height
830 mm
815 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity
13.75 litres
11 litres
Wheelbase
1347 mm
1,325 mm
Ground Clearance
168 mm
170 mm
The KTM RC 160 is the heavier motorcycle, with a kerb weight of 155 kg, compared to the Yamaha R15’s 141 kg. The RC 160 also sits taller with an 830 mm seat height, while the R15’s seat height is lower at 815 mm. KTM offers a larger 13.75-litre fuel tank, giving it an edge here, whereas the R15 makes do with an 11-litre tank. In terms of size, the RC 160 has a longer 1,347 mm wheelbase compared to the R15’s 1,325 mm, while ground clearance is nearly identical, with the Yamaha holding a marginal advantage at 170 mm over the KTM’s 168 mm.
KTM RC 160 vs Yamaha R15: Cycle Parts
KTM RC 160
Yamaha R15
Front/Rear Shock
USD/Monoshock
USD/Monoshock
Tyre size front
110/70‑17”
100/80-17”
Tyre size rear
140/60‑17”
140/70 -17”
Brakes front
320 mm
282 mm
Brakes rear
230 mm
220 mm
Both the KTM RC 160 and the Yamaha R15 use a similar suspension layout, with upside-down front forks and a rear monoshock setup. Where they begin to differ is in their rolling gear and braking hardware.
The RC 160 runs a wider 110/70-17 front tyre compared to the R15’s 100/80-17 unit, while both bikes share a 140-section rear tyre, though the Yamaha uses a taller 70-profile. Braking hardware also favours the KTM on paper, with a larger 320 mm front disc versus the R15’s 282 mm unit, and a slightly bigger 230 mm rear disc compared to the Yamaha’s 220 mm.
KTM RC 160 vs Yamaha R15: Features
When it comes to features, the KTM RC 160 packs a 5-inch LCD instrument console, similar to what we've seen on older KTM models. While the design isn't new, it covers all the essentials and offers smartphone connectivity, turn-by-turn navigation, and controls for calls and music. The lighting setup is fully LED here as well.
As for the R15, the mid-spec variant in question features a fully digital negative LCD instrument console, along with a basic Bluetooth connectivity system. The lighting here is LED for the headlights and taillights, while the indicators utilise conventional bulbs.
KTM RC 160 vs Yamaha R15: Prices
KTM RC 160
Yamaha R15 V4
Prices (ex-showroom)
Rs 1.85 lakh
Rs 1.66 lakh - Rs 1.81 lakh
In terms of price, the KTM RC 160 is priced at Rs 1.85 lakh (ex-showroom), which is Rs 19,000 higher than the Yamaha R15 V4, priced at Rs 1.66 lakh (ex-showroom). On paper, the RC 160 posts slightly higher engine output and runs wider tyres with larger brakes, while the R15 V4 counters with a lower asking price and a broader feature list.
Lastly, the Yamaha R15 also offers a greater choice, with multiple variants on sale, unlike the RC 160, which is available in a single trim. Stepping up to the top-spec R15M, priced at Rs 1.81 lakh, adds features like traction control, an up-only quickshifter and a colour TFT display, while still undercutting the RC 160 by around Rs 4,000.
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Kawasaki India is currently offering discounts across a wide range of its motorcycles, with benefits going up to Rs 2.50 lakh on select Ninja models. The offers were announced through the company’s official social media channels and will remain valid until January 31, 2026. Alongside the Ninja lineup, two of the models from the Versys range are also included in the scheme.
The highest discount is on the Ninja ZX-10R, which is being offered with a discount of Rs 2.50 lakh, bringing its ex-showroom price down to Rs 18.29 lakh. The Ninja 1100 SX is available with a Rs 1.43 lakh discount and is now priced at Rs 12.99 lakh. The ZX-6R, while not offered with a direct cash benefit, is being sold with a complimentary Ohlins steering damper worth Rs 83,000.
The MY25 Versys 1100 gets a Rs 1 lakh discount, lowering its price to Rs 12.89 lakh. Meanwhile, the Versys-X 300 is being offered with free accessories valued at up to Rs 46,000. The Ninja 650 is available with a Rs 27,000 discount (Rs 7.64 lakh), the Ninja 500 gets Rs 17,000 off (Rs 5.49 lakh), and the Ninja 300 comes with a Rs 28,000 price reduction (Rs 2.89 lakh).
All offers are valid until the end of January 2026. Interested buyers can check with their nearest Kawasaki dealership for stock availability.
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Toyota is gearing up for the launch of its first-ever EV in India. It is called the Urban Cruiser EV and is Toyota’s version of the yet-to-be-launched Maruti Suzuki e-Vitara. Here’s a rundown of what to expect from the Toyota Urban Cruiser EV:
To be built at the same production line as its Maruti Suzuki counterpart, the Urban Cruiser EV is already on sale internationally. It has a different front fascia compared to the Vitara, but carries over the tail lamp section sans comprehensive changes. The dimensions will be identical, but we do expect different paint schemes as well as alloy wheel design for the Urban Cruiser EV.
Where the Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara and Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder carry significant changes to the cabin compared to each other, the same cannot be said about the Urban Cruiser EV. Except for the badge changes, there will be no drastic changes inside the cabin.
Be it the two-spoke steering wheel, floating binnacle for infotainment and driver’s screen, unique gear selector, seats and everything else inside the cabin will be carried over. Even the boot space at 306 litres should be identical.
Battery Pack and Powertrain:
Internationally, the Urban Cruiser EV is available with two powertrain choices. Here in India, like the e-Vitara, we will get the bigger 59kWh battery pack with FWD configuration. Power output is rated at 172 bhp and 189 Nm, and the claimed range is 430 km (under WLTP).
Pricing and Availability
With the India debut set to happen on January 19, 2026, the sales are expected to commence a few months later. It will be priced slightly higher than the Maruti Suzuki e-Vitara.
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Mahindra kick-started 2026 with the debut and launch of the XUV 7XO, the mid-life-cycle update to its venerable XUV 700 SUV. It has quickly been followed by Tata Motors announcing prices for the long-awaited petrol variants of the Harrier and Safari, which were unveiled last month. So the question is, just how does the 7XO stack up against the new Safari petrol on paper?
Mahindra XUV 7XO vs Tata Safari Petrol: Engine Specifications
The 7XO carries over the powerful 2.0-litre turbo-petrol mill from its predecessor. The unit develops 200 bhp and 380 Nm of peak torque and is offered with both a 6-speed manual and a 6-speed torque converter automatic gearbox, depending on the variant.
The Safari, in comparison, is down on power and torque. Featuring the company’s new 1.5-litre Hyperion T-GDI engine, the Safari petrol has a peak output of 168 bhp and 280 Nm - down 32 bhp and 100 Nm. Gearbox options, however, are similar with a standard fit 6-speed manual and the option for a 6-speed torque converter automatic.
Both SUVs are Front Wheel Drive as standard, with the 7XO getting optional all-wheel drive on the diesel model, which has not been considered in this comparison.
Mahindra XUV 7XO vs Tata Safari Petrol: Features
Moving to the features, the 7XO gets several updates over the outgoing XUV 700, including some features from Mahindra’s new family of EVs. The Safari, meanwhile, receives a new top-spec Ultra variant that incorporates some of the technology previously exclusive to the Harrier EV.
For this comparison, we only consider the top variants.
Starting with the 7XO, Mahindra has sought to appeal to buyers who want features such as triple 12.3-inch displays and LED lighting as a standard across the range. In top spec, the 7XO AX7 L packs in additional kit such as Level 2 ADAS tech, electric adjust front seats, ventilated front and rear seats, dual-zone climate control, 16-speaker Harman Kardon Audio system with Dolby Atmos & Vision, 540 degrees camera, wireless chargers front & rear, panoramic sunroof, 19-inch alloy wheels and more.
The Safari in comparison gets features such as LED headlamps & fog lamps, a 14.5-inch QLED touchscreen, 360 degree cameras with washers for the front & rear cameras, digital rear view mirror with built-in dash cam, 10-speaker JBL system with Dolby Atmos, powered front seats, ventilated front seats, ventilated rear seats (6 seater only), dual zone climate control, panoramic sunroof, Level 2 ADAS tech and 19-inch wheels. The Safari, however, does get some bits like a powered tailgate with gesture control - not available in the 7XO.
Mahindra XUV 7XO vs Tata Safari Petrol: Prices
In terms of pricing, the 7XO ranges between Rs 13.66 lakh and Rs 23.64 lakh (ex-showroom). The Safari, on the other hand, starts at a marginally lower Rs 13.29 lakh with the top petrol automatic priced at Rs 25.20 lakh (ex-showroom) - notably higher than the 7XO.
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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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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.
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.
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 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.
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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