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Kia has expanded the variant lineup of the Seltos subcompact SUV in India with the launch of the HTK (EX) trim. Positioned between the HTK (O) and HTK+ trims, the new variant will be offered in both petrol and diesel options, priced at Rs. 9.89 lakh and Rs. 10.64 lakh (ex-showroom) respectively. Like the former, here too you will only get a manual gearbox option, and some added premium features like LED headlights and taillights. Compared to the HTK (O) variant, the new HTK (EX) is about Rs. 50,000 more expensive.
Compared to the HTK (O) variant, the new HTK (EX) is about Rs. 50,000 more expensive
Atul Sood, Sr. VP and National Head, Sales and Marketing, Kia India, said, “The introduction of the HTK(EX) trim for Syros reflects our constant focus on responding to customer feedback and delivering meaningful value. By expanding the lineup at an attractive price point, we aim to make our SUV more accessible while continuing to offer the features and quality that customers expect from Kia.”
The new variant will get a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment syste
In terms of creature comforts, the new HTK (EX) will share most of its offerings with the HTK (O). Like - electric sunroof, 16-inch alloy wheels, 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, electrically adjustable and foldable ORVMs, and a rear parking camera with sensors. The standard suite of 20+ safety features continues to be on offer here too, which includes ABS with EBD, Electronic Stability Control, Hill Start Assist, Six Airbags and Vehicle Stability Management, among others.
Engine options include a 1.0-litre TGDi turbo petrol motor and a 1.5-litre diesel engine. Both come mated to a 6-speed manual transmission. The new Syros range now has seven variants, and the prices range between Rs. 8.67 lakh and Rs. 15.29 lakh for the petro, and Rs. 10.14 lakh and Rs. 15.94 lakh for the diesel. All prices are ex-showroom.
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JSW MG Motor India has finally provided a launch date for the Majestor SUV - February 12, 2026. The Majestor made its India debut at the 2025 Bharat Mobility Expo, with the SUV to be positioned as a rival to the Toyota Fortuner and a more premium alternative to the Gloster SUV, which will soldier on.
In terms of design, the Majestor comes across as a big boxy SUV with an upright fascia dominated by the rectangular grille. The SUV also features a split headlamp design with LED daytime running lamps at the base of the bonnet and vertically stacked headlamps positioned below on the bumper. The silhouette of the Majestor appears to be nearly identical to the Gloster, featuring a prominent shoulder line, with generous use of cladding around the wheel arches and underneath the doors. Towards the rear, the Majestor gets a new connected tail lamp setup. Overall, the design isn’t too far changed from the model sold in global markets as the Maxus D90.
MG India never provided a look at the Majestor’s cabin, though we expect it to also not stray far from its global sibling. This is expected to include the use of soft-touch materials on the dashboard, a grab handle on the dashboard for the front seat passenger and a free-standing touchscreen infotainment system sitting atop the air-con vents. The Majestor is also expected to offer three rows of seating, as with the Gloster.
Moving to the powertrain, the Gloster could share its running gear with the Gloster as well, with a 2.0-litre diesel engine under the hood in single turbo and twin-turbo guise paired with an 8-speed automatic gearbox. Expect the SUV to get the option for 4X2 and 4x4 drivetrains, depending on the variant.
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Luxury car maker Mercedes-Benz has launched a new celebration edition of its highest selling electric car in India, the EQS SUV. The SUV is available in two versions - 5 seat EQS 450 which is priced at Rs. 1.34 crore, ex-showroom and the 7 seat EQS 580 which has been priced at Rs. 1.48 crore. AMG which was previously available only with the latter is now available on the EQS 450 as well. This includes the 21-inch light AMG alloy wheels. Apart from this both the SUVs will now be available with seat ventilation on the second row.
Both the EQS 450 and 580 come with a 122 kWh battery packs and the claimed range is 775 km on the former while on the latter the range goes up to 809 km. With a maximum power of 355 bhp the 450 does 0-100 kmph in 6.2 seconds while the 580 achieves the same in 4.8 seconds with a maximum power of 546 bhp. Peak torque is 800 Nm on the 5-seater and 858 Nm on the 7-seater.
At its annual press conference, the brand revealed that 70% of all its EVs sold in 2025 belonged to the top-end segment, priced between Rs. 1.25 crore to Rs. 3.10 crore. These include the EQS SUV, EQS Sedan, Mercedes-Maybach EQS SUV and the G580. Mercedes-Benz India’s electric portfolio saw a growth of 12% year-on-year, and every fifth top-end Mercedes-Benz sold in India during 2025 was electric.
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Following years of growing sales in the Indian market, Mercedes-Benz ended calendar year 2025 with sales down 2.8 per cent year-on-year. The carmaker reported total sales of 19,007 units in CY2025 - down from 19,565 units in CY2024. The carmaker reported a growth in sales across several of its segments, including top-end vehicles (TEVs), EVs and its AMG series, though sales in the entry luxury segment declined 20 per cent year-on-year. The company, however, said that despite a reduction in overall sales, 2025 was its best-ever year in terms of revenue in the market.
Commenting on the brand’s performance, Santosh Iyer, MD & CEO, Mercedes-Benz India, said, “We have delivered another best-ever year in terms of revenue growth, buoyed by high affinity amongst discerning customers, reflected in the strong growth in the TEV segment as well in top-end BEVs. Our strategy of focusing on ‘value over volume’ and offering high product substance keeps the customer experience at the core, while ensuring customers continue to enjoy a feature-rich product and retain high Residual Value for their Mercedes-Benz.”
TEVs, Electric Vehicle Range Report Year-on-Year Growth
While overall sales declined, Mercedes-Benz India reported strong double-digit growth for its TEV range comparison models, including the S-Class, GLS, EQS, as well as the carmaker’s Maybach and AMG Series. Sales of TEVs were up 11 per cent year-on-year. Mercedes said that TEVs accounted for around 25 per cent of all units sold in 2025, with India now one of the top 5 markets for its Maybach sub-brand.
As for the AMG brand, Mercedes reported a year-on-year sales growth of 34 per cent year-on-year.
On the EV front, Mercedes reported that 20 per cent of all units sold in 2025 were electric vehicles. Of these, 70 per cent of sales came from models in the TEV segment - i.e., models such as the EQS, Maybach EQS and the G 580 EV. EV sales overall reported a growth of 12 per cent year-on-year. The EQS SUV was the brand’s best-selling electric car in 2025.
Focusing on the segments below TEVs, Mercedes-Benz India revealed that its Core model series - comprising models such as the C-Class, GLC, E-Class and GLE- accounted for 62 per cent of all units sold. The company claimed that the E-Class remained the ‘highest selling luxury car’ in the market in CY2025.
The strong performance in the TEV and Core segments, however, was offset by declining sales in the Entry Luxury segment, housing models such as the A-Class, GLA and GLB. The segment reported a 20 per cent decline in sales year-on-year, with total contribution to sales down from 20 per cent in CY2024 to 13 per cent in CY2025.
12 New Model Launches Planned For 2026
Mercedes-Benz also revealed its plans for the Indian market for 2026, with 12 new model launches lined up for the year. This will include the all-new CLA Electric that made its global debut early last year.
“2026 will be an action-packed year with 12 new product introductions, expansion of our local production portfolio, the launch of the MB.Charge Public, expansion into new markets and investment in upgrading our entire network,” Iyer said.
The carmaker has kicked off 2026 with the launch of the locally assembled Maybach GLS SUV, making India the first market outside of the US to locally assemble the flagship luxury SUV. The carmaker also introduced a special edition of the EQS SUV.
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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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