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Mahindra has launched a new special edition based on the Thar Roxx named the Star Edition. Priced from Rs 16.85 lakh (ex-showroom), the Roxx Star Edition gets cosmetic differences from the standard SUV and is being offered with petrol and diesel engine options in rear-wheel-drive configuration. Full prices are as follows:
Starting from the exterior, the biggest difference is the Citrine Yellow paint finish - a colour not offered on the standard Roxx. Buyers can additionally opt for the special edition in Tango Red, Everest White and Stealth Black. Adding to the new exterior colour are blacked-out cosmetic details such as a piano black grille and 19-inch alloy wheels. The special edition also features variant-specific badging on the C-pillar.
Inside, the cabin is now finished in black leatherette upholstery with suede accents as opposed to ivory white or mocha brown on the standard SUV. In terms of features, the special edition gets all the bells and whistles, including ventilated front seats, panoramic sunroof, 10.25-inch touchscreen with wireless Android Auto & Apple CarPlay, 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, Harman Kardon sound system and all LED lighting.
On the mechanical side, the special edition is offered with both the 2.0-litre turbo-petrol and 2.2-litre diesel engine options solely in rear-wheel-drive spec. The former is offered solely with an automatic gearbox, while the diesel can be optioned with either a manual or automatic.
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Citroen has updated the Aircross X (formerly C3 Aircross) and C3 hatchback with new variants as part of its Citroen 2.0 strategy. The Aircross X is now offered with a 5-seat option in top-spec Max trim priced from Rs 12.41 lakh (ex-showroom), while the C3 gets a new feature-loaded second-from-base Live (O) trim priced at Rs 5.49 lakh (ex-showroom). Interestingly, the new variants will not be readily available with Citroen saying that units will only be produced against confirmed bookings.
As the name suggests, the update to the Aircross line-up now adds the option for buyers to opt for a two-row seating configuration in the fully-loaded Aircross SUV. The option was originally offered when the SUV first launched in India as the C3 Aircross, though it was dropped in more recent model updates. Before this latest update, the Aircross X was offered as a 5-seat model in the lower spec You and Plus trims with the naturally aspirated petrol engine only, while the turbo-petrol Plus and Max trims were exclusively 7-seat trims.
The new update adds back the option for a top-spec 5-seat Aircross, though Citroen says that the units will be made-to-order, i.e. the unit will roll off the assembly line after a booking for it is placed. As with the 7-seat Max trims, the 5-seat version will be offered with the 108 bhp turbo-petrol engine option.
Priced at a premium of roughly Rs 54,000 over the base Live trim, the Live (O) has been kitted out with several accessories offering features only seen on the top variants. These new feature additions include a new 10.1-inch Android touchscreen with smartphone connectivity (top variants get a 10.25-inch unit), built-in speakers, a reverse camera, leatherette seat covers, fog lamps, and side body & wheel arch moulding with chrome inserts. It also gets wheel covers that was previously available from the higher Feel trim.
Interestingly, features such as the touchscreen, reverse camera and fog lamps are not offered as standard on the Feel trim that is priced at Rs 5.85 lakh (ex-showroom). As with the new Aircross variant, this variant too is made-to-order and will only be produced in line with confirmed bookings. The new variant is offered solely in a Perla Nera Black paint scheme.
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Volkswagen India has commenced local assembly of the Tayron R-Line, marking a significant step in the brand’s premium SUV strategy for the Indian market. The Tayron R-Line is being assembled at Volkswagen’s Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar plant in Maharashtra. Although the official date is yet to be announced, the Tayron R is on track for the India launch in the first quarter of 2026.
With this move, Volkswagen aims to make its premium, German-engineered SUVs more accessible to Indian buyers, while also strengthening its local manufacturing footprint. The start of production comes less than a year after the Tayron’s global debut, underlining the brand’s intent to reduce time-to-market for India.
Positioned as Volkswagen India’s most premium SUV, the Tayron R-Line offers three-row seating, is positioned above the Tiguan and comes with the sportier R-Line design treatment. It carries VW’s recognisable design language with an overall length of just under five metres. The cabin is typically German and matches what you see in the Golf GTI.
With production now underway, Volkswagen is gearing up to intensify its presence in the premium SUV space, where it already retails models such as the Tiguan R-Line alongside the Taigun and Virtus. More details, including pricing and specifications for India, are expected closer to the Tayron R-Line’s official launch in Q1 2026.
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Triumph has taken a big step forward with its 660cc middleweight platform for 2026, unveiling thoroughly updated versions of the Trident 660 and Tiger Sport 660. This marks the most extensive revision yet for the twin-cylinder trio, with meaningful upgrades to the engine, chassis, styling, and onboard technology.
The headline change is the extensively reworked 660cc inline three-cylinder engine. Output now stands at 93.7bhp at 11,250rpm and 68Nm at 8,250rpm, bringing both models in line with the Daytona 660. With a healthy 13.8bhp bump, with peak power arriving 1,000rpm later and torque shifting 2,000rpm higher in the rev range. Despite the sportier tuning, Triumph says around 80 percent of peak torque is available from just 3,000rpm, promising strong real-world usability.
One of the most significant mechanical updates is the switch to three individual 44mm throttle bodies, replacing the earlier single-unit setup. This is supported by a larger front-mounted airbox, a revised cylinder head with bigger exhaust valves, a higher-lift cam profile and a 20 percent higher redline of 12,650rpm. The cooling system has also been upgraded, with a larger and repositioned radiator and fan to handle the added performance.
For 2026, the Trident 660 sharpens its roadster styling with updated bodywork. A wider, more sculpted fuel tank with deeper knee cut-outs, revised seats and a refreshed headlight design give the bike a more substantial stance while also improving rider comfort.
Cycle parts include Showa 41mm USD front forks and a new Showa rear shock offering preload and rebound adjustment. Braking hardware remains unchanged with twin 310mm front discs and Nissin calipers, while Michelin Road 5 tyres continue as standard. The motorcycle has a wet weight of 195kg and comes with a rider-friendly seat height of 810mm.
Electronically the motorcycle remains well-equipped, with ride-by-wire enabling Sport, Road and Rain modes, a six-axis IMU for cornering ABS and traction control, cruise control as standard, Triumph Shift Assist, and a TFT-LCD instrument cluster with Bluetooth connectivity.
The Tiger Sport 660 receives the same performance upgrades but leans harder into its sport-touring brief. A larger 18.6-litre fuel tank allows an extending range, while revised bodywork and radiator cowls improve weather protection. The adjustable windscreen now offers a wider range of adjustment for added comfort on longer rides.
Suspension travel remains at 150mm at both ends, with Showa USD forks and a rear monoshock featuring remote preload adjustment to better handle luggage or a pillion. Even with its added touring hardware, Triumph claims a wet weight of 211kg.
Like the Trident, the Tiger Sport 660 comes well-equipped, featuring ride modes, IMU-based cornering ABS and traction control, cruise control, a quick shifter and full LED lighting as standard.
Both models will be available in new colour options for 2026, while the India launch expected later this year.
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Bajaj has updated the Pulsar 125 for 2026 with a new LED headlamp and turn indicators. The new features are offered on the Carbon Fibre series of the commuter motorcycle and do not extend to the Pulsar 125 Neon series. There are two variants to pick from - the Single Seat priced at Rs 89,910 and the Split Seat priced at Rs 92,046 (ex-showroom). Interestingly, the new variants are more affordable than the 2025 model year Pulsar 125 by around Rs 2,400.
Aside from the new headlamp and turn signals, Bajaj has also updated the colour options for the Pulsar 125. The Carbon Fibre series is now offered in four colourways - Black Grey, Black Racing Red, Black Cyan Blue, and Racing Red with Tan Beige, with updated graphics.
Mechanically, there are no changes to the Pulsar 125 for 2026, with the familiar 124.38 cc, single-cylinder mill carried forward without any updates. The unit develops a peak 11.6 bhp and 10.8 Nm of torque. As in the 2025 model year, the 2026 Pulsar 125 has a front disc brake as standard.
Skoda looks to be going big with its hot RS models for the Indian market in 2026. For the first time ever, India will get a performance SUV from the Czech carmaker with the launch of the Kodiaq RS confirmed for Q2 2026. Set to arrive in limited numbers, the Kodiaq RS is the hottest derivative of the brand’s flagship internal combustion SUV and runs the same 2.0 TSI turbo-petrol engine as the Octavia RS, which was launched in India last year.
The Kodiaq RS gets some notable cosmetic differences over its standard counterpart already sold in India. Sportier bumpers, blacked out cosmetic detailing and larger RS-specific wheels and a twin tip exhaust at the rear. The cabin follows the all-black theme reminiscent of the Octavia, with sports seats up front replete with integrated headrests. The Kodiaq RS also retain all the practicality of its standard counterpart, offering the same 5+2 seating configuration as the top-spec Kodiaq currently on sale in India.
On the mechanical side, the Kodiaq uses the same 2.0 TSI turbo-petrol mill as the Octavia RS, pushing out 261 bhp and 400 Nm of torque paired with a 7-speed DSG gearbox. All-wheel drive is standard with Skoda claiming a 6.3-second 0-100 kmph sprint and a 231 kmph top speed for its performance SUV.
Additional Octavia RS Units For India Confirmed
Aside from the Kodiaq RS, enthusiasts will have another reason to celebrate. Skoda has confirmed that the currently sold-out Octavia RS will return to India in 2026 with a second allotment of 100 units to become available in the coming months.
The Octavis RS made its India debut at the 2025 Bharat Mobility Expo before being launched in the country in October of that year. However, all 100 units were sold out with days of bookings opening a week prior to prices being announced.
As with the previous batch, expect the latest allocation to also feature a front-wheel drive layout with the familiar 261 bhp 2.0 TSI engine under the hood. Prices, however, could be higher than the Rs 49.99 lakh (ex-showroom) launch price of the first batch.
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Skoda has unveiled the Kushaq facelift, ahead of its launch in the coming weeks. The Kushaq is the first India 2.0 model from Skoda VW to receive a mid-cycle update, with facelifts also planned for the Skoda Slavia, VW Taigun and VW Virtus in the coming year. The 2026 Kushaq gets some notable styling updates, adding some more muscle to the overall design as well as some contemporary design elements to the exterior.
Starting from the front, the Kushaq gets a heavily updated fascia. The trademark butterfly grille is now more prominent and upright and continues to be flanked by sleek LED headlamps. The vertical slats in the grille are finished in chrome, though the more notable styling element here is the embedded lightbar that flows in the daytime running lights housed within the headlamps. Lower down, the bumper design has been revised with new inverted L-shaped side vents housing high-set fog lamps and sleeker cladding lower down, replete with a faux silver skid plate.
In profile, the updated Kushaq looks nearly identical to its outgoing sibling, with just the new alloy wheel designs setting it apart.
Moving to the rear, the biggest change comes in the form of the new faux lightbar design taillamps, which features a illuminating Skoda wordmark. Also updated is the rear bumper design, which adds some muscle to the SUV.
2026 Skoda Kushaq facelift: Interior
Moving to the cabin, the differences are in the details. The overall dashboard design has not changed from the outgoing SUV, although the thick swathe of gloss black plastic on the dashboard has been replaced by a matte-finish panel. The same is also visible on the centre console. Additionally, Skoda looks to have stepped away from the dual-tone black and grey cabin design to a black and beige theme. The remainder of the cabin is virtually unchanged, including the two-spoke steering design that has been carried over from the outgoing SUV.
Moving to the features, the changes start from the entry-level model. Skoda has expanded the standard feature list to now include LED headlamps and taillamps, auto headlamps and wipers, a sunroof, a rear wiper, a rear defogger, an auto dimming IRVM, auto climate control and alloy wheels. Additionally, features such as an 8.0-inch digital instrument cluster, tyre pressure monitoring, keyless entry and go, cruise control, wireless charging pad and cooled glovebox are available from the mid-spec variants onwards.
Meanwhile, top variants now feature a new 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster (up from 8 inches), a panoramic sunroof (a first for the Kushaq), and first-in-segment massaging rear seats. Other features on offer include an updated 10-inch touchscreen, powered front seats with ventilation, front parking sensors, Google Automotive AI-powered voice assistant and more.
Skoda has carried over the 1.0 TSI and 1.5 TSI turbo-petrol engine options. The big change, however, comes with the gearboxes for the 1.0 TSI. The unit continues to be offered with a 6-speed manual gearbox as standard, though the old 6-speed torque converter automatic has been dropped in favour of a new 8-speed automatic torque converter unit.
The 1.5 TSI, meanwhile, is only being offered with a 7-speed DSG gearbox.
2026 Skoda Kushaq facelift: Bookings & Deliveries
Skoda has opened pre-bookings for the new Kushaq with a booking amount of Rs 15,000. Deliveries, meanwhile, are set to commence by end-March 2026. Expect prices to be announced in the coming weeks.
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Tata recently launched the 2026 Punch facelift in India with prices starting from Rs 5.59 lakh (ex-showroom). The updated micro-SUV arrives with some notable updates both inside and out - featuring a design now in line with the rest of Tata’s SUV range while packing in some new features inside the cabin. The biggest update, however, is under the hood, where Tata has looked to give the SUV some additional punch with a new 118 bhp turbo-petrol option paired with a 6-speed manual in select variants. Buyers now also get the option for a CNG AMT powertrain, too, for the first time in the micro-SUV.
Looking at the powertrain and variant break-up, buyers can pick the naturally aspirated petrol engine with the manual gearbox across all variants. Meanwhile, buyers of the AMT can pick between the Pure+, Pure+ S, Adventure, Accomplished and Accomplished+ trim - interestingly, going for the Adventure trim in AMT guise means you will miss out on the sunroof.
Moving to the CNG, buyers can get the Punch CNG with the manual gearbox from the entry variant all the way to the second-from-top Accomplished spec. Those wanting a fully-loaded CNG can only opt for the CNG AMT. An interesting observation is that the CNG AMT powertrain option is offered in the sunroof-equipped Adventure S spec - though the petrol AMT is not. However, unlike the latter, the CNG AMT buyers cannot option the sunroof in Pure+ trim.
The turbo-petrol engine option can meanwhile be option in the mid-spec Adventure (without the option for a sunroof) or in fully-loaded Accomplished+ S guise.
Variant-Wise Features
Now, let’s take a look at what each variant has to offer in terms of features
Skoda has provided the first glimpse of the upcoming Jushaq facelift ahead of its launch in the coming week. Skoda’s compact SUV made its India debut back in March 2021 and was Skoda Volkswagen India’s first new model under the India 2.0 scheme. It would go on to be joined by the Slavia sedan and Volkswagen Taigun in the following months, with the VW Virtus joining the fray in 2022. The SUV also marked the debut of the new MQB A0 IN platform for the Indian market.
The first teasers for the updated Kushaq showcase the covered SUV in a field with only a few details visible. You can make out a larger, more upright Skoda butterfly grille, sculpted bonnet with the Skoda roundel and the SUV’s prominent shoulder line. We also get a glimpse of a hint of silver trim on the SUV’s lower bumper. Images of test mules spotted on public roads over the past year have hinted at other design updates, including tweaks to the headlamps and revised tail lamps that could feature a lightbar design.
The cabin, meanwhile, is expected to benefit from minor design updates, including new materials and colours as well as revised control surfaces.
On the feature front, the new SUV is expected to get some upgrades, such as the inclusion of a panoramic sunroof on top variants, an upgraded infotainment system and digital instrument cluster, and even ADAS tech could be offered.
On the powertrain front, the existing 1.0 TSI and 1.5 TSI engine options are expected to soldier on, likely to be offered with manual and automatic gearbox options.
The Kushaq facelift is set to be the first of the updated India 2.0 series from Skoda Volkswagen India, with the Skoda Slavia, VW Taigun and VW Virtus all due to receive facelifts in the coming years.
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Pierer Mobility AG has officially been renamed Bajaj Mobility AG, effective January 13, 2026, formalising Bajaj Auto’s full takeover of KTM and its associated brands. The rebrand comes a little over two months after Bajaj completed the acquisition, bringing an end to the Pierer Group’s involvement in the company.
Bajaj Auto attained full control in November 2025 through its wholly owned subsidiary, Bajaj Auto International Holdings BV (BAIH BV), which acquired all remaining shares of Pierer Bajaj AG from Pierer Industrie AG. With this, Bajaj became the sole owner of KTM’s parent structure.
Under the new identity, Bajaj Mobility AG now functions as the holding company for KTM, Husqvarna and GasGas within the KTM Group. The company’s headquarters will continue to remain in Mattighofen, Austria, ensuring continuity in engineering, racing and product development, even as ownership and strategic control shift decisively to Bajaj.
The name change is accompanied by a new corporate logo and signals a clearer alignment of the group’s global strategy under Bajaj’s leadership. While no immediate operational changes have been announced, the move underlines Bajaj’s transition from long-term partner to outright owner of one of the world’s most influential performance motorcycle groups. With this announcement, the industry will be watching closely to see how the next phase of KTM, Husqvarna and GasGas unfolds under the new ownership.
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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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