New Tata Tiago EV Spied Testing On Indian Roads: Enhanced Range Incoming?

New test mules of what looks to be the Tata Tiago EV have been spied testing on Indian roads. The images of the heavily camouflaged testmules suggests that Tata could be readying a substantial overhaul for its entry-level EV, which was launched in India in 2022.
 

Also read: Tata Passenger Electric Mobility, Shell Launch 21 EV Charging Stations Across India
 

The heavy camouflage suggests that the EV is expected to receive a notable styling overhaul, and one could expect some design influence from the facelifted Altroz that launched last year. The overall silhouette does not look too different from the current model, so the basic bodyshell is expected to remain unchanged. The heavy camouflage hides any discernible details on the nose, though we do expect the hatchback to get a fresh bumper design as well as tweaks to the grille.

 

Also Read: 2026 Tata Punch EV Facelift: Variants, Features, Prices Explained

 

What can be confirmed are the new headlamps with integrated LED DRL eye brows and projector lighting elements - a step up from the current model’s LED reflectors.
 

Previous images of the rear of some test mules showcased a virtually unchanged tail section replete with the petal-shaped tail lamps, though these could just be place holders. Many early test mules of the Punch facelift have sported the tail lamps from the pre-facelift micro-SUV, with only later test mules getting the new connected lighting setup. A similar case could also be made for the Tiago EV.

 

Also Read: Tata Punch EV Facelift Launched In India; Prices Start From Rs 9.69 Lakh

 

The Tiago & Tiago EV received a notable update last year with styling tweaks and new features.

 

The Tiago EV did receive a notable update to the interior last year, including the addition of a 10.25-inch central touchscreen on top variants. The latest upgrade could thus see more minor changes when it comes to the cabin, though the hump on the camouflaged roof suggests the hatchback could be getting a sunroof.
 

Also Read: Tata Punch Facelift Launched At Rs 5.59 Lakh; Gets Turbo-Petrol Engine Option

The 2025 updates added a new 10.25-inch touchscreen, new digital instrument cluster and two-spoke steering with an illuminated logo to the interior.

 

Mechanically, Tata could go for similar upgrades as seen on the Punch EV - replacing the existing battery pack options with newer, more energy-dense units offering greater energy storage capacity and providing more usable range. A move to newer-gen electric motors could also make the EV more powerful as well. Charging speeds could also be upped from the current 25 kWh peak DC fast charge rate.
 

As for a launch, the updated Tiago EV could make its debut in the second half of the year, or Tata could look to unveil the model early next year at the next Bharat Mobility Expo.

 

Spy Image Source

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BMW Chairman Oliver Zipse Named 2026 World Car Person of the Year

In a definitive nod to his engineering-led transformation of the BMW Group, Oliver Zipse has been officially named the 2026 World Car Person of the Year.

 

Also read: New BMW X3 30 Vs Mercedes-Benz GLC 300: Midsize Luxury SUV Faceoff
 

The announcement comes as Zipse prepares to conclude his tenure as Chairman of the Board of Management, a role he has held since 2019. The award, voted on by a jury of 98 international automotive journalists (including India) recognises Zipse’s "technology-open" strategy and the successful launch of the Neue Klasse, hailed as the most significant technical overhaul in BMW's history.

Also read: BMW X3 xDrive30 M Sport Pro Launched In India At Rs 74.50 Lakh
 

Zipse, who joined BMW in 1991, beat high-profile finalists David Craig (General Motors) and Tisha Johnson(Slate) for the top honour. The jury cited Zipse’s ability to maintain record profitability while navigating the industry’s shift toward electrification and digitalisation.

 

"To me, this is much more than just an award for my tenure as BMW’s CEO: it is a recognition of our strategic course and the courage we have shown to pursue the company’s biggest project ever, the Neue Klasse," said Oliver Zipse, 2026 World Car Person of Year.

 

Also read: BMW X3 30 xDrive M Sport Review: The Driver’s SUV Returns

While many competitors pivoted exclusively to battery-electric vehicles (BEVs), Zipse’s leadership was defined by "technology openness" - developing excellence across multiple powertrain types simultaneously.

Jens Meiners, World Car Awards Chair Emeritus, noted that this strategy has been "fully validated by the market," stating that the current BMW lineup is "just about the best it has ever been."

 

Past winners of this award include BYD’s Stella Li (2025) and F1 engineer Adrian Newey (2024).

As Zipse’s tenure draws to a close, he leaves the BMW Group in a position of high financial security and technical readiness. The Neue Klasse serves as his parting legacy - a platform designed to define the brand’s identity for the next decade.

 

The World Car Person of the Year is the first of seven categories to be announced as part of the annual Road to the World Car Awards, which culminates at the New York International Auto Show (April 1st). The program is supported by Brembo, AISTATIC Research & Consult, NYIAS, KPMG and Newspress.

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New Bajaj 125-250cc Brand To Be Launched Soon

Bajaj Auto is getting ready to launch a new motorcycle brand in the 125-250 cc segment in the next few months, which is critical to the company’s growth. Speaking to a news channel in a television interview, Rajiv Bajaj, Managing Director, Bajaj Auto Ltd. Also said that the company will introduce upgrades to several Pulsar models this year, along with new products under a new motorcycle brand.

 

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

 

“There will also be at least one new brand, if not more than one, between now and the festive season, in this space, by which I mean the 125-250 cc space, that is so critical to our portfolio. And I think that will help us cast the net wider in this catchment area of 125-250 cc. Fingers crossed. Let’s hope new brands and new products work well for us,” said Rajiv Bajaj.

 

Also Read: KTM Ends Long-Term Partnership With KISKA Design

Bajaj Auto is India’s largest exporter of motorcycles, and for the period of April 2025 to January 2026, the company’s exports showed strong growth of 16 per cent to 16,14,601 units. Domestic sales volumes for the same period stood at 19,41,855 units. In January 2026, Bajaj Auto posted robust sales in both domestic and export markets. Domestic two-wheeler sales in January 2026 grew by 25 per cent, with 2,14,727 units, while overseas motorcycle sales grew 22 per cent to 1,91,568.

 

Also Read: Bajaj Auto Takes Charge of KTM With Full Buyout

In November 2025, Bajaj Auto completed its 100 per cent acquisition of Pierer Bajaj AG, with the company being renamed Bajaj Auto International Holdings AG and KTM’s former parent company Pierer Mobility AG becoming Bajaj Mobility AG. With this acquisition Bajaj is now the sole owner of KTM. 

 

Bajaj will continue to manufacture small-displacement KTM and Husqvarna models at its Chakan plant in India, while consolidating and steering a new global product strategy. The acquisition covers the entire Pierer Mobility portfolio, including KTM, Husqvarna and GasGas.

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New Renault Duster India Launch On March 17

Renault India will announce prices for the new Duster on March 17, 2026. Unveiled in India in January, the new Duster is only the second generation of the SUV to make it to our market, though globally it's now in its third generation. The India-spec SUV sits on an India-specific derivative of the global CMF-B platform that Renault calls the Renault Group Modular Platform for the domestic market. It will also underpin Nissan’s upcoming compact SUV - the Tekton.

 

Also read: Renault Duster Makes A Grand Indian Comeback, Gets Hybrid Tech
 

On the design front, the India-spec Duster looks as boxy and imposing as its European cousin, though there are changes to the fascia and rear end. The headlamps get simpler LED DRL lightguides while the grille features a ‘Duster’ wordmark instead of Renault. The bumper also gets a sleeker design compared to the chunky unit on the global Duster. Down the sides, the biggest differences over the global model are the lack of cladding extending up to the badge on the front doors, while at the rear, the India-spec SUV gets its own unique tail lamp design replete with a lightbar.

 

Also read: New Renault Duster For India Vs For Europe: What’s Different?
 

Inside, the India-spec SUV has been tailored to provide a more upmarket feel compared to its European cousin’s more utilitarian looks. The cabin looks to share much with the international-spec Boreal SUV - the Duster’s larger 7-seater cousin with a layered design and notable use of soft touch materials.
 

In terms of tech, top variants will get features such as LED headlamps, a 10.1-inch touchscreen, a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, electric adjust and ventilated front seats, dual-zone climate control, a panoramic sunroof and an ADAS suite with 17 assistance functions.
 

Also read: Nissan Gravite Launched In India At Rs 5.65 Lakh
 

Mechanically, Renault has confirmed three engine options for India. A base 1.0-litre three-cylinder turbo-petrol unit developing 99 bhp and 160 Nm, a more powerful 1.3-litre turbo-petrol mill, good for 158 bhp and 280 Nm and a strong hybrid powertrain pairing a 1.8-litre engine with two electric motors and 1.4 kWh battery to offer up to 1000 km of range. Gearbox options include a 5-speed manual for the 1.0 turbo, a 6-speed manual & automatic for the 1.3 turbo and an 8-speed automatic for the strong hybrid.
 

For now, expect Renault to only announce prices for the turbo-petrol variants. The carmaker has previously confirmed that the hybrid will only arrive around the festive season later this year.

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BKT Tyres Launched On-Highway Tyre Portfolio for Two-Wheelers Medium & Heavy Commercial Vehicles

Balkrishna Industries Limited (BKT) is an Indian MNC and a strong player in the global Off-Highway Tyre (OHT) segment with presence in 163 countries worldwide, offering mobility solutions in the field of Agriculture, Construction, Mining and other industrial applications. 

As a part of BKT’s Vision 2030, the company announced a range of initiatives to achieve a 2.2X revenue growth over the FY25 levels, taking the total revenue to Rs 23,000 Crores. Fresh investments are planned to support manufacturing capacity expansion, advancement in R&D capabilities and strengthening of the distribution network.

A sizeable chunk of this growth is to come from BKT’s foray into the Consumer Tyre Market, essentially the On-Highway Tyres. On the two-wheeler side, two new tyre lines were announced - BKT ZENOVA and BKT THYROS. BKT ZENOVA is designed for city commuting, promising enhanced comfort, smooth handling, and dependable grip for everyday urban riders. BKT THYROS on the other end, is engineered for a dual-purpose usage including on and off-road riding, offering confidence and control across mixed terrain conditions. 

For the Commercial Vehicle On-Road segment, BKT will be launching BKT m.Loadxpert and BKT Milexpert RG in the Apr-Jun’26 period. Thes tyres have been developed for high-demand On-Highway applications such as cement transport, construction logistics, and regional cargo movement across the country. BKT also announced special efforts towards developing and promoting the Tyre Retreading industry for enhanced product usage life and its contribution towards sustainability efforts. 

A renewed customer focus was also emphasised by BKT with special measures being undertaken for enhanced service responsiveness and speedy complaint resolutions. BKT also announced introduction of a ‘Journey Assistance Program’ for the two-wheeler riders and a ‘Save the Casing Program’ for Commercial Vehicle Radials segment. Both, targeted towards the end tyre users, as a measure of establishing a direct connect with the customer setting the foundation for the B2C business.

Launch of a multimedia brand campaign starring Ranveer Singh as the brand ambassador was also announced to compliment the BKT’s entry in the B2C business with the theme –‘Elevate Your Drive’.

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Tata Passenger Electric Mobility, Shell Launch 21 EV Charging Stations Across India

In April 2024, Tata Passenger Electric Mobility signed a memorandum of understanding with Shell India Markets Private Limited to develop public EV charging infrastructure across the country jointly. Building on that and previously installed stations, the two companies have now added 21 new TATA.ev x Shell Mega Charging Hubs in India.

 

Also Read: 2026 Tata Punch EV Facelift: Variants, Features, Prices Explained

The newly launched charging stations are spread across Bengaluru, Chennai, Mysuru, Pune, and Vadodara. Each hub is equipped with 120kW fast chargers and multiple charging bays. 

 

Bengaluru has added nine new hubs, taking its total to 13, while Chennai has received five new locations with high-capacity DC fast chargers. Additional sites in Mysuru, Pune, and along the Ahmedabad–Mumbai highway are intended to support both urban commuting and long-distance travel. 

 

Also Read: Tata Punch EV Facelift Launched In India; Prices Start From Rs 9.69 Lakh

 

Introducing the TATA.ev x Shell Mega Charging Hubs, Balaje Rajan, Chief Strategy Officer, Tata Passenger Electric Mobility Ltd., and Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles Ltd., said, “EV infrastructure is fundamental to accelerating India’s transition to electric mobility. Today, in partnership with Shell India, we are proud to introduce new TATA.ev x Shell Mega Charging Hubs across key cities, offering a combined capacity of 2500 kW. This expansion reinforces our commitment to making charging seamless and ubiquitous for EV users across India.” 

  

According to the companies, every hub will have on-ground support staff, along with access to Shell Select and Deli2go outlets offering food, beverages, and restroom facilities. Tata EV customers will also be eligible for select in-store promotions and charging tariff benefits at these locations. 

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Over 1 Lakh Motorists to Get Toll Refund After Major Mumbai-Pune Expressway Disruption

Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) has announced a toll refund amounting to Rs 5.16 crore for more than one lakh motorists who were impacted by a major traffic disruption on the Mumbai-Pune Expressway earlier this month. Officials said the refunded amount will be credited directly to users’ FASTag accounts in the coming days.

 

Also Read: No Fastag Annual Pass For Three Row Cars? NHAI Clarifies

The incident occurred on February 3, when a gas tanker overturned near the Khopoli stretch of the expressway, bringing traffic to a standstill for over 33 hours. The disruption left many commuters stranded for long periods, with limited access to water, food, and other basic facilities. As a precaution, the Pune-bound lane was closed, and traffic was diverted via the old Mumbai-Pune Highway. The closure lasted for over 33 hours, with vehicles queued up on both old and new highways.

 

MSRDC officials stated that the refund will cover not only tolls collected on the expressway but also those charged on affected stretches of the Pune-Bengaluru National Highway during the disruption. Toll operators have been instructed to submit detailed FASTag transaction records to help identify eligible vehicles.

 

Also Read: No More KYV: Relief for FASTag Users from February 2026

The corporation has clarified that motorists are not required to submit individual claims. All toll deductions made during the affected period will be automatically reversed and credited to the respective FASTag accounts.

 

Refunds will be processed based on transaction data provided by toll operators and returned to the same accounts from which the tolls were deducted.

 

Source: PTI

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Mercedes-Benz CLA Electric Debuts In India: Bookings Open March 10

Mercedes-Benz has unveiled the all-electric CLA for the Indian market, nearly a year after its global debut. Bookings will open on March 10, while the carmaker will announce prices for it in mid-April 2026. The new CLA will replace the A-Class Limousine, EQA, and EQB in the brand’s entry-level lineup and marks the first time the nameplate is being offered with a fully electric powertrain.

 

Mercedes-Benz CLA Electric: Exterior

The new CLA continues to draw heavily from its concept design, featuring a sleek, coupe-like silhouette and rounded edges. The electric sedan gets a closed front panel filled with 142 illuminated three-pointed stars and a centrally lit Mercedes-Benz logo. The side profile is highlighted by flush-fitting door handles, similar to those seen on larger Mercedes sedans.

 

At the rear, the CLA features star-shaped LED tail lamps connected by a full-width light bar, which also displays animated lighting sequences while locking and unlocking. Buyers will be able to choose from ten different alloy wheel designs, ranging from 17 to 19 inches.

 

Also Read: New BMW X3 30 Vs Mercedes-Benz GLC 300: Midsize Luxury SUV Faceoff

Mercedes-Benz CLA Electric: Dimensions

 

Compared to its predecessor, the new CLA has grown in size. It now measures 4,723mm in length, which is 34mm longer than before and makes it slightly larger than the previous-generation C-Class. The width has increased to 1,855mm, up by 25mm, while the height stands at 1,468mm. The wheelbase has also been extended by 61mm to 2,790mm, which is expected to translate into better cabin space.

 

Mercedes-Benz CLA Electric: Interior

The interior of the new CLA has been completely revamped and now features Mercedes-Benz’s latest Superscreen setup, inspired by the EQE and EQS. The dashboard integrates a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, a 14.6-inch central infotainment screen, and an optional 14-inch display for the front passenger.

 

A panoramic sunroof is offered as standard. In terms of luggage capacity, the CLA offers a boot space of 405 litres. In addition, it also gets a front trunk, or frunk, which provides an extra 101 litres of storage.

 

Also Read: 2025 Mercedes-Benz E-Class LWB Diesel Review: Bestseller For A Reason!

Mercedes-Benz CLA Electric: Powertrain and Battery Pack

 

The new CLA is based on Mercedes’ Modular Architecture (MMA) platform, which has been developed primarily for electric vehicles but is also capable of supporting internal combustion engines as seen in global markets. For India, the CLA will be offered in a single 250+ variant. It features a rear-wheel-drive layout with a single electric motor that produces 268 bhp and 335 Nm of torque.

 

According to Mercedes-Benz, the rear-wheel-drive CLA offers a maximum WLTP-certified range of up to 792km. The car uses an 800-volt electrical architecture, which enables ultra-fast DC charging. With a 320kW fast charger, the CLA is claimed to be capable of adding up to 325km of driving range in just 10 minutes.

Mercedes-Benz CLA Electric: Launch Timeline

 

Bookings for the CLA Electric in India will begin on March 10, with the official launch scheduled for mid-April 2026. The model is expected to serve as Mercedes-Benz’s new entry point into the electric sedan space in the country.

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New-Gen Toyota Fortuner Spied For The First Time

Spy shots of Toyota SUVs are relatively rare, making this latest spotting particularly noteworthy. Following the debut of the ninth-generation Hilux in November last year, Toyota has begun preparations for the next-generation Fortuner. The first spy image of the SUV undergoing testing has now surfaced online from Thailand, offering a glimpse of what’s to come.

 

The current-generation Fortuner has been on sale for nearly a decade, and the Japanese automaker is now working on its successor. The all-new model is expected to make its global debut later this year, and here is what the spied test mule showcased.

 

New-Gen Toyota Fortuner: Exterior

 

The test mule is covered in dense camouflage, but several design elements are still visible. The SUV appears to feature a wider and more upright grille, while slim, horizontal LED DRLs are visible at the top, and the main headlamp units seem to be positioned lower. The front bumper appears more sculpted, featuring a pronounced central air intake and what seem to be vertically stacked elements at the corners.

 

From the side, the new Fortuner retains its tall and boxy proportions, but with sharper body lines. The wheel arches look more pronounced, and the SUV appears to ride on multi-spoke alloy wheels. The shoulder line seems slightly higher.

 

Also Read: Toyota Ebella EV Review: Compact And Fun-To-Drive With The Promise Of Stress-Free Aftersales

Towards the rear, the camouflage conceals most styling details, but the overall shape suggests a more squared-off tailgate. The rear windscreen appears relatively upright, while the tail-lamp units seem to be slimmer and more horizontally oriented than before. There also appears to be a connecting trim strip between the lamps, though this is hidden under wraps. The rear bumper looks chunkier, with a deeper lower section and a skid-plate-style insert. Parking sensors and reflectors are integrated neatly into the bumper layout.

 

New-Gen Toyota Fortuner: Interior and Features

While the latest spy images do not provide a look at the cabin, the next-generation Fortuner is expected to undergo a comprehensive interior overhaul. Drawing inspiration from the newer Hilux, the SUV is likely to feature a significantly more modern dashboard layout, headlined by a fully digital instrument cluster and a larger 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system.

 

In terms of overall equipment, the next-generation model is expected to offer dual 12.3-inch displays, Level 2 ADAS, a 360-degree camera, and ventilated as well as powered front seats.

 

Also Read: Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder: 10,000 km Long-Term Review

 

New-Gen Toyota Fortuner: Engine

The next-generation Fortuner is expected to retain its proven powertrain options, continuing with the familiar 2.7-litre petrol and 2.8-litre diesel engines. The diesel motor is likely to remain paired with Toyota’s 48V mild-hybrid system, which has already been introduced in the Indian market on the Fortuner Neo Drive. Both engines will be offered with a choice of a 6-speed manual gearbox and a torque-converter automatic transmission. 

 

New-Gen Toyota Fortuner: Expected Debut

 

The next-generation Fortuner appears to be in the final stages of development, as seen in the spy shots taken in Thailand. The SUV is expected to make its global debut sometime this year, with Thailand likely to be among the first markets to receive it. Subsequently, we expect it to launch in India in early 2027.

 

Spyshot source

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Skoda Kushaq Facelift Production Commences Ahead Of Launch

Skoda has commenced production of the upcoming Kushaq facelift at the Skoda Auto Volkswagen India plant in Pune ahead of its launch. The facelifted SUV made its global debut in January, showcasing an updated design as well as getting features and mechanical enhancements. Prices are expected to be announced in the coming weeks, with Skoda having confirmed that customer deliveries will start in March 2026.

 

Also read: 2026 Skoda Kushaq Facelift Revealed With New Tech, Powertrain Updates
 

Cosmetically, the Kushaq gets a revised fascia with a wider, more upright grille with an embedded lightbar on higher variants, revamped LED headlamps and a cleaner front bumper with high-set fog lamps. Around the back, the new Kushaq gets a faux lightbar design taillamp, which features an illuminating Skoda wordmark. Also updated is the rear bumper design, which adds some muscle to the SUV.
 

Also read: Skoda Kylaq Crosses 50,000 Units Sales Milestone
 

Changes within the cabin are subtler with a new black and beige colour scheme and new interior trim elements, though the overall look has not changed much from the outgoing model. The big changes, however, come on the feature front with the updated SUV getting new tech such as a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, massaging rear seats - unique in the segment, a panoramic sunroof and an updated 10-inch touchscreen with a Google Automotive AI-powered voice assistant.
 

Also Read: Skoda Kylaq Classic+, Prestige+ Prices Revealed

 

Mechanically, the 1.0 TSI and 1.5 TSI turbo-petrol engines carry forward, though the former now gets a new automatic gearbox. The 1.0 TSI drops the old 6-speed torque converter automatic in favour of a new 8-speed torque converter unit, while a 6-speed manual gearbox remains the default offering. The 1.5 TSI, meanwhile, continues to be offered with a 7-speed DSG automatic as standard.
 

Also read: Skoda Kodiaq RS India Launch In Q2 2026; Additional 100 Units Of Octavia RS India-Bound

 

Pre-bookings for the Kushaq are currently open.

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KTM Ends Long-Term Partnership With KISKA Design

KTM has officially ended its decades-long partnership with KISKA, the Salzburg-based design studio that has worked closely with the brand since the early 1990s. As part of this move, KTM has sold its remaining stake in KISKA to technology company Loxone GmbH. The move comes after Bajaj Auto assumed control of Pierer Mobility, KTM’s parent company, and is seen as part of KTM’s restructuring process under new ownership. According to reports, Bajaj Auto wants to set up its own design studio for KTM.

 

Also Read: Pierer Mobility AG Rebranded As Bajaj Mobility AG

Cost control and tighter internal processes seem to be the major reasons for the decision to part ways with KISKA and develop an in-house design centre. The new centre will be based in Salzburg and not in Mattighofen where KTM’s development and production centre is located. For now, KTM will continue working with KISKA, and access to KISKA’s design resources is still open.

 

Also Read: Bajaj Auto Takes Charge of KTM With Full Buy-Out

 

KISKA Design was theoretically part of the KTM Group and was instrumental in shaping the identity of KTM as we know of it today. Since the ‘90s KISKA has not just been contributing to product design and engineering at KTM, but also to other areas of the KTM brand, including brand strategy, communication and apparel. For now, KTM’s design language is unlikely to go through massive changes, and new KTM motorcycles are likely to retain the sharp and chiselled lines that have sort of become identifiable design elements of KTM bikes. 

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