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

Renault recently unveiled the all-new Duster for the Indian market, marking the revival of its popular nameplate in India after almost four years. Essentially, the second generation of the SUV to arrive in India, the new Duster shares some similarities with the new third-gen Renault/Dacia Duster unveiled in global markets in late 2023 and 2024, but gets some notable differences as well. Let's take a closer look:
 

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

Platform & Dimensions

Globally, the latest generation of the Duster is based on the CMF-B platform, which also holds true to the Indian model, albeit with several India-specific changes to better suit the local market. Renault India calls it the Renault Group Modular Platform and says that almost 90 per cent of it has been changed to meet Indian requirements.
 

The India-spec Duster (top) and international model (bottom) both have near identical dimensions; the front door cladding was dropped for the India model.

 

In terms of dimensions, both the Euro-spec Dacia Duster and the India-spec Duster measure 4,343 mm long, 1,813 mm wide and sit on a 2,657 mm wheelbase. There is a very minor difference in height - 1,661 mm for the European car vs 1,659 mm for India. Ground clearance also gets minor differences with the European SUV sitting 209 mm off the ground (4x4 not included) compared to the Indian SUV’s 212 mm.
 

Exterior Design

The new Duster for India follows the same design principles as its global siblings, though both the front and rear ends get unique design touches for India. While the global model either features the Dacia badge or Renault wordmark on the grille, the India-spec SUV features the Duster wordmark. The headlamps also get different internals - Y-shaped LED daytime running lamps on the global model compared to the simpler LED eyebrow on the Indian SUV.
 

Also read: New Renault Duster India Debut Highlights: Specifications, Features, Images
 

India-spec SUV very similar in design to the global model, though it gets different bumpers, revised light clusters and the grille reads ‘Duster’ instead of ‘Renault’

 

Lower down, the Euro-spec car gets a more squared-off bumper with chunkier cladding, while the India-spec SUV gets small fog lamps, slimmer silver inserts, and more angled side vents. In profile, the squared-out wheel arches too are shared elements, though the India spec car makes do without the plastic insert running up the front doors.
 

Lightbar tail lamps are unique to the Indian model; the global model gets simpler lights

 

Also Read: 2025 Renault Triber Variants Explained: Which One Should You Buy?
 

Meanwhile, at the rear, the India-spec car gets connected taillamps with slimmer LED lighting elements compared to the European car’s simpler triangular units. As with the front, the Euro-spec SUV gets a chunkier cladding on the bumpers compared to its Indian sibling.
 

Interior Design

India-spec SUV promises a premium cabin experience with use of soft touch materials and more features.

 

The differences between the India-spec Duster and its Euro-spec sibling get a lot more noticeable inside the cabin. While the Euro-spec SUV still holds on to elements of its workhorse nature with extensive use of plastics and clever storage spaces, the India-spec SUV has been tailored to provide a more premium appeal.

Global model gets more utalitarian interiors and a smaller digital instrument cluster

 

The India-spec Duster employs some soft-touch materials on the dashboard and doors, with some design elements are also changed. Both cars get the larger 10-inch central touchscreen, though the India-spec car lacks the hooded digital instrument cluster, instead featuring a larger free-standing unit and lacking the dedicated slot for a phone mount offered on the global model. The dashboard’s fascia also gets a more layered look on the India spec car, along with redesigned air con vents, though a lot of the switchgear is shared.
 

Powertrains

Moving to the powertrain, the Duster in international markets is offered with a varying range of options depending on the market it is sold in. Engine options include a 1.0-litre turbo-petrol, 1.2-litre turbo-petrol, a 1.3-litre turbo-petrol and even a bi-fuel petrol-LPG option. In addition to that, you also get strong hybrid options and 4x4 variants.

For now, India will only get the Duster in front-wheel drive; the international model gets a 4x4 option.

 

In the Indian context, we will initially get a 99 bhp 1.0-litre turbo-petrol and 161 bhp 1.3-litre turbo-petrol engine options. The former has a manual gearbox only, and the latter has both manual and automatic gearbox options. A strong hybrid option with a claimed range of up to 1000 km is also on the cards, but it will only arrive around Diwali 2026. Unlike its predecessor, there is no AWD or 4WD option on the new India-spec Duster.

 

The new Duster is set to launch in India in March 2026.

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Mahindra Vision S SUV Interior Spied For The First Time

Mahindra continues to test the Vision S Concept-based SUV on Indian roads, with a production model likely to arrive by 2027. Originally referred to as the test mule for the next-gen Bolero, the Vision S-based SUV almost comes across as a ‘desi Defender’ with its upright proportions, prominent haunches and sleek design elements.
 

Also read: Mahindra Thar Roxx Star Edition Launched At Rs 16.85 Lakh
 

The latest images provide a look at the SUV’s exterior design once again, as well as a peek inside the cabin. On the outside, there are no new design elements to talk about. The familiar circular projector headlamps remain, not replaced by the L-shaped units on the concept, and it wears as much camouflage as previous test mules. However, it's the glimpse of the interior that is the more important element.

 

Also read: Mahindra Vision S Concept SUV Unveiled
 

Cabin design carried over from the concept; testmule featured an automatic gearbox.

 

The production SUV looks set to carry over the unique crescent-shaped vertical air con vents previewed by the concept, with the central units bracketing the infotainment system. Unlike the concept’s digital instrument cluster, the test mule featured analogue gauges, hinting that this may not be a top model. The A-pillar features grab handles for easy ingress and egress, and unlike a lot of contemporary cars, the SUV looks set to retain physical controls for the air-con and other functions based on the control surfaces on the lower centre console.
 

Mahindra Vision S Concept interior.

 

Also read: Mahindra XUV 3XO EV Launched In India; Prices Start At Rs 13.89 Lakh
 

The gear lever additionally confirms the presence of an automatic gearbox option, while a glimpse of the familiar blue AD Blue tank cap beside the fuel port says that this SUV is a diesel. Also visible in the images is a panoramic sunroof and adjustable head restraints for all three rear seat passengers.
 

Note the analogue instrument cluster on this mule; panoramic sunroof, adjustable rear headrestrains and a rear centre armrest also visible.

 

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

The Vision S SUV is set to be based on an all-new platform that Mahindra has said will not only offer the benefits of having a flat floor but also support a myriad of powertrain and drivetrain options - including all-wheel drive. Additionally, the platform has also been designed with right-hand-drive and left-hand-drive configurations in mind.
 

Ad-Blue tank nozzle suggests this mule is a diesel.

 

It, however, remains to be seen if Mahindra will launch the new SUV as an all-new nameplate or as a new generation of an existing nameplate.

 

Image source

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Hyundai Exter Facelift Spied Testing Ahead Of India Debut

The Hyundai Exter is due for a facelift with a testmule of the updated micro-SUV spied on Indian roads. Hyundai’s rival to the popular Tata Punch, the Exter, made its India debut in mid-2023 and has received minor updates over the years.

 

Also read: Hyundai Creta Electric Now Supports 100 kW DC Fast Charging
 

The test mule wears heavy camouflage around the fascia and the rear end, suggesting that the main design updates will likely focus on these areas. The models seem to retain the H-pattern high-set LED daytime running lamps, with the square projector headlamps also looking unchanged. The bumper design, however, could be updated with the grille on the test mule appearing to be larger vertically - possibly in line with models such as the Creta and Alcazar to give it a more muscular look.
 

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

At the rear, the camouflage hides away any design updates, though the tail lamps looked to be the same units as the current model, replete with the H-shaped lighting elements. Hyundai could look to add a more prominent bumper to help the Exter shake some of its hatchback looks from the rear, while they could also consider adding a lightbar between the tail lamps, though the latter is not visible in the images.
 

 

Also read: Hyundai Venue HX5+ Variant Launched At Rs 9.99 Lakh
 

On the feature front, expect Hyundai to strengthen the tech offering inside the cabin with more feel-good and convenience features to better compete with the Punch.
 

Mechanically, we don’t expect the Exter to get very many changes with the familiar 1.2-litre petrol engine expected to be carried over with manual and AMT options. A factory CNG model with Hyundai’s twin-cylinder technology should also be available.

 

Image credit

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BMW X3 30 xDrive Petrol India Launch On Feb 16

BMW is set to update the X3 in India with a more powerful engine option. Currently sold in 20 petrol and 20d diesel guise, the luxury SUV will gain the option of a more powerful 30 petrol variant in a new M Sport Pro guise. BMW has said that the new 30 xDrive variant of the X3 will be launched in India on February 16, 2026, with pre-bookings opening from January 30 at 12:30 pm.

 

Also read: All Electric BMW M3 Details Out; Will Offer Simulated Gear Shifts, Synthetic Sounds
 

X3 is currently available in xDrive20 petrol and xDrive20d diesel spec.

 

Also read: BMW X3 20d Review: Is It A Better Buy Than The GLC?
 

Focusing on the powertrain, the X3 30 xDrive will retain the services of the 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine but in a more powerful state of tune. The 2.0-litre turbo-petrol develops 187 bhp and 310 Nm, with the 30 xDrive expected to up this figure to 255 bhp and 400 Nm - similar to the output in the 330Li and the 530Li sedans. As with the 20 petrol, the more powerful unit is expected to be paired with an eight-speed automatic gearbox and xDrive all-wheel drive.
 

Also read: Auto Sales 2025: BMW Group India Sold 18,001 Cars And SUVs, Its Highest Ever Yearly Figure
 

In terms of styling, expect the 30 xDrive to get minor styling tweaks compared to the 20 petrol, which is offered in M Sport trim with some feature additions also expected.
 

The new variant will sit above the current xDrive 20 petrol, which is priced at Rs 71.20 lakh (ex-showroom). It is not yet known if the new 30 xDrive will replace the current 20 petrol or be sold alongside as a more premium variant.

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Yamaha Recalls Fascino 125 and RayZR 125 Over Front Brake Issue

Yamaha Motor India has initiated a voluntary recall of 3,06,635 units of the RayZR 125 Fi Hybrid and Fascino 125 Fi Hybrid scooters. The affected scooters were manufactured between May 2, 2024 and September 3, 2025.

According to Yamaha, the recall addresses a potential issue in the affected units where the front brake caliper may exhibit reduced functionality under certain operating conditions.

 

Customers can check whether their scooter is part of the recall by visiting the Service section on Yamaha Motor India’s official website. Alternatively, searching for “Voluntary Recall Campaign Yamaha” on the official website will direct users to a page where they can enter their scooter’s chassis number to verify recall status.

 

Also Read: Yamaha R15 Range Offered With Rs 5,000 Discount

Yamaha has confirmed that all affected scooters will receive the necessary replacement parts free of cost at authorised Yamaha dealerships across the country.

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India-EU FTA Finalised; Duty On Imported Cars To Drop To 10%

India and the European Union have announced the finalisation of the new Free Trade Agreement. The agreement, renegotiations for which commenced in 2022, will offer reduced or negligible import duty barriers to a range of products across sectors, which is likely to make products more affordable as well as smooth the transfer of technology and services.

 

Also read: Import Duty On Cars Likely To Be Slashed To 40% Under India-EU FTA: Report

For the Indian auto industry, the new FTA will allow for the import of European premium and luxury cars at a reduced duty bracket of as low as 10 per cent. The initial documents say that this will be subject to a cap of 2.5 lakh per year, with the official press release from the EU saying that this will be a gradual reduction. Full details on the reduction of import duties on cars are still awaited, though reports say that the reduced duty will be valid for models priced over Rs 25 lakh.
 

Import duty on CBU vehicles so far has faced import duties ranging from 70 to 110 per cent, depending on the vehicle’s landed value. It also remains to be seen what effect the FTA will have on the existing CKD assembled cars from European carmakers. CKD models currently attract a 15 per cent import duty while models arriving via the SKD route attract a 35 per cent duty rate.

 

Also read: India-EU Trade Deal: List Of Cars Likely To Get More Affordable In India
 

Additionally, the EU press statement reports that duties on car parts will also be reduced to zero ‘after five to ten years.’
 

For now, car buyers should not expect any immediate effect on vehicle prices, with the FTA yet to be presented to the EU council and parliament for approval before it is signed and ratified by both parties.

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Ducati’s WorldSBK Championship Race Bike Finds a New Home in India

In the world of motorcycle collecting, some are special edition versions while some are unique models. And then, there are those machines that are not only rare but also super special and one-of-a-kind with racing winning history. Mumbai has just become home to the actual 2023 World Superbike Championship-winning Panigale V4 R. This is not a tribute bike or a factory replica, but the very machine ridden by Álvaro Bautista during his record-breaking WorldSBK title.

 

Also Read: Ducati Panigale V4 R Launched In India At Rs. 84.99 Lakh

Delivered into a private collection, the Panigale V4 R represents the highest tier of collectability in modern motorsport: a one-of-one, championship-winning factory race bike with unquestionable provenance. Recently showcased at an invite-only event in Mumbai, the motorcycle offers a rare glimpse into Ducati’s dominance at the pinnacle of production-based racing — now preserved not in a museum, but in a private Indian collection.

Finished in its iconic Giallo Yellow race livery, the bike was brought to India by Ducati India with its delivery marking one of the most significant additions to any private motorcycle collection in the country and signals a growing maturity in India’s high-end motorsport collector culture. For collectors, acquiring motorcycles like these goes beyond ownership, preserving a machine that shaped a championship and defined an era. With this rare Panigale V4 R, one could expect more race-spec versions of such motorcycles making their way to India for private collecting.

 

Also Read: New Limited-Run Ducati Panigale V4 Marquez 2025 World Champion Replica Revealed

The Panigale V4 R was at the centre of multiple commanding seasons in WorldSBK history. In 2023, Bautista secured 27 race wins, 31 podium finishes, and a record 628 points, clinching the championship well before the season finale. Ducati, in the process, recorded the highest number of wins by a single manufacturer in a WorldSBK season. Engineered by Ducati Corse, the WorldSBK-spec Panigale V4 R blends MotoGP-derived aerodynamics, race-developed electronics, a purpose-built chassis and the high-revving Desmosedici Stradale R engine — a combination designed solely for winning at the highest level.

 

Also Read: Ducati Watches Now On Sale In India; Priced From Rs 15,000

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Bipul Chandra, Managing Director, Ducati India, said,
“Bringing the actual Panigale V4 R WorldSBK race bike ridden by Álvaro Bautista to India is a moment of immense pride for Ducati India. Seeing this extraordinary motorcycle become part of a private collection in India allows us to create a direct and powerful connection to the technology, passion, and on-track dominance that define Ducati’s WorldSBK legacy.”

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Hyundai Creta Electric Now Supports 100 kW DC Fast Charging

The Hyundai Creta Electric now supports up to 100 kW DC fast charging, which should enable shorter times spent at public fast chargers. The EV till now supported 50 kW DC fast charging, enabling a 10-80 per cent charge in around 58 mins which will now be reduced to a claimed 39 minutes. The upgrade is part of a software update for the electric SUV, which will also be rolled out to existing Creta Electric owners via an OTA update in phases. No hardware changes are required
 

Also read: Hyundai Creta Electric vs Tata Curvv EV Comparison: Compact Electric SUVs Face-Off
 

With a slew of electric car launches in the Rs 20-30 lakh, the segment is seeing tremendous competition. While its ICE sibling continues to rule this segment, the electric cousin, which sells at a slight premium, is facing the heat from new rivals offering bigger batteries and even more seats.
 

Also read: Hyundai Creta Sales Cross 2 Lakh Units In CY2025
 

Currently, the Creta Electric is sold with two battery pack options – 42kWh and 51.4kWh – with a claimed range of 420-510km, respectively. Hyundai sells multiple variants of the Creta electric (price list has 32 options). Both batteries are sold in 3 main trims – Executive, Smart and Excellence. The smaller 42kWh also gets an additional Premium trim in the middle. 
 

Also read: Hyundai Venue HX5+ Variant Launched At Rs 9.99 Lakh
 

Current ex-showroom prices for the smaller battery version of the Creta Electric start at Rs 18.02 lakh and go up to Rs 22.33 lakh. For the bigger battery (Long Range or LR ), prices start at Rs 20 lakh and go up to Rs 23.96 lakh.
 

These prices were just for the vehicle as of January 2026. A home charger can be opted for by paying an additional Rs 70,000. 

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Renault Duster Makes A Grand Indian Comeback, Gets Hybrid Tech

More than 15 years after it started the trend of compact SUVs in India, the Renault Duster is back. The SUV has been unveiled  on Republic Day in Chennai. While the launch is slated for March and deliveries will begin from April, Renault has shared some key details which includes features as well as drivetrain options. It remains to be seen if the Duster in its new form can recreate the magic of the originals with increased competition and changes market dynamics.

 

The India-Spec Duster has many design elements which are different from the global model. The trapezoidal grille gets chrome surrounds and is flanked by full LED headlamps. The name Duster is written on it and takes the place of the Renault Diamond logo. The SUV runs on 18-inch alloys on top trim and the rear gets connected lamps. It is 4343 mm long, 1813 mm wide and 1659 mm tall. The SUV will be available in 6 colour options and a two-tone finish with gloss back roof and spoiler is also on offer.

The cabin has seen a big change from the last time the Duster was sold in the Indian market four years ago. It is now more feature-laden and looks much more ergonomic. Features include dual 10-inch screens with segment-first inbuilt Google services. Music, map, apps and connectivity is all integrated in the touchscreen. Other features include ambient lighting, ventilated and electric front seats, dual zone climate control, Arkamys sound system and a panoramic sunroof. The second row promises good practicality with a wheelbase of 2657 mm. The SUV gets a boot space of 518 liters along with a powered tail gate.  

 

 

The 2026 Renault Duster comes with as many as 3 petrol engine options. Smallest is a 1.0 litre 3-cylinder turbo which makes 99 bhp and 160 Nm and is mated to a 5-speed manual gearbox. A 1.3 liter 4-cylinder turbo is next which makes 158 bhp and 280 Nm. It is being offered with a 6-speed manual and a 6-speed dual clutch transmission. Later in the year, the SUV will also go on sale with strong hybrid tech where a 1.8-litre GDI petrol engine is paired to a 1.4 kWh battery pack. Called the e-Tech 160, it is paired with an 8-speed automatic and two-electric motors. The car can be driven 80% in pure EV mode accroding to Renault. 

 

Also Read: New Renault Duster India Debut Highlights: Specifications, Features, Images

 

The SUV is based on the Renault Groups modular platform (RGMP) and promises to hold the same level of ride and handling combination offered by the predecessor. It gets a ground clearance of 212 mm while the approach and departure angles stand at 26.9 and  34.7 degrees respectively. In terms of safety, the new Duster is 'engineered for full-five star score in crash tests’ according to the brand. It also gets features like adaptive cruise control and 360 view camera.

 

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Toyota Urban Cruiser Ebella Vs Maruti Suzuki e Vitara: What’s Different?

Earlier this week Japanese carmaker Toyota took the wraps off its first electric car for the India, the Urban Cruiser Ebella. The mid-size SUV is essentially a rebadged version of the Maruti Suzuki e Vitara which also is the first electric offering from the brand. Now that we have seen both these cars from close quarters lets list out for you how has Toyota tried to differentiate itself from Maruti Suzuki although the list is not very exhaustive.

 

 

Design

Faces differ on both SUVs with distinct placement of logos.

 

While dimesnions of both SUVs are same and so it the wheelbase that stands at 2700 mm, there are key differences when it comes to their faces. While both get active air flaps for better battery management, the headlamps are DRL patterns on both are quite different. Ebella gets monopod LED headlamps along with pine like DRLs while the e Vitara gets Matrix LED tech with Y-shaped DRLs. Bumper designs are distinct too with the Toyota being more sophisticated while the Maruti looks more muscular. It is also gets fog lamps exclusively which are missing on the Toyota. The profile is pretty much the same with loads of cladding though distinct designs of the 18-inch alloys stand out. The tail lamps of both SUVs compliment their faces nicely.

 

Also Read: All-Electric Toyota Urban Cruiser EBella Introduced; Booking Open For Rs. 25,000

 

Interior

Cabins are largely the same with different audio systems.

 

Features in the cabin are largely similar on both SUVs. Even the black and tan theme is common to both and dashboard design is similar too. The dual-screen setup, floating centre console, flat bottom steering wheel, ambient lighting, glass roof, electric driver seat, electric parking brake and front seat ventilation. What is exclusive to the Toyota is the 10-speaker JBL sound system while Maruti gets a 10-speaker Infinity sound system. Rear seats on both SUVs get recline and slide functions and there’s also a 40:20:40 split for added practicality.

 

Also Read: Maruti Suzuki e-Vitara Review: Worth The Wait?

 

Drivetrain

The SUVs share two battery pack options

 

Both SUVs also share two battery pack options -  49 kWh and 61 kWh. While the former makes 142 bhp and 189 Nm the bigger pack makes 172 bhp with same amount of torque. Claimed range is between 440 km and 543 km. Both SUVs get 3 trims with Maruti following the usual Nexa convention of calling then Delta, Zeta and Alpha while Toyota is calling its trims E1, E2 and E3. For safety both SUVs get 7 airbags, 360-view camera and Level 2 ADAS functions among other features. While Maruti has claimed a 5-star BNCAP rating, no such announcement has been made by Toyota.

 

Prices

 

For both the SUVs prices are still awaited and it remains to be seen which of two manufacturers announce them first. However, Toyota has gone ahead and exclusively announced a 60% buyback option after 3 years to gain more customer confidence while Battery as a service (BAAS) option also will be available on the Ebella which will lower the upfront cost of the EV. Both get a standard warranty of 8 years on the battery.

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Mahindra Thar Roxx Star Edition Launched At Rs 16.85 Lakh

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:

 

Variant	Price (ex-showroom)
Petrol AT 4x2	Rs 17.85 lakh
Diesel MT 4x2	Rs 16.85 lakh
Diesel AT 4x2	Rs 18.35 lakh

Also read: 2024 Mahindra Thar Roxx 4x4 Review: More Space, More Utility, More Features

 

Also read: Mahindra XUV 3XO EV Launched In India; Prices Start At Rs 13.89 Lakh
 

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.

 

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

 

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

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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