Ather Energy has officially confirmed that it will unveil its all-new EL 01 electric scooter on 29th August at this year’s Ather Community Day in Bengaluru. The announcement was made by Ather CEO Tarun Mehta on X, teasing the event with the tagline “A New Dawn of Magic.”

The EL 01 will be Ather’s first scooter built on its brand-new EL platform and is expected to be a much more affordable offering than the company’s current lineup. This marks Ather’s biggest push yet into the mass-market electric scooter segment, where demand continues to grow.

The upcoming scooter is expected to be priced between ₹1 lakh and ₹1.25 lakh (ex-showroom), making it a direct rival to popular options like the TVS iQube, Bajaj Chetak and Vida VX2. The idea is simple—bring Ather’s premium experience to more buyers without the higher price tag.

From what has been seen so far, the EL 01 will have a more practical, family-friendly design than the sporty Ather 450. Expect a longer seat, a bigger floorboard for extra comfort, more storage space and modern LED lighting. Ather is also likely to offer multiple battery options in the future, giving buyers more choices depending on their budget and riding needs. Along with the new scooter, Ather is also expected to showcase new software features, charging updates and improvements to the overall ownership experience during Community Day.

The EL 01 could be one of Ather’s most important launches yet, as it aims to bring the brand into a much larger segment of the market. More details, including the full specifications and prices, will be revealed when the scooter makes its official debut on 29th August.

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Royal Enfield is preparing for a sizeable expansion of its manufacturing operations, with the company targeting annual production capacity of 2.45 million motorcycles by FY30. The motorcycle maker is also studying the possibility of establishing a CKD assembly operation in Indonesia as part of its international growth plans.

The plans were detailed by Royal Enfield CEO and Eicher Motors MD B Govindarajan during the company’s Q1 FY27 investor call. Royal Enfield currently has manufacturing capacity of around 1.5 million motorcycles annually across its facilities in Chennai and Cheyyar, Tamil Nadu.

Capacity utilisation has increased considerably over the past few years, rising from around 50 percent in FY20 to approximately 90 percent in FY26. The first module of an ongoing brownfield expansion at Cheyyar has now become operational, with daily motorcycle production crossing the 5000-unit mark.

Further phases of the Cheyyar expansion are scheduled to be completed by FY28. Once operational, Royal Enfield expects its overall annual manufacturing capacity to increase to around 2 million motorcycles.

The next phase of expansion will come through a new greenfield manufacturing facility in Andhra Pradesh. Eicher Motors’ board has approved an investment of Rs. 1225 crores for the first phase of the project, which is expected to add approximately 4.5 lakh motorcycles to Royal Enfield’s annual production capacity.

Combined with the expansion in Tamil Nadu, the Andhra Pradesh facility is expected to take the company’s total capacity to approximately 2.45 million units annually by FY30. This represents an increase of more than 60 percent compared to Royal Enfield’s current manufacturing capability.

Alongside expanding domestic production, Royal Enfield is looking at additional assembly operations overseas. Indonesia is currently under evaluation for a new completely knocked down (CKD) facility, with the company expected to make a decision during the current quarter.

Royal Enfield currently supplies Indonesia through its CKD operation in Thailand. However, shipments remain subject to an import quota of around 10,000 motorcycles annually despite the ASEAN trade framework. Setting up local assembly in Indonesia could allow the company to work around this volume restriction.

Royal Enfield has already identified a potential local assembly partner in Indonesia. According to the company, relatively low local content requirements could also make it possible to establish the facility within a shorter timeframe.

Local assembly, however, would not eliminate all cost-related challenges in the Indonesian market. The company has indicated that a luxury tax of around 140 percent would continue to apply even to locally assembled motorcycles. The primary advantage of establishing a CKD operation would therefore be the removal of import quota restrictions rather than a substantial reduction in taxation.

Royal Enfield currently operates seven CKD assembly facilities internationally, located in Argentina, Bangladesh, Colombia, Nepal and Thailand, along with two units in Brazil. Together, these facilities have an annual assembly capacity of approximately 1.5 lakh motorcycles. An Indonesian facility would become the company’s eighth overseas CKD operation.

Mexico is another market under consideration for local assembly following an increase in import tariffs. The company has been gradually increasing its international manufacturing presence as it looks to reduce its dependence on completely built-up exports and respond more closely to individual market requirements.

Royal Enfield’s overseas business has also been growing. International revenue crossed Rs. 1000 crores for the first time during Q1 FY27 and accounted for around 15 percent of the company’s overall revenue. Brazil and other Latin American markets were among the major contributors to the growth.

The planned capacity expansion indicates Royal Enfield is preparing for higher volumes in both India and overseas markets over the remainder of the decade. However, utilisation of the additional capacity will ultimately depend on sustained demand across its core middleweight motorcycle segments and the company’s ability to expand its presence internationally.

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TVS has expanded its Marvel-inspired Super Squad lineup with a new Doctor Doom Edition of the Raider 125. Priced at Rs. 95,320 (ex-showroom, Delhi), the motorcycle gets a fresh look inspired by the iconic Marvel villain while staying mechanically unchanged.

The biggest change is the new Spectral Green paint scheme, which shifts from green to brown depending on how the light hits it. It gives the Raider a bold and unique look that stands out on the road.

Apart from the new colour, the bike continues to offer all the features of the Super Squad Edition. It gets a reverse LCD instrument cluster with over 85 connected features, including navigation, call alerts and ride information. It also comes with TVS’ iGO Assist technology, which gives the bike a little extra punch during acceleration and makes city riding easier.

Powering the Raider is the same 124.8cc, single-cylinder, three-valve engine paired with a five-speed gearbox. There are no mechanical changes, so it offers the same performance as the standard model.

The Doctor Doom Edition is the latest addition to the Super Squad range, which first started with Iron Man and Black Panther editions before expanding to Deadpool and Wolverine-themed motorcycles. The new TVS Raider Doctor Doom Edition will soon be available at TVS dealerships across India at an ex-showroom price of Rs. 95,320.

• Priced at Rs. 95,320 (ex-showroom, Delhi)
• New Doctor Doom-inspired Spectral Green colour
• Colour changes from green to brown in different lighting
• Reverse LCD console with 85+ connected features
• iGO Assist for smoother acceleration
• Same 124.8cc engine and five-speed gearbox as the standard Raider

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Bajaj Auto has officially confirmed that it will unveil the next-generation Pulsar on 12 August. The teaser, with the tagline “Twist Into An All-New Rush”, hints that this could be much more than a routine update. Instead, it looks like Bajaj is getting ready to introduce a whole new generation of the iconic Pulsar.

While the company hasn’t revealed which model will make its debut, there’s a good chance it could be the Pulsar 150 or even the Pulsar 125. The motorcycle has been around for 25 years and remains one of Bajaj’s most iconic products, making it the perfect bike to kick off this new chapter. There is also speculation that Bajaj could use this opportunity to introduce its first flex-fuel (E85-compliant) Pulsar, supporting India’s push towards cleaner alternative fuels.

The upcoming Pulsar is expected to get a completely fresh design along with an updated chassis, improved engine, better suspension and a more modern feature list. The overall focus is likely to be on making the bike more fun to ride while also improving comfort and everyday usability.

Bajaj has been updating its Pulsar N and NS range over the last few years, but the original Pulsar lineup has remained largely unchanged. That’s why this launch feels like an important one, as it could shape the future of the entire Pulsar family.

With the reveal just days away, all eyes are now on 12 August to see what Bajaj has in store for one of India’s most loved motorcycle brands.

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Maruti Suzuki has expanded its manufacturing operations at Hansalpur in Gujarat with the commencement of production at a fourth plant within the facility. The addition takes the site’s annual production capacity to 10 lakh vehicles, making it Suzuki’s first manufacturing location globally to reach the one-million-unit mark.

The new Plant D adds 2.5 lakh units of annual capacity to Hansalpur, which could previously manufacture 7.5 lakh vehicles per year. According to Maruti Suzuki, the expansion also makes Hansalpur the largest passenger vehicle manufacturing facility at a single location in India by installed capacity.

Production at Plant D has commenced with the e Vitara, Maruti Suzuki’s first battery electric vehicle. The company has invested Rs. 3900 crores in the new plant, while its cumulative investment at the Hansalpur manufacturing complex now stands at Rs. 25,288.7 crores.

Spread across approximately 640 acres, Hansalpur is already an important manufacturing and export base for Maruti Suzuki. The facility produces models including the Baleno, Swift and Fronx in addition to the newly introduced e Vitara.

The Gujarat facility has also developed into a major export hub for the company. During FY2025-26, vehicles produced at Hansalpur accounted for nearly 47 percent of Maruti Suzuki’s total exports, underlining the site’s importance beyond the domestic market.

Hansalpur’s production capacity has been expanded in phases since operations began. Plant A commenced production in 2017, followed by Plant B in 2019 and Plant C in 2021. The commissioning of Plant D in 2026 has now taken the site’s total capacity to 10 lakh units annually.

With the latest expansion, Maruti Suzuki’s overall installed manufacturing capacity in India has increased to 29 lakh vehicles per year. Its Manesar facility has an annual capacity of 9 lakh units, while the Gurugram and recently inaugurated Kharkhoda plants can currently produce 5 lakh vehicles each annually.

The company is also expanding its manufacturing footprint in Gujarat with another facility planned at Sanand. This additional capacity will be important for Maruti Suzuki as it works towards its longer-term target of achieving annual production capability of 40 lakh vehicles in India.

The Hansalpur expansion follows the commencement of operations at Maruti Suzuki’s Kharkhoda facility in Haryana. Kharkhoda currently has an annual capacity of 5 lakh vehicles, with the company planning to eventually increase it to 10 lakh units.

While the latest expansions provide Maruti Suzuki with considerable additional manufacturing headroom, actual production will continue to depend on domestic demand, exports and the pace at which newer products, including electric vehicles, gain volumes.

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Honda’s upcoming Rebel 500 has made headlines once again, this time because its expected price has appeared online ahead of its official launch. The motorcycle is currently listed at ₹5,49,469 (ex-showroom) on the Honda BigWing Mumbai website, suggesting that it could be launched at around ₹5.50 lakh.

What’s interesting is that this isn’t the same Rebel 500 that was launched in India last year. The earlier model was priced at ₹5.12 lakh (ex-showroom), while the newly showcased version was recently displayed at Honda’s premium motorcycle event in Delhi. The leaked price is believed to be for the new E-Clutch variant, although Honda is yet to officially confirm it.

Another interesting detail is that while the price is still visible on the Honda BigWing Mumbai website, it has been removed from the Honda BigWing Bengaluru website. This has further fuelled speculation that Honda may have accidentally revealed the pricing before the official announcement.

The Rebel 500 is powered by a 471cc twin-cylinder engine that produces 46 HP and 43.3 Nm. Along with the standard version, Honda is also expected to offer the bike with its new E-Clutch system, making it easier to ride by reducing the need to use the clutch during starts and gear shifts.

Honda is expected to announce the official pricing and launch details soon. Until then, the ₹5.50 lakh figure should be treated as a leaked online listing rather than a confirmed price, but it does give us a good idea of what to expect when the Rebel 500 finally arrives in India.

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Mercedes-Benz has revealed the third-generation GLA, with the entry-level SUV receiving an all-electric powertrain for the first time. The new model moves to the brand’s MMA architecture and will initially be offered internationally as an EV, while a mild-hybrid petrol version is scheduled to join the range in 2027.

The electric GLA will be available in three variants – GLA 250, GLA 250+ and GLA 350. The entry-level GLA 250 uses a 58 kWh LFP battery with a claimed WLTP range of up to 447 km. The GLA 250+ and GLA 350 get a larger 85 kWh NMC battery, extending the claimed range to as much as 657 km. A 71 kWh NMC battery option is also planned for early 2027.

The GLA 250 uses a single rear-mounted electric motor producing 224 HP and 335 Nm, while the GLA 250+ increases output to 272 HP while retaining the same 335 Nm torque figure. The range-topping GLA 350 gets two electric motors and all-wheel drive, producing a combined 354 HP and 515 Nm.

Mercedes-Benz claims the GLA 350 can accelerate from 0-100 km/hr in 5.4 seconds and reach a top speed of 210 km/hr. The electric SUV uses an 800-volt electrical architecture and supports DC fast charging at up to 320 kW. Under suitable conditions, the company claims around 270 km of range can be added in 10 minutes. AC charging is supported at up to 22 kW.

A combustion-engined GLA will follow internationally in 2027. It will use the company’s new M 252 1.5-litre, four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine combined with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system. An electrified 8-speed dual-clutch transmission will be standard, with both front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive configurations planned. Output figures for the petrol engine have not yet been announced.

The third-generation GLA also grows considerably compared to its predecessor. It measures 4565 mm in length, 1873 mm in width and 1604 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2790 mm. Compared to the outgoing model, it is 153 mm longer, 39 mm wider and has a 61 mm longer wheelbase.

Boot capacity has increased by 70 litres to 410 litres. Electric versions also benefit from a 107-litre storage compartment under the bonnet, providing additional luggage space.

Styling has been brought in line with newer Mercedes-Benz SUVs. The front features a large illuminated grille, although its treatment differs between electric and combustion versions. The EV uses horizontal LED elements, while the petrol model gets a pattern incorporating Mercedes’ three-pointed star motif.

The headlights feature star-shaped LED daytime running lights, while the profile gets gloss-black wheel arch cladding and alloy wheel options ranging from 18 to 20 inches. At the rear, the star lighting theme continues within the wraparound tail lights, which are connected by a full-width light bar.

Inside, Mercedes-Benz has placed a greater emphasis on displays and digital controls. An optional MBUX Superscreen combines a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster with a 14-inch central infotainment touchscreen and a separate 14-inch display for the front passenger.

Cars without the passenger display receive a glass panel featuring illuminated star patterns in its place. The three-spoke steering wheel retains physical controls, although several cabin functions, including climate control, are operated through the touchscreen.

Equipment available on the new GLA includes a 16-speaker Burmester 3D audio system, panoramic sunroof, 64-colour ambient lighting, 360-degree camera and automatic parking assistance. An optional transparent bonnet function uses the vehicle’s cameras to provide a virtual view of the area immediately ahead and beneath the front of the vehicle.

Mercedes-Benz currently sells the second-generation facelifted GLA in India with internal combustion engines, with prices starting at Rs. 51.80 lakhs (ex-showroom). Details regarding the third-generation GLA’s India launch have not been confirmed yet. Given its larger dimensions, new platform and electric powertrain options, the next-generation model is likely to be positioned above the existing GLA if and when it arrives in the country.

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The Haryana government has approved a complete road tax exemption for new battery electric vehicles (BEVs) with an ex-showroom price of up to Rs. 30 lakhs. The revised incentive significantly increases the tax benefit available to EV buyers in the state.

Electric vehicles priced above Rs. 30 lakhs will also receive a concession, with the state offering a 50 percent exemption on road tax. The changes were cleared by the Haryana Cabinet chaired by Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini and follow measures announced in the state’s 2026-27 Budget.

Previously, battery electric vehicles registered in Haryana were eligible for a 20 percent road tax exemption. The latest revision removes the tax entirely for EVs within the Rs. 30 lakh price bracket while extending a substantial reduction to more expensive electric vehicles.

The Rs. 30 lakh threshold means a large proportion of mainstream electric cars currently available in India should qualify for the full exemption. Buyers considering premium EVs above this price will receive the 50 percent road tax benefit instead.

The actual saving for buyers will depend on the vehicle’s price and the applicable tax structure. However, removing road tax can reduce the on-road price gap between electric vehicles and comparable petrol or diesel models, particularly in segments where EVs continue to carry a higher upfront cost.

The Haryana government says the revised incentives are intended to encourage electric vehicle adoption and support the state’s broader electric mobility plans. The policy also makes Haryana’s registration-related incentives more attractive for prospective EV buyers.

There is no change to the existing benefit available for CNG vehicles. New CNG vehicles will continue to receive a 20 percent one-time exemption on motor vehicle tax in Haryana.

The Cabinet has separately approved an additional benefit for women vehicle buyers. New private vehicles priced up to Rs. 20 lakhs (ex-showroom) and registered in a woman’s name will be eligible for a 1 percent rebate on motor vehicle tax.

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MINI has launched the Cooper Convertible Stardust Edition in India at Rs. 62.90 lakhs (ex-showroom). The special edition costs Rs. 3.90 lakhs more than the standard Cooper Convertible, which is priced at Rs. 59 lakhs. It also carries a Rs. 1.40 lakh premium over the JCW Pack version, priced at Rs. 61.50 lakhs.

The MINI Cooper Convertible Stardust Edition is imported into India as a completely built-up unit (CBU). Bookings are being accepted exclusively through MINI India’s website, while deliveries have already commenced.

The Stardust Edition primarily gets cosmetic changes to distinguish it from the regular Cooper Convertible. It is finished in a Sparkling Copper Grey exterior shade, complemented by Vibrant Silver ORVM caps. The 18-inch JCW Rallye Spoke alloy wheels also get a Vibrant Silver finish.

The electrically operated soft top features a Union Jack graphic and can be fully opened in 18 seconds at speeds of up to 30 km/hr. Closing the roof takes 15 seconds. Boot capacity stands at 160 litres with the roof open and increases to 215 litres when it is closed.

There are no major changes to the cabin or equipment list. The dashboard features a 9.4-inch circular OLED touchscreen running MINI Operating System 9. Other features include a head-up display, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Harman Kardon surround sound system, wireless charging, rear-view camera, heated steering wheel and automatic climate control.

Safety equipment includes Level 1 ADAS, ABS, Dynamic Stability Control, a tyre pressure monitoring system and three-point seat belts for all four occupants.

Mechanically, the Stardust Edition remains unchanged from the standard Cooper Convertible. It uses a 2.0-litre, four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine producing 204 HP and 300 Nm of torque, paired with a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.

MINI claims a 0-100 km/hr time of 6.9 seconds and a top speed of 240 km/hr. The Stardust Edition has a claimed fuel efficiency of 16.82 km/l, slightly higher than the 16.39 km/l figure quoted for the standard Cooper Convertible.

At Rs. 62.90 lakhs, the Stardust Edition asks for a sizeable premium over the standard model, with the differences largely limited to its exterior treatment. It is aimed at buyers looking for a more distinctive version of the Cooper Convertible without any changes to its performance or core equipment.

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2026 Tata Punch EV facelift scores impressive adult and child safety ratings in Bharat NCAP

The Tata Punch EV has secured a 5-star safety rating in the Bharat New Car Assessment Programme (Bharat NCAP), delivering impressive scores for both adult and child occupant protection. The latest crash test results further strengthen the Punch EV’s position as one of the safest electric SUVs in its segment.

According to the official Bharat NCAP results, the Punch EV scored 31.46 out of 32 points for Adult Occupant Protection (AOP) and 45 out of 49 points for Child Occupant Protection (COP). The tested model was the Empowered+ S Long Range variant, although the rating applies across the entire Punch EV range, including both Medium Range and Long Range variants.

Crash Test Performance — Adult Occupants

The Punch EV performed exceptionally well in Bharat NCAP’s crash tests. It scored 15.71 out of 16 points in the frontal offset deformable barrier test and 15.74 out of 16 points in the side movable deformable barrier test. The SUV’s body shell and structure remained stable during the impact tests, offering strong protection to occupants.

In the frontal impact test, protection for the driver’s head, neck, pelvis and thighs was rated ‘good’, while the chest and lower legs received an ‘adequate’ rating. The front passenger received ‘good’ protection for almost all critical body regions. During the side impact and side pole impact tests, the Punch EV offered ‘good’ protection for most body regions, with only the chest receiving an ‘adequate’ rating in the side barrier test.

Crash Test Performance — Child Occupants

The Punch EV also delivered a strong performance in child occupant protection, scoring 45 out of 49 points. It achieved full marks in both the dynamic performance assessment (24/24) and Child Restraint System (CRS) installation assessment (12/12). The remaining points came from the vehicle assessment section, where it lost four points.

During the tests, rearward-facing child seats were used for both the 18-month-old and three-year-old crash test dummies. Both child occupants received full scores in the frontal and side impact evaluations, highlighting the effectiveness of the Punch EV’s child safety systems.

Safety Equipment and Specifications

The Tata Punch EV comes equipped with a comprehensive list of safety features as standard. These include six airbags, Electronic Stability Program (ESP), ABS with EBD, hill hold assist, ISOFIX child seat mounts, reverse parking sensors, tyre pressure monitoring system (iTPMS), seatbelt reminders for all occupants and a speed alert system. Higher variants also offer features such as a 360-degree camera and blind spot monitoring, further enhancing safety.

Market Positioning

Priced from Rs. 9.99 lakhs (ex-showroom), the Tata Punch EV continues to be one of the safest electric SUVs available in the compact EV space. With a 5-star Bharat NCAP rating and an extensive list of standard safety equipment, it remains a strong rival to models such as the Citroen eC3, MG Windsor EV and Mahindra XUV 3XO EV.

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Audi has officially revealed the all-new Q9, and it’s now the biggest, most luxurious SUV the brand has ever built. Sitting above the Q7 and Q8, the Q9 becomes Audi’s new flagship SUV and is ready to take on rivals like the BMW X7, Mercedes-Benz GLS and Range Rover. It also marks a major shift for Audi, with the Q9 becoming the new face of the brand instead of the A8 luxury sedan.

The new Q9 focuses on one thing above everything else, that is giving buyers as much space, comfort and technology as possible. It also introduces several features that have never been seen on an Audi before.

Audi’s Biggest SUV Ever

The numbers alone tell you how massive the Q9 is.

At 5.31 metres long with a huge 3.14-metre wheelbase, it’s officially the largest production Audi ever made. The bold front grille, upright stance and clean body lines give it a strong road presence, while buyers can choose between the elegant Advanced trim or the sportier S Line version. Audi also offers alloy wheels ranging from 20 to 23 inches, making sure the Q9 looks every bit like a flagship SUV.

A Cabin That Feels Like Business Class

Step inside and it’s immediately clear that Audi has designed the Q9 for comfort.

It comes as a seven-seater as standard, but buyers can also choose a six-seat version with luxurious captain seats in the second row. Every seat is electrically adjustable, while the front Sport Seats Plus can be equipped with heating, ventilation and massage functions.

Another first for Audi is electrically operated doors. Instead of pulling the doors shut yourself, they can open and close automatically using the key, the touchscreen or even the myAudi app. Sensors also stop the doors if they detect a nearby obstacle.

The Biggest Sunroof Ever Fitted To An Audi

One of the standout features is the massive panoramic sunroof.

It’s the largest ever offered by Audi, measuring over 1.5 square metres. Higher variants even let you change the transparency of different sections of the glass roof, while built-in LED lighting can light it up in 30 different colours to match the cabin’s ambient lighting.

Triple Screens & Loads Of Tech

Like every modern flagship, the Q9 is packed with screens.

The dashboard features:

• 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster
• 14.5-inch curved OLED infotainment screen
• 12.3-inch passenger display

The system runs Android Automotive OS and supports ChatGPT-powered voice commands, wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, over-the-air updates and the Audi App Store.

There’s also wireless charging for two phones and plenty of fast USB-C charging ports across all three rows.

Music lovers can also opt for a Bang & Olufsen 4D sound system with 22 speakers. It even uses seat-mounted actuators to let you actually feel the bass while listening to music.

Audi’s Most Advanced Lights Yet

Lighting has always been one of Audi’s biggest strengths, and the Q9 takes things to another level.

The SUV is the world’s first production car to get curved third-generation Digital OLED tail-lights. Buyers can choose from eight different rear light signatures, while the Digital Matrix LED headlights also offer eight different daytime running light designs.

The headlights can even project lane guidance, icy road warnings and turn signals onto the road to improve safety at night.

V6 Diesel With New Hybrid Tech

Powering the Q9 at launch is a 3.0-litre V6 diesel engine producing:

• 299 PS & 630 Nm
• 8-speed Tiptronic automatic gearbox
• Quattro all-wheel drive

The engine is paired with Audi’s latest 48V MHEV Plus mild-hybrid system, which can add up to 24 PS of extra power during acceleration while also improving fuel efficiency.

An electric-powered compressor also helps reduce turbo lag, making the SUV feel more responsive from low speeds.

Built For Comfort

Despite its size, Audi says the Q9 is easy to drive.

Adaptive air suspension comes as standard and can automatically adjust the ride height depending on the road. Buyers can also opt for all-wheel steering, which turns the rear wheels to improve manoeuvrability in tight spaces and stability on the highway.

There are also seven different drive modes to suit everything from city driving to long highway trips.

Packed With Safety

Being Audi’s flagship, the Q9 gets almost every driver assistance feature the company currently offers.

Highlights include:

• Hands-free highway driving (where supported)
• Automatic emergency braking
• 360-degree camera
• Blind spot monitoring
• Rear cross-traffic alert
• Trailer Assist
• Automatic parking
• Exit warning for approaching cyclists and vehicles
• Emergency Assist that can safely stop the car if the driver becomes unresponsive

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Toyota has launched the all-new 2026 Hilux in India at a starting price of Rs. 31.99 lakh (ex-showroom). This is the biggest update to the lifestyle pickup yet, bringing a bold new design, a much more premium cabin and plenty of new features. It continues to be offered with the trusted 2.8-litre diesel engine and is available in three variants – 4X2 GX AT, 4X4 GX AT and 4X4 VX AT.

The first thing you’ll notice is the completely redesigned front end. Toyota calls it the “Cyber Sumo” design, and it gives the Hilux a much tougher and more modern look. It now gets slimmer LED headlights, a new grille with bold TOYOTA lettering, a redesigned bumper and fresh alloy wheels. At the back, there are updated LED tail lamps, while two new colours, Sulphur Metallic and Ash, have also been added to the lineup.

The cabin has also received a big upgrade. The new Hilux now comes with a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a 7-inch digital instrument cluster, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, wireless phone charging, Toyota i-Connect connected car tech, cruise control, an 8-speaker sound system and PM2.5 air filtration. Toyota has also used softer materials inside, making the cabin feel much more premium than before.

Powering the new Hilux is the same 2.8-litre turbo diesel engine that produces 204 PS and 500 Nm. It comes paired with a 6-speed automatic gearbox. Buyers can choose between 4×2 and 4×4 versions, with the four-wheel-drive model getting Low Range, an Electronic Differential Lock and Downhill Assist Control for serious off-road adventures. The 80-litre fuel tank also makes it a great choice for long road trips.

On the safety front, the Hilux packs seven airbags, Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), ABS with Brake Assist, TPMS, front and rear parking sensors, a panoramic view monitor and ISOFIX child seat mounts.

2026 Toyota Hilux Price (Ex-Showroom)

• 4X2 GX AT – Rs. 31.99 lakh
• 4X4 GX AT – Rs. 33.69 lakh
• 4X4 VX AT –Rs. 36.69 lakh

Bookings for the new Hilux are now open, with deliveries set to begin from the second week of August. With its fresh styling, better tech and more premium interior, the new Hilux feels like a much more complete lifestyle pickup while still keeping the ruggedness and reliability that the nameplate is known for.

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Avore Electric has officially entered the Indian EV motorcycle market with the launch of its first-ever motorcycle, the EX Series. The lineup includes three variants – EX 1, EX 2 and EX 2S – with prices starting from ₹1,24,999 (ex-showroom). Instead of launching an electric scooter like most new EV brands, Avore has gone straight for an electric motorcycle. The company says the EX Series has been developed completely in-house over the last three years and is built on its own electric platform.

The EX 1 is the most affordable model in the range and offers a claimed IDC range of 160 km with a top speed of 100 km/h. The EX 2 gets a bigger 5 kWh battery, increasing the claimed range to 255 km. At the top sits the EX 2S, which offers a claimed range of 260 km, a top speed of 114 km/h and the most features in the lineup. Power comes from an electric motor producing up to 10.5 kW, while all three variants make a claimed 250 Nm of wheel torque. One of the biggest highlights is the integrated motor and swingarm setup, which is designed to improve handling and make the motorcycle feel more stable on the road.

Charging is simple too. The EX 2 and EX 2S come with a 1,500W onboard fast charger that works with a regular household socket. Avore claims it can charge from 20% to 80% in around two hours, while a full charge takes roughly four hours. The EX Series is packed with features as well. Depending on the variant, buyers get a 7-inch TFT or digital display, smartphone connectivity, GPS, multiple riding modes, an Auto mode, a simulated manual gear mode, park assist, guide-me-home lights and several smart connected features. The top-spec EX 2S also gets AI-powered functions and six riding modes.

In terms of design, the EX looks like a proper street motorcycle rather than an electric bike. It gets a muscular tank design, sharp LED lighting and sporty bodywork. The EX 2 and EX 2S are available in premium dual-tone colours, while the EX 1 comes in three single-tone shades.

Avore is also offering a 5-year battery warranty and says the motorcycle has been tested for over 1 lakh kilometres before launch. With prices starting at ₹1.25 lakh, the Avore EX Series takes on rivals like the Revolt RV400, Oben Rorr EZ and Tork Kratos R.

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The Mahindra Scorpio N facelift has finally been spotted without any camouflage, giving us our clearest look yet at what’s coming. While the overall design stays familiar, Mahindra has given the SUV a healthy dose of updates both inside and out, making it feel much more premium than before.

The biggest changes are inside the cabin. The Scorpio N now gets a larger 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system along with a fully digital instrument cluster. Both of these look very similar to the setup seen on the Thar Roxx, making the cabin feel far more modern than the current model.

Mahindra has also redesigned the centre console with new horizontal AC vents and updated switchgear, giving the dashboard a cleaner look. Another big upgrade is the addition of a full panoramic sunroof, replacing the smaller single-pane unit on the current Scorpio N. It’s one of the most requested features by buyers and should make the SUV feel even more premium.

On the outside, don’t expect a complete makeover. Mahindra has kept the tough and muscular Scorpio N design intact, but there are a few noticeable changes. The facelift gets a fresh set of alloy wheels with a new design, along with minor styling tweaks that help differentiate it from the current model without changing its overall character.

Under the bonnet, everything is expected to remain the same. The familiar 2.0-litre turbo-petrol and 2.2-litre diesel engines will continue, paired with either a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic gearbox. Higher diesel variants are also likely to retain the 4WD option.

Overall, this looks more like a feature-packed refresh than a complete redesign. By borrowing several premium bits from the Thar Roxx, adding new alloy wheels and finally offering a panoramic sunroof, Mahindra seems to have given the Scorpio N exactly the upgrades buyers have been asking for. With an expected launch around Independence Day, we won’t have to wait much longer to see it officially.

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BMW Motorrad has been spotted testing the next-generation S 1000 RR at the legendary Nürburgring in Germany, giving us our best look yet at the upcoming superbike. While the current S 1000 RR is already one of the fastest and most capable litre-class motorcycles on sale, BMW seems to be working on a much bigger update this time around.

The biggest change is right at the front. Unlike the minor design updates we’ve seen over the years, the new S 1000 RR gets a completely redesigned face with slimmer LED headlights, a larger central air intake and sharper bodywork. The front fairing also features larger winglets that are expected to improve stability and grip at high speeds. Interestingly, while the front has received a major makeover, the rear section still looks quite similar to the current S 1000 RR.

It’s not just the styling that’s new. The upcoming superbike is also expected to get a revised frame, updated suspension and a few mechanical upgrades. The test bike was seen with mirrors, indicators and a number plate, which suggests that it’s already quite close to its production form.

BMW has not revealed any technical details yet, but the motorcycle is expected to continue with its powerful inline-four engine, along with performance and technology upgrades. The new S 1000 RR is likely to make its global debut in the coming months, with an India launch expected sometime after that.

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