Honda Cars India has officially launched the new 2026 Honda City facelift. While the City has always been known for comfort, refinement and reliability, Honda has now added a sportier design, more technology and several new convenience features. Prices for the updated City start at Rs. 11.99 lakh, while the top-end strong hybrid e:HEV variant is priced at Rs. 20.99 lakh.

The biggest change is the design. Honda calls the new styling philosophy “Sharpen,” and honestly, the sedan now looks much more modern and aggressive. The front gets sharper LED headlamps, a connected light bar integrated into the grille, sleek DRLs and a redesigned aerodynamic bumper. At the rear, there are new Z-shaped LED tail lamps, a sporty trunk spoiler and updated bumper detailing which together give the City a cleaner and more premium road presence. Honda has also added new dual-tone 16-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels and a fresh Crystal Black Pearl colour option.

Inside the cabin, the City continues to focus heavily on comfort and practicality, but now with a more tech-loaded feel. The sedan gets a larger 10.1-inch floating touchscreen infotainment system with wireless smartphone connectivity, ambient lighting, updated interior trims and a premium ivory-and-black dual-tone cabin theme. Honda has also added features like ventilated front seats, USB Type-C charging ports for front and rear passengers and a 360-degree camera system, making the overall experience feel far more modern than before.

Honda has also retained the City’s biggest strength, its easy and refined driving experience. The sedan remains spacious, visibility is excellent and the suspension setup is still tuned nicely for Indian road conditions. Honda has additionally equipped the car with Honda SENSING ADAS features including Collision Mitigation Braking System, Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Keep Assist and Road Departure Mitigation, bringing premium-level safety tech into the segment.

Under the hood, the regular petrol variants continue with Honda’s trusted 1.5-litre naturally aspirated i-VTEC petrol engine producing 121 PS and 145 Nm torque. Buyers can choose between a 6-speed manual or a 7-step CVT automatic gearbox. The engine is known for being smooth, reliable and refined, and Honda has retained that exact character with the facelift as well.

The facelift 2026 Honda City continues to be offered in a strong hybrid e:HEV version. The hybrid setup produces a combined 126 PS and 253 Nm torque while delivering a claimed fuel efficiency of 27.26 km/l. What makes the hybrid feel special is the way it silently switches between EV, hybrid and petrol modes depending on driving conditions, especially in city traffic where the car often runs quietly in electric mode.

Honda is offering the new City in SV, V, ZX and ZX+ variants, while the e:HEV hybrid is available only in the fully-loaded ZX+ trim. The company is also offering extensive warranty packages including coverage for the hybrid battery and components. In a market dominated by SUVs, the Honda City continues to stand strong as one of the most complete sedans on sale today!

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The Yamaha XSR155 has officially been launched for 2026 in Japan, and honestly, this might just be the best-looking version of the bike yet. Yamaha has given the retro roadster a fresh black colour scheme paired with golden alloy wheels, and the combination completely changes the vibe of the motorcycle. It now looks a lot more premium, sporty and properly old-school at the same time. Small details like the gold graphics and red Yamaha branding make the bike stand out even more without overdoing anything.

The XSR lineup has always been a big part of Yamaha globally. Yamaha calls it the “XSR pedigree” which basically stands for its “Extreme Street Racing” philosophy. Motorcycles that mix sporty performance with retro styling. That’s why the XSR family exists in multiple engine options internationally, starting from smaller bikes like the XSR125 and going all the way up to the bigger XSR700 and XSR900. The XSR155 is essentially the smallest proper retro-performance motorcycle from that lineup.

Underneath all the retro styling, the XSR155 is still based on Yamaha’s proven 155cc platform that we already know from the R15 and MT-15. So you still get the 155cc liquid-cooled single-cylinder VVA engine, 6-speed gearbox, USD forks, slipper clutch and the lightweight Deltabox frame. Which means despite looking like a classic motorcycle, it still rides like a proper sporty Yamaha when you open the throttle.

Interestingly, India also recently got a black colour option for the XSR155, but the Indian bike misses out on the golden wheels that the Japanese version gets. And honestly, that one detail makes a huge difference. The gold alloys give the motorcycle a much cleaner and more premium retro look, making the Japan-spec version feel a little more special overall. That said, both versions still continue to get the golden USD front forks, which does help maintain some of that premium contrast and retro character.

The XSR155 has always been one of those motorcycles that people appreciate more for its design and personality rather than outright performance numbers. And with this new black-and-gold update, Yamaha has once again proved that sometimes you don’t need major changes to make a motorcycle feel fresh — a really good colour combination can do the job perfectly.

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Nissan India is set to return to the midsize SUV segment with the debut of the Tekton on July 9, 2026. The SUV will replace the gap left by the discontinued Kicks and will be Nissan’s version of the new Renault Duster.

While it shares its platform and engine options with the Duster, the Tekton gets a more aggressive design inspired by the Nissan Patrol. It features LED lighting, a large grille, connected tail-lamps, dual-tone bumpers, and unique 18-inch alloy wheels.

Engine options are expected to include a 1.0-litre turbo-petrol and a 1.3-litre turbo-petrol engine with manual and DCT gearbox options. A strong-hybrid version could also arrive later. The engine tunes will be the same as that of the Duster. Expect the steering feel and suspension to also feel identical.

Inside, the Tekton is expected to offer a feature-rich cabin with a large touchscreen, digital instrument cluster, panoramic sunroof, ventilated seats, wireless charging, and Level 2 ADAS safety features. The layout of the dashboard will be the same as Duster but we can expect different textures and colours for the upholstery.

With bold styling and the proven Duster platform underneath, the Tekton could become an important product for Nissan in India’s highly competitive SUV market. The Tekton will give competition to the Duster, Sierra, Seltos, Creta, Victoris, Grand Vitara, Hyryder, Astor, Elevate, Taigun and Kushaq.

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VinFast has officially revealed the new-generation VinFast VF 8, bringing several updates to its electric SUV in terms of design, comfort, technology, and driving experience.

The VF 8 is an important model for VinFast as it was one of the vehicles that marked the company’s move towards becoming a global electric vehicle brand. With this new version, the company has focused on making the SUV more refined and user-friendly.

In terms of size, the VF 8 measures 4,701 mm in length and comes with a wheelbase of 2,840 mm. It has a five-seat layout, offering good cabin space and comfort for passengers. The SUV also gets 19-inch wheels and 170 mm ground clearance, helping it handle different road conditions comfortably.

One of the major updates comes in the suspension setup. The new-generation VF 8 uses Frequency Selective Dampers (FSD) on both the front and rear suspension. This system helps improve ride comfort by reducing vibrations on rough roads while also maintaining stability at higher speeds.

Powering the SUV is an electric motor producing 228 HP and 330 Nm of torque. The VF 8 comes with front-wheel drive and offers three driving modes — Eco, Normal, and Sport.

The SUV uses a 60.13 kWh battery pack, offering a claimed driving range of up to 500 km on a full charge based on NEDC standards. VinFast also says the VF 8 supports fast charging from 10% to 70% in less than 30 minutes.

On the safety front, the VF 8 comes equipped with several ADAS features including Adaptive Cruise Control, Highway Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, Blind Spot Warning, and a 360-degree camera system. VinFast says the SUV has been developed with the goal of achieving a 5-star ASEAN NCAP safety rating.

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Mercedes-Benz India has introduced Night Edition versions of its two most important luxury SUVs, the GLE and the GLS. These are special, limited-series models based on the regular GLE and GLS, but with a more premium and unique design.

What makes them different is the styling. The Night Editions come in two colours — Alpine Grey (exclusive to this edition) and Obsidian Black. These darker shades give both SUVs a stronger road presence. Inside, the focus is on luxury and comfort. You get Black Nappa leather seats and Anthracite open-pore oak wood finish on the dashboard. This makes the cabin feel more premium compared to the standard versions.

Both SUVs also come with a Head-Up Display as standard, which shows key driving info on the windshield. The GLE Night Edition also gets AIRMATIC suspension, which improves ride comfort, especially on Indian roads. No changes have been made to the engine tunes.

Pricing:

GLE Night Edition: ₹1.05 crore (300d) and ₹1.14 crore (450)
GLS Night Edition: ₹1.41 crore (450) and ₹1.43 crore (450d)
(All prices ex-showroom India)

The GLE and GLS are already among Mercedes-Benz’s best-selling luxury SUVs globally, and India is one of the top markets for them. These Night Editions are meant for customers who want something more exclusive and different from the regular models.

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Škoda Auto India has launched its new GOAT-SOAT campaign — short for “Greatest On A Track”-“Skoda On A Track” — to highlight the performance and driving dynamics of its cars. As part of the campaign, the brand also set a new record for the ‘Fastest Multi-Car Relay of a Single Manufacturer on a Circuit’ at the CoASTT track in Coimbatore.

The record-setting fleet included the Skoda Kylaq, Skoda Kushaq, Skoda Slavia, Skoda Kodiaq and Skoda Octavia RS, which together clocked a combined time of 12:30.97, including pit-lane driver changes.

Skoda says the campaign is aimed at showcasing the brand’s motorsport DNA, sharp handling and driver-focused nature across its lineup. The Octavia RS emerged as the quickest car on the circuit, while even SUVs like the Kodiaq and Kylaq posted impressive lap times.

With this campaign, Skoda is reinforcing its image as a brand that focuses not just on features, but also on driving pleasure, precision and safety.

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Tata is all set to launched the updated version of the Tiago on 28th May. The Tiago was first launched 10 years back and the hatchback has received quite a few updates in these years. This time, it will get another major update for both ICE and EV versions.

The vehicle will get redesigned exteriors to match the design philosophy that Tata has followed with the Altroz and Punch facelift. It will have sleeker headlamps, new bumpers, new wheels and a slimmer grille. The tail gate will also be redesigned a little and we can expect Tata to rejig the colour options as well. The EV could get a different grille to differentiate it from the ICE version.

On the inside, the Tiago already comes with a good set of features like a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system, illuminated steering wheel, etc. Expect the facelift to get a digital instrument cluster, wireless charging and maybe adjustable rear headrests. A new upholstery colour theme is also on the cards.

The ICE Tiago won’t have any mechanical changes as such. It will continue with the same 1.2-litre, 3-cylinder, Revotron petrol engine which comes with a 5-speed manual gearbox or an AMT. The hatchback also gets a factory-fitted CNG option. The Tiago EV is likely to deliver a little more range.

As of now, the Tiago ICE is priced from Rs. 5.45-8.99 Lakh, OTR Mumbai while the Tiago EV costs Rs. 8.34-11.68 Lakh, OTR Mumbai. The Tata Tigor is also expected to get a similar update for ICE and EV in the coming months along with possible re-branding.

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The all-new Skoda Epiq has finally been revealed in production form, and it marks an important step in Skoda’s EV journey. Positioned as the brand’s smallest and most affordable electric SUV globally, the Epiq is aimed at buyers who want a practical EV without spending premium money.

Despite being the entry-level EV in Skoda’s international lineup, the Epiq doesn’t look basic. The SUV adopts Skoda’s new design language, which gives it a clean and futuristic appearance while still retaining the rugged SUV stance buyers like. The upright proportions, slim LED lighting and chunky bumpers help it stand out.

Inside, the Epiq appears modern but practical which is something Skoda has traditionally done well. The cabin gets a large 13-inch touchscreen, ambient lighting, wireless smartphone connectivity and even features like a panoramic sunroof and ADAS on higher variants. Thankfully, Skoda has also retained physical controls for key functions, which is becoming increasingly rare in modern cars and will definitely be appreciated by everyday users.

What makes the Epiq more interesting is the variety on offer. Buyers can choose between two battery packs — 38.5 kWh and 55 kWh — with power outputs ranging from 116 HP to 211 HP. The claimed range of up to 440 km from the larger battery also sounds promising for daily commuting as well as occasional long-distance drives. Fast charging support further adds to its practicality.

Globally, compact electric SUVs are becoming extremely important as customers move away from traditional hatchbacks. The Epiq enters this space as a well-rounded product that focuses on usability, practicality and affordability rather than just outright performance or flashy gimmicks.

For India, however, the big question remains whether Skoda will eventually bring the Epiq here. The compact dimensions, practical cabin and strong focus on value could make it a very interesting option for Indian buyers, especially as the EV market continues to grow. Pricing will ultimately decide its success, but on paper, the Epiq certainly looks like one of Skoda’s most sensible EVs yet.

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The MINI Cooper S GP Inspired Edition has been launched, limited to just 30 units in India, this special edition is clearly meant for enthusiasts and collectors. At ₹58.90 lakh (ex-showroom), it is expensive for a hatchback, but MINI buyers are usually looking for something unique rather than practical.

The car takes inspiration from the legendary MINI GP, which has always been the most hardcore and performance-focused MINI. The red accents, sporty body kit, spoiler and GP badging give it a bold road presence. It looks sporty without losing the quirky MINI character people love.

Inside, the car gets a modern cabin with a large circular OLED touchscreen, digital key, Harman Kardon sound system and multiple driving modes, including the famous Go-Kart mode. At the same time, features like the JCW sport seats and paddle shifters remind you this car is built to be fun behind the wheel.

Performance is another strong point. The 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine produces 204 hp and 300 Nm, helping the car sprint from 0-100 km/h in just 6.6 seconds. Combined with adaptive suspension and sporty tuning, the MINI promises an engaging driving experience.

The launch also highlights how luxury brands are now bringing more exclusive, niche products to India instead of only focusing on volumes. Interestingly, MINI launched the car at its new dealership in Surat, showing how demand for premium cars is growing beyond major metro cities.

This may not be the most practical car for the money, but practicality is not the point here. The MINI Cooper S GP Inspired Edition is for buyers who want something rare, stylish and genuinely fun to drive. In today’s market, that alone makes it special.

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Honda has teased the ZR-V ahead of its launch on 22nd May in India. The ZR-V will be brought down to India via the CBU route and the pricing will be between Rs. 40-50 Lakh (ex-showroom). It will give competition to the Volkswagen Tiguan and Skoda Kodiaq Lounge.

The Honda ZR-V will be offered with a 2.0-litre strong hybrid powertrain making around 180 HP and 320 Nm, with the top speed being limited to 170 km/hr. The vehicle will accelerate from 0-100 km/hr in about 8 seconds. The ZR-V measures 4568 mm x 1840 mm x 2657 mm (L x W x H) and has a wheelbase of 2657 mm. The vehicle has a boot space of 390-litres.

The interior will have an ergonomic layout and the equipment list will include 6 airbags, ADAS, ISOFIX mounts, 12-speaker Bose audio system, panoramic sunroof, powered front seats, powered tailgate, digital driver’s display, touchscreen infotainment system and dual-zone AC.

It will be interesting to see how Indian customers react to the new Honda ZR-V.

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Toyota Kirloskar Motor have completed sales of 3 lakh hybrid cars in India. These are strong hybrid vehicles that are backed by an 8-year warranty on the hybrid battery. TKM’s strong hybrid portfolio consists of the HyRyder, HyCross, Camry and Vellfire.

Hybrids have been growing in popularity owing to their practical nature. Consumers get low running costs and a higher range on a full tank of petrol without having to spend time charging their vehicles. In FY26, the top 2 selling hybrid cars in India were the Innova HyCross and Urban Cruiser HyRyder with sales of 62,586 and 35,745 units respectively. TKM also sold 2346 units of the Camry and 1483 units of the Vellfire in FY26.

Vehicles like the HyCross and HyRyder contribute to almost 78% of total hybrid sales in India and the automaker’s early mover advantage in the hybrid space along with strong and reliable technology has helped maintain leadership.

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The 2026 Honda City will be launched on 22nd May and now fresh images have revealed the vehicle completely. On the outside, the City gets a new grille, redesigned headlamps, black alloys, new tail lamps, new black shade, extended DRLs and revised bumpers.

The interior is more or less the same but gets more features like 360-degree camera and front ventilated seats. Apart from this, it retains its existing features like LaneWatch camera, sunroof, touchscreen infotainment system, ADAS, 6 airbags and the likes.

Under the hood, no changes are expected and the City will continue with the same 1.5-litre petrol and 1.5-litre hybrid powertrains. The petrol will get a 6-speed MT or a CVT while the hybrid gets only an e-CVT. This generation of the Honda City (5th gen) was launched in 2020 and usually Honda launches a new generation within 5-6 years but this time the City is getting a second facelift because the new gen will have major changes and will be a big update.

Images Source – Team-BHP.com

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Maruti Suzuki India Limited has commenced commercial production at the second plant of its Kharkhoda manufacturing facility in Haryana, further strengthening its production capabilities amid rising domestic and export demand.

The newly operational plant has an annual production capacity of 2.5 lakh units, taking the total installed capacity at the Kharkhoda facility to 5 lakh units per year. With this expansion, Maruti Suzuki’s cumulative annual manufacturing capacity across its plants in Gurugram, Manesar, Kharkhoda and Hansalpur has now increased to 26.5 lakh units.

The Kharkhoda facility is set to play a crucial role in Maruti Suzuki’s future growth plans. Once fully operational, the plant will have the capacity to manufacture up to 10 lakh vehicles annually, making it one of Suzuki’s largest four-wheeler production hubs globally.

The latest expansion is also in line with Maruti Suzuki’s previously announced plan to add 5 lakh units of production capacity during FY2026-27 as the company prepares for sustained growth in the Indian passenger vehicle market.

Currently, the Kharkhoda facility manufactures the Maruti Suzuki Brezza and the Maruti Suzuki Victoris. The increased production capacity is expected to help the automaker reduce waiting periods, improve supply chain efficiency and support its growing SUV portfolio.

The expansion underlines Maruti Suzuki’s continued focus on scaling manufacturing operations in India as competition intensifies across segments and demand for utility vehicles continues to rise.

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Honda has outlined a major reset strategy for its global automobile business, with hybrids, software and manufacturing efficiency taking centre stage over the next few years.

At a global press briefing in Tokyo, Toshihiro Mibe said the company aims to rebuild its auto business by improving profitability, reducing development costs and accelerating the rollout of hybrid models. Honda is targeting a record consolidated operating profit of over 1.4 trillion yen by FY2029.

A key focus will be next-generation hybrid vehicles. Honda confirmed it will launch 15 new hybrid models globally by FY2030, including larger D-segment models for North America. The company also unveiled the Honda Hybrid Sedan Prototype and Acura Hybrid SUV Prototype, both expected to enter production within the next two years.

Honda says its new hybrid system will improve fuel efficiency by over 10 percent while reducing system costs by more than 30 percent compared to the current setup. The new platform will also feature next-generation ADAS technology from 2028 onwards.

India has been identified as one of Honda’s priority growth markets alongside Japan and North America. From 2028, Honda will introduce India-focused models in the sub-4 metre and midsize segments while leveraging its strong motorcycle customer base to grow passenger vehicle sales.

The company also plans to increase localisation, improve manufacturing efficiency and aggressively reduce development timelines through AI and digital engineering tools under its new “Triple Half” strategy.

While Honda remains committed to carbon neutrality by 2050, the company has shifted to a more balanced approach involving hybrids, EVs and alternative fuels, instead of relying solely on electric vehicles.

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Tata Motors is all set for a product offensive this year as the Indian automaker is gearing up to launch a variety of new products in different segments. After a power-packed 2025, the automaker kick-started 2026 with the Punch ICE and EV facelifts. Now, the automaker is readying the Tiago and Tigor updates which are likely to be major facelifts as well. The Tigor is also expected to get a new identity.

Apart from this, Tata will launch the Sierra EV in the second half of this year. The Sierra EV is expected to come with two battery pack options and the larger battery will also get AWD. The Sierra EV will be positioned below the Harrier EV in the company’s portfolio and will rival the Hyundai Creta EV, Mahindra XEV 9E, Maruti Suzuki e-Vitara, etc. Tata is also readying the Safari EV which will be launched to rival the Mahindra XEV 9S.

Some other products in the company’s line-up are also set to get some updates. All in all, the automaker will be launching at least 4 facelifts and 2 all-new models in FY26-27.

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