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MG Hector Tomahawk EV spied undisguised ahead of August 26 launch

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MG Hector Tomahawk EV spied undisguised ahead of August 26 launch
MG Hector Tomahawk EV

JSW MG’s upcoming Hector Tomahawk has been spied undisguised on our roads ahead of its launch. The new model will be the first in the brand’s portfolio to be underpinned by the ADAPT (Advanced Drive Architecture Platform Technology) platform. The carmaker has teased the SUV previously, giving a glimpse of its design details and its 7-seat capacity.

  1. Hector Tomahawk to slot above the Hector in MG’s portfolio. 
  2. Likely to be powered by a 69.2kWh battery pack.
  3. Expected to be priced between Rs 18 lakh and Rs 25 lakh.

JSW MG Hector Tomahawk EV: What was spied?

The undisguised test mule that was spied hinted at the Hector Tomahawk’s final design. The front end comes with LED headlamps with dual LED DRLs connected by a black trim that has two silver strips and the MG badge at the centre. Being an EV, it gets a blanked-off grille, with a rectangular air inlet lower down. The front bumper has a dual-tone design, with vertical air curtains on its sides. The bonnet has subtle ridges, while the car is finished in an olive green shade with a black roof and rails. 

In profile, the sides look clean with chrome door handles, and the window line, finished in chrome, gets an upward kink at the back. Additionally, there’s plenty of black cladding for the squared-off wheel arches and door sills extending toward the rear bumper. The large alloy wheels were spotted with a dual-tone design. While the rear end was not spotted, it will likely come with wraparound tail-lamps and a dual-tone finish for the bumper.  

JSW MG Hector Tomahawk EV: What to expect

The JSW MG Hector Tomahawk is based on the Wuling Eksion that’s sold in the Indonesian market. The former is expected to retain the latter’s dimensions of 4,745mm in length, 1,850mm in width, 1,755mm in height, and a wheelbase of 2,810mm.  A previous teaser of the model confirmed a beige colour theme for the Hector Tomahawk’s cabin. While the dashboard is yet to be revealed, it is expected to retain the Eksion’s minimalistic layout. This includes screens for the driver’s display and infotainment system, a two-spoke steering wheel and a centre console with cupholders and storage spaces. 

MG is yet to confirm the feature list it is expected to come with a powered tailgate, leatherette upholstery, powered and ventilated front seats, a 12.8-inch touch-infotainment head unit, an 8.8-inch digital driver’s display, a 50-watt wireless charger, automatic climate control with AC vents for the second and third rows, a 360-degree camera system, an electronic parking brake, six airbags, and an ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems) suite.

While exact powertrain specs of the Hector Tomahawk EV remain under wraps, the Eksion, for reference, is powered by a 69.2kWh LFP (Lithium Iron Phosphate) battery pack with a CLTC (China Light-Duty Vehicle Test Cycle) range of up to 530km. The battery is paired with a front-mounted motor delivering 201hp and 310Nm, and has a 160kph top speed.

As far as price is concerned, the MG Hector Tomahawk EV is expected to be priced between Rs 18 lakh and Rs 25 lakh. It will take on the likes of the Mahindra XEV 9S and the Kia Carens Clavis EV.

All prices are ex-showroom, India

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Opinion: Why India needs a small car assault

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Opinion: Why India needs a small car assault
Citroen AMI, Honda Super N, Renault 5, Nissan Micra.

The CAFE 3 norms are just eight months away. Things will certainly get tighter and tougher for automakers, in terms of upping the number of clean power options as well as light-weighting their current brawn-ish SUVs. If one has to bring a 30 percent reduction in fleet-average performance and move from MIDC to WLTP test results, an automaker has very little leeway in terms of just about making it. 

As a product planner, I would seriously take this as an opportunity to bring the focus back onto the entry-level small car. In fact, all product planners should be doing the same, irrespective of what your current portfolio is. The policymakers are sending out a clear message to the Indian automobile industry – relook and revive the small car, for you have neglected it for quite some time now!

And why not? It’s not just for developing markets; look at the developed world too. The otherwise ostentatious European is seriously evaluating the small car once again. Even the more aware and conscious American is. Japan has always been a ready reference for all. Tomorrow’s car buyer is going frugal and smart once again. Going back to the basics. Without compromising on comfort and features. And the automakers have prepared themselves for such times. Some started almost a decade ago, with varying outcomes, but the efforts have been commendable and great teachers on how to approach the future. 

The Citroën Ami. The Fiat Topolino and Multiplina. The Renault 5 and its hot hatchback cousin, the Alpine A290. The Nissan Micra. The Smart For2. The Honda Super N. The Microlino and Microletta. And I have not even gone into what the Chinese have launched over the last 12 months. 

This is the attack of the “minors”. Electric. Power-packed. Feature-rich. Head-turning looks. Both microcars as well as conventional entry-level little runabouts. They are not cheap-looking, frugally engineered, cost-compromised, low-on-status offers that one never wants. They are clean, conscious and very cool. They cater to the sceptical youth and the wizened elder alike.

For years, Japan and Europe have been the homes of such cars. It is time India takes over that role. And it makes perfect business sense too. If we are to increase car penetration and grow the market to a size even half of that of China, given our consumption power, there is no other way but to make the entry-level car the hero of the script. Whether electric, CNG or hybrid. It is the responsibility of brands like Maruti Suzuki, Hyundai, Toyota, Tata and Honda to make this happen. Only then will we create a mature and sustainable market with a rich and robust pipeline of two-wheeler owners who will want to look up!

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MG’s new 7-seat electric SUV to be called Hector Tomahawk

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MG's new 7-seat electric SUV to be called Hector Tomahawk
MG Hector Tomahawk teased

JSW MG has teased its upcoming new SUV for India, which is to be called the Hector Tomahawk, our sources have indicated. The official launch date is set for August 26, 2026. Sold as the Wuling Eksion in the Indonesian market, the upcoming Hector Tomahawk will sit atop JSW MG’s new ADAPT (Advanced Drive Architecture Platform Technology) platform. The Hector Tomahawk will be launched as a fully electric model first, and will be slotted above the Hector in the brand’s line-up in India.

  • Teaser confirms rectangular headlamps, signature LED DRLs, a panoramic sunroof and more
  • Will be offered in EV guise first; PHEV could arrive later
  • Seating for 7 occupants; bench-style second row

JSW MG Hector Tomahawk exterior design

The teaser offers a few important design details on the outside of this upcoming MG SUV

MG_Hector_Tomahawk_Rear_Quarter_Static

The official teaser confirms the rectangular LED headlamps first seen in spy shots. It also reveals details like the twin-element LED DRLs (daytime running lights) at the front and rear of the Hector Tomahawk. Observable details here also include the silver-finished alloy wheels, black plastic cladding under the doors, pronounced front fenders, pull-type door handles, prominent roof rails and wraparound LED tail-lamps. It’s clear from the teaser that the Hector Tomahawk sports chrome garnish along the windowline, plus a relatively flat roofline that leads to a roof spoiler.

In terms of dimensions, the JSW MG Hector Tomahawk is likely to have similar dimensions as the Wuling Eksion 7-seater that’s sold in Indonesia. For reference, the latter measures 4,745mm in length, 1,850mm in width, 1,755mm in height, and has a wheelbase of 2,9810mm. Its two-tone exterior colour options are likely to be offered in our market, too.

JSW MG Hector Tomahawk interior design and features

Apart from the exterior, the brand’s latest teaser also confirms a few details upcoming Hector Tomahawk’s interior. For starters, we now know that there will be 7 seats on offer, with a bench-style arrangement for the second row. The teaser also shows a beige colour theme for this cabin, along with a panoramic sunroof as part of the equipment that’ll be on offer. While more details are to be confirmed, the Hector Tomahawk EV could share much of the rest of its design and feature set with the Wuling Eksion. This means a minimalistic cabin with physical switchgear on and behind the two-spoke steering wheel, on the centre console and the doors.

MG Hector Tomahawk Seating

Depending on the trim level, the equipment on offer include a powered tailgate, leatherette upholstery, powered and ventilated front seats, a 12.8-inch touch-infotainment head unit, an 8.8-inch digital driver’s display, a 50-watt wireless charger, automatic climate control with AC vents for the second and third rows, a 360-degree camera system, an electronic parking brake, six airbags, and an ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems) suite, among others.

JSW MG Hector Tomahawk powertrain details

ADAPT platform supports battery-electric, plug-in hybrid, range-extender and strong-hybrid powertrains

While JSW MG is likely to reveal the Hector Tomahawk PHEV (plug-in hybrid) on August 26 as well, the brand’s teaser suggests that the ADAPT-based SUV will be introduced in its EV avatar first. The fully electric version of the Wuling Eksion EV that’s available in Indonesia is equipped with a single front-mounted electric motor that generates 201hp and 310Nm, allowing a claimed top speed of 160kph. It’s backed by a 69.2kWh LFP (Lithium Iron Phosphate) battery pack with a CLTC (China Light-Duty Vehicle Test Cycle) range of up to 530km.

The Hector Tomahawk PHEV is also likely to share its powertrain setup with its Eksion counterpart. For reference, the latter comes with a single electric motor that produces up to 195hp and 230Nm on its own, while the 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine puts out 105hp and 130Nm. There’s also a 20.5kWh battery pack in the equation, and the maximum all-electric range of the Eksion PHEV is a claimed 125km. JSW MG’s ADAPT platform is capable of supporting battery-electric, plug-in hybrid, range-extender and strong-hybrid powertrains.

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Arunachal Pradesh: अरुणाचल की 27 जगहों का भारत ने कर दिया पक्का नामकरण! चीन को मिर्ची क्यों लगी ये भी समझिए

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Arunachal Pradesh: भारत और चीन के बीच अरुणाचल प्रदेश को लेकर विवाद एक बार फिर चर्चा में है। चीन द्वारा अरुणाचल प्रदेश के कुछ स्थानों के नाम बार-बार बदले जाने के जवाब में भारत ने पिछले सप्ताह औपचारिक रूप से राज्य के 27 स्थानों और भौगोलिक विशेषताओं को सर्वे ऑफ इंडिया के आधिकारिक मानचित्र पर उनके मानक भारतीय नामों के साथ दर्ज किया था। चीन के नागरिक मामलों का मंत्रालय 2017 से समय-समय पर अरुणाचल प्रदेश के विभिन्न स्थानों के लिए चीनी नाम जारी करता रहा है। ताकि उस क्षेत्र पर चीन के दावे को मजबूत किया जा सके। इस साल अप्रैल में भी नामों की एक नई लिस्ट जारी की गई थी।

अरुणाचल प्रदेश में स्थानों के नाम बदलने की चीन की हरकत को भारत ने हमेशा स्पष्ट रूप से खारिज किया है। भारत ने लगातार ऐसे कदमों को निरर्थक और बेतुक बताया है। भारत ने कहा है कि इस तरह के प्रयास इस अटल सच्चाई को नहीं बदल सकते कि अरुणाचल प्रदेश हमेशा भारत का अभिन्न हिस्सा रहा है, है और रहेगा। चीन तिब्बत को शीजांग और अरुणाचल प्रदेश को जांगनान कहता है।

भारत ने दिया सख्त संदेश

भारत द्वारा अरुणाचल प्रदेश की 27 जगहों और भौगोलिक क्षेत्रों को उनके आधिकारिक भारतीय नामों के साथ सर्वे ऑफ इंडिया के आधिकारिक मानचित्र पर दर्ज करना चीन को सख्त संदेश है। यह कदम ऐसे समय में उठाया गया है, जब चीन लंबे समय से अरुणाचल प्रदेश के अलग-अलग स्थानों को अपने हिसाब से नाम देने की कोशिश करता रहा है। भारत ने चीन के इस कदम को पहले भी खारिज करते हुए साफ कहा है कि नाम बदलने से जमीन की वास्तविक स्थिति नहीं बदल सकती।

विदेश मंत्रालय के प्रवक्ता रणधीर जायसवाल ने कहा कि भारत-चीन सीमा से जुड़े मामलों को भारत बेहद गंभीरता से लेता है और वास्तविक नियंत्रण रेखा यानी LAC पर शांति और स्थिरता बनाए रखना दोनों देशों के संबंधों के लिए बेहद महत्वपूर्ण है।

27 जगहों के नाम तय करने का क्या मतलब है?

भारत ने अरुणाचल प्रदेश के आधिकारिक नक्शे में 27 स्थानों और भौगोलिक विशेषताओं को उनके मानक भारतीय नामों से दर्ज किया है। सरकार के मुताबिक इसका उद्देश्य इन स्थानों की सटीक पहचान सुनिश्चित करना और आम लोगों के बीच इनके बारे में जागरूकता बढ़ाना है। इन स्थानों में कुछ ऐसे इलाके भी शामिल हैं, जिनका भारत-चीन सीमा विवाद के इतिहास और रणनीतिक दृष्टि से खास महत्व है।

जैसे लोंगजू (Long Ju) LAC के पास स्थित है। वर्ष 1959 में यह भारत-चीन तनाव के शुरुआती बड़े फ्लैशप्वाइंट में से एक रहा था, जब चीनी सेना ने इस इलाके में प्रवेश किया था। इसके अलावा अपर सुबनसिरी जिले का माजा गांव भी लिस्ट में शामिल है।

इसके अलावा इस लिस्ट में बिसा गांव तथा ऊंचाई वाले महत्वपूर्ण दर्रे ड्जो ला, रिजा ला और पुकुर ला भी शामिल हैं। वहीं, थाग ला भी इस लिस्ट का हिस्सा है, जो 1962 के भारत-चीन युद्ध के दौरान बेहद महत्वपूर्ण रणनीतिक क्षेत्र रहा था।

थाग ला और 1962 के युद्ध का कनेक्शन

थाग ला का नाम इसलिए भी महत्वपूर्ण है क्योंकि 1962 के भारत-चीन युद्ध के शुरुआती दौर में यहां बड़ी सैन्य कार्रवाई हुई थी। यह इलाका ऊंचाई पर स्थित होने के कारण रणनीतिक रूप से महत्वपूर्ण है।इसी तरह जयरामपुर को भी लिस्ट में शामिल किया गया है। चांगलांग जिले में स्थित जयरामपुर पूर्वी अरुणाचल प्रदेश और म्यांमार सीमा की ओर जाने वाला महत्वपूर्ण लॉजिस्टिक केंद्र है और सुरक्षा बलों की आवाजाही के लिहाज से इसका महत्व है।

लिस्ट में सांभो सरोवर, बारा कुंडुन, छोटा कुंडुन, धनबाड़ी, प्रीतनगर, तेरीतनगर, रामनगर और जसवंतगढ़ जैसे स्थान भी शामिल हैं। जसवंतगढ़ में 1962 के युद्ध में शहीद भारतीय सैनिक जसवंत सिंह रावत की स्मृति से जुड़ा स्मारक है। इसके अलावा सागर, पद्मा, ज्योतिनगर और बैसाखी जैसे गांव भी सूची में हैं।

चीन अरुणाचल के नाम क्यों बदलता रहा है?

चीन अरुणाचल प्रदेश को अपना हिस्सा बताता रहा है। वह इसे जांगनान कहता है। इसी दावे के तहत चीन ने समय-समय पर अरुणाचल प्रदेश के अलग-अलग स्थानों के लिए चीनी नाम जारी किए हैं। चीन के नागरिक मामलों के मंत्रालय ने 2017 में पहली बार अरुणाचल प्रदेश के छह स्थानों के लिए नामों की लिस्ट जारी की थी। इसके बाद 2021 में 15 और 2023 में 11 स्थानों के नामों की लिस्ट जारी की गई।

भारत ने हर बार इन कोशिशों को खारिज किया है। नई दिल्ली का स्पष्ट रुख है कि किसी भारतीय इलाके का नाम बदलने की कोशिश से उसकी संप्रभुता या वास्तविक स्थिति पर कोई असर नहीं पड़ता।इसी बीच अरुणाचल प्रदेश के अपर सुबनसिरी क्षेत्र में चीनी सैनिकों के आक्रामक रुख की खबरों ने भी चिंता बढ़ाई है। हालांकि चीन ने सीमा पर स्थिति को फिलहाल सामान्य और स्थिर बताया है।

 

अभी सीमा पर कैसे हैं हालात?

चीन ने बुधवार को कहा कि भारत-चीन सीमा पर स्थिति फिलहाल आम तौर पर स्थिर है। हालांकि, उसने अरुणाचल प्रदेश में सीमा के पास चीनी सेना की गतिविधियां बढ़ने संबंधी खबरों पर टिप्पणी करने से इनकार कर दिया।

चीनी विदेश मंत्रालय के प्रवक्ता गुओ जियाकुन मीडिया के इन सवालों का जवाब दे रहे थे कि क्या हाल में भारत के साथ कोई सैन्य घटना हुई है और क्या चीन ने अरुणाचल प्रदेश की सीमा के पास अपनी सैन्य गतिविधियां बढ़ा दी हैं।

गुओ ने कहा, “चीन-भारत सीमा पर स्थिति फिलहाल आम तौर पर स्थिर है।” उन्होंने बताया कि बीजिंग और नई दिल्ली ने भारत-चीन सीमा मामलों पर 36वीं बैठक पिछले हफ्ते आयोजित की थी।

भारत ने क्या कहा?

भारत ने मंगलवार को कहा था कि वह चीन की सीमा से लगे इलाकों से जुड़े मामलों को बेहद गंभीर मानता है। उसने इस बात पर जोर दिया था कि वास्तविक नियंत्रण रेखा (एलएसी) पर शांति एवं स्थिरता बनाए रखना बेहद जरूर है, क्योंकि सीमा की स्थिति दोनों देशों के आपसी संबंधों की आगे की दिशा तय करेगी। यह बयान अरुणाचल प्रदेश के ऊपरी सुबनसिरी इलाके में चीनी सैनिकों के आक्रामक रुख अपनाने की अपुष्ट खबरों के बीच आया।

भारत ने अरुणाचल प्रदेश की 27 जगहों और भौगोलिक क्षेत्रों की पहचान उनके आधिकारिक नामों से करने के अपने फैसले की चीन की ओर से की गई आलोचना को भी खारिज कर दिया। उसने कहा कि अरुणाचल प्रदेश भारत का एक अटूट एवं अभिन्न हिस्सा है। इस अविवादित सत्य को कोई नहीं बदल सकता।

2020 से भारत और चीन के रिश्तों में भारी तनाव

वर्ष 2020 में पूर्वी लद्दाख की गलवान घाटी में हुई भीषण झड़पों और उसके बाद चार साल से ज्यादा समय तक चले सैन्य टकराव के कारण भारत और चीन के रिश्तों में भारी तनाव आ गया था। इसके बाद द्विपक्षीय रिश्तों को फिर से बेहतर बनाने के लिए दोनों देशों ने पिछले करीब एक साल से ज्यादा समय में कई कदम उठाए हैं।

अक्टूबर 2024 में दोनों देशों ने पूर्वी लद्दाख में गतिरोध वाले अंतिम दो स्थान-देपसांग और डेमचोक से सैनिकों की वापसी से जुड़े समझौते को अंतिम रूप दिया था। समझौते को अंतिम रूप दिए जाने के कुछ दिनों बाद प्रधानमंत्री नरेंद्र मोदी और चीन के राष्ट्रपति शी जिनपिंग ने रूस के कजान में मुलाकात करके संबंध सुधारने के लिए कई फैसले लिए थे।

ये भी पढ़ें- Pitbull attack: पटियाला में किराए का घर देखने गए कपल पर पिटबुल कुत्ते ने किया जानलेवा हमला, खौफनाक CCTV वीडियो देखिए

पिछले साल अगस्त में मोदी शंघाई सहयोग संगठन (एससीओ) के वार्षिक शिखर सम्मेलन में शामिल होने के लिए चीन के तियानजिन शहर गए थे। एससीओ शिखर सम्मेलन से इतर pm मोदी और जिनपिंग के बीच विस्तृत बातचीत हुई थी। इस बैठक में पीएम मोदी ने कहा था कि भारत आपसी विश्वास, सम्मान और संवेदनशीलता के आधार पर चीन के साथ संबंधों को आगे बढ़ाने के लिए प्रतिबद्ध है।

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‘नदी का रौद्र रूप…तेज बहाव में बह गया पुल’, चमोली का खौफनाक वीडियो वायरल

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उत्तराखंड के चमोली जिले में भारत-चीन सीमा के पास लता गांव के नजदीक बादल फटने के बाद हालात बिगड़ गए। इस घटना का एक चौंकाने वाला वीडियो सामने आया है, जिसमें बॉर्डर रोड्स ऑर्गनाइजेशन (बीआरओ) का एक पुल तेज बहाव वाले बाढ़ के पानी में बहता नजर आ रहा है। सोशल मीडिया प्लेटफॉर्म एक्स पर सामने आए वीडियो में देखा जा सकता है कि नदी का पानी अचानक तेज हो गया। पानी का बहाव पुल के चारों तरफ तेजी से बढ़ता दिखाई देता है। कुछ ही देर में पानी की तेज लहरें पुल के ढांचे से टकराने लगती हैं।

पानी का दबाव इतना ज्यादा था कि पुल ज्यादा देर तक टिक नहीं सका। तेज बहाव ने देखते ही देखते पुल को अपनी चपेट में ले लिया और कुछ ही पलों में पूरा पुल पानी के साथ बह गया। वीडियो में बादल फटने के बाद अचानक बढ़े पानी की ताकत और उससे हुई तबाही साफ नजर आती है। सीमावर्ती इलाके में हुई इस घटना से वहां हुए नुकसान की गंभीरता का अंदाजा लगाया जा सकता है। फिलहाल इस घटना में किसी के घायल होने की तत्काल सूचना नहीं मिली है।

खबर अपडेट हो रही है….

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कोरिया मास्टर्स जीतने वाली पहली भारतीय बैडमिंटन खिलाड़ी बनी अश्मिता चालिहा (Video)

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भारतीय बैडमिंटन खिलाड़ी अश्मिता चालिहा ने रविवार को कोरिया मास्टर्स 2026 बैडमिंटन टूर्नामेंट के महिला एकल फाइनल में चीन की हान कियान्शी के खिलाफ एक गेम से पिछड़ने के बाद शानदार वापसी करते हुए खिताबी जीत दर्ज की। आज यहां 26 वर्षीय अश्मिता ने चौथी वरीयता प्राप्त चीनी खिलाड़ी हान को 14-21, 21-14, 21-14 से हराकर कोरिया मास्टर्स का खिताब जीता और इसके साथ ऐसा करने वाली पहली भारतीय बनने का गौरव हासिल किया।

यह टूर्नामेंट बीडब्ल्यूएफ सुपर 300 स्तर का है। यह जीत अश्मिता चालिहा का पहला BWF World Tour खिताब भी है और खास बात यह रही कि उन्होंने अपने पहले ही फाइनल में यह उपलब्धि हासिल की। इससे पहले भारतीय बैडमिंटन खिलाड़ी जून में मकाऊ ओपन के सेमीफाइनल तक पहुंची थीं। इसके साथ ही अश्मिता उन चुनिंदा भारतीय महिला एकल खिलाड़ियों की सूची में शामिल हो गई हैं, जिन्होंने बीडब्ल्यूएफ सुपर 300 या उससे ऊंचे स्तर के बैडमिंटन खिताब जीते हैं। इस सूची में ओलंपिक पदक विजेता साइना नेहवाल और पीवी सिंधु के अलावा देविका सिहाग और तन्वी शर्मा भी शामिल हैं।

खिताब जीतने के बाद अश्मिता चालिहा ने कहा, “जीत के बाद मैं बहुत अविश्वसनीय महसूस कर रही हूं। लेकिन मैं अभी इसे समझने की कोशिश कर रही हूं।”इस जीत के साथ भारत ने बीडब्ल्यूएफ वर्ल्ड टूर पर महिला एकल में लगातार दूसरा खिताब अपने नाम किया है। पिछले सप्ताह तन्वी शर्मा ने ताइपे ओपन का खिताब जीतकर यह सिलसिला शुरू किया था। अश्मिता चालिहा ने क्वार्टर-फाइनल में ही बड़ा उलटफेर करते हुए जापान की शीर्ष वरीयता प्राप्त हिना अकेची को हराकर अपनी मजबूत दावेदारी पेश कर दी थी।

फाइनल में भी उन्होंने शानदार शुरुआत की और हान कियान्शी के खिलाफ 9-5 की बढ़त बना ली। हालांकि, चीनी खिलाड़ी ने लगातार पांच अंक हासिल करते हुए मुकाबले का रुख पलट दिया और अश्मिता को पहला गेम गंवाना पड़ा। इसके बाद अश्मिता चालिहा ने अगले दोनों गेम में शानदार वापसी की। उन्होंने इंटरवल पर मिली बढ़त का बेहतरीन फायदा उठाया और 53 मिनट में फाइनल अपने नाम कर लिया।

इससे पहले उन्होंने ऑल-इंडियन सेमीफाइनल में हमवतन रक्षिता रामराज को भी हराया था। अश्मिता चालिहा अब इस साल महिला एकल में बीडब्ल्यूएफ वर्ल्ड टूर खिताब जीतने वाली चौथी भारतीय महिला बन गई हैं। उनसे पहले जापान ओपन में पीवी सिंधु, थाईलैंड मास्टर्स में देविका सिहाग और ताइपे ओपन में तन्वी शर्मा ने खिताब जीते थे।

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Audi global CEO backs broader powertrain mix as regional strategy takes shape

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Audi CEO Gernot Dollner next to an A6 Avant

Audi will pursue a broader powertrain strategy spanning battery-electric vehicles, plug-in hybrids and combustion engines, stepping away from its earlier plan to become an all-electric carmaker. Global CEO Gernot Döllner said he reviewed Audi’s all-electric strategy after taking charge and decided that the company needed a more balanced product and powertrain mix to address the varying pace of EV adoption across markets.

“When I joined Audi, there was an all-electric strategy in place, which was one of the first things I reviewed,” Döllner told Autocar India in an exclusive interview. “We found a more balanced strategy between plug-in hybrids, especially important for Europe, combustion engine and electric.”

Global EV sales downturn lent ICE powertrains more time

The slower-than-expected pace of EV adoption in several global markets has extended the relevance of combustion engines and plug-in hybrids. Audi expects to retain a focused combustion-engine and plug-in-hybrid portfolio, particularly for SUVs.

Audi Q3 PHEV

The company has recently completed a major investment cycle covering new petrol and diesel engines, plug-in hybrids and battery-electric vehicles designed to meet Euro 7 and other global regulations.

“For sure, the majority of our investment will be in battery electric. That’s a given,” Döllner said.

Audi will continue to invest selectively in combustion engines, including efficiency improvements and transmission technology, but Döllner expects the pace of innovation to be much faster in EVs.

Audi RS5 plug-in hybrid powertrain

“The combustion engine is fairly mature. It’s at the very end of a 100-year innovation cycle, and battery electric is still at the very beginning, to be honest,” he said. “The dominant part of our investment will definitely be on the battery-electric side.”

Electric remains Audi’s leading technology

Audi’s decision to retain combustion engines and plug-in hybrids does not alter its long-term direction towards electric vehicles.

“Electric is, for Audi, still the leading technology,” Döllner said. “It’s our main priority to step by step become more electric.”

Prototypes of upcoming Audi A2 e-tron

Audi currently has four battery-electric model lines globally and expects to increase this to five by the end of the year, with some available in more than one body style. The company will, however, tailor the powertrain mix to individual regions. Plug-in hybrids will be particularly important in Europe, while the requirements of the US market will influence Audi’s future combustion-engine and PHEV portfolio, especially for SUVs.

In India, Audi’s immediate focus remains on petrol and electric vehicles. Diesel is not part of its current plan. The case for plug-in hybrids will depend partly on whether they receive any benefit under the India-EU FTA. New electric products are also planned for India.

Audi Q6 e-tron

“From what I know, we also have decided to enter with new products in the electric segment in India,” Döllner said.

Audi has decided to assemble an electric vehicle in India, Autocar India learns, although the model and launch timing are still being worked out. The move from fully imported EVs to local assembly is now a question of when, rather than if.

The company was among the first luxury carmakers to enter India’s EV market with models such as the e-tron, e-tron Sportback, e-tron GT and Q8 e-tron. High import duties, however, restricted their reach and affected their resale-value proposition.

Audi Q6 e-tron

The Q6 e-tron is among the products being studied, but Audi has not decided which EV will be assembled in India. The selected model will need to offer the right combination of volume, pricing and suitability for local conditions.

Audi believes electric SUVs make more practical sense in India because their ground clearance is better suited to local road conditions. Sedans have not been ruled out, but SUVs offer a more practical proposition for battery-electric vehicles in the country.

Regional focus to shape future products

The broader powertrain approach is part of Döllner’s effort to make Audi more responsive to the requirements of individual regions.

“Audi has to act much more regional,” he said. “The times where we had a one size fits all, and we then bring it to China, just extend the wheelbase and do the same car, that doesn’t work anymore. We have to listen carefully to the markets.”

The Q9 is the first clear example of that approach. Conceived around the requirements of American customers, it will be the first Audi to make its market debut in the US.

Audi Q9

“The Q9 is a perfect proof point of a car. The biggest Audi we’ve ever built,” Döllner said. “That car would not be there without the American market.”

India does not yet generate the volumes required for Audi to develop country-specific models. Local requirements covering ground clearance, suspension, tyres, weather, dust and fuel quality are, however, fed into its global development process. The introduction of new models in India is also expected to move closer to their global launches, helping Audi benefit from the interest created when a vehicle is revealed internationally.

Döllner said the improvement in India’s manufacturing and automotive technology has changed how the country is viewed within the global industry.

Audi Q9

“India is also an excellent proof point. It’s really unbelievable what the car industry has developed in India and what level of perfection and technology products are delivered,” he said.

“In the past, there has been this strong European automotive industry, and the world has turned around. Now we have a very dynamic Chinese market, a growing and rising Indian automotive industry. The US is a story of its own.”

“What keeps me awake at night is if we are able to change fast enough,” Döllner said. “We have to speed up.”

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KTM RC 490 and RC 790 confirmed to be in development

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KTM RC 490 and RC 790 confirmed to be in development

“Where is the Gen-3 Duke-based RC 390?” has been a pressing question in many people’s minds. While we still wait to hear about the 390, we now know that there’s an RC 490 and a 790 coming, according to KTM CEO Gottfried Neumeister in a recent interview.

  1. RC 490 to be based on a new platform not shared with China-exclusive RC 450
  2. RC 790 should share a lot with the freshly updated KTM 790 Duke

KTM RC 490 and RC 790: What do we know so far?

While it sounds closer to RC 450, RC 490 will be based on a different platform

“We definitely want to extend our RC [supersport] line-up; the 990 was first, and we’ll have a 790 and a 490, like other brands with mid- and lower-class presence and in a segment that is growing,” were his exact words, which tell us two things.

One, there will be not one but two new RC motorcycles, and two, the absence of the 390 could mean that KTM intends for the 490 to be the new entry-level supersport in global markets at least.

Based on previous information, we know that this 490 will not be the same as the China-exclusive RC 450. It will be a new platform, jointly developed by Bajaj and KTM and will likely be derived from the current 390 LC4c platform. It’s reported to use a twin-cylinder engine, with its smoothness likely to be the big differentiator. There’s no official launch timeline as yet.

Ever since the 390 Duke was updated to Gen 3 in mid-2023, KTM fans have been anticipating the update to reach the RC 390 as well. However, that hasn’t happened yet, and the latest RC 390 sold in India still uses the older LC4 373cc engine.

For the RC 790, however, we have a blueprint to look at in the recently revealed 790 Duke. Traditionally, Dukes serve as a precursor to RCs; if that continues to be the case here, the upcoming RC 790 should share the updated LC8c platform and the parallel twin-cylinder engine that makes a similar, if not the exact same, 104hp and 87Nm of torque. However, the power delivery will likely be different to account for the RC’s high-revving nature.

At this point, it’s worth mentioning that KTM had recently launched the 990 RC R, followed by the track-focused 990 RC R Cup. These are currently the newest supersport motorcycles in the Austrian manufacturer’s global portfolio.

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BMW X1 LWB launch on August 21

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BMW X1 LWB

BMW will launch the X1 LWB in India on Friday, August 21. A stretched version of the standard X1 SUV and the ICE equivalent to the iX1 LWB – both of which are sold here too – the X1 LWB will serve as BMW’s most affordable combustion-powered long-wheelbase model for the Indian market. Like other long-wheelbase BMWs, the X1 LWB was originally conceived for the Chinese market, where the SUV has been on sale since 2023. 

BMW X1 LWB exterior design

116mm longer than standard X1

Stretching the tape at 4,616mm long, 1,845mm wide, 1,641mm tall, and with a wheelbase of 2,802mm, the X1 LWB is 116mm longer (110mm increase in wheelbase) and 11mm taller than its SWB counterpart. There are otherwise no changes on the styling front compared to the standard X1, so the LWB continues to offer sleek LED headlamps and tail-lamps, large kidney grilles up front, and a relatively low-slung crossover-esque profile.

The China-spec X1 LWB gets 19-inch alloy wheels as standard (20-inchers optional), but these could be downsized for the India-spec version in the interest of ride quality – the standard X1 and iX1 LWB come with 18-inchers here.

BMW X1 LWB interior and features

Increased rear legroom, higher bench and wider headrest cushions

Expectedly, the interior layout of the X1 LWB is identical to that of its SWB counterpart, save for an upgraded experience for rear occupants – generous increase in legroom, 27mm bump in seat height and 37mm wider headrest cushions. At 540 litres, the X1 LWB’s boot is also larger than the standard X1’s 476-litre capacity.

The features list includes a 10.7-inch infotainment touchscreen, a 10.25-inch digital driver’s display, a wireless charging pad, powered front seats, automatic climate control, a powered tailgate, a digital key, a Harman Kardon sound system, connected car tech, auto park assist and more.

BMW X1 LWB engine and gearbox options

2.0-litre turbo-petrol mill and 7-speed DCT

In India, the standard X1 is sold in two variants, sDrive18i and sDrive18d, offering 1.5-litre 3-cyl turbo-petrol and 2.0-litre 4-cyl diesel engines, respectively. However, the China-spec X1 LWB gets neither of those engines. Instead, it’s sold in sDrive25Li FWD and xDrive25Li AWD guises, and powered by a 2.0-litre 4-cyl turbo-petrol motor that outputs 204hp and 300Nm – up 68hp and 70Nm over the sDrive18i – and is paired with a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic. 0-100kph comes up in 7.9 seconds for the FWD version and 7.7 seconds for the AWD X1 LWB. Top speed is rated at up to 229kph.

BMW X1 LWB price estimate and positioning

No direct rivals in the Indian luxury car market

Pricing for the standard X1 starts at Rs 50.9 lakh and tops off at Rs 52.9 lakh in India, so expect the X1 LWB to command a premium, especially if BMW offers it with the more powerful 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine. The X1 LWB will sit in a unique spot of the market, as there are no long-wheelbase entry-level luxury SUVs to rival it at the moment.

All prices are ex-showroom, India.

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Audi’s big India comeback, Tata Sierra EV first drive: Autocar India August 2026

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Autocar India August 2026

Our August 2026 issue has all the exclusive details of Audi India’s most ambitious product offensive in over a decade, with six all-new locally assembled models planned over the next 18 months. We also get behind the wheel of Jaguar’s camouflaged Type 01 prototype and drive the Range Rover Sport EV at Goodwood. Closer to home, we find out if the Tata Sierra EV lives up to its billing as the best Tata on sale, while the Nissan Tekton is put through a 700km-plus real-world test from Chandigarh to Leh. We also break down India’s new most popular fuel in our CNG special, with five models tested back-to-back. On two wheels, the new Norton Atlas is ridden in Iceland, while a special Ducati takes on some of Maharashtra’s tricky trails. All this while a Skoda Kylaq sets off on an epic 19,351km drive from Pune to Prague.

Audi’s Big Comeback: Cover Story

Audi was once India’s bestselling luxury brand. Today, it is a shadow of that. Now, with six all-new locally assembled models planned by end-2027, the four rings are back on the offensive. We have all the details and speak to Audi India head Balbir Singh Dhillon and Audi AG chairman Gernot Dollner about the upcoming cars. 

Jaguar Type 01: Drive

Jaguar has walked away from 90 years of combustion heritage, cancelled every existing model and started again with a blank sheet of paper. The Type 01 is the result – a five-metre all-electric grand tourer with a 1,000hp three-motor setup, 600km of range and a starting price north of Rs 3 crore. We drive a camouflaged prototype at JLR’s Gaydon test track to find out if the boldest bet in the car industry’s history has legs. 

Range Rover Sport EV: Drive

Under its familiar skin sits an 800V architecture, two Land Rover-developed 326hp motors and a 118.5kWh battery validated over 60,000 hours of testing. The electric Range Rover Sport arrives in India around March 2027 and could set a new luxury benchmark for the brand. We drive a prototype at Goodwood to find out if it lives up to that promise. 

Tata Sierra EV: First Drive

The best Tata in years gets the brand’s smoothest powertrain yet. The Sierra EV comes in rear-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive forms, with the AWD variant making a class-leading 306hp and bringing the first AWD option in this segment. We drive all variants, including a proper off-road test, to see if it lives up to the hype. 

Honda ZR-V: Drive

Honda’s first hybrid SUV in India arrives as a full import from Japan, packing a 184hp strong-hybrid powertrain and a claimed 22.8kpl. We get a brief first taste at the Buddh International Circuit to find out if it delivers on its promise.

Mercedes-AMG E 53 Hybrid 4Matic+: First Drive

The new E 53 pairs a 3.0-litre straight-six with a 28.6kWh battery for 585hp and up to 100km of electric range. It is a PHEV AMG that also does daily commutes without a drop of fuel. But has electrification enhanced the AMG experience, or diluted it? 

CNG Special: Features

CNG now accounts for nearly 20 percent of India’s passenger car market. We explain everything you need to know about the fuel – what it is, how it works and whether an aftermarket conversion makes sense. We also road test five CNG models: the Tata Tiago iCNG, Maruti Wagon R S-CNG, Hyundai Aura CNG, Maruti Brezza Turbo (petrol) and Maruti Victoris S-CNG.

Tata Nexon: Petrol vs Diesel vs Electric vs CNG

The Nexon is one of the few cars in India offered with four distinct powertrain options. We test every variant – turbo-petrol, diesel, CNG and electric – with real-world performance and efficiency figures to find the sweet spot of the range. The result might just surprise you.

Skoda Kylaq: Pune to Prague, Part 1

A made-in-India Skoda Kylaq sets off on a near-20,000km adventure from its birthplace at Skoda’s Chakan plant to Skoda Auto’s headquarters in Prague. Part 1 covers India, Nepal, Tibet and China – including a detour to Mount Everest Base Camp.

Norton Atlas: Ride

TVS’s second Norton – and the brand’s most important – debuts in Iceland. The Atlas is a 585cc parallel-twin adventure tourer with 70hp, a full electronics suite and 19-inch front wheel. We ride 200km of sweeping mountain roads and gravel trails to find out if it can justify the hype and, crucially, a competitive price tag.

Ducati Multistrada V4 Pikes Peak: First Ride

The most focused Multistrada money can buy blurs the line between a practical ADV and an out-and-out sport bike. With Ohlins semi-active suspension, a single-sided swingarm and a race-mode, it promises to be two bikes in one. We find out if the price premium is worth it.

Suzuki E-Access: Road Test

Suzuki’s first electric scooter carries a big name and an even bigger price tag. It gets some things right, but in a segment that rewards value, performance and range, does the Access badge alone justify the Rs 1.92 lakh asking price?