Kinetic Watts & Volts eyes seven overseas markets

Kinetic Watts & Volts eyes seven overseas markets
Kinetic Watts & Volts eyes seven overseas markets

Kinetic Watts & Volts (KWV) is evaluating seven international markets as the Pune-based electric two-wheeler maker looks to expand beyond India. Turkey, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Kenya, Nigeria and Egypt are currently being assessed, with KWV studying local regulations, customer requirements, electric two-wheeler demand and potential distribution partners.

  1. International expansion to cover markets across Europe, South Asia and Africa
  2. Makarand Joshi appointed to lead KWV’s international business development
  3. Company plans to add 40 more exclusive showrooms in India

Kinetic EV international expansion plans

It has also issued 150 LOIs to prospective dealership partners.

KWV currently sells the Kinetic DX and DX+ electric scooters in India, with the range positioned around accessible urban mobility. The company is now looking to identify markets and distribution partners that can support its next phase of growth overseas.

KWV has appointed Makarand Joshi as head of international business development to lead its overseas plans. Joshi has more than two decades of experience in developing overseas markets for Indian automotive products, with experience across Asia, the Middle East, Europe and Africa. His background includes two-wheelers, commercial vehicles and tractors, as well as international distribution and market-entry strategies.

Ajinkya Firodia, Vice Chairman and Managing Director, Kinetic Watts & Volts, said the company’s products had been designed with a broad range of markets in mind. He added that the momentum of its domestic business had allowed KWV to begin laying the groundwork for international expansion. The company is yet to confirm which of the seven markets it will enter or provide a timeline for its overseas launch.

KWV’s international plans come as it continues to build its presence in the Indian market. The company currently has 45 exclusive showrooms and expects another 40 outlets to become operational within the next two months. It has also issued 150 Letters of Intent (LOI) to prospective dealership partners.

With inputs from ANGITHA SURESH

MY2025 Volkswagen Taigun gets up to Rs 3.5 lakh discount in September 2026

MY2025 Volkswagen Taigun gets up to Rs 3.5 lakh discount in September 2026
Taigun

Volkswagen is offering benefits on the Virtus, Taigun, Tiguan R-Line and Tayron in September 2026. The benefits vary by model, variant and model year, and comprise cash discounts, exchange or scrappage bonuses and loyalty benefits.

Disclaimer: Discounts vary from city to city and are subject to stock availability. Check with your local dealership for exact figures.

Volkswagen Tiguan R-Line discounts in September 2026

Up to Rs 6 lakh off

The Tiguan R-Line gets benefits of up to Rs 6 lakh in September 2026. These comprise a Rs 3.5 lakh cash discount, a Rs 2 lakh exchange bonus and a Rs 50,000 loyalty bonus. Customers opting for scrappage can get Rs 20,000 instead of the Rs 2 lakh exchange bonus.

Volkswagen Taigun discounts in September 2026

Up to Rs 3.5 lakh off

Volkswagen is offering different benefits on the outgoing Taigun and the updated Taigun this month. The outgoing Taigun gets higher benefits, with MY2025 cars getting a cash discount of up to Rs 2 lakh, along with Rs 1 lakh in liquidation support. MY2026 cars get a cash discount of up to Rs 1 lakh. Eligible buyers can also get a Rs 30,000 exchange bonus or a Rs 20,000 scrappage benefit, along with a Rs 20,000 loyalty benefit.

On the updated Taigun, cash discounts range from Rs 20,000 to Rs 25,000, depending on the variant. The GT Line gets Rs 20,000, while the Topline AT and GT Plus DSG Sport get Rs 25,000. A Rs 30,000 exchange bonus or a Rs 20,000 scrappage benefit, as well as a Rs 20,000 loyalty benefit, is also available on eligible variants.

The exchange and scrappage benefits cannot be combined, and customers can choose either a loyalty or a corporate benefit.

Volkswagen Virtus discounts in September 2026

Up to Rs 1.55 lakh off

Volkswagen is offering different benefits on the Virtus, depending on the variant and model year this month. MY2025 cars get a cash discount of up to Rs 75,000, while MY2026 cars get up to Rs 50,000 off. Eligible buyers can also get a Rs 30,000 exchange bonus or a Rs 20,000 scrappage benefit, along with a Rs 50,000 loyalty benefit.

The highest benefit is available on the MY2025 Virtus Topline MT and AT, which get a Rs 75,000 cash discount, a Rs 30,000 exchange bonus and a Rs 50,000 loyalty benefit, taking the total to Rs 1.55 lakh. The MY2026 Topline variants get a Rs 50,000 cash discount, making the maximum benefit Rs 1.30 lakh when combined with the exchange and loyalty benefits.

Volkswagen Tayron discounts in September 2026

Up to Rs 1.5 lakh off

The Tayron, available in R-Line and Life variants, gets benefits of up to Rs 1.5 lakh. There is no cash discount, but buyers can get a Rs 1 lakh exchange bonus and a Rs 50,000 loyalty bonus. Alternatively, the exchange bonus can be replaced by a Rs 20,000 scrappage bonus.

KTM 390 Adventure new white colour spotted ahead of launch

KTM 390 Adventure new white colour spotted ahead of launch
KTM 390 Adventure new white colour spotted ahead of launch

The KTM 390 Adventure has been spotted at a dealership with a new White colourway with refreshed graphics. This would be the second new colour that’s exclusive to the 349cc 390 Adventure after the recently spotted Ebony Black colour.

  1. KTM 390 Adventure currently has three colours
  2. Another new colour, Ebony Black was launched recently
  3. New colour to further distinguish the 349cc bike from 399cc

No apparent changes

Except for the missing handguards

The 390 Adventure is currently offered in Electronic Orange, Ceramic White, and Ebony Black. The base paint scheme on this new colour appears to be the same as the existing Ceramic White, which is shared between the Adventure and the Adventure S. However, this colour has different decals with the word Adventure spelled out on the side panel; whereas previously it just said KTM. The background also has changed from orange to light grey. While the motorcycle in these images appear to be lacking the handguards, we can expect them to be a default offering, like on all the other Adventures.

Besides these differences, the motorcycle is expected to continue with its downsized 349cc single-cylinder engine and is otherwise identical to the 390 Adventure X in terms of features. Before this and the Ebony Black colours were rolled out, the 349cc Adventure looks quite similar to the 399cc Adventure at a glance, so it’s likely that the new colours are meant to make that distinction easier. Currently, the 390 Adventure with a 349cc engine costs Rs 2.87 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi). We can expect the new colour to officially launch soon since it’s already started reaching dealerships.

Image credits: Sk Sajid Rider

 

 

 

Which variant of the Skoda Kylaq should you buy?

Which variant of the Skoda Kylaq should you buy?
Skoda Kylaq variants and features explained

The Kylaq, Skoda’s most affordable offering in India, was introduced in 2024 and marked the brand’s return to the sub-4m space after years. Currently, the Kylaq is Skoda’s best-selling model in our market and has sold over 50,000 units since its launch as of February 2026. Here’s a breakdown of the powertrain options, comfort and convenience features, safety kit and exterior colours available on each trim of the Skoda SUV.

Skoda Kylaq variant-wise price and powertrain options

The base Classic trim misses out on an automatic transmission option

Skoda Kylaq ex-showroom price as of August 21, 2026 (Rs lakh)

Trim

MT

AT

Classic

7.59

Classic+

8.25

9.25

Signature

9.43

10.43

Signature+

10.77

11.77

Sportline

11.32

12.32

Prestige

11.75

12.75

Prestige+

11.99

12.99

The Skoda Kylaq has an ex-showroom price ranging from Rs 7.59 lakh to Rs 12.99 lakh. Except for the base Classic trim, the remaining trim levels offer both manual and automatic gearboxes. Powering the Kylaq is a 115hp, 178Nm, 1.0-litre direct-injection turbo-petrol engine that also does duty in the Kushaq and the Slavia. Transmission duties are handled by either a -speed manual or a 6-speed automatic gearbox. Notably, in Classic+ guise, the Kylaq is the most accessible car with a torque converter gearbox. 

Skoda claims a top speed of 188kph and that the manual version is capable of a 0-100kph sprint in 10.5 seconds. In our Kylaq real-world performance tests, the automatic version achieved a 0-100kph time of 11.69 seconds. Skoda also claims an ARAI-rated fuel economy of 19.68kpl for the manual and 19.05kpl for the automatic; our Kylaq real-world mileage tests saw the manual average 12.86kpl, while the automatic went 11.03km on a litre of petrol.

Skoda Kylaq variant-wise colour options

Offered in seven colours on the outside, two on the inside 

The compact SUV is offered in seven colours, namely, Candy White, Brilliant Silver, Cherry Red, Carbon Steel, Deep Black, Lava Blue, and Steel Grey. While all trims come in a monotone finish, select paint jobs on the Sportline come with a black roof. Additionally, the Sportline trim exclusively gets the Steel Grey colour option. The interior of the Skoda Kylaq gets a black and grey colour scheme as standard, but the Sportline has an all-black theme. Here’s a table comprising the available exterior colours on the Skoda Kylaq depending on the trim level chosen:

Colour 

Classic

Classic+

Signature

Signature+

Sportline 

Prestige

Prestige+ 

Candy White

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Dual-tone

Yes

Yes

Brilliant Silver

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Dual-tone

Yes

Yes

Cherry Red

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Dual-tone

Yes

Yes

Carbon Steel

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Deep Black

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Lava Blue

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Steel Grey

Dual-tone

Skoda Kylaq standard safety kit 

Gets six airbags, ABS, EBD, traction control and more.

As standard, the Skoda Kylaq comes equipped with six airbags, ABS, EBD, ESC, traction control, brake disc wiping, roll-over protection, central locking, rear parking sensor, and ISOFIX mounts. 

Skoda Kylaq variant-wise features

Skoda Kylaq Classic: Rs 7.59 lakh

Gearbox option – 6MT

Skoda Kylaq Classic trim exterior
Skoda Kylaq Classic trim interior
 

Skoda Kylaq Classic trim

  • LED headlights with LED daytime running lamps (DRLs)
  • LED tail-lights
  • 16-inch steel wheels with covers
  • 15-inch spare wheel
  • Roof rails
  • Roof-mounted spoiler
  • Dual-tone dashboard
  • Manual day/night interior rearview mirror (IRVM)
  • Driver seat height adjust
  • Adjustable headrests for all passengers
  • Auto engine start-stop
  • Tilt and telescopic steering adjust
  • Powered wing mirrors
  • All power windows
  • Auto AC
  • Rear defogger
  • Analogue dials with a digital MID
  • Front centre armrest
  • 12V charging socket (front)
  • Fabric seats
  • Analogue dials with 3.5-inch MID
  • 2 tweeters
  • Front LED cabin lamps

Skoda Kylaq Classic+ – Rs 8.25 lakh-9.25 lakh

Gearbox options – 6MT, 6AT

Features over Classic

  • Single-pane sunroof
  • Cruise control
  • 4 speakers
  • Auto-dimming IRVM
  • Front and rear LED cabin lamps
  • Steering-mounted controls
  • Leatherette-wrapped gear lever (AT only)
  • Rear LED cabin lamps
  • One-touch up/down for driver-side window 

Skoda Kylaq Signature – Rs 9.43 lakh-10.43 lakh

Gearbox options – 6MT, 6AT

Skoda Kylaq Signature trim exterior
Skoda Kylaq Signature trim interior
 

Skoda Kylaq Signature trim

Features over Classic+
  • 16-inch silver alloy wheels
  • Black tailgate strip between the tail-lights
  • Tyre-pressure monitoring system (TPMS)
  • Paddle shifters (AT only)
  • 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system
  • Wired Android Auto and Apple CarPlay 
  • 2x USB Type-C ports (rear)
  • Auto-folding outside rearview mirrors (ORVMs)
  • Rear wiper and washer
  • Chrome garnish on AC vents and door handles
  • Rear AC vents
  • Sliding front centre armrest with storage space
  • Cooled glove box
  • Driver-side window one-touch up/down
  • Rain-sensing wipers (front)

Skoda Kylaq Signature+ – Rs 10.77 lakh-11.77 lakh

Gearbox options – 6MT, 6AT

Skoda Kylaq Signature+ trim exterior
Skoda Kylaq Signature+ trim interior
 

Skoda Kylaq Signature+ trim

Features over Signature
  • Shark-fin antenna
  • Chrome strip on outside door handles
  • Auto-folding ORVMs
  • Hill-hold assist
  • Rear parking camera with static guidelines
  • Auto headlights with follow-me-home function
  • Keyless entry and go
  • 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system
  • Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
  • 8-inch digital instrument cluster
  • Dash inserts
  • Leather-wrapped steering wheel
  • USB Type-C ports (front) 
  • 60:40 split-folding rear seats
  • Rear centre armrest with cup holders
  • Rear parcel tray
  • In-car connectivity suite

Skoda Kylaq Sportline – Rs 11.32 lakh to Rs 12.32 lakh

Gearbox options – 6MT, 6AT

Features over Signature+

Skoda Kylaq Sportline
Skoda Kylaq Sportline interior
 

Skoda Kylaq Sportline trim

 

  • Black 17-inch alloy wheels
  • Rear spoiler with finlets 
  • Black ORVMs and branding 
  • Sportline badge on tailgate
  • Leatherette front armrest and door pads
  • White ambient lighting
  • Aluminium pedals 
  • Leatherette seat upholstery with Sportline inscription
  • LED projector headlamps 
  • LED fog lamps with cornering function
  • Wireless phone charger

Skoda Kylaq Prestige – Rs 11.75 lakh-12.75 lakh

Gearbox options – 6MT, 6AT

Skoda Kylaq Prestige trim exterior
Skoda Kylaq Prestige trim interior
 

Skoda Kylaq Prestige trim

Features over Signature+
  • Dual-tone 17-inch alloys
  • LED projector headlights
  • LED rear turn indicator and reverse lamp
  • Front LED fog lamps with static bending function
  • White ambient lighting
  • Leatherette upholstery on seats, front armrest and doors
  • Chrome parking brake tip
  • Ventilated front seats
  • Wireless phone charger
  • Anti-theft alarm

Skoda Kylaq Prestige+ – Rs 11.99 lakh-12.99 lakh

Gearbox options – 6MT, 6AT

Feature over Prestige

  • 6-way powered front seats

Which Skoda Kylaq variant should you consider?

The mid-spec Signature+ trim offers good value for money

Starting at Rs 10.77 lakh, the mid-spec Signature+ trim offers dual digital screens, a single-pane sunroof, a rear parking camera with sensors, auto AC with rear vents, all-LED lighting and 16-inch silver alloy wheels, making it a value-for-money offering. While you do miss out on features such as a wireless phone charger and powered and ventilated front seats, the premium you have to pay for these is not justifiable. Moreover, this trim is available with both manual and automatic gearbox options.

However, if you are on a budget, you can consider the lower Signature trim, which offers a smaller touchscreen with wired Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, rear wiper and washer, rear AC vents and a sunroof. This trim also comes in both manual and automatic variants, and priced at Rs 9.43 lakh and Rs 10.43 lakh, respectively, they still offer a lot of value.

Although the Classic+ trim is also well-equipped for its price, the lack of an infotainment system makes recommending it a bit more challenging. However, the 7-inch OEM infotainment system with wired smartphone connectivity, offered with the higher Signature trim, is available in the online classifieds marketplace under Rs 10,000. If you are open to retrofitting it at your authorised dealership, the Classic+ trim becomes the most value-for-money option on a strict budget. 

Prices are ex-showroom, India.

New Bajaj Pulsar 125 and Pulsar 150 to launch on August 24

New Bajaj Pulsar 125 and Pulsar 150 to launch on August 24
 New Bajaj Pulsar 125 and Pulsar 150 to launch on August 24

We’ve known for some time that Bajaj is working on an updated Pulsar 150, and a Pulsar 125. Earlier expected by August 12, we now expect them to arrive on August 24. The two models had recently been spotted arriving at dealerships, making the launch imminent.

  1. Will get a new engine and chassis
  2. Replaces the current twin-shock with a monoshock suspension
  3. Expected to get many features from the recently launched N160

What to expect from the new Pulsar 125 and 150?

Revised design and lots of new features

An earlier leak gave us a very detailed look at both the motorcycles. From them, we understood that Bajaj has revised the design heavily on both, with the 150 (at least) getting an updated oil-cooled engine. Power figures are unknown at this time, but the improved cooling should mean improvement on the performance front. For reference, the current Pulsar 125 is powered by a 124.4cc single-cylinder, air-cooled engine producing 11.8hp of power and 10.8Nm of torque; the current Pulsar 150 is powered by a 149.5cc single-cylinder, air-cooled engine producing 14hp and 13.3Nm of torque.

The chassis, however, is going to be brand-new with a single-downtube frame replacing the twin-cradle frame units seen on the current Pulsars. Suspension is expected to be conventional RSU (right side up) telescopic fork at the front, but the current rear twin-shock will be replaced with a monoshock unit. Braking duties appear to be handled by a front disc brake and a rear drum brake, which tacitly confirms at least the base variants will only get single-channel ABS.

Looks and features-wise classic Pulsar fans have a lot to look forward to. The familiar Pulsar silhouette is being retained, but Bajaj appears to have modernised the design more with a reworked headlight cowl, side panels, and a new, fully digital LCD instrument cluster. Though it is entirely possible that higher variants would get a TFT instrument cluster like on the updated Pulsar N160’s top variant. Another minor change is the heel-toe gear shifter on the current Pulsars being replaced with just a toe shifter. Both the dealership sightings have shown us Pulsars with single-piece seats, but it’s likely that the higher variants of the 150—if not both—will also have split seat versions.

Bajaj has tried to comprehensively update/replace the classic Pulsar(s) many times in the past, but inevitably had to keep them alive owing to their demand, while adding new branches to the stable. It remains to be seen if these two will finally get the job done. We should know more closer to August 24.

Image credits: Rushlane and Akram Saifullah

New Royal Enfield Classic 350 Gorkha Edition spotted

New Royal Enfield Classic 350 Gorkha Edition spotted
Royal Enfield Classic 350 Gorkha Edition at a dealership

A new special edition of the Royal Enfield Classic 350 has been spotted at a dealership. The Classic 350 Gorkha Edition is finished in matte military green and features imagery drawn from one of the most decorated regiments in the Indian Army – the Gorkha Regiment.

  1. Royal Enfield Classic 350 Gorkha Edition spotted at a dealership
  2. Finished in matte military green with crossed Khukri insignia on the side panels
  3. Chrome engine casings, exhaust and wire-spoke rims

Royal Enfield Classic 350 Gorkha Edition: What we know

Mechanically identical to the rest of the Classic 350 range

From the video of the bike at a dealership, the Gorkha Edition features chrome-finished engine casings and exhaust, and rides on chrome wire-spoke rims, unlike some of the colourways for the Classic 350 that get blacked-out elements and alloy wheels. The Gorkha Edition sticker on the side panels prominently features the crossed Khukri (traditional knife) insignia associated with the Gorkha Rifles.

Mechanically, the Gorkha Edition is expected to be identical to the rest of the Classic 350 range, powered by the 349cc J-series single-cylinder engine producing 20.2hp and 27Nm, paired with a 5-speed gearbox. The Classic 350 was recently updated with a slip-and-assist clutch and a USB Type-C charging port on dual-channel ABS variants, and considering this is a special edition, we could expect these updates to be included on this bike.

Royal Enfield has not officially announced the Gorkha Edition or confirmed pricing, but given that it appears to have reached dealerships, a launch in the near future is likely.

Image source: PJ Auto Hub

3 reasons to buy the Aprilia Tuono 457 Special Edition and 2 reasons to skip it

3 reasons to buy the Aprilia Tuono 457 Special Edition and 2 reasons to skip it
Aprilia Tuono 457 Special Edition side profile static

The Aprilia Tuono 457 Special Edition is now the only version of the Tuono 457 available in India. Despite the name, this is not a limited run on top of the standard bike, but the replacement for it. It arrives with a revised riding position, retuned suspension and a standard-fit flyscreen, all aimed at making the Tuono a more liveable everyday machine without compromising its core character. Here’s what works in its favour and a couple of reasons it might not be for you.

Reasons to buy the Aprilia Tuono 457 Special Edition

Noticeably better ergonomics and comfort

The original Tuono 457 was essentially a naked RS 457 with the same seat, same riding position, and just with a flat handlebar instead of clip-ons. For taller riders in particular, it felt uncomfortably cramped. The Special Edition addresses this with taller handlebar risers and additional seat padding (both around 10mm each) which sound modest on paper but make a meaningful difference in practice. During our time with the bike, Rishaad, who stands 6’1″ found that the new ergonomics offered a substantial improvement over the older bike, especially after a long ride. The retuned suspension, with a softer initial stroke front and rear, also makes the bike less abrasive over imperfect roads without blunting its handling.

An engine and chassis that no locally manufactured rival can match

The 457cc parallel-twin remains the highlight of the package. It produces 47.6hp and 43.5Nm, makes a genuinely excellent sound, and has a strong enough mid-range to pull clutch-up wheelies in second gear – something no other locally manufactured motorcycle at this price can do. The chassis is equally impressive, with a taut, reactive feel that gives it what the reviewer describes as a scaled-down big bike character. Highway speeds are effortless, and the bike cruises comfortably at 130kph and above.

Better relative value than before

The Tuono 457 Special Edition is priced at Rs 3.99 lakh – unchanged from when the standard Tuono launched. Meanwhile, its closest rival, the KTM 390 Duke, has seen its price rise due to the GST rate hike applicable to motorcycles above 350cc. What was previously a Rs 1 lakh gap has now narrowed to around Rs 50,000. That shift in relative positioning makes the Tuono a more compelling consideration than it was even a few months ago.

Reasons to skip the Aprilia Tuono 457 Special Edition

It’s still a compact motorcycle

The ergonomic improvements are real, but the Tuono 457 remains a small, compact motorcycle. The footpegs are still high-set, position is still sporty, and taller riders will still find it more constricted than, say, a KTM 390 Duke or a Triumph Speed 400. The changes make it more manageable, not roomy. If everyday comfort over long distances is your priority, this is not the bike for you.

Aprilia’s dealer network remains limited

Aprilia’s sales and service network in India is significantly more restricted than rivals like KTM, Triumph and Royal Enfield. For riders outside major metropolitan areas, finding an Aprilia dealership for routine servicing or warranty work can be a real inconvenience and it’s a concern that hasn’t been addressed alongside the motorcycle’s improvements. It also tends to be a more expensive bike to run, both in terms of service costs and spare parts.

Mahindra Thar Roxx gets up to Rs 1.20 lakh discount in August 2026

Roxx

Mahindra is offering discounts across much of its ICE line-up in August 2026. The Thar Roxx and Scorpio N receive the highest benefits among the brand’s mainstream SUVs this month, while offers are also available on the Scorpio Classic, Thar, XUV 3XO, Bolero Neo and Bolero Neo Plus. Offers are valid until August 31 and may vary depending on the region, dealer and stock availability.

Disclaimer: Offers may vary by region, dealer, stock availability and customer eligibility. Please check with your nearest authorised Mahindra dealership for exact details.

Mahindra Scorpio N discounts in August 2026

Up to Rs 1.25 lakh off

The Scorpio N is available with benefits of up to Rs 1,25,000. These include a cash discount of Rs 1,00,000 and accessories worth Rs 25,000. These discounts apply to existing pre-facelift stock available with dealers.

The Scorpio N is priced between Rs 13.69 lakh and Rs 25.49 lakh (ex-showroom). It rivals the Tata Safari and Thar Roxx. It impresses with its smooth petrol and diesel engines and off-road capability, although the third-row seats and luggage space are not great.

Mahindra Thar Roxx discounts in August 2026

Up to Rs 1.20 lakh off

The Thar Roxx receives benefits of up to Rs 1.20 lakh this month. This comprises a cash discount of Rs 92,000 along with a ceramic coating package worth Rs 28,000. Priced between Rs 12.52 lakh and Rs 23.52 lakh, the Thar Roxx rivals the Force Gurkha 5-door and serves as a more practical alternative to the three-door Thar. It combines the Thar’s off-road capability with a more practical cabin, better refinement and stronger road manners.

Mahindra Scorpio Classic discounts in August 2026

Up to Rs 75,000 off

Mahindra is offering benefits of up to Rs 75,000 on the Scorpio Classic. The offer comprises a cash discount of Rs 50,000 and accessories worth Rs 25,000. Priced between Rs 13.37 lakh and Rs 17.40 lakh, the Scorpio Classic continues to appeal with its refined diesel engine and rugged character, although it lacks the features and driving sophistication of newer rivals.

Mahindra Thar discounts in August 2026

Up to Rs 50,000 off

The three-door Thar is available with a cash discount of up to Rs 50,000 this month. Priced between Rs 10.32 lakh and Rs 18.00 lakh, the Thar rivals the Force Gurkha and Maruti Suzuki Jimny. It offers great  off-road capability and is offered with refined and punchy petrol and diesel engine options, although luggage space is limited and access to the rear seats can be cumbersome.

Mahindra Bolero Neo and Bolero Neo Plus discounts in August 2026

Up to Rs 45,000 off

The Bolero Neo and Bolero Neo Plus receive cash discounts of up to Rs 45,000. The Bolero Neo is priced between Rs 8.99 lakh and Rs 10.79 lakh, while the Bolero Neo Plus costs Rs 11.39 lakh to Rs 12.49 lakh. Both SUVs are built to withstand rough roads and heavy use, although they are not as refined or as well equipped as newer compact SUVs.

Mahindra XUV 3XO discounts in August 2026

Up to Rs 40,000 off

The XUV 3XO is available with a cash discount of up to Rs 40,000 this month. Priced from Rs 7.79 lakh to Rs 15.04 lakh (ex-showroom), the XUV 3XO rivals the Maruti Brezza, Tata Nexon, Hyundai Venue, Kia Sonet, Skoda Kylaq and Nissan Magnite. It offers strong petrol and diesel engines along with a feature-rich cabin, although its boot is smaller than several rivals.

All prices are ex-showroom, India.

Hero Xpulse 210 long-term review, 5,600km report

Hero Xpulse 210 long-term review, 5,600km report

Ever since the Xpulse 210 was launched, I was fascinated by the balance it strikes between a dual-sport motorcycle and an adventure tourer. With its slim midsection, 21-inch front wheel, long-travel suspension and commanding riding position, it seemed like the ideal companion for our less-than-perfect roads. After spending over two months with the bike, I can confidently say it has lived up to those expectations. The odometer has now crossed the 5,600km mark, and the Xpulse continues to reinforce why it’s such a unique proposition.

The 21-inch front wheel and beak lend the Xpulse an imposing stance

There really isn’t another motorcycle at this price point that offers the same blend of everyday usability, touring ability and genuine off-road capability. Spend another Rs 30,000-40,000, and you’ll find yourself looking at the TVS Apache RTX, which is a more touring-oriented adventure motorcycle. The Hero, meanwhile, stays true to its dual-sport roots, making it just as happy on broken roads and dirt trails as it is on the highway.

The Xpulse’s relatively narrow proportions make it an excellent commuter.

The suspension remains the bike’s standout feature. Mumbai’s cratered roads barely faze it, and the confidence to ride over almost anything without slowing to a crawl is what makes the Xpulse so easy to live with. It opens up new roads within the city that you earlier avoided. The high-mounted LED headlight and sculpted tank flowing into the relatively low seat give it a distinctive, imposing stance. Living with it hasn’t been entirely perfect. The Xpulse has a pronounced lean on its side stand, and the soft suspension causes the bike to settle and readjust as you get off, making parking feel less reassuring than it actually is.

Tubed tyres are great off the road, but can pose an inconvenience if punctured.

The lack of a tubeless tyre option is another compromise. While tubed tyres make sense on a motorcycle designed to venture off-road, they can be a real inconvenience in everyday use. I learnt that the hard way when both the front and rear tyres punctured on the same day. Between pushing the bike to puncture shops, removing the wheels and getting everything back together, I lost well over three hours.

The brakes, too, continue to disappoint. We’d previously complained about the lack of bite and feel, and although the service centre bled the brakes and confirmed the pads didn’t require replacement, the improvement was only marginal. During the same visit, we also queried about the amount of heat being thrown onto the rider’s left leg was normal, but didn’t receive a satisfactory explanation.

It tends to lean excessively on its side stand, which isn’t quite reassuring.

As a motorcycle retailed through Hero’s premium Premia dealership network, the overall service experience and ambience still have plenty of headroom for improvement. Although the service cost was quite reasonable at Rs 2,214, of which, Rs 1,300 went towards oil, Rs 145 for the air filter and Rs 649 for the service charge.

Despite those shortcomings, the Xpulse 210 remains one of the easiest motorcycles to recommend. Few bikes at this price blend commuting fun, decent touring capability and genuine off-road chops as convincingly, and even after 5,500km, we all still find ourselves reaching for its keys.

New Bajaj Pulsar 150 leaked before launch

New Pulsar 150 at dealership

It’s no secret that Bajaj is working on multiple product launches over the next few months. We know the updated Pulsar N160 will launch on August 12, while the all-new Pulsar 125 was also spotted at a dealership earlier this week. Now, the new Bajaj Pulsar 150, too, has been spotted at a dealership, giving a production-ready look at the motorcycle ahead of its expected launch in the near future.

  1. Gets a new air- and oil-cooled engine
  2. Features a new single-downtube frame with monoshock rear suspension

All-new Bajaj Pulsar 150 details

Shares design DNA and platform with the all-new Pulsar 125

The new Pulsar 150 sits on an entirely new platform with a single-downtube frame like the one seen on the all-new Pulsar 125 earlier this week. This replaces the older architecture that has underpinned the Classic Pulsar range for years. Suspension comprises a telescopic fork at the front and a preload-adjustable monoshock at the rear, again mirroring the new Pulsar 125’s setup and marking an upgrade over the outgoing model’s twin-shock arrangement.

More notably, Bajaj has also made a significant change to the engine. The outgoing Pulsar 150 uses an air-cooled motor, but the new unit adds oil cooling. Improved thermal management could also allow Bajaj to extract more performance from the engine, but official output figures are yet to be revealed. For reference, the current Pulsar 150 is powered by a 149.5cc single-cylinder air-cooled engine producing 14hp and 13.3Nm of torque.

Even design-wise, the bike adopts several styling cues from the new Pulsar 125, including a redesigned headlight cowl, the familiar muscular fuel tank with extensions and a sleeker tail section featuring the signature twin LED tail-lights. The updated colour LCD instrument cluster also appears to have been carried over.

Bajaj has scheduled an event for August 12, and we’ve learnt that the updated Pulsar N160 will be among the launches. There is still no official word on whether the all-new Pulsar 125 and Pulsar 150 will also debut at the event. However, given that the new Pulsar 150 has already started reaching dealerships, a launch appears to be just around the corner.

Image source: Akram Saifullah