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Tata Nexon petrol vs diesel vs CNG vs EV: Different strokes

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Tata Nexon petrol vs diesel vs CNG vs EV: Different strokes
So Tata Nexon petrol vs diesel vs CNG vs EV: Different strokes

Car buyers today are pretty spoilt for choice. Beyond a multitude of brands, body styles and variants, there are now more fuel options than ever before. Petrol, diesel, CNG, hybrid, electric, and soon even ethanol-powered vehicles are all vying for attention, making the decision increasingly complicated. So, which powertrain makes the most sense for you?

Tata Nexon models
Tata Nexon models (left to right): Petrol, diesel, petrol-CNG and EV.

To answer that question, we turned to one of the most versatile models on sale in India – the Tata Nexon. Few vehicles offer such a broad range of powertrain choices, and with design, space, practicality, safety and features remaining largely consistent across the range, the Nexon provides the perfect platform to isolate the one key variable – the fuel itself. So, we got together the turbo-petrol, CNG, diesel, as well as the EV to find out each fuel’s pros and cons, and thus, which would best fit your needs. 

Disclaimer: Fuel prices vary from state to state.

Tata Nexon turbo-petrol: Fuss free

Tata’s 1.2-litre, three-cylinder ‘Revotron’ turbo-petrol engine debuted with the Nexon in 2017 and received a power bump in 2020, taking outputs to 120hp and 170Nm. Today, it is offered with an unusually wide range of transmission choices – a 5-speed manual, 6-speed manual, 6-speed AMT and a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic.

Prices start at Rs 7.40 lakh and extend up to Rs 13.90 lakh, ex-showroom (excluding dual-tone, Dark and Red Dark editions). Its broad variant spread and attractive pricing are key reasons why the turbo-petrol accounts for 42 percent of all Nexon sales. 

The engine offers decent driveability and benefits from selectable Eco, City and Sport drive modes. But outright performance, refinement and smoothness aren’t class-leading and not what you get from other turbo-petrols.

Within the range, the 7-speed DCA stands out as the most desirable option. Despite accounting for less than 4 percent of total Nexon sales, it is arguably the nicest ICE-powered Nexon on sale. The wet-clutch dual-clutch transmission prioritises smoothness over sportiness and suits the engine’s character well. While downshifts can occasionally feel a touch hesitant, the overall experience is noticeably more polished than the manual and AMT alternatives. Notably, the top-spec Turbo DCA is the best-equipped ICE version and is also the only version to offer ADAS.

Fuel efficiency, however, remains this powertrain’s weakest area. In our tests, the turbo-petrol DCA returned 7.7kpl in the city and 13.9kpl on the highway, translating to an average running cost of Rs 9.46 per kilometre – the highest among all Nexon powertrains.

To put that into perspective, even though a fully loaded Fearless + A PS DCA is Rs 2.65 lakh more affordable than a top-spec Empowered + A 45 EV, the EV’s significantly lower running costs (of Rs 1.03 per km using home charging) allow owners to recover that initial price difference in roughly 32,000km.

Tata Nexon diesel: Highway star

The diesel range starts at Rs 9.15 lakh and extends up to Rs 14.40 lakh for the top-spec AMT. Interestingly, while the diesel once outsold the petrol version in the Nexon’s early years, buyer preferences shifted following the BS6 transition, causing diesel sales to gradually decline to 13 percent. Despite this, Tata has persisted with the fuel, and today remains one of the few carmakers still offering diesel engines in its portfolio.

Instead of adopting a conventional SCR setup with a urea tank, AdBlue injection system and additional electronic controls, Tata developed a Lean NOx Trap system for the 1.5-litre, four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine. Despite this relatively low-cost passive emissions-control system, the price premium over an equivalent turbo-petrol variant remains around Rs 1 lakh – broadly in line with what rivals charge. The only tangible benefit for buyers is that, unlike many competitors, there is no urea tank requiring periodic top-ups, resulting in marginal savings over time and a bit less hassle.

Like the turbo-petrol, refinement isn’t this diesel’s strongest suit. And even though turbo lag is more perceptible than in the petrol iteration, performance flows in a rather strong manner, making it well-suited for highway drives. Its tall fuel efficiency also makes it ideal for those who cover long distances frequently. In our tests, the diesel-manual delivered an impressive average of 17.95kpl, resulting in a running cost of just Rs 5.30 per kilometre – significantly lower than the turbo-petrol.

Tata Nexon EV: Smooth operator

As India’s first widely accessible electric SUV from a domestic manufacturer, the Nexon EV played a pivotal role in democratising EV ownership. Combining brisk performance, usable real-world range and a relatively accessible price point, it opened up the Tata brand to an entirely new set of buyers. For a long time, it was India’s bestselling EV. Within the Nexon range, it accounts for 14 percent of total sales.

Today, the Nexon EV range spans Rs 12.49 lakh to Rs 17.49 lakh, with buyers able to choose between two battery packs – 30kWh and 45kWh. The line-up itself is relatively straightforward, with three trims available for each battery option.

In the real world, the 30kWh version can deliver a little over 200km on a charge, while the larger 45kWh battery can comfortably manage around 350km. For buyers seeking the smoothest and most refined driving experience, nothing quite matches the seamlessness of an EV. Acceleration feels brisk, and its zippy yet seamless performance makes for a hushed, enjoyable drive experience.

The two battery versions differ in more ways than just capacity. The 45kWh version uses Tata’s newer Gen 2 motor, which is lighter, more compact and more efficient than the Gen 1 unit used in the 30kWh variant. The long-range version’s more modern architecture also enables significantly faster DC charging. To put it into perspective, the 30kWh version takes about an hour to charge from 20-80 percent using a DC fast charger, whereas the 45kWh variant achieves the same in just 29 minutes. Not only does the larger battery offer greater range, but it is also quicker to recharge despite its higher capacity, making it the more suitable choice for longer highway journeys.

Interestingly, the EV also enjoys a feature advantage over the best-equipped turbo-petrol DCA, gaining a larger 12.3-inch touchscreen, rear disc brakes, and an electronic parking brake with auto-hold functionality.

Coming to the 45kWh version’s running cost, using a home charger (at an average cost of Rs 8 per unit of electricity), buyers can enjoy driving around at just Rs 1.03 per km. Even if users opt for public DC fast-charging, the rates of which range between Rs 24 and Rs 28 per unit, still, average running costs work out to merely Rs 3.34 per km, which is almost a third of the petrol-automatic’s number and about sixty percent of a diesel-manual’s cost per km.

Tata Nexon CNG: Jack of all trades

There’s a lot Tata has got right with the Nexon CNG. For starters, prices range from Rs 8.35 lakh to Rs 13.60 lakh, positioning it neatly between the petrol and diesel alternatives.

Under the bonnet is the same 1.2-litre, three-cylinder turbocharged engine found in the petrol Nexon. Not only is it India’s first turbo-petrol CNG SUV, but it is also the most powerful, producing 100hp and 170Nm when running on CNG. Impressively, peak torque remains identical to the petrol version, although it is available across a narrower band. As a result, driveability feels remarkably similar to the turbo-petrol, and users are unlikely to find themselves wanting for performance, whether in urban conditions or on the highway.

Being a turbocharged CNG engine, efficiency in city driving can take a hit. In our real-world city test involving frequent stop-start traffic, the Nexon CNG returned 15.1km/kg. Out on the highway, however, flowing traffic and the presence of a sixth gear helped it achieve close to 24km/kg. The end result is an average running cost of just Rs 4.28 per kilometre, making it the most economical option in the ICE line-up.

With driveability that’s remarkably close to the turbo-petrol, lower purchase and running costs than the diesel, and very few compromises in practicality or equipment, the Nexon CNG presents perhaps the strongest all-round case in the range. Its only notable drawback is the limited CNG infrastructure. While station availability continues to improve, rising CNG adoption often leads to longer queues and wait times at many outlets.

Unlike many CNG vehicles, the Nexon CNG doesn’t feel like a stripped-down, budget-focused alternative. It remains spacious, practical and generously equipped while delivering the lowest running costs of any ICE Nexon. Small omissions, such as cruise control, connected-car technology and JBL-branded speakers, are unlikely to be deal-breakers for most buyers.

Viewed through the lens of value, usability and cost of ownership, the Nexon CNG strikes perhaps the most convincing balance of the lot. Which perhaps explains why, despite being offered with just one engine and a manual gearbox, it now contributes more than a third of all Nexon sales.

Tata Nexon petrol vs diesel vs CNG vs EV: Verdict

The turbo-petrol’s lowest starting price, as well as the widest choice for buyers, is the reason behind its popularity. Our pick of the range, however, is the priciest 7-speed DCA, which delivers the smoothest and most polished Nexon ICE driving experience. That said, performance and efficiency aren’t exactly class-best. 

The diesel’s impressive fuel efficiency and thus low running costs make it an ideal choice for those who rack up high annual mileages. Performance is the strongest among all ICE versions, and its torquey nature makes it an excellent highway companion, perfect for those who regularly cover long distances.

For buyers with reliable home charging, a predominantly urban usage pattern and high annual running, the EV is the one to pick. The 45kWh model has a genuinely usable real-world range and is also the most advanced version with a rich feature list, making it a very well-rounded option.

The Nexon CNG retains the petrol’s drivability, offers low running costs, a long range, and buyers aren’t forced to compromise features or practicality either. It thus strikes a convincing balance between price, performance and real-world usability, emerging as the sweet spot of the line-up.

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Ultraviolette targets 3 lakh unit production capacity by mid-2027

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Ultraviolette targets 3 lakh unit production capacity by mid-2027
Multiple UV F77 bikes at the factory

Ultraviolette is targeting a combined annual manufacturing capacity of approximately 3 lakh units by mid-2027, co-founder and CEO Narayan Subramaniam has said. The figure combines the 2.5 lakh-unit capacity of the newly announced BIGGA Factory in Hosur with an expanded capacity of around 50,000 units at the company’s existing Bengaluru plant, which is also being upgraded. The company plans to invest around Rs 1,000 crore across both facilities over the next five years – approximately Rs 200 crore at the Bengaluru plant and Rs 800 crore at the new Hosur facility.

  1. Combined capacity of 3 lakh units targeted by mid-2027 across two facilities
  2. Rs 1,000 crore investment planned over five years across both plants
  3. Tesseract launch delayed to Q1 2027 after 100-volt architecture redesign

Ultraviolette capacity and product plans: Key details

Tesseract delayed eight to ten months after fundamental redesign

The Tesseract electric scooter, which was originally expected earlier, has been delayed after Ultraviolette decided to redesign the vehicle around a 100-volt architecture. The change required a realignment of multiple systems, including the battery pack, battery management system, motor controllers and charging hardware, adding eight to ten months to the development timeline. The scooter is now expected to launch in the first quarter of 2027. Ultraviolette says its current bookings and sales pipeline point to demand of at least 10,000 units per month for the Tesseract.

Alongside the Tesseract, Ultraviolette plans to launch the Shockwave electric motorcycle next year. The company’s longer-term portfolio covers four motorcycles and two scooters, with the two categories eventually expected to contribute equally to overall volumes. The BIGGA Factory’s first phase is expected to become operational between Q1 and Q2 2027.

Exports to account for 15-25 percent of BIGGA Factory output

Ultraviolette expects exports to initially account for around 15 percent of production from the new plant, rising to approximately 25 percent as the company expands into international markets. Target regions include Europe, North America and Latin America, while Southeast Asia is also being evaluated through pilot programmes. The company is already exporting to 19 countries in Europe through its existing facility.

Subramaniam said Ultraviolette expects to reach company-level profitability within 24 months – around the same time it plans to pursue an IPO – at which point the company expects to have six products across four continents and a production scale of around 3 lakh vehicles annually. The company says it is fully capitalised for its current expansion plans but could consider additional fundraising if EV adoption accelerates faster than expected.

Kiran Murali & Prerna Lidhoo

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10 most affordable cars with ventilated seats

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10 most affordable cars with ventilated seats
Most affordable cars with ventilated seats

Ventilated seats are among the most desirable features car buyers look for and are especially useful in the summer. Having ventilated seats in your hatchback, sedan, MPV, or SUV can be advantageous for staying cool. Ten years ago, this feature was quite rare in the mass-market segment, with buyers needing to spend around Rs 30 lakh to get it. Today, however, there are plenty of SUVs and even a hatchback available with ventilated seats. So, here are the 10 most affordable cars on sale in India with ventilated seats.

10. Tata Punch EV

Price: Rs 12.99 lakh

Tata’s smallest eSUV, the Punch EV, gets ventilated seats in its range-topping Empowered+ S 40 trim. The Tata Punch EV is offered with a choice between a 30kWh battery and a 40kWh pack, with respective claimed ranges of 365km and 468km. The Tata Punch EV is the most affordable EV on sale in India with such a convenience feature.

9. Citroen Aircross

Prices: Rs 11.62 lakh to Rs 14.52 lakh

In the Citroen Aircross, ventilated front seats are available only on the top-spec Max trim, offered with both 5- and 7-seater configurations. The Max trim is available both with an 82hp, 1.2-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine or a 110hp, 1.2-litre turbo-petrol engine, producing 110hp, and is offered with both manual and automatic transmissions. It’s not only the most affordable Citroen SUV with this feature, but also the cheapest midsize SUV in India with ventilated seats. 

8. Tata Nexon

Prices: Rs 12.42 lakh to Rs 14.22 lakh

Ventilated front seats are available only on the top-spec Tata Nexon Fearless+ PS trim. Interestingly, a CNG option is also available in this trim, making it the most affordable CNG-powered model with cooled seats. The Nexon is available with a 120hp 1.2-litre turbo-petrol engine, a 100hp CNG-powered version of the three-cylinder turbocharged unit, and a 115hp 1.5-litre diesel engine. In its range-topping form, the petrol gets a 6-speed manual and 7-speed dual-clutch auto gearbox options, while the diesel gets 6-speed manual and AMT options.

7. Citroen Basalt

Prices: Rs 11.34 lakh to Rs 13.90 lakh

Like the Aircross, the Citroen Basalt offers seat ventilation in the top-spec Max trim. This trim is available with either an 82 hp, 1.2-litre naturally aspirated engine with only a 5-speed manual transmission, or the 110hp, 1.2-litre turbo petrol engine, paired with a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed torque converter automatic gearbox option.

6. Hyundai Venue

Prices: Rs 11.91 lakh to Rs 15.51 lakh

The newest car here, the second-gen Hyundai Venue, is available with ventilated front seats on the top-end HX8 and HX10 trims. The new Venue N Line’s N10 trim also gets cooled seats. These top trims are powered by either the 1.0-litre turbo-petrol or a 1.5-litre diesel mill. Transmission options include a 6-speed manual, a 7-speed DCT and a 6-speed torque-converter automatic. Some of the Venue’s notable features include Level 2 ADAS and twin 12.3-inch displays.

5. Kia Sonet

Prices: Rs 11.75 lakh to Rs 13.80 lakh

The Sonet is the most affordable Kia SUV that gets cooled front seats on the top-spec HTX, GTX+ and X-Line variants. These range-topping trims are available only with the 120hp, 1.0-litre turbo-petrol engine and the 116hp, 1.5-litre diesel unit; a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission is offered on the Kia Sonet petrol, while the diesel is available with both a 6-speed manual and a 6-speed torque converter automatic gearbox. However, the HTX diesel-manual is not offered with ventilated seats, unlike the diesel-automatic variant.

4. Skoda Kylaq

Prices: Rs 11.75 lakh to Rs 12.99 lakh

Skoda’s first compact SUV, the Kylaq, comes with ventilated front seats, but only on the higher-spec Prestige and Prestige+ trims. The Skoda Kylaq is powered by a 115hp, 1.0-litre turbo-petrol engine paired with a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed torque converter automatic gearbox.

3. Maruti Brezza

Prices: Rs 11.16 lakh to Rs 13.71 lakh

Maruti is offering the facelifted Brezza with ventilated front seats on the top-spec ZXi+ trim. It is offered both with a 110hp, 1.0-litre turbo-petrol engine and a 103hp, 1.5-litre petrol engine. In the ZXi+ trim, the turbo-petrol engine is offered with a 6-speed manual gearbox, while the larger petrol engine gets a 6-speed torque converter gearbox only.

2. Maruti Baleno

Prices: Rs 9.10 lakh to Rs 9.99 lakh

The Maruti Baleno is the only hatchback in India to be offered with ventilated front seats. It offers this feature on the Baleno’s Alpha and Alpha (O) trims, which are below Rs 10 lakh. However, this is not a segment-first feature, as the Tata Altroz Racer introduced it. However, this feature was removed from the Altroz with the 2025 facelift. The Alpha and Alpha (O) trims of the Baleno are offered with an 83hp, 1.2-litre 3-cylinder petrol engine, with a 5-speed manual or a 5-speed AMT option.

1. Renault Kiger

Prices: Rs 8.50 lakh to Rs 10.40 lakh

The Renault Kiger is the most affordable car in India with ventilated front seats, as it offers the feature at just Rs 8.50 lakh in the top-spec Emotion trim. In fact, it is also the only SUV under Rs 10 lakh to offer the convenience amenity. The Kiger’s Emotion trim is available with 72hp 1.0-litre petrol and 100hp, 1.0-litre turbo-petrol engine options; the former gets a 5-speed manual only, while the turbocharged unit has a CVT option too.

Prices are ex-showroom, India.

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Ultraviolette announces new factory in Hosur

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Ultraviolette announces new factory in Hosur
Ultraviolette BIGGA Factory

Ultraviolette has announced a new manufacturing facility in Hosur, Tamil Nadu. Named the BIGGA Factory (short for Big Global Ambition), the facility will initially produce the upcoming Tesseract scooter before expanding to support a broader product portfolio. It will begin with an annual capacity of 2.5 lakh units, with infrastructure designed for up to 5 lakh units per year.

  1. BIGGA Factory to be located at SIPCOT Industrial Park, Hosur
  2. Initial capacity of 2.5 lakh units per year, scalable to 5 lakh
  3. Product roadmap image hints at a new X-47 variant and a family scooter for 2027

Ultraviolette BIGGA Factory details

Hosur chosen for its proximity to Bengaluru R&D base and supplier network

The facility will be located at the SIPCOT Industrial Park in Shoolagiri, Hosur, with the land facilitated by the Government of Tamil Nadu. Hosur’s established automotive ecosystem and its proximity to Ultraviolette’s Bengaluru R&D operations and supplier network were cited as key reasons for the location. The BIGGA Factory will operate alongside the company’s existing Bengaluru facility, which will continue its current operations.

Ultraviolette says the facility will use real-time production tracking, collaborative robots for sorting, welding and assembly, and vision-based inspection systems. A dedicated on-site test track will also be used to evaluate every vehicle before dispatch.

Product roadmap hints at new variants and models

Alongside the factory announcement, Ultraviolette shared a product roadmap image showing the silhouettes of two new products planned for 2027. One appears closely similar to the existing X-47, suggesting that a new variant could be in the pipeline. The other is a scooter with a markedly different silhouette compared to the upcoming Tesseract, featuring a more rounded, family-scooter-like profile.

If that is the direction Ultraviolette is taking, it would put the company alongside essentially every other significant EV manufacturer in India currently targeting the mainstream scooter segment. Ather has just launched the Konarc, and Simple Energy has introduced the Wave family scooter range, whereas established players such as TVS, Bajaj and Vida continue to see a majority of their EV sales volumes from models such as the iQube, Chetak and Vida VX2, respectively.

Ultraviolette has not shared any further information on either of the two new products, and the roadmap image remains the only indication of what may be coming. We’ll share further details once more information becomes available.

 

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Chery iCAUR 03 spied in India

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Chery iCAUR 03 spied in India
Chery iCAUR 03 front quarter static

The iCAUR 03, a 5-seat electric SUV from Chinese carmaker Chery, was recently spotted in India. This model is likely to be launched under the JSW Motors nameplate, but unlike other expected JSW models that have been spied testing in India with heavy camouflage, the iCAUR 03 was uncamouflaged and being transported on a flatbed truck. 

Chery iCAUR 03: What is it?

China-spec Chery iCAUR 03 used for representation

The 03 is an electric SUV sold under Chery’s iCAUR sub-brand alongside the V23. It’s 4,406mm long, 1,910mm wide, 1,715mm tall, has a 2,715mm wheelbase, and a ground clearance of 195mm. China-spec versions are powered by a 69.8kWh battery pack that utilises LFP (Lithium-ion Phosphate) chemistry. Power comes from a dual- motor setup with a combined output of 279hp and 385Nm, and it gets an AWD configuration. On the NEDC cycle, it can go up to 418km on a single charge, and the battery supports DC charging speeds of up to 80kW.

China-spec Chery iCAUR 03 interior used for representation

The exterior of the vehicle spotted in India had a boxy silhouette with a black finish for the front bumper and cladding on the wheel arches and door sills. Dual-tone design for the alloys, flush door handles, and LED headlamps were seen too. Interestingly, Chery has already filed a design patent for this SUV in India, as it has with its other products. However, the patented model has much beefier body cladding and rugged-looking bumpers than the model spotted on our roads. The interior of the China-spec 03 looks tough yet modern with niceties like a 15.6-inch infotainment system, 9.2-inch digital driver’s display, powered front seats, ventilated front and rear seats, level 2 ADAS, and a 360-degree camera. 

Chery iCAUR 03: Another JSW Motors model?

If the iCAUR 03 does make it to our market, it is likely to be sold under the JSW Motors nameplate. Dimensions and specs considered, it could potentially compete in the mid-size electric SUV category, rivalling the likes of the Tata Harrier EV. Meanwhile, JSW Motors has been testing several other Chery-made products on our roads, including the Jetour T2, Chery iCar V23, and the Jaecoo J5. Out of these, the Jetour T2 is expected to be the first to arrive by the end of this year. It will be followed by the Jaecoo J5 and the iCar V23 at a later date.

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Electric two-wheeler sales fall 11 percent in August after record July 2026

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Electric two-wheeler sales fall 11 percent in August after record July 2026
TVS iQube, Bajaj Chetak, and Ather Rizta on a podium graphic

Following a record-setting July that saw the electric two-wheeler segment cross 2 lakh monthly sales for the first time, August delivered a more measured 1,82,936 units – down 11 percent month-on-month but still 67 percent higher than the same month last year. With cumulative sales in the first eight months of the year crossing 13.6 lakh units, already surpassing the full-year tally of 13.4 lakh units in 2025, the 20 lakh annual sales milestone is within reach, with four months and the festive season surge still to go.

  1. Electric two-wheeler retail sales of 1,82,936 units in August 2026
  2. TVS, Bajaj, Ather and Hero Vida account for 75 percent of sales
  3. 2026 sales already exceed the full-year 2025 total

August 2026 electric two-wheeler sales: OEM breakdown

TVS Motor Co: 48,873 units

TVS Motor Company sold 48,873 electric scooters last month – up 91 percent year-on-year and good for a 27 percent market share, up from 23 percent a year ago. While this represents a 12 percent drop from July’s record 55,823 units, cumulative eight-month sales of 3,56,579 units have already exceeded TVS’s full-year CY2025 total of 3,15,082 units. As it stands, TVS is on course to cross 5,25,000 annual electric scooter sales for the first time in 2026.

Bajaj Auto: 41,019 units

Bajaj Auto delivered 41,019 Chetak units in August – a 235 percent year-on-year increase. However, it is worth noting that the comparison is skewed by supply chain disruptions that affected production in August 2025. Like TVS, Bajaj’s sales so far this year, at 3,05,226 units, have already surpassed the brand’s full-year total of 2,79,687 units from 2025. It is now on track to cross 4 lakh annual EV sales for the first time.

Ather Energy: 28,708 units

Ather sold 28,708 units in August, up 49 percent year-on-year, for a 16 percent market share. Cumulative eight-month sales of 2,29,099 units are up 83 percent year-on-year. With the recently introduced Konarc, the brand will be looking to significantly accelerate volumes heading into the festive season.

Vida: 18,978 units

Vida delivered 18,978 units in August, up 38 percent year-on-year but down 17 percent from its best-ever month of 22,989 units in July. Sales from January to August, at 1,48,069 units, are up 151 percent year-on-year, putting the brand on course to cross 2 lakh annual EV sales for the first time.

Ola Electric: 13,849 units

Ola Electric sold 13,849 units in August – down 29 percent from last August and making it the only top-10 brand to register a decline. The company’s eight-month total of 94,307 units is down 39 percent year-on-year. Ola’s market share has dropped sharply to 8 percent from 18 percent a year ago, when it ranked third overall.

Other notable performers

Greaves Electric Mobility delivered 8,612 units, up 89 percent year-on-year, with the Ampere Magnus Neo and the recently updated Magnus G Max both contributing to demand. River Mobility sold 5,134 units of the Indie, up 170 percent year-on-year, while Bgauss Auto sold 4,844 units, up 180 percent from last August. Simple Energy delivered 1,635 units from its One, OneS and Ultra range, with the Simple Wave, expected to go on sale later this month, potentially helping boost those figures further.

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Benefits up to Rs 3.10 lakh on Maruti Grand Vitara in September 2026

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Benefits up to Rs 3.10 lakh on Maruti Grand Vitara in September 2026
Maruti Grand Vitara front quarter static image

Offers applicable to Maruti Nexa cars in September 2026 have been revealed. Among all Nexa models, the Grand Vitara is carrying the highest benefits of up to Rs 3.10 lakh, followed by the Invicto, XL6, Jimny and Fronx. However, there are no benefits on the recently launched Baleno facelift and e Vitara EV. Let us take a look at the model-wise offer breakdown for Maruti Suzuki’s Nexa models in India for the month.

Note: These offers are applicable until September 30 and may vary by city, dealership and stock availability. Please check with your nearest Maruti Nexa dealership for the exact figures.

Maruti Grand Vitara September 2026 offers

Up to Rs 3.10 lakh

All Maruti Grand Vitara variants are available with either an exchange bonus of up to Rs 75,000 or a scrappage bonus of up to Rs 45,000, a loyalty bonus of up to Rs 30,000 and a corporate offer of up to Rs 20,000. Select variants are also available with a free 5-year extended warranty. Interestingly, the Grand Vitara’s strong hybrid variants are being offered with a zero road tax benefit, amounting to savings of up to Rs 1.85 lakh. The Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara is priced from Rs 10.77 lakh to Rs 19.62 lakh and rivals midsize SUVs like the Hyundai Creta, Tata Sierra, Kia Seltos, Renault Duster and Nissan Tekton. 

Maruti Invicto September 2026 offers

Up to Rs 1 lakh

The Maruti Invicto MPV is being offered with benefits of up to Rs 1 lakh in September 2026. These include a choice between up to Rs 50,000 exchange bonus or a scrappage bonus of the same amount, a loyalty bonus of up to Rs 30,000 and a corporate offer of up to Rs 20,000. The Maruti Invicto is priced from Rs 24.97 lakh to Rs 28.71 lakh, and locks horns with the Toyota Innova Hycross and can be considered an alternative to the Toyota Innova Crysta.

Maruti XL6 September 2026 offers

Up to Rs 50,000

All Maruti XL6 variants are being offered with benefits up to Rs 50,000, which includes a cash discount of up to Rs 20,000, and a choice between an exchange bonus of up to Rs 30,000 or a scrappage benefit of up to Rs 15,000. The Maruti XL6 prices range from Rs 11.62 lakh to Rs 14.42 lakh, and it rivals the Maruti Suzuki Ertiga, Kia Carens Clavis, Kia Carens and Toyota Rumion.

Maruti Jimny September 2026 offers

Up to Rs 35,000

In September 2026, the Maruti Jimny is being offered with a cash discount of up to Rs 35,000. Other than this, it is not being officially offered with any scrappage, exchange, loyalty or corporate bonuses. The Maruti Jimny’s prices range from Rs 12.54 lakh to Rs 14.52 lakh, and it rivals the Mahindra Thar and Force Gurkha 3-door. 

Maruti Fronx September 2026 offers

Up to Rs 20,000

All variants of the Maruti Fronx are offered with an exchange bonus of up to Rs 15,000 or a scrappage bonus of up to Rs 10,000. The turbo-petrol variants are further available with a cash discount of up to Rs 5,000. Prices of the Maruti Suzuki Fronx range from Rs 6.85 lakh to Rs 11.84 lakh, and it serves as an alternative to compact SUVs like the Tata Nexon, Hyundai Venue, Kia Sonet, Mahindra XUV 3XO and Maruti Brezza.

Prices are ex-showroom, India. 

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World EV Day special: Epic electric features by Autocar India

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World EV Day special: Epic electric features by Autocar India
world ev day 2026 autocar india

Electric vehicles have skyrocketed in significance over the past decade, particularly in light of global issues like climate change and pollution. EVs require no fossil fuels to run, and therefore emit zero harmful pollutants into the atmosphere. To promote the adoption of EVs, September 9 was designated ‘World EV Day’ six years ago by sustainability-focused companies Green.TV and ABB Group, and is recognised worldwide.

On the sixth iteration of World EV Day, let’s take a look at some of Autocar India’s most notable achievements in the all-electric mobility space.

1. Mercedes Benz EQC clean energy charging

Hydro, wind and solar energy were the only means of charging we used

In 2021, we set out on a journey in the Mercedes-Benz EQC to explore how truly “green” EVs can be when powered by renewable energy only; at present, coal is the primary source of energy production. We departed from the Mercedes-Benz facility in Chakan with a full charge, heading to Tata Power’s Khopoli hydroelectric plant, Agaswadi wind farm and Mulshi solar farm.

Along the way, we investigated clean power sources – hydro, wind and solar – that could sustainably fuel EVs in India. While the EQC couldn’t be charged directly from the hydro grid since it mixes with the main grid, we were able to charge the SUV via a 15A plug at Tata Power. However, we did tap charging power directly from wind turbines and solar panels for the EQC. Ultimately, this trip showed us that our EVs could soon be truly emissions-free – not just at the tailpipe, but across the entire power chain.

2. Green Mumbai Drive 2021

30 EVs quietly trundling through the Sanjay Gandhi National Park

We achieved a rare feat by bringing together every EV that was on sale in India at the time and driving them across Mumbai and through the protected Sanjay Gandhi National Park in Borivali. 30 EVs were part of the drive, including the Hyundai Kona, Tata Nexon EV, MG ZS EV, Mercedes-Benz EQC, Jaguar i-Pace, Audi e-tron GT, and even a Tesla Model X.

The Green Mumbai Drive was flagged off from the Mahalakshmi Racecourse by Aditya Thackeray, MoS for Tourism, Environment and Protocol, and Jeet Adani, director of Adani Electricity. Notable auto industry executives like Santosh Iyer (Mercedes-Benz India), Balbir Singh Dhillon (Audi India), Rohit Suri (JLR India), and Amit Suri (Volvo India) were also part of the event.

3. Debuting EVs in two different national parks

Tata Nexon EV in Satpura Tiger Reserve, Audi e-tron in Gir National Park

In 2021, we were the first to drive an electric car (specifically, the Tata Nexon EV) into Madhya Pradesh’s Satpura Tiger Reserve. The roughly 140km drive from Bhopal to Forsyth Lodge was completed with around 30km of range remaining, despite starting with the battery at 92 percent. With no fast-charging infrastructure nearby, the Nexon EV had to be charged overnight using a 15A socket. During the safari, the torquey and compact EV performed well on steep inclines and narrow forest trails, and its silent operation allowed it to approach wildlife like sambars, gaurs, wild pigs, and even a leopard without the noise of an idling engine – no tiger, though.

Then, in 2022, we were yet again the first to drive an EV into Gujarat’s Gir National Park, this time in an Audi e-tron. Reaching our accommodation induced a great deal of range anxiety due to faulty chargers along the way, but we managed to get there with around 20 percent of charge remaining. Once we reached, the e-tron was an excellent companion to tour the park with, helping us spot wildlife like chital, crocodiles, lions, and more.

4. Porsche Taycan Kashmir to Kanyakumari road trip

Nearly 4,500km in a performance EV

2022 saw us take one of our most ambitious roadtrips to date: 4,467km from Kashmir to Kanyakumari in a Porsche Taycan. Despite challenges like landslides in Jammu, flooded roads in Punjab, and power outages at certain charging spots, the Taycan handled the journey with ease. On one of the most efficient legs, the Porsche EV delivered 7.1km/kWh, working out to an indicated range of 475km.

Comfort mode was the default setting, but we did have lots of fun in some stretches courtesy of the Taycan’s Sport Plus drive mode. Up to 225kW of fast charging bolstered convenience, and total charging expenses tallied up to just Rs 15,422 – cheaper than fuel for an equivalent petrol car. More than just distance, the trip proved that combining sports car-like performance with electric efficiency works perfectly in real-world conditions, and that the Taycan is more durable than you may think.

5. Pininfarina Battista India top speed record

1900hp, quad-motor hypercar achieved a 358.03kph top speed

Back in early 2023, we set a new Indian top-speed record with the 1,900hp Pininfarina Battista electric hypercar at the NATRAX high-speed oval near Indore. Achieving an impressive v-max of 358.03kph, the Battista blitzed past the previous record of 332.20kph, which was also set by us in 2016 in an Audi R8 V10 Plus.

The Battista top-speed run also ended up establishing new world records for a production car: 0-300kph in 10.49 seconds and a quarter-mile time of 8.55 seconds, all verified by the Federation of Motor Sports Clubs of India (FMSCI).

6. Hero Vida V1 Pro longest distance in 24 hours record

The e-scooter travelled just shy of a whopping 1,800km

We teamed up with Hero MotoCorp in 2023 to set a new Guinness World Record for the longest distance travelled by an e-scooter in 24 hours. Using the Vida V1 Pro with easy-to-swap removable batteries, we covered a whopping 1,780km at Hero’s Centre of Innovation and Technology near Jaipur.

The endurance challenge relied on swift battery swaps and flawless coordination, with the pit crew achieving 38 battery changes in under 20 seconds – quite impressive considering the extreme heat, rider fatigue, and complexity involved. Moreover, the Vida V1 Pro ran flawlessly throughout, handling the gruelling conditions with ease and maintaining performance consistently.

7. Volvo EC40 Jaisalmer to Mawsynram road trip

From India’s driest region to its wettest

In 2024, we took the Volvo EC40 (formerly known as the C40 Recharge) on a roughly 3,000km road trip from Jaisalmer in Rajasthan – one of India’s driest locations – to Mawsynram in Meghalaya, widely recognised as the country’s wettest. The route included a detour to Ghaziabad’s Volvo Reverse Project, a former dumping ground where around 10,000 trees had been planted as part of the company’s reforestation initiative.

Charging was carried out mainly overnight with DC fast chargers also used along the route, and the EC40 posed no issues during the journey. Ironically, we encountered heavy rain and waterlogging in Jaisalmer but surprisingly little rainfall in Mawsynram.

8. Mercedes Benz EQS sedan longest distance world record

949km travelled on a single charge

Though we’ve racked up quite a lot of Guinness World Records over the years, eking out the longest journey travelled by an EV on a single charge in the Mercedes-Benz EQS 580 sedan remains one of our best, especially since it coincided with our 25th anniversary in 2024, too.

Setting off from Bangalore on a full charge, the EQS 580 covered a distance of 949km when it reached its destination in Navi Mumbai, beating the previous Guinness World Record for the same by 32.26km. Impressively, the 949km real-world range exceeds EQS 580’s claimed range of 817km by just over 16 percent. It’s also worth mentioning that the two-day journey was completed under arduous conditions like heavy rainfall, lots of traffic, broken roads, and even a flat tyre.

9. Porsche Taycan BIC EV lap record

2:10.313 lap time makes the Taycan the fastest EV around BIC so far

At the Buddh International Circuit in Greater Noida, we lapped a Porsche Taycan Turbo S and clocked a time of 2:10.313 minutes – the first-ever EV lap record around the 5.125km track. Despite its rather portly kerb weight of 2,370kg, the Taycan delivered unexpectedly sharp performance at BIC thanks to 761hp and 1,050Nm, a low centre of gravity (aided by the heavy 93.4 kWh battery), precise steering, and superb balance.

Upon hitting the apex and pinning the throttle, the Taycan belied physics the way it propelled out of corners with explosive speed, and despite weighing 845kg more, the EV achieved nearly the same top speed as the 911 GT3 RS at the end of BIC’s main straight.

10. Ultraviolette F99 India top speed record

258kph around NATRAX and a 100-200kph run of 6.2 seconds

One of our more recent records entailed setting a new benchmark for made-in-India two-wheelers by hitting a top speed of 258kph on the Ultraviolette F99 at the NATRAX oval. Designed around a 400V architecture with a liquid-cooled powertrain, the purpose-built F99 packs 120hp and an astounding 972Nm (measured at the rear wheel).

The F99’s custom trellis frame, forged carbon-fibre bodywork, Brembo brakes, and Ohlins suspension helped the bike remain stable at high speeds, culminating in a clean record run captured via precision V-Box data. It also achieved a blistering 0-200kph run in under 10 seconds and 100-200kph in just 6.2 seconds, smashing previous Indian motorcycle speed records.

11. Mercedes Benz EQS SUV temperature change record

From the sweltering heat of Rajasthan to the sub-zero chill of Ladakh

Our 2025 Guinness World Record saw us achieving the greatest temperature change endured by a production EV. We accomplished this using the Mercedes-Benz EQS 450 SUV, driving from the scorching heat of 47.5 deg-C in Rajasthan to the below-freezing chill of -3.7 deg-C in Ladakh, for an impressive overall temperature swing of 51.2 deg-C.

The journey tested the limits of the EQS 450 SUV, especially its 122kWh battery’s thermal management system. Despite extreme variations in temperature, the climate control and battery systems kept the EQS 450 SUV performing smoothly and safely.