ऑटोमोबाइल

Honda 0 Alpha EV spied testing ahead of expected debut by end-2026

Posted on by admin
Honda 0 Alpha EV spied testing ahead of expected debut by end-2026
Honda 0 Alpha SUV spied

Following the Elevate facelift, Honda’s next launch for India will be the all-new 0 Alpha electric SUV – the brand’s first all-electric vehicle for our market. Honda is expected to reveal the official name later this year and also perhaps showcase the production-spec model before it goes on sale by early 2027. Ahead of its launch, a heavily camouflaged prototype of 0 Alpha SUV has recently been spied testing on our roads. 

  • India-built model planned for global markets, including Japan
  • To be manufactured at the Tapukara plant in Rajasthan
  • No technical details available as of yet 

Honda 0 Alpha SUV spied: what to expect?

The Honda 0 Alpha was first preview by a concept about exactly a year ago at the Japan Mobility Show 2025. And looking at these camouflaged spy shots, the radical shape doesn’t seem to have changed at all. It looks nothing like any existing Honda, with the characteristic design element being the near-vertical rear end with a thick C-pillar area, almost reminiscent of an MPV. It gets a large rear windscreen that’ll likely be wrapped around by an LED light bar, while the lower section gets a protruding bumper and is expected to feature a diffuser like element. 

Image Credit: Ferrarirules86 via X.

At the debut of the concept, Honda had said the design was already near production-ready, so much of the details, including the lighting signatures and the glass panels could be seen on the final model. The front ‘grille’ area is expected to sport an illuminated Honda logo and a charging port, framed on the side and above by the headlights.

A previous sighting of a camouflaged test mule has also given us a look at the interior of the upcoming electric SUV. The most prominent element in the cabin is a massive central infotainment touchscreen mounted atop the dashboard. To its right sits a much smaller digital driver’s display, ahead of which there’s a three-spoke flat-bottomed steering wheel with paddleshifters for regeneration. The 0 Alpha’s interior incorporates an array of buttons on the centre console, seemingly for functions such as climate control and ventilated seats.

Image Credit: pxrtth.gpt via Instagram 

The Honda 0 Alpha SUV is expected to have a wheelbase of about 2700-2800mm, with the priority being maximising interior space. The upright rear tailgate also hints at good luggage space and interior room.

Honda 0 Alpha technical details 

Technical details on the 0 Alpha are quite scarce at the moment, but the brand has previously confirmed that it will be offered with two battery pack options. Both will be LFP batteries, likely ranging in the size of 65kWh-75kWh units. At launch, the Honda 0 Alpha SUV is expected to use a single-motor, front-wheel-drive layout. 

The upcoming electric SUV will be manufactured in India, with Honda’s Tapukara plant in Rajasthan expected to serve as the production base. It’s expected to go on sale by early 2027, with India and Japan among the initial markets. The 0 Alpha will rival electric midsize SUVs such as the Mahindra BE 6, MG ZS EV, Hyundai Creta Electric, Tata Sierra EV, Maruti Suzuki e Vitara and Toyota Urban Cruiser Ebella.

ऑटोमोबाइल

What to expect from Volvo ES90 ahead of launch tomorrow

Posted on by admin
What to expect from Volvo ES90 ahead of launch tomorrow
What to expect from Volvo ES90 ahead of launch tomorrow

The Volvo ES90 will be launched in India tomorrow, marking a comeback for a Volvo sedan in the country after the S90’s discontinuation in 2024. Upon launch, it will serve as the manufacturer’s flagship EV alongside the EX90 SUV, which will also be launched alongside the ES90 sedan. Here’s everything you need to know about the upcoming Volvo ES90 ahead of its launch tomorrow. 

1. What is the expected price of the Volvo ES90?

Prices are expected to be in the Rs 1 crore to Rs 1.20 crore range (ex-showroom)

The Volvo ES90 will arrive in India as a completely built unit (CBU) import. It is expected to be priced in the Rs 1 crore to Rs 1.20 crore range (ex-showroom) in the country. 

2. What powertrain option will the India-spec Volvo ES90 get?

Gets two battery pack options and choices between RWD and AWD internationally

The Volvo ES90 is built on the manufacturer’s 800-volt SPA2 architecture shared with the EX90 eSUV. Internationally, the ES90 is offered with either a 92kWh or a 106kWh battery. The smaller battery has a claimed WLTP range of 664km and is paired with a rear-axle-mounted (RWD) electric motor that produces 333hp and 480Nm. It has a claimed 0-100kph time of 6.6 seconds and has a 180kph capped top speed. It supports up to 350kW DC fast charging, which can replenish the battery from 10-80 percent in 22 minutes. 

The larger 106kWh battery has a claimed WLTP range of 702km, and is offered with a dual-motor all-wheel-drive (AWD) setup producing either 456hp and 670Nm, or 680hp and 870Nm, with claimed 0-100kph sprint times of 5.4 seconds and 4 seconds, respectively, depending on the chosen trim. 180kph capped top speed, 350kW DC fast-charging capability, and 22-minute 10-80 percent charging time are the same as the smaller battery version. 

Volvo is yet to reveal which powertrain option will be offered with the India-spec ES90 sedan. 

3. What are the design highlights of the Volvo ES90?

Gets LED lights all around, with a rather simple and elegant design

The Volvo ES90 features a blanked-off body-coloured grille with a Volvo logo in the centre, flanked by LED headlights with segmented Thor’s hammer LED DRLs on both ends. The bumper has air inlets in the centre to cool the internals and features vertically stacked LED fog lamps similar to those on the EX90. A LiDAR sensor was previously mounted on the edge of the roof, but is no longer offered on Volvo’s MY2026 models in international markets, following the termination of Volvo’s contract with its supplier, Luminar, after the latter filed for bankruptcy. 

In profile, it offers wheel sizes ranging from 20 to 22 inches, all with aerodynamic inserts. It gets a gloss black section on the lower portion of the doors, along with black outside rearview mirrors (ORVMs) and a blacked-out roof, which add contrast. It gets sleek pull-type door handles. Interestingly, the ES90 has a drag coefficient (Cd) of 0.25, making it Volvo’s most aerodynamic production car yet. 

At the rear, it features C-shaped wraparound LED taillights and LED stop lights on both sides of the rear windscreen, similar to the EX90. The rear bumper features a gloss black portion that gives a nice contrast to the otherwise simple design.

4. What features will the Volvo ES90 offer?

Features two free-standing screens, 4-zone AC, and up to 25 speakers

Inside, the Volvo ES90 has a clean design and is filled to the brim with modern-day features. These include a 14.5-inch portrait-oriented, free-standing infotainment touchscreen, a 9-inch digital driver’s display, a 13.2-inch coloured head-up display (HUD), and a 14-speaker Bose sound system, which can be upgraded to a 25-speaker Bowers & Wilkins audio setup. Other features include a wireless phone charger, a powered tailgate, a 4-zone climate control and a digital key. The front seats are powered, heated, ventilated and offer a massage function with powered lumbar support. The rear seats are electrically reclinable, have powered side bolsters, and are offered with heating and ventilation functions. 

Most of these features are expected to be a part of the India-spec Volvo ES90. 

5. Which cars will the Volvo ES90 rival in India

Will be a more affordable alternative to full-size BMW and Mercedes-Benz electric sedans

The Volvo ES90 will be a more reasonably priced alternative to the Mercedes-Benz EQS sedan (Rs 1.30 crore) and the BMW i7 (Rs 1.95 crore).  

Prices are ex-showroom, India. 

ऑटोमोबाइल

What to expect from Volvo ES90 ahead of launch tomorrow

Posted on by admin
What to expect from Volvo ES90 ahead of launch tomorrow
What to expect from Volvo ES90 ahead of launch tomorrow

The Volvo ES90 will be launched in India tomorrow, marking a comeback for a Volvo sedan in the country after the S90’s discontinuation in 2024. Upon launch, it will serve as the manufacturer’s flagship EV alongside the EX90 SUV, which will also be launched alongside the ES90 sedan. Here’s everything you need to know about the upcoming Volvo ES90 ahead of its launch tomorrow. 

1. What is the expected price of the Volvo ES90?

Prices are expected to be in the Rs 1 crore to Rs 1.20 crore range (ex-showroom)

The Volvo ES90 will arrive in India as a completely built unit (CBU) import. It is expected to be priced in the Rs 1 crore to Rs 1.20 crore range (ex-showroom) in the country. 

2. What powertrain option will the India-spec Volvo ES90 get?

Gets two battery pack options and choices between RWD and AWD internationally

The Volvo ES90 is built on the manufacturer’s 800-volt SPA2 architecture shared with the EX90 eSUV. Internationally, the ES90 is offered with either a 92kWh or a 106kWh battery. The smaller battery has a claimed WLTP range of 664km and is paired with a rear-axle-mounted (RWD) electric motor that produces 333hp and 480Nm. It has a claimed 0-100kph time of 6.6 seconds and has a 180kph capped top speed. It supports up to 350kW DC fast charging, which can replenish the battery from 10-80 percent in 22 minutes. 

The larger 106kWh battery has a claimed WLTP range of 702km, and is offered with a dual-motor all-wheel-drive (AWD) setup producing either 456hp and 670Nm, or 680hp and 870Nm, with claimed 0-100kph sprint times of 5.4 seconds and 4 seconds, respectively, depending on the chosen trim. 180kph capped top speed, 350kW DC fast-charging capability, and 22-minute 10-80 percent charging time are the same as the smaller battery version. 

Volvo is yet to reveal which powertrain option will be offered with the India-spec ES90 sedan. 

3. What are the design highlights of the Volvo ES90?

Gets LED lights all around, with a rather simple and elegant design

The Volvo ES90 features a blanked-off body-coloured grille with a Volvo logo in the centre, flanked by LED headlights with segmented Thor’s hammer LED DRLs on both ends. The bumper has air inlets in the centre to cool the internals and features vertically stacked LED fog lamps similar to those on the EX90. A LiDAR sensor was previously mounted on the edge of the roof, but is no longer offered on Volvo’s MY2026 models in international markets, following the termination of Volvo’s contract with its supplier, Luminar, after the latter filed for bankruptcy. 

In profile, it offers wheel sizes ranging from 20 to 22 inches, all with aerodynamic inserts. It gets a gloss black section on the lower portion of the doors, along with black outside rearview mirrors (ORVMs) and a blacked-out roof, which add contrast. It gets sleek pull-type door handles. Interestingly, the ES90 has a drag coefficient (Cd) of 0.25, making it Volvo’s most aerodynamic production car yet. 

At the rear, it features C-shaped wraparound LED taillights and LED stop lights on both sides of the rear windscreen, similar to the EX90. The rear bumper features a gloss black portion that gives a nice contrast to the otherwise simple design.

4. What features will the Volvo ES90 offer?

Features two free-standing screens, 4-zone AC, and up to 25 speakers

Inside, the Volvo ES90 has a clean design and is filled to the brim with modern-day features. These include a 14.5-inch portrait-oriented, free-standing infotainment touchscreen, a 9-inch digital driver’s display, a 13.2-inch coloured head-up display (HUD), and a 14-speaker Bose sound system, which can be upgraded to a 25-speaker Bowers & Wilkins audio setup. Other features include a wireless phone charger, a powered tailgate, a 4-zone climate control and a digital key. The front seats are powered, heated, ventilated and offer a massage function with powered lumbar support. The rear seats are electrically reclinable, have powered side bolsters, and are offered with heating and ventilation functions. 

Most of these features are expected to be a part of the India-spec Volvo ES90. 

5. Which cars will the Volvo ES90 rival in India

Will be a more affordable alternative to full-size BMW and Mercedes-Benz electric sedans

The Volvo ES90 will be a more reasonably priced alternative to the Mercedes-Benz EQS sedan (Rs 1.30 crore) and the BMW i7 (Rs 1.95 crore).  

Prices are ex-showroom, India. 

ऑटोमोबाइल

Opinion: The Japanese are finally taking India more seriously

Posted on by admin
Opinion: The Japanese are finally taking India more seriously
Honda bikes onstage at a big press event

2026 has revealed a change in how the Japanese treat our market. After years of being content to watch Indian competitors moving forward into more premium segments, the Japanese have finally realised that this is a space they can no longer ignore. 

The world’s biggest two-wheeler manufacturer is leading this charge. Honda recently held a huge event in Delhi in July, where they revealed ten new premium two-wheelers for India. That event on its own was a good sign, but there was still the very real concern of what these products would be priced at. After all, Indian enthusiasts have been burned by unrealistic pricing from the Japanese far too many times in the past.

Thankfully, things seem different this time around. So far, Honda has already released prices for the Rebel 300 (Rs 2.22 lakh-2.62 lakh), ADV160 (Rs 1.7 lakh), the QC3 electric scooter (Rs 1.35 lakh), XR300L and XR300 Rally (Rs 1.83 lakh & Rs 2.08 lakh, respectively) and the CB500 (Rs 2.75 lakh-3.02 lakh). All these prices are very reasonable and are either directly comparable with rivals or are at a small but justifiable premium. 

The best way to highlight this shift within Honda’s pricing strategy is to examine its own prices from a few years ago. The far superior Rebel 300 costs less today than the Rs 2.29 lakh price in 2022 for the now-discontinued CB300F. 

Sure, the Rebel now benefits from a lower GST structure, but the opposite holds true for the Honda CB1000 Hornet SP, which is priced at Rs 13.29 lakh. In comparison, the older CB1000R cost Rs 14.46 lakh in 2019, and it had far less fancy equipment. With Honda’s big bikes, the main issue is no longer the price but the fact that many of them aren’t available half the time. 

These new Hondas hold their own when compared with rivals as well. The new QC3 electric scooter is priced bang on par with equivalent rivals from Ather, Bajaj and TVS, and it will finally get Honda taken seriously in the EV space. The new CB500 is also priced Rs 10,000 lower than the top-spec Harley-Davidson X440 T, which is its closest rival. 

Yamaha is another manufacturer that has started to take crucial steps ahead. The awfully overdue XSR155 was finally introduced to India late last year, the R2 was just launched, and the NMax 155 will be coming in next year as well. These are good moves, but Yamaha needs to do more to cater to Indian riders who want more than just 150-200cc products. Kawasaki has localised a handful of its small bikes and we hear Suzuki is in the process of improving localisation on some of its big bikes as well, which is welcome news. 

None of these companies are taking these calls because they suddenly feel for the poor Indian motorcycle enthusiast who is crying out for more options. Those calls have gone unheeded for the better part of a decade.

The fact is that the Japanese (particularly Honda) are now seriously feeling the heat from local competition. Indian manufacturers (particularly TVS) have made massive gains over the last 5-10 years in all segments from scooters to EVs to premium motorcycles. Competition always benefits the customer, and it’s competition that we have to thank for this new enthusiasm shown by the Japanese towards the Indian market.

ऑटोमोबाइल

What to expect from Volvo EX90 ahead of launch tomorrow

Posted on by admin
What to expect from Volvo EX90 ahead of launch tomorrow
Volvo EX90 front quarter static

Volvo India will launch its flagship electric EX90 SUV on October 12, 2026. It will launch alongside the ES90 flagship sedan, and both are underpinned by Volvo’s EV-dedicated SPA2 architecture. In Volvo India’s portfolio, it will sit above the brands other electric SUVs like the EX30 and EC40. The EX90 will be positioned as an all-electric alternative to the already existing ICE-powered XC90. Ahead of its launch, here’s everything you need to know about the Volvo EX90.  

What is the expected price and rivals of the Volvo EX90? 

The Volvo EX90 is expected to be priced in the ballpark of Rs 1.4 crore to Rs 1.5 crore, ex-showroom. The Volvo EX90 will lock horns with the Mercedes-Benz EQS and the Kia EV9. 

What powertrains will the Volvo EX90 get?

The EX90 will come in one fully-loaded variant to India. It will be powered by a 106kWh battery pack paired with a dual-motor setup enabling AWD. The combined power output is 456hp and 670Nm with a claimed 0-100kph time of 5.5 seconds. Volvo claims a WLTP-certified range of 625km and, during our time with it, it delivered a respectable 530km range. As for charging, it supports 11kW AC charging speeds, taking 11 hours to top up from 0-100 percent. On DC charging, it supports up to 350kW thanks to its 800V system. 

What will the Volvo EX90 look like?

In typical Volvo fashion, the EX90 gets an understated exterior appearance, and it looks quite different from its ICE-powered XC90. At the front, there are LED DRLs with ‘Thor’s Hammer’ signatures that split open to reveal the main headlamp units. The grille gets a blanked-off finish with the Volvo badge in the centre, DRL strips on the sides of the bumper, and a trapezoidal air intake lower down.

In profile, it gets a smooth finish for the doors, flush door handles, a rising window line, gloss black cladding for the sills, and 21-inch dual-tone alloy wheels. The rear gets a split design for the LED tail-lamps with C-shaped LEDs below and vertically stacked LED strips on the D-pillar. Like the front, there’s minimal cladding at the back with a gloss black finish lower down the bumper. Boot space is 324 litres with the third row up and 690 litres when folded

What will the Volvo EX90 interior look like?

Inside, the Volvo EX90 gets a minimalistic cabin with a two-tone grey and white theme. There aren’t many physical buttons here, but a large vertically oriented infotainment screen is placed at the centre of the dashboard.

Across the interior, there’s open-pore wood and brushed aluminium trims, while the seats are wrapped in Nappa leather upholstery. Below the infotainment screen is a centre console comprising a wireless phone charger and a rotary knob for media controls. The Volvo EX90 is a 6-seat SUV in a 2+2+2 configuration with captain chairs for the middle row.

What features will the Volvo EX90 get?

The Volvo EX90’s equipment list includes a 14.5-inch infotainment screen powered by Google, 9-inch digital driver’s display. Wireless phone charger, 25-speaker Bowers & Wilkins sound system, powered, ventilated, and massaging front seats, an electrochromic panoramic glass roof, and 4-zone climate control. Safety features include 9 airbags, an ADAS suite, a 360-degree camera, and automatic parking.  

ऑटोमोबाइल

MG Hector Tomahawk EV real world range tested, explained

Posted on by admin
MG Hector Tomahawk EV real world range tested, explained
MG Hector Tomahawk EV real world range tested, explained

The Hector Tomahawk EV is MG’s newest SUV in the market, and despite its name, it’s based on an all-new ‘ADAPT’ architecture and shares nothing with the ICE version of the Hector. Priced between Rs 19.50 lakh and Rs 23.50 lakh (ex-showroom), the Hector Tomahawk EV is available in 5-seater and 7-seater variants.

We put the MG Hector Tomahawk EV through our real-world tests to find out how efficient it really is.

  1. Claimed range is 517km from its 69.2kWh battery
  2. Driven in ‘Eco’ mode, with regen set to ‘Strong’ (city) and ‘Comfort’ (highway)
  3. Weighs 1,908kg

MG Hector Tomahawk EV real-world range tested

The MG Hector Tomahawk EV is powered by a single Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor (PMSM) mounted on the front axle, and produces 204hp and 310Nm. It is only available with a 69.2kWh battery pack and uses Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) cell chemistry. It comes with three driving modes – Eco, Standard and Sport – and four regen modes – Comfort, Standard, Strong and Intelligent. For our tests, the Tomahawk EV was driven in ‘Eco’ mode with the regen set to ‘Strong’ and ‘Comfort’ mode in the city and on the highway, respectively.

In the city, this MG delivered 7.15km/kWh, whereas on the highway, the efficiency was 5.73km/kWh. This extrapolates to a range of 495km and 397km in the city and on the highway, respectively. With an overall efficiency of 6.44km/kWh, you can expect a real-world range of about 446km on a full charge, which is respectable.

During our tests, we noticed that the regen modes are quite mild, even in its strongest setting. And while the city efficiency is quite good, a stronger regen could’ve made it even more efficient in the city. Also, the regen takes around a second to kick in after you lift off the throttle, which makes it slightly less predictable in the city.

EVs are generally less efficient on highways than in the city, and the bulky, upright design of the Tomahawk doesn’t help with aerodynamics either.

MG claims that the Hector Tomahawk EV can recharge its battery from 30-80 percent in 35 minutes when connected to a 90kW DC fast charger. However, we were able to recharge its battery from 20-80 percent in 32 minutes when connected to a 150kW DC fast charger. This is faster than what MG claims, and we saw peak charging speeds of about 89kW during this session.

Autocar India’s range testing

Before our real-world range tests, the battery of our test car was fully charged, and we maintained tyre pressures in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations. The car was driven on a weekday in Mumbai city and on the adjoining state highway in a fixed loop, and we maintained the set average speeds. At the end of each cycle, we calculated the range based on the percentage charge consumed.

Throughout our tests, the climate control was set to 22deg C in a full-auto setting, and other electricals, such as the audio system, indicators and ventilated front seats, were used when required, just as a regular user would. We take pride in our testing data, which isn’t merely consistent but also gives users an accurate indication of what they can expect in the real world.

ऑटोमोबाइल

EV two-wheeler sales crosses 11 lakh units in FY2027

Posted on by admin
EV two-wheeler sales crosses 11 lakh units in FY2027
TVS iQube, Bajaj Chetak, and Ather Rizta listed in a podium as the first, second, and third respectively.

India’s electric two-wheeler market is on a roll and how. While January-September 2026 retail sales have already crossed 1.61 million units, e-2-wheeler customer deliveries in April-September 2026 increased 76 percent to 11.2 lakh units (versus 6.40 lakh units same time last year). The rapid pace of demand means that the industry is predicted to end the financial year with 22.6 lakh total sales. September 2026 was also the first time the industry sold 2.07 lakh units (highest yet), which is an 89 percent increase compared to 2025.

  1. Besides the top-three, Bounce and River have improved the most
  2. Ola has held on to fifth place, but lost 9 percent of its market share
  3. September’s high sales numbers will likely be surpassed by the upcoming festive season

Indian e-2-wheeler industry sales: The trend so far

TVS and Bajaj continue to lead, with Vida steadily improving

TVS and Bajaj, which have been the top two brands since Ola moved out of the top spot in April 2025, continue to register handsome gains. In September, both companies registered triple-digit growth, which ensured that they make up a 49 percent share of the record monthly retails. This is the highest monthly sales for Bajaj, beating March 2026 (47,755 units). Ather, in the third position, sold 30,661 units and marked 56 percent YoY growth. March 2026 continues to be Ather’s best month, sales-wise (36,634 units) with the Konarc expected to contribute to that number substantially soon. Vida, backed by Hero, sold its highest ever 24,370 units in September, crossing July’s number (22,996).

Brand-wise performance and market share in H1 FY2027

Besides the top two, River and Bounce improved the most

Electric 2W market leader TVS nearly doubled its first-half retail sales YoY to 2.90 lakh units, giving it a 26 percent market share. For TVS, EVs are now a key growth driver and every fifth scooter the company sells is now a zero-emission model. Bajaj, which sells multiple variants of the Chetak, has retailed 2.53 lakh units in the past six months. The strong performance gives it a current market share of 23 percent. Ather, in third position, has clocked retail sales of 1.79 lakh units in H1 FY2027. Ather crossed the 30,000 mark in three of the past six months, June, July and September. Its H1 FY2027 market share is 16 percent, one percentage less than H1 FY2026. A few days ago, cumulative Ather sales surpassed 8 lakh units, making it the fourth company after Ola, TVS and Bajaj to achieve that milestone.

Fourth-ranked Vida registered retail sales of 1.23 lakh units in first-half FY2027, up 107 percent YoY. Ola remains glued to the fifth rank with an 8 percent market share, considerably down from the 17 percent it had in H1 FY2026. Greaves Electric Mobility (GEM), manufacturer of Ampere e-scooters, has sold 53,733 units, comes in at sixth with a 107 percent YoY growth.

The Bengaluru-based River, which continues to impress month on month, has sold 29,074 units in H1 FY2027. The stellar performance sees River’s market share rise to 3 percent from 1 percent in H1 FY2026. The startup’s highest monthly sales came in July (6,044 units). In eighth place, the Mumbai-based BGauss has sold 26,133 units in H1 FY2027, registering a 107 percent growth compared to H1 FY2026. Bounce ranks ninth with 8,772 units, up 246 percent YoY. Simple, which has been a regular in the monthly top 10 e-2-wheeler sales listing since February 2026, has clocked cumulative six-month sales of 8,668 units, up 181 percent YoY. This momentum comes just as Simple launched its most affordable scooter yet, the Wave, starting at Rs 1.10 lakh.

India’s e-2-wheeler market with 200 players, is the largest contributor to India’s EV sales numbers with a 62 percent share of the total EVs sold in the April-September 2026 period. The market is currently led by TVS, Bajaj, Ather, Vida, Ola and GEM – who account for 88 percent share of the e-2-wheeler sales in H1 FY2027. Given its robust 76 percent growth so far, and the festive season having just begun, one can expect September’s record 2.07 lakh unit sales to be surpassed soon.

With inputs from Stephen Raj Antony.

ऑटोमोबाइल

Skoda to debut Epiq Sportline at Paris Motor Show

Posted on by admin
Skoda to debut Epiq Sportline at Paris Motor Show
Skoda Epiq Sportline

Skoda will debut a new Sportline variant of the Epiq, the brand’s smallest EV, at the Paris Motor Show 2026. The Epiq Sportline will be the prime attraction at Skoda’s stall alongside 14 other models that the brand plans to showcase at the upcoming motor show. As with other Sportline models, one can expect the Epiq Sportline to sport a blacked-out exterior and interior theme. The Paris Motor Show will be held from October 13 to 18. 

  1. Epiq Sportline to be Skoda’s hero car at Paris Motor Show 
  2. Expected to come with blacked-out exterior and interior theme 
  3. Skoda Peaq Tour De France, 130 RS to also be showcased at Paris Motor Show 

Skoda Epiq Sportline: what to expect?

Skoda’s official teaser doesn’t reveal much about the Epiq Sportline, but if other Sportline models from the brand’s portfolio are anything to go by, expect the Epiq Sportline to get several blacked-out cosmetic enhancements. The blacked-out treatment can extend to the alloy wheels, ORVMs, front and rear bumpers and perhaps to the roof as well. On the inside, it will likely come draped in all-black upholstery with contrast re stitching, and perhaps a dark-themed dashboard as well. A few feature additions could also be part of the package. 

The Epiq is the brand’s most affordable EV and is based on Volkswagen Group’s MEB+ platform. It’s available with two battery pack options – 38.5kWh and 55kWh – with front-mounted motors (FWD). There are three variants on offer: 35, 40 and 55. The 35 and 40 variants, equipped with the 38.5kWh battery, develop 116hp and 135hp, respectively, while the torque is the same 267Nm for both. The top-spec Epiq 55, meanwhile, comes with the 55kWh pack and produces 211hp and 290Nm.

The Sportline variant could be offered with the top-spec 55 version. Coming to claimed range figures, Skoda cites 310km for the 38.5kWh battery and 440km for the 55kWh unit. 

What else is Skoda showcasing at the Paris Motor Show?

Skoda will be showcasing its full range of new EVs at the upcoming Paris Motor Show, which means the Elroq and the Peaq will also be display. Other key displays will include the iconic Skoda 130 RS, which was one of the most successful rally and racing cars in Europe in the late 1970s and early 1980s. During its active career, this beautifully designed two-door coupe collected countless laurels on tracks at home as well as abroad. 

Skoda 130 RS

Also on display will be the Peaq Tour de France ‘Red Car’. Based on the Peaq Sportline, it serves as a specially modified mobile command center for the Tour de France multi-stage bicycle race. Equipped with six antennas, warning beacons and a refrigerator stocked with champagne hidden inside, the so-called Red Car is a symbol of the entire Tour de France.

ऑटोमोबाइल

Kia introduces assured buyback programme for locally produced cars

Posted on by admin
Kia introduces assured buyback programme for locally produced cars
Kia introduces buyback programme for locally produced cars

Kia India has now expanded its assured buyback programme to more locally produced cars, including the Sorento, Seltos, Sonet, Carens Clavis, Carens and Syros; the locally-assembled Carnival is not covered under this programme. Notably, the Syros EV has been available with such a programme since its July launch. The buyback programme covers all powertrain options offered by these vehicles, including petrol, CNG, diesel, hybrid and electric. Those opting for the programme can avail an assured residual value of up to 75 percent for ICE and up to 70 percent for EV models in three years, subject to terms and conditions.

Kia assured buyback programme details

ModelPrice range (Rs lakh)
Sonet7.45-13.89
Syros8.42-15
Carens11.12-12.12
Seltos11.25-21.57
Carens Clavis11.39-21.79
Syros EV13.5-20
Carens Clavis EV18.04-25
Sorento27.99-38.49

The programme offers tenure options of three, four and five years for ICE models, and three and four years for EVs. Depending on the tenure, annual running limits like 10,000km, 15,000km and 20,000km are available, with the maximum capped at up to 1,00,000km over the ownership period.

It will be offered through authorised Kia dealers and customers may enroll at the time of vehicle purchase. At the end of the selected tenure, customers may avail the assured buyback value in accordance with the programme agreement and relevant terms and conditions.

Ex-showroom prices mentioned above are as on October 9, 2026.

ऑटोमोबाइल

MG Windsor EV Indulge edition leaked ahead of launch

Posted on by admin
MG Windsor EV Indulge edition leaked ahead of launch
MG Windsor EV Indulge edition leaked ahead of launch

MG recently announced an upcoming limited-edition Windsor EV Indulge, whose details have leaked ahead of its launch. These leaks suggest the Windsor EV Indulge edition will get a new exterior hue, a new interior theme and some comfort and convenience features over the regular model. 

  1. Will get Shadow Gold exterior hue, black alloys, Indulge badges outside 
  2. Interior to get a black-and-tan theme with a new screen for rear passengers

MG Windsor EV Indulge edition leaked: What was revealed?

Will get a new colour theme and Indulge badges

The leaked images reveal the Windsor EV Indulge edition will have a Shadow Gold exterior colour theme and 18-inch black alloys. Keen-eyed viewers can also spot new ‘Indulge’ badges on the rear quarter glass panes. The other design elements are the same as the regular Windsor EV, including the LED lighting elements, the body cladding, and an all-black roof and blacked-out outside rearview mirrors (ORVMs). The rear design will be the same as the standard Windsor EV, likely with new Indulge badges.

To sport a new seat upholstery theme, a fresh convenience feature for rear passengers

Inside, the MG Windsor EV Indulge Edition will sport the same black-and-ivory theme, but the leathrette seats will sport a new Urban Tan and Black hue. The seat backrests will feature an ‘Indulge’ embossing, and MG will offer neckrests for the front passengers and cushions for rear passengers for added comfort. However, the highlight is a new roof-mounted flip-down screen for the rear seat passengers, called the ‘Prive Screen’ by the manufacturer.