Audi Q3 vs rivals: Price and specifications compared

Audi Q3 vs rivals: Price and specifications compared
Audi Q3 vs rivals: Price and specifications compared

Audi India has launched the new Q3, replacing its predecessor after over four years. The entry-level luxury SUV gets a fresh exterior, a revamped interior and feature additions. But how does the new Q3 compare against its rivals on paper? Let’s stack it up against the BMW X1 and X1 LWB, Mini Countryman C, and Mercedes-Benz GLA. 

Audi Q3 vs rivals: Dimensions

Audi Q3 vs rivals: Dimensions

 

Audi Q3

BMW X1 | X1 LWB

Mini Countryman C

Mercedes-Benz GLA

Length (mm)

4,530

4,500 | 4,616

4,447

4,412

Width (mm)

1,890

1,845 | 1,845

1,843

1,834

Height (mm)

1,610

1,630 | 1,641

1,661

1,616

Wheelbase (mm)

2,681

2,692 | 2,800

2,692

2,729

Ground clearance (mm)

TBC

190 | 190

190

183

Boot space (litres)

TBC

476 | 540

505

425

Wheel size (inches)

18

18 | 18

19

18 – 19

Despite having the shortest wheelbase in this comparison, the Audi Q3 is the overall second-longest model here, next only to the BMW X1 LWB. It is also the widest in the segment. Audi has yet to confirm the ground clearance and boot space figures for the Q3. Of the rest, the BMW X1 LWB and Mini Countryman C ride highest off the ground, and the former also has the largest boot in this comparison. Meanwhile, the Mercedes-Benz GLA is the only one to offer 18- and 19-inch wheel size options; others come with one or the other.

Audi Q3 vs rivals: Powertrain options

Audi Q3 vs rivals: Powertrain options 

 

Audi Q3

BMW X1

BMW X1 LWB 

Mini Countryman C

Mercedes-Benz GLA

Engine

2.0 turbo-petrol 

1.5 turbo-petrol | 2.0 turbo-diesel

1.5 turbo-petrol 

1.5 turbo-petrol 

1.3 turbo-petrol | 2.0 turbo-diesel

Power (hp)

204

136 | 148

156 

156

163 | 190

Torque (Nm)

320

230 | 360

230 

240

270 | 400

Drive layout

AWD

FWD

FWD

FWD

FWD

Transmission

7DCT

7DCT

7DCT

7DCT

7DCT | 8DCT

Like its rivals, the Audi Q3 is powered by a direct-injection turbo-petrol engine, and it’s the only option that it offers. The X1 in standard wheelbase (SWB) guise and the Mercedes-Benz GLA are available with a turbo-diesel as well. Comparing the turbo-petrol engines only, the Q3 has the largest and most powerful mill here. Additionally, it gets an all-wheel-drive (AWD) layout as standard; rivals have front-wheel-drive (FWD) setups. The BMWs are the least powerful here. 

Audi Q3 vs rivals: Price 

Audi Q3 vs rivals: Price (Rs lakh)

 

Audi Q3

BMW X1

BMW X1 LWB

Mini Countryman C

Mercedes-Benz GLA

Petrol

51.99

50.9

49.90

47.5 

51.8

Diesel

–

52.9 

–

 

53 to 55

Among petrol-run entry-level luxury SUVs, the Rs 51.99 lakh-Audi Q3 sits at the higher end of the price range. The Q3 is not offered with a diesel engine, unlike the BMW X1 and Mercedes-Benz GLA.

All prices are ex-showroom, India

Hero Xtreme 250R Carbon launched at Rs 1.98 lakh

Hero Xtreme 250R Carbon launched at Rs 1.98 lakh
Hero Xtreme 250R static

Alongside the heavily revised Xtreme 160R 4V, Hero has also taken the wraps off an updated Xtreme 250R that brings a significant addition of electronics and rider aids.

  1. Gets a TFT display, bi-directional quickshifter, riding modes and traction control
  2. Adds segment-first Frequency Selective Damping (FSD) rear suspension
  3. 249cc liquid-cooled single makes 30hp and 25.3Nm

What’s new on the updated Hero Xtreme 250R?

The engine and overall design remain largely unchanged

For starters, the Xtreme 250R now features a 4.2 inch TFT instrument cluster (from the Xpulse 210) that replaces the older LCD unit, enabling multiple features, including smartphone connectivity, turn-by-turn navigation, and a lap timer. The addition of a ride-by-wire throttle system introduces four riding modes – Rain, Road, Sport and Track – along with traction control. Each mode gets its own traction control calibration. A bi-directional quickshifter is also new, as are cruise control and a tyre pressure monitoring system.

Other notable additions include a rear monoshock with Frequency Selective Damping (FSD). It uses a secondary valve system to automatically vary damping stiffness based on the frequency of road inputs, making the suspension firmer over high-frequency surface chatter and softer over low-frequency bumps. The 43mm USD fork at the front remains unchanged.

Not much has changed with regard to the powertrain, and the bike continues to be powered by a 249cc liquid-cooled, single-cylinder engine producing 30hp at 9,250rpm and 25.3Nm at 7,500rpm – the latter represents a 0.3Nm bump, delivered 250rpm higher in the rev band.

The new Xtreme 250R will be available in three new colour options – Carbon Red, Carbon Black and Carbon White. At Rs 1.98 lakh, the added features come at a substantial Rs 25,000 premium over the existing standard Xtreme 250R, bringing it much closer to rivals like the KTM 250 Duke, which is priced at Rs 2.28 lakh.

All prices ex-showroom, Delhi. 

BMW F 450 RR Image gallery

BMW F 450 RR Image gallery
Shadow silhouette of the BMW F 450 RR on a deserted highway.

BMW has revealed the third motorcycle based on its 420cc engine platform, the F 450 RR. This follows the F 450 GS which was revealed last November and the F 450 R, which debuted as recently as two weeks ago. This trio of motorcycles are manufactured by TVS in Hosur.

The F 450 RR’s 420cc, twin-cylinder, liquid-cooled mill continues to mete out 48hp at 8,750rpm and 43Nm at 6,750 rpm. Other technical aspects such as the suspension, brakes and kerb weight are closer to its sport-naked sibling, the F 450 R. The standard seat height is 790mm and BMW offers two seat options, to either increase it to 810mm, or drop it down to 775mm. Brakes are the same as the R, a 310mm front disc with a Brembo four-piston monobloc caliper and a ByBre 240mm rear disc. The base variant of the F 450 RR has a kerb weight of 177kg (178kg with ERC).

The F 450 RR has four variants, Base, Exclusive, M Sport and M Sport with Innovation Package. As standard, all four get the exact same rider aids as the R, some of which are, dual-channel and lean-sensitive ABS, a 6.5-inch TFT display with smartphone connectivity, and three ride modes (Rain, Road and Race).

BMW hasn’t revealed prices for the F 450 RR, or a timeline for an Indian launch, like the F 450 R. For context, the F 450 GS reached our shores six months after its international reveal, which means that the R and the RR could be expected in the first quarter of 2027. Once they get here, we anticipate the F 450 R to be the most affordable option with the F 450 RR sitting between it and the F 450 GS.

Jawa Yezdi Motorcycles get festive financing offers

Jawa Yezdi Motorcycles get festive financing offers
An outdoor render showcasing three motorcycles from classic legends

As part of its festive offers, Classic Legends has announced flexible financing options for its motorcycles. These offers are aimed at making its Jawa, Yezdi and BSA motorcycles more accessible to buyers.

  1. Up to 100 percent funding with zero downpayment plans
  2. Interest rates starting at 5.99 percent with loan tenures up to 72 months
  3. Buy now, pay later and no-hypothecation schemes also available

Jawa Yezdi Motorcycles festive financing offer details 

The company has not specified model-wise financing benefits in the announcement

The financing schemes include up to 100 percent funding, zero down payment, interest rates starting at 5.99 percent and repayment tenures of up to 72 months, subject to eligibility, terms and conditions. Eligible customers can choose Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) schemes, while select financing options offer no-hypothecation benefits. The brand has also introduced specially designed ownership programmes for Mahindra Group employees as well.

These offers cover motorcycles under the Jawa, Yezdi and BSA brands, which are part of the Classic Legends portfolio, though it has not specified model-wise financing benefits in the announcement. The company said the financing options are intended to benefit buyers with different financial requirements and ownership preferences. Customers will need to check the applicable terms, eligibility criteria and availability of offers with authorised dealerships.

Currently Classic Legends offers a wide range of motorcycles under the Jawa, Yezdi, and BSA brand umbrellas. The Jawa lineup comprises models ranging from the All Star 42 OG (Rs 1.87 lakh to Rs 1.90 lakh) to the Jawa 350 (Rs 2.11 lakh to Rs 2.22 lakh). The Yezdi range starts with the base Roadster at Rs 2 lakh and goes up to the tubeless-wheel-equipped Adventure at Rs 2.33 lakh. Rounding out the portfolio are BSA’s 650cc offerings, the Scrambler (Rs 3.25 lakh to Rs 3.41 lakh) and the flagship Gold Star 650 (Rs 3.42 lakh to Rs 3.65 lakh).

All prices are ex-showroom, Delhi.

2027 Ducati Panigale V4 revealed

2027 Ducati Panigale V4 revealed
2027 Panigale V4 S front left quarter.

Ducati has been around for forty years, earning countless accolades and recognition for its performance and capability along the way. It would be perfectly reasonable (and debatable) to call the Panigale the present benchmark for that performance, and Ducati, evidently, recognises what that takes. The Borgo Panigale manufacturer has just revealed the 2027 version of it, and appears to have taken a fine-toothed comb to the three pillars of the Panigale V4: the engine, chassis and the electronic suite.

  1. Ducati has worked on reducing power loss; peak power now 218hp
  2. Chassis has been stiffened by 12 percent for better control and feel in corners
  3. Ducati Factory Made program offers vast customisation options for the V4 S

2027 Ducati Panigale V4: What’s new?

An upgrade laser-focused on performance

Starting off with the famed Desmosedici Stradale engine, it continues to be a 1103cc mill, but Ducati has found a way to extract an additional 2hp out of it, raising the peak power to 218hp on the standard model. The Italian manufacturer credits this improvement to a revised air-intake, lubrication circuit and exhaust system, resulting in reduced power loss. In its Euro5-compliant version, the engine makes 218hp at 13,500rpm, with the greatest gains happening between 12,000-14,000rpm. Torque, on the other hand, sees a negligible drop from 120.9Nm at 11,250rpm to 120.6Nm at 11,000rpm.

To complement this change, Ducati has adopted a longer gearing with bigger sprockets at both ends (17/42 now versus 16/41 earlier) and raised the rev limiter to 15,000rpm in gears two through five. As a result, the rider is required to make fewer gear changes in a given lap, as noted in Ducati’s own testing around the Vallelunga circuit; plus an improved lap time by 0.4s compared to the 2026 model. If 218hp is somehow not enough, the new Akrapovič Full Racing Exhaust PRO adds 11hp and 7Nm to the output, and reduces the bike’s weight by 6.6kg from the standard 191kg.

The chassis continues to be monocoque, but Ducati has reduced the lateral stiffness of the front frame by 12 percent, resulting in an improvement of the front grip during high lean angles. Ducati also claims a more precise feel and that the adjusted final drive ratio helps the bike feel more nimble and less physically exerting. The V4 has a fully adjustable Showa USD fork and a Sachs monoshock, also fully adjustable. The V4 S exclusively gets Ohlins suspension units at both ends and uses Smart EC 3.0 control system. Thanks to other performance-oriented equipment, the S weighs 4kg lighter at 187kg without fuel. The V4 S also gets track-use only adjustable clip-on handlebars that raises the height by 10mm – a change inspired by the latest MotoGP bikes – allowing for better leverage, improved control and reduced physical effort during direction changes.

Improved electronic suite

The V4 S is more customisable than ever before

Ducati and electronics go hand in hand and the laundry list of existing rider aids see two new additions: Dynamic Engine Brake and Race Brake Control. The former uses the Ducati Vehicle Observation algorithm to replace Engine Brake Control, and makes the bike more predictable in corners and extreme lean angles. The latter improves the rear wheel’s contribution in stopping the Panigale, and both are present on a Panigale for the first time. The existing suite consisting of numerous control systems – ride/power modes and a bi-directional quickshifter – all continue to be on offer on both the Panigale V4 models.

Ducat Factory Made's five colour options (blue, purple, light green, yellow and orange) from Automobili Lamborghini's Ad Personam program.
The five colour options directly from the Automobili Lamborghini’s Ad Personam program

For the first time, the Panigale V4 S will be a part of the Ducati Factory Made program, offering multiple customisation options. Through this, riders can choose from a total of 11 colours – five of which are from Automobili Lamborghini’s Ad Personam program – and two liveries, Corse and Performance. Other accessories include Front Brake PRO and PRO+ packages, the STM dry clutch, and adjustable footpegs.

With all the changes, the 2027 Ducati Panigale V4 and the V4 S will reach European dealerships next March, followed by the US in April. In the UK, the V4 costs GBP 25,495 (Rs 32.16 lakh), and the V4 S at GBP 30,995 (Rs 39.10 lakh). Ducati has not revealed a launch timeline for the rest of the world; in India, the 2026 Panigale V4 costs Rs 32.05 lakh for the standard model and Rs 39.01 lakh for the V4 S. When Ducati brings the 2027 versions here, we’d expect these prices to go up.

What to expect from Renault Duster hybrid ahead of launch tomorrow

What to expect from Renault Duster hybrid ahead of launch tomorrow
Renault Duster

The Renault Duster will get a strong-hybrid powertrain in India on October 17, joining the existing 1.0-litre and 1.3-litre turbo-petrol options. Bookings are open for Rs 21,000. Here’s what to expect from the new hybrid variant, including its powertrain, features and rivals.

1. What is the claimed mileage of the Renault Duster hybrid?

Current Renault Duster image, used for representation only.

The Renault Duster hybrid has an ARAI-rated fuel efficiency of 29kpl, compared with 19.41kpl for the 1.0-litre turbo-petrol manual, 17.75kpl for the 1.3-litre turbo-petrol manual and 18.45kpl for the 1.3-litre turbo-petrol DCT. The hybrid is Renault’s answer for the absence of a diesel option on the new Duster and is expected to give buyers seeking better fuel efficiency an alternative to the turbo-petrol versions.

Its claimed efficiency is also higher than that of the Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara and Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder strong hybrids, both rated at 27.97kpl, and the Maruti Suzuki Victoris strong hybrid, rated at 28.65kpl.

2. How does the Duster’s hybrid system work?

Renault’s 160hp E-Tech hybrid powertrain. 

The E-Tech system combines a 1.8-litre four-cylinder naturally aspirated petrol engine with two electric motors: a 20hp unit that acts as a generator and a 49hp motor that drives the wheels. The system produces a combined 160hp and 172Nm, supported by a 1.4kWh battery.

A multi-mode automatic gearbox with fixed gear ratios sends power to the wheels. Unlike the e-CVT used by the Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara, Victoris and Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder, Renault’s transmission can shift between ratios. Engine revs may therefore rise and fall more noticeably as the system changes between electric drive, engine drive and combined operation. The battery charges while driving and does not need to be plugged in.

Renault says the hybrid system can cover up to 80 percent of city driving in electric mode, using the battery and electric motor at low speeds and switching on the petrol engine when required. Regenerative braking helps recharge the battery while driving.

3. Which SUVs will rival the Renault Duster hybrid?

Current Renault Duster image, used for representation only.

The Duster hybrid will compete with the strong-hybrid versions of the Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara, Maruti Suzuki Victoris and Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder. The Toyota and Suzuki siblings use Toyota’s strong-hybrid system, which pairs a 1.5-litre, three-cylinder petrol engine with electric motors and a 0.60kWh battery, producing a combined 116hp and 141Nm. 

4. Will the Renault Duster hybrid look different from the regular Duster?

Current Renault Duster interior image, used for representation only.

The hybrid is expected to retain the regular Duster’s exterior design and cabin layout, along with a broadly similar feature list. A hybrid badge could help distinguish it from the turbo-petrol variants, with the powertrain being the main difference.

5. What is the expected price of the Renault Duster hybrid?

Current Renault Duster image, used for representation only.

The Renault Duster hybrid is expected to be priced between Rs 20 lakh and Rs 22 lakh (ex-showroom), commanding a premium over the turbo-petrol variants due to its more complex hybrid powertrain and the added fuel-efficiency benefits it offers.

Hyundai Creta crosses 15 lakh sales milestone

Hyundai Creta crosses 15 lakh sales milestone
Hyundai Creta

The Hyundai Creta crossed 15 lakh domestic wholesales by the end of September 2026, with cumulative dispatches reaching 15,12,036 units since its launch in July 2015. The SUV accounts for around 15 percent of Hyundai Motor India’s cumulative passenger vehicle sales since the company entered India, and 55 percent of its utility vehicle dispatches since the Creta’s launch. Creta exports reached 2,95,994 units through August 2026, putting the SUV close to the 3 lakh-unit mark.

Hyundai Creta domestic wholesales by fiscal year

Fiscal yearUnitsYoY change
FY201663,836–
FY201796,89952%
FY20181,07,13611%
FY20191,24,30016%
FY202082,074-34%
FY20211,20,03546%
FY20221,18,092-2%
FY20231,50,37227%
FY20241,62,7738%
FY20251,94,87120%
FY20262,01,9214%
FY2027*89,727-10%
Total15,12,036–

Hyundai Creta sales: FY2026 was its best year

The Creta recorded its highest annual wholesales in FY2026, at 2,01,921 units, up 4 percent year on year. Before that, wholesales stood at 1,94,871 units in FY2025, up 20 percent, and 1,62,773 units in FY2024, up 8 percent.

In the first half of FY2027, combined Creta and Creta electric wholesales stood at 89,727 units, down 10 percent from 99,345 units in the same period last year.

The updated Creta, launched in January 2024, and the Creta Electric, launched in January 2025, have together accounted for an estimated 5.3 lakh domestic units through September 2026.

Hyundai Creta exports near 3 lakh units

Creta exports totalled 2,95,994 units through August 2026. Annual exports peaked at 50,820 units in FY2018. They fell to 3,859 units in FY2024 before rising to 4,314 units in FY2025 and 6,496 units in FY2026. Exports in April-August 2026 stood at 2,338 units.

The internal-combustion Creta is available with three engine options: a 115hp 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol, a 160hp 1.5-litre direct injection turbo-petrol and a 116hp 1.5-litre diesel. It is offered with four gearbox options across 27 variants. All variants come with six airbags and ABS with electronic brakeforce distribution (EBD), according to the source report. The Creta has an ARAI-certified mileage of 17.4kpl to 21.8kpl across the range. Prices range from Rs 10.91 lakh to Rs 20.14 lakh, ex-showroom.

The next-generation Hyundai Creta is expected to launch in India sometime in 2027 and is likely to use the K3 platform that underpins the second-generation Kia Seltos.

With inputs from Dhruv Dhaka

BMW F 450 RR Sportbike revealed

BMW F 450 RR Sportbike revealed
BMW F 450 RR front right quarter.

BMW has revealed the third motorcycle based on its 420cc engine platform, the F 450 RR. This follows the F 450 GS which was revealed last November and the F 450 R, which debuted as recently as two weeks ago. These trio of motorcycles are manufactured by TVS in Hosur.

  1. F 450 RR shares the same 420cc engine and chassis with the other two BMW 450s
  2. Total of three colour options available across four variants
  3. No prices or an Indian launch timeline, just like the F 450 R

BMW F 450 RR: What you should know

A familiar engine and chassis, fine-tuned for track use

BMW’s newest entry to its entry-level motorcycle segment shares its engine and steel tubular chassis that carries said engine as a stressed member, similar to its other two 450s. Its 420cc, twin-cylinder, liquid-cooled mill continues to mete out 48hp at 8,750rpm and 43Nm at 6,750 rpm. Other technical aspects such as the suspension, brakes and kerb weight are closer to its sport-naked sibling, the F 450 R, with sportbike-like design details like winglets and a full fairing, of course.

The F 450 RR has 17-inch tyres at both ends, KYB-supplied 43mm USD fork and monoshock suspension units – the latter offers rebound and preload adjustability as standard. The standard seat height is 790mm and BMW offers two seat options, to either increase it to 810mm, or drop it down to 775mm. Brakes are the same as the R, a 310mm front disc with a Brembo four-piston monobloc caliper and a ByBre 240mm rear disc. The base variant of the F 450 RR has a kerb weight of 177kg.

The F 450 RR has four variants, Base, Exclusive, M Sport and M Sport with Innovation Package. As standard, all four get the exact same rider aids as the R, some of which are, dual-channel and lean-sensitive ABS, a 6.5-inch TFT display with smartphone connectivity, and three ride modes (Rain, Road and Race). The Base gets a single Cosmic Black colour. Stepping up to the Exclusive variant gets you the Racing Red colour, a bi-directional quickshifter and Sport suspension that adds rebound and compression adjustability to the USD fork. The third M Sport variant gives you an additional user-customisable Race Pro ride mode and an Snaefell white/M Motorsport color scheme. The top variant, M Sport with Innovation Package, cinches down the package with ERC (Easy Ride Clutch) – BMW’s take on clutchless riding that we first saw on the F 450 GS.

BMW hasn’t revealed prices for the F 450 RR, or a timeline for an Indian launch, like the F 450 R. For context, the F 450 GS reached our shores six months after its international reveal, which means that the R and the RR could be expected in the first quarter of 2027. Once they get here, we anticipate the F 450 R to be the most affordable option with the F 450 RR sitting between it and the F 450 GS. Currently, the F 450 GS Base starts at Rs 4.95 lakh. BMW has another built-by-TVS sportbike in its line-up, the G 310 RR listed on the BMW Motorrad India website. The G 310 R and G 310 GS were discontinued last year, leaving the future of the G 310 RR uncertain.

Mahindra XUV 3XO crosses 5 lakh sales milestone

Mahindra XUV 3XO crosses 5 lakh sales milestone
Mahindra XUV 3XO front quarter tracking

The XUV 3XO is the latest model from Mahindra to achieve the 5 lakh domestic market wholesales milestone. This total comprises sales of the XUV300 launched in April 2024, the rebranded model XUV 3XO introduced in April 2024, and the XUV 3XO EV unveiled in January 2026.

Collated sales data for this Mahindra compact SUV from February 2019 to September 2026 shows total domestic market wholesales of 505,590 units. An additional 37,000 units have also been exported.

XUV 3XO Sales Trend: Record Month and the Last 100,000 Units

Mahindra XUV300 / 3XO / 3XO EV Sales

Fiscal

Units

YoY % change

 

FY2019

9,532

 

FY2020

37,576

294%

FY2021

35,965

-4%

FY2022

50,260

40%

FY2023

60,968

21%

FY2024

54,174

-11%

FY2025

1,00,923

86%

FY2026

1,03,341

2%

FY2027*

52,851

19%

Total

5,05,590

 

This Mahindra SUV registered its highest monthly sales in October 2025 (12,237 units) when the 3XO achieved the 4 lakh milestone. This also means that the last 1 lakh 3XOs, comprising both ICE and EV, have been sold in the past 11-odd months. 

The 5,05,590 sales units give the 3XO brand a 17% share of the 30 lakh (30,12,830) SUVs Mahindra has sold from February 2024 till September 2026. FY2026 (103,341 XUV 3XOs), a marginal 2 percent improvement over FY2025 (1,00,923 units), was the best fiscal year yet for this compact SUV. In the first six months of FY2027, the 52,851 units are a 19 percent YoY increase (April-September 2025: 44,400 units) and give the XUV 3XO a 15 percent share of the 3,58,142 SUVs Mahindra dispatched to its dealers. Of the total 5,05,590 units sold, the XUV300 is estimated to account for 2,48,493 units from February 2019 to April 2024. The XUV 3XO, which took over, has sold 2,57,097 units. 

CNG Demand to bring more sales in FY27

Mahindra XUV 3XO CNG

With the addition of a CNG powertrain, the 3XO compact SUV will address a larger target buyer category. Current market trends indicate that CNG-powered vehicles, which typically draw value-conscious buyers keen on lower running costs, now also include buyers in higher-priced vehicle segments. CNG is now a mainstream fuel, particularly in the wake of higher petrol and diesel prices, and Mahindra is looking to tap this growing demand with the arrival of the XUV 3XO CNG. Suffice it to say that FY2027 should see the XUV 3XO (ICE, EV and CNG) achieve its highest-ever fiscal sales of around 1.25 lakh units.

XUV 3XO powertrain options and price

The XUV 3XO is Mahindra’s most affordable model and competes in the compact SUV space. Priced from Rs 7.79 lakh to Rs 15.04 lakh, it is offered with a 111hp, 200Nm 1.2-litre turbo-petrol engine that can also be paired with a factory-fitted CNG kit, a 131hp, 230Nm, turbo-petrol engine, and a 117hp, 300Nm, 1.5-litre turbo-diesel engine. All-electric versions range from Rs 13.89 lakh to Rs 14.96 lakh, and utilise a 39.4kWh battery pack paired with a front-mounted motor that produces 150hp and 310Nm and gets a claimed range of 351km.

All prices are ex-showroom, India

TVS Raider 125 gets traction control

TVS Raider 125 gets traction control
TVS Raider TFT DD in Blue and SXC DD in Red colour, front right quarter and front left quarter respectively.

It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say the TVS Raider 125 played a part in rejuvenating the sporty 125 segment in 2021. It garnered such a positive reception and sales that manufacturers like Hero, Honda and Bajaj responded with options of their own. TVS evidently keeps a close eye on the Raider, as it has just given it a new set of features.

  1. Feature additions are limited to the top two variants: SXC DD and TFT DD
  2. Rear tyre is one section larger than before, at 120/70-17

TVS Raider 125 gets four new features

No changes to the design or engine

TVS hasn’t made any changes to the Raider’s design or its 124.8cc engine; neither are there any updates to the looks of the SXC DD and TFT DD variants. The new features added to these two variants are traction control, emergency brake warning and a 27W USB-C charger.  

The Raider is the first in the 125cc segment to get traction control. For the uninitiated, traction control reduces rear-wheel slip, so both wheels offer enough grip over loose surfaces; think gravel-ridden and/or uneven roads. The wider 120/70-17 rear tyre (previously 110/80-17) should also help with grip and stability. The emergency brake gives an earlier heads-up to those behind during sudden braking by triggering the hazard lights. As a convenience addition, TVS has now added a 27W USB-C charger (versus a 12W USB-A charger before), which should help charge your devices much faster.

Apart from these additions, the Raider remains where it was earlier, which means its engine still puts out 11.2hp and 11.75Nm, of which 0.55Nm is supplied by its integrated starter-motor-generator. The dual-disc brakes with single-channel ABS also remain exclusive to the top two variants. With these updates, the Raider TFT DD variant costs Rs 1,03,170, and the SXC DD variant costs Rs 1,00,330. TVS says the updated versions will be available at its dealerships across the country.