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BMW X1 LWB launch on August 21

Posted on August 5, 2026August 6, 2026 by admin

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

BMW X1 LWB exterior design

116mm longer than standard X1

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

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

BMW X1 LWB interior and features

Increased rear legroom, higher bench and wider headrest cushions

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

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

BMW X1 LWB engine and gearbox options

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

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

BMW X1 LWB price estimate and positioning

No direct rivals in the Indian luxury car market

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

All prices are ex-showroom, India.

Technology

Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg ने भारत से मांगी माफी, 5-6 घंटे तक Facebook से हटाया गया था PM Modi का वीडियो

Posted on August 5, 2026August 6, 2026 by admin

Meta के CEO मार्क जुकरबर्ग ने भारत में अपने सोशल मीडिया प्लेटफॉर्म पर Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSEAM) और Deepfake Content की उपलब्धता को लेकर माफी मांगी है। इलेक्ट्रॉनिक्स एवं सूचना प्रौद्योगिकी मंत्रालय (MeitY) के सूत्रों के मुताबिक, Zuckerberg ने Meta के वरिष्ठ वैश्विक अधिकारियों की मंत्रालय के साथ हुई बैठक के दौरान इस मामले पर खेद जताया। Meta, Facebook, Instagram और WhatsApp की पैरेंट कंपनी है।

ALSO READ: E20 Petrol : क्या सरकार ला रही है Flex-Fuel वाहनों के लिए नई पॉलिसी? सरकार ने दिया बड़ा अपडेट

हटाया था PM Modi का वीडियो

Zuckerberg की यह माफी ऐसे समय में सामने आई है जब इससे पहले बुधवार को एक संसदीय समिति ने प्रधानमंत्री नरेंद्र मोदी के Facebook वीडियो को हटाए जाने के मामले में Meta प्रमुख को तीन दिन के भीतर माफी मांगने को कहा था। प्रधानमंत्री मोदी का छात्रों और Gen Z को संबोधित करने वाला वीडियो कुछ समय के लिए Facebook से हटाए जाने पर समिति ने गंभीर नाराजगी जताई थी।

समिति ने चेतावनी दी थी कि यदि माफी नहीं मांगी गई तो Meta को मिलने वाली कानूनी सुरक्षा यानी Safe Harbour protection वापस लेने की दिशा में कदम उठाया जा सकता है। ऐसी स्थिति में संबंधित मामलों में अभियोजन और FIR दर्ज होने का रास्ता खुल सकता है।

लोकसभा सचिवालय की ओर से इलेक्ट्रॉनिक्स एवं सूचना प्रौद्योगिकी मंत्रालय के सचिव को भेजे गए पत्र में कहा गया कि प्रधानमंत्री नरेंद्र मोदी का छात्रों और Gen Z को संबोधित करने वाला वीडियो Facebook से करीब 5-6 घंटे तक हटाया जाना समिति ने गंभीरता से लिया था। यह वीडियो परीक्षा से जुड़े विवादों और पेपर लीक के खिलाफ सरकार की कार्रवाई को लेकर प्रधानमंत्री के संदेश से संबंधित था। समिति ने इस घटना को लेकर Meta से स्पष्टीकरण और जवाबदेही की मांग की थी।

मेटा की टीम को सरकार ने बुलाया था

सरकार पीएम मोदी का वीडियो फेसबुक से हटाने से भी नाराज थी। मोदी ने 23 जुलाई को यह वीडियो पोस्ट किया था। इसमें उन्होंने पेपर लीक को बड़ी समस्या बताया था। उन्होंने ऐसे मामलों की जल्द सुनवाई के लिए फास्ट ट्रैक कोर्ट बनाने की भी बात कही थी। आईटी मंत्रालय और मेटा के अधिकारियों के बीच 2 दिन की बैठक चल रही है। सरकार ने मेटा की ग्लोबल टीम को दिल्ली बुलाया है। 5 अगस्त को बैठक का पहला दिन था।

मार्क जुकरबर्ग को दिया गया था 3 दिन का समय

समिति की ओर से कहा गया था कि मेटा प्रमुख मार्क जुकरबर्ग को मामले में माफी मांगनी चाहिए। अगर निर्धारित समय में माफी नहीं आती है, तो समिति भारत में उपलब्ध कानूनी संरक्षण को वापस लेने की दिशा में कदम उठाने पर विचार कर सकती है। यह मामला इसलिए महत्वपूर्ण है क्योंकि Safe Harbour protection इंटरनेट प्लेटफॉर्म को यूजर्स द्वारा पोस्ट की गई सामग्री के लिए कुछ कानूनी सुरक्षा प्रदान करता है, बशर्ते वे लागू नियमों और कानूनी दायित्वों का पालन करें।

क्यों महत्वपूर्ण हुआ मामला

प्रधानमंत्री के सोशल मीडिया पोस्ट को हटाए जाने की घटना ने भारत में Big Tech platforms, content moderation और social media accountability को लेकर बहस को तेज कर दिया था। Meta की ओर से पहले इस वीडियो को गलती से हटाए जाने की बात सामने आई थी और वीडियो बाद में बहाल कर दिया गया था।

Zuckerberg ने अधिकारियों के जरिए भेजी माफी

MeitY के सूत्रों के अनुसार, Mark Zuckerberg ने प्लेटफॉर्म के संचालन में हुई गलतियों को लेकर शीर्ष अधिकारियों के माध्यम से अपनी माफी पहुंचाई। सूत्रों ने बताया कि बैठक के दौरान Meta ने यह भी स्वीकार किया कि कुछ खास तरह के कंटेंट को ज्यादा लोगों तक पहुंचाने के लिए बड़ी रकम का भुगतान किया गया था। सूत्र के मुताबिक, Meta ने गलती स्वीकार करते हुए माफी मांगी और इस पर अफसोस जताया। हालांकि, मंत्रालय की ओर से इस संबंध में अभी सार्वजनिक रूप से विस्तृत बयान सामने नहीं आया है।

CSEAM और महिलाओं के खिलाफ आपत्तिजनक कंटेंट पर भी सख्ती

बीजेपी सांसद निशिकांत दुबे की अध्यक्षता वाली सूचना प्रौद्योगिकी संबंधी संसदीय स्थायी समिति ने उन intermediary platforms के खिलाफ कार्रवाई की मांग की, जहां CSEAM और महिलाओं के खिलाफ अपमानजनक सामग्री उपलब्ध होने का आरोप है। सूत्रों के मुताबिक, समिति की ओर से यह भी स्पष्ट किया गया कि जो प्लेटफॉर्म खुद तय करते हैं कि किस यूजर को कौन-सा कंटेंट दिखाया जाएगा, उन्हें केवल intermediary की सामान्य परिभाषा के तहत सुरक्षा नहीं दी जा सकती। समिति ने कथित तौर पर कहा कि ऐसे मामलों में IT Act के तहत Safe Harbour protection लागू नहीं होगा।

Google India को लेकर भी समिति ने मांगी कार्रवाई

संसदीय समिति ने Google India से जुड़े एक कथित साइबर फ्रॉड मामले का भी उल्लेख किया है। समिति के अनुसार, शिकायतकर्ताओं ने आरोप लगाया कि फर्जी ऐप्स के माध्यम से निवेश करने पर उन्हें 48 लाख रुपये से अधिक का नुकसान हुआ। पत्र में कहा गया कि Hyderabad Cyber Police की कार्रवाई में Google India के प्रमुख को कथित साइबर धोखाधड़ी से जुड़े मामले में सह-आरोपी के तौर पर शामिल किए जाने की बात सामने आई है। समिति ने इस मामले में भी भारत सरकार से Google India के खिलाफ इसी तरह की कार्रवाई करने की इच्छा जताई है।

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2026 Mahindra Scorpio N image gallery

Posted on August 5, 2026August 6, 2026 by admin

Mahindra has launched the Scorpio N facelift with prices ranging from Rs 13.69 lakh to Rs 25.49 lakh (ex-showroom). While the rugged exterior remains largely unchanged, the facelift introduces new 18-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels on higher variants. Inside, the SUV gets a significantly upgraded cabin with a revised dashboard layout, a 12.3-inch free-floating touchscreen, 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, panoramic sunroof, 540-degree surround-view camera, revised switchgear and new ‘Adventure Statistics’ display. Convenience has also improved with a 65W USB Type-C charger up front. Mechanically, the Scorpio-N remains unchanged, continuing with its 2.0-litre turbo-petrol and 2.2-litre diesel engines, and is available with a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed torque-converter automatic gearboxes.

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

Posted on August 5, 2026August 5, 2026 by admin

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

Audi’s Big Comeback: Cover Story

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

Jaguar Type 01: Drive

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

Range Rover Sport EV: Drive

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

Tata Sierra EV: First Drive

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

Honda ZR-V: Drive

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

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

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

CNG Special: Features

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

Tata Nexon: Petrol vs Diesel vs Electric vs CNG

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

Skoda Kylaq: Pune to Prague, Part 1

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

Norton Atlas: Ride

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

Ducati Multistrada V4 Pikes Peak: First Ride

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

Suzuki E-Access: Road Test

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

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SIAM withdraws E20 fuel contamination communication

Posted on August 5, 2026August 5, 2026 by admin

The Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) has withdrawn its earlier communication to the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas regarding E20 fuel contamination, stating that media reports had selectively quoted excerpts from the document and that some of the figures cited require further verification.

Earlier communication withdrawn pending further verification
SIAM reiterates support for the government’s E20 programme
Petroleum Ministry says enhanced fuel quality checks are in place

The clarification follows media reports that cited portions of the communication relating to chloride and moisture contamination in E20 petrol and an increase in the replacement of certain vehicle components.

SIAM says figures require further verification

In a statement issued on Tuesday night, SIAM said, “SIAM has taken note of certain media reports that have cited excerpts from a SIAM communication, with specific and selective focus on chloride and sulphur content in fuel. SIAM wishes to clarify the matter and place it in its correct context for the benefit of the public and all stakeholders.”

It added that the communication formed part of routine technical discussions between industry bodies, automobile manufacturers, oil marketing companies (OMCs) and testing agencies.

“Some numbers quoted in the communication needs authentication through collection of elaborate data from various regions across the country followed by a comprehensive consultation with our member OEMs,” SIAM said.

The industry body added, “The referred numbers reported in the media need authentication and therefore SIAM is withdrawing its earlier communication.”

A news report published by a leading business channel on Tuesday, which has since been removed, had cited excerpts from the communication, claiming SIAM had flagged a rise in the replacement of fuel injectors, fuel pumps and other components, while also highlighting chloride contamination of up to 500mg/kg in some fuel samples.

Industry body reaffirms support for E20 rollout

SIAM said the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas has already introduced a 3ppm guideline for chloride and sulphur in ethanol blended into petrol, while OMCs have strengthened quality checks across the fuel supply chain. According to the industry body, “all of these steps fully meet the needs of the automobile industry.”

The industry body also reiterated its support for the nationwide rollout of E20 petrol, stating that there is “no cause for concern” for consumers and that such technical issues have routinely been addressed between automakers and OMCs.

Government reiterates fuel quality monitoring

Earlier on Tuesday, the Petroleum Ministry said fuel quality is monitored regularly by state-run OMCs and highlighted enhanced testing protocols following reports related to SIAM’s communication on E20 fuel quality.

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Audi India boss confirms 3 new launches by 2027

Posted on August 5, 2026August 5, 2026 by admin

After years on the sidelines, Audi India is finally in attack mode. The next 12 months will see a barrage of all-new metal. First comes the third-generation Q3 this month, followed by the A5 in February 2027 and then the recently unveiled Q9 flagship SUV by the second half of 2027. “Three models in less than 12 months’ time,” confirms Balbir Singh Dhillon, head of Audi India.

The crucial detail is not the cadence but the sourcing. These will not be costly completely built-up (CBU) imports but will be assembled at the Skoda Auto Volkswagen Group plant in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar. Model-to-model replacement, as Dhillon points out, needs little fresh capital because the heavy lifting was done years ago. “To be successful in India, you have to make in India,” he says. “Irrespective of any FTA, we will still make in India. That will remain the core strategy.”

Let’s take a close look at what to expect from each model:

Audi Q3

Launch: August 2026, estimated price: Rs 50 lakh

A big leap over the second-gen model in tech and styling, the third-gen Q3 was revealed last June. It is available in petrol, diesel and plug-in hybrid options in overseas markets, but in India, it’ll have a 204hp, 2.0 turbo-petrol paired with a 7-speed dual-clutch and standard Quattro all-wheel drive. The AWD will give it an edge over the BMW X1 and Mercedes-Benz GLA. Expected in both SUV and Sportback body styles, the Q3 will ride on 18-inch alloys and should get a spare under the boot floor. Kit is expected to include an 11.9-inch digital driver’s display, a 12.8-inch touchscreen, three-zone auto AC and a large sunroof.

Audi A5

Launch: February 2027, estimated price: Rs 60 lakh

Revealed in 2024 and updated with hybrid powertrains last year, the A5 will replace the ageing A4 in Audi India’s line-up. Based on the new Premium Platform Combustion (PPC) architecture, it is larger than the A4 and shares its high-tech interior with newer Audis like the Q6 e-tron, including an optional 10.9-inch passenger-side touchscreen display. India is expected to get the same 204hp, 2.0 turbo-petrol engine and 7-speed dual-clutch transmission as the Q3, though only in front-wheel-drive form. While overseas markets also get a 265hp Quattro variant, it isn’t expected for India.

Audi Q9

Launch: H2 2027, estimated price: Rs 1.40 crore-1.50 crore

The Q9 sits above the Q7 and Q8, at the very top of the range and is Audi’s new flagship. It’s also the first time Audi has used the ‘9’ designation, and with the A8 gone, this three-row giant is now the standard-bearer for the brand. At more than 5.3 meters in length, this isn’t a stretched Q7; it’s a class-size jump that finally gives Audi a genuine rival to the Mercedes-Benz GLS and BMW X7, a fight it has sat out for far too long. It will get a sole engine option in India: a 3.0-litre V6 petrol producing 367hp and 550Nm, driving all four wheels through an 8-speed automatic. Sadly, there will be no diesel engine option for India.

Network expansion to compliment new launches

Hardware alone will not do it. The retail network is being rebuilt in parallel. “Today we have 29 showrooms. By the end of next year, we’ll be at 40,” says Dhillon, with virtually every existing outlet currently torn up for conversion to Audi’s global ‘progressive’ showroom format. The new locations alone, he reckons, will contribute a quarter of the planned growth. Add a thriving Audi Approved Plus used-car operation, which now sells one pre-owned car for every new one and sits on a database of 20,000 pre-owned buyers ripe for upgrade, and the machinery for a volume push is in place.

The stated ambition is bold. “Today we are at about 8, 9 percent market share. I want to double it to maybe reach 18 to 20 percent in the next three to five years,” says Dhillon. In volume terms, that means more than doubling sales to cross 10,000 units within three years, outpacing the luxury market that is itself expected to grow.

For the first time in years, Audi India has a genuine arsenal: a fresh Q range from Q3 to Q9, a striking new sedan, a rebuilt network and a loyal customer base waiting to be rewarded. There will still be gaps in the product lineup, but the intent is there, and this opening salvo is just the start of an offensive built to sustain itself, with future products already being hatched, many of them aimed squarely at those very holes in the line-up. 2027 promises to be a turning point. It’s game on for Audi.

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Mahindra Scorpio N facelift launched at Rs 13.69 lakh

Posted on August 5, 2026August 5, 2026 by admin

Mahindra has launched the Scorpio-N facelift, with prices range from Rs 13.69 lakh to Rs 25.49 lakh (ex-showroom). The SUV has been updated the with a range of feature additions, including a panoramic sunroof, a 540-degree surround-view camera and larger infotainment and instrument displays. The SUV also gets new alloy wheels and additional convenience features, while continuing with its existing petrol and diesel powertrains.

Panoramic sunroof and 540-degree camera added
New 12.3-inch touchscreen and 10.25-inch digital cluster
New 18-inch dual-tone alloy wheels

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Autocar India August 2026 Issue

Posted on August 5, 2026August 5, 2026 by admin

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

Audi’s Big Comeback: Cover Story

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

Jaguar Type 01: Drive

Range Rover Sport EV: Drive

Tata Sierra EV: First Drive

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

Honda ZR-V: Drive

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

CNG Special: Features

Tata Nexon: Petrol vs Diesel vs Electric vs CNG

Skoda Kylaq: Pune to Prague, Part 1

Norton Atlas: Ride

Ducati Multistrada V4 Pikes Peak: First Ride

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

Suzuki E-Access: Road Test

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E20 fuel contamination linked to rise in engine issue

Posted on August 4, 2026August 4, 2026 by admin

High chloride and moisture contamination in E20 petrol has emerged as a growing concern for the automotive industry, with vehicle manufacturers reporting a rise in failures of fuel system and exhaust-related components. Following discussions with automobile manufacturers and oil marketing companies (OMCs), the Centre has directed OMCs to strengthen fuel quality monitoring at retail outlets, while the industry has called for tighter fuel quality standards.

High chloride and moisture levels found in E20 fuel samples
Ageing fuel infrastructure identified as a likely source
Industry calls for mandatory chloride limits in BIS standards

Contamination linked to rise in component failures

According to industry findings shared with the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, automakers have reported a significant increase in the replacement of fuel injectors, fuel pumps and other parts that come into direct contact with fuel. Field investigations have identified corrosion and wear caused by excessive chloride contamination as a key contributing factor.

Industry assessments indicate that chloride contamination, when combined with moisture, can form an acidic mixture that corrodes precision components such as fuel injectors, potentially leading to both immediate and long-term damage.

Fuel samples collected from vehicle tanks have recorded chloride contamination levels of up to 500mg/kg, while samples collected from retail outlets have shown levels of up to 350mg/kg. Separate industry assessments have reported chloride levels of up to 300ppm at some fuel outlets, against a recommended limit of under 10ppm.

Moisture contamination adds to the problem

Industry assessments have also reported excessive moisture contamination in E20 petrol. Some samples recorded water content exceeding 10,000mg/kg, while separate investigations found levels of around 7,000mg/kg, against the permissible limit of 3,000mg/kg. Excess moisture can lead to phase separation, where the ethanol-water mixture settles at the bottom of the fuel tank and may be drawn into the engine during operation.

Chlorides and moisture enter the vehicle’s fuel tank via contaminated water and an unclean supply chain, made worse by ethanol’s hygroscopic nature. Industry assessments point to ageing storage tanks, pipelines, fuel tankers and other fuel handling infrastructure as likely sources of contamination.

Some petrol pump operators have also raised concerns that ageing underground storage tanks, particularly during the monsoon or in coastal regions, could be more susceptible to moisture ingress, increasing the risk of phase separation in ethanol-blended fuel. The contamination issue is cropping up in certain pockets of the country, especially in the north.

The latest developments come weeks after Mercedes-Benz India also raised concerns over fuel contamination and urged tighter fuel quality checks after reporting contamination-related damage to vehicle components in some cases.

Industry seeks tighter fuel quality standards

According to report from CNBC TV18, the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) has urged the government to introduce mandatory chloride limits in BIS fuel specifications. It has proposed a chloride limit of less than 1mg/kg for commercial E20 and E85 fuels, and less than 3mg/kg for anhydrous ethanol used for blending. SIAM said it has been raising the issue with BIS for more than two years, but the proposal has not yet been implemented.

SIAM has also recommended regular audits of older fuel stations, stricter quality checks across the retail fuel network and mandatory chloride limits for diesel, where the parameter currently remains optional. The Centre has since asked OMCs to strengthen on-ground fuel quality monitoring while the root causes of contamination are investigated.

With inputs from Hormazd Sorabjee

Source: CNBC TV18, SIAM, OMCs and auto manufacturers.

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JSW MG ‘Hector Hawk’ SUV to launch on August 28

Posted on August 4, 2026August 4, 2026 by admin

JSW MG Motor India will launch its new SUV on August 28. Expected to be called the Hector Hawk, it will be the first model based on the company’s new ADAPT platform and will be offered with both battery electric (EV) and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrains.

EV version expected with a 69.2kWh battery pack
PHEV likely to offer up to 125km electric-only range
Likely to rival the Mahindra XEV 9S and XUV 7XO

JSW MG Hector Hawk: what to expect

Wuling Starlight EV. Image used for representative purposes only.

The Hector Hawk is based on the Wuling Starlight 560 sold in international markets which measures 4.7m in length, 1.85m in width and 1.7m in height. The car has been spied testing on our roads with spy shots revealing rectangular LED headlamps with LED daytime running lamps (DRLs) at the top and bottom, a blanked-off grille (expected to be the EV version), wraparound LED tail-lamps, a roof-mounted spoiler and a charging port on the left rear fender.

Wuling Starlight 560’s dashboard shown for representative purposes only.

Inside, the SUV is expected to feature a minimalist dashboard with an 8.8-inch digital instrument cluster and a 12.8-inch touchscreen infotainment system. Other expected features include a panoramic sunroof, powered and ventilated front seats, a 50W wireless phone charger, a 6-speaker sound system and automatic climate control with rear AC vents.

The safety suite could have 6 airbags as standard, a tyre-pressure monitoring system (TPMS), hill-hold assist, an electronic parking brake, a rear parking camera with sensors and advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS).

Powertrains and platform

Wuling Starlight PHEV. Image used for representative purposes only.

The EV version is expected to get a 69.2kWh battery pack paired with a 201hp, 310Nm front-mounted electric motor, offering a CLTC-claimed range of 530km. The PHEV version is expected to combine a 1.5-litre petrol engine with a 20.5kWh battery pack and an electric motor, offering a total output of 195hp and 230Nm and an all-electric range of 125km.

The Hector Hawk will be the first model in India based on MG’s ADAPT platform, which supports battery electric, plug-in hybrid, range-extender and strong-hybrid powertrains. JSW MG has confirmed that it will initially focus on EVs and PHEVs.

In MG’s India lineup, the Hector Hawk is expected to be positioned above the current Hector. The EV version is likely to rival the Mahindra XEV 9S, while the PHEV is expected to take on the Mahindra XUV 7XO and Tata Safari.