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BMW X1 LWB launch on August 21

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BMW X1 LWB

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.

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Hennessey Blackbird revealed with naturally aspirated V8, manual gearbox

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Hennessey Blackbird

Hennessey has unveiled the Blackbird, its latest hypercar inspired by the Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird reconnaissance aircraft. While the Venom F5 was developed with outright speed and power as its priority, the Blackbird instead places greater emphasis on driver engagement through a naturally aspirated V8, rear-wheel-drive layout, a 6-speed manual gearbox and a screen-free cabin. Production will be limited to 71 units, and customer deliveries are scheduled to begin in 2029.

  1. Naturally aspirated 6.2-litre V8 revs to over 9,000rpm
  2. Targets sub-1,360kg dry weight and 354kph top speed
  3. Screen-free cabin with analogue dials and manual gearbox

Hennessey Blackbird: Engine and performance

Powering the Blackbird is an all-new 6.2-litre naturally aspirated V8, developed with Ilmor Engineering, the company known for its work in IndyCar and NASCAR. Hennessey says the engine will produce 811-862hp, rev beyond 9,000rpm and be the world’s most powerful production naturally aspirated V8. Power is sent exclusively to the rear wheels via a 6-speed manual gearbox with an exposed gate and an exposed linkage.

Without turbochargers or hybrid assistance, Hennessey says the V8 has been engineered to deliver immediate throttle response, linear power delivery and a more engaging soundtrack.

Hennessey claims the Blackbird can sprint from a standstill to 97kph in under 3.0 seconds and reach a 354kph top speed. The Blackbird uses a bespoke carbon-fibre monocoque and carbon-fibre bodywork, giving it a targeted dry weight of under 1,360kg, while also featuring adaptive suspension, Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tyres, ABS and traction control. Despite these performance figures, Hennessey says the focus remains on delivering a more involving driving experience and long-distance usability than on outright performance figures.

Hennessey Blackbird: Exterior design

The Blackbird’s styling takes direct inspiration from the SR-71 Blackbird aircraft. The most distinctive elements are the pair of active vertical stabilisers at the rear, which deploy at speeds above 71mph (114kph) and sit at +/-71 degrees to improve stability and downforce. The diamond-shaped quad exhaust is inspired by the Bell X-1, the first aircraft to break the sound barrier, while the sculpted side pods and bodywork are said to be influenced by Formula 1 and aerospace design. The crisp body-side chine line is another defining styling element of the Blackbird, directly inspired by the SR-71.

Beyond its aircraft-inspired styling, the Blackbird has been engineered for high-speed stability and improved usability. Hennessey says improvements such as a larger glasshouse, better visibility and increased luggage capacity over the Venom F5 are intended to make the car more practical for longer journeys.

Hennessey Blackbird: Interior

The Blackbird’s cabin adopts a deliberately analogue layout. Instead of a digital instrument cluster and central touchscreen, it gets traditional analogue dials, an exposed gear linkage, physical switchgear and a traditional, insert-and-twist ignition key. Smartphone connectivity is handled through the “Hennessey holster”, a dedicated phone mount rather than an integrated infotainment system, while the steering wheel is free of buttons.

Hennessey says the cabin offers more space than the Venom F5 and enough luggage capacity for two full-size carry-on bags. The company also claims the Blackbird has been designed to cover over 1,200km comfortably in a single day, underlining its touring-focused brief.

Hennessey Blackbird: Production

Production of the Blackbird will begin in Texas in 2029, and prices start at USD 2.5 million (around Rs 24 crore), before taxes. Just 71 examples will be built, and more than two-thirds of production has already been allocated ahead of its public debut on August 14 at The Quail during Monterey Car Week in California.

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What to expect from the BMW 7 Series, i7 facelift ahead of launch

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BMW 7 series

BMW’s flagship 7 Series and i7 luxury sedans are set to receive a mid-lifecycle facelift in India with refreshed styling, a comprehensively redesigned cabin, and upgraded petrol, diesel and electric powertrains. This mid-cycle update also introduces interior elements from BMW’s upcoming Neue Klasse models, including the new Panoramic iDrive display and rhomboidal infotainment touchscreen. With bookings now open ahead of their launch, here’s everything you need to know.

1. What will the BMW 7 Series and i7 facelift look like?

Sharper styling with subtle design revisions

The facelift retains the overall silhouette of the current 7 Series but introduces several styling changes. Up front, it gets a redesigned illuminated kidney grille and revised split LED headlamps. The slim upper lighting elements house the daytime running lights, while the main headlamp units sit lower down in the bumper.

Viewed from the side, the 7 Series continues its clean and elegant design. It retains flush-fitting door handles that blend neatly into the bodywork. BMW has also introduced a new alloy-wheel design with the facelift. Another interesting detail is the embossed ‘7’ on the B-pillar, which becomes visible when both doors on the same side are opened. 

At the rear, slimmer tail-lamps extend further into the tailgate and feature smoked lenses with chrome detailing, while the bumper has been redesigned with a diffuser-style insert.

2. What’s new in the interior of the BMW 7 Series and i7 facelift?

Redesigned dashboard with BMW’s latest Panoramic iDrive

The biggest changes are inside. The facelift introduces BMW’s new Panoramic iDrive, replacing the conventional digital instrument cluster with a full-width projection display at the base of the windscreen. It works alongside a new 17.9-inch central touchscreen and a 14.6-inch front passenger display, both running the latest BMW Operating System X which supports over-the-air updates, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and features improved voice controls. 

BMW has also introduced a new four-spoke steering wheel and a redesigned ambient lighting system that spans the width of the dashboard, extends to the rear speaker grilles and features additional lighting behind the front seats.

As standard, the seats come with electric adjustment, heating, ventilation, massage, lumbar support and heated armrests. The front passenger seat can also slide fully forward to create additional legroom for the passenger seated behind. 

Rear-seat entertainment has also been upgraded. The Theatre Screen, optional in international markets, is now a 31.3-inch 8K touchscreen that supports video calls, streaming and gaming. The displays integrated into the rear doors have also been updated, allowing passengers to reposition the Theatre Screen, adjust its viewing angle and control other cabin functions. BMW has also revised the automatic doors with better-positioned open and close buttons.

3. Which powertrain options will the BMW 7 Series and i7 Lci get?

Petrol, diesel and electric powertrains receive updates

The facelifted 7 Series continues with 3.0-litre inline-six petrol and diesel mild-hybrid engines, both paired with an 8-speed automatic gearbox and all-wheel drive.  The 740i develops 400hp and 580Nm, up by 19hp and 60Nm, while the 740d now makes 313hp and 670Nm, an increase of 27hp and 20Nm over the outgoing model. 

The all-electric i7 also receives updates. The i7 xDrive50 replaces the earlier eDrive50 and now gets dual-motor all-wheel drive along with a larger 112.4kWh battery, replacing the earlier 101.7kWh unit. Output rises to 455hp and 660Nm. The range-topping i7 M70 xDrive also benefits from the larger battery, with outputs increasing to 680hp (from 650hp) and up to 1,100Nm (from 1,015Nm).

4. Will BMW launch the plug-in hybrid 7 Series in India

Yet to be confirmed

BMW i7 60 xDrive

Internationally, the 7 Series facelift is also available with plug-in hybrid powertrains, including the 750e xDrive and M760e xDrive. It remains to be seen whether BMW will introduce either variant in India, especially since its key rival, the new Mercedes-Benz S-Class, is already available with a plug-in hybrid powertrain.

5. How much will the BMW 7 Series and i7 facelift cost?

Prices expected to increase slightly

The current BMW 7 Series is priced at Rs 1.85 crore (ex-showroom) for both the petrol and diesel variants, while the i7 is priced between Rs 2.10 crore and Rs 2.58 crore. Given the additional technology, revised styling and powertrain upgrades, BMW is expected to increase prices slightly for both models.

6. Which cars will the BMW 7 Series and i7 facelift rival?

The 7 Series ‘LCI’ facelift will continue to rival the Mercedes-Benz S-Class in the flagship luxury sedan segment. Meanwhile, the i7 will compete with electric luxury sedans in the same price bracket.

7. When will the BMW 7 Series and i7 facelift launch in India

Bookings are now open

BMW i7 60 xDrive

BMW has started accepting bookings for the 7 Series and i7 facelift through its dealerships across India, with customers also able to register their interest via the BMW India website. The company is yet to announce an official launch date, although the refreshed luxury sedans are expected to arrive in the coming months.

International-spec BMW 7 Series shown for representative purposes only.

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3 reasons to buy the Tata Curvv EV, 2 reasons not to

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3 reasons to buy the Tata Curvv EV, 2 reasons not to

Tata launched the Curvv EV in 2024 as a distinct-looking coupe-SUV in the heavily contested midsize class. In the manufacturer’s lineup, it sits between the smaller Nexon EV and larger Sierra EV, and along with the different looks, it also offers a feature-loaded cabin, spacious cabin, a large battery pack and a powerful electric motor. If you’re interested in the Curvv EV, here are the reasons to consider it, and some reasons to think otherwise.

Reasons to buy

Offers good performance without compromising on range

The Tata Curvv EV is offered with a 55kWh battery pack and produces 167hp and 215Nm from its front-axle-mounted (FWD) electric motor. It gets three drive modes: Eco, City and Sport, which alter the throttle response based on the chosen mode. The Curvv EV is the most energetic in Sport mode, offering full torque reserve at the tap of the accelerator pedal, unlike the other two modes where torque output is restricted to around 70 percent. Tata claims a 0-100kph time of 8.6 seconds for the Curvv, but in our real-world tests, it completed the 0-100kph sprint in 9.25 seconds in Sport mode. The fact that the Tata Curvv EV did a 0-100kph run in 11.6 seconds with the most docile Eco mode shows its quick acceleration.

However, quick acceleration does not come at the expense of efficiency, as in our real-world tests, we found that the Curvv EV’s 55kWh variant offered an economy of 6.64km/kWh, translating to a total range of 365km, which allows for intracity travel.

Offers a lot of comfort and convenience features

Like other Tata EV offerings, the Curvv EV is also loaded with features to its gills. It gets a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system and a 10.25-inch digital driver’s display, the latter of which can be configured to show navigation. However, when using turn indicators, it shows the blind spot monitor feed instead of the navigation. This can be avoided if the blind spot monitor display is configured to display on the touchscreen. Both screens are crisp and have menus, but it is easy to get used to them. The infotainment system is offered with Tata’s arcade.ev app suite, which includes streaming services and games that can be used when the Curvv EV is charging. 

Other features include a panoramic sunroof, configurable ambient lighting, an electric tailgate with gesture control, a 9-speaker JBL sound system, a wireless phone charger with cooling vents, powered and ventilated front seats, and Level-2 advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS). 

It is a value-for-money offering in its class

With prices ranging from Rs 16.99 lakh to Rs 19.19 lakh, the Tata Curvv EV is on par with the petrol/diesel midsize SUVs, and undercuts rivals like the Hyundai Creta Electric, Mahindra BE 6, and Tata Sierra. At this price, it is offered with concept-car-like looks, a spacious interior, a feature-loaded cabin, a large battery and a potent electric motor, making it one of the most value-for-money offerings in its class.

Reasons to skip

Taller passengers may feel uncomfortable on the rear seats

The coupe-SUV design of the Curvv EV eats up the headroom on the rear seats, which will be uncomfortable for taller passengers, especially if they are taller than 6 feet. Such passengers will also find the under-thigh support underwhelming, as they have to sit in a knees-up position due to the battery cells placed under the floor. However, legroom is in plenty and will be appreciated by passengers of all sizes. 

It suffers from some ergonomic issues

The Curvv EV shares much of its dashboard design with the Nexon EV,  and hence, does not get proper cupholders for the front passengers. The cupholders are placed inside the glovebox, which does not make them usable, especially on the move. The phone charging ports are placed ahead of the drive selector knob and are hard to reach. The storage space under the front centre armrest is also small. However, the fit and finish inside the cabin is decent for the Curvv EV’s price.

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Honda CB500 price and launch timeline details revealed

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Honda CB500 price and launch timeline details revealed

The CB500 was one of the hot-ticket reveals from Honda Motorcycle and Scooter India (HMSI) recently and it enters a segment of the market where it will sit virtually in a class of its own. The CB500 is based on the same platform as the CB350 line of bikes but with nuanced differences. 

  1. Powered by a 501cc, long-stroke thumper
  2. Launch likely to happen around October-November
  3. Likely to slot in between Harley-Davidson X440 and RE Interceptor 650

Powered by a 501cc, air/oil-cooled, single-cylinder engine making 28hp and 43.3Nm of torque, the CB500 sits virtually in a league of its own, occupying the space vacated by the erstwhile Royal Enfield 500cc models. While the CB350 models have competitive pricing, sitting around the Rs 2 lakh ballpark (ex-showroom, Delhi), the CB500 will be considerably more expensive. 

This is partly due to the larger engine and additional features but a large contributing factor is the higher GST rate. The new regime taxes two-wheelers above 350cc at 40 percent, which is more than double the 18 percent tax levied on machines below that mark. 

As a result, it is likely that the CB500 will slot into the market between Rs 2.80 lakh – Rs 3.00 lakh (ex-showroom) upon its launch, which is likely to take place in October-November 2026. While this is sure to relegate it to a niche audience, the CB500 – on paper, at least – promises a unique riding experience in today’s marketplace. 

Upon launch, there will be three variants on offer. The base CB500 will come with simple colours and alloy wheels, the mid-spec variant will have metallic finish solid paint and cross-spoke rims permitting tubeless tyres and the top model will have exclusive colours and graphics as well as those aforementioned laced rims. 

The nearest challengers to the CB500 are the Hero-built Harley-Davidson X440 models (Rs 2.35 lakh – Rs 2.85 lakh), although the X440s use a smaller engine with lesser torque. At its price point, the CB500 will slot in below the Royal Enfield 650s, which start at Rs 3.39 lakh (ex-showroom, Chennai) with the Interceptor 650. 

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Hyundai to launch Bayon-based midsize SUV this festive season

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Hyundai Bayon based SUV

Tarun Garg, MD and CEO of Hyundai India, confirmed on the company’s Q1 FY27 earnings call that the brand will launch a new mid-size SUV during the festive season. Following this, the brand will also launch a new compact electric SUV within this fiscal year.

  1. New mid-size SUV likely to offer an underbody-mounted CNG kit.
  2. Compact electric SUV to sit on a new architecture and utilise Exide batteries.

New Hyundai mid-size SUV: What do we know so far?

To sit below the Creta and likely offer petrol and CNG powertrains 

Before the next-generation Creta debuts in 2027, Hyundai will introduce another product in the mid-size SUV space during the festive season to strengthen its presence. This SUV (codename: Bc4i) will utilise the Bayon crossover’s platform that’s sold abroad. It will measure around 4.18 metres in length, suggesting that it would be positioned below the Creta.

Heavily camouflaged mules of this mid-size SUV have been spied abroad and on our roads, giving a glimpse of what it could look like. Prototypes were spotted with a crossover-esque design, roof rails, dual-tone alloys, split lamp design, rising windowline and all-wheel disc brakes. While the interior has not been spied yet, Hyundai is likely to load it up with features and advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS).

The model will be powered by a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated engine, our sources indicate. This engine already powers the Creta and can be paired with either a manual or CVT gearbox. Additionally, Hyundai is expected to pair a CNG kit with this engine, making it the first CNG-powered model above 4 metres in its lineup. The kit would be fitted to its underbody, like the Maruti Victoris, but also have a spare wheel, unlike the Maruti.

With a second contender in the mid-size SUV segment, Hyundai is taking a similar approach to Maruti Suzuki, which has the Victoris and Grand Vitara in this space. While this SUV will come with economical powertrains and occupy the lower rung, the new-gen Creta sitting above it will come with wider powertrain options, including a hybrid. 

New Hyundai compact electric SUV: What to expect?

Expected to rival the likes of the Kia Syros EV, Tata Nexon EV, and Mahindra XUV 3XO EV

Hyundai Inster used for representation

Following the mid-size SUVs’ launch, Hyundai will also introduce a challenger in the growing compact electric SUV space. The arrival of this SUV was first announced back in 2025, when the carmaker stated that it would be localised and “designed, engineered and built in India for Indian customers.”

During the earnings call, the brand confirmed that the EV would be built on a new architecture rather than being an EV counterpart of the Venue. Codenamed HE1i, it is expected to sit on the E-GMP (K) platform, which is also utilised by the Inster sold abroad. It will be produced at the carmaker’s Sriperumbudur facility in Tamil Nadu and use localised batteries from Exide. The eSUV will be offered in standard range and long range versions. While specifications are yet to be confirmed for this model, for reference, the Euro-spec Inster is offered with 42kWh (standard range) and 49kWh (long range) battery packs with WLTP ranges of 300km and 355km respectively.

With inputs from Mugdha Mishra

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MG’s Starlight 560-based ‘Hector Hawk’ EV spied

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MG Hector Hawk spied front quarter image

MG is gearing up to launch its upcoming ‘new-energy vehicle’ based on the Wuling Starlight 560 in August 2026, and it has been spied testing in an EV avatar. Expected to be called the MG Hector Hawk, the SUV will be launched in both PHEV and EV versions, rivalling the Mahindra XUV 7XO, Tata Safari and Mahindra XEV 9S. It will be built on the new ADAPT platform, which was revealed earlier this month. 

  1. Spy shots show rectangular LED headlights, wraparound taillights
  2. It could get a minimalist dual-tone dashboard with two screens
  3. EV version is expected to have a 69.2kWh battery and 530km range
  4. PHEV can get a 1.5L petrol with 20.5kWh battery and 127km all-electric range

MG Hector Hawk spied: What was spotted?

A blanked-off grille suggests that the spotted test mule was of the EV version

The spied MG Hector Hawk is camouflaged like the previous test mules, but a few exterior design details are still visible. These include rectangular-shaped LED headlights with LED DRLs on top and bottom. The grille appears to be blanked off, hinting that the spied mule was that of the EV version. 

Its clean side profile, with a charging slot on the left-rear fender and a simple alloy wheel design, could also be seen. At the rear, wraparound LED tail-lights, a rear windscreen wiper and a roof-mounted spoiler were spotted.

MG Hector Hawk eSUV: Other details

Expected to have a minimalist dashboard with two free-standing screens

MG to showcase ‘new energy vehicle’ tech on July 16
Wuling Starlight 560’s dashboard shown for representative purposes only. 

The interior design of the upcoming MG Hector Hawk is yet to be revealed, but is expected to be similar to the international-spec model. It could, hence, sport a minimalist dashboard with two free-standing screens, including an 8.8-inch digital driver’s display and a 12.8-inch touchscreen infotainment system. It could be offered with 7 seats with leatherette upholstery. 

Other features are also expected to be similar, including a panoramic sunroof, powered and ventilated first-row seats, a 50W wireless phone charger, a 6-speaker sound system and an automatic climate control with rear vents. Its 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).

Expected to get the same powertrains as the international-spec model

The MG Hector Hawk will be offered with PHEV and EV versions in India, both of which are expected to be the same as the internationally available model. The Hector Hawk PHEV could hence come with a 1.5-litre petrol engine and a 20.5kWh battery pack, offering a total output of 195hp and 230Nm and an all-electric range of 125km.

The Hector Hawk EV version could get a 69.2kWh battery pack, powering a 201hp front-axle-mounted (FWD) electric motor, offering a CLTC-claimed range of 530km.

Like other MG models, the Hector Hawk is expected to be offered at a competitive price. In MG’s lineup, the PHEV version will be positioned above the Hector, while the EV will sit on top of the ZS EV.

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All you need to know about the upcoming Kia Sorento

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Sorento

Kia has officially confirmed that the Sorento will be coming to India, following our earlier report that the SUV had unofficially opened for bookings. Expected to be locally assembled, the Sorento will sit above the Seltos as Kia India’s flagship ICE SUV and is also set to become the brand’s first hybrid model for the Indian market. While official specifications are yet to be revealed, spy shots, dealer inputs and details of the global-spec model provide a good idea of what to expect. Here’s everything we know so far.

1. When will the Kia Sorento launch in India

Expected to debut later this year, with launch likely in October

Kia has unofficially begun accepting pre-bookings for the Sorento through select dealerships for a token amount of Rs 25,000. According to dealer sources, the SUV is expected to launch by October 2026, although Kia is yet to officially confirm the timeline.

2. What will the Kia Sorento look like?

Upright SUV styling with Kia’s familiar design elements

Global-spec Sorento used for representation. 

The Sorento features a more upright design than the Seltos, with vertically stacked LED headlamps, slim daytime running lamps, a wide grille and a sculpted bumper. Test mules spotted in India have also revealed chrome window surrounds, black roof rails and dual-tone alloy wheels. At the rear, the SUV gets vertically oriented LED tail-lamps integrated into a clean tailgate design and a roof spoiler.

3. How big is the Kia Sorento?

Larger footprint than the Seltos

The global-spec Kia Sorento measures 4,815mm in length, 1,900mm in width and 1,700mm in height, while its wheelbase measures 2,815mm. This makes it 54mm longer than the Skoda Kodiaq and 23mm longer than the Volkswagen Tayron, while its wheelbase is 26mm longer than both SUVs.

4. What will the Kia Sorento’s interior and features be like?

Premium cabin with three seating layouts expected

Global-spec Sorento interior used for representation. 

Globally, the Kia Sorento is available in 5-, 6- and 7-seat configurations. However, the India-spec model is expected to feature a three-row layout, likely with 6- and 7-seat options, which would make it the only model in its segment with three seating options if introduced in India.

Based on the global model and Indian test mules, expected features include dual 12.3-inch displays for the infotainment system and instrument cluster, a panoramic sunroof, ventilated front seats, a powered driver’s seat, a 360-degree camera, head-up display and Level 2 ADAS. Spy shots have also revealed a rotary gear selector and electronic parking brake on the centre console.

5. Which engine will power the Kia Sorento?

Hybrid powertrain expected for India

Euro-spec Kia Sorento hybrid shown for representation.

internationally the Sorento gets petrol, diesel and also hybrid engine options, but the India-spec model is expected to get a strong-hybrid powertrain. Dealer sources suggest it could use a 1.6-litre direct injection turbo-petrol hybrid engine, although final specifications have not been confirmed.

The UK-spec Sorento uses a 1.6-litre turbo-petrol strong-hybrid producing 238hp and 380Nm, paired with a 6-speed torque converter automatic transmission. Depending on the market, the Sorento is offered in FWD or AWD configurations globally. 

6. How much will the Kia Sorento cost in India

Expected price: around Rs 40 lakh (ex-showroom)

The Kia Sorento is expected to be locally assembled in India and is likely to be priced around Rs 40 lakh (ex-showroom).

7. Which SUVs will rival the Kia Sorento?

The Kia Sorento is expected to rival premium three-row SUVs such as the Skoda Kodiaq and Volkswagen Tayron.

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कौन हैं जगदीश अफले? IIT बॉम्बे से पढ़े इंजीनियर को राम मंदिर ट्रस्ट का सचिव नियुक्त किया गया

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Jagdish Aphale: राम मंदिर में दान में मिले सामान की कथित चोरी के विवाद के बीच, बुधवार को श्री राम जन्मभूमि तीर्थ क्षेत्र ट्रस्ट ने जगदीश अफले को अपना पहला सेक्रेटरी नियुक्त किया है। News 18 के अनुसार, अफले रोजाना के कामकाज की देखरेख करेंगे। हालांकि, अफले की नियुक्ति पर 2 सितंबर को ट्रस्ट की एग्जीक्यूटिव मीटिंग में औपचारिक रूप से मुहर लगाई जाएगी।

राम मंदिर ट्रस्ट ने बनाया पहला सेक्रेटरी पद

राम मंदिर में कथित चांदी चोरी मामले को लेकर मचे राजनीतिक विवाद के बीच ट्रस्ट ने सचिव का नया पद बनाया है। यह पद सीईओ (CEO) के पद से अलग होगा। सीईओ पद के लिए जहां ट्रस्ट ने पहले सार्वजनिक रूप से आवेदन मांगे थे और इसके लिए एक तय जॉब डिस्क्रिप्शन जारी किया गया था, वहीं सचिव की नियुक्ति ट्रस्ट की कार्यकारिणी समिति के फैसले के आधार पर की गई है।

जगदीश अफले कौन हैं?

पुणे के रहने वाले जगदीश अफले, इंडियन इंस्टीट्यूट ऑफ टेक्नोलॉजी बॉम्बे (IIT) के पूर्व छात्र हैं और उन्होंने सिविल इंजीनियर के तौर पर ट्रेनिंग ली है। उनके पास इलेक्ट्रिकल इंजीनियरिंग में BTech और MTech की डिग्री है। ‘इंडियन एक्सप्रेस’ की रिपोर्ट के मुताबिक, एक प्रोजेक्ट मैनेजर के तौर पर अफले ने अयोध्या राम मंदिर के निर्माण में अहम भूमिका निभाई है। रिपोर्ट में कहा गया है कि वह उस मुख्य इंजीनियरिंग टीम का हिस्सा थे, जिसने नींव के काम से लेकर सुपरस्ट्रक्चर तक के प्रोजेक्ट को पूरा करने में महत्वपूर्ण भूमिका निभाई।

बताया जाता है कि अफले राष्ट्रीय स्वयंसेवक संघ के एक वरिष्ठ पदाधिकारी हैं और कई सालों से संगठन से जुड़े हुए हैं।

रिटायरमेंट के बाद भारत लौटने से पहले, अफले ने कई मल्टीनेशनल कंपनियों के साथ काम किया है। अपने करियर के दौरान उन्होंने यूरोप और अमेरिका में भी कई महत्वपूर्ण जिम्मेदारियां संभालीं हैं।

अब जगदीश अफले अंतरिम महासचिव कृष्ण मोहन को रिपोर्ट करेंगे और ट्रस्ट में एक पदाधिकारी के रूप में अपनी जिम्मेदारी निभाएंगे।

राम मंदिर दान चोरी मामले में ताजा अपडेट

सुप्रीम कोर्ट ने सोमवार को अयोध्या में राम मंदिर के लिए मिले दान में कथित हेराफेरी की जांच के लिए IGP किरण एस. की अगुवाई में चार सदस्यों वाली SIT के गठन का संज्ञान लिया और उत्तर प्रदेश सरकार से जांच टीम में एक फोरेंसिक ऑडिटर को भी शामिल करने को कहा। चीफ जस्टिस सूर्य कांत और जस्टिस जॉयमाल्य बागची और वी. मोहना की बेंच ने कहा कि “सुधारात्मक कदम उठाने होंगे” और “पारदर्शिता सुनिश्चित करने” के लिए कदम उठाए जाएंगे। बेंच ने स्पेशल इन्वेस्टिगेशन टीम (SIT) को दो हफ्ते में स्टेटस रिपोर्ट सौंपने का भी निर्देश दिया। राज्य सरकार की ओर से पेश सॉलिसिटर जनरल तुषार मेहता ने कहा कि SIT में एक फोरेंसिक ऑडिटर को भी शामिल किया जाएगा।

यह भी पढ़ें: ‘BS-III वाहनों में बदलने पड़ सकते हैं रबर पार्ट्स’; E20 पेट्रोल पर नितिन गडकरी का बड़ा बयान

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Supreme Court relief for NEET protesters: सुप्रीम कोर्ट ने मंगलवार (28 जुलाई) को उन छात्र प्रदर्शनकारियों को रिहा करने का निर्देश दिया, जिनकी उम्र 18 साल से कम है और जिनका कोई आपराधिक इतिहास नहीं है। शीर्ष अदालत ने अधिकारियों से यह भी कहा कि वे नीट पेपर लीक को लेकर हाल में देश भर में हुए आंदोलन से जुड़े इलेक्ट्रॉनिक और डिजिटल सबूत संभालकर रखें। सुप्रीम कोर्ट ने कहा, “दिल्ली सरकार दर्ज की गई FIR की जांच जारी रख सकती है, लेकिन कोई दंडात्मक कार्रवाई नहीं की जानी चाहिए।”

चीफ जस्टिस ऑफ इंडिया (CJI) सूर्यकांत की अगुवाई वाली पीठ ने कहा कि छात्रों के खिलाफ पुलिस की ज्यादती के आरोपों की पहली नजर में निष्पक्ष और स्वतंत्र जांच होनी चाहिए। प्रदर्शनों के दौरान पुलिस की बर्बरता का आरोप लगाने वाली कई याचिकाओं पर सुनवाई करते हुए, शीर्ष अदालत ने कई अंतरिम निर्देश जारी किए।

पीठ में जस्टिस जॉयमाल्य बागची और जस्टिस वी मोहना भी शामिल थे। पीठ ने उन सभी राज्यों को सीसीटीवी फुटेज, ड्रोन रिकॉर्डिंग, बॉडी-कैमरा फुटेज, वायरलेस कम्युनिकेशन रिकॉर्ड, पीसीआर लॉग और प्रदर्शन से जुड़े दूसरे डिजिटल सबूत संभालकर रखने का निर्देश दिया जहां प्रदर्शन हुए थे।

कोर्ट ने यह भी आदेश दिया कि प्रदर्शनकारियों से संबंधित इकट्ठा किया गया कोई भी डिजिटल डेटा संभालकर रखा जाए। लेकिन उसे सार्वजनिक नहीं किया जाए। पीठ ने अधिकारियों को प्रदर्शनकारी छात्रों के खिलाफ कोई भी बलपूर्वक कार्रवाई करने से रोक दिया। साथ ही कहा कि आपराधिक पृष्ठभूमि वाले लोगों को सुरक्षा नहीं मिलेगी।

‘बलपूर्वक कोई कार्रवाई न की जाए’

पीठ ने दिल्ली सरकार को दर्ज FIR के मामले में जांच जारी रखने की इजाजत दी। लेकिन कहा कि कार्रवाई लंबित रहने तक प्रदर्शनकारी छात्रों के खिलाफ बलपूर्वक कोई कार्रवाई न की जाए। अदालत ने याचिकाओं में लगाए गए आरोपों पर दिल्ली, महाराष्ट्र, बिहार, केरल, मध्यप्रदेश और उत्तर प्रदेश के मुख्य सचिवों से भी जवाब मांगा। चीफ जस्टिस ने कहा, “आरोपों की पहली नजर में निष्पक्ष और स्वतंत्र जांच पर विचार करने की जरूरत है, जिसमें 200 से ज्यादा घायल पुलिसकर्मियों के परिवारों की चिंताओं को भी दूर किया जाना चाहिए।”

पीठ ने कहा कि केंद्र और संबंधित राज्यों को निर्देश दिया गया है कि वे विरोध प्रदर्शनों के दौरान हिंसा की सभी घटनाओं की निष्पक्ष, पारदर्शी और पूरी जांच सुनिश्चित करने के लिए एक स्वतंत्र समिति या विशेष जांच दल बनाने पर विचार करने से पहले अपने बयान रिकॉर्ड पर रखें। शुरुआत में, अदालत ने पूछा कि पुलिस की ज्यादती के आरोपों की स्वतंत्र जांच क्यों नहीं होनी चाहिए। पीठ ने कहा, “जिसने भी ज्यादती की, कानून अपने हाथ में लिया, उसे सजा मिलनी चाहिए।”

‘जांच के लिए SIT गठित की जा सकती है’

सुप्रीम कोर्ट ने मामले की सुनवाई के दौरान यहा भी कहा कि हालिया छात्र विरोध प्रदर्शनों के दौरान हुई हिंसा की सभी घटनाओं की निष्पक्ष, पारदर्शी और गहन जांच सुनिश्चित करने के लिए एक विशेष जांच दल (SIT) का गठन किया जा सकता है। शीर्ष अदालत ने कहा कि निर्धारित प्रोटोकॉल का उल्लंघन होने पर कानून को अपना काम करना चाहिए।

नीट पेपर लीक होने को लेकर देशभर में छात्रों के प्रदर्शन के दौरान पुलिस की ज्यादतियों के आरोपों वाली कई याचिकाओं पर सुनवाई करते हुए CJI सूर्यकांत की अध्यक्षता वाली पीठ ने हिंसा की कई घटनाओं का जिक्र किया।

सुनवाई के शुरुआत में जस्टिस जॉयमाल्य बागची और जस्टिस वी. मोहना की सदस्यता वाली पीठ ने सवाल किया कि इन आरोपों की स्वतंत्र जांच क्यों नहीं होनी चाहिए। वकीलों की दलीलों पर संज्ञान लेते हुए पीठ ने कहा कि विरोध कर रहे नीट छात्रों पर पुलिस की ज्यादतियों से जुड़े सभी आरोपों की निष्पक्ष और स्वतंत्र जांच जरूरी है।

पीठ ने कहा, “अगर तय प्रोटोकॉल का उल्लंघन होता है, तो कानून को इस पर कार्रवाई करनी चाहिए।” CJI सूयकांत ने कहा कि पीठ सभी आरोपों की स्वतंत्र, पारदर्शी और गहन जांच कराने पर विचार कर रही है। अदालत ने कहा कि 250 पुलिसकर्मियों पर हुए हमलों की भी जांच होनी चाहिए और यह पता लगाया जाना चाहिए कि ये हमले छात्रों ने किए थे या कुछ उपद्रवी तत्वों ने।

सॉलिसीटर जनरल तुषार मेहता ने कहा कि छात्र पुलिसकर्मियों के खिलाफ हिंसा में शामिल नहीं होंगे, लेकिन कुछ उपद्रवी इन घटनाओं में संलिप्त हैं। उन्होंने कहा कि हत्या, दुष्कर्म और एनडीपीएस मामलों में वांछित उपद्रवी विरोध-प्रदर्शन में शामिल हुए और उन्होंने पुलिसकर्मियों के खिलाफ हिंसा की।