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Bajaj Pulsar N160 SS image gallery

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Bajaj Pulsar N160 SS image gallery
Bajaj Pulsar N160 SS front three quarter

Bajaj Auto has expanded the Pulsar N160 range with the launch of the Pulsar N160 S and Pulsar N160 SS, priced at Rs 1.34 lakh and Rs 1.43 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi), respectively. The biggest update is the new 164.5cc single-cylinder oil-cooled 4-valve engine, which produces 18.5hp at 9,500rpm and 14.5Nm at 8,000rpm. Compared to the outgoing 2-valve motor’s 16hp and 14.65Nm, power is up by 2.5hp, while torque drops marginally by 0.25Nm.

The electronic throttle enables Road, Rain, Sport and Off-road ride modes, along with Crawl Technology similar to what we see on KTM bikes, which allows the motorcycle to move at low speeds in higher gears with minimal clutch input. The flagship N160 SS additionally gets traction control. Watch out this space, our review of the Pulsar N160 SS goes live on August 17.

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Mahindra Thar Roxx gets up to Rs 1.20 lakh discount in August 2026

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Roxx

Mahindra is offering discounts across much of its ICE line-up in August 2026. The Thar Roxx and Scorpio N receive the highest benefits among the brand’s mainstream SUVs this month, while offers are also available on the Scorpio Classic, Thar, XUV 3XO, Bolero Neo and Bolero Neo Plus. Offers are valid until August 31 and may vary depending on the region, dealer and stock availability.

Disclaimer: Offers may vary by region, dealer, stock availability and customer eligibility. Please check with your nearest authorised Mahindra dealership for exact details.

Mahindra Scorpio N discounts in August 2026

Up to Rs 1.25 lakh off

The Scorpio N is available with benefits of up to Rs 1,25,000. These include a cash discount of Rs 1,00,000 and accessories worth Rs 25,000. These discounts apply to existing pre-facelift stock available with dealers.

The Scorpio N is priced between Rs 13.69 lakh and Rs 25.49 lakh (ex-showroom). It rivals the Tata Safari and Thar Roxx. It impresses with its smooth petrol and diesel engines and off-road capability, although the third-row seats and luggage space are not great.

Mahindra Thar Roxx discounts in August 2026

Up to Rs 1.20 lakh off

The Thar Roxx receives benefits of up to Rs 1.20 lakh this month. This comprises a cash discount of Rs 92,000 along with a ceramic coating package worth Rs 28,000. Priced between Rs 12.52 lakh and Rs 23.52 lakh, the Thar Roxx rivals the Force Gurkha 5-door and serves as a more practical alternative to the three-door Thar. It combines the Thar’s off-road capability with a more practical cabin, better refinement and stronger road manners.

Mahindra Scorpio Classic discounts in August 2026

Up to Rs 75,000 off

Mahindra is offering benefits of up to Rs 75,000 on the Scorpio Classic. The offer comprises a cash discount of Rs 50,000 and accessories worth Rs 25,000. Priced between Rs 13.37 lakh and Rs 17.40 lakh, the Scorpio Classic continues to appeal with its refined diesel engine and rugged character, although it lacks the features and driving sophistication of newer rivals.

Mahindra Thar discounts in August 2026

Up to Rs 50,000 off

The three-door Thar is available with a cash discount of up to Rs 50,000 this month. Priced between Rs 10.32 lakh and Rs 18.00 lakh, the Thar rivals the Force Gurkha and Maruti Suzuki Jimny. It offers great  off-road capability and is offered with refined and punchy petrol and diesel engine options, although luggage space is limited and access to the rear seats can be cumbersome.

Mahindra Bolero Neo and Bolero Neo Plus discounts in August 2026

Up to Rs 45,000 off

The Bolero Neo and Bolero Neo Plus receive cash discounts of up to Rs 45,000. The Bolero Neo is priced between Rs 8.99 lakh and Rs 10.79 lakh, while the Bolero Neo Plus costs Rs 11.39 lakh to Rs 12.49 lakh. Both SUVs are built to withstand rough roads and heavy use, although they are not as refined or as well equipped as newer compact SUVs.

Mahindra XUV 3XO discounts in August 2026

Up to Rs 40,000 off

The XUV 3XO is available with a cash discount of up to Rs 40,000 this month. Priced from Rs 7.79 lakh to Rs 15.04 lakh (ex-showroom), the XUV 3XO rivals the Maruti Brezza, Tata Nexon, Hyundai Venue, Kia Sonet, Skoda Kylaq and Nissan Magnite. It offers strong petrol and diesel engines along with a feature-rich cabin, although its boot is smaller than several rivals.

All prices are ex-showroom, India.

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3 reasons to buy the Honda Amaze and 3 reasons to avoid it

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Honda Amaze front three quarter static

Honda sells both the second-gen and third-gen iterations of the Amaze in India. However, our focus here would be solely on the latter as it’s the latest and thus the best-equipped to tussle with other sub-4-metre sedans. As the Japanese brand’s most affordable offering, the Amaze carries a price tag of between Rs 7.65 lakh and 10.00 lakh (ex-showroom). Considering the brand’s badge appeal and some segment-first features, should you buy the Honda Amaze? Let’s find out.

Reasons to buy the Honda Amaze

Rear-seat comfort and a spacious boot

Usable interior space and a large boot add practicality to the Amaze

Honda Amaze rear seats

The rear seats of the Amaze are especially more comfortable than the front ones. Not only do the outer seats provide ample support, but their backrest angle is good too. Making these back seats more comfortable is the usable amount of kneeroom and legroom on offer, partly helped by the scooped-out portion of the front seatbacks. Further aiding comfort here are the dedicated AC vents, a centre armrest with cupholders, and headrests for all three passengers.

Honda Amaze boot space

As for the Amaze’s luggage-carrying capacity, its 416-litre boot is one of the most spacious in the segment, easily trumping the Maruti Dzire and Hyundai Aura. While the loading lip is high, The Amaze’s boot offers plenty of width and depth to accommodate your luggage.

Easy to live with

The Amaze gets several user-friendly details right while also feeling more premium

The Amaze’s beige-black interior theme, an expansive glass area and a low-set dashboard make its cabin feel light and airy. This two-tone colour scheme, along with the high perceived quality and overall levels of fit & finish, make the Honda Amaze’s interior feel more premium over its rivals.

Honda Amaze interior

The light steering and clutch, a tight turning radius plus an easy-to-use manual gearbox mixed with good all-round visibility, make pottering around town easy. If you go for the CVT (continuously variable transmission) option, driving the Honda Amaze becomes a hassle-free affair. It comes with paddle shifters that react promptly and also come in handy when there’s a need for engine braking. Meanwhile, the physical controls for the HVAC system allow users to adjust the temperature or the fan speed without getting too distracted.

ADAS is available

This is the only car in its class to feature advanced driver-assistance systems

Honda Amaze front tracking

The Amaze is offered with the camera-based Honda Sensing ADAS (advanced driver-assistance systems) suite on the top-spec ZX trim. For those who want that extra layer of active safety nannies, features such as adaptive cruise control with autonomous emergency braking, lane-keeping assist and automatic high-beam will be useful add-ons. The Amaze can also be had with the brand’s LaneWatch Camera system, which displays the camera feed on the infotainment screen, aiding situational awareness.

Reasons to avoid the Honda Amaze

Poor cabin insulation

The Amaze’s cabin is quite an audible one

One of the aspects of driving the Honda Amaze is its lack of proper cabin insulation. Apart from engine and road noises, even ambient sounds from the outside world make it into this cabin with relative ease. This means that the Amaze’s cabin never really feels as relaxing as it could have been.

Underwhelming performance

This Honda sedan lacks engine punch to keep up with some rivals

The 1.2-litre four-cylinder petrol engine of the Honda Amaze is happy to rev to its redline without complaint, but it isn’t a punchy unit. While there’s enough grunt once you get past the 4500rpm mark, this engine feels weak below 2,000rpm. Honda has tried to counter this by providing shorter ratios for the first and second gears.

Honda Amaze soft suspension

However, this leads to one having to downshift constantly when driving in bumper-to-bumper traffic or even when trying to drive away from speed-breakers. Even though the CVT masks this engine’s weak low-end and mid-range performance, pushing it results in the type’s characteristic rubber-band effect becoming apparent. The soft suspension means that the Amaze sags under load, raising the risk of scraping the belly on large speed-breakers. It also causes the Amaze to roll noticeably in the corners.

Pricier than rivals

The Amaze remains the most expensive offering in its segment

Honda Amaze LaneWatch camera

Unlike the top-spec Maruti Dzire, which is Rs 64,000 cheaper the fully loaded Honda Amaze, it still gets a powered sunroof and a 360-degree camera setup. The Amaze also lacks Type-C USB ports, offering just Type-A and 12-volt outlets. While the higher price tag of the top-spec trim can be explained away due to the inclusion of ADAS, buyers would still want the aforementioned missing features at this price bracket.

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What to expect from Mahindra’s 2026 Independence Day event

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Mahindra 2026 Independence Day event

Over the past few years, Mahindra celebrated Independence Day by debuting all-new models (Thar Roxx and XUV700), concept cars that preview upcoming models (Vision S, Vision T, Thar.e, and more), or even fresh platforms and technologies (Nu_IQ and INGLO). The tradition will continue in 2026, with Mahindra set to host a blowout on August 15. Here’s what you can expect.

Closer-to-production-spec Mahindra Scorpio N pickup truck

Mahindra’s Hilux rival is likely just days away from its unveil

First previewed at Mahindra’s 2023 Independence Day event by way of the Global Pik Up Concept, the Scorpio N pickup truck is expected to finally break cover in a closer-to-production guise at this year’s celebration. Mahindra has been testing the Scorpio N pickup on Indian roads for quite some time, with prototypes sporting a single-cab configuration and an extended load bed. It remains to be seen if the final versions will sport a similar body style.

Credit: vashusinghyt via Instagram

Styling elements for the pickup truck are anticipated to largely mirror those of the Scorpio N SUV, possibly with more rugged cues for differentiation. Under the bonnet, we expect the Scorpio N pickup to retain the SUV’s 203hp 2.0-litre direct-injection turbo-petrol and 175hp 2.2-litre diesel engines, with 6-speed manual and 6-speed automatic gearbox options. 4WD is expected to be on offer as well.

The Scorpio N pickup is likely to rival the Toyota Hilux, which has done well to grow the popularity of the lifestyle pickup truck segment in India and make it a more lucrative space – one where Mahindra’s formula of tough, off-road-capable ladder-frame offerings fits quite well.

Mahindra BE 6 Sporteq variant

Gets triple-display setup and more conventional dashboard design

Mahindra will debut a new Sporteq variant of the BE 6 electric SUV on August 15. The BE 6 Sporteq’s key update is the addition of a passenger display on the inside, forming a triple-screen setup like those of the larger XEV 9e and XEV 9S. It will also sport a redesigned dashboard that eschews the large divider between the front seats, which was an ergonomic flaw that restricted access to the wireless charging pad and USB Type-C ports for the co-driver, and did not leave enough space for a second cupholder.

Current Mahindra BE 6 dashboard. Image used for representation only.

In addition to the aforementioned updates, the BE 6 Sporteq may offer new interior upholstery and colour options. Since the Sporteq is likely to be positioned as the new top-spec BE 6 variant, expect it to come with the 79kWh, rear-motor powertrain outputting 286hp and 380Nm, and claiming an MIDC range of 683km. As for pricing, the BE 6 Sporteq is anticipated to command a slight premium over the current top-spec Pack Three 79kWh variant, which costs Rs 26.9 lakh (ex-showroom).

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3 Reasons to buy the Mahindra XUV 3XO and 2 reasons not to

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Mahindra XUV 3XO front quarter tracking

Introduced in 2024, the XUV 3XO debuted as Mahindra’s replacement for the XUV 300 in the compact SUV segment. In fact, this SUV was the first Mahindra model to have the ‘XO’ lettering in its name, a naming convention later adopted for the XUV 7XO. The XUV 3XO comes with a radical exterior, a premium interior and is powered by potent engine options. If you’re considering buying the XUV 3XO, we’ve listed reasons to go for it along with its limitations, so you can decide to look elsewhere.

Reasons to buy the Mahindra XUV 3XO

Upmarket Interior quality

Though its interior may lack panache when compared to rivals, quality and feel, on the other hand, are up there at the top. Top-end versions come with soft-touch leatherette material on the dashboard and door trims, and the perforated leatherette seats feel quite upmarket. Even cabin bits like the leather-wrapped steering wheel, window switches, and wiper and light stalks look like they belong in a pricier car.

Strong engines

The Mahindra XUV 3XO is offered with three engine choices. There’s a 1.2-litre turbo-petrol engine producing 111hp and 200Nm, a 1.2-litre direct-injection turbo-petrol unit developing 131hp and 230Nm, and a 1.5-litre turbo-diesel churning 117hp and 300Nm. The latter two options are the most powerful in their respective segments. A six-speed manual is standard on all engines, while the turbo-petrol can also be paired to a 6-speed torque converter automatic, and the diesel can be mated with a 6-speed AMT.

The XUV 3XO feels at its best when paired with the direct-injection turbo-petrol. With 131hp on tap, power is quickly accessible, and the mid-range punch is pleasing. Its 230Nm torque figure (250Nm in overboost) is way ahead of its rivals and performance is on par with pricier SUVs. Refinement levels are remarkable for a three-cylinder engine and noise levels are kept in check. 

Like the petrol, the diesel mill is refined as well, while turbo-lag is well contained at low speeds. Performance feels effortless when getting to cruising speeds. While power isn’t instantaneous, the engine itself feels responsive throughout the power band, and the 300Nm torque comes in handy especially on the highway.

Long feature list 

High-end trims of the Mahindra XUV 3XO come equipped with features to the brim. These include dual 10.25-inch screens for the infotainment and digital driver’s display, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a panoramic sunroof, 7-speaker Harman Kardon audio system, dual-zone climate control (segment-only), connected car tech, wireless phone charger, drive and steering modes. 

As far as safety is concerned, top-spec versions come with level 2 ADAS, a 360-degree camera, front parking sensors, an auto-dimming IRVM, an electronic parking brake with auto hold, and blind-spot detection.

Reasons to not buy the Mahindra XUV 3XO

Low boot space

While the XUV 3XO scores well for rear space and practical in-cabin storage spaces, the same can’t be said for the boot space. With a capacity of 295 litres, it has the smallest boot among its core rivals. Additionally, the low floor and high loading lip make it difficult to put things in and out of the boot.

Expensive top-end variants

Top-end versions of the Mahindra XUV 3XO are quite pricey. With prices of the top-most AX7 L trim ranging from Rs 13.32 lakh to Rs 15.04 lakh with turbo-petrol and diesel engines, you’ve entered mid-size SUV territory. At that price point, one may find a larger, more spacious mid-size SUV in mid-spec guise.

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सूर्य ग्रहण को लेकर बड़ी खबर, 12 अगस्त को इन देशों में कुछ देर के लिए सूरज हो जाएगा पूरी तरह गायब

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आसमान में जल्द ही एक बेहद खास खगोलीय घटना देखने को मिलने वाली है। 12 अगस्त को सूर्य ग्रहण के दौरान चंद्रमा कुछ समय के लिए सूर्य के सामने आ जाएगा और उसकी रोशनी को ढक देगा। इस नजारे को लेकर दुनिया के कई हिस्सों में लोगों के बीच उत्सुकता है। खास बात यह है कि करीब 1.5 करोड़ लोग उस इलाके में होंगे, जहां सूर्य पूरी तरह चंद्रमा के पीछे छिपा दिखाई देगा। स्पेन, आइसलैंड के साथ ग्रीनलैंड, रूस और पुर्तगाल के कुछ हिस्सों में पूर्ण सूर्य ग्रहण देखा जा सकेगा।

वहीं, यूरोप और उत्तरी अफ्रीका के कई इलाकों में इसका आंशिक प्रभाव नजर आएगा। कुछ शहरों में सूर्य का 90 फीसदी से ज्यादा हिस्सा ढका रहेगा, जिससे आसमान का नजारा काफी अलग दिखाई देगा। हालांकि, ग्रहण देखने के लिए आंखों की सुरक्षा का विशेष ध्यान रखना जरूरी होगा।

स्पेन में मिलेगा सबसे शानदार नजारा

पूर्ण सूर्य ग्रहण देखने के लिए उत्तरी और पूर्वी स्पेन को सबसे बेहतर जगहों में माना जा रहा है। लियोन, वलाडोलिड, जारागोजा, तेरुएल और वेलेंसिया पूर्ण ग्रहण के दायरे में आएंगे। पश्चिमी स्पेन में पूर्ण ग्रहण की शुरुआत करीब 18:27 GMT यानी स्थानीय समयानुसार रात 8:27 बजे होगी। अलग-अलग स्थानों के आधार पर पूर्ण ग्रहण करीब 110 सेकंड तक रह सकता है। हालांकि स्पेन की राजधानी मैड्रिड और बार्सिलोना पूर्ण ग्रहण की पट्टी से थोड़ा बाहर रहेंगे। इसके बावजूद वहां रहने वाले लोग सूर्य का 99 फीसदी से ज्यादा हिस्सा ढका हुआ देख सकेंगे।

यूरोप के कई शहरों में दिखेगा आंशिक ग्रहण

पूर्ण सूर्य ग्रहण का नजारा भले ही सीमित इलाकों में दिखे, लेकिन आंशिक ग्रहण का दायरा काफी बड़ा होगा। यूरोप के ज्यादातर हिस्सों में शाम के समय सूर्य आंशिक रूप से ढका नजर आएगा। पेरिस में करीब 92 फीसदी, लंदन में 91 फीसदी और बर्लिन में लगभग 85 फीसदी सूर्य ढका रहेगा। यूरोप के पूर्वी हिस्सों में समस्या यह होगी कि कई जगह सूर्य ग्रहण के अपने अधिकतम स्तर पर पहुंचने से पहले ही सूरज डूब जाएगा। यानी वहां लोग ग्रहण का सबसे गहरा चरण नहीं देख पाएंगे।

उत्तरी अफ्रीका में भी दिखेगा ग्रहण

उत्तरी अफ्रीका के कुछ हिस्सों में भी आंशिक सूर्य ग्रहण दिखाई देगा। अल्जीयर्स में करीब 98 फीसदी और कैसाब्लांका में लगभग 87 फीसदी सूर्य ढका नजर आएगा। हालांकि इन दोनों शहरों में भी सूर्य के पूरी तरह अस्त होने के कारण ग्रहण का आखिरी हिस्सा दिखाई नहीं देगा।

अमेरिका और कनाडा में कितना दिखेगा?

अटलांटिक के दूसरी तरफ स्थिति कुछ अलग होगी। वहां ग्रहण सुबह और दोपहर के समय दिखाई देगा, लेकिन उत्तरी अमेरिका पूर्ण ग्रहण की मुख्य पट्टी से काफी दूर रहेगा। कनाडा के सेंट जॉन्स में करीब 53 फीसदी, मॉन्ट्रियल में 18 फीसदी और टोरंटो में लगभग 8 फीसदी सूर्य ढका दिखाई देगा। अमेरिका में अलास्का के कुछ हिस्सों में करीब 37 फीसदी तक ग्रहण देखा जा सकेगा। वहीं बाकी इलाकों में इसका असर काफी कम रहेगा। उत्तर-पूर्वी मेन में करीब 28 फीसदी, न्यूयॉर्क में लगभग 10 फीसदी और मिडवेस्ट के कई हिस्सों में लगभग नगण्य ग्रहण दिखाई देगा।

अगला पूर्ण सूर्य ग्रहण कब?

अगर 12 अगस्त का ग्रहण आपके इलाके में दिखाई नहीं देता, तो अगला बड़ा मौका ज्यादा दूर नहीं है। 2 अगस्त 2027 को अगला पूर्ण सूर्य ग्रहण होगा, जिसकी पट्टी दक्षिणी स्पेन, उत्तरी अफ्रीका और यमन से होकर गुजरेगी। सूर्य ग्रहण के दौरान सीधे सूर्य की ओर देखना आंखों के लिए खतरनाक हो सकता है, इसलिए इसे देखने के लिए उचित प्रमाणित सोलर-व्यूइंग चश्मे या सुरक्षित उपकरण का इस्तेमाल करना जरूरी है।

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Buying a used Maruti XL6: What to look out for

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Maruti XL6

GOOD FOR: Spacious cabin, easy to drive

LOOK OUT FOR: Suspension wear, infotainment issues

A more premium 6-seat alternative to the venerable Ertiga MPV, the Maruti XL6 has been on sale since 2019 and received a substantial update in 2022. Being a comfortable, practical and easy-to-drive MPV, the updated Maruti XL6 is worth considering as a used buy. Here’s all you need to know.

In terms of cosmetics, not much changed for the XL6 when it got an update in 2022. It got a mildly updated grille with more chrome, a new chrome bar on the tailgate, new 16-inch dual-tone alloy wheels and tweaked tail-lights with smoked clear lens effect. It also got new dual-tone colour options – silver, brown and red – with a contrasting black roof.

Check out used Maruti XL6 models.

Maruti Suzuki XL6 powertrain and mileage

Petrol and CNG powertrains;  up to 20.97kpl claimed mileage

The biggest change was under the hood, with the XL6 receiving Maruti’s then-new 1.5-litre DualJet petrol engine, with two injectors per cylinder, which put out 103hp and 136.8Nm. The other big highlight was the new 6-speed torque converter automatic gearbox with paddle shifters, replacing the older 4-speeder. The standard 5-speed manual gearbox was carried over as is. It also featured Maruti’s mild-hybrid technology with an integrated starter generator and start-stop technology. The updated XL6 has a claimed fuel efficiency of 20.97kpl with the manual gearbox and 20.27kpl with the auto.

Later in 2022, Maruti launched the XL6 CNG, which was offered in a single Zeta variant and cost about Rs 95,000 more than the equivalent petrol variant. Powered by the same 1.5 engine, it put out a lower 88hp and 121.5Nm in CNG mode, and 101hp and 136Nm in petrol mode, and came paired with the 5-speed manual only. Maruti claimed that the XL6 CNG had a fuel efficiency of 26.32km/kg.

The petrol manual is ideal for most users, as it’s easy to drive, efficient and will be the most affordable to buy. Those with most of their running within the city can opt for the automatic for greater convenience, while high-mileage users will benefit from the CNG’s low running costs.

Maruti Suzuki XL6 variants and features

7-inch touchscreen, ventilated front seats, 360-degree camera, and more

As for variants, there’s three on offer – Zeta, Alpha and Alpha+. The range-topping Alpha+ packs in features like a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility, auto climate control, leatherette upholstery, LED lights, 360-degree camera, ventilated front seats, connected car tech, cruise control, tyre pressure monitor, traction control and much more. All variants come well equipped, and features like the touchscreen and cruise control are offered right from the base Zeta variant, so choose the one that best fits your budget. 

XL6 aftersales details

Being a Maruti product, the XL6 is a proven and reliable MPV that’s also easy to maintain. Spare parts are readily available and affordable, while Maruti’s widespread service network throughout India gives you peace of mind. It’s also worth going for an example that has an extended warranty package, and the XL6’s great resale value also means you’ll recoup a considerable amount when you sell it later on. 

What to look out for in a used Maruti Suzuki XL6

Suspension wear

Since the XL6 is a family car, it’s bound to be subjected to heavy loads from time to time. Hence, it’s worth checking out the condition of the suspension. Listen for any noises that come from the suspension, or check if it crashes excessively over bumps and ruts, as these are signs of worn-out suspension bushings. This is not an expensive fix, however. 

Infotainment issues

Owners have faced issues with the XL6’s SmartPlay Pro 7-inch infotainment system, like Apple CarPlay/Android Auto disconnections, screen freezing and the display getting stuck. Before purchasing, check that it functions smoothly, pairs up with your phone easily and that the system’s software is up to date.

Potential defect in front seatbelts

XL6 units manufactured between November 2 and November 28, 2022 were recalled by Maruti Suzuki to rectify a possible defect in one of the child parts of the height-adjuster assembly of the front seatbelts, which could lead to seat belt disassembly. Replacement of the faulty part was done free of charge, so make sure this has been taken care of if you’re looking at a car from this time frame.

Second-hand Maruti Suzuki XL6 price and resale value

Rs 8 lakh-12 lakh

The XL6 is still on sale, and being a Maruti, it commands very good value in the resale market. However, refrain from spending over Rs 12 lakh, irrespective of the variant and mileage, as you’d be better off buying a new one. What’s nice, though, is that you’ll also be able to recover a good chunk of your investment once you go on to sell it.

Maruti Suzuki XL6 fact file

Years produced 2022-present
Price when new Rs 11.29 lakh-14.55 lakh (ex-showroom, India)
Engine 4 cyls, 1462cc, petrol / 4 cyls, 1462cc, petrol+CNG
Power 103 / 88hp
Torque 136.8 / 121.5Nm
Boot space 209-692 litres
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Maruti Suzuki Victoris S-CNG review: A Sensible Choice

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Maruti Suzuki Victoris S-CNG

Maruti offers buyers a wide range of powertrain options with the Victoris – a 1.5-litre petrol engine paired with either a manual or automatic transmission, an all-wheel-drive automatic, a strong hybrid, and a CNG version. Interestingly, nearly one in every two Victoris buyers opts for the CNG variant. To understand the reason behind its popularity, we put it through our real-world tests.

Maruti Suzuki Victoris S-CNG engine performance – 7/10

City drivability is good; efficiency is impressive.

Powered by a 1.5-litre four cylinder engine, the Victoris produces 88hp and 122Nm when running on CNG. While those figures may appear modest on paper, the good news is that the engine feels responsive right from the outset, and overall driveability remains impressive. It is more than capable of keeping pace with city traffic, and up to about 80kph, with the engine spinning below 3,000rpm, there is enough performance on tap to satisfy most users. You do need to be mindful of being in the right gear, and occasionally, you may find yourself revving the engine harder for a quick overtake. On that note, Maruti’s 5-speed manual gearbox remains one of the best in the business, offering precise shifts and a light, effortless action. The clutch is also light, making the Victoris CNG particularly easy to drive.

Maruti Suzuki Victoris S-CNG acceleration times 
 CNGPetrol 
Speed (Kph)Time (Sec)Time (Sec)
201.33 
1.32
403.283.22
606.31 
5.79 
809.88 
8.87 
10015.14 
13.43 
12023.44 
19.56 

That said, performance isn’t effortless, and when it comes to quick overtakes, you’ll need to work the engine harder. But it is only then that the difference between petrol and CNG modes becomes noticeable. In petrol mode, the engine feels freer and more eager to rev, whereas in the CNG mode, it feels slightly more restrained. To put things into perspective, the Victoris accelerates from 0-100kph in 15.14 seconds in CNG mode, making it 1.7 seconds slower than in petrol mode. Performance also tapers off noticeably beyond 100kph, regardless of which mode you are in.

Maruti Suzuki Victoris S-CNG rolling acceleration 
Speed (Kph)Time (Sec)Time (Sec)
20-80kph 
(3rd gear)		16.1415.98 
40-100kph 
(4th gear) 		22.4518.92

Maruti Suzuki Victoris S-CNG mileage – 9/10

Under-floor CNG tank occupies spare tyre space.

Owners, however, will certainly appreciate this SUV’s efficiency. In our tests, the Victoris CNG delivered 18km/kg in the city and 26km/kg on the highway. The latter figure is particularly impressive, coming close to Maruti’s claimed fuel-efficiency figure of 27.02km/kg.

Maruti Suzuki Victoris S-CNG tested fuel efficiency 
City 18km/kg 
Highway 26km/kg

Its 55-litre CNG tank, mounted beneath the vehicle, can typically hold between 7.4kg and 8kg of gas, depending on ambient conditions and pump pressure. Based on our findings, owners can expect an average real-world driving range of around 180km on a full CNG fill.

Maruti Suzuki Victoris S-CNG ride comfort and handling – 8/10

You’ll need to work its engine harder on hilly terrain or to make quick highway overtakes.

Shifting focus to other aspects, the Victoris inspires confidence on almost every kind of road thanks to its well-sorted underpinnings and expertly judged suspension setup. It feels tough and robust in the way it smothers small undulations and absorbs even sharp road shocks with ease. Even when driven at higher speeds, this Maruti remains composed, riding flat without unnecessary body movements.

Maruti Suzuki Victoris S-CNG features and safety – 8/10

Pleasing dual-tone interiors with generous standard equipment.

As for safety, six airbags, ESP, ABS with EBD and all the essential modern safety features come as standard. Notably, the entry-level LXI variant represents excellent value for money. Priced at Rs 11.5 lakh, it comes equipped with keyless entry, push-button start, automatic climate control, a 7-inch touchscreen with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and projector headlamps, among other notable features.

Maruti Suzuki Victoris S-CNG boot space – 8/10

With the under-floor CNG tank, boot space is good.

Maruti has also cleverly packaged the Victoris’ CNG tank beneath the boot floor, which means luggage space remains identical to the petrol version, making it just as practical. The only compromise is the absence of a spare tyre, with CNG variants making do with a tyre inflator kit instead.

Maruti Suzuki Victoris S-CNG verdict- 8/10

It is an efficient, sensible, value-for-money SUV.

In summary, the Victoris is a sensible, efficient and genuinely value-for-money midsize SUV. For buyers with high running requirements who want to keep fuel costs in check, the CNG version is the obvious choice. The drivability is good, the efficiency is excellent, and although it costs around Rs 1 lakh more than an equivalent petrol version, the significantly lower running costs should allow owners to recover that premium over time.

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Audi Q6 e-tron, next-gen Q5, Q7 India-bound in 2027

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Audi upcoming launches in 2027

Audi India head Balbir Singh Dhillon recently confirmed 3 new launches in the next 12 months, but we have dug around a bit, and there’s a whole line-up of other models in bound as well. Apart from the new-gen Q3, the A5 and the flagship Q9, Audi will also be bringing the next-gen Q5 and Q7 in 2027. There will also be an EV making a comeback in Audi’s lineup in the form of the Q6 e-tron, and the big news is that all of these models will be locally assembled in India. Essentially, Audi’s entire Q-range will be thoroughly revamped in India by the end of next year. 

Audi Q6 e-tron

Estimated price: Rs 85 lakh; launch: Mid-2027 

The Q6 e-tron will be Audi’s first EV to be assembled here. The electric SUV was the first to be based on the Volkswagen Group’s 800V Premium Platform Electric (PPE) architecture, co-developed with Porsche.

It’ll be offered in SUV and Sportback body styles and is likely to have a 100kWh battery (an 83kWh unit is offered overseas) with a single 306hp rear-mounted motor, offering 641km of WLTP range (656km for the aero-efficient Sportback). The EV also introduced Audi’s latest curved display that comprises an 11.9-inch digital instrument cluster, a 14.5-inch central touchscreen, and an optional 10.9-inch touchscreen display for the front passenger.

Next-gen Audi Q5

Estimated price: Rs 75 lakh; launch: October 2027 

The third-gen Q5 will arrive to take on the Mercedes GLC and BMW X3. Sharing Audi’s latest PPC architecture with the A5, it gets sharper styling than its predecessor, much improved aerodynamics and a thoroughly modern cabin featuring a curved 11.9-inch digital driver’s display and 14.5-inch touchscreen, along with an optional passenger display. 

It is expected to use Audi’s localised 2.0 turbo-petrol in a higher 265hp state of tune, paired with a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic and Quattro AWD.  There is no word on whether Audi will bring the Sportback or the 367hp SQ5, but the India-EU FTA could create potential for a launch.

Audi Q7 

Estimated price: Rs 1.2 crore; launch: December 2027 

While the recently revealed Q9 is now Audi’s flagship SUV, the Q7 still has big cachet in India. The third-gen model brings in a brawnier form, which harks back to the original Q7. A three-row, seven-seat layout will be standard, and there will also be the option of a six-seat configuration with captain chairs in the middle row.

Cabin space and quality have been upped. The Q7 will sport Audi’s new triple-screen dash layout. While markets abroad get a mild-hybrid diesel, in India, it is expected to retain the 3.0 V6 turbo-petrol.