There was a time when large-displacement, air-cooled single-cylinder motorcycles were a meaningful part of India’s motorcycle landscape. Royal Enfield’s 500cc UCE engine powered several notable models, but after it was discontinued in 2020, nothing has quite filled that space. That is where the all-new Honda CB500 intends to slot in. Unveiled earlier today, the CB500 is a 501cc air/oil-cooled single-cylinder motorcycle inspired by the legendary CB750, and it will be manufactured in India.
New 501cc air/oil-cooled single-cylinder engine produces 27hp and 43.3Nm
Will be manufactured in India; pricing yet to be announced
CB500 will be available in three variants
Honda CB500 details
Torque output comes close to the Royal Enfield Interceptor 650
The CB500 is powered by an all-new 501cc air/oil-cooled single-cylinder engine producing 27hp and 43.3Nm. While the power output is modest, the torque figure is impressive, putting it remarkably close to the Royal Enfield Interceptor 650, which produces 47.4hp and 52.3Nm from its much larger 648cc parallel-twin engine. The CB500 uses a five-speed gearbox.
Honda is yet to reveal the motorcycle’s complete specifications, but we do know that the CB500 will feature a conventional telescopic fork, twin rear shock absorbers and disc brakes at both ends. The overall design draws inspiration from the familiar CB350, with classic styling cues including a round LED headlight, a ribbed single-piece seat and a large teardrop-shaped fuel tank. It is paired with modern features such as Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC), a slipper clutch, and an analogue-digital instrument console with Honda RoadSync connectivity.
Honda will offer the CB500 in three variants: a standard alloy-wheel version, a cross-spoke tubeless-wheel variant and a range-topping cross-spoke tubeless variant with exclusive graphics.
Pricing is yet to be announced, but with local manufacturing confirmed, Honda is expected to price the CB500 competitively in the midsize retro segment, where it will likely rival and possibly undercut the Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 and the BSA Gold Star 650.
The Honda ZR-V is the carmaker’s first hybrid SUV in India and its being brought here via the CBU route from Japan as a brand builder or a halo product. It’s also the first of a few global products being launched in India, so it gives us an idea of what we can expect from Honda in the coming years. Honda says the ZR-V is a “Sports Hybrid” meaning it prioritizes performance and fuel efficiency in equal parts, which is why the company gave us a chance to briefly experience it at the Buddh International Circuit.
Honda ZR-V Exterior Design and Engineering – 8/10
Hybrid powertrain is smooth, seamless, zippy and promises to be efficient as well
The Honda ZR-V is a strong hybrid SUV that features a 2.0-litre, four-cylinder, direct injection, petrol engine that runs on the more efficient Atkinson cycle and it works in tandem with two, permanent magnet synchronous electric motors. The powertrain produces a max combined output of 184hp and 315Nm which is channeled to the front wheels only via an eCVT transmission. The SUV has a claimed 0-100kph time of 7.9 seconds and an electronically limited top speed of 172kph. Internationally, the ZR-V is also offered with an all-wheel-drive (AWD) setup and a 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine producing 180hp and 240Nm but that is currently not on the cards for India.
It’s responsive off the line and feels composed at high speeds
The strong hybrid powertrain feels smooth and zippy right from the get-go. What’s great is that it makes all the 315Nm of torque from standstill, so it feels quick right from launch and you’re never left wanting more. Power delivery is smooth and linear and it’s also keen to respond to part-throttle inputs. The powertrain is also very refined with barely any engine, road or tyre noise filtering through.
At low speeds with light throttle inputs, the ZR-V will stay in pure EV mode as long as the battery has enough charge. Unlike some other strong hybrids however, you can’t manually choose EV mode. Push the accelerator harder and the engine will come on, with the SUV moving to the hybrid drive mode. In this mode, the electric motor is still powering the wheels with the engine acting as a generator to keep the battery topped up. Then there’s the engine drive mode, which is specifically used at high speeds. Here, it’s the engine powering the wheels with the electric motor assisting.
However, there are drive modes that you can change – Eco, Normal and Sport – and these don’t have an effect on the output or how the powertrain works but just the response. There’s paddleshifters too, for cycling between the regenerative braking modes and they do work effectively. As for the friction brakes, the ZR-V comes with discs all around and they felt predictable and confidence-inspiring out on track.
Honda ZR-V Mileage and Efficiency – 8/10
Honda claims the ZR-V will do an impressive 22.80kpl. Considering it’s a hybrid, real-world efficiency should be close to the claimed but we’ll have to reserve judgement till we actually subject the SUV to our fuel efficiency tests.
Honda ZR-V Ride Comfort and Handling – 7/10
Considering we drove it on BIC’s smooth tarmac surface and only for a few laps, giving a definitive verdict on its ride comfort is difficult. As for high speed composure, the SUV felt stable.
In terms of handling, the ZR-V felt enjoyable to drive around the corners. Handling on the whole was stable and predictable, thanks to a well-weighted and precise steering. A slalom course also demonstrated its tidy body control and it felt eager to change directions.
Honda ZR-V Exterior Design and Engineering – 7/10
Unlike most SUVs which have a squared-off and upright stance, the Honda ZR-V has a sleek, crossover-like design, with rounded-off and clean surfaces. Up front, it gets slim LED headlights with L-shaped daytime running lamps (DRLs), a black grille with vertical slates and a bumper that houses functional air vents on either side.
ZR-V’s styling is more like a crossover than an upright SUV.
Along the sides, there’s stylish 18-inch alloy wheels with a dual-tone finish, body-coloured cladding around the wheel arches and a tapering roofline at the rear. Unlike most SUVs today, the ZR-V doesn’t get connected tail-lights, instead you get clear-lens taillamps with LED elements. Then there’s a roof-mounted spoiler element and lower down in the bumper, you get dual exhausts.
18-inch alloys get an attractive dual-tone finish.
On the whole, the ZR-V styling comes across as subtle and not striking. And given its dimensions of just over 4.5m in length and 1.8m in width, it doesn’t quite have the presence of its rivals. And it also doesn’t help that Honda is only offering four colours, all of which are subdued.
Honda ZR-V Interior Space and Comfort – 7/10
The interior of the ZR-V is typically Honda, which means its practical, comfy and well-finished. There’s plenty of soft touch materials around and I like that the dashboard is low-set which enables a great view out. A 9-inch touchscreen sits on top of the dash, and though it’s nice that it gets physical controls, the size and the UI leaves more to be desired by today’s standards. There’s a honeycomb grille that runs the width of the dash, separated by a silver trim piece which does look premium. Lower down you get similar physical AC controls like on the Honda City with rotary knobs that are satisfying to operate. There’s more buttons on the centre console too, for the drive modes, parking brake and in place of a traditional drive selector.
Cabin is practical and well-finished with plenty of soft-touch materials around
Then you get a well-executed, fully digital instrument cluster that’s customisable and shows you all sorts of driving data, the charge status and a flow chart of the powertrain. The front seats are well-padded, comfortable and feel premium too. Storage spaces are also well thought out, with a decent sized glove box and door bins, storage under the centre armrest and in the centre console.
Rear is comfy and spacious enough but low seat results in a bit of a knees-up seating position; also misses sun blinds.
Getting into the rear is quite easy thanks to the low set seat, even though the sill is on the higher side. Once in, you’ll find it a comfy place to be with enough space for three passengers and plenty of legroom. However, the low set seat results in a slightly knees-up seating position, there are no sunblinds and the tapering roofline means people over 6 feet will find the headroom to be tight. As for features here, there’s dedicated AC vents, type C charging ports, a fold-down armrest with cupholders and three-point seatbelts and adjustable headrests for all three passengers.
The boot is large too and the loading lip isn’t that high. With the rear seats folded down in a 60:40 split, you can fit in 1313 litres of cargo. There’s no underboot storage though as that’s taken up by the hybrid battery and there’s no spare tyre either.
Honda ZR-V Features and Safety – 6/10
As for features, the ZR-V gets a 10.25-inch digital cluster, a 9-inch touchscreen with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, a 12-speaker Bose audio system, dual-zone climate control, leatherette upholstery, 8-way powered driver’s seat with memory, 4-way powered front passenger seat, wireless charger, electric tailgate with gesture, electric parking brake and ambient lighting. However, some important features like a panoramic sunroof and heated, ventilated and massaging front seats are missing, all of which could have been offered at the expected price point.
9-inch screen is small by today’s standards but its bright and features physical controls
As for the safety kit, you get a 360-degree parking camera (it is quite low res though), 8 airbags, tyre pressure monitor, hill-start and hill-descent assist, traction control and ISOFIX child seat mounts. It even packs in Level 2 ADAS tech which brings in autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, blind spot monitor, adaptive cruise control and more. On the whole though, the ZR-V is under equipped for its expected price.
10.25-inch digital cluster is crisp and shows plenty of info.
Honda ZR-V Value for Money – 5/10
So that’s a brief drive impression of the Honda ZR-V for you. We’ll have to reserve our definitive verdict till we get to experience the SUV out in the real-world and subject it to our performance and fuel efficiency tests.
The ZR-v is being brought as a CBU import from its home market in Japan
The Honda ZR-V has its downsides like the missing features, its relatively compact footprint and lack of road presence and being a full import it’s going to be expensive as well, around the Rs 45 lakh mark. But it has a practical, comfy and well-finished interior and comes with a smooth and seamless hybrid powertrain that is quick and promises to be efficient as well. As such, the Honda ZR-V is going to be a niche product, so it remains to be seen as to how many takers would it find in our market.
Honda has showcased two new small-capacity dual-sport motorcycles – the XR300L and XR300 Rally – that will be manufactured here in India. Interestingly, both motorcycles are powered by the same 293.5cc air/oil cooled single-cylinder engine that currently does duty in the CB300F.
XR300L targets dual-sport and trail riding
XR300 Rally adds touring-focused equipment and Honda RoadSync
Both appear to share the CB300F’s 293.5cc engine
Honda XR300L unveiled:
Honda says the XR300L has been developed as a lightweight dual-sport motorcycle intended to balance off-road capability with everyday usability. It is aimed at riders looking to tackle trails, gravel roads and other off-road terrain while remaining practical enough for daily commuting. Long-travel suspension, a gas-charged Pro-Link rear monoshock, switchable dual-channel ABS and Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC) are among its headline features. Honda says the XR300L is for the new riders that are looking to or have just started venturing into off-road riding.
XR300 Rally unveiled:
The more touring-oriented XR300 Rally builds on the same platform but adds equipment aimed at longer-distance mixed-terrain riding. Honda describes it as a motorcycle inspired by its Dakar-winning rally machines, with greater wind protection, touring comfort and rally-inspired styling. The Rally also gets Honda RoadSync smartphone connectivity.
Both motorcycles feature front and rear disc brakes with switchable dual-channel ABS, while the shared 293.5cc engine strongly suggests they are based on the CB300F platform. Honda has not disclosed output figures, but if the engine largely remains unchanged, it is likely to produce figures similar to the CB300F’s 24.5hp and 25.9Nm.
The arrival of these motorcycles would give Honda a proper entry into the growing lightweight adventure and dual-sport segment in India that has gained momentum in recent years. The XR300L would rival trail-focused offerings, while the XR300 Rally would cater to riders seeking an affordable adventure tourer with greater long-distance capability.
Honda XR300 duo launch details:
Honda has yet to announce launch timelines or market availability for either motorcycle and are expected to do so, later in the day. We will update this story when we have further details.
Jeep India has launched an 85th Anniversary Edition of the Meridian SUV to commemorate 85 years of the Jeep brand. Priced at Rs 36.05 lakh (ex-showroom), only 85 units of this special edition model will be built, and it brings some exclusive detailing on the outside and some feature enhancements on the inside. Bookings are already underway at Jeep dealerships and on the Jeep India website.
Special Edition SUV gets 85th Anniversary Edition decals on the outside
Interior gets new golden accents and ambient lighting package
Based on top-spec Overland trim
Jeep Meridian 85th Anniversary Edition: what’s new?
This limited-run Meridian is marked out by 85th Anniversary Edition decals on the front doors and tail gate, and it also gets a unique logo for the wheel center caps. It can be had in a choice of five exterior paint shades, namely Pearl White, Techno Metallic Green, Velvet Red, Grigio Magnesio and Brilliant Black. Additionally, the wheels also get a gloss black finish.
On the inside, there’s a new gold accent on the dashboard as well as an ambient lighting package. Customers can further personalize their vehicles through specially curated 85th Anniversary AXS Packages, offering accessories such as carpet floor mats, anniversary decal kits, ambient lighting and an illumination package for the panoramic sunroof.
Jeep has also introduced the CARA AI assistant on the Meridian with this limited-run model. CARA is Stellantis’ voice assistant, first introduced with the Citroen Basalt in India. It can be used for navigation, weather information, calls, music and selected vehicle-related functions through voice commands in 52 languages, including major Indian languages. CARA has also been made available on the regular Limited (O) trim of the Meridian, which is now priced at Rs 30.45 lakh – up by Rs 45,000 from before.
Jeep Meridian 85th Anniversary Edition:powertrain and specs
The Meridian 85th Anniversary Edition is based on the top Overland trim of the SUV. It remains mechanically unchanged, which means under the hood is a 170hp/350Nm 2.0-litre diesel engine mated to a 9-speed automatic gearbox. It can also be specced with an optional 4×4 system.
Compared to the regular Overland trim, the Meridian 85th Anniversary Edition commands a premium of Rs 44,000. Given the very limited production run, prospective buyers may want to hurry.
Honda has unveiled a total of 10 motorcycles for the Indian market, comprising both all-new and existing models, with the Rebel 300 and a new locally manufactured Rebel 500 among them. The Rebel 500 was previously sold in India as a CBU at Rs 5.12 lakh, but with both motorcycles now set to be manufactured locally, we can expect more competitive pricing when they go on sale.
Honda Rebel 300 and Rebel 500 to be available in standard and E-Clutch variants
Rebel 300 uses a 286cc single-cylinder engine
Rebel 500 is powered by a 471cc parallel-twin engine
Honda Rebel 300 and Rebel 500 India details
Both bikes will be available with Honda’s E-Clutch system, enabling automated clutch action
As members of the same family, the Rebel 300 and Rebel 500 share the same bobber-style cruiser design, including a teardrop-shaped fuel tank, a round LED headlight, a two-piece seat and a short, stubby exhaust.
The Rebel 300 is powered by a 286cc single-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine producing around 30hp and 27.5Nm. The Rebel 500, meanwhile, uses a 471cc parallel-twin engine producing 46hp at 8,500rpm and 43.3Nm at 6,000rpm. Both motorcycles use a six-speed gearbox and will be offered in standard and E-Clutch variants. Honda’s E-Clutch system allows riders to shift gears without operating the clutch lever while still retaining the option to use the clutch manually whenever they choose.
Both motorcycles feature a low 690mm seat height, making them among the most accessible motorcycles on sale in our market. Combined with an upright handlebar and forward-set footpegs, the low seat height should provide a relaxed cruiser riding position. Suspension duties are handled by a conventional telescopic fork at the front and twin rear shock absorbers. Both motorcycles also share the same tyre sizes, with a 130/90-16 front and a 150/80-16 rear. The Rebel 300 has a kerb weight of 172kg, while the larger Rebel 500 tips the scales at 191kg.
On the features front, both motorcycles remain relatively simple and stay true to their old-school cruiser ethos, doing without modern electronics such as riding modes and traction control. Both bikes come equipped with dual-channel ABS. Interestingly, the India-spec Rebel 300 and Rebel 500 debut a new circular TFT display that replaces the LCD unit offered on international models, and this is understood to have been developed specifically for these locally manufactured versions.
Honda is yet to announce prices or a launch timeline for either motorcycle. More details are expected in the coming weeks, and we’ll update this story as they are announced.
Alongside a slew of unveils, Honda has unveiled the ADV160 in India, showcasing its first maxi-scooter with adventure-inspired styling in the country that will also get E85 compliance, making it one of the first scooters showcased with flex-fuel compliance. Honda says the ADV160 will be locally-manufactured in India and even exported overseas, helping it keep costs in check. Once launched, the ADV160 will be sold via Honda’s both – Red Wing and premium Big Wing showrooms in India. It packs features such as single-channel ABS, traction control, and a TFT display with smartphone connectivity.
Honda ADV160 launch timeline to be announced soon
E85-compliant 157cc liquid-cooled engine makes 16hp and 14.7Nm
To be sold via both the RedWing and premium BigWing showrooms
Honda ADV160 unveiled: What to expect?
Styled like a scaled-down X-ADV, the ADV160 features a tall adjustable windscreen, twin LED headlamps, and block-pattern tyres. Honda says the ADV160 brings the ‘Adventure-scooter’ format to India through the concept of City Adventure.
Feature highlights include a TFT instrument display with Honda RoadSync smartphone connectivity, a USB charging socket, Honda Selectable Torque Control (traction control), single-channel ABS and a generous under-seat storage compartment of 27 litres.
Honda ADV160 engine details
Powering the ADV160 is a 157cc, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine producing 16.3hp and 14.9Nm, paired with a CVT automatic transmission. The talking point about this engine is its E85 compliance, denoting that it can run on an ethanol blend of up to 85 percent with 15 percent petrol.
The scooter rides on a telescopic fork and twin rear shock absorbers, with a 14-inch front and 13-inch rear wheel setup. It weighs 133kg, has a 780mm seat height, 165mm ground clearance and an 8.1-litre fuel tank.
Honda ADV160 launch details:
While the specifications of the ADV160 are out, the brand has only unveiled it and says that the launch timeline for the models will be announced later today and we will update this story accordingly. However, it’s safe to say that since the ADV160 will be locally manufactured here in India and exported overseas, the pricing for this maxi-scooter will be competitive.
CJP Protest update: NEET-UG 2026 परीक्षा में कथित धांधली और पेपर लीक के विरोध में 26 दिनों से अनशन पर बैठे मशहूर सामाजिक कार्यकर्ता सोनम वांगचुक ने 24 जुलाई की आधी रात के बाद अपना अनशन समाप्त कर दिया है। अनशन खत्म करने के बाद वांगचुक ने अपने एक्स हैंडल पर एक वीडियो जारी कर उन तीन प्रमुख शर्तों और वजहों का खुलासा किया है जिनके आधार पर उन्होंने अपना 26 दिनों का उपवास तोड़ा है। अस्पताल के बेड से जारी 3 मिनट के इस वीडियो में वांगचुक ने बताया कि केंद्रीय मंत्रियों जेपी नड्डा और जितेंद्र सिंह के साथ हुई मुलाकात के बाद उन्होंने अनशन खत्म करने का फैसला लिया।
किन 3 शर्तों पर खत्म हुआ 26 दिन लंबा अनशन?
सोनम वांगचुक के मुताबिक सरकार की ओर से मिली तीन मुख्य गारंटियों के बाद ही उन्होंने अपना अनशन वापस लिया है। पहला है परीक्षा प्रणाली में जवाबदेही पर संसद में चर्चा। केंद्रीय मंत्रियों ने वांगचुक को आश्वासन दिया है कि सरकार और सभी राजनीतिक दलों के सांसद संसद में असफल हो रही परीक्षा प्रणाली और जवाबदेही के मुद्दे पर विस्तृत चर्चा करेंगे। दूसरा पीड़ित परिवारों को मुआवजा। वांगचुक के मुताबिक सरकार ने NEET परीक्षा पेपर लीक के बाद आत्महत्या करने वाले अभ्यर्थियों के पीड़ित परिवारों को पर्याप्त मुआवजा देने का आश्वासन दिया है। तीसरा शांतिपूर्ण प्रदर्शनकारियों पर केस दर्ज न करना। सरकार ने वादा किया है कि जंतर-मंतर पर शांतिपूर्ण ढंग से विरोध प्रदर्शन कर रहे छात्रों और लोगों के खिलाफ कोई भी कानूनी मामला या केस दर्ज नहीं किया जाएगा।
END OF HUNGER… BEGINNING OF ACCOUNTABILITY…!
Sonam Wangchuk ends his fast after 26 days upon getting assurance from the government and members of parliament of all political parties that the issue of accountability in the failing examination system will be discussed on the… pic.twitter.com/0C9YX5VlsL
पीएम मोदी ने रात में वीडियो जारी कर किया कड़े कानून का ऐलान
सोनम वांगचुक के अनशन समाप्त करने और नीट-यूजी 2026 परीक्षा में कथित अनियमितताओं को लेकर कॉकरोच जनता पार्टी और युवाओं के विरोध प्रदर्शन के बीच प्रधानमंत्री नरेंद्र मोदी ने भी गुरुवार देर रात एक सेल्फ-रिकॉर्डेड वीडियो संदेश जारी किया। पीएम मोदी ने एक्स पर वीडियो शेयर करते हुए लिखा कि पेपर लीक करने वालों के खिलाफ 24 जुलाई की कैबिनेट बैठक में और सख्त कार्रवाई आएगी। प्रधानमंत्री ने कहा कि केंद्रीय मंत्रिमंडल एक ड्राफ्ट बिल लाएगा जिसमें दोषियों के लिए सख्त सजा और मामलों के त्वरित निपटारे के लिए फास्ट-ट्रैक कोर्ट गठित करने का प्रावधान होगा। इसके लिए संबंधित विभागों को निर्देश जारी कर दिए गए हैं। दूसरी ओर विपक्ष संसद के जारी मानसून सत्र के भीतर और बाहर लगातार विरोध प्रदर्शन कर रहा है और केंद्रीय शिक्षा मंत्री धर्मेंद्र प्रधान के इस्तीफे तथा नीट पेपर लीक मामले पर विस्तृत चर्चा की मांग पर अड़ा हुआ है।
कॉन्स्टिट्यूशन क्लब में आज सरकार और CJP के बीच वार्ता
पीटीआई की रिपोर्ट के मुताबिक केंद्र सरकार द्वारा तटस्थ स्थल की मांग स्वीकार किए जाने के बाद शुक्रवार को दोपहर करीब 12:30 बजे दिल्ली के कॉन्स्टिट्यूशन क्लब ऑफ इंडिया में सरकार और CJP के बीच बातचीत तय हुई है। सीजेपी के राष्ट्रीय प्रवक्ता सौरभ दास ने बताया कि वे सरकार द्वारा न्यूट्रल वेन्यू की मांग मानने के फैसले का स्वागत करते हैं। इससे पहले 20 जुलाई को सीजेपी प्रवक्ताओं (सौरभ दास और आशुतोष रंका) की केंद्रीय स्वास्थ्य मंत्री जेपी नड्डा के आवास पर मुलाकात हुई थी। इसके बाद सीजेपी नेताओं ने आरोप लगाया था कि उन्हें वर्चुअल डिटेंशन में रखा गया था। इसके बाद से ही सीजेपी किसी मंत्री के घर या दफ्तर के बजाय केवल न्यूट्रल वेन्यू पर ही वार्ता करने की शर्त पर अड़ी थी। सीजेपी ने स्पष्ट किया है कि जब तक केंद्रीय शिक्षा मंत्री धर्मेंद्र प्रधान अपना इस्तीफा नहीं दे देते, तब तक जंतर-मंतर पर उनका प्रदर्शन जारी रहेगा।
CJP की मुख्य मांगें
केंद्रीय शिक्षा मंत्री धर्मेंद्र प्रधान का इस्तीफा।
प्रतियोगी परीक्षाओं में कथित गड़बड़ी पर जवाबदेही तय करना और शिक्षा प्रणाली में सुधार।
नीट पेपर लीक के बाद आत्महत्या करने वाले छात्रों के परिवारों को ₹1 करोड़ का मुआवजा।
आंदोलन में शामिल शांतिपूर्ण प्रदर्शनकारियों के खिलाफ दर्ज सभी एफआईआर (FIR) और कानूनी कार्रवाई को वापस लेना।
The Nissan Tekton joined the ever-ballooning midsize SUV segment in July 2026, becoming the third model in the Japanese brand’s India line-up. Priced between Rs 10.49 lakh and Rs 18.59 lakh (ex-showroom), the Tekton is Nissan’s flagship offering in the country. As a direct alternative to its platform sibling, the Renault Duster, does the Tekton offer compelling reasons for you to seriously consider it? Let’s find out.
Reasons to buy the Nissan Tekton
Polished dynamics
The Tekton strikes a great balance between ride and handling
If you are someone who loves getting behind the wheel of your midsize SUV but doesn’t want the ride quality to be compromised, the Nissan Tekton is a worthy candidate. Even hitting large potholes does not unsettle this SUV, merely registering in your ears. The ride remains supple and forgiving, absorbing road imperfections without complaints. There’s also no underlying, uncomfortable firmness to the Tekton’s ride at city speeds either.
Once you get going, you realise that the Tekton likes changing directions – its eagerness to turn does not come at the cost of uncontained body roll. The ‘Light’ and ‘Heavy’ steering modes work as intended, making the wheel feelsome and precise. Then there are the brakes, which offer plenty of stopping power, while the pedal itself feels natural too. All of these factors inspire confidence and let you push the Tekton a bit more.
Well-designed and tech-rich cabin
Stepping inside the Tekton reveals a premium-looking and well-equipped space
Combined with the classy-looking leatherette padding on the dash and door pads, plus the burgundy, gold and light cream colour scheme, the interior of the top-spec Nissan Tekton looks upmarket. The driving position is great and provides excellent all-round visibility, while the seats themselves are comfy enough to be occupied even over long-distance drives.
Apart from good under-thigh support and backrest angle, the rear seats offer plenty of space under the front seats, allowing the outer two occupants to stretch out and get comfortable. Furthermore, those at the back have access to USB charging ports, a centre armrest with cup holders and AC vents, with higher variants also benefiting from a panoramic sunroof.
The well-designed digital instrument cluster with its multiple display modes is easy to figure out and use on the move. Coming in handy is tech such as powered front seats with ventilation, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, built-in Google apps and voice assistance, dual-zone climate control and Level 2 ADAS. Sorted ergonomics make reaching various switchgear and controls an easy affair. There are enough storage cubbies on offer, too.
Spacious boot
The Tekton’s boot can handle family outings or airport pickups
The square shape of the Nissan Tekton’s boot makes it easy to load cargo. Moreover, its 518-litre luggage capacity is the best in the segment – whether you are planning a long road trip or have to shuttle to and from the airport, space won’t be a constraining factor. What’s even more impressive here is that the Tekton’s boot also houses a full-size spare wheel. This alleviates concerns surrounding a flat tyre, should you encounter one.
Reasons not to buy the Nissan Tekton
Sub-par engine performance
Base engine isn’t apt enough, while the larger engine isn’t ideal either
The base 100hp 1.0-litre turbo-petrol engine featuring multi-point fuel injection lacks grunt and isn’t particularly refined, with usable power only good enough for city commutes. The turbo lag is evident till you go past 3,000rpm, requiring the driver to shift gears regularly to keep the engine on the boil. The 6-speed manual transmission (MT) on duty gets shorter gearing to help matters, but you’ll need to slip the clutch to tackle steep inclines, which will be an inconvenience. The gear shifts aren’t as slick as those of a comparable Hyundai Creta or a Kia Seltos.
Moving up to the larger, 163hp 1.3-litre turbo-petrol engine with direct injection doesn’t alleviate all of the issues either. Despite this engine’s higher output than the smaller mill, its weak bottom end can leave the Tekton struggling to get up and go on steep inclines, especially with the engine stop-start function enabled. While it offers more refinement and performance, there’s still noticeable turbo lag below 2,500rpm.
The 6-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT) shifts between cogs smoothly, but its responses aren’t as quick as one might expect from the type. It upshifts early, perhaps in a bid to boost efficiency, but this makes it feel less responsive. This means you’ll have to take manual control by using the paddleshifters if you want to execute an overtake in a hurry. There’s also no Sport mode to quicken gear shifts – only Comfort and Eco modes are provided. While we are yet to put the Tekton through our rigorous performance tests, the performance on hand is unlikely to impress some buyers.
Lacklustre fuel economy
The Tekton will not be setting mileage benchmarks in the segment
Since the powertrain is mechanically identical to the Duster’s, the fuel economy of the Nissan Tekton in the real world is unlikely to impress. For reference, the Duster with the 1.0-litre engine and 6-speed MT returned 10.98kpl. Meanwhile, the 1.3-litre version recorded 10.47kpl and 10.64kpl with the DCT and MT gearboxes, respectively.
Some features lack execution
The Nissan Tekton has a few shortcomings when it comes to the quality of some of its features. The 360-degree camera system, for instance, is lacking in outright resolution, which hampers its usability under certain conditions. While the ADAS suite is comprehensive, the lane-keep assist isn’t good at keeping the SUV centred in a lane. Even the adaptive cruise control has its shortcomings – it doesn’t accelerate the Tekton back to its set speed once the traffic starts moving.
Mercedes-Benz India has said every car it has sold in the country since January 2026 is compatible with E25 ethanol-blended petrol, making it one of the first luxury carmakers in India to prepare its portfolio ahead of any mandate for higher ethanol blends.
The announcement comes months after India completed the nationwide rollout of E20 petrol. More recently, the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) notified technical standards for higher ethanol blends, including E22, E25, E27 and E30, signalling the government’s efforts to prepare the regulatory framework for fuels beyond E20.
Mercedes cars in India have been E20-compatible since 2020
Announcement made at the launch of the AMG E 53 plug-in hybrid
Company to go ahead with a multi-powertrain strategy in India
Mercedes-Benz prepared line-up ahead of future ethanol norms
Speaking at the launch of the Mercedes-AMG E 53, Mercedes-Benz India Managing Director and CEO Santosh Iyer said the company upgraded its India portfolio in anticipation of future fuel regulations. Explaining the decision, Iyer said Mercedes-Benz wanted to prepare its products ahead of any future regulation. “The Mercedes customers expect that we will learn the legislation and upcoming trends. There are a lot of discussions on E25. It may not happen, but we want to offer cars which are compliant,” he said.
According to Iyer, Mercedes-Benz adopted E25 compatibility to future-proof its products as discussions continue around increasing ethanol blending beyond E20. He added that the company had similarly made its India line-up E20-compatible from 2020, around three years before the fuel became mandatory.
The announcement comes weeks after Mercedes-Benz highlighted concerns over fuel adulteration, rather than the E20 blend itself. The company had said inconsistent fuel quality could affect vehicle performance and called for stricter quality control as higher ethanol blends are introduced.
Mercedes-Benz to continue offering multiple powertrains
Mercedes-Benz said it will continue offering a mix of internal combustion engine, battery electric and plug-in hybrid models in India instead of focusing on a single powertrain technology. “Our job and responsibility is to offer good options across the spectrum, including gasoline with an E25,” he said.
The AMG E 53 launched alongside the announcement is the brand’s second plug-in hybrid model in India after the recently introduced S-Class Plug-in Hybrid, and the first electrified AMG E-Class in the country. Mercedes-Benz says customer demand in India continues to be spread across conventional ICE models and electrified vehicles, supporting its multi-powertrain strategy.
India’s first official F1-sanctioned sim racing competition is currently underway. Run by Mumbai Falcons, F1 Sim Racing India Open offers Indian fans and budding racers a different, and far more accessible entry point to motorsport. In fact, Mumbai Falcons already has plans in place to bridge the gap between sim and real-world racing, giving the best performing participants the chance to join its driver development programme.
Two categories: Junior and Senior
Finale to be held in Mumbai in November 2026
From sim racing to single seaters
Over the years, Mumbai Falcons has fielded teams in several international karting and Formula Regional championships. The team has played a crucial role in the junior careers of prominent drivers, including Kimi Antonelli, Oliver Bearman, Arvid Lindblad and Kush Maini.
Speaking to Autocar India, Mumbai Falcons Racing Limited’s Managing Director Ameet Gadhoke explained that the idea for the F1 Sim Racing India Open stemmed from the team’s experience in single-seater racing. “I’ve seen how important sim racing was for [our drivers] before they went onto the track,” he stated.
The team isn’t treating sim racing as a separate category; instead, it forms a key part of Mumbai Falcons’ driver development pathway. The best performers in the F1 Sim Racing India Open will join the team’s ‘Agla Star’ programme, with the top 1,000 players earning the chance to train with 4-stroke karts. The top 100 from here will then move up to 2-stroke karts, and those who impress the most will then be trained to step up to single-seater racing.
“The idea is to find the Agla Star. We want a guy or girl to come from here and go into single seaters as fast as possible. We’re doing a talent hunt programme, we’re not [just] doing sim racing,” Gadhoke explained. “So for those who actually understand motorsport, but cannot afford it, this is the pathway. The idea is if this person is good, then we take him out of the group, put him in real karts and then go into single seaters.”
Mumbai Falcons Racing Limited’s Managing Director Ameet Gadhoke
Mumbai Falcons has also teamed up with several schools across India for this. As the team explained, the goal with this is “to introduce students to sim racing, motorsport technology and structured talent development opportunities at an early age”. As part of this initiative, partner schools will receive simulator infrastructure, training support and structured learning modules. Gadhoke says he’s targeting partnering with around 1,000 schools across 20 cities in India.
F1 also runs its own global sim racing championship, which often acts as a launchpad for wider opportunities in both sim racing, as well as motorsport in general. Gadhoke shared that Mumbai Falcons is also exploring representing India in this F1 Sim Racing World Championship.
F1 Sim Racing India entry fees, format
Open to both newcomers and experiences players, the F1 Sim Racing India open is divided into two categories – Junior (ages 10-14) and Senior (above 14 years old). Registrations are currently underway, with the F1 Standard package costing Rs 3,499, and the F1 Elite package costing Rs 4,999. While the former simply gives access to competition entry, the more expensive F1 Elite package also includes priority slot for the zonal qualifiers, a 30-minute tutorial, telemetry data, 10 percent discount for online coaching and 10 percent discount on merchandise.
The competition is divided into 10 zones across the country. Phase 1 includes online laps as well as Mumbai Falcons’ school programme. For this, all those who have registered can compete on the F1 25 game through rough Steam, PlayStation Network, Xbox Live or via an EA Play membership.
Participants can set their fastest lap times on one selected circuit within a 60-day window. Ranking is based on lap time, so the faster your lap, the higher your position. Participants can also continue trying to improve their lap times during the 60-day window. The top 5,000 juniors and 5,000 seniors from each zone will then make it to the Zonal stage. The 50 fastest juniors and 50 fastest seniors from each zone qualify for the national finals.
F1 Sim Racing India Open: Finals
The national finals is slated to be held in Mumbai’s NSCI Dome in November 2026. Here, participants will compete in the Playseat Formula Intelligence F1 Edition cockpit, along with the Fanatec ClubSport Racing Wheel F1 system.
The top 30 from each category will progress to the last stage. The junior finalists will then compete across nine races, while the senior finalists will compete across 12 races. The Junior and Senior champion will each win Rs 1 crore.
Combined with the classy-looking leatherette padding on the dash and door pads, plus the burgundy, gold and light cream colour scheme, the interior of the top-spec Nissan Tekton looks upmarket. The driving position is great and provides excellent all-round visibility, while the seats themselves are comfy enough to be occupied even over long-distance drives.
