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Mahindra Thar ROXX STAR EDN With Bespoke Cosmetic Upgrades Launched at ₹16.85 Lakh

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Mahindra has expanded its lifestyle SUV portfolio with the launch of the new Thar ROXX STAR EDN, a design-focused addition to the Thar ROXX range. Aimed at buyers looking for extra visual flair without compromising on capability, the STAR EDN brings a more premium and exclusive edge to Mahindra’s iconic off-roader. The Thar ROXX STAR EDN stands out with a series of bespoke cosmetic upgrades. Inside, it features all-black leatherette seats with suede accents, lending the cabin a darker, more upmarket feel. On the outside, the SUV gets a piano black front grille and matching piano black alloy wheels, giving it a bold yet sophisticated road presence. Mahindra has also introduced a new hero shade, Citrine Yellow, alongside existing colour options such as Tango Red, Everest White and Stealth Black. Mechanically, the Thar ROXX STAR EDN retains the proven powertrain choices from the standard lineup. Buyers can opt for the G20 TGDi mStallion petrol engine producing 130 kW and 380 Nm, or th...

Volkswagen Tayron R-Line Local Assembly Begins in India

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Volkswagen India has marked a key milestone with the start of local assembly for its flagship SUV, the Tayron R-Line. Production is underway at the brand’s Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar facility, aligning with Volkswagen’s plans to launch the premium SUV in the first quarter of 2026. Positioned as the most premium SUV in Volkswagen India’s portfolio, the Tayron R-Line is designed to combine true seven-seat versatility with everyday usability and the brand’s sporty R-Line styling. The focus is on offering generous cabin space, refined road manners and a more dynamic visual appeal, aimed at buyers seeking a step up in the premium SUV segment. With local assembly now in motion, Volkswagen is preparing to strengthen its presence in the upper end of the SUV market. The Tayron R-Line’s India launch in Q1 2026 is expected to play a crucial role in the brand’s premium growth strategy, bringing a globally recognised nameplate to Indian customers with a locally assembled advantage. from India...

Tata XPRES Petrol and CNG Launched, Prices Start at ₹5.59 Lakh

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Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles has expanded its fleet-focused XPRES lineup with the launch of new Petrol and CNG variants, complementing the existing XPRES EV. Aimed squarely at professional fleet operators, the move strengthens Tata’s multi-powertrain strategy while opening up the XPRES brand to a much wider market. The Tata XPRES Petrol is priced from ₹5.59 lakh, while the XPRES CNG starts at ₹6.59 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi). Bookings are now open across authorised Tata fleet dealerships nationwide. Both variants are powered by Tata’s familiar 1.2-litre Revotron petrol engine, paired with a manual transmission and tuned for durability and high-uptime commercial use. The highlight, however, is the XPRES CNG’s segment-first 70-litre (water capacity) twin-cylinder CNG setup. This not only delivers an extended driving range but also preserves usable boot space—one of the biggest pain points for fleet operators. The petrol version ups the practicality further with a class-leading 419-li...

Kia Sonet Crosses 5 Lakh Sales Milestone in India

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Kia India has achieved a major sales milestone with its popular subcompact SUV, the Kia Sonet, surpassing the 5 lakh unit sales mark in the Indian market. The achievement underlines the strong acceptance the Sonet has earned since its launch and reinforces Kia’s growing footprint in one of the country’s most competitive segments. Developed to meet the aspirations of modern Indian buyers, the Sonet helped redefine the subcompact SUV space with its bold design, feature-packed cabin, advanced tech and everyday usability. Manufactured locally under Kia’s ‘Make in India, for the World’ philosophy, the Sonet has appealed to a broad customer base, ranging from first-time car buyers to young urban families. The Sonet has emerged as a key volume driver for Kia India, contributing nearly 35 percent of the brand’s domestic sales. Its success is not limited to India alone, with over 1 lakh units exported to close to 70 global markets including the Middle East, Africa, Central and South America...

New Motorcycle Navigation System Promises Smarter, Safer Rides

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A new motorcycle navigation system developed by P3 digital services and Magic Lane will make its global debut at CES 2026, aiming to redefine how riders interact with navigation on two wheels. The solution is fully integrated into Sparq OS, P3’s infotainment platform built on Android Automotive OS, and has been designed specifically with motorcyclists in mind. Unlike car-focused systems adapted for bikes, this motorcycle navigation system brings predictive, context-aware environmental alerts tailored to real-world riding conditions. Riders receive timely warnings about potential hazards such as slippery road surfaces or strong crosswinds, displayed only when relevant to avoid unnecessary distraction while on the move. A key highlight is the AI-powered routing agent, which allows riders to plan journeys using natural language voice commands. Want a more engaging ride? The system also offers motorcycle-optimised scenic routing, prioritising twisty roads with dynamic geometry over dull...

Vertical Aerospace Brings Valo Electric Air Taxi to the US, Eyes Manhattan Routes

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Vertical Aerospace has marked a major milestone by bringing its Valo electric aircraft to the United States for the first time, kicking off a showcase tour in New York City. The appearance also signals serious intent, with plans already in motion to establish air taxi routes in and out of Manhattan in partnership with Bristow Group and Skyports Infrastructure. Designed as a next-generation electric air taxi, the Valo is targeting certification by 2028. The aircraft is engineered to cover distances of up to 100 miles at speeds reaching 150 mph, all while producing zero operating emissions. Its cabin is configured for four passengers as standard, with the flexibility to expand to a six-seat layout, making it suitable for both premium and high-demand urban travel. Vertical and its partners are evaluating multiple use cases for the Valo, focusing on reducing travel times in and around one of the world’s most congested cities. Proposed routes include rapid airport transfers between JFK a...

How Safety Ratings Play a Major Role in Selecting an SUV

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When it comes to choosing a new vehicle, safety is one of the most important factors for many buyers. Particularly for families or those who frequently drive long distances, the safety features and crash-test ratings of an SUV can make a significant difference. Photo by HAMZA YOUNAS on Unsplash As consumers become more aware of the risks associated with driving, understanding the safety ratings of different SUV models is essential to making an informed decision. Let's explore how safety ratings influence the selection of an SUV, focusing on crash-test results, features, and real-world safety performance. Understanding SUV Safety Ratings The safety ratings of SUVs are determined through rigorous testing by organizations like the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Consumer Reports explains that these tests assess multiple aspects of vehicle safety, including crashworthiness, rollover risk, and safety fea...