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2026 Mazda2 Hybrid Updated with More Features and New Colours

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Mazda has refreshed the Mazda2 Hybrid for 2026 in Europe, bringing in added safety tech, more standard features and new colour options. The biggest update is the inclusion of driver monitoring as standard across the range. The entry-level Prime-Line variant now feels better equipped too, offering heated front seats, a height-adjustable passenger seat, rear power windows, an auto-dimming IRVM and an upgraded audio system. Cosmetic tweaks include body-coloured mirror caps on lower trims, while higher-spec Homura variants retain black detailing for a sportier look. The range also gains three new shades: Charcoal Grey, Sky Grey and Fern Green. Move up the lineup, and the Exclusive-Line now gets full LED lighting, while the Homura and Homura Plus trims add gloss black interior accents for a more premium cabin feel. Under the hood, the Mazda2 Hybrid continues with its 1.5-litre petrol engine paired with an electric motor, producing a combined 116 PS. This self-charging hybrid setup doe...

Nexteer Begins Production of Steer-by-Wire System for a Chinese EV

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Nexteer Automotive has kicked off series production of its first steer-by-wire (SbW) system, now fitted to a passenger vehicle from an undisclosed Chinese new energy vehicle (NEV) manufacturer. This marks a significant step, as the system is part of what Nexteer claims to be the world’s first production passenger vehicle with a fully drive-by-wire chassis—eliminating traditional mechanical connections for steering, braking, and throttle. Steer-by-wire replaces the physical link between the steering wheel and front wheels with electronic signals and actuators, removing the need for a steering column altogether. This technology is seen as a key enabler for next-generation intelligent platforms and higher levels of autonomous driving. Nexteer’s system meets the highest safety standards, achieving ASIL D certification under ISO 26262, validated by Germany’s DAkkS accreditation body. The setup uses dual controllers, dual power supplies, and redundant communication and actuation paths, e...

Hyundai Ioniq 5 Updated with Bigger Battery, Priced at ₹55.70 Lakh

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Hyundai has launched the updated Ioniq 5 in India at ₹55.70 lakh (ex-showroom), bringing in subtle design tweaks, new features, and a crucial battery upgrade. Built on Hyundai’s E-GMP platform, the biggest update is the new 84 kWh battery pack, replacing the earlier 72.6 kWh unit. This upgrade boosts the ARAI-certified range to an impressive 690 km, enhancing its long-distance usability. On the outside, the Ioniq 5 gets refreshed front and rear bumpers with skid plates, a redesigned rear spoiler, updated LED headlamps, and new alloy wheels, giving it a sharper stance. Inside, the cabin sees meaningful upgrades, including a new 3-spoke leather-wrapped steering wheel with interactive pixel lighting and heating. The dual 12.3-inch displays remain, while the wireless charging pad has been redesigned with integrated controls for heated and ventilated seats. Tech additions include wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Hyundai’s Connected Car Navigation Cockpit, over-the-air updates,...

Mini Convertible JCW Pack Launched in India

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Mini has launched the Convertible JCW Pack in India, priced at ₹61.50 lakh (ex-showroom). The JCW Pack adds a sportier edge to the Convertible, with exterior options including Legend Grey and Midnight Black, complemented by contrasting mirror caps and racing stripes. Visual upgrades include a redesigned grille, aggressive bumpers, side skirts, door sills, and black 17-inch alloy wheels. Inside, the cabin gets a proper John Cooper Works treatment with a JCW sport steering wheel featuring paddle shifters, sport seats, and an Anthracite headliner. The soft-top roof enhances the open-air experience, folding down in just 18 seconds at speeds of up to 30 km/h, and closing in 15 seconds. ALSO READ: MINI Cooper S Victory Edition Launched in India with Iconic Styling Cues Feature highlights include adaptive suspension, JCW Sport brakes, cruise control, a heated steering wheel, and Level 1 ADAS. Tech-wise, the car packs a high-resolution OLED touchscreen running Mini Operating System 9...

Joby Completes First eVTOL Air Taxi Flights in New York

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Joby Aviation has successfully carried out its first point-to-point electric air taxi demonstration flights in New York City, marking a major step toward urban air mobility. The eVTOL aircraft operated between John F. Kennedy International Airport and key heliports across Manhattan, including Downtown Skyport and facilities at West 30th Street and East 34th Street. These routes are expected to form the backbone of Joby’s future commercial operations. The highlight? Travel time. Joby claims the journey from JFK to Manhattan was completed in under 10 minutes—dramatically quicker than the typical 60 to 120 minutes by road. The demonstration flights were conducted under the FAA’s eVTOL Integration Pilot Programme, with support from the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. Source from Indian Autos Blog https://ift.tt/CYsM4le via IFTTT

Porsche Cayenne Coupé Electric Breaks Cover with 1,100+ PS

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Porsche AG has unveiled the all-new Cayenne Coupé Electric at Auto China 2026, introducing a three-variant lineup of its sleek, coupe-styled electric SUV. Inspired by the iconic Porsche 911, the Cayenne Coupé Electric features a sloping roofline and improved aerodynamics, achieving a drag coefficient of 0.23—lower than the standard SUV. This helps extend its range to a claimed 669 km. Performance is where things get wild. The range-topping Turbo variant produces up to 850 kW (1,156 PS) with overboost, launching from 0 to 100 km/h in just 2.5 seconds. The lineup starts with a 300 kW base model, followed by the S variant with 400 kW, while overboost figures climb to 325 kW, 490 kW, and 850 kW respectively, under Launch Control. ALSO READ: Porsche Unveils Cayenne S Electric with 653 km Range Built on an advanced 800-volt architecture, the Cayenne Coupé Electric supports ultra-fast DC charging at up to 390 kW (up to 400 kW under optimal conditions), while AC charging is rated at ...

Audi E7X SUV Debuts at Auto China 2026 Alongside New A6L Lineup

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Audi has unveiled the all-new E7X at Auto China 2026, marking the second production model under its China-exclusive AUDI sub-brand—and its first SUV. The E7X is a full-size electric SUV, measuring 5,049 mm in length with a 3,060 mm wheelbase. It will be offered with power outputs of up to 500 kW, paired with a 109 kWh battery delivering a claimed range of over 750 km (CLTC). The SUV also features quattro all-wheel drive and a massive 21.4-inch deployable rear display, underlining its tech-forward focus. Alongside the E7X, Audi also showcased the Audi A6L e-tron—its first fully electric upper mid-size sedan for China. Built on a wheelbase extended by 132 mm, the A6L e-tron offers a claimed range of up to 815 km (CLTC), powered by a battery pack of up to 107 kWh. ALSO READ: Audi + SAIC to Develop 4 New Models, New EV Platform for Chinese Market Rounding off the lineup was the updated Audi A6L with a combustion engine. This version gets a 140 mm longer wheelbase compared to the ...