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Freelander 8 SUV Revealed Ahead of Abu Dhabi Debut

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Freelander International has taken the wraps off key details of its first model, the Freelander 8, ahead of its official debut in Abu Dhabi. Positioned at the upper end of the mid-size SUV segment, the Freelander 8 measures a substantial 5,118 mm in length, 2,050 mm in width, and 1,926 mm in height—clearly aimed at buyers who value road presence and interior space. Developed with backing from Chery, the SUV packs serious tech. Inside, it features a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8295P-powered cockpit, promising a fast and intuitive user experience. It also gets an Intelligent All-Terrain System (i-ATS), designed to adapt seamlessly across different driving surfaces. One standout feature is the Super Intelligent Parking (SIP) system. This allows the driver to step out at the entrance while the SUV parks itself and can later be summoned via a mobile app—particularly useful in extreme heat conditions like those in the Middle East. Adding to its premium appeal are optional 22-inc...
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Skoda Peaq EV Survives -40 deg C Arctic Torture Test

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Skoda is gearing up to unveil the Peaq on 23 June 2026, but before that, the SUV has just gone through brutal winter testing. Engineers pushed the Peaq deep into Arctic conditions, over 200 km north of the Arctic Circle, where temperatures plunged to a punishing -40°C. These extreme trials focused heavily on real-world usability—testing window defrosting, cabin heating efficiency, and how the SUV behaves on snow and ice. In such hostile environments, even the smallest flaws show up quickly, making this phase critical for an EV promising everyday usability. The Peaq didn’t just rely on cold-weather validation. It clocked over 1.5 million kilometres globally, but the Arctic runs were key to refining battery performance, traction control, and overall stability in sub-zero conditions—areas where EVs are often scrutinised. Built on the MEB+ platform, this upcoming seven-seater promises over 600 km of range, but Skoda is clearly aiming for more than just numbers. Featur...
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E20 to E100 Compliant Maruti WagonR Bioflex Launched in India

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Maruti Suzuki has officially launched the flex-fuel WagonR Bioflex , marking a notable step toward alternative fuel adoption in India. The WagonR Bioflex is priced at ₹7.24 lakh (ex-showroom) and will be offered exclusively for commercial use. This makes it ₹86,000 more expensive than the standard ZXi+ petrol manual variant. Buyers can choose from both metallic and non-metallic colour options, although visually, the Bioflex remains identical to the regular WagonR inside and out. The real change lies under the hood. The WagonR Flex Fuel is powered by a reworked 1.2-litre K12N petrol engine, now compatible with a wide range of ethanol blends—from E20 all the way up to E100. While it can technically run on pure ethanol, it has been homologated for E85 fuel (85% ethanol blend), making it more practical for the current fuel infrastructure. With this launch, Maruti Suzuki claims a first—introducing India’s first flex-fuel passenger vehicle. While it may look like the sa...
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First-Ever Plug-in Hybrid Mercedes S-Class Launched in India

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Mercedes-Benz India has introduced its first-ever plug-in hybrid S-Class in the country — the Mercedes-Benz S 450 e — marking a significant shift toward electrified luxury at the very top end. At its core sits a 3.0-litre M256 Evo inline-six turbo-petrol engine paired with a 120 kW electric motor. The combined output stands at a strong 435 hp and 680 Nm, making it more potent than the standard petrol S 450. Despite its size and focus on rear-seat comfort, the S 450 e sprints from 0–100 km/h in just 5.7 seconds. The big highlight, however, is its 22 kWh battery pack, delivering a claimed 115 km of pure electric range (WLTP). For daily urban runs, it can function as a near-silent EV, while the petrol engine ensures long-distance flexibility without range anxiety. Visually, the updated S-Class gets new DIGITAL LIGHT headlamps with micro-LED tech, a larger illuminated grille, and redesigned tail-lamps. Inside, the new MB.OS powers the latest MBUX system, complete with...
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Jetour T2 Crosses 500,000 Sales in Record Time Globally

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Rugged Jetour T2 SUV is making serious waves on the global stage, crossing the 500,000 sales mark in just 33 months. That makes it one of the fastest-selling boxy SUVs worldwide, with the broader T-Series lineup now reaching over 700,000 units as of May 2026. The T2’s appeal lies in its versatility. Buyers can choose between a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine paired with an eight-speed automatic and intelligent four-wheel drive, or a plug-in hybrid variant that is gradually expanding into more markets. The petrol model also features a one-touch off-road mode with seven preset terrain settings, adding to its go-anywhere character. Jetour hasn’t skimped on features either. The T2 comes equipped with a panoramic sunroof, 360-degree camera, adaptive cruise control, autonomous emergency braking, and six airbags as standard. The cabin has been engineered for better noise insulation, while interior quality is positioned as a key highlight in its segment. Built to handle dive...
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Lamborghini Expands in Belgium with New Knokke Showroom

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Lamborghini is strengthening its presence in Europe with the opening of a new dealership in Knokke, Belgium—its third in the country after Brussels and Antwerp. The showroom was officially inaugurated on June 11, with Chairman and CEO Stephan Winkelmann and Chief Marketing and Sales Officer Federico Foschini in attendance. Operated by the D’Ieteren Group, which also manages Lamborghini’s other Belgian outlets, the Knokke facility offers a full brand experience. Customers get access to the Ad Personam customisation studio, a selection of certified pre-owned models under the Lamborghini Selezione programme, and comprehensive aftersales support. Front and centre at the launch were Lamborghini’s latest hybrid offerings. The Revuelto leads the pack with a 6.5-litre naturally aspirated V12 paired with three electric motors, delivering a combined 1,015CV and a blistering 0-62 mph time of just 2.5 seconds. Alongside it sits the Temerario, powered by a twin-turbo 4.0-litre ...
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Jeep Recalls Over 1.3 Million Wrangler and Gladiator Models Globally

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FCA US has issued a massive recall affecting Jeep Wrangler and Gladiator models from the 2021 to 2025 model years, citing a potential fire risk. The campaign covers around 1.08 million vehicles in the United States alone, with the global total rising to approximately 1.33 million units. The issue stems from a fault in the electric hydraulic power steering pump wiring. According to the company, an electrical connection within the system could overheat nearby materials, increasing the risk of a fire. While FCA describes the occurrence as rare, it has urged owners to take precautions. Until a fix is available, affected customers are advised to park their vehicles away from buildings and other cars. A permanent solution is currently in development and is expected to be rolled out by July 2026. Jeep will notify owners via mail once repairs can be scheduled at authorised dealerships. The remedy will involve inspecting the wiring harness and the power steering pump, with...
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