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Volkswagen ID. Polo Revealed as Affordable Electric Hatch

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Volkswagen has unveiled the all-new ID. Polo, an entry-level electric hatchback set to hit European roads this summer with a starting price of €24,995 in Germany. Built in Wolfsburg, the ID. Polo marks the debut of Volkswagen’s new Pure Positive design language and sits on the updated MEB+ platform. The EV will be offered with three power outputs—85 kW, 99 kW and 155 kW—paired with two battery options. Lower variants use a 37 kWh LFP battery, delivering up to 329 km of range, while the top-spec model gets a 52 kWh NMC pack with a claimed WLTP range of up to 454 km. Fast charging allows a 10–80% top-up in around 24 minutes. ALSO READ: Volkswagen ID.3 Neo Debuts with 630km Range and New Tech In terms of size, the ID. Polo measures 4,053 mm in length with a 2,600 mm wheelbase, offering improved practicality with 441 litres of boot space—about 25% more than the ICE Polo. Inside, the hatch comes loaded with a 10-inch Digital Cockpit, a 13-inch infotainment system and one-pedal dr...

2026 Renault Triber Launched in India with More Features

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Renault India has introduced the updated 2026 Triber, focusing on improved features, comfort and better value across its lineup. Prices range between ₹5.80 lakh and ₹8.00 lakh (ex-showroom), keeping it firmly positioned as an affordable family MPV. The biggest highlight of the update is the addition of new features to the entry and mid variants, making the Triber’s practicality and usability more accessible to a wider audience. Inside, the cabin gets a refreshed dual-tone dashboard along with a floating 20.32 cm touchscreen, enhancing the overall in-cabin experience. Practicality remains a strong suit. The second-row seats can now fold completely, unlocking up to 1,065 litres of boot space—making it even more versatile for family use and long trips. Under the hood, the Triber continues with its 1.0-litre petrol engine producing 72 PS and 96 Nm of torque. Transmission options include a 5-speed manual across all variants, along with an automatic option offered on the top-spec trim. ...

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