VR Tech Times

In a country like India, which experiences scorching summer temperatures of over 40deg C across cities, an air conditioner is a non-negotiable feature not only in homes but also in cars. Although manufacturers are offering cars with the latest modern-day convenience features, an AC has remained the top provider of passenger comfort. In this article, we test the AC performance of two hotly competing compact SUVs, the Tata Nexon and Maruti Suzuki Brezza , to see which model’s climate control unit can better withstand real-world torture. Explore full specs, features and a price breakdown in our Nexon vs Brezza comparison. Autocar India’s testing methodology In preparation for the test, each car is parked under direct sunlight for two hours with its engine switched off and windows rolled up. Sunroof shades are kept closed, but rear window shades are rolled away. Once a car is ‘soaked’, a two-member team enters the vehicle quickly to minimise loss of heat – our job is to simulate a worst...

Tata Motors has executed a comprehensive makeover for the Tiago EV (and Tiago ICE ) for the 2026 model year. The new model brings in a whole set of design and equipment updates, alongside minor increments to the car's electric powertrain while retaining the old model's 19kWh and 24kWh battery options. The Tiago EV is still the brand’s most affordable electric offering, but there is a caveat, which we will get to a little later in this story. That being said, here are important pointers to keep in mind before buying the Tata Tiago EV. Let’s start with the positives first. City-focused performance and conveniences Manoeuvrability and forward progress in urban settings is a doddle The 2026 Tata Tiago EV’s well-calibrated steering is light at low speeds, so filtering through slow-moving traffic is a non-issue. It weighs up progressively as you pick up pace, thus inspiring confidence at higher speeds. The relatively large glass area improves visibility, while a blind-view monitor...

Until recently, the Bajaj Avenger lineup in India consisted of two distinctly different motorcycles – the urban-focused Avenger 160 Street and the more laid-back Avenger 220 Cruise. The former has now been discontinued, but the Street name lives on in a new form. The new Avenger Street now gets the same 220cc engine, but continues to differ in styling, ergonomics and wheel setup. Here are answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about the bike. What is the price of the Bajaj Avenger 220 Street in India? The Bajaj Avenger 220 Street is priced at Rs 1.30 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi). Since it is priced identically to the Avenger 220 Cruise, the choice between the two comes down entirely to personal preference. What engine does the Bajaj Avenger 220 Street use? The Bajaj Avenger 220 Street is powered by a 220cc, single-cylinder, oil-cooled engine producing 19hp and 17.5Nm of torque, paired with a 5-speed gearbox. This is the same engine that powers the Avenger 220 Cruise.  W...

Navnit Motors is set to sell Maserati cars in Mumbai soon. Our sources suggest that it is set to take over the Western India dealership operations from the Group Planet Petal (often referred to as Petal Group). The Navnit Group is an authorised car dealer that operates in Mumbai and Thane. Maserati set to be Navnit Motors’ next luxury brand after Ferrari, BMW, Mini, and JLR Petal Group expected to continue as dealer partner of Hyundai, Jeep and Nissan Notably, Maserati’s North India and South India operations will continue to be operated by AMP Supercars Pvt. Ltd and VST Group, respectively. While the location of Navnit Motors’ upcoming Maserati dealership is yet to be revealed, the Petal Maserati dealership is located inside the Taj Santacruz Hotel in Mumbai. That said, the automotive dealership division of Group Planet Petal is expected to continue as a dealer partner for car brands such as Hyundai , Jeep and Nissan , and two-wheeler brands such as Harley Davidson , Hero , Yamaha ...

Our new long-termer is something of a contrarian. In a world pivoting to SUVs and embracing new-energy powertrains, Mercedes-Benz has cocked a snook at convention (and its rivals) with a sedan powered by only petrol and diesel engines that has emerged as India’s bestselling luxury car. Ahead of the BMW iX1 , which is both an SUV and electric. This is the E-Class , confident in its own shiny skin, secure in knowing exactly what its customers value. That confidence is reflected in its phenomenal appeal, and after a few weeks with our long-termer, it’s not hard to understand why. Our long-termer is the E220d , powered by Mercedes’ 2.0-litre four-cylinder diesel producing 194bhp and 440Nm, now paired with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, which includes a 17kW integrated starter-generator that can contribute up to 27PS of boost for short bursts. It’s not a full hybrid; think of it more as a sophisticated electrical assistant that smoothens out the powertrain’s rougher edges and improves effi...

The Bajaj Avenger 220 line-up currently consists of two variants – the Street and the Cruise. While both motorcycles share the same platform and engine, they differ in their styling, wheel setup and ergonomics, giving buyers a choice between a more traditional cruiser and a slightly more contemporary take on the formula. Irrespective of the variant, both Avengers are powered by the same 220cc single-cylinder, oil-cooled engine that produces 19hp and 17.5Nm, paired with a 5-speed gearbox. The chassis, frame geometry and low 737mm seat height remain identical across both models, as does the relaxed foot-forward riding position. Avenger 220 Street Rs 1.30 lakh The Avenger 220 Street is the newer addition to the line-up and is priced at Rs 1.30 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi). It gets a blacked-out finish across the engine, exhaust and cycle parts, along with an oval-shaped headlight and a small flyscreen. The Street also rides on alloy wheels with tubeless tyres, making puncture repairs easi...

Nearly two years after Classic Legends brought the reborn BSA brand back to India, the company has introduced a second model. The Scrambler 650 is based on the same Gold Star 650 platform, with some notable changes to make it live up to its name. Mechanically, the bike moves from an 18-inch front to a more scrambler-esque 19. It also gets a new rear subframe to enable its unique stance and seat shape. Classic Legends responded to our query on main chassis geometry changes by stating that the main chassis has been altered, but it did not specify how so. We’re also told that there is a longer swingarm. The effect of these changes is that the weight has gone up to 220 kilos when fully fuelled (The 208kg on the website is dry weight). Seat height also climbs from 783mm on the Gold Star to 820mm here, and this is also because the suspension travel has gone up by around 20mm at both ends. Scrambler 650 Design and Quality - 7/10 There are quite a few visual changes over the Gold Star as wel...

If the recent wave of plug-in hybrid performance sedans and SUVs left you a bit cold and disillusioned, the new Audi RS5 will bring hope. Having perhaps learnt from the fumbles of its peers, Audi Sport’s first crack at a performance PHEV has been handled with care and perhaps even restraint. It’s also been treated to a battery of clever chassis upgrades that effectively tackle the hybrid performance car’s biggest enemy – weight. The result is an accomplished and uncharacteristically wild performance sedan, one that we can happily report will be coming to India. 2026 Audi RS5 exterior design and engineering – 9/10 Excellent proportions, expanded appropriately with the RS body kit. The new-gen ‘B10’ A5 (which replaces the A4 globally) is a well-proportioned liftback sedan and a great starting point for the RS5’s design. It retains recognisable Audi design elements like the single-frame grille and wide headlamps and tail-lamps, while being suitably updated for the modern age. The RS5 i...

Yamaha has been flirting with the idea of bringing the Nmax 155 maxi-scooter to India for quite some time and it even showcased the scooter at the 2024 Auto Expo. However, it seems that this wait is finally at an end for our sister publication, Autocar Professional, has now learnt that this scooter is likely to be launched by next year. NMax weighs 136kg, has a low 770mm seat height Uses 13-inch wheels, has dual-channel ABS, TFT display Expected to be priced above Aerox (Rs 1.43 lakh - Rs 1.46 lakh, ex-showroom, Delhi) The Nmax 155 looks very different to the Aerox but underneath the expansive bodywork, both scooters are rather similar. For instance, the 155cc, liquid-cooled, single-cylinder engine making 15hp at 8,000rpm and 14Nm of torque at 6,500rpm is shared between both. Considering both scooters use the same engine and the Aerox is already E20 compatible, expect the NMax to follow suit too. Like the Aerox, the NMax too uses an underbone frame with a prominent spine section so...

Just like last month, Jeep India is offering benefits of up to Rs 1.65 lakh on the Compass and Meridian in June. The offers include consumer discounts, corporate benefits and other special deals. The Jeep Wrangler is not available with any discounts this month, while the Grand Cherokee is already sold out for 2026. Disclaimer: Discounts vary from city to city and are subject to stock availability. Please check with your local dealer for the exact figures. Jeep Meridian discounts in June 2026 Up to Rs 1.65 lakh benefits Benefits of up to Rs 1.65 lakh are available on the Jeep Meridian in June. MY24 versions of the Jeep SUV get corporate benefits of up to Rs 1.3 lakh for select buyers. Doctors and leasing companies can also avail additional benefits of up to Rs 30,000. The Meridian uses a 170hp 2-litre diesel engine, paired with either a 6-speed manual or a 9-speed automatic gearbox. Higher variants also get a 4x4 option. The Meridian is priced between Rs 23.33 lakh and Rs 37.82 la...

Classic Legends has comprehensively updated the Yezdi Scrambler for 2026. Priced just Rs 5,000 more than before, the motorcycle now gets revised styling, an updated engine, reduced weight, and an electronics package featuring traction control, three riding modes and switchable ABS. 2026 Yezdi Scrambler Design and Quality - 7/10 It now gets a redesigned fuel tank similar to the one seen on the updated Yezdi Roadster, along with side panels featuring racing-style number boards and a ribbed seat. Combined with the updated engine casing, the motorcycle looks fresher than before. In fact, this is arguably the best-looking version of the Yezdi Scrambler yet. That said, while the styling works well, the motorcycle still feels slightly compact for a Scrambler. 2026 Yezdi Scrambler Performance - 8/10 Classic Legends says the revised 334cc motor is lighter, features improved NVH optimisation through increased structural stiffness, and gets an upgraded cooling system with a redesigned radiator....