VR Tech Times

While modern cars are more reliable than ever, mechanical and electrical failures can still occur, which is where a warranty is useful. Simply put, it is the carmaker’s assurance that the vehicle is free from manufacturing defects. If a part fails because of such a defect within the specified time or kilometre limit, the company bears the cost of repairing or replacing it. Here’s a closer look at some of the most important questions surrounding car warranties. Disclaimer: Warranty terms and conditions vary from one manufacturer to another. It is always recommended to check with your carmaker for the exact coverage and exclusions. What does a car warranty actually cover? A factory warranty mainly covers key components that are expected to last the life of the vehicle under normal use. These include the powertrain, engine, fuel pumps and transmission. It also covers components such as the steering system, suspension linkages and braking system. Factory-fitted electrical components are ...

There’s quite a lot happening in the lead image of this story. It captures both India’s steadily improving charging infrastructure and the evolution of the Creta itself – from the first-generation SUV that helped define this segment to the modern electric version that hints at where the future is headed. But there’s another reason this image felt appropriate. Recently, Hyundai called our long-term Creta Electric back for a software update that promised faster DC charging speeds. Naturally, the first thing I did after getting the car back was put that claim to the test. DC fast charging speeds have significantly improved, now resulting in quicker charging stops. After running the battery down to below 20 percent SoC, I headed to a 150kW DC fast charger located in Mumbai’s Bandra-Kurla Complex. What followed genuinely surprised me. The Creta Electric was now peaking at 72kW while charging, and more importantly, it consistently maintained average charging speeds of 67kW – a massive im...

Bajaj recently downsized the Pulsar NS400Z’s engine from 373cc to 349cc, bringing a small reduction in peak output and a big reduction in price. After having ridden it, here are 2 reasons the biggest Pulsar ever should be on your shopping list and 2 why you should look elsewhere. Reasons to buy the Pulsar NS400Z Engaging handling, great brakes The Pulsar NS400Z was always an engaging machine in the twisties and the downsized 349cc version continues in that vein. It tips in quite quickly and holds the line well once leaned over, inspiring confidence to push harder, although there is one caveat we’ll address later on. What also inspires confidence is that the NS400Z has strong and sharp brakes that help you come to a halt quickly in a controlled fashion, further building confidence when riding spiritedly. Still a very quick bike Despite the downsized 349cc now making lower peak output compared to the earlier 373cc version - 40.6hp/33.2Nm vs 43hp/35Nm, respectively - the NS400Z is still ...

Two-strokes have all but become a relic of the past, pushed out by increasingly stringent emissions regulations. However, there are still manufacturers challenging that notion, and just this past month we saw Kawasaki keep that spirit alive with the introduction of the KX237 . More often than not, though, it's small garage-based outfits and ambitious engineering startups that experiment with concepts like this. The latest example comes from Oxfordshire, UK-based startup Veloce Motorcycles. What you're looking at in the image above is what the company calls the Aperion – presumably a play on the Greek word Apeiron , meaning something that is limitless or unbounded. And that is certainly one way to describe this motorcycle. Eight-cylinder, 1,000cc two-stroke producing a claimed 280hp at 12,000rpm Engine, chassis and transmission combined into a single structural unit Limited to 24 units Veloce Aperion details The X configuration allows opposing forces within the engine to cancel...

The last few months sure haven’t been easy for anyone shopping for a midsize SUV, because every time you think you’ve zeroed in on the right model for your needs, out comes a new one. This avalanche of new launches started with the Tata Sierra – an iconic nameplate brought back for a new generation of buyers. Then we got the second-generation Kia Seltos – bigger and better in every way. The Renault Duster also made a comeback to the very segment it started back in 2012. Most recently came the Skoda Kushaq and Volkswagen Taigun (see box) that have been given makeovers for 2026 and beyond. Over the next few pages, we’ll make your job easier by telling you which is the right model for you. Sierra vs Seltos vs Duster vs Kushaq: Exterior design Pronounced bonnet bulges give Duster visual muscle. Let’s start with the way they look. The Renault Duster, with its class-best 212mm of ground clearance, pronounced cladding, and even functional roof rails, clearly communicates a rugged look. There...

The Bajaj Dominar 400 has been around for nearly a decade now and the latest version uses a downsized 349cc motor to take advantage of the lower 18 percent GST under the new regime. Here are some reasons why the Dominar 400 is the bike for you and some why it won’t be. Reasons to buy the Dominar 400 1 Capable highway performance One of the Dominar’s key strengths has always been its competent highway performance and that trait continues onto the 349cc version as well. In top gear, sustaining speeds between 100-120kph is doable and there are few vibrations when you do so. Do bear in mind that making an overtake will necessitate a downshift and you’ll have to twist the throttle quite deliberately to make swift forward progress. This is a trait we’ve observed on all the downsized 350cc Bajaj-made machines and isn’t unique to the Dominar. 2 Commendable two-up comfort Another typical Dominar strength is two-up comfort, and two full-size adults will fit on the bike quite comfortably. Cons...

Spy shots of the upcoming Honda 0 Alpha ’s interior have surfaced online. Honda began testing this electric SUV in India in March 2026, ahead of an expected launch in early 2027. Huge dash-mounted touchscreen and smaller driver’s display Three-spoke flat-bottomed steering wheel with paddleshifters Array of physical controls on the centre console First unofficial look at the Honda 0 Alpha interior Dual displays take centre stage on the dashboard While the 0 Alpha concept that Honda unveiled in 2025 previewed the exterior design of the upcoming electric SUV, its interior remained under wraps. Courtesy of a newly spotted test mule, we now know what to expect from the Honda 0 Alpha interior. Image credit: pxrtth.gpt via Instagram Right off the bat, the most prominent element in the cabin is a massive central infotainment touchscreen mounted atop the dashboard. To its right sits a much smaller digital driver’s display, ahead of which there’s a three-spoke flat-bottomed steering wheel wit...

Introduced in 2019, the Harrier was Tata’s first attempt at a premium 5-seat SUV and the first model to utilise the brand’s Land Rover-derived Omega Arc platform. It was initially sold with only a diesel engine, and a petrol-powered version was launched about seven years later, in 2026. We’ve tested both of these in the automatic guise to find out which powertrain offers better real-world performance. Explore full specs, features and a price breakdown in our Harrier petrol vs Harrier diesel comparison. Tata Harrier petrol vs diesel AT: Specifications Both engines develop identical power, but the diesel delivers more torque Tata Harrier petrol vs diesel automatic: Specifications   Harrier Petrol  Harrier Diesel Engine 4 cyls, 1,498cc, turbocharged 4 cyls, 1,956cc, turbocharged Power (hp) 170 170 Torque (Nm) 280 350 Gearbox 6AT 6AT Weight (kg) 1,738 1,823 Tata offers the Harrier with two turbocharged engine options: a 1.5-litre petrol, developed in-house by Tata, and a Fiat-s...