VR Tech Times

The Kia Carens Clavis is a refreshed version of the Carens MPV it succeeds, offered with a wide range of powertrains - a 1.5 turbo-petrol with manual, clutch pedal-less manual and dual-clutch automatic options; a 1.5 diesel with manual and automatic gearboxes; and an entry-level 1.5 petrol paired exclusively with a 6-speed manual. It’s this last variant that delivers the strongest value in the Clavis lineup, and it’s the one we’re focusing on here. Kia Carens Clavis petrol design and engineering - 8/10 It’s a smartly styled MPV although its small wheels look disproportionate. Gloss black 15-inch wheels look too disproportionate on an otherwise stylish MPV. The Clavis’ retains its MPV-like silhouette, although its cleaned up styling certainly looks a lot more modern now. The HTE (O) variant of our test car misses LED DRLs or the connected LED tail lamps, but it still gets contrasting skid plates on its bumper, a roof spoiler, as well as 15-inch gloss-black alloys. The latter h...

2025 has been an important year for Skoda India , marked by the launch of two new-generation models in the form of the Kodiaq premium SUV and the Octavia RS performance sedan. But to balance its portfolio at the other end – the mass-market segment – Skoda is lining up facelifts for the Kushaq and Slavia next year. Notably, both midsize models are set to receive major updates since their respective launches in 2021 and 2022. Skoda Kushaq facelift Expected launch: Q1 2026; estimated price: Rs 11 lakh-18 lakh Recent spy shots suggest minor front and rear updates, with the possibility of full-length LED light bars. As for the interior, not much has been revealed, but slight changes to trims, materials and colours can be expected. Skoda’s answer to rivals like the Hyundai Creta , Tata Sierra and Maruti Grand Vitara is also expected to get a segment-first rear-seat massage function , along with new graphics for the digital driver’s display and touchscreen next year. Current Skod...

The Yamaha XSR 155 is a neo-retro styled motorcycle which shares its chassis and engine with the popular R15 and MT-15. It goes up against the likes of the Royal Enfield Hunter 350 and the TVS Ronin.  Yamaha XSR 155: Acceleration During our test, the conditions were mainly dry. Acceleration XSR 155 0-60kph 4.29s 0-80kph 7.02s 0-100kph 11.66s The XSR 155 has impressive acceleration, with the bike taking 4.29 seconds to get to 60kph, 7.02 seconds to 80kph, and 11.66 seconds to get to 100kph. For our test, we switched off the traction control system for a better launch off the line. The bike has a strong mid-range, an engaging exhaust note when revving to the redline, a light clutch action, and a slick gearbox.  Yamaha XSR 155: Roll-on acceleration The 155cc, single-cylinder engine puts out 18.4hp at 10,000rpm and a peak torque of 14.2Nm at 7,500rpm. Roll-On Acceleration XSR 155 20-50kph (2nd Gear) 3.00s 30-70k...

JSW MG Motor India has announced a 2 percent price hike across all its models. MG says that the price increase will be effective from January 1 2026, and is due to the rising input costs and other macroeconomic factors.     MG states that the price hike varies as per the model and variant chosen  The price hike is due to a rise in input costs and macroeconomic factors.  Here's the expected price of two popular MG models after the price hike For example, MG's best-selling model, the Windsor EV , could see a price increase of about Rs 30,000 - Rs 37,000, taking the ex-showroom price up to Rs 14.27 lakh to Rs 18.76 lakh.  Similarly, MG's most affordable Comet EV could see a price hike ranging from Rs 10,000 to Rs 20,000, bringing the ex-showroom price up to Rs 7.64 lakh to Rs 10.19 lakh.   MG recently launched the Hector facelift  The mid-size SUV received minor updates to its exterior and gets new interior colours  MG recently introduc...

The Kia Carens Clavis EV is available with two battery options – 42kWh and 51.4kWh – both using a lithium-ion battery with nickel-manganese-cobalt (NMC) cell chemistry. The former is priced between Rs 17.99 lakh and Rs 20.49 lakh, while the bigger-battery versions range from Rs 21.99 lakh to Rs 24.49 lakh (ex-showroom). We put the latter through our real-world tests to find out how it fares in terms of efficiency. Carens Clavis EV gets 3 drive modes: Eco, Normal and Sport Offers 5 levels of regenerative braking, including Level 0 and single-pedal mode Top-spec Carens Clavis EV weighs approximately 1,725kg Kia Carens Clavis EV real world range Kia Carens Clavis EV 51.4kWh has a tested range of 364km on a single charge. As mentioned, the Extended Range (ER) version of the Clavis EV gets a 51.4kWh battery powering a 171hp/255Nm electric motor that drives the front wheels. The company claims that this version can drive up to 490km on a single charge. In our real-world range test, ...

After staying dormant for over half a decade, Nissan is finally gearing up for its most aggressive product onslaught in India, starting in 2026. The company’s portfolio will expand from a one-car line-up to as many as three models by next year’s end, before a fourth model arrives in 2027. Kicking things off will be a new Renault Triber-based compact MPV, followed by a much-awaited midsize SUV entering the hottest segment in the market. Here’s all that you can expect from the two Nissan launches lined up for our market next year.  Nissan Gravite  Launch in March 2026; estimated ex-showroom price is Rs 6 lakh-9 lakh Nissan will reveal its version of the Renault Triber in January next year, to be called the Gravite , and will announce its prices in March 2026. The Gravite will have a slightly revised design compared to the Triber, with new bumpers, lighting signatures and alloy wheels. Inside, too, the Gravite is expected to get new trim and colour options, but the equipm...

The Xpulse 210 is the successor to the popular Hero Xpulse 200 4V – both are on sale simultaneously – and brings in many improvements over that bike. Here are some key things to keep in mind about the Xpulse 210. What engine does the Hero Xpulse 210 have? The Xpulse 210 is powered by a 210cc single-cylinder liquid-cooled engine making 24.6hp and 20.7Nm of torque. While this engine also does duty in the Karizma XMR, in the Xpulse, it has seen significant reworking, including new cams and shorter final drive gearing to suit its purpose. What is the suspension travel on the Hero Xpulse 210? The Xpulse 210 is suspended by a telescopic fork/monoshock (F/R) setup, and the only adjustability it has is in the form of preload at the rear. It has 210mm/205mm (F/R) of travel, which should be more than enough for most riders looking to venture off-road. How many variants does the Hero Xpulse 210 have? The Xpulse 210 is available in two variants: base and top. The base variant comes with an...

Nissan has officially confirmed that its upcoming compact three-row MPV for India will be called the Gravite . The model is part of the brand’s renewed product offensive for the Indian market and is scheduled to make its market debut in January 2026, followed by price announcement in March 2026. The Gravite is based on the Renault Triber and thus uses the same CMF-A+ platform, carrying forward its powertrain as well. It will sit below the Magnite in Nissan’s line-up and rival the Triber directly, targeting buyers looking for an affordable compact 7-seater. Nissan Gravite MPV to be unveiled in January 2026 Exterior and interior to get subtle changes over the Renault Triber Likely to use the same 1.0-litre NA engine as Triber, Magnite and Kiger Nissan Gravite: exterior design Carries Triber’s proportions with Nissan-specific styling updates The teaser images shown at the brand event outline the Gravite’s styling direction. The MPV retains the Triber’s silhouette and overall...

Honda earlier this year announced plans for importing some of its premium models to India as brand builders. The models include the ZR-V SUV and the Prelude two-seater sports coupe. Meanwhile, existing models like the Elevate mid-size SUV and the City sedan will receive facelifts in the upcoming year. Here are all the details on Honda's upcoming launches in 2026.   Elevate facelift to get minor exterior, interior updates and feature additions. City facelift's exterior design could look similar to that of the Civic  Prelude and ZR-V models to be a CBU import 2026 Honda Prelude Expected to launch in H1 2026; likely to be priced at Rs 80 lakh Honda is already finalising E20 compatibility and tyre specifications for the Prelude, which will be brought in as a CBU in limited numbers. Powering the svelte 2-door coupé is a 2.0-litre, 4-cylinder Atkinson cycle direct-injection petrol engine that powers two electric motors for a combined output of 200hp and 315Nm. It does...

The Jawa 42 Bobber, based on the 42 FJ, shares its fundamentals with the latter but comes with a single seat, a longer wheelbase and a monoshock, lending it the ‘Bobber’ suffix. Here are a few things to know if you are considering buying it. What engine does the Jawa 42 Bobber have? The Jawa 42 Bobber is powered by the same 334cc single-cylinder liquid-cooled engine as the 42 FJ, producing 29.9hp and 30Nm of torque, paired with a 6-speed gearbox. What is the weight and seat height of the Jawa 42 Bobber? The Jawa 42 Bobber has a dry weight of 185kg, and once its 12.5-litre fuel tank is filled, its kerb weight will be closer to 200kg. It has a seat height of 740mm, making it accessible for shorter riders as well. What features does the Jawa 42 Bobber have? The Jawa 42 Bobber comes equipped with dual-channel ABS, an LED headlamp and a basic LCD instrument cluster. What are the colour options for the Jawa 42 Bobber? The Jawa 42 Bobber is available in five colours: Black Mirror,...

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Launched in 2020, the fifth-generation Honda City received a facelift in 2023, and as it enters its sixth year on sale, the Japanese carmaker will update it again in the latter half of 2026. This second City facelift will essentially serve as a stopgap until the sixth-gen model arrives in 2028, allowing Honda to keep the midsize sedan fresh while rivals such as the Hyundai Verna , Volkswagen Virtus and Skoda Slavia will also be facelifted next year. 2026 Honda City facelift will feature updated styling in line with company’s global models City facelift interior is expected to receive slight changes, such as new trim and upholstery 121hp 1.5-litre petrol engine will be carried forward with manual and CVT options 2026 Honda City facelift exterior and interior updates Styling could draw inspiration from Civic and other global Hondas 2025 Honda Civic. Image used for representation only. Though test mules haven’t been spotted yet, the majority of changes for the 2026 City fa...

Tata Motors recently launched its much-awaited Sierra SUV in a front-wheel-drive (FWD) configuration and has confirmed the Sierra EV for Q1 2026. The automaker's 2026 line-up also includes a Punch facelift – first spotted in camouflaged guise in March 2024 – expected to arrive early in the year, followed by the next-gen Nexon later in 2026. Here are the details on these upcoming Tata models in 2026. The Punch will lead the manufacturer's launch line-up in 2026 The Sierra EV will be available with RWD and AWD options at its launch in 2026 The next-gen Nexon is expected to hit showrooms early in 2027 2026 Tata Punch facelift Expected to launch early in 2026; priced between Rs 6 lakh and 9.5 lakh The Tata Punch is gearing up for a substantial facelift, with sources indicating an early 2026 launch. Expect the styling to move closer to that of the Punch EV , featuring a connected light bar, a more modern bumper design, revised alloy wheels and a fresher-looking rear en...