VR Tech Times

The TVS Radeon is not only one of the brand’s most popular offerings in the entry-level 110cc segment, but also among the most likeable motorcycles in its class overall. We’ve spent considerable time with the bike over the years, and TVS has continued to introduce subtle yet meaningful updates to keep it relevant in an increasingly competitive market. If you’re looking for a no-nonsense commuter that still manages to feel engaging to ride, the TVS Radeon is a solid pick. Here are answers to some of the questions you might have about it. What is the price of the TVS Radeon? The TVS Radeon is priced between Rs 56,850 and Rs 78,200, depending on the variant. The range now starts with the all-black Base Edition at Rs 56,850, while the other colour options in the same variant are priced at Rs 63,350. Above that in the lineup is the Digi Cluster Edition, which, as the name suggests, gets a digital instrument console and is priced at Rs 75,950 with a drum brake, and Rs 78,200 with a front di...

With the launch of the 350cc KTM 390 Adventure, there are now four 390 Adventure models on sale in India, which can make things confusing for someone considering this bike. Here, we’ll explain in detail what each variant costs and brings to the table. All prices ex-showroom, Delhi KTM 390 Adventure variant breakdown Standard There are a great many differences between the four variants in the KTM 390 Adventure lineup but a lot of parts are common as well. For example, they all have the same main frame, subframe, bodywork and styling with just different colours and graphics. Where the base 390 Adventure differs from all the other variants is that it is the only one to use a downsized 349cc engine - via a shorter stroke - making 41.5hp and 33.5Nm of torque. It has the same 200mm/205mm (F/R) of suspension travel (non-adjustable except for rear preload), 19/17-in (F/R) alloy wheels and TFT display as well as electronics as the higher models. As a consequence of the lower 18 percent GST l...

Turbo-petrol engines have gained huge popularity even in compact cars these days, democratising performance while also being reasonably efficient for daily use. Customers even have the option of choosing from a variety of gearbox options across vehicles of varying sizes. Here, we have compiled a list of five best turbo-petrol automatic crossovers within a budget of Rs 12 lakh that you can currently buy in the market.  Citroen C3 Autocar India rating: 8/10 The Citroen C3 Turbo stands out for its potent performance from the 110hp, 1.2-litre engine and exceptional ride quality. Both MT and AT gearboxes are smooth, and it handles quite well, too. Citroen has also fixed the issue of lacking features, and its great value at its price. However, the sparse service network will be a limitation.  Nissan Magnite Autocar India rating: 8/10 The Nissan Magnite ’s 100hp, 1.0-litre turbo-engine and CVT combo is one of the smoothest automatic powertrains in the compact segment. It’s also dec...

Back in 2022, we did something mildly ridiculous – we drove the all-electric Porsche Taycan from Kashmir to Kanyakumari. 4,400km. One country. Zero tailpipe emissions. It was equal parts adventure and anxiety, proving that while the Taycan could absolutely do it, India’s charging infrastructure was ‘still developing’. Four years later, the wanderlust returned. Only this time, we decided to keep things sensible. Relatively speaking, of course. No cross-country marathons – just a proper, real-world road trip that more people would attempt. Mumbai to Goa. Familiar, scenic, and just the right amount of chaotic. A quick call to Porsche set things in motion. Except things escalated quickly. “We don’t have the standard Taycan anymore,” they said. “But you can take the Porsche Taycan Turbo.” I tried to sound disappointed. I failed. Then came the knockout punch: “Would you also like the Porsche Panamera GTS?” Now that’s not a question. That’s a life decision. So the plan evolved – two cars, on...

The R model of the 390 Adventure was recently launched and sits between the X and the top-spec 390 Adventure. It gets an adjustable, longer-travel suspension (230mm at both ends), a larger 18-inch rear wheel and spoked wheels with tubed tyres. With this setup, it feels closer to the Enduro R in terms of behaviour compared to the standard Adventure models. KTM 390 Adventure R Design and Quality - 8/10 The design remains largely the same as the 390 Adventure, with the only changes being new graphics, along with the chassis and handguards finished in orange. It is available in a single colour option: Ceramic White. Build quality is solid overall, but the rally tower does produce some rattling noises when riding hard off-road or over rough potholes. 390 Adventure R Performance and Refinement - 8/10 The engine produces the same power and torque figures, but with the 18-inch rear wheel and Enduro-style sprocketing, it feels slightly stronger at lower RPMs. In our tests, it was just 0.10 sec...

Hero offers the Glamour X in two variants – Drum Brake and Disc Brake – with both versions differing in braking hardware amongst other features Irrespective of the variant, the Glamour X is powered by a 124.7cc single-cylinder engine producing 11.5hp at 8,250rpm and 10.5Nm at 6,500rpm. Drum Variant Rs 88,410 The Drum Brake variant serves as the entry point into the Glamour X range and comes equipped with a drum brake setup at both ends. The base variants don't have  features such as LED indicators, taillight and panic brake alert. In addition to that, it also misses out on cruise control - the feature that set the Glamour X apart from other commuter motorcycles.  Priced at Rs 88,410 (ex-showroom, Mumbai), it is positioned as the more accessible option in the line-up. Disc Variant Rs 95,785 The Disc Brake variant builds on the base by replacing the front drum with a disc brake, offering improved braking performance. The disc variant, being the top-end variant, gets the full-...

Skoda has recently updated its mid-size SUV, the Kushaq . The 1.5 TSI now gets additional features, and crucially, the air-conditioning system has also been upgraded. We put the 1.5 TSI automatic to the test to find out its real-world fuel efficiency. Includes an auto engine stop-start feature Gets active cylinder deactivation tech Weighs 1,322kg 2026 Skoda Kushaq 1.5 TSI DSG real world mileage test Uniquely features active cylinder deactivation The Skoda Kushaq continues with the same 150hp/250Nm, 1.5-litre TSI direct-injection turbo-petrol engine mated to a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission. It also features an automatic engine stop-start system and active cylinder deactivation technology to help curb fuel consumption. Gets a new variable-geometry AC compressor Interestingly, despite the addition of rear disc brakes, a panoramic sunroof and powered front seats (among other updates) over the 2021 version, kerb weight has increased by just 17kg, from 1,305kg to 1,322kg. Also new is a ...

The road to a race win is rarely straightforward. Mine certainly hasn’t been. It’s been a mix of small highs, frustrating lows, and moments that made me question whether chasing the podium was still worth it. But every now and then, motorsport has a way of bringing everything together. And at the TVS Apache Racing Experience GP International at the Madras International Circuit, it finally did. My first proper taste of racing came in 2020 with the TVS Young Media Racer Programme. It was a strong start, with two P3 finishes. From then on, the goal was clear: get faster, be more consistent and aim for the top step. Over the next few years, I took part in multiple media races, trying to build experience and pace. Not all of it went to plan. A tough phase included an underwhelming KTM RC Cup outing and a wildcard entry in the Royal Enfield Continental GT Cup that ended in a heavy crash and a hand injury. In 2024, I returned to the California Superbike School to refine my technique, and tha...

I have never been more excited about the potential of EVs, even though the timing of this sentiment seems strange. After all, this month we have a road test of the Ola Roadster X+ , which has proven to be the worst locally manufactured motorcycle I have ever ridden. Moreover, it’s an especially bad time for EVs in the global four-wheeler landscape. Multiple manufacturers like Porsche , Honda , and more have backtracked on massive electric investments thanks to weak customer uptake. The cumulative losses are in the dozens, if not hundreds of billions of dollars.  My optimism in the past three months comes from some exciting developments around the most problematic area of EVs – batteries. Chinese giants like BYD and CATL have both revealed some big improvements in their respective technologies. BYD’s latest Blade cell battery has a 30 percent jump in energy density and can support a 10C charge rate. Meanwhile, CATL says it’s all set for mass production of sodium-ion batteries and...

Ever since it burst onto the scene in 2013, the KTM 390 Duke has been synonymous with thrilling performance without breaking the bank. However, today the story has changed and KTM India now offers you two variants of the 390 Duke to choose from - both of which look very similar but have different engines and pricing. Here, we’ll break down what each variant offers and how much it costs. All prices ex-showroom, Delhi KTM 390 Duke variant breakdown Standard Before we elaborate on the differences between the two variants, let's first recap what’s unchanged. The body panels, styling, chassis and feature-set are shared across both variants. Where the difference lies is primarily in the engine and the different pricing owing to the varying GST rates levied upon the motorcycles. To benefit from the lower 18 percent GST, Bajaj has downsized the 398cc engine to 349cc via a shorter stroke while keeping the bore intact. The result is that peak output on the standard 390 Duke stands at 41.5h...

April witnessed the launches of models like Vinfast VF MPV 7 , Volkswagen Taigun facelift , Tesla Model Y L , Mercedes CLA EV and even the locally assembled Range Rover Sport Autobiography . May looks set to carry that momentum forward. Alongside some confirmed launches, several other models are also expected to arrive this month. Keep reading to find out what we know about these models. 2026 Honda City facelift May 22 Current Honda City (image used for representation only). The 2026 Honda City facelift will be the second update for the fifth-generation sedan, after the first facelift arrived in 2023. The changes on the outside are expected to be minor, with updates to the headlights, tail-lamps, bumpers and wheels. The bigger changes should come inside, where Honda may add features such as a powered driver's seat, ventilated front seats, a larger touchscreen, a digital driver's display and more. I's likely to continue with the same 121hp 1.5-litre petrol and 126hp hybri...