VR Tech Times

The compact SUV segment is becoming increasingly competitive, comprising of nearly a dozen models across a wide price bracket. But which is the quickest of the lot? We've brought together seven popular models in the segment, tested their 0-100kph timings and ranked them in ascending order. For this comparison, we've chosen the top-spec petrol-AT variants as all the SUVs here offer this powertrain combination. Compact SUV petrol engine specifications The XUV 3XO produces the most power; Brezza’s naturally aspirated engine is the weakest here Engine Specifications Maruti Brezza  Kia Syros Tata Nexon Hyundai Venue Kia Sonet Skoda Kylaq Mahindra XUV 3XO Engine type Naturally aspirated Turbo-petrol Turbo-petrol Turbo-petrol Turbo-petrol Turbo-petrol Turbo-petrol Displacement (litres) 1.5-litre 1.0-litre 1.2-litre 1.0-litre 1.0-litre   1.0-litre 1.2-litre No. of cylinders 4 3 3 3 3 3 3 ...

We’ve already covered the second-generation Kia Seltos , highlighting its spacious cabin, high-quality interior and the notably more pliant ride. We’ve also spoken about the 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine’s strong performance and the 1.5-litre turbo-diesel’s relative lack of punch. This review, however, is focused squarely on the most sensible-sounding option in the line-up: the 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol paired with a CVT (IVT in Kia speak) gearbox. Kia Seltos IVT exterior design and engineering - 7/10 Seltos IVT available across Tech Line, GT Line and X-Line style packages First things first. The IVT is no longer restricted to a mid-spec variant as was the case on the last-gen Seltos. There are nine trims to choose from, spread across Tech Line, GT Line and X-Line styling packages. Featured here is the Seltos IVT in GTX (A) form, and the thing to bring in is that it looks no different to an equivalent trim turbo-petrol DCT or diesel-auto. To quickly talk design and sty...

Ducati has introduced Ducati Factory Made (DFM), a new customisation programme that allows buyers to personalise their motorcycle with options installed directly on the production line. The programme has debuted in Europe with Multistrada V4 . Programme debuts with Multistrada V4 in Europe Allows customisation of wheels, brake calipers, seats, and suspension Offers exclusive colour schemes including Lamborghini Ad Personam options Ducati Factory Made customisation programme Customers can handpick options based on their preferences Through the programme, customers can choose from cast wheels in multiple colours, forged light alloy wheels, or spoked wheels, along with colour options for the rear frame and brake calipers. Seat height can also be configured for both rider and passenger, and suspension settings can be adjusted to suit individual preferences. The programme further includes accessories from Ducati’s Touring, Adventure, Sport, Tech, and Enduro packages, allowing custo...

Audi India will launch the SQ8 variant of its flagship SUV on March 17, according to our sources. Currently, the Audi Q8 is offered in standard and range-topping RS Q8 guises, and the SQ8 will be positioned between the two. Beyond performance, the mid-spec variant is also likely to feature distinct exterior and interior touches to better differentiate it from the rest of the lineup. from Autocar India https://ift.tt/PY7rkRO

MG has unveiled the Majestor as its new flagship SUV for India. While it is based on the Gloster and shares the same ladder-frame platform and diesel powertrain, the Majestor is positioned as a more premium and more capable offering. Compared to the Gloster, it brings noticeable updates to the cabin, adds more comfort features and introduces serious off-road hardware. Here’s a look at the key features the MG Majestor gets over the Gloster. 1. Larger digital displays The Majestor gets upgraded screens inside the cabin. It gets a new 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system along with a fully digital 12.3-inch instrument cluster. In comparison, the Gloster features a 12.3-inch infotainment screen paired with a smaller 8-inch multi-information display, making the Majestor’s digital setup more expansive and modern. 2. Massaging front seats While the Gloster already offers powered and ventilated front seats, the Majestor adds heating and massage functions. This upgrade is aimed ...

A patent image of the RSV4 has surfaced on the internet that hints that a pair of fixed rear wings at either side could go into production soon. This tech was first incorporated in MotoGP factory bikes. 1. Aprilia rear wing patent is similar to the one seen on the 2026 RSGP race bike 2. It is a fixed wing that sits flush in line with the rider’s foot Aprilia rear wing patent: What to expect? In theory it should help with cornering and aid top-speed as well The wing is attached behind the rider’s footpeg, typically where the pillion footpeg would be. It is mounted to the rear subframe but extends outwards to sit flush in line with the rider’s foot. These aerodynamic wings are similar to the ones seen on the 2026 Aprilia RSGP MotoGP race bike.   In theory it should help with aerodynamics although exactly how is not clear. One can assume the regular benefits of cleaner airflow and it might even aid with some cornering downforce when the bike is leaned over. Why Aprilia has pat...

from Autocar India https://ift.tt/tiPCpuN

GOOD FOR: Well equipped, easy to drive  LOOK OUT FOR: AMT gearbox health, electrical niggles The Hyundai Exter was launched in 2023 in the sub-compact SUV segment to rival the Tata Punch and Citroën C3 . The Exter stands out for its user-friendliness, lengthy equipment list and practicality, making it worth considering as a used buy. However, there are a few specifics worth knowing before you sign on the dotted line. Hyundai Exter powertrain and mileage 1.2-litre 4-cylinder petrol and CNG options The Exter comes with a naturally aspirated 1.2-litre petrol engine that produces 83hp and 114Nm, and can be had with a 5-speed manual or an AMT auto gearbox. There’s even a CNG version, which puts out 69hp and 95.2Nm, available exclusively with the manual gearbox. In terms of fuel efficiency, the petrol MT is rated at 19.4kpl, while the petrol AMT is said to do 19.2kpl. The Exter CNG is claimed to do 27.1km/kg. The petrol manual is a smooth powertrain with a refined engine and...

I’m the kind of rider who prefers to travel light. Usually, a backpack with the bare essentials gets the job done. But living with the Triumph Scrambler 400 X has thrown up one inconvenience. There’s no proper tool kit on board; just an Allen key and a spanner under the seat, which is not reassuring once you start riding longer distances.The Trailpack immediately appealed to me for its simple and neat design.  Mounting and dismounting it is quick and hassle-free thanks to the integrated Velcro straps. On a bike like the Scrambler 400 X, the fit is secure, sitting snugly on the crossbar without interfering with steering movement or blocking the view of the instrument cluster. Additionally, what I appreciate is that it fits well with the crossbar foam protection. Once mounted, it was secured in place even when I hit a section of bad roads. With a total capacity of 1.2 litres, it is perfectly sized for a basic tool kit, which was my primary use case, but its versatility goes beyond...

The XSR 155 shares its engine and chassis with the popular R15 and MT-15 and Yamaha calls it a retro sport motorcycle. Meanwhile, the Royal Enfield Hunter 350 has a more relaxed nature and an old school vibe to it. They are both accessible motorcycles, with similar power figures and carry a similar price tag. Here is how the bikes fared in our performance tests. Yamaha XSR 155 vs Royal Enfield Hunter 350: Acceleration The XSR 155 is around 3.5 seconds quicker than the Hunter 350 in the 0-100kph sprint. Acceleration Yamaha XSR 155 Royal Enfield Hunter 350 0-60kph 4.29s 4.95s 0-80kph 7.02s 8.75s 0-100kph 11.66s 15.15s Despite the Hunter’s engine being more than twice the size, the XSR 155’s performance is a lot more potent. In our tests, The XSR got to 100kph in  just 11.66 seconds while the Hunter took 15.15 seconds. The XSR 155 with its Variable Valve Actuation (VVA) tech, likes to be revved out and has a lovely exhaust no...

There are moments on the road when emotion overrides expediency. I was in Nashville with a roadmap spread out over the hood, tracing the most direct route to Dallas through Tennessee, Arkansas and Texas, when I saw a small icon in Birmingham, Alabama. Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum, it read. I Googled it. The reviews were rapturous and almost religious in their fervour. One simply said, “If you love motorcycles, this is your Mecca.” I rerouted at once. Even though it meant a triangular detour through Alabama and Mississippi that added 200 miles to my original linear route. The dairy magnate who built a temple for two wheels To understand the Barber Museum is to understand the obsession of one man: George Barber. A successful dairy magnate from Birmingham, Barber was bitten by the racing bug early, competing in vintage racing throughout the 1960s. But his true passion crystallised into something more permanent – a collection that began modestly and metastasised into what is now ...