VR Tech Times

The Kia Seltos variant line-up has been expanded with two new trim levels: GTX(O) and X-Line(O). These pack additional safety kit and creature comforts over the previous top-spec trims of the Seltos, namely the GTX(A) and X-Line(A). Kia Seltos GTX(O), X-Line(O) variant prices and details Available only in turbo-petrol DCT and diesel AT guises Both the Seltos GTX(O) and X-Line(O) can be had with only the automatic versions of the 160hp 1.5-litre turbo-petrol and the 116hp 1.5-litre diesel engines. The turbo-petrol is paired with a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic, while the diesel gets a 6-speed torque converter. Here's the full updated price list for the Kia Seltos: Kia Seltos price list (Rs, lakh)   HTE HTE(O) HTK HTK(O) HTX HTX(A) GTX* GTX(A)* GTX(O)* 1.5 petrol 6MT 11.00 12.11 13.11 14.21 15.61 16.71 - - - 1.5 petrol CVT - 13.41 14.41 15.51 16.91 18.01 18.41 19.51 - 1.5 turbo-petrol 6iMT - 12.91 13.91 15.00 - - - - - 1.5 turbo-petrol 7DCT - - - 16.31 17.71 18.81 19.21 20.00 21.5...

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

With the new Sierra EV , Tata Motors now has its second entrant in the highly competitive midsize electric SUV segment after the Curvv EV . It takes on rivals such as the Hyundai Creta Electric , Maruti e Vitara , Toyota Ebella , MG ZS EV , Mahindra BE 6 and Vinfast VF6 , all of which offer long equipment lists. However, the Sierra EV does have a few standout features that none of its rivals offer. Here's a closer look at them. Triple screens Unlike the dual-screen setup of rivals, the Sierra EV gets three screens: 12.3-inch touchscreen, a 12.3-inch instrument cluster and a 10.25-inch passenger screen. The latter unit gives the co-driver a dedicated touchscreen for entertainment. There's Dolby Atmos support as well, just like the BE 6, but Tata claims the Sierra EV is the first car in India to bring the surround sound technology to Apple CarPlay. 540-degree camera A 360-degree camera, as the name suggests, gives a surround view of the area around the car, but a 540-degree ca...

Ducati has launched a new colour - other than red - for its middle-weight duo. Both the Streetfighter V2 S and Panigale V2 S now come with a ‘Ducati Yellow’ colour that commands a premium of over Rs 32,000 compared to the standard Ducati Red colour. The Panigale V2 S’ Yellow colour commands a premium of Rs 33,000, over the standard model Whereas, the Streetfighter V2 S commands a premium of Rs 32,000 Both models remain mechanically unchanged Ducati yellow colour launched This new colour is only available with the top-spec ‘S’ trim This new colour is only available with the top-spec ‘S’ trim that comes with front and rear Ohlins suspension setup with weight savings of just under 2kg compared to the standard model.  This new colour will likely appeal to buyers that want their Ducati middleweight to stand out from the sea of ‘standard’ Red colour, that is offered with virtually every Ducati - barring the Scrambler range.  Apart from this, both models remain mechanically uncha...

June was a busy month for automobile industry, bringing us the updated Toyota Innova Crysta , Mercedes-Benz S-Class facelift, Maruti Wagon R flex-fuel, Citroen eC3X and Porsche 911 GT3 . With July marking the start of the second half of 2026, several more models are lined up. Here is a look at the cars set to either launch or debut next month. 2026 Renault Kwid facelift Launch date: July 3 Current Renault Kwid (image used for representation). Renault's answer to Maruti Alto K10 was first launched in 2015 , followed by a facelift in 2019 . The current model has been on sale for seven years, and is pretty long in the tooth. Part of Renault’s "rethink strategy", the entry-level hatchback is set to receive its second facelift in July. Based on spy shots from before , it could get fresh Y-shaped LED daytime running lamps similar to those on the international-spec Duster, new bumpers and tail-lights. Upgrades such as standard six airbags, a bigger touchscreen, a new steer...

The Skoda Kodiaq RS is built on the Volkswagen Group’s MQB Evo platform and finds competition in the Volkswagen Tayron R-Line . Within a claimed six minutes of Skoda opening bookings for the Kodiaq RS in India, all 50 units were already spoken for. That said, the brand could allocate a second batch for our market if there’s enough demand. If you’re a prospective buyer of this 7-seater performance SUV, here are its pros and cons. Lively engine and gearbox Rev-happy engine snarls when pushed, adding to the engagement Skoda has tweaked the 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol direct injection engine for the Kodiaq RS. It now produces 265hp and 400Nm of torque – that’s 61hp and 80Nm more than the standard model. Not only does this engine pull hard all the way to 6,500rpm, but the power it produces remains usable throughout the rev-range. The 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission is also quick to shift and feels responsive when using the paddle shifters. Moreover, the sporty notes p...

Alongside the Xoom 125 Adventure , Hero MotoCorp has filed a design patent in India for another product first showcased at EICMA 2025 – the Vida NEX 2. Part of the Vida Novus concept line-up, the NEX 2 is a self-balancing electric trike designed for urban mobility. First shown as a concept at EICMA 2025 as part of the Vida Novus line-up Features a tilting, self-balancing three-wheel setup Hero Vida NEX 2: What we know The Nex 2 uses a complex front suspension setup that allows it to lean into corners The NEX 2 was positioned at EICMA as a compact electric trike designed to combine the riding experience of a conventional two-wheeler with the added stability of three wheels. One of its defining features is a self-balancing system, which allows the vehicle to stabilise itself automatically at low speeds and when stationary. Looking at the design patent, the NEX 2’s overall silhouette is more akin to the Yamaha Niken than the Piaggio MP3 – you sit on it like a conventional motorcycle rat...

Bajaj Auto Chairman Niraj Bajaj has outlined the company's key priorities for FY27 in its annual report, identifying the domestic 125cc-plus motorcycle segment, the Chetak electric scooter business and exports as its primary growth drivers. The announcement comes on the back of a record FY26, during which Bajaj Auto crossed five million annual unit sales for the first time. Bajaj Auto to strengthen 125cc-plus motorcycle business  Plans to expand Chetak brand while improving product proposition and profitability Exports to remain a major focus Bajaj Auto FY27 priorities KTM turnaround described as a "work in progress, well underway" On the domestic motorcycle front, Bajaj Auto's priority for FY27 is to strengthen its competitiveness in the 125cc-plus segment through a combination of new products, brand interventions and improved market execution. One of those products is likely to be the next-generation Pulsar, which was recently spotted testing on an all-new platform...

Bajaj Auto’s Chetak - India’s second bestselling electric two-wheeler - has surpassed the cumulative 8 lakh unit sales mark, six and a half years after it first went on sale. As per the latest data on the government’s Vahan portal, Bajaj has delivered a total of 8,00,085 e-scooters since January 2020 till June 27, 2026. This makes it only the third electric two wheeler manufacturer to surpass the 8 lakh unit retail sales mark after Ola Electric and TVS Motor Co , both of which have sold over 10 lakh electric two-wheelers. Year Retail sales YoY % change Total e-2W sales Chetak % share 2020 1,243 - 30,144 4.12% 2021 4,765 283% 1,64,195 2.90% 2022 26,758 461% 6,61,636 4.04% 2023 75,112 181% 9,01,799 8.32% 2024 2,01,166 168% 12,14,757 16.56% 2025 2,79.685 39% 13,42,239 20.83% 2026 (Till June 27) 2,11,356 51% 9,39,659 22.49% Total 8,00,085   52,54,429 15.22% Bajaj Auto, which also manufactures EVs for Yulu, India’s largest last mile electric mobility player, and is estimated to have s...

Tata Motors is set to reveal the production-spec Sierra EV tomorrow. First shown as a concept at Auto Expo 2020, the midsize SUV is expected to share much of its technology with the Harrier EV while carrying forward the Sierra’s distinctive design. Here’s everything you need to know ahead of its debut.  What battery and powertrain options will the Tata Sierra EV get? 65kWh and 75kWh battery packs likely The Sierra EV could use Tata’s acti.ev+ architecture that underpins the Harrier EV. It is also likely to share the Harrier EV’s 65kWh and 75kWh battery pack options, although Tata has not yet confirmed the final specifications. Tata Motors has already confirmed that the Sierra EV will be offered in both rear-wheel-drive and dual-motor all-wheel-drive configurations , with the latter expected to be reserved for the larger 75kWh battery pack.  Since the Sierra EV is smaller than the Harrier EV, it could offer a higher claimed driving range using the same battery packs. For re...

The Triumph Tracker 400 is the newest addition to the Indian-made Triumph lineup and, on paper at least, the most distinctive of the lot. It draws its design inspiration from flat-track racing, with a wider fuel tank, chunky dual-purpose tyres, number board-style panels and a flyscreen. Here's what works in its favour and a couple of reasons it might not be for you. Reasons to buy the Triumph Tracker 400 Eye-catching, distinctive design The Tracker 400 is the most visually striking motorcycle in the Indian Triumph range. The wider tank, cast aluminium headlamp mount, flyscreen and number board panels give it a strong, individual character that you won't find anywhere else at this price. During our time with the bike, it attracted more attention than any of the other single-cylinder Triumphs – and for riders who want something that stands apart from the crowd of retro-styled commuters in this segment, that matters. The tail section, shared with the Thruxton, is the one visual w...

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...