VR Tech Times

Buying your first car is about finding something that’s easy to live with, reliable and suited to your daily use. There’s no single “best” option, which is why this list covers different body styles, price points and priorities. Whether you want something compact and affordable, safe and sturdy, fun to drive or electric, these cars make strong cases for first-time buyers in India. Maruti Suzuki Wagon R / Maruti Suzuki Celerio Rs 4.70 lakh to Rs 6.84 lakh These Maruti hatchbacks make sense if you want low ownership stress. They’re easy to drive, fuel efficient and backed by Maruti’s extensive service network, which is reassuring for first-time buyers. Parts are affordable, resale value is strong, and maintenance is simple. The Wagon R offers more headroom and space, while the Celerio feels more compact, depending on what you prefer. Hyundai Grand i10 Nios Rs 5.55 lakh to Rs 7.92 lakh The Hyundai Grand i10 Nios suits first-time buyers who want a more premium feel than basic e...

A shutter rattles open. Morning sunlight cuts across the factory floor. The rays illuminate a white rectangular shape, putting it in the spotlight. The profile is none other than that of India’s first SUV, the 1991 Tata Sierra. Sitting next to it, also in white, is the 1997 Sierra Turbo. Then, completing the set, Tata’s new Sierra rolls in; slick, modern and futuristic, but with its roots firmly anchored in the past.  Now, back in the day, Tata’s Sierra didn’t quite get the respect India’s first SUV deserved. A bold step into the future, it had plenty of new tech for the time and, as a result, a fair amount of issues. Problems apart, however, India’s first SUV was so forward looking, it clearly stands on a pedestal today. What’s also abundantly clear is that the new Sierra has come a long way from the original. So, to celebrate its rebirth and to see just how far the new car has come, we endeavour to connect the birthplace of India’s first SUV, Pune, with Tata’s new high-tech ...

We first rode the new Multistrada S at its world launch in early 2025, and while it was good fun in Valencia, the real test was always going to be how this bike felt on our roads. Multistrada V2 Design - 8/10 Based on an entirely new platform, the latest Multistrada V2 has the potential to make greater improvements than any of its predecessors that have always been evolutions of the previous version. And sure enough, it does take some drastic steps, the biggest of them being an 18kg weight reduction, which brings it down to just 202kg or this V2 S model. Of course, Ducati likes to share wet weight without fuel, so when you factor in the 19-litre fuel tank being 90 percent full, this bike weighs 215kg, which is still on the light end of this class. New brake lamp looks smart Lighter it may be, but this still isn’t a small bike by any means. The design has evolved, but it’s still very Multistrada with a huge-looking fuel tank and a wide handlebar that puts you in a bit of a stretc...

Norton ’s resurgence is going to kick off soon with its new Manx and Atlas quartet due to be launched in the coming months, both in India as well as global markets. Previously, we’ve seen the Atlas adventure bike testing in India and now it has been spotted again but this particular test mule has some notable differences to the Atlas duo that debuted at EICMA 2025. Norton Atlas spotted with 19-in front alloy wheel  Golden USD fork seems to be non-adjustable Could be a lower-spec or an India-specific variant New Norton Atlas variant spotted: what’s different? TVS testing Norton Atlas extensively in India before market launch When the new Norton lineup broke cover at EICMA last year, the Atlas adventure bike was shown in two variants - standard and GT. The former had cross-spoke wheels sized 19/17-in (F/R) while the latter had 17-in alloy wheels at both ends. Another crucial difference between the two is that the GT will have less suspension travel and a lower seat. Howeve...

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For decades, the engine was the heart of a car. Power, refinement and fuel efficiency were the key measures of progress. Today, that focus has shifted. Increasingly, what sets cars apart is not what sits under the bonnet but the technology running behind the screens. In many ways, technology has moved from being an add-on to becoming the backbone of modern vehicle design. Speaking in a recent interaction with Autocar India, Sachin Lawande, the CEO of Visteon, said, “Today, the power of the chip matters more than the power of the engine.” Touchscreens, digital clusters, connected services and driver-assistance systems have become central to how buyers judge a car. In many segments, especially mass-market, technology and features now matter as much as – if not more than – outright performance. As Lawande put it, “We all grew up in an era where cars were about powerful engines. Now, the generation buying cars isn’t looking at horsepower – the focus is on technology.” Cars are now sof...

The Honda SP 125 is one of the more popular motorcycles in its class, offering a blend of refinement, fuel efficiency, and Honda's trademark build quality. The bike is available in just two variants that differ primarily in braking hardware and instrumentation. Here’s a look at what each variant has to offer and how much they cost. Honda SP 125 variant breakdown STD The base variant of the SP 125 comes with drum brakes at both ends and a combined braking system (CBS). It gets a digital instrument cluster that offers a decent amount of information inclyuding real-time fuel economy, average fuel economy, a service due indicator, gear position indicator, and an eco indicator. Standard features include an LED headlight, side-stand indicator with engine cut-off, and a 5-step adjustable rear suspension. The 124cc single-cylinder, air-cooled engine makes 10.9hp and 10.9Nm of torque. At 116kg, this STD variant is the lighter of the two. The bike is priced at Rs 85,810 and both variant...

The Tata Punch EV is set to receive its first facelift tomorrow, marking an important update for Tata Motors ’ most affordable electric SUV. While the Punch EV has been on sale for just over two years, this refresh has been timed to bring it in line with the recently updated ICE Punch , and to keep it competitive in a fast-moving entry-EV space. Although Tata Motors has not revealed full details yet, enough information has emerged to give you a clear picture of what the Punch EV facelift is likely to bring. Here’s what we know so far about the Punch EV facelift ahead of its debut. What exterior changes will the Tata Punch EV facelift get? Subtle design revisions with EV-specific cues. Ahead of its launch, Tata has revealed the exterior of the Punch EV facelift. The front end gets a redesigned bumper with a closed-off grille. The black trim element that previously linked the headlamps has been removed, giving the front a cleaner appearance. Lower down, the scuff plate has also...

The Kia Seltos and the Maruti Grand Vitara are direct rivals in the midsize SUV segment, and both offer the convenience of an automatic gearbox with their respective naturally aspirated petrol engines. While the Seltos petrol uses a CVT, the Grand Vitara comes equipped with a torque converter. We find out which model is more efficient in the real world. Kia Seltos CVT vs Maruti Grand Vitara AT: Specifications, price Seltos pricier by Rs 2.21 lakh at the top-end. Midsize SUV Seltos Grand Vitara Engine 1497cc, NA, 4 cyl 1462cc, NA, 4 cyl Power 115hp at 6300rpm 103hp at 6000rpm Torque 144Nm at 4500rpm 139Nm at 4300rpm Drive layout FWD FWD Gearbox CVT 6AT Fuel tank 47 litres 45 litres Price (ex-showroom) Rs 13.39 lakh-19.49 lakh Rs 13.45 lakh-17.28 lakh As the table shows, the Kia SUV clearly leads on engine output here, producing 12hp and 36Nm more than the Maruti Grand Vitara. It's petrol tank is also slightly larger by 2 litres. T...

Audi India is adding another model to its Q8 line-up – the SQ8, which serves as a more potent version of the standard Q8 SUV and will be more affordable than the significantly more powerful RS Q8 Performance. Here is everything you can expect from the SQ8 ahead of its launch on March 17, 2026 . What is the expected price of the Audi SQ8, and who are its rivals? SQ8 price could be around Rs 1.9 crore, ex-showroom Expect the Audi SQ8’s price to fall between that of the standard Q8 and the top-of-the-line RS Q8, which are priced at Rs 1.13 crore and Rs 2.34 crore, ex-showroom, respectively. So, the SQ8 could be priced at around Rs 1.9 crore, positioning it as an alternative to the Mercedes-Benz GLE 53 AMG Coupe and Porsche Cayenne GTS . What engine and gearbox power the Audi SQ8? Gets the RS Q8’s 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 engine  Acting as a midpoint between the Q8 and RS Q8, the SQ8 features a slightly sportier look and chassis upgrades over the standard Q8 and is powered b...