VR Tech Times

Season’s greetings, dear reader! My festive season started with an important enhancement to our long-term Hyundai Creta N Line. Nope, no louder exhaust or engine remap. This is a small upgrade with a disproportionately large impact on daily life – Hyundai’s USB dongle that unlocks wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. I’ve been on the hunt for one for months now, but it’d been sold out all this while. My quick verdict? It’s Rs 4,500 well spent. It does what it says on the box – delivering wireless connectivity without lag or glitches. I’ve been only too happy to ditch the cable to connect my phone to the infotainment system. I suspect my phone battery will thank me for it too. Hyundai’s USB accessory that unlocks wireless Apple CarPlay is a must-have. I do wish there was a quick fix for fuel economy too. Last time around, I suspected the increased ethanol content in petrol was what dragged fuel economy down, and now I have proof. Our Creta N Line was part of a rece...

The Triumph Scrambler 400 X was the second motorcycle to come out of the Bajaj-Triumph partnership. It had more rugged elements to give it some off-road capabilities and is a larger motorcycle than the Speed 400. Here is all you need to know about it. What engine does the Triumph Scrambler 400 X use and what are the power figures? The bike uses a 398.15cc, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine producing 40hp at 8,000rpm and a peak torque of 37.5Nm at 6,500rpm. The main difference between the Speed 400 and the Scrambler 400 X is that the Scrambler uses a 14-tooth front sprocket compared to the 15-tooth sprocket on the Speed. What is the fuel tank capacity, kerb weight and seat height of the Triumph Scrambler 400 X? The bike has a fuel tank capacity of 13 litres and a kerb weight of 185kg. The seat height stands at 835mm. What features does the Triumph Scrambler 400 X get? The bike gets an analogue speedometer with an integrated LCD display. This unit displays basic information a...

Kawasaki India has launched the 2026 Versys 650 at Rs 8.63 lakh (ex-showroom, India). The midsize Versys remains mechanically and cosmetically unchanged - save for a new colour - but is Rs 15,000 dearer than before. 2026 Versys 650 is E20 compatible 649cc twin-cyl engine makes 67hp and 61Nm of torque Has a 21L fuel tank, weighs 220kg 2026 Kawasaki Versys 650 details Shares its 649cc, twin-cylinder engine with multiple other Kawasaki bikes Like the 2026 Ninja 650 , the updated Versys 650 remains pretty much the same as it was before with the exception of a new grey/black colour with green highlights. Powering the Versys 650 is Kawasaki’s tried-and-tested liquid-cooled, 649cc, twin-cylinder engine making 67hp and 61Nm of torque. It has a 4.3-inch colour TFT display and a 4-way adjustable windscreen, among other features. The Versys’ main USP as a road biased tourer is its tall stance and adjustable suspension units which have 150mm/145mm (F/R) of wheel travel. Like all new big ...

Bajaj has updated the Pulsar 150 with a small set of feature and cosmetic revisions. These changes should help with keeping the brand’s longest-running model current, without altering its core mechanical package. 1. Pulsar 150 gains LED headlamp and LED blinkers 2. It also gets refreshed graphics and colours Pulsar 150 gets updates similar to 220F Remains mechanically unchanged The most notable update is the addition of a LED headlight along with LED turn indicators. This makes the Pulsar 150 one of the first motorcycles from Bajaj’s older, classic Pulsar range to receive LED headlight technology, a feature that has so far been limited to newer-generation Pulsar models. Aside from the lighting upgrade, the Pulsar 150 receives new colour options and revised graphics, similar to the Pulsar 220F. The overall design, bodywork and stance remain unchanged, continuing with the same silhouette that the model has carried for years. There are no mechanical changes. The Pulsar 150 continu...

From playing the role of a support car at our Off-road Day to doubling up as camera and luggage car at our NATRAX supercar club event to a family weekend trip and to a Mahindra Independence Day excursion, the Thar Roxx has been put to a wide variety of tasks, just as Mahindra intended. The Thar Roxx is indeed a hardcore off-roader with serious hardware like a low-range gearbox, but it’s also loaded with creature comforts like ventilated seats and a killer Harman/Kardon sound system. Needless to say, at our Off-road Day, the Thar played the role of support car with ease. This year, our event theme was off-roaders of yesteryear, so 4x4s like the Mitsubishi Pajero, Mahindra Bolero 4x4 and first-gen Thar were the stars. At times, these older cars did get stuck, not owing to incapability but more due to age; that’s when the Roxx would rush over a crew to help. The low-ratio gear – fed power from a modern torquey diesel engine and aided by electronics – meant the Roxx pretty much saile...

The Pulsar 150 is the longest-running model in Bajaj’s Pulsar lineup, earning a loyal following for its blend of performance, practicality and everyday usability. Much like the 220F, the Pulsar 150 has recently been given a subtle update with refreshed colours and graphics, keeping its classic appeal while giving it a more contemporary look. Here are a few things to know before buying one. What is the peak output of the Bajaj Pulsar 150? The Bajaj Pulsar 150 comes with a 149.5cc, single-cylinder, air-cooled engine that produces 14hp and 13.4Nm, mated to a 5-speed gearbox. What is the fuel-capacity and kerb weight of the Bajaj Pulsar 150? It has a fuel-carrying capacity of 15-litres and kerb weight of 150kg What updates did the Bajaj Pulsar 150 get recently? The Pulsar 150 was recently updated with new colours with refreshed graphics. It now also gets a new LED headlamp and LED indicators What is the tyre size of the Bajaj Pulsar 150? The Bajaj Pulsar 150 runs on 90/90 - 17 / ...

The Pulsar 220F is a revered name in the Indian motorcycling scene. It went on-sale back in 2009 and has been a runaway success since then. To not hamper the sales momentum, the brand hasn’t tinkered around with the original formula and only given it incremental updates. Here are a few things to know before buying the Pulsar 220F What is the peak output of the Bajaj Pulsar 220F? The Bajaj Pulsar 220F, as the name suggests, comes with a 220cc, single-cylinder, air-cooled engine that produces 20.9hp and 18.5Nm, mated to a 5-speed gearbox. What is the fuel-capacity and kerb weight of the Bajaj Pulsar 220F? It has a fuel-carrying capacity of 15-litres and kerb weight of 160kg What updates did the Bajaj Pulsar 220F get recently? The Pulsar 220F was recently updated with 2 new colours -  Black Copper Beige and Green Light Copper - with refreshed graphics and LED indicators. What is the tyre size of the Bajaj Pulsar 220F? The Bajaj Pulsar 220F runs on 90/90 - 17 / 120/80 - 17...

While the official price announcement of the new Kia Seltos is expected in early 2026, bookings are already underway for it. The second-generation Seltos is not only larger than its predecessor but is also underpinned by Kia ’s new K3 platform. With its review out of our way, it is time we look at this midsize SUV’s strong suits as well as a few chinks in its armour. Peppy turbo-petrol engine Power delivery is strong but linear. Although the new Kia Seltos is offered with the same set of engines as before, the 1.5-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol mill continues to impress. It develops a healthy 160hp and 253Nm of torque while maintaining refinement and a redline that goes up to 6,200rpm when the gearbox is in ‘manual mode’. While this showcases the eagerness of this TGDi motor, the performance is further aided by the 7-speed DCT that is quick to shift as the speed rises. Therefore, overtaking slower-moving traffic is not an issue either, especially with a healthy dose of power ...

When the Kawasaki KLX230 was first launched in India, it was a CKD import and that had kept the price at a premium. Kawasaki now sells a localized model which is more affordable and here is all you need to know about it.  What engine does the Kawasaki KLX230 use and what are the power figures? The bike uses a 233cc, single-cylinder, air-cooled engine. It produces 18.3hp,19Nm of peak torque, and is paired with a six-speed gearbox. What is the fuel tank capacity, kerb weight and seat height of the Kawasaki KLX230? The bike has a fuel tank capacity of 7.5 litres and a kerb weight of 139kg. The seat height stands at 880mm. What features does the Kawasaki KLX230 get? The bike uses a LCD screen displaying basic information at  a quick glance. It is Bluetooth compatible but misses out on a tachometer and gear position indicator. It also features switchable rear ABS. What colour options is the Kawasaki KLX230 available in? The bike is offered with the option of two colour sc...

Mercedes-Benz has outlined two models for India in 2026, the CLA EV sedan and the G-Class Cabriolet. Both models will launch at different points during the year, with the CLA expected in the first half and the G-Class Cabriolet towards the end of 2026. Here are the details we know so far. 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA EV will debut Merc’s MB.OS platform and get 792km range G-Class Cabriolet is expected to be offered in electric, petrol and diesel powertrains 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA EV Expected to launch in H1 2026 at an estimated price of Rs 70 lakh Mercedes will bring back the CLA nameplate, and this time in EV guise. The svelte, coupe-like sedan retains its character in terms of design and showcases the brand’s latest design language. Built on the new EV-first MMA architecture, which can also underpin ICE and hybrid models, the new CLA gets a longer wheelbase than before; however, the rear seat remains compromised in space. What the CLA will rely on is a digitally advanced interio...

Mercedes-Benz has outlined two models for India in 2026, the CLA EV sedan and the G-Class Cabriolet. Both models will launch at different points during the year, with the CLA expected in the first half and the G-Class Cabriolet towards the end of 2026. Here are the details we know so far. 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA EV will debut Merc’s MB.OS platform and get 792km range G-Class Cabriolet is expected to be offered in electric, petrol and diesel powertrains 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA EV Expected to launch in H1 2026 at an estimated price of Rs 70 lakh Mercedes will bring back the CLA nameplate, and this time in EV guise. The svelte, coupe-like sedan retains its character in terms of design and showcases the brand’s latest design language. Built on the new EV-first MMA architecture, which can also underpin ICE and hybrid models, the new CLA gets a longer wheelbase than before; however, the rear seat remains compromised in space. What the CLA will rely on is a digitally advanced interio...

Tata Motors has revealed nearly all details of the turbo-petrol-powered Safari , including the output figures and variants. This engine is available across the existing Safari line-up, and a new petrol-only top-spec Accomplished Ultra trim has also been introduced. While prices are still awaited, we have reviewed the SUV’s new petrol version to find out if it is a good package. Here’s a detailed account of three positives and two negatives we observed during our time with Tata’s flagship combustion-powered SUV. Let’s start with the positives.  A refined engine with strong performance Offers a good low-end punch and linear acceleration The Safari uses the same 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine as the recently launched Sierra, but in the Safari, it has been tuned to produce 10hp and 25Nm more, taking the output figures to 170hp and 280Nm. While the engine revs only to 5,000rpm, a healthy 160Nm torque is available from just 1,000rpm. This allows the 3-row SUV to have a strong...

The Kawasaki Versys-X 300 made its return to India in 2025 after a near five-year hiatus, powered by the same high-revving 296cc parallel-twin engine as the Ninja 300. While the mechanical package remains largely unchanged, the motorcycle now faces stiffer competition from newer rivals in the adventure touring segment. If you're considering the Versys-X 300, here are answers to some of the most common questions you might have. How much power does the Kawasaki Versys-X 300 make? The Kawasaki Versys-X 300 is powered by a 296cc liquid-cooled parallel-twin engine that produces 39hp at 11,500rpm and 26Nm of torque at 10,000rpm. This is the same high-revving motor found in the Ninja 300, and it retains its characteristic peaky nature.  What is the mileage of the Kawasaki Versys-X 300? The Kawasaki Versys-X 300 returned a fuel efficiency of 27kpl on the highway and 25kpl in city conditions during our tests. While these figures are lower than what rivals offer, the large 17-litre fuel...

KTM has announced a global recall for its 390 Adventure X, Adventure R, Enduro R and SMC-R. Pertaining to the side-stand issue that leads to the bike stalling or not starting. Although this recall only affects models sold in the USA, Canada and a few other regions that come fitted with forged side stands and the Indian models remain unaffected. 1. Indian-made KTM 390 Adventure and Enduro models remain unaffected 2. This issue only affect the International models   3. The brand says this is caused by engine vibrations KTM global recall The brand will replace the side-stand spring and add a rubber protector KTM says that quality inspections have determined that engine vibrations may cause the side-stand spring to break on the 390 Adventure X, 390 Adventure R, 390 Enduro R and 390 SMC-R. This issue affects only the international models that come with a forged-side stand and does not affect the Indian models that come with a fabricated side stand. Although KTM says that internat...