VR Tech Times

It's not a stretch to say that the Konarc is the most important product from Ather yet, because the company hopes this new EV will help it unlock segments and markets hitherto untouched by it. The question then is, will the Konarc live up to the lofty expectations placed on its shoulders? Konarc Design and Quality - 9/10 Straightforward design with high quality finish The Konarc S is offered in four classy yet inoffensive colours Striking looks aren’t a trait family scooters are known for and Ather wanted to play it very safe with the Konarc to bring in buyers that typically shop for ‘decent-looking’ scooters. While it does look a bit plain, it will still not completely meld into the ocean of humdrum two-wheelers on the road. Further reinforcing its family scooter aspirations are a quartet of very classy, yet inoffensive colours.  Another aspect that the Konarc’s prospective customers will appreciate is its excellent finish and quality levels all across - a typical Ather trait....

Volvo’s flagship EV, the EX90 , has been on sale overseas since 2022. Ahead of its launch on October 12, the manufacturer has revealed details of the India-spec model. It will be sold here in the range-topping ‘Ultra’ variant, which we got to experience recently. If you are interested in the flagship Volvo EX90, here are two reasons to choose it and two reasons to think otherwise. Reasons to buy the Volvo EX90 Offers a comfortable driving experience on all types of roads  The Volvo EX90 features an air suspension system that offers a good balance between ride comfort and handling. The car takes microseconds to adjust to the various undulations on the road. Volvo is offering this system with three adjustable modes: Soft, Standard and Firm. ‘Soft’, as the name suggests, offers a comfortable drive over broken roads at medium to high speeds, but it results in a bit more body roll, which does not make it feel confident. ‘Standard’ offers a comfortable ride on bad roads but without feel...

Ather recently launched its first scooter on the completely new EL platform. Called the Konarc , it is currently available in six variants, starting at Rs 99,999 and going up to Rs 1.45 lakh at the moment. However, it appears that Ather is looking to make sure that there’s a Konarc at every price range. The most affordable Konarc S with 100km range isn’t going to be available until early next year, which makes the Konarc S 125km range variant the entry-level Konarc. So, how does it compare to the offerings from legacy manufacturers? Let’s find out. Ather Konarc S 125 vs rivals: Motor, battery and charging Chetak offers the most range   Ather Konarc S 125 TVS iQube 3.1 kWh Chetak C3001 Vida VX2 Go 3.1 Peak motor power 4kW 4.4kW 3.1kW 6kW Rated torque 16Nm 33Nm 20Nm 25Nm Claimed top speed 70kph 82kph 80kph 70kph Battery capacity 2.7kWh 3.1kWh 3kWh 3.1kWh Claimed charge time (0-80 percent) 4h30m 4h03m 2h55m 4h45m IDC range 125km 123km 131km 127km These scooters rarely compare 1:1 in...

Audi India has started accepting bookings for the third-generation Q3 in India from today. The new Q3 can be reserved by paying a booking amount of Rs 1 lakh via the Audi India website, on the myAudi connect application or at the brand's dealerships. Prices will be announced next month. 2026 Audi Q3 engine and gearbox Like the outgoing Q3, the third-gen SUV may carry over the 2-litre 4-cylinder direct-injection turbo-petrol engine, developing 204hp and 320Nm. Transmission duties are handled by a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic unit, which sends power to all four wheels via Audi’s Quattro all-wheel drive system. As per Audi, the new Q3 does the 0-100kph sprint in 7.1 seconds, maxing out at a top speed of 229kph. from Autocar India https://ift.tt/dSoz9Vr

The Lexus ES is available in India in two forms: the ES 350h strong hybrid and the ES 500e EV. The 350h was added to the ES range in July, joining the 500e that launched earlier this year. Beyond the new powertrain options, the latest ES gets a larger footprint, a redesigned cabin and a host of new features. Here’s everything you need to know. 1. How much do the Lexus ES 350h and ES 500e cost in India? The Lexus ES 350h is priced at Rs 66.10 lakh for the Exquisite variant and Rs 71.80 lakh for the Luxury trim, whereas the ES 500e costs Rs 89.99 lakh (all prices are ex-showroom). Both versions get an eight-year/2,00,000km warranty, covering the vehicle and its battery. 2. What powertrain does the Lexus ES 350h get? The ES 350h uses a 2.5-litre four-cylinder naturally aspirated petrol engine paired with an electric motor and lithium-ion battery. The petrol engine produces 186hp and 235Nm, while the electric motor develops 201hp and 270Nm in isolation. The combined system output is 244...

While Honda unveiled the QC3 for our market, the Japanese marque has also patented a ‘UC3’ in our country. It is a more spacious, cruiser-esque electric scooter that also debuts an LFP chemistry battery for the overseas market. Honda UC3 debuts an LFP battery overseas It has a peak output of 6kW and a top-speed of 120kph Runs on 12-inch wheels at both ends Honda UC3: What to expect? Honda unveiled the QC3 for our market.  The biggest headlining point of the UC3 is the battery chemistry that it packs in. While the QC1 and Activa E: come with an Li-ion NMC (Nickel Manganese Cobalt) chemistry battery, the UC3 debuts a Li-ion LFP (Lithium Iron Phosphate) chemistry battery. Honda claims a maximum range of 122km per charge. It has a claimed 20-80 percent charging time of 5 hours using the slower 450W charger and 2 hours using the faster 1200W charger. It produces a peak output of 6kW and has a top-speed of 120kph. It rides on 12-inch wheels at both ends. It comes with svelte bodywork w...

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

August was a busy month for the Indian car market, bringing several new models ajd variants, as well as updates. The BMW X1 LWB and MG Hector Tomahawk EV and PHEV were among the fresh launches, while the Mahindra Scorpio N received a mid-lifecycle update. The Mahindra BE 6 gained the 'Sporteq' suffix, while three existing models added new trims: the Range Rover SV Ultra, BYD Sealion 7 Dynamic and Skoda Kylaq Sportline. After such a packed August, September is also set to see more car launches. Kia Sorento Launch: September 4 The Kia Sorento will be the brand’s new flagship ICE model in India, and it will be offered with both strong-hybrid and diesel powertrains. The 1.6-litre strong-hybrid version will produce 238hp and 380Nm, while the 2-litre diesel will make 202hp and 441Nm. The Sorento gets Kia’s signature Tiger Nose grille, large vertical LED headlights with Y-shaped LED daytime running lamps (DRLs), LED fog lamps and vertical aero vents at the edges. Kia has not reveale...

The Bajaj Pulsar N160 4V SS is the top variant of the updated N160 range, bringing a significantly reworked engine with ride-by-wire, a new 37mm USD fork, a 5-inch TFT display and Google Maps casting to a segment that was already competitive. It continues alongside the 2-valve N160 rather than replacing it. Here's what works in its favour and a couple of reasons it might not be for everyone. Reasons to buy the Bajaj Pulsar N160 4V SS Smooth, tractable and genuinely quick The new 4-valve engine is a more significant step up than the numbers alone might suggest. Despite producing 18.5hp at 9,500rpm from the same 165cc displacement, it retains the excellent smoothness and tractability of the outgoing 2-valve unit, with only minor vibrations at high revs and a very light clutch pull. During our time with the bike, we found it genuinely pleasant to ride in the city at lower revs, while still having enough performance higher up in the range to more closely match the TVS Apache RTR 160 4...

The ADV 160 marks Honda’s entry into India’s rapidly growing maxi-scooter segment, but it has one key differentiator that sets it apart from the liquid-cooled maxi-scooters already on sale – E85 flex-fuel compatibility. Here are a few things you need to know before buying India’s first flex-fuel-compatible scooter. 1. How much does the Honda ADV 160 cost? The Honda ADV 160 is priced at Rs 1.70 lakh (ex-showroom, Bengaluru), making it one of the more premium scooters on sale in India. 2. Is the Honda ADV 160 E85 compatible? Yes. The ADV 160 is Honda’s first two-wheeler in India to be compatible with E85 fuel. Its engine can run on petrol containing anywhere between 0 and 85 percent ethanol, without the rider having to make any changes. 3. What engine does the Honda ADV 160 get? Power comes from a 156.93cc, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine producing 16.3hp and 14.9Nm. It is paired with a CVT automatic gearbox. 4. How heavy is the Honda ADV 160? The ADV 160...