VR Tech Times

A tracker is essentially a motorcycle inspired by flat track race bikes that are designed to go sideways at ludicrous speeds on an oval dirt track. The Triumph Tracker 400 has some design elements to match that description, but that is where the association ends.  Look beyond the chunky tyres, wider fuel tank (still 13 litres) and flat-track-inspired number board along the sides, and you will discover that instead of having any real ‘dirt-inspired’ underpinnings, this bike is actually based on the most sporty of all the Indian-made Triumphs, the Thruxton 400. That not only applies to the engine’s higher state of tune, but also to the suspension setup and even the sharper 24.5-degree steering rake angle. But you don’t need to study a data sheet to realise that this is actually a sporty roadster above all else. Triumph Tracker 400 comfort and riding position – 7/10 All you have to do is sit on the bike, and you’ll immediately realise that this is a sporty, leaned-forward riding posi...

The Skoda Vision 7S concept was first revealed in August 2022, and nearly four years later, its production version has finally arrived as the Peaq . Over that fairly long period, the electric SUV’s exterior and interior design have undergone several changes, and in this feature, we take a closer look at how it has evolved from concept to production. Before diving into the design changes, let’s first talk about the names. While ‘Vision’ denoted that it was a concept car, ‘7S’ gave away that it was a 7-seater vehicle. The name Peaq, derived from the English word peak, was revealed in January 2026 , symbolising the top of the range. Notably, Skoda has used an E-start, Q-end naming strategy for its electric SUVs – Enyaq , Elroq and Epiq – but the Peaq is the first model to break this. With that aside, it’s time to look at the exterior design evolution from concept to production version. Skoda Peaq vs Vision 7S: Exterior differences The Vision 7S was the first Skoda model to showcase th...

MG will reveal a ‘new energy vehicle’ in India on July 16, 2026. While additional details are awaited, we expect it to be a rebadged version of the Wuling Starlight 560 plug-in hybrid (PHEV) SUV, whose design patent was filed in India in March. Codenamed '520', the SUV will be offered in both PHEV and BEV (battery electric) avatars. Here’s everything you need to know about it.   Wuling Starlight 560-based MG ‘520’: Expected powertrain The PHEV SUV offers 197hp of power and a total range of 1,100km The international-spec Wuling Starlight PHEV is offered with a 106hp, 1.5-litre petrol engine and a 20.5kWh battery pack. This front-wheel-drive setup has a combined output of 197hp and 230Nm. The Chinese manufacturer claims a 0-100kph time of 9.7 seconds and a top speed of 170kph with the PHEV SUV. It offers an all-electric range of 100km and a total range of 1,100km. The Starlight 560 is sold as the 'Eksion' in the Indonesian market. The all-electric version is offered wi...

Bajaj Auto has disclosed that it was hit by a ransomware attack on June 23, affecting its own systems as well as those of its wholly-owned subsidiary, Bajaj Auto Technology Ltd. The attack occurred at around 8am IST, and the company said its technical teams, management and external cybersecurity experts immediately activated precautionary measures and response protocols to contain the breach. Ransomware attack hit Bajaj Auto and subsidiary Bajaj Auto Technology Ltd on June 23 Company says response measures have so far been successful in containing the incident Incident reported to CERT-In in accordance with regulatory requirements Bajaj Auto ransomware attack The company has not disclosed whether any data was compromised In a regulatory filing, Bajaj Auto said the precautionary measures activated in response to the attack had so far been successful. The company has reported the incident to the Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In) as mandated under applicable regulations, ...

If you are shopping for a new electric car between Rs 20-40 lakh range, there are currently quite a few competent offerings in the market. Homegrown carmakers like Tata and Mahindra have been the default choice here, but foreign players like Vinfast and BYD have also been steadily making inroads in the segment. Here, we have listed and ranked the five best electric SUVs that you can currently buy within a budget of Rs 20-40 lakh (ex-showroom).  Mahindra XEV 9S  Price: Rs 20.70 lakh - Rs 30.20 lakh The Mahindra XEV 9S is not only a well-rounded EV, but it’s also fantastic value for money. It’s powerful and great to drive, offers class-best 450km+ real-world range and is very refined, too. The interior is premium and feature-packed and the third-row, although tight on space, adds flexibility. The XEV 9S is only let down by some ergonomic flaws and an unintuitive infotainment UI/UX. Plus, the touch-heavy user interface could also be a downer for some. Battery options include ...

The Suzuki Burgman Street recently received its first major overhaul after eight years on sale, bringing a comprehensively revamped design, more underseat storage area, a new TFT display on the top variant and a 12-inch rear wheel across the range. It sits alongside – rather than replacing – the older Burgman EX, which is retained for its stop-start and silent start technology. Here's what works in its favour and a couple of reasons it might not be the best option. Reasons to buy the 2026 Suzuki Burgman Street Smarter design and generous practicality The new Burgman is a notably better-looking scooter than the one it replaces. The more angular design language, new headlight and revised proportions give it a welcome touch of sophistication, and the external fuel filler lid (also seen on the latest Access) adds a practical touch. The 24.6-litre underseat storage area, achieved cleverly without compromising on the larger rear wheel, will swallow two full-face helmets. Two front apron...

KTM has updated the 790 Duke, giving its middleweight naked motorcycle its biggest update yet. While the Euro 5+ compliant 799cc LC8c engine remains unchanged, KTM has extensively revised the bike's ergonomics, chassis, suspension, braking package and styling. KTM 790 Duke gets revised ergonomics and a claimed 2kg weight reduction Gets new WP radial brakes and Pirelli Diablo Rosso IV tyres  Features styling inspired by the 990 Duke and 1390 Super Duke R KTM 790 Duke: What’s new? KTM has also confirmed that it will phase out Demo Mode on future models following customer feedback. The most significant changes are to the bike's ergonomics. KTM has fitted a new handlebar with a more open angle, repositioned the rider and pillion footpegs, and redesigned the seat to create a more natural riding position. A new subframe, revised triple clamps and a reshaped fuel tank are also said to improve front-wheel feedback. Despite its larger appearance, KTM claims the updated 790 Duke is 2kg...

Honda ’s V3R prototype - showcased at EICMA 2025 - has already garnered considerable interest with its compact V3 engine paired with an electrically driven supercharger. Multiple fresh patent filings overseas now indicate that the technology is intended for more than just one motorcycle, with Honda exploring its application across a wide range of existing and future models. New patents show e-compressor integration on Gold Wing, Fireblade and NC750 Modular V3 engine architecture could spawn V-twin and V6 derivatives Electric supercharger promises higher performance with improved efficiency Honda expands scope of its e-compressor technology Patent filings reveal plans for multiple motorcycle platforms The newly published patents illustrate the electric compressor being adapted to several engine configurations, including flat-six, parallel-twin, V-twin and inline-four layouts. This suggests Honda views the technology as a modular solution that could be incorporated into different motorc...

Aprilia India has launched the Tuono 457 Special Edition, introducing a range of ergonomic and comfort-focused upgrades over the standard Tuono 457. Priced at Rs 3.99 lakh (ex-showroom, Maharashtra), the Special Edition costs just Rs 2,000 more than the standard model. Adds taller handlebar, revised suspension Available in two Aprilia Tuono 1000R-inspired colour schemes 457cc parallel-twin makes 47.6hp and 43.5Nm Aprilia Tuono 457 Special Edition details The mechanical and electronics package have been carried over from the standard bike Aprilia says the changes to the Special Edition are focused on comfort and daily usability. The updates include a taller handlebar, which should translate to a more upright riding position, and suspension that has been recalibrated with a softer initial stroke and revised compression damping for improved ride quality. The seat now uses high-resilience foam that the manufacturer says offers better damping of road and engine vibrations. An adjustable fr...

GOOD FOR: Refined engines, comfy cabin LOOK OUT FOR: Interior rattles, suspension wear The Maruti Fronx was launched in 2023 as a more stylish and practical alternative to the Baleno hatchback it is based on. Thanks to its attractive design and spacious interior, the Fronx has gone on to be very popular with buyers in its segment. There are plenty of examples now in the used market, which makes it quite enticing. Here’s what you need to know.   Check out used Maruti Suzuki Fronx models. Maruti Fronx powertrains and fuel efficiency CNG, naturally-aspirated and turbo-petrol options The Fronx brought back the 1.0-litre Boosterjet turbo-petrol engine to Maruti’s line-up. This engine was first introduced in the Baleno RS back in 2017, but it was discontinued owing to low demand and the shift to BS6. The Boosterjet turbo-petrol engine puts out 100hp and 148Nm, and is paired with either a 5-speed manual or a 6-speed torque-converter automatic. This makes the Fronx the only Maruti Su...

Classic Legends has comprehensively updated the Yezdi Scrambler for 2026, bringing revised styling, an updated engine, reduced weight and a new electronics package featuring traction control, three riding modes and switchable ABS. After spending some time with it, here's what works in its favour and a couple of reasons it might not be the best option. Reasons to buy the 2026 Yezdi Scrambler Potent low- and mid-range performance The revised 334cc engine, now producing 30hp and 30Nm, is the standout improvement on the new Scrambler. Bottom-end performance is genuinely impressive, and the motorcycle feels smooth and responsive in city traffic, comfortably pulling from as low as 25kph in fourth gear without any fuss. Mid-range performance is equally potent, making this easily the nicest and most refined Yezdi engine yet – even if you do need to work the gearbox a bit more given the short gearing. Improved ride quality Classic Legends has retuned the suspension with revised spring and ...