VR Tech Times

When an automaker plans a large multi-energy and multi-segment portfolio, what works better: creating different channels or creating different brands and badges? And how do you sell them? We see different examples around us. Maruti Suzuki has two channels, Arena and Nexa, selling different models with the same badge. The same goes for MG and its premium MG Select channel. On the other hand, Hero has created an all-new brand and retail network – Vida – for its electric range, but you can buy them at some legacy outlets too. Mahindra , too, has a new BE brand with a slightly altered corporate logo, but the products sell through the same channel. Meanwhile, Tata Motors has exclusive electric outlets called Tata.ev, but you can buy their EVs at regular showrooms too. There’s clearly a lot happening in the automotive retail space, in terms of new badges, new channels and differing retail strategies, all focused towards creating a “differentiated” experience for the target customer. ...

Bentley is celebrating three important anniversaries in 2025 with special Flying Spur models, each inspired by a key Bentley four-door car from the past. The 1965 T Series, the 1985 Turbo R, and the 2005 Continental Flying Spur, all of which have their anniversaries in 2025, have been commemorated by Mulliner, Bentley’s bespoke division. Three special Flying Spurs celebrate historic models from 1965, 1985, and 2005. Mulliner division reinterprets the classics with modern design and hybrid power. 1965 Bentley T Series (60 years) The T Series was a landmark for Bentley, introducing the carmaker’s first monocoque construction and a modern design that maximised interior space. It was powered by a 202hp,  6.2-litre V8, and became known for its smooth and effortless performance with a top speed of 180kph.  2025 tribute: Bentley Flying Spur Azure The Flying Spur Azure pays tribute to the T Series with a 680hp, V8 hybrid powertrain that offers both power and refinement. Th...

Kawasaki has unveiled the new KLE500, marking the return of a nameplate last seen in 2007. First teased at EICMA 2024, the adventure bike has now made its debut in the US market, available in two variants – Standard and SE. Uses 451cc parallel-twin from the Ninja 500 Gets 21-inch front and 17-inch rear spoked wheels Kerb weight yet to be revealed 2026 Kawasaki KLE500 details Kawasaki has not yet disclosed the peak output or kerb weight figures for the KLE500 Powering the KLE500 is the same 451cc parallel-twin, liquid-cooled engine seen on the Ninja 500 and Eliminator 500. While the company hasn’t confirmed peak output figures, they will likely be similar to the 45.4hp and 42.6Nm produced on the Ninja. That said, Kawasaki has equipped the KLE with larger front and rear sprockets, similar to those on the Versys 650.  In terms of design, the KLE500 features rally-inspired styling with a compact headlight, tall windscreen, and a slim fuel tank. It’s built around a steel trell...

The Maruti Suzuki Jimny 5-door   has achieved a significant milestone, crossing 1 lakh units in exports—a testament to the global appeal of this India-made 4x4. However, the compact SUV's international success stands in stark contrast to its domestic performance, where total sales since its July 7, 2023 launch have reached just 27,812 units, barely 28 percent of the total export numbers . The 5-door Jimny was Maruti's second most exported model after the Fronx. Received over 50,000 orders in Japan within days of launch as 'Jimny Nomade' Total domestic sales of 27,812 units till September 2025 Maruti Jimny exports to over 100 countries  The Jimny 5-door, manufactured exclusively in India, has found customers in over 100 countries since exports began in 2023, shortly after its domestic debut. The compact off-roader now ships to Japan, Mexico, Australia, South Africa, and Chile as its top five markets. It received a remarkable reception in Japan, where the SUV l...

Honda's E-Clutch technology eliminates stalling by automating clutch control. Riders can make gear changes without the need for manual clutch operation, which makes the learning curve for new riders easier while enhancing convenience for the experienced.  Honda Rebel 300 gets E-clutch technology Two new paint schemes Priced at USD 5,349 (approximately Rs 4.70 lakh) The Big Update: E-Clutch Technology Honda's E-Clutch system first debuted in the CB650R and CBR650R. The Rebel 300 cruiser is the third model to get this technology. The E-Clutch system by Honda is not a fully automatic transmission, but an electronic clutch actuation system that automates clutch engagement and disengagement, while still allowing the rider to shift gears manually and optionally operate the clutch lever traditionally.     Honda says the system also enhances safety, with electronic calibration that prevents abrupt stalls or jerky clutch engagement.   Performance Powering the...

Hyundai has formally pulled the covers off the new-gen Venue and commenced bookings for the compact SUV, with prices set to be disclosed on November 4. The new Venue sports a fully overhauled design and a more upmarket interior over the existing model. Let's take a look at everything that separates the old and new Venue. Hyundai Venue new vs old exterior design New Venue is taller and wider. At 3995mm in length, 1800mm in width, and 1665mm in height, the new Venue is 48mm taller and 30mm wider than the current model. The latter is mostly due to the new Venue’s boxy flared fenders, which lend it a distinctive appearance. It’s also grown by 20mm in the wheelbase department (2,520mm), which, when combined with the height bump, should make for greater interior space. Other notable styling differentiators on the new Venue include a thoroughly redesigned fascia, which incorporates an LED light bar with L-shaped DRLs extending into the main headlight units, a bonnet-mounted ...

Kawasaki has taken the wraps off the all-new Z650 S for 2026, which, for now, joins the standard version of the popular middleweight naked in the manufacturer’s line-up. New Z900-inspired styling with revised bodywork 4.3-inch TFT display with smartphone connectivity Revised ergonomics with wider handlebar and repositioned footpegs 2026 Kawasaki Z650 S details Offers revised ergonomics and refreshed styling. The Z650 S introduces significant styling changes compared to the standard Z650, with nearly all-new bodywork. For starters, it borrows the three-lamp LED headlight from the Z900, giving it a sharper, more aggressive look. The front end also looks more beefier thanks to the redesigned tank shrouds that extend towards the radiator. Ergonomic changes are also significant, starting with a new handlebar that's 30mm wider than the standard Z650, which, along with repositioned footpegs, should result in a noticeably altered riding triangle. Kawasaki has not updated its offi...

Hyundai has released the first official pictures of the second-generation Venue, showing the full exterior and interior of the new compact SUV. Price announcement for the new Venue is scheduled for November 4, and the company has already commenced bookings for a token amount of Rs 25,000. The new Venue carries forward the three engine options of its predecessor, but gets a completely overhauled design and a more premium interior with lots of new features. New Venue is marginally larger than its predecessor Interior gets new twin 12.3-inch curved infotainment displays Gets both petrol and diesel engine options New Hyundai Venue exterior design The new Venue cuts a striking figure with sharp character lines, full-width LED light bars and lots of chunky body cladding for the all-important SUV aesthetics. The fascia is defined by an edge-to-edge LED light bar that drops down into the main, quad-beam LED headlamp cluster, somewhat resembling inverted horns. It also gets a wide, rect...

Bajaj appears to be working on a next-generation version of the Chetak, which could be launched in early 2026.  Refreshed Styling Appears to be using a hub-mounted motor Could be a more affordable variant Upcoming Bajaj Chetak The spied scooter has a refreshed design when compared to the current generation of the Chetak. At the front, we can see the LED headlight with Chetak lettering integrated into it. The indicators which are seen on the front apron in the current model are moved to the handlebar section. The side panels are fully camouflaged, but we expect to see new graphics, colours and other minor styling tweaks.     The rear section is also new while maintaining a familiar silhouette. It gets a single taillight unit which appears to house the brake lights and LED turn indicators. Additionally, the number plate holder looks new and we also see a rear tyre hugger. The bike gets a telescopic front fork, and twin rear shocks. Other changes we can see inc...

Toyota will turn its Century nameplate, associated with a high-end sedan and SUV in select car markets, into a standalone brand to take over the reins from its current luxury flagship, Lexus. It’ll exist in “a class of its own”, Toyota chairman Akio Toyoda said while explaining his decision to elevate the Century’s role within the brand hierarchy while speaking at a panel discussion ahead of the 2025 Japan Mobility Show. Lexus should “go above and beyond” in its upper segments, he added.  Until now, Century’s identity was somewhat undefined: Toyoda  Century sedan and SUV were first introduced in 1967 and 2023, respectively Century’s current and future line-up As mentioned above, Century currently sells a sedan and an SUV, which were first introduced in 1967 and 2023, respectively. Recently, Century took the wraps off its One of One concept, which could give birth to a luxury coupe with raised ground clearance. Century has also experimented with custom builds in the pa...

What engine does the KTM 250 Adventure use and what are the power figures? The bike uses the same engine from the 250 Duke which is a 249.07cc, single-cyl, liquid-cooled unit producing 31hp at 9,250rpm and a peak torque of 25Nm at 7,250rpm. What is the fuel tank capacity and mileage of the KTM 250 Adventure? The bike has a fuel tank capacity of 14.5 litres. In our efficiency tests, we achieved a fuel economy figure of 34.26kpl in the city and 39.22kpl on the highway. With this, the average efficiency works out to 36.74kpl. Riders should be able to get a riding range of between 450-500 kilometres on a full tank. What colour options are available on the KTM 250 Adventure? The bike is available with the option of two colour schemes: Electronic Orange and Ceramic White.   What features does the KTM 250 Adventure get? The bike gets a 5-inch colour TFT display, same as what we see on the 390 Adventure. It features electronic aids like 3 riding modes, switchable ABS, and a bi-...

What are you driving and why? I’ve got a Lamborghini Huracan Tecnica for the weekends – nothing beats that raw, connected feel – and a Bentley Bentayga for daily runs. It’s the perfect mix of power, comfort and presence. What’s next on your wish list? It’s a toss-up between the Ferrari Purosangue and the Lamborghini Revuelto ; basically, anything that keeps the glorious V12 alive gets my heart racing. The most fun you’ve had in a car? The most fun I’ve ever had was driving a Formula car on the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya — an unforgettable rush of adrenaline and joy. Dream money-no-object car Koenigsegg Jesko — pure, unapologetic engineering madness with soul. It’s everything a dream should be. Who is your all-time greatest motorsport hero? Michael Schumacher, without a doubt. His focus, drive and dominance defined an era. He wasn’t just fast, he was relentless. Favourite road? The drive from Lake Akaroa to Franz Josef Glacier in New Zealand – a journey that takes you...

KTM’s 250 Adventure has long played second fiddle to the more powerful and better-equipped 390, but for 2025, this entry-level ADV gets a significant upgrade, borrowing not just the engine from the new-gen 250 Duke but also getting a host of premium features. With the recent GST price cuts, the 250 Adventure now costs Rs 8,000 less than its predecessor which makes it even more accessible. Now standing as a more rounded package, is this the best beginner ADV out there? KTM 250 Adventure d esign and quality - 8/10 You get big bike looks at a more affordable price tag If road presence matters to you, the 250 Adventure delivers in spades. It shares all of its bodywork with the larger 390 Adventure X , and that lends it a proper big-bike look. The tall stance and clean-cut body panels give it a premium visual edge. The 250 Adventure wears its proportions well, and nothing about it feels entry-level. The tall windscreen is great on a cold day and not so great on a hot day. The switch...

Tata is going to resurrect the iconic Sierra nameplate after decades, with its launch set for next month. The 2025 SUV is built on an advanced platform and packs modern features and multiple powertrain options. If you are interested in the new Tata Sierra , here are five things you should know about it. 1. What is the expected price of the Tata Sierra? May start at Rs 11 lakh. We expect the upcoming Sierra to be priced in the Rs 11 lakh-20 lakh range, ex-showroom. If that holds, the SUV would occupy a spot between the  Curvv  (Rs 9.66 lakh-18.85 lakh) and the  Tata Harrier (Rs 14 lakh-25.25 lakh). 2. What powertrains will the Tata Sierra offer? Electric, diesel and petrol. On the ICE front, a trio of 1.5-litre engines is likely to be offered with the Sierra – naturally aspirated, direct-injection turbo-petrol and diesel. Reportedly, the turbo-petrol motor could later be introduced with the Harrier and even the Safari SUV flagship. Stellantis is also exploring t...