VR Tech Times

In a segment as fiercely contested as sub-4-metre SUVs, standing out is no easy task. Yet, the Skoda Kylaq manages to do just that. With a bold design, feature-packed interiors, and a price point that epitomises value, the Kylaq is every bit the game-changer Skoda intended it to be. Despite being Skoda’s first foray into the sub-4-metre segment, the Kylaq is poised to be a game changer in the Indian market.  Design That Turns Heads At first glance, the Kylaq’s modern design language immediately catches the eye. Its sharp LED headlamps, bold grille, and clean lines lend it a confident stance, while its compact dimensions make it a perfect companion for city streets. But this beauty isn’t just skin-deep. Power Meets Practicality  Under the bonnet lies Skoda’s punchy 1.0-litre TSI engine, paired with a refined torque converter automatic gearbox. This powertrain delivers an exhilarating drive, whether you’re zipping through city traffic or cruising on the open road.  I...

Introduced by the government last year, the Bharat New Car Assessment Programme (BNCAP) has taken over the responsibility from Global NCAP to conduct crash tests and award scores to cars sold in the country. It hopes this would help buyers make an informed purchase decision. Since its inception on October 1, 2023, BNCAP has tested twelve vehicles, primarily SUVs. Below are the results of these tests, detailing how each SUV performed in them. 1. Hyundai Tucson The Tucson was the latest and first Hyundai car tested by BNCAP last month. Its five-star ratings in AOP and COP translated to 30.84 and 41 points, respectively. Available with petrol and diesel engines, only the former was crash-assessed, to which the scores apply. Regarding standard equipment, the SUV gets six airbags, ESC, three-point seatbelts with alarms, and ISOFIX anchorages for rear outboard seats. 2. Mahindra Thar Roxx The five-star rating for the Mahindra Thar Roxx consisted of AOP and COP scores of 31.09 and 45, ...

In 2024, Hyundai focussed on updating its existing line-up. Among the major updates were the Creta facelift and the refreshed Alcazar. However, 2025 will see the introduction of at least one all-new model, along with Hyundai’s first mass-market EV. Read on to know which new Hyundais are expected next year. Hyundai Creta EV Computer generated image by Potdar Design. Prices for the all-electric version of the Hyundai Creta will be announced on January 17, when the EV is shown at the Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2025. The Creta EV will challenge the Maruti e Vitara, Tata Curvv EV, and Mahindra’s BE 6e when it arrives in the market. Powering the all-electric Creta will be a 45kWh battery pack, expected to go about 400km on the MIDC cycle. The battery will send power to a front axle-mounted motor that makes 138hp and 255Nm. In terms of design, it’ll look like an electric version of the Creta, with a closed-off ‘grille’ and new aero-optimised alloy wheels.  Spy shots of test mules ...

Hero Electric, a once leading Indian electric two-wheeler manufacturer, has been admitted to insolvency proceedings following a petition filed by Metro Tyres over unpaid dues amounting to Rs 1.85 crore. A Delhi bench of the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) initiated the process under the provisions of India’s Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC), suspending Hero Electric’s board and appointing Bhoopesh Gupta as the interim resolution professional to oversee the company’s operations, according to PTI. Hero Electric case details The case stems from Hero Electric’s purchase of tyres and tubes worth Rs 3.69 crore from Metro Tyres between August and December 2022, of which Rs 1.85 crore remained unpaid. Metro Tyres alleged that repeated requests for payment were met with resistance, with Hero Electric citing quality issues, such as tread separation, bubbles, and air leakage, in certain tyres as justification for withholding the dues. In its ruling, the NCLT rejected Hero Electric’s ...

The MG Cyberster electric sports car is set for launch in January 2025. Currently on sale abroad, the Cyberster will be MG India’s first product to be sold from its Select showrooms. While we recently reported on its official battery specifications and range , MG has now dropped a hint on the EV’s colour options in a box sent to us.   Cyberster is MG’s first-ever sports car with an electric powertrain It will arrive here in top-spec 77kWh varaint After the Cyberster, MG Mifa 9 will be launched in India  Initially, 12 MG Select outlets to sell EVs, PHEVs and strong hybrids MG Cyberster colour palette Upon its launch in India, the 2025 Cyberster will be sold in four colours, similar to what is offered in markets like Malaysia - red, grey, white and yellow. The actual nomenclature for these paints differs depending on the regions where MG sells the car and it is expected to announce the same here shortly.  In Europe, however, a total of six colours are avail...

According to an exchange filing, Ola Electric Mobility Ltd’s Chief Technology Officer Suvonil Chatterjee and Chief Marketing Officer Anshul Khandelwal have resigned.   Ola Electric CTO, CMO resignation details According to his LinkedIn profile, Chatterjee joined Ola in 2017 as head of design and became Ola Electric’s CTO in November 2022. Before joining Ola, Chatterjee worked with companies such as Flipkart, Housing.com and Unacademy.   Khandelwal joined Ola in 2018 as Head of marketing and revenue of its food delivery arm subsidiary Foodpanda. He became the head of marketing at Ola Electric in May 2022. Before Ola, Khandelwal worked with BlueStone.com, 3M India and UpGrad.com. Both the resignations were effective December 27, the company noted. The reason for resignation is mentioned as personal reasons. The resignations come at a time when Ola Electric is planning to move its electric scooters to the new Gen 3 platform. The automaker has also expanded its serv...

Having brought out the fourth-gen Swift hatchback and Dzire compact sedan in 2024, Maruti Suzuki is planning to expand its SUV portfolio next year. The Japanese brand will be introducing at least two new SUVs, with petrol, strong hybrid and EV powertrain options. Read on to know which two models Maruti will launch in India in 2025. Maruti e Vitara Maruti’s first EV, the e Vitara, is the production-spec version of the eVX concept. It retains most of the concept’s design on the inside and outside, but some design details have been toned down for the production model. It is expected to launch in March 2025 and priced in the Rs 20 lakh-30 lakh bracket. The Maruti e Vitara will come with two battery pack options, but what will make the EV unique at this price point, though, is the option of an AWD variant, at least in the top-spec. The entry-level version will get a 49kWh battery pack powering a 144hp motor on the front axle, while the 61kWh battery pack will get a 174hp motor. The AWD ...

HillTop is a venue best known for hosting music acts with punchy basslines and some of the best electronic music artists from all around the world. While you might be under the impression that a motorcycling festival would be out of place at the venue, it wasn’t, primarily because of the common element across all of these events: passion. The event in question is TVS’ MotoSoul, and quite honestly, it was a pleasant surprise. I prepared myself mentally for what I expected from an Indian motorcycle festival: sun, dust, and engines being abused as though they owed someone money. While the sun was indeed present and the ground was carpeted to control the dust, there wasn’t any abuse of engines—instead, there was the birth of a new engine. A secret that was kept very well under wraps was the new RT-XD4, a brand new 300cc mill. Featuring both air/oil cooling, the single-cylinder engine makes 35 hp at 9,000 rpm and 28.5 Nm at 7,000 rpm. But what’s worth mentioning is that it has a flat torq...

Beating a Porsche on the legendary Nürburgring is no mean feat, especially when the Porsche in question is the Cayenne Turbo GT Coupé. But the 2025 Audi RS Q8 Performance did just that. A full-size SUV with 640hp and enough tech for an Engineering Explained video, the RS Q8 Performance might look like a standard Q8 with some blacked-out bits, but that’s the kind of thought that will have you gasping at its performance. We had it for a whole day on a race track and in the Spanish countryside to see what all is new and how much of a difference it has made. 2024 Audi RS Q8 exterior design  On the face of it, the RS Q8 Performance continues with stern expressions and almost no emotion. There is no smiling grille or angry air vents; it’s sleek, sharp and means business. What’s new over the older version are the LED Matrix headlamps with multiple daytime running lights (DRLs) options and a re-profiled grille finished in gloss black with a 3D honeycomb pattern. Wrapped around the gril...

Each year riders from across the nation band together and ride to the sun-soaked coastal state of Goa for IBW. The journey to IBW is often as exciting as the event itself. Bikers from across the country take to the roads, cruising along highways on their beloved machines. As I rode into Goa, the air buzzed with anticipation. The main entrance to the venue is a rather dusty one and you’re sure to be covered in dust even before you make it all the way inside. Once you’re in, there's a whole host of motorcycles on display both by manufacturers and custom designs by various individuals.  This year didn’t see too many companies showcase their products with KTM and their lineup being the highlight of this year’s event. KTM also showcased the highly anticipated 390 Adventure S and the 390 Enduro R. Both these new models as well as KTM’s big bike and dirt bike lineups had people swarming the KTM stands. Unfortunately, there were no other launches or any significant announcements apart f...

From “The Perfect SUV” to “Undisputed. Ultimate.” The Creta’s positioning statements might seem pompous, but based on its stellar sales performance, Hyundai has every right to boast. Competitors have come and gone, yet the Creta continues to stand tall with demand growing from strength to strength. A lot has been documented in our reviews and comparisons on the good and not-so-good bits of the Creta 1.5 Petrol IVT. So, in this long-term report, I’ll keep the focus on my Mumbai-Goa-Mumbai drive experience, a round trip of about 1,200km. I started my journey at the break of dawn, and the fastest route suggested by the Creta’s on-board maps was NH66, commonly known as the “old Mumbai-Goa highway”. I had forgotten to carry my phone charger, and because the Creta lacked wireless smartphone integration, I had to rely on its in-built navigation throughout. I must say I was pleasantly surprised with its accuracy and the detailed guidance it provided. I particularly appreciated it when it cl...

TVS recently overhauled its bestseller, the Jupiter 110, and now this scooter shares a lot of its fundamentals with the 125, while also packing in some new tech. Here are the mileage numbers we achieved in our real-world tests with the new Jupiter 110.  TVS Jupiter 110 real-world fuel efficiency As is our custom, we started by running the Jupiter 110 on the highway for just over 54km, after which it took just 0.95 litres of fuel, thus achieving an impressive 57.90kpl mileage figure. Once that test was completed, we headed to the urban confines of Mumbai city, running the smaller Jupiter for a little under 50km. After that, it took 0.82 litres of fuel, which meant it returned 56.95kpl.  TVS Jupiter 110 fuel-economy analysis The 113cc motor found in the Jupiter 110 is actually a sleeved-down version of the Jupiter 125’s engine and is rated for 8hp and 9.8Nm of torque. Of which 0.6Nm comes from the Integrated Starter Generator (ISG), which gives you a small acceleration boos...

Buying a car is a dream for many. A new car brings with it the joy of driving your family for a weekend getaway, enjoying the freedom to explore new places, or simply avoiding the hassle of public transport. Owning a vehicle has now become a necessity for many — cars are no longer just for the affluent but are a must-have for convenience, mobility, and comfort. If you’re thinking about buying a new car, you may want to explore the Maruti Suzuki Ertiga for its reliability, affordability, and comfort. As one of the most popular and trusted brands in India, Maruti Suzuki has long been known for offering affordable, reliable, and fuel-efficient vehicles. And when it comes to family cars, the Maruti Suzuki Ertiga stands out. This multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) is ideal for families, providing ample space, great comfort, and impressive features, making it perfect for long road trips or daily commutes. However, just like any other big purchase, financing is an important factor to consider. Her...

Also see:  Hyundai Exter long term review, 6,000km report Hyundai Exter long term review; 5,000km report from Autocar India https://ift.tt/Arvq5Gj