VR Tech Times

New launches in the first month of FY2025 was all about keeping up with trends with new SUVs and Dark Edition models, but May 2025 is going to see launches of several other body styles. There’s an all-new MPV in the pipeline, two new hatchbacks and even an electric convertible sportscar. Without further ado, let’s take a closer look at all the new car launches lined up for May 2025. New Kia Carens – May 8 Will be sold alongside existing Carens  The first new model to arrive next month will be an updated Carens MPV . Interestingly, what is essentially a facelift for the Carens will be sold alongside the existing model, albeit at a premium, much like Honda does with the Amaze. It will be a comprehensive update, with spy shots hinting at a more SUV-esque stance and new lighting signatures inspired by Kia’s global EVs. The interior is also expected to be more premium, and get a new dashboard and more features. It remains to be seen if all three engine options of the existing Car...

The new-gen Mercedes-AMG GT 63 4Matic+ and the even more performance-focused AMG GT 63 Pro 4Matic+ are set to launch in India on June 27. Mercedes India had announced in January this year that it would launch a total of 8 models during 2025, and the launch of these performance models would mark the company’s 4th and 5th, respectively, after the G Class electric , EQS SUV 450 , and the Maybach SL 680 . The launch will also mark the return of AMG's flagship to India after a 5-year period, after the first-gen model was discontinued in 2020.  Mercedes-AMG GT 63 gets 585hp, 800Nm V8 Mercedes-AMG AMG GT 63 Pro gets 612hp, 850Nm V8 Both models likely to be priced above Rs 3 crore, ex-showroom New Mercedes-AMG GT 63 India details Second-gen AMG GT 63 larger, more practical and more powerful than first-gen model The second-gen AMG GT was revealed in August 2023 – Mercedes usually brings new cars to India in a quicker time frame – and it came with a raft of changes over the first...

Usually, higher performance will make a rather big ask of your wallet but if you are on the lookout for a respectable level of performance, here we have a list of properly quick five bikes under the Rs 3 lakh mark.  All prices ex-showroom Delhi.  5 Bajaj Pulsar NS400Z - 40hp  Rs 1.81 lakh The Pulsar NS400Z is the epitome of bang for buck performance today in India. It is powered by the older 373cc mill and its peak output stands at 40hp and 35Nm. While its cycle parts are on the budget end, the Pulsar NS400Z is nonetheless a very impressive motorcycle, especially at its cutthroat price point.  4 RE Guerrilla 450 40hp  Rs 2.39 lakh - Rs 2.54 lakh  The Guerrilla 450 is a 450cc roadster imagined by Royal Enfield  and it is powered by the same Sherpa 450 mill making 40hp and 40Nm (the highest torque figure on this list) as the Himalayan but it is much lighter, at 181kg, and runs on 17-inch alloy wheels. And speaking of the Himalayan, that is al...

Citroen has officially unveiled the second-generation C5 Aircross SUV with new hybrid and all-electric powertrain options. The new C5 Aircross is larger than its predecessor, retains much of the concept’s design that was showcased in October 2024, and comes with much greater focus on back seat comfort. The C5 Aircross is the currently the flagship model in Citroen’s global range. New C5 Aicross gets design elements from Oli concept New all-electric C5 Aircross has range of up to 680km Deliveries in Europe to begin in second half of 2025 2025 Citroen C5 Aircross exterior design Production model looks largely the same as the concept What’s really impressive about the new C5 Aircross is that it looks very close to the concept that previewed it. Drawing some influences from the  Citroen Oli concept , the C5 Aircross features a mix of both sharp lines and smooth rounded surfaces. The slim headlamps with the three-piece C-shaped LED DRLs have been retained from the concept. Me...

The third round of our charging time tests , in partnership with Zeon Charging, had four all-electric mid-size SUVs – the Hyundai Creta Electric , Tata Curvv EV , MG ZS EV and the BYD Atto 3 . Each of these EV's charging cycles were analysed by us and Zeon Charging – one of India’s leading providers –  across 10 to 50 sessions per EV, factoring in different times of day, locations and weather conditions. It should also be noted that all sessions were conducted on DC fast chargers capable of delivering speeds well above the vehicle’s maximum charging rate. Here's how long you'll have to wait to fast charge your mid-size e-SUV, and how much range you would get in that span of time. MG ZS EV Rs 18.98 lakh-26.64 lakh The MG ZS EV charges at a peak of 69kW, but the speed gradually declines right from the start. The 20-80 percent charge is still a quick 35 minutes. This translates to about 270km of range added in 35 minutes of DC fast charging, as our ZS EV range te...

Also See: 2025 Skoda Kodiaq video review   from Autocar India https://ift.tt/gmXephJ

Maruti Suzuki chairman R.C. Bhargava has confirmed at the previous earning’s call that all cars from the brand will have 6 airbags as standard before 2025 ends. “We will be having 6 airbags in virtually all our cars this year,” he said. “So from the safety point of view, the government was very keen that 6 airbags should be in all cars. We will implement this desire of the government and that will help us,” Maruti’s chairman explained. Maruti Baleno and Fronx only get 6 airbags on higher variants Maruti Ertiga, XL6, Ignis, S-Presso prices to increase with 6 airbags update 6 airbags announcement indicates Maruti’s increased focus on safety Maruti cars without 6 airbags standards 6 airbags update to increase prices of 6 more Maruti cars The Alto K10 is currently the most affordable car with 6 airbags Maruti Suzuki has been upgrading its line-up with 6 airbags, with the most recent recipients being the Eeco , Wagon R , Alto K10 , Brezza , and Celerio , all of which came this ...

Royal Enfield launched the updated Hunter 350 at the inaugural edition of its new Hunterhood festival. This marks the first ever update to this affordable roadster. For 2025, Royal Enfield has made some crucial changes and we list out all those changes.  Updated Hunter 350 vs 2024 Hunter 350: suspension One of the most significant updates comes in the form of revised rear suspension. Responding to customer feedback about the Hunter’s firm ride, Royal Enfield has replaced the earlier model’s linear shocks with progressive units. At the unveiling, the new setup felt softer but we'll reserve judgement on its performance until we can test it out on our roads. Interestingly, these new shocks are compatible with existing Hunter 350s as well, which means you can fit them to your bike if you so choose.  Complementing the suspension change is a redesigned seat and handlebar. While the seat retains the same profile as before, it now features a different foam density that's claimed...

The Maruti e Vitara ’s launch has been delayed again, with Chairman R.C. Bhargava confirming that deliveries of its electric SUV will begin before the end of September. When the e Vitara made its India debut at Auto Expo 2025 , Maruti’s first EV was expected to go on sale in March, which means that the launch has been delayed by about 6 months. Maruti e Vitara price reveal by September 2025 Bulk of this year’s e Vitara production earmarked for export E Vitara to rival Mahindra BE 6, Tata Curvv EV, MG ZS EV Why the Maruti e Vitara is launch delayed First delay of about 5 months was due to battery supply and software issues It should be noted that this is the second major delay in the roll-out of the Maruti e Vitara. We had exclusively reported last year that the start of production of the e-SUV had been postponed by at least 5 months due to multiple battery supply and software challenges. These issues pushed the start of production from September 2024 to February 2025. At th...

At the 2025 Spanish GP, Alex Marquez took his maiden win in the premier class, after finishing second in the eight races that have transpired this season. Yamaha’s star rider Fabio Quartararo, who was the polesitter, finished second to take his first podium in nearly two years followed by Francesco Bagnaia in third. Sprint winner Marc Marquez crashed out of the race in its early stages.  Alex Marquez takes first ever MotoGP win Quartararo back on the podium after nearly 2 years All KTM riders inside the top 10   Younger Marquez wins as older one crashes In all but one of the eight races that have been conducted so far in this MotoGP season, Alex Marquez has finished second, usually behind his brother Marc. However, the 2025 Spanish GP was a completely different story as Marc crashed out of the race in its opening laps. Alex then quickly overtook Fabio and stayed in the lead all throughout the race. This is the younger Marquez brother’s first-ever victory in MotoGP and ...

"Short-term pain, long-term gain” is the chant in my head these days. No, I haven’t taken to heavy gymming. I’m just your average road user in Mumbai. You see, the city is amidst a large-scale surface concretisation drive, with authorities promising pothole-free roads in the not-too-distant future. The trouble is, they are seemingly tackling every road in the city – all at once. The city’s a mess, to put it politely. What’s not barricaded is broken. And this is precisely why the Skoda Slavia ’s 179mm of ground clearance is a figure not lost on me. Ample clearance allows Slavia to tackle crater-sized potholes and giant speed breakers with ease. My short commute to work has been reduced to an obstacle course with three particularly bad sections that would catch out your regular sedan. But there are no such problems with the Slavia, which clears the nastiest of surfaces with ease. It rounds off the bumps well, and there’s a robustness to the suspension that shines through when t...

I have a budget of Rs 20 lakhs and I have 2 options. One is the Honda CBR650R and the other one is the Aprilia RS 457. Which one should I go for Chaithanya, Anantapur Autocar India says: With your budget you could go for much more expensive bikes than those two, including something like a Suzuki Hayabusa . However, since you have mentioned these two, our recommendation between them would be the Honda. While it does cost more than double of the Aprilia, it also offers about double the performance and it will feel like a more special motorcycle with its inline four engine.  Moreover, the Honda CBR650R has built a solid reputation for reliability, reasonable running costs and great resale value. As for the Aprilia, there have recently been some troubling engine reliability issues being raised by owners of the RS and we would advise waiting to see how Aprilia India handles the situation. Also See: Honda CB650R, CBR650R relaunched Aprilia RS 457 road test, review from Autoca...

Our second batch of charging time tests , in partnership with Zeon Charging, saw the popular MG Windsor EV go up against its primary rivals, the Tata Nexon EV MR, Nexon EV LR and the Mahindra XUV400 . Without further ado, here's how quickly their respective batteries charge on a DC fast charger and how many kilometres of range does that translate to.  Tata Nexon EV MR Rs 12.49 lakh-14.79 lakh The Tata Nexon EV Medium Range version charges at an average speed of 21kW. A noticeable decline is seen beyond 88 percent SoC, continuing until the battery is fully charged. Tata Nexon EV MR factfile Battery 30.2kWh Output 129hp/215Nm ARAI range 275km Tested range - Claimed charging time (10-80%) 56min Tested charging time (20-80%) 60min Tata Nexon EV 45 Rs 13.99 lakh-16.99 lakh The Tata Nexon EV 45, which shares its battery with the Curvv EV 45, reaches peak charging speeds of 60kW. It has a stepped decline but still charges f...

My budget is around Rs 13 lakh-15 lakh, and I want a top-of-the-line petrol automatic sedan to replace my 14-year-old Maruti Dzire. I want to use the car for a long term, both in the city and on the highway. Parth Chevli, Surat Autocar India says : Given your budget of Rs 13 lakh-15 lakh and the need for a long-term upgrade, the Skoda Slavia and Volkswagen Virtus are excellent choices. Both are solid, spacious and well-engineered sedans that offer a significant step up in performance, comfort and safety. For everyday use, the 1.0 TSI variant is the better pick – it’s more affordable, fuel-efficient, and delivers a punchy yet refined driving experience. If you prioritise performance, the 1.5 TSI variant offers noticeably more power, but of course, it comes at a higher price point. Both sedans have well-sorted dynamics, a planted feel and strong safety ratings, making them great on the highway. They also offer modern features, comfortable cabins, and a more premium feel compared to...