VR Tech Times

Maruti Suzuki has introduced the Victoris SUV as the new flagship product for its Arena outlets. It is based on the Grand Vitara , sharing the platform and all the powertrain options, but Maruti Suzuki has done well to give the Victoris a completely different look, both on the outside and inside. In fact, there are more differences between the Victoris and the Grand Vitara than the latter has with its Toyota sibling, the Urban Cruiser Hyryder . So, without further ado, let’s take a closer look at the finer details. Maruti Victoris vs Grand Vitara exterior design Based on the Global C platform, the Victoris and Grand Vitara are nearly identical in terms of size. At 4360mm in length, 1795mm in width and 1655mm in height, the Victoris is only 15mm longer and 10mm taller; the wheelbase is also identical at 2600mm. Maruti Victoris vs Grand Vitara front quarter But beyond that, the Victoris has an identity of its own. It hasn’t adopted the split headlamp arrangement which has a...

Following the launch of the Tesla Model Y in July, the American EV maker has garnered 600 bookings for the crossover in India and will commence deliveries this month. The Model Y India deliveries will initially be limited to Delhi, Mumbai, Gurugram, and Pune. Tesla Model Y India bookings and deliveries details Model Y bookings didn’t meet Tesla’s expectations. So far, Tesla has received 600 bookings for the Model Y in India, of which the company reportedly expects to deliver 350–500 units. According to a recent Bloomberg report , this falls quite short of Tesla’s internal projections of saturating its annual quota of 2,500 units in India. For reference, Tesla delivers roughly the same number of units in global markets every four hours. High tariffs on CBUs severely hampered Model Y’s affordability in India. The sluggish sales pace is likely a consequence of the Tesla Model Y price in India , which starts at a lofty Rs 59.89 lakh due to high taxation on CBU (completely built un...

The Royal Enfield Goan Classic 350 – as the name suggests – is based on the Classic 350 but distinguishes itself by means of its wheel size, colour palette, handlebar, rider ergonomics, and superior finish levels, while retaining the tried-and-tested J-series 350cc engine. Here are 3 reasons why you should consider this retro-bobber from Royal Enfield 1. Design, colour palette Design is one of the most prominent aspects that set the Goan Classic apart from the standard model. Beginning at the front, it sports retro-inspired whitewall tyres—an exceedingly rare feature on motorcycles available today the Goan Classic trades the Classic's handlebar for tall ape-hanger bars that put your arms almost straight and in line with your shoulders The Goan Classic’s colour palette is bold and unconventional, perfectly suited to riders who enjoy making a statement with their machines. Buyers can choose from four distinct paint options. 2. Uniqueness without compromises The Goan Classic...

As indicated earlier the Indian government has reduced tax rates on certain classes of cars and motobikes. Petrol , diesel and hybrid cars previously taxed at 28 percent will now attract only 18 percent GST, provided they fall within the current small car definition: those which are below 4 metres in length and are equipped with smaller than 1,200cc petrol engines or below 1,500cc diesel engines.  Motorcycles with engine capacity below 350cc will also see a tax drop from 28 percent to 18 percent.  The tax reduction on small cars and small capacity motorcycles will definitely be a boost to the automobile sector that has been looking forward to stimulus to accelerate growth. Large cars will also see some benefit as the earlier the tax structure had a 28 percent GST plus cess (depending on the powertrain), which took the effective tax rate to 48-50 percent. These cars will now attract only a GST amount of 40 percent, regardless of the powertrain. Large capacity bikes to co...

The Tracker package gives the BMW R 12 nineT a strong stance with a short rear section, a cockpit fairing, and striking number plates to complete the look.  New accessory package  A bold Flat Tracker look Rugged customization for the BMW R 12 nineT Fancy an expensive Flat Tracker? Flat track bikes have compact proportions, clean lines, and bold details that create their unique presence. The Tracker accessories package for the BMW R 12 nineT includes a short rear end, a license plate holder (available in black or silver), and multifunctional indicators. At the front, the bike features a cockpit fairing and a distinct front wheel cover. Additionally, a Tacker sticker set is also offered for the number plate panels on either side.   These accessories are also available separately, allowing owners to achieve a high level of customization and personalization when combined with other BMW Motorrad accessories. The tyres and race number 35 shown in the picture are not ...

India’s top four carmakers – Maruti Suzuki , Hyundai , Mahindra , and Tata – all reported a slump in year-on-year (YoY) passenger vehicle sales in August 2025. This synchronal drop came despite the early start of the festival season, which is usually a time when demand picks up. The uncertainty around a possible upcoming cut in Goods and Services Tax (GST) has been attributed as the reason behind the waning sales. Maruti Suzuki, Hyundai, Tata, and Mahindra sales fell by 7-11.2 percent YoY in August GST cut speculation kept prospective buyers waiting Dealers currently face high inventories; GST cut decision could be harmful either way Maruti Suzuki, Hyundai, Tata, Mahindra sales in August 2025 Maruti sales fell over 8 percent According to a recent sales report from our sister publication Autocar Professional , Maruti Suzuki, which commands a market share of about 50 percent, saw overall domestic sales fall 8.2 percent YoY to 1,31,278 units last month. Maruti’s compact cars, li...

EV sales in August 2025 have seen exponential growth compared to last year. The Vahan portal, which has retail sales data shows 17,298 electric cars were delivered to customers last month, which marks a robust 155 percent YoY increase over August 2024’s 6,787 units. Even compared to July 2025 EV sales of 16,097 units, August’s number is a decent 7.46 percent increase. India’s EV market currently consists of 14 carmakers, and only four of them saw a decrease in sales compared to last year. Tata EV sales increased by 13 percent compared to July 2025 MG EV sales dropped 10 percent compared to July 2025 Citroen, Volvo, Audi and Rolls-Royce see year-on-year EV sales drop Total EV sales in August 2025 India EV sales increased 71 percent in 2025 compared to 2024 EV retail sales in 2025 Month 2025 sales (units) 2024 sales (units) Change (%) January 1,924 8,475 41 February 9,491 7,516 26 March 13,314 9,757 36 April 13,384 7,764 72 May 13,268 7,...

I’m looking at buying my first 350cc bike and am confused between the Royal Enfield Classic 350, Honda CB350, and the Jawa 42 FJ. I want something that’s comfortable in the city but can also handle the occasional 200km highway ride. Which would be best?   Rohit Sharma, Jaipur   Autocar India says: All three are capable machines, but they deliver very different experiences. The Classic 350 is the most relaxed and comfortable, though also the heaviest in feel. The CB350 is smoother, faster with a highly refined engine and strong reliability that’s typically associated with Honda. The Jawa 42 FJ is the liveliest of the lot, thanks to its punchy mid-range and agile chassis, though suspension comfort isn’t its strongest suit.    If you want refinement and reliability, pick the Honda; for a more sporty character and agility, the Jawa is the one. However, if you want an old school torque-dominated riding experience with a slow revving engine, the Classic 350 remain...

On occasion of the Hyundai Creta completing 10 years in the Indian market, the Korean carmaker has launched two new trims – Creta King and Creta King Limited edition – with new features additions. Prices for these top-of-the-line trims start from Rs 17.85 lakh and it is available with all existing powertrain option. Hyundai has also rolled out new features across the regular trims of the Creta and Creta N Line.   from Autocar India https://ift.tt/67LhpH3

Registration of vintage cars and motorcycles has been officially commenced in Uttar Pradesh under a new “vintage” category. The UP transport department has started the facility in line with the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways’ (MoRTH) 2021 notification surrounding vintage vehicle registration , which has been in effect in other states for quite some time. Fees set at Rs 20,000 for new vintage vehicle registration and Rs 5,000 for renewals Vintage vehicles get a unique number plate format They can't be used for daily commutes or commercial purposes UP vintage vehicle registration details Eligibility criteria To qualify, vehicles must be at least 50 years old from the date of first registration after the first sale. They must also retain their original chassis, body shell, and engine without major modifications. The rule applies to two-wheelers and four-wheelers, but not to tractors or other agricultural vehicles. Transport department officials maintain that age alon...

I’m confused between the KTM 390 Adventure and the Adventure X. My riding is mostly on-road with some mild off-roading. Which one should I go for? Rohit Verma, Indore Autocar India says:   Earlier, we would have suggested the top-spec KTM 390 Adventure if you were looking for a feature-loaded ADV -- capable of venturing off-road. But with the recent update , the Adventure X now comes equipped with almost all the electronic aids that were previously exclusive to the standard Adventure — cornering ABS, traction control, ride modes, cruise control, and an IMU — for just an extra Rs 12,000 over the outgoing model. The remaining differences are largely physical: the standard Adventure retains 21-inch spoke wheels and fully adjustable suspension at a premium of over Rs 60,000. For riders who mostly stick to roads and mild trails, and if venturing off-road is not your vehement thought, the Adventure X offers nearly the same electronics and usability at a far more sensible price. Also...

Siddhartha Lal, executive chairman of Eicher Motors and the managing director of Royal Enfield has appealed to policymakers for a uniform 18 percent Goods and Services Tax (GST) across all two-wheelers. Siddhartha Lal points out the shortcomings of a higher tax rate for bikes above 350cc He also highlighted strides the Indian two-wheeler industry has made compared to the US and Europe Raising GST for bikes above 350cc could damage India’s potential to go global 350cc and above class accounts for only 1 percent of total sales This move could potentially hamper India’s global potential and positioning. In a statement posted on his X handle on Saturday, Lal warned that a split tax regime could weaken India’s global leadership in the sector, stall investments and create an opening for foreign competitors. Lal pointed out that motorcycles above 350cc account for just 1 percent of India’s two-wheeler market, and raising GST would generate negligible revenue and contract the segmen...

The 2025 F1 title battle swings in favour of Oscar Piastri, as the Australian won the Dutch GP while his closest rival and McLaren teammate Lando Norris was forced to retire from P2 due to an engine failure. With Norris out of the race, Red Bull’s Max Verstappen secured a strong second place on home soil. Racing Bulls’ Isack Hadjar finished third, securing his maiden F1 podium result. Piastri wins, 1.271 sec ahead of Hamilton Norris out due to engine failure Hamilton handed five-place grid penalty for Monza Dutch GP: Piastri wins as Norris retires Verstappen P2 on home soil Starting from pole position, Piastri made a good start to hold on to the lead. Behind him, Verstappen was up to P2 after overtaking Norris. But Norris did eventually re-take the position and maintained the pressure on his teammate Piastri after two Safety Car periods. Any chance of a battle for victory disappeared on Lap 65/72 as smoke started emerging from Norris’ McLaren. As a result, he was forced to...

Last month, we saw two important new launches from Renault in the mass-market space, while at the premium end of the market, Volvo introduced the new XC60 facelift and Mercedes launched the AMG CLE 53 Coupe . This month, Maruti Suzuki will be unveiling an all-new Arena SUV (the brand’s first new product since the Dzire last November), Vinfast will finally announce prices for the VF6 and the VF7, and Volvo will continue its new product streak with the EX30 electric SUV. Let’s take a closer look at what to expect from each. 1. New Maruti Suzuki Arena SUV September 3 Maruti Suzuki will introduce an all-new 5-seater midsize SUV positioned to take on the likes of the Hyundai Creta and Kia Seltos , but it will be sold through the Arena dealership chain which means it will have a more affordable positioning than the Grand Vitara . Code named the Y17, this new SUV could be called the Victoris upon launch. Spy shots of camouflaged prototypes have hinted at an e-Vitara -inspired desi...

Aprilia India has replaced the SR 160 with the SR 175 in its scooter lineup in a rather hush-hush manner and this scooter debuts a new, larger engine. This is how the biggest air-cooled engine found on a scooter in India today has performed.  Aprilia SR 175 performance tested: acceleration The SR was tested in damp conditions Acceleration 0-40kph 2.76s 0-60kph 5.69s 0-80kph 11.35s The Aprilia SR 175 was tested on a day when it had been raining and the roads were properly wet but at the time of testing, it was dry. If tested in dry conditions, these numbers will in all likelihood be even better. Coming to its performance, the SR’s 174cc air-cooled motor is a punchy one and is more about instant shove than a manic top-end.  This reflects in the 0-40kph and 0-60kph timings where the Aprilia is almost neck and neck with its arch rival, the more powerful and advanced Yamaha Aerox 155. However, once the speeds rise and you cross the 60kph threshold, ...