VR Tech Times

Also see: Tata Harrier petrol review: Replacement for displacement Tata Safari petrol review: Does size matter? from Autocar India https://ift.tt/16uDZmj

Think of a Tata Safari and instantly an image of a tall, large and imposing SUV comes to mind, probably also accompanied by a soundtrack of diesel clatter. The Safari has always been predominantly diesel-oriented – the first generation did get a petrol but found few takers. A diesel is still what buyers in this segment prefer, but petrol power is gaining market share. Tata says the large three-row SUV is no longer just for those who pile in the entire family and head across the country. More and more urban buyers want that imposing stance and demand refinement and performance. Not to mention the 10-year ban on diesels in Delhi NCR that is pushing more people towards petrol. So, the question is, can this 1.5-litre Hyperion turbo-petrol engine do justice in the large Safari? We drove it around Delhi to find out.  Tata Safari petrol: exterior design and engineering – 9/10 The exterior is identical to the diesel, however the overall design looks smart.   x On the outside...

The TVS Apache RTX makes use of the new RT-XD4 engine, which was first unveiled at MotoSoul 2024. This engine is paired with a 6-speed gearbox and comes equipped with a bidirectional quickshifter. Here is what our performance tests revealed. TVS Apache RTX: Acceleration Testing of the RTX was conducted on a dry road during the winter season. Acceleration Apache RTX 0-60kph 3.41s 0-80kph 5.23s 0-100kph 7.95s For a clean launch off the line, we switched off the Traction Control system. The acceleration is potent from the get-go, and the tyres provided adequate grip. While the quickshifter works well during cruising, we switched it off to achieved the quickest run. The clutch action is fairly light and gearshifts are slick. The bike was kept in Rally mode for this acceleration test and it achieved the 0-100kph run in under 8 seconds. TVS Apache RTX: Roll-on acceleration The RT-XD4,   299.1cc, single-cylinder engine makes  36hp at 9,0...

We have finally sampled the Maruti e Vitara on Indian roads, but before we proceed further, here are a few key things to keep in mind. Maruti Suzuki hasn’t shared any technical details, specifications, or a features list yet, so much of our review is based on what we could gather from our drive of the e Vitara in the UK, along with some assumptions.  It should also be noted that the e Vitara price list will only be announced early next year, so how it stacks up against rivals like the Hyundai Creta Electric , Tata Curvv EV , MG Windsor , Mahindra BE 6 and Vinfast VF6 is yet to be seen. Without much further ado, here are the pros and cons of the Maruti EV. Pros Smooth and manageable power delivery Our test car was likely the e Vitara Delta variant, which pairs a 174hp front-wheel-drive motor with a 61kWh battery. Off the line, the e Vitara doesn’t deliver the kind of neck-snapping shove typical of EVs. Instead, acceleration is smooth and linear. The conservative tuning cou...

Following our initial review of the new Apache RTX in the mountains, it was evident that TVS had come up with something special, but there were still some important questions that needed answering. Now that we’ve got the bike for a full review in Mumbai we can finally address those points. TVS Apache RTX Engine and performance 8/10 Smoother than the previous 310 and with good city/highway performance The biggest question was how the new 299cc liquid-cooled engine handles life in the city and copes out on the highway. Making 36hp and 28.5Nm, the power output is at a similar level to the 310cc TVS/BMW motor it replaces, but refinement has taken a big step forward. Handlebar vibrations are isolated well and you’ll only feel a tingle in the footpeg and fuel tank area at high revs. It has a gruff feel, but overall refinement is as good as, if not better than most of the big single cylinder competition and no longer a cause for concern. The bike can comfortably sit at 100-120kph ...

It has been over three years since Volkswagen launched the Virtus, and over four years since the Taigun reached showrooms. Although the two models constitute the bulk of VW’s overall sales in India, they have not received any significant updates since making their debut. This is set to change in 2026 as Volkswagen plans to not only facelift the Virtus and Taigun but also launch an all-new SUV called the Tayron. Here is what we know so far about Volkswagen’s upcoming models for India. Volkswagen Tayron (Launch in H1 2026) Price: Rs 45 lakh to Rs 50 lakh (est.), Engine: 2.0L petrol International-spec Volkswagen Tayron shown for representational purposes. The Tayron will mark Volkswagen’s re-entry into the three-row premium SUV space, replacing the Tiguan Allspace, which was discontinued a while ago. It will be locally assembled from CKD kits at VW’s Aurangabad facility and is expected to be positioned below the Tiguan R-Line in terms of pricing. The Tayron will be powered b...

We recently had a chance to speak to Aprilia Racing CEO, Massimo Rivola, on the 2025 MotoGP season, the company’s best performance in the championship so far, Jorge Martin’s lacklustre season and more. Read on to hear Rivola’s thoughts on everything motorcycle racing. Q: Big congratulations on finishing second in the constructors' Championship and third in the Riders' Championship. That's a pretty big leap when you compare it to Aprilia’s previous results in MotoGP. Rivola: Yeah, that's true, but at the end when you finish second in the Constructors' Championship, it means you are the first of the losers, so it's not the target. The target is to be the first one overall on the proper championship, not the one of the losers. For sure, the target we have is quite clear. I don't think we should compare to our position four or five years ago, because at the end the company grew a lot. Piaggio Group invested a lot in Aprilia Racing, and we became a factory te...

The Kia Carens Clavis is a refreshed version of the Carens MPV it succeeds, offered with a wide range of powertrains - a 1.5 turbo-petrol with manual, clutch pedal-less manual and dual-clutch automatic options; a 1.5 diesel with manual and automatic gearboxes; and an entry-level 1.5 petrol paired exclusively with a 6-speed manual. It’s this last variant that delivers the strongest value in the Clavis lineup, and it’s the one we’re focusing on here. Kia Carens Clavis petrol design and engineering - 8/10 It’s a smartly styled MPV although its small wheels look disproportionate. Gloss black 15-inch wheels look too disproportionate on an otherwise stylish MPV. The Clavis’ retains its MPV-like silhouette, although its cleaned up styling certainly looks a lot more modern now. The HTE (O) variant of our test car misses LED DRLs or the connected LED tail lamps, but it still gets contrasting skid plates on its bumper, a roof spoiler, as well as 15-inch gloss-black alloys. The latter h...

2025 has been an important year for Skoda India , marked by the launch of two new-generation models in the form of the Kodiaq premium SUV and the Octavia RS performance sedan. But to balance its portfolio at the other end – the mass-market segment – Skoda is lining up facelifts for the Kushaq and Slavia next year. Notably, both midsize models are set to receive major updates since their respective launches in 2021 and 2022. Skoda Kushaq facelift Expected launch: Q1 2026; estimated price: Rs 11 lakh-18 lakh Recent spy shots suggest minor front and rear updates, with the possibility of full-length LED light bars. As for the interior, not much has been revealed, but slight changes to trims, materials and colours can be expected. Skoda’s answer to rivals like the Hyundai Creta , Tata Sierra and Maruti Grand Vitara is also expected to get a segment-first rear-seat massage function , along with new graphics for the digital driver’s display and touchscreen next year. Current Skod...