VR Tech Times

Renault India first launched the Triber in August 2019, followed by its long-overdue facelift in July 2025. Fast forward to February 2026, and Nissan has introduced its version of the Triber, called the Gravite . Apart from a handful of cosmetic differences, the two platform siblings remain largely identical. This also means that Nissan has let a golden opportunity to address the Triber’s known gaps slip by. Let me explain. The Triber, and by extension the Gravite, demonstrate how clever packaging enables three rows of seating within a sub-four-metre MPV footprint. Seat comfort is good, and the second and third rows are equipped with dedicated AC vents. However, USB charging is reserved for the front passengers, despite the strong focus on overall occupant comfort. Another feature that could have boosted the Gravite’s appeal is a 360-degree camera setup, but like its Renault counterpart, it makes do with only a rear camera. And in case you didn’t notice, the new Gravite carries ove...

Recently, Honda expanded its CB1000 platform internationally with the debut of the retro-styled CB1000F. This bike shares a lot of its fundamentals with the CB1000 Hornet but they’ve been retuned for this application. Here’s a comprehensive breakdown of all that’s different between the two CB1000 models. For the purposes of this story, we have considered the base variant of the Hornet, not the higher SP variant, as that is the more direct comparison. Honda CB1000F vs CB1000 Hornet: design and styling CB1000F draws design inspiration from yesteryear Honda bikes The most obvious difference between the two bikes is how they look. The CB1000F draws inspiration from historical Honda models and adopts an uncluttered neo-retro design. With signature design elements like a round headlight, a flowing fuel tank, stepped single-piece seat and a long chromed-out exhaust muffler, the CB1000F is remarkably different from the machine it is based on. On the other hand, the CB1000 Hornet is a t...

A summer fling in a foreign land! That is an apt description for the month-long dalliance I had with the Royal Enfield Classic 650.  For the 30 days that I had it on loan in London, it brought me joy every time I swung my leg over the saddle.  Shiny, as I christened it, was my gleaming and good-natured companion on rides that began at a Victorian-era freshwater well funded by an Indian maharajah and ended with a silent salute to Raja Ram Mohan Roy at 6 am on a London street. In between, we crossed borders and time zones, and rode on roads on which Panzer divisions once rumbled. A bit of Benares in Britain The ride to the Maharajah’s well Soon after Shiny arrived, I headed to Stoke Row in Oxfordshire, 40 miles to the west of London. On the motorway, Shiny was happy to cruise at 70mph (112kph) with me and a pillion on board. For the umpteenth time, I marvelled at how well Royal Enfield has not only mapped the 650 twin-cylinder engine but also mated it so nicely with the 6-...

The Xtreme 160R is Hero ’s entrant in the hotly-contested 150-160cc commuter bike segment in India. Over the years it has gone through different iterations and is available in a total of three variants. Here we’ll break down what each variant offers you and how much it costs. All prices ex-showroom, Delhi Hero Xtreme 160R 4V variant breakdown Single Disc The base variant of the Xtreme 160R lineup was originally the only one on sale and it's the sole one to offer a simpler 2-valve engine. The 163.2cc, air-cooled, single-cylinder engine makes 15hp and 14Nm of torque, which is a little lower than the other variants. It also makes do with a conventional right way up telescopic fork and a drum brake, simpler components than those on the higher variants. At 139.5kg, the Xtreme 160R is one of the lightest machines in its class and weighs 8 kilos less than the higher variants. It is offered in two colours - black and white - and costs Rs 1.05 lakh, which is good value because the top...

Buying your first car is about finding something that’s easy to live with, reliable and suited to your daily use. There’s no single “best” option, which is why this list covers different body styles, price points and priorities. Whether you want something compact and affordable, safe and sturdy, fun to drive or electric, these cars make strong cases for first-time buyers in India. Maruti Suzuki Wagon R / Maruti Suzuki Celerio Rs 4.70 lakh to Rs 6.84 lakh These Maruti hatchbacks make sense if you want low ownership stress. They’re easy to drive, fuel efficient and backed by Maruti’s extensive service network, which is reassuring for first-time buyers. Parts are affordable, resale value is strong, and maintenance is simple. The Wagon R offers more headroom and space, while the Celerio feels more compact, depending on what you prefer. Hyundai Grand i10 Nios Rs 5.55 lakh to Rs 7.92 lakh The Hyundai Grand i10 Nios suits first-time buyers who want a more premium feel than basic e...

A shutter rattles open. Morning sunlight cuts across the factory floor. The rays illuminate a white rectangular shape, putting it in the spotlight. The profile is none other than that of India’s first SUV, the 1991 Tata Sierra. Sitting next to it, also in white, is the 1997 Sierra Turbo. Then, completing the set, Tata’s new Sierra rolls in; slick, modern and futuristic, but with its roots firmly anchored in the past.  Now, back in the day, Tata’s Sierra didn’t quite get the respect India’s first SUV deserved. A bold step into the future, it had plenty of new tech for the time and, as a result, a fair amount of issues. Problems apart, however, India’s first SUV was so forward looking, it clearly stands on a pedestal today. What’s also abundantly clear is that the new Sierra has come a long way from the original. So, to celebrate its rebirth and to see just how far the new car has come, we endeavour to connect the birthplace of India’s first SUV, Pune, with Tata’s new high-tech ...

We first rode the new Multistrada S at its world launch in early 2025, and while it was good fun in Valencia, the real test was always going to be how this bike felt on our roads. Multistrada V2 Design - 8/10 Based on an entirely new platform, the latest Multistrada V2 has the potential to make greater improvements than any of its predecessors that have always been evolutions of the previous version. And sure enough, it does take some drastic steps, the biggest of them being an 18kg weight reduction, which brings it down to just 202kg or this V2 S model. Of course, Ducati likes to share wet weight without fuel, so when you factor in the 19-litre fuel tank being 90 percent full, this bike weighs 215kg, which is still on the light end of this class. New brake lamp looks smart Lighter it may be, but this still isn’t a small bike by any means. The design has evolved, but it’s still very Multistrada with a huge-looking fuel tank and a wide handlebar that puts you in a bit of a stretc...

Norton ’s resurgence is going to kick off soon with its new Manx and Atlas quartet due to be launched in the coming months, both in India as well as global markets. Previously, we’ve seen the Atlas adventure bike testing in India and now it has been spotted again but this particular test mule has some notable differences to the Atlas duo that debuted at EICMA 2025. Norton Atlas spotted with 19-in front alloy wheel  Golden USD fork seems to be non-adjustable Could be a lower-spec or an India-specific variant New Norton Atlas variant spotted: what’s different? TVS testing Norton Atlas extensively in India before market launch When the new Norton lineup broke cover at EICMA last year, the Atlas adventure bike was shown in two variants - standard and GT. The former had cross-spoke wheels sized 19/17-in (F/R) while the latter had 17-in alloy wheels at both ends. Another crucial difference between the two is that the GT will have less suspension travel and a lower seat. Howeve...