VR Tech Times

It’s one of those days when I’m glad I get to do what I do. The day starts off like any other, getting up at way-too-early o’clock, driving to the shoot location and reviewing a car. But what’s making it different is the car. Way before the sun comes up, I’m already at the location. I hear a deep grumble approaching, and I see the six LED light signatures, followed by a sleek silhouette cutting through the dark. Now, I had promised myself I wouldn’t make any James Bond references, but this really feels straight out of one of those legendary films. Aston Martin Vantage exterior design Borrows design cues from DB12, One-77 As the sun comes up, I get my first proper look at the Vantage, this one being finished in a beautiful shade called Ion Blue. The new Aston Martin Vantage commands your attention, irrespective of what you make of its looks. It borrows a lot of styling cues from bigger Astons, like the new DB12 and the One-77 supercar, and, in general, is a lot more aggressive-loo...

We recently brought you a list of the most powerful bikes under Rs 2.5 lakh , but this list doubles that budget. All entrants on this list make over 40hp, but none of them breach 47.6hp as they need to comply with the European A2 licence requirements, which caps power at 35kW (47.6hp) – and the bikes sold in India are European-spec ones. 5. Yamaha MT-03, R3 42hp In this company, Yamaha’s likable 321cc twin-cylinder duo have the misfortune of being the least powerful machines. What the R3 and MT-03 have, though, are a screamer parallel-twin motor. Recently, The Yamaha MT-03 and R3 both received a substantial price cut of up to Rs 1.10 lakh bringing them closer to their competition in terms of pricing. The MT-03 now costs Rs 3.50 lakh and the fully-faired R3 commands Rs 3.60 lakh (both prices ex-showroom, India). This price undercuts similarly powered Aprilia duo’s by Rs 45,000. Also See: Yamaha R3 review: Capable, simple & sweet 4. Gen 3 KTM 390 Duke 46hp The Gen 3 KT...

We currently have a 2016 Honda City diesel MT. We would like to buy an automatic now, and have shortlisted the Hyundai Creta, Honda City and VW Virtus. However, being a sedan owner already, we are confused about Creta. Will it provide the same level of comfort and ride quality? Pankaj Shrouti, via email Autocar India says: The Creta is a great all-rounder, but being a sedan user already, you might prefer a sedan’s ride comfort and dynamics. We feel the Volkswagen Virtus or its sister car, the Skoda Slavia, will be a good upgrade from your 8-year-old City as both offer a very comfortable ride, superb stability and a strong powertrain. Also See: 2024 Hyundai Creta facelift video review Hyundai Creta facelift review: Even more wholesome now Volkswagen Virtus review: New Honda City rival is a Jetta reborn Volkswagen Virtus GT long term review, 12,000 km report Volkswagen Virtus GT 11,000km long term video report from Autocar India https://ift.tt/0q6rRzS

The BYD Sealion 7 was recently launched with prices ranging between Rs 48.9 lakh and Rs 54.9 lakh (ex-showroom), joining a growing segment of premium EVs in India. It is closely related to the BYD Seal sedan , sharing a lot of the design aesthetics, interior features and even battery and powertrain options. But it is not just the body style that sets them apart; there are a few other specifics differentiating them as well. Read on to explore them in greater detail. BYD Sealion 7 vs Seal dimensions BYD Sealion 7 vs Seal dimensions Sealion 7 Seal Difference Length 4830mm 4800mm 30mm Width 1925mm 1875mm 50mm Height 1620mm 1460mm 160mm Wheelbase 2930mm 2920mm 10mm Ground Clearance 163mm 145mm 18mm Kerb weight 2225kg-2340kg 1922kg-2185kg - Frunk storage 58-litres 50-litres 8-litres Rear boot space 500-litres 400-litres 100-litres Wheel size 19-inch/20-inch 18-inch/19-inch - Sealion 7 is larger in every metric As y...

Bajaj Auto may pump in additional funds of nearly Rs 1,360 crore into KTM, the financially struggling European motorcycle brand. Bajaj Auto, through its subsidiary Bajaj Auto International Holdings BV (BAIHBV) based in the Netherlands, reportedly holds a 49.9% stake in Pierer Bajaj AG (PBAG) in Austria, which controls nearly 75% of Pierer Mobility AG -- the owner of KTM motorcycles. KTM had, in November, said it would need emergency funds to keep itself afloat and was in talks with its owners as well as lenders. While the Indian company has not publicly commented on whether it will invest more money into KTM, the company today made an announcement that its board has approved the investment of 150 million euros (around Rs 1,350 crore) into Bajaj Auto International Holdings BV, Netherlands, making it highly likely that the funds will be used to shore up KTM's finances in Europe. It is not clear whether this would make Bajaj Auto the biggest shareholder of KTM, or whether Bajaj A...

The Indian government is set to announce a new EV policy that will significantly reduce import duties for electric cars. Currently set at 110 percent, the EV import tax will soon be dropped to 15 percent in a bid to attract major global electric car companies like Tesla to India . Upcoming EV policy will drop electric car import duty from 110 percent to 15 percent Interested manufacturers must invest Rs 4,150 crore and meet other criteria The policy could be a boon for Tesla's forthcoming India launch EV import duty reduction policy explained Interested carmakers have an application window of 120 days but must meet certain criteria to qualify for the slashed import tariff. First, they must invest Rs 4,150 crore to ensure commitment to the Indian car market. Manufacturers will also be permitted to set up assembly operations in existing production plants, but prior investments and land/building costs shall be excluded from the initial investment amount. Secondly, carmakers m...

The Mahindra Scorpio N  Black Edition featuring darkened-out trims will launch on Monday. A close Autocar India source said that the Black Edition, starting with the Scorpio N Z8 variant, will cost Rs 20,000 extra over the regular car. The idea is to enhance the appeal of the SUV and it may be offered with other  Mahindra  cars too in the future. Keep reading to discover what is offered with this new edition. Reserved for Scorpio N Z8L and Z8 7-seater models Directly rivals with Tata Harrier Dark Edition, Stealth Edition 2025 Mahindra Scorpio N Black Edition: what's different? Exterior: The Black Edition adds black 17-inch alloy wheels, window trim side moulding and roof rails. Even the otherwise chrome door handles have been dechromed for an all-black look. While the regular Scorpio N is offered in two black colours: Midnight Black and Stealth Black, the Black Edition will be sold with the latter paint only. Interior: To match the exterior theme...

MH 03 EL 6295 is wearing a few scars these days. Scars entirely of my making. Here’s the back story. To make space for a test Mercedes-AMG G 63 (yup, first-world problems!), I had to park the Creta N Line in an adjacent parking slot that’s alongside a pillar. Days later, when I got back to the Creta, I forgot how close it was to the pillar and reversed out as always with my eye on the rear view camera feed. Crrrunch. The left-wing mirror took the hit. The glass broke, but thankfully, the electronics (mirror adjust, camera and blind view indicator) survived. Phew! Because replacing the whole wing mirror would have cost a crazy Rs 32,000! All the ADAS features and electronics have made the humble wing mirror expensive. The Rs 1,000 replacement glass that I needed seems like a bargain in comparison. The mirror casing isn’t perfectly aligned, and resultantly, there’s a small blind spot in the blind view monitor. It’s not ideal, but I view it as a small reminder of the perils of being ov...

Moto Morini Seiemmezzo 650 Retro Street and 650 Scrambler are being offered at a reduced price of up to Rs 2 lakh. Both these models share the same engine but differ in terms of their body format and styling. 650 Retro Street receives 2 lakh price cut 650 Scrambler receives 1.9 lakh price cut Moto Morini Seiemmezzo 650 Retro Street, Scrambler: revised prices Moto Morini has revised prices of its Seiemmezzo 650 Retro Street and 650 Scrambler. The 650 Retro Street’s revised price now stands at Rs 4.99 lakh compared to the earlier Rs 6.99 lakh. This is a massive price reduction of Rs 2 lakh. The Seiemmezzo 650 Scrambler also witnesses a similar revision. It receives a price cut of Rs 1.90 lakh and now costs Rs 5.20 lakh compared to the earlier price tag of Rs 7.10 lakh. Both the models share the same 649cc, liquid cooled, parallel twin motor producing 55.6hp and 54Nm that is mated to a six-speed gearbox. Both the 650 Street and Scrambler offer the same seat-height and suspensi...

Kia EV6 has been voluntarily recalled by the brand. This affects 1,380 units of the car manufactured from March 3, 2022 to April 14, 2023, over a software update in the Integrated Charging Control Unit (ICCU) to enhance the charging and performance of the 12V auxiliary battery. This battery powers the Kia EV's lights, wipers and music system. Kia EV6 has been voluntarily recalled by the brand. This affects 1,380 units of the car manufactured from March 3, 2022, to April 14, 2023, over   Kia will get in touch with those who are affected Hyundai Ioniq 5 was recalled in 2024 over the same issue Kia EV6 facelift to launch soon; bookings underway Notably, Kia recalled 1,138 units of the EV6 in 2024 due to a potential error in the ICCU, which could affect the performance of the 12V battery. Further, a similar recall was issued for its Hyundai Ioniq 5 sibling last year. Kia EV6 2025 recall: what to do if you’re affected? The company stated it wo...

Tata Motors has introduced benefits of up to Rs 1 lakh for new and existing customers to celebrate 2 lakh electric vehicles on Indian roads. Tata EVs like the Curvv , Nexon , Punch and Tiago are included in this scheme, which is valid for 45 days from February 19. Let's discover these benefits in detail without further ado. Free 7.2kW AC charger with installation Nexon and Curvv electric SUVs get free public charging for 6 months Tata Tigor not part of the offer Price list for Tata electric cars (in lakh, ex-showroom) Car Base model Top model Curvv EV 17.49 21.99 Nexon EV 12.49 17.19 Punch EV 9.99 14.44 Tiago EV 7.99 11.14 All Tata e-SUV, hatchback models get free charger New Tata Customers Up to Rs 50,000 exchange bonus Free 7.2kW AC charger and installation Free charging for 6 months with Curvv EV and Nexon EV Zero down payment/ 100 percent on-road finance Note that free charging is available on...

Following its recent debut at the Auto Expo 2025, the upcoming Tata Sierra has been spied on test for the first time on our roads, almost immediately recognizable by its iconic silhouette. The Sierra was showcased in a near-production guise at the Auto Expo, and it is set to go on sale by the end of this year. Sierra ICE will be offered with both petrol and diesel engines Design harks back to original Sierra from the 1990s   Launch slated by end of 2025 Tata Sierra: what do the spy shots reveal? The spied prototype is likely the ICE version of the Sierra as we can discern a central air intake in the lower bumper area – the Sierra EV has a completely sealed-off fascia. And while this prototype is heavily camouflaged, one can still make out the split headlamp setup at the front and a connected LED light bar at the rear. The prototype can also be seen riding on steel wheels, but the production-spec SUV is expected to come with 19-inch alloys on top trims. As mentioned, th...

The Spectre Black Badge, a high-performance version of the Rolls-Royce electric vehicle, has been revealed. Its enhanced power and torque figures over the standard Spectre make it the most powerful Rolls-Royce to date. Notably, the Spectre is Rolls-Royce's first EV. Keep reading to discover the Rolls-Royce Spectre Black Badge highlights. Black Badge introduces a new Vapour Violet paint, 23-inch forged aluminium wheels Up to 44,000 colors on offer with the Spectre Black Badge  Rolls Royce Spectre Black Badge details Performance A full 659hp and 1,075Nm is unlocked via a new Infinity Mode, sending power to all four wheels. While the Black Badge shares its 102kWh battery with the Spectre, an additional 82hp and 175Nm make the performance-oriented derivative even more desirable. This also results in a faster 0-100kph time of 4.1 seconds with a range of 493km to 530km. Tweaks to the chassis, steering and roll stabilization system have also been made to handle th...

GOOD FOR: Ride and handling, high-quality interior LOOK OUT FOR:  Clutch wear, body damage Jeep first launched the Compass in 2017, and we loved it for its attractive design, rugged nature and off-road prowess. Then, in 2021, Jeep launched an updated version, which brought with it a tweaked exterior design, a completely new interior and new features. In a sea of front-wheel drive ‘SUVs’, the Compass stands out for its off-road capability and good on-road manners. So, if you are on the lookout for a ‘proper’ SUV for your family, this one deserves consideration. Here’s what you need to know. Jeep Compass engine, gearbox details The Compass was offered with two engines, even with the facelift. The 163hp, 1.4-litre turbo-petrol versions came with a 6-speed manual or a 7-speed DCT with two-wheel drive. The 170hp, 2.0-litre diesel version had a 6-speed manual or a 9-speed torque converter and was the only one to offer 4x4 with off-road modes. However, in 2023, Jeep discontinued of...