VR Tech Times

The Hyundai Creta crossed 15 lakh domestic wholesales by the end of September 2026, with cumulative dispatches reaching 15,12,036 units since its launch in July 2015. The SUV accounts for around 15 percent of Hyundai Motor India’s cumulative passenger vehicle sales since the company entered India, and 55 percent of its utility vehicle dispatches since the Creta’s launch. Creta exports reached 2,95,994 units through August 2026, putting the SUV close to the 3 lakh-unit mark. Hyundai Creta domestic wholesales by fiscal year Fiscal year Units YoY change FY2016 63,836 - FY2017 96,899 52% FY2018 1,07,136 11% FY2019 1,24,300 16% FY2020 82,074 -34% FY2021 1,20,035 46% FY2022 1,18,092 -2% FY2023 1,50,372 27% FY2024 1,62,773 8% FY2025 1,94,871 20% FY2026 2,01,921 4% FY2027* 89,727 -10% Total 15,12,036 - Hyundai Creta sales: FY2026 was its best year The Creta recorded its highest annual wholesales in FY2026, at 2,01,921 units, up 4 percent year on year. Before that, wholesales stood at 1,94,87...

If you saw the picture and thought the KLX230 got a new variant, you’re neither alone nor correct. What we have here is the KLX300SM, Kawasaki’s supermotard for the overseas markets, and the Japanese manufacturer has just given it a minor engineering and feature refresh for 2027. 2027 KLX300SM continues with a 292cc engine but with revised internals Not expected in India for the foreseeable future 2027 Kawasaki KLX300SM: What’s different from 2026? The road-biased KLX230 upgrade that’s not in India (yet) Discussing the changes is a very short affair in the KLX300SM’s case since there are only a few. First, the connecting rod big-end bearing has been changed from a needle bearing to a plain bearing, contributing to improved performance and slightly higher peak power and torque over the previous model. The single-cylinder liquid-cooled mill now makes 26.8hp and 24.9Nm compared to 25hp and 23.9Nm earlier. Second, unlike in India, ABS is not mandatory in the US, so Kawasaki is adding sin...

The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has approved a proposed timeline for Bharat Stage 7 (BS7) emission norms, with implementation set to begin in April 2029, according to The Economic Times. The proposed rules will be introduced in phases over six years, ending in April 2035, and are aligned with Europe’s Euro 7 standards. BS7 emission norms: Proposed rollout timeline The first phase will cover new passenger vehicles manufactured from April 2029. Light commercial vehicles and pick-up vans will follow in 2030, while heavy-duty trucks and buses are scheduled to come under the norms from April 2031. A separate timeline for two-wheelers is yet to be announced. The proposed standards will apply to vehicles covered by the new manufacturing deadlines. Existing vehicles, including those compliant with BS6, will not be affected by the transition, according to the report. BS7 norms: Smaller particles and brake, tyre emissions The proposed norms retain existing BS6 limits for most gaseou...

The Mahindra XUV 3XO CNG has been launched at a starting price of Rs 9.99 lakh, ex-showroom. The XUV 3XO CNG will take on rivals like the Maruti Brezza and Tata Nexon, which offer the choice of a factory-fitted CNG kit.  from Autocar India https://ift.tt/YfC4a0G

The 2026 Toyota Glanza facelift was launched in October, and it gets new powertrain options, additional features and minor design changes. However, it also misses out on a few things. Here, we look at what the updated Toyota hatchback gets right and where there is room for improvement. Hits More efficient powertrain The Glanza now gets a new 1.2-litre, 3-cylinder naturally aspirated engine that runs on petrol and CNG. Compared to the previous four-cylinder engine, claimed fuel efficiency in petrol mode has improved to 23.80kpl with the manual transmission, up from 22.35kpl, and 24.77kpl with the AMT, up from 22.94kpl. In CNG mode, the claimed mileage has increased to 33.61km/kg with the manual gearbox, up from 30.61km/kg. The new AMT option for the Glanza CNG has a claimed mileage of 34.47km/kg. Automatic gearbox choice with CNG With the Glanza facelift, Toyota has introduced the choice of an automatic gearbox, an AMT in this case. Buyers who regularly commute in stop-and-go traffic...

The Yamaha XSR900 has been a successful model for the Japanese manufacturer abroad, and it looks like that is recognised. For 2027, the company has just revealed a new colour option for the retro-roadster, which it says is a throwback to the iconic YZF750R supersport of the mid-1990s. Apart from the new colour, Yamaha has retained every other thing on the XSR900, mechanically and aesthetically. XSR900 is powered by an 890cc triple-cylinder engine, making 119hp and 93Nm Yamaha hasn’t revealed the price for the 2027 model yet Yamaha XSR900 2027: A cosmetic upgrade Mechanically the same To jog your memory, the XSR900 is a retro-naked that shares its platform and engine with the YZF-R9, Yamaha ’s middleweight supersport. It’s powered by an 890cc triple-cylinder liquid-cooled engine making 119hp and 93Nm. Although the XSR looks retro, as expected of the line-up, Yamaha has given it many modern features such as a 5-inch TFT display, ride modes, a quickshifter, fully adjustable KYB suspensio...

Hyundai has announced plans to invest USD 15.5 billion in India between 2026 and 2032. The investment will cover research and development, manufacturing capacity, local supplier development and businesses such as electric vehicle charging and automotive financing. The announcement follows a meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Hyundai Motor Group executive chair Euisun Chung in New Delhi on October 13. “India remains one of Hyundai Motor Group’s most important and strategic markets globally. The past 30 years have been defined by our commitment to India. This investment reaffirms our commitment to India for the next 30 years and beyond,” Chung said. Hyundai investment: R&D and manufacturing plans The company plans to invest around USD 700 million in its Indian R&D centre, including a vehicle testing track. The investment is intended to expand engineering facilities and support the development of automotive technologies and local talent. The group also plans to incr...

The Mahindra XUV 3XO CNG has been spied with a dual-cylinder setup, an arrangement that is aimed at maximising boot space. The sighting comes a day ahead of its launch tomorrow, and the CNG version will add another powertrain option to the existing turbo-petrol, diesel and electric line-up of the 3XO. from Autocar India https://ift.tt/5D8SJoc

Volvo India launched the EX90 , its flagship electric SUV, in October 2026. It serves as an electric alternative to the XC90 , the carmaker’s flagship ICE SUV. While the two models differ in their powertrains, they also vary in pricing, exterior design, interior features and more. Here is how the two Volvo SUVs compare. Volvo EX90 vs XC90: Exterior The EX90 has a simpler front design, with a closed-off grille, and vertical lighting elements on either side of the bumper. In comparison, the Volvo XC90 gets a more traditional front fascia with a prominent grille and a slightly different bumper. Both get hammer-shaped LED DRLs, though the ones on the EX90 have a pixel-like design. Also, main headlamps are hidden behind the DRLs on the EV.   In profile, the EX90 features electrically operated flush-fitting door handles and a gently sloping rear roofline. In comparison, the Volvo XC90 opts for manual pull-type door handles and a slightly more upright stance. Both SUVs feature blacked-o...

The Aprilia SXR GT 125 is the successor to the SXR 125, which was quietly discontinued in May this year. It shares its platform with the SR 125 hp-e and brings larger wheels and some additional features. Here are answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about it. What is the difference between the SXR GT 125 and the SXR 125? The SXR GT 125 replaces the now-discontinued SXR 125 as the brand’s entry-level maxi-scooter in our market. The most notable change is the move to 14-inch wheels, up from the 12-inch wheels on the older model. The SXR GT 125 also uses an updated 124.5cc engine and shares its platform with the current SR 125 hp-e. What does the SXR GT 125 engine offer? The SXR GT 125 is powered by a 124.5cc single-cylinder engine producing 10.6hp at 7,400rpm and 10.4Nm of torque at 6,200rpm. It meets BS6 OBD-II Stage B norms and is compatible with E20-blended fuel. What features does the SXR GT 125 have? The SXR GT 125 gets a 5-inch LCD instrument cluster and a combined...

Fiat has revealed the Multiplay concept, which can switch between SUV and pick-up truck body styles electronically. The carmaker claims that its new concept builds on the legacy of the Multipla models of the past that redefined the relationship between exterior dimensions and interior space. The 3.5-metre-long Fiat 600 Multipla from 1956 could seat six people, while the 1998 Multipla had three seats each in the front and back rows in a vehicle less than 4 metres long. Fiat says the new concept continues that exploration of space through an architecture that can adapt to different uses. Fiat Multiplay concept details The Multipla has a longitudinally sliding rear module, allowing it to switch from an SUV to a pickup. In the enclosed SUV configuration, it features six seats, and an additional seat that can be used by a pet; an outer section of the this seat's cushion can be detached and be used as a leash. It even has a mounting point for a child seat and a small storage compartment...

BYD has unveiled the all-electric Atto 8 at the 2026 Paris Motor Show, expanding the flagship SUV’s international lineup alongside the existing plug-in hybrid (PHEV) version. The EV variant also marks BYD’s debut of ultra-fast ‘Flash Charging’ technology, which can charge its 115kWh battery from 10 to 97 percent in just nine minutes. Meanwhile, the PHEV version continues with a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine paired with either a 19kWh or a 35.6kWh battery. BYD Atto 8 EV powertrain details EV version is available in both RWD, AWD guises, and supports ‘Flash Charging’ The BYD Atto 8 EV is offered with a 115kWh battery pack powering either a rear axle-mounted electric motor (RWD) or a dual-motor all-wheel-drive (AWD) setup. The RWD version puts out 462hp and 365Nm, and does a 0-100kph run in a claimed 8 seconds. It has a claimed WLTP range of 653km. The AWD version has a combined output of 775hp and 775Nm, and does a 0-00kph run in just 4.6 seconds (claimed). It has ...

Audi India is set to launch the third-gen Q3 on Friday, 16 October. It will replace the current Q3 , which has been around for quite a while, as Audi India's entry-level SUV. More importantly, the third-gen Q3 will usher in some of the latest tech that Audi offers, which should make the SUV much more competitive against rivals like the Mercedes-Benz GLA and BMW X1. But will it? Now that we've reviewed the new Q3 , here are three reasons why you should consider it over rivals, and two reasons why you may want to think twice about buying one. Pros Punchy turbo-petrol engine Like its predecessor, the third-gen Q3 is powered by a 2.0-litre four-cylinder direct-injection turbo-petrol engine developing 204hp and 320Nm. It's the biggest and strongest engine in its segment, and save for some brief hesitation at low revs, remains a gem. As soon as the turbo is on song, this engine is eager and free-revving, responding promptly in the city and building speed easily on the highway....

Closely following the reveal of the Desmo450 SM, Ducati has now unveiled the 2027 version of its first off-roader, the Desmo450 MX . Like earlier, there’s also a Desmo450 MX Factory version that gets a slightly different look with additional equipment over the standard model. The Borgo-Panigale manufacturer has also dropped the prices for both models, by up to GBP 2,400. Desmo450 MX gets bigger rear sprocket with reliability focused improvements elsewhere Desmo450 MX Factory gets additional accessories such as a sump guard and disc guard as standard Both models have become cheaper compared to their 2026 versions 2027 Ducati Desmo450 MX and Factory: What’s new? Changes aimed at better performance and durability Starting with the standard model, Ducati has made changes throughout the motorcycle in order to improve functionality, performance and ergonomics. The rear sprocket has been changed to a larger 51-tooth version compared to the earlier 49-tooth one, in order to improve the rear ...

Toyota has teased the Glanza facelift for the first time ahead of its October 14 launch . The teaser shows glimpses of the facelifted Glanza’s fascia, while the rest of the design changes are under wraps. The Glanza facelift is expected to get additional features and a new engine under the hood, similar to its badge-engineered Maruti Baleno sibling. Teaser reveals a larger grille, revised fog lamps and a repositioned Toyota logo Expected to be offered with additional features like ventilated seats and ADAS Could get a new Z12E 3-cylinder petrol engine from the 2026 Maruti Baleno  Toyota Glanza facelift teased: What it shows Teaser reveals a larger grille and redesigned front fog lamps The Glanza facelift shown in the teaser has a large grille featuring honeycomb mesh and chrome strips on the sides. The Toyota logo has shifted from the grille to a body-coloured trim over it. A thick chrome strip under the logo spans from one headlight to the other. The teaser video also shows the...