Author: Harry Singh

Skoda Auto India has officially kickstarted the final countdown for the highly anticipated 2026 Kushaq Facelift. At a media drive event held in Jaipur today, March 16, 2026, the Czech automaker showcased a strategic new addition to its lineup: the Classic+ Automatic. Historically, automatic transmissions in the mid-size SUV segment have been reserved for mid-to-high-spec trims, often pushing the price out of reach for budget-conscious buyers. With the Classic+ Automatic, Skoda is disrupting this trend, offering its most affordable automatic entry point to date with an estimated price of ₹11.69 lakh (ex-showroom). The Big Mechanical Shift: New 8-Speed Gearbox The…

In a major shift that signals a global recalibration of the electric vehicle (EV) landscape, Honda Motor Co. announced on March 12, 2026, that it is cancelling the development and launch of three major electric vehicle models previously slated for North America. The axed projects include the high-profile 0-Series SUV, the 0-Series Saloon, and the upcoming Acura RSX EV. This decision, which has led to a significant revision of the company’s financial forecast for the fiscal year ending March 2026, marks a pivotal moment for the Japanese automaker. As the global EV market faces cooling demand and intensifying software-driven competition,…

Since its initial debut in 2021, the Volkswagen Taigun has been a favorite for those who prioritize driving dynamics and structural integrity. However, as competitors like the Hyundai Creta and Kia Seltos have loaded up on tech, the German crossover has begun to show its age. That is about to change. On March 12, 2026, new spy shots emerged showing the Taigun facelift testing in India nearly undisguised, revealing a sharper, more “global” aesthetic and significant mechanical upgrades. The refresh, expected to launch officially by mid-2026, aims to bring the Taigun in line with Volkswagen’s latest international design language, seen…

Hyundai Motor India has significantly lowered the barrier to entry for diesel-automatic enthusiasts with the launch of the new Venue HX8 Diesel AT, priced at Rs 13.70 lakh (ex-showroom). This strategic addition to the lineup arrives as a double celebration for the South Korean automaker, coinciding with the latest-generation Venue surpassing the one lakh booking milestone within just four months of its late 2025 debut. A New Value Proposition for Long-Distance Commuters Prior to this launch, buyers seeking the convenience of a diesel-automatic powertrain were restricted to the flagship HX10 trim, which carries a steeper price tag of Rs 15.51…

Mercedes-Benz India has officially re-entered the luxury MPV segment with the launch of the 2026 V-Class Extra Long Wheelbase (LWB) on March 2, 2026. Priced at an introductory Rs. 1.40 crore (ex-showroom), the V-Class returns after a three-year hiatus with a significantly more premium positioning. Unlike previous iterations, the 2026 model will be locally assembled at the brand’s Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar facility, making it the second major “Make in India” project for the brand this year following the Maybach GLS. The decision to offer the “Extra Long” configuration exclusively for the Indian market highlights a shift in consumer demand toward “mobile…

Tata Motors has officially locked in the launch window for the much-anticipated Sierra.ev for April to June 2026. Following the successful market entry of its petrol and diesel counterparts last November, the electric version is set to become the flagship of Tata’s acti.ev architecture. Unlike the original 1990s icon, the 2026 Sierra.ev is not just a nostalgia play. It is a technical powerhouse designed to sit above the Curvv.ev and just below the upcoming Harrier.ev, filling a crucial gap in the premium mid-size SUV segment. Powertrain and Performance Targets The Sierra.ev will be built on the ARGOS (Gen 2) platform,…

The Toyota Fortuner has long been the undisputed leader of India’s full-size SUV segment, maintaining its dominance through sheer mechanical reliability rather than cutting-edge technology. However, as of February 24, 2026, fresh evidence suggests that Toyota is finally closing the gap between rugged utility and modern safety. New spy photographs of a heavily camouflaged prototype have surfaced from Thailand, confirming that a next-generation Fortuner is currently undergoing advanced road testing. The most significant takeaway from these sightings is the visible integration of advanced sensor hardware, signaling the long-awaited arrival of Level 2 Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS). The Technical Evolution:…

For many owners, the 40,000-km (or 48-month) mark is the first truly “heavy” service for the Scorpio-N. While the initial free services focus on top-ups, this milestone is a comprehensive mechanical reset. As of February 2026, Mahindra has updated its fluid specifications and labor rates, making it essential to know exactly what you’re paying for. The 40k Service Checklist: What’s Mandatory? At this interval, the service center shifts focus from simple inspections to major fluid and filter replacements. Real-World Invoice: Z4/Z8 Diesel AT (January 2026 Prices) Based on recent service data from authorized Mahindra centers, here is the actual cost…

In a landmark shift for Indian road safety, Prime Minister Narendra Modi officially approved the PM RAHAT (Road Accident Victim Hospitalization and Assured Treatment) scheme on February 14, 2026. This initiative—one of the first major decisions announced from the new ‘Seva Teerth’ office—is designed to ensure that no life is lost due to a victim’s inability to pay for immediate trauma care. With nearly 50% of road fatalities in India being preventable through timely intervention, PM RAHAT targets the “Golden Hour” to slash the country’s high accident mortality rates. The Cashless Core: How It Works The primary goal of the…

The premium SUV segment in India is no longer a one-horse race. With the recent reveal of the MG Majestor on February 12, 2026, buyers are now faced with a fascinating dilemma: do you go for the brute force of a “D+ Segment” giant, or the surgical precision of the Skoda Kodiaq? While both hover in the ₹40–50 lakh bracket, they appeal to entirely different sets of DNA. Design: Street Presence vs. Understated Class The MG Majestor is built for the “look at me” era. It is a massive, 5.04-meter-long beast that dwarfs almost everything in its price range. With…