Author: Akshay Kumar

The Indian automotive landscape is about to get a lot more interesting. JSW Motors, the newly formed passenger vehicle arm of the JSW Group, is gearing up to launch its first major product: a rugged, premium SUV based on the globally acclaimed Jetour T2 platform. Expected to make its official debut by August 2026, with a commercial launch slated for Diwali 2026, this SUV represents JSW’s ambitious entry into a segment currently dominated by established players. With an estimated price tag ranging between ₹38 lakh and ₹40 lakh (ex-showroom), the JSW-badged T2 isn’t just another family hauler—it’s a statement of…

The Indian automotive industry has officially closed the 2025-26 fiscal year (FY26) on a historic high. According to the latest retail data from the Federation of Automobile Dealers Associations (FADA), March 2026 wasn’t just a strong month—it was a landmark one. Passenger vehicle (PV) retail sales soared to 4,40,144 units, marking a robust 21.5% year-on-year growth. As we look at the numbers, it is clear that the “great Indian car dream” is no longer confined to urban centers. A combination of GST reforms, a massive SUV wave, and a revitalized rural economy has pushed the market to nearly 3 million…

For nearly two decades, the Toyota Innova has been the undisputed king of Indian roads. From high-ranking officials to long-distance taxi operators, the “Crysta” moniker became synonymous with bulletproof reliability and diesel grunt. However, all legendary runs must eventually come to an end. As of April 2026, industry insiders have confirmed that Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM) is preparing to pull the plug on the Innova Crysta Diesel by early 2027. This strategic retreat isn’t due to a lack of demand—the Crysta remains a top seller—but rather the tightening noose of the CAFE III (Corporate Average Fuel Efficiency) and BS7 emission…

The mid-size SUV segment in India is about to get a “German-engineered” refresh. On April 6, 2026, Volkswagen India released the first official teaser for the 2026 Taigun Facelift, confirming that the updated SUV will make its grand debut on April 9, 2026. As the Taigun approaches its fifth year in the Indian market, this mid-cycle refresh is designed to sharpen its aesthetic and technical edge against dominant rivals like the Hyundai Creta and Maruti Grand Vitara. Leveraging the shared MQB-A0-IN platform, the Taigun is expected to mirror several premium updates recently seen on its sibling, the Skoda Kushaq. Exterior:…

If you’ve been eyeing a new SUV or a premium hatchback this season, you might want to check your budget one more time. Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM) has officially joined the wave of Indian automakers revising their price lists for the new financial year. Starting April 2026, several of the brand’s most popular models—including the legendary Fortuner and the tech-savvy Hyryder—are becoming slightly more expensive. Why are prices going up? Toyota’s decision isn’t an isolated move. Like many other manufacturers in the current economic climate, the company is grappling with rising input costs. Fluctuations in raw material prices, alongside increased…

If you’ve been eyeing a new Scorpio-N or a Thar, you might want to finalize that booking sooner rather than later. On April 2, 2026, Mahindra & Mahindra officially announced a price revision across its Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) SUV and commercial vehicle (CV) portfolio. The new prices are set to take effect from Monday, April 6, 2026. The automaker has confirmed an increase of up to 2.5% on select models, though the weighted average hike across the entire portfolio stands at a more modest 1.6%. This move follows a similar trend across the industry, as manufacturers grapple with the…

The Indian electric vehicle (EV) market has officially entered its second phase, and the “Green Oval” isn’t the only one leading the charge anymore. On April 2, 2026, Mahindra & Mahindra announced a historic milestone: its dedicated “Electric Origin” SUV portfolio has officially crossed the 50,000-unit cumulative sales mark. What makes this achievement remarkable is the timeline. Mahindra hit the 10,000-unit mark in June 2025; reaching 50,000 just ten months later signals an exponential surge in buyer confidence for the brand’s INGLO-based SUVs. The Power Trio: BE 6, XEV 9e, and XEV 9S This milestone isn’t the work of a…

The “S-Class of SUVs” has just received its most significant update yet. On April 1, 2026, Mercedes-Benz pulled the wraps off the 2026 GLS facelift, proving that even at the pinnacle of luxury, there is always room for mechanical and digital evolution. This update isn’t just about a new grille or LED signatures—it’s a comprehensive overhaul of the powertrain and the debut of a revolutionary suspension system. The Power Within: Torque Gains and Flat-Plane V8s Under the hood, Mercedes has reworked its flagship engines to offer more effortless performance. A New Dimension of Ride: Cloud-Based Suspension Perhaps the most futuristic…

In an era where SUVs are often described as the “only” choice for Indian buyers, a classic has just staged a historic comeback. On April 2, 2026, official industry data confirmed that the Maruti Suzuki Dzire has emerged as the best-selling car in India for the 2025-26 financial year. With a total of 2.3 lakh units sold, the Dzire managed to outperform heavyweights like the Tata Nexon and the Punch to reclaim the top spot. This achievement is particularly significant because it comes at a time when SUVs have captured a staggering 66% of the overall passenger vehicle market. Defying…

For automotive enthusiasts, the name “Freelander” evokes memories of the 1997 original—the car that practically invented the compact premium SUV segment. After a decade in the shadows, the nameplate has made a thunderous return. On April 1, 2026, Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) and Chery officially debuted the Freelander Concept 97 in Shanghai, marking the birth of a standalone, electric-first brand. This isn’t just a nostalgic revival; it’s a strategic masterstroke designed to conquer the “New Energy Vehicle” (NEV) market with British design DNA and cutting-edge Chinese technology. A New Identity: The “Concept 97” The debut model, named Concept 97 in…