Author: Akshay Kumar

The wait for one of India’s most nostalgic automotive nameplates is nearly over. As of February 19, 2026, the all-new Renault Duster has officially begun its “rotational display” tour across Indian dealerships. Unlike traditional launches where cars hit every showroom at once, Renault is moving a limited number of preview units between cities for 2-3 days at a time, allowing pre-booked customers and enthusiasts an exclusive first look before the mid-March price announcement. The Rotational Strategy: Catch It While You Can If you want to see the Duster in person, you’ll need to coordinate with your local “R-Store.” For instance,…

The Indian automotive market kicked off 2026 with a decisive roar from the sub-4 metre SUV segment. According to the latest industry data for January 2026, the category recorded total sales of 1,21,150 units, representing a robust 13.26% year-on-year growth. While broader market sentiment showed slight month-on-month fatigue, the compact SUV space proved to be the bedrock of domestic volume, accounting for nearly one in every four cars sold in the country. The Tata “Power Couple”: Nexon and Punch Dominate Tata Motors has effectively turned the segment into a two-horse race—and both horses belong to them. Maruti’s Consistency vs. The…

Jeep India has just injected a fresh dose of utility and “blacked-out” swagger into its flagship three-row SUV. Launched on February 16, 2026, the Jeep Meridian Track Edition is a limited-run variant designed to answer the most common critique of the standard model: interior flexibility. Based on the top-tier Overland trim, the Track Edition isn’t just a “sticker job.” It introduces functional cabin changes and a new ownership ecosystem aimed at making the Meridian the most practical choice in the premium D-segment. The Major Upgrade: 140mm of Flexibility The headline feature of the 2026 Track Edition is the newly introduced…

For over a decade, the electric vehicle (EV) market felt like an unstoppable force, fueled by a cocktail of “early adopter” enthusiasm and aggressive government subsidies. But the honeymoon ended in January 2026. For the first time in modern history, global EV registrations didn’t just slow down—they contracted by 3% year-on-year. While a 3% dip might sound minor, the underlying regional shifts tell a much more turbulent story. This isn’t a “collapse,” but it is a definitive market recalibration. The Geography of the Slump The decline wasn’t uniform; it was a “tale of two policies.” Markets that stripped away incentives…

As we move into early 2026, the premium seven-seater segment has split into two distinct camps. On one side, you have the newly unveiled MG Majestor, a ladder-frame behemoth designed to dominate the road. On the other, the Volkswagen Tayron R-Line (launching March 28, 2026), a sophisticated monocoque SUV that effectively replaces the Tiguan AllSpace. Choosing between them isn’t just about the badge; it’s about whether you want a “mountain climber” or a “highway athlete.” Styling: Visual Noise vs. Subtle Precision The MG Majestor is impossible to ignore. At over 5 meters long, it’s a towering presence with a massive…

The Toyota Fortuner hasn’t just dominated its segment; it has owned it for over a decade. But with the February 12, 2026, unveiling of the MG Majestor, the “King” faces a challenger that doesn’t just want a piece of the pie—it wants the whole bakery. While the Fortuner relies on its legendary “bulletproof” reputation, the Majestor is betting on sheer scale, luxury, and superior off-road hardware. Road Presence: Size Matters If you thought the Fortuner was big, the Majestor is here to adjust your perspective. It is 5,046 mm long—stretching nearly 250 mm further than the Toyota. The Interior: 2026…

While the rest of the industry is chasing “Ludicrous” modes and spaceship aesthetics, Toyota has taken a characteristically measured path. The Toyota Urban Cruiser Ebella, officially unveiled on January 20, 2026, is the brand’s first serious foray into India’s battery-electric (BEV) market. Starting at an estimated ₹18 lakh (ex-showroom), the Ebella is the result of Toyota’s strategic collaboration with Suzuki. However, after spending time behind the wheel, it’s clear that Toyota has layered its own DNA of refinement and “bulletproof” build quality over the shared architecture. Design: The Hammerhead Aesthetic The Ebella skips the “quirky EV” look for something far…

The automotive world is currently facing a “reality check” in its largest market. China has officially formalized a ban on fully hidden, electrically operated door handles—a design choice once hailed as the future of EV aesthetics. This isn’t just a suggestion; it is a mandatory shift under the newly released GB 48001-2026 standard, aiming to end the era where sleek styling compromises passenger safety. The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) has confirmed that starting January 1, 2027, every new passenger vehicle sold in China must feature a mechanical redundancy for its doors. Why the “Flush” Trend is Failing…

When the Tata Punch first arrived, it disrupted the market by offering an SUV-like stance at a hatchback price point. However, as of January 2026, the competition—namely the Hyundai Exter and the new Skoda Kylaq—has intensified. Tata’s response? A comprehensive mid-cycle refresh that officially hit showrooms on January 13, 2026. Our first drive reveals that while the “Punch” DNA remains intact, the 2026 iteration is a far more sophisticated machine. Design: The “Aero-Modern” Transition The most striking change is the front fascia, which now aligns with the “New Age” Tata design language seen on the Curvv. Interior: A Digital Leap…

Mahindra didn’t just give the XUV700 a facelift; they gave it a new soul. Rebranded as the XUV 7XO and launched on January 5, 2026, this flagship SUV aims to bridge the gap between “accessible luxury” and “supercar-level tech.” Starting at ₹13.66 lakh (ex-showroom), the 7XO is a masterclass in how to stay relevant in a segment being invaded by sophisticated EVs. Design: Bolder, Not Just Busier The 7XO keeps the familiar silhouette of its predecessor but adopts a much more aggressive face. Interior: The “Coast-to-Coast” Experience Step inside, and you’re met with a cabin that feels significantly more “Boutique…