Author: Akshay Kumar

The return of the Renault Duster to Indian shores on March 17, 2026, was one of the most anticipated automotive events of the decade. While the butch design and ₹10.49 lakh starting price turned heads, one final piece of the puzzle remained: real-world efficiency. Today, Renault India has officially released the ARAI-certified mileage figures for the flagship 1.3L Turbo Petrol (TCe 160) engine, and the results suggest that “performance” no longer has to mean “thirsty.” The Numbers: DCT vs. Manual In a surprising twist for many buyers, the 6-speed Dual-Clutch Transmission (DCT) has emerged as the efficiency leader over its…

For over a century, the Maybach name has been synonymous with automotive opulence. On March 25, 2026, Mercedes-Benz officially raised the bar once again with the global debut of the 2026 Mercedes-Maybach S-Class. Based on the recently facelifted S-Class, this updated Maybach version isn’t just a car; it’s a sanctuary of technology, craftsmanship, and unyielding power. While the core silhouette remains familiar, the 2026 model introduces a level of digital integration and mechanical refinement that positions it as a formidable rival to the likes of the Rolls-Royce Ghost and Bentley Flying Spur. A Design That Commands Presence The first thing…

When Renault officially brought the Duster back to India on March 17, 2026, it promised a return to the “go-anywhere” ruggedness that defined the original. However, in today’s fuel-conscious market, performance is only half the battle. Today, Renault India has finally released the ARAI-certified fuel efficiency figures for its flagship 1.3L Turbo TCe 160 engine, confirming that this “beast” is surprisingly light on its feet. With a starting price of ₹10.49 lakh, the Duster is positioned to reclaim its crown, and these new efficiency numbers might just be the edge it needs. Performance Meets Efficiency: The 1.3L TCe 160 The…

For decades, the peak of chauffeur-driven luxury was defined by the three-box sedan. But as global tastes shift toward “Light and Space,” the traditional limousine is facing a new challenger. On March 24, 2026, alongside the reveal of the updated Maybach S-Class, Mercedes-Benz officially confirmed the expansion of its portfolio with its first-ever dedicated MPV: the Mercedes-Maybach VLS. Touted as a “Grand Limousine,” the Maybach VLS is more than just a dressed-up van. It is a purpose-built sanctuary designed to offer a level of spatial luxury that even an extended-wheelbase S-Class cannot match. The Vision V Heritage The Maybach VLS…

The mid-size SUV segment in India is arguably the most contested space in the automotive market today. To stay ahead of the curve, Volkswagen is preparing a significant mid-life refresh for its star performer. Recent spy shots from March 2026 show a nearly undisguised test mule of the Volkswagen Taigun facelift roaming the streets of Pune, revealing a more mature, premium aesthetic that borrows heavily from its larger global siblings. With an expected launch window of mid-2026 (April–June), this update is more than just a skin-deep cosmetic job. It represents a strategic move to reclaim territory from the likes of…

The Mahindra Thar 3-door is preparing for its most significant transformation since the current generation debuted in 2020. While the arrival of the 5-door Thar Roxx last year set a new benchmark for lifestyle SUVs, it also left the original 3-door model looking slightly dated in terms of features and refinement. Fresh spy shots from March 2026 confirm that Mahindra is finalising a mid-cycle facelift for the 3-door legend. The test mules, often seen alongside the upcoming Scorpio-N facelift, reveal an SUV that is successfully borrowing the premium “DNA” of the Roxx to appeal to a broader, more urban audience.…

When Mahindra rebranded the XUV700 as the XUV 7XO in January 2026, the focus was largely on the new “Coast-to-Coast” triple-screen dashboard and the Gemini-integrated Alexa. However, for the thousands of Indian buyers who have pushed waiting periods to 52 weeks, the most critical question remains: What is the real-world fuel efficiency of the 2.2L mHawk diesel automatic? While ARAI figures often paint an optimistic picture of 16.57 kmpl, anyone who has crawled through Bengaluru or Mumbai traffic knows the truth is more nuanced. We took the XUV 7XO AX7L Diesel AT for a 500-km multi-terrain test to see if…

The Indian automotive landscape has undergone a tectonic shift over the last year. As of March 2026, SUVs now account for over 52% of all passenger vehicle sales in the country. From rugged off-roaders to tech-laden family haulers, the “SUV-first” mindset has moved from a trend to a permanent market fixture. Several key models have managed to sustain their momentum despite a wave of new launches and stricter emission norms. Here is a breakdown of the SUVs currently leading their respective segments in India. 1. Compact SUV Leader: Tata Nexon The Tata Nexon has reclaimed its crown as India’s overall…

The wait for a silent, sustainable Lexus sedan in India is officially over. Today, March 20, 2026, Lexus India officially launched the eighth-generation ES 500e, marking the brand’s first-ever all-electric offering for the Indian market. Priced at ₹89.99 lakh (ex-showroom), the ES 500e isn’t just a new engine option—it’s a complete reimagining of the executive sedan that has long been a favorite for those who value comfort over lap times. Built on the heavily updated TNGA-K platform (shared with the new Toyota Camry), the ES 500e arrives as a CBU (Completely Built Unit), though Lexus has hinted at future local…

The micro-SUV segment in India has a new benchmark. Following months of anticipation, Hyundai Motor India Limited officially pulled the curtains off the 2026 Hyundai Exter Facelift today, March 20, 2026. Starting at an aggressive ₹5.79 lakh (ex-showroom), this mid-cycle refresh isn’t just a cosmetic makeover; it’s a strategic move to solidify the Exter’s position against the recently updated Tata Punch. Since its original debut in 2023, the Exter has crossed the 2-lakh sales milestone. This 2026 edition brings over 25 major enhancements across design, safety, and in-cabin technology, aiming to attract young, first-time SUV buyers who refuse to compromise…