Author: Ranbir Singh Maan

The premium MPV segment in India has just become more competitive. Following its successful debut last year, Kia India has officially rolled out the 2026 MY (Model Year) update for the Carens Clavis. This refresh isn’t just a minor cosmetic tweak; it introduces a completely new variant structure, including the debut of the sportier GT-Line and the rugged X-Line trims, with prices starting from ₹11.20 lakh (ex-showroom). By bridging the gap between a traditional family hauler and a feature-loaded SUV, the Carens Clavis aims to maintain its dominance over rivals like the Maruti Suzuki XL6 and the Toyota Rumion. New…

Kia India is wasting no time in 2026. Following the massive success of its initial launch, the company officially introduced a mid-cycle refresh for the Kia Carens Clavis EV today, March 19, 2026. This “Model Year 2026” (MY26) update isn’t just a minor cosmetic tweak; it addresses the core of what modern Indian families want: more choice, sportier aesthetics, and the unmatched comfort of captain seats. With prices now ranging from ₹17.99 lakh to ₹24.99 lakh (ex-showroom), the Carens Clavis EV is positioning itself as the most versatile electric MPV in the sub-₹25 lakh segment. The Big Move: 6-Seater Captain…

Audi India has officially bridged the gap in its flagship SUV family. Launched on March 17, 2026, the new Audi SQ8 has made its grand debut with an introductory price of ₹1.78 crore (ex-showroom). Positioned strategically between the comfort-oriented standard Q8 and the track-munching RS Q8 Performance, the SQ8 is designed for the enthusiast who demands supercar-level acceleration without sacrificing the daily usability of a luxury cruiser. The Heart of the Beast: Detuned but Dangerous The headline feature of the SQ8 is its powertrain. It borrows the formidable 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 TFSI engine from the RS Q8 but operates in…

In a historic moment for the Indian luxury automotive market, Ferrari has officially pulled the covers off its most advanced supercar yet: the 849 Testarossa. Unveiled on March 14, 2026, at an exclusive national premiere at the Jio World Convention Centre in Mumbai, this plug-in hybrid super sports berlinetta marks the beginning of a deeper commitment by the Italian marque to the Indian enthusiast community. Positioned at the pinnacle of Ferrari’s global lineup, the 849 Testarossa replaces the revered SF90 Stradale, setting a new benchmark for what a road-legal performance vehicle can achieve. Engineering Mastery: The Plug-In Hybrid Powerhouse At…

For those planning to bring home a new Mercedes-Benz, the clock is officially ticking. In a move aimed at balancing long-term operational sustainability with the realities of a shifting global economy, Mercedes-Benz India has announced a price increase of up to 2% across its entire model range, effective April 1, 2026. Why the Price Adjustment? This revision marks the second price hike for the German luxury marque in 2026, following a similar 2% adjustment implemented on January 1. According to an official statement from Brendon Sissing, Vice President of Sales & Marketing at Mercedes-Benz India, the decision is primarily driven…

In a bold move that redefines the C-segment, Renault’s Romanian subsidiary, Dacia, officially pulled the covers off the Dacia Striker on March 10, 2026. While many expected a smaller companion to the recently launched Bigster, the Striker has arrived as a massive surprise—literally. Measuring 4.62 metres in length, the Striker is officially the longest vehicle in Dacia’s history, surpassing its SUV sibling by 50 mm. Positioned as an “Allroad Break,” the Striker is a direct response to the market’s saturation of upright SUVs. It offers a sleeker, more aerodynamic alternative to the Bigster while maintaining the rugged, high-clearance DNA that…

In a landmark decision for the global electric vehicle industry, the Korea Fair Trade Commission (KFTC) has imposed a fine of 11.24 billion won (approximately $7.65 million) on Mercedes-Benz. The penalty, announced on March 10, 2026, targets both the German headquarters and its South Korean subsidiary for allegedly misleading consumers and dealers regarding the manufacturers of the battery cells used in their flagship EQ series. The Core of the Deception: CATL vs. Farasis The antitrust regulator’s investigation centered on internal sales guidelines distributed to dealerships in June 2023. These documents reportedly suggested that the Mercedes-Benz EQE and EQS models were…

Renault has officially pulled the covers off the Bridger Concept, a vehicle that marks a high-stakes pivot in the French automaker’s “futuREady” strategic plan for India. While the Kiger served as an entry-level crossover, the Bridger is being positioned as a more rugged, “true-blue” SUV. Measuring just under four metres to leverage local tax benefits, the Bridger—internally codenamed RB3-K2—previews a production-ready model slated for a late 2027 launch. A Design Built on Robustness The most striking aspect of the Bridger is its “Mini Duster” aesthetic. Renault has moved away from the sleek, curvy lines of its current portfolio in favor…

Renault is currently executing one of the most significant product offensives in its history in India, aimed at restoring the brand’s equity in the SUV space. A cornerstone of this “futuREady” strategic plan is a new sub-4-metre SUV, internally codenamed RB3-K2, which has recently been christened the Renault Bridger. Set to be previewed as a concept on March 10, 2026, the Bridger is widely regarded as the “Mini Duster” due to its rugged, upright design language and shared engineering DNA with the next-generation Duster scheduled for a March 17 launch. Design Philosophy and Positioning While Renault already competes in the…

In a landmark achievement for vehicle safety, two upcoming SUV models linked to the Chinese automaker Chery—the iCar V23 and the Jetour T2—have officially been awarded prestigious five-star safety ratings by the New Car Assessment Program for Southeast Asian Countries (ASEAN NCAP). These certifications, finalized in early 2026, serve as a critical endorsement of the safety engineering that will underpin the vehicles planned for the Indian market by JSW Motors. ASEAN NCAP Performance: A Gold Standard for Safety Both the iCar V23 and the Jetour T2 were subjected to the exhaustive 2021–2025 assessment protocols. These tests evaluate structural integrity, adult…