Hyundai Bayon CNG To Launch In January 2027: What To Expect

Tata Safari EV, Hyundai Ioniq P, VinFast VF5 And Mahindra BE7: Upcoming EVs

Somnath Chatterjee — Fri, 30 Oct 2026 22:16:02 +0530

The next wave of electric cars is coming soon, with a focus on the affordable end of the market, although some premium products are also on the way.

Affordable EVs From VinFast And Hyundai

The VinFast VF5 and the Hyundai Ioniq P would cater to the affordable end of the market. Both would be small electric SUVs with sufficiently large battery packs to offer a good enough range.

The Hyundai Ioniq P would be the brand's most affordable electric car and would be made in India, with localisation also expected to help keep pricing affordable. It would be under 4 metres in length.

The next product is the VinFast VF5, which would be positioned below the VF6 as an affordable EV. It will also feature aggressive, sharp styling.

Mahindra And Tata To Expand Their Premium EV Line-ups

High-end premium EVs will also be introduced, with Mahindra and Tata continuing to launch new electric cars in this space.

The Mahindra BE7, for example, would be a new, radical but more family-focused EV than the BE6. It would be the fourth electric vehicle from Mahindra's Born Electric family. Its styling would remain close to the concept and retain a futuristic look.

The Harrier EV has been fairly successful, and Tata is now aiming to enter the three-row segment with the Safari EV, which will be positioned above the Harrier EV.

The Safari EV is expected to use the same battery pack and motor configuration as the Harrier EV. However, it will take a more comfort-oriented approach rather than focusing on performance, as the Harrier EV already caters to that aspect.

These are some of the EVs expected to launch soon across the affordable and premium segments, with more electric cars also set to arrive later in the year as EVs become more mainstream.

JSW Motors Readying Its Next SUV, Combat, To Target Fortuner But With A Hybrid Heart

Somnath Chatterjee — Thu, 29 Oct 2026 17:44:00 +0530

JSW Motors is nearing the unveiling of its brand logo as well as its first car for India. The first car for India would be the Jetour T2, which would be updated for India and would most likely be called the Combat, with the SUV positioned as a premium product. JSW Motors will take a top-down approach with its cars, and the first launch would be a premium-segment car with a plug-in hybrid powertrain rather than a diesel or petrol engine.

ALSO READ: Renault Duster Hybrid vs Turbo Petrol: Which One Should You Buy?

JSW Combat To Get Plug-In Hybrid Powertrain

The JSW Combat will have a plug-in hybrid powertrain for India and will feature a boxy yet tough look. The Jetour T2 is already a popular car worldwide, while the India-spec version of the Combat could be adapted for India but will retain its tough styling. The car will have distinctive headlamps and boxy proportions, while the interiors would be technology-laden, with a large touchscreen and all the features.

JSW Combat To Offer Over 1,000 Km Range

The car will have a larger battery pack and a turbo-petrol engine producing upwards of 300 bhp, with a range of more than 1,000 km on a full tank. It will also have a sufficient electric-only range of 90 km, which means you can drive it in pure electric mode in the city, even in stop-and-go traffic.

JSW Combat Pricing And Launch Details

The pricing would be competitive and in the ballpark of the Fortuner, which means it could start at under Rs 40 lakh, while the top-end versions would be around Rs 50 lakh. This would be similar to the Fortuner, but the Combat will have more features than the Fortuner.

The car would be unveiled in India on December 4, when the brand and other cars could also make their debut, while this would be the brand's first launch.

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Renault Duster Hybrid vs Turbo Petrol: Which One Should You Buy?

Somnath Chatterjee — Thu, 29 Oct 2026 16:43:03 +0530

The Renault Duster hybrid has been launched, and we have driven it. So, does it make more sense than the turbo petrol version? That is what we will answer here.

The Duster hybrid is not available in many trims, but it comes in three variants, with prices starting at Rs 16.99 lakh and going up to Rs 19.99 lakh for the top-end version.

The Duster hybrid also gets a more complex powertrain, comprising a 1.8-litre four-cylinder petrol engine, two electric motors and a 1.4kWh battery pack. It produces 160 bhp and has an ARAI-claimed fuel efficiency of 29 kmpl.

How does the DCT turbo petrol compete with that? The Duster DCT turbo gets a 1.3-litre engine that develops 163 bhp and offers more power and torque than the hybrid. However, its fuel efficiency is lower, at 18.45 kmpl.

Renault Duster Hybrid vs Turbo Petrol: Efficiency

In real-world driving conditions, the Duster hybrid is more fuel-efficient than the DCT turbo petrol and offers a longer range on a full tank.

The driving experience, however, is different. While the turbo petrol is quick, the hybrid offers a more relaxed experience, with the ability to drive on electric power alone in stop-and-go traffic, along with a smoother drive.

Renault Duster Hybrid vs Turbo Petrol: Design And Features

There are other differences as well. The Duster hybrid gets some cosmetic changes that are not available on the turbo petrol version, including illuminated Duster badging and a new brown interior.

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The turbo petrol Duster, meanwhile, offers more features than the hybrid, including a 360-degree camera and ADAS, which are not available on the hybrid.

Renault Duster Hybrid vs Turbo Petrol: Price

The 1.3-litre turbo petrol Duster is considerably more affordable, with prices ranging from Rs 12.9 lakh to Rs 16.9 lakh. The hybrid is more expensive, with prices starting at Rs 16.99 lakh and reaching Rs 19.99 lakh.

Verdict: Which Renault Duster Should You Buy?

In terms of the driving experience, the Duster hybrid is better, thanks to its smooth and quiet hybrid powertrain and excellent fuel efficiency. However, the turbo petrol can make more sense if you drive less and are on a tighter budget.

Overall, the Duster hybrid is the best Duster, though.

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Toyota Innova Hycross Facelift, Flex-Fuel E100 Version: What To Expect

Sagarika Chakraborty — Wed, 28 Oct 2026 19:27:53 +0530

Toyota is set to launch the Innova Hycross facelift on the 25th, followed by the showcase of its first flex-fuel model for India on the 26th. The flex-fuel version will be based on the Innova Hycross, marking Toyota's next step towards introducing ethanol-powered vehicles in the Indian market.

The facelifted Innova Hycross is expected to receive updates to its exterior and interior, along with additional features. The standard versions will also be available without flex-fuel technology, while the new flex-fuel hybrid will feature an engine designed to run on E85 or E100 fuel.

Toyota Innova Hycross Facelift: What Will Change?

The Innova Hycross facelift is expected to receive styling updates, including a redesigned grille and headlamps, along with additional features inside the cabin.

The updated model will be available across the standard variants as well, meaning buyers will have the option of choosing a non-flex-fuel version.

The facelift is expected to refresh the design of the popular MPV and add more creature comforts as competition in the segment increases.

Toyota Innova Hycross Flex-Fuel E100: What To Expect?

The flex-fuel version of the Innova Hycross will feature an engine specifically designed to run on E85 or E100 fuel. Unlike conventional vehicles designed for E20 fuel, flex-fuel models require changes to several engine and fuel-system components to accommodate higher ethanol concentrations.

These modifications include greater corrosion resistance, a dedicated cold-start system, ethanol sensors and a different fuel pump.

Such changes make flex-fuel vehicles more expensive than standard E20 models.

Will The Flex-Fuel Innova Hycross Offer Better Fuel Efficiency?

The flex-fuel Innova Hycross is expected to deliver better fuel efficiency than the standard version, although it will also come at a higher price.

The vehicle's dedicated engine and fuel-system modifications are designed to support the use of higher ethanol-blended fuels, including E85 and E100.

However, the flex-fuel model's introduction comes at a time when the number of fuel stations offering these blends in India remains limited. The availability of such pumps is expected to increase.

Toyota's Flex-Fuel Plans For India

Toyota had previously showcased a hybrid flex-fuel prototype, and the upcoming model is expected to take the technology closer to a market launch in India.

While several carmakers are working on flex-fuel vehicles, Toyota is set to introduce its model after Maruti.

The Innova Hycross, already a popular model, will receive a design refresh and additional features in its facelifted version. The flex-fuel variant will also bring Toyota's ethanol-based vehicle technology to the Indian market.

No Challans Up To 120 Kmph? Nitin Gadkari’s Big Remark On Speeding Fines

ABP Live Business — Wed, 28 Oct 2026 11:56:10 +0530

Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari has called for greater use of artificial intelligence in highway traffic management, while defending the government’s ethanol-blending programme amid criticism over E20 petrol.

Speaking at a Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) event on the future of India’s highways, Gadkari said he had instructed authorities not to issue speeding challans to vehicles travelling at up to 120 kmph. He also said motorists exceeding this speed by up to 20% should be let off, with challans issued beyond that threshold, reported The Indian Express.

The minister also questioned the criticism of E20 petrol, describing the controversy as “paid propaganda”. His remarks came after the government amended the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989, to allow compatible flex-fuel vehicles to operate on blends containing up to 100% ethanol.

AI-Based Traffic Monitoring On Highway Network

Gadkari urged industry representatives to support the implementation of an AI-based Advanced Traffic Management System (ATMS), which could help authorities identify lane-discipline violations and improve traffic enforcement.

On speeding penalties, the minister said he had directed officials to refrain from issuing notices for speeds of up to 120 kmph. He added that motorists travelling up to 20% above that speed should also be spared penalties.

“Some people are receiving notices on the road due to speed. I have instructed that no notices should be sent for speeds up to 120 kmph. And even above 120, if someone exceeds it by 20%, let them go. If someone goes beyond this, issue a challan,” he said.

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E20 Petrol Row: Gadkari Questions Claims Of Vehicle Breakdowns

Turning to the debate over ethanol-blended petrol, Gadkari challenged critics to substantiate concerns about vehicle reliability.

“Since 2022, 4 crore cars and 20 crore two-wheelers have been running on E20 fuel. Three months back, there was a lot of uproar (halla) over ethanol. Now everything has gone quiet. E20 is being used since 2022, has anyone’s vehicle broken down yet? This was entirely paid propaganda,” he said at the CII event.

E20 is a blend containing 20% ethanol and 80% petrol. Its adoption has drawn criticism from some motorists over concerns about the suitability of higher ethanol blends for older vehicles.

India mandated E20 compatibility for all new petrol-powered vehicles from 2023. The blend is now widely available at petrol pumps across the country.

E100 Fuel Rules: Not All Petrol Vehicles Are Compatible

The debate over ethanol blending comes as the government has widened the range of fuels that eligible vehicles can use.

A day before Gadkari’s remarks, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways amended the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989, to allow flex-fuel vehicles to run on blends containing up to 100% ethanol, known as E100.

However, the change does not make E100 suitable for every petrol-powered vehicle. As clarified by the ministry in the supplied report, E85 and E100 can be used only in vehicles specifically designed by original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) as flex-fuel vehicles.

Vehicles designed for conventional petrol or E20 are not automatically compatible with these higher ethanol blends.

The amendment could support the development of flex-fuel vehicle components, ethanol production infrastructure and the wider deployment of compatible vehicles. The government has promoted ethanol blending as a way to reduce dependence on imported fossil fuels and conserve foreign exchange.

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Renault Duster Hybrid e-Tech 160 Review: Performance, Mileage, Price, And More

Somnath Chatterjee — Wed, 28 Oct 2026 11:22:54 +0530

For Renault, the Duster is a very important brand but the revival of the new generation model has met with a difficult start with sales falling thanks to lowering demand for petrol cars along with buyers now looking for Cng or hybrid cars. In the 4m plus suv segment, CNG has been gaining traction while diesel holds importance too as just petrol isn't enough.

Renault though had other ideas and the Duster hybrid is its most important weapon. While Renault revealed that the Duster hybrid will be a part of the range, originally it was only the turbo petrol lineup. Now though the Duster hybrid is here and Renault has priced it very well at Rs 16.9 lakh. So, can it give the Duster an edge? Let's find out.

Renault Duster Hybrid: Design And Interior Changes

Design wise the Duster hybrid gets an illuminated logo but it's only at unlock or lock while there are hybrid badges all over. Importantly the interior colour is now brown and changed for the hybrid which adds to the sense of space while the headrest is also smaller to add to the airiness for the rear seat passengers.

Despite hybrid packaging the rear seat space has not been affected and you don't sit knees up while boot space has only been reduced marginally. However, Renault has cut some features including crucially a 360 degree camera.

Renault Duster Hybrid: Engine, Power And Technology

Anyways let's talk about the technology here and the Duster hybrid has a 1.8l naturally aspirated four cylinder petrol engine and two electric motors which develops a combined 160 bhp and 208Nm while the gearbox is a multi mode gearbox with 4 petrol and 2 electric gears.

The complicated powertrain is expensive and Renault seems to have swallowed some of the cost for the price. The claimed efficiency is also 29kmpl and the range per full tank is 1400km.

Renault Duster Hybrid: Driving Experience And Performance

Our drive started in Chennai traffic and that's where the Duster hybrid impressed with a majority of the driving in electric mode unlike other strong hybrids. It is smooth and starts off in electric while most of the time maintaining that. Under acceleration the engine kicks in but it is seamless when it comes on.

Power delivery is ev like and even on the highway the engine has equal punch and it feels effortless to overtake or even do big speeds. NVH is impressive and the ride quality is superb with a sense of toughness from the suspension but the Duster hybrid rides more comfortably.

There is brake regeneration too with the B mode and that's useful while the brake regen is linear while not very strong but enough to not use the brakes in stop go traffic.

Renault Duster Hybrid: Real-World Mileage

While power delivery is ample, the mileage we saw was easily above 20kmpl at around 22-23 kmpl while you will get above 20kmpl for sure while at worst you could get 17, 18kmpl but again that's more than petrol SUVs or even diesel in some cases.

Renault Duster Hybrid: Verdict

In short the Duster hybrid has the smooth driving of an EV most of the time in the city and excellent fuel efficiency which is its main talking point. Add in the high ground clearance, refinement and the car makes even more sense now. Sure Renault has cut some features and the rear seat isn't great but for its efficiency and performance combination, there is nothing like the Duster hybrid right now.

What we like: performance, efficiency, value, ride quality

What we don't like: misses some features, rear camera quality

Land Rover Defender Gets Rs 34 Lakh Price Cut In India: Here's Why

Somnath Chatterjee — Tue, 27 Oct 2026 18:44:57 +0530

The Land Rover Defender is one of the most popular luxury SUVs in India. Previously imported as a Completely Built Unit (CBU), the SUV will now be locally assembled, resulting in a significant price reduction of up to Rs 34 lakh.

The locally manufactured Defender will be priced from Rs 99 lakh. Bookings are now open across 32 authorised dealerships in India, while deliveries will begin on November 15, 2026.

The price reduction applies to the Defender X-Dynamic HSE variants powered by 2.0-litre petrol, 3.0-litre petrol and 3.0-litre diesel engines, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission.

Land Rover Defender: New Prices In India

The locally manufactured Defender X-Dynamic HSE range will be available at the following prices:

2.0-litre petrol: Rs 99 lakh
3.0-litre petrol: Rs 1.18 crore
3.0-litre diesel: Rs 1.18 crore

The 3.0-litre petrol and diesel models are now Rs 34 lakh cheaper, while the 2.0-litre petrol variant costs around Rs 14 lakh less.

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Features Worth Rs 6.5 Lakh Now Standard

The Rs 99-lakh Defender with the 2.0-litre petrol engine in the X-Dynamic HSE trim will now come with features worth up to Rs 6.5 lakh as standard. These features were previously optional on the CBU model.

The features include Adaptive Off-Road Cruise Control, Terrain Response 2, Electronic Air Suspension with Adaptive Dynamics, a Solar Attenuating Windscreen, Headlight Power Wash, ClearSight Interior Rear View Mirror, Three-zone Climate Control with Rear Cooling Assist, Cabin Air Purification Plus and Wade Sensing.

The 3.0-litre variants also offer more features, adding to their overall value proposition.

What Happens To The Defender Octa?

The Defender Octa will continue to be imported as a CBU, as before. The price reduction and local assembly strategy apply to the specified Defender X-Dynamic HSE variants.

Will The Price Cut Make The Defender More Popular?

The Defender was already Land Rover's best-selling model in India. With local assembly bringing down prices and additional features becoming standard, the SUV could become even more popular among luxury car buyers.

ALSO READ: Rage Over E20 Fuel Was A ‘Paid Campaign’, Says Nitin Gadkari As Centre Allows E100 Flex-Fuel Vehicles

Rage Over E20 Fuel Was A ‘Paid Campaign’, Says Nitin Gadkari As Centre Allows E100 Flex-Fuel Vehicles

Bharathi SP — Tue, 27 Oct 2026 15:46:29 +0530

Union Road Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari on Tuesday dismissed the backlash against E20 petrol, alleging that the controversy was driven by a “paid campaign”. His remarks came a day after the government amended the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989, to allow flex-fuel vehicles capable of running on blends containing up to 100% ethanol. Speaking at an event organised by industry body CII, Gadkari said ethanol blending could reduce India's dependence on imported fossil fuels and help conserve foreign exchange.

“Three months ago, huge noise (khub haala)) was made against the E20 (20 per cent ethanol-blended petrol) fuel; now rage against E20 fuel is over...It was a paid campaign,” he said.

Gadkari Defends E20 Petrol Blending

Gadkari said more than 20 crore two-wheelers and over 3 crore petrol cars had been using E19-E20 fuel blends over the past three years. He added that there was no verified evidence of widespread engine failures or vehicle breakdowns attributable to ethanol blending.

E20 petrol contains 20% ethanol and 80% petrol. Its rollout drew criticism from opposition parties and consumer groups over concerns about the impact on older vehicles that were not specifically designed for the blend.

India's Ethanol Blended Petrol (EBP) Programme began with a pilot in 2001, followed by the introduction of E5 in 2006. Blending levels remained relatively low until 2013-14, before increasing progressively alongside the expansion of production capacity, infrastructure and regulatory support.

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Centre Opens Door To E100 Flex-Fuel Vehicles

The latest changes to the Central Motor Vehicles Rules allow flex-fuel vehicles capable of operating on fuel blends containing up to E100, or nearly pure ethanol.

The government has promoted ethanol blending as a way to reduce crude oil imports, support domestic agricultural producers and lower dependence on fossil fuels. Gadkari reiterated that reducing fuel imports would help India save foreign exchange.

Gadkari Promises Better Highways, Faster Travel

Addressing concerns about highway conditions raised on social media, Gadkari said he had recently reviewed 700-800 projects.

“I am not going to compromise on the quality of the highways,” he said, assuring road users that they would not face inconvenience over the next two years.

He also said the journey from Delhi to Haridwar would take around 90 minutes once the highway project opens, which he expects to happen within two months.

Gadkari added that 80-85% of the Char Dham project had been completed and that traffic to religious destinations in Uttarakhand had increased threefold.

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National Highways Network Expands

Highlighting the economic benefits of infrastructure investment, Gadkari described road development as a key driver of growth.

He said: “I always feel that infrastructure development is the backbone of the Indian economy. Even in the world, it is everywhere the backbone of their economy. If we are going to spend 100 rupees for infrastructure, the impact on the economy comes to 325 rupees. Their GDP is going to increase.”

He said India's total national highways network had expanded from 91,287 km in 2014 to 1.46 lakh km in 2026, a 1.6-fold increase.

The four-lane and wider national highways network grew 2.6 times to 49,160 km, from 18,278 km in 2014. Meanwhile, the high-speed corridor network expanded 12-fold to 6,788 km over the same period.

BMW i7 Review: We Drive Ranveer Singh's New Luxury Electric Sedan

Somnath Chatterjee — Tue, 27 Oct 2026 11:33:02 +0530

The new BMW i7 sedan can even challenge a Rolls-Royce for looks or luxury or even features while Bollywood has a clear taste for this car with many actors choosing this as their wheels of choice. Actor Ranveer Singh for example has picked one up recently and the new i7 is the latest entrant to his garage which includes a Hummer plus a Lamborghini.

BMW i7: Price, Range And Performance

This is the new electric BMW i7 while it comes in petrol too while we tested the electric variant. The i7 50 xDrive is priced at Rs 1.95 crore (ex-showroom) and it comes with twin electric motors developing 483hp and 660Nm along with a claimed range of 728km.

The appeal of the electric i7 can be seen as it is silent on the inside with no outside noise coming in while the ride quality is plush and comfortable in tackling the bad roads. Despite its massive size which is stretching more than 5.2m, the i7 is quite easy to drive although you still need to get used to the new steering wheel first since it is unique as it comes with no horizontal spokes.

But, the i7 is relaxing, quick but smooth and effortless to drive. Power is in plenty and it is very fast but not jerky in its power delivery. Despite the size, the body control is good and it feels agile enough.

That said, you need to be careful of the low ground clearance plus the soft suspension but that aside, it is a silent and luxurious way to travel.

BMW i7 Interior: Luxury And Features

The new i7 though is best experienced on the inside with the chauffeur being given the responsibility to worry about the ground clearance and here, the rear seats offer tons of comfort plus features. You get individual screens on the door pads plus a massive 31inch 8K tv which folds in along with the rear seat changing like a massage chair. All seats get heating, ventilation and massage and you get the rear seat folded and changed into a relaxation space with the front passenger seat getting folded. That's proper first class travel.

The chauffeur at the front meanwhile gets a massive screen and the passenger gets a touchscreen as well. The steering and the touchscreen interface take some time getting used to though while tech is there in plenty. Of course, Ranveer Singh wont need to open doors himself or his chauffeur need not as well with automatic doors opening available with a key or via buttons which is perhaps the coolest trick in the i7's long list of features.

BMW i7 Design And Real-World Range

The new i7 looks better than the softer old one and has more presence with the crystal elements on the DRLs plus the sharper lines. If we talk about the range, the i7 will give more than 550km of it in the real world and offers even more tech along with everything that a luxury car buyer looks for including silence, comfort, a long list of features plus effortless performance.

It could be the new benchmark in its class while it is clear why Ranveer Singh chose this since he likes EVs and this is one is even better than the one before. It seems the luxury car buyer is more open to EVs with this being the second EV for the Bollywood Actor and the i7 is actually as popular as it's petrol sibling.

Hyundai Bayon CNG To Launch In January 2027: What To Expect

Somnath Chatterjee — Tue, 27 Oct 2026 10:20:24 +0530

Hyundai has launched the Bayon SUV with a starting price of Rs 9.99 lakh while the top-end is Rs 18 lakh ex-showroom. The Bayon comes with a 1.5 litre NA four cylinder petrol engine which develops 115bhp and comes with an iVT transmission or a 6-speed manual gearbox.

The Bayon unlike the Creta or the Venue does not get a diesel or a turbo petrol but it will get an option which won't be available on either the Venue and the Creta. Yes, the Bayon will get a CNG option next year in January.

Hyundai Bayon CNG: Launch Timeline And Engine Details

The Bayon CNG will be added to the range along with the petrol while it wont get a diesel or a turbo petrol. The Bayon CNG will also get an underbody arrangement to save boot space which is the biggest issue in CNG cars while off late the underbody storage is seen on many cars.

It is unclear as to what the underbody arrangement for the CNG version will be like but the Bayon CNG will come with the current 1.5NA petrol while the only gearbox option could be the manual 6-speed. The Bayon CNG also will most probably be available in the mid variants rather than the top-end trims.

Hyundai Bayon CNG: Expected Price And Features

In terms of the pricing the Bayon CNG will also be expected to carry a price premium of around Rs 1 lakh over the petrol. It could also have features like auto start in CNG mode as well which is something all CNG cars have these days.

The power figure for the CNG version could be a bit lower vs the petrol as well. More details would be revealed closer to the launch of the Bayon CNG which is expected in January 2027.