Electric vehicles (EVs), Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) is shifting its focus towards plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs).
In response to a global decrease in the demand for electric vehicles (EVs), Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) is shifting its focus towards plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs). This change in strategy comes from initial plans to launch six new EVs by 2026 under the Land Rover brand, an initiative announced in 2021.
Despite its promise to fully electrify the Jaguar brand from 2025 onwards, the company has had to adjust these plans due to ongoing market realities. Instead, the company will prioritize the introduction of new PHEV models.
This decision comes in light of the company's recent performance in the European market. Sales of JLR's PHEV models surged by 68% to 45,224 units in 2023 in Europe, indicating a stronger demand for PHEV compared to the slowing growth in EV sales.
Adrian Mardell, JLR's CEO, noted that the broader transition to battery electric vehicles (BEVs) seems to be losing momentum, giving surprising acceptance to PHEVs. As a direct response, JLR is working towards making more PHEVs available in the market.
As a result, Land Rover has scaled back on its EV ambitions, intending to launch just one new EV by 2026. This EV will be an all-electric Range Rover, which has already generated over 16,000 bookings. Following this will be the all-electric version of the Range Rover Sport, with both vehicles built on JLR's Modular Longitudinal Architecture (MLA) platform.
Land Rover's lineup will also include two smaller EVs, which will be based on the EMA platform and will likely be successors to the Velar and Evoque models. There’s also an EV version of the Defender model that will be released at a later date.
Jaguar, on the other hand, will stick with its plan to become an electric-only brand, beginning with an all-electric, four-door GT that will go up against the Porsche Panamera. This will be succeeded by a smaller EV and all existing internal combustion engine (ICE) models including the F-Pace and E-Pace will be phased out after their current generation.
Despite these changes, JLR remains committed to having 60% of its sales come from EVs by 2030, and to increase this to 100% by 2036.
Tata Motors has officially unveiled the 2025 Altroz facelift, marking the first significant update to its premium hatchback since its debut in January 2020. The refreshed Altroz boasts comprehensive design enhancements, a more upscale interior, and an expanded feature set, while retaining its existing powertrain options.
Striking Exterior Redesign
The 2025 Altroz facelift introduces a thoroughly revised front fascia, featuring:
Inside, the Altroz facelift draws inspiration from Tata's Nexon and Curvv models, introducing:
While Tata Motors has yet to announce the official pricing for the facelifted Altroz, it is anticipated to see a slight increase over the outgoing model's ex-showroom price range of ₹6.65 lakh to ₹11.30 lakh. The updated Altroz will continue to compete in the premium hatchback segment against rivals such as the Hyundai i20, Maruti Suzuki Baleno, and Toyota Glanza.
Conclusion
The 2025 Tata Altroz facelift brings a host of significant updates that enhance its appeal in the competitive premium hatchback segment. With its bold new design, upgraded interior, and comprehensive feature list, the Altroz is poised to strengthen its position in the market and offer a compelling choice for discerning buyers
Volkswagen's upcoming three-row SUV, the Tayron, has been spotted testing in India for the first time, signaling the brand's re-entry into the premium SUV segment. Set to replace the discontinued Tiguan Allspace, the Tayron is expected to launch in India in the latter half of 2025.
** Design and Dimensions**
The Tayron shares several design elements with the Tiguan R-Line, including sleek LED headlights connected by a black grille and a large mesh-patterned air dam. However, it distinguishes itself with a longer body, measuring 4,735mm in length—231mm longer than the Tiguan—to accommodate the third row of seats. The SUV also features 19-inch alloy wheels and a unique rear LED light signature.
Interior and Features
While interior images are yet to surface, the Tayron is expected to offer a modern, button-less cabin layout. Key features likely include a 15-inch infotainment touchscreen, a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, panoramic sunroof, ambient lighting, three-zone climate control, wireless phone charging, and Level 2 ADAS functionalities. The addition of a third row increases boot space to 345 liters, expandable to 850 liters with the third row folded
Powertrain and Performance
Under the hood, the Tayron is anticipated to house a 2.0-liter turbo-petrol engine producing 204hp and 320Nm of torque, paired with a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and Volkswagen's 4MOTION all-wheel-drive system. This setup is similar to the one found in the Tiguan R-Line and the new Skoda Kodiaq.
** Launch Timeline and Assembly**
Volkswagen plans to launch the Tayron in India in the third quarter of 2025. Unlike the Tiguan R-Line, which is a Completely Built Unit (CBU), the Tayron will be assembled locally at Volkswagen’s Aurangabad facility using Completely Knocked Down (CKD) kits, potentially allowing for more competitive pricing.
Market Positioning
The Tayron will compete in the premium three-row SUV segment, taking on rivals such as the Skoda Kodiaq, Jeep Meridian, Toyota Fortuner, and Citroën C5 Aircross. With its blend of performance, advanced features, and spaciousness, the Tayron aims to cater to families seeking a versatile and upscale SUV.
Kia India has significantly revised its Carens MPV lineup by discontinuing eight out of nine variants, leaving only the Premium(O) trim available for purchase. This strategic move aligns with the introduction of the new Carens Clavis, which is set to offer a broader range of features and trims
Discontinued Variants
The following Carens variants have been phased out:
Triumph Motorcycles is expanding its 400cc lineup with a more affordable scrambler variant, tentatively named the Scrambler T4. Recently spied testing in Europe, this India-made motorcycle is poised to offer a cost-effective alternative to the Scrambler 400X, mirroring the approach taken with the Speed T4.
Design and Features: Simplified for Accessibility
The Scrambler T4 exhibits several design modifications aimed at reducing costs without compromising the scrambler essence:
While the official name is yet to be confirmed, the Scrambler T4 is likely to be positioned as an entry-level scrambler in Triumph's lineup, targeting riders seeking the brand's heritage and style at a more accessible price point. Given its recent testing in Europe, a global launch could be on the horizon, with India expected to be among the first markets to receive it.
Conclusion: Expanding the Scrambler Family
The upcoming Triumph Scrambler T4 signifies the brand's commitment to catering to a broader audience by offering versatile and affordable options. With its simplified design and tuned-down performance, the T4 is poised to attract new riders and enthusiasts looking for a practical yet stylish scrambler experience.
Triumph Motorcycles India has expanded its modern classic lineup with the launch of the Scrambler 400 XC, priced at ₹2.94 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi). This new model builds upon the foundation of the Scrambler 400 X, introducing enhanced features tailored for off-road enthusiasts.
Design and Build: Rugged Aesthetics with Functional Enhancements
The Scrambler 400 XC draws inspiration from its larger siblings, the Scrambler 900 and 1200, showcasing a design that balances classic charm with adventure-ready elements. Key design features include:
At the heart of the Scrambler 400 XC lies Triumph’s TR-series 398cc single-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine, delivering 40 PS at 8,000 rpm and 37.5 Nm of torque at 6,500 rpm. This powerplant is paired with a six-speed gearbox, ensuring a responsive and engaging riding experience across varied terrains.
The suspension setup comprises 43mm USD front forks and a rear monoshock, both offering 150mm of travel, facilitating confident handling on uneven surfaces.
Features: Modern Technology Meets Classic Styling
The Scrambler 400 XC is equipped with a suite of modern features aimed at enhancing rider comfort and safety:
Triumph offers the Scrambler 400 XC with a 5-year standard warranty, including 1 year of Roadside Assistance. The motorcycle boasts 16,000 km service intervals, reducing maintenance frequency. Customers can also opt for extended warranty packages of up to 10 years and choose from over 20 official accessories to personalize their ride
Conclusion: A Compelling Choice for Adventure Enthusiasts
The Triumph Scrambler 400 XC stands out as a versatile and well-equipped motorcycle, blending classic design elements with modern technology and off-road capabilities. Its competitive pricing positions it as an attractive option for riders seeking adventure without compromising on style or performance.
Lexus India has officially reopened bookings for the LM 350h luxury MPV, following an eight-month pause initiated in September 2024 due to supply chain constraints. This move comes in response to renewed demand for the brand's flagship people mover, which was initially launched in March 2024.
Lexus LM 350h: A Blend of Opulence and Innovation
The LM 350h is available in two seating configurations: a 4-seater Ultra Luxury variant and a 7-seater VIP variant. Both models are powered by a 2.5-litre 4-cylinder petrol engine coupled with a strong hybrid system, delivering a combined output of 250hp and 239Nm of torque. This powertrain is mated to an e-CVT automatic transmission, ensuring a smooth and efficient driving experience.
Interior: First-Class Comfort on Wheels
The cabin of the LM 350h is designed to offer unparalleled luxury:
Safety is paramount in the LM 350h, which comes equipped with:
The Lexus LM 350h is priced as follows (ex-showroom, Delhi):
Volvo has officially reintroduced the XC70 nameplate, this time as a plug-in hybrid SUV, marking a significant shift from its previous incarnation as an off-road station wagon. Unveiled for the Chinese market, the new XC70 boasts a pure electric range of up to 200 kilometers (approximately 124 miles) on the CLTC cycle, making it Volvo's longest-range plug-in hybrid to date.
Built on the New Scalable Modular Architecture (SMA)
The XC70 is the first model to utilize Volvo's new Scalable Modular Architecture (SMA), a platform designed specifically for extended-range plug-in hybrids. This architecture supports both electric and combustion powertrains, allowing for flexibility in design and performance. The XC70's plug-in hybrid system combines a battery capable of delivering 200km of electric-only driving with a combustion engine that extends the total range, catering to drivers seeking both efficiency and long-distance capability.
Modern Scandinavian Design with EV Influences
Drawing inspiration from Volvo's electric vehicle lineup, the XC70 features design elements such as the signature 'Thor's Hammer' LED daytime running lights and C-shaped LED tail-lights integrated into the rear glass. The front fascia is characterized by a sealed grille with active shutter technology, optimizing airflow and enhancing aerodynamic efficiency. The SUV's silhouette presents a dynamic yet robust stance, with a sweeping roofline and sculpted shoulder lines that reflect Volvo's modern Scandinavian design ethos.
Market Positioning and Availability
Initially targeted at the Chinese market, the XC70 addresses the growing demand for long-range plug-in hybrids in the region. Volvo has indicated that it is exploring the possibility of introducing the model to other markets in the future, though specific timelines and availability have yet to be confirmed.
** Launch Timeline**
The Volvo XC70 is slated for launch in China later this year, with orders expected to commence in the coming months. Further details regarding performance specifications, interior features, and pricing will be revealed closer to the official launch date.
Aston Martin has officially introduced the DBX S, a new flagship variant of its luxury SUV lineup, boasting a formidable 717bhp and a suite of enhancements that elevate both performance and aesthetics. This launch marks a significant milestone for the British marque, reinforcing its commitment to blending high-performance engineering with opulent design.
Powertrain and Performance
At the heart of the DBX S lies an upgraded 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine, delivering 717bhp and 900Nm of torque. This power boost is achieved through turbocharger technology derived from the forthcoming Valhalla supercar, including larger compressor wheels and refined internal components. The result is a 0-100 km/h acceleration time of just 3.3 seconds, with a 0-200 km/h sprint reduced by 0.3 seconds compared to its predecessor.
Lightweight Innovations
To enhance agility and handling, Aston Martin has implemented several weight-saving measures:
Carbon Fibre Roof: An optional single-weave carbon fibre roof eliminates the need for roof rails, saving 18kg and lowering the vehicle's center of gravity.
Magnesium Wheels: Available for the first time on any SUV, these wheels are significantly lighter than traditional alloys, contributing to a total weight reduction of up to 47kg when combined with other lightweight options.
Design and Aesthetics
The DBX S features a more assertive design language, including:
Aerodynamic Enhancements: A unique lower splitter, diffuser, and quad stacked exhausts not only improve performance but also give the SUV a more aggressive stance.
Optional Features: Customers can opt for a polycarbonate honeycomb grille, carbon-fibre roof, and 23″ magnesium wheels, further personalizing the vehicle's appearance.
Interior Luxury
Inside, the DBX S offers an ultra-luxurious cockpit adorned with:
Alcantara® Upholstery: Drawing inspiration from Aston Martin's sports and supercars, the use of Alcantara® across various panels adds a touch of sportiness
Precision Craftsmanship: Features like performance herringbone perforation stitching and sculpted leather headrests with sub-millimeter precision showcase the brand's attention to detail.
Signature Branding: 'S' embroidery on the front seats and other unique interior elements distinguish the DBX S from its siblings.
Availability and Pricing
The Aston Martin DBX S is currently available in select European markets, with deliveries expected to commence in the fourth quarter of 2025. While official pricing for the Indian market has not been announced, the standard DBX is priced at ₹4.63 crore (ex-showroom). The DBX S, with its array of enhancements, is anticipated to carry a premium over this figure
