Inhoudsopgave van March 2026 - Auto Today

Designed for southern farming: Shaurya ESCORTS KUBOTA HAS launched the Powertrac Shaurya; its first tractor series designed specifically for paddy and wetland farming in Southern India. Five variants, spanning 39bhp to 52bhp, targeting Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. It sits within the Powertrac portfolio, the company’s value and mass market brand under the Escorts Kubota umbrella that also includes Kubota and Farmtrac. The Shaurya has been engineered ground-up for waterlogged conditions. Cassette-type sealing keeps water and mud out of major components, while a tight 3.1-metre turning radius makes it practical for small and medium fields. An 8-forward, 2-reverse constant mesh gearbox, Sensi-1 hydraulic lift with up to 2,000kg capacity, dual PTO options — 540/1000rpm and reverse; and an adjustable anti-slip seat round off a spec sheet built for…

Yamaha India Plugs In: The EC-06 Is Here YAMAHA HAS FINALLY made its move. After years of watching rivals carve up India’s booming electric two-wheeler market, India Yamaha Motor has entered the arena with the EC-06; its first electric scooter for the Indian market. Priced at Rs 1,67,600 (ex-showroom, Delhi), it goes on sale through Yamaha’s premium Blue Square dealerships in select cities. So, what does Yamaha bring to an already crowded party? Quite a bit, as it turns out. The EC-06 is powered by an interior permanent magnet synchronous motor paired with a 4kWh fixed battery. The numbers read 9.1bhp, 26Nm of torque and a top speed of 79kmph. Claimed range sits at 169km on a single charge; competitive enough to take on the current crop of electric scooters.…

SKODA KUSHAQ In a segment that’s sprinted ahead on tech and creature comforts, has the facelifted Kushaq finally caught up on features without losing the driver-first character that made it special in the first place? STORY : ABHINAV JAKHAR PHOTOS : HARVINDER SINGH WaitS hen the Skoda Kushaq first rrived, over five years ago, t took a different approach o the booming mid-size UV segment. I remember driving it back then, when it was fresh off Skoda’s India 2.0 programme. At a time when rivals were busy stacking features, the Kushaq leaned into something more fundamental: engineering depth. It felt tight, well-resolved, and unusually engaging to drive for its class. That alone gave it a distinct identity. But the segment hasn’t stood still. Today, the benchmarks are higher, more technology,…

mahindra DRIVERS OOF range e . DRIVEN AND EXECUTED BY LV x CAutoToday From smart cities to startup leaders, the Power of X unfolds over 10,000km with the three Mahindra XUV 7X0s at the centre of India’s evolving journey STORY : ABHINAV JAKHAR en thousand kilometres ago, this was just a route on a map. A clean line drawn with intent, connecting cities that seemed too different to belong to the same story. Mumbai to Bhopal, Udaipur to Delhi, climbing into Gangtok, dropping to Visakhapatnam, sweeping through Coimbatore, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Chennai, Goa and back again. It looked ambitious, but distant like something to be completed, not experienced. That illusion lasted all of a few hours. Because the moment you leave Mumbai, the journey asserts itself. Traffic compresses space instantly, forcing…

MOTOWAVE X2 HELMET BT Royal Enfield’s Motowave X2 is a reminder that modern motorcycling isn’t just about riding experience, but also about how riders stay connected on the move. Priced at Rs 3,999, the Motowave X2 is a helmet-mounted Bluetooth communication device with over 16 hours of playback time and Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity. The Motowave X2 also comes with IP67 waterproofing, and features like Noise Filter Technology and DHWANI by BLU voice-audio tuning. It’s positioned as a practical, rider-first solution backed with a one-year warranty. We’ll be testing the Motowave X2 in real-world riding conditions in the coming months to see how well it holds up on the move. RE CHOPPER MLG CAMO : DESERT STORM The Royal Enfield Chopper MLG Camo Helmet in Desert Storm combines military-inspired styling with…

Globally, the van has evolved into something far beyond ts utilitarian roots. Today, it spans everything from urely commercial movers to ultra-luxurious people arriers that rival private yachts. In India, however, vans ere never seen as status symbols until recently. That perception began to shift with the arrival of models like the Toyota Vellfire and Lexus LM. These vehicles introduced Indian buyers to a new kind of indulgent travel experience. Interestingly, Mercedes-Benz had already explored this space much earlier with the MB100 series back in the late 1990s. Decades later, in 2020, the brand brought in the Mercedes-Benz V-Class Marco Polo, a unique motorhome offering. Now, it is preparing to elevate the segment once again with the arrival of the Mercedes-Benz V-Class, a van designed to redefine luxury travel in…

Goa Aces JA Racing clinch IRL Round 4 relay victory GOA ACES JA RACING delivered a near-perfect performance in Round four of the Indian Racing League, clinching victory in a tightly contested relay race and strengthening their championship charge. Raoul Hyman set the tone with a commanding opening stint, setting the fastest lap and building a healthy lead through precise and controlled driving. A seamless driver swap handed Fabienne Wohlwend a strong advantage, but a mid-race safety car intervention erased the gap and brought the field back into contention. Fabienne Wohlwend held firm under pressure, executing a clean restart and defending against persistent challenges to secure the win, becoming only the second female race winner in the series. Kichcha’s Kings Bengaluru finished a close second, with Speed Demons Delhi completing…

MERCEDES-BENZ CL E Mercedes-Benz CLA is returning to India, but with a twist. This time it’s fully electric. The question now is whether this new EV has enough punch to make sedans exciting again STORY: RAHUL GHOSH | PHOTOS: HARVINDER SINGH t the last Auto Expo, a sleek sedan draped in an incredible shade of red took centre stage at the Mercedes-Benz pavilion. It was the Mercedes CLA Electric concept. Now, a year later, the company is all set to launch the CLA BEV in India, and we are happy to report that it still looks as gorgeous as the concept version. But what more does it pack in? Let’s find out. The Mercedes-Benz CLA BEV is a ravishing-looking thing. Mercedes is offering a plethora of snazzy colours, including some…

NISSAN GRAVITE As the Japanese automaker looks to expand its footprint in India with a model offensive, the Gravite arrives as the first of the lot STORY : ANAGH BHASKAR | PHOTOS : HARVINDER SINGH he sub Rs 10 lakh segment has till now had just one 7-seater option – the Renault Triber, but the platform-sharing between Renault and Nissan has spawned the new Gravite, which undercuts the Triber by a bit, making it the most affordable 7-seater on sale here. Visually, Nissan has gone about its own design philosophy with the MPV, and between the two, the Gravite looks better. It has a large glossy grille with a Nissan logo in the middle, along with a sculpted bonnet with Gravite lettering, and and strip LED DRL that has a…

Chänge CONONANGE At one point, 3.2 million people in the Government of India were using our solution Kavach TARUN WIG CO-FOUNDER & CEO, INNEFULABS When our borders were burning, we didn't get into debate. We deployed DRIVERS C/OF nange UV BODHISATTWA SANGHAPRIYA CO-FOUNDER, IG DEFENCE We have learned from what we have achieved. We have learned from our consumers, our employees, our partners, and the environment VARUN ALAGH CEO, MAMA EARTH 540-degree camera offers a perspective that eliminates guesswork, allowing you to navigate spaces that would otherwise feel restrictive. The memory ORVM, with its auto tilt function, ensures visibility exactly where you need it most. Together, they reduce the mental load that typically accompanies such driving conditions. Udaipur, popularly known as the 'Venice of the East', feels like a city…

HERO DESTINI 110 Hero has launched the Destini 110 in an all new avatar. It promises a lot and is priced very competitively. But is it worth spending on? We find out STORY: RAHUL GHOSH | PHOTOS: HARVINDER SINGH he new generation Hero scooters pack in quite a punch. The Xoom series caters to the enthusiast and the Destini 110 is aimed at the family man. It takes on the Honda Activa, TVS Jupiter and apart from the TVS Zest 110, it is also the most affordable scooter in the country and is priced at Rs 79,000 (ex-showroom, Delhi) for the top ZX variant. So let’s delve into the product and dissect the pros and cons. The Destini 110 is supposed to be a simple and straightforward family scooter and…

WRAP UP TATA PUNCH.ev Model Empowered + S LR Test Started November 2025/ 13,592km Current ODO reading 16,900km Total Mileage 3,308 Overall efficiency 270km/charge Six airbags | Tilt adjust steering wheel | Automatic climate control Ventilated seats| Electric ORVMs | Keyless entry | 12.25-in touchscreen infotainment with wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto | 360-degree camera | Wireless smartphone charger | Auto headlamps | Rain sensing wipers | Warranty 3yrs/unlimited km Premium interiors Neatly laid out IP Paddle shifters for regen he completion of the Punch.ev’s long term stint with Auto Today coincides with the launch of the updated Punch.ev. With over 2,500km on the odometer, the Punch served me as my daily driver, and in that time it became the de facto recommendation to anyone seeking to get a small…

Ferrari’s new hybrid flagship is here FERRARI HAS launched the 849 Testarossa in India, with the official premiere held at Mumbai’s Jio World Convention Centre. It’s the brand’s first nationa premiere in the country — Ferrari CEO Benedetto Vigna flew in for the occasion, that is how seriously Maranello is treating the Indian market. The 849 Testarossa sits at the top of Ferrari’s current lineup, replacing the SF90 Stradale. It’s a plug-in hybrid combining a 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 with three electric motors — two on the front axle, one between the engine and gearbox. The V8 produces 830bhp on its own; combined system output is 1,050bhp. Performance figures are predictably brutal: 0–100kmph in 2.25 seconds, 0–200kmph in 6.3 seconds, and a top speed of 330kmph. A 7.45kWh battery enables up…

Renault Bridger is the brand’s next big bet HOT ON THE HEELS OF the new Duster’s arrival in India, the French automaker has pulled the wraps off the Bridger Concept, globally. This rugged sub-compact SUV previews a production model slated for 2027, and it is aiming straight for the heart of India’s most crowded segment. Positioned strategically between the Kiger and the next-gen Duster, the Bridger is Renault’s counter to a sea of “soft” crossovers and boy, does it stand out of the crowd. Renault has gone delightfully old-school here—think squared-off body panels, thick cladding, and pronounced wheel arches. The star of the show? A tailgate-mounted spare wheel, a nostalgic “proper SUV” touch rarely seen in the sub-four-meter class today. With 200mm of ground clearance and chunky 18-inch wheels, the…

RENAULT DUSTER We are driving the top-of-the-line Iconic variant of the Renault Duster with the 1.3-litre Turbo TCe 160 engine mated with a 6-speed DCT first and then one with the same engine but a 6-speed manual gearbox STORY : YOGENDRA PRATAP PHOTOS : HARVINDER SINGH The small shift-by-wire drive selector looks and feels premium SPECS ENGINE 1,333cc, 4-cyl turbo petrol MAX POWER 163bhp@ 5,250rpm PEAK TORQUE 280Nm@ 2,000-3,500rpm GEARBOX 6-speed DCT WHEELBASE 2,657mm LxWxH 4,346x1,815x1,701mm 0-100kmph 11 seconds FUEL EFFICIENCY 18.45kmpl (claimed) 18.29 LAKH (ex-showroom) A stock on the right side of the steering serves as the media controls he Duster is very distinctive and aroused a lot of interest with people trying to flag us down even driving towards us from the opposite direction or trying to overtake…

TATA PUNCH.ev Meet the grown-up Punch.ev. It’s still small and zippy for the city, but it’s now way cheaper, smarter under the hood, and just feels more finished STORY : DIPAYAN DUTTA | PHOTOS : HARVINDER SINGH lectric cars used to feel like a pricey experiment, right? Well, that’s changing fast, and the updated Punch.ev proves it. Tata’s EV game is strong, and this little car is now way more affordable. There’s a solid ₹4 lakh difference between the basic entry-level model and the fully-loaded one. That’s a huge gap for a small car, meaning you can grab one whether you just need the cheapest zero-emission runabout or if you want all the bells and whistles for your daily drive. Don’t worry, the Punch.ev still looks like the Punch. Tata…

G ANANDA RAO, CFO, Greater Visakhapatnam Smartcity Corporation SMART CITY VIZAG VISAKHAPATNAM HAS leveraged the Smart Cities Mission to strengthen both urban infrastructure and disaster preparedness. Its Integrated Command and Control Centre plays a critical role in cyclone monitoring and emergency response, a necessity for a coastal city. Smart traffic management systems have been deployed at key junctions to ease congestion and improve flow. The city has also introduced intelligent street lighting, reducing energy consumption while improving coverage. Water supply systems have been modernised with automated monitoring to reduce wastage and ensure consistency. There's also a focusing on e-governance platforms, making civic services more accessible to residents. It is building not just for growth, but for resilience. Infrastructure here is designed to withstand, adapt and recover, making it a future-ready…

RIVER INDIE The River Indie stands out as a distinctive offering in the electric scooter market. But, what makes it unique? We take it for a spin to find out STORY : RAHUL GHOSH | PHOTOS : HARVINDER SINGH Rtc iver, to begin with, is currently a one-product company. Its sole offering, he Indie, is positioned as a truly unique proposition. It’s time we put those laims to the test and find out whether, at Rs 1.45 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi), the River Indie is a scooter worth queuing up for. Man, this is a big scooter! That’s the first thought that strikes you the moment you see the Indie in person. Measuring 1,996mm in length, 765mm in width and 1,787mm in height, it dwarfs even something like the Yamaha Aerox,…

WRAP UP RE BULLET 350 Model Black Gold Test Started November 2025/1,050km Current ODO reading 4,941km Total Mileage 3,891km Overall Efficiency 35kmpl A s a motoring journalist, there are motorcycles one gets to ride, and then there are motorcycles that quietly stitch themselves into your life story. The Bullet 350 has always been the latter for me. It all started with my father’s Bullet. An old cast iron icon, a second-hand one at that, which I never got to see, apart from in pictures. Fast-forward many years, and I’ve come to own two Bullets of my own. One was a 2009 Electra, and then a 2016 one. It’s safe to say, I’ve seen Royal Enfield’s story play out over the years, and it’s always been about the way it makes…