Maruti Suzuki raises Victoris prices by Rs. 15,000 on top variants.
Maruti Suzuki has revised the prices of its recently launched Victoris with select top-end variants witnessing a price increase of around Rs. 15,000. The revision takes effect immediately and applies to the ZXi+(O) MT and ZXi+(O) 6AT trims.
The carmaker has also deleted leatherette seats from the ZXi and ZXi (O) variants. It is now only available in the range topping ZXi Plus and ZXi Plus (O) variants.
Introduced in September, the Victoris range currently starts at Rs. 10.50 lakhs (ex-showroom). It serves as the flagship offering in Maruti Suzuki’s Arena portfolio and is available in six variants with a choice of ten exterior colour options.
Powertrain choices include a 1.5-litre mild-hybrid petrol, a 1.5-litre strong-hybrid system and a CNG version equipped with underbody tanks for better space efficiency. The transmission lineup comprises a 5-speed manual and a 6-speed automatic gearbox, while the strong-hybrid variant gets an eCVT. Select trims also offer the convenience of an all-wheel-drive system.
With the new price revision, Maruti Suzuki continues to align the Victoris with market dynamics while maintaining a competitive edge in the midsize SUV segment.
Toyota Land Cruiser FJ is underpinned by the same IMV platform found in the Fortuner and Hilux and it derives power from a 2.7L petrol engine
Toyota has taken the wraps off the all-new Land Cruiser FJ at the 2025 Japan Mobility Show and here we have linked you the exclusive walkaround from the event. Set for a mid-2026 market debut in Japan, the new Land Cruiser FJ will expand the nameplate’s global portfolio but it is specifically restricted to Southeast Asian and other markets as it won’t be available in developed markets like the United States and Europe.
It traces its heritage back to 1951, when the original Toyota BJ famously climbed to the sixth station of Mount Fuji. Over seven decades and more than 12 million units later, the Land Cruiser continues to set the cash registers ringing and the FJ in particular will be rolled out of Thailand. The current Land Cruiser lineup includes three distinct families: the flagship 300 Series, the workhorse 70 Series and the back-to-basics 250 Series.
The Land Cruiser FJ joins this group as a new interpretation of “Freedom and Joy.” Visually, its square cabin design prioritises practicality and space while the flared fenders and muscular bumpers lend a planted stance. Both front and rear bumpers are modular and removable, allowing owners to replace only the damaged sections – an approach that improves serviceability and enhances customisation.
Don’t be fooled by the exterior’s “dice motif” bodywork and chamfered edges as the FJ is said to be a highly capable off-roader despite its compact size. A horizontal dashboard layout helps drivers read the terrain intuitively according to Toyota while a low cowl and thin A-pillars improve the view of the road ahead. The controls are grouped logically to minimise distraction and the shift knob is said to be ergonomically placed.
The SUV also features Toyota Safety Sense, offering advanced driver aids like pre-collision braking and lane assistance. Underneath, the Land Cruiser FJ shares its platform with Toyota’s IMV series. The shorter wheelbase – 270 mm less than the 250 Series – is said to translate into better manoeuvrability and it also boasts a tight 5.5-metre turning radius.
Ground clearance and wheel articulation are on par with the hardcore 70 Series while braced underbody components and higher body rigidity improve stability and handling on all surfaces. Toyota will also offer an array of accessories to enhance personalisation including round retro-style headlights to MOLLE panels for outdoor gear.
Under the hood, the LC FJ packs Toyota’s 2.7-litre 2TR-FE four-cylinder petrol engine paired with a six-speed automatic gearbox and a part-time 4WD system. It produces 163 PS and 246 Nm of torque. With its compact footprint – 4,575 mm long, 1,855 mm wide, and 1,960 mm tall – the new Land Cruiser FJ is expected to make a huge impact and it could be considered for India as the platform and engine lineup are already heavily localised for Fortuner.
Expected to go on sale sometime next year, the TVS Jupiter CNG will be the first scooter in the Indian market to use alternative fuel
The market for CNG cars has grown considerably in India in the past few years, presented as an alternative to petrol with the advantages of high fuel efficiency and low running costs. Bajaj introduced CNG in the two-wheeler segment with the Freedom 125, which was launched in July 2024.
Now, TVS Motor Company is preparing to launch the first CNG scooter in the country. The Jupiter CNG was showcased at the 2025 Bharat Mobility Expo in concept form. Expected to go on sale around mid-2026, it will be presented as the world’s first CNG scooter.
As seen in the concept, the CNG tank will be placed neatly under the seat, and it will be properly covered with a plastic panel, however, it will eat into the boot space you generally find in ICE scooters. It will use a 1.4 kg CNG tank, and it can go up to 84 kilometres on 1 kg CNG.
In addition to this, the TVS Jupiter will use a bi-fuel technology, much like CNG cars, capable of running on both petrol and CNG. It comes with a small 2-litre petrol tank positioned in the floorboard, and the filler nozzle is present at its conventional front apron area.
The filler nozzle and pressure gauge for CNG will be present in the boot area, which means that the customers will have to open the lid to access the nozzle. As per the Indian two-wheeler manufacturer, the total combined range of the TVS Jupiter CNG will stand at 226 kilometres.
The TVS Jupiter CNG will be powered by a 124.8cc single-cylinder air-cooled engine, putting out 7.1 bhp and 9.4 Nm of peak torque. It will be capable of hitting a top speed of 80 kmph.
Apart from this, the TVS Jupiter will remain more or less the same as the regular Jupiter, in terms of design, hardware and tech, albeit with the CNG badging. The company could go for different colour options and body graphics for the CNG-powered scooter. In terms of features, expect the Jupiter CNG to pack the latest tech that we see in ICE scooters of the same segment.
The production version of the Honda 0 α (Alpha) EV has been scheduled to go on sale by 2027 with Japan and India among its primary launch markets
Honda has unveiled the Honda 0 α (Alpha) prototype at the ongoing 2025 Japan Mobility Show – offering a glimpse into the brand’s next generation of electric SUVs. The concept has been showcased at Honda’s booth between October 29 and November 9 as it becomes the latest addition to the brand’s all-electric Honda 0 Series.
Positioned as the entry model into the Honda 0 lineup, the Alpha joins the Honda 0 Saloon and the Honda 0 SUV – both revealed earlier this year at CES 2025. Unlike its siblings, the Alpha focuses on combining urban driving with outdoor versatility and is designed to feel at ease both in the city and in natural surroundings according to the brand.
Developed under Honda’s “Thin, Light, and Wise” philosophy, the Honda 0 α (Alpha) prototype emphasises a more futuristic and streamlined structure, lighter construction and advanced intelligent systems. The production version has been scheduled to go on sale globally by 2027 with Japan and India among its primary launch markets.
The 0 α’s low-slung profile sticks out for its sleek proportions that retain the practicality generally offered by SUVs without sacrificing ground clearance. This has been achieved through Honda’s “Thin” packaging concept – allowing a slender cabin design that still delivers ample interior space and more importantly, comfort. A wide stance and taut surfaces lend it a stable appearance.
Up front, Honda has reimagined the design by integrating typically separate elements into a single, seamless digital fascia. The headlights, illuminated emblem and charging port cover are housed within one continuous screen area. At the rear, a U-shaped light bar merges the tail lamps, indicators, and reverse lights into one cohesive structure.
Overall, the styling theme creates a distinctive visual identity while enhancing visibility and functionality as the clean and rather undisturbed surfaces along with thick wheel arch cladding and dual-tone alloy wheels on the outside make for an appealing presence.
The prominent U-shaped LED lighting element stretching from pillar to pillar with Honda writing in the middle is another unique trait. The front and rear bumpers look muscular but the upright nose with inverted U-shaped light bar make for a subtle finish. We can expect it to be offered in two battery packs with the claimed range going over 500 km between charges upon arrival in India and may compete in the midsize SUV space.
Renault has officially announced that the new generation Duster will be unveiled in India on January 26, 2026 before going on sale
After months of speculation, Renault has finally lifted the curtain on one of its biggest announcements yet as the legendary Duster nameplate is making a comeback. The French automaker has confirmed that its upcoming midsize SUV for India will wear the Duster badge once again as its market launch is less than three months away.
Set for its domestic unveil on January 26, 2026, the all-new Duster will herald its ambitious ‘International Game Plan 2027’ – a roadmap which will also see the arrival of a seven-seater SUV as well as an A-segment electric vehicle in the near future. When the first-generation Duster debuted back in 2012, it reshaped the midsize SUV space in India.
The crowded segment is currently led by Hyundai Creta and is one of the fiercely contested due to the presence of several manufacturers including Maruti Suzuki, Mahindra, Toyota, Kia, Tata, MG, Honda, VW and Skoda. A few of them even have more than one SUV present in this segment due to its high volume nature as it contributes to nearly one-fourth of the country’s passenger vehicle sales.
Over time, the Duster nameplate garnered more than two lakh customers in India and nearly 1.8 million globally. Commenting on the occasion of the announcement, Stephane Deblaise, CEO Renault Group India said
“Renault Duster is more than just a name – it’s a true legend. A symbol of adventure, reliability and innovation, its comeback shows our commitment to the Indian market and our desire to offer vehicles that meet the needs of our customers. New Renault Duster will rely on its iconic heritage while adopting a modern design, advanced technology and enhanced performance.”
The new Renault Duster for India will be built on a highly localised version of the CMF-B modular platform, the same architecture that underpins several of Renault’s European models. Production will take place at the brand’s long-running Oragadam facility near Chennai, Tamil Nadu. The SUV’s cabin will adopt a driver-centric layout featuring a high centre console with an e-shifter for the automatic variants, a 10.1-inch OpenR infotainment display with wireless smartphone connectivity and a 7-inch digital instrument cluster.
Distinctive Y-shaped patterns on the air vents and door panels, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, dual-zone climate control, wireless charging, Type-C ports and a 360-degree camera are other highlights. On the safety front, the new Duster is expected to pack six airbags, electronic stability control, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring and autonomous emergency braking.
While Renault hasn’t revealed the powertrain details yet, speculations point to a pair of turbocharged petrol engines with both manual and automatic transmission choices. A hybrid version is also reportedly under evaluation for future introduction.
New gen Kia Seltos is expected to go on sale next year in India with a myriad of revisions inside and out
The upcoming generation of the Kia Seltos is inching closer to production and new spy images reveal that the SUV is set for its biggest transformation yet. The prototypes give away a new visual identity with more intricate surfaces and a noticeably stronger stance. The overall shape still echoes the familiar Seltos silhouette but most of the exterior panels look freshly stamped.
Up front, a more upright fascia houses a completely redone grille finished in a mesh-like pattern flanked by vertically stacked LED headlights. The new LED Daytime Running Lights follow a C-shaped layout and merge into the bumper edges. The sculpted bonnet and chunkier bumper design further amplify its busier stance.
A new set of dual-tone Y-shaped alloy wheels and the triangular rear quarter glass can be seen from the sides. Around the back, the redesigned C-shaped LED tail lamps are connected by an LED light bar. Even the bumper detailing and boot gate lines appear sharper than before. The cabin is expected to adopt a completely new layout with a more horizontal dashboard design, premium soft-touch materials and updated surface textures.
A larger central touchscreen will take centre stage working alongside a new fully digital instrument display. Kia may also introduce new ambient lighting patterns and upgraded connectivity features. On the equipment front, the new Seltos is expected to carry forward its long list of features. Ventilated seats, a powered driver’s seat with memory, a panoramic sunroof, automatic climate control, ambient lighting and six airbags will remain.
Safety could take a step up with the inclusion of more advanced driver assistance systems. Under the bonnet, the familiar set of powertrains are expected to continue – the 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol, 1.5-litre diesel and the 1.5-litre turbo petrol. There are also whispers of a hybrid option joining the lineup later in its lifespan.
Globally, the next-gen Seltos could also gain an optional all-wheel-drive system at least in select markets. With prototypes now testing extensively, an international debut is likely sometime next year – paving the way for an India launch soon after.
The reservations for the Suzuki Jimny Nomade have reopened after months of suspension, much to the relief of buyers in Japan
Maruti Suzuki’s India-built Jimny 5-door continues to garner big numbers across global markets, even as it struggles to find similar customer base at home. While Indian buyers have shown limited enthusiasm for the SUV, it’s quite the opposite story in Japan, where the same model – sold as the Jimny Nomade – has become a runaway success.
When Suzuki launched the Jimny Nomade in Japan in April 2025, the response was nothing short of staggering. Bookings shot past 50,000 units within just four days of its debut, forcing the brand to halt reservations due to overwhelming demand. The waiting period eventually stretched to nearly four years – an apparent indication of the cult following the compact off-roader enjoys in its home market.
After months of suspension, Suzuki has now reopened bookings for the Jimny Nomade – bringing a sigh of relief to thousands of eager customers. For Maruti Suzuki, the Indian-made Jimny 5-door recently crossed cumulative exports of over one lakh units. The SUV, which began production in India in 2023, has reached more than 100 international markets including Japan, Australia, Mexico, Chile and South Africa.
The Jimny 5-door is now Maruti Suzuki’s second highest exported model after the Fronx. The Jimny Nomade represents the first-ever five-door configuration in the legendary off-roader’s long history. It retains the signature strengths of the Jimny family – a 4WD system, a ladder frame chassis and a low-range transfer case in Japan.
The longer wheelbase and added rear doors make ingress and egress smoother while also increasing luggage space. Visually, the Nomade sticks to the familiar upright and boxy design of its predecessor. The five-slot grille gets a gunmetal finish with a chrome-plated surround and buyers can choose from six exterior colour schemes.
They include the Sizzling Red Metallic and the Celestial Blue Pearl Metallic – both new additions to the Jimny palette. Mechanically, the SUV continues with the FR layout and part-time 4WD system paired with a 3-link rigid axle suspension setup. Suzuki engineers have reinforced the ladder frame to handle the extra length and weight.
The extended wheelbase has also improved high-speed stability and overall road manners. The Jimny Nomade comes equipped with Suzuki’s Dual Camera Brake Support system for collision mitigation as standard while the automatic versions add adaptive cruise control. The Jimny Nomade’s success in Japan serves as a reminder of how the compact 4×4’s timeless appeal continues to resonate with consumers. Even if Indian buyers remain lukewarm, the global appetite for the 5-door Jimny shows no signs of slowing down!
