Mahindra XEV 9S Production To Be Increased, Born EVs Target High Volumes

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The reservations for the Mahindra XEV 9S will commence on January 14 ahead of customer deliveries on January 23

Mahindra is getting ready to step up production of its Born Electric models as interest in its new-age EV lineup continues to grow. At present, the company is rolling out close to 5,000 units of the XEV 9S and BE 6 every month. However, plans are already in motion to boost manufacturing capacity by an additional 3,000 units per month before the closure of this financial year.

With this expansion, overall output is set to jump sharply. Mahindra’s existing facilities are already equipped to produce around one lakh electric vehicles each year and the infrastructure can be scaled further to accommodate up to two lakh units annually if demand keeps rising. Mahindra is also bracing for the arrival of new INGLO platform based SUVs in the coming years.

The recently introduced Mahindra XEV 9S estimates to have a highly affordable running cost of about Rs 1.2 per km while upkeep expenses are said to be as low as 40 paise per kilometre. Commercial and fleet buyers may also benefit from depreciation advantages of up to 40 per cent. Underpinned by Mahindra’s dedicated INGLO architecture, the XEV 9S is available with three different battery configurations.

They are 59 kWh, 70 kWh and 79 kWh. These packs utilise LFP battery technology and are backed by a lifetime warranty. According to the manufacturer, the electric SUV can achieve a real-world driving range of up to 500 km. When connected to a DC fast charger, the battery can be topped up from 20 to 80 per cent in approximately 20 minutes.

The first three-row electric SUV from Mahindra is powered by an electric motor capable of generating up to 210 kW of output and 380 Nm of torque. This enables the SUV to accelerate from 0 to 100 kmph in just seven seconds with a top speed capped at 202 kmph. It comes equipped with adaptive suspension, adjustable regenerative braking levels, one-pedal driving and multiple terrain-specific drive modes.

The XEV 9S offers an expansive combined volume of 4,076 litres across the first two rows. Adding to practicality is a 150-litre frunk at the front and a spacious boot that can hold up to 527 litres. The third row comes with a 50:50 split configuration while second-row occupants benefit from premium features including ventilated seats, Boss Mode, sliding and reclining functions, etc.

The package is rounded off with L2+ ADAS, offering features such as blind spot detection, lane centring assistance, cross-traffic alert and emergency steering support. With an ex-showroom price ranging between Rs 19.95 lakh and Rs 29.45 lakh, the Mahindra XEV 9S firmly puts itself in front as a serious contender in the electric SUV category.

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Maruti Suzuki Brezza Facelift Spotted Again, Launch In Early 2026

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Maruti Suzuki Brezza facelift is expected to go on sale in early 2026 with minor cosmetic and interior changes

Maruti Suzuki’s popular compact SUV has been spotted once again on Indian roads, this time undergoing testing along the Manali Highway. The test vehicle was seen being pushed through challenging hilly terrain, suggesting that the updated model is going through final evaluation in real-world conditions. The unit caught on camera is said to be the regular petrol version and not the CNG variant.

Small but noticeable changes on the outside indicate that a mid-cycle update is on the way. The most visible change on the test mule is the new set of alloy wheels . The front fascia also seems to have received mild revisions – giving the Brezza a look that now bears some resemblance to the newer Victoris. Although the changes are subtle, the tweaked lighting elements and slightly reshaped detailing lend the facelifted model a sharper presence compared to the current version.

From the side, however, the profile and overall proportions remain largely unchanged. Earlier spy shots had revealed a Brezza test vehicle with a CNG sticker on the rear windshield. It is expected that the new version may adopt an underfloor CNG tank instead of the usual boot-mounted cylinder. If this setup makes it to production, it would significantly improve boot usability.

Image Source: carindianews/instagram

Maruti Suzuki has already experimented with this configuration on the Victoris and the Brezza could be the next to benefit from it. At the rear, only minimal revisions are likely. The tail lamps look to have received slight tweaks while elements like the shark-fin antenna and roof-mounted spoiler with an integrated high-mounted stop lamp continue to be part of the design. We do not see any noticeable changes inside the cabin too.

Speculation is also growing around the possible introduction of Level 2 ADAS in the 2026 Brezza. With rivals in the segment beginning to offer advanced driver assistance systems, adding ADAS could help the Brezza maintain its competitiveness in the coming years. Mechanically, the SUV is expected to carry forward its existing powertrain.

Image Source: carindianews/instagram

The 1.5-litre K15C petrol engine should continue delivering 102 bhp and 137 Nm of torque while the CNG variant is likely to produce 87 bhp and 121.5 Nm. Transmission options are expected to remain the same too with manual gearboxes for both fuel types and a 6-speed torque converter automatic on the petrol model.

Earlier in 2025, the Brezza received important safety upgrades including six airbags as standard and it will continue to sit on Maruti Suzuki’s Global C platform. All signs now point towards a launch in early 2026.

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VinFast To Launch Limo Green (Innova Rival) Around February

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VinFast to launch a pure electric rival to the Toyota Innova Hycross in India as its third model, following the VF 6 and VF 7 electric SUVs

Just six months into its entry in India, VinFast plans to expand its line-up to three models. The company will launch the Limo Green, an electric MPV, around February 2026. Speaking to Autocar Professional recently, VinFast Asia CEO Pham Sanh Chau confirmed that the company’s next car in India will be the Limo Green and arrive in showrooms around February.

The electric MPV’s closest electric rival will be the BYD eMax 7, although it will face indirect competition from the Toyota Innova Hycross and the recently launched Mahindra XEV 9S SUV as well. Currently, VinFast manufactures the Limo Green only in a basic, taxi version for sale in Vietnam.

However, the company has been known to be eyeing a more feature-rich version for private customers, and that’s the one we believe is headed to India. Measuring 4,740 mm long, 1,872 mm wide, and 1,723 mm tall, the VinFast Limo Green is much larger and belongs to a higher segment compared to the Kia Carens EV.

Also Read: Electric Car Sales Nov 2025; Tata, Mahindra, Hyundai, MG, Kia, BYD

It has a 2,840 mm wheelbase, and it offers 170 mm of ground clearance. The latter could be modified for Indian road conditions. The electric MPV accommodates seven people in a 2+3+2 seating layout.

A single motor producing 201 hp and 280 Nm of torque sends drive to the front wheels. A 60.13 kWh LFP battery pack powers the electric motor and delivers an NEDC range of 450 kilometres. It supports charging at up to 6.9 kW on alternating current or up to 80 kW on direct current. Via a DC charger, it can go up from 10% to 70% SoC as quickly as 30 minutes.

Also Read: Hyundai December Delights Campaign Announced; Savings Up To Rs. 1 Lakh

In Vietnam, VinFast offers the Limo Green with features like LED headlights and tail lights, 18-inch alloy wheels, an electronic parking brake, a single-zone automatic climate control system, a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a four-speaker sound system, and a USB Type-A port and a USB Type-C port in the first and second rows. On the safety front, the company equips the electric MPV with a rear-view camera, Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Traction Control System (TCS), Hill Start Assist (HSA), Roll Over Mitigation, and four airbags.

Features like a panoramic sunroof, a 360º camera system, and ADAS are not available in Vietnam, but for India, VinFast could consider offering them in the top trim. Like the VF 6 and VF 7, the Limo Green is likely to be imported in CKD kits from Vietnam, so it could be a pricey model, potentially costing around 18.50 lakh (ex-showroom) in the base trim.

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Maruti Suzuki e Vitara To Launch In Jan – Range, Features & Safety Explained

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Maruti Suzuki e Vitara will be sold through the Nexa chain of premium dealerships and it will compete in the midsize e-SUV segment

Maruti Suzuki is preparing to mark its entry into India’s electric SUV segment with the arrival of the new e Vitara – scheduled to go on sale next month. After extensive testing and sustained speculation, the brand has finally revealed important details about its first fully electric SUV for Indian customers. The model has already earned a 5-star rating in Bharat NCAP tests – registering 31.49 out of 32 for adult safety and 43 out of 49 for child occupant protection.

Much before the official launch, Maruti has also been laying the foundation for a vast charging network. The company has teamed up with 13 leading charge point operators and aggregators to offer users widespread access under a common platform. On top of that, over 2,000 charging stations have already been installed at Maruti Suzuki showrooms and service outlets nationwide, easing concerns around EV convenience and range anxiety.

Recently, to highlight the capabilities of the vehicle and the reach of its charging ecosystem, Maruti flagged off four cars on a nationwide drive from Gurugram. Each e Vitara was sent to a different corner of the country – Srinagar in the north, Kanyakumari in the south, Dibrugarh in the east and Bhuj in the west. Throughout this journey, the electric SUV showcased a real-world driving range of up to 543 km on a single full charge.

Maruti Suzuki e Vitara

While Indian deliveries are set to begin soon after its launch, the e Vitara has already been rolling out of Maruti Suzuki’s Gujarat production plant for global markets. Export models have been shipped in bulk via Pipavav Port and dispatched to multiple overseas destinations. As part of its long term commitment to electrification, the company also aims to help build more than one lakh public charging points across India by 2030.

In the domestic market, the e Vitara will be sold exclusively through the premium Nexa outlets. Positioned in the fast-growing midsize electric SUV segment, the model is expected to start at a price slightly above Rs. 17 lakh (ex-showroom). Buyers will be able to choose between two LFP battery packs supplied by BYD – a 48.8 kWh unit and a larger 61.1 kWh option. The smaller battery will be paired with a 144 PS motor producing 192.5 Nm of torque while the bigger pack will come with a 174 PS motor delivering identical torque.

Fast DC charging capability allows both versions to go from 0 to 80 percent in 50 minutes. Built on the dedicated Heartect-e electric platform, the interior is loaded with modern tech such as a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless smartphone connectivity, a 10.1-inch fully digital instrument display, power-operated front seats, climate control, a 360-degree camera system and seven airbags.

It is equipped with Level 2 ADAS offering features like Automatic Emergency Braking, Forward Collision Warning, Lane Assist, Lane Departure Prevention and Adaptive Cruise Control that can adjust for speed and curves. Additional protection is offered through Blind Spot Detection, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, disc brakes on all four wheels, TPMS, Electronic Stability Program, multi-collision braking, ISOFIX child-seat mounts and an integrated SOS emergency system.

With this extensive equipment list, strong safety credentials and long-range capability, the Maruti Suzuki e Vitara is well positioned to go up against rivals such as the Tata Curvv EV, Harrier EV, Hyundai Creta Electric, MG ZS EV, Windsor EV and the born electric Mahindra SUVs.

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CAFE-3 Debate Deepens As SIAM Flags Concerns Over Emission Targets

India’s CAFE-3 proposal sparks industry debate over tougher emission targets

The proposed Corporate Average Fuel Efficiency (CAFE) 3 regulations have triggered a fresh round of disagreements within India’s automotive sector, with industry body SIAM raising objections to several key changes in the revised draft. The Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) issued the updated proposal in September, outlining new fleet-wide emission thresholds and adjustments to incentives for electric and hybrid vehicles. The norms are expected to apply from 2027–28 for a five-year period.

A major flashpoint is the proposal to count battery electric vehicles (BEVs) as emitting 29 grams of CO2, instead of assigning them a zero tailpipe value as done previously. While SIAM maintains that BEVs should retain a zero-emission classification in line with past CAFE norms and to support India’s electrification goals, government officials argue the revised metric reflects the carbon intensity of electricity used for charging. According to a senior official, at least 30% of India’s grid still relies on non-renewable power, prompting the ministry to factor in indirect emissions.

Another key disagreement concerns the proposed fleet-wide emission target of 71.5 grams by 2032, a level SIAM says amounts to a 63% reduction from the current CAFE-2 benchmarks. The association contends that such a steep trajectory could lead to premature scrappage of compliant vehicles and put pressure on carmakers as well as component suppliers. SIAM has instead recommended a target of 89.6 grams. Government officials, however, believe that gradual yearly tightening – as suggested by BEE – remains necessary to ensure consistent progress rather than back-loaded compliance in the final year.

The revised draft also reworks super credits, the regulatory mechanism that allows automakers to count low-emission models multiple times when calculating fleet averages. Under the latest proposal, BEV credits are reduced from four to three, incentives for strong hybrids increase to two credits and a new category – range-extender EVs – enters with three credits. SIAM has said these changes run counter to the government’s stated push for EV and fuel-cell technologies.

While these proposals have sparked internal industry debates, the most publicised point of contention remains the additional 3-gram relaxation for cars weighing up to 909 kg. Carmakers with a strong small-car portfolio want the exemption to stay, arguing these vehicles have different engineering constraints. OEMs focused on larger models, however, prefer uniform standards across the board. Officials say they are cautious about allowing bigger vehicles a longer runway to meet tighter norms, although no final decision has been taken.

With ministries including road transport, heavy industries, and power involved in the finalisation process, the CAFE-3 framework may undergo further refinement. According to a government official, the concluding norms could end up tightening fleet-wide emission limits by 20–25%, aiming to align regulations with real-world performance data currently being assessed by ICAT.

A final notification is expected only after inter-ministerial consultation but the debate highlights the differing priorities of OEMs as India prepares for the next phase of emissions regulation.

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India-Bound Toyota Land Cruiser FJ – Launch, Specs, Performance, 4WD

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Toyota Land Cruiser FJ is expected to reach India within a couple of years in its petrol avatar utilising a 2.7L gasoline mill

At the Japan Mobility Show 2025, Toyota pulled the covers off a brand new addition to the Land Cruiser family – the Land Cruiser FJ. Developed as a tribute to the iconic FJ40, this new model carries forward the brand’s tough off-road DNA but in a more compact form. With lifestyle SUVs gaining rapid popularity in India, the possibility of this “baby Land Cruiser” arriving here is already creating strong buzz.

Built as a true body-on-frame SUV, the upcoming FJ sits on Toyota’s proven IMV ladder-frame platform, the same base that underpins the Fortuner and Hilux. This platform has already been adapted for Indian conditions, which strengthens the case for local production or assembly in the future. In terms of dimensions, the Land Cruiser FJ stretches 4,575 mm in length, spans 1,855 mm in width and stands 1,960 mm tall, supported by a 2,580 mm wheelbase.

Compared to the larger Land Cruiser 250, the FJ’s wheelbase is shorter by roughly 270 mm. This compact setup results in a tighter turning radius of approximately 5.5 metres, giving it better manoeuvrability both on narrow trails and in congested city environments. Positioned below the Fortuner in Toyota’s global lineup, the FJ is expected to appeal to buyers who want a rugged, adventure-focused SUV without stepping into the full-size category. A global launch timeline around 2027 or slightly later seems most likely for markets beyond Japan.

Also Read: Toyota Posts 33,700+ Unit Sales In Nov 2025

Compared to the larger Land Cruiser 250, the FJ’s wheelbase is shorter by roughly 270 mm. This compact setup results in a tighter turning radius of approximately 5.5 metres, giving it better manoeuvrability both on narrow trails and in congested city environments. Positioned below the Fortuner in Toyota’s global lineup, the FJ is expected to appeal to buyers who want a rugged, adventure-focused SUV without stepping into the full-size category. A global launch timeline around 2027 or slightly later seems most likely for markets beyond Japan.

Powering the new FJ is Toyota’s reliable 2.7-litre 2TR-FE naturally aspirated petrol engine, paired with a 6-speed Super ECT automatic transmission. Instead of chasing high output figures or turbocharging, Toyota has perhaps focused on long-term durability. The engine produces around 163 PS and 246 Nm of torque.

Also Read: All-New Toyota Hilux EV Debuts – Hydrogen FCEV Variant Confirmed

In terms of design, the Land Cruiser FJ proudly embraces retro-inspired styling. A boxy profile, upright stance, circular design cues and squared body panels give it a bold, unmistakable personality. Practical touches such as removable bumpers, heavy-duty cladding, visible mounting points and support for external accessories further highlight its purpose as a serious off-road vehicle.

The interior follows the same functional philosophy. Instead of luxury-heavy trims, Toyota has opted for rugged, wipe-clean surfaces, a simple dashboard layout and practicality-first features. Toyota has confirmed that the Land Cruiser FJ will go on sale in Japan by mid-2026. While India hasn’t been officially announced yet, the brand’s aggressive product expansion plans and strong SUV demand locally indicate that the Land Cruiser FJ could eventually make its way to Indian roads within a couple of years.

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New Hyundai SUV Spotted Testing In Chennai

New Hyundai SUV spied in Chennai, likely an Exter facelift or Bayon

Hyundai’s upcoming product cycle appears to be gaining momentum, with a new test mule recently sighted near the company’s manufacturing hub in Sriperumbudur, Chennai. The prototype suggests the brand is preparing for a significant refresh across its portfolio as competition intensifies in India’s fast-evolving SUV and EV segments.

Once firmly positioned as India’s second-largest automaker, Hyundai has slipped behind Tata Motors and Mahindra in monthly sales charts. Analysts attribute this shift to slower product updates and fewer all-new launches, which allowed domestic competitors to expand rapidly – particularly in the electric and SUV categories.

In response, Hyundai has developed an extensive product roadmap. Over the next few years, the company plans to update nearly every segment it operates in, with around 26 launches and revisions, including 7–8 all-new models spread across SUVs, hatchbacks, crossovers, EVs and hybrids.

Part of this strategy includes Hyundai’s first India-developed compact electric SUV, confirmed for a 2027 launch. Announced at the company’s 2025 Investor Day, the upcoming EV will be designed and engineered specifically for India. Expected to draw inspiration from the Hyundai Inster EV sold internationally, it is likely to sit on the cost-efficient E-GMP (K) platform and come with two battery options, positioning it against the Tata Punch EV.

However, the recently spotted vehicle is almost certainly not this electric model. Visible indicators such as a fuel-filler cap and exhaust system confirm it is an ICE-powered SUV.

The prototype’s shape and proportions suggest it could be the updated Exter. The facelift is expected to feature revised interiors, upgraded materials and Hyundai’s new AAOS-based infotainment system with integrated Google services. If introduced, the Exter facelift will be the first mass-market Hyundai in India to adopt Android Automotive OS, likely featuring a larger 12.9-inch touchscreen and a 9.9-inch digital cluster. The 1.2-litre petrol and CNG options are expected to continue. A launch could take place around early 2027.

Another strong possibility is the India-bound Hyundai Bayon, expected to arrive in mid-2026. Positioned between the Exter and Venue, the Bayon could target the Rs.10-12 lakh crossover segment currently dominated by the Maruti Fronx. The India version may introduce Hyundai’s new 1.2-litre turbo-petrol engine engineered for better torque and compatibility with hybrid systems. The global Bayon’s 1.0-litre turbo-petrol with manual and dual-clutch options is also likely to be considered for India.

Between hybrid models, new SUVs, an MPV, a lifestyle off-roader and the rollout of AAOS interfaces across future vehicles, Hyundai is entering one of its most active product phases in India. The newly spotted test mule is an early indicator of significant activity lined up for 2026 to 2028. Whether it turns out to be the updated Exter or the all-new Bayon, Hyundai’s presence in the compact SUV space is set for a major reinvigoration.

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