Toyota’s First EV For India ‘Urban Cruiser Ebella’ Breaks Cover, Launch Soon

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Toyota Urban Cruiser Ebella will be sold in two battery options with the claimed range going up to 543 km between charges

Toyota has officially unveiled the Urban Cruiser Ebella – the brand’s entry into India’s electric passenger vehicle space. The midsize electric SUV becomes Toyota’s first fully electric offering for the Indian market and is the result of a joint development programme with Suzuki. The Urban Cruiser Ebella shares its core architecture, components and powertrain strategy with the Maruti Suzuki e Vitara.

The electric SUV is built on the Heartect-e skateboard platform and will be manufactured at Suzuki Motor Gujarat’s facility. This EV-specific architecture has been engineered to allow extensive component sharing, including batteries, electronics and electrical systems. The shared approach is expected to help Toyota keep costs in check while ensuring scalability for both domestic sales and exports.

In terms of size, the Urban Cruiser Ebella sits squarely in the midsize SUV category. It measures around 4,285 mm in length, 1,800 mm in width and 1,640 mm in height, while riding on a 2,700 mm wheelbase. These dimensions translate into a spacious cabin layout without making the SUV unwieldy for city use.

Toyota has confirmed two battery pack options for the Urban Cruiser Ebella. Buyers will be able to choose between a 49 kWh battery and a larger 61.1 kWh unit, identical to those used in the e Vitara. Both versions are powered by a single electric motor producing 172 hp and 192 Nm of torque. Depending on the battery configuration and testing cycle, the claimed driving range goes up to 543 km on a single charge.

Design-wise, the Urban Cruiser Ebella follows a clean and modern styling theme. The front end features slim LED headlamps with integrated daytime running lights and a closed-off grille typical of electric vehicles. A dedicated BEV badge near the front fender indicates the charging port location. From the side, the SUV closely mirrors the e Vitara’s proportions but stands apart with distinct 18-inch dual-tone alloy wheel designs.

Inside the cabin, Toyota is expected to offer a technology-heavy layout. Equipment highlights include a large touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, a fully digital instrument cluster, automatic climate control and ventilated front seats. Toyota’s T Intouch connected car technology will also be available, enabling remote vehicle monitoring, charging status updates and other app-based functions.

Having already been showcased at the Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2025 and the Brussels Motor Show, the Urban Cruiser Ebella will now prepare for its India launch. Once on sale, it will compete in the rapidly expanding midsize electric SUV segment against rivals such as the Tata Curvv EV, Hyundai Creta Electric, MG ZS EV and Mahindra XEV 9e, as Toyota begins its electric push in the Indian market.

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2026 Skoda Kushaq Facelift Teased Ahead Of 19th January Launch

Skoda teases 2026 Kushaq facelift with styling updates and added tech

Skoda Auto India has released the first teaser for the updated Kushaq, confirming that its mid-cycle facelift is nearing introduction. The refreshed model is expected to go on sale around January 19, 2026. While the teaser only shows the SUV under wraps, multiple test mules spotted over recent months have indicated that visible design and feature updates are on the way.

Since the Kushaq’s market debut in mid-2021, the model has played an important role in improving Skoda’s domestic volumes, alongside the Kylaq and Slavia. These locally built models on the MQB-A0-IN platform enabled Skoda Auto Volkswagen India to achieve a record 1.17 lakh domestic sales in the 2025 calendar year.

Exterior and interior updates expected

The Kushaq facelift is expected to receive revised grille elements, tweaked bumpers and updated lighting signatures based on earlier camouflaged sightings. New alloy wheel designs and subtle changes at the rear, including reworked tail-lamps, are also anticipated.

Inside, Skoda is likely to update the dashboard layout and materials while adding new equipment. Expected features include a larger touchscreen, ventilated seats, new upholstery and a 360-degree camera. Level 2 ADAS functions such as adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist and autonomous emergency braking are also likely to be offered, signalling a notable feature upgrade for the model.

Engine and transmission lineup

No major mechanical changes are expected. The 2026 Kushaq will continue with the existing turbo-petrol engine options: the 115 BHP, 1.0-litre three-cylinder and the 150 BHP, 1.5-litre four-cylinder TSI engines. Available gearboxes will include a 6-speed manual, 6-speed torque converter automatic and seven-speed DSG. Some reports have suggested the possibility of an eight-speed automatic, though this remains unconfirmed.

Wider group updates planned

The Kushaq is expected to be the first model within the Skoda-Volkswagen group’s India line-up to receive its facelift, with updates for the Slavia, Volkswagen Taigun and Volkswagen Virtus likely to follow. Cabin-related enhancements are expected to be shared across these models over time.

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Bajaj Chetak C25 Reaches Showrooms With Rs. 4,299 Off For First 10K Buyers

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Bajaj Chetak C25 sits at the entry points of the Chetak range and is available with a 2.5 kWh battery back enabling an IDC range of 113 km

Bajaj Auto has officially commenced retail sales of the all-new Chetak C25 across India shortly after its market debut. To capitalise on the strong initial response, the company has rolled out a limited-period early-bird benefit of Rs. 4,299 for the first 10,000 customers. With this offer applied, the effective ex-showroom Delhi price drops from Rs. 91,399 to Rs. 87,100.

Sales and deliveries of the Chetak C25 are now underway in key cities with a phased rollout across the country. Bajaj says the introductory benefit has been introduced to improve accessibility for buyers looking to switch to electric mobility – especially first-time EV customers and households adding a second scooter for daily commutes.

The Chetak C25 is positioned as a city-centric electric scooter – sitting below the Chetak 30 and 35 Series in Bajaj’s EV portfolio. It is powered by a 2.5 kWh battery pack delivering an IDC-certified range of 113 km on a single charge and it utilises a hub motor as well. Performance has been tuned for urban usage with a top speed of 55 kmph.

Charging duties are handled via an off-board 750 W charger. The battery can be replenished from 0 to 80 per cent in 2 hours and 25 minutes while a full charge takes approximately 3 hours and 45 minutes. Bajaj has also included an on-the-go charging feature allowing riders to power external devices such as smartphones while riding.

Built around a premium metal body, the Chetak C25 carries an IP67 rating for the battery which ensures resistance against water and dust along with mud-proof construction for all-weather reliability. Hardware highlights include a front disc brake, rear drum brake and a ground clearance of 170 mm and a wheelbase of 1,225 mm.

It boasts 25 litres of under-seat storage and a tight turning radius of 1,825 mm for easy manoeuvrability in congested areas. It is constructed on a brand new platform according to the brand and comes with features such as hill hold assist, reverse mode, Eco and Sport ride modes, guide-me-home lighting and call accept/reject functionality, etc.

The Bajaj Chetak C25 is available in multiple colour options including Inductive Black, Racing Red, Classic White, Ocean Teal (Matte), Opalescent Silver and Misty Yellow. Bajaj backs the scooter with a standard warranty of 3 years or 50,000 km whichever comes first.

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JSW To Launch Jetour T2-Based Plug-In Hybrid SUV In India

JSW to launch locally assembled, Jetour T2-based plug-in hybrid SUV in India

JSW Motors Limited, the independent passenger vehicle division of the JSW Group, is preparing to launch its first model for the Indian market later this year. The model will be based on the Jetour T2 SUV, though it will be sold under the JSW name rather than carrying Jetour branding.

The upcoming SUV will be assembled in India at JSW’s new greenfield facility in Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar, Maharashtra. Market introduction is expected in the third quarter of 2026. The product will be positioned separately from the JSW MG Motor India joint venture, reflecting JSW’s intent to establish its own presence in the passenger vehicle segment.

While the T2 is offered with conventional petrol engines in other markets, India is expected to receive the plug-in hybrid i-DM version, in line with JSW’s stated focus on sustainable mobility solutions. The hybrid system pairs a 1.5-litre engine with an electric drive unit. Internationally, both front- and all-wheel-drive configurations are offered, though JSW has not yet confirmed which will come to India.

The T2 features a boxy and upright design theme similar to other off-road-inspired SUVs. It uses a monocoque platform rather than a ladder-frame structure. The five-seat version measures roughly 4.7 metres long and 2 metres wide, giving it a footprint larger than the Tata Safari. A longer seven-seat version exists globally, but JSW has not indicated whether it will be considered for India.

Pricing and segment placement for India remain unconfirmed. For reference, the five-seat front-wheel-drive plug-in hybrid T2 retails at around Rs. 35 lakhs in the UAE (AED 1,44,000). Final pricing in India will depend on localisation levels, drivetrain choice, feature packaging and taxation.

Jetour was launched in 2018 by Chinese manufacturer Chery and operates primarily in China, as well as select markets in the Middle East, Africa, Southeast Asia and Latin America. The brand’s portfolio is mainly SUV-oriented, although some rebadged hatchbacks have been sold in the past.

With its first launch planned for 2026, JSW aims to enter the passenger vehicle market with a locally assembled plug-in hybrid SUV. Additional details regarding specifications, pricing and dealer rollout are expected closer to the market introduction.

Source

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2026 Skoda Kushaq Facelift Teased Again – New Design & DRLs Revealed

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2026 Skoda Kushaq facelift will be introduced soon in India and it will get a host of revisions inside and out

Skoda Auto India is looking to bring in the updated Kushaq sooner rather than later and the midsize SUV has once again surfaced through official teasers. The facelift is part of Skoda’s step-by-step upgrade plan for its MQB-A0 IN based models. One of the most noticeable changes lies in the exterior lighting treatment revealed through the latest teaser.

The refreshed Kushaq gains redesigned headlamps paired with new LED daytime running lights that are linked through segmented lighting elements as seen in the brand’s global models. The front grille has also been reworked while the bumper receives angular silver accents for a more premium look. Skoda’s signature badge continues to sit on the bonnet.

At the rear, the facelift introduces a major visual update. The traditional Skoda badge is replaced by an illuminated ‘SKODA’ lettering stretched across the tailgate. It is complemented by split LED tail- amps that echo the segmented lighting theme seen at the front. Skoda has not teased the interior of the new Kushaq yet.

Higher trims are expected to debut a panoramic sunroof addressing a long-standing feature gap. Updates are also likely for the digital instrument cluster and infotainment system including refreshed graphics and the screens could grow in size as well. Reports indicate that Skoda may introduce a rear-seat massage function along with enhancements to the air-conditioning system.

Skoda has already confirmed that Level 2 ADAS will be gradually introduced across all MQB-A0 IN products via facelifts and the Kushaq is expected to lead the way. In addition, 1.5 TSI variants are tipped to gain rear disc brakes but the six-speed manual transmission may not be available in the larger gasoline mill.

Under the hood, the Kushaq facelift will retain its existing engine lineup. The 1.0-litre turbo-petrol motor will continue to produce 115 PS and 178 Nm while the 1.5-litre TSI will deliver 150 PS and 250 Nm. Transmission options are expected to remain unchanged with a six-speed manual in 1.0L, six-speed torque converter automatic and seven-speed DSG though speculation around a possible eight-speed automatic persists.

Since its launch in 2021, the Kushaq has been instrumental in boosting Skoda’s volumes in India. Together with the Slavia and Kylaq, it forms the backbone of the brand’s locally developed portfolio. These models helped Skoda Auto Volkswagen India record its highest-ever domestic sales of 1.17 lakh units in 2025.

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Tata Avinya Program Gathers Pace As Brand Prepares New Flagship EV

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The production version of the first model from the Tata Avinya series will be introduced this calendar year in India

Tata Motors is laying the groundwork for its flagship electric vehicle programme yet with the Avinya nameplate set to be the flag-bearer in the future EV plans. Confirmed recently, the first production-ready Avinya model is scheduled to arrive before the end of this calendar year after multiple speculations around its launch timeline being postponed.

To support the transition, the company has committed a substantial investment of around Rs. 16,000 to Rs. 18,000 crore between FY25 and FY30. The said capital will be channelled into new EV platforms, new vehicle technologies, supplier localisation and a rapidly expanding charging ecosystem. The Avinya series will be positioned as a standalone portfolio with Tata’s future-facing design and software-led architecture.

Before Avinya takes centre stage, Tata will strengthen the bridge between its mass-market EVs and premium models. Products such as the Sierra EV, arriving in early 2026, along with the updated Punch EV, will play a crucial role in this transition. Tata’s confidence stems from its strong performance in India’s electric passenger vehicle space over the past five years.

The Avinya range, however, will follow a very different philosophy. The first model is expected to be either a premium SUV or a sportback-style vehicle with additional body styles planned over time. Unlike Tata’s existing products, Avinya vehicles are likely to be sold through a blended retail model that combines physical experience centres with a digital-first buying phase.

The Avinya models will not be restricted to a single battery chemistry – allowing the brand to evaluate alternatives beyond LFP depending on range expectations, charging speeds, safety requirements and packaging. Development is also being supported by technical collaboration with Jaguar Land Rover, particularly in software integration and other areas.

Tata aims to establish nearly 40,000 charging points by 2027 through partnerships under an open collaboration framework. Further ahead, the company has outlined a vision of reaching one million chargers nationwide. The company has already achieved over 50 per cent domestic value addition at the tier-3 supplier level helping it qualify for PLI incentives.

Used EV batteries are being repurposed for renewable energy storage – adding a circular economy dimension to the strategy. With its EV market share currently hovering between 40 and 45 per cent, Tata Motors believes the Avinya programme could help push that figure closer to the 45–50 per cent range in the coming years.

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Maruti Suzuki e Vitara India Launch Soon – Range, Specs, Price, Features, Safety

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Maruti Suzuki e Vitara is expected to go on sale soon in India and it will be sold through Nexa dealerships

Maruti Suzuki is gearing up to enter the electric SUV space in India with the upcoming e Vitara. Set to be sold exclusively through the Nexa retail network, the midsize electric SUV will compete in one of the fastest growing EV segments and is expected to carry a starting price a little above Rs. 17 lakh (ex-showroom) to take on Hyundai Creta EV, Mahindra XEV 9e, MG ZS EV, Tata Curvv EV and others.

Interestingly, the e Vitara’s journey has already begun even before its domestic launch. Mass production is underway at Maruti Suzuki’s Gujarat manufacturing facility with India-built units being exported to multiple overseas markets. Alongside product development, the company has also outlined its long term EV ecosystem strategy – committing to support the debut of over one lakh public charging points across the country by the end of this decade.

Built on Maruti’s dedicated Heartect-e skateboard platform, the e Vitara measures 4,275 mm in length, 1,800 mm in width and about 1,640 mm in height – riding on a long 2,700 mm wheelbase. Unladen ground clearance is expected to be around 185 mm. The e Vitara will be offered with two LFP battery packs sourced from BYD.

The smaller 48.8 kWh unit is paired with a 144 PS electric motor producing 192.5 Nm of torque while the larger 61.1 kWh battery develops 174 PS with the same torque output. Both variants support DC fast charging – enabling a 0 to 80 per cent recharge in just 50 minutes. The larger battery boasts a claimed driving range of up to 543 km on a single charge.

On the feature front, the electric SUV packs a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, a 10.1-inch digital instrument cluster, powered front seats, automatic climate control, a 360-degree camera and connected car technology. Level 2 ADAS will also be offered with features including adaptive cruise control.

The five-seater has already secured a five-star Bharat NCAP rating – scoring 31.49 out of 32 for adult occupant protection and 43 out of 49 for child safety. Standard safety equipment includes seven airbags, ESC, ABS with EBD and ISOFIX mounts. It will be sold with a total of 11 paint schemes namely Land Breeze Green With Bluish black roof, Splendid Silver with Bluish black roof, Opulent Red with Bluish black roof, Arctic White with Bluish black roof, Nexa Blue, Grandeur Grey, Splendid Silver, Arctic White, Opulent Red, Bluish Black and Land Breeze Green.

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