Avinya Set To Lead Tata Motors’ Next-Gen Electric Line-Up

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Avinya EVs to feature global level of design and engineering finesse and could pave way for the brand’s entry into key global EV markets

It has been eight years since Tata Motors entered India’s electric car market, and over this period, the company has firmly established itself as the segment’s leading player. As it looks for the next phase of growth, Tata Motors will not only expand its existing EV portfolio but also move into a higher-end segment with a new electric sub-brand called Avinya.

The current crop of EVs, marketed under Tata Passenger Electric Mobility (TPEM)’s Tata.ev brand, are all models derived from ICE vehicles. That will continue being the strategy for this portfolio moving forward.

In a higher segment, Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles (TMPV) will introduce a new generation of electric cars designed from the ground up and developed on an EV-only platform. Save for some potential hints in the design, such as the shape of the DRLs forming a “T,” these EVs will have no references to the Tata brand and carry an identity of their own – Avinya.

Also Read: Tata Motors Does Not Rule Out A Diesel Powertrain For New Punch

Originally, Tata Motors planned to develop the Avinya EVs on Land Rover’s upcoming EMA platform and had an agreement with JLR to manufacture Land Rover EVs based on the same platform alongside them in India. JLR later backed out of that deal, and without those additional volumes, building Avinya EVs on the EMA platform no longer seems to be feasible, which is why Tata Motors had to postpone the roll out of the upcoming brand’s first model.

Tata Motors has not revealed whether it is still sticking to EMA or will develop a new platform, but it is certain that the platform will have a skateboard design. Even if it sticks to EMA, it won’t be leveraging the platform to its full extent. Land Rover is planning an 800-volt electric architecture for EMA platform-based EVs, while Tata Motors had said in 2022 that it was looking at 300 to 400 volts for Avinya EVs.

Also Read: Tata Tigor Based Xpres Petrol & CNG Launched From Rs. 5.59 Lakh

The first Avinya EV will be the production version of the Avinya concept showcased in 2022. Reports suggest it will feature a sporty hatchback body with a low and wide stance and may incorporate some attributes of an SUV and an MPV. Tata Motors plans to make the first Avinya electric car at its Sanand plant and could price it well over 30 lakh rupees (ex-showroom) when it launches it at the end this year.

The second Avinya electric car will be the production version of the Avinya X concept, an SUV-coupe showcased at Auto Expo 2025. No details about this model are available at this point, but there’s no doubt that the Avinya X concept was far closer to production than the Avinya concept. Tata Motors may launch it a year after the first Avinya EV.

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Maruti Suzuki To Upgrade Brezza CNG With An Underbody CNG Tank

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Maruti Brezza CNG set to become more practical in intercity trips, offering a significantly higher boot space than the current model

Maruti Suzuki has started testing the Brezza with an underbody CNG tank. The company is developing a facelifted version of the Brezza and could roll out this update as part of that refresh. One of the biggest compromises in CNG cars is the large gas tank, which occupies a significant portion of the boot space, limiting their usability on long journeys. Tata Motors and Hyundai are attempting to overcome this limitation with a twin-cylinder layout, while Maruti Suzuki is opting for an underbody design.

Maruti Suzuki launched the Victoris with an underbody CNG tank in September last year, and now, it appears to be planning the same for the Brezza. The Brezza petrol offers 328 litres of boot space, and while Maruti Suzuki does not state the figure for the Brezza CNG, it’s certainly a significantly lower number.

The new underbody tank design should bring a major improvement in the boot space. The fuel capacity, efficiency, and range may also change. The current Brezza CNG features 55 litres of water-equivalent space in the tank and delivers a fuel economy of 25.51 km/kg. Under the hood, it has the K15C 1.5-litre naturally aspirated engine, married to a 5-speed manual transmission.

Also Read: Maruti Suzuki e Vitara India Launch Soon; Range, Specs, Price, Features, Safety

Pic Source: True Car Advice

The engine produces 74 kW (99 hp) and 137.1 Nm of torque running on petrol and 64.6 kW (87 hp) and 121.5 Nm of torque in CNG mode. It is likely to be carried over without any changes with the facelift. The facelifted Brezza may also come with new features like ventilated seats, a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, a 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system, and Level 2 advanced driver assistance systems.

The Maruti Brezza is one of the most popular CNG cars in India, and last year, it ranked fourth on the CNG car sales chart, with 70,928 units sold. The introduction of an underbody tank should make it even more popular and further solidify its position as the top pick in the compact CNG SUV segment.

Also Read: Huge Discounts On Maruti Suzuki Nexa Cars In Jan 2026; Up To Rs. 1.30 Lakh

Image Source: Nick Audience/Facebook

The new Maruti Brezza CNG will directly compete with the Tata Nexon CNG. Its prices may start at around 9.25 lakh rupees (ex-showroom) and go up to around 11.75 lakh rupees (ex-showroom).

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New Electric SUVs From 3 Big Players Launching Soon In India

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Toyota recently revealed its first EV for the Indian market in the form of the Urban Cruiser Ebella

The electric vehicle segment in India is growing at a rapid pace, fuelled by new product launches. The year 2026 will witness the market launch of Maruti Suzuki and Toyota’s first electric car, along with some highly anticipated models from Tata Motors. In this article, we will look at the upcoming EVs from Maruti, Toyota and Tata, which are scheduled for a launch this year.

1. Maruti Suzuki e Vitara

Maruti Suzuki has confirmed the launch of e Vitara in the first quarter of 2026, and it will likely go on sale in the coming weeks. The brand’s first electric car was officially unveiled in December last year. The EV will be offered in three trim levels, i.e. Delta, Zeta and Alpha.

It will feature two battery pack options, 49 kWh and 61 kWh, with an ARAI claimed range of up to 543 kilometres on a single charge. Based on the Heartect-e platform, the India-spec model only gets a front-wheel drive configuration, with power output rated at 172 bhp and 193 Nm of peak torque for the bigger 61 kWh battery pack option.

Also Read: Maruti Suzuki e Vitara India Launch Soon; Range, Specs, Price, Features, Safety

2. Toyota Urban Cruiser Ebella

Toyota Kirloskar Motors (TKM) recently took the wraps off the Urban Cruiser Ebella in the Indian market. The Japanese carmaker’s first electric car is basically the badge-engineered version of the Maruti Suzuki e Vitara, albeit with a tweaked and sharper exterior design. The interiors are quite identical, along with a familiar feature set.

The Urban Cruiser Ebella will be offered in three variants, i.e. E1, E2 and E3. Under the hood, the electric SUV packs the familiar 48.8 kWh and 61.1 kWh battery pack options, with a claimed range of up to 543 kilometres on a single charge.

3. Tata Sierra EV

Tata Motors is ready to launch the Sierra EV in the Indian market in Q1 2026. The exterior design of the electric SUV has already been revealed, and it differentiated itself from the ICE Sierra with a distinctive front fascia, featuring a blanked-off grille. Based on the ARGOS platform, the Sierra EV will get the option of an all-wheel drive system.

The powertrain details of the electric Sierra are under wraps, however, several reports indicate that it could feature a 55 kWh battery pack from the Curvv EV and a 65 kWh unit from Harrier EV. We expect the electric SUV to come with a claimed driving range of up to 500 kilometres on a single charge.

Also Read: Tata Motors Does Not Rule Out A Diesel Powertrain For New Punch

4. 2026 Tata Tiago EV Facelift

Tata Motors is working on a mid-life facelift of the Tiago EV, which was launched back in 2022. The test mule of the brand’s most affordable electric car was spied for the first time, and we expect it to be launched around mid-2026. The updated model will likely get minor tweaks to the exterior design, including refreshed bumpers, front grille and headlights.

Inside the cabin, the company could offer a fully digital instrument cluster and revised upholstery. Under the hood, the Tiago EV facelift will continue to pack the familiar 19.2 kWh (Medium Range) and 24 kWh (Long Range) battery options, with a claimed range of 223 kilometres and 293 kilometres, respectively.

5. Tata Avinya Sportback

The much-awaited Avinya nameplate is confirmed for a debut in the Indian market by the end of 2026. As per the reports, the first model in the Avinya range will feature a sleek sportback styling. It will be based on Jaguar Land Rover’s Electrified Modular Architecture (EMA), which is an advanced ground-up electric skateboard platform.

While the details are scarce at the moment, the Avinya Sportback will target the premium EV segment, rivalling the likes of Hyundai IONIQ 5 and Kia EV6. On the powertrain front, we expect a claimed range of over 600 kilometres on a single charge.

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Toyota Urban Cruiser Ebella Variant-Wise Features Explained In Detail

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Toyota Urban Cruiser Ebella is claimed to have an ARAI-certified driving range of up to 543 km on a single charge

Toyota is backing its electric ambitions in India with a strong ownership ecosystem even before announcing prices for its newest EV, the Urban Cruiser Ebella. The electric SUV will be supported by an eight-year battery warranty, Battery-as-a-Service programmes and an assured buyback plan while over 500 service outlets have already been upgraded for BEV readiness with more than 2,500 trained technicians nationwide.

Under the skin, the Urban Cruiser Ebella is built on the Heartect-e electric architecture, a dedicated EV platform jointly developed with Suzuki. The modular setup allows extensive sharing of batteries, electronics and electrical systems. Manufacturing for the Indian market will take place at Suzuki Motor Gujarat’s plant with the model also positioned for potential export opportunities.

From a safety and technology standpoint, the Ebella arrives as a well-equipped offering. It features seven airbags, a high-tensile body structure, a 360-degree camera system and Level 2 ADAS. The advanced driver assistance suite includes adaptive cruise control, autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, blind spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert.

The Urban Cruiser Ebella comes with a hammerhead-inspired front end with slim LED lighting while the profile is accentuated by 18-inch alloy wheels and dual-tone exterior colour schemes. An upright stance and clean body lines give it a more SUV-centric character than the Maruti Suzuki e Vitara it is related to.

Powertrain options are centred around two lithium-iron phosphate battery packs. A 49 kWh unit serves as the entry point while a larger 61 kWh battery sits at the top of the range. Both versions use a single front-mounted electric motor driving the front wheels with the larger battery producing 128 kW and 189 Nm of torque. Toyota claims an ARAI-certified driving range of up to 543 km for the larger battery version with support for both AC charging and CCS2 DC fast charging.

The cabin gets a dual-screen layout featuring a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster and a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system offering wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The feature list extends to ventilated front seats, a panoramic roof, ambient lighting with multiple colour options, sliding and reclining rear seats, wireless phone charging and a JBL premium audio system.

Bookings for the Urban Cruiser Ebella are already open and it has been confirmed to be available in three variants namely E1, E2 and E3. Below we have listed the variant-wise features:

Urban Cruiser Ebella E1 (Base Variant)

• 49 kWh LFP battery pack

• Front-mounted electric motor producing 142 bhp

• 7 kW AC charging support

• Regenerative braking with selectable modes

• Snow mode, drive mode selector and one-pedal driving

• Front and rear ventilated disc brakes

• ABS with EBD, ESP, EPB and Hill Hold Control

• TPMS and full-size spare wheel

• Seven airbags, immobiliser and pedestrian-friendly pedal release system

• AVAS (Acoustic Vehicle Alert System)

• Dual-screen setup: 10.25-inch digital cluster + 10.1-inch touchscreen

• Fabric upholstery with height-adjustable driver seat

• Sliding and reclining 40:20:40 split rear seats

• Rear centre armrest with cupholders

• Single-zone automatic climate control with PM 2.5 air filter

• Keyless entry with push-button start

• Auto-dimming IRVM and adjustable leather-wrapped steering

• 18-inch alloy wheels with 225/55 R18 tyres

• Automatic LED headlamps

• Rear wiper with washer

• Roof-end spoiler

• Electrically adjustable ORVMs

• Shark-fin antenna

Urban Cruiser Ebella E2 (Mid Variant)

• Larger 61 kWh battery pack

• More powerful 171.5 bhp electric motor

• Extended certified driving range (up to 543 km)

• Wireless smartphone charging pad

• Rear-view camera

• Luggage shelf

Urban Cruiser Ebella E3 (Top Variant)

• Level 2 ADAS including Adaptive Cruise Control

• Autonomous Emergency Braking

• Lane Keep Assist and Lane Departure Warning

• Blind Spot Monitoring

• Rear Cross-Traffic Alert

• Multi-collision braking

• Driver alert warnings

• Surround-view 360-degree camera

• Panoramic sunroof

• Powered and ventilated front seats

• Synthetic leather and fabric upholstery

• Adaptive high beam

• Automatic headlamp levelling

• JBL premium audio system

• Dedicated tweeters and subwoofer

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Over 30 New Cars Set To Launch In 2026 In India Across Segments

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The automotive market braces for its most aggressive launch cycle in years as more than 30 new passenger cars are all set to be introduced in 2026

After several years of cautious portfolio updates, the passenger vehicle market is preparing for its most expansive product offensive in five years with over 30 new vehicle launches scheduled for calendar year 2026. Automakers are transforming from defensive strategies to aggressive expansion as demand conditions stabilise and policy tailwinds improve.

The rise in launches indicates a break from recent trends. Only 19 new models were introduced in CY2025 while the period between CY2021 and CY2024 averaged just 10–11 launches annually – most of which were facelifts or incremental upgrades. The 2026 pipeline, however, is expected to feature a higher proportion of new generations, new nameplates and electric vehicles across mass and premium segments.

A key catalyst behind this renewed confidence is the market’s performance in 2025. Passenger vehicle sales reached an all-time high of 4.49 million units – growing 5 per cent on a year-on-year basis. SUVs remained the primary growth factor contributing 56 per cent of total volumes while December 2025 recorded a 26.8 per cent jump in retail sales following GST reductions announced in September.

Several high-profile launches will arrive early in 2026. Renault’s new generation Duster is set to debut this Republic Day while Maruti Suzuki will begin sales operations of its first electric SUV, the e Vitara, soon and its Toyota sibling the Urban Cruiser Ebella made its debut recently. Tata Motors will further speed up activity with new introductions.

They include the Sierra EV, slated for launch in the coming months, Punch EV facelift and flagship Avinya series in late 2026. Electric mobility will be a major theme in the year ahead but volumes are expected to grow steadily rather than explosively. VinFast plans a phased rollout of three electric models – beginning with a 7-seat MPV. Leapmotor, through its collaboration with Citroën, is preparing two products as well while Mahindra already had a head-start with the arrival of the XUV 7XO and XUV 3XO EV.

JSW will enter the market on its own as a standalone brand as well. Brands like Hyundai, Nissan, MG Motor, VW and Skoda have multiple models lineup for this year. Despite the influx of models, electric vehicles are projected to account for only a low single-digit share of total volumes with demand concentrated in urban markets and higher price brackets. Intensifying competition in the SUV space may further cap rapid volume expansion. Backed by GST reforms, tax relief measures and easing interest rates, the automotive sector enters 2026 with stronger fundamentals than seen in years.

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Toyota To Continue Offering Diesel Engines In Select Segments In India

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Diesel to remain the mainstay for Toyota’s D-segment and larger ladder-frame SUVs, namely the Fortuner and Land Cruiser 300, as well as the Hilux

Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM)’s collaboration with Maruti Suzuki has helped it pivot from diesel for the majority of its line-up, but in certain segments, diesel remains the king. As a result, the company has no plans to entirely exit diesel in the foreseeable future.

Rebadged Maruti Suzukis aside, most Toyotas selling well in India are heavily reliant on punchy diesel engines. The Innova Crysta and Fortuner, especially, are popular mainly because of the availability of diesel engines. Sabari Manohar, Group Head – Customer Service Group, Toyota Kirloskar Motor, has said that diesel has hardcore fans and certain segments are purely diesel, like the Innova Crysta, for instance.

The demand for diesel may be scattered due to different regulations in some regions, but it’s strong enough not to discount it altogether. That said, the CAFE 3 norms that will come into effect in April 2027 will put pressure on TKM to shrink its diesel portfolio.

Also Read: Toyota Urban Cruiser Ebella Key Specs, Booking, Warranty, Range, Features & More

The Innova Crysta generates good volumes nearly a decade after its launch, yet TKM will discontinue it by early next year as part of a broader portfolio realignment. The company has no plans to stop offering a diesel engine in the Fortuner or the Hilux, though. It will likely upgrade the 1GD-FTV 2.8-litre turbodiesel engine to comply with BS 7 emission norms expected to be introduced later this decade.

Toyota carried over the 1GD-FTV engine from the eighth-gen Hilux into the ninth-gen model it introduced at the end of last year, and that is the only diesel option it offers in the latest pickup truck. We expect it to follow a similar strategy for the third-gen Fortuner, which it may launch in India in 2027. TKM is unlikely to offer any locally manufactured models with a diesel engine in the future, though.

Also Read: JSW To Launch A Toyota Fortuner-Rivalling PHEV As Its First Car In India

In 2028, TKM plans to launch the Land Cruiser FJ, the new C-segment body-on-frame SUV it introduced at the end of last year. The company assembles the Fortuner from imported CKD kits, but it will manufacture the Land Cruiser FJ. Expected to be priced around 30 lakh rupees (ex-showroom), though, the smaller model would still be quite expensive for a Mahindra Scorpio-N rival.

The 1GD-FTV engine would be a fitting choice for a model like the Land Cruiser FJ, but TKM has planned only petrol and petrol-based electrified variants. Interestingly, the latter will include not only a full-hybrid but also a plug-in hybrid option.

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Hyundai Starts Testing A New Compact SUV For India

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Hyundai’s new Compact SUV is expected to be an Indian alternative to the Inster the company offers in European markets, designed and engineered to better suit local consumer preferences

Hyundai has started testing a new Compact SUV in India, a model featuring rugged, old-school proportions. The company has shed quite a lot of camouflage, indicating it could be planning to launch the model within a year. The new Hyundai SUV features a squarish exterior, which gives it an authentic SUV look. Hyundai appears to have designed it to measure well under 4 metres, which should make it easy to drive through narrow and congested roads.

The overhangs of the upcoming Hyundai SUV look extremely short, and along with its high ground clearance, should make it easy to tackle speed breakers and potholes. The boxy shape and high ground clearance would give the model a powerful road presence, and the former would also maximise passenger and boot space.

The raised roof rails reinforce the future Hyundai model’s authentic SUV styling, and so do the large, squarish side windows and the chunky rocker panels. There are several modern styling touches also on the exterior, such as flush-fitted door handles, a kick in the belt line near the C-pillar, a sporty roof spoiler, and slim tail lights featuring a dotted pattern, inspired by the company’s Parametric Pixel theme.

Also Read: 4 New Hyundai Cars Likely To Launch In India This Year

There’s a strong chance this prototype is Hyundai’s upcoming Tata Punch.ev rival, so far referred to in the media by its codename – HE1i. The dimensions and exterior design align with the details about the HE1i reported so far. If true, this model should arrive in Hyundai showrooms in early 2027.

The HE1i is said to be based on the same platform as the Inster – E-GMP (K). It will be heavily localised to be priced competitively, right down to the cell level. Hyundai will leverage its strategic partnership with Exide Energy Solutions to use India-made LFP cells in the battery pack of the HE1i.

Also Read: Discounts On Hyundai Cars In Jan 2026; Exter, i20, Verna, Creta, Venue

Pic Source: Motorbeam

The new Compact SUV from Hyundai should be loaded to the brim with premium features, including ventilated front seats, wireless Apple CarPlay and wireless Android Auto, a wireless smartphone charger, and USB Type-C ports in front and rear. It will likely pack a slew of premium safety equipment as well, including a 360º camera system, advanced driver assistance systems, and six airbags.

Source

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