Skoda & Volkswagen To Likely Target Hybrid, CNG & EV Options For India

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Skoda and Volkswagen are expected to explore multiple fuel options for India in the coming years depending on how future emission regulations evolve

As India prepares for more stringent emission standards later this decade, Skoda Auto Volkswagen India is reworking its plans with a focus on flexibility. The company is building a diversified approach that comprises multiple fuel and drivetrain solutions. A key reason behind this is the uncertainty around how quickly infrastructure and consumer adoption will evolve.

While electric PV segment continues to gain traction, its share in the overall market remains relatively small. As a result, the group is also studying alternatives such as CNG and flex-fuel systems alongside conventional and electrified powertrains. It comes at a time when the company is witnessing impressive growth in the domestic market.

It recently achieved its highest ever annual domestic sales crossing the one lakh units mark. Export volumes have further increased overall performance with locally manufactured models like the Skoda Kylaq playing an important role in driving demand. Product momentum is expected to continue through the year as prices of the Kushaq facelift were announced recently.

At the same time, the brand is also looking to expand its appeal with enthusiast-oriented offerings such as the Skoda Kodiaq RS and Skoda Octavia RS along with new variants like the Kylaq Sportline. Apart from Skoda, the Volkswagen Group portfolio in India includes brands such as Volkswagen, Audi, Bentley and Porsche – allowing it to appeal to different spectrum of consumers across price segments.

As for Volkswagen, new developments are also underway. The locally assembled Volkswagen Tayron was introduced recently while updated versions of the Taigun and Virtus are currently in the pipeline. These updates are expected to keep the lineup fresh as competition intensifies in the Indian market and both could play a key role in further upping its volume sales this year.

The debut of alternative fuel technologies and electrified options will depend heavily on policy-related factors such as localisation rules, tariffs and trade agreements. These variables will play a big part in shaping how quickly new powertrain solutions can be brought to market and we will have to wait and see what really pans out as the same applies to many other manufacturers as well.

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Hyundai Working On 3 New Hybrid SUVs For India – All Key Details

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Hyundai appears to be working on as many as three new hybrid SUVs for India and here we have explained them

Hyundai looks to be putting together a new product strategy for India centred around hybrid SUVs with multiple launches expected to unfold over the next few years. The plan is set to include an all-new three-row SUV, the next evolution of the Hyundai Creta and a possible introduction of the global Hyundai Palisade in hybrid form.

One of the more interesting developments is a new seven-seater SUV internally referred to as Ni1i. It will slot between the Hyundai Alcazar and the Hyundai Tucson which was discontinued a while ago targeting consumers looking for more space without stepping into the higher price bracket. It is expected to utilise a reworked version of Hyundai’s 1.5-litre petrol engine paired with hybrid technology.

Production timelines point towards a possible debut around 2027. Alongside, Hyundai is also preparing a significant overhaul for the Creta. Codenamed SX3, the next-gen model will use an entirely new architecture and it has been caught testing in global markets already. Changes are expected to include updated proportions, a new exterior design and a completely refreshed interior layout.

It is expected to go on sale sometime next year in India. While the existing engine options including the 1.5-litre petrol, turbo-petrol and diesel will continue, the addition of a hybrid variant will be a defining update for the upcoming Creta lineup. Following the launch of the ICE version, Hyundai may also introduce an updated electric version of the existing model.

At the top of the range, the Palisade Hybrid is being evaluated for India. In international markets, it comes equipped with a 2.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine working alongside an electric motor – producing a combined output of 334 hp and 460 Nm. Its arrival, if approved, could take place closer to 2028.

With the next-gen Creta, a new three-row SUV and the potential introduction of the Palisade, the South Korean auto major may look to spread hybrid options across different segments. Reports suggest that the next-gen Bayon is also headed to India along with a new compact electric SUV which is heavily localised and it could be introduced before the closure of this CY.

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Top 10 Bikes Feb 2026 – Splendor, Shine, Pulsar, Apache, Classic, Raider

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In the chart of top 10 bikes in February 2026, Hero Splendor continued to lead the pack ahead of Honda Shine, Bajaj Pulsar and Hero HF Deluxe

The motorcycle market recorded a notable performance last month with the top 10 best-selling bikes collectively posting 8,74,781 units when compared to 6,86,633 units in the same month last year with a healthy 27.40 per cent year-on-year growth. At the top of the charts, the Hero Splendor continued its undisputed dominance with 3,21,952 units.

It registered a massive 54.96 per cent growth on a YoY basis. It alone accounted for over 36 per cent of total sales among the top 10 motorcycles. In second place, the Honda Shine posted 1,71,360 units in February 2026 – growing by 10.87 per cent YoY. The Bajaj Pulsar range followed in third with 1,11,617 units – recording a huge 26.98 per cent increase.

Meanwhile, the Hero HF Deluxe stood fourth at 71,717 units – witnessing a marginal 1.61 per cent growth. Moving further down the order, the TVS Apache range secured fifth position with 45,166 unit sales – up by 19 per cent YoY while the Royal Enfield Classic 350 continued to lead the middleweight capacity segment with 34,307 units – growing by 11.96 per cent.

Also Read: Bajaj, Triumph & KTM Feb 2026 Sales – Pulsar, Chetak, Platina, Duke, Dominar

Model	Feb 2026 Sales	Feb 2025 Sales	YoY
1. Hero Splendor	3,21,952	2,07,763	54.96%
2. Honda Shine	1,71,360	1,54,561	10.87%
3. Bajaj Pulsar	1,11,617	87,902	26.98%
4. Hero HF Deluxe	71,717	70,581	1.61%
5. TVS Apache	45,166	37,954	19.00%
6. Royal Enfield Classic 350	34,307	30,641	11.96%
7. Honda CB Unicorn	36,317	28,932	25.53%
8. TVS Raider	36,134	28,132	28.44%
9. Bajaj Platina	24,390	20,923	16.57%
10. Royal Enfield Bullet 350	21,821	19,244	13.39%

The Honda CB Unicorn also delivered a notable performance – posting 36,317 units last month with a 25.53 per cent increase. The TVS Raider emerged as one of the fastest-growing models in the list – clocking a domestic tally of 36,134 units. Its sales were up by 28.44 per cent YoY as it comes with an affordable pricing and sporty styling in a good VFM package.

The Bajaj Platina followed up in the ninth position with 24,390 units and a 16.57 per cent rise. Rounding off the top 10, the Royal Enfield Bullet 350 registered 21,821 units – growing by 13.39 per cent YoY. With its presence, the Chennai-based manufacturer had two motorcycles finishing in the top ten sales charts in February 2026.

Also Read: Hero Feb 2026 Sales: Splendor, HF, Destini, Glamour, Passion, Vida, Xoom

While mass-market models like Splendor and Shine continue to dominate volumes, the steady increase in sales of models like Raider, Pulsar and Classic 350 showed popularity amongst customers across different price points and preferences.

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Top 10 Scooters Feb 2026 – Activa, Jupiter, Access, iQube, Chetak, Dio

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In the list of top 10 scooters in Feb 2026, Honda Activa led Jupiter, Access, iQube, Chetak, Ntorq, Dio and others in India

The scooter market posted an appreciable performance tally in February 2026 with the top 10 models together recording sales of 6,51,243 units. Compared to 4,57,898 units in February 2025, the gain of 1,93,345 units led to a healthy 42.22 per cent year-on-year growth. The latest numbers show that scooter demand remains on a sharp upward curve.

Honda Activa stayed firmly at the top of the table and once again showed just how dominant it remains in this space. The Activa registered 2,54,449 units in February 2026 – up from 1,74,009 units in the same month last year with a volume gain of 80,440 units and a 46.23 per cent YoY increase. Even with rivals pushing hard across segments and price points, Activa continues to operate in its own lane when it comes to outright scale.

In second place, TVS Jupiter put in another impressive showing with 1,27,089 units – growing from 1,03,576 units last year. The scooter added 23,513 units and posted 22.70 per cent growth. Suzuki Access also held its ground well in third with 70,137 units against 59,039 units a year earlier – up by 11,098 units or 18.80 per cent.

Also Read: Car Sales Expected To Record Over 15% Growth In H2 FY2026

No.	Top 10 Scooters (YoY %)	Feb 2026 Sales	Feb 2025 Sales
1	Activa (46.23%)	2,54,449	1,74,009
2	Jupiter (22.70%)	1,27,089	1,03,576
3	Access (18.80%)	70,137	59,039
4	iQube (61.38%)	38,054	23,581
5	Chetak (31.85%)	28,004	21,240
6	Ntorq (52.22%)	31,955	20,992
7	Dio (76.11%)	28,227	16,028
8	Destini (89.47%)	27,369	14,445
9	RayZR (61.26%)	22,593	14,010
10	Burgman (112.84%)	23,366	10,978

TVS iQube finished fourth with 38,054 units – jumping from 23,581 units in February 2025. It saw an increase of 14,473 units and a notable 61.38 per cent rise. One of its main rivals, the Bajaj Chetak, came in fifth with 28,004 units – improving from 21,240 units and registering 31.85 per cent growth on a YoY basis.

TVS Ntorq continued to fly the flag for sporty petrol scooters as it secured sixth place with 31,955 units – up from 20,992 units last year. The numbers led to a gain of 10,963 units and 52.22 per cent growth. The Jupiter, iQube and Ntorq were responsible for the brand recording close to two lakh unit sales last month in the domestic market.

Also Read: Royal Enfield Feb 2026 Sales – Classic, Bullet, Hunter, Himalayan, 650s

Honda Dio was seventh at 28,227 units compared to 16,028 units in February 2025 – posting a 76.11 per cent rise. Hero Destini, meanwhile, delivered one of the biggest improvements in the list by climbing to 27,369 units from 14,445 units and nearly doubling its tally with 89.47 per cent growth. Further down, Yamaha RayZR recorded 22,593 units as its sales were up from 14,010 units and grew by 61.26 per cent.

Suzuki Burgman rounded out the top 10 with 23,366 units against 10,978 units in the corresponding month last year. Its jump of 12,388 units resulted in the highest growth rate among the top 10 scooters at 112.84 per cent.

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India-Bound Toyota Land Cruiser FJ (Mini Fortuner) Launched In Thailand

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Toyota Land Cruiser FJ is powered by the familiar 2TR-FE 2.7-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine developing 166 PS and 245 Nm

Toyota has taken the wraps off the Land Cruiser FJ in Thailand at the 47th Bangkok International Motor Show (BIMS) 2026. First previewed in October last year, the new SUV is scheduled to go on sale there by the end of this month. Thailand will get the model in a single 4WD 2.7 variant with prices starting at 1.269 million Baht (Rs. 36.40 lakh).

Unlike most compact SUVs that are now built around car-derived platforms, the Land Cruiser FJ sticks to a more traditional formula. It is based on Toyota’s IMV0 ladder-frame architecture. In Thailand, that body-on-frame construction also allows it to be classified as a truck-based SUV for taxation purposes. Dimensionally, it measures 4,610 mm in length, 1,855 mm in width and 1,890 mm in height with the wheelbase coming in at 2,580 mm.

The new FJ wears a boxy and upright body with design cues that nod back to the older FJ Cruiser. The fascia features a prominent Toyota script across the grille flanked by C-shaped LED daytime running lights while round retro-style lamps are offered as an option. Along the sides, the stepped glasshouse and chunky C-pillar give it a tough stance and the rear gets an octagonal side-hinged tailgate with an externally mounted spare wheel.

Consumers get a 7-inch colour instrument display and a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen along with smartphone connectivity through Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Other notable equipment includes a six-speaker sound system, dual-zone automatic climate control with a PM2.5 filtration setup, black synthetic leather upholstery, an eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, a four-way manual passenger seat and three USB Type-C charging ports.

In the cargo area, the Land Cruiser FJ gets military-style MOLLE mounting panels – allowing owners to strap in accessories or outdoor gear more securely. Powering the Thai-spec model is the familiar 2TR-FE 2.7-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine. The four-cylinder unit develops 166 PS at 5,200 rpm and 245 Nm of torque at 4,000 rpm – similar to the Fortuner.

Transmission duties are handled by a six-speed automatic gearbox with sequential shift function. The mechanical package is where the Land Cruiser FJ starts separating itself from the usual crop of midsize SUVs. It comes with a part-time four-wheel-drive setup and a low-range transfer case with the control hardware borrowed from the Hilux.

Toyota is expected to bring the Land Cruiser FJ to India in just over a couple of years and it could carve out a unique place in the market. There are plenty of SUVs on sale but very few combine compact dimensions with a proper ladder-frame chassis and genuine low-range four-wheel-drive hardware.

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Bajaj, Triumph & KTM Feb 2026 Sales – Pulsar, Chetak, Platina, Duke, Dominar

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Bajaj garnered 1,86,164 units in Feb 2026 as against 1,46,138 units with a YoY surge of over 27 per cent as it finished fourth overall

Bajaj Auto posted an eventful sales performance last month with the Pulsar series once again doing the maximum numbers. At the top of the chart sat the Pulsar 125 cc with 58,056 units – making it Bajaj’s best-selling product for the month despite a 13 per cent month-on-month decline compared to 67,081 units in January 2026.

It still managed an 8 per cent year-on-year increase over 53,768 units recorded in February 2025. The biggest surprise came from the combined Pulsar 160 and 200 NS/RS range which clocked 31,435 units in February 2026 leading to a huge 97 per cent year-on-year jump over 15,970 units sold in the same month last year while also growing 8 per cent over 29,048 units in January.

One of India’s top-selling scooters, the Bajaj Chetak, registered 28,004 units last month. While that figure was marginally down by 1 per cent compared to 28,216 units in January, it was still 32 per cent higher than the 21,240 units posted a year ago. The Platina continued to be an important contributor with 24,390 units last month.

Model	Feb 2026 Sales	Feb 2025 Sales	YoY Growth (%)
Pulsar 125 cc	58,056	53,768	8%
Pulsar 160 + 200 NS	31,435	15,970	97%
CHETAK	28,004	21,240	32%
Platina	24,390	20,923	17%
Pulsar 150 cc	13,315	13,917	-4%
Pulsar 220 cc	8,459	3,802	122%
Triumph 400	4,794	3,641	32%
KTM 250 cc	4,439	2,425	83%
KTM 200 cc	3,887	2,336	66%
CT 100 cc	3,792	3,369	13%
Freedom	1,461	1,027	42%
Avenger 220 cc	1,364	246	454%
KTM 390 cc	1,326	940	41%
DOMINAR 250	551	351	57%
DOMINAR 400	386	380	2%
Pulsar NS 400z	352	445	-21%
Yulu	126	200	-37%
Husqvarna	27	63	-57%
Duke 125 cc	0	25	-100%
Avenger 180 cc	0	1,070	-100%

However, it saw a 27 per cent drop over 33,520 units in January amidst improving 17 per cent year-on-year from 20,923 units. The Pulsar 150 cc, on the other hand, had a weaker outing. Its tally stood at 13,315 units – down 4 per cent from 13,917 units in February 2025 and 43 per cent compared to 23,174 units sold in January 2026. The Pulsar 220 cc went in the opposite direction on an annual basis – surging 122 per cent to 8,459 units from 3,802 units a year earlier.

Triumph 400 sales came in at 4,794 units – almost flat month-on-month against 4,792 units in January but still 32 per cent higher than 3,641 units in February 2025. KTM’s Duke range also delivered good gains with the Duke 250 posting 4,439 units – up 83 per cent year-on-year and 7 per cent over January. The 200 cc KTMs weren’t far behind either at 3,887 units – rising 66 per cent on a yearly basis despite a 9 per cent monthly decline.

Further down the order, the CT 100 recorded 3,792 units – up 13 per cent year-on-year but down 24 per cent month-on-month. The Freedom CNG bike managed only 1,461 units while the Avenger 220 cc garnered 1,364 units and endured a massive 454 per cent YoY jump. KTM 390 series added 1,326 units and posted healthy growth of 41 per cent year-on-year.

The Dominar 250 managed 551 units while Dominar 400 registered 386 units with flat 2 per cent yearly growth. The Pulsar NS400z had a tougher month at 352 units – declining 21 per cent year-on-year and 61 per cent over January. Husqvarna’s sales remained limited at 27 units. At the very bottom, Duke 125 cc and Avenger 180 cc posted zero units in February 2026.

source

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New Triumph 350 cc Bikes To Launch In India In Early April – Key Details

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The existing Triumph 400 cc lineup could get a downsized 350 cc powertrain with slightly lower performance numbers

A major tax advantage may soon bring Triumph back to contention in India as a new range of sub-350 cc motorcycles will arrive on April 6, 2026. Bikes with engine capacities above 350 cc attract 40 per cent GST while those at or below that threshold are taxed at only 18 per cent. In a segment where pricing has a major influence on buying decisions, the gap creates a case for manufacturers to rethink engine displacement.

Rather than developing a completely new powertrain from the ground up, the brand is expected to revise its existing 399 cc liquid-cooled engine to bring it just under the 350 cc mark. The likely route is through internal mechanical changes such as altering bore dimensions – allowing the company to lower costs, shorten development time and benefit from a substantially lower tax burden.

The expected result is a more affordable lineup aimed at the entry-level premium motorcycle space. These revised models could be priced around Rs. 20,000-25,000 lower than their current counterparts – giving Triumph a stronger foothold in one of India’s most competitive and value-conscious segments. The Speed T4, for instance, could end up with an ex-showroom price close to Rs. 1.75 lakh – making it a much more tempting option.

The first clues recently came from a test prototype spotted in India. The motorcycle, believed to be the Triumph Speed T4, looked almost identical to the version already on sale. The visual similarity indicated that the update is focused on what lies underneath rather than on styling changes. Triumph does not seem interested in redesigning the motorcycle on the outside when the real objective is to unlock a tax-led pricing benefit.

The current Triumph range includes the Speed 400, Scrambler 400 X and Thruxton 400 – powered by a DOHC liquid-cooled 399 cc mill. Because they sit above the 350 cc threshold, they currently fall into the higher GST slab. By moving these products into the lower-tax category, Triumph can reposition itself more effectively against established names in the market.

There will likely be some compromise in outright performance. The existing engine produces around 40 hp and 37.5 Nm but the downsized version is expected to make roughly 34 to 35 hp. Even so, the reduction may not dramatically alter the rideability for everyday use – mainly if the motorcycles retain their refinement, character and overall demeanour.

If Triumph succeeds with its sub-350 cc repositioning, other brands may follow the same path to exploit the tax structure. Bajaj and KTM, for example, could reassess some of their 400 cc offerings including motorcycles in the Dominar and NS range to remain competitive.

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