Royal Enfield Debuts Himalayan 450 Based Sherpa FT Mk2 Flat Tracker

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Royal Enfield Sherpa FT Mk2 draws its engine from the same 452 cc liquid-cooled single-cylinder unit that powers the Himalayan 450 and Guerrilla 450

Gary Birtwistle showed early promise at the opening round in Roden, Netherlands before a retirement in one of the qualifying heats ended his chances of reaching the final – leaving the two-time British national flat track champion with a 20th place overall finish on Royal Enfield’s debut in the FIM Flat Track World Championship.

Royal Enfield’s entry into the series comes on the back of being ranked the world’s third strongest automotive brand in the Brand Finance Automotive Industry 2026 report – a recognition that shows the growing international stature of a manufacturer that has been building its global presence steadily over the past decade.

Motorsport participation has long been part of that strategy and the flat track championship adds a new competitive dimension to what has been an increasingly ambitious programme from the Chennai-based brand. The machine at the centre of this debut is the Sherpa FT Mk2 – a purpose-built flat track racer drawing its engine from the same 452 cc liquid-cooled single-cylinder unit that powers the Himalayan 450 and Guerrilla 450 on the road.

Full performance figures have not been released but the race specification is expected to produce considerably more power than its street counterparts given the demands of the discipline. The chassis and running gear are purpose built rather than derived from the road.

Birtwistle is a fierce competitor with extensive experience across Europe and the United States. Beyond his two British national flat track titles, he is a three-time Twins Championship winner including races aboard a Harris-framed Royal Enfield 797cc twin and the founder of the Dirt Craft race school. His familiarity with the Royal Enfield platform makes him a logical choice for this campaign.

The 2026 FIM Flat Track World Championship runs to ten rounds across eight countries – significantly expanded from the six-round calendar of previous years. With nine rounds remaining, Royal Enfield and Birtwistle have enough time and opportunity to develop the Sherpa FT Mk2, accumulate data and work toward competitive results as the season builds.

The extended calendar is as much an advantage for a new entrant learning the series as it is a challenge in terms of sustained commitment. Royal Enfield’s involvement in the championship is a significant development for a series that has been gaining momentum with manufacturers, riders and fans and that the brand’s long history and global standing bring additional credibility.

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2027 Kia Sonet Spotted Testing For The First Time

The next generation Kia Sonet has been seen testing for the first time, offering an early look at what could be a more evolved version of Kia’s popular subcompact SUV. Although the test mule is heavily camouflaged, a few styling cues and expected upgrades indicate a shift towards a more premium and spacious package.

Spy images suggest the new Sonet could adopt styling elements from the larger Kia Seltos. The grille appears wider and more integrated with the headlamps, giving it a broader stance. The lighting setup seems inspired by the latest Hyundai Venue with distinct LED daytime running lights placed above the main headlamp units.

The front bumper looks cleaner than before, though subtle creases on the bonnet add some aggression. New alloy wheel designs align with Kia’s newer models. A sunroof is visible in the test car, though it remains unclear whether Kia will introduce a panoramic unit or retain a single-pane setup.

A key change expected with the new Sonet is its move to the K1 platform, which also underpins newer compact models within the Hyundai-Kia group. This shift could address one of the current model’s main drawbacks, limited rear seat space.

The updated architecture is also likely to support improved safety standards. With related models already achieving high ratings in crash tests, Kia may target a stronger safety score for the upcoming Sonet.

Inside, the next gen Sonet is expected to receive a redesigned dashboard with a more minimal and premium layout. Larger dual 12.3-inch displays for infotainment and instrumentation are likely to be introduced, bringing it in line with newer offerings from the brand.

Feature additions could include improved materials and enhanced tech. However, the inclusion of advanced driver assistance systems remains uncertain at this stage.

Mechanically, the new Sonet is expected to retain its existing engine lineup initially. This would include petrol and diesel options paired with both manual and automatic transmissions.

Looking ahead, Kia is also developing a strong hybrid powertrain based on a small petrol engine. This hybrid variant could be introduced after the model’s launch, potentially expanding the Sonet’s appeal in a fuel-efficiency focused market.

Source

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Huge Skoda Car Discounts May 2026 – Kodiaq, Slavia, Kushaq & Kylaq

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Skoda is selling its Kodiaq, Slavia, Kushaq And Kylaq with notable discounts in May 2026 and here we have explained them

In the month of May 2026, Skoda offers are devised around clearing older stock at the top of the range while keeping incentives a bit modest on the latest models. The headline numbers sit with the Kodiaq MY2025 and the pre-facelift Kushaq – both carrying Rs 2 lakh cash discounts that make them among the best deals in the premium SUV and compact SUV spaces respectively this month.

The Kodiaq MY2025 leads the chart with a total benefit potential of up to Rs 3,50,000. It includes Rs 2 lakh cash offer, Rs 1 lakh corporate discount and Rs 50,000 exchange bonus. For a premium three-row SUV that retails well above Rs 40 lakh, this is a huge reduction that brings the effective price down considerably for customers who have been waiting for the right moment to pull the trigger.

Recently, Skoda introduced the updated Kodiaq in India with feature additions such as ADAS. The pre-facelift Kushaq follows at up to Rs 2,50,000 in combined benefits – Rs 2 lakh cash and Rs 50,000 exchange. The latest Kushaq, by contrast, carries only up to Rs 40,000 in benefits through exchange and corporate channels with no cash discount on the current model year.

Also Read: Updated 2026 Skoda Kodiaq Launched At Rs. 36.99 Lakh

Model	Cash Discount	Max Exchange/Corporate	Max Total Benefit
Kodiaq MY2025	Rs 2,00,000	Rs 1,50,000	Up to Rs 3,50,000
Kushaq Pre-Facelift	Rs 2,00,000	Rs 50,000	Up to Rs 2,50,000
Slavia MY2026	Rs 50,000	Rs 75,000	Up to Rs 1,25,000
Kushaq Facelift	—	Rs 40,000	Up to Rs 40,000
Kylaq MY2026	Rs 10,000	Rs 25,000	Up to Rs 35,000

The Slavia MY2026 offers up to Rs 1,25,000 in combined benefits – Rs 50,000 cash, Rs 25,000 exchange and up to Rs 50,000 corporate discount. It is a reasonably generous package for a midsize sedan that has been holding its ground in a shrinking segment. The Kylaq, which has been Skoda’s volume driver since launch, carries the most modest offer at up to Rs 35,000.

The benefits include Rs 10,000 cash, Rs 15,000 exchange and Rs 10,000 corporate. A loyalty discount is also available for existing owners of Skoda, Volkswagen, Audi and Porsche vehicles purchasing a new Skoda or Volkswagen and is applicable as either an exchange or loyalty benefit but not both.

Also Read: Skoda Peaq 7-Seater To Be Brand’s Largest EV With 600+ Km Range – Launch Soon

As ever, all the offers are on select variants and subject to stock availability and location. The Czech brand could be looking to bring in updated Slavia next while more global models and Kylaq Sportline are in the pipeline as well.

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Mahindra Offers Discounts Of Up To Rs. 2.50 Lakh In May 2026

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Mahindra is offering discounts on XUV 400, BE 6, XEV 9e, Thar Roxx, XUV 3XO, Scorpio and Bolero Neo in May 2026 in India

The most significant numbers in Mahindra’s May 2026 offer sheet are at the electric end of the domestic range. The XUV 400 EV in EC Pro and EL Pro variants carries a Rs 2.5 lakh cash discount. The e-SUV has been enduring tough times in garnering sales due to the arrival of INGLO platform based dedicated skateboard EVs – XEV 9e, XEV 9S and BE 6.

The Mahindra BE 6 and XEV 9e MY2025 stock is similarly being moved at notable discounts – Rs 2 lakh and Rs 1.4 lakh cash respectively. Both are limited to the previous model year inventory and will not last long given how quickly Mahindra’s EV volumes have been building as both are amongst the top-selling EVs in the country.

Consumers who act quickly on either of these can get into the new-age EV lineup at a noticeably lower price than the current MY2026 asking rate but the availability could be extremely limited. On the ICE front, the Thar Roxx leads with the strongest combined package at up to Rs 1,10,000 – Rs 85,000 cash and Rs 25,000 in accessories.

Also Read: Mahindra To Launch CNG-Spec XUV 3XO In India Soon

Model	Cash Discount	Additional Benefits	Max Total Benefit
XUV 400 EV EC/EL Pro	Rs 2,50,000	—	Up to Rs 2,50,000
Mahindra BE 6 (MY2025)	Rs 2,00,000	—	Up to Rs 2,00,000
Mahindra XEV 9e (MY2025)	Rs 1,40,000	—	Up to Rs 1,40,000
Thar Roxx	Rs 85,000	Rs 25,000 accessories	Up to Rs 1,10,000
XUV 3XO	Rs 40,000	Rs 20,000 accessories	Up to Rs 60,000
Scorpio N (Z4)	Rs 30,000	—	Up to Rs 30,000
Bolero Neo	Rs 25,000	Exchange benefit	Up to Rs 25,000+
Scorpio Classic	Rs 20,000	Rs 30,000 accessories	Up to Rs 50,000
Scorpio N (Z8)	Rs 20,000	—	Up to Rs 20,000
Bolero	NIL	—	—
Thar	NIL	—	—
XUV 7XO	NIL	—	—

The XUV 3XO compact SUV follows with up to Rs 60,000 in combined benefits – split between Rs 40,000 cash and Rs 20,000 in accessories. The Mahindra Scorpio Classic offers Rs 20,000 cash alongside Rs 30,000 in accessories for a total of Rs 50,000 while the Scorpio N carries Rs 30,000 on the Z4 variant and Rs 20,000 on the Z8 trim.

The Bolero Neo is available with up to Rs 25,000 cash plus an exchange benefit making it the only model in the range where the exchange component adds further value beyond the cash offer. The Bolero series, three-door Thar and XUV 7XO carry no offers this month.

Also Read: Top 20 Car Brands By Retail April 2026 – Maruti Leads Tata & Mahindra

It must be noted that all offers are valid for a limited period and applicable on select variants in select cities and subject to terms and conditions.

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Audi Q9 Interior Out Ahead Of Debut – Automatic Doors, 7 Seats & 4D Sound

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Audi Q9 will feature automatic doors that are a first for any Audi model; the flagship SUV is all set to be unveiled in the coming months globally

Two months before its world premiere, Audi has pulled back the curtain on the Q9’s interior and the cabin is where the brand has placed its biggest bets on this flagship SUV. Electrically operated doors, a 1.5 square metre panoramic sunroof with switchable transparency, a Bang and Olufsen 4D sound system and up to seven seats are some of the highlights.

The automatic doors are a first for any Audi model. They can be triggered through the key, the myAudi app, the MMI, the brake pedal or the seatbelt buckle and a surround sensor system with obstacle detection prevents the door from opening if something is in the way – a feature with obvious utility in tight parking situations and around approaching cyclists.

Seating is available in six or seven-seat configurations. The six-seat layout gives the middle row two electrically adjustable individual seats with active ventilation in both the cushion and backrest – a specification level that Audi compares to business class air travel. The seven-seat version fits all three second-row positions with child seat compatibility while third-row seatbacks fold individually via electric controls.

Also Read: Audi Q4 e-tron Facelift Debuts – New Interior, More Range & Bidirectional Charging

Up front, the sports seat plus adds ventilation and massage functions. The panoramic sunroof is around 1.5 square metres and its nine individually controllable laminated glass segments can be switched to opaque at the touch of a button eliminating the need for a conventional blind. The glass blocks over 99.5 per cent of UV radiation and reflects infrared light.

When parked, the roof automatically turns opaque – reverting to the last setting when the car is restarted. The top trim adds 84 LEDs that illuminate the roof in one of 30 colours synced with the ambient lighting. The updated Bang and Olufsen 4D sound system builds on the previous 3D setup with the addition of seat actuators that allow music to be physically felt rather than just heard.

Also Read: New Audi SQ8 Launched At Rs. 1.78 Crore – Specs, Performance, Features & More

The dynamic interaction light – a full-width LED strip across the interior – syncs with the music’s rhythm and matches colours to album artwork. Alpaca fibre, Dinamica microfiber, Nappa leather and leatherette combinations are among the upholstery options while interior trim choices include fine grain ash, lime structure, silk beige and carbon fibre weave with basalt grey accents.

Matte and textured surfaces are prioritised over gloss to keep fingerprints in check. Meanwhile, new colours including tamarind brown and stone beige expand the palette. Storage is thoughtfully handled with two Qi2.2-compliant wireless charging pads, 100W USB-C ports and a new aluminium rail system in the boot that allows three-dimensional cargo securing without blocking floor space. A roof rack for the standard roof rails is included with every Q9. The full Q9 debut including powertrain details and exterior design is scheduled to be revealed in the coming months.

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2026 Honda NX500 E-Clutch Launched In India At Rs. 7.43 Lakh

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2026 Honda NX500 E-Clutch helps reduce the physical demand on the rider without fundamentally altering the riding characteristics

Clutch fatigue on long highway stretches and stop-start city traffic has been one of the more persistent complaints among adventure touring riders in India and Honda’s answer to that on the NX500 is the E-Clutch – a system that automates clutch engagement without taking away the option to operate it manually.

Bookings are open at Honda BigWing dealerships across the country from yesterday for the 2026 Honda NX500 equipped with an E-Clutch system with pricing set at Rs 7,43,900 (ex-showroom, pan India). The E-Clutch system uses electronic control to manage clutch engagement during starting, gear changes and coming to a stop.

It helps reduce the physical demand on the rider without fundamentally altering the riding characteristics. Crucially, the rider can override the system at any point keeping the hands-on character that defines the NX500 intact. For a motorcycle that is equally at home on congested urban roads and open highway runs, the addition makes practical sense in the Indian context where riding conditions can change dramatically within a single journey.

The 471cc liquid-cooled parallel-twin engine carries over unchanged – tuned for strong low and mid-range torque alongside linear power delivery at higher revs. The six-speed transmission works in conjunction with the E-Clutch system. The chassis is built around a steel diamond frame with Showa SFF-BP upside-down front forks and a preload-adjustable rear monoshock.

Braking is handled by dual front discs and a rear disc, with dual-channel ABS as standard. The wheel combination of 19 inches at the front and 17 at the rear is typical of the adventure segment and gives the NX500 the stance to handle varied surfaces. A 5.0-inch full-colour TFT display with Honda RoadSync connectivity handles navigation, calls and music playback.

Honda Selectable Torque Control is standard giving riders an added layer of confidence on slippery or unpredictable surfaces. LED lighting is fitted throughout. Two colour options are available – Mat Gunpowder Black Metallic and Pearl Horizon White. The NX500 with E-Clutch is available exclusively through Honda’s BigWing network which handles the brand’s premium motorcycle retail in India.

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Tata Sierra EV Arriving Soon In India – Key Specs, Range, Features Detailed

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Tata Sierra EV will slot above the Curvv EV and it will likely be available with both single- and dual-motor configurations

Three screens on the dashboard, bidirectional charging, a dual-motor all-wheel-drive option and a starting price of around Rs 18.5 lakh, the Tata Sierra EV is preparing to be one of the comprehensively specced midsize electric SUVs in its price bracket when it arrives in showrooms before the end of June 2026.

A while ago, Tata Motors confirmed a Q1 FY27 launch timeline and the frequency of test mule sightings across the country suggests production preparation is well underway. The Sierra EV sits on Tata’s Acti.ev+ skateboard platform – a modular architecture found in the IC-engined Sierra too while also being capable of spawning new body types.

It shares several components with the Harrier EV giving it a strong technological foundation within Tata’s growing electric portfolio while the design and interior bits will be akin to its ICE sibling. In the product lineup, it will slot above the Curvv EV targeting consumers who want a more premium midsize electric SUV with greater capability.

Also Read: Tata, Mahindra, Toyota, Skoda & Nissan To Bring In New Midsize SUVs Soon

Two battery options are expected – a 55 kWh pack similar to the one in the Curvv EV and a larger 65 kWh unit carried over from the Harrier EV. The bigger battery is speculated to deliver a range of over 500 km with fast charging support likely included across variants. Drivetrain options are likely to span a single-motor rear-wheel drive setup and a dual-motor AWD configuration.

The design takes inspiration from the original Sierra nameplate while wrapping it in a modern EV package. A closed-off front grille, split headlamp arrangement, full-width LED DRL signature, flush door handles, muscular wheel arches and a connected LED light bar at the rear are among the expected styling elements.

Also Read: Tata Harrier & Safari Ultra Diesel Red Dark Edition Launched At Rs. 23.84 Lakh

A three-screen layout composing a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a 12.3-inch central infotainment display and a dedicated 12.3-inch passenger-side screen will be available. Higher variants will offer a suite of Level 2 ADAS system with multiple features, a 360-degree camera system, powered front seats, dual-zone climate control, powered tailgate, glass roof, ambient lighting and a full connected car suite.

We can expect thematic changes and slightly more premium surface trims and materials to differentiate itself from its regular sibling. Even the lower trims are expected to be reasonably well equipped given how competitive the midsize electric SUV space has become. With the Sierra EV, Tata is all set to add a lot of depth to a range that already includes the Tiago EV, Punch EV, Nexon EV, Curvv EV and Harrier EV.

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