Upcoming Land Rover Compact Electric Defender – What We Know So Far

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Land Rover electric Defender will use twin e-motors and batteries could be sourced from Tata’s forthcoming gigafactory in the United Kingdom

An 800-volt electrical architecture with ultra-fast charging support of up to 350 kW is among the headline details emerging about the compact electric Defender which international reports suggest could debut as early as 2027. The model will sit below the Defender 90 in the lineup built on the Electrified Modular Architecture. It is a platform developed exclusively for next-gen electric vehicles from JLR.

Twin motors delivering standard all-wheel drive are expected across the range. Batteries will be sourced from Tata’s forthcoming gigafactory in the United Kingdom while production is earmarked for the Halewood facility on Merseyside – currently undergoing a GBP 500 million upgrade to prepare for EV output. The same plant will also build the next generation Range Rover Evoque and Range Rover Velar.

The strategy gives the compact Defender shared infrastructure that helps justify its commercial case at a lower price bracket than the larger models. At an estimated 4.6 metres long, close to 2 metres wide and under 1.8 metres tall, the compact Defender is sized for urban environments without abandoning the visual identity that has defined the nameplate since 2020.

Also Read: Updated Land Rover Defender MY26 To Launch Next Month – Top Changes

The upright stance, squared silhouette, muscular wheel arches, protective body cladding and LED lighting signatures are expected to carry across in a scaled-down interpretation. The cabin draws from the current Land Rover design direction with the presence of digital screens, advanced driver assistance systems, connected car technology and premium materials are likely.

The interior will be pitched at a younger demographic seeking off-road credentials. On the competitive front, a Mercedes-Benz compact G-Class derivative occupies a similar space in development. For India, where the Defender badge has performed strongly since its relaunch, the model could be under evaluation.

Also Read: Land Rover Freelander To Return In A New EV Avatar Next Year

The India-UK Free Trade Agreement which has already brought price reductions on the Range Rover SV and Range Rover Sport SV could reduce import duties significantly by the time this model is production-ready, – making a price point below Rs 1 crore a realistic possibility for the Indian market but it is too early to come to a conclusion at the current moment in time.

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All New Nissan Tekton Hybrid SUV To Debut In India On July 9

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Nissan Tekton will share its architecture with the new Renault Duster as it will be heavily localised to carry competitive pricing

A full width LED light bar at the rear, squared wheel arches and an upright stance inspired by the global Patrol will certainly be part of the main identity of Nissan’s upcoming midsize SUV for India. Called the Tekton, the new five seater is scheduled to make its public debut on July 9 and it will denote Nissan return to a category where it has remained absent ever since the Terrano gradually disappeared from the market.

Unlike the softer crossover styling inherited by several rivals, the Tekton is expected to lean towards a tougher visual character with sharper surfaces and a more muscular silhouette. A high bonnet line, sculpted body panels and chunky proportions are likely to help the SUV establish a distinct appeal against established products such as the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara and Toyota Hyryder.

Underneath, the Tekton will share its architecture with the new Renault Duster. The Japanese auto major relies on this localised modular platform for their next phase in India and the Tekton will become one of the first major Nissan products to utilise it. A three row derivative based on the same platform is already understood to be under development.

Upcoming Nissan Tekton

It could arrive before the end of the current financial year. Nissan is expected to offer the Tekton with three engine choices. The entry level versions will likely use a 1.0L three cylinder turbocharged petrol engine developing around 100 bhp and 160 Nm paired with a manual gearbox. Higher trims are expected to feature a larger 1.3L turbo petrol motor.

It makes 163 bhp and 280 Nm in the Duster while transmission choices could include both a manual and a dual clutch auto unit. A strong hybrid setup is also expected to sit at the top of the range and this could become one of the biggest talking points surrounding the SUV. Reports indicate a 1.8L petrol engine working alongside two electric motors and a compact battery pack for a combined output close to 160 bhp.

Nissan Tekton

Few mainstream midsize SUVs in India currently offer a full hybrid system and Nissan appears keen to use this technology to carve out a stronger position in the segment. The interior layout and equipment list are likely to closely mirror the India spec Renault Duster. A large 10.1 inch touchscreen infotainment unit with integrated Google applications and a 10.25 inch fully digital instrument console are expected.

Features such as ventilated front seats with power adjustment, powered tailgate, wireless charging, panoramic sunroof, USB Type-C charging ports, dual zone climate control, smart air purifier, OTA updates and connected car functions are also likely to be offered. Safety equipment could include six airbags, electronic stability control, a 360 degree camera and Level 2 ADAS functions.

Nissan is expected to position the Tekton competitively as it attempts to rebuild volumes in India following the launch of the Gravite. Deliveries for the compact MPV have already commenced and the Tekton will become a central role of Nissan upcoming product offensive in the country with more models waiting in the wings.

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2026 Tata Tiago ICE & Electric Facelift Break Cover Officially

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Ahead of their market launch next week, Tata has revealed the exterior of the heavily updated 2026 Tiago in its ICE and electric versions

Coral orange for the petrol version and mint green for the electric – two colours Tata has chosen to announce the facelifted Tiago range and they say more about the intent behind this update than any spec sheet would. Both the ICE and EV versions have been officially revealed ahead of the May 28 launch date and what Tata has done to the exterior is far removed from the conservative updates the Tiago has received in previous cycles.

The electric version gets the more dramatic front end treatment. A fully closed off body coloured fascia replaces any grille reference, a smaller air dam with vertical slats sits below and the overall front reads as distinctly EV in character. Aero inserts in the new alloy wheel design and wheel arch cladding on the sides show apparent the differentiation from the petrol version.

The ICE Tiago takes a different route with slimmer LED headlamps, a glossy and wider black grille opening, fog lamps integrated into a revised bumper and chrome garnish across door handles and window sills give it a more conventional but noticeably sharper face than the outgoing car. Both versions get new dual tone alloy designs and revised rear bumpers with cleaner geometric patterning while updated LED tail lamps complete the rear end changes across both.

Tata has kept interior details under wraps ahead of the official launch. It will gain a larger touchscreen with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, automatic climate control and cruise control. What the facelift adds on top is expected to include a fully digital instrument cluster, 6 airbags fitted as standard across all variants against the 2 currently on offer and a 360 degree camera.

Rear AC vents, wireless charging and a sunroof on higher trims are also likely. Under the bonnet of the ICE version, the 1.2-litre naturally aspirated petrol at 86 hp and 113 Nm carries across with 5 speed manual and AMT gearbox options. The dual cylinder factory fitted CNG setup will get AMT treatment as well. For the Tiago EV, the smallest 19 kWh battery pack is expected to exit the range with the 24 kWh unit taking over as the entry point. A new 30 kWh pack at the top of the range is also on the cards.

Prices for the petrol facelift is expected to start around Rs 5 lakh (ex-showroom). The Tiago EV facelift may start around approximately Rs 8.5 lakh.

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2026 Tata Tiago Facelift To Launch In India On May 28 – All Key Changes

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2026 Tata Tiago facelift in its ICE and electric forms will get a thoroughly revised exterior and interior along with the addition of new features

Tata Motors has confirmed the launch date for the 2026 Tiago facelift and it will boast a reworked exterior, a more equipped cabin and updated powertrain options to the most affordable hatchback in the brand’s lineup. The Tiago EV facelift is expected to follow shortly after with the ICE version taking centre stage at the May 28 event.

The exterior changes will be the most immediately visible judging by the spy shots. Up front, a slimmer grille, reprofiled LED headlamps with a more prominent DRL signature, a revised bumper and fog lamps repositioned lower on the fascia give the facelifted Tiago a sharper face. The overall silhouette stays unchanged but a new multi spoke alloy wheel design – expected in 15 inch size for the ICE version – refreshes the side profile.

The rear gets a redesigned tailgate, updated LED tail lamps with a connected light bar treatment and a flatter bumper bringing the Tiago in line with the visual direction Tata has taken across its newer models. A revised dashboard layout with gloss black elements on the centre console will be available on the inside while a 10.25-inch touchscreen with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay will sit at the centre.

A 7 inch fully digital instrument cluster is expected to replace the basic MID on the current model and touch based climate control buttons are expected to follow the approach seen on the Punch and Nexon. Ambient lighting, an improved multi speaker audio setup, new upholstery options, a front centre armrest and rear headrests are also likely.

The 1.2-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine producing 86 PS and 113 Nm will be carried over. It is currently sold with a 5 speed manual and an AMT. The dual cylinder factory fitted CNG variant, which produces 75.5 PS and 96.5 Nm and remains one of very few CNG cars in India to offer AMT, will also remain unchanged.

For the Tiago EV, the 19 kWh entry level battery pack is expected to be dropped with the 24 kWh unit becoming the new base option. A larger 30 kWh battery is possible as the range topping choice offering a claimed range of over 360 km. The 6 in 1 i Drive motor from the recently facelifted Punch EV is also expected to make its way into the updated Tiago EV.

Exterior updates on the electric version will broadly mirror the ICE facelift with revised headlamps, bumpers, alloy wheels and a connected rear lamp treatment. Pricing for the facelifted Tiago ICE is expected to start around Rs 4.75 lakh ex showroom extending to over Rs 8.25 lakh for higher variants. The Maruti Suzuki Swift, Renault Kwid, Hyundai Grand i10 Nios and Citroen C3 are its primary rivals in the compact hatchback segment.

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E30 Petrol Coming To India Soon? Govt Clears New Ethanol Fuel Standards

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After rapidly expanding E20 fuel availability across the country, authorities have now moved ahead with new technical standards covering E22, E25, E27 and E30 petrol blends

The fuel landscape is set for another major transformation as the government begins laying the foundation for petrol blended with significantly higher ethanol content. After rapidly expanding E20 fuel availability across the country, authorities have now moved ahead with new technical standards covering E22, E25, E27 and E30 petrol blends showing that the next phase of India’s biofuel strategy is already taking place.

The Bureau of Indian Standards has formally introduced specifications for these higher ethanol blends under a newly notified framework focussed on future-ready fuel compatibility. While these fuels are not yet available nationwide, the move creates the regulatory groundwork needed for eventual mass market rollout. It also points the finger towards the country’s vision extending far beyond the current E20 programme.

Interestingly, India reached its 20 per cent ethanol blending years ahead of schedule. The original deadline was set for the end of this decade but the country accelerated implementation aggressively amid rising crude oil dependence, global supply chain uncertainty and geopolitical instability affecting energy markets worldwide. E20 fuel has now become standard across most parts of India and automakers have already adapted newer products to handle the blend.

However, moving beyond E20 could create a new set of challenges for the automotive industry. Higher ethanol concentration changes the chemical behaviour of fuel and can influence combustion efficiency, engine calibration, fuel system durability and long term reliability. Existing vehicles not specifically engineered for higher ethanol content may experience compatibility concerns involving seals, injectors, fuel lines and cold-start behaviour.

This is precisely why government agencies and automotive research bodies have reportedly started studying the impact of E25 fuel on vehicles currently running on Indian roads. The focus will likely remain on mileage changes, engine wear, emissions performance and overall drivability under the varying local climatic and operating conditions.

At the same time, the change also opens the door for flex-fuel technology to gain mainstream acceptance in India. Several manufacturers including Toyota, Honda, Hero MotoCorp, Bajaj and TVS have already showcased flex-fuel ready engines and prototypes capable of operating on multiple ethanol blends. Such systems can run on regular petrol, E20, E30 and even significantly higher ethanol concentrations depending on calibration and hardware capability.

India continues to import a major share of its crude oil requirement and higher ethanol blending is expected to reduce fuel import dependence substantially over the long term. Ethanol production also supports domestic agriculture since it is derived from sugarcane, maize and grain-based feedstock. Industry stakeholders from the ethanol and distillery sectors have largely welcomed the latest development viewing it as a crucial milestone for renewable fuel ecosystem.

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8+ New Compact SUVs Arriving Soon In 2026-28 In India

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Here we have brought you a brief look at the new compact SUVs that are heading our way over the next couple of years in India

The compact SUV space has delivered more volume and more drama than any other category over the past five years. What is coming through 2026 to 2028 shows the next chapter will be even more varied as ten new products spread across electric, hybrid, CNG and conventional petrol powertrains from brands that have never played here before alongside veterans doing full generational overhauls.

Honda has never had a proper modern sub-four-metre SUV in India. The brand relied on the Amaze and City for volume while the compact SUV surge passed it by. The sub-4m SUV arriving in early 2028 will be powered by a 1.2-litre naturally aspirated petrol with hybrid technology under evaluation and it could be based on the same platform as the latest Amaze. It will take on a segment that by 2028 will be even more competitive than today.

Equally belated but more immediately impactful is the Hyundai compact EV which is expected in late 2026 or early 2027. Developed with high localisation and targeting around 400 km of real world range, it will be aimed at those who have been waiting for an affordable electric option from a mainstream brand they trust. Hyundai has been slower than Tata and Mahindra in democratising electric technology in India but this model will be the definitive answer.

Also Read: Honda To Launch A New Sedan And Multiple New SUVs In India

Pic Source: autojournal_india

Both the next generation Tata Nexon and Kia Sonet could arrive in late 2027 as full platform overhauls. The Nexon will likely get a longer wheelbase, completely revised body and a multi powertrain approach covering turbo petrol, iCNG and pure electric – maintaining the breadth that has made it the top selling compact SUV in recent years.

The next generation Sonet similarly will move to a new platform with extended dimensions amidst a host of enhancements inside and out. Renault will enter the compact SUV segment properly with the Bridger in mid 2027 – bringing 48V mild hybrid technology to a segment that currently has no factory fitted hybrid options at this price point and its launch has been confirmed for late next year.

Also Read: Hyundai Working On Multiple Hybrid SUVs For India – Here’s What We Know!

Image Source: Nick Audience/Facebook

Volkswagen will speculatively bring the Tera to India in mid 2027 – targetting the premium end of the space with the proven 1.0-litre TSI turbo petrol and it is no secret that it will have a lot in common with Kylaq including the MQB A0 IN architecture. The Mahindra Vision S, expected early 2027 on the NU IQ platform with 1.2 litre turbo petrol and 1.5 litre diesel will essentially be a baby Scorpio N with upright proportions and it will sit above the XUV 3XO.

Closest to launch are the Maruti Suzuki Brezza facelift, Kia Syros EV and VinFast VF 3 through the remaining stages of 2026. The Brezza update brings factory CNG with an underbody tank and a six speed manual as its headline practical improvements while the Syros EV will help extend Kia’s electric presence into the compact space. The VF 3, with its 18.6 kWh pack and micro SUV positioning, may look to slot in a lower price point that no established manufacturer has yet addressed.

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Skoda Epiq Entry-Level Electric SUV Revealed With 440 Km Range

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Skoda Epiq boasts a bootspace capacity of 475 litres And features bidirectional charging facility for the global markets

Skoda has unveiled its most affordable fully electric model the Epiq and it is the first production car to incorporate the brand’s Modern Solid design language in its entirety. Built on the new generation MEB+ platform with front wheel drive, the Epiq sits at the entry point of the brand’s electric portfolio and is priced at parity with the ICE Kamiq in several European markets.

It is a deliberate move to remove the price premium that has historically held customers back from electric vehicles at this end of the market. The MEB+ platform brings lighter battery packs compared to the previous generation – reducing energy consumption while freeing up more cabin space. Depending on configuration, the Epiq delivers a range of around 440 km between charges.

It can replenish from 10 to 80 per cent in just 24 minutes via DC fast charging. AC charging at 11 kW comes as standard across all variants while two battery sizes and three power outputs are available paired with a front wheel drive system. Bidirectional charging is part of the package as the Epiq can feed stored energy to external devices, a household or the grid depending on the available infrastructure.

Full one pedal driving is also available through B mode with adjustable regeneration intensity making the Epiq the first Skoda electric vehicle to support this capability. At 0.275, the drag coefficient shows the aerodynamic work done on the exterior. The front is characterised by a glossy black face and a new T shaped light signature that will carry across future Skoda SUV models.

The compact proportions should keep the exterior footprint manageable for city use. The boot measures 475 litres – among the largest figures in its class – and a 25-litre front compartment adds further storage flexibility but the frunk will arrive later in the production run rather than at launch. The interior follows the same Modern Solid philosophy with durable materials, premium controls and a 13 inch Android based infotainment display at the centre.

The MySkoda app enables remote access to vehicle data, charging management and comfort functions from a smartphone. Safety equipment is drawn from higher segments of the Skoda range. Front Assist, Side Assist, Lane Assist and Traffic Sign Recognition come as standard with Travel Assist 3.0 available as an option. Seven airbags are fitted as standard including a centre airbag between the front seats.

Shortly after the main market launch, a limited First Edition variant will be offered based on the Selection trim level. It combines the most powerful drivetrain with extended standard equipment and specific interior and exterior design elements to distinguish it from the regular range. The Epiq will be followed by the Peaq and together the two models will double the size of the Skoda all electric range.

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