Hero Xpulse 421 Undergoes High-Altitude Testing In The Hands Of Dakar Rally Riders

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Hero Xpulse 421 is expected to make its global debut at the EICMA show in Milan and it will be equipped with a new liquid-cooled engine

The forthcoming Hero Xpulse 421 will sit at the top of the company’s adventure motorcycle range when it enters dealerships before the end of this year or in early 2027. The dual-purpose adventure tourer will compete against the Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 and KTM 390 Adventure in the middleweight category and its Indian launch could take place following the possible world debut at EICMA 2026 in Milan, Italy.

The motorcycle will use a newly developed 421 cc single-cylinder liquid-cooled engine mounted inside a steel trellis frame. The official power and torque figures have not been announced by Hero MotoCorp but we expect it to be around 40 hp. The larger displacement will place the upcoming model well above the Xpulse 210 in output and highway capability.

The wheel combination is expected to be a 21-inch front and an 18-inch rear fitted with wire spokes. The dual-purpose tyres should support paved roads, gravel tracks and rough trails. The long-travel suspension points towards an off-road based setup suited to the intended role of the motorcycle. The latest test mule has appeared on the internet after a brief hiatus.

It was filmed during high-altitude testing in Ladakh. The camouflaged Xpulse 421 was seen travelling alongside several Xpulse 210 motorcycles and the Hero 450 Rally race bike. The riding group reportedly included Hero MotoSports Dakar Rally Team members Ross Branch and Nacho Cornejo as the brand looks to take in every necessary feedback before preparing the production version.

The participation of experienced rally competitors indicates that Hero is using competition input during final validation. The Ladakh conditions allow the company to assess engine response, cooling, chassis behaviour and suspension operation at high elevations. The ever demanding terrain also gives the development team an opportunity to evaluate the motorcycle across loose surfaces and steep gradients.

The heavy camouflage conceals many production details but the overall adv stance can still be identified apparently. The tall windscreen, large fuel tank, wire-spoke wheels, extended suspension travel and upright stance match the equipment seen on earlier test motorcycles. The bodywork carries a narrow rear section and a substantial front profile suited to the larger engine platform.

The prototype suggests that the Hero Xpulse 421’s development programme is moving towards production validation. The EICMA show in November 2026 could host the first official presentation of the finished motorcycle. The pricing, final specifications, equipment list and local availability should be disclosed closer to the market introduction.

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Mahindra Vision S (Mini Scorpio N) Spied Testing Again In Production Form

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Mahindra Vision S based compact SUV is expected to slot above the XUV 3XO and could share engine and transmission options with it

The Mahindra Vision S has returned to public roads in near-production guise again. The latest prototype carries road-ready body panels, production lighting units, conventional door and finished exterior proportions beneath extensive camouflage. The market introduction is expected in early 2027 after a possible public presentation in the closing months of 2026.

The new NU_IQ architecture forms the technical base for the upcoming SUV and can accommodate combustion-powered as well as fully electric derivatives. The flexible construction should allow Mahindra to develop several versions from the same foundation while retaining a compact footprint including a Vision X based crossover.

The Vision S will occupy a separate space below the Scorpio N while drawing visual inspiration from the larger SUV. To likely share engine and transmission choices with the XUV 3XO, the entry-level 1.2-litre turbo petrol mill could produce 111 hp and 200 Nm and can be paired to either a six-speed manual transmission or a six-speed torque converter automatic.

Vision S Concept

The more powerful 1.2-litre direct-injection turbo petrol unit develops 130 hp and 230 Nm while using the same gearbox choices. The 1.5-litre four-cylinder turbo diesel could serve customers seeking higher torque and lower fuel consumption. The diesel motor generates 117 hp and 300 Nm in the XUV 3XO and currently works alongside a six-speed manual or a six-speed AMT.

The photographed test vehicle shows an upright front fascia dominated by round projector headlamps and a tall grille divided into several vertical openings. The narrow strips extending outwards from the main lamps could be part of the daytime running light arrangement. The lower bumper carries a wide central intake, rectangular openings and upright outer sections that may house fog lamps.

Vision S Concept

The bonnet sits almost level before meeting a steeply raked windscreen – creating the tall nose associated with the Scorpio family. The roof maintains a nearly horizontal line from the front pillars to the rear while the overhangs help preserve the compact appearance. The squared wheel openings, exposed black extensions, deep lower-door trim and substantial ground clearance enable a rugged profile amidst the monocoque construction.

The side view confirms a five-door layout supported by tall windows and a compact quarter-glass panel behind the rear doors. The large outer mirrors are mounted close to the front pillars while the pull-type handles could make it to production as well. The alloy wheels seen on the prototype look close to production specification.

The cabin has not been revealed clearly in the latest photographs but earlier prototypes pointed towards an interior developed specifically for the Vision S. The dashboard could use a horizontal arrangement, upright air vents, a digital instrument display, and a central touchscreen. The equipment list may also cover automatic climate control, connected functions, a panoramic sunroof, and several driver assistance systems.

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Patrol-Inspired Nissan Tekton SUV Teased Ahead Of Launch On July 9

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Nissan Tekton will derive power from a 1.0L turbo petrol, a 1.3L turbo petrol and a 1.8L strong hybrid petrol engine

Nissan has dropped another teaser of the upcoming Tekton SUV ahead of its global unveiling on July 9. Placed alongside the flagship Patrol in the teaser, the Tekton gets several visual themes from its larger sibling while carving out a distinct appeal of its own. It is expected to spearhead Nissan’s next phase of growth across multiple markets including India.

The family resemblance is immediately evident in the teaser with the presence of a tall upright stance, squared-off front end and horizontal elements dominating the design. The Patrol’s imposing grille treatment appears to have influenced the newcomer while the Tekton introduces a full-width LED lighting arrangement stretching across the nose. Illuminated Nissan badging sits at the centre while slim daytime running lights and vertically stacked lighting signatures frame the front fascia.

The upright bonnet, broad shoulders and high-set roofline show Nissan’s focus on cabin room and road presence. The teaser also reveals roof rails, a muscular front bumper and sculpted surfacing around the wheel arches. Large “TEKTON” lettering across the leading edge of the bonnet can also be seen.

Underneath the skin, the Nissan Tekton will utilise the same platform shared with the latest Renault Duster which went on sale a few months ago. The overall length could sit in the 4.3-metre range – placing it squarely in the midsize SUV segment. A three-row seating configuration is destined for several markets including India under a different name in the near future.

Powertrain choices are expected to mirror developments within the Alliance portfolio. A 1.0L and a 1.3L turbocharged petrol engine will be accompanied by a 1.8L strong hybrid petrol mill while manual and automatic transmission options will help ensure an expansive range.

Nissan Tekton

A fully digital cockpit, a large touchscreen infotainment system, connected vehicle functions, panoramic sunroof, a 360-degree camera setup, ventilated and powered seats and an extensive suite of driver assistance technologies will be available. The Japanese manufacturer is also working on an A-segment electric vehicle for the future while the Tekton and its upcoming three-row sibling are expected to drive volumes in soon.

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Next-Gen Kia Sonet To Be More Spacious And Feature-Rich

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Kia’s India-focused sub-4 metre SUV set to undergo a full makeover next year and challenge the likes of Renault Bridger and Tata Nexon

The Kia Sonet, the South Korean automaker’s first product in India’s booming compact car market, has helped the brand grow significantly since its launch in 2021. A full redesign is in the works, programmed to be rolled out in 2027, and it will make the Tata Nexon rival a more appealing product in several aspects.

The next-gen Kia Sonet will be bigger than the current model and address one of the main shortcomings of the current model – space. Kia has started testing the redesigned model on public roads, and images captured of early prototypes clearly indicate it will be bigger.

Based on a new ‘K1’ platform, the next-gen Kia Sonet will likely be 10-15 mm wider and have an approximately 50 mm longer wheelbase. It should offer better shoulder room and leg room in the rear. The all-new model will communicate its larger footprint with a stronger, more imposing exterior design. Split headlamps, an upswept beltline, a sleeker greenhouse, and T-shaped tail lights are likely to be among the key design changes.

Also Read: 4 New Kia SUVs Undergoing Testing In India; Key Details

Image Source: Yash Suthar/X

Inside, the next-gen Kia Sonet would have a more contemporary design and leverage the K1 platform’s new E/E architecture to incorporate new dashboard displays, including a 12.3-inch HD instrument cluster, a 5-inch climate touchscreen, and a 12.3-inch HD infotainment touchscreen, running the ccNC software. A panoramic sunroof and Level 2 advanced driver assistance are also expected to be among the main upgrades.

The next-gen Kia Sonet will likely be introduced with the familiar 82 hp/115 Nm 1.2-litre naturally aspirated petrol, 118 hp/172 Nm 1.0-litre turbocharged petrol, and 114 hp/250 Nm 1.5-litre turbocharged diesel engines. 5-speed manual, 6-speed automatic, and 7-speed dual-clutch automatic will likely be the available transmission choices.

Also Read:Tata, Hyundai, Toyota & Kia Ready Major New Electrified SUV Launches In India

Image Source: Yash Suthar/X

At the 2026 CEO Investor Day held in April, Kia confirmed plans to launch a hybrid variant of the Sonet. The company will introduce it a year or two after the lifecycle makeover next year, in 2028 or 2029. The hybrid variant is likely to be significantly more fuel-efficient than the ICE variant and likely to be essential when Kia decides to axe the diesel option in the future due to stricter emission norms.

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New Toyota Land Cruiser Compact SUV Under Consideration – All Key Info

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New Toyota Land Cruiser compact SUV has reportedly been under consideration focussing on lifestyle-based segment and it could sit between RAV4 and Prado

Toyota’s Land Cruiser family may soon become more diverse than at any point in its history. While the badge has traditionally been associated with ladder-frame machines tackling harsh environments, a very different interpretation appears to be taking shape behind the scenes. Instead of targeting expedition enthusiasts and hardcore trail users, the new project is understood to focus on customers who spend far more time on highways and city roads.

The rumoured vehicle would fill an interesting gap inside Toyota’s global SUV portfolio. Existing Land Cruisers occupy the tougher end of the spectrum while crossovers such as the RAV4 appeal to mainstream family buyers. A premium lifestyle SUV carrying Land Cruiser nomenclature could bridge those worlds and attract a completely different audience.

This is where the significance of the Land Cruiser Se concept begins to emerge. When Toyota unveiled the futuristic show car a few years ago, many viewed it as a design exercise rather than a preview of a production vehicle. However, global speculations suggest the concept may have been laying the groundwork for a new member of the Land Cruiser family scheduled to arrive before the decade concludes.

As opposed to the upcoming Land Cruiser FJ, which preserves traditional body-on-frame construction and serious off-road credentials, the new model could prioritise modern interior packaging, digital functionality and everyday usability. Simply put it, the Se-derived vehicle, would move closer to premium family vehicle while retaining visual links to Toyota’s legendary off-road lineage.

Underneath, a monocoque structure is believed to be under evaluation. It would unlock several advantages including lower weight, improved ride quality, greater cabin flexibility and so on. It would also allow Toyota to package electrified powertrains more effectively. Powertrain flexibility appears central to the project as Toyota is reportedly exploring a platform capable of accommodating both hybrid-electric and battery-electric systems.

Future Toyota products are expected to rely on the Arene digital ecosystem and this SUV could become one of the brand’s most software-intensive offerings. Thus, continuous feature upgrades, driver assistance technologies and cloud-connected services would play a far larger role. Depending on market requirements, both five-seat and seven-seat versions could eventually be offered.

While the show vehicle stretched beyond five metres in length, reports indicate the production model may shrink considerably and enter the global midsize SUV segment. The suspected sizing would place it below the Land Cruiser Prado and flagship Land Cruiser 300 while creating room for an entirely new type of Land Cruiser.

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3 Confirmed New SUV Launches Happening Soon – Tata, Skoda & Nissan

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Tata Sierra EV, Skoda Kylaq Sportline and Nissan Tekton have already been confirmed to enter the domestic market soon in India

Three manufacturers are preparing important SUV introductions over the next few months and each one targets a completely different section of the market. Tata Motors is about to consolidate its electric portfolio while Nissan is finally ready to re-enter one of the country’s high volume segments and Skoda is preparing a sportier derivative of its affordable SUV.

The earliest arrival comes from Tata Motors. The Sierra EV is understood to be only weeks away from entering showrooms as it will officially debut on June 30. The electrified Sierra is expected to target customers looking for a larger family-based electric SUV. Underneath its retro-inspired exterior, the Sierra EV will utilise technology and other bits from Harrier EV.

Battery options in the region of 65 kWh and 75 kWh are likely while both rear-wheel-drive and dual-motor all-wheel-drive layouts could be sold. Meanwhile, Vehicle-to-Load and Vehicle-to-Vehicle functionality will be part of the package too. It will be slotted above the Curvv EV. Over to the other end, Nissan’s biggest priority remains rebuilding volumes in India and the upcoming Tekton is expected to play a central role in that plan.

Also Read: 4 New Kia SUVs Undergoing Testing In India – Key Details

Scheduled to make its global debut on July 9, the midsize SUV will place Nissan back into a segment currently dominated by some of the industry’s heavyweights. The Tekton will share its foundations with the latest Renault Duster but Nissan appears determined to create a distinct exterior taking inspiration from the global Patrol. Petrol engine options are expected to mirror the alliance’s latest turbocharged powertrains along with a strong hybrid unit while the positioning suggests direct competition for the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Toyota Hyryder, Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara and Honda Elevate.

Skoda, on the other hand, is looking to inject additional visual appeal into the Kylaq lineup. The compact SUV has already emerged as an important contributor to Skoda’s domestic volumes and the forthcoming Sportline variant is expected to further help its case. Confirmed to launch around the festive season, the Kylaq Sportline will get cosmetic enhancements inspired by larger Sportline models sold internationally and in India as well.

Also Read: Tata Eyes FY27 Growth Through SUVs, EVs & CNG Cars; Sierra EV Launch Soon

Upcoming Nissan Tekton

Darkened exterior elements, unique alloy wheels, sportier cabin detailing and exclusive trim treatments are expected to distinguish it from standard versions. Mechanical changes are unlikely as the familiar 1.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine should continue under the bonnet alongside manual and automatic gearbox choices.

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Mahindra Vision S-Based SUV (Baby Scorpio N) To Be Packed With Features

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The upcoming Mahindra Vision S based sub-four-metre SUV is expected to sit above the XUV 3XO and below the Scorpio N in the brand’s domestic lineup

Mahindra looks to be ready to create an entirely new space within its SUV portfolio. Sitting above the XUV 3XO yet positioned below the Scorpio N, the upcoming Vision S-based SUV could emerge as one of the company’s important volume drivers when it arrives around 2027. Instead of chasing traditional compact SUV formulas, Mahindra seems to be borrowing the visuals and road presence associated with its larger Scorpio N.

One of the biggest talking points surrounding the project is its styling direction. Early previews suggest a boxy silhouette featuring an upright greenhouse, muscular wheel arches and a rear-mounted spare wheel. These design elements have traditionally been associated with considerably larger SUVs and their introduction into a smaller footprint could help the model distinguish itself from the increasingly rounded crossover designs dominating the segment today.

The new compact SUV is expected to become one of the first products underpinned by Mahindra’s NU_IQ architecture. Developed as a monocoque platform for future utility vehicles, the structure is expected to prioritise cabin packaging, occupant comfort and driving dynamics. The architecture could also provide Mahindra with greater flexibility for future derivatives across multiple body styles and powertrain combinations.

Despite measuring considerably smaller than the Scorpio N, the monocoque underpinnings should allow for good passenger space and luggage capacity. The top-end trims are expected to push the premium quotient further through the addition of a large infotainment display, panoramic sunroof, cruise control and a suite of technologies including Level 2 ADAS.

Mechanical elements will likely be sourced from existing Mahindra products. The familiar 1.2-litre direct-injection turbocharged petrol engine could headline the range while diesel enthusiasts may get access to the proven 1.5-litre oil burner. Multiple transmission options are expected to be available.

Pricing could become another major advantage. We expect an entry point below the Rs. 10 lakh mark – potentially allowing Mahindra to attract first-time SUV customers while also giving existing hatchback and sedan owners a compelling upgrade path. Aggressive pricing has played a major role in several recent Mahindra success stories and the company may follow a similar path here.

Models such as the Renault Bridger and Kia Syros are likely to occupy a similar space in terms of dimensions and target audience while the Hyundai Bayon cannot be ruled out of the equation. However, Mahindra’s focus on boxy styling, diesel powertrain and SUV-inspired character could provide a distinct appeal in an increasingly crowded marketplace.

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