Toyota Planning A New Compact Lifestyle Land Cruiser SUV – Thar Rival?

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Toyota Land Cruiser series could give rise to a new lifestyle SUV based on the Land Cruiser Se Concept in just over a couple of years

Toyota is reportedly working on another expansion of its Land Cruiser portfolio with a new monocoque-based SUV said to be under development. Internally described as a production evolution of the Land Cruiser Se Concept first showcased at the Japan Mobility Show 2023, this model is expected to get a distinctly different approach compared to traditional body-on-frame Land Cruisers. Rather than being a pure hardcore off-roading machine, the upcoming SUV could be conceived as a lifestyle-oriented offering.

Positioning-wise, the monocoque Land Cruiser is expected to sit in the midsize SUV segment – potentially measuring around 4.4 metres in length – allowing it to compete with lifestyle off-roaders and midsize SUVs globally. Alongside this project, Toyota is also preparing a smaller Land Cruiser FJ model which is expected to surface as early as February 2026.

The Land Cruiser Se Concept provides a strong hint at the proportions Toyota may carry forward. The concept measured 5,150 mm in length, 1,990 mm in width and 1,705 mm in height – giving it a noticeably sleeker and lower stance compared to existing Land Cruiser models. If utilised for production, it would mark a significant change in styling.

Unlike the Land Cruiser 300 and LC 250, the new model is expected to prioritise design, comfort and daily usability while still retaining credible all-terrain capability. Toyota is believed to be targeting buyers who want the Land Cruiser nameplate but not too rugged in its character. As per current indications, the SUV could arrive globally around 2028, placing it firmly under the flagship LC 300 in Toyota’s lineage.

Seating configurations are expected to include three rows with a two-row layout likely for select markets. Under the skin, Toyota is said to be developing the SUV on a flexible architecture capable of supporting multiple powertrain options. Battery electric and hybrid electric setups are both under consideration – allowing the brand to sell the model for different global markets.

Representational

A sophisticated all-wheel-drive system using Toyota’s next generation DIRECT4 technology is expected to handle torque distribution dynamically based on driving conditions. The SUV is being engineered as a software-defined vehicle – built around Toyota’s upcoming Arene platform. It would enable over-the-air updates, advanced driver assistance features and continuous improvements through software integration.

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4 Tata Sierra Rivals To Be Launched In The Next 6 Months

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The all-new Tata Sierra is only the beginning of a wave of new introductions in the mid-size SUV segment

The recently unveiled Tata Sierra is now available to order and will go on sale on 15 January. It may be the most enticing model in its segment at the moment, but four more new mid-size SUVs are set to arrive in showrooms over the next six months, and they will be worth the wait.

On 2 January, Kia will launch the all-new, second-generation Seltos in India. The company has started production and plans to commence deliveries in the middle of the same month, making India the model’s first market worldwide.

The 2026 Seltos features a polarising exterior, but it is the biggest model in its segment, measuring 4,430 mm in length, 1,830 mm in width, and 1,600 mm in height and having a 2,690 mm wheelbase. It features an all-new interior with a clean layout and physical controls for all the functions, which many of its rivals lack. Kia will launch the 2026 Seltos with 1.5-litre petrol, turbocharged petrol, and turbocharged diesel engine options and a choice of 6-speed MT, 6-speed iMT, 7-speed DCT, and 6-speed AT.

Also Read: 4 New Midsize Sedans To Be Launched In 2026; Hyundai To Skoda

French automaker Renault is set to unveil the third-generation Duster in India on 26 January and will likely launch it with 1.0- and 1.3-litre turbocharged petrol engines in the following month. The latest model is already out internationally, but it will have some market-specific changes here. For instance, the latest teasers indicate the daytime running lights will look different and that the taillights will have horizontal extensions that meet the brand logo on the tailgate. Another India-only feature could be a panoramic sunroof.

Sometime in January, Skoda will unveil the facelifted version of the Kushaq. The new Kushaq should feature redesigned grilles, bumpers, and lights and come with a set of new 17-inch alloy wheels. Unlike the current model, it will be available with a panoramic sunroof and a new rear seat with a segment-first massage function for the outboard passengers. There’s talk of revisions to the instrument cluster and infotainment system as well.

Also Read: 7-Seater Nissan C-SUV Confirmed For Next FY; What We Know So Far

Nissan Tekton

In June, Nissan will launch the Tekton, a corporate cousin of Renault’s third-generation Duster. Save for the body shell, the Tekton will look entirely different from the Duster, though, with some inspiration coming from the seventh-generation Patrol full-size SUV, which is being evaluated for launch. We expect the interior differences to be fewer and the engine and transmission line-up to be completely identical to the Renault model.

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New 2026 Maruti Suzuki Brezza – Top 6 Expected Changes

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Maruti Suzuki expected to roll out the first major round of updates for the hot-selling Brezza in summer next year

With about six lakh units sold since its launch in 2022, the Maruti Brezza is the best-selling SUV in its segment. Maruti Suzuki is consistently selling close to 15,000 units of the popular model every month and has begun working on a facelift for further growth. Here are the key changes we expect on the new model:

1. Level 2 ADAS

Maruti Suzuki is likely to bring a number of Level 2 advanced driver assistance systems to the Brezza with the upcoming refresh. These may include Lane Keep Assist, Lane Departure Prevention, Lane Departure Warning, Adaptive Cruise Control, Vehicle Sway Warning, Autonomous Emergency Braking, High Beam Assist, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Forward Collision Warning, and Blind Spot Monitor with Lane Change Alert.

Also Read: Maruti Suzuki To Launch A New Electric MPV By 2026 End – Details

2. Multifunction front seats

The new Maruti Brezza should come with ventilated seats for improved comfort during the summer. This feature would ensure passengers perspire less and reach their destination fresh. The driver’s seat may also come with electric adjustment, allowing the user to slide its cushion and recline its backrest more conveniently.

3. Fully digital instrument cluster

A 10.25-inch fully digital instrument cluster will likely give the new interior of the facelifted Maruti Brezza a more high-tech look. The new instrument cluster is likely to feature multiple display modes, allowing the driver to customise the theme and the information shown.

4. Larger infotainment system

Maruti Suzuki may offer a 10.1-inch high-definition touchscreen infotainment system in the new Vitara. In addition to a larger display, the new system should offer wireless Apple CarPlay and wireless Android Auto compatibility, which is missing in the current model. It may also feature an app store that allows users to access a wide range of smartphone apps natively.

Also Read: Maruti Suzuki Celerio Improves In GNCAP Tests While Ciaz Gets One Star

5. Underbody CNG fuel tank

The facelifted Maruti Brezza CNG is likely to feature a new, underbody fuel tank that significantly improves boot space and makes the vehicle more practical for long journeys. Maruti Suzuki states 328 litres of boot space for the current Brezza petrol, but it has not revealed the capacity of the current Brezza CNG.

Image Source: carindianews/instagram

6. New design

Maruti Suzuki will likely introduce a number of design changes on the Brezza with the upcoming refresh, including restyled bumpers, tweaked headlamps and tail lamps, and new 16-inch alloy wheels. The interior design should remain largely unchanged.

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Maruti Celerio Scores 3 Star Rating In Global NCAP Crash Test [Video]

Updated Maruti Celerio improves safety equipment but earns moderate Global NCAP ratings

Independent vehicle safety body Global NCAP has released the latest crash test results for the India-spec Maruti Suzuki Celerio. The updated hatchback has secured a 3-star rating for adult occupant protection and a 2-star rating for child occupant protection.

The tested model reflects the most recent safety update and comes equipped with six airbags and electronic stability control as standard. According to Global NCAP, these additions have contributed to an improvement in scores compared to earlier versions of the Celerio that were offered with fewer airbags.

Adult Occupant Protection

The Celerio recorded 18.04 points out of a possible 34 in adult occupant protection. In the frontal offset crash test, driver head protection was rated adequate, while the front passenger’s head protection was assessed as good. Neck protection for both front occupants was rated good. However, chest protection was marked weak for the driver and adequate for the passenger. Knee protection was rated marginal due to potential contact with components behind the dashboard.

Global NCAP also noted that the bodyshell and footwell area were unstable and not capable of withstanding higher crash loads. In the side impact test, head and chest protection were rated marginal, abdomen protection adequate and pelvis protection good. During the side pole impact test, head and pelvis protection was rated good, while chest and abdomen protection remained marginal. The electronic stability control system met Global NCAP’s performance requirements.

Child Occupant Protection

For child safety, the Celerio scored 18.57 points out of 49, resulting in a 2-star rating. In frontal impact tests, the forward-facing child seat for the three-year-old dummy showed head exposure along with poor neck and chest protection. The rearward-facing seat used for the 18-month-old dummy also allowed head movement, with chest protection rated poor.

In side impact testing, the rearward-facing seat for the younger child provided full protection, while the forward-facing seat for the older child was unable to adequately contain head movement.

Although the Celerio is equipped with three-point seatbelts for all seating positions and carries the required warning against placing a rearward-facing child seat in the front, the front passenger airbag cannot be switched off. In addition, child restraint systems are approved only for the rear outboard seats, not for the front passenger seat or rear centre position. These factors negatively impacted the overall child occupant protection score.

Overall assessment

Global NCAP stated that while the Celerio benefits from improved standard safety equipment, structural limitations and inconsistent child seat performance restricted its overall ratings. The organisation added that enhancements to bodyshell stability and better child restraint compatibility would be necessary for the hatchback to achieve higher safety scores in future evaluations.

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Mahindra XUV 7XO Teased Again Revealing 540° Camera, ADAS Visualisation & More

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Bookings for the Mahindra XUV 7XO are already open and it will receive a host of updates inside and out compared to the outgoing XUV 700

Mahindra has once again teased the upcoming XUV 7XO ahead of its market launch on January 5, 2026, revealing more of the technology and cabin upgrades. Bookings for the model opened earlier this month with a reservation amount of Rs. 21,000, allowing buyers to choose their preferred powertrain, transmission and dealership at the time of booking.

While the mechanical package is expected to remain unchanged, the key focus this time is clearly on visual differentiation, feature depth and in-car tech. One of the biggest highlights confirmed through recent teasers is the introduction of a 540-degree camera system that stitches together multiple camera feeds to offer extended visibility beyond conventional surround-view setups. It is complemented by a new ADAS visualisation layer that graphically displays active driver assistance functions in real time.

Mahindra has also showcased an in-car theatre mode with BYOD support for rear passengers – managed through the brand’s Adrenox+ software suite that now handles infotainment, connectivity and vehicle intelligence. Design updates are evident at both ends of the SUV. The lighting signature appears new – borrowing cues from Mahindra’s newer electric models such as the XEV 9S.

The XUV 7XO gets redesigned LED daytime running lamps, projector headlamps and a distinctive rear treatment featuring inverted L-shaped elements connected by a full-width light bar. New dual-tone alloy wheels, revised bumpers, new exterior colours and a grille with vertical chrome accents will be other highlights while XUV 7XO branding is visible on the bonnet and tailgate.

The XUV 7XO gains Mahindra’s triple-screen dashboard layout for the first time on an ICE model along with a panoramic sunroof. Teasers indicate a new triple-tone dashboard theme alongside a brown and tan finished new steering wheel, upgraded upholstery and reworked door trims. The version shown appears to be the fully loaded AX7L trim – suggesting features such as Boss Mode seating, redesigned air vents, a new centre console, electrically adjustable ORVMs and enhanced material quality.

Under the hood, Mahindra is expected to continue with the familiar 2.0-litre turbo petrol mStallion and 2.2-litre mHawk diesel engines – offered with six-speed manual and automatic transmissions.

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Maruti Ciaz Scores 1 Star In Global NCAP Crash Test [Video]

Maruti Ciaz scores modest Global NCAP safety rating as segment rivals move ahead

Road safety watchdog Global NCAP has published the latest crash test results for the India-spec Maruti Ciaz, awarding the midsize sedan a 1-star rating for adult occupant protection and a 3-star rating for child occupant protection.

The tested Ciaz is equipped with two airbags, electronic stability control (ESC), ISOFIX child seat anchors and seat belt reminders as standard. Despite these inclusions, its overall performance reflects limitations linked to its ageing platform and safety architecture.

Adult Occupant Protection

The sedan scored 20.86 points out of a possible 34 for adult occupant protection. In the frontal offset deformable barrier test, it earned 7.36/16 points. Protection for the driver’s head was rated good, while the chest and thighs received marginal protection. Protection for the driver’s feet was assessed as poor. The front passenger’s protection ranged from good to adequate.

In the side movable deformable barrier test, the Ciaz scored 12.49/16 points, although protection for the driver’s chest was rated weak. Global NCAP did not conduct the side pole impact test, citing the absence of curtain airbags. The bodyshell and footwell area were both rated as unstable and not capable of handling higher crash loads.

Child Occupant Protection

For child safety, the Ciaz achieved 28.57 points out of 49, translating to a 3-star rating. The car performed strongly in dynamic testing, scoring a full 24/24 points, with both the 18-month-old and 3-year-old child dummies showing good protection in frontal and side impact tests.

However, the overall score was pulled down by lower marks in child restraint system (CRS) installation and vehicle assessment. The sedan scored 4.57/12 for CRS installation and 0/13 in vehicle assessment. Key shortcomings include the absence of three-point seatbelts for all seating positions, failure of the CRS installation for the rear centre seat and no provision to disable the front passenger airbag when using a rearward-facing child seat.

Position in the segment

The Maruti Ciaz was discontinued recently and in comparison, its rivals on sale such as the Hyundai Verna, Skoda Slavia and Volkswagen Virtus have all secured 5-star Global NCAP ratings for both adult and child occupant protection, highlighting the gap between the Ciaz and newer-generation sedans.

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4 New Midsize Sedans To Be Launched In 2026 – Hyundai To Skoda

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From Volkswagen and Skoda to Hyundai and Honda, all the carmakers present in the midsize segment are set to launch new models next year

From the all-new Tata Sierra to the all-new Kia Seltos, the all-new Renault Duster, and the first-ever Maruti e Vitara, SUVs are stealing the limelight in the midsize car segment right now. In just a few months, though, the attention will turn towards sedans. Four new midsize sedans are planned to be launched next year, all priced in the range of 10-20 lakh rupees (ex-showroom).

The new Hyundai Verna, a facelifted version of the current model launched in March 2023, will be launched sometime in the early part of the second quarter. The redesigned model will likely have a sharper and sportier design inspired by the eighth-generation Sonata, widely expected to be phased out next year.

Spy shots have already confirmed that the front bumper, split headlamps, and front grilles will carry a fresh look on the 2026 Hyundai Verna. The 16-inch alloy wheels, the connected tail lamps, and the rear bumper should also come in a new design.

Also Read: 3 New Affordable Hyundai Models To Be Launched In India Next Year

Source: TeamBHP

Interior changes will certainly include larger, 12.3-inch cockpit displays, both running the new ccNC operating system. Wireless Apple CarPlay and wireless Android Auto should be standard and not require an adapter. The engine and transmission choices are expected to be the same as the current model.

In the second half of the year, the Skoda Slavia will get a facelift, and a similar update will follow for the VW Virtus soon after. Both Volkswagen Group models are likely to receive a number of cosmetic updates, including restyled bumpers, tweaked headlamps and tail lamps, redesigned grilles, and new 16-inch alloy wheels.

Also Read: 2026 Skoda Kushaq Facelift India Launch Confirmed In Jan 2026

Inside, the 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system will likely gain major software improvements and new functions. An improved reverse parking camera and an array of Level 2 advanced driver assistance systems should enhance safety. Both the Skoda Slavia and VW Virtus will carry over the current engines and 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmissions, but their 6-speed automatic transmission will likely be replaced with an 8-speed unit, expected to be manufactured locally.

Also planned in the second half of the year is a second facelift for the fifth-generation Honda City. There’s no word on the changes planned, but we expect no major revisions, given that an all-new model is planned to replace the fifth-generation model in 2028. Minor tweaks to the grilles and bumpers, new 16-inch alloy wheels, and new colour options should round up the majority of the updates.

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