Kush Maini has joined the BWT Alpine Formula 1 Team as their latest reserve driver for the 2025 season. This makes him the only Alpine F1 reserve driver actively competing in the Formula 2 Championship, where he will be racing for Dams Lucas Oil. 
The development marks the end of a 13-year hiatus for an Indian talent to be part of an F1 team, making him an inspiration for upcoming motorsport enthusiasts in the country.  His role as Formula 1 Reserve and Test driver for the BWT Alpine F1 Team makes him an important asset for the upcoming campaign. To contribute to the team and further his own development and performance, Kush will continue testing the F1 car to gain valuable experience and provide feedback.  
Maini successfully completed four tests with the BWT Alpine F1 Team last season, impressing stakeholders with his performance at each outing. A strong performance this year could make him a potential contender for a full-time seat in 2026. The young Indian driver had an exceptional Formula 2 season last year where he secured five podium positions, with a standout victory in Hungary, playing a pivotal role in Invicta Racing’s Teams’ Championship victory for the 2024 F2 season. He also made history in Jeddah by becoming the first Indian driver to claim a pole position in Formula 2.  
  
 

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles (TMPV) has announced the prices for its much-awaited petrol-powered variants of the Harrier and Safari SUVs.

The Harrier petrol starts at INR 1.28 million, while the Safari petrol begins at INR 1.32 million (ex-showroom, New Delhi). Both models are equipped with the new 1.5-litre Hyperion Turbo-GDi engine, which uses artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) to manage the balance between power and fuel economy.

The Hyperion powertrain has received a certification from the India Book of Records for fuel efficiency in a petrol manual SUV. On the safety front, all variants of the Harrier and Safari powered by this engine have been awarded a 5-star Bharat NCAP rating. The vehicles feature a 36.9 cm infotainment display, Dolby Atmos audio and a dual dash cam system with digital video recording. Other technical inclusions consist of memory mirrors with an auto-reverse dip function and a camera washer.

Vivek Srivatsa, Chief Commercial Officer, Tata Passenger Electric Mobility, said, “With over 250,000 Harrier and Safaris in the market, these two SUVs have long embodied Tata Motors PVs’ legacy of design, performance and safety. The all-new 1.5L Hyperion Turbo-GDi Petrol engine goes ahead and further elevates these market-leading attributes. The Harrier has always been an iconic SUV defined by its dynamic stance and bold individualism, which is now enhanced by Hyperion’s unmatched power and upmarket driving experience. On the other hand, the Safari has made its place in the industry as a sought-after and prestigious high SUV with a strong legacy, which is now bolstered by Hyperion’s serene, silent, and tech-rich performance. This HyperEfficient powertrain delivers best-in-segment fuel efficiency, unmatched performance, premium refinement and smoothness, perfectly complementing the SUVs’ bold design and advanced innovation, along with segment-best in-cabin technology. Together, the Harrier and Safari Petrol are crafted for the modern Indian customer, one who values intelligence as much as indulgence.”

The Harrier petrol is available in several trims including Smart, Pure X, Adventure X and Fearless Ultra, with manual and automatic transmission options. The Safari petrol lineup mirrors these trims, offering a six-seater configuration in the Accomplished Ultra variants. These introductory prices are aimed at the premium SUV segment as the company expands its powertrain portfolio to include petrol options alongside its existing diesel range.

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Mumbai-headquartered automotive major Mahindra & Mahindra has introduced the XUV 7XO, its newest SUV, with prices beginning at INR 1.36 million (ex-showroom). The vehicle builds upon the XUV 700, which has reached 300,000 customers since 2021. Deliveries for the AX7, AX7T, and AX7L variants are scheduled to start on 14 January 2026, followed by the AX, AX3, and AX5 variants in April 2026.

The XUV 7XO features a 31.24 cm Triple HD screen system and Adrenox+ technology powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon SA8155P chipset. It is the first internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicle in India to utilise the advanced processor. The SUV also debuts DAVINCI damping technology, a valve-based suspension system designed for ride stability.

Key Technical Features:

• Engine Options: 2-litre mStallion TGDi petrol and 2.2-litre mHawk turbo-diesel.
• Audio: 16-speaker Harman Kardon system with Dolby Vision and Atmos.
• Safety: 75 standard features and Level 2 ADAS with dynamic visualisation.
• Camera: 540-degree coverage with digital video recording.
• Exterior: Full-width grille with talon accents, Bi-LED projector headlamps and R19 alloy wheels.

The introductory prices apply to the first 40,000 customer deliveries. Customers can opt for automatic transmission for an additional INR 145,000 and All-Wheel Drive (AWD) feature in diesel variants for INR 245,000.

R Velusamy, President, Automotive Business, Mahindra & Mahindra, said, “XUV 7XO is our next step in delivering a truly premium, technology-forward SUV —smoother in ride, sharper in response and smarter in experience. We are introducing DAVINCI suspension system — our new valve-based damping technology — for the first time worldwide, delivering a distinctly more plush and settled ride. ADRENOX+, powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon SA8155P, marks the first introduction of this chipset in an ICE vehicle in India, enabling exceptional computing speed and responsiveness. Inside, a 16-speaker Harman Kardon system, engineered for exceptional spectral balance, is paired with Dolby Atmos and Dolby Vision — introduced for the first time in India. Backed by mStallion/mHawk powertrains and upgraded ADAS, the XUV 7XO offers a drive that feels confident, refined and engaging.”

Pratap Bose, Chief Design & Creative Officer, Mahindra & Mahindra, said,  “We wanted the XUV 7XO to feel instantly recognisable, iconic yet unmistakably new. Its exterior design exudes the trademark Mahindra authentic-SUV character of athletic presence and sophisticated refinement, with an imposing all-new grille featuring a piano black finish and jewel like talon accents, as well as Bi-LED projector headlamps with DRLs. The cabin feels immersive and serene, pairing plush, premium finishes with a futuristic coast-to-coast display and an audio-visual experience that cocoons occupants in luxury. To put it simply, the XUV 7XO has been designed to reshape aspirations and set new standards for sophistication, safety, performance and capability. It takes the SUV experience and raises it to the power of X.”

Nalinikanth Gollagunta, CEO, Automotive Division, Mahindra & Mahindra,  added, “The XUV700 created a new benchmark for India’s SUV market and its momentum has not slowed since. With the XUV 7XO, we are taking that benchmark to new heights. The segment is evolving fast, expectations are rising and India’s appetite for advanced, high-performance SUVs has never been stronger. The XUV 7XO reflects our commitment to stay ahead of the curve by delivering a product that sets new standards in design, technology and capability. In short, the XUV 7XO is built to be a trendsetter for the future of SUVs and will further solidify our position as a leader in the SUV segment.”

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Hyundai Motor India has introduced a new HX5+ variant for its recently launched all-new Hyundai Venue compact SUV at INR 999,900 (ex-showroom).

Equipped with the Kappa 1.2-litre petrol engine – MT, the HX5+ variant gets roof rails, Quad Beam LED Headlamps, rear window sunshade, smartphone wireless charger, driver console armrest with storage, rear wiper & washer and driver power window with auto up-down & safety. It also gets driver seat height adjustment.

Tarun Garg, Managing Director & CEO, Hyundai Motor India, said, “The all-new Hyundai Venue has witnessed an overwhelming response from customers, with more than 50,000 bookings already received. The introduction of the new HX5+ variant enhances all-new Venue’s value proposition with added comfort and convenience features that align with evolving customer expectations.”

“HMIL continues to stand for trust, quality and long-term value, delivering products that resonate with the aspirations of millions across our country. We are deeply committed to India and Indian customers and the introduction of the Hyundai Venue HX 5+ variant marks another milestone in our journey to delight customers with products that truly reflect their aspirations,” he said.

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Kia India, one of the leading passenger vehicle manufacturers, has announced the prices for its popular SUV the all-new Kia Seltos, starting at INR 1.09 million (ex-showroom).

In its second generation, the Seltos is manufactured at the company’s Anantapur facility and is intended to compete in the mid-SUV segment through a range of updates to its dimensions, technology and safety features.

The vehicle is built on Kia’s K3 platform, which is making its debut in India. The SUV has a length of 4,460 mm, a width of 1,830 mm and a wheelbase of 2,690 mm. Exterior features include a digital grille design, automatic door handles and LED projection headlamps. The model is available in 10 monotone colours and features alloy wheels up to 18 inches.

Inside, the cabin features a 30-inch display panel and a leatherette-wrapped steering wheel. Technical specifications include a Bose 8-speaker audio system, wireless smartphone integration and a proximity unlock function. Comfort is managed through a 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat with memory settings, ventilated front seats, and a dual-pane sunroof.

Safety systems consist of a standard pack of 24 features, including six airbags, an anti-lock brake system and hill-start assist. The vehicle also incorporates Level-2 Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) with 21 autonomous functions. The powertrain options include 1.5-litre petrol, 1.5-litre turbo petrol and 1.5-litre diesel engines. These are paired with six transmission options, including manual, iMT, IVT, DCT and automatic gearboxes.

Gwanggu Lee, Managing Director & CEO, Kia India, said, “The all-new Kia Seltos marks a strong evolution of a nameplate that has shaped Kia’s journey in India. With this new generation, our intent is clear – to redefine the mid-SUV segment by raising standards across space, safety, technology and overall ownership experience, while delivering exceptional value to our customers. This strategic approach strengthens our competitiveness, reinforces customer confidence in the brand, and positions Kia strongly to regain momentum and market share in one of India’s most important SUV segments. True to its BADASS legacy, the all-new Seltos reflects our long-term commitment to offering well-balanced, future-ready SUVs designed for modern Indian families.”

Ownership support includes service bookings via the MyKia app and extended warranty options for up to seven years. At present, Kia has established a network of 821 touchpoints across 369 cities in India.

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!