Japanese auto major Suzuki Motor Corporation has unveiled its first mass-production battery electric vehicle (BEV) model, the e Vitara, in Milan, Italy.

Interestingly, the e Vitara will be produced at Suzuki Motor Gujarat plant in India. The EV will be sold globally including Europe, India and Japan starting next year. For the unversed, the e Vitara was first showcased as a concept model christened ‘eVX’ at Auto Expo in January 2023 and Japan Mobility Show in October 2023.

The e Vitara comes with an eAxle that integrated the motor and inverter. The OEM has gone with lithium iron-phosphate battery chemistry.

The EV features an electric 4WD system, which the company calls ‘Allgrip-e’ that allows for off-road capability. The e Vitara is based on the company’s newly developed platform ‘Heartect-e’.

The e Vitara also comes with a Trail mode that the OEM claims enables smooth escape from rough terrain by applying brakes to spinning tyres and distributing drive torque to the opposite tyre (LSD function).

Toshihiro Suzuki, Representative Director and President, Suzuki Motor Corporation, said, “The e Vitara is our first BEV, developed through repeated trial and error to create an easy-to-use BEV for our customers. In order to realise a carbon-neutral society, we will provide a variety of options, including BEVs, hybrid vehicles, and CNG vehicles, tailored to specific regions. Introduction of the e Vitara represents a significant milestone in achieving carbon neutrality. Following the launch of the e Vitara, we will continue to expand our BEV line-up and propose mobility solutions tailored to the needs of specific countries and regions.”

Once launched, the e Vitara will compete against the Tata Curvv, MG ZS EV and Mahindra’s upcoming BE 05 and Hyundai Creta EV.

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European automaker Renault India has announced that its all-new Renault Duster SUV has achieved a 5-star safety rating from the Bharat New Car Assessment Programme (BNCAP).

The results apply across the vehicle's entire range, including the 1.0-litre and 1.3-litre turbo-petrol variants. The SUV scored 30.49 out of 32 for Adult Occupant Protection (AOP) and 45 out of 49 for Child Occupant Protection (COP).

The rating is based on crash tests conducted on the Evolution, Techno and Iconic trims.

Built on the new RGMP platform, the Duster was engineered to meet structural integrity targets for various crash scenarios. Standard safety equipment across all variants includes six airbags, Electronic Stability Program (ESP) and ISOFIX child seat anchors. The vehicle also features Level 2 Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), providing 17 active safety functions such as autonomous emergency braking and lane keep assist.

The Duster, which launched in the Indian market last month with a starting price of INR 1.04 million (ex-showroom), is the first Renault model in India to offer this level of automated safety technology. The SUV is backed by a 7-year warranty, positioning it as a highly competitive entry in the mid-size segment against rivals like the Hyundai Creta and Kia Seltos.

Francisco Hidalgo-Marques, VP, Sales & Marketing, Renault Group India, said, “Since the moment of its reveal, the Duster has appealed to Indian customers with its strong SUV design, outstanding ride and handling, and confident performance. With this latest achievement, the Duster now also makes a compelling case for rational buyers combining one of the best fuel efficiency figures in the segment with a 5-star BNCAP safety rating for adult and child occupant protection, and the added reassurance of a best in-market 7-year warranty.”

Dr. V Vikraman, Chief of Renault Engineering, India, added, “This result is rooted in engineering execution on the ground. The Duster was subjected to extensive simulations, physical crash tests, and system-level validations, with a strong focus on real-world Indian driving conditions. From body structure performance to restraint calibration and electronic safety systems, every element was engineered, tested and refined to work together. The 5-star BNCAP rating reflects the rigour of that end-to-end engineering and validation process.”

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Hyundai Motor India (HMIL), one of the leading passenger vehicle manufacturers, has announced the launch of the Hyundai Venue Knight compact SUV featuring a black-themed design.

The Knight edition is intended to provide a distinct visual identity through exclusive exterior and interior enhancements, with prices for the Venue Knight starting at INR 969,800 (ex-showroom).

The exterior of the Venue Knight includes a black painted front radiator grille, matte black front and rear logos & black skid plates. It also gets black painted roof rails, wing mirrors and 16-inch alloy wheels, complemented by red brake callipers and a Knight emblem. The interior features an all-black cabin with brass-coloured inserts and exclusive seat upholstery.

The Venue Knight is available with multiple powertrain options, including the Kappa 1.2-litre petrol, Kappa 1.0-litre Turbo petrol and the U2 1.5-litre diesel engine, with both manual and automatic transmissions offered.

Alongside this launch, Hyundai has introduced a dashcam with multiple recording modes on the HX6T, HX10 and N10 variants. This system allows for video downloads to mobile devices via a dedicated application.

The company has also expanded the standard Venue colour palette with the introduction of Hazel Blue Matte and Mystic Sapphire Matte.

Amit Dhaundiyal, Head of Product Strategy & Planning, Hyundai Motor India, said, “At Hyundai, we continuously strive to bring products that resonate with the evolving aspirations of Indian customers. The Hyundai Venue Knight represents a bold expression of style and individuality, specially crafted for customers who want their car to reflect their personality. With this launch, we are taking the distinctive black-themed Knight philosophy to one of our most popular compact SUVs. Every element of the Hyundai Venue Knight, from its blacked-out exteriors to its premium interiors with brass inserts, has been thoughtfully curated to create a strong visual identity that stands apart on the road. Alongside the Knight, the introduction of dashcam on select Hyundai Venue variants and the addition of new matte colours further enhance the overall line-up, addressing evolving customer expectations.”

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Kia India, one of the leading passenger vehicle manufacturers, has introduced the Model Year 2026 (MY26) update for the Kia Syros SUV, expanding the lineup with new HTE, HTE(O), HTK+(O) and HTX(O) trims.

The revised range starts at INR 839,900 and includes a wider availability of automatic transmission options. The Diesel Automatic variant is now accessible from the HTK+ trim onwards, priced at INR 1.27 million, to address demand for convenient diesel powertrains at lower price points.

The update includes design changes to the front and rear bumpers, featuring aero inserts and black skid plates. The HTX and HTX(O) trims receive a new 17-inch crystal cut alloy wheel design accompanied by neon-coloured brake callipers.

Kia has also added Magma Red, Ivory Silver Matte and Ivory Silver Gloss to the exterior colour palette. The vehicle maintains its 5-star BNCAP safety rating and includes a package of 20 safety features as standard.

Interior features for the Syros MY26 include a 30-inch panoramic display panel, a dual-pane sunroof, and ventilated front and rear seats. The vehicle is equipped with over 80 connected car features and supports over-the-air (OTA) updates. The seating configuration retains the sliding and reclining second row with a 60:40 split to manage interior space and comfort within a compact exterior footprint designed for urban driving.

Atul Sood, Senior Vice-President – Sales & Marketing, Kia India, said, “Customer insights have guided the Syros MY26 evolution, with design enhancements and a revised trim and feature lineup delivering more meaningful value, along with greater choice across trims and powertrains. Syros has been highly recognised by the auto exports, winning multiple awards since launch. And this latest update further strengthens its appeal to a wider set of customers. This thoughtful evolution exemplifies Kia’s consumer-first innovation, blending great cabin space and comfort with city-friendly agility while making premium convenience more accessible than ever. We invite customers to visit their nearest Kia dealerships to experience the Syros MY26.”
 

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French automotive major Renault Group has launched futuREady India, a strategic initiative designed to integrate its Indian operations into the company's global value chain.

The plan aims to establish India as one of the brand’s top three markets by 2030 through a product offensive and the expansion of its manufacturing and engineering capabilities. Renault intends to generate EUR 2 billion in annual exports from India by 2030, covering vehicles, components and R&D services.

The group will expand its Indian portfolio to 7 models by 2030, focusing on high-value segments and multi-energy powertrains. These vehicles will be built on two shared platforms, RGEP (Renault Group Entry Platform) and RGMP (Renault Group Modular Platform), which support internal combustion, hybrid and electric configurations.

Following the recent introduction of the Duster SUV, Renault has previewed the Bridger Concept, a compact SUV that will include a fully electric variant. To support customer retention, the company has introduced the Renault Forever initiative, which includes a 7-year warranty.

Renault has also moved to full ownership of its manufacturing facility in Chennai to improve supplier integration and supply chain optimisation. This site, alongside an engineering centre employing 6,000 specialists, will transition into a global centre of excellence. The Chennai operations will now develop architectures and software for both the domestic Indian market and international projects, specifically supporting Renault’s requirements in regions such as South America.

Francois Provost, CEO, Renault Group, said, “With futuREady, our new Vision, Renault Group is accelerating its international growth by building on high-potential, fast-growing markets where the Group already has a strong presence. India, where we have been established for fifteen years, is a prime example: it represents more than one-third of the growth potential across the markets where the Renault brand already operates. India is set to become not only a growth market, but also a centre of excellence and an export hub. Thanks to the commitment and expertise of our local teams, it will strengthen the Group’s overall competitiveness. Thirty years ago, Renault Group began its first wave of international expansion. With futuREady, we are opening a new era in our global growth story – and India will be at the heart of it!”

Stephane Deblaise, CEO, Renault Group in India, said, “By 2030, we will offer a seven-model portfolio in India, spanning key segments from compact cars to larger SUVs, and featuring a full spectrum of electrified powertrains—from strong hybrids to fully electric vehicles. Leveraging world-class engineering, competitive manufacturing, and a clear, ambitious product roadmap, India is poised to be a major driver of sustained value for Renault Group.”

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