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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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.

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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.

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Honda Cars India (HCIL) has announced its domestic wholesales of 5,807 units in December 2025, which was 3.6 percent YoY, as compared to 5,603 units sold last year.

Furthermore, the company exported 2,352 units last month, as compared to 3,857 units a year ago.

Kunal Behl, Vice-President, Marketing & Sales, Honda Cars India, said, “We closed December with good sales growth, carrying forward the positive momentum achieved since GST 2.0 implementation. Demand remained robust across all models Honda Amaze, City and Elevate, with each contributing strongly to overall performance. The new year 2026 is expected to unlock new opportunities, with multiple product launches scheduled during the year.”

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European automaker Renault India has reported its wholesales for December 2025 with 33.4 percent YoY growth at 3,845 units.

For second half of 2025, the company saw 18.2 per cent growth. Renault India stated that sales in Q4 CY2025 rose by 27.3 percent on the back of the recent launch of the Triber in July and the Kiger in August.

During 2025, Renault India implemented several measures:

• Opening of ‘R’ stores.
• Establishment of the Renault Design Centre in India.
• Introduction of a 3-year warranty.
• Acquisition of 100 percent ownership of its manufacturing facility.

The company has scheduled the unveiling of the Duster for 26 January 2026.

Stephane Deblaise, CEO, Renault Group India, said, “The H2 performance of CY2025 clearly reflects the direction we have taken for Renault in India. After a phase of portfolio transition, the consistent recovery from Q3 onwards – culminating in a strong Q4 and our best monthly performance in December, confirms that the course correction we initiated is delivering tangible results. The momentum we are seeing today is a direct outcome of that approach. With the right building blocks now in place, we are entering the next phase with confidence, and the return of the iconic Duster will mark a significant step forward in Renault’s renewed journey in India.”

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