With the SUV market in India booming, Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM) has introduced yet another SUV, albeit in a compact form called as the Urban Cruiser Taisor.
Made at Maruti Suzuki manufacturing facility as part of the global cooperation framework between Toyota Motor Corporation and Suzuki Motor Corporation, the new compact SUV from TKM positions itself in a segment that is quite competitive and has the presence of not just the Maruti Fronx (its close cousin) but also the likes of Tata Punch.
Designed to be stylish with a bold Toyota grille that has (twin LED) daytime running lamps at either corner and head lamps that are arranged at either lower corner in a form of three-square lenses, the Urban Cruiser Taisor draws attention with its ‘higher up the ground’ stance as it rides on 16-inch diameter wheels. The machined alloy wheels look quite smart too.
The sides are not very different than that of the Fronx to look at, particularly with that roofline which tapers down at the rear. The rear styling, much like that of front, is interesting. It also hints at clever packaging.
Complementing its SUV stance are styling touches such as a front and rear skid plate, roof rails and body cladding on the wheel arches and doors.
Available in two-tone colour shades as per the trim level, the Urban Cruiser Taisor could be had with a 90 PS 1.2-litre petrol engine mated to a five-speed manual transmission or a 100 PS 1.0-litre turbo-petrol engine mated to a 5-speed manual transmission or a six-speed automatic transmission.
Besides the two petrol powertrains, the compact SUV with front-wheel drive configuration could be had with a 1.2-litre CNG unit as well. Coupled to this unit is a five-speed manual transmission. To note: The manual transmission of the vehicle features an ‘Intelligent Gear Shift’ (IGS) function.
With deliveries scheduled from May 2024 (booking is already open) onwards, the compact SUV’s modern interior can seat five people. The dual tone dashboard with silver metal accents and premium seat fabric adds a nuance of exterior styling to the cabin. Also does the flat-bottom leather-wrapped steering wheel (with tilt and telescopic adjustment).
While the driver’s seat is height adjustable, the rear bench seat is 60:40 split to provide better storage space at the rear.
Featuring wireless charger, paddle shifters (on auto transmission variants), keyless entry, push-start/stop system, electrically adjustable (and foldable) ORVMs, steering wheel-mounted controls, power windows with anti-pinch function, fast USB charging points, a head-up display, 360-degree camera, nine-inch HD touchscreen infotainment system display, ‘ARKAMYS’ surround sound system with six speakers and wireless connectivity via Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, the Urban Cruiser Taisor is replete with the Toyota ‘iConnect’ system.
The ’iConnect’ system provides a one stop intelligent solution for integrated and seamless experience in terms of remotely controlling functions such as climate control, lock/unlock, hazard lights and headlamps etc, and is fully compatible with smartwatches and Hey Siri voice assistant.
Equipped with vehicle stability control, hill hold assist, roll over mitigation, six airbags (including side and curtain airbags), reverse parking sensors (with graphic display as well), ABS, EBD, an anti-theft security, Isofix points for child seats, over speed alert and door and lock status, the vehicle is priced upwards of INR 773,000 ex-showroom.
Masakazu Yoshimura, MD and CEO, Toyota Kirloskar Motor, and Regional CEO, Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC), said, “The Indian market has always been of paramount importance to us, both in terms of product offerings and introduction of advanced technologies. This emphasis was further underpinned by the recent creation of a new region where the Indian market plays an even more crucial role acting as the hub of the new ‘India, Middle East, East Asia and Oceania Region’. At Toyota Kirloskar Motor, we believe that the company is strategically positioned to capitalise on its 25-years excellence legacy backed by an aspiration to establish new standards in the Indian automotive industry.”
“Looking ahead, our business strategy in the market will be to continue to focus on contributing to national priorities of localisation, developing a highly skilled workforce and achieving carbon goals. Furthermore, the customer first culture will continue to define our market strategy for years to come. With the newly introduced all-new Urban Cruiser Taisor, we are underlining our commitment to the customers by expanding choices to cater to their distinct needs thus delivering ‘Mass Happiness to All’,” he added.
Tata Sierra.ev With 63 kWh Battery Pack Variant Launched At INR 1.87 Million
- By MT Bureau
- June 30, 2026
Tata Motors, one of the leading passenger vehicle manufacturers, has introduced its much-awaited Sierra.ev with prices starting at INR 1.87 million for the 63 kWh variant and INR 2.21 million for the 75 kWh variant.
The Sierra.ev is built on a purpose-engineered EV architecture and features a 63 kWh battery pack providing a MIDC range of 565 km per charge and 665km MIDC range for the 75 kWh battery pack.
The EV supports fast charging, with the capacity to add approximately 263 km of range in 15 minutes. Performance specifications include acceleration from zero to 100 kmph in 5.8 seconds and a dual-motor all-wheel-drive setup producing 504 Nm of torque in the top variant.
Shailesh Chandra, MD & CEO, Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles, said, “The Sierra has always stood for more than just mobility. It has been an icon of innovation, aspiration and progress, bringing the future closer to customers. When reintroduced, it once again broke new ground by creating India’s premium mid-SUV segment. Today, with Sierra.ev, we are taking that legacy forward and setting a new benchmark for what an uncompromised premium SUV can be in the electric era. Combining exceptional real-world range, exhilarating performance, intelligent technology, indulgent comfort and go-anywhere capability, the Sierra.ev delivers an SUV experience that is as desirable as it is transformative.”
The tech-loaded Sierra.ev features a triple-screen infotainment system, a 12-speaker JBL audio system and a head-up display. It also gets L2+ driver assistance systems (ADAS) tech. The SUV has a 622-litre boot space, a powered tailgate and also comes with V2L (Vehicle-to-Load) and V2V (Vehicle-to-Vehicle) charging capabilities.
The Sierra.EV features 205 mm of ground clearance and six terrain modes, including snow, mud, sand and rock crawl. The EV includes a lifetime warranty (15-year) on the high-voltage battery.
Bookings for the Tata Sierra.ev have started, with deliveries scheduled to begin on 15 July 2026.
Mitsubishi Motors Teases Multi Meter To Feature In All-New Pajero SUV
- By MT Bureau
- June 29, 2026
Japanese automotive brand Mitsubishi Motors Corporation has announced the upcoming global debut of its Pajero cross-country SUV this autumn.
The new Pajero will now feature a Multi Meter, a digital triple meter display that tracks driving conditions. It provides data including altitude, compass heading, ambient temperature, pitch angles, roll angles and torque distribution. The system displays information intended to assist drivers on inclines, mountain roads, trails, rocky terrain and muddy conditions.
First introduced in 1981, the Pajero has been one of the most successful for the Mitsubishi brand, selling over 3.3 million units, in its 40-year run.
Now in its fifth generation, the Pajero SUV, is set to mark a comeback for the popular model after a five-year hiatus.
BMW Group Extends Sustainability Approach With BMW X5
- By MT Bureau
- June 29, 2026
German luxury automotive brand BMW Group extends its approach to sustainability to vehicle derivatives with the BMW X5, with an aim to optimise the vehicle lifecycle and minimise the carbon footprint across the supply chain, production, use phase and recycling.
Decarbonisation across the supply chain remains a lever for reducing CO2e emissions. The BMW Group focuses on renewables, recycled materials, and process innovations. During the product development process, CO2e emissions of the BMW X5 fell by 40 percent.
The body uses flat steel, of which 50 percent is electric arc furnace steel (EAF steel) with recycled material content, produced using renewables. This share of steel results from collaboration with suppliers in North America.
The BMW X5 uses recycled materials in components, including aluminium wheel rims, swivel bearings, wheel supports, rear axle supports and brake callipers.
Renewables power the electrolysis and production of these components. The aluminium for the doors contains 35 percent recycled material from the press shop at BMW Spartanburg. The material for the yarn of the headliner fabric consists of 100 percent recycled PET. In the BMW iX5 60 xDrive, one third of the vehicle consists of recycled materials, equivalent to a weight of 940 kilograms.
The Gen6 battery cells in the battery of the BMW iX5 include recycled materials in the cobalt, lithium and nickel content. Renewables power the production of anode materials, cathode materials and cell manufacturing. Compared with the Gen5 cell in the BMW iX, CO2e emissions fell by 28 percent per watt-hour.
The EfficientDynamics technology package optimises vehicle efficiency across subsystems during the use phase. This includes aerodynamics, lightweight construction, wheels, tyres and energy management.
The BMW iX5 features the ‘Heart of Joy’ from the BMW iX3 and BMW i3, with the BMW Dynamic Performance Control driving stack developed in-house. The system enhances efficiency: during deceleration, energy is recovered through recuperation down to a standstill.
Depending on the drivetrain variant, mileage and electricity source for charging, the BMW iX5 60 xDrive achieves a CO₂e advantage over a model with an internal combustion engine after one to two years of use.
The sustainability approach extends to vehicle manufacturing at Plant Spartanburg. Power for production at Plant Spartanburg comes from renewables. Between 2006 and 2025, energy consumption per produced vehicle decreased by 66 percent. The volume of waste sent to landfills fell by 88 percent over the period. The battery assembly plant in Woodruff runs without fossil fuels in operation.
The BMW Group will publish the Product Carbon Footprint for the BMW X5, validated by the German Technical Inspection Association (TÜV), to accompany the series launch. The report, including the calculation methodology, will be available to the public. The BMW Group provides transparency regarding raw materials and CO2e emissions across the vehicle lifecycle.
BMW Launches New X6 M60i xDrive In India At INR 17.79 Million
- By MT Bureau
- June 26, 2026
German luxury carmaker BMW India has launched the new X6 M60i xDrive, a performance Sports Activity Coupé (SAC) as a Completely Built-Up Unit (CBU) at INR 17.79 million (ex-showroom).
At the heart of the new X6 M60i is a 4.4-litre V8 petrol engine featuring a 48V mild-hybrid system. The powertrain delivers 530 hp and 750 Nm of torque, enabling the SAC to accelerate from zero to 100 kmph in 4.3 seconds, with an electronically limited top speed of 250 kmph.
The SAC comes is equipped with an 8-speed Steptronic Sport automatic with paddle shifters, BMW xDrive intelligent all-wheel drive with an M Sport differential. For handling it gets integral Active Steering and Adaptive M suspension with electronically controlled dampers. The stopping power comes with M Sport braking system with red-painted callipers.
The exterior features a coupe silhouette, slim Adaptive LED headlights with M Shadowline accents and an M-specific kidney grille. The vehicle comes standard with 21-inch M light-alloy wheels.
The interior is anchored by the BMW Curved Display, which houses a 12.3-inch information display and a 14.9-inch control display under a single glass surface. The cabin is upholstered in Sensafin and includes features such as Harman Kardon surround sound, ventilated comfort seats with memory functions, and an ambient light bar. Customers can further personalise the vehicle with optional BMW Individual paint finishes and Merino leather upholstery.
The X6 M60i xDrive runs on BMW iDrive Operating System 8.5 and includes the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant. Connected features provided through the My BMW app include Digital Key Plus, remote services and real-time traffic information.
Driver assistance systems include a 360-degree surround view for parking assistant, reversing assistant, which records and executes the last 200 metres of steering input. Safety suite features Six airbags, Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), Dynamic Traction Control (DTC) and Cornering Brake Control (CBC).
Through BMW India Financial Services, customers can access BMW SMART Finance, which includes an assured buyback offer of 60 percent after three years or 10,000 km. Financing packages for service, secure advance and extended warranties are also available.
Hardeep Singh Brar, President and CEO, BMW Group India, said, “The new BMW X6 M60i xDrive is an absolute powerhouse engineered to command the road with an unmistakable, muscular stance. Positioned at the pinnacle of expressive luxury, this sports activity coupé is crafted for individuals who demand a distinct lifestyle. At its heart lies the legendary V8 engine, offering raw, emotional power.”
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