The design on the outside remains unchanged mainly, but the interior has received a makeover with the inclusion of new connected car technology. The split analogue dials with the InControl Touch Pro infotainment system on the old car has now been updated to a new 12.3-inch Interactive Driver Display along with a bigger 11.4-inch Pivi Pro infotainment screen. The redesigned centre console provides a fast and intuitive interface with a simplified menu structure and pioneering design.

The connectivity on the inside is provided by dual-sim technology, with two LTE modems enabling the system to carry SOTA updates without compromising performance. Discovery owners can update as many as 44 individual electronic modules without the inconvenience of visiting a retailer.

The full-digital instrument cluster along with the Pivi Pro system allows for high-definition 3D mapping within the driver’s instrument cluster, with the central touchscreen free to control other applications. Besides, the customers can also add a full-colour Head-Up Display, putting high-resolution driving information directly into the driver’s eye line.

Another feature introduced with the Discovery is the Cabin Air Ionisation with PM2.5 air filtration technology. The system actively scans incoming air for quality and automatically uses advanced filters to reduce the level of allergens, toxins and harmful particulates in the cabin, enhancing driver wellbeing. Rear seat passenger comfort and convenience has been enhanced by the introduction of Land Rover’s Click and Go tablet holders instead of fixed rear screens. The tablets can use the onboard 4G Wi-Fi hotspot to stream content to keep the rear passengers entertained. Conveniently located USB-A charging sockets take care of maintaining the battery of the tablet charged and also help in cable management. This system adds to the versatility of the vehicle.

At the front, the steering wheel has received an update with the introduction of a new-look four-spoke steering wheel with hidden-until-lit switches and metal gearshift paddles. The old rotary gear selector has made way for a new tactile gear selector that provides instinctive control.

All new to the Discovery is the electric seat folding mechanism that can all be controlled from the central screen, improving the versatility of the vehicle. Customers also get access to a Remote app that lets them keep a tab on the fuel status, location of their car and also unlock and lock the doors. Owners can complete their connected car technology by choosing Land Rover’s new second-generation Activity Key that features touchscreen controls, a digital watch, unlock, lock and also remotely start the vehicle as an addition to the conventional fob.

Jaguar Land Rover’s Chief Creative Officer termed the car as “a beautifully proportioned and sophisticated premium SUV”. He also added that the team has worked to enhance the characterful exterior and hugely versatile interior to maintain the Discovery’s position in the market as “the most capable and family-friendly full-size SUV in the world”.

The carmaker has introduced a trio of new straight-six Ingenium engines with 48V Mild Hybrid Electric Vehicle (MHEV) technology for enhanced efficiency, performance and smoothness. The MHEV system harvests and stores energy during deceleration and deploys it to assist the engine when accelerating. This setup provides the engine six-cylinder performance and four-cylinder efficiency and also helps refine the operation of the Stop/Start system. Along with the new engines, the Discovery is also available with the companies tried and tested four-cylinder P300 Ingenium petrol powertrain.

The 5th generation Discovery also comes equipped with advance driveline technology that can intelligently switch between two-and four-wheel drive as conditions demand, combining both the fuel-saving benefits of two-wheel-drive with the all-terrain capability of four-wheel drive. Four-wheel-drive is continuously engaged to provide large reserves of traction from a standstill, but a clutch completely disconnects the four-wheel-drive hardware when there is no tractive requirement. Should the system detect wheel slip or a more dynamic driving style, four-wheel drive is re-engaged within 350 milliseconds. This helps the car maximise traction and on-road dynamics resulting in improved fuel efficiency and reduced CO2 emissions without compromising on the vehicle’s trademark all-terrain capability.

Also, the Discovery comes with air suspension as standard that helps in better isolation of bumps and an enjoyable ride. The system also intelligently lowers the cars ride height while doing motorway speed to increase the aerodynamic efficiency and stability of the vehicle. Apart from the 250HP diesel model, every other Discovery gets adaptive dampers that firm up the suspension going into corners to provide better stability and soften them when the going gets easy. Owners can also choose to add the Terrain Response 2 technology to their cars that automatically primes the vehicle to suit the driving conditions. The new Wade mode helps the Discovery drive through deep water (up to 90cm) and even applies the brakes automatically when the driver disengages it to restore the full performance of the brakes from the first application.

The Discovery borrows the ClearSight Ground View technology from the Defender. This new technology provides the driver with a clear view of the obscured ground directly beneath the front of the vehicle using the central touchscreen and a combination of forward-facing cameras. This is the closest Land Rover has come to their futuristic transparent bonnet concept. The system supports the drivers when negotiating steep off-road inclines or hidden urban obstacles.

Talking about the technology inside the car Land Rover’s Chief Engineer, Mike Cross said “New Discovery combines superb all-terrain suspension geometry with rewarding dynamics and excellent body control while maintaining our family SUV’s famed ride quality and comfort”. He also added, the changes made to the suspension design and the new platform has allowed the company to create a seven-seat SUV that is versatile, capable, refined and yet fun to drive.

In conclusion, the Discovery is a seven-seat sophisticated premium SUV that encapsulates Land Rover’s design evolution with an intelligently packaged interior that embodies the spirit of family adventure which has characterised the SUV for more than 30 years. The latest future-ready fifth-generation Discovery is available with four engine options with more than one Mild Hybrid Electric Vehicle technology model. The Discovery starts at £53,050 and extends up to £67,290 for the range-topping HSE diesel variant in the UK. (MT)

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Hyundai Motor India (HMIL) has expanded its Alcazar SUV range with a new Corporate variant with diesel powertrain at prices starting INR 1.78 million and an expansion of automatic transmission options in the Prestige DCT Petrol (7-speed) at INR 1.86 million.

The Alcazar Corporate variant is equipped with a voice-enabled smart Panoramic Sunroof and is available with both 6-speed Manual and 6-speed Automatic transmission choices, and is designed to appeal to the evolving aspirations of Indian SUV buyers.

Tarun Garg, Whole-Time Director and Chief Operating Officer, Hyundai Motor India, said, “At Hyundai Motor India, we are continuously listening to customer feedback and evolving our product offerings to meet their aspirations. The introduction of the Corporate variant in Alcazar Diesel with a voice enabled smart panoramic sunroof and the inclusion of DCT in the Prestige Petrol variant reflects our commitment to providing a more personalized and premium SUV experience. With these updates, we aim to offer more choice and delight to our customers who seek performance, technology and sophistication in their vehicles.”

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When Tata Motors launched the Harrier.ev, it wasn’t just introducing another electric vehicle — it was signalling a shift in India’s premium electric vehicle landscape. Based on Tata’s Gen 2 EV (acti.ev+) architecture, the Harrier.ev blends familiarity with futuristic design, making electrification a natural progression rather than a disruptive leap.

Interestingly, the company is providing a lifetime warranty on the battery for the first vehicle owners, applicable only to private owners. 

Anand Kulkarni, Chief Product Officer, Tata Passenger Electric Mobility, told Motoring Trends, “We have said that our Gen 2 approach is basically a pure EV approach. Much the same way, the acti.ev+, in fact, we have taken that architecture further ahead on the Harrier.ev to make sure that you can get the seating comfort of a regular SUV without any compromise on the battery or powertrain.”

While rivals explore born-electric platforms from scratch, Tata’s strategy with the Harrier.ev is different – marrying known aesthetics with a ground-up EV design. That’s not just a technical decision, but as Kulkarni stated, it’s rooted in customer behaviour.

“There is a section of people who are saying, who want the comfort and the familiarity of the product that they are using. So we have ​made a product that retains that familiarity, while giving them the benefits of electrification,” Kulkarni explained.

The Harrier.ev isn’t just about powertrains and batteries – it’s about creating a ‘third space.’ With features like a 14.5-inch Neo QLED screen and Dolby audio, Tata wants the Harrier.ev to be as comfortable and connected as a living room.

“You have office, you have home, and everything in between is where you spend a lot of time in the car. People expect it to be comfortable, convenient, connected and safe,” Kulkarni said.

Even as the EV market rapidly matures, Tata remains mindful of long-term viability. Decisions around battery size, AWD vs FWD configurations, and software-driven features were all taken with a delicate balance of affordability and future-readiness in mind.

“We worked with two sizes of batteries. This was about making the right choices,” said Kulkarni, noting how Tata’s dual-battery strategy is now industry standard.

As Kulkarni explained, For Tata, the Harrier.ev is more than a product – it's a culmination of years of foresight, strategic evolution and a deep understanding of the Indian consumer. It’s a vehicle that reflects not just where the market is headed, but how Tata Motors is determined to lead it there.

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Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM) has launched the Fortuner and Legender in a new Neo Drive in a hybrid avatar, featuring a 48-volt system that delivers improved fuel efficiency. The models are priced at INR 4.47 million and INR 5.09 million, respectively.  

Since its debut in 2009, the Toyota Fortuner has defined the premium SUV segment in India, admired for its rugged design, robust performance and unmatched all-terrain capabilities. The stylish and feature-rich Legender complements the Fortuner, exemplifying Toyota’s core values of quality, durability and reliability. Together, they have cultivated a loyal following among urban adventurers and off-road enthusiasts alike.

The new Neo Drive variants introduce Toyota’s advanced 2.8-litre, four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine paired with a 48V system comprising a belt-integrated starter generator and lithium-ion battery. This technology mirrors hybrid electric systems by recuperating braking energy during deceleration, contributing to smoother low-end acceleration, quieter operation and improved fuel efficiency. The Smart Idle Start-Stop function further enhances efficiency by automatically shutting off the engine when stationary, resulting in lower emissions and fuel savings.

Importantly, the company claims that these enhancements do not compromise the Fortuner and Legender’s formidable payload capacity, durability or off-road performance. The Multi-Terrain Select system optimises throttle response, braking and traction control to deliver a superior driving experience across diverse terrains.

On the design front, the Fortuner retains its bold, purposeful stance, ideal for rugged adventures, while the Legender exudes a more dynamic and premium appeal with dual-tone body colours, split LED headlamps and a sleek fascia. Both models offer dual-tone leather upholstery, soft-touch materials and ergonomic seating designed for long-distance comfort.

In terms of safety the SUVs come with ABS, Vehicle Stability Control with Brake Assist, WIL Concept Seats, Hill Assist Control, Traction Control and more. Toyota’s focus on customer convenience extends to tailored finance solutions, including up to 8-year funding plans, Toyota Smart Balloon Finance and pre-approved value-added services such as extended warranty and genuine accessories. Buyers will also benefit from five years of complimentary roadside assistance and a standard 3-year/100,000 km warranty, extendable to 5 years/220,000 km, along with the customisable Toyota Smiles Plus service package.

Varinder Wadhwa, Vice President, Sales-Service-Used Car Business, Toyota Kirloskar Motor, said, “As the SUV market in India grows steadily, customers are seeking advanced features and differentiated styling. The new Fortuner and Legender Neo Drive variants meet these expectations with bold design, powerful performance, and comprehensive features, underscoring Toyota’s commitment to delivering ever-better cars and advancing towards carbon neutrality.”

Bookings for the Fortuner and Legender Neo Drive variants commenced on 2 June 2025, with deliveries set to begin from the third week of June.

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Hyundai Motor India, a leading passenger vehicle manufacturer, has onboarded popular actor Pankaj Tripathi as its new brand ambassador.

The company shared that Tripathi, who is known for his versatility and grounded charm, embodies Hyundai India’s values of reliability, authenticity and a deep-rooted connection with the country’s diverse audience. With this association, HMIL further strengthens its ambassador lineup that already includes iconic personalities.

Tarun Garg, Whole-Time Director and Chief Operating Officer, Hyundai Motor India, said, “At HMIL, we celebrate stories of progress and inspiration. We are delighted to welcome Pankaj Tripathi to HMIL family. His grounded persona, exceptional talent and widespread appeal resonate with the values of HMIL and our vision of ‘Progress for Humanity’. Together, we aim to drive deeper emotional connections with our diverse customer base across India.”

Pankaj Tripathi, said, “It is an honour to associate with Hyundai Motor India, a brand that has long stood for trust, innovation and customer-first approach. My first car was a Hyundai, and over the years, that relationship has grown into something truly personal. As someone who deeply values simplicity, sincerity and staying true to one’s roots, I find a natural alignment with HMIL’s ethos. I look forward to this partnership where together, we can connect with people across the country - not just through technology, but through shared stories and values.”

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