Honda Cars India Ltd. (HCIL) has unveiled its compact SUV – Honda Elevate – are teasing some its features and attributes for some time. Unveiled in India before anywhere else in the world, the Elevate will be produced in India and exported to other Honda markets in the world, underlining Honda’s operations at its plant in Rajasthan as an export hub for the Japanese automaker. 

Developed on the grand concept of ‘Urban Freestyler’, the Elevate aims at customers with active lifestyles and a global mindset by blending cutting-edge aesthetics with functionality to create a visually stunning, incredibly versatile, comfortable and fun-to-drive SUV, according to company sources. 

With bold and masculine exterior design with striking front face, sharp character lines and unique rear design, which signals at clever packaging, the Elevate at front employs Honda's signature grille, which is flanked by sleek LED headlights. The sides are emphasised by pronounced wheel arches with plastic cladding, which runs along the bottom of the vehicle and smart looking diamond cut 17-inch diameter alloy wheels. The rear has a distinctive tailgate design and LED taillights. 

Developed by Honda R&D Asia Pacific centre in Thailand and the R&D team in India, which specifically worked on understanding potential target customers through extensive market surveys reflecting three main factors such as stylish exterior safety and comfort.  

The modern interior with a two-tone colour scheme is laced with a stylish meter with premium feel welcome graphic animation. The 7-inch high-definition full colour TFT multi-information display shows information such as fuel consumption, trip meter, outside temperature, G-Meter and a clock. There is a provision to customise the operations, including the meter set up, keyless access, lighting set up, door, and Honda ‘Sensing’.  

The 10.25-inch HD resolution screen at the top centre of the dashboard can be connected with various types of smart phones via wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Weblink, Bluetooth and USB. As an infotainment system interface, the screen is completed by a sub-screen, which provides access to some additional features such as the ASVM (Assistant Side View Monitor), ARVM (Assistant Rear View Monitor), Clock, Calendar, Compass, Customisable Picture, and shortcuts to commonly used Infotainment settings. 

Measuring 4312 mm in length, 1790 mm in width and 1650 mm in height, the Elevate has a wheelbase of 2650 mm. As per the dimensions and the wheelbase the compact SUV is comparable to the likes of Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos and Maruti Grand Vitara. Spacious enough to seat five people, the vehicle offers a cargo space of 458-litre. Ground clearance is a good 220 mm.  

Using higher tensile steel application ratio to realise a ‘smooth and connected’ structure, which is lightweight, offers enhanced collision safety performance, best body balance, better stability and handling, the Elevate is powered by a 121 PS 1.5-litre i-VTEC DOHC petrol engine with VTC. Producing a peak torque of 145 Nm, the compact SUV is equipped with a 6-speed manual transmission or a 7-speed CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission).  

A front-wheel drive design, the Elevate features 6 airbags, ABS with EBD and brake assist, vehicle stability assist with agile handling assist, hill start assist, Honda lane watch camera, light crash performance, pedestrian protection, multi angle rear camera, emergency stop signal, Isofix compatible rear side seats with lower anchorages and top tether, and an immobiliser with anti-theft alarm.  

Toshio Kuwahara, Head of Regional Unit (Asia & Oceania), Honda Motor Co., Ltd. and President and CEO, Asian Honda Motor Co., Ltd. said, “Today’s World Premiere of the all-new Elevate is a stamp of commitment of Honda’s plans and aspirations for the country. The exports from India to several regions across the globe are growing continuously every year. With high level of quality standards to deliver products that exceed expectations of both local and worldwide customers, India has become one of the most important export hubs for Honda. Moving forward to 2050, Honda strives to realise carbon neutrality and zero traffic collision fatalities involving our motorcycles and automobiles. To achieve this target, Honda aims to increase the sales ratio of Battery Electric Vehicles and Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles sales to 100 percent globally by 2040, including India. For safety, we continue enhancing advanced technologies including the expansion of Honda ‘Sensing’ around the world and strengthening our safety education to reduce traffic accidents.” 

Takuya Tsumura, President & CEO, Honda Cars India Ltd. said, “With the unveiling of the All New Elevate, we embark on a new journey with Honda's strong product offering in the booming SUV segment in India. Honda enjoys strong leadership and popularity in sedan segments. There has been very high anticipation amongst Honda loyalists and overall market, who have been eagerly waiting for the new model. We are confident that the Elevate will further strengthen the bond with our esteemed customers and soon become our strong third pillar of business besides the City and Amaze. We have a robust product strategy to strengthen our premium play in the market and Elevate is first model among the 5 new SUVs that will be launched by Honda in India by 2030.”  “Aligning with our global vision towards carbon neutrality by focusing on electrified powertrains, we will launch Honda’s first Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) based on this SUV within next 3 years in India,” he added.

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German luxury automotive brand BMW India has introduced the updated BMW 7 Series range, offering petrol and battery-electric powertrains across the lineup at prices starting at INR 19.5 million (ex-showroom).

The launch includes the BMW i7 M70 xDrive performance model, alongside the local production launch of the electric i7 at the BMW Group Plant in Chennai.

With local assembly of the i7 in Chennai, India becomes the second country after Germany to produce the electric model locally. The performance-focused i7 M70 xDrive will be imported into the country as a completely built-up unit (CBU) with deliveries across the 7 Series portfolio scheduled to begin in October 2026.

Furthermore, the company also introduced actor Ranveer Singh as the Brand Voice for BMW India at the launch.

Pricing for the petrol-powered 740 M Sport and all-electric i7 eDrive50 xDrive M Sport starts at INR 19.5 million, while the flagship i7 M70 xDrive is positioned at INR 26.5 million (all ex-showroom).

Hardeep Singh Brar, President and CEO of BMW Group India, said: "The new BMW 7 Series is more than our flagship sedan - it is our ultimate statement of modern luxury. It moves the leaders, changemakers and visionaries who are shaping tomorrow. Every detail has been crafted around one idea: those who have reached the pinnacle deserve an experience to match. The new 7 Series sets a benchmark, whether you choose to take the wheel or be driven. It is the new face of the BMW Luxury Class, while offering an early glimpse into technologies that will shape the Neue Klasse era. And with our Power of Choice philosophy, customers can choose from dynamic combustion engines to advanced electric mobility. Because true luxury is not about limiting choices - it is about expanding them. With the new 7, luxury doesn’t end with the drive; it begins there."

"The new BMW i7 M70 xDrive is the most powerful 7 Series ever created - where M performance meets first-class luxury, without compromise. It brings together exhilarating electric performance and the refinement expected from the pinnacle of the BMW portfolio. This is a car for someone who wants the thrill of taking the wheel and, equally, the luxury of being driven. Few cars can make the driver’s seat and the rear seat equally desirable. The i7 M70 does. It represents our belief that sustainability and performance are not competing choices. The future of luxury can be electric, exhilarating and extraordinary - all at once," added Brar.

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Kia India has opened pre-bookings for the Carens CNG, Carens Clavis CNG and Carnival Limousine Hybrid models across its authorised dealer network, expanding the company’s multi-powertrain portfolio in the Indian market.

The additions follow their display at Kia Inspiration Day and introduce alternative fuel options to the manufacturer's multi-purpose vehicle segment. The pricing for all three models is set to be announced at a later date.

Both the Carens CNG and Carens Clavis CNG are based on the G1.5 six-speed manual transmission platform and feature a factory-fitted CNG system with a 60-litre tank capacity. Technical modifications include engine calibration for CNG fuel, revised suspension setups, 16-inch wheels and 16-inch disc brakes. The driver interface incorporates a fuel change switch alongside a 4.2-inch colour TFT display with CNG distance-to-empty logic. Structural changes to the third-row seat-back frame have also been implemented to adjust the recline angle.

The CNG range will include Premium (O) trim for the Carens, while the Carens Clavis will be sold in HTE and HTE (O) trims for retail buyers.

For commercial and business-to-business fleet operations, Kia India has designated the M-Drive trim for the Carens CNG and the HTM trim for the Carens Clavis CNG.

The Carnival Limousine Hybrid introduces an electrified powertrain to the upper tier of the range, powered by a G1.6T HEV engine paired with a six-speed automatic transmission.

It is offered in the Limousine+ trim, which features 18-inch dual-tone aero alloy wheels, active air flaps and a virtual engine sound system. Interior equipment includes an air purifier with air quality index display, seat-back tables with integrated wireless charging, ambient lighting and leatherette door trims.

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Hyundai Motor India, one of the leading passenger vehicle manufacturers, has introduced the Lounge Edition variant across its Creta, Alcazar and Creta Electric SUVs. The special edition trim updates interior cabin equipment, rear seat entertainment and exterior trim styling across the three vehicle lines.

The primary update across all Lounge Edition models is an integrated 29.46 cm rear seat entertainment system featuring streaming platform compatibility, interactive gaming, an app store and smartphone mirroring, operating alongside an eight-speaker Bose audio system.

On the inside, it features silver interior accents, white ambient lighting, revised seat patterns and branded headrest cushions. Exterior changes feature black trim on the skid plates, side sills, roof rails, rear spoiler and side mirrors, paired with black alloy wheels and a golden bronze paint option.

The Creta Lounge Edition, built on the King trim level, is available with a 1.5-litre petrol engine mated to an intelligent variable transmission or a 1.5-litre diesel engine with an automatic gearbox, with prices starting at INR 1.92 million ex-showroom.

The Alcazar Lounge Edition is offered in a five-seat layout based on the Signature variant, powered by a 1.5-litre diesel engine with an automatic transmission and equipped with a voice-activated panoramic sunroof, priced from INR 2.18 million. The Creta Electric Lounge Edition, based on the Long Range Excellence trim, adds a dashcam and rear wireless charging pad, with prices starting at INR 2.43 million.

Amit Dhaundiyal, Head of Product Strategy and Planning, Hyundai Motor India, said, "At Hyundai, we continuously strive to create products and experiences that resonate with the evolving aspirations of our customers. Customers today seek experiences that go beyond mobility, and the new Lounge Edition has been designed with this evolving aspiration in mind. From lounge-inspired interiors, engaging digital entertainment and on-the-go gaming experiences powered by rear seat entertainment, to distinctive styling enhancements, every element has been thoughtfully crafted to transform every journey into a more comfortable, connected and rewarding experience. The Lounge Edition reflects Hyundai's commitment to delivering meaningful innovations and greater value across our SUV portfolio, and we are confident it will appeal to customers seeking a unique blend of luxury, comfort, entertainment and exclusivity in their everyday journeys."

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German automotive luxury brand Audi has unveiled the A2 e-tron electric compact model, which marks its most compact green offering, with prices starting EUR 38,200 in Germany.

Developed in Germany and produced at the manufacturer’s Ingolstadt facility, the EV has an energy consumption rating of 12.8 kWh per 100 kilometres under the WLTP test cycle.

The company will open bookings on 10 September, with European deliveries scheduled to begin in December.

The A2 e-tron is offered in four power outputs ranging from 125 kW and 350 Nm of torque in the base specification to 240 kW and 545 Nm in the top variant, paired with rear-wheel drive and permanently excited synchronous motors. Depending on the output, battery capacities are available in 52 kWh, 61 kWh, or 84 kWh gross options, achieving a maximum driving range of up to 646 kilometres under WLTP conditions.

The chassis design incorporates a drag coefficient of 0.24, utilising active cooling air intakes, aero wheels and wheel-arch gap reducers. Bidirectional charging capabilities support Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) external device powering and Vehicle-to-Home (V2H) energy transfer via compatible wall boxes.

On the inside, it features a curved MMI panoramic display housing a 12.3-inch instrument cluster and a 12.8-inch infotainment touchscreen with artificial intelligence assistant integration. Storage incorporates the Fidlock magnetic attachment system as standard equipment, alongside an optional 1.6-square-metre panoramic glass roof.

Audi states that around 300 components across the vehicle are constructed using recycled materials, including post-consumer plastics, aluminium and steel.

The EV assembly utilises 250 existing industrial robots and 1,200 reallocated production components at the Ingolstadt plant, using fixed-sequence manufacturing methods. Standard driver assistance systems include adaptive cruise control, emergency brake assist, evasive assist, attention assist and parking sensors with a rear-view camera.

Gernot Dollner, Chief Executive Officer, Audi, said, “The A2 e-tron is more than a new model: It represents Audi’s renewal. It shows how we are rethinking premium for Europe: using resources more intelligently without compromising on quality, technology, or customer experience. Developed for the needs of our European customers and built in Ingolstadt, it demonstrates our ambition to shape the future of premium mobility.”

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