South Korean automaker Kia Corporation unveiled its future product lineup – the EV4 and the Concept EV2 models at the 2025 Kia EV Day. The products showcased in Tarragona, Spain, aimed to give a glimpse of the company’s vision for an electric future.

The EV4 is Kia’s first electrified sedan (four-door) and hatchback (five-door), for the C-segment vehicles. It represented the campaign slogan ‘Your Edge in Motion’, the Kia EV4 introduces a new typology for sedans and hatchbacks. With the new EV4, Kia has expanded its EV lineup and appeals to the ‘Early Majority’ customer segment.

On the other hand, the Concept EV2, is an agile B-segment electric SUV that previews an upcoming production model targeted for urban customers catering to lifestyle-driven buyers.

Ho Sung Son, President and CEO, Kia, said, “Kia EV Day shows our vision for a sustainable future where electric mobility is accessible to all. The EV4 embodies that vision perfectly as a statement of our commitment to innovative design, cutting-edge technology, and a connected driving experience that excites and inspires. The EV4 marks a significant step forward in our electrification journey, offering advanced technology and a choice of body styles for drivers seeking a seamless transition to electric mobility."

The Kia EV4 offers two battery configurations: a 58.3 kWh standard and an 81.4 kWh long-range option, delivering up to 630 km of range and 0-100 kmph performance in 7.4 seconds. Built on Kia’s 400V Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), it boasts ultra-low aerodynamic drag of 0.23 Cd, fast charging from 10-80 percent in just 31 minutes, and advanced Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) and Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) capabilities. The EV4’s sophisticated chassis technology ensures a smooth, comfortable ride with enhanced handling and reduced noise and vibration.

Kia’s EV4 also stands out with its 30-inch wide-screen connected cockpit, Digital Key 2.0 for easy access, and i-Pedal 3.0 regenerative braking for optimised efficiency and comfort. Advanced safety features include the latest ADAS technologies and the transformative Highway Driving Assist 2 system, targeting top-tier safety ratings. The EV4’s innovative design combines a modern exterior with a high-tech, minimalist interior, offering spaciousness and convenience, making it a standout electric sedan and hatchback.

The Kia Concept EV2 previews Kia’s vision for a future B-segment all-electric SUV with a bold, compact design featuring Kia’s Star Map signature lighting and vertical DRLs. Its strong silhouette, rugged bumpers, and dynamic profile reflect a confident, urban-ready character. Inside, the EV2 emphasises innovation and practicality with a spacious, configurable interior and advanced connected technology, designed for an active urban lifestyle. This concept showcases Kia’s commitment to redefining the electric vehicle segment with accessible sophistication and usability.

The Classic Drivers Club (CDC) recently hosted its fourth Vintage and Classic Car exhibition of the year at a posh Kolkata club bringing together aspirants, owners and restorers of these lost jewels. The event showcased a total of 62 vehicles, while some were left out due to a lack of space.

Among the standout exhibits were iconic British automobiles and motorcycles that defined an era of engineering excellence. The 1937 Rolls-Royce 25/30 and Colwyn Cabriolet reflected pre-war opulence, while the Morris Minor (1949-1951) and Austin 7 evoked nostalgia for Britain’s golden age of motoring.

Enthusiasts admired the MG Magnette ZA (1955) and Triumph Spitfire 4 (1963), which embodied mid-century sports car charm, while rugged classics like the Land Rover Series 3 (1974) and Range Rover Classic (1984) underscored the nation’s off-road dominance.

On two wheels, the BSA Bantam D1 (1948) and Ariel Red Hunter (1937, 1947) stood alongside wartime legends such as the Matchless G3L (1941) and Triumph 3HW (1940), highlighting Britain’s role in shaping global motorcycling history.

Besides the British automobiles, the exhibition featured a diverse line-up including the Volkswagen Beetle, Fiat 1100 series, Chevrolet Fleetmaster and Mercury 8, alongside Indian icons like the Hindustan Ambassador and Contessa. Legendary two-wheelers such as the Vespa, Yamaha RX100 and Rajdoot GTS 175 added to the show’s global appeal.

These meticulously restored machines weren’t just showpieces but living testaments to automobile ingenuity, drawing admiration from collectors and history buffs alike.

Speaking to Motoring Trends about how these exhibitions serve as a platform for reliving lost times, Pallab Roy, a vintage and classic car owner and restorer averred, “Kolkata, a city steeped in heritage, extends its cultural legacy beyond architecture and historic buildings to vintage automobiles. With growing awareness, these classic cars are increasingly showcased at exhibitions, ensuring preservation and maintenance. Unlike static artifacts, vintage cars require periodic use to remain operational, much like old cameras or watches that deteriorate when left idle. Events like this provide an opportunity to keep them roadworthy, facilitating servicing, cleaning and restoration.”

Among his notable collections was a 1967 Mercedes-Benz 230S, a luxury-class model that introduced the monocoque chassis, coolant-based radiators and tubeless tyres—marking significant innovations for its time.

Another highlight of his collection was a meticulously restored 1947 Chevrolet Fleetmaster Sport Sedan with original upholstery patterns, a wood-grain dashboard and factory-matched paint composition. Completing the collection was a 1951 Mercury, a right-hand-drive export model featuring a flathead V8 engine and the distinctive ‘suicide doors’, later phased out due to safety concerns.

“The perception of vintage cars in Kolkata has evolved dramatically. Decades ago, classic automobiles were often abandoned on roadsides or sold for scrap. Today, increased global exposure through the internet and events has fueled a strong collector’s market. Unlike modern vehicles designed for rapid model turnover, early automobiles were built to endure for decades, often requiring in-house maintenance in remote areas. This resilience, combined with growing public interest, particularly among younger generations, has revitalised Kolkata’s classic car scene, ensuring these automotive icons remain in pristine condition for years to come,” he noted.

Reviving eras past

Saikat Dutta, owner of a 1963 Triumph Spitfire, candidly spoke about the difficulties in maintaining classic cars. “I have had this car for nearly two decades but maintaining it presents significant challenges, particularly when sourcing spare parts. Everything has to be imported. Even the smallest bolts are unavailable locally, requiring shipments from the UK or the US, where suppliers like Moss Motors continue to manufacture components.” 

“However, the future of vintage car preservation is uncertain. The number of skilled mechanics proficient in maintaining these machines is dwindling as newer generations focus on modern vehicles. With fewer experts available to service these aging automobiles, ensuring their longevity will require dedicated enthusiasts, continued knowledge transfer and access to specialised parts and expertise,” he added.

His passion for vintage automobiles began in childhood, shaped by a home filled with classic cars. While life briefly took him away from the hobby, a close friend, Sanjay Ghosh, a noted collector, rekindled his enthusiasm, leading him to acquire his 1947 Chevrolet Fleetmaster in 2007.

Ritabrata Mukherjee, a member of the general committee at CDC, reflected on the organisation’s journey since its inception in 2017 stating, “With a growing community of approximately 150 members collectively owning around 200 vintage and classic automobiles and motorcycles, the club has established itself as a cornerstone of Kolkata’s classic car culture,” said Mukherjee.

Over the years, CDC has hosted nearly 200 events, collaborating with prestigious institutions such as the Calcutta Club, Saturday Club and Hindustan Club. Flagship initiatives include the Alipore Museum Show and the Braille Rally, a unique CSR initiative entering its second year. 

Commenting on how far is the club’s footprint, he noted, “Currently, membership is exclusive to West Bengal, though expansion beyond the state is under consideration. The club organises six to eight annual events including long-distance drives to heritage destinations within the state. Unlike traditional collectors, who view vintage vehicles as static relics, the club emphasises road use, ensuring these machines remain functional.” 

The club has also fostered academic collaborations, recently partnering with IIT Kharagpur and preparing for an upcoming engagement with Jadavpur University’s festival in March, where vintage cars and motorcycles will be showcased.

At its core, the club is dedicated to preserving Kolkata’s rich motoring legacy ensuring that these historic automobiles remain not just museum pieces but living testaments to a bygone era of craftsmanship and design.

BMW India, a leading luxury vehicle brand, has launched the new made-in-India BMW 3 Series Long Wheelbase (LWB) at prices starting INR 6.26 million for the petrol-powered BMW 330Li M Sport variant. The vehicle is being locally produced at the BMW Group Plant in Chennai. The BMW 3 Series LWB can be had in four metallic paint options: Mineral White, Skyscraper Grey, M Carbon Black and Arctic Race Blue, with Leather Vernasca Cognac upholstery.

The vehicle is powered by a 2-litre four-cylinder petrol engine producing 258 hp and 400 Nm of torque, accelerating from zero to 100 kmph in just 6.2 seconds. The 8-speed Steptronic Sport automatic transmission ensures smooth gearshifts and the Driving Experience Control switch offers modes like ECO Pro, Comfort and Sport. The diesel variant will be introduced at a later date by the company.

The car boasts has a length of 4,819 mm and a wheelbase of 2,961 mm, making it one of the longest cars in its segment with a spacious second-row seat.

On the inside, the 3 Series LWB offers premium materials and advanced features. It includes a BMW Widescreen Curved Display, an M leather steering wheel with a flat-bottomed rim, electrically adjustable Comfort Seats with extendable thigh support, a large panoramic sunroof and ambient lighting with six dimmable designs. The three-zone automatic climate control system ensures optimised air quality.

The BMW 3 Series LWB is equipped with advanced technology like the BMW iDrive Operating System 8.5, BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant, wireless smartphone integration and Remote Software Upgrades. The BMW Digital Key Plus offers keyless entry and start functions.

In terms of safety the BMW 3 Series LWB include six airbags, Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), Cornering Brake Control (CBC) and ISOFIX child seat mounting. Driver assistance systems like Park Assistant Plus with a surround view camera, BMW Driving Assistant for lane change and collision warnings and Blind Spot Detection add to the vehicle’s safety and convenience.

Vikram Pawah, President, BMW Group India, said, “The new BMW 3 Series Long Wheelbase has set new standards in its segment with an elongated design, enhanced space, luxurious comfort, and dynamic performance. It possesses the most powerful engine in its class and now adds striking design elements and advanced driver assistance features. It continues to deliver sheer driving pleasure with superlative luxury, making it a perfect choice for individuals and families.”

Honda Cars India Ltd (HCIL), one of India's top luxury automakers, has achieved a milestone of 100,000 cumulative sales for its global SUV model, the Honda Elevate.

HCIL's production facility in Tapukara, Rajasthan, manufactures the Elevate entirely in India. As of January 2025, the business had sold 53,326 Elevate units in India and 47,653 units abroad, notably to South Africa, Japan, Nepal and Bhutan. The Elevate is HCIL's biggest export-contributing model and the company's first Made in India model to be sent to Japan. Since the Honda Elevate's exports began in 2023, the company's export business has grown by 65 percent in FY23–24 and by more than 92 percent in the current fiscal year.

First launched in India in September 2023, it went on to win over 20 prestigious automobile industry awards including Car of the Year, Viewer’s Choice Car of the Year and SUV of the Year. The all-new Elevate, which was built on the ambitious ‘Urban Freestyler’ concept, integrates Honda's world-renowned safety standards and offers a number of sophisticated active and passive safety technologies, such as the ground-breaking sophisticated Driver Assistance System (Honda SENSING). Customers have responded well to HCIL's introduction of the Apex and Black editions of the Elevate, which provide a wide range of options. The Elevate's E20 (20 percent ethanol blended) gasoline compliance demonstrates Honda's dedication to environmentally friendly mobility and aids in India's shift to cleaner, greener vehicles.

Kunal Behl, Vice President – Marketing & Sales, Honda Cars India Ltd, said, "100,000 cumulative sales milestone for Elevate is a proud moment for all of us, which has solidified Honda’s presence in India’s domestic SUV market and also strong export business from India. The model, since its global debut, has garnered exceptional admiration and acceptance among customers across age profiles for its bold styling, comfortable in-cabin experience, exceptional ‘Fun to Drive’ dynamics and advanced safety package. The Elevate export volume to Japan not only expanded its global reach but also reinforced our Indian manufacturing prowess and global competitiveness. We would like to thank our customers across markets for the love and trust they have shown for the brand and for choosing the Elevate as their trusted partner.”

Skoda Auto has introduced an updated Octavia with an all-wheel drive mechanism. It is available in hatchback as well as the estate version, the deliveries of which will begin in a few weeks’ time. 
While the orders for the updated Octavia 4x4 with a 2-litre TSI engine that produces 204 hp are open, Skoda hasn’t specified when and if either of the two models will be offered in India anytime soon. 
So the development is currently valid for Europe it looks like.
The all-wheel drive mechanism is managed by an electrohydraulically controlled inter-axle multi-plate clutch, supported by sensors that continuously monitor driving conditions. The control unit calculates and applies the optimal power distribution, allowing up to 100 percent of torque to be redirected to the rear axle in ideal conditions. If all wheels have equal traction, the inter-axle clutch distributes torque up to a maximum of 50:50 between the front and rear axles. The torque transfer between the axles is further optimised by the electronic EDS and XDS systems.
An advanced multi-link rear axle ensures precise wheel control, enhancing handling, safety, and ride comfort. The all-wheel drive system also increases towing capacity to up to 1,900 kg with a braked trailer.