Hyundai Motors UK has announced the pricing and specifications of its hot hatch, the new i30 N. Hyundai has focused on dynamic performance as well as an aesthetic refresh for the 2021 update of the i30 N. A starting price of  GBP 33,745 puts the i30 N directly in the same ballpark as the Toyota GR Yaris, Ford Focus ST, Honda Civic TypeR.

Here are all the updates you need to know about the new i30 N:

Exterior:

• A new wide front grille and a redesigned front end allows for efficient engine cooling, improves airflow and reduces turbulence into the wheel housing
• New V-Shaped LED daytime running lights to complete the front end while the rear also features a new signature LED light
• The side view reveals the new 19-inch five-double-spoke forged alloy wheels finished in dark satin grey matte finish
• The new lightweight alloy wheels are designed to minimise unsprung mass and are 14.4 kg lighter than the current wheel setup

Interior:

• The i30 N features a 10,25-inch touchscreen navigation system that supports Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and voice control along with Hyundai’s state-of-the-art Bluelink connected car technology
• The touchscreen system also displays vital performance information like power, torque, turbo boost and a lap and acceleration time that help drivers improve their track skills
• Hyundai offers two seat options for the i30 N: standard seats and N Light-Sport Seats
• N Light-Sport Seats are a pair of monoform high-performance seats that is 2.2 kg lighter than the standard seats and is finished in premium leather and Alcantara materials with Performance Blue stitching and an illuminated N logo integrated into the headrest
• The N Light Sports Seat features pronounced bolsters designed to provide optimal lateral support
• The sporty character of the interiors is amplified by the signature analogue instrument cluster with its active variable LED red zone and the shift timing indicator, metal pedals, Performance blue stitching and seatbelts

Powertrain:

• The i30 N is offered with a 2.0 l turbocharged GDi petrol engine that produces 275 hp and 392 Nm torque available
• The engine has been tuned to maximise performance in real-world driving condition by making the torque available from a low 1950 RPM to 4600 RPM
• The i30 N can do the 0-62mph sprint in just under 5.9 seconds and reach a top speed of 155 mph
• The i30 N can be had in either a six-speed manual with the e-LSD or Hyundai’s coveted N DCT, eight-speed dual-clutch transmission with N Grin Shift, N Power Shift and N Track Sense Shift high-performance driving features

Safety:

• Active Head Restraints
• Anti-lock Brake System (ABS)
• Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) with Forward Collision Warning System
• Blind Spot Collision Warning (BCW) (Hatch only)
• Airbags - Front, Front Side & Curtain Airbags with Front Passenger De-Activation Switch
• Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
• Lane Departure Warning System with Lane Keep Assist (LKAS)
• Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
• Hill-start Assist Control (HAC)
• ISOfix Child Seat Anchorage Points - Rear

Other comfort and aesthetic features on offer are: gloss black door mirrors, rear spoiler, privacy glass, black headlining, N branded door sills, a leather-wrapped, heated steering wheel, gear lever, manual handbrake lever, keyless entry with an engine start-stop button, heated drivers and passenger seats with full electric adjustment, driver’s side memory function, extendable seat cushions, wireless charging pad and rear camera with front and rear sensors.

Ashley Andrew, Managing Director, Hyundai Motor UK said, “i30 N took the world by surprise at its launch, with customers and media alike impressed by our first ever hot hatch resulting in a vehicle with such accomplished dynamics. With enhanced performance levels, improved equipment specifications and technical additions such as the multi-function 8 speed N DCT, New i30 N will go even further to satisfy the enthusiast driver looking for real-world driving enjoyment.” (MT)

Tata Motors, one of India’s leading automotive manufacturers, has unveiled all-new Tata Altroz, ahead of its launch on 22 May 2025.

The Altroz hatchback is built on the Tata Motors’ advanced ALFA (Agile Light Flexible Advanced) architecture. It also was available with innovative twin-cylinder CNG technology in 2023. 

Now the company has further upgraded the model with sculpted lines and a bold 3D front grille. It gets all-new Luminate LED Lamps, Infinity connected LED Tail lamps and flush door handles. On the inside, the Altroz gets a new Grand Prestigia dashboard and UltraView twin HD screens.

The Altroz will be available in five colour options – Dune Glow, Ember Glow, Pure Grey, Royal Blue and Pristine White – each with distinct personas: Smart, Pure, Creative, Accomplished S, and Accomplished+ S.

Maruti Suzuki India, the country’s largest carmaker, has announced that it will offer six airbags as a standard offering across the Maruti Suzuki Arena portfolio, which includes WagonR, Alto K10, Celerio and Eeco.

The move comes amid evolving mobility patterns and the rapid expansion of India’s high-speed expressway network, underlining the growing importance of occupant protection.

Partho Banerjee, Senior Executive Officer, Maruti Suzuki India, said, “India’s rapidly expanding modern road infrastructure, high-speed expressways, and evolving mobility patterns imply that the need for robust safety measures has never been greater. We at Maruti Suzuki are committed to staying ahead of evolving customer expectations and making high-end safety accessible. With the decision of making 6 airbags standard in the WagonR, Alto K10, Celerio and Eeco, we are ensuring that enhanced safety is available for all. Given the immense popularity of these models, this move substantially elevates safety standards for a vast number of motorists and contributes holistically to occupant protection nationwide.”

To amplify awareness around this safety upgrade, Maruti Suzuki Arenha has launched a dynamic marketing campaign that highlights the value of six airbags in a fun and engaging way. The campaign features high-energy activities such as Zorbing and Bubble Football—symbolising the protective bubble that airbags provide in real-world driving conditions.

The six-airbag system includes dual front airbags, side airbags and curtain airbags, all designed to provide comprehensive protection. Additional safety enhancements include 3-point seat belts with reminders for all passengers, Electronic Stability Program (ESP), Hill Hold Assist and ABS with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), among others.

Stellantis-owned brands Citroen and Jeep have rolled out dedicated service campaigns dubbed ‘Citroen Summer Cruise 2025’ and ‘Jeep Summer Splash 2025,’ These initiatives aim to ensure vehicle readiness and offer significant value to customers across India. The campaigns are active from 2^nd May to 31st May 2025.

Citroen's offering, the Summer Cruise 2025, emphasises a comfortable and worry-free summer driving experience. The company states the campaign will provide personalised services and exclusive deals, reinforcing its commitment to a customer-centric ownership journey focused on well-being and convenience.

Meanwhile, Jeep's Summer Splash 2025 campaign taps into the brand's adventurous spirit, presenting exciting offers, services and lifestyle enhancements designed to prepare every Jeep for confident summer exploration.

Both campaigns promise a range of benefits for vehicle owners:

Free Summer Check-Up: A complimentary inspection to identify and address any potential issues that could impact vehicle performance and safety during the summer.

Discounted Services and Parts: Special pricing on labour costs, select genuine parts, accessories and value-added services tailored for summer driving needs.

Extended Warranty Benefits: Enhanced coverage options and rewards are available with the purchase of an extended warranty.

Merchandise and Accessory Offers: Opportunities to purchase limited-edition Citroen and Jeep branded items to refresh summer style.

Improved Customer Service: Seamless appointment scheduling and expert support from factory-trained technicians are guaranteed.

Mercedes-Benz India, the country’s leading luxury carmaker, has announced that it will revise the ex-showroom prices of its model range in two phases, starting 1 June 2025. The company attributes it to a steep depreciation of the INR against the Euro and the resulting spike in import costs.

The first increase, ranging from INR 90,000 for the C-Class to INR 1.2 million for the Mercedes-Maybach S 680, will be implemented in June. A further nominal 1.5 percent hike will follow from 1 September 2025. This two-stage strategy aims to give customers financial flexibility and minimise the immediate impact.

To soften the effect, Mercedes-Benz Financial Services will offer innovative financing options, including flexible EMIs and partial ownership plans. For models like the GLA and GLC, EMI changes will be under INR 2,000

Santosh Iyer, MD & CEO, Mercedes-Benz India, said, “Over the last four months, the rupee has depreciated in the market, with an approximate 10 percent drop in the Euro to INR exchange rate, causing significant cost pressures on our business operations. This steep swing in the Euro-INR rate has been severely impacting the cost of imports, for both components and CBU cars. Though we have been absorbing most of the exchange rate difference to date and increasing our localisation initiatives, we are now compelled to pass on a small portion of it to customers. The continuous rise in operational costs, influenced by forex movement, necessitates this slight price correction, which we will pass on to the market, for sustained business of the company and our Franchise Partners. This staggered approach for price revision, along with the value-added flexible financing programmes from MBFS, will not only minimise any financial burden, but will also offer customers a robust leeway to plan their purchases, best suited to their requirements.”