Subaru has announced the arrival of its long-awaited practical estate, the Outback, with a starting price of £33,995 (approx. INR 35 lakh). The flagship model of the company is expected to hit the showrooms by the end of this month.

Here are the key updates to the 2022 model:

1) Design
In the new avatar, the Outback is more rigid and rugged than ever. The new 18-inch alloy wheels fill the dynamic wheel arches to provide a rugged look.

In terms of convenience features, the 2022 Outback comes with a Keyless Entry and Push Button Start System, LED fog lights, and LED headlights with high beam assist and adaptive driving beam to optimise visibility as standard across the range.

On the inside, a reworked interior with carefully selected materials provides a premium feel, while the enlarged windshield and window give a sense of airiness to the cabin. Subaru offers various seating options, from Nappa leather seats for a more luxurious feel to more practical and durable water-repellent synthetic leather seats for those with a more active lifestyle.

2) Versatility
The revisions to the front windscreen placement and the window have resulted in class-leading space on the inside. The 60/40 split rear seats and a wide boot opening create a large flat load area for up to 522l of cargo. The integrated roof rails further enhance the usable space with secure overhead storage.

Subaru has also equipped the 2022 Outback with a hands-free power tailgate and single-touch, pop-up tonneau cover, allowing easy access to the boot when you have your hands full by simply waving an elbow near the badge to raise the tailgate automatically. The boot is also equipped with improved hooks and net pocket so objects can be easily secured when driving.

3) Performance
The 2022 Outback is once again powered by the distinctive combination of permanent Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (SAWD) with the 2.5l naturally aspirated BOXER engine and Lineartronic Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) transmission. Ninety percent of the engine components have been redesigned, giving it a higher compression ratio. The CVT has been tuned to cover a broader range of gear ratios, while the new oil in the hydraulic system helps in minimising power loss.

This combination offers enhanced driving performance and increased torque control. At the same time, the improvements made to the suspension and chassis help isolate the vibrations from the steering wheel, enhancing handling performance and ride comfort. The increased rigidity of the body, front suspension and rear subframe helps enhance straight-line stability and minimised body roll by 50 percent.

4) Off-Road Capabilities
The improved engine performance allows for better acceleration when driving on rough terrain. The new X-MODE with Hill Descent Control offers greater control over steep, wet or slippery terrain. The SNOW/DIRT mode helps confidently negotiate snow, dirt or gravel, while the D.SNOW/MUD mode helps overcome soft conditions where tyres get stuck easily.

The Subaru Intelligent Drive (SI-DRIVE) with two driving modes helps adjust throttle and gear-shifting response to give you immediate power and agility on demand. The Outback also offers a high ground clearance of 213 mm, allowing it to go off the road without fear.

5) Technology
The 2022 models are equipped with redesigned 11.6-inch full HD next-generation infotainment system with navigation that accepts touch, swipe, drag or voice commands. The driver monitoring system with profile mapping helps automatically adjust settings for seat position, door mirror angles and air conditioning preferences for up to five individuals.

6) Safety
The safest Outback built to date, the 2022 model offers a generous list of standard equipment, including the next generation Eyesight Driver Assist technology and Subaru’s cutting-edge stereo camera collision prevention system, with nearly twice the field of vision.

In addition to these cutting-edge safety features, the 2022 Outback also features Advanced Adaptive Cruise Control with Lane Centring Function, Emergency Lane Keep Assist, Speed Sign Recognition with Intelligent Speed Limiter, Lane Departure Warning with steering wheel vibration, Lane Departure Prevention and Pre-Collision Braking System with expanded support for collision avoidance at junctions and crossroads.

Subaru offers the 2022 Outback in three trim levels – Limited, Field and Touring – with two new exterior colour options in Autumn Green Metallic and Brilliant Bronze Metallic.

The Limited trim is priced at £33,995 (approx. INR 35 lakh) while the Field and Touring are priced at £37,995 (approx. INR 39 lakh) and £39,495 (approx. INR 41 lakh), respectively. (MT)

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German luxury car brand Audi has launched Audi A4 Signature Edition at INR 5.71 million (ex-showroom).The A4 Signature Edition features distinctive styling enhancements, including Audi rings entry LED lamps, exclusive Audi rings decals and dynamic wheel hub caps.

The company stated that the luxury car will be available in limited units and comes with five colour choices: Glacier White Metallic, Mythos Black Metallic, Navarra Blue Metallic, Progressive Red Metallic and Manhattan Grey Metallic.

Balbir Singh Dhillon, Head of Audi India, said, “The Audi A4 has been one of the best-selling sedans in our line-up, combining dynamic performance with sophisticated elegance. With the launch of the Signature Edition, we’re offering our customers a chance to own an even more exclusive variant, distinguished by bespoke styling elements that elevate its premium appeal. The Audi A4 Signature Edition is crafted for discerning customers who value refined aesthetics and seek to make a sophisticated statement through their choice of vehicle.”

Some of the key highlights of the Audi A4 includes –

• Park Assist with 360–degree camera (new)
• New decorative inlays in wood oak, natural grey (new)
• Audi rings entry LED lamps that create a striking welcome light projection (new)
• Distinctive Audi rings decals for enhanced brand presence (new)
• Dynamic wheel hub caps that maintain the perfect Audi logo orientation regardless of wheel motion (new)
• Premium fragrance dispenser for enhanced cabin ambience (new)
• Aerodynamic spoiler lip for a more dynamic profile (new)
• Key cover in customisable colour options for a premium touch to your vehicle access (new)
• Stainless steel pedal covers add a sporty interior accent (new)
• Special alloy wheel paint design for a striking appearance (new)

The Audi A4 is powered by a 2.0L TFSI engine that churns out 204 hp (150kW) and 320 Nm torque. A zero to 100 kmph in just 7.1 seconds and it has a top speed of 241 kmph. It features a 12V Mild Hybrid System that reduces fuel consumption, brake recuperation enhances the overall fuel efficiency, B&O Premium sound system with 3D sound – with 19 speakers including a centre speaker and subwoofer, 16-channel amplifier and an output of 755 watts.

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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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