Toyota Kirloskar Motor Introduces Neo Drive Variant For Fortuner And Legender SUVs
- By MT Bureau
- June 02, 2025
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.
Tata Motors Starts Production Of Harrier.ev At Pune Facility, Deliveries To Begin In July
- By MT Bureau
- July 04, 2025
Tata Motors, one of the leading passenger vehicle manufacturers in the country, has commenced the production of its flagship electric vehicle the Harrier.ev.
Launched on 3 June 2025 at prices starting INR 2.14 million, the Harrier.ev is the company’s most powerful, capable and intelligent SUV. It is available in two drive configurations Quad Wheel Drive and Rear Wheel Drive options.
Delivering supercar-like performance, the Harrier.ev features a dual-motor setup producing 158 PS (116 kW) at the front and 238 PS (175 kW) at the rear, generating a combined torque of 504 Nm. It accelerates from zero to 100 kmph in a segment-best 6.3 seconds.
Powered by a 75 kWh battery, the vehicle can add 250 km of range with just a 15-minute charge. The company claims that the EV is designed for true off-road enthusiasts and comes equipped with a Quad Wheel Drive system and six terrain modes, along with a Transparent Mode that allows drivers to see around and underneath the vehicle.
Inside, the SUV pampers occupants with indulgent technology and luxurious comfort. Highlights include the Ultra Glide Suspension with Frequency Dependent Damping, and the world's first 36.9 cm (14.53-inch) Harman Cinematic Infotainment Screen powered by Samsung Neo QLED technology—the first of its kind in an automotive application.
The customer deliveries for Harrier.ev is set to begin this month.
Hyundai Motor India Attains Milestone Of Selling 1.1 Million Vehicles With Sunroof
- By MT Bureau
- July 04, 2025
Hyundai Motor India (HMIL) has announced a milestone of selling over 1.1 million sunroof-equipped vehicles in India over the last five years.
At present, Hyundai Motor India offers sunroof option in 12 out of its 14 models currently on sale in the country. To ensure cost efficiency, the automaker has localised panoramic sunroof to meet higher number of customer preferences. In 2024 alone, the company’s domestic sales saw 52 percent of vehicles equipped with sunroof, which went up to 54 percent during the H1 of CY2025.
Tarun Garg, Whole-Time Director and Chief Operating Officer, Hyundai Motor India, said, “This milestone is a strong reflection of the modern Indian customer’s aspiration for premium experiences in everyday mobility. At HMIL, we have consistently worked towards democratizing global technologies and high-end features for a broader set of customers. Going forward, we shall continue with our commitment to shape the future of mobility, by blending cutting-edge technology and innovation and future-ready product offerings.”
Mahindra To Start Deliveries Of Be 6 And XEV 9e With Pack 2 Battery Packs In July
- By MT Bureau
- July 04, 2025
Mumbai-headquartered automotive major Mahindra & Mahindra will start deliveries of Pack Two for its Be 6 and XEV 9e electric SUVs by end-July with prices starting INR 2.19 million.
The BE 6 and XEV 9e e-SUVs with Pack Two feature a 79 kWh battery option alongside the existing 59 kWh variant, which is claimed to offer a range of 500km and 400km respectively.
The e-SUV features a 16-speaker Harman Kardon sound system with Dolby Atmos, a full glass roof, Level 2 advanced driver assistance systems (Level 2 ADAS), a triple-screen wide cinemascope in XEV 9e and a race-ready Digital Cockpit in BE 6.
In addition, the BE 6 Pack Two comes with premium sage leatherette interiors from Pack Three, complemented by an elegant ivory roof finish to further enhance the cabin’s spacious and sophisticated feel.
Customers who had booked the e-SUVs and are waiting for deliveries will now have an option to upgrade their bookings for Pack Two featuring the 79 kWh battery.
Renault India Opens new‘R store's In Madhya Pradesh
- By MT Bureau
- July 04, 2025
European automotive brand Renault India has inaugurated two new’R stores in Indore and Sagar, Madhra Pradesh as part of its new retail identity.
The initiative is part of Renault India’s brand experience and transformation strategy to align with evolving customer expectations, blending design innovation, digital integration and customer-first service.
Francisco Hidalgo, Vice-President Sales & Marketing- Renault India said, "Madhya Pradesh has been a priority market for us with the kind of reception our vehicles have received in the state. The opening of new’R stores in Indore and Sagar is an important step forward in scaling up our business expansion as per the renault. rethink. strategy, which puts focus on building positive customer experiences that showcase Renault’s global brand values while catering to local aspirations. With Madhya Pradesh now on our new’R store map, we are one step closer to creating a future-ready retail ecosystem across India. As we continue to expand our footprint, we intend to elevate the customer experience and set new benchmarks in automotive retail. Soon, we plan to unveil 2 more new’R store in India."
The new outlet will deliver Renault's New Visual Identity (NVI), featuring a sleek black façade and an updated logo designed in line with global standards making the urban car dealership more inviting and futuristic. The showroom places vehicles at the centre of the space that provides ample room for cars, allowing visitors to move freely and explore each model from various angles.
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