The new modern-day SUVs, in true terms, are nothing more than enhanced cars. They mostly offer better ground clearance, and some even offer an all-wheel-drive system. But you can’t think of doing serious off-roading with them as they are simply not made for that; at best they can blaze through dirt or a gravel track. Well, Jeep has decided to bring some seriousness to the SUV segment by launching one of the most iconic off-roaders in the world, the Wrangler. Jeep India has started assembling it at FCA’s Ranjangaon manufacturing plant near Pune and has become only the second plant in the world to roll out this 4x4 after the Toledo factory in Ohio, USA. The Wrangler is available in two versions—the Unlimited and the Rubicon. The former is priced at INR 5,390,000 and the latter at INR 5,790,000, both ex-showroom India. The new completely knocked down unit (CKD) is now almost INR 1,000,000 cheaper than the previous completely built unit (CBU) versions.

Commenting on the launch of the locally assembled Wrangler, Dr Partha Datta, Jeep India Managing Director, said, “Indian customers have always desired the legendary Jeep Wrangler, and I am pleased that today we are able to bring this to them, assembled in India. We have extended our points of sale and service for the locally assembled Wrangler to 26 across the country. I’m also happy to announce that we have introduced a MOPAR-original suite of over 120 Wrangler accessories and value packs which customers can order at our dealerships.”

Dr Datta added, “Jeep Wrangler’s capability is unmatched because our engineers always have and continue to test and improve our 4x4 technology to make it a global benchmark. This capability is complemented with a timeless design, modern comforts, the latest in infotainment technology and open-air freedom.”

The Wrangler has a colossal presence with its typical squarish design, the classic round headlamps, which are now all-LED, the imposing seven-slate front grille, raised wheel arches housing daytime running lights (DRLs) along with LED indicators and, of course, the solid-looking chunky bumper with LED front foglamps. The Wrangler is only available as a five-seater in India, but it comes in both hardtop and open-roof options.

Both the variants are powered by a 2-litre 4-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine that has an output of 265 bhp at 5,150 rpm and torque of 400 Nm at 3,000 rpm. It comes standard with an 8-speed torque converter automatic transmission.

Wrangler Rubicon

The top variant, the Rubicon gets state-of-the-art RockTrac Full Time 4x4 technology. This sophisticated system is operated by an electronic clutch which engages and disengages automatically depending on the amount of traction required. With a mechanical shifter, the gear range can be changed from 2H to 4L, 4H Auto and Part-Time 4L. 4H Part-Time and 4L modes. The Rubicon gets a Dana 44 front axle, which is ideal for off-roading due to its increased thickness of the axle tube, making it rigid and durable. To ensure that off-road trails don’t spring a nasty surprise at the Rubicon, Jeep has also installed TruLok electric front- and rear-axle lockers to neutralise any extreme condition.

The Front Sway Bar in the Rubicon can be electronically disconnected, allowing the front suspension to travel up to an additional 30 percent. With a press of a button, the Offroad+ feature lets the Rubicon adapt to different terrains by making adjustments to the throttle, Selec-Speed Control which uses hill-ascent and hill-descent control, traction control and transmission shift mode. It also sports a crawl ratio of 77:1 with a 4:1 low range ratio. The Rubicon gets 17-inch alloy wheels for extreme off-roading conditions and thick gauge boron steel underbody skid plates to protect its underbody.

Wrangler Unlimited

The Unlimited is a capable off-roader and can tackle the urban jungle as well.

Equipped with the Selec-Tran 4x4 system, the Wrangler Unlimited can automatically switch from 2WD to 4WD depending on the requirement of the conditions. It also sends power to the wheels with the optimum traction to overcome challenging driving situations. Like the Rubicon, it also comes with the Smart Lock feature for constant 4WD mode when needed. The Unlimited version comes with 18-inch aluminium alloys with all-season tyres.

The Rubicon boasts a ground clearance of 217 mm, while the Unlimited offers 214 mm. While both the variants have the same water wading capability of 760 mm (at 8 km/h), approach and departure angles at 36 degrees and 21 degrees, but Rubicon’s break-over angle is one degree superior to the Unlimited at 21 degrees.

Both the Wrangler models offer an array of features like an 8.4- inch touchscreen that supports both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a 7-inch multi-information display in the instrument cluster that reads out active safety and security features, vehicle speed, navigation, radio information as well as full-framed removable doors, a three-piece modular hardtop and a fold-flat front windshield. Both the models come equipped with two USB ports on the dashboard, another one in the centre armrest and additional ports for rear passengers. For additional practicality and safety, both the glove box and centre console are lockable.

In India, the Wrangler’s direct competition is the Land Rover Defender, which is available in both petrol and diesel and is priced from INR 7,657,000 lakhs to INR 11,200,000, ex-showroom India. (MT)

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Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles, has reported its best-ever annual performance in FY2026 with wholesales of 641,587 units, up 15 percent YoY. This includes 631,387 units in the domestic market, up 14 percent, while exports came at 10,200 units, up 281 percent YoY.

For March 2026, the company’s sales came at 66,192 units, up 28 percent, while exports came at 779 units, up 204 percent YoY.

Interestingly, electric vehicles recorded its highest-ever quarterly sales of approximately 27,000 units, a 69 percent increase YoY. Annual EV volumes reached 92,120 units. On the other hand, sales of CNG vehicles crossed 170,000 units, up 24 percent YoY.

The Nexon and Punch models were the top-selling SUV models in the second half of the financial year. Recent launches, including the Sierra, a refreshed Punch and petrol variants of the Harrier and Safari, also saw continued customer traction.

The company expects the passenger vehicle industry to reach record annual volumes of approximately 4.7 million units, reflecting an 8 percent growth. Tata Motors emerged as the second-ranked player in the industry based on Vahan registrations during the second half of FY2026.

Shailesh Chandra, MD and CEO, Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles, said, “PV industry sales are expected to reach record volumes of around 4.7 million units for the year, reflecting 8 percent year on year (YoY) growth. The industry witnessed a strong rebound in the second half, posting double digit growth, supported by GST 2.0 implementation and a robust festive season. For Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles, FY26 has been a landmark year marked by multiple milestones. We achieved our highest ever annual sales volumes of over 640,000 units, delivering industry beating growth of 15 percent YoY and ended it with strong positive momentum. Looking ahead, industry momentum is expected to sustain, led by growth in SUVs, CNG and EV. At the same time, the industry will need to closely monitor geopolitical developments to mitigate potential supply-side risks.”

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Honda Cars India (HCIL), a leading manufacturer of passenger vehicles, has recorded domestic sales of 7,585 units in March 2026, up 5 percent YoY, as compared to the 7,228 units sold last year. The company also reported exports of 2,451 units for the month.

The sales growth was supported by demand for the Amaze and Elevate models. Honda Cars India intends to expand its vehicle lineup in the upcoming financial year, with the launch of its first battery electric vehicle (BEV) scheduled for the second half of the year.

Kunal Behl, Vice-President, Marketing & Sales, Honda Cars India, said, “Demand for all Honda models specially Amaze and Elevate continues to be strong with exciting promotions and product offerings which helped us achieve 5 percent growth during Mar 2026. We are excited to enter the new fiscal with plans to expand our lineup, including the launch of our first BEV in the second half. We remain highly optimistic that our strong focus on customer satisfaction will continue to drive growth and sustain positive momentum.”

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Nissan Motor India (NMIPL), one of the leading passenger vehicle manufacturers, has recorded its best-ever monthly sale in March 2026, its highest in the last five years.

The company sold a total of 10,388 units in March 2026, which includes 4,408 units in the domestic market, while exports came at 5,980 units. This marks a 98 percent growth in domestic wholesales compared to February 2026.

The company attributed the smart uptick on the back of beginning of customer deliveries for the Nissan Gravite MPV, while the Nissan Magnite maintained its sales momentum. The expansion of its network presence also supported increasing customer traction.

The start of Gravite deliveries is identified as a milestone in the company’s growth phase in India. Nissan intends to sustain this trajectory by strengthening sales and service experiences and further expanding its network footprint across the country.

Saurabh Vatsa, Managing Director, Nissan Motor India, said, “March has been a defining month for Nissan in India, the strong growth in domestic sales reflects the positive customer response to our product portfolio. With the commencement of customer deliveries of the all-new Nissan GRAVITE, we would like to thank our customers for their love and appreciation for the Nissan Brand. The over-whelming response to the product reinforces our confidence in the opportunities ahead. Together with the continued momentum of the Nissan Magnite, the dedication of our Network Partners and support of Nissan Finance & other Banking partners, we remain focused on strengthening our Sales & Service experience, while further expanding our network footprint for sustaining long-term growth in the Indian market.”

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  - Bidyut Ghosh April 02, 2026 11:35 AM

  This is excellent move from Nissan India

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Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM) reports 20 percent uptick in its wholesales for FY2026 with 406,081 units sold, as compared to 337,148 units last year.

The company recorded growth across both domestic and export markets during the financial year. Domestic sales rose by 19 percent to 367,107 units, while exports grew by 41 percent to 38,974 units.

In March 2026, Toyota Kirloskar Motor reported a 24 percent increase in total sales, with 37,194 units sold compared to 30,043 units a year ago.

The company attributes a robust demand for its product portfolio, which was supported by the introduction of the Land Cruiser 300, as well as new grades and special editions for the Innova Hycross, Fortuner, Camry Hybrid and Hilux. Technical updates included a new six-speed automatic transmission for the Urban Cruiser Hyryder AWD variant.

The company also standardised six airbags across the Rumion, Glanza, Urban Cruiser Taisor, and Urban Cruiser Hyryder models. The Innova Hycross achieved a five-star Bharat NCAP rating during this period.

Toyota Kirloskar Motor expanded its market reach through customer-centric initiatives and brand engagement activities, including the Toyota Experiential Museum (TEM) and a tour by brand ambassadors Drum Tao. These efforts were intended to increase reach among younger audiences and reinforce the brand's mobility positioning.

Sabari Manohar, Executive Vice-President, Sales-Service-Used Car Business, Toyota Kirloskar Motor, said, “We delivered a positive performance this financial year, driven by sustained demand across our SUV, MPV and compact segments. The introduction of new products and customer centric initiatives during the year further helped position Toyota as a dynamic, technology driven and youth‑oriented brand. This momentum reflects the continued trust in Toyota’s quality, reliability and overall ownership experience. In a rapidly evolving market, such consistency underscores the strength of our fundamentals and positions us well for long‑term sustainable growth. We sincerely thank our customers, dealer partner, Government and other stakeholders for their trust & unwavering support. We remain focused on strengthening our product and technology offerings in line with our multi‑pathway approach of hybrid & electrified vehicle technologies in the mobility space. Looking ahead, we remain committed to creating long‑term value while continuously improving every touchpoint across the customer ownership journey.”

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