With the SUV market in India booming, Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM) has introduced yet another SUV, albeit in a compact form called as the Urban Cruiser Taisor. 

Made at Maruti Suzuki manufacturing facility as part of the global cooperation framework between Toyota Motor Corporation and Suzuki Motor Corporation, the new compact SUV from TKM positions itself in a segment that is quite competitive and has the presence of not just the Maruti Fronx (its close cousin) but also the likes of Tata Punch.

Designed to be stylish with a bold Toyota grille that has (twin LED) daytime running lamps at either corner and head lamps that are arranged at either lower corner in a form of three-square lenses, the Urban Cruiser Taisor draws attention with its ‘higher up the ground’ stance as it rides on 16-inch diameter wheels. The machined alloy wheels look quite smart too. 

The sides are not very different than that of the Fronx to look at, particularly with that roofline which tapers down at the rear. The rear styling, much like that of front, is interesting. It also hints at clever packaging. 

Complementing its SUV stance are styling touches such as a front and rear skid plate, roof rails and body cladding on the wheel arches and doors. 

Available in two-tone colour shades as per the trim level, the Urban Cruiser Taisor could be had with a 90 PS 1.2-litre petrol engine mated to a five-speed manual transmission or a 100 PS 1.0-litre turbo-petrol engine mated to a 5-speed manual transmission or a six-speed automatic transmission. 

Besides the two petrol powertrains, the compact SUV with front-wheel drive configuration could be had with a 1.2-litre CNG unit as well. Coupled to this unit is a five-speed manual transmission. To note: The manual transmission of the vehicle features an ‘Intelligent Gear Shift’ (IGS) function.   

With deliveries scheduled from May 2024 (booking is already open) onwards, the compact SUV’s modern interior can seat five people. The dual tone dashboard with silver metal accents and premium seat fabric adds a nuance of exterior styling to the cabin. Also does the flat-bottom leather-wrapped steering wheel (with tilt and telescopic adjustment).  

While the driver’s seat is height adjustable, the rear bench seat is 60:40 split to provide better storage space at the rear. 

Featuring wireless charger, paddle shifters (on auto transmission variants), keyless entry, push-start/stop system, electrically adjustable (and foldable) ORVMs, steering wheel-mounted controls, power windows with anti-pinch function, fast USB charging points, a head-up display, 360-degree camera, nine-inch HD touchscreen infotainment system display, ‘ARKAMYS’ surround sound system with six speakers and wireless connectivity via Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, the Urban Cruiser Taisor is replete with the Toyota ‘iConnect’ system. 

The ’iConnect’ system provides a one stop intelligent solution for integrated and seamless experience in terms of remotely controlling functions such as climate control, lock/unlock, hazard lights and headlamps etc, and is fully compatible with smartwatches and Hey Siri voice assistant. 

Equipped with vehicle stability control, hill hold assist, roll over mitigation, six airbags (including side and curtain airbags), reverse parking sensors (with graphic display as well), ABS, EBD, an anti-theft security, Isofix points for child seats, over speed alert and door and lock status, the vehicle is priced upwards of INR 773,000 ex-showroom. 

Masakazu Yoshimura, MD and CEO, Toyota Kirloskar Motor, and Regional CEO, Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC), said, “The Indian market has always been of paramount importance to us, both in terms of product offerings and introduction of advanced technologies. This emphasis was further underpinned by the recent creation of a new region where the Indian market plays an even more crucial role acting as the hub of the new ‘India, Middle East, East Asia and Oceania Region’. At Toyota Kirloskar Motor, we believe that the company is strategically positioned to capitalise on its 25-years excellence legacy backed by an aspiration to establish new standards in the Indian automotive industry.”

“Looking ahead, our business strategy in the market will be to continue to focus on contributing to national priorities of localisation, developing a highly skilled workforce and achieving carbon goals. Furthermore, the customer first culture will continue to define our market strategy for years to come. With the newly introduced all-new Urban Cruiser Taisor, we are underlining our commitment to the customers by expanding choices to cater to their distinct needs thus delivering ‘Mass Happiness to All’,” he added. 

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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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Hyundai Motor India, a leading passenger vehicle manufacturer, has onboarded popular actor Pankaj Tripathi as its new brand ambassador.

The company shared that Tripathi, who is known for his versatility and grounded charm, embodies Hyundai India’s values of reliability, authenticity and a deep-rooted connection with the country’s diverse audience. With this association, HMIL further strengthens its ambassador lineup that already includes iconic personalities.

Tarun Garg, Whole-Time Director and Chief Operating Officer, Hyundai Motor India, said, “At HMIL, we celebrate stories of progress and inspiration. We are delighted to welcome Pankaj Tripathi to HMIL family. His grounded persona, exceptional talent and widespread appeal resonate with the values of HMIL and our vision of ‘Progress for Humanity’. Together, we aim to drive deeper emotional connections with our diverse customer base across India.”

Pankaj Tripathi, said, “It is an honour to associate with Hyundai Motor India, a brand that has long stood for trust, innovation and customer-first approach. My first car was a Hyundai, and over the years, that relationship has grown into something truly personal. As someone who deeply values simplicity, sincerity and staying true to one’s roots, I find a natural alignment with HMIL’s ethos. I look forward to this partnership where together, we can connect with people across the country - not just through technology, but through shared stories and values.”

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