It is no secret that hybrid cars are attracting the attention of more and more buyers in India as they promise a combination of an electric system and an IC engine, providing superior fuel efficiency, a silent ride when propelled by the electric system and good performance with the motor contribution to the power and torque output of the vehicle. 

Despite attracting a higher tax than the IC engine or electric vehicles in India at 42 percent as compared to the latter two which are taxed at 28 percent, hybrid vehicles such as the Toyota Hycross and the Maruti Grand Vitara are selling god numbers in their respective segments.

As the demand for reduction in tax on hybrid turns vocal and state governments – the Government of Uttar Pradesh has announced a reduction in registration tax of a strong hybrid vehicle by eight to ten percent – begin to sops, hybrid vehicles seem to get into an advantageous position in terms of their market value and position. 

With this as a basis, the time may be right to ask if extended-range hybrids would make a good case for India? The extended-range hybrid technology in vehicles is promoted as a step towards full-electric, informed an industry source. It is led by China and as a technology subject to certain challenges, he added. 

With automakers like Stellantis and Ford gearing up to unveil range-extended hybrids in Europe, the challenge they are going to face is the European Union (EU) emission regulations. It would be necessary that such vehicles are excluded from the EU's 2035 combustion engine sales cut-off.

Essentially plug-in hybrids with a drive range of up to a whopping 2,100 km, the extended-range hybrid cars such as the two models (one is named Qin L) unveiled by BYD to challenge Volkswagen and Toyota in the Chinese market recently works in a manner that the electric power architecture, which is the foundation for achieving lower energy consumption and higher thermal efficiency, works smartly. 

In other words, the technology taps the higher thermal efficiency of electricity on the basis that the same amount of fuel can generate more electricity for the battery, directly enhancing the vehicle’s range. This in-turn should also explain the lower energy consumption factor. 

Providing an insight into the 2,100 km drive range claim by BYD for the two range-extended hybrid models it launched in China recently, an engineer mentioned that the company has simplified the conditions that govern the IC engine (this is unlike before when the IC engine handled various conditions as the sole powertrain) and have let the electric motor handle more. The result is an improvement in thermal efficient as the engine conditions are simpler. 

For a strictly electric vehicle company to enter IC engine manufacture and deploy it in its cars marks a significant shift in how the electric vehicle industry is responding to the market requirements. 

Innovating a powertrain such that the IC engine handles only 20 percent of what it handled as the sole powertrain of a petrol or diesel vehicle, BYD opted for a high compression ratio. The challenge this move presented saw the global EV leader from China to conduct over 240 combustion combination experiments to ensure the engine does not overheat, does not knock, does not experience reduction in power and speed and causing instability. 

The thermal efficiency of BYD’s engine is a very high 46.06 percent. That of the Great Wall Motor’s Hi4 hybrid system is 41.5 percent. The power density of the BYD system has gone up by about 70 percent, reducing significant the energy flow path losses. The overall efficiency achieved is about 92 percent. 

The cost of such a technology since it is at a nascent stage right now will be high. Its ability to cut down emissions by increasing the thermal efficiency is something that will put cars with such technology in a good position in India. 

The real excitement will however lie in democratizing this technology to bring it down to the volume production car level in the next three to five years. This will definitely make a good case for India. Ironically, the IC engine is not showing any signs of disappearing yet. 

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Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM) has marked 20 years of the Innova SUV in India, with cumulative sales of over 1.2 million units across the Innova, Innova Crysta and Innova HyCross models.

Launched in 2005, the Innova set a new benchmark in the MPV segment with its combination of ride comfort, spacious interiors, durable build and advanced safety features. The Innova Crysta followed in 2016 with a new design, more powerful engines and premium features, while the 2022 Innova HyCross introduced self-charging hybrid technology, delivering 186 PS of combined output and segment-leading fuel efficiency. The HyCross has sold 100,000 units in India since its launch.

Varinder Wadhwa, Vice-President – Sales, Service and Used Car Business, Toyota Kirloskar Motor, said, “The Toyota Innova has built a deep emotional bond with customers over the last two decades – trusted as a dependable companion for families, loved by all for its comfort and reliability and chosen time and again across generations. Whether for daily commutes or memorable road trips, the Innova has remained a part of countless personal journeys. Beyond its emotional connect, the Innova stands strong as a product benchmark – offering spacious interiors, robust build quality and smooth drivability, making it one of the most trusted and loved MPVs in India.”

Toyota attributed the Innova’s sustained popularity to its comfort, practicality, and adaptability, supported by customer-focused enhancements and the company’s after-sales ecosystem, T CARE, which offers services from quick delivery to value-added protection and transparent maintenance.

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Tata Motors, one of India’s leading SUV manufacturers, has unveiled the all-new Adventure X Persona variants for the Tata Harrier and Tata Safari SUVs.

The new variant now equips the Harrier and Safari Adventure Persona with many segment-first ADAS features such as Adaptive Cruise Control (AT), 360deg HD Surround View, Trail Hold EPB with Auto Hold, Trail Response Modes (Normal, Rough, Wet), a Land Rover-derived Command Shifter (AT), along with segment-leading features such as the Ergo Lux Driver Seat with Memory & Welcome function, a 26.03 cm Ultra-View Twin Screen System, Trail Sense Auto Headlamps, Aqua Sense Wipers and Multi Drive Modes (City, Sport, Eco). 

The persona edition starts at INR 1.89 million for the Harrier Adventure X and INR 1.99 million for the Safari Adventure X+ variants.

Vivek Srivatsa, Chief Commercial Officer, Tata Passenger Electric Mobility Ltd, said, "The Harrier and Safari have always stood for more than just mobility – they represent status, purpose, and a deep-rooted desire for an adventurous lifestyle. With the introduction of the Adventure X persona, we’ve modernised these icons for a new era – one that champions individuality, precision-crafted design, and intelligent capability – all while offering more value per car. Designed for those who seek authenticity, capability and expression in equal measure, the Adventure X is positioned at a compelling price point in the segment, offering class leading features. Furthermore, with this new persona, we have also reimagined the Harrier and Safari line completely, making the range more intuitive, streamlined and value-rich than ever before in the high SUV space.”

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Audi has introduced an enhanced warranty and roadside assistance programme in India, providing customers with extended protection and support. The luxury automaker now offers a 10-year extended warranty option, complementing its standard manufacturer’s warranty. This optional coverage safeguards against manufacturing defects for vehicles up to a decade old, with mileage protection extending to 200,000 kilometres. Customers can choose between one or two-year extensions with terms matching the original warranty. The programme is available for all Audi models and can be purchased either at the time of new vehicle delivery or before the existing warranty expires.

Alongside the warranty extension, Audi has expanded its roadside assistance programme to 15 years, delivering round-the-clock emergency support across India’s national and state highways, as well as other motorable roads. Services include towing, technical assistance for minor issues, fuel delivery, battery boosts, tyre repair and lockout support. Premium features such as hotel accommodations for prolonged repairs, vehicle safekeeping and dedicated customer updates further enhance the offering. Pricing for roadside assistance starts at INR 3,999, with options tailored to different vehicle ages and coverage durations.

Both new and existing Audi customers can benefit from these programmes, with current owners eligible to upgrade based on their vehicle’s age and warranty status. This initiative underscores Audi’s commitment to delivering superior ownership experiences in India’s luxury automotive market.

Balbir Singh Dhillon, Head of Audi India, said, “At Audi India, we believe that our relationship with customers extends far beyond the point of purchase. Our extended warranty and Audi Roadside Assistance Programme is an extension of our unwavering commitment to customer satisfaction and establish new industry standards for luxury automotive service in India. With a 10-year extended warranty and 15-year roadside assistance, we intend to offer our customers an unparalleled peace of mind, knowing that support is always available.”

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Japanese automaker Suzuki Motor Corporation has announced that its popular hatchback the ‘Wagon R’ series has achieved a new sales milestone.

First introduced in September 1993 in Japan, the Wagon R has now crossed cumulative global sales of 10 million units by June 2025. The milestone was achieved 31 years and 9 months after the first launch.

The Wagon R was originally developed as a semi-bonnet style mini wagon, designed with rider comfort and ease of use in mind. It has become one of Suzuki’s signature models, widely appreciated in Japan.

Over the years, production expanded beyond Japan to countries including India, Hungary and Indonesia, with the model evolving to suit local market needs. The technologies refined for global minicar standards have been applied across the Wagon R series.

To date, the Wagon R has been sold in over 75 countries and regions, including Japan, India and across Europe. The series has consistently improved in terms of fuel efficiency, environmental performance, and user convenience. For instance, CNG variants with enhanced fuel economy have been introduced in India, while the Wagon R Smile – featuring sliding doors – was launched in Japan.

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