Kia Seltos 2025 Unveiled in USA: Enhanced Design and Tech

Kia America has announced pricing for the 2025 Seltos, set to roll out soon. With a $100 price increase, new upgrades include cosmetic and tech enhancements. The current US model may have varied features from the future Indian model due to a difference in global safety and emission standards.

Volkswagen India has started its Autofest Mega Exchange Carnival 2024, happening from July 3rd to July 20th. This event offers great deals for customers who want to trade their old cars for a new Volkswagen.

Alongside the carnival, Volkswagen India has renamed its used car business to 'Volkswagen Certified Pre-Owned' from 'Das WeltAuto'. This change aims to build trust and highlight the Volkswagen name in the Indian market for pre-owned cars.

The first 'Volkswagen Certified Pre-Owned' showroom opened in Coimbatore today. This program will continue selling multiple brands of pre-owned cars, with a focus on Volkswagen models. They ensure cars are fixed up, certified, and come with warranties, making the buying process smooth and digital.

Ashish Gupta, Brand Director of Volkswagen Passenger Cars India, said, "Autofest offers exciting deals for a limited time. We're focused on providing strong value for new Volkswagen cars in the Indian market. Our used car business is now 'Volkswagen Certified Pre-Owned,' starting with the Coimbatore store."

This rebranding responds to increasing demand for good-quality, affordable pre-owned cars. The previous 'Das WeltAuto.' business saw a big increase in sales over five years. Sales grew by 12 percent last year and continue to rise in 2024, especially in smaller towns.

Kawasaki is gearing up to take on Hero’s dominance in India’s small-capacity off-road motorcycle market with the Kawasaki KLX 230. Recently spotted undergoing tests in Pune, this bike is assured to compete directly with Hero’s popular Xpulse 200 4V.

Although not a new model globally, the KLX 230 marks a significant addition to Kawasaki’s Indian lineup. Powered by a 233cc air-cooled, single-cylinder engine delivering 19 bhp and 19.8 Nm of torque, it’s designed to meet local requirements with features like a front number plate and a saree guard.

Weighing just 131kg, the KLX 230 promises agility off-road. It features telescopic front forks, a mono-shock rear suspension, and disc brakes on both wheels. Equipped with a 21-inch front and 18-inch rear spoke wheel setup fitted with block pattern tyres, it ensures stability and control across various terrains.

While an official launch date is yet to be confirmed, industry insiders suggest a debut by late 2024 or early 2025. Positioned as a direct competitor to the Hero Xpulse 200 4V in terms of performance, its design might also draw comparisons to the earlier Hero Impulse. 

Stay tuned for more updates as Kawasaki prepares to introduce the KLX 230 into India’s fiercely contested adventure biking segment.

Image Source: @hrishimandke

Kia has updated its SUV lineup, introducing new variants and reshuffling powertrains for the Seltos and Sonet models. Both SUVs now feature a new GTX variant positioned between the HTX+ and GTX+ trims. The Seltos GTX, priced from Rs 18.99 lakh, offers 18-inch alloys, dual-zone climate control, ventilated front seats, and ADAS features. It's available with 1.5-litre turbo-petrol and diesel engines, both with automatic transmissions.

The Sonet GTX, starting at Rs 13.71 lakh, includes 16-inch alloys, LED fog lamps, 360-degree cameras, and ventilated front seats. It comes with either a 1.0 turbo-petrol-DCT or 1.5 diesel-AT powertrain.

Both models' X-Line variants now offer an Aurora Black Pearl color option. Kia has also discontinued some variants, including the Seltos GTX+ (S) and X-Line (S). The Seltos HTX+ is now diesel-manual only.

The Sonet sees more extensive changes, dropping the base HTE diesel variant and removing diesel manual options from HTK and HTX+ trims. The 1.0 turbo-petrol is now available in the mid-spec HTK variant, lowering the entry price for this engine to Rs 9.60 lakh.

Triumph Motorcycles India celebrates its first anniversary with a Rs 10,000 discount on the Speed 400 and Scrambler 400X models. Post-discount prices are Rs 2.24 lakh for the Speed 400 and Rs 2.54 lakh for the Scrambler 400X, ex-showroom Delhi. These bikes mark the debut of the Triumph-Bajaj alliance, offering a 398cc liquid-cooled engine, six-speed gearbox, and distinctive features for varied riding styles. A semi-fared Speed 400 is rumored to join the lineup later this year.

Land Rover unveils its newest flagship in the Defender lineup, the formidable Defender OCTA. Positioned as the pinnacle of capability and luxury within the iconic Defender family, the OCTA model sets new standards with its unmatched performance both on-road and off-road.

The Defender OCTA stands out as the most dynamically accomplished Defender ever created. It boasts a 4.4-litre Twin Turbo mild-hybrid V8 engine that delivers an impressive 467 kW of power and up to 750 Nm of torque. Accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h in just 4.0 seconds, it combines raw power with exceptional agility, setting a new benchmark in its class.

Named after the resilient octahedral shape of diamonds, the Defender OCTA merges extreme toughness with luxurious comfort. Its bold design commands attention, featuring an imposing stance and distinctive diamond-inspired graphics that underscore its rare and desirable status.

Equipped with innovative 6D Dynamics suspension and advanced chassis components, the Defender OCTA ensures unparalleled performance across diverse terrains. It introduces OCTA Mode, a groundbreaking off-road setting that enhances control and capability, alongside intelligent features like anti-lock braking and launch control.

Inside, the Defender OCTA Edition One offers a bespoke experience with curated specifications, including premium materials like Chopped Carbon Fibre and exclusive Faroe Green paint options. The interior blends durability with sophistication, featuring new Performance Seats with Body and Soul Seat technology for enhanced comfort and immersive driving experiences.

Orders for the Defender OCTA will open soon, with indicative prices starting at ₹ 265 Lakhs (ex-showroom). The OCTA Edition One, available during its inaugural production year, will be priced at ₹ 285 Lakhs (ex-showroom) in India. The global public debut of the Defender OCTA will take place at the prestigious Goodwood Festival of Speed from 11–14 July 2024.

The Defender OCTA represents a new pinnacle in off-road excellence, blending unmatched performance with luxurious comfort and cutting-edge technology. Stay tuned for its upcoming release and experience the ultimate in adventure and capability with Land Rover's latest masterpiece, the Defender OCTA.

BMW Group India has reached a new milestone with its highest-ever car sales in the first half of 2024 (January – June). The company delivered a total of 7,098 cars (including BMW and MINI models) and 3,614 motorcycles (BMW Motorrad). This includes 6,734 BMW cars and 364 MINI cars, marking a +21% increase in car sales compared to the same period last year.

BMW Group India has become the first luxury car manufacturer in the country to surpass 2,000 electric vehicle (EV) deliveries. In the first half of 2024, the company sold 397 fully electric BMW and MINI cars. The BMW i7 was the top-selling BMW EV during this period, reflecting a rising interest in sustainable mobility among luxury car buyers. The BMW iX remains the most popular luxury EV in India, with over 1,000 units sold to date.

BMW Group India offers six electric vehicles, including the BMW i7, BMW iX, BMW i5, BMW i4, BMW iX1, and MINI SE. This lineup will grow in July with the introduction of the MINI Countryman E and BMW CE 04, the first electric two-wheeler by BMW Motorrad India.

Luxury-class vehicles like the BMW 7 Series, BMW i7, BMW X7, and BMW XM saw a growth of +17%, making up 18% of total sales. The BMW X7 was the best-selling model in this category.

Sports Activity Vehicles (SAVs) also showed strong performance, contributing 54% of total sales with a +24% growth rate. The BMW X1 emerged as the most popular SAV, accounting for about 19% of sales. The BMW 3 Series remained the top-selling sedan, holding a 17% share of total sales.

BMW Group India's robust sales performance highlights its leadership in the luxury EV market and the growing demand for both its electric and traditional luxury vehicles.