Sunroofs are increasingly being offered in affordable cars in India, including models priced under Rs 8 lakh, reflecting a change in buyer demand and product strategy. Manufacturers have started introducing this feature in entry-level hatchbacks and compact SUVs, primarily in mid-trim, to attract young, urban buyers. The move is in line with a broader trend to prioritize cost and efficiency as well as features, design and cabin experience, reshaping a segment traditionally focused on basic transportation. Increasing competition in the entry-level and compact SUV sector has led carmakers to add features as key differentiators. In turn, buyers are often willing…
Author: manojkumar@frontplayers.com
BMW Motorrad has confirmed the India launch of its much-awaited adventure motorcycle F 450 GS. The model will finally make its much-awaited India debut on April 23, 2026. While the model was designed and developed in Germany, it will be manufactured locally at TVS Motor Company’s Hosur facility in India.With this, the new model will be BMW’s entry-level adventure entry point, effectively replacing the G 310 GS in India. Despite the premium price, it will give tough competition to the Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 and KTM 390 Adventure.BMW F 450 GS: Engine Specifications and HardwarePowering the F 450 GS is…
BMW Group India recorded its highest-ever sales in the first quarter of 2026 with 4,567 cars delivered, up 17 per cent year-on-year, driven by demand for electric vehicles (EVs), long wheelbase models and sports activity vehicles (SAVs). With EVs at the center of growth, the company retained over 70 per cent share in India’s luxury EV segment and recorded 83 per cent growth in sales. BMW and Mini together sold 1,185 electric vehicles in Q1, accounting for 26 percent of total volume. The company said that one in every four cars it sells in India is now electric. More than…
The Indian highway system continues to grow and so does the focus on passenger experience and maintenance of public infrastructure. Cleanliness of toll plazas has always been a matter of concern among commuters, and it becomes even worse when thousands of people visit the same facility every day. A newly launched program by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has taken up the responsibility of monitoring the cleanliness level of toilets at toll plazas by making commuters work. Under this campaign, passengers will be financially compensated for their efforts by uploading photos from the toilets.fastag credit Reward initiative for…
Employee rewards are evolving in India, with companies opting for high-value, tangible incentives rather than simple bonuses. Now, a Chennai-based company has provided 12 Audi cars to its employees, reflecting the shift in corporate reward practices towards high-value, tangible incentives. Such initiatives, once limited to a few organizations, are now becoming common across sectors as companies focus on recognizing performance and retaining talent. The move reflects a broader trend to provide solid, aspirational benefits to long-serving and high-performing employees.The company behind this initiative, Refex Group, is a Chennai-based conglomerate with a diverse presence across sectors. The video has been shared…
Volkswagen India has finally revealed the much-awaited Volkswagen Taigun facelift SUV in the Indian market. Along with the reveal, the company also announced that production of the new Taigun has started at its Pune plant. The front facia and side profile of the SUV have been completely revealed, while the rear remains unknown. The new Taigun is scheduled to launch in India on April 9, 2026. Pre-bookings are expected to begin soon, with deliveries likely to begin from May 2026.In terms of design, the new Volkswagen Taigun takes clear inspiration from the Volkswagen Tiguan, giving it a more premium, scaled-down…
Triumph Motorcycles has finally launched the new 350cc versions of its popular 400 motorcycles in India. This update is closely linked to the revised GST structure that favors sub-350 cc bikes with a lower 18 percent tax rate.The company has downsized its entire entry-level portfolio including the Speed 400, Speed T4, Thruxton 400, Scrambler 400 and Scrambler 400 XC. Interestingly, despite the reduction in engine displacement, Triumph has retained the ‘400’ badge in the lineup rather than renaming the motorcycles. The revised models are now powered by a 349cc, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine. This has been achieved by reducing the stroke…
Both Royal Enfield and Triumph motorcycles have brought upgrades in the 350cc segment. While Royal Enfield has refreshed the Hunter 350 lineup for 2026 with a new version and added features, Triumph has introduced a smaller 350 cc version of its Speed T4, bringing both the bikes closer than ever in terms of positioning. Here’s how these models stack up against each other.royal enfield hunter 350 vs triumph speed 400Starting with the Hunter 350, the biggest update for 2026 is the introduction of a new base Premium variant, priced at Rs 1,49,900, ex-showroom. This version sits above the Retro trim…
Volkswagen India is all set to launch the new Volkswagen Taigun facelift in the Indian market on April 9, 2026. And now, the company has released a new teaser highlighting updated design elements, including a connected front light bar and an illuminated logo. At the front, the light bar is joined by a continuous LED strip, unlike the segmented unit seen on the Skoda Kushaq. At the rear, the connected tail-lights have been retained, now featuring a more pronounced C-shaped design at both ends.The SUV has been spotted testing on Indian roads several times, the facelifted Taigun will get updated…
Automatic SUVs have become more accessible, with carmakers offering automatic gearboxes in smaller and more affordable models. This change has made them a practical choice for buyers, especially in urban traffic situations. Entry-level and compact SUVs now combine convenience with usable features, space and ground clearance for daily use. Buyers can choose from a variety of transmission types including AMT, CVT and other options, with models available in a wide price range. In this article, let’s take a look at the top five most affordable SUVs with automatic gearbox. Nissan Magnite AMT The first SUV on the list is the…