The automotive landscape in India witnessed several notable developments during the past week (April 21-26, 2025).
From the safety triumph of Tata Altogether, the 5-star Bharat NCAP rating of the Nexon EV, and many spy shots of the most awaited vehicles were more than enough to satisfy the automotive passions of its audience.
Other highlights included a price hike undertaken by Maruti in various models, the E20-compliant MG Hector, and Renault listing out ambitious plans for the Indian market.
A closer look at the key automotive stories that made it to the headlines this week.
Tata Nexon EV scored 5 stars in Bharat NCAP
The crowning glory for Indian electric vehicles was the Tata Nexon EV long-range variants getting 5 stars in the Bharat NCAP crash tests; from 45 kWh variants onward, the same safety credentials of excellence have now been conferred upon the long-range variant.
This endorsement has only strengthened the model's recognized reputation for best-in-class safety. This development also empowers Tata in its already strong position as a maker of safe electric vehicles in the Indian market.
MG's premium MPV is coming via the CKD route
MG Motor announced its intention of bringing its flagship MPV, the M9, to India through the Completely Knocked Down route. The strategy is expected to help the company price this premium electric MPV much more competitively than its diesel-powered and hybrid counterparts.
With the CKD route, MG aims to create an affordable electric option in the premium MPV segment to challenge the traditional powertrain stronghold.
Testing of the Facelifted Version of the Tesla Model Y in India
In another series of circumstances that might herald Tesla's entry to the Indian market, the facelift of Tesla Model Y was caught on tape while testing on Indian roads for the first time. This sighting gives rise to speculations that Model Y may be one of the very first launch offerings of the American giant in the electric vehicle sector once it gets to India. The appearance of test vehicles indicates that the long-awaited Indian entry of Tesla could happen sooner than was once thought.
Gujarat Cuts EV Road Tax to Boost Sales
In an effort aimed at rejuvenating electric vehicle adoption, the state of Gujarat has drastically reduced the road tax for electric vehicles by 6 percent to 1 percent. This huge cut of 5 percent comes in the wake of a very disturbing 40 percent decline in the sales of EVs in the state in the last year.
By improving the financial attractiveness of electric vehicles, the state government hopes to foster the transition of the state toward cleaner forms of transport.
Renault Unveils Design Center and Expansion Plans
The inauguration of a design center in the second largest in the world, after the Paris studio-was an event that made news for Renault. The center would reflect the commitment to the Indian markets and provide important inputs in developing products designed for local taste.
Additionally, the French company has announced its plans to introduce five new models in India over two years, manifestly presenting an ambitious expansion plan of the fastest-growing automotive market in the world.
Three-Row Toyota Hybrid Spotted Testing
The Hyryder SUV from Toyota has been hugely selling for a factor of an entire family. Testers have been validated through spy shots captured last week, clearly indicating a three-row variant as possible at Hyryder. The photograph of a heavily camouflaged test vehicle made them different from the current five-seat model.
A three-row Hyryder will create space for Toyota in the fastest-growing segment of the mid-size seven-seater SUV, which includes contenders like the Mahindra XUV700 and Tata Safari.
Next-gen Hyundai Venue N Line Spied in South Korea
Enthusiasts of performance can now get excited because spy images taken from South Korea show the next-generation Hyundai Venue N Line. Like all the vehicles in Hyundai's N Line stable, this one does come with exclusive sporty design features to set it apart from the standard version. The spy images promise an aggressive stance in the making and will surely make attractive features with which the compact SUV will enter the Indian market.
Kia Announces Date for Launch of 2025 Carens
Kia confirmed the launch date of the refreshed model, 2025 Carens, as May 8, 2025. The updated model will coexist with the present generation. As anticipated, the new model will have new styling elements and add features. The idea is to keep the popular family vehicle relevant in the competition during the mid-lifecycle update phase, with increasing competition faced in the MPV segment.
Hector From MG Now Approved E20 Fuel Compatibility
Both models, MG Hector and Hector Plus, received certification for E20 compliance, which will enable the vehicles to run perfectly on fuel blended with as much as 20 percent ethanol. However, pricing for both models remains constant. Besides, the company offers one such reward to 20 customers for purchasing either of these during the promotional period.
Maruti Hikes Price Across Models
Maruti Suzuki has increased prices with respect to four models, both of its Arena and Nexa brands. The XL6, Ertiga, Wagon R, and Fronx saw the price increase to the tune of Rs. 14,000. These price changes come in line with the continuing trend of periodical price revision by the automakers due to inflation and increased operational costs in the automotive supply chain.
The week has experienced the best of India's dynamic environment-rain. Electric mobility has seen new developments and safety standards, even new model introductions in the market, and price changes. Manufacturers would keep this trend on as they attempt to adjust to changing consumer preferences and regulatory requirements. There is much more to come in the coming months regarding increased innovation and competition.
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