Latest news with #India-spec
Hindustan Times
5 days ago
- Automotive
- Hindustan Times
2026 Kawasaki KLX 230R S off-road motorcycle launched at ₹1.94 lakh
Kawasaki has introduced the 2026 KLX230R S in India, positioning it as a more accessible, locally built off-road motorcycle for serious trail enthusiasts. Priced at ₹1.94 lakh (ex-showroom), the India-made version achieves about 95 per cent localisation, which has significantly reduced costs compared to the imported CKD model. Why does the India-spec Kawasaki KLX230R S weigh more than the international-spec model? This localisation includes the use of a high-tensile steel swingarm in place of the aluminium unit, contributing to a kerb weight of 129 kg—slightly heavier than the imported variant. What are the engine specifications of the Kawasaki KLX230R S? Powered by a 233 cc, air-cooled, fuel-injected single-cylinder engine, the KLX230R S produces around 19 hp and 20 Nm of torque, paired with a six-speed gearbox. Is the Kawasaki KLX230R S road legal? The bike is purpose-built for off-road use, with no road-legal equipment such as headlights, indicators, or mirrors. The KLX230R S is not road legal. If you want a road legal version then you will have to take a look at the KLX230R. What is the hardware on duty on the Kawasaki KLX230R S? It rides on 21-inch front and 18-inch rear spoke wheels wrapped in knobby tyres, offering maximum traction in loose terrain. Suspension duties are handled by a 37 mm telescopic front fork with 220 mm of travel and a rear link-type monoshock with 223 mm of travel, tuned for rugged trail performance. The KLX230R S sits tall with a 900 mm seat height and delivers an impressive 270 mm of ground clearance, giving riders the confidence to tackle technical obstacles. Braking is managed by a 290 mm disc up front and a 230 mm disc at the rear. Designed purely for the dirt, the KLX230R S caters to off-road riders who want a capable, lightweight, and competitively priced trail bike straight from the showroom floor. Also Read : 2026 Kawasaki Versys 650: Here are 5 things to know about the India-bound sport tourer Is there a road-legal version of the Kawasaki KLX230R S? Yes, if you want a road-legal version of the KLX230R S then you can consider the KLX230R, which was launched recently. It got a massive price cut of ₹1.30 lakh and is priced at ₹1.99 lakh ex-showroom now. The main difference between the two motorcycles is in the parts that make the motorcycle road legal. So, it has to come with a headlight, road-spec tyres, turn indicators etc. Check out Upcoming Bikes In India. First Published Date:
Hindustan Times
13-07-2025
- Automotive
- Hindustan Times
Suzuki Jimny facelift incoming: Here are all the key features and upgrades expected
The updated Suzuki Jimny is expected to get ADAS tech along with other feature enhacements Check Offers The globally loved Suzuki Jimny is set to receive a mid-cycle update this August — but instead of cosmetic makeovers or powertrain revisions, the focus this time is squarely on advanced safety technology. The update will first launch in Japan, but many of the improvements have already made their way to the India-spec five-door Jimny Nomade, hinting at what local buyers can expect in future model years. ADAS tech takes centre stage According to reports from Japan, Suzuki will introduce its latest Safety Support suite to both the Jimny and Jimny Sierra variants. This includes the dual-camera autonomous emergency braking system that debuted in India earlier this year, along with enhancements like traffic sign recognition with pause, Adaptive Cruise Control, and Reverse Brake Support for automatic variants. The safety improvements represent a big step forward for the pint-sized off-roader, which has long depended more on mechanical ruggedness than on contemporary electronics. In India, the five-door Jimny already comes equipped with some of those features, and the update may result in more extensive availability or standardization across trims. Also Read : Suzuki Jimny 55th Anniversary Edition unveiled in France, limited to 55 units only Design to stay unchanged amid high demand While many expected a facelift, Suzuki has opted to retain the Jimny's signature boxy design — and for good reason. With demand soaring across global markets, especially for the longer five-door model made in India, Suzuki is prioritising production stability over cosmetic tweaks. In fact, the Jimny Nomade racked up over 50,000 bookings within four days in Japan, equivalent to more than three years of planned output. This decision means the updated Jimny won't feature any new trims, special editions, or styling changes — at least for now. India's role in global Jimny strategy India is an important market for Suzuki's Jimny strategy. The five-door model that is sold in the country is also sold to places like Latin America, Africa, and Australia. With Japan importing the model that's aligned with Indian safety specifications, this is further evidence of the growing importance of Maruti Suzuki India in the company's global supply chain. Also watch: Maruti Suzuki Jimny SUV: First Drive Review No EV plans yet, but hybrid possibilities remain Despite EV speculation, Suzuki has ruled out electrifying the Jimny for now. Company chief Toshihiro Suzuki recently said the model will continue with non-electrified petrol engines, though hybrid technology could be explored for emission-sensitive markets like Europe. The India-spec Jimny will continue with the 1.5-litre K15B petrol engine, paired with either a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission. With this upcoming tech upgrade, the Jimny continues to evolve — carefully, and without compromising its go-anywhere DNA. And as the global lineup updates, Maruti Suzuki could bring similar refinements to the Indian market in the near future. Check out Upcoming Cars in India 2025, Best SUVs in India. First Published Date: 13 Jul 2025, 11:00 am IST
Hindustan Times
04-07-2025
- Automotive
- Hindustan Times
2026 Triumph Scrambler 400 X revealed in a new colour for Europe
The 2026 Triumph Scrambler 400 X for Europe now comes with the new Baja Orange and Aluminium paint scheme, different from the one sold in India Check Offers Triumph Motorcycles has revealed the 2026 Scrambler 400 X for international markets, bringing a new colour option on the motorcycle for the new model year. The 2026 Triumph Scrambler 400 X will be available in the Baja Orange and Aluminium paint scheme, which brings the orange shade to the fuel tank with the aluminium-finished stripe. Our readers would remember that the India-spec Triumph Scrambler 400 X was recently updated with the Baja Orange colour scheme, albeit with a different pattern. 2026 Triumph Scrambler 400 X: Baja Orange Colour The new Baja Orange colour is the only big change on the 2026 Triumph Scrambler 400 X for Europe and other international markets. The fuel tank gets tank grips on either side, while the silver strip carries the 'Triumph' logo. The rest of the bodywork remains the same, finished in black. The bike continues to get gold-coloured USD front forks, while the front fender is finished in silver as well. Also Read : Triumph Scrambler 400 XC launched at ₹ 2.94 lakh. Check what's new The Baja Orange colour scheme gets more surface area on the international version, as opposed to the India-spec model 2026 Triumph Scrambler 400 X: Specifications Power on the Triumph Scrambler 400 X comes from the familiar 398 cc single-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine tuned for 39.5 bhp at 8,000 rpm and 37.5 Nm of peak torque at 6,500 rpm. The motor is paired with a 6-speed gearbox with an assist and slipper clutch. Other cycle parts include the 43 mm USD front forks and a preload adjustable monoshock at the rear. Both ends have a suspension travel of 150 mm. The Triumph Scrambler 400 X rides on 19-inch front and 17-inch rear wheels wrapped in block-pattern, dual-purpose tyres. The 2026 Triumph Scrambler 400 X continues to draw power from the 398 cc motor and is made in India for domestic and global markets 2026 Triumph Scrambler 400 X: Features The Triumph Scrambler 400 X has turned out to be a proven model, balancing between everyday performance and off-road capability. The bike also comes equipped with features like ride-by-wire, switchable dual-channel ABS and traction control, all-LED lighting, a Type-C USB charging port, and a semi-digital instrument console. The Scrambler 400 X takes on the Royal Enfield Scram 440, which recently went back on sale, as well as the Yezdi Scrambler in the segment. Check out Upcoming Bikes In India. First Published Date: 04 Jul 2025, 11:28 AM IST
Hindustan Times
02-07-2025
- Automotive
- Hindustan Times
MG M9 India-spec features, range and variants confirmed: Here's what you should know
The MG M9 electric MPV was unveiled in India at the Auto Expo 2025 and is set to be launched soon with an expected ex-showroom price tag of ₹65-70 lakh. Notify me The MG M9 all-electric three-row luxury MPV is set to be launched on our shores soon, and we now have all the details about the India-spec model. Unveiled at the Auto Expo 2025 held in New Delhi, this is one of JSW MG Motor's flagship electric offerings and the fifth EV for the Indian market. Bookings have been open since May 2025 for a token amount of ₹ 51,000. The M9 will be sold alongside the Cyberster electric sports car via MG Select, the brand's premium retail network. It will compete in the luxury MPV segment against the likes of the Toyota Vellfire and the Kia Carnival. This is the first people-carrier from the brand in India, and with its CBU status, it is expected to be priced between the ₹ 65-70 lakh mark (ex-showroom). Also Read : MG Cyberster starts arriving at showroom, launch imminent MG M9: Battery and range The MG M9 EV is fitted with a 90 kWh lithium-ion battery pack, enabling a claimed range of up to 500 km on a single charge. The front-mounted electric motor makes 241 bhp and 350 Nm of torque, allowing the MPV to achieve a top speed of 180 kmph. MG says the battery can be fully charged from 5 per cent to 100 per cent in approximately 8.5 hours using an 11 kW charger. The MG M9 also supports DC fast charging, allowing the battery to go from 30 per cent to 80 per cent in just 30 minutes. MG M9: Design highlights The three-row, seven-seater MG M9 brings a closed-off trapezoidal front grille flanked by LEDs. It offers a wheelbase of 3,200 mm and rides on 19-inch alloys. With three rows and seven seats, the M9 measures 5,270 mm in length, 2,000 mm in width, and 1,840 mm in height. Its wheelbase measures 3,200 mm, boasting larger dimensions than rivals such as the Carnival and the Vellfire. The M9 features a closed-off trapezoidal front grille flanked by sleek LED headlamps mounted on the bumper with connected LED DRLs above. It brings electric sliding doors and rides on 19-inch alloys wrapped in self-healing Continental ContiSeal tyres. The rear-end features connected LED taillights, an electric tailgate, and a roof spoiler. MG M9: Variants and colours The M9 EV is globally available in two variants. While both are quite identical in terms of performance and safety features, the top-spec model gets upholstered in natural leather and offers electrically adjustable ottoman seats in the second row. All seats in the first and second row for this variant additionally feature ventilation, heating, and massage functionality, which in the base variant are reserved for the second-row seats. In India, the electric MPV will be offered in the fully loaded top-spec variant, called the Presidential Limo. It will be offered with three colour options: Metal Black, Concrete Grey, and Pearl Lustre White. The cabin gets upholstered in a natural leather and suede combo, finished in cognac brown. Also Read : Facing DC fast charging issue on your MG Windsor EV? A fix is on its way MG M9: Interior amenities The cabin has been upholstered in a natural leather and suede combo finished in cognac brown and offers a plethora of creature comforts. The M9 offers a luxurious cabin that features a three-zone climate control system and 2nd-row ottoman seats with heating, cooling, and massage functions. Occupants can control these parameters via a touchscreen panel on the handrail. Rear passengers are treated to individual entertainment screens, and the cabin further features a Chamois-wrapped dual-pane sunroof for an expansive feel. The front row in the MPV brings a minimalist dashboard that includes two dedicated screens: a 12.3-inch infotainment display and a 7-inch instrument cluster. HVAC controls are on a touch capacitive panel below the infotainment display. The floating centre console houses cupholders, a wireless charger, and under-arm storage. Both front seats are electronically adjustable with 4-way lumbar support and come with ventilation functionality. MG M9: Safety suite The M9 offers 7 airbags all around, alongside features such as ABS, ESP with auto hold, and TPMS. The electric MPV further features an ADAS suite, including safety features such as Adaptive Cruise Control, Integrated Cruise Assist, Autonomous Emergency Braking System, lane driving aids, a speed assist system, and a 360-degree surround view monitor. Although it is yet to be tested by the Bharat NCAP, it has been awarded a five-star rating from both European and Australian NCAP crash tests. Check out Upcoming EV Cars in India. First Published Date: 02 Jul 2025, 12:40 PM IST
Hindustan Times
24-06-2025
- Automotive
- Hindustan Times
Suzuki Fronx with Level 2 ADAS debuts in Indonesia. Is India next?
Indonesia-spec Suzuki Fronx comes with bigger engines and more safety features over the India-spec model. (HT Auto/Sabyasachi Dasgupta) Check Offers The Maruti Suzuki Fronx crossover, which is based on the Baleno premium hatchback and sold through Maruti Suzuki's Nexa premium retail network after its launch in India in April 2023, has now made its way to the Indonesian market. While the Indonesian market-spec Fronx looks identical to the Indian market-spec model, in terms of design, there are some significant differences that set the two apart. The differences are in terms of features, engine choices and equipment levels. Besides that, another key fact is that this is the first time Fronx is being manufactured outside India. One of the key features on board the Indonesian market-spec Suzuki Fronx is that it comes equipped with a Level 2 ADAS suite, which has fuelled speculation that the Indian market-spec model too could receive the same technology in the coming months. However, Maruti Suzuki has not said anything officially. Also Read : Upcoming cars in India The made-in-India Fronx is currently sold in more than 70 countries globally, including on the continents such as Africa, Latin America. The Fronx was recently tested by Japan NCAP, where it scored a four-star safety rating. It received an overall 163.75 points out of a total of 193.8 points in the Japan NCAP crash test. The Fronx scored 79.42 points out of 85.8 points in the preventive safety performance test, while in the collision safety performance test, it scored 76.33 points out of 100 points. Watch: Maruti Suzuki Fronx SUV: First Drive Review The Maruti Suzuki Fronx in India is sold at a starting price of ₹ 7.54 lakh (ex-showroom) and goes up to ₹ 12.90 lakh (ex-showroom). Here is a quick look at the key differences between the India-spec and Indonesia-spec Fronx. Indonesia-spec Suzuki Fronx gets new colours The Indonesia-spec Suzuki Fronx is available in five different exterior colour choices compared to seven shades available for the India-spec model. The Indonesian market-spec model gets colours like Pearl Snow White, Cool Black, Savannah Ivory, Ice Grayish Blue and Metallic Magma Gray. On the other hand, the India-spec model gets Arctic White, Nexa Blue (celestial), Earthen Brown, Splendid Silver, Grandeur Grey, Opulent Red, and Bluish Black. Indonesian Fronx gets Level 2 ADAS suite The Suzuki Fronx in the Indonesian market gets a Level 2 ADAS suite, which ramps up the safety quotient of the crossover significantly, compared to the Indian Fronx. The ADAS suite onboard the Fronx gets features such as lane keep assist and rear cross traffic alert. Besides that, the Indonesia-spec Fronx gets six airbags as a standard feature, compared to two as standard in the Indian Fronx. Indonesian Fronx gets bigger petrol engines The Indonesian-market-spec Suzuki Fronx is significantly distinctive on the powertrain front compared to the Indian model. It gets two different 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engines, compared to the 1.2-litre petrol motor available in the India-spec model. The 1.5-litre K15B petrol engine is available with transmission choices including a five-speed manual gearbox and a four-speed automatic unit. This engine churns out 102 bhp peak power and 138 Nm of maximum torque. On the other hand, the other petrol motor is a 1.5-litre K15C unit that generates 98 bhp peak power and 135 Nm torque. This engine is available with a five-speed manual gearbox and six-speed automatic transmission options. In India, the Fronx gets a 1.2-litre naturally aspirated petrol motor. There is a petrol-CNG bi-fuel powertrain on offer with the same engine. Also, there is a 1.0-litre turbo-petrol motor on offer as well. Transmission choices for the India-spec Fronx are a five-speed manual gearbox, a five-speed AMT, and a six-speed automatic unit. Check out Upcoming Cars in India 2024, Best SUVs in India. First Published Date: 24 Jun 2025, 10:53 AM IST
