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    in Motor News

    Next-Gen 2026 Nissan Sentra Spied with Murano-Inspired Styling

    Nissan appears to be readying a next-generation Sentra compact sedan for the 2026 model year.The Sentra prototype appears to adopt some of the styling cues found on the recently updated 2025 Murano SUV.With the Altima and Versa expected to depart Nissan’s lineup after the 2025 model year, the Sentra will be the brand’s sole remaining sedan.Sedans were once the dominant force in the American auto market, but their numbers are dwindling. Nissan killed off full-size Maxima following the 2023 model year, and a report in 2023 suggested that Nissan would ditch the subcompact Versa and mid-size Altima after 2025. That would leave the compact Sentra, which had strong sales in 2024, as the brand’s only sedan. While the Altima and Versa may still be living on borrowed time, it appears Nissan isn’t entirely done with sedans, with our spy photographer catching a four-door prototype testing at Nissan’s Michigan headquarters.KGP Photography|Car and DriverThe camouflaged sedan was spotted driving with an Altima, suggesting that it could be a replacement for the mid-size sedan. Yet the prototype looks a bit smaller than we would expect for a mid-size offering and the Sentra—which entered its current generation for the 2020 model year—is due for an overhaul in 2026. Although this prototype looks a bit bigger than the outgoing Sentra, it’s possible that the Sentra could grow slightly in size in an attempt to cover both the compact and mid-size segments after the demise of the Altima.Regardless of the Altima’s fate, we’re pretty certain this is the next-generation Sentra, and the compact sedan appears to be adopting the new design language introduced by the 2025 Murano SUV. The narrow headlights are positioned with a slight angle, creating a sleek, piercing look, and feature a blade-like piece at the outer edge that cuts downward toward the bumper. This echoes the styling seen on the Nissan N7, an electric sedan revealed last fall for the China market.KGP Photography|Car and DriverThe headlights are joined by a black trim piece bisected by the Nissan badge. This element looks like it might feature an illuminated section along the lower edge and is certainly reminiscent of the black band stretching across the Murano’s front end. Beneath the Nissan emblem sits a thin grille with angled strakes and a wider intake in the lower bumper with a matching look. The side profile reveals a sloping roofline while the rear features horizontally oriented taillights linked by a trim piece above the license plate housing.There’s no official word on what will power the Nissan Sentra, but it’s possible the 149-horsepower 2.0-liter four-cylinder and continuously variable automatic transmission could carry over. A hybrid variant could be in the cards, and there are rumors of a sportier variant featuring the 201-hp turbocharged 1.5-liter three-cylinder found in the Rogue. More concrete information should emerge later this year.More on Nissan SedansCaleb Miller began blogging about cars at 13 years old, and he realized his dream of writing for a car magazine after graduating from Carnegie Mellon University and joining the Car and Driver team. He loves quirky and obscure autos, aiming to one day own something bizarre like a Nissan S-Cargo, and is an avid motorsports fan. More

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    in Bike

    Hero Xpulse 210 Factory Rally Bike Debuts

    Hero Xpulse 210 Factory Rally BikeWhen Hero MotoCorp revealed Xpulse 210 at EICMA 2024, there was a more rugged and off-road-worthy version showcased beside it. Called Xpulse 210 Rally, this motorcycle gets more hardcore off-road capable hardware. Ahead of the official launch a Rally-spec version of it from Hero Factory Racing Team has just debuted at Sjoba Rally event in Chandigarh.
    Hero Xpulse 210 Factory Rally Bike
    If you’re wondering what would be better than an Xpulse 210 at the price point it is launched, the answer would be Xpulse 210 Rally. There is not a single motorcycle in India, or probably the world, at a price point of Rs 1.76 lakh (Ex-sh) to offer an ADV package as comprehensive as Xpulse 210. And a more hardcore version of it, is a tempting proposition.
    Hero Xpulse 210 Factory Rally Bike
    Hero calls it Xpulse 210 Rally and is yet to officially launch it. Ahead of a launch, Hero Factory Racing Team has just unveiled a Rally-spec version of this motorcycle at 38th Edition of three-day Sjoba Rally event in Chandigarh. It has to be noted that this Hero Xpulse is not the production-spec model, but showcases the full potential of this platform.
    In that regard, these Xpulse 210 Factory Rally bike has quite a few components that will not feature on production version. Primary of these special components include the fully adjustable (compression and rebound) USD telescopic front forks with fork covers to protect inner tube and a new exhaust end can which is positioned higher than stock bike.
    Hero Xpulse 210 Factory Rally Bike
    Also, disc brakes at both ends are now much more premium and they look fancy. Visually, these Rally-spec motorcycles get beefier knuckle guards and a new headlight cluster and a windscreen. Standard headlight has been replaced with a smaller unit with LED projectors in them. Instrument cluster on these units seem to be removed as well.
    What to expect?
    While these components are not likely to make it to production-spec Xpulse 210 Rally variant, others will. These include handlebar risers, knobby Maxxis tyres, Rally seat, long travel fully adjustable suspension, but RSU telescopic forks at the front, among others.
    Hero Xpulse 210 Factory Rally Bike
    Where powertrains are concerned, Hero Xpulse 210 Rally will be powered by the same 210cc single-cylinder liquid-cooled DOHC 4V/cyl engine capable of generating around 25 PS of peak power and 20.7 Nm, mated to a slipper clutch and a 6-speed gearbox. It will be launched in India soon and it will command a slight price premium over standard model.

    Also read – Hero Xpulse 210 vs Kawasaki KLX230
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    in Electric Cars

    Tata Harrier EV Spied Without Camouflage For The First Time – Launch Soon

    Tata Harrier EV Spied Ahead Of LaunchIndia’s leading electric car manufacturer, Tata Motors, is gearing to launch its flagship EV. We’re talking about the Harrier EV, the production version of which was unveiled at Auto Expo 2025. For the first time, Harrier EV test mules have been spied testing without any camouflage, hinting that the launch might be right around the corner.
    Tata Harrier EV Spied
    At the grand stage of Auto Expo 2025, Tata Motors showcased the production-spec version of Harrier EV, which is an electrified version of its flagship SUV, Harrier. At the stage, we saw a Blue-ish shade for Harrier EV and then a Stealth Edition version of it. Spy shots from motorworldindia show a Harrier EV in a White shade and a Black dual tone roof.
    Tata Harrier EV Wheel Design
    This White and Black roof dual tone option is likely to be the safest and most preferred one by Indian buyers. As seen in these spy shots, Harrier EV looks almost production ready and without any camouflage. Although, interiors were still camouflaged, while revealing a free-standing infotainment screen which may be the same 12.3-inch unit as Harrier.
    Exterior design reveals a closed-off grill along with a redesigned front bumper. Closed-off grill at the top has horizontal slats, while lower grill has vertical slats. Below it, we have a faux skid plate finished in a contrasting silver shade. LED DRLs on top and vertically-oriented headlight elements are carried over from Harrier ICE.
    Tata Harrier EV
    Also carried over is the side profile in its entirety. ORVMs, side silhouette, doors, body claddings, wheel arch claddings, roof rails and other elements are carried over. ORVMs get cameras and left front door gets a request sensor. The plastic claddings are likely to be painted in Gloss Black shade, like on Curvv.
    What to expect?
    Alloy wheel design is unique and is rather appealing. Wheel size could be 19-inches and we can expect 245-section tyres. Rear design is more or less the same as Harrier EV with a shark fin antenna, silver faux skid plate in rear bumper and LED tail lights.
    Production-spec Tata Harrier EV
    Where features are concerned, Tata Harrier EV will get features and equipment similar to that of its ICE counterpart. So, ventilated front and rear seats, electrically adjustable front seats with memory function for driver, 12.3-inch infotainment screen with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, panoramic sunroof, premium upholstery, 10-inch instrument cluster, Level-2 ADAS, 360-degree camera, 7 airbags, blindspot assist cameras and more.
    Where powertrains are concerned, Harrier EV will boast a large battery that should promise around 500 km of real world range and a lot of performance. Tata has announced that dual motor AWD variants will pack as much as 500 Nm. It will support fast charging as well and is a direct competitor to Mahindra’s just launched XEV 9e. More

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    in Electric Cars

    Chinese Cars Account For 76% Global EV and PHEV Sales

    BYD Sealion 7 EVElectric cars are demonstrating more market penetration across the globe. Car buyers have been considering EVs owing to their performance and their sensible zero emission environmental benefits. However, the success of electrified vehicles are credited to Chinese car manufacturers as they account for 76% of global EV sales.
    Chinese Electric Car Sales
    A recent study from Rho Motion revealed that 76% of global EV and PHEV sales are credited to Chinese car brands. What’s more impressive about this achievement is that it happened outside of USA market. In this sense, these Chinese electric cars were not sold in USA, which is the world’s 2nd largest automotive market after China.
    BYD eMAX 7
    If Chinese car brands were allowed to make sales in USA, their contribution to global EV sales could have been a lot higher than 76%. This major achievement from Chinese brands is due to a combination of factors. Primary of these factors include aggressive market expansion into the world’s major car markets and outside of them and aggressive pricing strategies.
    If we take Germany as an example, which is Europe’s largest car market with 578,000 EVs sold last year, Chinese car brands accounted for 4% of the total sales. In Belgium, penetration of Chinese car brands was 3%, 5% in Sweden, 5% in France, 6% in Netherlands, 7% in UK, 8% in Norway, 10% in Spain and 11% in Austria.
    BYD Yangwang U9 Supercar Jumping Over a Pothole
    Outside of major automotive markets, Chinese car brands have made a major impact with significant market penetration. Chinese brands accounted for 15% EV sales of New Zealand, 26% in Australia, 52% in Malaysia, 64% in Israel, 70% in Mexico, 74% in Nepal, 75% in Indonesia, 77% in Thailand and 82% in Brazil.
    What’s the scene in India?
    If we take India as an example, MG Windsor EV is currently the country’s best-selling electric car. Windsor EV is a rebadged version of Wuling Cloud EV and is sold in India under Chinese SAIC Motor owned British brand, Morris Garages. However, as a car manufacturer, MG Motor has some catching up to do against homegrown Tata Motors, which is currently leading the sales charts.
    MG Windsor EV
    The success of Chinese EV brands can also be attributed to the fact that they incur low battery manufacturing costs as China has one of the world’s biggest Lithium reserves. Another key contributor is the USD 231 Billion in subsidies Chinese EV brands received between 2009 and 2023, allowing them to price their products at extremely competitive price points.
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    in Bike

    150cc to 200cc Motorcycle Sales Jan 2025 – Pulsar, Apache, Unicorn, MT15, R15

    New Yamaha MT15 – Patna BikesThe 150cc to 200cc motorcycle segment in India saw a decline in overall sales in January 2025, with total sales at 1,45,125 units, marking an 8.74% drop compared to 1,59,017 units in January 2024. Several models saw a decline in demand, while a few managed to post year-on-year (YoY) growth.
    150cc to 200cc Motorcycle Sales Jan 2025
    Bajaj Pulsar continued to lead the segment with 37,753 units sold in January 2025. However, this was a 26.56% decline from 51,406 units in January 2024, reflecting a drop of 13,653 units. TVS Apache was the second best-selling model, witnessing a 10.53% YoY growth with 34,511 units sold, up from 31,222 units last year. Honda Unicorn saw the highest growth among the top sellers, registering 26,509 units in January 2025, a 43.25% increase from 18,506 units in January 2024.
    150cc to 200cc Motorcycle Sales Jan 2025 – YoY Comparison
    Yamaha FZ reported a decline in sales, with 11,399 units sold in January 2025, down 22.34% YoY from 14,678 units in the same month last year. Yamaha MT 15 also saw a sharp drop of 29.65%, with sales at 10,640 units, compared to 15,124 units in January 2024. Similarly, Yamaha R15 recorded 8,264 units in January 2025, reflecting a 14.59% decrease from 9,676 units last year.
    Honda SP 160 managed a moderate 6.36% growth, selling 5,019 units in January 2025, compared to 4,719 units in January 2024. Hero Xtreme 160R/200 recorded 3,513 units, reflecting a 3.66% growth from 3,389 units in January 2024. Hero XPulse 200 also saw a small increase, with 2,398 units sold, up by 3.72% YoY from 2,312 units.
    150cc to 200cc Motorcycle Sales Jan 2025 – MoM Comparison
    KTM 200 experienced a 34.17% drop in sales, with 2,271 units sold compared to 3,450 units in January 2024. Suzuki Gixxer, on the other hand, showed a positive trend with a 23.33% increase, reaching 1,628 units, up from 1,320 units last year.
    Bajaj Avenger registered 1,135 units, witnessing a 12.02% decline from 1,290 units in January 2024. Honda Hornet 2.0 saw a major drop of 52.37%, with sales reducing to 994 units, compared to 2,087 units last year. Honda CB200X also declined by 39.09%, selling only 642 units, down from 1,054 units in January 2024. Kawasaki W175 remained at the bottom of the list, with just 77 units sold in January 2025, down 25.96% from 104 units in the previous year.
    Overall, the segment saw a decline in sales, with Bajaj Pulsar witnessing a major drop, while Honda Unicorn and TVS Apache posted strong growth. The shift in consumer demand and new market dynamics continue to shape this competitive segment in the Indian two-wheeler industry. More

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    in Electric Cars

    Kia EV4 Details Out – 81.4 kWh Battery, 201 Bhp, 630 Km Range

    Kia EV4 SedanAcross international markets, the Kia EV4 will take on rivals such as Tesla Model 3 and Volkswagen ID.3
    As part of its aggressive EV expansion, Kia has unveiled the EV4. It will be available in both fastback sedan and hatchback body styles. EV4 will be available for sale in Korea in March 2025. European markets will get both versions later this year, whereas only the EV4 sedan will be available in the United States. Let’s take a look at some of the key features of the Kia EV4.
    Kia EV4 Details Out – Styling and features
    Some of the distinctive exterior design elements include a low nose, vertically stacked headlamps and Kia’s signature Star Map LED DRLs. Side profile has sporty dual-tone alloy wheels, flush door handles, prominent wheel arches, a tapering roofline and blacked-out pillars. At the rear, the lighting elements closely match the format used at the front. Kia also offers GT-Line trim with both Hatchback and Sedan, with extra sporty flair.
    Kia EV4 Hatchback GT-Line Rear
    Inside, Kia EV4 has a multi-layered dashboard, 30-inch wide-screen display and a 1-spoke asymmetrical steering wheel with mounted controls. Interiors of Kia EV4 are focused on practicality and occupant comfort. Some of the key features include a sliding table console, a rotating armrest and easy-to-use physical buttons.
    Kia EV4 Hatchback GT-Line Interiors
    EV4 has ample seating space in both rows. User experience is further enhanced with dynamic welcome lighting and ambient lighting. Users can access a range of entertainment options such as YouTube, Netflix, Disney+, games and karaoke. Kia has also deployed an AI assistant that ensures continuous improvements in user-machine engagements.
    Kia EV4 Sedan
    Kia EV4 – Performance, range
    Similar to the EV3, Kia EV4 is based on the 400V Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP). There will be two versions – a standard model with a 58.3 kWh battery pack and a long-range model with an 81.4 kWh battery. EV4 will utilize a front mounted electric motor that generates 201 hp.
    Kia EV4 Sedan Interiors
    Achieving 0 to 100 km/h for the standard and long-range variant takes 7.4 and 7.7 seconds, respectively. Both have a top speed of 170 km/h. Talking about range, the EV4 sedan standard model can travel 430 km on a full charge. Range increases to 630 km with the long-range variant. The EV4 hatchback offers a range of 590 km. One of the key contributing factors for the high range is EV4’s ultra-low drag coefficient of just 0.23 Cd.
    Kia EV4 Sedan GT-Line
    Range can be further improved in real-world conditions with the advanced regenerative braking system. Kia EV4 is equipped with a 11-kW on-board charger that supports both single-phase and three-phase inputs. Users can achieve 10-80% charge in just around 31 minutes. EV4 also supports advanced features such as 3.6 kVA Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) and 10 kVA Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) functionality.
    Kia EV4 Sedan GT-Line Interiors
    Advanced safety with latest ADAS
    Kia EV4 will be available with a comprehensive range of ADAS features. The structure itself is pretty robust, with the roof capable of withstanding five times the weight of the EV. Multi-rib structures have been used in the rocker panel to ensure enhanced protection against side impacts. Kia has stated that EV4 will be aiming for full 5-star ratings in Euro NCAP and US NCAP. More

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    in Electric Cars

    Kia EV2 Small Electric Car Concept Debuts For 2026 Launch

    Kia EV2 Concept DebutsWhile comparatively small in size, Kia EV2 offers a roomy interior with a plethora of customization options and practical solutions
    At the 2025 Kia EV Day event, the carmaker unveiled multiple models including the EV4 and EV2 Concept. With these new models, Kia will be aiming to accelerate EV adoption across various global markets. Let’s take a look at the EV2 Concept in detail to understand its core USPs and strengths.
    Kia EV2 Concept – Dynamic exteriors
    Based on the ‘Opposites United’ design language, Kia EV2 Concept seamlessly combines timeless elegance and rugged sportiness. The smooth sheet metal panelling is complemented by rugged elements like the bold bumper design, prominent wheel arches and thick body cladding.
    Kia EV2 Concept Debuts
    To add more character, Kia EV2 Concept utilises an open lamp design without cover glass for the LED DRLs. Alloy wheels get distinctive square elements and KIA lettering at the centre. All lighting elements are vertically stacked including the edgy tail lamps at the rear. Turn signals on the ORVMs are also placed vertically.
    Images reveal a full glass roof and blacked-out A pillars. Kia EV2 Concept does not use B pillars and comes with rear-hinged rear doors. If a BMW i3 popped in your mind, you’re on the right track. This implementation ensures easy ingress and egress for users. With all four doors open, EV2 can also unlock scenic views of the outside world. Such door formats will also be useful in camping scenarios.
    Kia EV2 Concept Interiors
    Kia EV2 Concept – Practical, customizable interiors
    With interiors following a minimalistic design format, there’s ample space for all passengers. Kia EV2 Concept has some unique features such as the bench seat in front. Both front and second row seats are highly customizable. For example, the rear seats can be folded up and the front seats can be pushed back. This additional space has various practical applications.
    Kia EV2 Concept has an elegant, clutter-free dashboard. There is a large integrated screen for the infotainment system and instrument cluster. Kia has used sustainable materials for the EV, wherever possible. The cockpit area gets a fabric-type surface finish in deep burgundy colour. Other key features include a yoke-style steering wheel, unique LED dashboard animation and triangular-pattern lighting.
    Kia EV2 Concept Interiors
    Another unique offering is the message lighting that displays messages on the car’s windows. It can be used to communicate with other road users and pedestrians. Kia EV2 Concept has advanced features such as OTA updates and vehicle-to-load (V2L). Another innovation is the removable triangular speakers. Users can position it anywhere in the car and also take it out when the car is parked.
    Kia EV2 Concept – Performance, range
    Although specs of EV2 Concept have not been revealed, the EV is likely to utilize the entry-level 400V configuration of Hyundai’s E-GMP platform. This architecture can also be seen with the EV3 and EV4 offering two battery pack options – a 58.3 kWh and an 81.4 kWh unit. Onboard the EV3, these battery packs deliver a range of 434 km and 603 km, respectively. The front mounted electric motor generates 201 hp.
    Kia EV2 Concept Interiors
    It is also possible that EV2 could borrow the 43.3 kWh LFP battery pack from the PV5 electric van. Kia EV2 will be launched in Europe and other global markets in 2026. It will work as a replacement for the Picanto hatchback. India launch is quite possible, as there’s huge potential for entry-level EVs. Moreover, Kia has already trademarked eight new electric vehicles in India including the EV2. More

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    in Motor News

    Mansory’s ‘Elongation’ Tesla Cybertruck Might Be Its Worst Creation Yet

    Mansory just unveiled what may be its worst design yet—or best, depending on your point of view. The design in question is Mansory’s “Elongation” Tesla Cybertruck, which plasters the EV truck with heaps of carbon fiber and a pair of roof floodlights. The interior is equally loud and features a mixture of gray, white, and yellow accents, and as much carbon fiber as the customer wants, of course. As the old idiom goes, beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Oftentimes, art is as much about what we bring to the table as it is about what the artist has made. That said, Mansory’s latest creation might be the ugliest thing to ever come out of the German modification company’s doors.MansoryMansoryYou’re free to disagree, of course. Perhaps you like the look of the Mansory “Elongation.” Mansory is known for taking high-end and often beautiful cars and making them visually louder with the addition of copious amounts of carbon fiber, which—at least in this author’s humble opinion—ruins otherwise beautiful pieces of art. On the other hand, the Tesla Cybertruck started life as the gaudiest mobile refrigerator to ever grace Dwight D. Eisenhower’s interstate system. Sure, Mansory took an ugly thing and made it look worse, but at least it didn’t ruin an artistic masterpiece. MansoryThe Elongation Cybertruck swaps out the front and rear bumpers for a set of carbon-fiber replacements with illuminated badging. Carbon fender flares and side sills connect the two ends of the truck. The mirror caps are carbon fiber, as are the fake air vents and front hood. Mansory says the distinct winglets at the rear mark the Elongation as a “real” Mansory at first glance. The inside is just as over the top. Mansory says customers will have complete control over customization. The version pictured here shows a mix of gray, white, and yellow. Customers can order hard surfaces in even more carbon if they want to match the exterior. Inside and out, the Mansory Cybertruck is certainly going to turn heads wherever it goes. Plus, on second thought, Mansory should probably be tried by the International Court of Justice for what it did to the Ford GT.More Mansory CreationsJack Fitzgerald’s love for cars stems from his as yet unshakable addiction to Formula 1. After a brief stint as a detailer for a local dealership group in college, he knew he needed a more permanent way to drive all the new cars he couldn’t afford and decided to pursue a career in auto writing. By hounding his college professors at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, he was able to travel Wisconsin seeking out stories in the auto world before landing his dream job at Car and Driver. His new goal is to delay the inevitable demise of his 2010 Volkswagen Golf. More