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    Prices of Motorcycles Above 350cc Post New GST – Royal Enfield, Bajaj Pulsar, Triumph, KTM

    New Himalayan. Image – Shah Royal EnfieldThe new GST tax structure will have an impact on the above 350cc motorcycle segment that is currently dominated by brands such as Royal Enfield, Triumph, KTM and Harley-Davidson
    As new GST tax slabs come into effect from 22nd September 2025, motorcycles in the above 350 cc segment are about to get costlier. A recent reshuffle in GST percentage has thrown the two wheeler segment into disarray. There will be buyers across the 350cc will have to shell out a great deal more.
    As the new tax rates come into effect from 22nd Sept, motorcycles above the 350cc capacity will see an increase in GST to as much as 40%. This will relate to a substantial increase as currently the tax slab stands at 28% GST plus 3% Cess. The increase will relate to a massive 9%.
    New GST Structure for Above 350cc Motorcycles
    Demand across the premium motorcycle segment is comparatively lower than that of the smaller capacity bikes. However, a surge in higher capacity bikes have also seen some improvement in recent months with newer offerings entering the fray. For example, Royal Enfield’s lineup that consists of a range of bikes in both these segments will see models such as the Hunter, Classic, Meteor and Bullet that contributed to nearly 87% of total sales in August 2025 get more affordable post September 22.
    However, its larger bikes, among which are the Himalayan 450cc, Guerrilla 450cc, Scram 440cc, and the RE 650cc Twins, will now face a 40% GST tax, up from 28%. The same will hold true for larger models in the KTM and Triumph portfolio which will see a significant price hike. This discrepancy in GST structure may significantly impact demand for premium and performance-oriented motorcycles.
    Price estimate of Motorcycles Above 350cc Post New GST
    For instance, the Bajaj Pulsar NS400Z could see an increase of around Rs 13,100, while premium bikes like the KTM 390 Duke and Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 could become dearer by over Rs 20,000. Similarly, Triumph’s Speed 400, Scrambler 400X, and Thruxton 400 may see hikes between Rs 17,000 and Rs 18,800. Even the Himalayan 450 will not be spared, with an increase of nearly Rs 20,500. This marks a significant shift for enthusiasts, as higher displacement motorcycles, often seen as aspirational buys, will now carry an even steeper price tag under the new GST regime.
    Appeal for Uniform GST Structure for Motorcycles
    Bajaj Auto and Royal Enfield has appealed to the GST Council to bring about a uniform rate of taxes across all segments. RE MD Siddhartha Lal and Bajaj Auto MD Rajiv Bajaj have pointed out the need for an even GST rate across the two-wheeler market. While lowering the tax structure for 350cc so heavily will have an adverse impact, not so much on local demand, but more particularly where exports are concerned.
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    2025 Yamaha R15 Updated with New Colours – Launch Price Rs 1.67 Lakh

    2025 Yamaha R15 UpdatedYamaha has refreshed its popular R15 lineup for 2025 with striking new colour options and graphic updates, further boosting the appeal of India’s best-selling entry-level supersport motorcycle. The R15 series — comprising the R15M, R15 Version 4, and R15S — now starts at Rs 1,67,830 (ex-showroom, Delhi).
    Updated Colours Across the Range
    The flagship R15M now comes finished in a refined Metallic Grey, lending it a premium and sophisticated look to go with its sporty styling. The R15 Version 4 gets two major updates — a bold Metallic Black introduced after strong customer demand, and a refreshed Racing Blue with new graphics.
    2025 Yamaha R15 Updated
    Making headlines is the addition of the Matte Pearl White shade, a globally popular colour for Yamaha’s R-Series, now introduced in India for the first time. Meanwhile, the R15S gets a new Matte Black finish with striking vermillion wheels, adding to its street-focused styling.
    Pricing – 2025 Yamaha R15 (All prices ex-showroom, Delhi)
    1. Yamaha R15S – Rs 1,67,8302. Yamaha R15 Version 4 – Rs 1,84,7703. Yamaha R15M – Rs 2,01,000
    2025 Yamaha R15 Updated
    Engine & Features
    Powering all three models is Yamaha’s advanced 155cc liquid-cooled, fuel-injected engine with Variable Valve Actuation (VVA), paired with a Deltabox frame and DiASil cylinder. The package ensures segment-leading performance and razor-sharp handling.
    2025 Yamaha R15 Updated
    Key features include:
    – Traction Control System (TCS)– Assist & Slipper Clutch– Quick Shifter (select variants)– Upside-Down Front Forks– Linked-Type Monocross Suspension
    Yamaha R15 sales
    Over the last 12 months, Yamaha R15 sales have added up to 85,971 units, averaging 7,164 units per month. While the R15 continues to be one of the most popular performance motorcycles in its segment, volumes are no longer as high as they once were. Peaks like 11,449 units in October 2024 and 10,614 units in September 2024 highlight the strong festive season demand, but recent months have seen a decline, with sales dipping to just 4,380 units in June 2025 and 4,908 units in April 2025.
    This shows that while the R15 still enjoys consistent demand, overall sales momentum has slowed compared to earlier highs. The latest updates are timed perfectly with the festive season, aiming to sustain excitement and keep the R15 as the aspirational first choice for performance-focused riders. More

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    TVS Ntorq 150 First Ride Review – King Of Features and Equipment

    TVS Ntorq 150 First Ride ReviewTVS has launhed the new Ntorq 150. It is TVS’ most ambitious ICE scooter launch to date. We experienced it at TVS’ Hosur facility in Tamil Nadu for around a day. We got to know about the features and equipment it has to offer and how it performs on straight lines and on the curves at TVS’ handling track. As a package, TVS Ntorq 150 has a lot going for it and let’s unpack everything.
    TVS Ntorq 150 Colours
    TVS Ntorq 150 First Ride Review
    Ntorq 125 was already a fan favourite and it is hailed as the creator of sporty scooter genre. Now, TVS is upping the game with Ntorq 150 and it is much more of what Ntorq 125 ever aimed to be. TVS is asking Rs 1.19 lakh for base variant and Rs 1.29 lakh for top-spec TFT variant of Ntorq 150 (Ex-sh). There are four colour variants – Turbo Blue, Stealth Silver, Racing Red and Nitro Green.
    TVS Ntorq 150 First Ride Review
    Design inspiration for Ntorq 150 is Graphite Concept on which Ntorq 125 was also based. There’s a lot going on with the design of Ntorq 150 and it is not at all subtle. Instead of writing a thousand words about its design, I’ll let pictures do the talking. There’s just too much design to explain in words. I just wished it was a little subtler. I’m sure a lot of people out there would love the design of this scooter, though. It is subjective.
    TVS Ntorq 150 First Ride Review
    This scooter’s notable design elements are quad-projector LED headlight setup, new stylish LED DRLs on the scooter’s apron that double up as turn indicators, new T insignia on LED tail lights, painted 12-inch alloy wheels, aero winglets at the front to add downforce, a stubby exhaust, split grab rails, street-style handlebar, 5-inch TFT instrument cluster, fancy switchgear and more.
    TVS Ntorq 150 First Ride Review
    Unlike the rumours, Ntorq 150 continues to be a step-through scooter, unlike its rivals like Yamaha Aerox 155 and Hero Xoom 160. So, it has a flat floorboard and all the practicality it brings with it. To make good use of space, TVS has added a glove compartment and a retractable hook. Underseat storage is 22L and it has a USB Type-A port, but it seems to be missing a boot light. It has enough space to accommodate half-face and smaller full-face helmets only.
    TVS Ntorq 150 First Ride Review
    Components & Equipment
    Biggest surprise with TVS Ntorq 150 is that this sporty scooter still continues with 12-inch wheels at both ends wrapped with 100-section front and 110-section rear Remora tyres. When asked about it, the company explained that larger wheels come with larger diameter for tyres and it would not have allowed them to achieve the higher top speed they were trying to achieve as larger tyres get less rotational cycles.
    TVS Ntorq 150 First Ride Review
    Another conscious choice with Ntorq 150 is the shorter wheelbase of 1,285 mm, which is the same as Ntorq 125. This is a decision I welcome with open arms as it allows impeccable handling characteristics (more on it later). Other than that, TVS Ntorq 150 comes with telescopic front forks, single-sided mono-shock rear suspension, disc brake at the front (petal type) with single-channel ABS, rear drum setup with parking brake feature and more.
    TVS Ntorq 150 First Ride Review
    For the first time on an ICE TVS scooter, we get a 5-inch TFT instrument cluster which is loaded to the brim with features. This is easily the most feature-loaded ICE scooter on sale in India, hands down. Not a single rival can even come close to the level of equipment TVS Ntorq 150 is offering. It even has a 4G eSIM embedded in it for a host of connected telematics features. This screen has day and night themes along with adaptive brightness.
    TVS Ntorq 150 First Ride Review
    Notable features include top-speed recorder, 0-60 km/h timer, Alexa integration, smartwatch integration (Android & Apple), crash alert, live vehicle tracking, last parked location, sports and weather updates, social media notifications and more. With a stable Bluetooth connection, music control, call and SMS alerts, accept and reject calls along with turn-by-turn navigation features are available.
    TVS Ntorq 150 First Ride Review
    To control this TFT display and its plethora of functions, Ntorq 150 comes with improved switchgear with 4-way navigation buttons on the left. Also, both brake levers are adjustable for reach, aiding comfort. These buttons also allow rider to cycle between Ride Modes. There are two of them – Street and Race. Street Mode aims at increased fuel efficiency as it comes with engine start / start feature, while Race Mode unlocks TVS’ iGO Assist feature.
    TVS Ntorq 150 First Ride Review
    Performance & Dynamics
    Main highlight of TVS Ntorq 150 is its new beating heart. This is a 149.7 cc single-cylinder SOHC 3V/cyl air cooled unit that is capable of generating 13 bhp of peak power at 7,000 RPM and 14.2 Nm of peak torque at 5,500 RPM. In typical Ntorq fashion, exhaust note has a lot of bass, but the overall vibrations could have been better. Especially at idling, we found that there were more than acceptable levels of vibration and harshness.
    TVS Ntorq 150 First Ride Review
    These vibrations do smoothen out once you get going, though. There’s a lot of grunt from this engine and it is eager to rev higher. TVS claims a 0-60 km/h sprint in 6.3 seconds and a top speed of 104 km/h top speed. At TVS’ Hosur track, we could only manage to get it till 99 km/h (speedo indicated). Major contributor to this performance is its weight, or the lack thereof. Ntorq 150 only weighs 115 kg, which is less than a few 125cc scooters on sale in India today.
    TVS Ntorq 150 First Ride Review
    While the design of Ntorq 150 is subjective, everyone can objectively and unanimously agree that it has excellent ride dynamics. Sure, we only rode it around TVS’ testing facility in Hosur and not on public roads, but we can’t ignore the fact that Ntorq 150 is a fantastic handler. I’m not much of a corner carver, but I ended up pushing this scooter around corners more than I would generally have. I even scraped the scooter’s exhaust and side body panels multiple times while cornering.
    TVS Ntorq 150 First Ride Review
    That is because Ntorq 150 instills that confidence in me to push harder and carry more speed than I normally would. The chassis is very communicative and steering provides excellent feedback. All this from 110-section front and 120-section rear tyres wrapped on 12-inch is rather commendable. This setup makes me curious as to how it would handle on a 14-inch wheel wrapped with 140-section tyres.
    TVS Ntorq 150 First Ride Review
    Braking setup is impressive too as it gets traction control and single-channel ABS. Front brakes have a sharp bite, which is more than average for this segment and front wheel did not lock even during deliberate panic braking.
    TVS Ntorq 150 First Ride Review
    Some Reservations & Conclusion
    As it stands, TVS Ntorq 150 is the most feature-loaded and equipped ICE scooter India has ever seen. However, it does miss a few features here and there that could have made it down-right perfect. These include:
    TVS Ntorq 150 First Ride Review
    1. Keyless Go – This is one feature missing in Ntorq 150 which makes its presence known.2. Self-canceling Indicators – It is baffling that this industry is actively omitting self-canceling turn indicators in their vehicles, which used to be offered in the past with vehicles half the price.3. Knuckle Guards – This sporty scooter deserves to get knuckle guards as standard, but it doesn’t.4. We wish TVS had moved fuel tank in the floorboard like on Jupiter to carve out cavernous under-seat storage.5. While TVS says 12-inch wheels were a conscious choice, we think 14-inch wheels will be better for Indian roads. (Opinion of a person who owns scooters with 10-inch, 12-inch and 14-inch wheels).
    TVS Ntorq 150 First Ride Review
    These reservations can easily be termed as nitpicking as TVS Ntorq 150 literally is the best-equipped ICE scooter ever sold in India. My biggest reservation with Ntorq 150 is that I wished it had a little subtler design than what it flaunts. Keeping my subjective opinions aside, Ntorq 150 should be your obvious choice if you’re in the market for an aggressive-looking scooter with the best equipment on offer in India.
    TVS Ntorq 150 First Ride Review More

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    Mahindra BE 6 and XEV 9e Records 20,000 Sales in Just 5 Months

    Mahindra XEV 9eMahindra’s Electric Origin SUVs – the BE 6 and XEV 9e – have raced past a major milestone, with over 20,000 units sold in just five months. Together, these eSUVs have already clocked an impressive 9.3 crore kilometres on Indian roads, underscoring the rapid adoption of electric mobility in the SUV space.
    This achievement reflects not just numbers, but a shift in consumer confidence. With their bold design, powerful performance, and 500+ km of real-world driving range, the BE 6 and XEV 9e are being embraced as primary SUVs by Indian families, not just as secondary city commuters.
    9.3 crore kilometres on Indian roads
    Changing Perceptions About EVs
    Traditionally, EVs in India were considered suitable for short commutes but not trusted for long drives. The BE 6 and XEV 9e aim to change this perception. Built on Mahindra’s advanced INGLO platform, both SUVs combine long range, fast charging, and family-friendly practicality, giving buyers confidence to choose them as their main car.
    The certified range extends up to 683 km, with real-world driving comfortably above 500 km. DC fast charging technology allows the battery to charge from 20% to 80% in just 20 minutes, making long highway journeys practical and stress-free.
    New Mahindra BE 6
    Everyday Family Practicality
    The INGLO platform’s flat-floor architecture and long wheelbase ensure spacious interiors, complemented by a large boot and frunk for added practicality. A 5-link independent rear suspension with frequency-selective dampers has been tuned for Indian roads, enhancing ride comfort for families on daily commutes and road trips alike.
    Performance and Driving Dynamics
    Mahindra hasn’t compromised on performance either. Delivering up to 282 bhp and 380 Nm torque, these eSUVs can sprint from 0–100 km/h in just 6.7 seconds, with a top speed of over 200 km/h. Rear-wheel-drive dynamics, uncommon in ICE SUVs in this segment, add to the engaging driving experience.
    Tech and Value Proposition
    The BE 6 and XEV 9e also stand out on technology and cost savings. Highlights include a triple-screen cockpit, a 16-speaker 1400W audio system, self-parking, and Level 2+ ADAS features. Lower running costs – Rs 1.1/km versus nearly Rs 9/km for petrol/diesel SUVs – and lower maintenance strengthen their value proposition.
    Over five years, Mahindra estimates savings of Rs 12.63 lakh for BE 6 owners and Rs 13.47 lakh for XEV 9e owners compared to ICE SUVs. Buyers also benefit from state subsidies, tax deductions of up to Rs 1.5 lakh on EV loans, and road tax exemptions in several states.
    Leading India’s EV SUV Shift
    With 20,000 units already sold, Mahindra’s BE 6 and XEV 9e are proving that Indian buyers are ready to embrace EVs as their first car, not just a second one. Spacious, practical, powerful, and cost-effective, they are redefining the SUV landscape and marking a turning point for EV adoption in India. More

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    TVS Ntorq 150 vs Rivals Compared – SR 175, Xoom 160, Aerox 155

    TVS Ntorq 150 vs RivalsAfter the launch of Orbiter EV, TVS has now launched a highly anticipated ICE scooter in India. We’re talking about the Ntorq 150, which is the fastest, sportiest and most aggressive Ntorq TVS has ever sold. This sporty high-displacement scooter will lock horns with other sporty high-displacement scooters.
    For the sake of this comparison, we have included Aprilia SR 175, Hero Xoom 160 and Yamaha Aerox 155. Aprilia SXR 160 is not included in this list as it is likely to be updated with the newer 175cc engine soon. We have compared engine specs, key dimensions, features and equipment offered by all these scooters and see where Ntorq 150 falls on paper.
    New TVS Ntorq 150
    Ntorq 150 vs Rivals
    Since these are sporty and high-performance scooters, we have to start with engine parameters. Ntorq 150 comes with an air-cooled SOHC 3V/cyl engine with 13 bhp and 14.2 Nm. It holds up quite well against Aprilia SR 175, considering the displacement difference. However, Xoom 160 and Aerox 155 come with liquid-cooling technology.
    Xoom cranks out 14.6 bhp and Aerox 14.79 bhp. Aerox has the least torque at 13.9 Nm, followed by Xoom at 14 Nm, SR at 14.14 Nm and highest is Ntorq 150 at 14.2 Nm. Ntorq 150 is the only one with Ride Modes (Street, Race). Only the SR 175 lacks engine start / stop feature to save fuel.
    TVS Ntorq 150 vs Rivals
    Dimensions & Components
    SR 175 has the longest wheelbase at 1,365 mm, followed by Aerox, Xoom and Ntorq 150 has the shortest wheelbase. This and the 12-inch alloy wheels was a conscious decision by TVS to retain Ntorq’s handling characteristics. All other scooters come with 14-inch alloy wheels in this comparison favouring plusher ride quality.
    Ground clearance is lowest with Aerox at 145 mm, while all other scooters come with 155 mm. Aerox has the highest seat height and Ntorq lowest. Kerb weight is the lowest with Ntorq 150 and highest with Xoom 160 which falls in motorcycle territory at 142 kg. Fuel tank is the largest with Xoom 160 at 7L and only the SR 175 comes with an internal fuel filler cap.
    Hero Xoom 160
    Front disc and rear drum along with single-channel ABS is common in this segment. However, only Aerox and Ntorq get traction control. Only Aerox and Xoom get rear dual shock absorbers, halogen turn indicators and keyless go feature. While all scooters get Bluetooth connectivity, Aerox 155 misses out on useful features like navigation.
    Features
    Ntorq 150 takes the features game to a new level as it gets 4G eSim feature unlocking a host of telematics features including Alexa integration, smartwatch integration, voice control, panic braking and a lot more. It has to be noted that Ntorq 150 and SR 175 get 5-inch TFT instrument clusters, while Xoom 160 and Aerox get LCD units.
    2025 Yamaha Aerox 155 Version S
    Yamaha Aerox 155 comes out as the most expensive scooter on this list, while Hero Xoom 160 is trailing behind by a small margin. Aprilia SR 175 is priced at Rs 1.26 lakh and Ntorq 150 starts from Rs 1.19 lakh, undercutting them all. All scooters bring unique elements of their own and compete at the highest level to attract prospective buyers.
    Aprilia SR 175 More

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    TVS Ntorq 150 Launch Price Rs 1.19 L – 13 bhp, 14.2 Nm, 104 km/h Top Speed

    New TVS Ntorq 150Expanding the Ntorq nameplate, TVS Motor has just launched Ntorq 150 in the country. Essentially, Ntorq 150 is now the most powerful and sportiest TVS ICE scooter ever made. This is likely to sit well with performance enthusiasts in India who are contemplating between performance of a motorcycle and versatility and practicality of a scooter.
    Apart from the performance, TVS Ntorq 150 aims to be a tech fest which is likely to sit well with evolving aspirations and needs of daily commuters in India. It is an extension of Ntorq 125 and features a new design, revamped performance and added features and equipment.
    New TVS Ntorq 150 Launch Price
    TVS Ntorq 150 Launch
    Without a single test mule spy shot incident, TVS Motor has launched Ntorq 150. Starting price for this sporty scooter is Rs 1.19 lakh (Ex-sh) while the TFT variant has been priced at Rs 1.29 lakh (Ex-sh). There are two variants on offer, spread across four colourways – Turbo Blue, Stealth Silver, Racing Red and Nitro Green.
    New TVS Ntorq 150 Colours
    The main highlight of this scooter is its beating heart, which is a bored out version of Ntorq 125’s engine. It is a single-cylinder, SOHC 3V engine which displaces 149.7cc and is air-cooled. Peak power of this engine is 13 bhp at 7,000 RPM and peak torque is 14.2 Nm at 5,500 RPM. This engine is mated to a CVT gearbox and a ISG for silent starts. Due to the low 115 kg kerb weight, Ntorq 150 could possess segment-best power-to-weight ratio.
    New TVS Ntorq 150
    Higher Perforamnce
    Performance is the mantra here and TVS is promising a 0-60 km/h sprint in 6.3 seconds and top speed is pegged at 104 km/h. The 5.8L fuel tank position is under its seat and not in the floorboard with a central spine. So, TVS Ntorq 150 is a step-through scooter which retains all of its practicality and versatility. Also, under-seat storage is 22L. Wheelbase is the same as Ntorq 125.
    New TVS Ntorq 150
    The company is offering two ride modes with Ntorq 150 – Street and Race. There’s also iGO Assist which acts in Race Mode and a stop/start system which acts in Street Mode. Other notable elements include:
    New TVS Ntorq 150
    – Front disc brake– Single-channel ABS– Traction control system– Adjustable brake levers– Coloured 12-inch alloy wheels– Parking brakes– Panic braking– Engine kill switch– Telescopic front forks– Single-sided mono-shock rear suspension
    New TVS Ntorq 150 5″ TFT Cluster
    Sporty Design
    Apart from the specs, Ntorq 150 gets a sportier and much more aggressive design. The primary attraction is the quad projector LED headlight setup which is positioned quite high when compared to Ntorq 125’s. There’s a new T insignia in Ntorq 150’s tail lights. Turn indicators are LEDs with hazard light and panic braking features.
    TVS Ntorq 150
    TVS has added aerodynamic winglets at the front like on Apache RR 310 to add downforce. Switchgear is of 4-way navigation style and there is a front glove compartment along with a hook. TVS Ntorq 150 gets a new 5-inch TFT instrument screen that supports a host of informatics with turn-by-turn navigation, music control, adaptive brightness, 4G eSim connectivity for telematics, Alexa integration, smartwatch integration, weather and sports updates, OTA updates and more. More

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    Volkswagen Polo Makes A Comeback – As An Electric Car

    Volkswagen Polo EV ConceptUsing strong brand names like Polo in the EV era is Volkswagen’s newest strategy, which will also be used for other upcoming electric cars
    In a welcome move for enthusiasts, the Polo nameplate is making a comeback in an electric avatar. Volkswagen has announced that its ID.2all concept car will go on sale as the ID.Polo. Moreover, ID.Polo will also get a GTI version as the top-spec variant. This will be the brand’s first electric car to go on sale with the GTI badge. Let’s check out the details.
    Volkswagen ID.Polo, ID.Polo GTI – Naming strategy
    Volkswagen Polo has a strong brand recall across multiple markets including India and Europe. While Polo is no longer available in India, it is still in production in South Africa and exported to Europe. Polo has been synonymous with quality, reliability, timeless design and innovation, which is why Volkswagen has chosen to carry the name forward in the age of electrification.
    Volkswagen Polo EV Concept
    While electric cars offer multiple benefits, use of Polo nameplate will ensure a stronger emotional bond. This strategy makes it easier to communicate to customers what the new EV is all about. ID.Polo’s launch will coincide with Polo’s 50th anniversary year, marking an important chapter in the model’s legacy. The original Polo had entered production in 1975.
    Volkswagen ID.Polo and ID.Polo GTI will make their global debut at the upcoming IAA MOBILITY event in Munich (8th – 14th September). A day before that event, Volkswagen will unveil the new ID. Cross Concept. The production version of this concept will be positioned as the electric version of the T-Cross. Just like the ID.Polo, the ID.Cross will also go on sale in 2026.
    Volkswagen Polo EV Concept
    ID.Polo – Key features
    Volkswagen has revealed the ID.Polo and its GTI variant, wrapped in a colourful camouflage. The outline and visible features reveal that most of the styling elements seen with the ID.2all and ID.2 GTI concepts have been retained. The concepts themselves were showcased in near-production formats, which is why these final versions seem quite familiar.
    Volkswagen Polo EV Concept
    While ID.Polo maintains its sober styling, the GTI variant has a more striking presence. It has features such as a front diffuser, sportier alloy wheels, bespoke bumpers, mildly flared arches and a split spoiler on the tailgate. The GTI also has a lower ground clearance.
    Dimensionally, the ID.Polo is 4,053 mm long, 1,816 mm wide and 1,530 mm tall. It is underpinned by the electric-only MEB Entry platform. All variants of ID.Polo are expected to be equipped with a single electric motor, sending power to the front wheels. While not official, the GTI variant of ID.Polo could generate around 223 hp of peak power. At a later date, even a more performance-oriented Clubsport variant could be introduced.
    Volkswagen Polo EV Concept
    About the potential launch of ID.Polo in India, it is unlikely to happen anytime soon. While there’s scope for subcompact electric SUVs in India, Volkswagen’s current strategy is focused on targeting the premium segment. Volkswagen India brand director, Ashish Gupta, had earlier hinted at the possibility of reviving the Polo nameplate in India. However, no concrete plans have been revealed. More

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    Tata Harrier EV Barricade Ad Highlights India’s Pothole Problem

    Tata Harrier EV Barricade AdSometimes actions that look controversial can turn out to be more effective at getting the message across
    Potholes are a big problem in India and the situation gets worse during the monsoon season. While the pothole issue is widely reported, Tata.ev’s use of a traffic barricade to warn about potholes and also advertise the Harrier EV has sparked a massive debate on X. Many X users are unhappy with the seemingly insensitive guerrilla marketing tactics. But the barricade ad can actually prompt authorities to act. Let’s get some more details on this developing story.
    Harrier EV pothole barricade ad
    In the image, one can see a large section of the road completely destroyed by monsoon rains. The road appears to be a mix of concrete and bitumen road. Only a single lane appears to be usable, with fewer potholes than the water-covered pothole-infested stretch. It’s in front of the badly damaged road that a traffic barricade can be seen.
    Tata Harrier EV Barricade Ad
    Such barricading is often used to prevent vehicles from entering bad patches of a road. Lack of proper barricading can cause accidents in case a vehicle enters the damaged road section at a high speed. While the barricade serves its purpose, the message it bears is what has created a Twitter storm. It reads – Tata.ev the perfect road for Harrier.ev.
    This can be interpreted in several different ways, depending on what an individual thinks about it. Some may tag it as an unethical marketing practice, whereas others may just treat it as a road safety measure that also doubles up as an ad for an electric SUV. But the point to note is that the barricade is actually working to prevent accidents. Moreover, it has no role in the creation of the potholes.
    Social media reactions – X
    Now that the barricade ad has gone viral, it might actually get this road fixed faster than it would under normal circumstances. While the ad placement may seem unethical, the barricade seems to be achieving multiple objectives. If certain actions help prevent accidents and draw attention to the pothole issue, the advertising aspect can be overlooked. It’s actually a good way to troll the authorities and make them fix the supermassive potholes.
    Social media reactions – X
    Why so many potholes in India?
    While potholes are found across the globe, the problem is more severe in the country. There are many reasons and one of the most highlighted is the alleged corruption involved in road construction contracts. With contracts being given to the lowest bidder, it brings up the possibility of using substandard raw materials and construction equipment.
    Social media reactions – X
    However, construction quality is not the only reason that can lead to potholes. Weather extremes like high heat, cold and heavy rains for several days work to reduce the lifespan of roads. Lack of proper drainage systems is another factor that contributes to potholes. Standing water for long periods, combined with regular traffic flow, can compromise even the best roads.
    Overloading of transport trucks is another factor that contributes to pothole formation. Also responsible is the growing number of extreme weather events. Roads are inundated for days, which leads to damage. Solutions for potholes exist and action is being taken. For example, Mumbai has been continuously increasing its concrete road network. These are resistant to water and last several decades. However, since not all roads can be concretized and multiple factors are involved, a lot more planning and effort will be needed to reduce the pothole issue. More