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    BYD Sealion 7 Scores 5 Star Safety Rating – Euro NCAP Crash Tests

    BYD Sealion 7 Scores 5 Star SafetyIn an important development for electric vehicle safety standards, the new BYD Sealion 7 has achieved impressive results in Euro NCAP crash tests. The all-electric SUV, tested in its ‘Comfort’ variant (LHD), received an overall strong safety rating, setting a new benchmark among large electric SUVs. BYD Sealion 7 was launched in India in Feb 2025, for a starting price of Rs 48.9 lakh, ex-sh.
    Outstanding Safety Performance
    The BYD Sealion 7 scored:
    – 87% for Adult Occupant Protection– 93% for Child Occupant Protection– 76% for Vulnerable Road Users– 79% for Safety Assist Systems
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    These scores place the Sealion 7 among the top contenders in its class for comprehensive occupant and pedestrian safety.
    Adult Occupant Protection: Strong and Stable
    During frontal offset crash tests, the Sealion 7’s passenger compartment remained stable. It showed excellent protection for critical body areas such as knees and femurs, for both driver and front passenger. In the full-width rigid barrier test, protection for rear seat passengers’ chests was rated as ‘weak’, but otherwise the car demonstrated good safety performance across all other critical areas.
    BYD Sealion 7 Scores 5 Star Safety
    In side barrier and pole impact tests, the SUV scored maximum points, offering good protection to all critical body areas. Whiplash protection for front and rear seats was also rated as good.
    Child Safety: Top Marks
    The Sealion 7 impressed in child occupant safety, scoring 93%. In both frontal and side crash tests, the SUV provided good protection for 6- and 10-year-old child dummies. The car is equipped with ISOFIX mounts and a ‘child presence detection’ system that alerts if a child is left unattended.
    Vulnerable Road Users: Room for Improvement
    In terms of pedestrian and cyclist safety, the BYD Sealion 7 scored 76%. While the car’s autonomous emergency braking (AEB) system performed well in detecting pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcyclists, some areas like head protection near the windshield pillars and cyclist dooring prevention were rated as marginal.
    Safety Assistance Systems: Well Equipped
    The Sealion 7 features a comprehensive suite of driver assistance systems, including:
    – Autonomous emergency braking (AEB) with vehicle, pedestrian, and cyclist detection– Lane keep assist and emergency lane keeping– Speed limit recognition and intelligent speed assistance– Direct driver monitoring system for fatigue and distraction detection
    All seating positions are equipped with seatbelt reminders, and the Sealion 7 includes an advanced eCall system and multi-collision braking system as standard.
    The BYD Sealion 7’s crash test results highlight the brand’s strong commitment to safety in the rapidly growing electric SUV segment. With high scores across adult and child occupant protection, and well-rounded safety assistance features, the Sealion 7 makes a compelling case for customers seeking a safe, feature-rich electric SUV in 2025. More

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    New Ampere Electric Scooter Launch Price Rs 60k – No License, Registration Required

    New Ampere Electric ScooterAmpere, the electric two-wheeler brand under Greaves Electric Mobility Limited (GEML), has launched its latest scooter, the Ampere Reo 80, priced at just Rs 59,900. Focused on making electric mobility accessible to everyone, the Reo 80 embodies Ampere’s mission of ‘Har Gully Electric’, bringing smart, safe, and affordable commuting to India’s streets and neighbourhoods.
    Making Electric Mobility Truly Accessible
    Targeting first-time EV users, students, senior citizens, and everyday family riders, the Ampere Reo 80 is designed for hassle-free mobility – no license or registration required. Deliveries for the new scooter will commence across India from April 2025.
    New Ampere Electric Scooter
    Ampere Reo 80 – Key Features
    – Safe LFP Battery ensuring thermal protection and long life– Coloured LCD Cluster for clear ride insights– Front Disc Brake for enhanced braking control– Keyless Start with a premium keyfob– Dual-Tone Sporty Colours – Black, Red, Blue, and White– Stylish Alloy Wheels adding a premium touch– Range: 80 km on a single charge– Top Speed: Sub-25 km/h (No license required)
    Designed for Everyday India
    With a starting price under Rs 60,000, Ampere Reo 80 is aimed at democratizing electric mobility in India. It’s ideal for short commutes, intra-city errands, and providing an economical, eco-friendly alternative to petrol scooters for millions of riders.
    Speaking about the launch, Mr. K. Vijaya Kumar, Executive Director & CEO, Greaves Electric Mobility, says, “At Ampere, we are driven by the vision of enabling ‘Har Gully Electric’. With the launch of the all-new Ampere Reo 80, we are making electric mobility even more accessible and inclusive for our customers in India. This ensures that every rider, regardless of their budget or need, has a safe, reliable, and smart electric mobility option from Ampere.”
    Growing Momentum for Ampere
    Ampere continues to ride a wave of success. As per VAHAN data, Greaves Electric Mobility posted a 52% month-on-month sales growth in March 2025, crossing 6,000 units. This strong market response reinforces the brand’s growing trust and relevance in India’s booming EV market. With the launch of Reo 80, Ampere is all set to electrify even the smallest gullies of India — one affordable ride at a time. More

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    Mahindra Delivers 3,000 Electric Origin SUVs – XEV 9e and BE 6 Waiting Period Up To 6 Months

    Mahindra Electric SUVs – DeliveryMahindra has achieved a significant milestone in its electric journey by delivering over 3,000 units of its all-electric Origin SUVs—XEV 9e and BE 6 — since deliveries commenced on March 20, 2025. The announcement marks a strong start for Mahindra’s next-generation EV lineup, reinforcing growing customer trust and enthusiasm for electric mobility.
    Record EV Deliveries In Record Time
    Both the XEV 9e and BE 6 have received an overwhelming response in the market, with the majority of customers opting for the top-spec Pack Three variant. Current booking data reveals a 59% preference for the XEV 9e and 41% for the BE 6. Given the high demand, waiting periods now extend up to six months in select regions. To address this, Mahindra is scaling up deliveries across the country to reduce wait times and ensure a smooth ownership experience.
    Mahindra Delivers 3000 Electric Origin SUVs
    In a customer-centric move, Mahindra has introduced a new ‘Default’ drive mode specially designed for first-time EV adopters. This mode replicates the driving characteristics of internal combustion vehicles, making the transition to electric smoother, more natural, and immediately comfortable for new owners.
    Additionally, each Origin SUV delivery is accompanied by curated video guides that walk customers through EV best practices—ranging from efficient charging techniques to optimizing driving range and understanding the vehicle’s advanced connected features. These resources aim to empower customers to get the most out of their electric SUVs right from day one.
    Mahindra India Design Studio
    Mahindra recently inaugurated its all-new Mahindra India Design Studio (MIDS) in Mumbai, marking a bold leap forward in its design capabilities. This state-of-the-art facility doubles the size of the previous studio and is equipped with cutting-edge design technologies, blending digital tools with traditional craftsmanship. Serving as a key creative hub for both domestic and global markets, MIDS will closely collaborate with Mahindra Advanced Design Europe (MADE) in the UK.
    With a growing product portfolio across Auto, Farm, and Last Mile Mobility, the new design studio is set to shape Mahindra’s next-generation vehicles—including the new electric Origin SUVs, XEV 9e and BE 6, which stand out with their futuristic, globally competitive design language that redefines the perception of Indian cars. More

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    KTM 390 SMC R Spied Testing With Saree Guard – India Launch Soon?

    KTM 390 SMC R Spied With Saree Guard
    Team Orange has been expanding its 390 platform to incorporate more vehicles and genres. KTM recently launched the new 390 Adventure in India for a starting price of Rs 3.68 lakh (Ex-sh). It is speculated that KTM will also launch 390 Enduro R, which is a genre that KTM has carved out on 390 platform for the first time.
    Also for the first time on 390 platform is 390 SMC R, which has been spied recently in India. While it is not confirmed to launch in India, this particular test mule looks like it is an India-spec model. When launched, it will be the most fun-oriented motorcycle based on this platform. Let’s take a closer look.
    KTM 390 SMC R Spied Testing
    Up until now, KTM only had street fighter 390 Duke, 390 Adventure ADV and RC 390 Supersport as part of its 390 portfolio. Now, the company has expended this displacement class to incorporate a hard-core enduro motorcycle called 390 Enduro R and a supermoto bike called 390 SMC R.
    While 390 Enduro R is likely to launch in India soon, the latest spy shots of 390 SMC R indicates that the company might consider launching it in India too. We say this because the latest spy shots of 390 SMC R test mules show the presence of a saree guard, which is mandated on all 2W vehicles sold here.
    KTM 390 SMC R Spied With Saree Guard
    Bajaj Auto handles manufacturing of 390 portfolio for KTM India’s domestic and export business. Testing of these motorcycles in India is a common practice even though they’re not destined to launch here. However, the presence of a saree guard strongly suggests that it might be India bound.
    What to expect?
    Overall design is similar to 390 Enduro R, but 390 SMC R features smaller 17-inch wheels wrapped with fat rubber. 110-section at the front and 150-section for rear. Interestingly, these are wire-spoke wheels that may support tubeless tyres. It gets the same braking hardware as 390 Enduro R along with an additional Supermoto ABS mode.
    Suspension is handled by fully adjustable WP Apex USD telescopic front forks along with fully adjustable rear WP Apex mono-shock setup. Front is adjustable for rebound and compression and rear is adjustable for rebound and preload. It gets a pill-shaped 4.3-inch TFT cluster as 390 Enduro R that should be Bluetooth enabled.
    2025 KTM 390 SMC R
    Powering this motorcycle will be the same 399cc liquid-cooled DOHC 4V/cyl single-cylinder engine that is capable of 45.3 bhp of peak power and 39 Nm of peak torque, mated to a 6-speed gearbox. Launch is likely to happen in the coming months.
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    2025 Yamaha MT-15 Launched In Malaysia – Gets New Colour

    2025 Yamaha MT-15 LaunchedYamaha MT-15 is one of the most popular street motorcycles in the world. Owing to its pricing, weight and performance it packs, it has been a sought after choice by many. In Malaysia, Yamaha has updated the MT-15 to MY25 version with a new colourway, while retaining the prices that MY24 version had. Let’s take a closer look.
    2025 Yamaha MT-15 Launched
    Yamaha has a successful premium 155cc motorcycle portfolio in India. We’re talking about MT-15 Street Fighter and R15 Supersport machines that have been extremely popular and sought after. In February 2025, Yamaha sold 9,490 units of MT-15 showing just how popular it is in the country.
    2025 Yamaha MT-15 Launched
    In Malaysia, however, Yamaha has updated MT-15 to MY25 version. If you’re looking at a host of updates and changes, you will not find any. Also, if you were expecting a price hike with this update to MY25 version, you would be pleasantly surprised as Yamaha has carried over MY24 prices.
    Speaking of, 2025 Yamaha MT-15 in Malaysia has been priced at RM 12,498 without registration taxes and insurance. This turns out to be around Rs 2.4 lakh. This is the same price Yamaha was selling MY24 version for. The main addition is a new Ice-Storm colourway that looks rather nice.
    2025 Yamaha MT-15 Launched
    It gets Ice Blue shade as highlight colour which can be seen on fuel tank, rear subframe panel and on both alloy wheels. This Ice Blue is darker than Cyan and lighter than Racing Blue offered in India. It looks cool and has a charm of its own. Something we wished Yamaha Motor India launched here as well.
    What else is new?
    Currently, Yamaha MT-15 is offered in Dark Matte Blue, Metallic Black, Cyan Storm DLX, Ice Fluo-Vermillion DLX, Metallic Black DLX, Racing Blue DLX and Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP Edition colourways in India. The addition of Ice-Storm colourway would spruce up the colour palette on this motorcycle.
    2025 Yamaha MT-15 Launched
    While at it, we wish Yamaha also updates MT-15’s instrumentation with the same TFT cluster seen on R15 and now on lower tier FZ-S FI Hybrid. At least as on option. Other than that 2025 Yamaha MT-15 launched in Malaysia has no changes over MY24 version. It gets the same Gold USD forks at front and mono-shock at the rear and disc brakes with dual-channel ABS.
    The 140-section rear tyre is fat and offers a lot of cornering ability. Powertrain continues to be the same 155cc single-cylinder liquid-cooled DOHC 4V/cyl VVA engine that can crank out around 18 bhp of peak power and 14.1 Nm of peak torque, mated to a 6-speed gearbox. More

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    2025 Yamaha FZ-S FI Launch Price Rs 1.35L – Gets New Colours, Updates

    2025 Yamaha FZ-S FI
    Yamaha has just updated the FZ-S FI in India to MY25. With this update, it will get a slight upwards price revision. The company has introduced a slight design revision as well as a few new colours to spruce up the MY25 version. Let’s take a closer look at these new changes with MY25 version of Yamaha FZ-S FI.
    2025 Yamaha FZ-S Launch
    Yamaha has launched the MY25 version of FZ-S FI in India rather silently. It features the exact same design, albeit with one minor revision, and offers a bunch of new colours. Four to be exact – Matte Black, Ice Fluo-Vermillion, Metallic Grey and Cyber Green. With these new colourways, Yamaha is offering a different aesthetic than the preceding model.
    New Yamaha FZ-S FI – Cyber Green
    Prices for 2025 Yamaha FZ-S FI start from Rs 1,34,800 (Ex-sh) and it remains the same for all colourways. This new pricing is Rs Rs 3,600 more than FZ-S FI Ver 4.0. We can see that Yamaha has dropped Ver 4.0 from this model’s name, a strategy we recently saw with FZ-S FI Hybrid as well.
    Speaking of, sales of Yamaha FZ-S FI Ver 4.0, FZ-S FI Ver 3.0 and FZ-FI are still live and are likely to stay that way until stocks last. The main update with MY25 FZ-S FI is in the engine department. It gets an updated powertrain which is compliant with latest and stricter BS6 OBD2B emission standards.
    New Yamaha FZ-S FI – Ice Fluo-Vermillion
    How to identify MY25 version apart from its predecessors? One might ask. Apart from the new colours, MY25 FZ-S FI has just one design change, which is subtle and can go easily unnoticed. The turn indicators. Yamaha has moved front turn indicators from headlight assembly to its tank shrouds. Also, the chrome around tank shrouds is now gloss Black.
    What is new?
    If you’re wondering whether 2025 Yamaha FZ-S FI gets the new TFT instrument cluster, that is exclusively offered with FZ-S FI Hybrid only. Which is priced at Rs 1,44,800 (Ex-sh). However, if you just want an FZ without any bells and whistles, Yamaha is still selling the older FZ-FI at a price point of 1,17,940 (Ex-sh).
    New Yamaha FZ-S FI – Matte Black
    2025 Yamaha FZ-S FI is powered by a 149cc single-cylinder air-cooled SOHC 2V/cyl engine that is capable of 12 bhp of peak power and 13.3 Nm of peak torque, mated to a 5-speed gearbox. It weighs 137 kg, offers fat 140-section rear tyre, single-channel ABS, traction control, fully digital cluster with Y-Connect, LED headlights and more.
    New Yamaha FZ-S FI – Metallic Grey More

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    2025 Honda PCX 160 Patented in India – Launch Soon?

    2025 Honda PCX 160While Honda has patented multiple two-wheelers in India in recent times, there is no official word on their potential launch
    To prepare for future possibilities, OEMs take proactive measures such as registering and patenting new models. Honda has been following a similar approach, as seen with patents filed for NX125, Honda Beat, NPF 125, NWX 125, CG 160 and SCR 125. And now, Honda has filed the patent for another two-wheeler – PCX 160. Let’s check out the details.
    2025 Honda PCX 160 – Key features
    With its sporty maxi-styling, Honda PCX 160 has a commanding road presence. Some of the key highlights include sleek LED headlights, sharp body panelling, a step-up seat, upswept exhaust and robust grab rail. PCX 160 has a large windscreen at the front, which makes the scooter suitable for longer journeys. At the rear, the scooter has 3D taillight design with distinctive X element.
    2025 Honda PCX 160
    Honda PCX 160 is equipped with a high-visibility LCD screen that displays a wide range of information. It includes speedometer, trip meter, odometer, fuel gauge, fuel consumption readout, low battery voltage indicator and V-belt replacement alert. The LCD display utilizes a 3D bezel structure that complements the scooter’s sporty profile.
    While it boasts a dynamic appearance, the PCX 160 is also designed to meet the practical needs of everyday riders. Users can access a USB-C charging socket, front storage and 30-litres of underseat storage. With a long footrest area, users can adjust their riding position based on their body sizes. The 8-litre fuel tank is installed under the floorboard, which lowers the centre of gravity and enhances overall control and handling. Large 14-inch front and 13-inch rear wheels also enhance riding comfort and safety.
    2025 Honda PCX 160
    Honda PCX 160 – Performance, specs
    Powering Honda PCX 160 is a 157cc liquid-cooled, single-cylinder engine that generates 15.8 PS and 15 Nm of torque. It is mated to an automatic V-Matic belt drive transmission. The powertrain can seamlessly handle city commutes as well as highway rides.
    Along with its powerful performance, Honda PCX 160 is also preferred for its high mileage. Practical tests have revealed that PCX can deliver mileage of around 40-45 km/l. That means a range of up to 360 km on a full tank.
    2025 Honda PCX 160
    Honda has used an advanced frame for PCX 160 that is lightweight and designed for enhancing handling and comfort. Users can expect good cornering performance with the scooter. Tyres used are 10/70-14 front and 130/70 at the rear. Braking setup comprises 220 mm front disc and a 130 mm drum brake at rear. Single-channel ABS is offered as standard. Suspension setup comprises 31 mm telescopic forks at front and twin rear shock absorbers.
    Honda PCX 160 – India launch soon?
    While Honda has patented the 2025 PCX 160, it is not certain if it will be launched here. As of now, Honda does not offer a 160cc scooter in India. In comparison, rival products are already available such as Aprilia SXR 160, Yamaha Aerox 155 and Hero XOOM 160. In this scenario, there appears to be potential for a 160cc Honda scooter. While current demand in the 160cc scooter segment may be relatively low, Honda could position the PCX 160 as a future-ready product. More

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    2025 Hero Karizma Updated With USD Forks, TFT Screen, Launch Price Rs 2L

    2025 Hero Karizma UpdatedWorld’s largest motorcycle manufacturer, Hero MotoCorp, has just updated its Karizma XMR 210 fully-faired Supersport motorcycle. The changes can be seen in the top-spec ‘Top’ variant and Hero has also launched a new colourway called Combat Edition for a slight price premium over ‘Top’ variant.
    This new top-spec variant packs beter features and more premium components that prospective buyers were yearning for quite some time. The Base trim offered before, continue as it was. Let’s take a closer look at the updated Karizma.
    2025 Hero Karizma XMR 210 Combat Edition
    2025 Hero Karizma Updated
    First showcased at EICMA 2024 and then at Auto Expo 2025, a top variant of Hero Karizma was slated to launch soon. Hero even teased Combat Edition which got these updates in January 2025. The company has now launched it in April 2025. Price for updated 2025 Hero Karizma XMR 210 starts from Rs 1,81,400 (Ex-sh).
    The updates we keep on mentioning are only reflected in Karizma’s top-spec ‘Top’ variant which commands a price tag of Rs 1,99,750 (Ex-sh). Combat Edition is only a colourway featuring an attractive Grey shade and is priced at Rs 2,01,500 (Ex-sh), which is just a marginal increase over ‘Top’ variant.
    2025 Hero Karizma Updated – Top Variant Colours
    Speaking of the updates, Hero is offering USD front forks finished in a lovely Gold shade. This was a much sought after component with Karizma XMR 210 and a head scratcher at that. We say this because Hero offered USD front forks even with Xtreme 160R which is not a Supersport and doesn’t have nearly as much performance as Karizma packs.
    The other update we welcome with 2025 Hero Karizma XMR 210 is with its instrumentation. There was nothing wrong with it as it packed Bluetooth and Navigation features. However, the new TFT cluster Karizma is offering, is the same one that we recently sampled with Xpulse 210 and it is a lot better than the cluster it is replacing.
    2025 Hero Karizma Updated TFT Instrument Cluster
    Where powertrain is concerned, it still packs the same 210cc liquid-cooled DOHC 4V/cyl single-cylinder motor that is capable of generating 25 bhp of peak power and 20.4 Nm of peak torque, mated to a slipper clutch and a 6-speed gearbox. There’s dual-channel ABS, ABS modes as part of this package too.
    Better sales prospect than before?
    With these new updates, Hero Karizma XMR 210 seems to have much better sales prospects than it did before. Even though the USD forks will not bring significantly better dynamics, it aligns with customer perception of what a Supersport machine should pack by default. This update is likely to attract more buyers. More