One standout characteristic in the Audi Q7 Facelift luxury SUV is the clear borrowing of LED headlamps from the imminent electric Audi Q6 e-tron, now positioned at a higher level than it was in previous models. An upgrade with laser diodes is available for a fresh design approach to daytime running lights, offering a choice of four different "light signatures" through the infotainment system. OLED tail-lights now also present a choice of four different light signatures.
Safety has been improved with the introduction of a new system where the hazard lights are triggered to flash if another car is detected to be approaching, while heading for a potential collision, a stationary Q7 from behind.
A front grille redesign also distinguishes Q7 from other lesser models in the Audi family. Base cars feature slats in a teardrop shape, while high-end cars opt for an L shape grille design. Car enthusiasts can choose from five new designs of alloy wheels, ranging from 20-inch to 22-inch diameters.
On the exterior, the air intakes have been transitioned to blend with the rest of the colour scheme of the car's trim. If a Black and Black Plus package option is chosen, the car's trim can be gloss black. Other decorative trim components have been significantly reduced with an aim of giving the Audi Q7 Facelift a "more robust" look.
Upgrades have also been made inside, enhancing the infotainment system to accommodate music streaming from apps such as Amazon Music and Spotify. The Virtual Cockpit has been bolstered with a lane-change warning system. Standard interiors are lined with contrasting grey leather, with new trim finishes in gold, blue, and red available as choices.
Engine specifics and mechanical specifications:
Little has changed mechanically for Audi Q7 Facelift, with a few minor adjustments to the four-wheel steering system said to augment its user-friendliness. As before, the engine choice remains unchanged, with twin options of a 3.0-litre turbo diesel V6 providing 230hp and 286hp, along with a 3.0-litre turbo petrol V6 with 340hp. The top-tier SQ7 still carries the 507hp, 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged petrol V8, reaching 0-100kph in 4.1 seconds and a top speed electronically capped at 250kph.
The refreshed Audi Q7 Facelift now bears an optional Advanced Suspension Package with a torque-vectoring differential. The pre-existing Q7 trim levels of S Line, Black Edition, and Vorsprung will continue to be available in select markets. While there is no specific news regarding the facelift's launch in India, expectations are that Audi will introduce the updated model to the domestic market in the foreseeable future.
Tata Motors is set to significantly enhance India's electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure, aiming to more than double the number of charging points to 400,000 by 2027. This ambitious plan involves collaboration with Charge Point Operators (CPOs) and Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) to establish an additional 30,000 public chargers accessible to all EV brands. The expansion will prioritize strategic locations, including highways, metropolitan areas, and emerging EV hubs.
Since 2019, Tata Motors has been actively deploying home and public charging solutions in partnership with Tata Group companies. In 2023, the company launched the 'Open Collaboration' framework, joining forces with various CPOs and OMCs to accelerate the development of a nationwide charging network. This initiative led to a rapid increase in public charging stations, surpassing 18,000 within 15 months. To date, Tata Motors has facilitated the installation of over 150,000 home chargers, 2,500 community chargers, and 750 dealership-based charging points across 200 cities.
In addition to expanding the charging network, Tata Motors is introducing 'TATA.ev Mega Chargers' in key cities and along major highways. These high-capacity chargers will be available to all EV users, with TATA.ev customers receiving priority access and preferential rates. The company has signed Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with leading CPOs, including Tata Power, ChargeZone, Statiq, and Zeon, to deploy 500 Mega Chargers within the next two years
Shailesh Chandra, Managing Director of Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles and Tata Passenger Electric Mobility, stated, "Through 'Open Collaboration 2.0,' we aim to grow the charging network to over 400,000 points in the next two years. This expansion will improve charging speed, reliability, and accessibility while fostering the growth of charge point operators."
This comprehensive strategy underscores Tata Motors' commitment to bolstering the EV ecosystem in India, addressing concerns about charging infrastructure, and encouraging more consumers to transition to electric mobility.
Mahindra has expanded its BE 6 electric SUV lineup with the introduction of the 'Pack One Above' variant, positioned just above the base model. Priced at ₹20.50 lakh (ex-showroom), this variant offers a blend of enhanced features and performance.
Key Features of the BE 6 Pack One Above:
Exterior:
This new variant aims to provide consumers with a balanced mix of performance, comfort, and safety features, catering to those seeking a mid-tier electric SUV option.
The MG Windsor has swiftly become a standout in the electric vehicle (EV) market since its debut in September 2024, consistently achieving monthly sales exceeding 3,000 units. This impressive performance positions it as the top-selling EV in its segment.
Design and Aesthetics
The Windsor's design is a harmonious blend of various automotive styles, incorporating elements from MPVs, hatchbacks, and SUVs. Its clean lines and smooth surfaces suggest a design refined in a wind tunnel. The vehicle's mono-volume silhouette and substantial width of 1,850mm—surpassing even the MG Hector—grant it a commanding road presence. Features like 18-inch wheels, a horizontal daytime running lamp strip, an illuminated MG logo, and pop-out door handles enhance its modern aesthetic.
Interior Comfort and Features
Inside, the Windsor offers a minimalist yet functional design. The wide-opening doors and tall stance facilitate easy ingress and egress. The cabin is spacious, with ample headroom and legroom, and the flat floor design enhances comfort for rear passengers. The dashboard features a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system and a 7-inch digital instrument cluster. Ambient lighting and quality materials contribute to a premium feel, though some areas could benefit from improved insulation to reduce road noise.
Performance and Driving Experience
The Windsor is powered by a 50.3kWh battery pack, delivering a claimed range of 350 km on a single charge. Its electric motor produces 143 PS and 250 Nm of torque, enabling smooth and responsive acceleration. The vehicle handles city driving adeptly, with a light steering feel and a tight turning radius. However, the ride can feel stiff over rough surfaces, and cabin insulation could be improved to enhance overall comfort.
Pricing and Conclusion
The MG Windsor is priced competitively, starting at ₹13.50 lakh and going up to ₹15.50 lakh. With the Battery as a Service (BaaS) scheme, the starting price is even more attractive at ₹9.99 lakh. This pricing strategy undercuts other EVs in the segment, such as the Tata Nexon EV and the Mahindra XUV400. Despite minor drawbacks like cabin insulation and ride stiffness, the Windsor's appealing design, spacious interior, and smooth driving experience make it a compelling choice for those seeking an affordable and practical electric vehicle.
In summary, MG has delivered a well-rounded EV with the Windsor, offering excellent value for money and addressing the needs of modern urban drivers.
In a remarkable demonstration of engineering prowess, Tata Motors' Curvv compact SUV has successfully towed a Boeing 737 aircraft weighing 48,000 kg. This feat was achieved using the Curvv's 1.2-liter Hyperion GDI petrol engine, which produces 125 PS of power and 225 Nm of torque. The event took place at the AIESL Hangar in Thiruvananthapuram, where the Curvv pulled the aircraft for a distance of 100 meters, setting a new record recognized by the India Book of Records.
This accomplishment underscores the structural integrity of the Curvv's ATLAS platform and highlights the capabilities of its Hyperion engine. Notably, this is the second instance of a Tata vehicle towing a Boeing 737; previously, the Tata Hexa, equipped with a 2.2-liter turbo diesel engine, performed a similar feat.
The Curvv's achievement is particularly impressive given its monocoque construction and smaller engine displacement compared to the Hexa's ladder-frame design and larger engine. This demonstration not only showcases Tata Motors' engineering excellence but also emphasizes the durability and performance potential of the Tata Curvv's design and powertrain.
MG Motor India is set to expand its premium footprint by establishing 14 'MG Select' dealerships across 13 major cities in the country. This strategic move aims to introduce and promote MG's luxury vehicle lineup to a broader audience.
Cities and Dealerships
The first phase of this expansion will see 'MG Select' dealerships in the following cities:
Mahindra has officially opened bookings for its much-anticipated electric SUVs, the BE 6 and XEV 9e, starting today, February 14, 2025, at 9 AM IST. Customers can reserve their preferred model and variant through the official Mahindra Electric SUV website.
Pricing and Variants
The BE 6 is available in five variants, while the XEV 9e comes in four. Both models offer a choice between 59 kWh and 79 kWh battery packs, with prices ranging from ₹18.90 lakh to ₹30.50 lakh (ex-showroom).
Delivery Timeline
Deliveries will commence in a phased manner:
Kia is gearing up to unveil three new electric vehicles at its upcoming EV Day on February 27, 2025, in Tarragona, Spain. The event will showcase the production-ready EV4 and PV5, along with the concept EV2, all embodying Kia's "Opposites United" design philosophy
EV4:
The kia EV4 is anticipated to debut in both sedan and hatchback configurations. Speculations suggest it will offer two battery options—58.3 kWh and 81.4 kWh—paired with a single front-wheel-drive electric motor producing 201 bhp and 283 Nm of torque. Design elements include a long, tapering bonnet, sloping rear roofline, vertically arranged LED headlights, and geometric alloy wheels.
Kia PV5:
The PV5 is an electric van featuring a neo-retro, futuristic design reminiscent of the VW ID. Buzz. It boasts a boxy silhouette with distinctive lighting elements. The interior is designed for flexibility, allowing for various seating configurations or expanded cargo space. It's expected to share powertrain options with the EV4 and may launch by late 2025 or early 2026.
Kia EV2 Concept:
The EV2 will be Kia's smallest global electric car to date, making its debut in concept form. Spy shots from South Korea reveal a sub-4-meter vehicle with vertically arranged split LED headlights. It's expected to feature smaller battery packs than the EV4 and may share components with the recently launched Syros ICE SUV in India.
These unveilings underscore Kia's commitment to expanding its electric vehicle lineup, catering to a diverse range of consumer preferences and needs.
Volkswagen's Performance:
Total Sales: Volkswagen sold 3,344 units in January 2025, marking a 2% YoY increase from 3,267 units in January 2024. However, this represented a 30% decrease from the 4,787 units sold in December 2024.
Model-wise Breakdown: