Auto News Of The Week: Key Highlights From India’s Automobile Industry

This week, India’s auto sector brings several notable developments. From extended EV buyback plans to top safety ratings, new taxi-ready models, SUV launches and updates in the MPV segment, here’s a complete roundup of what matters to buyers

JSW MG Motor India Announces 5-Year Extension of Assured Buyback Plan

JSW MG Motor India has extended its Assured Buyback Plan for electric vehicles, making it the first car brand in India to offer resale value protection for up to five years. This initiative is designed to remove concerns about depreciation for electric vehicle buyers

Key Highlights:

• Customers can choose 3 year, 4 year or 5 year plans with guaranteed resale value ranging from 40% to 60% of the original ex showroom price
• The program covers popular models such as the ZS EV, Windsor EV, and Comet EV, and it is independent of any loan or financing options
• Commercial ZS EV owners are also eligible, provided their usage does not exceed 60,000 km per year or three years
• At the end of the term, buyers can keep, return or exchange their vehicle, offering flexibility and peace of mind

This move is expected to accelerate EV adoption in India providing assurance for new buyers and increasing trust in electric vehicles

Tata Harrier & Safari Petrol Crash Test Results from BNCAP Revealed

Tata Motors’ petrol versions of the Harrier and Safari SUVs have been awarded 5-star ratings by the Bharat New Car Assessment Program (BNCAP), confirming that petrol variants are just as safe as diesel ones

Safety Highlights of Both SUVs:

• Adult Occupant Protection: Both the Tata Harrier petrol and Safari petrol scored 30.08 out of 32 delivering strong protection in frontal offset and side impact crash tests
• Child Occupant Protection: The SUVs achieved 44.54 out of 49 points with full marks in multiple dynamic child safety assessments
• Standard Safety Package: Safety equipment remains identical across both models, including six airbags, electronic stability program and ISOFIX child seat anchors
• Crash Test Performance: The frontal offset crash test scored 14.08 out of 16, while the side barrier test achieved a perfect 16 out of 16 score

These results reaffirm Tata’s reputation for safe family SUVs, ensuring petrol engine variants are equally secure as diesel options

Hyundai Grand i10 NIOS & Aura Enters Taxi Market, ranging from Rs 5.99–6.89 lakh

Hyundai has entered the Indian taxi segment with factory-built Prime HB (Grand i10 Nios) and Prime SD (Aura) vehicles targeting fleet operators and commercial users

Key Details:

• Pricing: Prime HB starts at ₹5.99 lakh, and Prime SD at ₹6.89 lakh (ex-showroom)
• Fuel Efficiency: Prime HB delivers 27.32 km/kg, while Prime SD provides 28.40 km/kg with operating costs around ₹0.47/km
• Features: Both models include a factory 80 km/h speed limiter, panic buttons, rear AC vents and optional 9 inch infotainment touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Booking: Fleet operators can secure their vehicles with a ₹5,000 token amount
• Colors Available: Atlas White, Typhoon Silver and Abyss Black

This launch reduces conversion costs and positions Hyundai as a strong player in the commercial vehicle market

2026 Kia Seltos Price Revealed, starts from Rs 10.99 Lakh

The 2026 Kia Seltos has officially launched in India with a modern design and updated features

Price And Variants:

• Starting Price: Base HTE petrol manual at ₹10.99 lakh
• Top Variants: X-Line/GTX diesel automatic priced up to ₹19.99 lakh

Engines & Transmission:

• 1.5L petrol engine with two power outputs and 1.5L diesel engine
• Transmission options include manual, DCT and torque converter automatic

Key Features:

• Level 2 ADAS safety features
• Panoramic sunroof and 30-inch Trinity display
• 10 variants and 12 color options
• Bookings open with a ₹25,000 token

The 2026 Seltos competes directly with Hyundai Creta and other mid SUVs, offering more technology and features for a slightly higher starting price

Toyota Innova Crysta To Be Discontinued In India Around March 2027

Toyota has confirmed plans to discontinue the Innova Crysta diesel in India by March 2027, mainly due to stricter CAFE 3 emission norms

Important Details:

• The 2.4L diesel manual remains popular among fleet buyers but cannot meet new emission regulations
• Original discontinuation was delayed from 2025 because of high demand and issues with the Innova Hycross hybrid
• Toyota plans to focus on the Innova Hycross hybrid for private buyers, leveraging hybrid advantages under CAFE norms

This ends a 20 year era for the ladder-frame MPV in India, as Toyota shifts toward greener hybrid vehicles

Hyundai Venue HX5+ Variant Introduced, Priced at Rs 9.99 Lakh

Hyundai has launched the HX5+ variant of the Venue sub compact SUV at ₹9.99 lakh, adding value for buyers seeking more features without paying for higher trims

Features & Upgrades:

• 1.2L Kappa petrol engine with manual gearbox
• LED headlamps, roof rails, wireless charging
• Rear sunshade, rear wiper, driver power window auto up/down
• HX4 variant gets seat height adjustability

The HX5+ variant strengthens Venue’s presence in the sub-compact SUV segment while keeping the price accessible