From re-engineered lifestyle 4x4s and compact sedan makeovers to high-displacement retro roadsters, here are five automotive developments that happened in the Indian market this week.
Roundup
- Mahindra introduces the Thar OG with upgraded mechanicals, priced from ₹10.32 lakh.
- Tata Motors debuts the Aeris, succeeding the Tigor with revised design and equipment.
- Honda launches the 501cc single-cylinder CB500 and updates the CB350 motorcycle range.
- Mahindra scales its Charge_iN ultrafast 180 kW EV charging network to 50 stations.
- Mercedes-AMG rolls out the limited-run G 63 Offroad PRO in India at ₹3.80 crore.
Mahindra Thar OG Launched at ₹10.32 Lakh
Mahindra & Mahindra has launched the Thar OG, which replaces the original three-door lifestyle SUV from an introductory starting price of ₹10.32 lakh (ex-showroom). Built on the upgraded M_Glyde 4G platform, the off-roader offers a rear Pentalink suspension with a Watts linkage, Frequency Dependent Damping and electric power steering for improved ride refinement. Powertrain choices include an uprated 162 bhp 2.0L mStallion turbo-petrol, a 152 bhp 2.2L mHawk diesel and a 1.5L CRDe diesel in rear-wheel and four-wheel-drive configurations. The higher trims of this vehicle add 19-inch alloy wheels, a 10.24-inch infotainment screen, all-wheel disc brakes and expanded standard safety equipment.
Tata Tigor Replaced by Aeris Sub-Compact Sedan
Tata Motors has unveiled the Aeris, rebranding and replacing the long-running Tigor in the sub-4-metre sedan segment. It’s positioned against the Maruti Suzuki Dzire and Honda Amaze. The Aeris gets a revised front and rear styling inspired by the Tiago, with slim LED headlamps, redesigned bumpers and fresh alloy wheels. Under the bonnet, the sedan keeps its 1.2-litre Revotron three-cylinder petrol engine producing 84-85 bhp and 113 Nm, alongside a bi-fuel iCNG variant generating 72 bhp. Transmission choices remain a 5-speed manual and a 5-speed AMT, and other cabin additions include a 10.25-inch infotainment display, digital driver cluster and six standard airbags.
Honda Launches CB500 and Updates CB350 Lineup
Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India has launched the retro-styled CB500 roadster at ₹2.75 lakh (ex-showroom). It has an air-and-oil-cooled 501cc single-cylinder engine that produces 27.6 bhp and 43.3 Nm, and is paired with a 5-speed gearbox. Alongside, Honda also updated the CB350, CB350RS, and CB350C range with fresh dual-tone colour schemes, now priced between ₹1.95 lakh and ₹2.05 lakh. These 350cc models keep their 348.6cc engine. They also get standard dual-channel ABS, assist and slipper clutch and Honda RoadSync smartphone connectivity.
Mahindra Expands Charge_iN Footprint to 50 Live Stations
Mahindra has expanded its Charge_iN public EV charging network to 50 highway stations, installing 200 charging points across key intercity transit locations. The network uses 180 kW dual-gun DC fast chargers that can replenish Mahindra’s INGLO electric SUVs like the XEV 9e and BE 6 from 20 to 80 per cent in around 20 minutes. The infrastructure is also planning to scale to 250 stations housing roughly 1,000 charging points by December 2027.
Mercedes-AMG G 63 Offroad PRO Launched at ₹3.80 Crore
Mercedes-Benz India has launched the Mercedes-AMG G 63 Offroad PRO, priced at ₹3.80 crore (ex-showroom) in limited import numbers. This extreme derivative has a 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 engine which generates 585 bhp and 850 Nm of torque, and it’s further helped by a 48V integrated starter generator to hit 100 kmph in 4.4 seconds. Its off-road hardware includes AMG Active Ride Control with active hydraulic roll stabilisation, AMG Active Balance Control and AMG Traction PRO with seven selectable locking levels. The exterior additions of this vehicle include a heavy-duty roof rack with a rear access ladder, matte-black 20-inch wheels and an off-road Transparent Hood camera view.
