From refreshed executive sedans and feature-upgraded midsize SUVs to dual-sport adventure motorcycles and electrified ultra-luxury limos, here are six automotive developments from this week.
News Roundup
- Skoda has launched the Slavia facelift in India.
- Honda has introduced the Elevate facelift for 2026.
- Mercedes-Maybach rolled out the S-Class plug-in hybrid.
- Triumph expanded its modern-classic lineup with the Bonneville T40.
- Honda entered the dual-sport segment with the XR300L and XR300 Rally.
- Aprilia has launched the SXR GT 125 and SXR GT 175 maxi-scooters in India.
Skoda Slavia Facelift Launched at ₹9.99 Lakh
Skoda Auto India has introduced a 2026 facelift of its Slavia nameplate, which starts at an introductory ₹9.99 lakh (ex-showroom). The mid-cycle refresh offers redesigned front and rear fascias with sharper LED headlamps, an illuminated radiator grille ribbon and connected LED taillights. Mechanically, the 1.0-litre TSI three-cylinder petrol engine replaces the older 6-speed torque converter with a new 8-speed automatic gearbox. But the 1.5-litre TSI four-cylinder engine continues unchanged with its 7-speed DSG. And on the inside, the updated sedan gains a 360-degree surround-view camera, front seat ventilation and rear disc brakes on the 1.5 TSI.
Honda Elevate Facelift Introduced From ₹11.80 Lakh
Honda Cars India has officially launched the updated Elevate, priced between ₹11.80 lakh and ₹18.40 lakh (ex-showroom). The midsize SUV addresses previous equipment shortcomings by introducing a new range-topping ZX+ variant, one that’s equipped with segment-first ventilated rear seats alongside powered front seats. Additional hardware upgrades include all-wheel disc brakes on the CVT trims and a factory-fitted 360-degree camera system. The powertrain is still the same as before, i.e., the proven 1.5-litre i-VTEC naturally aspirated petrol engine with 119 bhp and 145 Nm of torque, available with either a 6-speed manual or a 7-speed CVT. Remarkably, the CVT variants now get Low-Speed Follow functionality coupled with the Honda Sensing ADAS suite.
The Mercedes-Maybach S-Class Plug-In Hybrid Arrives
Mercedes-Benz India has added to its flagship luxury portfolio with the launch of the Mercedes-Maybach S-Class plug-in hybrid, which comes with an ex-showroom sticker of ₹3.35 crore. This limousine pairs a 3.0-litre turbocharged inline-six petrol engine with an electric motor to generate a combined system output of 585 hp and 750 Nm of torque. A 28.6 kWh high-voltage battery pack is there, providing an all-electric driving range of up to 100 kilometres according to the WLTP cycle. It also supports 60 kW DC fast charging that replenishes the battery in around 30 minutes. The interior, meanwhile, retains the signature executive rear lounge, complete with continuous leg rests, active calf massage and dual rear MBUX displays.
Triumph Bonneville T40 Launched at ₹2.80 Lakh
Triumph Motorcycles, in collaboration with Bajaj Auto, has launched the Bonneville T40 in India at ₹2.80 lakh (ex-showroom). Expanding Triumph’s 400cc modern-classic family, this motorcycle clearly exhibits heritage Bonneville styling cues, like a single pea-shooter exhaust, a teardrop fuel tank with rubber knee pads and wire-spoke wheels. It is powered by the 350cc liquid-cooled single-cylinder TR-series engine delivering 29.1 bhp at 7,000 rpm and 31.2 Nm of torque at 5,500 rpm, paired with a 6-speed gearbox and a slip-and-assist clutch. Other notable equipment includes switchable traction control, dual-channel ABS and a 4-inch colour TFT display.
Honda Launches XR300L and XR300 Rally From ₹1.83 Lakh
Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India has finally entered the lightweight dual-sport market with the XR300L and XR300 Rally. The standard XR300L is priced at ₹1.83 lakh, while the tourer-focused XR300 Rally is available for ₹2.08 lakh (ex-showroom) from now. Both motorcycles run with a 293cc oil-cooled single-cylinder engine that generates about 24.5 to 26.9 bhp and 25.6 Nm of torque. Built around a steel semi-double-cradle frame, the bikes feature a 21-inch front and 18-inch rear spoked wheel setup, along with long-travel suspension and 245 mm of ground clearance. The XR300 Rally particularly adds a Dakar-style front fairing, a taller windscreen, handguards and a relatively larger 12.8-litre fuel tank, compared to the 7.8-litre capacity of the XR300L.
Aprilia SXR GT 125 and 175 Starts From ₹1.10 Lakh
Piaggio India has launched the Aprilia SXR GT 125 and SXR GT 175 maxi-style scooters, priced at ₹1.10 lakh and ₹1.30 lakh (ex-showroom), respectively. The SXR GT range has a redesigned front apron, a taller aerodynamic flyscreen and an ergonomic seat intended for longer commutes. The SXR GT 175 introduces an upsized 174cc single-cylinder air-cooled engine producing 13.3 bhp and 14.14 Nm of torque, equipped with single-channel ABS and 14-inch alloy wheels. The 125cc variant continues with Combi-Braking (CBS). Both scooters offer full-LED lighting. The SXR 175 has a 5-inch TFT, whereas the 125 gets an LCD.
