FAQs
Which is the most important launch this month?
Maruti EV Tar.
Will Kia Seltos get hybrid in India?
Not confirmed.
Are Harrier and Safari petrol worth waiting for?
Yes, especially the 1.5 turbo.
What is EREV technology?
EV battery + petrol generator.
Is Honda Amaze now the safest under ₹10 lakh?
Yes, based on Bharat NCAP.
Introduction
Looking for a simple summary of everything big that happened in the Indian car market this week?
Here’s the clean version — the updates that matter, especially if you follow Auto News India daily.
You can follow our full Auto News India coverage for Previously weekly launches, updates, and expert breakdowns.
India saw new EV tech, fresh petrol engines, 5-star safety wins, luxury experiments, and a few global brands stepping into local territory.
Table of Contents
What’s new in Auto News India this December?
A lot happened. New models, strong safety ratings, new tech, and bold brand announcements shaped the week.
Maruti entered the EV game. Kia is ready with the second-generation Seltos. Tata added petrol power to Harrier and Safari. VinFast came with a major investment plan. Honda Amaze scored a strong rating. Mahindra pushed ADAS forward.
This is one of the most eventful weeks for Auto News India in months.
Maruti EV Tar – Is this India’s most important electric car?
Yes. It’s the biggest news in Auto News India this month.
Maruti arrived with its first EV — the Maruti EV Tar.
It comes with:
- 49 kWh battery → 420 km ARAI, ~300–320 km real
- 61 kWh battery → 543 km ARAI
- Power → 144 PS (small battery), 173 PS (large battery)
- Torque → 193 Nm
- Safety → Seven airbags, Level 2 ADAS, 5-star Bharat NCAP
- Launch price → Expected January 2024
Maruti also plans 1 million charging stations by 2030, a huge move for India’s EV push.
In terms of relevance to Auto News India, this is a turning point for mass EV adoption.
For readers following Maruti’s latest innovations, the detailed Maruti Victorious review offers more insights into the brand’s new-generation engineering direction.
Kia Seltos Second Generation – What’s new?
Kia is ready to launch the second-gen Seltos on December 10.
It brings:
- New front grille
- Sporty stance
- Fully redesigned cabin
- Petrol + diesel options
- Hybrid option globally (India likely won’t get it)
This upgrade looks strong for a segment that depends heavily on yearly updates.
A key highlight in this week’s Auto News India. If you’re comparing upcoming compact SUVs, also check the detailed Hyundai Venue 2025 review India to understand how it stacks up against the next-gen Seltos.
Tata Harrier & Safari Petrol – Why does this launch matter?
Because Tata finally added petrol engines to its heavy SUVs.
Engine options:
- 1.5L NA petrol → 106 PS, 145 Nm
- 1.5L turbo petrol → 170 PS, 280 Nm
These models launch on December 9.
For buyers who avoided these SUVs due to diesel-only options, this is a big shift and another strong highlight in Auto News India.
Tata Harrier Water Fording Test – What does it prove?
Tata tested the Harrier in Himachal Pradesh’s Bias River.
The test included:
- Shallow water
- Deep water
- Rocks
- Slush
- No tyre traction
- EV mode during floating
- Vehicle can float 30 min at 3 km/h
This shows real durability — not promo claims.
One of the most discussed tests in Auto News India this week.
EREV Luxury SUV – What makes this tech special?
A luxury SUV called Young Wong Yatl was tested for extreme durability.
It features EREV (Extended Range EV) tech:
- 2.0L petrol engine works only as a generator
- 58 kWh battery powers the wheels
- Pure EV driving in the city
- Petrol recharges battery on highways
- No charging-station stress
Enthusiasts who enjoy futuristic EV tech can also explore the MG Cyberster review India, another headline-grabbing electric performance car
For Auto News India followers, EREV looks like a practical solution for people who want EVs but fear charging limitations.
VinFast India – Why is this big news?
VinFast is entering India with:
- EVs
- Electric bikes
- Electric buses
The brand will invest $500 million in an assembly plant in Tuticorin, Tamil Nadu.
This is one of the boldest EV expansions in Auto News India this year.
Honda Amaze – How did it achieve 5-star safety?
The Honda Amaze received a 5-star Bharat NCAP rating under ₹10 lakh.
Standard safety:
- Six airbags
- Strong body structure
This rating pushes safety expectations across the segment and is a major talking point in Auto News India.
Batman Car – Why is everyone talking about it?
A ₹25 crore Batman-inspired vehicle made waves on social media.
- Street legal only in private property
- Mostly a collectible
- About ₹25 crore (~$3 million)
Not practical, but it grabbed attention this week in Auto News India.
If you love superhero-themed automotive creations, the Mahindra BE 6 Batman Edition owner review is another must-read with real ownership impressions.
Mahindra XUV 9S – How advanced is its ADAS?
Mahindra launched the XUV 9S with ADAS that can detect cows and other common Indian road obstacles.
Bookings: January 5
Deliveries: January 23
This India-specific tuning makes it very relevant to Auto News India readers.
Specification Table
| Vehicle | Power | Torque | Battery/Engine | Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maruti EV Tar | 144–173 PS | 193 Nm | 49/61 kWh | 420–543 km |
| Kia Seltos Gen 2 | NA/Turbo Petrol/Diesel | — | — | — |
| Harrier/Safari Petrol | 106–170 PS | 145–280 Nm | 1.5L NA/Turbo | — |
| Young Wong Yatl | — | — | 58 kWh + 2.0L EREV | Unlimited (with fuel) |
Price Table
| Model | Expected Price |
|---|---|
| Maruti EV Tar | Jan 2024 price reveal |
| Kia Seltos Gen 2 | Expected slight increase over current |
| Harrier/Safari Petrol | Expected ₹15–25 lakh |
| XUV 9S | TBA |
Feature Comparison
| Feature | Maruti EV Tar | Harrier Petrol | Kia Seltos Gen 2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| ADAS | Level 2 | Level 2 | Yes |
| Safety | 5-star BNCAP | 5-star (diesel) | Strong build |
| Range/Mileage | 300–543 km | — | — |
Rating Table
| Category | Rating |
|---|---|
| Design | ★★★★☆ |
| Tech | ★★★★★ |
| Safety | ★★★★★ |
| Value | ★★★★☆ |
Expert Verdict
This week’s Auto News India shows where the market is heading — safer cars, more EV choices, new petrol engines, and global players entering India.
Maruti’s EV Tar stands out.
Tata’s petrol launches fill a long gap.
Honda’s 5-star rating pushes the budget segment.
VinFast’s investment strengthens India’s EV future.
A solid week overall.
Conclusion
This week in Auto News India was packed with important updates. New engines, EV breakthroughs, safety wins, and international expansion set the tone for upcoming launches.
If you’re planning to buy a car soon, keep an eye on these models.
Visit your nearest dealership or the official brand websites for more details.
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Disclaimer
This article is for general information only. Some details may change when companies make official announcements. Please check the brand’s official website or dealership for the latest and accurate updates.
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