Hello, gearheads! Welcome back to SankarStore.in. I am Sankar, and as a mechanical engineer who spends more time under the hood than at a desk, I am here to bring you the most crucial automotive news of the week.
This week (June 2026) has been absolutely massive for the Indian auto industry across the country. We are seeing a massive shift in fuel technology, the return of legendary cruiser bikes, and some unexpected premium EV entries stepping onto Indian soil.If you missed our previous roundup, catch up here: [Weekly Auto Updates: New Car Launches, Price Hikes & EV News India#6])
Let’s cut through the marketing noise and dive straight into the Latest Automobile Updates in India you actually need to know about.
Table of Contents
1. The Flex Fuel Revolution: E85 Petrol is Here!
On World Environment Day, Union Ministers Nitin Gadkari and Hardeep Singh Puri officially kicked off the flex-fuel era in India. E85 petrol (which is an 85% ethanol blend) is officially starting to roll out at select Indian Oil petrol pumps at roughly ₹82.22 per liter—that is nearly ₹20 cheaper than standard petrol!
- Maruti Suzuki Wagon R Flex Fuel: Maruti showcased an E85/E100 compatible Wagon R. However, do not rush to the dealership just yet. Initially, these will only be sold as commercial vehicles (cabs). Expect a price bump of around ₹1 Lakh to ₹1.5 Lakhs over the standard model due to the upgraded engine components.
- Hero MotoCorp Follows Suit: Hero has launched flex-fuel versions of its legendary commuter bikes. The Splendor Plus Flex Fuel is priced at ₹82,000, while the HF Deluxe sits at ₹72,000 (Ex-showroom). That is a marginal ₹5,000 to ₹10,000 increase over the standard petrol variants, making it a brilliant long-term investment for daily riders everywhere in India.
2. 2026 Toyota Innova Crysta Facelift Launched
you already know how much Indian families and politicians love this MPV. Toyota has just dropped another facelift for the Crysta.
- What’s New? Mechanically, it remains identical with the ultra-reliable 2.4L Diesel engine (Manual only). Aesthetically, it gets a redesigned front bumper, automatic LED headlamps, and fresh copper accents on the dashboard and seats. They have also added a TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitoring System) and a wireless charger.
- The Catch: Prices have been hiked by roughly ₹83,000. With emission norms getting stricter by the day nationwide, this might genuinely be your last chance to buy a brand-new diesel Innova.
3. VinFast “Green SM” EV Cabs: A Threat to Ola & Uber?
Vietnamese EV giant VinFast is not just selling cars; they are entering the Indian ride-hailing game. They have launched Green SM, an all-electric taxi service starting in major metropolitan areas, using their 7-seater Limo Green EVs.
Unlike standard cabs, VinFast is focusing heavily on premium passenger comfort. The cabs come equipped with wet wipes, free water bottles, internal security cameras, and SOS buttons.
- Pricing: They are charging a highly competitive ₹8 per kilometer. To capture the market, they are currently offering a flat 50% discount (up to ₹250) on early rides!
Curious about VinFast’s passenger vehicles? Don’t buy one before reading my detailed breakdown: [VinFast VF6 Pros and Cons: Is This New Electric SUV Actually Worth Buying?]
4. Performance & Luxury: BMW M2 AWD & Audi Nuvolari
- BMW M2 Gets AWD: The purist’s favorite drift machine, the BMW M2, is now getting an All-Wheel Drive (AWD) variant in India. It uses the same 3.0L inline-six engine (480 HP / 600 Nm), but the AWD system drops the 0-100 kmph time from 4.0 seconds down to a blistering 3.7 seconds. Don’t worry—you can still turn off traction control to send all the power to the rear wheels for drifting! Expect prices to increase by about ₹10 Lakhs over the current price tag.
- Audi Nuvolari Hypercar: Audi is replacing the legendary R8 with a new monster named after Italian racing legend Tazio Nuvolari. Borrowing the 4.0L Twin-Turbo V8 hybrid setup from Lamborghini, this beast produces an insane 1015 PS of power and 2000 Nm of torque. It hits 0-100 in just 2.6 seconds. Limited to 499 units globally, expect it to cost between ₹5 to ₹6 Crores if it hits Indian shores.
5. Two-Wheeler Market: Avenger Returns & Ather Gets Pricier
- Bajaj Avenger 220 Street Relaunch: After being discontinued in 2020, Bajaj has finally brought back the Avenger 220 Street! It shares the same 220cc oil-cooled engine as the Cruise variant, pushing out 18.8 bhp and 17.5 Nm of torque. It is priced at a very reasonable ₹1.43 Lakhs (Ex-showroom) and is ready to hit showrooms nationwide.
- Ather Rizta Price Hike: Ather’s newly launched family scooter, the Rizta (available in 2.9 kWh and 3.7 kWh battery packs), has already received a price hike of ₹3,000 to ₹4,000 across variants across the country.
6. Sneak Peeks: Tesla’s Official Indian Entry & Upcoming EVs
- Tesla Arrives in India: A recent government video confirmed that Tesla is officially setting up its major flagship showrooms in India, starting with key IT hubs. The wait is almost over for Indian EV enthusiasts!
- Upcoming Indian Cars: The Tata Safari EV has been spied testing, gearing up to directly rival the upcoming Mahindra XUV.e9. Meanwhile, the 4th-Gen Hyundai i20 has been leaked online, featuring a Verna-inspired connected LED DRL setup and rumors of a mild-hybrid engine to eliminate turbo lag.
Tata’s EV Domination Continues:Tata fans, make sure you check out our exclusive [Tata Sierra 2025 Review India: Design, Features, Price & Real-World Verdict] and our buyer’s guide on [Tata Sierra Variants Explained: Which Variant Is Truly Worth Your Money?].
SankarStore.in Road Safety Message
Knowing about fast cars is great, but getting home safely is what actually matters. Whether you are driving on an expressway or commuting in city traffic, please keep these two things in mind this week:
- Maintain Highway Distance: Always maintain a minimum 3-second gap between you and the car ahead. Tailgating leaves you with zero reaction time if the front car brakes suddenly, leading to fatal crashes.
- The ‘Dutch Reach’ for Car Doors: Before opening your car door on a busy street, always look in your rear-view mirror or over your right shoulder. Opening doors blindly is causing fatal accidents for bikers approaching from behind. Stay alert!
What are your thoughts on the new E85 flex-fuel vehicles hitting Indian roads? Let me know in the comments below!
(Written by Sankar — Mechanical Engineer & Automotive Reviewer)
Frequently Asked Questions: Latest Automobile Updates in India
What is E85 petrol, and how is it different from normal petrol?
E85 is a flex-fuel blend consisting of 85% ethanol and 15% standard petrol. It is much more eco-friendly and significantly cheaper than regular petrol. However, it requires specially designed “Flex-Fuel” engines to run efficiently without damaging fuel lines.
Can I use E85 petrol in my regular car or bike?
No. You cannot put E85 petrol into a standard internal combustion engine. Doing so can cause severe damage to your engine components and fuel injectors. It must only be used in factory-built flex-fuel vehicles like the new Maruti Wagon R Flex Fuel or the Hero Splendor Plus Flex Fuel.
What are the new features in the 2026 Toyota Innova Crysta facelift?
The 2026 Innova Crysta facelift retains its legendary 2.4L diesel engine but adds a redesigned front bumper, automatic LED headlamps, copper interior dashboard accents, a wireless charger, and a highly requested Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS).
Is Tesla officially coming to India?
Yes! Recent government updates confirm that Tesla is officially setting up its major flagship showrooms in India, starting with key IT hubs like Sattva Knowledge City in Hyderabad, marking their grand entry into the Indian EV market.
Is the Bajaj Avenger 220 Street available in India again?
Yes, after being discontinued in 2020, Bajaj has relaunched the Avenger 220 Street. It shares the proven 220cc oil-cooled engine from the Cruise variant, producing 18.8 bhp, and is priced at approximately ₹1.43 Lakhs (Ex-showroom).
What is the VinFast Green SM cab service?
Green SM is an all-electric, premium taxi service launched by VinFast in India. Using their 7-seater EV limos, they offer luxury amenities like complimentary water, wet wipes, and internal security cameras, aggressively priced around ₹8 per kilometer to compete with Ola and Uber.
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