FAQs
Why are car prices increasing despite GST cuts?
Inflation and currency pressure offset tax benefits.
Is Kia Seltos worth buying now?
Yes, especially base and mid variants.
Will Skoda diesel cars return soon?
Yes, Superb diesel is expected first.
Are flush door handles dangerous?
In EV fires, yes. China’s ban confirms concerns.
Is Ola Roadster range realistic?
Certification says yes. Real-world tests will confirm.
Weekly Auto Updates
| Category | Topic | Key Details | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|---|
| Market Overview | Tata Cars & Price Trends | Tata CR models crossed 5 lakh+ views. Despite GST cuts, brands raised prices due to inflation and dollar–rupee fluctuation. | Buyers expected price drops, but real-world costs increased. |
| Price Hikes | Brand-wise Price Increase | BMW (3%), Renault (2%), Nissan (2%), MG (2%), Mahindra (up to 2%). Tata, Suzuki, Hyundai yet to hike. | Shows GST benefit was neutralized by cost pressures. |
| New Car Launch | Kia Seltos 2026 | Base ₹10.99L, Top ₹19.99L. Base gets touchscreen, wireless AA/CarPlay, ABS, airbags. ADAS available from HTX variant. | Aggressive pricing + features shake up midsize SUV segment. |
| EV Infrastructure | Kia–HPCL Partnership | Kia partners with HPCL for EV charging stations. Locations yet to be announced. | Charging access is key for EV adoption in India. |
| Diesel Comeback | Skoda Diesel Engines | Skoda confirms diesel return. First likely model: Superb Diesel (spotted testing). | Highway users still prefer diesel torque and mileage. |
| New Variant | Hyundai Venue HX 5P | 1.2L petrol MT only, ₹9.99L locked price. Quad-beam headlamps, roof rails, driver power seat. | Strengthens Venue’s value proposition under ₹10L. |
| Taxi Segment | Hyundai CNG Taxi Cars | i10 HB Prime (~₹6L), HB Prime HD Sedan (~₹6.9L). Mileage 27–28 km/kg. ₹5,000 booking. | Direct challenge to Maruti Swift & WagonR taxis. |
| Global Safety Rule | China Bans Flush Door Handles | Ban from 2027 after EV fire incidents (Xiaomi SU7). Power cuts lock doors, manual access difficult. | Could influence global EV safety regulations. |
| Safety Testing | China Crash & Load Tests | Brands like Geely testing cars with cranes, overload tests, extreme crashes. | Highlights importance of strict safety standards. |
| Rail Transport | Vande Bharat Sleeper Train | Launch Jan 17–18, 2026. 16 coaches, 823 passengers, tested at 180 km/h. Route: Guwahati–Kolkata. | Raises engineering benchmarks in Indian transport. |
| Two-Wheeler Offer | Bajaj Pulsar 25th Anniversary | ₹7,000 benefits, 5 free services, zero EMI processing fee. | Limited-time value deal for buyers. |
| Electric Bike | Ola Roadster RX Plus | Govt certified. 501 km claimed range. Bharat Stage 4680 cell. Deliveries from Jan 20, 2026. | Longest claimed range in electric bike segment. |
| Road Safety | Noida Traffic Incident | Modified Alto overloaded. ₹67,000 fine imposed. | Enforcement helps improve road discipline. |
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Weekly Auto Updates: What Changed in the Indian Auto World This Week?
Confused by rising car prices, sudden launches, and new safety rules?
Here’s a simple answer this week reshaped how cars will be priced, powered, and protected in India.
These weekly auto updates cover real changes that affect buyers, not marketing noise. Let’s break it down.
You can follow our full Auto News updates coverage for Previously weekly launches, updates, and expert breakdowns.
Table of Contents
What’s happening with Tata cars and price trends?
GST cuts didn’t help buyers as much as expected.
Tata Sierra models crossed half a million views, showing strong public interest. But pricing is where things get tricky. Despite GST reductions, many brands raised prices by 2–3%.
Why prices still went up
| Brand | Price Increase | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| BMW | 3% | Inflation impact |
| Renault | 2% | Cost pressure |
| Nissan | 2% | Currency fluctuation |
| MG | 2% | Input costs |
| Mahindra | Up to 2% | Expected hike |
| Tata / Suzuki / Hyundai | Not yet | Under observation |
Dollar-rupee volatility and inflation wiped out GST benefits. These weekly auto updates make one thing clear don’t wait for price drops blindly.
Is the new Kia Seltos really value for money?
Yes, especially at the base price.
Kia launched the Seltos with a locked base price of ₹10.99 lakh and a top-end price of ₹19.99 lakh (ex-showroom).
What you get even in the base variant
- Touchscreen infotainment
- Wireless Android Auto & Apple CarPlay
- ABS + airbags
Higher variants like HTX bring ADAS, which most rivals reserve for top trims.
Kia Seltos Variant Price Snapshot
| Variant | Key Highlight | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Base | Connected tech | ₹10.99 L |
| HTX | ADAS | Mid-range |
| Top | Premium safety | ₹19.99 L |
These weekly auto updates show Kia pushing hard on value.
How serious is Vinfast’s EV charging partnership with HPCL?
Serious, but details are missing.
Vinfast has partnered with HPCL to expand EV charging infrastructure. Locations and charger count aren’t announced yet.
This matters because charging access is still the biggest EV fear in India. Keep an eye on Vinfast’s official site. These weekly auto updates suggest groundwork is happening quietly.
Why is Skoda bringing back diesel engines?
Long-distance users still want torque and efficiency.
Skoda India confirmed diesel’s return. Ashish Gupta, Skoda India Director, made it official.
What’s coming first?
- Skoda Superb Diesel (spotted testing)
Petrol dominates cities. Diesel still rules highways. These weekly auto updates show brands correcting course.
What’s new with Hyundai Venue and taxi cars?
Hyundai is attacking two segments at once.
Hyundai Venue HX 5P
- Engine: 1.2L petrol
- Gearbox: Manual only
- Price locked: ₹9.99 lakh
Key features:
- Quad-beam headlamps
- Roof rails
- Driver power seat
Hyundai CNG Taxi Cars
| Model | Body Type | Price | Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| i10 HB Prime | Hatchback | ₹6.0 L | 27–28 km/kg |
| HB Prime HD | Sedan | ₹6.9 L | 27–28 km/kg |
₹5,000 pre-booking is open. These weekly auto updates show Hyundai directly targeting Maruti’s taxi dominance.
Are flush door handles unsafe?
China thinks so, and for good reason.
China will ban flush door handles from 2027. Reason? EV fires where doors couldn’t open during power cuts.
The Xiaomi SU7 fire incident exposed a real risk. Manual overrides matter. These weekly auto updates highlight safety over style.
How China is changing vehicle safety testing?
By pushing vehicles to failure.
Chinese brands like Geely test cars using:
- Crane drops
- Overweight loading
- Extreme crash simulations
Recent fatal crashes in India show why this matters. These weekly auto updates remind us that safety testing saves lives.
Vande Bharat Sleeper Train: why auto fans should care?
It sets new transport benchmarks.
Launching Jan 17–18, 2026, the train:
- 16 coaches
- 823 passengers
- Tested at 180 km/h
Route: Guwahati–Kolkata
Less vibration. Better stability. These weekly auto updates show how engineering standards are rising across transport.
Bajaj Pulsar 25th anniversary offers explained
Solid value if you’re buying now.
What you get
- ₹7,000 benefits
- 5 free services
- Zero EMI processing fee
Availability varies by dealer. These weekly auto updates say check fast.
Ola Roadster electric bike: real or hype?
Specs are serious. Delivery will decide.
- Model: Roadster RX Plus
- Certified range: 501 km
- Battery: Bharat Stage 4680
- Deliveries from Jan 20, 2026
If real-world range matches claims, this changes electric bikes. These weekly auto updates are cautiously optimistic.
Traffic discipline lesson from Noida
Fines work.
A modified Alto overloaded with passengers led to a ₹67,000 fine. Viral videos help awareness. Enforcement builds habits. These weekly auto updates end on a real-world reminder.
Rating Snapshot (Overall Week)
| Area | Rating |
|---|---|
| Value launches | ★★★★☆ |
| Safety awareness | ★★★★★ |
| EV progress | ★★★★☆ |
| Price transparency | ★★★☆☆ |
Final Verdict
These weekly auto updates show a market in transition. Prices are rising. Safety rules are tightening. EVs are getting serious. Brands are adjusting fast.
If you’re buying soon, stay informed.
And if you’re waiting, watch these changes closely.
👉 Check official brand websites or visit your nearest dealership before making a decision.
Want the next weekly auto updates faster? Stay tuned.
You can follow our full Auto News updates coverage for Previously weekly launches, updates, and expert breakdowns.
Join our community for honest car news, real reviews, and weekly auto updates — no noise, just facts.
Disclaimer:
Information in this article is for general awareness only. Prices, features, and offers may change. Please check the official brand website or dealer for the latest details before buying.