Automobiles

2026 Nissan Gravite Launched in India: Affordable 7-Seater MPV Targets Value-Focused Families


Nissan Motor India has officially launched the 2026 Nissan Gravite in the Indian market, marking a significant step in the brand’s strategy to expand beyond its current single high-volume product, the Magnite. The Gravite is essentially Nissan’s version of the Renault Triber and enters the market as an affordable 7-seater MPV aimed at value-conscious Indian families.

Positioned in the compact MPV space, the Gravite is expected to be priced around the Triber, making it one of the most accessible three-row vehicles in the country. While SUVs continue to dominate headlines, there remains steady demand for practical seven-seaters, particularly in smaller towns where buyers seek additional space without stretching budgets toward larger MPVs. The Gravite aims to tap into this segment, offering more utility than a hatchback while remaining within reach for first-time car buyers and those upgrading from entry-level vehicles.

Under the hood, the Gravite is expected to feature the familiar 1.0-litre, three-cylinder naturally aspirated petrol engine that also powers the Triber, Magnite and Renault Kiger. The motor produces 72 PS and 96 Nm of torque and will likely be paired with a 5-speed manual gearbox and a 5-speed AMT. While there have been speculations about the introduction of a turbo petrol engine similar to the one offered in the Magnite and Kiger, Nissan has not confirmed its availability for the Gravite. The use of a naturally aspirated engine aligns with the MPV’s practical positioning, as it typically ensures lower maintenance costs and competitive ownership expenses, especially with shared parts across alliance models.

Built on the CMF A+ platform, the Gravite shares its underpinnings with the Triber and other alliance vehicles. Inside, the MPV is expected to borrow several features from the Magnite, including an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with a 7-inch digital driver display. Although the instrument cluster is sourced from the Magnite, it features a revised layout with the tachometer positioned above the speed readout and warning indicators neatly arranged on either side for better clarity.

Practicality remains the Gravite’s biggest talking point. Like the Triber, it is expected to offer a modular 5+2 seating configuration with a removable third row, allowing owners to switch between a seven-seater layout and a larger boot space depending on their needs. Convenience features may include rear AC vents, push-button start and wireless charging, further enhancing its appeal as a family-oriented vehicle.

On the exterior, the Gravite retains the basic silhouette of its donor model but adopts distinct Nissan styling cues. It features a honeycomb grille with prominent Gravite lettering, sleek LED daytime running lights and redesigned bumpers that align with Nissan’s global design language. The MPV will be available in five colour options: White, Silver, Grey, Black and Teal.

Safety equipment is expected to include six airbags, Electronic Stability Control (ESC), ABS with EBD, Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) and a rear parking camera, making it competitive within its price bracket. In terms of alternatives, the Gravite will primarily rival the Renault Triber while also presenting itself as a more affordable option compared to larger MPVs such as the Maruti Ertiga, Kia Carens, Kia Carens Clavis and the Maruti XL6.

Nissan’s India sales have largely depended on the Magnite, which recorded 2,502 units in January 2026, reflecting modest year-on-year and month-on-month growth. The addition of the Gravite could help stabilise monthly volumes by introducing a second high-potential product in a practical, underserved segment. Unlike the premium-priced X-Trail, which struggled to gain traction in a price-sensitive market, the Gravite is positioned to attract a broader customer base.

Launched at a live event in Udaipur, the Gravite represents more than just a new product introduction. It signals Nissan’s intent to rebuild its India lineup with locally relevant, high-volume models that prioritise affordability, practicality and long-term ownership value. If priced competitively, the Gravite could play a crucial role in strengthening Nissan’s foothold in the Indian automotive market and expanding its presence beyond the compact SUV space.

Automobiles

CM Pramod Sawant Reviews F4 Indian Championship Preparations at Mopa Airport Circuit


Goa is gearing up for a high-speed sporting spectacle as Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant visited the F4 Indian Championship racing site at Manohar International Airport, Mopa, to review preparations and operational readiness ahead of the much-anticipated event scheduled for February 14–15, 2026.

During the visit, the Chief Minister inspected the circuit infrastructure along with government officials and organisers, Racing Promotions Private Limited (RPPL). The review focused on safety measures, logistics, spectator arrangements, and the overall readiness of the venue to host a world-class motorsports event.

Speaking during the inspection, Dr Sawant highlighted that hosting the F4 Indian Championship marks a significant milestone for Goa, positioning the state on the global motorsports map. He emphasised that such international-level events contribute to strengthening Goa’s identity beyond tourism, encouraging sports development and creating new opportunities for local talent.

The Chief Minister also noted that the championship is expected to provide a strong boost to tourism, attract motorsports enthusiasts from across the country, and generate employment opportunities for local communities. With Manohar International Airport serving as a unique racing venue, the event reflects Goa’s growing ambition to diversify its event calendar and promote new forms of sports tourism.

As final preparations continue, excitement is building among motorsport fans, with the F4 Indian Championship promising thrilling races, cutting-edge racing technology, and a dynamic atmosphere for spectators.

Automobiles

Arshi Gupta Makes History: 7-Year-Old Becomes Youngest Racer to Earn Licence, Enters India Book of Records


In an extraordinary milestone for Indian motorsports, Arshi Gupta has created history by becoming the youngest driver to obtain a racing licence, earning her a place in the India Book of Records at the age of seven years, five months and 18 days.

According to her family, Arshi’s passion for speed began very early. “We noticed that when she was 3 or 4 years old, she liked speed and had decent control over it,” they shared, highlighting how her natural instinct and confidence behind the wheel became evident at a young age.

Her achievement is not just about breaking records — it represents discipline, training and a supportive environment that nurtured her talent. Motorsport experts believe that early exposure to structured racing education can help young talents develop strong reflexes, focus and responsibility, provided it is done safely and under professional guidance.

Arshi’s journey reflects a growing trend of young Indians exploring competitive motorsports, traditionally considered an elite and demanding field. Her story is now inspiring many parents and young enthusiasts to look at racing not just as a sport, but as a platform for confidence building and skill development.

While the title of youngest licensed racer is a remarkable achievement, her journey is only just beginning. With continued training, mentorship and dedication, Arshi Gupta could become one of the future faces of Indian racing — proving that passion, when supported with discipline, can break age barriers.

Automobiles

Montra Electric Delivers India’s First PM E-DRIVE–Certified Electric Truck


Montra Electric, the e-M&HCV business vertical of TI Clean Mobility Private Limited and part of the Murugappa Group, has achieved a significant milestone in India’s clean mobility journey by becoming the first heavy-duty electric truck manufacturer in the country to receive certification under the Government of India’s PM E-DRIVE Scheme. Marking this achievement, the company has also delivered the nation’s first PM E-DRIVE–certified electric heavy truck, the Rhino 5538 EV 6×4 tractor trailer, to UltraTech Cement Limited, India’s largest cement and ready-mix concrete company.

The milestone was commemorated in the presence of Shri Arun Murugappan, Chairman, Montra Electric, Jalaj Gupta, Managing Director, Montra Electric, and Shri Sathia Raj, Chief Procurement Officer, UltraTech Cement Limited, underscoring the importance of this achievement for India’s evolving clean mobility ecosystem. The certification strengthens the commercial viability of electric heavy-duty trucks by enabling direct customer incentives under the PM E-DRIVE scheme.

This development is expected to accelerate the adoption of electric trucks across sectors such as logistics, mining, infrastructure, and manufacturing by significantly improving fleet economics. The certification allows large fleet operators to transition away from conventional fuels without compromising on performance, uptime, or operational efficiency, marking a decisive step towards cleaner and more efficient freight movement in India.

The first PM E-DRIVE–certified Rhino 5538 EV was flagged off and handed over to UltraTech Cement by Shri Arun Murugappan. The ₹10,900 crore PM E-DRIVE scheme has an allocation of ₹500 crore dedicated to electric trucks, translating into a customer incentive of up to ₹9.6 lakh per vehicle for the Rhino 5538 EV. This incentive lowers operating costs, reduces exposure to fuel price volatility, and supports compliance with evolving sustainability and emission norms.

Commenting on the occasion, Shri H.D. Kumaraswamy, Hon’ble Union Minister for Heavy Industries, said that the PM E-DRIVE scheme reflects the growing strength of Indian innovation in the heavy-duty electric vehicle segment. He noted that electric trucks are pivotal to achieving India’s Net Zero goals and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to decarbonising logistics while strengthening domestic EV manufacturing under the vision of Atmanirbhar Viksit Bharat.

Arun Murugappan, Chairman, Montra Electric, said that decarbonising freight is one of the most critical challenges in India’s energy transition. He expressed gratitude to the Government of India for introducing progressive policy frameworks like the PM E-DRIVE scheme, which play a transformative role in accelerating electrification in heavy commercial vehicles. He added that Montra Electric is proud to contribute to this national mission by delivering reliable, scalable, and technologically advanced electric mobility solutions.

Designed specifically for Indian operating conditions, the Rhino 5538 EV tractor trailer range is available in 6×4 and 4×2 variants. The 4×2 version offers both battery swapping and fixed battery options, supports six-minute battery swaps, and is powered by a 282 kWh LFP battery delivering 380 HP and 2000 Nm of torque, with a range of nearly 198 km under standard test conditions. These features make it suitable for high-utilisation and fixed-route applications across ports, mining operations, cement logistics, steel plants, and long-haul freight corridors.

With heavy-duty trucks accounting for a disproportionate share of freight emissions, the PM E-DRIVE–certified Rhino 5538 EV represents a critical lever in India’s journey towards net-zero and sustainable industrial growth. Montra Electric plans to work closely with customers, policymakers, and ecosystem partners to accelerate the deployment of electric heavy-duty trucks across India’s core economic sectors.

Automobiles

Indian Racing Festival Set for Historic Street Race Debut in Goa on February 14–15


National, January 20: The Indian Racing Festival (IRF) is all set to make its much-anticipated Goa debut with a high-adrenaline Formula Street Race Weekend scheduled for February 14–15, as Round 4 of the championship unfolds at the Manohar International Airport. The announcement was made by Hon’ble Chief Minister of Goa, Dr. Pramod Sawant, marking a landmark moment for motorsport in the state.

Following an action-packed Round 3 at the Kari Motor Speedway, Coimbatore, the championship now heads west as the title battle intensifies. Goa will host a historic FIA-grade street circuit, making its debut as one of the most visually striking and technically demanding tracks in the country.

The 2.064 km circuit, featuring 12 turns, has been specially designed to deliver thrilling racing while offering spectators unmatched accessibility. The layout promises a unique blend of speed, precision, and spectacle, bringing top-tier motorsport to Goan streets for the very first time.

Welcoming the event, Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant said:
“Hosting a motorsport event of this scale underscores Goa’s capability to stage world-class sports and entertainment experiences. The Formula Racing will drive tourism, create opportunities for local businesses, and open new avenues for youth to explore careers in engineering, technology, event management, and motorsport operations.”

The Indian Racing Festival is also a pioneer of inclusivity in motorsport. Each team fields four drivers—an international veteran, an emerging international driver, an Indian driver, and a female driver—ensuring diversity and collaboration across nationalities and genders.

Street racing remains central to IRF’s vision of redefining motorsport in India. Building on successful street races in Hyderabad and Chennai, Racing Promotions Pvt. Ltd. (RPPL) continues to push boundaries by blending international-grade circuits, advanced engineering, and immersive fan experiences.

Akhilesh Reddy, Chairman & Managing Director, RPPL, said:
“Street circuits represent the next frontier for Indian motorsport. They bring the action closer to fans and transform how cities engage with racing. The Goa round is a major step forward in this journey.”

Adding glamour to the championship is a lineup of celebrity team owners, including John Abraham, Arjun Kapoor, Sourav Ganguly, Naga Chaitanya, Kichcha Sudeep, and Dr. Swetha Sundeep Anand, further elevating the festival’s appeal.

After Round 3, Speed Demons Delhi lead the standings with 82 points, followed closely by Hyderabad Black Birds (81 points) and Kichcha’s Kings Bengaluru (72 points). With the top teams separated by narrow margins, the battle for supremacy is expected to intensify in Goa.

Tickets will soon be available on the District by Zomato app. Fans across India can also catch the action live on Star Sports Select 2 and via digital streaming on JioHotstar.

Powered by JK Tyre, fuelled by Nayara, and performance by Mobil1, the Indian Racing Festival continues to accelerate India’s motorsport revolution—bringing world-class racing to the heart of its cities.