Category: Automobiles

Automobiles

TVS Apache Racing Experience Makes International Debut in Nepal

allycaralgoa

Kathmandu, 19 January 2026: TVS Motor Company, a global leader in two- and three-wheeler manufacturing, announced the launch of the TVS Apache Racing Experience International (ARE GP) in Nepal. Held at the Vehicle Academy and Research Center, Satungal, the event marked a major milestone as TVS celebrates 20 years of the Apache series.

The Apache Racing Experience is a purpose-built platform where TVS Apache owners can unleash the true racing capabilities of their motorcycles in a safe, fun, and professionally curated environment. Participants learn race craft and advanced riding techniques from TVS Racing champions.

The first selection round saw over 55 participants and 300 visitors, competing wheel-to-wheel on a professionally engineered circuit with 10 technically demanding corners. Championships were contested across three classesโ€”TVS Apache 160cc, 200cc, and 310ccโ€”allowing riders from all segments to push the limits of both man and machine.

The top three finishers in each category will get the opportunity to race at the Madras International Circuit (MIC), India, in April 2026, competing with champions from four countries. Winners will also receive:

  • An all-expenses-paid MotoGP experience
  • Entry to the TVS India One Make Championship (OMC)
  • Official Petronas TVS Racing team apparel
  • Exclusive visits to the TVS factory
  • Complimentary access to TVS marquee rides and TVS MotoSoul events

The day-long festival included Apache Pro Performance shows, gymkhana sessions, and music performances, creating a complete motorsport festival experience for riders and enthusiasts.

Vimal Sumbly, Head โ€“ Premium Business, TVS Motor Company, said:
“As we celebrate 20 years of TVS Apache, the international expansion of ARE GP is a natural extension of our journey to push boundaries and set new benchmarks in motorsport. Nepalโ€™s growing performance riding community makes it an ideal destination.”

Shahil Agrawal, Executive Director โ€“ Jagdamba Motors, added:
“The launch of TVS ARE GP in Nepal channels aspiration professionally, nurtures local talent, energizes dealerships, and brings riders and communities together. We are proud to create opportunities for Nepalese riders to compete internationally.”

With over 6.5 million Apache motorcycles delivered globally, TVS Racing has shaped Indiaโ€™s motorsports landscape since 1982. Through its โ€œTrack to Roadโ€ strategy, TVS Racing has helped the Apache series become synonymous with performance, innovation, and race-inspired technology.

Automobiles

ล koda Auto Unveils the New Kushaq in India: Easy to Love, Made for Indian Roads

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ล koda Auto India has officially unveiled the new Kushaq, taking forward the brandโ€™s mission of democratising European technology for Indian roads. Launched under the India 2.0 strategy, the updated Kushaq brings advanced features, segment-first technologies, and a host of safety, comfort, and convenience upgrades.

Easy to Flaunt: Modern Solid Design with Monte Carlo Badge

The Kushaq adopts ล kodaโ€™s Modern Solid design philosophy, featuring an all-new front grille with chrome ribs and an illuminated light band, connected LED taillights with sequential turn indicators, and the illuminated ล koda lettering at the rear. For the first time, the Monte Carlo badge is available from launch. The SUV is offered in three new coloursโ€”Shimla Green, Steel Grey, Cherry Redโ€”alongside existing options. Alloy wheels, LED headlamps, LED fog lamps, and dynamic body lines add to the sporty, yet robust road presence.

Easy to Drive: Range of Real Automatics

The Kushaq is offered with real automatic transmissions across variants:

  • 1.0 TSI engine (85kW, 178Nm) with an all-new 8-speed torque converter automatic or 6-speed manual.
  • 1.5 TSI engine (110kW, 250Nm) paired with the proven 7-speed DSG, featuring disc brakes on all wheels.

With 188 mm ground clearance, the SUV is designed for both city drives and rougher roads, ensuring comfort and performance in all conditions.

Easy on the Experience

The interiors boast a Panoramic Sunroof, dual-colour ambient lighting, six-way ventilated electric front seats, and a premium ล koda sound system. Boot space stretches from 491 litres up to 1,405 litres. Standard comfort features include Climatronic Auto AC, electric sunroof, auto-dimming IRVM, rain-sensing wipers, rear wiper, and over 25 safety features. Higher variants get 10.25-inch Digital Cockpit and AI-powered infotainment with 10.1-inch touchscreen, wireless Android Auto/Apple CarPlay, and Google Automotive AI Agent, recognising Indian accents for intuitive voice interaction.

Easy to Trust: Safety First

The Kushaq retains its 5-star Global NCAP rating with six airbags as standard and over 25 active and passive safety features, extending up to 40 on top variants. All-weather visibility and disaster-preparedness features make it one of the safest SUVs in its class.

Easy to Own: ล koda Super Care Package

ล koda introduces the Super Care package:

  • 4-year / 100,000 km warranty
  • 4 years Roadside Assistance
  • 4 labour-free services
  • Warranty extendable to 6 years, 6-year corrosion warranty, 3-year paint warranty

Pre-bookings are now open at โ‚น15,000 via ล koda Auto Indiaโ€™s official website, with deliveries expected by end-March 2026.

Automobiles

Audi Unveils Striking R26 Livery Ahead of Historic Formula 1 Debut in 2026

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Audi has taken a major step toward its historic Formula 1 debut by unveiling the livery of the Audi R26, the car that will spearhead its entry into the championship in 2026. The reveal took place at a high-profile launch event at Kraftwerk Berlin, showcasing the teamโ€™s bold new visual identity.

The car displayed at the event was a show car, designed to highlight Audiโ€™s branding and livery philosophy rather than final technical specifications. However, Audi has confirmed that the R26 has already completed an early shakedown, with clearer images expected once official testing begins.

The Audi R26 livery features the brandโ€™s signature Titanium finish, contrasted by exposed carbon fibre and vibrant Lava Red accentsโ€”a design language first teased with the R26 concept revealed last year.

After achieving success across multiple motorsport disciplines, Audi is finally joining the Formula 1 grid by taking over Sauberโ€™s operations. The 2026 season also introduces sweeping regulation changes, including new power units with a near 50-50 split between internal combustion and electric power, active aerodynamics, and sustainable fuel blends.

Audi will enter F1 as a full works team, developing its power unit entirely in-house. The integration of chassis development in Hinwil and Bicester, alongside engine development in Neuburg, is a cornerstone of Audiโ€™s long-term strategy.

Mattia Binotto, Head of the Audi F1 Project, described the move as transformational.

โ€œThe strategic decision to enter Formula 1 as a full works team is our single greatest asset. This seamless integration gives us total control over our destiny, eliminating compromises and enabling the agility and innovation essential for success.โ€

Binotto added that the Audi Revolut F1 Team represents a unified visionโ€”โ€œfrom the engine block to the front wing.โ€

Audi has set an ambitious target of winning the Formula 1 championship by 2030, while acknowledging the steep learning curve ahead. Team Principal Jonathan Wheatley emphasized the importance of building a strong foundation before chasing titles.

โ€œThis is just day one of a long campaign. Our mission is to embed a championship DNA into every fibre of this team.โ€

Drivers Nico Hรผlkenberg and Gabriel Bortoleto, retained from Sauber, will pilot the R26 in Audiโ€™s debut season. Pre-season preparations begin with five days of private testing in Barcelona from January 26, followed by additional sessions in Bahrain before the season opener at the Australian Grand Prix (March 6โ€“8).

Automobiles

Royal Enfield Unveils 2026 Goan Classic 350 with New Rider-Focused Updates

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral

Royal Enfield, the global leader in the mid-size motorcycle segment (250โ€“750 cc), has unveiled the 2026 edition of the Goan Classic 350, introducing thoughtful rider-focused upgrades while staying true to its bold bobber-inspired identity.

Designed to celebrate non-conformity and a free-spirited lifestyle, the Goan Classic 350 now comes equipped with an assist-and-slipper clutch, offering smoother gear shifts, lighter clutch action and improved control during aggressive downshifts. Enhancing everyday usability, the motorcycleโ€™s existing USB Type-C charging port has also been upgraded to support faster charging, ensuring riders remain connected on long journeys.

Powering the Goan Classic 350 is Royal Enfieldโ€™s trusted 349cc air-oil-cooled single-cylinder engine, known for its refined character and relaxed performance delivery. Producing 20.2 bhp at 6,100 rpm and 27 Nm of torque at 4,000 rpm, the engine is perfectly suited for unhurried cruising and effortless city riding. Paired with a smooth 5-speed gearbox, it delivers a balanced and enjoyable riding experience across varied road conditions.

Staying true to its roots, the Goan Classic 350 continues to showcase an unmistakable bobber silhouette with a single floating rider seat, whitewall edge-type aluminium tubeless spoke wheels, distinctive chopper-style fenders, slash-cut exhaust, and mid-ape handlebars. These elements reflect Royal Enfieldโ€™s deep connection to custom culture and self-expression, now enhanced with subtle modern refinements for todayโ€™s riders.

The updated Goan Classic 350 will be available across all authorised Royal Enfield dealerships in India. Pricing starts at โ‚น2,19,787 (ex-showroom) for the Shack Black and Purple Haze colourways, while the Trip Teal Green and Rave Red variants are priced at โ‚น2,22,593 (ex-showroom).

With these rider-focused upgrades, Royal Enfield continues to evolve the Goan Classic 350, offering a distinctive blend of classic aesthetics, modern functionality and laid-back riding appeal.

Automobiles

ล koda Auto India Clocks Record-Breaking Year with 107% Growth in Its 25th Anniversary

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral

ล koda Auto India marked 2025 as the most defining year in its journey in the country, celebrating its 25th anniversary with its strongest sales performance ever. The brand closed the year with 72,665 cars sold, registering an impressive 107% year-on-year growth compared to 35,166 units in 2024. This milestone performance stands as ล koda Auto Indiaโ€™s biggest year to date, driven by a powerful product portfolio, wider market presence and a renewed focus on customer trust.

Reflecting on the achievement, Brand Director Ashish Gupta described 2025 as a truly special year, highlighting the brandโ€™s most diverse product range, its widest network reach, and the strong emotional bond shared with customers. The overwhelming response to the Kylaq significantly expanded the brandโ€™s accessibility, while continued demand for the Kodiaq, Kushaq and Slavia sustained momentum across key segments. The return of the Octavia RS further reinforced ล kodaโ€™s performance legacy, receiving extraordinary enthusiasm from car enthusiasts across the country.

The brandโ€™s growth was supported by a clear product and network strategy. During the year, ล koda Auto India crossed the milestone of over 200,000 locally produced cars sold since 2021 and expanded its footprint to more than 325 customer touchpoints across 183 cities. This expansion strengthened the brandโ€™s mission of democratising European engineering across India, achieved through long-standing dealer partnerships and the addition of new partners with a strong customer-centric focus.

Beyond products, ล koda Auto India strengthened its brand identity and customer engagement through cultural relevance and storytelling. India became the first major global market to complete a 100% network rebranding with the updated corporate identity, delivering a modern and unified customer experience. The onboarding of Ranveer Singh as the brandโ€™s first-ever Brand Superstar added youthful energy and visibility, while campaigns such as โ€˜Fans, Not Ownersโ€™ celebrated the emotional connection customers share with the brand. Collaborations like the Octavia RS campaign with sitar maestro Rishab Sharma further helped ล koda connect performance with contemporary expression.

Trust and ownership experience remained central to the brandโ€™s strategy. The combined sales and aftersales workforce grew to over 7,500 professionals, supported by more than 25,000 training days in 2025. Enhanced ownership benefits, extended standard warranties and value-focused feature upgrades helped reduce ownership costs while elevating service quality. Trust in ล kodaโ€™s engineering capabilities was reinforced through landmark initiatives such as the Fans of ล koda Leh expedition, which earned recognition from the India and Asia Book of Records for the largest convoy to reach Umling La, and the Kodiaq becoming the first petrol-powered SUV to reach the North Face base camp of Mount Everest.

As ล koda Auto India steps into 2026, the brand aims to build on the strong foundation laid during its silver jubilee year. With new product introductions, sharper sales and aftersales initiatives, deeper market penetration and a continued emphasis on listening to its customers, ล koda Auto India is set to carry forward its growth momentum while strengthening its position in the Indian automotive landscape.