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.

Business

BMW Group India Records Highest-Ever Annual Sales in 2025 with 14% Growth


Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral

BMW Group India has delivered a landmark performance in calendar year 2025, recording its highest-ever annual car sales and reinforcing its strong growth momentum in the Indian luxury automobile market. The company sold a total of 18,001 cars during the year, registering a robust year-on-year growth of 14 percent despite a dynamic business environment.

Out of the total sales, BMW delivered 17,271 units while MINI contributed 730 units. BMW Motorrad also recorded strong performance, delivering 5,841 motorcycles during the year. The results further strengthen BMW Group India’s position as one of the fastest-growing luxury automobile brands in the country.

The company has now delivered double-digit growth and record-breaking sales consistently for four consecutive years. In 2025, every month and every quarter achieved the highest-ever sales performance, with growth rates exceeding the average luxury segment in India. The final quarter of the year proved particularly strong, with Quarter 4 sales reaching an all-time high of 6,023 units, marking a 17 percent growth year-on-year.

Commenting on the achievement, BMW Group India President and CEO Hardeep Singh Brar said that 2025 has been a record-breaking year for the company, driven by strong customer aspiration and trust across BMW’s portfolio. He highlighted that growth has been witnessed across all segments, including internal combustion engines and electric vehicles, sports activity vehicles and sedans, as well as long wheelbase models. He also noted that BMW Group India’s leadership in the luxury electric segment continues to drive sustainable mobility while expanding the overall luxury car market in India.

BMW Group India’s strong performance was supported by an aggressive product offensive in 2025, with the launch of 20 new products across BMW, MINI and BMW Motorrad. The expanded portfolio included major new-generation launches such as the BMW iX1 Long Wheelbase, BMW X3, BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe, MINI JCW Countryman All4 and MINI Convertible. The motorcycle range was further strengthened with the introduction of the BMW R 1300 GS Adventure and the high-performance BMW S 1000 RR.

With a compelling product lineup, growing demand for electric luxury vehicles and a strong dealer network, BMW Group India continues to build on its momentum, setting the stage for sustained growth in the years ahead.

Automobiles

2026 Maruti Suzuki Brezza Facelift: What the Popular SUV Could Get Next


Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral

Maruti Suzuki is expected to introduce the first major round of updates for the Brezza in the summer of 2026, marking an important step for one of India’s most successful compact SUVs. Since its launch in 2022, the Brezza has recorded sales of around six lakh units, consistently averaging close to 15,000 units every month and establishing itself as the segment leader.

To maintain this momentum, Maruti Suzuki has reportedly begun work on a facelift that focuses on technology, comfort and safety enhancements. One of the most significant upgrades expected on the new Brezza is the introduction of Level 2 advanced driver assistance systems. These may include features such as adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, lane departure warning and prevention, autonomous emergency braking, forward collision warning, blind spot monitoring with lane change alert, rear cross traffic alert, high beam assist and vehicle sway warning, bringing the Brezza in line with global safety trends.

Inside the cabin, comfort is also likely to see a boost. The updated Brezza is expected to offer ventilated front seats, a feature that would significantly improve comfort during Indian summers. The driver’s seat may additionally get electric adjustment, allowing easier control over seat position and backrest angle.

The interior is also tipped to receive a more modern, tech-forward look with the introduction of a fully digital instrument cluster. A 10.25-inch display is expected, offering multiple viewing modes and customisable information layouts for the driver. Complementing this could be a larger 10.1-inch high-definition touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, addressing a key omission in the current model. The new system may also support native apps through an in-built app store.

For CNG buyers, practicality could improve with the introduction of an underbody-mounted fuel tank. This change is expected to free up more boot space, making the Brezza CNG a more viable option for long-distance travel. While the petrol version currently offers 328 litres of boot space, the revised layout could narrow the usability gap between petrol and CNG variants.

On the outside, the 2026 Brezza facelift is expected to feature subtle but noticeable styling updates. These may include revised front and rear bumpers, tweaked headlamp and tail lamp designs, and new 16-inch alloy wheels, while the overall silhouette and interior layout are likely to remain familiar.

With these updates, Maruti Suzuki appears focused on strengthening the Brezza’s appeal in an increasingly competitive compact SUV market, ensuring that the model continues to meet evolving customer expectations while retaining its mass-market charm.

Automobiles

Škoda Auto India Crosses 500,000 Sales Milestone in Its 25th Year, Records 90% YoY Growth in November 2025


Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral

Škoda Auto India has marked a significant achievement in its 25th year in the country by crossing the milestone of 500,000 units sold. This landmark moment arrives as the brand records one of its strongest years ever, supported by consistent month-on-month momentum and growing customer trust. In November 2025 alone, Škoda Auto India sold 5,491 units, registering an impressive 90% year-on-year growth compared to the same period last year.

The company attributes this continued success to an expanding network, customer-centric ownership experiences, and a product portfolio that appeals to a diverse range of Indian buyers. Ashish Gupta, Brand Director of Škoda Auto India, expressed that their growing footprint, value-driven offerings, and robust lineup have been key contributors to both the 5 lakh cumulative sales and the company’s steady growth trajectory.

The brand’s strong foundation in India was built on its sedan legacy. The Octavia, a nameplate with 130 years of global brand heritage and 25 years in India, continues to be an icon. A highlight of the anniversary year was the return of the Octavia RS, which saw overwhelming enthusiasm with every unit allocated to India being sold out within just 20 minutes of bookings opening. Complementing this heritage is the Slavia sedan, available in both 1.0 TSI and 1.5 TSI variants, contributing to Škoda’s strong presence in the sedan segment.

In the SUV category, Škoda Auto India offers a wide range of options from INR 7.5 lakh to Rs 45.9 lakh, appealing to customers across various aspirations. The premium Kodiaq 4×4 continues to maintain its position as a unique luxury offering in its segment. The Kushaq, built on the India-focused MQB-A0-IN platform, not only blends comfort and performance but also became the first car in India to receive a full five-star rating for both adult and child occupants under Global NCAP’s updated safety norms.

Adding to this safety legacy is the Kylaq SUV, which has secured a five-star rating in Bharat NCAP’s safety tests. With over 320 customer touchpoints across 180 cities, Škoda Auto India’s network expansion further strengthens its connection with customers across the country.

As the brand continues to broaden its offerings and customer engagement initiatives, it remains poised for sustained growth, solidifying its journey through what is shaping up to be its biggest and most successful year in India.