Tag: Electric Vehicles

Automobiles

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

Tanisha Cardozo

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

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

Tanisha Cardozo

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

India Goes Electric: Maruti Suzuki Unveils One India, One EV Charging Platform

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral

Maruti Suzuki has officially entered the electric mobility landscape with a comprehensive, nationwide EV ecosystem designed to make charging seamless, accessible, and reliable for customers across India. With the launch of the One India, One EV Charging platform, the company introduces an end-to-end digital solution that integrates home charging, public charging, and a unified payment experience. As part of this transformation, Maruti Suzuki has collaborated with 13 leading Charge Point Operators and aggregators to create a consolidated national network, ensuring a frictionless user experience across all partner-operated charging stations. The company has already established more than 2,000 exclusive Maruti Suzuki charging points across its extensive sales and service network spread over 1,100 cities, making EV ownership more convenient than ever before.

Aligned with Suzuki’s global sustainability vision, Maruti Suzuki aims to enable a nationwide network of over 1,00,000 public charging points by 2030 in partnership with its dealers and CPOs. To demonstrate the strength and readiness of this ecosystem, four e VITARA Born EVs embarked on a unique pan-India ‘e drive,’ starting from Gurugram and travelling to Srinagar in the North, Kanyakumari in the South, Dibrugarh in the East, and Bhuj in the West. This symbolic journey reflects the brand’s commitment to building consumer confidence through real-world proof of charging accessibility and range reliability. The e VITARA itself has undergone rigorous testing over more than one crore kilometres in conditions ranging from scorching 60°C heat to freezing –30°C cold, consistently delivering a range of 543 kilometres.

Maruti Suzuki’s nationwide showroom network and over 1,500 service workshops have been upgraded to be EV-ready, supported by a trained workforce of 1.5 lakh professionals equipped to deliver top-notch EV ownership experiences. The company has also launched the ‘e for me’ app, enabling customers and prospective buyers to locate charging stations across the national network with ease. By bringing together advanced product development, widespread charging access, and digital integration, Maruti Suzuki is poised to redefine EV ownership in India and strengthen the country’s journey toward a sustainable mobility future.

Automobiles

Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant Inaugurates 1st Goa Auto Show 2025, Spotlight on Electric Vehicles

Tanisha Cardozo

The 1st Edition of the Goa Auto Show 2025 was inaugurated at Kala Academy, Panaji, by Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant in the presence of Transport and Panchayat Minister Shri Mauvin Godinho and other dignitaries. This landmark event brings together leading automobile brands and cutting-edge technology to showcase the future of transport, with a special emphasis on Next Generation Electric Vehicles (EVs).

As the state of Goa pushes forward in its mission toward clean and sustainable urban mobility, this exhibition serves as a dynamic platform for innovation and public engagement. Citizens, industry professionals, students, and auto enthusiasts are invited to experience the latest trends in green transportation, including high-efficiency EVs, smart mobility systems, eco-conscious design, and advanced automotive engineering.

The show reflects Goa’s commitment to reducing its carbon footprint and integrating future-forward infrastructure into its transportation ecosystem. By spotlighting electric vehicles and green technologies, the Goa Auto Show 2025 is more than just an expo—it is a step toward environmental responsibility, lifestyle change, and technological evolution.

The Kala Academy exhibition space has been transformed into a vibrant arena of mobility, featuring top Indian and international automotive brands, interactive displays, test drive zones, and educational booths. This open-to-all event is designed to inspire curiosity, encourage informed consumer decisions, and spark conversations about the role of transport in a sustainable future.

With Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant emphasizing the government’s proactive support for green innovation, and Shri Mauvin Godinho highlighting the importance of public engagement in the EV movement, the Goa Auto Show sets a precedent for similar initiatives in the future.

Whether you’re an industry insider, student, or simply an enthusiast, this event is an opportunity to witness the road ahead—where smart, sustainable, and electric is not just a concept, but a reality in motion.

Automobiles

India Accelerates Towards Green Mobility: PM Modi Flags Off Suzuki’s First Made-in-India EV for Global Markets

Tanisha Cardozo

India took a bold stride towards becoming a global hub for green mobility as Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated two landmark initiatives at the Suzuki Motor Plant in Hansalpur, Gujarat. The event marked a transformative moment in India’s green energy journey, reinforcing the government’s push for Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India.

At the center of this historic day was the launch of Suzuki’s first global strategic Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV)—the e-VITARA—which will now be manufactured in India and exported to over 100 countries, including advanced markets like Europe and Japan. This development officially positions India as Suzuki’s global production hub for electric vehicles.

In a parallel breakthrough, PM Modi also launched domestic production of hybrid battery electrodes at the TDS Lithium-Ion Battery plant, a joint venture between Toshiba, Denso, and Suzuki. This step signifies a crucial shift in India’s EV supply chain dynamics, ensuring that over 80% of the battery value is now manufactured within the country.

PM Modi highlighted that what began over a decade ago, when land was first allotted to Maruti Suzuki in Gujarat, has now matured into a global export powerhouse. He emphasized that the new EV initiatives reflect both India’s engineering capacity and its growing importance in global value chains. He praised the late Osamu Suzuki’s vision and the expansion of India-Japan cooperation in manufacturing and innovation.

Acknowledging the broader significance of the developments, the Prime Minister noted that India is now exporting cars—and electric vehicles—back to Japan, a testament to India’s rising capabilities and global trust in its manufacturing standards. He stressed that companies like Suzuki are not just foreign investors, but brand ambassadors of India’s industrial transformation.

Further emphasizing clean mobility, PM Modi announced plans for hybrid ambulances, developed within just six months by Maruti Suzuki, as part of the ₹11,000 crore PM E-DRIVE scheme. These vehicles are set to modernize emergency services while aligning with India’s clean energy goals.

The Prime Minister also reaffirmed India’s dedication to building a strong domestic EV ecosystem. Until recently, India imported nearly all its EV batteries, but now, with the local production of hybrid battery components, the nation is moving quickly toward self-reliance. PM Modi noted that initiatives like the National Critical Mineral Mission, which will launch over 1,200 exploration campaigns, aim to secure rare earth minerals essential for EVs and semiconductors.

PM Modi credited sustained reforms over the past decade for the dramatic growth in manufacturing—electronics production has grown by 500%, mobile phone output by 2,700%, and defence production by over 200%. He emphasized that the focus on plug-and-play infrastructure, logistics parks, and PLI schemes have transformed India into a competitive industrial destination.

Highlighting the depth of India-Japan ties, PM Modi shared how Japan played a key role in the early editions of the Vibrant Gujarat Summit, and how personal efforts were made to ensure comfort and cultural integration for Japanese investors—from golf courses to cuisine. He announced that he would be visiting Japan next week, further reinforcing the strength of the bilateral relationship.

The Prime Minister concluded by calling on Indian states to compete in attracting global investors through reform-driven, pro-development policies. He expressed confidence that the initiatives launched today will lay the foundation for a developed India by 2047, with Japan continuing to be one of the country’s most trusted partners on that journey.

Also present at the ceremony were Gujarat Chief Minister Shri Bhupendrabhai Patel, Japan’s Ambassador to India H.E. Mr. Ono Keiichi, and senior executives from Suzuki Motor Corporation.