New Honda EV for India, Hyundai Venue N-Line, new Renault Duster and more | News | Autocar India
[Music] Hello and welcome to another edition of Autocar India’s quick news, your weekly roundup of everything new in the automotive industry. Before we get started, a quick reminder to subscribe to the Autocar India channel and hit that bell icon to be notified of all the new and exciting videos coming out. We begin with coverage from the Japan Mobility Show 2025 where Honda unveiled the Zero Alpha SUV concept. The production model will launch in India in 2027 and it’ll also be manufactured here. Honda’s Zero Alpha SUV concept is nearly production ready. It features a sharply raked front, upright rear windscreen, and a tapering window line. Up front, the illuminated Honda logo and charging ports sit within a closed off grill flanked by sleek headlights, chunky cladding, a bold chin, and 19-in five-spoke alloys emphasize its SUV stance, while the rear gets a full width U-shaped tail lights, and large four bash plate with integrated lights. Honda hasn’t revealed the interior or technical details yet, but we have learned that it will have a 2,700 or 2,800 mm wheelbase with a focus on maximizing cabin space. It will also come with two LFP battery options suited to India’s hot climate. While capacities haven’t been disclosed, they are expected to range between 65 kW hours and 75 kW hours. The SUV will initially be offered with a single motor frontwheel drive setup. Honda will also launch the Zero Series SUV in India by 2026 and it will be imported as a completely built unit. The prototype’s unconventional design features a squared off rear that gives it a MPV like stance. It’s shaped to maximize cabin space with a large glass house for better visibility. The clean unbroken body surfaces likely aid aerodynamics while U-shaped tail lamps and protruding front and rear bumpers add a layered look. Honda hasn’t revealed full technical details yet, but confirmed that the 0 series SUV will be available with rear wheel drive and all-wheel drive options. It will use ultra thin lightweight batteries to boost efficiency. Honda previously told Autocar UK that the SUV will offer 80 kWh and 100 kWh battery packs with an estimated range of around 500 km. Honda is also planning an aggressive comeback in India with at least 10 new models by 2030. The company has made India a key priority, setting up a dedicated project team to craft a local strategy. Of the seven upcoming SUVs, some will be global models while others will be tailored specifically for Indian buyers. Last week, we showed you the new Toyota Land Cruiser FJ and at the Japan Mobility Show, it was confirmed that it will arrive in India by late 2028 with local production set to begin at the brand’s new Chhatrapati Shambaji Nagar plant in Maharashtra. The FJ will be the new entry point to Toyota’s Land Cruiser range. Built on the same IMV platform as the Fortuna, Innova and Hilux, but unlike them, the India Spec FJ will not get a diesel engine. It’ll be petrol only. A 163 horsepower 246Nm 2.7 L petrol as well as a strong hybrid and plug-in hybrid option are on the cards. Toyota plans to build around 89,000 units of the FJ annually with 40,000 set for export markets like the Middle East. Prices are expected to start around rupees 30 lakh exurum with PHEV variants significantly costing more. At the Suzuki stand, there was the France FFV concept powered by an engine that can run on E85 fuel with up to 85% ethanol. The production spec francs flex fuel is set to launch in India next year. While specs haven’t been revealed, the Franc’s FFE’s engine is set to run on petrol with 20 to 85% ethanol. That means it’s compatible with today’s E20 fuel and ready for future E85 blends. In India, the government plans to raise ethanol content to 30% within the next 5 years. Ahead of the venue’s launch on November 4th, Hyundai has revealed the sporty endline version and bookings are now open for a token amount of rupees 25,000. Compared to the standard venue, the endline gets a sportier look with a unique grill, endline badging, a new bumper with red accents and 17in alloy wheels. The red detailing continues along the sides, and the wheel arch cladding has been removed for a cleaner, more aggressive stance. At the rear, it gets a new dual ridge spoiler with an integrated stop lamp, endline badging, a red accented bumper, and dual exhaust tips. Inside, it gets an all black cabin with a sportier steering wheel inspired by the Ioni 5N complete with red stitching and drive and traction mode selectors. It also features endline gear knobs, red ambient lighting, metal pedals, and black leatherrett seats with endline embossing. The new venue endline will be sold in two variants, N6 and N10, both of which are powered by a 1 L turbo petrol engine developing 120 horsepower and 172 Newton meters. In N6 guys, the engine can be mated to a six-speed manual or a seven-speed dual clutch automatic, while the N10 only gets the DCT. Front and rear disc brakes will also be part of the package. Renault has confirmed that the new generation Duster will debut in India on January 26, 2026, marking the brand’s return to the segment 4 years after the previous model was discontinued. Engine options for the new Dusta are yet to be officially confirmed, but we expect Renault’s 156 horsepower 1.3 L turbo petrol mill to be part of the lineup offered with both manual and CVT transmissions. The 1 L 3-cylinder turbo petrol from the Kaiger could also power entry-level variants. Diesel engines are off the table for now, but Renault is evaluating a localized hybrid powertrain. Nissan will once again share its platform with Renault, this time underpinning its Tecton SUV. In two wheeler news, Ducati has launched two new models in India. The first is the Multistrada V2 priced at rupees 18.88 lakh. The new Multistrada V2 is lighter and more advanced, shedding 18 kgs to achieve a curb weight of 199 kgs. Its smaller 19 liter tank also aids weight reduction. For 2025, it gets refreshed styling with new panagal and multistraa V4 inspired headlights, sharper DRLs, and a redesigned sleeker silencer. It uses an 890cc V twin producing 115 horsepower and 92 Newton meters. Both variants of the V2 and the V2S get a six-speed gearbox with a slipper clutch and birectional quick shifter. The Multistraa V2S uses semi-active suspension with Ducati’s Skyhook suspension system. Additionally, Ducati has moved away from the Terrellis frame and now offers a monok front frame. The new 5-in TFT display features a redesigned interface with three info modes and five riding modes. Each adjusts the cornering ABS, traction, wheelie, and engine brake control, all customizable. Standard kit includes cruise control, a USB port and Ducati brake light EVO which flashes under hard braking. The Multistrada V2 and V2S are available at dealerships in India now. And here is the full price list. The second Ducati launched is the Panala V2 powered by the same 890cc 90° V twin engine. The Panagali V2’s engine produces 120 horsepower and 93.3 Nm of torque, 30 horsepower less than the previous 950 cc Super Quadro. But Ducati says the focus is on approachability and lightness. At 175 kg is dry, the V2S is the lightest Panigal ever, and the standard version closes behind at 179 kg. The Panagali V2 includes a full suite of electronics managed by a sixaxis IMU, including cornering ABS, traction and wheelie control, engine brake control, and a birectional quick shifter. The V2S adds launch control and a pit limiter. Riders get four modes, race, sport, road, and wet displayed on a 5-in TFT screen. Suspension duties are handled by a fully adjustable front fork and a Cayaba monoshock on the base bike. Both variants feature Brembo M50 brakes and Pirelli’s Diablo Corsa Rosso 4 tires. The 2025 Panagalia V2 starts at rupees 19.12 lakh for the base variant and rupees 21.10 lakh for the Wii 2S. A notable drop from the previous models rupees 20.98 lakh price tag. And that’s a wrap for quick news this week. Thank you so much for watching. We’ll see you again next week. [Music]
In this week’s Autocar India Quick News, Honda has showcased the electric 0 α and 0 Series SUV concepts at the Japan Mobility Show 2025, both of which are India-bound. Toyota has confirmed that the Land Cruiser FJ will come to India in late 2028, while Maruti is preparing to launch the Fronx flex-fuel model next year. Hyundai has revealed the new Venue N Line, and Renault has confirmed the Duster’s India debut early next year. On two wheels, Ducati has launched the 2026 Multistrada V2 and the new Panigale V2 in India. Lenny D’sa has all the details.
Chapters
0:30 – Honda 0 α electric SUV concept revealed
1:42 – Honda 0 Series SUV India launch in 2026
2:51- Toyota Land Cruiser FJ India launch in 2028
3:46 – Maruti Fronx flex fuel India launch in 2026
4:19 – Hyundai Venue N Line revealed
5:34 – Renault Duster India debut confirmed
6:16 – New Ducati Multistrada V2 launched
7:38 – New Ducati Panigale V2 launched
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