Mahindra has officially launched the facelifted XUV700 in India under a new name — XUV 7XO — with prices starting at Rs 13.66 lakh (ex-showroom). The updated SUV brings noticeable changes in design, technology, and features, strengthening Mahindra’s presence in the highly competitive mid-size SUV segment.

The XUV 7XO will rival models such as the Tata Safari and MG Hector. Test drives will begin from January 8, while deliveries of top-end variants are scheduled to start from January 14. Entry-level variants will be delivered from April 2025.

Engine and powertrain options

The Mahindra XUV 7XO continues with the same engine lineup seen on the outgoing XUV700. Buyers can opt for a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine producing 200 hp and 380 Nm of torque, or a 2.2-litre turbo-diesel engine delivering up to 185 hp and 450 Nm. These engines have been retained to offer a familiar balance of performance and drivability.

Exterior design updates

Design updates on the XUV 7XO draw inspiration from Mahindra’s newer electric vehicle concepts. The SUV gets revised LED daytime running lights, projector headlamps, and a refreshed grille featuring vertical chrome accents. At the rear, a connected full-width LED light bar with inverted L-shaped elements gives the SUV a more contemporary appearance.

Additional updates include new dual-tone alloy wheels, redesigned bumpers, and new colour options, collectively giving the XUV 7XO a sharper and more modern road presence.

Interior, features and technology

Inside, the Mahindra XUV 7XO introduces significant upgrades in technology and comfort. The SUV features a coast-to-coast triple 10.25-inch HD screen setup, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, DPO support, the AdrenoX infotainment system, and Alexa integration offering over 60 connected functions.

Luxury features include a leatherette interior package, Skyroof, cruise control, a powered driver seat with memory, and push-button start. Safety and wellness features include six airbags, a 540-degree camera, blind spot monitoring, air purifier, DVR, and smart locking technology. The SUV also gets R18 diamond-cut alloy wheels, bi-LED headlamps with DRLs, roof rails, rear spoiler, and telescopic steering.

Notably, the XUV 7XO integrates Alexa and ChatGPT, enhancing the in-car digital experience.

Variants and pricing

The Mahindra XUV 7XO range starts at Rs 13.66 lakh (ex-showroom). The AX7L diesel-manual variant is priced at an introductory Rs 22.47 lakh (ex-showroom) for the first 40,000 buyers, while the AX7 diesel-manual is priced at Rs 18.95 lakh (ex-showroom).

Maruti Suzuki has officially introduced its latest SUV, the Victoris, as the flagship model under its Arena range. Positioned above the Brezza, the Victoris comes with a strong focus on safety, premium features, and multiple powertrain options, aiming to strengthen the automaker’s hold in the mid-size SUV segment.

Safety features with first-time ADAS in Maruti

The Victoris has achieved a 5-star BNCAP crash test rating, addressing long-standing concerns about Maruti Suzuki’s safety standards. It is equipped with six airbags as standard and, for the first time in India, the company has introduced Level-2 ADAS features. These include adaptive cruise control with curve speed reduction, automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, and high beam assist.

The SUV also features disc brakes on all four wheels and an electronic parking brake with auto-hold.

Design and colour options

The Victoris carries a modern yet clean design, inspired by the e-Vitara. It gets slender LED headlamps, a chrome strip on the grille, and slightly elevated fog lamps. The SUV rides on 17-inch aero-cut alloy wheels, while the rear design is highlighted by connected LED tail lamps with a unique glow pattern.

Dimensionally, it measures 4,360 mm in length, 1,655 mm in width, and 1,795 mm in height with a wheelbase of 2,600 mm. Buyers can choose from 10 colour options—including new shades Mystic Green and Eternal Blue, with three dual-tone finishes.

Interiors and advanced features

Inside, the Victoris gets a dual-tone black and ivory cabin with soft-touch panels, piano black inserts, and textured upholstery. Boot practicality has been enhanced even in CNG variants, as the cylinder is now placed under the floor.

The SUV is feature-loaded with a 10.1-inch SmartPlay Pro-X touchscreen, 8-speaker Infinity system with Dolby Atmos, a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, 64-colour ambient lighting, and a PM2.5 air filter.

Other highlights include ventilated front seats, wireless charging, gesture-controlled powered tailgate, 8-way powered driver seat, 360-degree camera, TPMS, and front & rear parking sensors.

Engine, variants and mileage

The Victoris shares its powertrain lineup with the Grand Vitara, offering:

• 1.5L NA petrol engine: 103 Hp, 139 Nm, paired with 5-speed MT or 6-speed AT, with optional AWD and factory-fitted CNG kit.
• 1.5L strong-hybrid setup: 92.5 Hp, 122 Nm, paired with e-CVT gearbox.
  

Mileage claims:

• 21.18 km/l (manual petrol)
• 21.06 km/l (automatic petrol)
• 19.07 km/l (AWD petrol)
• 27.02 km/kg (CNG)
• 28.65 km/l (hybrid)

With these combinations, the Victoris is set to rival the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, and Toyota Hyryder in the growing mid-size SUV space.

Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India (HMSI) has officially introduced two new high-performance motorcycles in the Indian market—the CB750 Hornet and the CB1000 Hornet SP. These additions to Honda’s premium lineup aim to tap into the growing demand for performance bikes among Indian riders.

Pricing and availability

The CB750 Hornet is priced at Rs 8,59,500 (ex-showroom), while the CB1000 Hornet SP comes at a premium Rs 12,35,900 (ex-showroom). The former will be accessible through both BigWing and BigWing Topline dealerships, while the latter will be available exclusively at BigWing Topline outlets across the country. Deliveries for both models are expected to start in June 2025, and bookings are already open.

Engine and performance specs

The CB750 Hornet is powered by a newly designed 755cc, inline twin-cylinder engine that delivers 90.51 hp and 75 Nm of torque. In contrast, the CB1000 Hornet SP features a more powerful 999cc inline four-cylinder DOHC engine, producing 155 hp and 107 Nm of torque. Both models come mated with a 6-speed gearbox equipped with assist and slipper clutch technology for smoother gear transitions.

Braking and safety

Braking duties on the CB1000 Hornet SP are handled by dual 310mm front discs with Brembo radial-mount calipers, along with a 240mm rear disc. The CB750 Hornet is fitted with 296mm dual front discs and a 240mm rear disc. Both motorcycles feature dual-channel ABS to enhance safety during braking.

Official statements

At the launch event, HMSI’s Managing Director and CEO Tsutsumu Otani emphasized the growing interest in premium motorcycles among young Indian riders. He noted that the new Hornets are designed to deliver a blend of performance, style, and Honda’s renowned engineering.

Yogesh Mathur, Director of Sales and Marketing at HMSI, highlighted that the Hornet brand holds strong emotional value for motorcycle enthusiasts. According to him, the introduction of the CB750 and CB1000 Hornet SP elevates the Hornet’s legacy by combining modern technology, signature design, and an assertive road presence.