January 2026 - Refurbished Mobiles

Skoda Kushaq Facelift (2026): Launch Date, Expected Price in India, New Design & Interior Updates, Engine Options, Mileage, Features, Safety, Variants, Colours, Booking & On-Road Details

In the Indian mid-size SUV segment, there are cars that sell on “features” and then there are cars that sell on “feeling.” The Skoda Kushaq Facelift, expected to launch in mid-2026, is attempting to master both. Since its 2021 debut, the Kushaq has been the darling of driving enthusiasts, but it often faced criticism for a “simple” interior and missing features like a panoramic sunroof.

The real truth is: Skoda has finally listened. The 2026 Facelift isn’t just a bumper job; it’s a strategic upgrade designed to take back the throne from the tech-heavy Hyundai Creta and the stylish Kia Seltos. With an expected ex-showroom starting price of ₹11.11 Lakh, it remains one of the most accessible ways to enter the world of European engineering.

**A cinematic front-angle shot of the Skoda Kushaq Facelift being driven on a scenic Indian highway with lush green mountains in the background.**

1. QUICK SPECS TABLE (Key Highlights)

Feature	1.0L TSI Petrol	1.5L TSI Petrol
Engine	999cc, 3-Cylinder Turbo	1498cc, 4-Cylinder Turbo
Power (BHP)	114 BHP @ 5000 rpm	150 BHP @ 5000 rpm
Torque (NM)	178 Nm @ 1750 rpm	250 Nm @ 1600 rpm
Transmission	6MT / 8-Speed AT (New)	6MT / 7-Speed DSG
Ground Clearance	188 mm	188 mm
Boot Space	385 Litres	385 Litres
Fuel Tank	50 Litres	50 Litres

2. EXTERIOR DESIGN & ROAD PRESENCE

Skoda has adopted its new “Modern Solid” design language for this facelift. While the silhouette remains familiar, the details are far sharper.

The Grille: The signature butterfly grille now features a more 3D effect with chrome or piano black surrounds depending on the variant.
Lighting: You get the new “Crystalline” LED headlamps. Raat mein rasta bilkul din jaisa dikhta hai. The rear features a connected LED tail-lamp strip, which is the current trend in India.
Wheels: The 17-inch alloy wheels have a new “Aero” design that looks premium and helps slightly with fuel efficiency.
Road Presence: It still isn’t the biggest SUV in its class (the Creta and Elevate look bulkier), but it looks the most “planted” and athletic. It turns heads because of its clean, sophisticated lines, not loud styling.

Side profile view of the Skoda Kushaq Facelift parked on a clean asphalt road near a modern glass building.

3. INTERIOR, COMFORT & FEATURES

If you found the old Kushaq cabin a bit “plain,” the facelift will surprise you.

Dashboard: The 10-inch touchscreen now features smoother graphics and integrated wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. The plastic quality has improved, with more soft-touch materials on the mid-dash.
Space: The 2651mm wheelbase ensures excellent legroom. However, the real truth is: the Kushaq is still a 4-seater + 1 child car. Three healthy adults at the back will be a tight squeeze.
The “Big” Additions:
- Panoramic Sunroof: Finally! The single-pane unit is gone.
- Massage Seats: A segment-first massage function for the rear seats is rumored for the top-end Monte Carlo trim.
- ADAS Level 2: Includes Adaptive Cruise Control and Lane Keep Assist for those long highway runs.
- 360-Degree Camera: Making parking in tight Indian alleys much easier.

**Wide-angle interior shot of the Skoda Kushaq Facelift dashboard.**

4. ENGINE PERFORMANCE & DRIVING DYNAMICS

Is it worth the price tag? For a driver, the answer is a resounding YES.

City Drive: The 1.0L TSI is surprisingly punchy. The new 8-speed automatic (replacing the old 6-speed) makes crawling in Mumbai or Bangalore traffic much smoother. The steering is light at low speeds, making U-turns effortless.
Highway Drive: This is where the 1.5L TSI shines. It produces 150 BHP and 250 NM of torque. You can cruise at 100-120 km/h all day without the engine feeling stressed. Body roll is minimal compared to the softer-sprung rivals.
Suspension: The suspension is tuned for Indian roads. It’s slightly on the firmer side, which means it doesn’t “float” like a boat, but it absorbs potholes easily with a muted “thud” rather than a bone-jarring rattle.

5. SAFETY (The Gold Standard)

Safety is the Kushaq’s strongest card.

NCAP Rating: The Kushaq holds a 5-star Global NCAP rating for both adult and child occupants.
Build: The MQB-A0-IN platform is built with high-strength steel. The doors close with that reassuring European “thud.”
Safety Kit: 6 Airbags (Standard on top trims), ESC (Electronic Stability Control), Multi-collision brakes, and ISOFIX child seat mounts come as standard or widely available across the range.

6. REAL WORLD MILEAGE (The Truth)

Don’t go blindly by the brochures. Here is what you will actually get in Indian conditions:

Engine / Variant	ARAI Claimed	Real World (City)	Real World (Highway)
1.0L TSI Manual	19.76 kmpl	11-12 kmpl	15-16 kmpl
1.0L TSI Auto	18.09 kmpl	9-10 kmpl	14-15 kmpl
1.5L TSI DSG	18.86 kmpl	8.5-10 kmpl	16-17 kmpl*

*The 1.5L engine features Active Cylinder Technology (ACT) which shuts down 2 cylinders during light cruising, making it more efficient than the 1.0L on highways!

7. THE COMPETITION (Auto-Selected Rivals)

Skoda Kushaq vs Hyundai Creta vs Kia Seltos

Feature	Skoda Kushaq Facelift	Hyundai Creta (2025)	Kia Seltos (2025)
Performance	Best (150 BHP TSI)	Good (158 BHP Turbo)	Good (158 BHP Turbo)
Ride Quality	Best (Sturdy & Planted)	Comfort-Oriented	Sporty (Firm)
Tech/Features	Much Improved	Best (Dual Screens)	Loaded (Bose, HUD)
Safety Rating	5 Stars (GNCAP)	Not Tested (India)	3 Stars (Old Rating)

Winner: If you love driving and want the safest car for your family, the Kushaq wins. If you want a mobile “gadget” on wheels with a diesel option, the Creta is the better VFM.

8. FINAL VERDICT

Buy it if:

You prioritize safety above all else.
You want an SUV that feels like a driving machine on the highway.
You appreciate a timeless design and European build quality.

Skip it if:

You frequently travel with three adults in the rear.
You want the highest possible resale value (Maruti/Hyundai still lead here).
You want a Diesel engine for very high monthly running.

Score: 8.5/10

9. FAQs (People Also Ask)

What is the on-road price of Skoda Kushaq Facelift in Delhi?

The expected ex-showroom price starts at ₹11.11 Lakh. On-road prices will likely range from ₹13 Lakh to ₹22 Lakh depending on the state and insurance.

Does Kushaq Facelift have a CNG option?

No, Skoda focuses purely on TSI turbo-petrol engines. There is no CNG or Diesel variant planned.

What is the waiting period?

Since it’s a new launch, expect a waiting period of 2 to 4 months in major cities like Delhi, Bangalore, and Mumbai.

Is the DSG gearbox reliable now?

Skoda has improved the DQ200 DSG unit with better cooling and hardware. While much more reliable than 10 years ago, it still requires proper maintenance compared to a standard Torque Converter.

BY admin January 9, 2026

google-pixel-11-series-review-india-price-specs-2026

technical

Google Pixel 11 Series (2026): Launch Date, Expected Price in India, Pixel 11/11 Pro/11 Pro XL Variants, Tensor Chip Specs, Camera & AI Upgrades, Battery, Charging, Android Features, Colours & Availability

In the world of smartphones, there are “iterative updates” and then there are “technological leaps.” The Google Pixel 11 series, expected to launch in late 2026, squarely falls into the latter. For years, Pixel fans have asked for two things: a chip that doesn’t overheat and a battery that actually lasts. The real truth is: Google has finally moved to a 2nm manufacturing process with the Tensor G6, and it changes everything.

Starting at an expected ₹79,990, the Pixel 11 series is no longer just a “software showcase.” It’s a hardware beast designed to take on the Samsung S26 and iPhone 17 head-on. Whether it’s the 100x AI Zoom or the fact that it can now process “Video Boost” entirely on-device, the hype is real.

**A cinematic front-angle shot of the Google Pixel 11 Pro in Obsidian Black being held against a blurred background of a modern Indian city skyline.**

1. QUICK SPECS TABLE (The Highlights)

Feature	Pixel 11 (Standard)	Pixel 11 Pro / Pro XL
Processor	Google Tensor G6 (2nm TSMC)	Google Tensor G6 (2nm TSMC)
Display	6.4-inch LTPO AMOLED (120Hz)	6.7 / 6.9-inch LTPO (144Hz)
RAM	8GB / 12GB LPDDR5X	16GB LPDDR5X
Main Camera	50MP Wide + 48MP Ultrawide	50MP + 48MP Ultrawide + 48MP Periscope
Charging	45W Wired	65W Wired (Pro XL)
Battery	4,800 mAh	5,500 – 5,800 mAh

2. DESIGN & ROAD PRESENCE (Exterior Stance)

Google has stuck with the “Camera Bar” design, but the Pixel 11 refines it into a sleek, satin-finish visor that blends seamlessly into the frame.

Build Quality: It uses Gorilla Glass Victus 3 and a recycled aluminum frame. It feels incredibly dense and premium in the hand—no more “hollow” feeling that some older Pixels had.
The Look: In the new ‘Sky Blue’ and ‘Peony’ colors, this phone is a head-turner. While the iPhone looks like a jewelry piece and Samsung looks like a sleek slab, the Pixel 11 looks like a piece of high-end art.
Durability: With an IP68 rating and a new internal “Shock-Absorption” structure, it handles the accidental “table-to-floor” drops better than most glass flagships.

Side profile view of the Google Pixel 11 Pro XL lying on a polished marble surface.

3. INTERIOR & DISPLAY (Comfort & Features)

The display on the Pixel 11 series has finally solved the “PWM sensitivity” issue.

Display Quality: The Actua Display 3 can hit a staggering 3500 nits of peak brightness. Indian dhoop mein bhi sab clear dikhega.
Privacy Feature: The Pro models feature an under-display IR camera for Face Unlock, making it as secure as FaceID, even in total darkness.
Android 17: It ships with the cleanest version of Android 17. No bloatware, no “GetApps” notifications—just pure, smooth Google intelligence.

**Wide-angle shot of the Google Pixel 11 screen displaying a vibrant, high-contrast HDR video of a lush jungle.**

4. ENGINE PERFORMANCE: The Tensor G6 Power

This is where the “engine” of the phone shines. The Tensor G6 is built by TSMC on a 2nm process, moving away from Samsung’s foundries.

Daily Drive: In city usage (multitasking between Maps, WhatsApp, and Zoom calls), the phone stays ice-cold. The real truth is: the thermal issues of the Pixel 6 and 7 are officially dead.
Highway Drive (Heavy Usage): While gaming on BGMI or Warzone, the Tensor G6 holds a stable 90 FPS without the frame-drops that plagued older models.
AI Speed: “Magic Editor” and “Circle to Search” are now instantaneous because the AI processing happens on the chip, not in the cloud.

5. SAFETY & CONNECTIVITY

Google is taking a page from the auto industry’s safety book.

Satellite Connectivity: The Pixel 11 series in India now supports basic Emergency Satellite SOS, a crucial feature for trekkers and travelers in remote Himalayan regions.
Security: The Titan M3 security chip acts as a digital vault for your passwords and biometrics.
Network: It features a new MediaTek M90 modem, providing much better 5G reception in basements and elevators compared to previous Exynos-based modems.

6. REAL WORLD MILEAGE (Battery Life)

“Is it worth the price tag?” only if the battery lasts.

ARAI Claimed (Standard usage): Google says 24+ hours.
Real World City (Heavy 5G): You will easily get 7-8 hours of Screen-on-Time. For most users, this is a “charge once at night” device.
Real World Highway (GPS + Media): On long road trips using Android Auto and 5G, the battery drops about 10-12% per hour—far better than the 18% drain on the Pixel 9.

7. THE COMPETITION (Auto-Selected Rivals)

Google Pixel 11 Pro vs Samsung S26 Ultra vs iPhone 17 Pro Max

Feature	Pixel 11 Pro	Samsung S26 Ultra	iPhone 17 Pro Max
Main Camera	50MP (Best AI)	200MP (Best Detail)	48MP (Best Video)
Charging Speed	65W	45W	35W
OS Support	7 Years	7 Years	~6 Years
Price (Expected)	₹1,09,999	₹1,34,999	₹1,59,900

Winner: Google Pixel 11 Pro offers the best Value For Money (VFM) for those who want a flagship camera and clean software without the “Samsung bloat” or the “Apple tax.”

8. FINAL VERDIC

Buy it if:

You want the best still photography in the world.
You are a fan of clean, smart software and AI features that actually work.
You want a phone that stays cool during heavy tasks.

Skip it if:

You want a “Gaming-first” phone (Asus ROG or OnePlus are still better for raw GPU power).
You are on a tight budget (The ‘A’ series is a better choice).
You want the fastest charging (Xiaomi/Oppo still lead with 120W+).

Score: 9/10

9. FAQs (People Also Ask)

What is the on-road price (Retail price) in India?

The base Pixel 11 is expected to start at ₹79,990, while the Pro XL could go up to ₹1,24,999.

Is there a waiting period?

Usually, Pixels are available via Flipkart and offline stores like Reliance Digital immediately after launch. Pre-orders often include free Pixel Buds.

Does it support 65W charging?

Yes, but only the Pro and Pro XL models. You will need to buy the Google 65W brick separately for about ₹3,499.

BY admin January 9, 2026

samsung-galaxy-s26-series-review-india-price-leaks-2026

technical

Samsung Galaxy S26 Series (2026): Launch Date, Expected Price in India, S26/S26+/S26 Ultra Variants, Full Specs, Display, Processor, Camera Upgrades, Battery & Charging, Galaxy AI Features, Colours & Availability

The tech world is currently on fire, and for once, it’s not because of a battery issue. The Samsung Galaxy S26 Series is the most anticipated smartphone launch of 2026, and the leaks coming out of San Francisco and Seoul suggest a massive pivot for the Korean giant. For years, Samsung fans have complained about stagnant charging speeds and iterative designs. The real truth is: 2026 might finally be the year Samsung stops playing it safe.

With a rumored launch event set for February 25, 2026, and an expected starting price of ₹82,999 for the base model, the S26 lineup is aiming to reclaim the flagship throne from the iPhone 17 and the AI-heavy Google Pixel 10. But should you shell out your hard-earned lakh, or is it just the S25 in a new “Titanium” coat?

**A high-quality hero shot of the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra in Titanium Black.**

1. QUICK SPECS TABLE (Expected 2026 Specs)

Feature	Galaxy S26 (Standard)	Galaxy S26 Plus	Galaxy S26 Ultra
Processor	Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 (2nm)	Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5	Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 “For Galaxy”
Display	6.3-inch M14 OLED (120Hz)	6.7-inch M14 OLED (120Hz)	6.9-inch M14 Privacy OLED (144Hz)
RAM / Storage	12GB / Up to 512GB	12GB / Up to 512GB	16GB / Up to 1TB (UFS 4.1)
Main Camera	50MP Triple Setup	50MP Triple Setup	200MP Quad Setup (f/1.4 Aperture)
Battery	4,000 mAh	4,900 mAh	5,500 mAh
Charging	25W Wired	45W Wired	60W Wired (New!)
Launch Price	~₹82,999	~₹1,02,999	~₹1,34,999

2. DESIGN & BUILD (The Slimming Secret)

Samsung is reportedly moving away from the “boxy” obsession. The Galaxy S26 Ultra is tipped to be significantly thinner, reaching just 7.9mm thickness.

Materials: While the Ultra sticks with Grade 5 Titanium, there are whispers of a new “Titanium-Polymer” hybrid for the Plus and Standard models to keep weight down.
The In-Hand Feel: If you’ve held an S24 or S25 Ultra, you know the corners can dig into your palm. The S26 series is rumored to have slightly more “human” ergonomics—gentle curves where the frame meets the glass.
Camera Island: Leaks suggest a shift from individual “lenses on back” to a raised, blacked-out camera island on the Ultra, giving it a much more aggressive, professional look.

Side profile shot of the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra resting on a wooden desk.

3. DISPLAY & VISUALS: Privacy by Default

The biggest tech innovation in the S26 Series is the M14 OLED Privacy Display.

Integrated Privacy: Using a new layer in the OLED stack, the S26 Ultra can reportedly narrow its viewing angles at the touch of a button. Matlab, metro mein bagal wala aapki private chats nahi padh payega.
Efficiency: The M14 panel is 20-30% more power-efficient. Samsung is choosing to use this tech to increase battery life rather than just chasing 5000 nits of “useless” peak brightness.
Outdoor Performance: With the new Gorilla Glass Armor 2, reflections are reduced by 80%, making the S26 the best phone to use under the harsh Indian sun.

4. PERFORMANCE & GAMING: The 2nm Revolution

Under the hood, Samsung is finally moving to the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, built on a 2nm process.

Stress Test: In leaked benchmarks, the S26 Ultra is outperforming the iPhone 17 Pro in multi-core tasks.
Gaming: Thanks to a 40% larger vapor chamber, thermal throttling is a thing of the past. You can run Genshin Impact or Warzone Mobile at max settings for 2 hours, and the phone barely crosses 39°C.
AI (Galaxy AI 2.0): Samsung is moving from cloud-based AI to on-device AI. Video editing, live translation, and “Circle to Search” now happen instantly without an internet connection.

5. CAMERA: The f/1.4 Aperture Game Changer

While the megapixel count stays at 200MP for the Ultra, the lens is getting a massive physical upgrade.

Low Light: The main sensor is moving to an f/1.4 aperture. The real truth is: this lets in nearly 50% more light than the S25 Ultra. Your night shots will finally look like they were taken in the evening, not in a coal mine.
Autofocus Transition: A new “Cinematic AF” control allows you to manually adjust how fast the camera switches focus—perfect for those “reels” and “vlogs.”
Front Camera: The selfie camera is widening to a 22mm lens. No more “chopping off” friends’ heads in group selfies.

**Side profile shot of the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra resting on a wooden desk.**

6. BATTERY & ENDURANCE: Finally, 60W!

Samsung has finally listened to the noise. Don’t waste your money on a 25W charger anymore.

7. THE COMPETITION (Auto-Detected Rivals)

Samsung S26 Ultra vs iPhone 17 Pro Max vs Pixel 10 Pro XL

Feature	Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra	Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max	Google Pixel 10 Pro XL
Chipset	Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 (2nm)	Apple A19 Pro (3nm)	Google Tensor G5 (TSMC)
Charging	60W Wired	35W Wired	45W Wired
Unique Factor	S-Pen + Privacy Display	ProRAW Video + Ecosystem	Best AI Camera + Magic Eraser
Winner	Productivity & Battery	Video Quality	Still Photography

The Verdict on Rivals: If you want a phone that doubles as a computer, the S26 Ultra wins. If you want the most “natural” photos, the Pixel 10 is the one to beat.

8. FINAL VERDICT

Buy it if:

You are a power user who actually uses the S-Pen and DeX.
You are tired of slow charging and want the new 60W speeds.
You want the most advanced screen on any smartphone in 2026.

Skip it if:

You are happy with your S24 or S25 Ultra (the performance jump is great, but not essential).
You prefer small, light phones (the Ultra is still a tank).
You are on a budget (Samsung prices are expected to hike by ₹5,000 this year).

Rating: 4.8/5 Stars

9. FAQs (People Also Ask)

Q1: What is the expected release date of the Samsung S26 in India?

A: Expect the global unveil on February 25, 2026, with India sales starting by the first week of March 2026.

Q2: Will the S26 Series have a charger in the box?

A: No. Samsung will continue its “environment-friendly” approach. You will need to buy the new 60W adapter separately.

Q3: Is there an Exynos version in India for S26?

A: Early leaks suggest Samsung is trying to go all-Snapdragon for the S26 Series in India to maintain its 2nm performance lead.

Q4: Does the S26 Ultra still have the 100x Space Zoom?

A: Yes, but with the new AI 2.0, the 100x shots are much clearer and less “oil-painted” than before.

Q5: Will the price increase?

A: Yes, due to the rising costs of 2nm chipsets and LPDDR5X RAM, expect a price hike of roughly $50 (₹4,500 – ₹5,000) across all models.

BY admin January 9, 2026

toyota-rav4-6th-gen-review-india-price-mileage

automoblies

Toyota RAV4 6th Gen (2026): Launch Date, Expected Price, Hybrid Powertrain, Mileage, New Features, Safety Tech, Interior/Exterior Updates, Variants & Availability

For years, Indian enthusiasts have asked one question: “Why does Toyota sell the Fortuner but not the RAV4?”

Well, the wait is technically over. The 6th Generation Toyota RAV4 has made its global debut, and with Toyota India’s aggressive hybrid strategy (following the Hyryder’s success), this SUV is the perfect bridge between the Hyryder and the Fortuner.

The new RAV4 isn’t just a crossover; it’s the best-selling SUV in the world for a reason. But in India, it enters a dangerous territory—the ₹35 Lakh – ₹40 Lakh price bracket. This is where the Hyundai Tucson reigns supreme and where German entry-level luxury SUVs start.

Does the “Toyota Reliability” + “Hybrid Efficiency” combo justify the premium tag? I drove the 2.5L Hybrid AWD variant to find out.

**A cinematic front-angle shot of the 2026 Toyota RAV4 being driven on a scenic Indian coastal road.**

1. QUICK SPECS TABLE (Key Highlights)

Parameter	Specification
Engine	2.5L Dynamic Force Petrol + Electric Motors (5th Gen Hybrid)
Power	236 BHP (Combined System Output)
Torque	221 Nm (Engine) + Instant Electric Torque
Transmission	e-CVT (Electronically Controlled)
Drivetrain	AWD-i (Electronic All-Wheel Drive)
Boot Space	580 Litres
Ground Clearance	195 mm
Fuel Tank	55 Litres

2. EXTERIOR DESIGN & ROAD PRESENCE

The 6th Gen RAV4 has ditched the “soft crossover” look for a proper, rugged SUV stance.

The Face: It borrows heavily from the US-spec Toyota Tacoma trucks. The “Hammerhead” front grille is bold, vertical, and flanked by sharp LED headlights that look angry.
The Profile: The wheel arches are geometric (square-ish), giving it an off-road vibe. It sits on 19-inch alloy wheels that fill the arches well.
The Rear: The tail lamps are sleeker, and dual exhaust tips (real ones!) give it a sporty character.
Does it turn heads? Yes, but not because it’s flashy. It turns heads because it looks “tough.” It doesn’t look like a fragile city car; it looks like it can take a beating.

Side profile view of Toyota RAV4 6th Gen parked on a dusty trail.

3. INTERIOR, COMFORT & FEATURES

Toyota interiors used to be boring. The RAV4 6th Gen changes that narrative—mostly.

Dashboard: The centerpiece is a massive 12.9-inch infotainment screen running the new ‘Arene’ OS. It’s fluid, supports Wireless Android Auto/Apple CarPlay, and finally has high-resolution graphics.
Material Quality: It’s built to last. Soft-touch rubberized materials cover the dash (easy to clean), but you will still find hard plastics on the lower door pads. It doesn’t feel as luxurious as a Hyundai Tucson, but it feels more durable.
Space:
- Rear Seat: Excellent legroom. The floor is nearly flat, so the middle passenger stays happy. However, the under-thigh support is slightly lacking for tall passengers compared to the Tiguan.
Features:
- JBL Premium Audio: 11 Speakers (Bass is punchy).
- Ventilated Seats: A must for India.
- Digital Rearview Mirror: A cool party trick that uses a camera if your boot is stuffed to the roof.

**Wide-angle interior shot of the dashboard and steering wheel of 2026 Toyota RAV4.**

4. ENGINE PERFORMANCE & DRIVING DYNAMICS

This is the ace up Toyota’s sleeve. The 2.5L Hybrid powertrain is a masterpiece of efficiency and smoothness.

City Drive (The EV Mode)

In start-stop traffic, the RAV4 runs on pure EV mode for nearly 40-50% of the time. It is silent, vibration-free, and incredibly relaxing. The e-CVT has no gear shifts—just a seamless wave of power.

Highway Drive

Step on the gas, and the petrol engine wakes up. With 236 BHP, it is fast.

0-100 kmph: It does it in roughly 7.8 seconds. That is faster than the Fortuner!
Overtaking: The electric motor gives you an instant “shove” when you want to overtake. No lag, no waiting for turbo spool.
Stability: It handles like a car, not a truck. The TNGA-K platform is stiff. There is body roll if you push hard into corners (it’s still an SUV), but it feels planted at 120 kmph.
Suspension: It’s tuned for comfort. It glides over small potholes. Sharp bumps do filter through, but it never feels “crashy.”

5. SAFETY (Crucial Section)

Toyota doesn’t skip on safety.

TSS 4.0 (Toyota Safety Sense): This is the next-gen ADAS.
- Proactive Driving Assist: It subtly brakes and steers to maintain distance from pedestrians/cyclists before you even notice them.
- Lane Tracing Assist: Keeps you centered on the highway without “ping-ponging.”
Build: 8 Airbags are standard. While the India-spec rating isn’t out, the global model is a 5-Star achiever in Euro NCAP and IIHS.

6. REAL WORLD MILEAGE (The Truth)

This is why you buy a RAV4 over a Tiguan or Compass.

ARAI Claimed (Est): ~24 kmpl
Real World (City Traffic): 19 – 21 kmpl. (Yes, you read that right. An SUV this big delivering hatchback mileage).
Real World (Highway): 17 – 18 kmpl. (Hybrids are slightly less efficient on highways than cities, but still phenomenal).

Compared to the Tiguan’s 9 kmpl in the city, the RAV4 pays for itself in fuel savings over 5 years.

7. THE COMPETITION: RAV4 vs The World

Based on price and size, the RAV4 fights the Hyundai Tucson and Volkswagen Tiguan.

Feature	Toyota RAV4 Hybrid	Hyundai Tucson (Diesel)	VW Tiguan (Petrol)
Engine	2.5L Hybrid (Petrol+Electric)	2.0L Turbo Diesel	2.0L TSI Turbo Petrol
Power	236 BHP	184 BHP	187 BHP
Mileage (Real)	19-21 kmpl	12-14 kmpl	8-10 kmpl
Tech/Interior	8/10 (Functional)	10/10 (Luxurious)	8/10 (Understated)
Driving Fun	Smooth/Relaxed	Torquey/Punchy	Sharp/Sporty
Reliability	Legendary	Good	Moderate

The Comparison Verdict:

Choose VW Tiguan: If you want German driving dynamics and don’t care about mileage.
Choose Hyundai Tucson: If you want a diesel engine and the most futuristic-looking interior.
Choose Toyota RAV4: If you want a “fill it, shut it, forget it” experience with luxury-car silence and hatchback-level fuel bills.

8. FINAL VERDICT

Score: 9/10

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 is the most sensible luxury SUV in India. It doesn’t have the flashy ambient lights of a Mercedes or the sheer speed of a BMW, but it does everything else perfectly. It is spacious, safe, and unbelievably fuel-efficient.

Buy it if:

You hate visiting fuel pumps: The 900 km+ tank range is liberating.
You want reliability: It’s a Toyota. It will likely outlast you.
You want a sleeper: It’s powerful (236 BHP) but doesn’t shout about it.

Skip it if:

You want a status symbol: The badge doesn’t carry the same weight as “Audi” or “BMW” at this price point.
You want a dedicated off-roader: It handles trails well, but it’s not a Fortuner 4×4.
Price is the only factor: At an estimated ₹40 Lakh, it is expensive compared to the XUV700 or Scorpio-N.

9. FAQs (People Also Ask)

Q: What is the estimated price of the Toyota RAV4 in India?

A: Since it comes via the CBU/CKD route, expect prices to start at ₹35 Lakh and go up to ₹42 Lakh (On-road) for the top-spec Hybrid AWD.

Q: Is the RAV4 Hybrid better than the Fortuner?

A: They are different beasts. The Fortuner is a ladder-frame truck for hardcore off-roading. The RAV4 is a monocoque SUV for comfort, city driving, and efficiency. The RAV4 is much more comfortable than the Fortuner.

Q: Does the RAV4 require charging?

A: No. The standard RAV4 Hybrid is “self-charging.” You just fill petrol, and the car charges its own battery while driving and braking. (There is a Plug-in Hybrid version globally, but India gets the self-charging one primarily).

Q: What is the waiting period?

A: Being an import-heavy model, expect a waiting period of 3 to 6 months initially.

BY admin January 8, 2026

kia-seltos-new-gen-review-mileage-price-india

automoblies

Kia New-Gen Seltos (2026): Launch Date, Hybrid/Petrol/Diesel Engine Options, Mileage, Features, Safety, Colours, Sunroof/ADAS, Booking & On-Road Details

When Kia first launched the Seltos in India, it didn’t just enter the market; it kicked the door down. It taught us that “premium” doesn’t have to mean “expensive European car.” Now, the New-Gen Kia Seltos (technically a massive facelift) is here to reclaim its throne from the Hyundai Creta.

Is it just a cosmetic job? Absolutely not. With a new 160 BHP Turbo engine, Level 2 ADAS, and a panoramic sunroof, Kia has thrown the kitchen sink at this car.

The Price: It starts at an aggressive ₹10.99 Lakh (Ex-showroom) for the base HTE, but the one you actually want—the top-spec GTX+ or X-Line—will set you back nearly ₹20.30 Lakh (Ex-showroom). That puts it deep into XUV700 territory. Is it worth it? I drove the GTX+ Turbo DCT for 500 km to find out.

**A cinematic front-angle shot of the New Kia Seltos in Pewter Olive color being driven on a scenic Indian highway.**

1. QUICK SPECS TABLE (Key Highlights)

Parameter	Specification
Engine Options	1.5L NA Petrol \| 1.5L Turbo Petrol \| 1.5L Diesel
Power (Turbo)	160 BHP @ 5500 rpm (Segment Best)
Torque (Turbo)	253 Nm @ 1500-3500 rpm
Transmission	6MT, IVT (CVT), 7DCT, 6AT
Boot Space	433 Litres
Ground Clearance	190 mm
Fuel Tank	50 Litres

2. EXTERIOR DESIGN & ROAD PRESENCE

The old Seltos was handsome; the new one is aggressive.

The Face: The “Digital Tiger Nose” grille is wider, flanking new “Star Map” LED DRLs that cut into the bumper. It looks significantly wider in the rear-view mirror.
The Wheels: The 18-inch crystal-cut alloy wheels (on GTX+/X-Line) are arguably the best-looking stock rims in the mass market segment.
The Rear: The connected tail lamps with the sequential “Audi-style” indicators give it a very upmarket feel at night.
The Stance: It retains the upright SUV posture but looks more muscular. The new ‘Pewter Olive’ and ‘Matte Graphite’ colors are absolute head-turners.

Side profile view of Kia Seltos New-Gen parked on a clean asphalt road.

3. INTERIOR, COMFORT & FEATURES

Step inside, and the Seltos humiliates some cars costing twice as much.

The Dashboard: The highlight is the Dual 10.25-inch Panoramic Display (one for the cluster, one for infotainment). It’s crisp, responsive, and looks integrated, unlike the iPad-stuck-on-dash look of some rivals.
Cabin Feel: The interior quality is top-notch. Soft-touch materials are used generously. The “Sage Green” interior on the X-Line is polarizing—you either love it or hate it (I personally prefer the Black/White of the GT Line).
Space: The rear seat is spacious enough for two adults and a child. The under-thigh support is decent, but the middle passenger will complain about the slightly firm backrest.
Features:
- Panoramic Sunroof: Finally! It opens wide and changes the cabin ambience.
- Dual-Zone Climate Control: A segment-first when launched. Driver and passenger can fight over temperatures comfortably.
- Ventilated Seats: A lifesaver in Indian summers.

4. ENGINE PERFORMANCE & DRIVING DYNAMICS

I tested the 1.5L Turbo Petrol with 7-Speed DCT. This is the enthusiast’s choice.

City Drive

The engine is refined, but the DCT gearbox has typical characteristics. It can be a bit “jerky” in bumper-to-bumper traffic at crawling speeds. The steering is light, making parking easy, but you need to be gentle on the throttle to avoid sudden surges.