VW DRIVES IN THE DEFINITIVE HOT HATCHVolkswagen has launched the Golf GTI (pictured above), that comes here in its 8.5-gen avatar, at an ex-showroom price of Rs 53 lakh. This is the second GTI model to come to India, after the Polo GTI that was sold here in limited numbers. The initial import batch has 150 units, and all of these are already sold out. The Golf GTI is powered by a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol that makes 265 bhp and 370Nm. Power is sent only to the front wheels, while the transmission is the DQ380I 7-speed DCT. This helps the GTI launch from nought to 100 kmph in just 5.9 seconds with a top speed of 250 kmph (electronically limited). The Golf carries a familiar VW aesthetic, with an illuminated logo and Matrix LED headlamps. Sporty elements are present all over, and the fog lamps form an ‘X’ motif. It rides on 18-inch dual-tone alloys and has red brake callipers, while the dual exhaust tips announce the GTI’s spirited side. Inside, the highlights are the sport seats that feature tartan inserts (a GTI classic) as well as GTI badging. It also gets a leather-wrapped steering, again with a GTI clasp. There is a 12.9-inch infotainment display as well as a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster. Features include three zone climate control, 30-colour ambient lighting, heated front seats and a wireless charger.A VERY SPECIAL G Mercedes-Benz India has launched the first-ever India-inspired AMG G 63 ‘Collector’s Edition’, a bespoke and limited variant of its iconic luxury off-roader. Priced at Rs 4.3 crore (ex-showroom), only 30 units of this special edition will be made, and will be available exclusively to existing customers of Mercedes-Benz top-end luxury vehicles.Co-developed with Mercedes-Benz Research and Development India (MBRDI), the ‘Collector’s Edition’ pays homage to India’s diverse landscape and cultural richness. It marks a milestone in hyper-personalisation, featuring custom paint shades Mid Green Magno and Red Magno, and will have a personalised grab handle engraved with the owner’s name.The exterior features edition-specific touches like a ‘One of Thirty’ badge on the spare wheel cover, unique protective side strips and 22-inch Tech Gold AMG wheels. The interiors are finished in two-tone MANUFAKTUR nappa leather, complemented by open-pore walnut wood trim, enhancing the SUV’s luxury quotient. It also gets the latest MBUX NTG7 infotainment system with augmented reality navigation and 3D surround sound.Deliveries of the AMG G 63 Collector’s Edition will begin in Q4 2025, with the carmaker reiterating its focus on locally tailored, exclusive offerings for the Indian market.HYUNDAI EXTER CNG GETS EX TRIM Hyundai has launched the Exter EX Hy-CNG Duo at Rs 7.51 lakh (ex-showroom). This makes the model available at a lower price point, from the earlier Rs 8.64 lakh (ex-showroom). Power comes from the same 1.2-litre petrol motor that makes 83 bhp and 114Nm of torque in petrol mode and 69 bhp and 95.2Nm of torque in CNG mode, and comes mated to a 5-speed manual gearbox. The EX trim has H-shaped LED tail-lamps, digital instrumentation with a 4.2-inch MID (Multi-Information Display), driver’s seat adjustment, six airbags and keyless entry.HYUNDAI VERNA’S NEW VARIANTHyundai Motor India Limited (HMIL) has expanded Verna’s range by launching a new SX+ variant of the sedan, available in both manual and iVT (Intelligent Variable Transmission) options. The Verna SX+ boasts a host of high-end features, including a Bose 8-speaker sound system, leather seat upholstery, front ventilated and heated seats, LED headlamps and front parking sensors. In other news, Hyundai launched a Wired to Wireless Adapter for seamless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. The adapter is compatible with seven models—the Grand i10 Nios, Exter, Verna, Aura, Venue, Venue N Line and Alcazar.HERO XOOM 125 Hero has launched the Xoom 125 in India. Offered in two variants, VX and ZX, the Xoom 125 shares its platform with the Destini 125. The VX variant will cost Rs 86,900, while the ZX is priced at Rs 92,900 (both ex-showroom, Delhi).Inside, the Xoom features a 124 cc single-cylinder engine (same as the Destini 125), delivering 9 bhp and 10.4Nm of torque. The engine is mated to a CVT. It gets a telescopic front suspension and a single-side rear shock. There are 14-inch alloys with a front disc brake and rear drum. Positioned within Hero’s sporty scooter lineup, it boasts aggressive, angular styling.The scooter also comes equipped with a digital instrument cluster featuring Bluetooth connectivity, offering call and notification alerts along with turn-by-turn navigation. Notably, the Xoom 125 is the first scooter in India to feature sequential turn indicators. Bookings will commence next February, with deliveries scheduled to start in March ’26.- EndsPublished By: Shyam BalasubramanianPublished On: Jun 28, 2025 19:04 IST
