Mahindra’s Big Move, Bajaj Pulsar N150 Discontinued, Maruti Safety Updates, and Norton Motorcycle Launch: Auto News July 2025

India’s automotive sector is buzzing with fresh launches, advanced safety updates, and strategic shifts by major brands. This week’s big stories range from Mahindra’s anticipated new platform, Bajaj’s discontinuation of a key model, Maruti Suzuki’s upgraded safety profile, new EV options, and a much-awaited superbike launch.

Maruti Suzuki Baleno & Ertiga: Enhanced Safety

6 Airbags Now Standard: Maruti Suzuki has made a significant commitment to passenger safety by equipping both the Baleno and Ertiga models with six airbags as standard across all variants.
Price Adjustments:
- Baleno: Now starts at ₹6.73 lakh, reflecting a 0.5% price increase.
- Ertiga: Base price revised to ₹9.90 lakh after a 1.4% hike.
Why It Matters: These updates align Maruti Suzuki with global safety expectations and consumer demand for safer family vehicles.

Mahindra Vision SXT Concept & New Platform Reveal

Vision SXT Concept: Mahindra is generating buzz with teasers of its Vision SXT concept, which is set to debut on August 15th.
Platform Details:
- Likely to support petrol, diesel, EV, and hybrid powertrains.
- Expected to be modular and flexible, possibly accommodating pickup trucks—mirroring Mahindra’s prior pickups showcased at expos.
Anticipation: The upcoming platform could redefine Mahindra’s SUV and utility segment by integrating future-ready drivetrains.

Tata Punch Hits 6 Lakh Production Milestone

Milestone Achievement: Tata Motors has now produced over 600,000 units of the Punch, marking a significant achievement in the subcompact SUV space.
Sales Highlights: Punch captures around 40% of its segment’s market share and was last year’s top-selling car in India.
Key Competitors: It actively competes with Hyundai Exter, which is also performing strongly.

Kia Carens Clavis EV Launch

Launch Details:
- Price Range: ₹17.99–24.50 lakh, depending on variant.
- Battery Options:
  - 42 kWh (smaller battery)
  - 51.2 kWh (larger battery, claimed range ~490km)
- Power Outputs: 135 HP (small battery), 171 HP (big battery), with identical 255 Nm torque.
Key Feature: Most affordable seven-seater electric MPV in India currently.
Significance: A strong contender in India’s growing family EV segment, catering to practicality and space.

New Two-Wheeler Launches

TVS Apache RTR 310 (2025)

Launch Price: ₹2.40–2.85 lakh, depending on features.
Upgrades: Detailed walk-arounds available; review expected soon.
Highlights: Advanced features, modern styling, and targeted at enthusiasts seeking high-performance in the mid-range segment.

Aprilia SR 175

Launch Price: ₹1.26 lakh.
Engine: 174.7cc single-cylinder, air-cooled, delivering 13 HP and 14 Nm torque.
Features: New TFT digital display, but retains the core mechanicals of prior models.
Competition: Pitched against Yamaha Aerox 155 and the relatively less-visible Hero ZM 160.

Bajaj Pulsar N150 Discontinued

Reason: Discontinued due to poor sales; originally launched two years ago as a replacement for Pulsar P150.
Portfolio Restructuring: The move aims to streamline the Pulsar lineup and refocus attention on more popular models like the N160.

Toyota Aqua Hybrid Spied Testing

Spotted Testing: The Toyota Aqua, a compact hybrid already popular in Japan, was seen on Indian roads.
Powertrain: Features Toyota’s “Powerten” hybrid system for impressive fuel efficiency.
Market Prospects: No official launch date yet, but there is clear consumer anticipation for its India debut, considering the fuel savings and Toyota’s reputation.

Norton Motorcycle’s India Entry

Launch Date: New Norton motorcycles set for a November 4th India debut.
Expansion: Six to seven models planned for release by 2027.
Ownership: Norton is now a subsidiary of TVS, signaling a major move for premium motorcycle enthusiasts and for TVS’s portfolio.
Preview: Teasers are already stirring excitement in the Indian biking community.

Conclusion

This week’s updates underscore the rapid evolution of India’s auto market. Brands like Mahindra and Tata are pushing boundaries with fresh platforms and production feats; Maruti Suzuki aligns with global safety expectations; Kia and Toyota expand green mobility choices; and Bajaj, Aprilia, and TVS bring dynamic changes to the two-wheeler segment. Premium bike fans can look forward to Norton’s historic entry. From value-packed family cars to futuristic EVs and superbikes, the industry is moving fast—making it an exciting time for consumers and enthusiasts alike.

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