A Busy Week For Auto Industry: Top 5 Key Highlights Including Auto Expo 2025 Snippets

Although the Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2025 was the biggest highlight of the week, there were a few major things that happened before the Auto Expo 2025 commenced. Bharat NCAP released three crash test results, while British marque Lotus introduced its two new models in the market. Then, Kia’s upcoming offering achieved a new bookings mark. Now, here are all the important things to know.

5-star Rating: Mahindra BE 6 And XEV 9e

Mahindra’s newest electric offerings, the BE 6 and XEV 9e, received the highest safety rating in the Bharat NCAP crash test. The BE 6 scored a complete five-star rating with 31.97 out of 32 points for adult passenger protection, whereas 45 out of 49 points for child occupant protection. On the flip side, the XEV 9e, which also achieved a full five-star rating, became the first car tested by Bharat NCAP and got the perfect 32 out of 32 points for adult occupants protection, while it secured 45 out of 49 points for child occupant protection.

Skoda Kylaq

Alongside the Mahindra BE 6 and XEV 9e, Bharat NCAP revealed the crash test results for the new Skoda Kylaq. The Tata Nexon rival scored a five-star rating for both adult and child occupants.

The sub-compact SUV got 30.88 out of 32 points for adult passenger protection. On the other hand, it received 45 out of 49 points for child passenger protection. It is worth mentioning that the Kylaq is the third highest scorer after the topper Mahindra XEV 9e with 32 out of 32 points, followed by the Mahindra BE 6 with 31.97 points — both for adult occupant protection.

Lotus Emira And Emeya Launched

British marque Lotus made its India debut with the Eletre all-electric SUV in India and recently it introduced the Emeya electric roadster and the popular Emira sports car. The former has been priced at Rs 2.3 crore (ex-showroom), while the latter comes with a sticker price of Rs 3.2 crore (ex-showroom).

Powering the Emeya is powered by a 102 kWh battery pack with a claimed range between 485 and 610 km, depending on the variant. Speaking of which, it comes in three variants, namely Emeya, Emeya R, and Emeya S. The range-topping R with a dual-motor setup generates 905 PS / 985 Nm, and can reach 100 kmph from a standstill in 2.78 seconds. It tops out at 256 kmph.

The Emira, on the flip side, gets a 3.5-litre V6 supercharged mill married to either a 6-speed manual gear stick or a 6-speed automatic transmission. This engine makes 405 PS and up to 430 Nm. It can go from 0 to 100 kmph in 4.2 seconds with the manual gearbox. There is also a 360 PS 2-litre turbocharged petrol motor.

Hyundai Creta Electric

South Korean automaker Hyundai introduced the new Creta Electric at the Auto Expo 2025 with prices ranging from Rs 17.99 lakh and going up to Rs 23.50 lakh (ex-showroom). It comes in five variants across two battery pack options and a wide range of colour schemes, including matte paints.

The electric SUV gains several new features compared to the model it is based on. Key highlights are digital key, in-car payment, an electric boss mode, driver’s seat memory settings, rear foldable trays, and faster USB charging. The range of the Creta Electric stands at 390 km or 473 km (ARAI) with power output rated at 135 PS and 171 PS.

Kia Syros Bookings Milestone

Kia India revealed that its upcoming Syros got 10,258 bookings before the Auto Expo 2025 showcase. While the production of the sub-compact offering has already commenced, its prices will be announced on 1 February. It is available in 6 variants across 8 colour schemes. The Syros also introduces several new features and is powered by a turbo-petrol and diesel engine.

Auto Expo 2025 Overview

The Bharat Auto Expo 2025 brought an ocean of new cars to our shores and here are the important highlights. Maruti Suzuki showcased its first electric vehicle, the e Vitara, with its launch slated by March 2025. Then, Toyota showcased its version of the e Vitara, called the Urban Cruiser BEV concept. This EV is expected to go on sale in the market sometime later this year.

Moreover, Tata showcased the near production-spec Sierra ICE alongside the production-spec Harrier EV. There were also new Bandipur Edition of the Nexon EV, Harrier, and Safari, while the Stealth Editions of the upcoming Harrier EV and Safari. Then, Skoda unveiled the new sporty Octavia vRS along with the new Elroq, Kodiaq, Superb, Enyaq, and Vision 7S concept. In fact, it announced its plan to launch at least four models by this year.

BMW Group introduced the new iX1 long wheelbase at Rs 49 lakh (ex-showroom), the new X3 starting from Rs 75.80 lakh (ex-showroom), and the new Mini Cooper S John Cooper Works Pack at Rs 55.90 lakh (ex-showroom). Another German automaker Mercedes-Benz debuted the Maybach EQS SUV Night Series and Maybach GLS Night Series at Rs 2.63 crore and RS 3.71 crore (ex-showroom), respectively.

Here was the quick car news wrap up of this week with new car launches to crash test results and new car debuts. What was your favourite? Share your thoughts in the comments.