CARS24 has announced a bold step that redefines accountability in the pre-owned car industry, the launch of India’s first-ever 30-Day Return Policy. With this, buyers can return their car within 30 days or 999 km if it doesn’t meet their expectations, a first for the Indian market and a move that directly ties product confidence to customer trust.
Conversations with thousands of car owners and first-time buyers revealed a consistent truth, when it comes to pre-owned cars, peace of mind matters just as much as price. Buying a car is one of the biggest financial decisions for most families and people want the assurance that what they are driving is truly dependable, not just on day one but after they have lived with it. The 30-Day Return Guarantee was designed to close that trust gap and give buyers the time, space and confidence to know they’ve made the right choice.
India’s pre-owned car market, valued at over INR 3 lakh crore and growing nearly three times faster than new car sales, has long faced a single barrier: uncertainty around quality. CARS24 is tackling that challenge with rigour and transparency. Every car undergoes 300+ quality checks for performance, safety and structural integrity and only about 15% of inspected cars make it to the retail lineup, the rest are filtered out at the quality gate.
To make quality measurable, CARS24 uses AI-led inspection technology that can detect even micro-level defects invisible to the human eye. Each car is certified through Cartruth, the company’s proprietary inspection framework that ensures consistent standards of quality across every city in India.
“Trust has always been the hardest currency in this business,” said Himanshu Ratnoo, CEO, CARS24 India. “Even new car manufacturers don’t let you live with a car for a month and return it if it doesn’t feel right. We’re doing that because we’re so sure of our quality and because accountability should start with us. We stand behind every car we sell. The 30-Day Return Guarantee sets a higher standard for trust, one that proves quality through experience. We can offer it because we are certain our customers won’t ever have to return the car”
The process is simple. Customers have 30 days to experience their car. If it doesn’t meet expectations, they can raise a request through the CARS24 app or email. After a quick reinspection, the car is picked up and the refund processed within days.
With this move, CARS24 becomes the first company in India to bring e-commerce-like consumer protection to the auto space. As the used car market grows at nearly three times the rate of new car sales, initiatives like these could shape a new era of confidence-led car buying where quality is proven through experience, not promises.
Oliver Blume will remain at the helm of the Volkswagen Group in the coming years. The Supervisory Board of Volkswagen Aktiengesellschaft resolved on Friday to conclude a new agreement with Mr. Blume for a term of five years, starting on January 1, 2026. This means Mr. Blume will continue as Volkswagen AG’s CEO until the end of 2030. Mr. Blume has held this post since September 1, 2022.
“In the last three years, Oliver Blume has impressively demonstrated his ability to advance and develop the Volkswagen Group’s strategy and business operations in a challenging environment. The Supervisory Board is confident that, with Mr. Blume on board, it will continue to successfully tackle the tasks ahead together with the Board of Management team,” said the Chairman of the Supervisory Board, Hans Dieter Pötsch.
Kia Corporation has officially extended its partnership with tennis legend Rafael (‘Rafa’) Nadal, continuing an authentic affiliation that has grown to transcend mere sponsorship over the last 21 years. The announcement is being celebrated by Nadal’s visit to Korea, where he has been participating in events for both tennis prospects and fans under the theme “The Road Ahead.”
The brand’s partnership with Rafa began in 2004, when Kia Spain chose to sponsor the up-and-coming athlete. Following his first Grand Slam success at the 2005 French Open, Kia officially appointed Nadal as global brand ambassador in 2006. The champion’s values of resilience and constant self-improvement were in clear alignment with Kia’s values.
This week, Nadal returned to Korea for the first time since 2013 to celebrate the renewal of his enduring partnership with Kia. The renewal ceremony was held today at Kia Unplugged Ground, the company’s flagship brand space in Seongsu, Seoul, providing an opportunity to look back on the history of Kia and Nadal, their shared journey, and the values they hold in common.
“Kia and Rafael Nadal have shared a spirit of determination and a passion for the sport of tennis since we first joined hands in 2004,” said Ho Sung Song, President and CEO at Kia Corporation. “As we set out on a new chapter of our journey together, Kia will continue to build on our partnership with Rafael Nadal to bring positive inspiration to fans and young athletes around the world.”
“I would like to thank the Kia family for their enduring support and friendship throughout our 21 years together,” said Rafael Nadal. “Our partnership began when I was very young and has lasted over two decades, a powerful statement of our shared values. Going forward, I am sure we will continue to work together and inspire each other toward growth and innovation. The future awaits for both and we will work the future for the next generation both on and off the courts.”
Prior to the ceremony, a junior tennis program with Korea’s top 20 junior players was held yesterday at Tenez Park in Walkerhill Hotel. An exclusive tennis clinic was conducted by coaches from the Rafa Nadal Academy, where two players with outstanding performances were selected to participate in the High Performance Tennis Junior Camp in Spain next year.
Later today, a special event will be held for tennis fans and influencers to commemorate the new journey of Kia and Nadal. The fans, selected through a social media challenge, will have the opportunity to meet Rafa in person and discover insights into his life, career, and the inspiration he gained from tennis through a Q&A session.
Finally, a pop-up event is being held at Kia Unplugged Ground until November 9, allowing customers to relive Kia and Rafa’s partnership journey firsthand. The space has been redesigned into a celebratory showcase of both Nadal’s career highlights and the history of his affiliation with Kia. Visitors will also be able to view the spacious Kia PV5 Passenger and EV9 ‘GT-Line’, the vehicle that Nadal personally drives.
Kia has been a long supporter of the game of tennis through its various sports marketing activities over the years. Earlier this year, the company partnered with the Australian Open as the Major Partner of AO25 for the 24th consecutive year, further extending its track record as the longest-running major partner in the history of the tournament.
BYD, the world’s leading manufacturer of new-energy vehicles, is proud to announce its latest model in Europe with Super Hybrid with DM technology: the ATTO 2 DM-i, a ground-breaking compact SUV that blends an EV driving experience with up to 1020 kilometres of combined range.
Proven by the success of the SEAL U DM-i, the best-selling plug-in hybrid model in several key European markets, Super Hybrid with DM technology gives the ATTO 2 DM-i the power to redefine the compact-SUV segment. It can travel for up to 90 kilometres on electric power alone, a feat unrivalled in its class. And the intelligent powertrain (DM-i stands for Dual Mode-intelligent) maximises efficiency on longer journeys by choosing hybrid modes as required. With a fully charged battery and a full tank of petrol, this can take the ATTO 2 DM-i more than 1000 kilometres – comfortably greater range than not only hybrid and mild-hybrid rivals but also conventional combustion-powered compact SUVs.
Two versions of the ATTO 2 DM-i will be available, offering different battery sizes, EV and overall range, power outputs and performance, and the car will feature subtle design tweaks to set it apart from pure-electric versions of the ATTO 2. These changes include a larger middle front grille, decorative lower elements in the front bumper, the removal of the side vents in the front wings and resigned badging on the tailgate. There will also be a new exterior colour, Midnight Blue, that will be unique to the DM-i variant.
The BYD ATTO 2 DM-i will make its European debut at this week’s Fleet Europe Days event in Luxembourg, before being introduced to media in November. Pre-sales will begin soon after, with first deliveries expected from the opening quarter of 2026.
For 100 years, Phantom has been recognised as the ultimate symbol of success and discernment, chosen by the world’s most influential figures. As this legendary nameplate celebrates its 100th anniversary, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars pays tribute with the Phantom Centenary Private Collection, limited to 25 examples.
The Rolls-Royce Bespoke Collective of designers, engineers and artisans poured their skill and imagination into what has become their magnum opus. They immersed themselves in Phantom’s world, studying the spirit and identity of each generation from the 1920s to today. They explored defining owners, pivotal figures within Rolls-Royce, the places where Phantom was conceived and built, and the events that defined its times. These influences, first captured as 77 hand-sketched motifs, are woven into the Phantom Centenary Private Collection through stunningly crafted archival references, creating a statement that honours Phantom’s past, defines its present, and projects the principles that will shape the nameplate’s next 100 years and beyond.
Each historic moment is brought to life through advanced artisanal techniques, many conceived specially for this rare and collectable tribute. Inside, couturier-designed textiles, sketch-like embroidery, laser-etched leather, and groundbreaking woodcraft — including 3D marquetry, gilding, and 3D ink layering — tell Phantom’s story in stunning, intricate detail. Outside, the grille is crowned with a unique Spirit of Ecstasy figurine, reinterpreted from the very first to grace a Phantom, and presented in solid gold to mark this milestone.
Chris Brownridge, Chief Executive, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, said: “The Rolls-Royce Phantom Centenary Private Collection is our tribute to 100 years of the world’s most revered luxury item. This uncompromising work of art uses the meticulously engineered Phantom VIII as the canvas to tell the story of Phantom’s remarkable life and the people who shaped it – from the visionaries within Rolls-Royce to the owners who helped create its legend. For a century, the Phantom nameplate has expressed the pinnacle of Rolls-Royce’s abilities. To honour that legacy, this extraordinarily ambitious Private Collection introduces new techniques and is the result of over 40,000 hours of work, culminating in a motor car which reaffirms Phantom’s status as a symbol of ambition, artistic possibility, and historical gravitas.”
EXTERIOR: AN ELEGANT, BESPOKE STATEMENT Evoking the timeless elegance of a black-and-white film star, the Phantom Centenary Private Collection’s exterior recalls the golden age of Hollywood, when Phantom graced premieres, carried screen icons, and became a symbol of the era’s glamour. The motor car is finished in a Bespoke two-tone paint, its long-sided application a nod to the flowing silhouette of 1930s Phantoms. The side body is presented in Super Champagne Crystal over Arctic White, with the upper body in Super Champagne Crystal over Black. The specially developed finish gives the exterior an extraordinary metallic shimmer, achieved by infusing the clear coat with iridescent particles of crushed glass. For this celebratory Private Collection, Rolls-Royce paint specialists replaced the clear flakes with champagne-coloured particles and doubled the quantity to create spellbinding depth.
This timeless treatment is crowned with a unique reimagining of the Spirit of Ecstasy. Using the first Spirit of Ecstasy ever fitted to a Phantom as their reference, designers created an homage to this landmark figurine, cast in solid 18-carat gold for strength, then plated in 24-carat gold for a flawless, tarnish-resistant finish. The piece was then presented to the Hallmarking & Assay Office in London, where it received a specially developed ‘Phantom Centenary’ hallmark.
The base of the figurine is finished with hand-poured white vitreous enamel delicately inscribed with the collection’s name. For the first time, the ‘RR’ Badge of Honour – positioned on the front, rear, and each side of the motor car – is presented in 24-carat gold and white enamel.
Resolving the exterior is a set of Phantom disc wheels, each engraved with 25 lines – honouring the 25 motor cars within the collection and, together, making 100 lines to celebrate the centenary year.
Martina Starke, Head of Bespoke Design, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, said: “Having the privilege to pay a Bespoke tribute to the Phantom nameplate is a once-in-a-generation opportunity. Seizing on the significance of this moment, a record number of designers spent a year immersed in the motor car’s rich history, uncovering the stories that shaped its legend. Their research was distilled into 77 hand-sketched motifs, each capturing a defining moment in Phantom’s journey and expressed with levels of detail we have never attempted before. The result is a true collective work of art that celebrates the skill, ambition and imagination of everyone at the Home of Rolls-Royce, and the profound respect the marque’s creatives have for this extraordinary motor car.”
INTERIOR: IMMERSED IN THE PHANTOM LEGEND A century of Phantom’s stories elegantly unfold across the many canvases of the Private Collection’s interior, through magnificent archival references – some immediately recognisable, others revealed over time.
In homage to Phantoms of the past, Phantom Centenary’s interior combines textiles and leather, recalling the marque’s foundational years when the chauffeur’s front seat was finished in hardwearing leather and the rear cabin in luxurious fabrics. This contrast is a subtle reminder that Phantom has always balanced both authority at the wheel and absolute serenity in the passenger suite.
REAR SEATS: TAILORING EXCELLENCE The rear seats of Phantom Centenary are inspired by the famed 1926 ‘Phantom of Love’, commissioned with handwoven Aubusson tapestries. The artwork on the seats unfolds across three distinct layers of storytelling. The first is the background, rendered in high-resolution print, showing places and artefacts from Phantom’s history – from the marque’s original Conduit Street premises in London to Henry Royce’s oil paintings of Southern France. The second layer, also printed in high resolution, portrays great Phantoms of the past in finely drawn detail. The third and uppermost layer is formed of embroideries, abstractly representing seven significant owners from every generation of Phantom.
This complex fabric was developed over 12 months in partnership with a fashion atelier, marking its first commission beyond the world of haute couture. To meet Rolls-Royce’s exacting longevity, tactility and aesthetic standards, the high-resolution printing process was perfected with specially adapted inks and techniques devised exclusively for the Phantom Centenary Private Collection.
The high-resolution printed fabric is completed with embroideries, designed to have a uniquely hand-drawn quality. Described by the Bespoke Collective as “sketching with thread”, this embroidery process captures the expression of a pencil line in textile form. To outline and define each image, artisans applied Golden Sands thread in sketch-like, irregular stitches, creating the illusion of lines floating lightly above the surface. Texture and depth were added with Seashell thread, applied in high-density stitches. Across the full composition, this intricate craftwork amounts to more than 160,000 stitches.
The finished artwork spans 45 individual panels, each precisely aligned and fitted around the curvatures of the seats at the Home of Rolls-Royce: a process inspired by Savile Row tailoring techniques. The result is the most intricate seat composition ever created by Rolls-Royce.
Celina Mettang, Bespoke Colour and Material Designer, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, said: “Conceived as a contemporary interpretation of a handwoven tapestry, the rear seats tell Phantom’s story through carefully curated details, captured in textiles and embroidery. Every embroidered element was digitally re-drawn by artisans who selected specific stitch application for every stroke. For example, in the horse motif, we used spaced stitches to recreate the hair texture, then dense stitching to define the muscle. These fine details required extraordinary precision to get right: one motif went through 24 iterations before we were satisfied. This reflects the deep personal pride we felt in creating a fitting tribute to the Phantom nameplate, and the responsibility we all share in carrying its legacy forward.”
FRONT SEATS: A DESIGN STATEMENT IN THE DRIVER’S QUARTERS The leather on the front seats features laser-etched artwork based on hand drawings by a Bespoke designer, evoking the draftsman’s craft. Among the motifs are symbolic details that elegantly carry the extraordinary weight of Phantom’s 100-year legacy, from a rabbit design – a nod to “Roger Rabbit,” the codename for the relaunch of Rolls-Royce in 2003 – to a seagull, the codename for the 1923 Phantom I prototype.
ANTHOLOGY GALLERY: A STORY OF DISTINCTION TOLD OVER 100 YEARS The centrepiece of the Phantom Centenary Private Collection is the Anthology Gallery. This dramatic composition features 50 3D-printed, vertically brushed aluminium ‘fins’ interlaced like pages of a book. Each fin is composed of sculpted letters that can be read from both sides, forming quotes drawn from a century of press acclaim.
The sculpture is subtly lit by shifting illuminations that recall the shimmer of falling fireworks. The brushed edges of each fin create a play of reflections, changing with the viewer’s moving perspective.
WOODWORK: A SCULPTURAL STATEMENT The Private Collection features the most intricate woodwork ever created for a Rolls-Royce. Developed over a year and rendered in stained Blackwood, the door panels depict Phantom’s most significant and formative journeys. Within each composition, geographical maps, winding routes, sweeping landscapes, floral elements, and depictions of experimental motor cars intersect to form an artwork alive with Phantom’s heritage.
The rear doors portray the coastline of Le Rayol-Canadel-sur-Mer, where Sir Henry Royce spent his winters. The right-hand side front door shows the landscape of West Wittering, home to his summer residence, just eight miles from today’s Home of Rolls-Royce. The left-hand side front door recalls the epic 4,500-mile journey of the first-ever Goodwood-era Phantom, which crossed the Australian continent from Perth.
Each composition combines 3D multi-directional marquetry, laser etching, 3D ink layering and gold-leafing to create dimension and texture. Etched motifs, which include maps, landscapes, flowers and trees, are applied onto the wood at three different depths using a laser. The roads representing these journeys gleam in 24-carat gold, crafted from squares of gold leaf just 0.1 micrometres thick. Each road is painstakingly crafted, cut and placed.
The rear doors also incorporate depictions of flora native to Southern France — pine, cypress, ferns and palm — while a section of the rear passenger door recreates one of Sir Henry Royce’s original oil paintings of the region, translated from canvas to wood. The exact locations of Royce’s homes — Villa Mimosa in the South of France and Elmstead in West Wittering — are marked with a single gold-leaf dot just 2.76 mm in diameter.
Katrin Lehmann, Bespoke Colour and Material Designer, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, said: “We drew on an extraordinary range of sources – original texts, diaries, photographs and paintings – to create a composition that weaves together many threads of Phantom’s story. New technology developed for this project, including 3D ink layering, allowed us to add details at a scale never before possible – some just 0.13 mm in height – from a boat sailing across the sea to location names on a map. It’s a privilege to have the time and technology to realise moments in Phantom’s history with the detail and precision the nameplate deserves.”
The wooden surfaces on the doors transform into masterfully embroidered leather panels. The 24-carat gold ‘roads’ continue as golden thread embroidery; details of the maps and landscapes are stitched in black, echoing the etched details on the veneered section of the doors.
The woodwork is completed with depictions of the original 1925 Phantom I and the current Phantom VIII, individually etched on the rear picnic tables. The models are mirrored in embroidery on the leather-finished backs of the picnic tables – another gesture uniting past and present.
The Piano Black veneer is infused with gold dust, echoing the central rotary dial, also plated with 24-carat gold.
Phil Fabre de la Grange, Head of Bespoke, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, said: “Phantom Centenary is the most intricate and technologically ambitious Private Collection ever undertaken by the designers, engineers, production specialists and craftspeople of our Bespoke Collective. Developed over three years, this project uses new techniques to blend metal, wood, paint, fabric, leather, and embroidery into a single, stunning composition. The surfaces read like a book revealing 100 years of Phantom’s history, rich with symbolic references for clients to admire and decipher over many years to come.”
A GOLDEN LEGACY The magnificent engineering masterpiece that is the 6.75-litre V12 engine is celebrated with a specially designed cover, finished in Arctic White. The cover has been detailed with 24-carat gold, honouring the effortless power that has helped define Phantom’s modern legend and success.
PHANTOM’S STORY IN STARLIGHT A subtly animated and embroidered Starlight Headliner captures moments from Phantom’s history in 440,000 stitches. Its design includes references to the mulberry tree under which Henry Royce was photographed in his garden at West Wittering, seated with two close colleagues: Charles L. Jenner, the marque’s Chief Engine Draftsman, and Ernest Hives, the head of Rolls-Royce’s experimental department. Drawing on this moment, the Bespoke Collective sought to create an atmosphere of inspiration so that clients seated beneath the Starlight Headliner might experience, as Royce once did, their own flashes of imagination and possibility.
The scene unfolds to include the distinctive square-crowned trees in the courtyard of the marque’s Goodwood headquarters. The honeybees – a reference to the 250,000 residents of the Rolls-Royce Apiary – are in full flight, perhaps towards the Phantom Rose, grown exclusively on the grounds of the Home of Rolls-Royce. Interwoven within the constellations are quiet tributes to great Phantoms of the past – among them a bird motif representing Sir Malcolm Campbell’s Phantom II, known as the ‘Bluebird’. Hidden amongst the mulberry leaves is a reference to the locking mechanism on the vault door at ‘The Bank’ – the secret 1990s design studio where the first Phantom of the Goodwood era was drafted.
AN UNFORGETTABLE HERITAGE, IN MOTION For the designers, engineers and artisans who created the Phantom Centenary Private Collection, this motor car was a once-in-a-generation responsibility. What has been achieved reflects the same spirit that gave rise to Phantom itself: the marque’s relentless pursuit of excellence and ambition to craft the best motor car in the world.
Eastern India Motoring Group (EIMG) kicked off the Heritage Vehicle Season 2025-26 with its Annual Dinner on Saturday, 11th October. Similar to the past few years, The Calcutta Racket Club was chosen as the venue for the gala. Founded in 1793, The Calcutta Racket Club is one of the oldest squash clubs in the world, and the first in the subcontinent along with being one of the oldest Clubs of any kind in India, making it a perfect choice for the EIMG season opener.
Around 85 EIMG members were present at the event. EIMG Founder & President Mr. Shrivardhan Kanoria (himself a collector & restorer of national repute) delivered the inaugural address and extended a warm welcome to everyone present. Kanoria then introduced the EIMG Committee comprising Mr. Swapan Kumar Lahiri (Governor), Mr. Avik Naha (Vice President), Mr. Subhajit Kumar (Secretary), Mr. Sumit Periwal (Treasurer) and Mr. Joydip Sur (Press Attaché).
EIMG Secretary Mr. Subhajit Kumar announced the event calendar for the upcoming heritage vehicle season beginning with the EIMG Annual Dinner (11th October), followed by EIMG Vintage Car Extravaganza presented by OFFER (30th November), EIMG Vintage Car Fiesta presented by Club De Golf (7th December), EIMG Indian Heritage Car & Bike Rally 2026 (4th January), EIMG Lake Club Concours d’Elegance 2026 (1st February) and EIMG DI Heritage Vehicle Display 2026 (March).
EIMG members fondly remembered Mr. Vasant Karnani who left for his heavenly abode a few months ago. Mr. Karnani was a gem of a person, soft spoken, kind & courteous, with an eye for detail and every ready to help. The Karnani Family Rolls-Royce has been a regular entrant in all the EIMG events and Mr. Karnani’s untimely demise has left a huge void in the EIMG committee and the heritage vehicle fraternity at large. He touched the lives of all those who came in contact with him and will forever be missed. In his fond memory, a memento was handed over to the Karnani Family by EIMG.
As the evening progressed, the heady mix of wheels, wine and live music by Greg Francis transformed the atmosphere into an absolutely electric one. The evening concluded on a positive note with everyone looking forward to the upcoming EIMG events. May the Almighty keep our engines revving and our hearts & glasses filled with spirits.
Established in 2020, EIMG has since been anchoring the revival of the heritage motoring movement in Kolkata. EIMG has been instrumental in organizing some of the most widely appreciated and admired heritage motoring events in the city. These stellar events has provided the much needed impetus to heritage vehicle owners and restorers to pursue their passion with added zest to ensure that these beauties turn up at each event looking their best.
A huge shout out to EIMG Treasurer Mr. Sumit Periwal for brilliantly organizing the EIMG annual dinner and EIMG Official Photographer Adnan Aslam for capturing the moments of camaraderie among fellow EIMGians.
The new MINI John Cooper Works Countryman All4 was launched in India today at Buddh International Circuit. The car will be available in the country as a completely built-up unit (CBU) and can be booked at all MINI India authorized dealerships from today onwards. The deliveries for the same will commence soon.
The MINI John Cooper Works models always stand out for their exhilarating high-performance inspired by MINI’s racing pedigree. With its 2.0-litre four-cylinder TwinPower Turbo engine, the new MINI John Cooper Works Countryman embodies this unmistakable driving experience. The all-rounder SUV offers ultimate thrill of driving, space and safety. Thanks to its all-wheel drive system, it is extremely capable for offroad adventures.
Mr. Hardeep Singh Brar, President and CEO, BMW Group India said, “The MINI John Cooper Works Countryman is a masterclass in performance and style, perfectly blending power, adventure and exhilarating drive. Born from the legendary John Cooper Works racing heritage, this car embodies the spirit of motorsport, with performance and precision at its core. Built to excel in every environment, this John Cooper Works is engineered to dominate the track, city streets, and rugged terrain alike. With its impressive capabilities and dynamic design, the MINI John Cooper Works Countryman ALL4 is the most powerful MINI ever.”
The new MINI John Cooper Works Countryman has a bold and sporty look that reflects its performance and versatility. The exterior features a number of model-specific details that enhance its overall appearance. The aerodynamic elements with vertical reflectors on the front of the car emphasise its wide stance, while the new MINI LED headlights with horizontal bars in JCW Signature Mode give the SUV a more expressive look. The front end is also characterised by the newly designed octagonal grille in high-gloss black and the newly designed three-colour JCW logo. The exterior color options Legend Grey or Midnight Black are complemented by roof and mirror caps and Sport Stripes in Chilli Red, while the exterior color option British Racing Green is complemented by roof and mirror caps in Sport stripes in Black. The newly designed C-pillar seamlessly joins the contrasting roof in motorsport-inspired Chili Red. The roof curves down towards the rear, giving the MINI JCW Countryman an agile silhouette despite its big proportions.
The John Cooper Works logo has also been redesigned with a modern, clearcut look. For the first time, the new logo is being used in the classic black, red, and white colour scheme. A high-performance braking system with brake calipers in Chili Red colour ensures powerful and precise deceleration. The characteristic sound of the quad exhaust flap system also makes the MINI John Cooper Works Countryman instantly recognisable as a high-performance model. The standard 19-inch JCW Runway Spoke Wheels add to the sense of sportiness of this SUV.
In the interior, the new MINI John Cooper Works Countryman inspires with a reduced design. The cockpit is divided into an upper and lower section, with vertical door handles and air vents in the upper area. This emphasizes the upright and larger overall impression of the spacious SUV. The sportiness is elevated with the electronically adjustable JCW Sports Seats, Vescin/Cord combination JCW Black upholstery and JCW Dashboard Trim. The JCW Steering Wheel with JCW paddles in aluminum add to the hallmark MINI go-kart feeling. The rear of the vehicle is highly versatile and spacious. The rear row of seats can be adjusted by up to 130 mm. With the rear seat folded down, even bulky items can be easily transported with luggage compartment space increasing from 500 litre to 1,450 litre. The panoramic glass roof adds to the bright and spacious atmosphere.
The 2.0 litre, 4-cylinder TwinPower Turbo petrol engine produces a peak output of 300 hp and a maximum torque of 400 Nm, making the new MINI John Cooper Works Countryman All4 the most powerful MINI ever launched in India. The car can achieve 0-100 kmph acceleration in just 5.4 seconds, making it the fastest MINI in the country. It has a top speed of 250 kmph. The standard all-wheel drive system distributes its power precisely and reliably, providing the sporty SUV with sufficient grip and traction even in challenging conditions. The 7-Speed Double Clutch Steptronic Sport Transmission offers even more efficient, comfortable and sporty driving due to a broader gear spread and smaller engine speed steps. The car comes with a Boost mode that unleashes its full potential, delivering rapid bursts of speed for overtaking, cornering, or launching from a standstill. It acts as a shortcut to selecting all the most extreme individual settings via the Experience Modes.
A distinctive Toggle Bar Island gives access to the important driving functions including start/stop, gear selector, parking brake, experience modes and volume control. General storage area below the toggle bar provides space for a smartphone to be wirelessly charged. The MINI Interaction Unit, the central, high-resolution OLED display is home to all the other functions. The MINI Operating System 9 is optimized for touchscreen and voice control and provides advanced connectivity for maximum ease of use. The new MINI Intelligent Personal Assistant (IPA) can be activated by saying “Hey MINI” to control a wide range of functions such as navigation, telephony, entertainment and others. The innovative MINI Digital Key Plus turns the smartphone into a car key via the MINI App and can be transferred to different users, along with their personal vehicle settings. Head-up Display projects all relevant information directly in the driver’s line of sight. A Fisheye Camera can capture selfies, fun moments and videos with sound, inside the cabin and is capable of transfers via a QR code. Harman Kardon HiFi Sound System is an aural treat. Other features include Navigation, Remote Services, Remote Software Upgrades, Apple CarPlay / Android Auto, Teleservices, In-Car Weather and Intelligent Emergency Call.
With the MINI Experience Modes, one can choose from several immersive driving experiences, from the detailed, race-inspired ‘Go-Kart Mode’ to the energy-saving ‘Green Mode’ or the lively ‘Vivid Mode’ and more. MINI Experience Modes extend the indoor experience by tuning the light, sound and graphics settings.
Advanced assistance systems such as Cruise Control and Parking Assistant Plus with 360 degree Camera increase comfort, control and safety and relieve the driver from monotonous and less demanding aspects of driving. With Comfort Access, the car is locked / unlocked automatically as it recognises the key is at a distance of less than 1.5 meters.
The standard technology pack includes auto start/stop function, brake energy recuperation, active cooling air ducts and electromechanical power steering. The alloy wheels radiate confidence while reducing carbon footprint thanks to their lightweight design and use of recycled Aluminium.
The standard safety equipment comprises of front passenger airbags and side curtain airbags, Brake Assist, 3-Point Seat Belts, Dynamic Stability Control, Crash Sensor, Anti-lock Braking System, Cornering Brake Control, Rear View Camera, and Tubeless Tyres with Tyre Pressure Indicator.
The Supervisory Board of SEAT and CUPRA, chaired by Thomas Schäfer – Member of the Board of Management of Volkswagen AG, Brand Group Core, and CEO of the Volkswagen brand – has appointed Markus Haupt as the new Chief Executive Officer of SEAT and CUPRA, effective immediately. Haupt has been serving as interim CEO since April 1, and now, with the full support of the company’s Executive Committee, formally assumes the position on a permanent basis.
“Markus brings over two decades of experience across multiple brands and countries within the Group,” said Thomas Schäfer, Chair of the SEAT and CUPRA Supervisory Board. “His deep expertise in production, logistics, and strategic planning makes him the ideal leader to drive the company’s electrification strategy and CUPRA’s continued growth. Having successfully led the transformation of SEAT and CUPRA’s facilities in preparation for the Electric Urban Car family, he is perfectly positioned to shape the brands’ future,” he added.
Markus Haupt takes the helm at a crucial juncture as the company accelerates its electrification. Since joining as Executive Vice-President for Production and Logistics in 2022, Haupt has driven a transformative shift, including a €3 billion investment to electrify the Martorell plant. Guided by his vision and expertise, the company has led the groundbreaking Electric Urban Car family project with four models from three brands in two plants on behalf of the Brand Group Core. This initiative is set to make electromobility more accessible, with the highly anticipated CUPRA Raval -the first model to roll off the production line- launching in March 2026 and paving the way for a new era of urban electric mobility.
“My passion for cars began early and has guided my career, from working on prototypes at the Volkswagen Group to now leading SEAT and CUPRA as CEO. I am honoured to steer the company through its most significant transformation, including the launch of groundbreaking models like the CUPRA Raval and our shift toward electrification. Together with the Executive Committee and our teams, I am confident we will write a new chapter of growth in the company’s history,” said Markus Haupt upon his new appointment. “I would like to extend my sincere thanks to Oliver Blume, Thomas Schäfer, and the Board of the Volkswagen Group for placing their trust in me with this exciting challenge. I’m equally grateful to SEAT and CUPRA’s Executive Committee for being exceptional teammates and constant sources of inspiration. Together, I’m confident we will achieve remarkable things,” he added.
With over 20 years of experience within the Volkswagen Group, Markus Haupt has held leadership roles across multiple brands and countries. After studying and graduating in Barcelona, he began his career in 2001 in SEAT and quickly advanced, playing a key role in the launch of the Audi Q3 at the Martorell plant. He later led major production projects, including the Volkswagen Group’s A0 platform in Wolfsburg and the launch of the T-Roc in Palmela, actively contributing to the Group’s transition toward electric mobility.
A passionate racing enthusiast, Haupt is German with Spanish descent and has deep personal and professional ties to Spain. He previously served as President of Volkswagen Navarra and General Manager of the Landaben plant in Pamplona, where he successfully introduced a third model for the first time in the factory’s history, before returning to Barcelona in 2022.
Positioning the company for long-term success As one of the company’s key strategic pillars, the company remains firmly focused on CUPRA’s growth, now with a fully-fledged portfolio and a growing global fanbase. CUPRA has already sold over 950,000 cars globally and is on track to reach one million total deliveries in the coming weeks. As CEO, Haupt now leads the company at a time when the sales continue to gain momentum. SEAT S.A. sales grew in the first 8 months of 2025, driven by CUPRA’s success. The brand continues to break boundaries, and between January and August 2025, CUPRA delivered 216,000 vehicles, marking a 36% increase compared to the same period last year.
This momentum comes amid a complex industry landscape. “There will be challenges ahead, but I’m sure that with a shared vision, a commitment to transformation and a unified team going in the same direction, we will be successful. We are on the cusp of exciting changes, as we transition towards electrification. That’s a future I’ve always believed in, and it’s one that we will work harder than ever to achieve.” Haupt said.
CUPRA is now preparing to take bold steps beyond its current boundaries. This announcement comes at a key moment for the company, as CUPRA builds on growth momentum -volume, markets and portfolio- ahead of the launch of the CUPRA Raval. Following its ambition to become one of Spain’s truly global brands, CUPRA will build on the strong success it has achieved in existing key territories and will soon expand into new high-potential markets to broaden its global footprint. The brand is investigating new growth opportunities in the Middle East, a region that offers CUPRA a unique opportunity as it is quite close to Europe and it’s one of the fastest-growing economies in the world.
Along with CUPRA, the SEAT brand remains a cornerstone of the company’s present and future strategy. As one of the most recognised Spanish brands, with over 21 million vehicles produced since 1950 and more than 172,700 units sold in 2025 (January-August), SEAT has been instrumental in shaping the company into the economic and automotive powerhouse that it is today. Now, it is poised to enter a new era in its history with the upcoming World Premiere of its bestselling models, the SEAT Ibiza and Arona.
“We stand at the beginning of an exciting new chapter for SEAT S.A. As one company with two complementary brands, we are better prepared than ever to lead the future of mobility, continuing to inspire through innovation and the passion that has always defined us,” Haupt said.
Change needs drivers and SEAT S.A. is steering the future of mobility. As the only company in Spain that designs, develops, manufactures, and markets cars, SEAT S.A. is a cornerstone of the nation’s automotive industry and the driving force behind its electrification.
As the company undertakes the biggest transformation in its 75-year history, SEAT S.A. is turning Spain into a European hub for electric vehicles. Through the Future: Fast Forward project, and in collaboration with the Volkswagen Group, PowerCo, and other partners, the company has invested €10 billion into the country’s electrification. The company is also leading the Electric Urban Car project for the Volkswagen Group’s Brand Group Core and will begin producing 100% electric vehicles, including the CUPRA Raval, at its Martorell plant from 2026.
A member of the Volkswagen Group, SEAT S.A. sells vehicles under the SEAT and CUPRA brands including the iconic SEAT Ibiza and the company’s bestselling model, the CUPRA Formentor. With 14,000 professionals and three production centres in Martorell, El Prat de Llobregat, and Barcelona, the company exports over 80% of its vehicles to more than 70 countries.
Jawa Yezdi Motorcycles is going live with a compelling range of offers geared to celebrate its customers this festive season and make their festivities even more memorable. It is extending an industry-first pre-booking price of INR 999 on a product range that has made the company the biggest gainer from GST 2.0 rationalisation in the world’s largest motorcycle market.
Ranging from variants such as Adventure, Roadster, Bobber, to the Scrambler, eight models are now available for below INR 2 lakh (between INR 1.59 lakh and 1.99 lakh). Jawa and Yezdi motorcycles either have a 293cc or a 334cc Alpha2 liquid-cooled engine. The latter outperforms its 350cc competitor bikes with 42 percent more power at 29PS (and supplies 30Nm of torque).
As the GST 2.0 reforms took effect from September 22, the company passed on 100 percent of the tax reduction benefit (from 28 percent to 18 percent) to buyers of its performance classic motorcycles with engines 350cc and below. The irresistible INR 999 offer is available at three dealerships in Kolkata. It increases the customer’s chance to reserve their favourite iconic Jawa or Yezdi motorcycle before stocks run out in the festive rush. The company already has 21 dealerships across as many cities in West Bengal.
Anupam Thareja, Co-Founder, Classic Legends stated, “We are thrilled to launch the Yezdi Roadster in the heart of the City of Joy. If there’s one market that doesn’t follow fads, it’s Kolkata. This city values ideas that endure. For the people here, emotion is an insight, not an impulse, and reason completes the purchase. We are not chasing fads either, we’re here to contemporise classics. These motorcycles are nostalgic yet resilient like a monsoon ride through Howrah Bridge, turning the ordinary into legend. The people of the city see both the heart and the engineering behind our performance classics. Kolkata’s charming chaos, with its sub-cultures of poets and pandals, mirrors our ride: Powerful, raw, and eternally cool. I can say from the response to our new Yezdis and the award-winning Jawa 42 FJ this festive season that motorcycling as a way of life is here to stay, much like the city’s love for football, food, and art.”
The company has expanded its sales and service footprint to over 450 across India, for worry-free access and easy maintenance. With a cut in the cost of after-sales components post-GST 2.0, its patrons will enjoy significant reduction the cost of ownership of Jawa and Yezdi motorcycles. All of the machines are backed the ‘Jawa Yezdi BSA Ownership Assurance Programme’ an industry-first initiative in this segment. The comprehensive programme includes a 4-year/50,000-km standard warranty, extended coverage options of up to six years, one year of roadside assistance, and a range of ownership benefits reflecting the company’s confidence in its engineering excellence and long-term reliability of its machines.
Spreading the festive cheer among motorcycling purists is BSA Motorcycles with the Gold Star, which had set a new benchmark in 650cc engine refinement by which large single-cylinders are now measured. BSA Motorcycles is absorbing the post-GST 2.0 tax hike and offering the Gold Star starting at INR 3,09,990. Buyers will also receive an exclusive limited-edition accessory kit worth INR 5,900, featuring a tall touring windscreen, a pillion backrest, a metal exhaust shield, and a rear rail adding both purpose and style.
With the series of irresistible offers, Jawa Yezdi Motorcycles and BSA Motorcycles are telling aspirants of their high-fashion retro machines with segment-busting designs, world-class engineering, and performance technology optimised for Indian roads to get off the beaten path and ahead of the rush.
Aston Martin is proud to announce a new DB12 halo model, the DB12 S. Taking the thrilling, driver-focussed DB12 as its start point, DB12 S builds on that pioneering recipe of intensely dynamic ultra-luxury performance by adding more power and even greater dynamic prowess. Together with striking exterior changes and extensive interior enhancements, DB12 S is the new pinnacle of Super Tourer.
Joining DBX S and Vantage S, DB12 S is the latest to honour Aston Martin’s long tradition of applying the ‘S’ suffix to the highest performing derivative of an established model. This custom began in 1953 with the glorious DB3S road racer. More recent examples include the first and second generation Vanquish S – launched in 2004 and 2016 respectively – V8 and V12 Vantage S models introduced in 2011 and 2013, and the magnificent four-seater Rapide S, also launched in 2013.
The heart of the DB12 S is an even more potent version of the formidable Aston Martin 4.0-Litre Twin-Turbo V8. Now with 700PS @ 6000rpm – an increase of 20PS – and 800Nm delivered between 3000 and 6000rpm, the DB12 S offers scintillating response, relentless acceleration and a 202mph top speed.
In keeping with this intensified spirit, DB12 S features a distinctive new exhaust sound character. The new quad tailpipe stainless steel sports exhaust system has been tuned to accentuate the engine frequencies throughout the rev range for added depth and potency. An optional titanium exhaust system amplifies that soundtrack, further boosting the bass, mid and treble frequencies uplifting the sound level by 1.5dB. while also reducing weight by 11.7kg compared to the stainless steel system.
Calibration changes to the powertrain have optimised the Launch Control system, reducing gearshift times by more than 50% and contributing to a 0.1sec improvement in 0-60mph time, which is now just 3.4 seconds. Aston Martin engineers have further honed the throttle pedal calibration, introducing a more progressive throttle pedal feel with a new S-specific drive-by-wire throttle map to give the driver an even greater sense of connection and control.
An extensive package of chassis changes, target a commensurate increase in the driver’s sense of agility, connection and precision together with improvements in feel and composure. Software changes to the Bilstein DTX dampers to improve roll and pitch control work in harmony with a stiffer rear anti-roll bar and finessed camber, toe and castor geometry settings. Combining these changes bring improvements in front-end confidence and overall agility feel.
Additional tuning of the steering calibration and electronic rear differential (E-diff) has enabled Aston Martin’s chassis engineers to dial-in further connection and response for even more natural and intuitive feel. With the ability to use more throttle earlier in the corner for maximum satisfaction from corner entry to exit, DB12 S achieves an impeccable balance of agility and exploitability, together with an underlying stability for ultimate confidence and enjoyment.
Another significant upgrade for the DB12 S is the standard fitment of Carbon Ceramic Brakes (CCB). Offering increased braking performance and thermal capacity together with a significant reduction in unsprung weight, the CCBs – 410mm diameter at the front, 360mm at the rear – combine linear brake response and consistent pedal feel with exceptional resistance to fade. They also save 27kg of unsprung weight compared to steel brakes, which brings benefits to ride quality, steering feel and dynamic handling behaviour.
The DB12 S also benefits from the next generation of corner braking control system (CBC), which optimises interaction between the Integrated Brake Slip Control and the Integrated Vehicle Control modules. A predictive function within the CBC allows the car to maintain optimum stability while trail braking into a corner, using more of the rear braking performance to maintain a tighter line from corner entry to apex.
This system allows the driver to brake later and with improved stability, the Integrated Brake Slip Control system providing torque vectoring across the rear axle to provide predictable, precise and consistent cornering behaviour in all driving environments, from twisting country roads, high-speed highway junction exits or driving on a racetrack.
Aston Martin Director of Vehicle Performance, Simon Newton said “The technology we introduced with the DB12 now allows us exceptional scope to explore a new depth of character and capability within the same vehicle platform. With DB12 S we have carefully engineered a host of detailed changes, which, preserve signature levels of refinement, boost vehicle performance and amplify driver engagement. Having added this greater dynamic and performance bandwidth to DB12 S, we believe this elevates the Super Tourer ethos to a thrilling new level.”
Visually, the new DB12 S reflects its significantly bolstered performance and sporting feel with a striking new look. Starting at the front, the DB12 S is identified by new dual element front splitter and new bonnet louvres, with each performing a functional and aesthetic role.
The splitter visually lowers and widens the DB12 S to create a more assertive look, while also generating downforce and guiding airflow in and around the front wheel arches to stabilise airflow and further reduce lift. The bonnet louvres – finished in gloss black or optional 2×2 Twill Carbon Fibre – aid extraction of hot air from the ‘hot-V’ configured 4.0-litre V8 while completing DB12 S’s more aggressive frontal aspect.
Moving to the flanks, DB12 S features gloss black sill additions. These continue the line formed by the new front splitter, further enhancing the ground-hugging stance. DB12 S also continues the tradition of carrying S badges in key locations. Specifically, on the fenders just below each side strake. Featuring a hand-made, in either bright or dark chrome, forged ‘S’ badge completed with red glass enamel, it is a discreet but enduring mark of performance.
The rear design of the DB12 S makes an emphatic statement, capturing the essence of boosted power, sharpened dynamics and an unforgettable soundtrack. Once again aerodynamics play a major role, the fixed rear spoiler adding drama and increasing high speed stability. Below sits the new rear diffuser, which reduces lift while allowing space for the DB12 S signature stacked pairs of exhaust tailpipes, which are framed within a broader rear bumper for maximum visual impact.
In common with its ‘S’ badged stablemates in the revitalised Aston Martin range, the interior of DB12 S features a host of distinguishing details unique to the halo model. Foremost amongst these is a red anodised finish to the knurled metal drive mode rotary controller, which also informs the colour of the seatbelts, contrast seat welts, contrast stitching and headrest embroidery.
Amongst the enticing options offered on DB12 S are an Alcantara® heated sports steering wheel, and the iconic Aston Martin wings applied to the seat headrests by an industry-first technique using both embossing and debossing for unprecedented precision and sculptural depth.
DB12 S comes with a choice of three interior trim environments; Accelerate leather and Alcantara trim, Inspire S semi-aniline leather and Alcantara and Inspire S full semi-aniline leather. Both Inspire S packages include S Herringbone quilting with micro-perforations and an Alcantara headlining. DB12 S is fitted with 16-way Sport Plus electric front seats as standard, plus the option of a Carbon Fibre Performance seat.
DB12 S is available to order now, in Coupe and Volante form, with deliveries commencing in Q1 2026.
Power Drive 