Hold onto your steering wheels, because this has been one of the most action-packed weeks for the Indian car market in recent memory! From a game-changing government tax revision that will make cars more affordable to a blitz of new car launches 2025, there’s something for every kind of auto enthusiast.
If you’ve been waiting for the right time to buy a new vehicle, this might just be it. Let’s dive into all the electrifying news, breaking down what it means for you and your next potential ride.
A Big Relief for Buyers: New GST Rates for Cars and Motorcycles
The biggest headline is undoubtedly the Indian government’s decision to revise GST rates on vehicles, effective September 22nd. This move is set to make a significant dent in showroom prices across the board.
Good News for Car Buyers: Tax Slabs Explained
For the mass market, the change is huge. The GST on cars in the small vehicle segment (under 4 meters, with up to a 1.2L petrol or 1.5L diesel engine) has been slashed from 28% down to 18%. This covers a massive range of popular hatchbacks and compact SUVs.
Larger cars and SUVs also see a major benefit. The confusing old system of 43-50% tax has been simplified to a flat 40% GST, with the extra cess being completely removed. And for those eyeing an eco-friendly ride, the tax rate on electric vehicles in India thankfully remains at a low 5%.
Motorcycle buyers aren’t left out either. Two-wheelers with engines up to 350cc will now be taxed at 18%, down from 28%. However, it’s a bit of a dampener for performance bike lovers, as motorcycles above 350cc have been moved into the 40% tax bracket.
Maruti Suzuki Unveils its New Arena Flagship: The Vtorus SUV
Maruti Suzuki is making a bold statement with its brand-new midsize SUV, the Maruti Suzuki Vtorus. Positioned as the flagship model for its Arena dealership network, the Vtorus is designed to impress with its rugged looks and tech-loaded cabin.
Design and Features: A Tech-Forward Approach
Inspired by the brand’s upcoming electric SUV, the Vtorus boasts a muscular design with chunky LED headlights and a commanding road presence. Inside, it’s a tech-lover’s paradise, featuring a large 10.1-inch touchscreen, a digital driver’s display, and a plethora of creature comforts. We’re talking ventilated front seats, a panoramic sunroof, wireless charging, and an 8-speaker Dolby Atmos sound system.
Powertrain Options and a 5-Star Safety Promise
Under the hood, the Vtorus offers a choice of a mild-hybrid petrol, a strong hybrid SUV powertrain for maximum efficiency, and a practical CNG option. But the biggest highlight is its focus on safety. The Vtorus has already earned a stellar 5-star Bharat NCAP rating and will be the first Maruti to offer a Level 2 ADAS safety suite on its higher trims, a massive step forward for the brand.
Hyundai’s Onslaught: Creta Updates, Night Editions, and a Royal Celebration
Hyundai has been incredibly busy, launching a wave of updates and special editions to keep its lineup fresh and exciting. The brand’s most popular SUV, the Creta, is at the center of this storm.
Hyundai Creta Electric Gets a Major Boost
The Hyundai Creta Electric 2025 is now more appealing than ever. Hyundai has introduced new variants, but the headline news is the significantly increased range. The 42 kWh battery pack now delivers a claimed 420 km (up from 390 km), while the larger 51.4 kWh pack boasts an impressive 510 km range (up from 473 km). Faster charging and over-the-air updates make this a compelling EV package.
Embracing the Dark Side: The ‘Night Edition’ Wave
For those who love a stealthy, all-black look, Hyundai has launched the Night Edition for the Creta Electric, Alcazar, i20, and i20 N Line. This cosmetic package features a stunning matte black exterior, blacked-out alloys and emblems, and sporty red brake calipers for a truly menacing appearance.
Celebrating a Decade: The Creta ‘King’ Editions
To celebrate 10 successful years of the Creta in India, Hyundai has rolled out the special Creta King editions. These trims add a host of premium features, including 18-inch alloys, a memory function for the driver’s seat, dual-zone AC, and a dash cam, offering a more luxurious experience for a marginal premium.
Citroen Makes the Basalt More Accessible and Smarter
Citroen has strategically updated its Basalt coupe-SUV lineup with a significant price cut and new variants. The range now starts at a more attractive price point, with the top-end Max trim seeing a massive reduction of ₹1 lakh.
The French automaker has also introduced the new Citroen Basalt X trim, which gets a premium tan and black upholstery and a leather-wrapped dashboard. The highlight, however, is ‘Ka’, Citroen’s new in-car conversational AI assistant, which can handle everything from navigation to vehicle health checks, making for a truly futuristic driving experience.
The Two-Wheeler World Heats Up with New TVS Launches
The action wasn’t limited to four wheels. TVS Motor Company made a huge splash with two highly anticipated launches.
TVS Unleashes the Powerful Ntorq 150
Expanding its popular scooter family, TVS has launched the all-new TVS Ntorq 150. This new bike launch brings a larger 149cc engine that produces 13.2 horsepower, aided by an integrated starter generator that provides a brief electric boost for quicker acceleration. Loaded with features like riding modes, traction control, and smart connectivity, it’s set to dominate the performance scooter segment.
Meet the TVS Orbiter: A Practical New EV
TVS also introduced a brand-new electric scooter, the TVS Orbiter. Designed for practicality, it boasts a massive 34-liter under-seat storage space and a spacious flat floorboard. With a claimed IDC range of 158 km, its real-world electric scooter range is expected to be around 120 km, making it a highly capable urban commuter. Its minimalist design and smart connected features make it a strong contender in the EV space.
It’s clear that the Indian automotive industry is firing on all cylinders. With lower taxes on the horizon and a dazzling array of new models to choose from, there has never been a more exciting time to be in the market for a new vehicle.
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How will the new GST rates affect car prices in India from September 2025?
Starting September 22, 2025, car prices are expected to drop significantly.
Small cars (under 4m, with small engines) will see their GST reduced from 28% to 18%.
Mid-size and large SUVs/cars will have a uniform 40% GST, down from the previous 43-50% levy.
Electric cars will remain at the low rate of 5% GST.
What is the Maruti Suzuki Vtorus?
The Maruti Suzuki Vtorus is the brand’s new flagship midsize SUV for its Arena dealership network. It’s a tech-focused, five-seater SUV featuring a large touchscreen, panoramic sunroof, and a choice of mild-hybrid, strong-hybrid, and CNG powertrains.
Does the new Maruti Vtorus have a good safety rating and ADAS?
Yes, safety is a major highlight of the Vtorus. It has already received a top 5-star safety rating from Bharat NCAP (BNCAP). Furthermore, higher trims of the Vtorus will be the first in Maruti’s lineup to offer a Level 2 ADAS (Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems) suite.
What is the new range of the Hyundai Creta Electric after the 2025 update?
The Hyundai Creta Electric has received a significant range boost.
The 42 kWh battery version now offers a claimed range of 420 km, up from 390 km.
The larger 51.4 kWh battery version boasts an impressive claimed range of 510 km, up from 473 km.
What are the Hyundai “Night Edition” and “King Edition” cars?
These are special cosmetic and feature-based trims launched by Hyundai in September 2025.
The Night Edition, available for the Creta, Alcazar, and i20, offers a stealthy, all-black exterior with matte black paint, blacked-out logos, and sporty red brake calipers.
The King Edition for the Creta celebrates its 10-year anniversary by adding premium features like 18-inch alloys, a driver seat memory function, and dual-zone AC.
Has Citroen reduced the price of the Basalt SUV?
Yes, Citroen has made the Basalt more affordable. The top-spec Basalt X-Maxx trim received a significant price cut of ₹1 lakh, and the base model’s price was also dropped by ₹37,000.
What’s new and special about the TVS Ntorq 150?
The TVS Ntorq 150 is the largest and most powerful version of the popular scooter. Key new features include a bigger 149cc engine, producing 13.2 horsepower, and an Integrated Starter Generator (ISG) that provides a temporary electric boost for quicker acceleration. It also comes with riding modes and traction control.
What is the TVS Orbiter electric scooter?
The TVS Orbiter is a new electric scooter focused on practicality. It stands out with a massive 34-liter under-seat storage (enough for two helmets), a spacious flat floorboard, and a large 14-inch front wheel. It offers a claimed range of 158 km from its 3.1 kWh battery.
Which motorcycles and scooters will get cheaper after the GST revision?
Two-wheelers with an engine capacity of up to 350cc will become more affordable, as the GST on them has been reduced from 28% to 18%. However, large-capacity motorcycles above 350cc will become more expensive, with their tax rate increasing to 40%.
Is September 2025 a good time to buy a new car in India?
Yes, September 2025 appears to be an excellent time to buy a new car in India. The combination of reduced GST rates leading to lower prices and a wave of new and updated models from major brands like Maruti, Hyundai, and Citroen provides buyers with more choices and better value for their money.