The 70s were a turning point in car history: a decade shaped by global financial turmoil and the mass popularization of sporty styling. The ground was laid years before in the US with the introduction of the Ford Mustang in 1964, a car that demonstrated that performance imagery could be married with an affordable price tag and based on an economy car platform, namely, the utilitarian Ford Falcon. This “pony car” formula – long hood, short rear deck, four seat interior and a plethora of options – was an instant hit with car buyers around the world. 

The vehicles including the Ford Capri II, Vauxhall HP Firenza and 1st Gen Toyota Celica were born out of this post-Mustang era, and yet each is a distinctly different approach to the budget coupé ideology. 

Ford Capri II

The Capri II was a natural progression for Ford’s European pony car. Production started mainly in the United Kingdom (Dagenham, Halewood) and Europe (Genk, Belgium, and Saarlouis, Germany). the Mk2 softened the aggressive lines of its predecessor, with a more modern and friendlier look featuring “softer lines and larger headlights.” 

Engineering and Accessibility

The Capri II was ultimately successful because of its versatility and availability. Ford stuck to its guns with the philosophy of serving every pocket by the simple offering of a variety of engines in one simple layout – front-engine, rear-wheel drive (FR). For the budget-conscious buyer, the car had the I-4 1.6L (1,599cc) that delivered a meager 64 horsepower and produced 0-100 kph times in the 16-seconds ballpark. A somewhat more balanced choice was the 2.0L Inline-Four Pinto, making around 98 bhp and bringing 0-60 mph down to near 10 seconds. Up top, there was the potent V6 3.0L engine. 

That philosophy meant the car stayed true to its “style on a budget” directive, as evidenced by the original 1974 UK price list, where a Capri Mk2 1600L began from a very reachable £1,668. 

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Driving Experience and Legacy

Drivers had good things to say about the Capri interior design, in particular the full complement of dials and the long bonnet which immediately made you feel as though you were driving a bona fide sports car. Controls were said to be both light and direct. 31 Although some contemporary reviewers noted problems such as poor reliability of new cars and dubious safety standards, 32 present day enthusiasts often describe the V6 models as being very “reliable, cheap to run”, a consequence of the car’s mass production and the resulting availability of parts.

The straight-six engine, especially in the later 2.8i injection versions, had a “great sound from the engine and exhaust”. This full-bodied, Falstaffian wuffle supplied the required drama for the ears to complement the visual attack, and proved that the quintessential V6 exhaust note was the key to a car that could rise above its budget-based mechanics and inscribe itself as an enduring icon of nostalgia. 

The Contradiction in Current Value

The Capri II was intended to be throwaway and to appeal to a broad demographic, but its current place as a sought-after classic reveals an important market dynamic. A couple of million Capris were sold between 1969 and 1986, but clean ones with high specs have turned up as rare gems. Because the Capri was so common, and was often driven as a cheap daily used in its second life as a track toy, real-money originals in “Original & Highly Original” condition really do command serious prize money. For example a mint condition 1970 Capri has been estimated at over £40,000. 

Vauxhall HP Firenza ‘Droopsnoot’

The Vauxhall Firenza, was originally launched in 1971 as a sporty two-door fastback coupé based on the lowly Viva. But that was about to change in 1973 when General Motors stylist Wayne Cherry took a radical departure from the norm with the Firenza HP (High Performance), a motorsport homologation special. 

Radical Styling and Advanced Engineering

The HP’s signature feature was its slick fibreglass nose cone, which let to the car being known as the ‘Droopsnoot’. This was no mere styling exercise – the shape was designed to be as aerodynamic as possible and helped the car reach a top speed of more than 120 mph. The distinct nose has double headlights taken from the Renault Alpine A310. And to tie up the aggressive look Vauxhall used matt-black trim rather than chrome and some Avon Safety wheels. Every single HP was finished in the distinctive Silver Starfire metallic paint. 

The HP was powered by a 2279cc OHC slant-four engine, which had been the subject of extensive performance tuning by Bill Blydenstein. This involved following a similar procedure to that used on the combustion chambers, inlet tracts and valve throats, and yielded an additional 21 bhp over the standard powerplant. The result was 131 bhp , and a broad torque band so the car was easy to drive. And the HP was, in fact, the first Vauxhall to be fitted with a complex, close-ratio, dog leg five-speed Getrag manual gearbox. With its combination of light weight and superior transmission, the HP Firenza was also the Vauxhall with the best acceleration of its day, clocking from 0-60 mph in a blistering 7.6 seconds. 

Market Paradox

This severe scarcity is what governs its place in the classic market.Although the HP Firenza enjoyed rarity and unquestionable motorsport credentials, its median value approximately £17,600 for a Firenza. Its scarcity does mean that there are occasional huge sales, with the highest price to the public being £47,700. 

Toyota Celica (1st Generation)

The Toyota Celica, which was introduced in December 1970, was the pioneer Japanese entry in the world pony car market. It was a 2+2 coupé based on a Carina platform and the styling was clearly inspired by the American versions. The Celica Liftback, especially, was so redolent of American fastback muscle that it gained the fond nicknames “Japanese Mustang” or “Mustang Celica”. This tribute featured such iconic elements including the triple bar tail lights, a signature design cue of the Mustang. 

Technological Sophistication and Dynamic Appeal

Although the regular Celica (ST grade) was dependable and fuel efficient, the performance versions had a considerable technological advantage over many of their European competitors. The top-of-the-line 2000 GT Liftback (RA25) used the DOHC (Double Overhead Camshaft) 18R-G Twincam engine, which had a cylinder head co-developed with Yamaha. This sophisticated engine was rated at 134 hp/145 bhp maximum power. 

The Reliability Paradox 

the Celica was known for its inherent reliability and ease of repair, which made it very popular amongst modifiers and “boy racers” in the Asian markets. But this mechanical excellence was frequently paired with a catastrophic manufacturing gaffe that was endemic to Japanese exports in the 1970s – inadequate body rustproofing. 

The current high average market prices for clean GT and Liftback models including GT averaging $22,334 and best examples fetching over $40,000. 

Head-to-Head Comparison of Ford Capri II vs Toyota Celica vs Vauxhall HP Firenza

The Price Valuation and Market Dynamics

Who is The Winner?

Winner for Everyday Practicality and Accessibility: The Ford Capri II. Ford’s decision to make the hatchback standard and continue a massive parts supply ensured the car offered the best combination of sports styling and daily practicality. Capri is the quintessential choice for the nostalgic driver wanting an affordable and engaging ownership experience.

Winner for Performance Purity and Engineering Novelty: The Vauxhall HP Firenza ‘DroopSnoot’. Being Hone-d Fed with his advanced 5-speed dogleg gearbox Firenza HP was on Kaygonus the most uncompromising and technically advanced paper vehicle 7.6-second really rapid 0-60 mph timeengine and his hand-finishedI genuinelyhear that with itsIndeed the title of Wa Rally Car until brian nash Firenza fits that description far better than any other. Its defeat was solely in the market place and not product quality.

Winner for Global Style and Long-Term Reliability: Liftback and hardtop coupe versions from the 1st generation 1971 Toyota Celica 1st generation Liftback GT. The Celica neatly packaged the American pony car look into a refined, contemporary bolt-on DOHC technology style. Its mechanical strength is inherent and reliable so that you can have peace of mind today, but this must be tempered with the need to check its body due to processing faults during original manufacturing.  

Conclusion

The trio that dominated the 1970s budget coupé market – the Ford Capri II, the Vauxhall HP Firenza and the Toyota Celica – all made a highly specialised, but indelible, mark on motoring history. Their common objective was to offer performance style, at an attainable price point, but how that was achieved varied wildly – with very different current collector profiles. 

Hyundai Motor India has significantly benefited from the GST 2.0 reforms that took effect on September 22, 2025. The company passes all the perks of lower taxes right away with buyers. The updates rates of GST cuts down the real price of Hyundai Cars, buyers can save from ₹60,640 up to ₹2.40 lakh. GST 2.0 changes mark India’s biggest tax update since the 2017 GST launch. The government has simplified the complex four-tier structure (5%, 12%, 18%, 28%) into simplified form (5% on basics and 18% on regular items). And the luxury rate with 40%, let’s look what it means to Hyundai cars:

Small cars with 1200cc petrol, 1500cc diesel, and ≤4m length get a reduction from 28% to 18% GST.

Larger Cars and SUVs get down to 50% including cess, now GST rate set at 40%

Electric vehicles continues at 5% GST rate

Model-wise Price Reductions

Hyundai’s price cuts in different ways for various vehicle types with SUVs receiving the most substantial reductions. 

Premium SUVs

Sedans

Hatchbacks

Market Impact and Sales Performance

Image credit hyundai

GST 2.0’s launch during the festive period sparked huge market energy. Hyundai recorded 11,000 dealer billings on September 22, 2025 making a huge single-day performance than the five years of sales. This remarkable hit emphasizes how price cuts boosted buyer interest towards Hyundai cars. 

Tarun Garg, Whole-Time Director and COO at Hyundai Motor India welcoming the positive market response. “Navaratri’s lucky beginning, boosted by GST 2.0, changed the company’s sales growth and brought real energy to the market.

GST Rate Categories for Hyundai Models

The rates are decreased as per the new GST structures, there are several Hyundai Models which are represented here with saving percentage that applied on it.

Image credit: hyundai

From Old Price To New Price After Reduction + Festive Offer

Industry-wide Transformation

Image credit: hyundai

The GST 2.0 changes have wider impacts through India’s car sector. All the big companies—car manufactures offer huge price cuts as Hyundai gives to its customers. Dropping the compensation cess cuts rates. The new GST structures simplified things and made it clear for the buyers.

Read More:-  Maruti Suzuki Victoris: The Family SUV Everyone’s Waiting for in 2025

Effective Date and Implementation

All revised prices became effective from 22 September 2025, clashing into the festive season in India. This combination boosts the sales for all the vehicle manufacturers.The holiday time has always been prime for buying cars.

Conclusion

This comprehensive price reduction across Hyundai’s lineups combined with additional festive offers, making its brand compete better in India. The GST 2.0 changes bring big benefits to buyers and let more people afford cars. Those buyers who are interested in basic and mid-range models become more happy because the price reductions are most substantial in that segment.

Buying a car is a big milеstonе in lifе. For many individuals, it stands out as one of the most significant financial choices they will ever make. Whеthеr you arе a first-timе buyеr, a collеgе graduatе, a working profеssional, or a parеnt upgrading to a family car, gеtting it right mattеrs. And the reality is, most buyers enter dealerships without proper preparation. That lеads to confusion, strеss, dеlays, and еvеn bad dеals. So, lеt’s fix that. 

This blog will hеlp you undеrstand еxactly what you nееd whеn buying a car, stеp by stеp, from planning your budgеt to driving homе worry-frее.

Know What You Can Truly Afford

Start by asking yoursеlf onе quеstion: How much car can I actually afford without straining my lifе? Too many pеoplе pick a car basеd on what thеy want, not what thеy can rеalistically maintain. Don’t just look at thе car’s pricе also explore factors like insurancе, taxеs, fuеl, sеrvicing, and loan EMIs. 

A car is not a onе-timе cost; it’s a long-tеrm commitmеnt. Usе onlinе car affordability calculators to find your safе monthly rangе. Ideally, your car EMI should stay within 15% to 20% of your monthly income. Setting a clear budget beforehand can help you manage your finances better and prevent any regrets after the purchase.

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Choosе thе Right Car for Your Nееds (Not Just Looks)

Bеforе falling in lovе with a car’s stylе or brand, think practically. What will you usе it for? Daily commuting? Long-distancе trips? Family school runs? Your usagе should dеcidе thе car. For еxamplе, hatchbacks arе grеat for city traffic and parking. Sеdans offеr comfort and boot spacе for small familiеs. 

SUVs arе idеal for tough roads and wееkеnd gеtaways. Also, think about fuеl typе pеtrol, diеsеl, or еlеctric basеd on your avеragе driving. Many pеoplе buy a car that looks grеat in thе showroom but doеs not fit thеir lifе. Makе surе your choicе matchеs your daily nееds.

Dеcidе Bеtwееn Nеw, Usеd, or Cеrtifiеd Prе-Ownеd

You might bе tеmptеd to go for a nеw car, but think twicе. A nеw car losеs valuе thе momеnt it lеavеs thе showroom, about 10 to 15 pеrcеnt in thе first yеar. If you arе budgеt-conscious, a cеrtifiеd prе-ownеd car (CPO) could bе smartеr. Thеsе arе usеd cars chеckеd and approvеd by thе manufacturеr, oftеn with warrantiеs. 

If you arе going for a rеgular usеd car, makе surе you buy from a trustеd sеllеr and always gеt a mеchanic’s inspеction donе.

Rеsеarch Bеforе You Visit thе Dеalеr

A wеll-informеd buyеr always gеts a bеttеr dеal. So, do your homеwork. Chеck еxpеrt rеviеws, YouTubе vidеos, and rеal ownеr fееdback for thе cars you arе intеrеstеd in. Lеarn about thеir strеngths, wеaknеssеs, fuеl еfficiеncy, sеrvicе costs, and rеsalе valuе. Usе platforms likе Cars24, Autocar India, Edmunds, or CarDеkho. 

Comparе pricеs and offеrs in your city. Know thе markеt pricе bеforе walking into a dеalеrship. This way, no onе can ovеrchargе you or trick you with unnеcеssary еxtras.

Gеt Prе-Approvеd for a Loan (Evеn If You Might Not Usе It)

Evеn if you arе unsurе whеthеr to financе thе car or not, try gеtting prе-approvеd for a loan. Why? Bеcausе it shows you how much you arе еligiblе for and what intеrеst ratеs you qualify for. It also givеs you powеr at thе dеalеrship. Dеalеrs oftеn push thеir own loan plans, which may includе hiddеn chargеs or highеr ratеs. 

But if you havе a bank offеr in hand, you can comparе and choosе thе bеttеr onе. Prе-approvals usually don’t cost anything and don’t lock you in, so you losе nothing by chеcking.

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Prеparе All Your Rеquirеd Documеnts

Onе of thе most common rеasons pеoplе facе dеlays at dеalеrships is missing papеrwork. So, what do you nееd whеn buying a car in tеrms of documеnts? Hеrе’s a chеcklist:

• Valid drivеr’s licеnsе or govеrnmеnt ID
• Proof of addrеss (еlеctric bill, rеnt agrееmеnt, еtc.)
• PAN card (in India) or SSN (in thе U.S.)
• Bank statеmеnts or salary slips (if taking a loan)
• Loan prе-approval lеttеr (if you havе onе)
• Existing car rеgistration and insurancе papеrs (if trading in your old car)
• Passport-sizеd photographs (in somе casеs)

Doublе-chеck with thе dеalеr about rеquirеd documеnts bеforе you visit so you don’t makе еxtra trips.

Gеt Car Insurancе Quotеs in Advancе

Insurancе is not optional. It’s a lеgal must. But hеrе’s what most pеoplе don’t rеalizе: dеalеrs oftеn push еxpеnsivе insurancе packagеs that bеnеfit thеm, not you. So shop around. Gеt quotеs from onlinе insurancе platforms or your currеnt insurеr. Comparе prеmiums, IDV (Insurеd Dеclarеd Valuе), claim ratios, and add-ons likе zеro dеprеciation covеr. 

Having a policy rеady mеans quickеr dеlivеry and bеttеr control ovеr costs. Also, if you’rе buying on loan, most banks will rеquirе you to gеt comprеhеnsivе insurancе, not just third-party.

Undеrstand thе Rеal “On-Road Pricе”

Don’t fall for thе showroom pricе or what’s writtеn on bannеrs. Always ask thе dеalеr for thе “on-road pricе.” This includеs:

• Ex-showroom pricе
• Road tax and rеgistration chargеs
• Insurancе cost
• Fastag and handling chargеs
• Optional add-ons or accеssoriеs
• Extеndеd warrantiеs (if you choosе)

Ask for a printеd quotе and rеviеw еach itеm. If thеrе arе chargеs you don’t undеrstand, quеstion thеm. Many timеs, you can rеmovе things you don’t nееd and savе monеy.

Nеvеr Skip thе Tеst Drivе

A tеst drivе isn’t just a formality. It tеlls you how thе car rеally fееls. Is thе sеat hеight good? Can you sее clеarly through thе mirrors? Is thе pickup smooth in traffic? Do you fееl confidеnt turning and braking? Always tеst thе samе modеl and variant you plan to buy. Try to drivе on a routе with traffic, turns, and opеn roads. Spеnd at lеast 15 to 20 minutеs with thе car. 

Inspеct thе Car Bеforе Taking Dеlivеry

Evеn if it’s a brand-nеw car,  things can go wrong during transport or storagе. Bеforе signing thе final documеnts, do a full chеck. Look for scratchеs, paint issuеs, brokеn lights, or tirе damagе. Confirm that all fеaturеs arе working including AC, infotainmеnt, rеvеrsе sеnsors, windows, and lights. Makе surе thе car has thе sparе tirе, toolkit, and manual. If it’s a usеd car, gеt it inspеctеd by a trustеd mеchanic. Thеy will tеll you if thеrе arе any hiddеn problеms. A small issuе now can turn into a big rеpair latеr, so nеvеr skip this part.

Go Through All Papеrwork in Dеtail

Final papеrwork is not just about signing whеrе thеy tеll you. Rеad еvеrything carеfully. Chеck thе car variant, color, VIN numbеr, agrееd pricе, loan tеrms if any, and insurancе dеtails. Ask for a dеlivеry notе, warranty booklеt, and thе rеgistration rеcеipt. Also, kееp copiеs of your paymеnt rеcеipts. Thеsе documеnts will hеlp in futurе insurancе claims or rеsalе.

Read More:- Tesla Model Y in India: Price Revealed, Insurance Details & How to Afford It Smartly

Aftеr Dеlivеry, Stay Organizеd and Safе

Congrats, thе car is yours. But your work is not ovеr. Sеt up rеmindеrs for:

• Rеgular sеrvicе intеrvals
• Insurancе rеnеwal
• Loan EMI duе datеs
• PUC (pollution cеrtificatе) updatеs
• Road tax rеnеwals (for commеrcial vеhiclеs)

Also, avoid spееding or rough driving for thе first 1000 kilomеtеrs. This is your car’s brеak-in pеriod. Kееp a small еmеrgеncy kit and copiеs of kеy documеnts insidе thе car at all timеs.

Final Thoughts

Now you fully undеrstand what do you nееd whеn buying a car from documеnts and financing to tеst drivеs and final chеcks. Whеn you’rе prеparеd, you not only savе timе and monеy but also avoid strеss and surprisеs. Evеry stеp mattеrs bеcausе you arе invеsting in somеthing you will usе еvеry day. So bе smart, stay informеd, and takе control of your car buying journеy. Whеn donе right, it can bе onе of thе most еxciting and satisfying еxpеriеncеs of your lifе. 

The 2025 Rivian R1S is a standout player in the electric SUV world as it comes with high-end features and comfort. It combines rugged off-road ability with top-notch interior luxury and ample power to give premium ride experience. This three-row EV is the next evolution of Rivian’s primary family vehicle. It incorporates significant improvements in technology, strength, and security. With a few hours to spare, or a whole family to pack up, the R1S delivers a powerful blend that fits right in with electric rides.  

Pricing and Trim Levels

Rivian has released the 2025 R1S in two core versions: Adventure and Ascend. The Adventure is the starting point trim and price for R1S, and it is priced at $75,900. This base model is stuffed with premium features that would be extra cost options on many competitors. 

The upper-level Ascend trim starts at $107,700 with upgraded amenities such as a tri-motor powertrain as standard, the largest Max battery pack, unique wood trim accents, and a premium 18-speaker sound system. A new mid-level Premium grade has been added for 2025, which slots in above the Adventure and below the Ascend for some more luxury flair. 

Battery Options and Range

Perhaps the biggest selling point of the R1S was its incredible range capability. Rivian provides three battery pack options to meet various requirements and budgets: 

Standard Battery Pack: Offers up to 270 miles of EPA-estimated range with lithium-iron-phosphate chemistry, making it the most budget-friendly alternative.

Large Battery Pack: Up to 330 miles of range with 109.4 kWh usable capacity, an optimal size for most buyers.

Max Battery Pack: The top-of-the-line version can go up to an astonishing 410 miles with the dual-motor configuration or 371-380 miles with the tri-motor setup. With this 141.5 kWh battery, the car delivers more range than any other electric SUV on the market. 

In Real-world range buyers got 250 miles on their 75-mph highway route with a tri-motor Max battery R1S, while it can go about 300 miles with the Large battery and nearly 400 miles with the Max battery in mixed driving. 

Performance and Power Options

The 2025 R1S is available with a number of powertrain options, all producing exhilarating acceleration that could run with the best of supercars:

Dual-Motor Standard: The dual-motor base powertrain generates 533 horsepower and 610 lb-ft of torque, and can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in about 4.5 seconds.​ 

Dual-Motor Performance: An optional Performance upgrade raises power to 665 hp with 829 lb-ft of torque, trimming the 0-60 mph run to a mere 3.4-3.5 seconds.​

Tri-Motor: The dual rear motors and single front motor arrangement in this model produces 850 horsepower and 1,103 lb-ft of torque. 

Quad-Motor – This is top-notch variant that delivers 1,025-1,050 horsepower and up to 1,198 lb-ft of torque in Launch Mode, making it run 0-60 mph in 2.5 seconds. This makes it faster than many real sports cars.​

All models are standard all-wheel drive and have a maximum towing capacity of 7,700 pounds. However, range is severely reduced when towing. 

Charging Capabilities

The R1S supports fast DC charging, with the Standard battery enabling 200 kW charging rates, and the Large and Max batteries up to 220 kW. Rivian says you can charge the battery from 10% to 80% in 30-41 minutes at a DC fast charger, depending on the battery size and conditions. With a 20 minute fast charger, it can gain up to 140 miles. Additionally, Tesla’s Supercharger network is also supportive for Rivian Vehicles that makes things easier for North Americans. 

Interior Features and Technology

The excellent interior material and features make you fall in love with this car. The R1S luxury seats which are made from perforated vegan leather makes it ultra premium.  

The R1S Comfortability and Seating: The R1S offers 3 rows that can give space up to 7 passengers. The front seats feature heating and ventilation and can be memory-adjusted, the second and third-row seats are heated. The second row has great space with individual climate controls for each passenger, the third row is small and works best for kids or short drives. 

Technology: A huge 15.6-inch central touchscreen which controls the majority of the vehicle’s functions dominates the interior, with a second digital gauge cluster for the driver. It has a 12-speaker premium sound system as standard, two-phone wireless charging, it offers full connectivity set up for the driver and passenger. From Wi-Fi hotspot and navigation to Amazon Alexa integration, and Bluetooth connectivity. 

Distinctive features: R1S has its unique features that gives a more premium experience with  a panoramic glass roof and four-zone automatic climate control making the tour more comfortable. It also makes you keyless to enter in the car and its ignition feature, power-folding mirrors, and a hands free liftgate also seems perfect for an amazing ride. The Camp Mode even has a leveling feature that uses the air suspension to level the vehicle for camping. 

Cargo and Storage Space

R1S offers a boxy design and 17.6-17.7 cubic feet of storage space; the vehicle’s rectangular shape allows for efficient packing. 

The R1S has a neat front trunk, or “frunk.” It provides you with an additional storage of 11.1 cubic feet. Fold the second and third rows flat, and it’s a bona fide cargo hauler with sky-high storage. Rivian passes on precise figures for those configurations, though. 

Read More:-  Toyota LC FJ vs Toyota Fortuner: The Shared DNA That Makes Them Siblings

Safety Features and Ratings

The redesigned model gets IIHS Top Safety Pick+ award as it meets all the test crashes score high, and becomes the only high honor SUV for 2025. 

Standard safety tech: The 2025 model debuts the new Rivian Autonomy Platform, which has higher-definition cameras, redundant sensors, and enhanced computing power. Standard features include: Adaptive cruise control, emergency braking, assist in Lane centering, cross traffic warning, Blind-spot monitoring, sensors for parking, and Excellent pedestrian crash prevention systems which are good for families.

The Rivian Autonomy Platform+ is an option and adds Enhanced Highway Assist and Lane Change on Command, which can automatically change lanes when safe after you activate the turn signal. 

Off-Road Capability

Unlike the majority of luxury electric SUVs, the R1S is actually competent off-road. A standard adjustable air suspension offers up to 15 inches of ground clearance, which will enable you to handle some rough terrain. This air suspension system can raise and lower the ride height of the vehicle and the ride quality and handling stability are adjusted for both up and down motion and for the specific conditions. 

The independent motors on each wheel allow for fine torque vectoring, which helps to keep traction on icy or uneven terrain. With the vehicle’s extreme approach and departure angles, the R1S can go places most luxury SUVs would not dream of. 

Efficiency and Real-World Performance

The highest efficiency dual-motor R1S reaches up to 85 MPGe combined on EPA ratings, a 3 MPGe increase over the 2024 model. Depending on wheel size and configuration, EPA estimated combined MPGe for the dual-motor variants is between 72 and 84. The standard dual-motor setup provides the best combination of efficiency and performance for the majority of customers. 

Who Should Consider the R1S?

2025 Rivian R1S is the ideal choice for buyers seeking a capable, luxurious electric SUV that can double as a daily driver for family duties and a weekend off-road warrior. It’s a great long-distance cruiser with its mad range, offers thrilling sports-car-level performance, and has bona fide off-road chops that most rivals can’t match. 

Conclusion

The 2025 Rivian R1S is an inspiring glimpse of the electric SUV to come. It’s an amazing feat to bundle all of these things – breath-taking acceleration, best in segment range, true off-roading capability and a stunningly designed interior – into one package. Recent safety ratings, improved efficiency, and new powertrain options make it an even better pick for 2025. 

Whether you’re attracted by its blistering speed, its off-road adventure-ready chops, or just want the longest range electric SUV available, the R1S offers an experience that few rivals can touch. For families that want a truly do it all electric vehicle for school runs and ski trips and weekend camping jaunts, the Rivian R1S is hands down one of the most versatile and capable models you can buy today. 

So buckle up, because after a four-year wait, Renault is reviving one of the best-selling compact SUVs in India and it’s coming with a full makeover. The new-generation Renault Duster, which will be unveiled on 26 January 2026, is more than just a cosmetic refresh. Spy images from Indian roads show that Renault has reborn this much-loved SUV for the modern buyer, and the changes are staggering to say the least. 

A Bolder Face Meets Modern Tech

The first thing that catches your eye in the spy shots is the front end, which is all new. There are none of those simple, round headlights anymore. The new Duster comes with eye-catching street LED headlights with signature eyebrow-shaped LED DRLs (daylight running lamps), providing it a futuristic stance. This is especially intriguing because Renault is going India-specific here, the global model gets Y-shaped LED DRLs, but we get this unique eyebrow motif.

The front bumper is entirely new with triple slatted air intake with the rugged appearance of the SUV being maintained with some sophisticated touches. The fog lamps are nicely placed on either side in a narrow air dam that also contribute to the visual weight and presence. Face it: this is an SUV, and it has no regrets about it. 

The Rear Gets a Connected Heart

This is where Renault is looking to tailor to tastes in India. The global screen is made up of Y-bloop patterns tail lamps, but the Indian version has a special something that connect the tail lamps not just outfitted with a LED light strip that runs across the tailgate and connects the 2 tail lamps. This is a trend that is really building steam in India, and Renault knows what the buyers want. It’s a small touch, but it makes the rear profile look a lot more premium and contemporary.

The roofline gains a notched spoiler for a sporty touch, while a roof spoiler and rear wiper enhance practicality. The overall silhouette is still squat and muscular—classic Duster DNA—but the proportions are more sophisticated, more mature. 

The Tech That Makes It Feel Premium

On the inside, the new Duster boldly enters the 21st century. The black-themed cabin is sporty with green stitching accents – a visual treat that instantly communicates a younger, more premium feel. That is a telling one-two punch that shows you Renault is not seeking to beat competitors on price, they’re going after buyers who want substance as well as style.

Now, the tech package is where things start to get really interesting. 

It features a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system as well as a 7-inch digital driver’s display, giving you the triple-screen dashboard layout seen in far more expensive SUVs. With Android Auto and Apple CarPlay wireless, your smartphone integration is frictionless. Besides wireless phone charging, dual-zone automatic climate control and ventilated front seats that come on the higher trims, the Duster suddenly seems like a car built for comfort in the real world. 

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Safety Meets Smart Features

Here’s something that really pops out: the new Duster will also be the first Renault in India to come equipped with an ADAS Level 2 suite. The radar sensor can be clearly seen in the spy shots below, which confirms this massive leap in safety. Pair that with a 360-degree camera rig (camera modules can be seen on the test vehicles), and you have features that are actually useful for Indian road conditions – be it getting out of tight parking spaces or highway driving.

Six airbags, electronic stability control, blind-spot detection, lane-keeping assist and tyre pressure monitoring complete a comprehensive safety package. That’s the sort of feature set which makes you wonder how safety standards have advanced in the compact SUV category. 

Under the Bonnet—Power Meets Efficiency

The India version of the Duster is also expected to be powered by a 1.5-litre diesel engine from Renault’s global range. If you are looking for a more frugal option, there is a 1.0-litre turbocharged petrol variant from the Kiger family. Transmission options will include a manual, CVT and a dual-clutch automatic, allowing buyers a degree of choice no matter the budget or driving style.

There’s also talk of a hybrid version being introduced within a year of the launch — a wise move in a time when efficiency is becoming more important to buyers in India. 

Additional Details That Matter

What truly captivates you when you see the spy shots is how well the India-spec Duster has been aligned. The rear door handles that are mounted on the C-pillar help in giving the profile a neater, more premium look. Large wheel-arch cladding and skid plates keep reminding you that this SUV still has a bit of a soft underbelly. A power tailgate, until now reserved for pricier models, is another practical feature signaling greater convenience.

The 17-inch or 18-inch (depending on the variant) alloys sport new designs that are exclusive to the Indian market, while roof rails and dual-tone ORVMs with turn indicators on them complete the exterior package. 

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Conclusion

The all-new Renault Duster is an interesting indicator of how Renault views the Indian market. But rather than just shelling out the global vehicle like they used to, they’re making real thị trường, arm-level compromises to it. The eyebrow DRLs, connected taillamps, interior styling, and premium features, hint that Renault has its finger on the pulse of what Indian buyers will want in 2026.

This isn’t just a return, it’s a reimagination. It will rival the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos and MG Hector, but with its own design language, well-rounded tech package and that undeniably rugged character, it is doing its bit to tell Indian car buyers why they once fell in love with the Duster. 

The release date is January 26, 2026. So mark your calendars – this is a comeback story for the ages.