
Auto recap, July 9: New BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe review, new Renault Duster spotted, top 5 affordable fun-to-drive cars
The automotive industry is experiencing rapid changes, which make it difficult to stay informed about all the latest advancements. At HT Auto, we are dedicated to delivering the most relevant and current information as it becomes available. Below is a concise overview of the key highlights from Wednesday, July 9.
New-gen BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe first drive review - More substance with style
The BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe turned out to be a fairly successful model since it went on sale in India in 2020. A stylish exterior, powerful engine, and the quintessential Bavarian luxury, endured buyers moving up in the 'ladder of life' found this attractive enough as their first luxury offering. With the second generation, BMW has doubled down on the strong attributes of the 2 Series Gran Coupe, while improving on some of its shortcomings. Can it still be your gateway to the luxury segment? We headed to Chennai to take the second-gen BMW 2 Series GC for a spin and find the answer to that question.
Also Read : New-Gen BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe First Drive Review - More substance with style Seven-seater Renault Duster spied testing in India ahead of launch
Renault's Indian market strategy is at a critical juncture, as the brand aims to revive its presence with an overhauled line-up. Although the new Renault Duster is due in 2026, recent spy images hint that the company is working on a bigger three-row edition, titled Bigster or Boreal globally. Spotted being tested in India for the first time, this 7-seater SUV could be an important product for Renault's second innings in the country.
Also Read : 7 seater Renault Duster spied testing in India ahead of launch. Check details From Maruti Suzuki Ignis to Hyundai i20 N Line: 5 most affordable fun-to-drive cars in India today
Looking for budget-friendly cars that are fun to drive? Here's a list of sporty, affordable options in India that deliver excitement without breaking the bank.
Also Read : From Maruti Suzuki Ignis to Hyundai i20 N Line: 5 most affordable fun-to-drive cars in India today
Get insights into Upcoming Cars In India, Electric Vehicles, Upcoming Bikes in India and cutting-edge technology transforming the automotive landscape.
First Published Date: 10 Jul 2025, 06:48 am IST
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India.com
6 hours ago
- India.com
India And U.K. Achieved What No One Else Could – And It Starts With Scotch & Supercars
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Scotch, Cars, Cosmetics – What Gets Cheaper The most visible win? A sharp slash in tariffs on Scotch whisky, one of Britain's proudest exports. Duties will drop immediately from 150% to 75% and will further fall to 40% over the next decade. 'This marks a great moment for both Scotch and Scotland,' said Nik Jhangiani, interim CEO of Diageo, adding, 'We will be raising a glass of Johnnie Walker to all those who worked so hard to get this done.' Cars are next in line. Tariffs on British-made vehicles will drop from as high as 110% to 10% within five years under a quota system, easing the path for brands like BMW, Nissan, Aston Martin and Jaguar Land Rover to expand their footprint in the Indian market. On the flip side, Indian automakers will now gain access to the U.K. market for electric and hybrid vehicles, again under a quota system. Other British products such as soft drinks, cosmetics, chocolates, biscuits and brandy will also see cheaper price tags in India. Tariffs on brandy and rum are being cut from 150% to 110% initially and to 75% over time. For Indian consumers, this means British luxury and FMCG products will be significantly more affordable. For British companies, India just became a far less taxing place to do business. Duty-Free Exports, Open Market Access, Job Growth – What India Gains Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal called the agreement 'a new era for inclusive and gender-equitable growth', pointing to duty-free access for 99% of Indian exports. That is worth nearly $23 billion in export opportunities, particularly for labour-intensive sectors. A Moneycontrol analysis shows that nearly one-third of India's exports to the UK could double by 2030. The gains will be steepest in: 1. Gems and Jewellery: Current U.K. imports from India stand at $941 million. The import duty drops from 4% to zero. 2. 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Indian professionals can now work in 35 U.K. sectors for 24 months, even without an office in Britain. Thirty-six service sectors are open to Indian firms and freelancers, without needing to pass the U.K.'s 'Economic Needs Test'. Indian workers on temporary postings will no longer pay into U.K. social security, saving thousands in deductions. British companies now gain access to India's procurement markets in clean energy and insurance. However, visas were not included in this round, and India was unable to secure relief from the U.K.'s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism – a policy that could lead to higher taxes on high-emission imports from 2027. Still, the Confederation of British Industry hailed the deal as 'a powerful signal in an era of rising protectionism', while the Confederation of Indian Industry called it 'a strong foundation for deeper market access'. A Template for the Future This is the UK's biggest trade deal post-Brexit, though its projected annual boost to British Gross Domestic Product (GDP), 4.8 billion British pounds by 2040, is modest compared to the 2.6 trillion pound size of its economy. For India, it marks a major leap forward. It is the country's most comprehensive trade pact with a developed economy and possibly a template for future agreements with the European Union (EU) and others. Pankaj Chadha of EEPC India summed it up like this, 'The India-U.K. FTA is a timely breakthrough. It energises our engineering sector, opens new global value chains and strengthens MSMEs.' As Modi left Chequers to meet King Charles, he carried a history and a future of economic ambition. And in both London and New Delhi, there was little doubt: this time, the handshake mattered. A new chapter begins today in the India–UK economic partnership! The signing of the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) reflects our shared commitment to enhancing trade, driving inclusive growth and creating opportunities for farmers, women, youth, MSMEs, and… — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 24, 2025 Addressing the press meet with UK PM @Keir_Starmer. — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 24, 2025 Sharing my remarks during meeting with PM @Keir_Starmer. — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 24, 2025 The talks with PM Keir Starmer were outstanding, particularly in the wake of the successful signing of the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement. In addition to economic cooperation, this agreement sets the stage for boosting shared prosperity. @Keir_Starmer… — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 24, 2025 Interacted with business leaders at Chequers. The signing of the India-UK CETA has opened up new avenues for trade and investment. 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Time of India
14 hours ago
- Time of India
Renault second-quarter sales volumes flat on drop in demand for vans
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India.com
14 hours ago
- India.com
2025 Renault Triber Launched in India, A Complete Redesign of Features and Design
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