Auto Today – August 2026

Auto Today – August 2026

Summary

The Maruti Suzuki Brezza facelift — with a 1.0L turbocharged engine and five-star safety rating — is the cover story of the August 2026 issue of Auto Today (Vol. 11, Issue 11). The Kia Syros EV (171bhp, 526km range) shares cover space as the two most anticipated Indian launches of the season get the full first-drive treatment.

First Drive section tests the Honda ZR-V flagship hybrid SUV (page 32), the ninth-generation Toyota Hilux finally arriving in India (page 40), the Lexus LM as the ultimate luxury MPV (page 68), and the Kia Syros EV (page 52). The Preview section (page 8) covers the Bentley Continental GT S with its new plug-in hybrid powertrain.

First Ride features the Aprilia Tuono 457 (page 84) with more comfortable ergonomics and the flat-tracker-inspired Triumph Tracker 400 (page 88). The Long Term fleet runs eight vehicles from the MS Victoris to the TVS Apache RTX (pages 96-105). Windscreen column (page 76) profiles the Mercedes-Benz 300 SE W126 designed by Bruno Sacco.

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Content Guide

▸ Cover Story / First Drive / First Ride / Long Term / Classic

p.60 · Maruti Suzuki Brezza Facelift — Cover Story
The Brezza gets a 1.0L turbo petrol engine producing 120bhp and a five-star Global NCAP safety rating. The facelift brings a redesigned front grille, updated LED lighting and a new interior infotainment system. Auto Today rates it as the best value compact SUV in India. The 1.0L turbo delivers 20.3 kmpl on the highway cycle — class-leading for a petrol compact SUV.

p.52 · Kia Syros EV — First Drive
Kia's sub-4m electric SUV packs a 51.4kWh battery, 171bhp motor and a claimed range of 526km. The interior offers class-leading rear legroom and a frunk. The starting price of ₹13.49 lakh makes it the cheapest long-range EV in its segment. The 526km range is ARAI-certified; expect 420-450km in real-world mixed driving.

p.32 · Honda ZR-V — First Drive
Honda's flagship SUV for India comes with a hybrid powertrain combining a 2.0L Atkinson-cycle petrol engine with two electric motors. Total system output is 181bhp with a claimed fuel economy of 21.5 kmpl. The ZR-V sits above the HR-V in Honda's global SUV lineup and is positioned as a premium alternative to the Toyota Hyryder.

p.40 · Toyota Hilux — Ninth Generation Arrives in India
The iconic pickup enters its ninth generation with a redesigned chassis, updated 2.8L diesel producing 201bhp and a new 6-speed automatic. Toyota India confirms the Hilux will be assembled locally, which drops the price by approximately ₹4 lakh compared to the previous import model. Bookings open in September with first deliveries in November.

p.76 · Mercedes-Benz 300 SE W126 — Windscreen
Bruno Sacco's design masterpiece, the W126 S-Class, is profiled from a design and engineering perspective. The 300 SE was the first production car to feature a fully galvanised body, which explains why survival rates are high even in humid Indian climates. A well-maintained W126 300 SE in India can be bought for ₹8-12 lakh — a fraction of its restoration cost but rising in value.

p.84 · Aprilia Tuono 457 — First Ride
Aprilia's middleweight naked gets a minor update focusing on ergonomics: higher handlebars, revised footpeg position and a slightly softer seat. The 457cc parallel-twin produces 47bhp, keeping it below the A2 licence threshold in Europe and accessible to Indian riders with an A2-equivalent licence.

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Editor's Take

A strong, launch-packed issue that captures the Indian auto market at a fascinating moment — electrification (Syros EV, ZR-V hybrid), turbo-petrol momentum (Brezza) and the Hilux return all in one issue. The Windscreen column on the W126 is a pleasant surprise. Weak area: the Long Term fleet reports are too short to provide meaningful ownership insight. Best for: Indian car buyers deciding between the Brezza, Syros EV and Hilux in the coming quarter.

Strengths
• Brezza and Syros EV first drives cover the two most anticipated Indian launches
• Hilux local-assembly price drop is a genuine market story
• Windscreen W126 column adds enthusiast depth

Weaknesses
• Long Term fleet entries average less than 200 words each — too brief for ownership insight
• CV News section is thin, mostly press release summaries

Verdict: Recommended — A strong launch triple-header makes this essential reading for Indian car buyers; the Short Term pages disappoint.

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