Auto India 2025: Maruti Suzuki Eeco's Safety Upgrade & More
The Indian auto market is buzzing in 2025! From significant safety upgrades to new launches, there's plenty to discuss. This article covers the notable enhancements to the Maruti Suzuki Eeco, the release of the 2025 Hero Splendor Plus, and some interesting developments in the EV sector.
Maruti Suzuki Eeco: A Safer Family Vehicle
Maruti Suzuki has significantly boosted the safety features of its popular Eeco for 2025. This upgrade reflects the brand's commitment to safer vehicles, a welcome change for families and commercial users alike. The 2025 Eeco now boasts six airbags as standard, a substantial leap from the previous model's two. Other safety enhancements include three-point seatbelts for all passengers, seatbelt pre-tensioners and force limiters, Electronic Stability Control (ESC), ABS with EBD, rear parking sensors, and front seatbelt reminders. The earlier 7-seater variant has been replaced with a 6-seater version, ensuring all seats face forward for improved safety. Five-seater variants remain, now enhanced with luggage retention hooks. While the design largely remains the same, new fabric upholstery (replacing PVC), reclining front seats, and updated roof liners improve comfort and safety.
2025 Hero Splendor Plus: A Classic Gets a Refresh
The ever-popular Hero Splendor Plus has received a 2025 update, featuring fresh body graphics while retaining its familiar design. Priced between INR 77,176 and INR 86,851 (ex-showroom, Delhi), the updated model maintains its 97.2cc engine but now includes a fully digital instrument cluster with Bluetooth connectivity (on Xtec trim) and LED headlights with DRLs. This launch also saw the introduction of the 01 Eedition Splendor Plus, compliant with BS6 Phase 2 emission norms.
India's EV Sector at a Crossroads
The fallout from US trade tariffs is creating unexpected opportunities and challenges for India's EV sector. While cheaper lithium-ion battery imports might boost short-term EV sales, particularly in price-sensitive markets, it risks hindering the development of a robust domestic battery manufacturing ecosystem. The government needs to carefully balance encouraging affordable EV adoption with nurturing long-term domestic manufacturing and innovation in areas such as multi-ion battery technologies.
Citroen's Stylish Dark Edition
Citroen has launched a limited Dark Edition for the C3, Aircross, and Basalt, featuring a Perla Nera Black paint job and added features like dark chrome grilles, black accents, ambient lighting, and upgraded interiors. Prices start from â‚ą8.38 lakh for the C3 Dark Edition and go up to â‚ą14.27 lakh for the Aircross Dark Edition.
2025 is shaping up to be a significant year for the Indian auto industry, characterized by enhanced safety, new releases, and important considerations for the future of electric vehicles.