Launch Radar

From the Maruti Suzuki e Vitara and Hyundai Verna to the Ferrari Amalfi and Mahindra BE 6 Batman Edition, March swings from meaningful progress to expensive expressions

- By Kanaad Chatterjee

March brought Maruti's first-ever EV, Ferrari repositioning its entry point upward by nearly Rs 2 crore, and at least four limited editions commanding premiums for what amounts to new paint and a badge.

The month's other recurring theme: safety kit trickling down to base trims that cost less than a decent holiday. Progress, unevenly distributed.

2026 HYUNDAI VERNA

Price: Rs 10.98 lakh - Rs 18.25 lakh

The facelift is purely cosmetic, which is fine because the Verna's mechanicals didn't need fixing. The 1.5-litre turbo with the DCT remains one of the best powertrain combinations in the segment. What's new is a Boss Mode that lets rear passengers adjust the front seat, a builtin dashcam, and Level 2 ADAS with 20 functions on the top spec. Seven airbags on the HX10. Two new colours. The Morse Code 'H' on the steering wheel is a nice touch that precisely nobody will notice while driving. Still the sharpest sedan under Rs 20 lakh.

MAHINDRA BE 6 BATMAN EDITION

Price: Rs 28.49 lakh

The previous batch of 999 units sold out in 135 seconds. This one opened bookings for 24 hours on March 10. For Rs 1.59 lakh over the regular Pack Three, you get Satin Black paint, gold brake calipers, gold suspension springs, Bat emblems scattered throughout, and a Batman startup animation. The 79 kWh battery, 282 bhp motor, and 682 km claimed range are unchanged. It's a cosmetic pack on an already excellent EV, priced just right for people who want their car to have a personality disorder. Sold out again, obviously.

2026 MERCEDES-BENZ V-CLASS EXTRA LONG

Price: Rs 1.40 crore (petrol and diesel)