Soaring prices for the Triumph Speed 400, espionage on Nissan's new SUV, and additional automotive updates - a rundown for Aug 7.
Ather Energy, an Indian electric vehicle manufacturer, has made a significant stride in expanding its reach beyond India with the launch of its new electric scooter, the Rizta, in Nepal. This marks Ather Energy's commitment to growing the EV market in Nepal and is their second offering in the Nepalese market, following the successful launch of the Ather 450 series.
Meanwhile, Nissan is set to enter India's competitive midsize SUV market with the upcoming launch of a new C-segment SUV, scheduled for mid-2026, around July-August. This new model, based on the Renault-Nissan CMF-B platform, shares the same platform as the third-generation Renault Duster, which is expected to launch in India earlier in 2026.
The design of the Nissan SUV has been teased, showcasing rugged, squarish styling with cues inspired by the Nissan Patrol. Key features include a sculpted bonnet, prominent grille with Nissan logo, flared wheel arches, 5-spoke alloy wheels, a flat roof with roof rails, and rectangular taillights. The rear door handles are integrated into the C-pillar, similar to the Renault Duster.
The vehicle is expected to primarily offer petrol engines at launch, with advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) potentially included to keep it competitive with rivals. Interior details are likely to be similar to the Renault Duster's.
The Nissan C-segment SUV is expected to compete directly with popular models such as the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Skoda Kushaq, Volkswagen Taigun, Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara, and an upcoming Maruti SUV, as well as the Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder.
In Nepal, the Rizta, a family-friendly electric scooter designed for practicality and daily comfort, has been launched by Ather Energy. The Rizta, priced at approximately ₹2.51 lakh (ex-showroom), is the first Ather Energy electric scooter to be launched in Nepal after the Ather 450 series. The Rizta is designed for urban commuters seeking a spacious, feature-laden, and dependable electric vehicle.
The launch of the Rizta in Nepal represents a significant step for the growth of the electric vehicle market in the country. The Triumph Speed 400, priced at approximately ₹2.56 lakh (ex-showroom), remains a popular choice, with the Rizta being approximately ₹52,000 pricier. However, the Rizta offers a more spacious and feature-rich option for those seeking a family-friendly electric scooter.
The Indian launch of the next-generation Renault Duster precedes the release of the new Nissan C-segment SUV. Both vehicles share the same platform and are expected to offer stiff competition in the midsize SUV segment. The Triumph Speed 400, priced at ₹2.47 lakh (ex-showroom), remains a popular choice in the motorcycle segment, despite a recent price increase of ₹4,177.
In conclusion, Ather Energy is expanding its presence in international markets with the launch of the Rizta in Nepal, while Nissan is gearing up to enter India's competitive midsize SUV market with the upcoming launch of their new C-segment SUV. Both vehicles are expected to offer stiff competition in their respective segments.
The electric vehicle market in Nepal is expected to see more growth with the entry of electric-vehicles like the Rizta from Ather Energy, as it competes with the popular Triumph Speed 400 in the family-friendly electric scooter segment. On the other hand, the finance sector will face a challenge in mid-2026 when Nissan launches its new C-segment SUV in India, joining the competition with other popular midsize SUVs like the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Skoda Kushaq, Volkswagen Taigun, Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara, and an upcoming Maruti SUV. The launch of these automotive offerings in both countries signifies a significant stride in the transportation and lifestyle industries.
