Auto wrap this week: Oben Rorr EVO, Hyundai Ioniq 5, Freelander 8, Venue Knight debut

The final week of April has delivered a compelling mix of innovation and style in the automotive world. From electric motorcycles designed for urban riders to bold SUV facelifts and special editions, this week’s launches showcase fresh designs and meaningful upgrades.

Bengaluru-based Oben Electric introduced the new Rorr EVO with improved range, while Keeway refreshed its V302C cruiser with a striking new yellow finish. Adding to the electric vehicle momentum, the first official images of the all-electric Freelander 8 SUV were also revealed, signalling the beginning of a new chapter for the Freelander brand. Here’s a closer look at the biggest automotive highlights of the week:

Oben Rorr EVO

Bengaluru-based Oben Electric has launched the Rorr EVO electric motorcycle, powered by a 9 kW motor delivering 250 Nm of torque at the wheel. It is equipped with a 3.4 kWh LFP battery and claims a range of 180 km (IDC), with a real-world range of around 150 km. The motorcycle accelerates from 0–40 km/h in just 3 seconds and has a top speed of 110 km/h.

Built on the ARX platform, the Rorr EVO features a redesigned front end with LED DRLs. It is equipped with telescopic front forks, a rear monoshock, and disc brakes on both wheels. The bike also comes with a digital display incorporating AI-based SmartIQ ride modes.

Keeway V302C Update

Keeway India has introduced the V302C in a new yellow colour option, expanding beyond its earlier red and black finishes. This small-displacement cruiser is powered by a distinctive 298 cc V-twin, liquid-cooled engine.

The motorcycle features a belt drive system along with a slipper clutch paired to a 6-speed transmission. The updated version is priced at ₹4.22 lakh.

Hyundai Ioniq 5 Facelift

Hyundai has launched the facelifted Ioniq 5 in India, three years after the electric crossover’s initial debut. This mid-cycle update brings subtle design revisions, additional features, and most notably, a larger 84 kWh battery replacing the earlier 72 kWh unit.

Externally, the Ioniq 5 receives a redesigned front bumper with new skid plates. The side profile is enhanced by new alloy wheels finished in black with white accents. At the rear, Hyundai has revised the bumper, added a new roof spoiler, and updated the V-shaped garnish lighting element, while retaining the signature pixel-style lighting.

Inside, the steering wheel has been redesigned into a three-spoke unit featuring an illuminated Morse code motif along with a heating function.

Freelander 8 Electric SUV

The first official images of the boxy Freelander 8 SUV have been unveiled under the newly electric-only Freelander brand. The vehicle is based on a new iMax architecture, which supports both fully electric and plug-in hybrid powertrains.

According to the brand, the SUV’s battery can support charging speeds of up to 350 kW. The Freelander 8 will be the first model from the reimagined brand and is set to debut in the Chinese market as a luxury all-terrain SUV.

Hyundai Venue Knight Edition

Hyundai Motor India has launched the Venue Knight Edition. Similar to the Knight editions offered on the Creta, Creta Electric, and i20, this version features an all-black exterior and interior theme, complemented by brass accents in the cabin.

Since its debut in 2022, the Knight range has performed steadily for the brand, and the Venue Knight Edition follows the same formula of a darkened aesthetic. It will be available with three powertrain options: a 1.2-litre Kappa petrol engine with a manual gearbox, a 1.5-litre diesel offered with both manual and automatic transmissions, and a 1.0-litre turbo-petrol engine paired with a 7-speed DCT.

(Edited by : Vivek Dubey)