About a month ago, JLR’s Defender released the first set of details about an upcoming derivative – the OCTA – alongside a set of teaser images. The Brits also confirmed that the Defender OCTA will be the new range-topper and is being put through the harshest testing regime in the company’s history. Well, all their efforts will be revealed on July 3, 2024. That’s when the Defender OCTA will make its world premiere.

Before that happens, however, the British marque will host exclusive events for prospective clients worldwide. For the first year’s allocation of Defender OCTA, one could register to check out the vehicle up close and finalise the specification. These events will occur in the UK, Germany, Italy, USA, Japan and Dubai (UAE).

Compared to the standard Defender’s testing programme, the OCTA has undergone over 13,960 additional tests. Examples include handling and durability testing at Germany’s Nürburgring Nordschleife, wet tarmac at Ladoux in France, ice in Sweden, challenging rally stages at Lastours in France, sand deserts in Dubai, and Moab rock crawls in Utah, USA. The OCTA also completed all extreme trails at JLR’s Eastnor testing facility.

In a bid to offset the rise in input and transportation costs, Audi India will increase the prices across its model range from June 1, 2024. Those planning to purchase a new Audi after the date mentioned can expect to pay up to 2 per cent more than the present ex-showroom prices.

Here’s what Balbir Singh Dhillon, Head of Audi India, said in an official release:

Rising input costs are compelling us to increase prices by up to 2 per cent, effective June 1, 2024. The price correction aims to ensure sustainable growth for Audi India and our Dealer partners. As always, it’s our endeavour that the impact of rising costs is as minimal as possible for our customers.

Audi India registered a growth of 33 per cent in FY23-24. The brand’s pre-owned car business – Audi Approved: plus – also clocked 50 per cent more sales than the previous financial year.