New-Age Cars Without Stepney: Why Automakers Are Ditching Spare Tyres and Which Models Follow the Trend

A New Trend in the Auto Industry: Cars Without Stepney

If you’re planning to buy a new car soon, you may notice a surprising change — many modern vehicles no longer come with a Stepney (spare tyre). Once considered an essential part of every car, the Stepney is now being replaced with repair kits, air pumps, and advanced tyre monitoring systems. The shift might sound odd at first, but it reflects a larger transformation in the global and Indian automobile market.

Why Are Automakers Dropping the Spare Tyre?

There are several reasons behind this growing trend. The most prominent include:

Reducing Vehicle Weight:
Car manufacturers are focusing on reducing the overall weight of vehicles to enhance fuel efficiency and improve performance. Removing the spare tyre helps in achieving this goal.

Increasing Boot Space:
Without the Stepney, cars gain extra storage or battery space—a crucial advantage for compact vehicles and electric cars.

Improving Mileage and Efficiency:
A lighter vehicle consumes less fuel or energy, leading to better mileage — a factor that matters greatly to both automakers and consumers.

Government and Safety Norms:
With evolving design standards and new technologies like TPMS (Tyre Pressure Monitoring System), automakers are finding smarter and more space-efficient ways to handle tyre issues.

Electric and Hybrid Cars Lead the Change

The shift is most visible in electric and hybrid cars, where space optimization and weight balance are key to better battery performance. In many EVs, the Stepney’s space is used for battery modules or additional safety equipment.

Here’s a list of popular models in India that no longer include a spare tyre:

🔹 Tata Tiago EV

India’s first mass-market electric car, Tata Tiago EV, doesn’t come with a spare wheel. Instead, it includes a tyre repair kit and air pump, as the underbody space is reserved for its battery pack.

🔹 Tata Punch EV

Another compact SUV from Tata, the Punch EV, follows the same pattern. It is equipped with a TPMS, tyre repair kit, and air inflator, replacing the traditional Stepney.

🔹 Tata Harrier and Safari

In Tata’s larger SUVs, Harrier and Safari, the base variants do not include a spare tyre. These models come with an air pump and repair kit, while only the top variants provide a Stepney.

🔹 Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara

The strong hybrid variant of this popular SUV skips the Stepney to accommodate battery space. Instead, it offers a TPMS, air pump, and tyre repair kit for emergencies.

🔹 Maruti Suzuki Victorius

This newly launched mid-size SUV from Maruti Suzuki completely eliminates the spare tyre across all variants. The company says this helps in reducing vehicle weight and improving mileage.

🔹 Maruti Suzuki Fronx (Turbo Variant)

The Turbo variant of Fronx also replaces the spare tyre with a repair kit and air pump, continuing the lightweight, efficient design approach.

🔹 MG Comet EV

As India’s smallest electric car, MG Comet EV has limited space, so it comes with a tyre sealant gel, air pump, and TPMS instead of a Stepney.

🔹 MG Windsor

Despite being a larger EV, MG Windsor also skips the Stepney to enhance boot space and battery capacity. It includes a sealant gel and tyre monitoring system for assistance.

🔹 VinFast VF6

This electric car from Vietnam features self-sealing tubeless tyres and a repair kit, eliminating the need for a spare altogether.

The Future of Stepney-Free Cars

Automotive experts believe this trend will soon become the new normal. With technological upgrades like run-flat tyres, TPMS, and self-sealing tubeless tyres, the need for carrying a spare is diminishing rapidly.

However, this change also demands greater awareness from drivers. Instead of relying on a backup tyre, motorists will need to familiarize themselves with repair kits and monitoring systems for safety on the road.

Final Thoughts

The absence of a Stepney doesn’t mean compromise — it’s a sign of how the automotive world is evolving. Manufacturers are focusing on innovation, efficiency, and smart mobility solutions that align with global standards. Whether you drive an electric hatchback or a hybrid SUV, the future of motoring clearly belongs to lightweight, tech-driven, and space-optimized vehicles.

So, next time you check out a new car, don’t be surprised if there’s no Stepney in the boot — it’s all part of the next-gen driving experience.