Honda Cars India Ltd (HCIL) has launched its third generation Amaze compact sedan in India. Available with an introductory price of INR 799,900 to INR 1,089,900 ex-showroom, Delhi, the new car is stylish and more premium in its approach when compared to that of the car that it replaces. 
Developed by Honda R&D Asia Pacific Center in Thailand under the grand concept of 'Elite Booster Sedan’, which reflects the automaker’ vision to empower users to express their success and sophistication, the new Amaze is also an outcome of its manufacturer’s quest for zero traffic collision fatalities by 2050. 
Equipped with – what is claimed to be a segment first -- Honda ‘Sensing’ Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS), the Amaze is available in three trim levels – V, VX and ZX. With a choice of six colours, the car measures 3,995 mm in length, 1,733 mm in width and 1,500 mm in height. Its wheelbase is 2470 mm. 
Powered by an E20 complaint 1.2-litre four cylinder ‘i-VTEC’ petrol engine, the compact sedan could be had with a CVT (with Paddle Shift) or a five-speed manual unit. 
Packed with over 28 active and passive safety features, sone of which form a part of the ADAS suite, the Honda Amaze also offers ‘LaneWatch Camera’ and six airbags (as standard). 
With an efficient ‘Connected’ car experience via Honda Connect on the cards (it is backed by a five-year subscription), the compact sedan is supported by 3 years of unlimited kilometres warranty as standard benefit to the customers. Customers can also opt for an extended warranty up to seven years for unlimited kilometres. 
“We are thrilled to present the all-new Amaze – a sedan that is set to outclass in all parameters of Styling, Safety, Connectivity, Drive and Comfort. The Amaze has always held a special place in the hearts of Indian customers, and this new generation model reflects our commitment to meeting their evolving needs. We are confident that this new Amaze will set new standards and continue to strengthen Honda’s legacy in India. For the first time in this segment, we are delighted to bring Honda SENSING, our advanced suite of safety and driver assistive technologies, to the Amaze. With this application, we now have ADAS technology introduced in all models of our India line up and Honda Amaze is the most affordable ADAS enabled car in India,” said Takuya Tsumura, President & CEO, Honda Cars India Ltd. 

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European automaker Renault India has announced that its all-new Renault Duster SUV has achieved a 5-star safety rating from the Bharat New Car Assessment Programme (BNCAP).

The results apply across the vehicle's entire range, including the 1.0-litre and 1.3-litre turbo-petrol variants. The SUV scored 30.49 out of 32 for Adult Occupant Protection (AOP) and 45 out of 49 for Child Occupant Protection (COP).

The rating is based on crash tests conducted on the Evolution, Techno and Iconic trims.

Built on the new RGMP platform, the Duster was engineered to meet structural integrity targets for various crash scenarios. Standard safety equipment across all variants includes six airbags, Electronic Stability Program (ESP) and ISOFIX child seat anchors. The vehicle also features Level 2 Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), providing 17 active safety functions such as autonomous emergency braking and lane keep assist.

The Duster, which launched in the Indian market last month with a starting price of INR 1.04 million (ex-showroom), is the first Renault model in India to offer this level of automated safety technology. The SUV is backed by a 7-year warranty, positioning it as a highly competitive entry in the mid-size segment against rivals like the Hyundai Creta and Kia Seltos.

Francisco Hidalgo-Marques, VP, Sales & Marketing, Renault Group India, said, “Since the moment of its reveal, the Duster has appealed to Indian customers with its strong SUV design, outstanding ride and handling, and confident performance. With this latest achievement, the Duster now also makes a compelling case for rational buyers combining one of the best fuel efficiency figures in the segment with a 5-star BNCAP safety rating for adult and child occupant protection, and the added reassurance of a best in-market 7-year warranty.”

Dr. V Vikraman, Chief of Renault Engineering, India, added, “This result is rooted in engineering execution on the ground. The Duster was subjected to extensive simulations, physical crash tests, and system-level validations, with a strong focus on real-world Indian driving conditions. From body structure performance to restraint calibration and electronic safety systems, every element was engineered, tested and refined to work together. The 5-star BNCAP rating reflects the rigour of that end-to-end engineering and validation process.”

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Hyundai Motor India (HMIL), one of the leading passenger vehicle manufacturers, has announced the launch of the Hyundai Venue Knight compact SUV featuring a black-themed design.

The Knight edition is intended to provide a distinct visual identity through exclusive exterior and interior enhancements, with prices for the Venue Knight starting at INR 969,800 (ex-showroom).

The exterior of the Venue Knight includes a black painted front radiator grille, matte black front and rear logos & black skid plates. It also gets black painted roof rails, wing mirrors and 16-inch alloy wheels, complemented by red brake callipers and a Knight emblem. The interior features an all-black cabin with brass-coloured inserts and exclusive seat upholstery.

The Venue Knight is available with multiple powertrain options, including the Kappa 1.2-litre petrol, Kappa 1.0-litre Turbo petrol and the U2 1.5-litre diesel engine, with both manual and automatic transmissions offered.

Alongside this launch, Hyundai has introduced a dashcam with multiple recording modes on the HX6T, HX10 and N10 variants. This system allows for video downloads to mobile devices via a dedicated application.

The company has also expanded the standard Venue colour palette with the introduction of Hazel Blue Matte and Mystic Sapphire Matte.

Amit Dhaundiyal, Head of Product Strategy & Planning, Hyundai Motor India, said, “At Hyundai, we continuously strive to bring products that resonate with the evolving aspirations of Indian customers. The Hyundai Venue Knight represents a bold expression of style and individuality, specially crafted for customers who want their car to reflect their personality. With this launch, we are taking the distinctive black-themed Knight philosophy to one of our most popular compact SUVs. Every element of the Hyundai Venue Knight, from its blacked-out exteriors to its premium interiors with brass inserts, has been thoughtfully curated to create a strong visual identity that stands apart on the road. Alongside the Knight, the introduction of dashcam on select Hyundai Venue variants and the addition of new matte colours further enhance the overall line-up, addressing evolving customer expectations.”

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Kia India, one of the leading passenger vehicle manufacturers, has introduced the Model Year 2026 (MY26) update for the Kia Syros SUV, expanding the lineup with new HTE, HTE(O), HTK+(O) and HTX(O) trims.

The revised range starts at INR 839,900 and includes a wider availability of automatic transmission options. The Diesel Automatic variant is now accessible from the HTK+ trim onwards, priced at INR 1.27 million, to address demand for convenient diesel powertrains at lower price points.

The update includes design changes to the front and rear bumpers, featuring aero inserts and black skid plates. The HTX and HTX(O) trims receive a new 17-inch crystal cut alloy wheel design accompanied by neon-coloured brake callipers.

Kia has also added Magma Red, Ivory Silver Matte and Ivory Silver Gloss to the exterior colour palette. The vehicle maintains its 5-star BNCAP safety rating and includes a package of 20 safety features as standard.

Interior features for the Syros MY26 include a 30-inch panoramic display panel, a dual-pane sunroof, and ventilated front and rear seats. The vehicle is equipped with over 80 connected car features and supports over-the-air (OTA) updates. The seating configuration retains the sliding and reclining second row with a 60:40 split to manage interior space and comfort within a compact exterior footprint designed for urban driving.

Atul Sood, Senior Vice-President – Sales & Marketing, Kia India, said, “Customer insights have guided the Syros MY26 evolution, with design enhancements and a revised trim and feature lineup delivering more meaningful value, along with greater choice across trims and powertrains. Syros has been highly recognised by the auto exports, winning multiple awards since launch. And this latest update further strengthens its appeal to a wider set of customers. This thoughtful evolution exemplifies Kia’s consumer-first innovation, blending great cabin space and comfort with city-friendly agility while making premium convenience more accessible than ever. We invite customers to visit their nearest Kia dealerships to experience the Syros MY26.”
 

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French automotive major Renault Group has launched futuREady India, a strategic initiative designed to integrate its Indian operations into the company's global value chain.

The plan aims to establish India as one of the brand’s top three markets by 2030 through a product offensive and the expansion of its manufacturing and engineering capabilities. Renault intends to generate EUR 2 billion in annual exports from India by 2030, covering vehicles, components and R&D services.

The group will expand its Indian portfolio to 7 models by 2030, focusing on high-value segments and multi-energy powertrains. These vehicles will be built on two shared platforms, RGEP (Renault Group Entry Platform) and RGMP (Renault Group Modular Platform), which support internal combustion, hybrid and electric configurations.

Following the recent introduction of the Duster SUV, Renault has previewed the Bridger Concept, a compact SUV that will include a fully electric variant. To support customer retention, the company has introduced the Renault Forever initiative, which includes a 7-year warranty.

Renault has also moved to full ownership of its manufacturing facility in Chennai to improve supplier integration and supply chain optimisation. This site, alongside an engineering centre employing 6,000 specialists, will transition into a global centre of excellence. The Chennai operations will now develop architectures and software for both the domestic Indian market and international projects, specifically supporting Renault’s requirements in regions such as South America.

Francois Provost, CEO, Renault Group, said, “With futuREady, our new Vision, Renault Group is accelerating its international growth by building on high-potential, fast-growing markets where the Group already has a strong presence. India, where we have been established for fifteen years, is a prime example: it represents more than one-third of the growth potential across the markets where the Renault brand already operates. India is set to become not only a growth market, but also a centre of excellence and an export hub. Thanks to the commitment and expertise of our local teams, it will strengthen the Group’s overall competitiveness. Thirty years ago, Renault Group began its first wave of international expansion. With futuREady, we are opening a new era in our global growth story – and India will be at the heart of it!”

Stephane Deblaise, CEO, Renault Group in India, said, “By 2030, we will offer a seven-model portfolio in India, spanning key segments from compact cars to larger SUVs, and featuring a full spectrum of electrified powertrains—from strong hybrids to fully electric vehicles. Leveraging world-class engineering, competitive manufacturing, and a clear, ambitious product roadmap, India is poised to be a major driver of sustained value for Renault Group.”

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