The design on the outside remains unchanged mainly, but the interior has received a makeover with the inclusion of new connected car technology. The split analogue dials with the InControl Touch Pro infotainment system on the old car has now been updated to a new 12.3-inch Interactive Driver Display along with a bigger 11.4-inch Pivi Pro infotainment screen. The redesigned centre console provides a fast and intuitive interface with a simplified menu structure and pioneering design.

The connectivity on the inside is provided by dual-sim technology, with two LTE modems enabling the system to carry SOTA updates without compromising performance. Discovery owners can update as many as 44 individual electronic modules without the inconvenience of visiting a retailer.

The full-digital instrument cluster along with the Pivi Pro system allows for high-definition 3D mapping within the driver’s instrument cluster, with the central touchscreen free to control other applications. Besides, the customers can also add a full-colour Head-Up Display, putting high-resolution driving information directly into the driver’s eye line.

Another feature introduced with the Discovery is the Cabin Air Ionisation with PM2.5 air filtration technology. The system actively scans incoming air for quality and automatically uses advanced filters to reduce the level of allergens, toxins and harmful particulates in the cabin, enhancing driver wellbeing. Rear seat passenger comfort and convenience has been enhanced by the introduction of Land Rover’s Click and Go tablet holders instead of fixed rear screens. The tablets can use the onboard 4G Wi-Fi hotspot to stream content to keep the rear passengers entertained. Conveniently located USB-A charging sockets take care of maintaining the battery of the tablet charged and also help in cable management. This system adds to the versatility of the vehicle.

At the front, the steering wheel has received an update with the introduction of a new-look four-spoke steering wheel with hidden-until-lit switches and metal gearshift paddles. The old rotary gear selector has made way for a new tactile gear selector that provides instinctive control.

All new to the Discovery is the electric seat folding mechanism that can all be controlled from the central screen, improving the versatility of the vehicle. Customers also get access to a Remote app that lets them keep a tab on the fuel status, location of their car and also unlock and lock the doors. Owners can complete their connected car technology by choosing Land Rover’s new second-generation Activity Key that features touchscreen controls, a digital watch, unlock, lock and also remotely start the vehicle as an addition to the conventional fob.

Jaguar Land Rover’s Chief Creative Officer termed the car as “a beautifully proportioned and sophisticated premium SUV”. He also added that the team has worked to enhance the characterful exterior and hugely versatile interior to maintain the Discovery’s position in the market as “the most capable and family-friendly full-size SUV in the world”.

The carmaker has introduced a trio of new straight-six Ingenium engines with 48V Mild Hybrid Electric Vehicle (MHEV) technology for enhanced efficiency, performance and smoothness. The MHEV system harvests and stores energy during deceleration and deploys it to assist the engine when accelerating. This setup provides the engine six-cylinder performance and four-cylinder efficiency and also helps refine the operation of the Stop/Start system. Along with the new engines, the Discovery is also available with the companies tried and tested four-cylinder P300 Ingenium petrol powertrain.

The 5th generation Discovery also comes equipped with advance driveline technology that can intelligently switch between two-and four-wheel drive as conditions demand, combining both the fuel-saving benefits of two-wheel-drive with the all-terrain capability of four-wheel drive. Four-wheel-drive is continuously engaged to provide large reserves of traction from a standstill, but a clutch completely disconnects the four-wheel-drive hardware when there is no tractive requirement. Should the system detect wheel slip or a more dynamic driving style, four-wheel drive is re-engaged within 350 milliseconds. This helps the car maximise traction and on-road dynamics resulting in improved fuel efficiency and reduced CO2 emissions without compromising on the vehicle’s trademark all-terrain capability.

Also, the Discovery comes with air suspension as standard that helps in better isolation of bumps and an enjoyable ride. The system also intelligently lowers the cars ride height while doing motorway speed to increase the aerodynamic efficiency and stability of the vehicle. Apart from the 250HP diesel model, every other Discovery gets adaptive dampers that firm up the suspension going into corners to provide better stability and soften them when the going gets easy. Owners can also choose to add the Terrain Response 2 technology to their cars that automatically primes the vehicle to suit the driving conditions. The new Wade mode helps the Discovery drive through deep water (up to 90cm) and even applies the brakes automatically when the driver disengages it to restore the full performance of the brakes from the first application.

The Discovery borrows the ClearSight Ground View technology from the Defender. This new technology provides the driver with a clear view of the obscured ground directly beneath the front of the vehicle using the central touchscreen and a combination of forward-facing cameras. This is the closest Land Rover has come to their futuristic transparent bonnet concept. The system supports the drivers when negotiating steep off-road inclines or hidden urban obstacles.

Talking about the technology inside the car Land Rover’s Chief Engineer, Mike Cross said “New Discovery combines superb all-terrain suspension geometry with rewarding dynamics and excellent body control while maintaining our family SUV’s famed ride quality and comfort”. He also added, the changes made to the suspension design and the new platform has allowed the company to create a seven-seat SUV that is versatile, capable, refined and yet fun to drive.

In conclusion, the Discovery is a seven-seat sophisticated premium SUV that encapsulates Land Rover’s design evolution with an intelligently packaged interior that embodies the spirit of family adventure which has characterised the SUV for more than 30 years. The latest future-ready fifth-generation Discovery is available with four engine options with more than one Mild Hybrid Electric Vehicle technology model. The Discovery starts at £53,050 and extends up to £67,290 for the range-topping HSE diesel variant in the UK. (MT)

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Maruti Suzuki India (MSIL), the country’s largest passenger vehicle manufacturer, has further expanded its product portfolio with the launch of the Victoris SUV.

The Victoris is being made available in multiple powertrain options, including petrol with strong hybrid, Allgrip Select (4x4) and factory-fitted S-CNG with an underbody tank design. Bookings are now open at INR 11,000.

The SUV can be had with a 1.5-litre hybrid powertrain with EV mode and e-CVT transmission, a multi-terrain 4x4 system with four drive modes and a CNG variant with dual ECUs.

The Victoris will join the Brezza, Ertiga, Fronx, Grand Vitara and Jimny to further expand its play in the SUV segment.

The new SUV features a 26.03 cm fully digital instrument cluster, 25.65 cm SmartPlay Pro X infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, over-the-air updates and Alexa Auto integration. It also introduces a segment-first Infinity by Harman 8-speaker system with Dolby Atmos, 64-colour ambient lighting, ventilated seats, powered driver’s seat, wireless charging with cooling and a panoramic sunroof.

On safety, the Victoris comes with six airbags as standard, Level 2 ADAS with more than ten driver-assist features, all-wheel disc brakes, electronic parking brake, and a 360-degree camera. In fact, the Victoris has scored a 5-star Bharat NCAP safety rating for both adult and child occupants.

It comes with Maruti Suzuki India’s Arena Safety Shield, including ESP, ABS with EBD, hill hold control and a standard three-year/100,000 km warranty.

Hisashi Takeuchi, Managing Director & CEO, Maruti Suzuki India, said, “The new-age Indian customer is well-travelled, hyper-connected, socially aware, technologically progressive and environmentally responsible. To meet the aspirations of such customers, our new SUV the Victoris has ‘Got It All’. Victoris is a Latin word that means ‘victory’. We are confident the Victoris with its high technology, sleek design, intelligent and connected features, 5-star level safety and multiple environment friendly powertrains will win hearts in India. With Victoris we are strengthening our SUV portfolio and our overall market share.”

Partho Banerjee, Senior Executive Officer, Marketing & Sales, Maruti Suzuki India, said, “At Maruti Suzuki, we are always listening to our customers. Today’s young, and dynamic audience consider an automobile as a reflection of who they are – energetic, composed, confident and always moving forward. We gave this brief to our design and engineering teams for the all-new ‘Victoris’. SUVs may be the most loved segment today, but the SUV buyer has evolved. This new generation of young customers are ambitious, hyperconnected and value experiential living. The all-new Victoris is our answer to that shift - a progressive blend of tech, design and versatility. It is engineered with true SUV DNA and sets a new benchmark for what today’s automobiles can feel like. With the Victoris, we’re not just launching another SUV, we’re celebrating a new dimension to driving - one that’s ‘Got It All’.” 

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In celebration of India's dreamers and their aspirations, Mercedes-Benz India has announced the launch of its comprehensive festive campaign, ‘Dream Days’. Scheduled to run from 2nd September to 31st October 2025, the initiative is designed to make the ambition of owning a Mercedes-Benz more accessible than ever through a suite of tailored ownership benefits and experiential engagements.

The 360-degree campaign focuses on creating signature luxury experiences at every customer interaction. A core component is a range of innovative financial solutions aimed at empowering new and existing customers. For its entry and core model portfolios, Mercedes-Benz is introducing financial plans featuring exceptionally low monthly instalments, attractive interest rates and minimal down payments. First-time buyers will receive additional ‘Welcome Benefits’ when trading in their current vehicle.

Further enhancing flexibility, a unique ‘Seasonal Payment Plan’ allows customers to structure their payment schedules around periods of higher cash flow, such as bonus months, alleviating the burden of uniform monthly payments. A standout ‘Key to Key’ programme for select models like the S-Class enables customers to upgrade to a new vehicle after 24 to 36 months with zero down payment, effectively allowing them to own two new Mercedes-Benz cars within a four-year period.

Complementing these ownership advantages, Mercedes-Benz is elevating its customer service with nationwide ‘Service Clinics’. During these events, trained brand engineers will travel to various locations to provide personalised vehicle diagnostics and address owner concerns directly.

The campaign will culminate in the ‘Dream Days Festival’, a first-of-its-kind event touring six key cities: Chandigarh, Ahmedabad, Pune, Bengaluru, Chennai and Kochi. This two-day festival will offer participants hands-on driving experiences across specially designed tracks that demonstrate the capabilities of the brand’s sedans, SUVs, electric vehicles and high-performance AMG models. Attendees can also enjoy immersive brand experiences, such as the Burmester Sound Experience, fostering a deeper connection with the Mercedes-Benz brand.

Santosh Iyer, Managing Director & CEO, Mercedes-Benz India, said, "India is a nation built on dreams – from startup founders, entrepreneurs to seasoned executives, every dreamer deserves the luxury that they aspire for. This festive campaign, hence, underlines our commitment to fulfil the aspirations of our customers, offering flexible and curated financial solutions, supporting them with their purchase decision. We are confident these financial solutions will find immense value among customers, creating excitement and positive momentum in the market this festive season.”

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Hyundai Motor India (HMIL), one of the leading passenger vehicle manufacturers, has introduced the Creta King and Creta King Limited Edition to mark a decade of its popular Creta SUV in the domestic market. The company has also added new features to other Creta variants.

The Creta King includes features such as R18 diamond cut alloys, a driver power seat with memory function and a passenger seat with electric adjustments. It also comes with a dashcam, wireless Android Auto/Apple CarPlay and dual-zone automatic temperature control. The vehicle is available with a 1.5L petrol, 1.5L diesel and 1.5L turbo petrol engine. A new Black Matte colour is also being introduced.

The Creta King Limited Edition adds exclusive ‘King’ branding on elements like the seat belt cover, headrest cushion and key cover. This limited edition is available in Abyss Black, Atlas White and the new Black Matte colours.

The Creta King Knight, with its black design, also receives upgraded features including R18 matte black alloys, electric seat adjustments for the driver and passenger, a dashcam and dual-zone automatic temperature control.

Tarun Garg, Whole-Time Director and Chief Operating Officer, Hyundai Motor India, said, “At HMIL, we have always believed in delighting our customers with fresh choices and enhanced experiences. Ahead of this festive season, we are excited to introduce the Creta King and Creta King Limited Edition in our SUV, the Hyundai Creta. These additions, coupled with enriched feature offerings in the Creta line up will reinforce our commitment to offering products that blend style, performance, technology and safety. We are confident that these new introductions will add to the festive excitement and further strengthen the appeal of Hyundai’s most loved SUV among Indian customers.”

Additionally, new features have been added across other Creta variants, including a dashcam, dual-zone automatic temperature control and wireless Android Auto/Apple CarPlay. The Creta N Line also gets these new features.

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Honda Cars India has introduced a series of updates to its popular SUV, the Honda Elevate in time for the festive season. The enhancements include new interior colour options and exterior styling upgrades, aiming to give the vehicle a more premium and stylish feel.

The top-of-the-range Honda Elevate ZX grade now features a new Ivory interior theme, complete with ivory leatherette seats and soft-touch inserts on the doors and instrument panel. As an optional extra, customers can choose a new ‘Alpha-Bold plus Grille’ for a more commanding front profile, along with a 360-degree surround vision camera and 7-colour ambient lighting. With these additions, the Elevate ZX offers a choice of three distinct interior themes: Tan, Ivory and Black.

For the V and VX grades, Honda is introducing new black fabric upholstery, which replaces the previous shadow beige option. These variants also feature dual-tone interiors with ivory soft-touch inserts. The new Alpha-Bold plus Grille is available as an accessory for these models and the Crystal Black Pearl colour option is now offered across the V, VX and ZX grades.

Kunal Behl, Vice-President Marketing & Sales, Honda Cars India, said, “The Honda Elevate is a very successful model and has been greatly appreciated by customers for its versatility in both the domestic and export markets. With the introduction of the new ZX grade with ivory interiors and new enhancements across all grades, it is our endeavour to offer more choices to customers during the festive period and warmly welcome them into the Honda family.”

The Honda Elevate is powered by a 1.5L i-VTEC petrol engine and is available with a choice of a 6-speed manual or 7-speed CVT automatic transmission. The SUV continues to offer a range of safety features, including the Honda Sensing advanced driver-assist system in the ZX grade, which includes Collision Mitigation Braking and Adaptive Cruise Control.

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