Hyundai’s new i20 received a record 20,000 bookings in 20 days. According to the company’s release, 85 percent of the customers have opted for sports and above trim indicating the effect of hi-tech features on the decision making process.

The company also revealed that more than 45 percent of the booking was for variants with BlueLink technology. Sunroof remained another common requirement for the customers with more than 30 percent booking for the variant with this feature. The customers have welcomed the advance transmission offerings from the company with more than 25 percent booking for models with iVT/iMT/DCT. The company had a busy Diwali as they fulfilled more than 4000 orders.

The virtual launch video of the new i20 has received more than 47 million views, and search volumes have increased up to three times since launch. It looks like Hyundai is going to end the year 2020 on a bang with the i20. (MT)

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Mercedes-Benz India has unveiled the ultra-exclusive AMG G 63 'Collector's Edition’, setting a new standard for bespoke luxury. Designed specifically for the Indian market in collaboration with Mercedes-Benz Research and Development India (MBRDI), this limited-run masterpiece pays homage to India's vibrant culture and will be restricted to just 30 individually curated units.

The edition introduces unprecedented personalisation, including a first-of-its-kind grab handle engraved with the owner's name – a unique feature never before offered on the AMG G 63. Further exclusivity comes from a spare wheel cover bearing a 'One of Thirty' plaque, along with exterior protective strips featuring Collector's Edition insignia.

Two striking India-exclusive MANUFAKTUR paint options – Mid Green Magno and Red Magno – enhance its bold presence. The cabin elevates luxury with Catalana Beige/Black two-tone Nappa leather upholstery, complemented by open-pore walnut wood trim. Completing the package are 22-inch Tech Gold cross-forged wheels that blend dynamic aesthetics with performance.

Scheduled for Q4 2025 deliveries, this edition merges AMG's legendary off-road capability with unmatched customisation. The launch also signals Mercedes-Benz India's commitment to expanding its MANUFAKTUR personalisation programme, with MBRDI enabling more localised innovations for discerning customers.

Santosh Iyer, Managing Director and CEO, Mercedes-Benz India, said, “Hyper-personalisation is an emerging trend in the top-end luxury segment, as customers increasingly demand customised vehicles, distinguished by rare craftsmanship, exclusivity of appointments and elements of personalisation. Meant for collectors and aficionados, a limited 30 units of the specially curated AMG G 63 ‘Collector’s Edition’ will cater to this growing trend of custom-made vehicles. The Collector’s Edition is inspired by the Indian landscape, honouring Indian customers’ love for the AMG G 63. This vehicle underscores the prowess of local innovation and value addition by the teams at Mercedes-Benz India and Mercedes-Benz Research and Development India. This special vehicle not only celebrates the success and the culture-shaping effect of the AMG G 63 in India but also complements the spirit of collaboration and co-creation with our talent at MBRDI. We will continue to offer such rare vehicles listening to our customers’ wishes and desires, as our top-end luxury products set new industry trends, remaining the most desirable vehicles in the market.”

Manu Saale, Managing Director and CEO, Mercedes-Benz Research and Development India (MBRDI), said, “At Mercedes-Benz Research and Development India, we are proud to have played a key role in shaping this India-inspired Collector’s Edition of the AMG G 63. With this edition, we aimed to go beyond performance and create a vehicle that resonates with India’s unique identity. Collaborating with Mercedes-Benz India, this is a strong testament of our capabilities in developing market-specific configurations that reflect customer-centricity and regional relevance. We remain committed to introducing more market-relevant solutions with both design and technology inputs.”

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Mercedes-Benz has launched a new, highly exclusive variant of its iconic off-roader, the Mercedes-AMG G 63 'Collector's Edition', designed specifically for the Indian market. Limited to just 30 units, this bespoke luxury vehicle the company shared is a tribute to India's rich tapestry and landscape and has been configured in collaboration with Mercedes-Benz Research and Development India (MBRDI).

Santosh Iyer, Managing Director and CEO, Mercedes-Benz India, stated, "Hyper-personalisation is an emerging trend in the top-end luxury segment, as customers increasingly demand customised vehicles, distinguished by rare craftsmanship, exclusivity of appointments and elements of personalisation. Meant for collectors and aficionados, a limited 30 units of the specially curated AMG G 63 'Collector's Edition' will cater to this growing trend of custom-made vehicles. The Collector's Edition is inspired by the Indian landscape, honouring Indian customers' love for the AMG G 63. This vehicle underscores the prowess of local innovation and value addition by the teams at Mercedes-Benz India and Mercedes-Benz Research and Development India. This special vehicle not only celebrates the success and the culture-shaping effect of the AMG G 63 in India but also complements the spirit of collaboration and co-creation with our talent at MBRDI. We will continue to offer such rare vehicles listening to our customers' wishes and desires, as our top-end luxury products set new industry trends, remaining the most desirable vehicles in the market".

Manu Saale, Managing Director and CEO, Mercedes-Benz Research and Development India, added, "At Mercedes-Benz Research and Development India, we are proud to have played a key role in shaping this India-inspired Collector's Edition of the AMG G 63. With this edition, we aimed to go beyond performance and create a vehicle that resonates with India's unique identity. Collaborating with Mercedes-Benz India, this is a strong testament of our capabilities in developing market-specific configurations that reflect customer-centricity and regional relevance. We remain committed to introducing more market-relevant solutions with both design and technology inputs."

The 'Collector's Edition' is available exclusively to existing Mercedes-Benz Top-End Luxury Vehicle customers. It marks the first time an AMG G 63 features the customer's name engraved on the grab handle, offering a hyper-personalised touch. For the exterior, it offers India-specific Manufaktur 'made to measure' paint in two shades: Mid Green Magno and Red Magno. Distinctive features include a spare wheel cover with a special ‘One of Thirty’ logo plaque and a unique exterior protective strip with embedded insignia.

Inside, the vehicle boasts Manufaktur two-tone nappa leather upholstery in Catalana Biege/Black and open-pore natural walnut wood trim. It is fitted with 22-inch Tech Gold cross-forged AMG wheels.

Under the bonnet, the AMG G 63 'Collector's Edition' is powered by a Handcrafted AMG 4.0L V8 biturbo engine, delivering 430 kW (585 hp) and 850 Nm of torque. It can accelerate from 0-100 kmph in 4.4 seconds and has a top speed of 240 kmph.

Deliveries of these 30 units are scheduled to commence from Q4 2025 onwards. The Mercedes-AMG G 63 'Collector's Edition' is priced at INR 43 million (all-India ex-showroom).

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In a major milestone for vehicle safety in India, Maruti Suzuki India’s all-new Dzire has become the first compact sedan in the country to secure a 5-star rating under the Bharat New Car Assessment Programme (Bharat NCAP). The safety certification was formally presented by Nitin Gadkari, Minister of Road Transport and Highways, during a ceremony held in New Delhi.

The same round of crash testing also saw Maruti Suzuki’s New Age Baleno receive a 4-star rating, further strengthening the company’s credentials in vehicle safety.

The country’s largest carmaker announced that by end-2025, all its passenger vehicles will come equipped with six airbags as standard. Currently, 10 models – including the Alto K10, Celerio, WagonR, Eeco, Swift, Dzire, Brezza, Grand Vitara, Jimny and Invicto –already feature this across all variants.

Additionally, the automaker confirmed that all 18 models in its portfolio now come with Electronic Stability Program+ (ESP) as standard. This the OEM states is the widest deployment of ESP across a passenger vehicle lineup in India, ahead of any regulatory requirement.

Minister Nitin Gadkari lauded the progress made in enhancing vehicle safety across India. He noted that Bharat NCAP now follows globally benchmarked testing protocols and commended Maruti Suzuki for incorporating advanced safety features even in entry-level models. Gadkari also encouraged other OEMs to adopt similar initiatives and stressed the need for road users to follow traffic laws, wear seat belts, and prioritise safety as a collective responsibility.

Hisashi Takeuchi, Managing Director & CEO, Maruti Suzuki India, said, “Bharat NCAP empowers Indian consumers to make well-informed decisions. We remain committed to making six airbags standard across our portfolio by the end of this year.”

Both the new Dzire and Baleno are built on Suzuki’s fifth-generation HEARTECT platform, designed for enhanced crash safety and structural rigidity. Standard safety features across both vehicles include:

• Six airbags (front, side, and curtain)
• Electronic Stability Program+ (ESP) with Hill Hold Assist
• ABS with EBD
• 360-degree HD camera
• Rear parking camera and sensors
• ISOFIX child seat anchors
• Seatbelt reminders with audio-visual alerts for all passengers
• 3-point seat belts for every occupant
• Speed-sensitive auto door locking
• High-speed alert system

Additionally, the Dzire features a manual day/night IRVM and tyre pressure monitoring system, while the Baleno offers an auto-dimming IRVM for added driving convenience.

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Stellantis-owned French auto brand Citroen India has announced a special anniversary celebration offer on its entire product range as it marks its fourth anniversary in the country.

As per the announcement, the company is providing exclusive limited-period benefits on the purchase of any Citroen vehicle, including cash benefits, extended warranty packages and low EMI finance schemes.

Citroen India stated that customers can avail attractive savings of up to INR 280,000 on select models during the celebratory period till end of June 2025 or till stocks last. Existing customers can avail complimentary car spa service for their Citroën throughout the month.

Kumar Priyesh, Business Head & Director – Automotive Brands, Stellantis India, said, “Our journey in India has been driven by innovation, ambition, and a clear focus on delivering meaningful value to customers. In just four years, we’ve introduced a portfolio of vehicles that combine Citroen’s global design language with deep local relevance. As we celebrate four years of Citroen in India, I want to sincerely thank our customers for placing their trust in our young brand. Their feedback and encouragement have played a vital role in shaping our offerings—from products to aftersales services. We remain committed to building on this foundation and delivering the ‘Citroen Comfort’ experience to many more customers across the country.”

At present, the company’s product line-up includes Basalt SUV coupe, C3 SUV and Citroen Aircross SUV.

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