Hyundai Motor India, a leading passenger vehicle manufacturer, has introduced two new variants – S Smart and SX Smart – for the Hyundai Exter SUV with prices starting at INR 768,490.

The new variants of the Hyundai Exter see the introduction of an electric sunroof on the S Smart variant and a smart key with push-button start on the SX Smart variant. Additionally, customers can upgrade to a 22.96-cm infotainment system with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity, along with a rear camera at a special price of INR 14,999, backed by a 3-year warranty. The OEM has now standardised Child seat anchor - ISOFIX for Exter.

The new variants are available in both manual and AMT transmissions, in petrol and Hy-CNG Duo powertrains.

Tarun Garg, Whole-Time Director and Chief Operating Officer, Hyundai Motor India, said, “At HMIL, we are committed to democratising technology and making meaningful innovations accessible to a wider set of customers. The introduction of S Smart and SX Smart variants on the Hyundai Exter is a reflection of this customer centric philosophy. With these new variants, we are offering a more compelling value proposition to young and tech-savvy Indian buyers. We are confident that the Hyundai Exter will continue to redefine aspirations and further strengthen its position as a preferred SUV for customers.”

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Cars24 has published its festive performance report covering the period from Navratri through Diwali, reporting 19,039 pre-owned vehicle sales, a 44 percent increase compared to the previous festive period.

The company disbursed over INR 3 billion in vehicle loans during the period, with financing penetration reaching 55 percent of total sales. First-time buyers represented 72 percent of customers, while rural buyers accounted for 40 percent of sales and women buyers formed 36 per cent of the customer base. Maruti Suzuki India, Hyundai Motor India and Tata Motors were the top-selling manufacturers on the platform, with Tata vehicle sales growing 85 percent YoY.

Hatchbacks accounted for over 50 percent of total sales, while SUVs recorded the highest category growth rate. Demand for petrol vehicles reached 65 percent against 58 percent of supply listings, while CNG and electric vehicles combined represented over 15 percent of bookings against 10 percent of supply listings.

The platform recorded 52 million unique users and processed over 700,000 ownership-related transactions, with peak volume reaching one transaction per second. Inspection and verification services saw 40,000 vehicle health report bookings, 660,000 pre-delivery inspection searches, 10,000 completed vehicle inspections and 30,000 vehicle history checks for external purchases.

Vikram Chopra, Founder, Cars24, said, "Festivals have always been a special time for families to bring home a car. But what we are seeing is that the relationship with a vehicle begins well before the purchase and continues long after it. People are researching more, checking vehicle histories, arranging inspections, taking finance and using digital services to manage everyday ownership. Buying and selling are important moments, but ownership is a much longer journey. Our focus at Cars24 is to make that entire experience simpler, more transparent and more convenient, like a trusted family member you can always turn to for guidance on every vehicle-related decision."

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Dubai-based M Monogram Atelier has completed the first G 3.0 Iconic, a bespoke project based on the Mercedes-Benz G-Class that combines redesigned bodywork with an extensively customised interior. The vehicle is the first example of a planned worldwide series of 50 units and is currently available for sale.

The project focuses on reworking the G-Class's exterior proportions and bringing together individual design elements across the bodywork and cabin. The exterior features widened and lengthened bodywork, pronounced wheel-arch extensions, sculpted side steps and enlarged door hinges. A fine contrasting line runs along the body, visually connecting the front and rear sections.

The design draws inspiration from the expressive character of 1930s motoring, while the oversized front grille takes separate cues from automotive styling of the 1960s. M Monogram Atelier has used contrasting gloss-black upper surfaces and satin-black lower panels to emphasise the revised body contours. The side steps also feature a contrasting edge running between the wheel arches, while decorative side gills carry the atelier's emblem.

The front bumper incorporates three-pointed light modules that also house the turn indicators. The front splitter, rear diffuser and roof spoiler follow a consistent design approach, while two strobe-light sections are positioned at the outer edges of the front roofline. Completing the exterior are six-spoke sculpted wheels featuring M Monogram centre caps.

Inside, the G 3.0 Iconic adopts a Cognac Heritage colour scheme, combining warm cognac-coloured Nappa leather with black accents. The treatment extends across the seating, interior trim and luggage compartment creating a consistent finish throughout the cabin.

The rear seating features sculpted surfaces, vertical contours and detailed stitching. Individual tray tables with integrated cup holders have been incorporated for rear passengers, while an analogue clock with a circular dial adds a traditional design element to the dashboard.

Further detailing includes a combination of perforated leather and weave-textured inserts along with leather door pulls. The leather headliner features a pattern of stylised stars, accompanied by the Iconic inscription.

The same cognac finish continues into the luggage compartment through matching side panels and a luggage cover. On the rear door, a weave-textured insert surrounds a central panel bearing the M Monogram emblem. The project name and individual vehicle number are also incorporated into the interior.

M Monogram Atelier is offering three decorative treatments for the project: Black, Silver and Gold. These provide different combinations of finishes for elements such as the grille, wheels and exterior accents. Customers can also select individual colours, finishes and decorative details with the final specification agreed for each vehicle.

With the first example completed, the G 3.0 Iconic marks the beginning of the atelier's proposed 50-vehicle series. Its approach centres on combining exterior modifications with coordinated interior craftsmanship rather than limiting the customisation to individual cosmetic additions.

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French auto major Renault Group has secured a 4-star rating for adult occupant protection and a 3-star rating for child occupant protection in the latest Global NCAP Safer Cars for Africa crash tests for its popular Kiger SUV.

The results for the Indian-manufactured Renault Kiger are based on the updated rating following a voluntary submission by Renault after the SUV was initially selected for testing in its previous standard specification.

Global NCAP initially selected the Kiger when the model featured two airbags without ISOFIX anchorages or electronic stability control, resulting in a 2-star rating for adult occupant protection and a 1-star rating for child occupant protection.

Renault subsequently updated the vehicle specification to include six airbags, electronic stability control, ISOFIX anchorages, and pedestrian protection as standard equipment. In the re-assessment, the SUV demonstrated good protection for the head, abdomen, and pelvis in side impact testing, met UN127 pedestrian protection regulations, and complied with Global NCAP requirements for electronic stability control and seatbelt reminders.

Richard Woods, CEO, Global NCAP, said, “It’s satisfying to see the safety improvements Renault has introduced with the updated Kiger in South Africa. We welcome their positive engagement and hope that this approach now becomes a trend across the industry. It demonstrates what can be achieved when a manufacturer seeks to prioritise safety, and it shows why six airbags must become a standard requirement.”

Bobby Ramagwede, CEO – Automobile Association of South Africa, said, “The Automobile Association of South Africa welcomes this considerable improvement in the Global NCAP safety rating of the Renault Kiger, going from a concerning two-star rating to a commendable four-star result. This updated Indian-built Kiger proves that the #SaferCarsForAfrica program is indeed yielding real change and saving many lives on South African roads. It is also a reminder to both the manufacturer and the consumer that improving safety needn’t cost much nor affect the production of entry-level model ranges. The result, when manufacturers prioritise the safety of their customers, saves many lives and revives the image of the industry. We commend the French brand on voluntarily submitting the Kiger for testing and strongly encourage those local brands with recent poorer results to work with us on improving the safety of their affected entry-level models, ensuring that safety is prioritised over cost and proving that African lives indeed matter.”

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Mumbai-headquartered automotive major Mahindra & Mahindra has announced that its XUV 3XO ZNG has achieved a 5-star safety rating under the Bharat New Car Assessment Programme (Bharat NCAP), making it the first sub-compact CNG vehicle in India to receive the score.

The compact SUV recorded 29.36 out of 32 points for Adult Occupant Protection and 45 out of 49 points for Child Occupant Protection. The model features 35 standard safety items, including six airbags, Electronic Stability Control and ISOFIX child-seat mounts.

Safety provisions specific to the CNG system include an integrated gas-leak detection mechanism that switches the fuel source to petrol mode if a leak occurs. The c-SUV features an underfloor twin-cylinder tank layout that maintains a flat boot floor and 270 litres of cargo space. Power output stands at 82 kW with 200 Nm of torque across petrol and CNG modes, alongside a certified fuel efficiency rating of 24.7 km/kg.

Dr Velusamy R, President of the Automotive Business, Mahindra Group, said, "At Mahindra, safety is a fundamental commitment that guides every stage of vehicle development. The XUV 3XO ZNG was engineered to excel across every aspect of the ownership experience, delivering ‘zero compromise’ in space, technology, performance and driving experience. Its robust architecture is engineered to provide high levels of occupant protection and peace of mind on every journey. The 5- star Bharat NCAP rating is a testament to our engineering excellence and reinforces the XUV 3XO ZNG's position as an SUV that excels across every dimension.”

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