Jaguar Land Rover India has launched the New Land Rover Defender in two distinct body styles. In India, the company had thus far the Discovery product pillar and Range Rover product pillar. With this launch, the third product pillar - Defender, is also available, completing the Land Rover brand story. 

Powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine, producing 221 kW (300 PS) and 400 Nm of torque, the off-roader is available in sporty 90 (3-door) priced from INR 73.98 Lakh and the versatile 110 (5-door) priced from 79.94 Lakh ex-showroom India. 

Elements such as the solid shoulder line, minimal front and rear overhangs, Alpine light windows, round headlights, side-hinged rear tailgate and externally mounted spare wheel are typical characteristics that are retained from the original model. However, the new Defender has been designed to be a highly customisable vehicle. It comes in seven exterior colour options including Fuji White, Eiger Grey, Santorini Black, Indus Silver as well as options such as Tasman Blue, Pangea Green, and Gondwana Stone that are exclusive to the vehicle. A range of nine wheel designs from 45. 72 cm (18) pressed steel rims to 50.8 cm (20) alloys are also provided on the New Defender.

Retaining practicality and functionality at its core, the Defender’s cabin has an ergonomic design that offers 5 + 2 seating configurations with an innovative optional front row centre seat also known as a jump seat. The rear load space delivers maximum practicality with the 110 providing load-carrying capacity from 231 litres for the 5+2 seater with all rows up, to 2,380 litres for the five seater with the second row folded down. The second-row seatbacks are split 40:20:40 for maximum flexibility, while load space rails on the floor of the luggage space come with a range of load retention accessories to prevent smaller items from moving around inside.

For off-roading, the New Defender has an impressive maximum approach angle of 38 degrees, maximum break-over angle of 28 degrees (31 degrees on 90) and maximum departure angle of 40 degrees. With Wade Sensing screen on the infotainment system, the Defender has a water wading depth of 900 mm. The New Defender delivers a maximum towing capacity of 3,720 kg coupled with a roof load capacity of 168 kg.

Allowing customers to explore unlimited possibilities, the New Defender offers a choice from among 170 unique accessories and four distinct Accessory packs, including: 

●       Explorer Pack: It’s equipped with features such as the Expedition Roof Rack, a Raised Air Intake to wade through the deepest of waters, Exterior Side-mounted Gear Carrier to store items, Wheel Arch Protection, Front & Rear Classic Mudflaps, Spare Wheel Cover, and Matte Black Bonnet detail that makes it ideal for those who want to defy conventions and conquer uncharted landscapes.

●       Adventure Pack: Designed to equip you for the wild, the pack features an Integrated Air Compressor to inflate tyres on the go, Portable Rinse System to wash off while you are on the trail, an Exterior Side Mounted Gear Carrier and a Seat Backpack to store items, Front and Rear Mudflaps, Bright Rear Scuff plate and a Spare Wheel cover.

●       Country Pack: With Front & Rear Classic Mudflaps, Bright Rear Scuff Plate, Portable Rinse System, Wheel Arch Protection and Loadspace Partition, it equips you when you decide to embrace the elements and make every journey truly memorable.

●       Urban Pack: It lends touches of individuality for your vehicle with the use of Bright Metal Pedals and Rear Scuff Plate, Front Undershield and a Spare Wheel Cover.

Rohit Suri, President & Managing Director, Jaguar Land Rover India Ltd. (JLRIL) said, “The New Defender will make its place in the hearts of many people with a curious mind, love for authentic adventures, passion for travel and who dare & wish to go above and beyond in life. Such individuals transcend barriers of age, gender, profession, with their free-spirited nature and fearlessness, just like the New Defender.” (MT)

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Skoda Auto India has marked its 25th anniversary in the country by re-introducing the Octavia RS in the country but in limited numbers as a Fully-Built Unit (FBU) at INR 4.99 million (ex-showroom).

At the core of the Octavia RS is a 2.0 TSI turbocharged petrol engine, which produces 195 kW (265) of power and 370 Nm of torque. Paired with a 7-speed DSG automatic transmission, the car accelerates from zero to 100 kmph in just 6.4 seconds, with a top speed limited to 250 kmph. It features progressive steering and sports suspension to aid handling.

The model is built on Skoda’s design language, featuring full LED Matrix headlights, LED tail lamps with dynamic indicators and glossy black styling elements. It sits on 19-inch Elias anthracite alloy wheels. On the inside, the cabin features Suedia/Leather upholstery with red contrast stitching, Sports front seats (with electric adjust, memory, heating and massage functions) and a virtual cockpit.

The Octavia RS is equipped with Skoda’s latest ADAS suite, which includes Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), Lane Assist and Intelligent Park Assist. Safety features are further enhanced with 10 airbags and a 360deg Area View camera.

The Octavia was Skoda’s first car in India in 2001. The RS variant first arrived in 2004 as the first turbocharged petrol engine passenger car in the country. The new launch is a symbol of Skoda’s commitment to combining legacy with performance in the Indian market.

Ashish Gupta, Brand Director, Skoda Auto India, said, “The response to the Octavia RS has been phenomenal. This iconic model has truly ignited the passion of driving enthusiasts across India, reinforcing the cult status that Octavia RS enjoys globally. As we celebrate 25 remarkable years of Skoda Auto in India, our commitment to delivering world-class cars remains stronger than ever. The RS badge symbolises more than just performance. It represents the emotional connection and trust our customers have in the Skoda brand. We are excited to welcome a new generation of enthusiasts into the Skoda family and continue building on the strong legacy and fandom that defines our brand in this market.”

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In a special event held at its facility in Neuburg an der Donau, Audi officially presented the FC Bayern Munich football squad with their new company cars for the upcoming season. The players had the opportunity to choose from a comprehensive selection of the brand’s latest fully electric and hybrid models, reflecting a diverse range of personal preferences and needs.

Team captain Manuel Neuer and several of his colleagues opted for the Audi Q8 SUV TFSI e quattro, while Alphonso Davies, Jamal Musiala and Michael Olise selected the high-performance, all-electric RS e-tron GT. Other choices included the Audi Q4 Sportback e-tron for young talent Tom Bischof and the spacious, seven-seat Audi Q7 SUV S line TFSI e quattro for Joshua Kimmich, catering to his family requirements.

The vehicle handover was part of a broader, action-packed day for the stars. They participated in the Audi driving experience, testing their skills on dynamic handling courses where the Audi RS e-tron GT performance was a particular source of excitement. The agenda also featured an exclusive look at the Audi F1 Project, offering the team a rare behind-the-scenes tour. They visited the assembly workshop for V6 hybrid engines, observed the dynamic simulator, Mission Control Room, and saw the engine test benches, gaining a deeper understanding of the sophisticated technology that powers the future of Formula 1.

Adding to the significance of the day, 100 Audi employees, chosen through an internal competition, were given the chance to meet the football stars. For 16 of these employees, the experience was especially memorable as they had the honour of personally presenting the players with the keys to their new vehicles, creating a unique and lasting connection between the automotive brand and the celebrated team.

Marco Schubert, Member of the Board for Sales and Marketing at Audi AG, said, “It’s great to see how enthusiastic the players are about driving our flagship electric models. It shows just how emotionally engaging electric mobility can be. The FC Bayern players chose vehicles that impressively reflect the diversity of our range – from the compact Q4 e-tron series to the powerful Audi Q8 SUV TFSI e quattro and sporty RS e-tron GT performance. Everyone found a model that was right for them.”

Jan-Christian Dreesen, CEO, FC Bayern, said, “The handover of vehicles from Audi to FC Bayern is a longstanding tradition that reflects our dependable partnership and is always a special event for our players. After 23 successful years together, we continue to pursue the same ambitious goals and spur each other on to peak performance. That connects us on and off the field! In this day and age, such a long-term partnership is not commonplace, and we all truly value it.”

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Nissan Motor India has expanded its CNG retrofitment programme to include the new Nissan Magnite BR-10 EZ-Shift (AMT). This, the company shared, follows customer response to the programme, which was launched earlier this year for the Manual Transmission (MT) variant.

The government-approved CNG retrofitment is available for the Magnite with the 1.0 litre naturally aspirated petrol engine and comes with a 3-year or 100,000 km warranty.

In response to customer feedback, the company has also introduced an integrated fuel-filling system where the CNG filling valve is now located within the standard fuel-filling lid.

Nissan is offering the CNG retrofitment kit at an MRP of INR 71,999, a price resulting from the recent GST rate reduction from 28 percent to 18 percent. This price has been effective since 22 September 2025 and remains unchanged despite the upgrade.

The retrofitment kit is available across 13 states in India through authorised Nissan retrofitment centres. The programme was initially launched across seven states and has since expanded to six more, including Rajasthan, Bihar, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Tamil Nadu.

Saurabh Vatsa, Managing Director, Nissan Motor India, said, “We are delighted to take another step forward in our CNG journey with the expansion of the retrofitment program to the New Nissan Magnite BR10 EZ-Shift (AMT). This agile and quick development reflects our continued focus on customer needs, combining Nissan’s engineering excellence with affordability and convenience. The new fuel-lid integration and reduced kit price make the ownership experience even more seamless and rewarding. We remain committed to offering practical, value-driven mobility solutions that enhance customer satisfaction and strengthen our brand’s trust.”

The New Nissan Magnite is also offered with a 10-year Extended Warranty Plan and has a 5-star rating in overall passenger safety from GNCAP.

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Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles (TMPV), one of the leading passenger vehicle manufacturers, has announced the inclusion of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) technology across its Nexon lineup, which was also the top-selling model in the country last month.

The Nexon SUV was the first car in the country to receive a 5-star safety rating and holds dual 5-star ratings from both GNCAP and BNCAP. The addition of ADAS features is intended to offer a higher level of safety.

 Tata Motors has introduced the exclusive Red Dark edition, available in petrol, diesel and CNG powertrains, starting at INR 1.24 million. The ADAS features are included in the new Fearless +PS DCA ADAS persona, priced at INR 1.35 million (ex-showroom, Pune).

The new Red #DARK edition pricing (ex-showroom, Pune) is as follows: Petrol MT at INR 1.24 million, Petrol DCA with ADAS INR 1.38 million, CNG MT at INR 1.33 million, Diesel MT at INR 1.35 million and Diesel AMT at INR 1.41 million.

The ADAS suite offers safety technologies that are designed to enhance driver awareness and help prevent potential collisions. Key features include: Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), Forward Collision Warning (FCW), Lane Keep Assist (LKA), Traffic Sign Recognition (TSR), High Beam Assist (HBA), Lane Departure Warning (LDW) and Lane Centering System (LCS).

Vivek Srivatsa, Chief Commercial Officer, Tata Passenger Electric Mobility, said, “Since its debut in 2017, the Nexon has redefined the SUV segment with its bold design, thrilling performance, and uncompromised safety. As India’s first car to pioneer the safety revolution, the Nexon has set new benchmarks in vehicle safety. Building on this strong foundation, the Nexon has become the No. 1 selling car in India in September 2025 — a major milestone that reflects the trust and preference of customers across the country. As part of this celebration, we are introducing the Red #DARK Edition and expanding the Nexon portfolio with advanced safety technologies. With a wide range of powertrains, segment-leading features, and striking styling, the Nexon continues to cater to every lifestyle. The recent GST amendments further strengthen its value proposition, making it the unanimous choice of Indian customers. This milestone reinforces our commitment to delivering products that embody progress, performance, and purpose, while evolving to meet the aspirations of modern Indian customers.”

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