Kia India has expanded its Carens lineup with the launch of the Carens Clavis, which is a three-row vehicle available in 6- and 7-seat configurations.

The company shared that the name ‘Clavis’ comes from the Latin phrase Clavis Aurea, meaning ‘Golden Key’, and is positioned by the company as a vehicle suited to families seeking flexible space and utility.

Since its debut three years ago, the Carens has gone home to over 200,000 families in India. According to the company, the Clavis is a response to changing consumer requirements and builds on the Carens platform with added features.

The Carens Clavis includes exterior elements such as Kia’s Digital Tiger Face, LED headlamps with DRLs, and connected LED taillamps. It rides on 17-inch dual-tone alloy wheels and includes front and rear skid plates, side door inserts and is available in a new Ivory Silver Gloss paint option.

On the inside, the Clavis features a dual-display setup combining infotainment and driver information panels, measuring 26.62 cm each. The cabin includes sliding and reclining second-row seating with one-touch tumble function, third-row access with a segment-first electric folding mechanism and an optional panoramic sunroof.

Other interior features include seat-mounted air purifiers, roof-mounted air vents, ambient lighting with multiple colour options, ventilated front seats, powered driver seat adjustment and an 8-speaker audio system from Bose.

The Carens Clavis comes with remote control for power windows and a 360-degree camera system paired with a blind view monitor displayed in the instrument cluster. Spot lamps have been integrated into the rear doors for additional visibility.

On the safety front, the Carens Clavis includes Level 2 ADAS with 20 autonomous features such as – Smart Cruise Control, Forward Collision Avoidance, Lane Keeping Assist, Blind Spot Warning, Rear Cross Traffic Collision Avoidance and more. The standard safety package includes six airbags, Electronic Stability Control and Rear Occupant Alert.

The Carens Clavis is offered with three engine options: the Smartstream G1.5 petrol, the Smartstream G1.5 Turbo-GDi petrol (available with a manual transmission) and the D1.5 diesel. The vehicle will be available in seven trims: HTE, HTE(O), HTK, HTK+, HTK+(O), HTX, and HTX+.

Available colour options include Ivory Silver Gloss, Pewter Olive, Imperial Blue, Glacier White Pearl, Gravity Grey, Sparkling Silver, Aurora Black Pearl, and Clear White.

Gwanggu Lee, MD and CEO, Kia India, said, “Innovation is the core of everything we do, driven by advanced technology and distinctive design. The unveiling of the Carens Clavis represents a key milestone in our journey, embodying our commitment to a progressive, premium and purpose-led approach. We recognise the evolving needs of our customers and with the Carens Clavis, we’re offering more than just a vehicle, it’s a thoughtfully crafted experience that enhances everyday mobility. As we continue to push boundaries, we remain focused on delivering smart, design-led solutions that empower families and inspire confidence on every drive.”

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German luxury carmaker Mercedes-Benz India has recorded its highest-ever sales for the H1 of 2026, retailing 9,768 units between January and June, a 9 percent YoY increase over the 9,013 units sold in the same period last year.

The company also achieved its best-ever second quarter Q2 CY2026, with 4,637 units sold, representing a 10 percent growth compared to Q2 2025.

Sales were driven by the performance of the core and top-end portfolios. The top-end luxury segment, which includes models such as the S-Class, Maybach, AMG and V-Class, grew by over 20 percent and accounted for 28 percent of total sales. Notably, Mercedes-AMG sales increased by 50 percent during the period.

Interestingly, electric vehicles now comprise 14 percent of total sales, supported by the launch of the CLA BEV and demand for the EQS SUV. The entry-level luxury segment also saw a 29 percent growth in Q2, aided by the introduction of the CLA BEV and the GLA SUV. The E-Class long-wheelbase sedan remained the highest-selling luxury car in the country.

Santosh Iyer, Managing Director and CEO, Mercedes-Benz India, said, “Mercedes-Benz’s strong growth in first half of 2026 underlines the success of our strategy rooted in offering desirable products, elevated customer experience and transforming our network with clear focus on getting closer to customers. The new V-Class and CLA BEV drove our best-ever H1 and Q2 sales, underpinning superior product substance, reconfirming Mercedes customers’ preference for value over entry price points.”

He added: “The success of the new CLA BEV is an affirmation that Mercedes-Benz customers prefer owning the latest technology, with the car being sold out within few days of market introduction, customers willing to wait till 5-6 months, to proudly own the car which is truly distinctive and a ‘Class of its Own’. The CLA BEV has propelled Mercedes-Benz’s BEV penetration to reach 14 percent in Q2 2026.”

Regarding the top-end segment, he stated: “H1 2026 has shown increased preference for our top-end vehicles, with the share of TEVs now reaching an all-time high of 28 percent, fuelled by the introduction and growing demand for the new V-Class and the 50 percent growth trajectory achieved by the AMG portfolio.”

The company plans to expand its retail network, aiming to open 20 outlets across India in 2026, including a debut in Varanasi during the third quarter. This expansion is supported by an investment of INR 4.5 billion from franchise partners over the next two years.

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French automotive brand Renault India has introduced the new Renault Kwid hatchback, featuring updates to its design and a simplified two-variant structure: Evolution and Climber.

The company has also adjusted its pricing, with the Climber variant now available at an effective price of INR 499,000 following an online purchase benefit of INR 15,000. Prices for the Kwid range begin at INR 452,000 lakh with the Climber.

The updated model incorporates the Renault brand identity and includes features such as an 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, a digital LED instrument cluster and a rear-view camera. Safety equipment includes dual front airbags, ABS with EBD and seat belt reminders.

The vehicle is powered by a 1.0-litre petrol engine and is available with either a 5-speed manual or Easy-R AMT transmission. It offers a ground clearance of 184 mm and a boot capacity of 279 litres.

Francisco Hidalgo, VP - Sales and Marketing Renault India, said, “For millions of Indians, owning their first car remains an important milestone. With an increasingly aspirational middle class and a large base of two-wheeler owners looking to upgrade, first-time ownership continues to be a strong and enduring aspiration. Over 4.5 lakh customers in India have started their journey with Kwid, and that trust is something we deeply value. With the new Kwid, we are building on this legacy by making the offering simpler, clearer, and more relevant.”

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AU Small Finance Bank has partnered with Maruti Suzuki India, the country’s largest passenger vehicle manufacturer, to introduce 'Suhana Safar', a scheme that links Recurring Deposits (RD) to auto loans. The initiative is aimed at first-time car buyers and applies to the Alto K10, S-Presso, Celerio and WagonR models.

Under the programme, customers open an RD account with AU Small Finance Bank and deposit a monthly amount equivalent to the future car EMI for 3 to 6 months. Upon maturity, the accumulated funds, which have earned interest, are used as the down payment for the vehicle, after which the bank provides the auto loan.

The scheme allows customers to save and earn interest while demonstrating repayment capacity before committing to a loan. The bank also uses this process to evaluate creditworthiness.

AU Small Finance Bank offers RD interest rates of 4.75 percent to 7.40 percent per annum for the general public, and 5.25 percent to 7.90 percent per annum for senior citizens.

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Czech automaker Skoda Auto India has introduced the new Kodiaq RS, the first SUV to carry the performance-focused RS badge in the Indian market at INR 6.69 million (ex-showroom).

The company limited the initial release to 50 units, which were sold out within six minutes of launch. This release aligns with the 50th anniversary of the RS badge and the 125th year of the brand’s motorsport history.

Ashish Gupta, Brand Director, Skoda Auto India, said, “The RS badge represents an iconic performance legacy. Bringing it to our flagship 4x4, all-terrain, 7-seater SUV combines luxury, capability and motorsport DNA in one offering. The overwhelming response, with all units sold out in minutes, reflects the strong enthusiasm among customers.”

The Kodiaq RS features a 2.0-litre TSI engine producing 195 kW (265 PS) and 400 Nm of torque, paired with a 7-speed DSG transmission and all-wheel drive. The vehicle accelerates from zero to 100 kmph in 6.3 seconds, with a top speed of 231 kmph.

The vehicle is equipped with progressive steering and the latest-generation Dynamic Chassis Control (DCC) Plus, which allows drivers to adjust damping characteristics. The Driving Mode Select offers multiple settings, including Eco, Comfort, Normal, Sport, Individual, Snow and a dedicated Off-Road mode.

The exterior includes black accents on the grille frame, mirrors, window frames, roof rails, and the D-pillar. The front features a bumper with black elements and a horizontal light strip in the grille. The rear includes a full-width reflector, blacked-out lettering, and stainless-steel exhaust tips. The SUV is fitted with 20-inch Elias alloy wheels and is available in Moon White, Magic Black, Velvet Red and Steel Grey.

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