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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Czech automaker Skoda Auto has released the initial exterior sketches of its upcoming flagship electric vehicle, the Skoda Peaq. The seven-seater SUV marks a new design direction for the brand, utilising clean surfaces, structured details and signature electric vehicle styling cues.

The world premiere of the new flagship SUV is scheduled to take place in Monnetier-Mornex, France, at 18:25 on 23 June 2026.

The exterior of the Peaq represents a consistent application of Skoda's new ‘Modern Solid’ design framework. The aesthetic balances rugged proportions with minimalist, aerodynamic elements tailored for the electric era.

The front features slender, T-shaped headlights and a gloss-black ‘Tech-Deck Face’. A connecting element runs between the assemblies to form a frame-like loop motif, which contrasts against a pronounced, volcano-shaped lower bumper.

The side profile is dominated by a high shoulder line and wide D-pillars to emphasise a wide, stable stance. The sketches also reveal flush door handles seamlessly integrated into the structured body panels to optimise aerodynamic efficiency.

At the rear, the Skoda Peaq echoes the front design language with matching T-shaped taillights and a unified connecting element, establishing a cohesive loop motif that serves as a distinct visual signature.

Karl Neuhold, Head of Exterior Design, Skoda Auto, said, “In designing the exterior of the Skoda Peaq, we consistently applied the Modern Solid design language, combining clean lines, balanced proportions and distinctive elements. Precisely sculpted surfaces and clearly structured details create a confident, timeless presence, while signature features such as the T-shaped headlights and Tech-Deck Face express Skoda’s identity in a new electric era.”

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Honda India Foundation (HIF) has inaugurated a new Driving Practice Zone (DPZ) in Mahendragarh, marking the first facility of its kind in the state of Haryana. The community infrastructure project is designed to provide aspiring drivers with a safe, structured environment to practice driving skills and undergo essential road safety training. The facility will be fully accessible and open to the general public free of cost.

The project targets a prominent infrastructure gap common in Tier II and Tier III towns, where a lack of formal, dedicated driving enclosures often compels learners to practice on public roads, escalating safety risks for themselves and other commuters.

The newly opened Driving Practice Zone incorporates both practical and academic training spaces to build comprehensive driver competency before individuals transition to public roads –

• Dedicated Practice Tracks: Specially engineered tracks to help learner drivers systematically build vehicle control, operational confidence, and manoeuvring skills.
• Theoretical Classroom: A dedicated indoor learning space utilised for theoretical instructional sessions, focused on enhancing traffic rule compliance and general road awareness.

Vinay Dhingra, Trustee of the Honda India Foundation, said, “Road safety begins with access to the right training environment. Through this Driving Practice Zone, we aim to provide learner drivers with a safe, structured space to build driving skills, improve awareness and develop responsible road behaviour before they begin driving on public roads. This initiative reflects our continued commitment to making road safety training more accessible at the community level.”

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Toyota Kirloskar Motor, one of the leading passenger vehicle manufacturers, has announced the launch of its popular new Innova Crysta in India. The updated multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) introduces targeted design updates and added cabin convenience features while preserving the foundational mechanical architecture of the long-running Innova brand.

The introduction follows a legacy spanning over two decades in the Indian market, where the Innova brand has achieved cumulative sales exceeding 1.3 million units.

The new Innova Crysta features subtle exterior and interior design revisions aimed at providing a contemporary, premium aesthetic without altering the vehicle's familiar silhouette.

On the outside, the front profile receives a newly styled radiator grille and updated front bumper garnish. The rear profile has been updated with refreshed bumper garnish elements to enhance visual solidity.

The interior introduces new dual-tone leather seat upholstery alongside updated trim finishes. The instrument panel, door trims and bezels feature ‘Grace Copper’ and wood-pattern highlights. Additionally, the AC controls, switches and rear seat-back table incorporate refined detailing to improve perceived quality. Functional additions to the feature list include a wireless smartphone charger and a Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS).

The vehicle retains Toyota's established mechanical layout, optimised for low-end torque and long-distance drivability.

The Innova Cysta is powered exclusively by a 2.4-litre diesel engine paired with a manual transmission. The powertrain configuration delivers a certified fuel efficiency of up to 15 kmpl.

It gets up to seven airbags, Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist, Vehicle Stability Control and Hill Start Assist Control for safety.

The MPV is backed by a standard warranty of 3 years/100,000 km (extendable up to 5 years/220,000 km), supported by 24x7 roadside assistance and flexible retail finance options.

The new Innova Crysta is available in five colour options – Platinum White Pearl, Super White, Silver Metallic, Attitude Black Mica and Avant-Garde Bronze Metallic. It is structured across both 7-seater (7S) and 8-seater (8S) configurations with prices starting at INR 1.97 million up to INR 2.66 million for the top-end variant (ex-showroom).

Sabari Manohar, Executive Vice-President, Sales-Service-Used Car Business, Toyota Kirloskar Motor, said, “Having sold over 1.3 million units of brand Innova, the Innova Crysta has set unmatched benchmarks in the MPV segment through its two-decade legacy of reliability, comfort, and value. The refreshed New Innova Crysta introduces subtle yet meaningful updates, bringing a renewed sense of freshness while retaining the unrivalled qualities customers value most. Guided by continuous improvement and customer-centric innovation, we remain committed to delivering trusted mobility for every stage of life.”

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Nissan Motor India (NMIPL), one of the leading passenger vehicle manufacturers, has announced its sales performance for May 2026, recording a 118 percent YoY growth in domestic sales, albeit a low-year-ago base.

The company reported 2,948 units wholesales last month, which also marked its third consecutive month of YoY growth, signalling sustained sales momentum in the Indian market.

Interestingly, the company’s total sales for May 2026 came at 7,971 units, which includes 2,948 units in the domestic market and 5,023 units shipped to international markets during the month.

The company said its domestic sales trajectory was driven by customer interest across Nissan's updated India lineup, including the Gravite and Magnite SUVs. It is currently preparing for the upcoming World Premiere of the Nissan Tekton, which is part of Nissan's broader strategy to diversify its product portfolio and expand its network footprint across India.

Saurabh Vatsa, Managing Director, Nissan Motor India, said, “Our third consecutive month of year-on-year domestic sales growth is an encouraging reflection of the trust customers continue to place in Nissan. The response to the all-new Nissan Gravite, along with the continued strength of the Nissan Magnite, including the growing adoption of our CNG offerings, gives us confidence in our India strategy. As we gear up for the World Premiere of the Nissan Tekton, our focus remains on expanding our network footprint, enhancing accessibility, and delivering a stronger customer experience across the country.”

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