KONA N: First SUV To Join the Hyundai N Family
- By MT Bureau
- April 29, 2021
Hyundai Motors has revealed the all-new KONA N 'hot SUV' that combines performance with versatility. This will be the first SUV to join the N line-up.
The KONA N comes equipped with a four-cylinder 2.0l T-GDI engine that produces 275 hp and 392 Nm of power. The flat power engine combined with the sporty design of the SUV and various motorsport-inspired features like 19-inch forged alloy wheels and sports seat offers an all-around dynamic driving experience.
KONA N is the second N-model in Europe to offer the N DCT, 8-speed dual-clutch transmission that provides a sporty, high-performance character to the SUV. The N DCT features three high-performance functions to heighten the sporty character of the SUV: N Power Shift, N Grin Shift, N Track Sense Shift.
In addition, the hot SUV also comes equipped with technology like Electronic Limited Slip Differential (e-LSD), various Electronic Stability Control (ESC) modes, multi-mode Traction Control and N Grin Control System that contribute to its everyday sports car character.
On the exterior, the KONA N features body-coloured design elements with N-exclusive red accents. The iconic shark-nose front end of the KONA is complemented by large air inlets that help cool the powerful engine under the hood. The front splitter has been extended by 10mm to improve the aerodynamic balance of the car. A new front grille design and an aggressive light signature add a powerful presence to the KONA N.
The car sits visually lower when viewed from the side, while the dark satin grey alloys and red callipers accentuate the sporty character of the SUV. Adding to this, the double wing roof spoiler with the large diffuser at the rear maintains the car's aerodynamic balance. The triangular brake light, red accents and large exhaust mufflers emphasise the performance spirit of the vehicle.
The interior of the KONA N is finished in high-quality Alcantara materials along with an N-branded handbrake that features non-slip perforated leather and a thicker grip area for a more secure braking performance. The N-exclusive sports steering and paddle shifters feature a design optimised for the perfect grip and button layout necessary for dynamic driving.
In terms of safety, the KONA N comes equipped with:
• Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist (BCA) – sounds a warning and applies differential braking to prevent the vehicle from colliding into another car in the adjacent lane
• Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist (RCCA) – sounds a warning and applies the brakes to prevent a rear-end collision when the car is backing up, and another vehicle comes from the side, for example, when exiting a parking space
• Smart Cruise Control (SCC) – maintains vehicle speed and following distance
• Leading Vehicle Departure Alert (LVDA) – if the car is stopped, the vehicle ahead of it starts moving, and the driver does not react quickly enough, this system sounds an alert to direct the driver's attention back to the road gently
• Lane Keeping Assist (LKA) – automatically keeps the car centred in the lane, corrects course if the vehicle reaches the lane markings by using a front-view camera
• Lane Following Assist (LFA) – automatically adjusts the steering wheel to keep the vehicle centred in its lane
• Intelligent Speed Limit Warning (ISLW) – recognises road signs and displays the speed limit and no-passing signs in real-time in both the AVN and cluster
• Safe Exit Warning (SEW) – works to prevent an accident when the car is parked and a passenger attempts to open the door while another vehicle is approaching from the rear side. A warning light also appears on the cluster to alert the driver of the potential danger
• Rear Seat Alert (RSA) – automatically alerts the driver if someone or something is in the back seat if they attempt to leave the vehicle
• Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist with vehicle, pedestrian and cyclist detection (FCA) – sounds an alarm and, if necessary, applies the brakes if a collision becomes imminent. Using radar and a camera, the system has been updated to better detect pedestrians and cyclists, in addition to other vehicles
• High Beam Assist (HBA) – detects both oncoming vehicles and vehicles ahead in the same lane and adjusts to low-beam lights as appropriate
• Driver Attention Warning (DAW) – continuously monitors and analyses driving patterns through data inputs to detect fatigue or distraction. The driver is alerted with an audible warning and pop-up message to suggest when it is time to take a break
• eCall – allows passengers to contact emergency services at the press of a button; also, automatically alerts first responders if the vehicle's airbags are deployed (MT)
Maruti Suzuki India, AU Small Finance Bank Launch Suhana Safar Initiative
- By MT Bureau
- July 02, 2026
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.
Skoda Kodiaq RS Launched At INR 6.69 Million In India
- By MT Bureau
- July 02, 2026
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.
Honda Cars India Reports 5,243 Unit Wholesales In June 2026
- By MT Bureau
- July 01, 2026
Honda Cars India (HCIL), a leading passenger vehicle manufacturer, has announced wholesales of 8,788 units in June 2026.
In the domestic market, the company sold 5,243 units and 3,545 units for export, which marks 71.5 percent YoY, when the company sold 4,618 units domestically and exported 506 units.
Kunal Behl, Vice-President, Marketing & Sales, Honda Cars India, said, "The launch of new City and India Premiere of global SUV Honda ZR-V has generated strong momentum for our overall sales including Amaze and Elevate during June, driven by healthy customer demand and a positive market response. With Monsoon conditions expected to improve during July, we hope to sustain this positive momentum in the months ahead.
“The deliveries of ZR-V are also scheduled to begin from July. It will draw discerning new customers and prospects into Honda showrooms, enhancing our premium brand appeal and unlocking new growth opportunities,” he added.
Renault India Reports 4,063 Unit Wholesales For June 2026
- By MT Bureau
- July 01, 2026
French automotive company Renault India has recorded 4,063 domestic wholesale units in June 2026, a 55 percent YoY increase compared to the previous year. This also marks the 10th consecutive month of double-digit growth for the company.
Interestingly, for H1 CY2026, the company reported sales of 25,844 units, representing 61 percent YoY growth.
During June, Renault India began exports of the Duster, dispatching 750 units to South Africa. The company stated that this performance reflects customer response to its product strategy and demand across its portfolio.
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