In a major milestone for vehicle safety in India, Maruti Suzuki India’s all-new Dzire has become the first compact sedan in the country to secure a 5-star rating under the Bharat New Car Assessment Programme (Bharat NCAP). The safety certification was formally presented by Nitin Gadkari, Minister of Road Transport and Highways, during a ceremony held in New Delhi.

The same round of crash testing also saw Maruti Suzuki’s New Age Baleno receive a 4-star rating, further strengthening the company’s credentials in vehicle safety.

The country’s largest carmaker announced that by end-2025, all its passenger vehicles will come equipped with six airbags as standard. Currently, 10 models – including the Alto K10, Celerio, WagonR, Eeco, Swift, Dzire, Brezza, Grand Vitara, Jimny and Invicto –already feature this across all variants.

Additionally, the automaker confirmed that all 18 models in its portfolio now come with Electronic Stability Program+ (ESP) as standard. This the OEM states is the widest deployment of ESP across a passenger vehicle lineup in India, ahead of any regulatory requirement.

Minister Nitin Gadkari lauded the progress made in enhancing vehicle safety across India. He noted that Bharat NCAP now follows globally benchmarked testing protocols and commended Maruti Suzuki for incorporating advanced safety features even in entry-level models. Gadkari also encouraged other OEMs to adopt similar initiatives and stressed the need for road users to follow traffic laws, wear seat belts, and prioritise safety as a collective responsibility.

Hisashi Takeuchi, Managing Director & CEO, Maruti Suzuki India, said, “Bharat NCAP empowers Indian consumers to make well-informed decisions. We remain committed to making six airbags standard across our portfolio by the end of this year.”

Both the new Dzire and Baleno are built on Suzuki’s fifth-generation HEARTECT platform, designed for enhanced crash safety and structural rigidity. Standard safety features across both vehicles include:

• Six airbags (front, side, and curtain)
• Electronic Stability Program+ (ESP) with Hill Hold Assist
• ABS with EBD
• 360-degree HD camera
• Rear parking camera and sensors
• ISOFIX child seat anchors
• Seatbelt reminders with audio-visual alerts for all passengers
• 3-point seat belts for every occupant
• Speed-sensitive auto door locking
• High-speed alert system

Additionally, the Dzire features a manual day/night IRVM and tyre pressure monitoring system, while the Baleno offers an auto-dimming IRVM for added driving convenience.

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Maruti Suzuki India, the country’s largest carmaker, has introduced the Victoris Aurum Edition Strong Hybrid to mark the first anniversary of the Victoris SUV, featuring an accessory kit priced at INR 22,990.

The launch follows the model reaching sales of 100,000 and 150,000 units within its initial year of production. The Aurum Edition incorporates copper-coloured inserts on the front, side and rear skid plates, along with revised wheel arch trim.

On the outside, it gets chrome garnishes across the front grille, fenders, bumpers, body side mouldings and door visors. Interior additions comprise all-weather 3D cabin mats, a 3D boot mat and a trunk sill guard.

Furthermore, the company has partnered with actor Shahid Kapoor to lead the promotional campaign for the variant.

Partho Banerjee, Senior Executive Officer – Marketing and Sales, Maruti Suzuki India, said, "Conceptualised as a ‘Got it All’ SUV for today’s dynamic young go-getters who ‘want it all’, the Victoris has truly won the hearts of buyers. As we celebrate its first anniversary, it’s worth noting that the Victoris has become the fastest-selling PV to clock both the 150,000- and 100,000-unit sales milestones, going on to achieve the highest sales for any car in India during its 1st year of launch. Recognising these extraordinary achievements, we are introducing the Victoris Aurum Edition Strong Hybrid, with tasteful enhancements that are sure to grab eyeballs and make this festive season feel all the more special for our valuable customers. Our association with Shahid Kapoor, for the new Aurum Edition is also sure to complement the Victoris’ contemporary appeal."

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Hyundai Motor India, one of the leading passenger vehicle manufacturers, has detailed the safety specifications and platform architecture for its upcoming Bayon SUV model ahead of its official launch in India on 26 October 2026.

Built on the Global K Enhanced Platform, the Bayon utilises a body structure comprising of 69 percent high-strength steel grades, integrating hot-stamped components across the front apron, dashboard, rear floor and side reinforcements.

The vehicle incorporates Hyundai SmartSense Level 2 Pro ADAS, providing 23 driver assistance features supported by three radar units and 12 parking sensors. Over 35 safety features are fitted as standard across all variants, including six airbags, electronic stability control, hill-start assist control, a tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS) and ISOFIX child seat anchors.

The Bayon will be powered by a 1.5-litre MPi four-cylinder petrol engine producing 84.4 kW (115 PS) and 143.8 Nm of torque, paired with a six-speed manual or an Intelligent Variable Transmission. Exterior options will span 10 colour configurations across monotone, dual-tone, and matte finishes.

Tarun Garg, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Hyundai Motor India, said, "At Hyundai, we believe that true innovation is meaningful only when it enhances the everyday experiences of our customers. With the Hyundai BAYON, we have combined a robust body structure, advanced safety technologies, and intelligent driver assistance systems to deliver a comprehensive safety experience. From its reinforced chassis and high-strength steel construction to Hyundai SmartSense Level 2 Pro ADAS, the BAYON is engineered to inspire confidence not only in challenging situations, but throughout every journey. This reflects our commitment to delivering intelligent mobility solutions that are safe, connected, and progressive for modern India."

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Japanese automotive major Mitsubishi Motors has commenced sales of the Pajero cross-country SUV in Thailand, serving as the initial market for the model’s international release.

The Pajero’s production takes place at the Laem Chabang facility operated by Mitsubishi Motors in Chonburi Province, which functions as a manufacturing hub for export operations.

Shipments to Australia and Japan are scheduled ahead of market releases in mid-December, followed by sequential introductions across approximately 100 countries and regions in the Middle East and Latin America starting in fiscal 2027.

The Pajero integrates four-wheel-drive capability with passenger car handling characteristics and positioning as a flagship offering.

Keisuke Kishiura, President and Chief Operating Officer, Mitsubishi Motors, said, "We are delighted to begin sales of the all-new Pajero in Thailand as the first market for its global rollout. Thailand is not only an important market for Mitsubishi Motors, but also a key hub for our production and exports. The all-new Pajero is a flagship model that embodies Mitsubishi Motors and is positioned among the top-tier cross-country SUVs in the Thai market. We will continue to deliver appealing products from Thailand to customers around the world and provide value that exceeds expectations."

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Param Automotive Group has inaugurated an upgraded dealership facility in Ahmedabad to mark its silver jubilee year.

Located at the site established in 2002, the facility spans 40,000 square feet and features display space for 18 vehicles.

The showroom includes customer lounges, delivery zones, accessory bays, test-drive areas and hospitality spaces to support vehicle sales and customer service operations.

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