Jeep India has introduced the MY2025 Meridian with an aggressive pricing strategy and new features. A facelift, its prices start at INR 2,500,000 ex-showroom and climb up to INR 3,649,000 ex-showroom for the top trim ‘Overland’ variant.    
Available in four – Longitudinal, Longitude Plus, Limited (O) and Overland – trims, the new luxury SUV offers sophistication, cutting-edge safety, advanced technology and unparalleled comfort, according to the company. 
It repositioning in the seven-seat SUV segment that has the Toyota Fortuner commanding the space with roughly 96 percent of the market, the new Meridian isn’t a far cry in terms of appearance when compared to the one it replaces. 
Along with the familiar exterior comes a familiar interior that is spacious, comfortable and adorned with vegan leather (vinyl fabric in Longitude) and suede/vegan leather accents. There’s visible copper stitching that adds a touch of craftsmanship. 
Available with a seven-seat or five-seat configuration, the luxury SUV offers 824-litre of boot space with the middle and third row seats folded; 481-litre of storage space with the third-row seat folded, and 170-litre with all three seat rows in place. 
Based on the extended Compass SUV platform with an appearance that seems to have been inspired by the Cherokee rather than the Compass, the Meridian in its MY2025 avatar comes with ‘Uconnect’ connected services with GSDP 2.0 connectivity protocol. The key features of this include Automatic SOS Call, Remote Engine Start/Stop with AC Preconditioning, Alexa Home to Vehicle, Smartwatch Extension, Vehicle Health Report with alert, Connected One-Box Navigation Search with live traffic, weather and incident updates, and over-the-air (OTA) firmware updates
Equipped with a customisable 10.25-inch fully digital cluster and a 10.1-inch fully HD touchscreen media centre (with built-in navigation and wireless mirroring for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto), the vehicle also comes with wireless smartphone charging and multiple USB ports across the cabin, dual-zone automatic climate control, electric-adjustable front seats, panoramic sunroof and ADAS Level 2 system. 
This system – found on the top-spec Overland variant – is tuned to 
Indian road and traffic conditions. It includes a front radar and camera and offers adaptive cruise control with stop and go, intelligent speed assist, full speed forward collision warning with collision mitigation braking, lane departure warning and lane keep assist, traffic sign recognition, surround view monitor, smart beam assist, blind spot detection and driver attention alert among others.
Powered by a 174 bhp 2-litre turbodiesel engine, the Meridian could be had with a six-speed manual or a nine-speed auto transmission. 
“The Jeep Meridian was born from our understanding of the growing demand for a premium model for customers who have progressed through Jeep’s lineup. The Meridian will usher in a new phase for Jeep in India, offering a distinctive personality with imposing and sophisticated design, premium finishes, and cutting-edge technology, all while retaining the legendary adventure capabilities expected from a Jeep. With the additional variants, we’re excited to cater to a diverse audience, staying true to our commitment to making Jeep more accessible to enthusiasts in India,” said Kumar Priyesh, Brand Director, Jeep India.
The first Jeep model that was developed specifically for India with a global vision, the Meridian is exported to markets like Japan among others as the Jeep Commander. It is necessary to note, that Jeep India has not explained if these prices are relevant for 2WD or 4Wd models in its statement. From a brand point of view, the omission about a model's off-roading capability is very surprising. 

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French automaker Renault has unveiled the Filante, a premium crossover designed to lead the brand's 2027 International Game Plan. Developed on the CMA platform, the vehicle marks Renault's return to the premium E-segment. The model will launch in South Korea in March 2026, followed by releases in South America and the Gulf states by early 2027.

The Filante name draws on Renault's history, referencing the Étoile Filante speed record prototype of 1956 and the 2025 electric concept car. The vehicle is manufactured at the Busan plant in South Korea, a facility central to Renault’s strategy for the Asian and Middle Eastern markets.

The exterior features an avant-garde style with a specific light signature and an aerodynamic stern. Inside, the cabin includes lounge seating, customisable lighting, and a sound system designed for audiophiles. The digital environment is supported by the My Renault app, which allows for remote vehicle control and transparent software updates.

The Filante introduces a suite of driving aids to the Renault range, including Emergency Steering Assist, a Smart Rearview Mirror and Child Presence Detection. These systems are integrated into a connected cockpit designed to provide a personalised experience for the driver and passengers.

The vehicle debuts an upgraded full hybrid E-Tech 250 ps powertrain. This system utilises a dual electric drive and a Multimode Auto gearbox to balance power with efficiency. The architecture, developed through the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance, is optimised for hybrid performance to meet the targets of the 2027 International Game Plan, which aims for one in every three Renault sales outside Europe to be electrified.

Nicolas Paris, CEO, Renault Korea, said, “Renault Filante represents the best of what Renault group and Renault Korea can achieve together. Combining Renault's global DNA in design and innovation with the technical excellence of Renault Korea, it is backed by the advanced capabilities of the Korean automotive industry.”

Fabrice Cambolive, Chief Growth Officer Renault Groupe, and CEO Renault Brand, added, "We are opening a new chapter in the Renault International Game Plan 2027, here in Korea which plays a central role in our global ambitions. After the launch of Grand Koleos in October 2024, we are now about to unveil another flagship for Korea: Filante, the fifth new-generation vehicle of our international plan, designed for markets beyond Europe. Today is an important milestone, because it proves one thing very clearly: we are sticking to our roadmap and delivering on our promises. Filante perfectly illustrates our approach, combining Renault's French DNA - emotional design, humanised technology and best in class electrified technology - with Korean excellence to meet local customer expectations."

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Kia India, one of the leading passenger vehicle manufacturers, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Avis Leasing to expand its Kia Lease Program.

The agreement represents Kia’s third partnership in the sector, following previous arrangements with Orix India and Ayvens India. The collaboration is intended to increase brand accessibility by offering mobility options that bypass traditional vehicle ownership.

The Kia Lease program targets customers with long-term requirements by providing tenures between 36 and 60 months with various mileage limits. The service allows users to access vehicles without an initial down payment. The monthly lease fee covers maintenance, insurance renewals and resale management, intended to provide a simplified experience for the user.

Under the terms of the agreement, customers have the option to return the vehicle or upgrade to a different Kia model at the conclusion of the contract. The initiative, which launched in 2024, aligns with shifting consumer preferences towards usage-based models rather than asset ownership. By integrating with established leasing firms, Kia aims to create a scalable platform that generates demand outside of standard retail sales.

Atul Sood, Senior Vice President - Sales & Marketing, Kia India, said, “At Kia India, we recognise the Leasing and Subscription space emerging as an important growth driver in the Indian auto industry. Our partnership with Avis Leasing reflects our efforts towards strengthening Kia Lease as a scalable platform that addresses evolving customer needs while creating incremental demand beyond traditional ownership. Through such collaborations, we aim to build a strong, sustainable mobility business aligned with our long-term growth strategy in India.”

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Czech automaker Skoda Auto has announced that its upcoming all-electric seven-seater flagship model will be named the Peaq.

The vehicle represents the series production version of the Vision 7S concept first introduced in 2022. The name is intended to signify the model’s position at the summit of the Czech manufacturer's vehicle portfolio.

The Peaq incorporates the brand’s Modern Solid design language, which focuses on sustainability and functional aesthetics. Engineered for families and travel, the interior features seven seats and focuses on space and practicality. The model integrates the company's ‘Simply Clever’ solutions and marks an expansion of the Skoda electric vehicle range.

The development of the Peaq follows the brand's shift toward a refined product identity. By bringing the Vision 7S concept into production, Skoda aims to provide a vehicle that balances work and leisure requirements. The flagship is designed to meet user-friendliness standards while utilising the company's latest electric platform technology.

Martin Jahn, Skoda Auto Board Member for Sales and Marketing, said, “With the Vision 7S, we entered new territory for Skoda, with a clear idea of how to elevate the brand. Since then, we have introduced a new design language and further refined our product identity. Now we are bringing this innovative vehicle concept to life. Our new flagship model takes our brand values of spaciousness and practicality to a whole new level. As of today, our bold vision for Skoda’s electric future has a name: Peaq - a clear statement of where this model belongs in our portfolio.”

The world premiere of the Skoda Peaq is scheduled for summer 2026. This launch will follow four years of development since the initial debut of the design direction.

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Honda Motor Co, has announced the adoption of a redesigned H mark as the symbol for its automobile business. The logo has represented Honda vehicles since 1963 and has undergone several modifications to reflect the company’s evolution.

The redesign coincides with the development of next-generation electric vehicles, including the Honda 0 Series. The company states that the design expression, resembling two outstretched hands, signifies its commitment to expanding mobility possibilities and meeting customer needs. The logo will be applied to electric and hybrid-electric models introduced from 2027.

Beyond vehicle badges, Honda will implement the mark across all automobile touchpoints. This includes dealership signage, communication materials, and motorsports activities. The transition marks what the company describes as its ‘second founding’ during the shift towards electrification and intelligent technologies.

By adopting this symbol, the manufacturer aims to lead the transformation of the automotive market. The move follows the strategy of utilising technology and ideas to move beyond conventional practices in vehicle production and branding.

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