New Tata Safari Storms SUV Market
- By MT Bureau
- February 24, 2021
The new Tata Safari will be offered in six variants- XE, XM, XT, XT+, XZ and XZ+ in Royale blue, Orcus white and Daytona Grey colours.
The new vehicle is available in six and seven-seat configurations offering better ride and handling, along with premium and spacious interiors. The new SUV also packs in top-of-the-line safety, technology and connectivity features.
“Safari always stood four main things-power, prestige, performance and presence. The presence is something that design really helps to establish in all the Safari generation, and the new one is no different. Building on the capable OMEGARC platform, we bring in our Impact 2.0 design philosophy which people have loved and appreciated. It is always a movement of excitement but also responsibility when you redesign an icon, a legend. Our new Safari, I think, lives up to its legendary status. The new Safari brings a new interpretation for those evolved customers, those who like to seek adventure in their daily life and they like to do things in groups,” said Pratap Bose, vice-president- Global Design at Tata Motors.
The new Safari is all about the strength but no aggression. The front view is compelling, but it is not aggressive. The SUV face reassures the performance with imposing grill, high bonnets, strong bumpers, and down the road graphics. In the side view, the company maintains the characteristics for the original Safari. At the rear, the tall tailgate gives access to the interior with huge storage space. Its edge-to-edge lighting element balances the height and makes the car looks wider.
In the new Tata Safari interior, three-row of seating has a stadium effect. In whichever row, the passenger is seated, they have a sense of space with unobstructed vision. The company has given an ashwood finish on the instrument panel.
The new SUV provides versatility and strong performance from its powerful Kryotec 2L Turbocharged Diesel Engine producing 170bhp. The designers have paid attention to third-row passenger comfort and have provided 832mm of legroom and 889mm of headroom. The third row also gets its own dedicated AC unit along with a USB charger, reading lamp and mobile and cup holder making travel for seven passengers comfortable.
The SUV also features a Panoramic Sunroof that offers excellent views of the outside, adding to the passengers’ convenience and safety. The company has also equipped the smart features like Global Close that shut the sunroof when the ignition is turned off, and rain sensor closure prevents rainwater from entering the cabin.
The new Safari is offered with two transmission options: 6-speed manual/ Automatic. The SUV also features multiple engine drive modes (Eco, City and Sport) married to the ESP Terrain Response Modes (Normal, Rough and Wet) for tackling rugged terrains.
The SUV is equipped with all-disc brakes, Tyre pressure monitor system, six airbags, electronic parking brake with auto hold, and many more safety features. Hill descent control, Corner stability control, Off-road ABS, Hill hold assist, are some functions the advanced ESP system offers.
On the inside, a 7-inch coloured TFT display replaces the traditional analogue dials. A large 8.8-inch floating touchscreen system is provided for infotainment equipped with nine speakers from JBL. Android Auto and Apple car play systems offer connectivity while Media, Phone & Navigation can be mirrored between the Infotainment screen & Instrument cluster.
Tata has also equipped the new Safari with connected car technology called iRA-Intelligent Real-Time Assist. Users can use iRA to send remote commands to their vehicle, track vehicle location, set Geo-fencing, Time fencing and more.
The new Safari is expected to be priced starting at around the 15 lakhs and will take on the MG Hector Plus and the upcoming XUV 500. (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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