In the wake of good demand for its Kodiaq full-size and flagship SUV in India, Skoda Auto has decided to increase its dispatch to 720 units per quarter through the CKD (parts and components vehicle) route. Considered as an alternative to the Toyota Fortuner SUV and a plusher one that, the Kodiaq 4x4 SUV is available at a starting price of INR 3.79 million ex-showroom. 

Compared to the Fortuner, whose 4x4 AT models are priced close to INR 4.5 million ex-showroom approximately, the Kodiaq, with the capacity to seat seven people comes only in the petrol guise. The diesel engine option was dropped in 2020 when the country transitioned to BS VI emission norms. 

Treated to a face-lift this year, the full-size SUV is powered by a 190 PS, 2.-litre TSI turbo-petrol engine of the Volkswagen lineage. Claimed to be 4.2 percent more efficient than earlier, the vehicle now features door-edge protectors that automatically reveal themselves when the doors open, protecting the door edge from dings and scratches. The rear spoiler gets additional finlets to aid airflow and improve aerodynamics. The rear passengers get a lounge step to rest their foot, and outer headrests in the second row, furthering the luxury and comfort quotient. 

Petr Šolc, Brand Director, Škoda Auto India, said, “The Kodiaq was our first ever foray into the full-size SUV fold, and it has been a resounding success internationally and in India. Though premium, it is a high value luxury 4x4 that has seen much demand from Indian consumers because of the complete off-road luxury package it offers for the family. The increased allocation will ensure that the Kodiaq can now be enjoyed by more SUV customers who demand the best there is in terms of safety, luxury and value with off-road ability.” 

Based on the Volkswagen Group MQB platform which is also shared by the Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace and SEAT Tarraco, the Kodiaq is a monocoque construction. On the dynamics front, it features dynamic chassis control (which enables the suspension to be raised or lowered by 15 mm and enhance all-terrain abilities with an off-road button) and driving modes – Eco, Comfort, Normal, Sport, Individual and Snow – which influence dynamics and performance. 

The top variant, Laurin & Klement offers enhanced rear seat luxury with stone beige leather dual tone upholstery and 18-inch stylish alloys. The SportLine variant is driver-oriented with all black suedia interiors, a 3-spoke flat-bottom sport steering wheel, more side bolstering in the seats, integrated headrests and expanded shoulder support sport seats for enthusiastic cornering. 

The 12-way adjustable electric seats in the front are available with in-built cooling and heating in the L&K variant. Other than the stylish three or two-spoke steering wheel, ambient lighting, Canton 625-Watt 12-speaker audio system with a subwoofer, windows that can be remotely shut or opened, and a panoramic sunroof, the Kodiaq SUV is equipped with an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen in-built navigation and full connectivity via the MyŠKODA ConnectED App. 

Flaunting a full-digital instrument panel, the vehicle comes with a five-star score for Euro NCAP. It is fitted with 9 airbags as standard. Offering adaptive front LED headlights; automatic dimming and defogging across all transparent surfaces; electronic, mechanical and hydraulic brake assist; stability control, and multi-collision braking and park assist with handsfree parking, the full-size SUV presents good storage space in the form of double dashboard storage, under steering storage and a jumbo box. The top variant gets Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) and a 360-degree camera as standard.
 

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Mumbai-headquartered SUV major Mahindra & Mahindra has upgraded its popular offering, the Scorpio-N Z8L variant, with Level 2 Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) tech.

This will see the Scorpio-N Z8L variant coming with Forward Collision Warning, Automatic Emergency Braking, Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop & Go, Smart Pilot Assist, Lane Departure Warning, Lane Keep Assist, Traffic Sign Recognition and High Beam Assist features.

The ADAS tech will further enhance safety quotient for the Scorpion-N with exclusive features such as Speed Limit Assist and Front Vehicle Start Alert, marking a first for Mahindra ICE SUVs.

Furthermore, the company has also expanded the Scorpio-N line-up with the introduction of the Z8T variant at INR 2.02 million. The new variant will sit between the Z8 and Z8L variants. It comes with a compelling mix of premium features, including R18 diamond-cut alloy wheels, a 12-speaker Sony-branded audio system, front camera, front parking sensors, 6-way powered driver seat, electronic parking brake (EPB), ventilated front seats and an auto-dimming IRVM.

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Maruti Suzuki India, the country’s largest passenger vehicle manufacturer, has achieved a new milestone in its aftersales service. The company recorded servicing (free and paid) over 2.45 million vehicles in May, the highest in a single month in its history.

The feat was achieved through the company’s vast network of over 5,400 service touchpoints.

Hisashi Takeuchi, Managing Director & CEO, Maruti Suzuki India, said, “This is the first time in the company’s history that we have serviced over 24.5 lakh vehicles in a month, an achievement that reflects scale, depth, and efficiency of the service network. It is a result of the tireless efforts of our service teams and dealer partners across the country.”

“Good quality aftersales service is critical to maintain vehicle health, leading to a delightful car ownership experience and strengthen customer retention. Even before we started mass sales of vehicles in India, our focus was on building a robust service network, a foundation that continues to support us as we expand our business further. Going forward, we aim to expand our service touchpoints to 8,000 by FY 2030-31 and introduce innovative formats to cater to the requirements of diverse customer needs. This will help in our EV launch as well. We are preparing 1,500 EV enabled service workshops covering over 1,000 cities with specially trained manpower and special equipment to extend all EV related support to our customers,” he said.

Maruti Suzuki India has through its dealer partners introduced several innovative and industry-first service formats, to address the smallest query to full-car service needs ranging from traditional brick-and-mortar workshops to mobile workshops. Over the years, it has also created a dedicated Quick Response Team (QRT) to provide emergency on-road assistance across the country.

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Mercedes-Benz India, the German luxury car brand, has announced a significant organisational change, effective from 1 August 2025, with the appointment of Brendon Sissing as the new Vice-President of Sales and Marketing. He will take over from Lance Bennett, who has moved to Mercedes-Benz Middle East as their Chief Financial Officer.

Santosh Iyer, Managing Director & CEO, Mercedes-Benz India, said, "We are excited to welcome Brendon Sissing as the Head of Sales & Marketing for Mercedes-Benz India. Brendon takes over the responsibility from Lance Bennett, who has joined Mercedes-Benz Middle East as the CFO. Brendon brings rich experience from the world of financing and insurance, as he successfully steered Mercedes-Benz Financial Service India, doubling its portfolio, driving record profit and business transformation, while elevating the integrated customer journey. We are confident Brendon will continue the growth momentum of Mercedes-Benz in this highly diverse and dynamic Indian luxury car market. We thank Lance for his immense contribution and wish them both, the very best in their respective new roles."

Brendon Sissing previously served as the Head of Mercedes-Benz Financial Services India, where he was instrumental in doubling the company's portfolio and achieving record profits. He is recognised for his strong advocacy of digital transformation and risk management, leveraging his expertise in credit risk to drive operational excellence. He has extensive experience within the Mercedes-Benz group, having worked with Mercedes-Benz Malaysia and Mercedes-Benz South Africa, leading Credit Operations in both markets. He also held roles in Credit Underwriting and Key Accounts at Daimler Mobility, Stuttgart, before joining Mercedes-Benz Financial Services India in 2022.

The German brand stated that under Sissing's leadership, Mercedes-Benz Financial Services India significantly enhanced customer journeys through integrated online and offline platforms. He is also noted for his passion for coaching and mentoring, fostering high-performing team environments. Sissing holds a B. Tech degree in Cost & Management Accounting from Technikon Pretoria, South Africa and a Diploma in Credit Management from the Institute of Credit Management. He is also a founding member of Mercedes-Benz Services Malaysia, established in 2012.

A South African national, Sissing has worked in various international locations, including Malaysia, South Africa, Germany and India.

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Honda Cars India has launched a new variant of its popular mid-size sedan, the Honda City Sport, adding a dynamic and youthful edge to the City line-up. Priced at INR 1.48 million (ex-showroom, Delhi), the City Sport is positioned as a limited-edition offering designed to appeal to style-conscious, spirited drivers.

The new variant will be exclusively available with a CVT automatic transmission and is offered in three colour options — Radiant Red Metallic, Platinum White Pearl, and Meteoroid Gray Metallic.

Sporting a blacked-out exterior theme, the car features a Sporty Black Grille, Glossy Black Shark Fin Antenna, Trunk Lip Spoiler and multi-spoke grey alloy wheels. Inside, the cabin gets an all-black treatment with red stitching, leather seats and ambient lighting for a premium, performance-inspired feel.

Under the hood, it retains the 1.5L i-VTEC petrol engine, delivering 121 PS and 145 Nm of torque, with a claimed fuel efficiency of 18.4 kmpl. The model also comes equipped with Honda Sensing, the brand’s advanced driver assistance suite.

Kunal Behl, Vice-President, Marketing & Sales, Honda Cars India, said, “The new City Sport has been crafted to meet the aspirations of young buyers who value individuality and a spirited driving experience. It embodies a perfect blend of sporty exterior and interior style, fun to drive performance and the everyday usability that Honda City is known for, at a price that makes it even more compelling.”

The City Sport is being positioned as a limited-unit, exclusive edition for customers seeking distinction in both design and driving dynamics.

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