Skoda Auto India, one of the leading passenger vehicle manufacturers, has taken the wraps of the all-new Skoda Kylaq, the company’s third model developed locally for the Indian market. With prices starting at INR 789,000, this is the most affordable Skoda car currently available in the market.

This also marks the Czech brand’s first model in the popular sub-4-metre segment, which at present accounts for nearly 50 percent of sales in the Indian car market. The Kylaq C-SUV is the first model in India to feature Skoda’s new Modern Solid design language.

Klaus Zellmer, CEO, Skoda Auto, said, “The Skoda Kylaq is our first sub-4-metre SUV, designed in India and for India as a new entry point to our brand. India is key to our internationalisation plans, the world’s third-largest car market, and SUVs make up 50 percent of new vehicle sales. We want the Kylaq to welcome new customers who are looking in this popular and fast-growing segment. Adding to its appeal, the Kylaq marks the debut in India of our Modern Solid design language, with new visual accents.”

The Kylaq features 189mm of ground clearance, is 3,995mm long, 1,783mm wide and is 1,619mm tall with a 2,566mm wheelbase.

The 1.0 TSI engine produces 178Nm of torque and delivers 85 kW of power. The compact SUV can be had with a six-speed manual or automatic transmission. It has a claimed top speed of 188kmph and can go from zero to 100kph in 10.5 seconds.

Johannes Neft, Skoda Auto Board Member for Technical Development, said, “The Skoda Kylaq is our third offering based on the MQB-A0-IN platform, developed by our teams in India with comprehensive support by our colleagues in the Czech Republic for Indian customers. From the outset, this platform was designed to accommodate a sub-4-metre car like the Kylaq. This SUV is built on four key pillars: comfort, quality, global design language, and safety. That’s why the Kylaq has been rigorously tested across varied terrains, altitudes, and weather conditions. It will lead our presence in India’s fastest-growing and most competitive segment.”

The Kylaq gets over 25 active and passive safety features as standard including six airbags, multi-collision brake, roll over protection, motor slip regulation, electronic differential lock, XDS+, anti-lock brakes, electronic brake force distribution, and electronic stability control, among others. Select variants come equipped with over 35 safety features, such as cornering lights, automatic headlights and wipers, Hill Hold Control, and tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS).

In terms of space, the five-seater compact SUV has 446 litres of storage, which can be expanded to 1,265 litres with the rear seats folded.

On the inside, it features 10.1-inch infotainment display, which gets Android Auto and Apple CarPlay along with wireless charging support. The driver also gets a 8-inch digital cockpit that provides plenty of information.

Skoda India claims that the Kylaq has been tested for more than 800,000km of Indian terrain, including altitude test, temperature test and rigorous weather and water testing.

Piyush Arora, MD and CEO, Skoda Auto Volkswagen India, said, “Today is another important milestone in our India journey with the World Premiere of the Skoda Kylaq. Kylaq has generated tremendous excitement and buzz through 2024. And I’m extremely proud to unveil the Skoda Kylaq to India and to the world. With its high levels of localisation, unmatched driving dynamics and uncompromising safety, Kylaq will make a significant impact in the market.”

Oliver Stefani, Head of Skoda Design, said, “With the new Kylaq, our Skoda Design team has preserved and re-interpreted key Skoda design elements, combining them with new ideas and visual accents. It is one of the hallmarks of our new Modern Solid design language, ushering in a new era for design in a car that ushers in a New Era for us in India. Modern solid stands for solidity, functionality and authenticity while conveying a sense of safety and strength. The Skoda Kylaq, with its distinctive shape, minimalist and clean looks and functional features like a high ground clearance is a perfect embodiment of our new design approach to customers in India.”

Petr Janeba, Brand Director, Skoda Auto India, shared, “The Kylaq has literally hit the ground running and is going to be powering our growth in India over the next few years. It is the beginning of a new era for us in India. We are aware we are entering what is currently the most competitive segment in India. And are confident the Kylaq has what it takes to make an impact with its safety and driving dynamics. Moreover, the Kylaq boasts some segment-leading features like a six-way front electric seat adjustment with seat ventilation, and a class-leading 446 litres of boot space. The Kylaq continues with our India-focussed product line-up following the Kushaq and Slavia and will further our goal of entering newer markets and bringing new customers into the Skoda family. We believe we have stuck to our promise of accessible pricing of the Kylaq and look forward to ensure it democratises European technology in India. It is a compact car but is larger than life. And that’s the reason we premiere it via a motion picture premiere like never before.”

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Redseer Strategy Consultants has released a new report stating that India is on track to become one of the world’s most attractive used-car markets. The analysis focuses on retail transactions of passenger vehicles. Market value is projected to double from approximately USD 35 billion in fiscal year 2026 to nearly USD 70 billion by fiscal year 2031.

Currently ranked fifth largest globally, India is forecast to rise to third place by the end of the decade, behind only United States and China. Unlike mature markets, India remains the fastest-growing among leading used-car economies. Structural advantages such as rising household incomes and a rapidly expanding car parc – expected to exceed 50 million vehicles by 2031 – support this trajectory.

A major structural shift is the compression of the car replacement cycle, which has fallen from seven to eight years in fiscal year 2021 to an expected four to five years by fiscal year 2031. Metros and Tier 1 cities are leading this transition. Shorter ownership cycles, driven by technology upgrades and evolving consumer preferences, are expected to significantly boost supply circulation.

Annual retail used-car sales are expected to reach 9–10 million units by 2031, while average selling prices will rise to between INR 650,000 and 690,000. Around 280 million households are predicted to be financially capable of buying a used car by 2031. About 65 percent of buyers are first-time owners. Financing penetration is projected to increase to 30 to 40 percent. Nevertheless, nearly 80 percent of transactions remain unorganised.

India’s used-to-new car ratio, projected to reach 1.6 to 1.7 by 2031, remains below mature market levels. Approximately 50,000 fragmented local dealers move only four to six cars per month using visual-only inspections and negotiation-led pricing. The formats serving most buyers score poorly on quality, transparency and post-sale support.

Full-stack players are addressing the trust deficit through end-to-end control over sourcing, inspection, refurbishment, technology-based pricing and value-added services. These platforms are projected to capture five to six percent market share by 2031, translating to roughly USD 4 billion in gross merchandise value. Globally, this model has proven profitable at scale, and India’s leading firms are following the same path.

Kushal Bhatnagar, Associate Partner, Redseer Strategy Consultants, said, “India’s used-car market is undergoing a fundamental transition from an informal, price-led space to a far more structured and trust-oriented mobility ecosystem. Shorter replacement cycles, rising incomes and improved access to financing are collectively expanding both supply and demand in a sustained manner. What is particularly significant is the shift in consumer mindset. Used cars are no longer being chosen merely as an economical alternative born out of compulsion but are increasingly being preferred for value optimisation, assured quality and the convenience offered by organised platforms. As these organised models, led by full-stack players, continue to scale and gradually eliminate the longstanding trust deficit, the used-car market is well positioned to establish itself as a central pillar of India’s personal mobility landscape.”

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Ferrari has introduced the Handling Speciale, a new optional configuration for the Purosangue model, aimed at further sharpening the sporting character of the marque’s first four-door, four-seat vehicle. This setup enhances mechanical and electronic responses for a more dynamic driving experience while preserving the everyday usability that defines the Purosangue. It targets customers seeking a stronger focus on sportiness without sacrificing daily use in any context.

The core attributes of the Purosangue remain unchanged, including the full four-seat accommodation, elevated yet sporty driving position and overall cabin practicality. The underlying architecture continues with a front-mid mounted naturally aspirated V12 engine and rear mounted gearbox, complemented by latest generation vehicle dynamics systems. The new setup revises active suspension calibration, reducing body movements by 10 percent for a more compact driving feel.

As a result, the Handling Speciale delivers more direct driver inputs, improving control through successive corners and rapid direction changes. Shift strategies have been reworked for quicker response times and more decisive gear changes, especially in Race and ESC Off modes. The effect is most noticeable during acceleration, where a sharper thrust sensation is prioritised, while manual mode shifts become more sporting above 5,500 rpm.

The cabin sound has been optimised with a dedicated setting more pronounced at start up and under acceleration, highlighting the V12’s character. Exclusive styling elements include wheels with a dedicated diamond cut finish, carbon fibre side shields, matt black exhaust tips, a black rear Prancing Horse emblem, a satin finish Ferrari script and a dedicated interior plaque.

This configuration enhances the sporting spirit of a project that has transformed the luxury high riding sports car segment while preserving the Purosangue’s identity as a versatile four-seater with typical Ferrari front mid-engine dynamics. Ferrari’s quality standards underpin the extended seven-year maintenance programme offered with this configuration, covering all regular maintenance for the first seven years.

The Genuine Maintenance programme, available across the Ferrari range and to pre-owned Ferrari owners, includes service intervals of 20,000 kilometres or once a year with no mileage restrictions, original spares and checks by factory trained staff. This service is offered worldwide through all dealerships on the Official Dealer Network.

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Stellantis India has started exporting the Citroen Basalt from its Chennai plant to South Africa. This shipment brings the total number of Citroen vehicles exported from India to South Africa to 10,000 units.

The Basalt is built on a platform developed in India by local teams for domestic and international markets featuring a 95 percent localisation level. This export programme is part of a strategy to use India as a hub for manufacturing and sourcing within the global Stellantis network.

The company stated that the increase in export volumes reflects the quality and cost competitiveness of its Indian operations. The growth in exports supports employment and the development of the local automotive sector.

Shailesh Hazela, CEO and Managing Director, Stellantis India, said, “Commencing Citroen Basalt exports to South Africa strengthens Stellantis India’s position as a competitive manufacturing, quality‑driven and sourcing base. As our export volumes grow, our focus remains on building a resilient and integrated ecosystem, from vehicles to components, delivered through a consistent and high‑quality supply cadence. This milestone reinforces India’s expanding contribution to our global operations.”

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SAIC Motor-owned British marquee brand Morris Garages (MG) presented its developments in electric mobility and driving systems at the Beijing Auto Show 2026. The OEM showcased the 2026 MG4, the MG 4X and the MG 07 as part of its transition to new energy vehicles.

Interestingly, MG Motor launched the 2026 MG4 with six variants. The model includes exterior colours such as Ice Crystal Blue and Almond Beige, a black roof and 17-inch alloy wheels. MG worked with artist Jacky Tsai and the Lu Xun Academy of Fine Arts to provide customisation options.

On the inside, MG4 features front seats with heating, ventilation, massage and memory functions. The technology suite consists of an 8-inch driver display and a 15.6-inch touchscreen with wireless CarPlay. Driver assistance systems were updated to include nose-in, custom, and dead-end parking functions. The MG4 utilises cell-to-body integration and a semi-solid battery.

Furthermore, the MG 4X SUV is scheduled for a debut in May, which will feature a semi-solid battery and rear-wheel drive with five-link suspension as standard.

MG also displayed the MG 07, a coupe built on a new energy platform. It will be available as a battery electric vehicle or a plug-in hybrid. Through a partnership with Momenta, the MG 07 will use the R7 solution and the XHEART X7 chip to provide urban Navigate on Autopilot. This system uses a world model to understand scenes and predict risks.

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