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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Kia India, one of the leading passenger vehicle manufacturers, has announced the final leg of its multi-city cultural partnership with HYBE INDIA, introducing the ‘Kia Vibe Studio’ experience to the national capital.

Designed to target Gen Z creators and premium lifestyle audiences, the activation will serve as a marketing anchor for the brand's latest mass-premium SUV, the 2026 Kia Syros.

The HYBE INDIA Pop-Up Park is scheduled to take place on 13–14 June 2026 at Yashobhoomi (IACC) in New Delhi. The event combines automotive showcase infrastructure with music, fandom and multi-format creator engagement zones.

The centrepiece of the activation is the Kia Vibe Studio, a specialised content creation pod built directly inside the cabin of the 2026 Kia Syros.

The integration allows visitors to record, edit and instantly download high-definition performance and lip-sync videos. By converting the stationary vehicle's acoustic interior, ambient lighting and connected infotainment hardware into an active studio space, the campaign positions the SUV as a tech-driven platform for self-expression.

The event serves as a prominent touchpoint for the 2026 Kia Syros, which features several upgrades designed for the Indian market, including an enhanced design with a more rugged SUV stance, muscular body panels and sports-themed trim configurations. Expanded accessibility to automatic gearboxes, including the introduction of a high-demand diesel automatic (AT) variant.

The SUV is built on a platform engineered for a 5-star Bharat NCAP (BNCAP) crash safety rating, featuring an optimised distribution of connected tech features across lower and mid-tier trims.

Following the public pop-up park event, HYBE INDIA will conduct on-ground talent auditions on 14 June 2026 at the Shangri-La Eros, Delhi. The talent scout marks part of an international entertainment initiative aimed at discovering, training, and launching India’s first global girl group under the K-pop blueprint.

The Delhi showcase concludes the regional ‘Pop-Up Park’ phase of the 10-city marketing campaign, which completed consecutive runs in Guwahati, Mumbai, Pune, Hyderabad and Bengaluru.

While the experiential park footprint concludes in Delhi, the talent pipeline will continue across secondary markets. Auditions are scheduled to advance into Ahmedabad, Kolkata, and Chandigarh, allowing Kia India to sustain its brand engagement with youth demographics nationwide.

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Italian supercar manufacturer Automobili Lamborghini has been awarded the ‘Red Dot: Best of the Best 2026’ accolade for its ultra-limited, ‘few-off’ hypercar, the Fenomeno. Honoured in the Product Design category, the prize represents the highest distinction in the global Red Dot evaluation, reserved for avant-garde projects that establish new benchmarks in visionary aesthetics and contemporary engineering.

The victory coincides with a milestone chapter for the brand, as the car was designed to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Lamborghini Centro Stile. The official award ceremony is scheduled to take place on 7 July 2026, at the Aalto Theater in Essen, Germany.

The Fenomeno introduces an evolved corporate design language dubbed ‘hyper-elegant’ design, which strips back complex body panels to achieve formal purity while maximising functional on-track aerodynamics.

The supercar’s front fascia is heavily inspired by motorsport architecture. The front end utilises large racing-derived air intakes and a completely revised daytime running light signature modelled after the bull's horns found in the traditional Lamborghini corporate emblem. It subtly integrates the brand's iconic Y-shaped visual motifs, seamlessly connecting a low-slung carbon fibre front splitter to the headlamps.

The side profile and silhouette are defined by a single, continuous silhouette line running nose-to-tail, the design pays homage to the extended long-tail aerodynamics of the track-only Essenza SCV12. The car was displayed in a launch livery of Giallo Crius, a vibrant yellow hue that emphasises the vehicle’s upper body volumes against high-contrast, performance-oriented exposed carbon fibre elements below.

Beneath its custom carbon fibre bodywork, the plug-in hybrid (PHEV) Fenomeno utilises a thoroughly reworked mechanical architecture derived from the Revuelto, establishing itself as the fastest road-going vehicle in Lamborghini’s history.

The vehicle balances its extreme power-to-weight ratio through specialized hardware, including an advanced 6D motion sensor that measures acceleration across six axes, race-derived firm dampers, and high-end CCM-R Plus carbon-ceramic brakes adapted directly from Lamborghini’s SC63 endurance race car.

The Fenomeno features a 6.5-litre naturally aspirated V12 engine with 3 electric motors, which produce a combined 1,080 CV (1,065 hp) – with the internal combustion engine contributing a record 835 CV on its own, making it Lamborghini's most powerful V12 ever produced. The vehicle can accelerate from zero to 100 kmph in a claimed 2.4 seconds, while a zero to 200 kmph can be attained in 6.7 seconds. It has a top speed of over 350 kmph. It features a class-leading weight-to-power ratio of 1.64 kg/CV.

The Fenomeno is strictly limited to 29 units globally for the coupe version (complemented by an even rarer 15-unit Roadster variant).

Mitja Borkert, Design Director, Automobili Lamborghini, said, “This valuable and renowned recognition confirms the direction of the design DNA we are shaping with the team at Lamborghini Centro Stile, and underscores our future strategy. Fenomeno is a manifesto of style that expands our design language once again in an unexpected way, going beyond expectations and continuing the bloodline of our successful few-off cars in an athletic and elegant way."

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Renault India, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the French Renault Group, has announced the official ARAI-certified fuel efficiency for the new Duster Turbo TCe 100. The upcoming midsize SUV achieves a certified fuel economy of 19.41 kmpl, aiming to offer a balance of everyday performance and low fuel consumption.

The TCe 100 powertrain has been developed exclusively for the Duster line and features specific tuning to optimise thermal efficiency and power delivery. The SUV is built on Renault's all-new RGMP platform. The engine and drivetrain are comprehensively engineered to align with this advanced architecture's structural dynamics.

The turbocharged petrol engine produces a peak power output of 100 PS and 160 Nm of torque. Power is sent to the wheels via a 6-speed manual transmission, calibrated to deliver responsive performance and a smooth driving experience across varied road conditions.

Dr V. Vikraman, Chief of Renault Engineering at Renault Group India, said, “The ARAI-certified fuel efficiency reflects Renault’s focus on practical engineering and customer value. The Turbo TCe 100 engine uses turbocharging and efficient combustion to deliver responsive performance with strong fuel economy. With the 6‑speed manual transmission, the powertrain provides a balanced and efficient driving experience.”

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Hyundai Motor India, one of the leading passenger vehicle manufacturers, has announced the launch of the ‘Hyundai Innovation Challenge 2026’. The initiative invites applications from high-potential startups to collaborate on developing next-generation mobility and automobile technologies.

The program is curated and supported in partnership with ZER01NE, Hyundai Motor Group’s global open innovation platform. The challenge is structured as a 6-month innovation initiative designed to bridge the gap between entrepreneurial concepts and commercial validation. Hyundai Motor India is seeking cutting-edge software and hardware solutions across several core technology pillars – electrification & alternative energy systems; new mobility models & connectivity frameworks; Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS); Artificial Intelligence (AI)-driven automotive tools and next-generation integrated vehicle technologies.

While the application platform outlines 15 specific focus areas, the automaker encourages startups to submit any disruptive ideas that demonstrate strong potential for high-impact mobility solutions, even if they fall outside the listed criteria.

The program will run on a structured evaluation pipeline managed by LINK Innovation, a global startup consulting and accelerator platform. Startups can submit their entries through the designated LINK Innovation website until the end of June 2026. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis throughout the open timeline, judged against a set of preliminary technical and operational parameters. Shortlisted startups will undergo a rigorous review focusing specifically on their technology and product readiness levels. Shortlisted candidates will progress to a final pitch round hosted before HMIL's top management.

The selected startups for the final cohort will gain access to Hyundai's industrial capabilities to transform theoretical concepts into market-ready products. They will get opportunities to co-create future mobility solutions alongside Hyundai Motor India, backed by dedicated Proof-of-Concept (PoC) grants. Hands-on technical guidance and expert mentorship from engineering specialists. Access to Hyundai’s robust commercial ecosystem and customer base to unlock market exposure. Long-term avenues for potential corporate investments and enduring strategic business partnerships.

Tarun Garg, Managing Director & CEO, Hyundai Motor India, said, "At Hyundai Motor India, we strongly believe that the future of mobility will be shaped by collaboration, innovation and bold thinking. The Hyundai Innovation Challenge, curated in partnership with Hyundai Motor Group's ZER01NE team, is designed to bring together some of the brightest minds and most promising startups to co-create solutions that redefine mobility."

“Given India’s dynamic entrepreneurial ecosystem and its growing influence on global innovation, the Hyundai Innovation Challenge is poised to bring new tech innovations to the world of mobility. At HMIL, we see startups as partners and co-creators of a smarter, more sustainable future," said Garg.

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