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 that it has exceeded 500,000 connected cars in the Indian market.

The OEM said its connected car variants now account for approximately 40 percent of the company’s domestic wholesale volumes. This growth is supported by the Kia Connect 2.0 platform and the Connected Car Navigation Cockpit (ccNC).

The Kia Seltos is the main contributor to this total, representing about 70 percent of the connected vehicle sales, followed by the Sonet and Carens models. Data from the company indicates a trend of customers renewing their connectivity subscriptions after the initial complimentary period.

Technical features within the Kia ecosystem include:

• OTA Software Updates: Remote vehicle diagnostics and software installations to reduce dealership visits.
• Digital Key 2.0: Vehicle access and operation via smartphone or smartwatch using Ultra-Wideband (UWB) or NFC technology.
• Surround View Monitor (SVM): A 360-degree camera feed accessible through the Kia Connect app.
• Voice Recognition: Multilingual support for vehicle functions in English, Hindi, Tamil and Bengali.

Atul Sood, Senior Vice-President, Sales & Marketing, Kia India, said, "Kia India has consistently differentiated itself through its vehicle design excellence and technology leadership. Our continued focus on enhancing connected features and customer engagement initiatives such as Kia Drive Green has strengthened adoption and interaction across our connected ecosystem. The strong customer retention beyond the complimentary subscription period underscores the sustained relevance and long-term value of Kia Connect.”

The company also utilises Plant Over-The-Air (P-OTA) updates, a system that ensures vehicles are programmed with the most recent software versions before they leave the manufacturing facility.

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The Sriperumbudur facility of Hyundai Motor India Limited has been honoured with the Tamil Nadu State Level Safety Award for 2022 by the state’s Directorate of Industrial Safety and Health (DISH). The prestigious award was presented by Minister for Labour Welfare & Skill Development C V Ganesan and DISH Director Anand to senior company executives Mukundan M S and Senthil Kumar R M. This accolade, granted in the Large-Scale Industry category, acknowledges Hyundai’s ongoing dedication to exceptional safety performance, marked by a notable decline in incident rates and a systematic focus on risk mitigation.

Operating in India for over 30 years, the plant has consistently fostered a robust safety culture through comprehensive initiatives. This includes implementing widespread safety campaigns, establishing diligent monitoring protocols and driving continuous improvement programmes. The company’s approach integrates rigorous processes, proactive assessments and regular training aligned with international benchmarks, all underpinned by strong safety governance. Hyundai Motor India reiterates that the well-being of its employees is a primary concern, and it remains steadfast in its mission to advance its safety systems and sustain an environment where a culture of excellence is paramount.

Gopalakrishnan C S, Whole-time Director & Chief Manufacturing Officer, Hyundai Motor India Limited, said, “Safety at Hyundai is not a standalone initiative – it is a deeply embedded culture practiced at every level of our operations. Our goal is simple: a safe, secure working environment for every employee, every day. This award affirms the collective commitment of our teams and motivates us to strengthen our safety excellence even further.”

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Volkswagen India has confirmed that its new flagship SUV, the Tayron R-Line, will launch in the first quarter of 2026. The vehicle is aimed at the seven-seater SUV segment and will be locally assembled at the company’s plant in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar to ensure market competitiveness.

The Tayron R-Line occupies the top position in the brand’s SUV range in India. It features the 'R-Line' trim, which includes specific design enhancements to its silhouette. The model is intended for customers requiring a seven-seat capacity alongside a focus on road presence and lifestyle versatility.

Nitin Kohli, Brand Director, Volkswagen India, said: “As we build a premium portfolio of products, we continue catering to the evolving aspirations of Indian car buyers. The all-new Tayron R-Line is the authentic flag-bearer that will drive this vision for Indian consumers. Ensuring competitiveness, we will be locally assembling this SUV at our plant in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar.”

The introduction of the Tayron R-Line follows Volkswagen's strategy to expand its portfolio in the Indian market with vehicles that offer higher passenger capacity and updated design aesthetics.

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Toyota Motor Corporation-owned luxury brand Lexus India has concluded 2025 with an increase in demand for its flagship models – the LM and LX, which it said recorded a 50 percent YoY rise in sales.

They accounted for approximately 19 percent of the company’s total volume. The RX model also served as a contributor to the brand's growth, achieving an 18 percent increase compared to the previous year. The RX represented 22 percent of overall sales, assisting Lexus in expanding its presence within the luxury SUV segment.

At present, the LM 350h and LX 500d occupy the top tier of the Lexus portfolio in India. The LM 350h is designed as a luxury mover, focusing on travel comfort and interior refinement for passengers. Since its introduction, the model has targeted enthusiasts seeking a travel experience comparable to first-class standards.

The LX 500d has seen a response driven by demand for SUVs that combine off-road capability with luxury features. The vehicle is engineered for diverse terrains while maintaining cabin comfort and control through integrated technology and a diesel powertrain.

Hikaru Ikeuchi, President, Lexus India, said: “We are immensely thankful to our guests for their trust and support throughout 2025. The strong performance of our halo ultra-luxury models, LX and LM, reflects their confidence in Lexus and our dedication to delivering exceptional products and experiences that continue to push boundaries. As we move into 2026, we are encouraged by the outlook for luxury vehicles in India and will remain focused on delivering even more exciting offerings and memorable experiences.”

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