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.”

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Japanese luxury car brand Lexus India has launched the self-charging hybrid ES 350h executive sedan, introducing the eighth-generation iteration of its core model line at prices starting INR 6.61 million for the Exquisite variant, going up to INR 7.18 million for the Luxury variant (ex-showroom).

Manufactured in India, the ES 350h shares its underlying platform with the battery-electric ES 500e and gets an updated 2.5-litre inline four-cylinder engine paired with an electric motor, an integrated power control unit eAxle and a lithium-ion battery pack. The IC-engine generates 139 kW at 6,000 rpm and 237 Nm of torque between 3,600 and 5,000 rpm, while the electric motor produces 119.1 kW. It achieves a claimed certified fuel efficiency rating of 25.22 kilometres per litre.

The ES 350h measures 5,145 mm in length, 1,920 mm in width and 1,575 mm in height, with a 2,950 mm wheelbase. On the outside, it gets daytime running lamps (DRL) integrated into turn indicators and rear lighting positioned on the outer body edges.

On the inside, the cabin features a 14.0-inch touchscreen multimedia interface and hidden switches built directly into the interior surfaces. Active safety features are provided through the Lexus Safety System+ suite, which includes pre-collision detection, radar cruise control, lane tracing assist and emergency braking systems.

Hikaru Ikeuchi, President, Lexus India, said,"Today marks a significant milestone for Lexus in India as we launch the All-New ES 350h. Building on the immense success of its predecessors, this launch reflects our long-term commitment and continued efforts to deliver vehicles of world-class quality tailored to the needs of our guests in India. Manufactured in India, the All-New ES 350h embodies our multi-pathway approach to sustainable mobility, seamlessly blending advanced technology, exceptional ride quality, and luxury. Renowned for its Takumi craftsmanship and inspired by the spirit of Omotenashi hospitality, it offers an elevated experience defined by comfort, innovation, and meticulous attention to detail. As the lifestyles and landscape continues to evolve, we remain committed to delivering vehicles that inspire confidence, enrich lifestyles, and contribute to a more sustainable future. We are confident that the All-New ES 350h will set new benchmarks in its segment, further strengthen the Lexus brand in India, and exceed the expectations of our guests."

The ES 350h comes with an eight-year or 200,000-kilometre warranty for both the car and its hybrid battery pack.

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Stellantis India completed the delivery of 125 Citroen and Jeep vehicles to customers across Kerala to coincide with the Onam festival. The handover involved models from both brand portfolios across the company's regional dealership network.

The deliveries encompassed Citroen models including the Basalt, Aircross, C3 and e-C3, alongside Jeep vehicles including the Compass, Meridian and Wrangler.

Kumar Priyesh, Business Head and Director of Automotive Brands, Stellantis India, said, "Onam is a festival that celebrates togetherness, prosperity and new beginnings, making it a particularly meaningful occasion for customers taking delivery of their new vehicles. We are delighted to celebrate this festive season with 125 Citroen and Jeep customers across Kerala as they begin a new chapter in their mobility journey. The overwhelming response reflects the trust customers place in our brands and our commitment to delivering products that resonate with diverse customer aspirations. Whether it is the adventurous spirit of Jeep or the comfort-centric philosophy of Citroën, both brands are united by a common focus on creating memorable ownership experiences."

The initiative was executed in partnership with local dealer networks across the state, incorporating specific delivery handovers for individual buyers during the holiday period. The volume of handovers reflects ongoing demand across both product lines, which target different vehicle market segments ranging from urban commuters to off-road users.

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

JSW MG Motor India, one of the leading passenger vehicle manufacturers, has launched the Hector Tomahawk, the first vehicle built on its Advanced Drive Architecture Platform Technology (ADAPT) platform, with prices starting at INR 1.39 million plus INR 4.90 per km Battery Rental for the Battery-as-a-Service (BaaS) model.

The platform serves as the company's multi-new energy vehicle system in India, supporting both electric vehicle and plug-in hybrid electric vehicle powertrains.

The Hector Tomahawk EV features a 69.2 kWh battery pack paired with an electric motor delivering 150 kW of power and 310 Nm of torque, yielding a certified range of 517 kilometres. The PHEV variant combines a 1.5-litre petrol engine, a dedicated hybrid transmission and a 20.5 kWh battery pack, offering a pure-electric range of over 115 kilometres and a combined range exceeding 1,100 kilometres. It also incorporates vehicle-to-home energy transfer capabilities.

The SUV measures 4,745 mm in length, 1,850 mm in width and 1,770 mm in height, with a 2,810 mm wheelbase and 230 mm of ground clearance at the battery. On the inside, it gets the largest in its segment, a 15.6-inch touchscreen display, an 8.8-inch multi-information display, a panoramic glass roof, Level 2 assistance systems and standard six airbags across all variants.

The Hector Tomahawk PHEV can be had for INR 2.17 million plus INR 3.20 rupees per kilometre battery rental.

For customers looking for an outright purchase, the Hector Tomahawk can be purchased for INR 1.94 million for the EV model and INR 2.56 million for the PHEV model. The deliveries will begin in September 2026 for the EV variant, while PHEV deliveries are scheduled to commence in November 2026.

Parth Jindal, Director, JSW MG Motor India, said, "The Hector Tomahawk represents a significant milestone in our journey toward building a sustainable mobility ecosystem in India. We remain focused on bringing the world's-best available technologies and environmentally responsible solutions to Indian consumers, while supporting the country's transition to cleaner transportation. The introduction of the Hector Tomahawk EV and the Hector Tomahawk PHEV, India's first plug in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV)^, reflects our commitment to offering a diverse portfolio of new-age mobility solutions that address evolving customer needs and driving patterns.”

Anurag Mehrotra, Managing Director, JSW MG Motor India, said, "The future of mobility will not be defined by a single technology solution but by providing customers the freedom to choose the pathway that best suits their needs. We recently introduced India's First Multi New Energy Vehicle Platform – ADAPT as the foundation for our next generation of products. Today, the Hector Tomahawk becomes the first SUV to bring that vision to life. By offering both EV and Plug-in Hybrid technologies, we are democratising sustainable mobility while addressing the diverse requirements of Indian consumers. The Hector Tomahawk combines intelligent technology, advanced safety, premium comfort and electrified performance, reaffirming our commitment to developing future-ready products for a rapidly evolving automotive landscape."

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

German luxury brand BMW Group-owned MINI India has launched Mod My MINI, a vehicle customisation programme for Cooper and Countryman models. The initiative enables owners to alter both new and existing vehicles through factory-supported upgrades.

The programme provides options to modify components, including the roof, mirror caps, spoilers and brake calipers. Customers can select from a catalogue featuring over 100 paint shades, thematic decals and original accessories, yielding up to 2.5 million potential configurations.

Hardeep Singh Brar, President and CEO, BMW Group India, said, “MINI has never been just a mode of transport; it is a declaration of personal style. We firmly believe that no two MINIs on the road should look the same, which is why the 'Mod My MINI' programme puts the design canvas directly into the hands of our owners. True luxury is defined by the freedom to choose, and by offering this unprecedented tier of factory-backed customisation, we ensure that every driver can define their vehicle's identity entirely on their own terms. Ultimately, small changes drive a big personality, making your driving experience as completely unmatched as your fingerprint.”

Decals applied through the programme carry a 24-month warranty from the installation date. The service is available across MINI India’s 17 sales touchpoints in 16 cities, with vehicle servicing integrated into the broader BMW Group India network spanning 51 locations.

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!