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.”

Honda Cars India Ltd (HCIL) has launched its third generation Amaze compact sedan in India. Available with an introductory price of INR 799,900 to INR 1,089,900 ex-showroom, Delhi, the new car is stylish and more premium in its approach when compared to that of the car that it replaces. 
Developed by Honda R&D Asia Pacific Center in Thailand under the grand concept of 'Elite Booster Sedan’, which reflects the automaker’ vision to empower users to express their success and sophistication, the new Amaze is also an outcome of its manufacturer’s quest for zero traffic collision fatalities by 2050. 
Equipped with – what is claimed to be a segment first -- Honda ‘Sensing’ Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS), the Amaze is available in three trim levels – V, VX and ZX. With a choice of six colours, the car measures 3,995 mm in length, 1,733 mm in width and 1,500 mm in height. Its wheelbase is 2470 mm. 
Powered by an E20 complaint 1.2-litre four cylinder ‘i-VTEC’ petrol engine, the compact sedan could be had with a CVT (with Paddle Shift) or a five-speed manual unit. 
Packed with over 28 active and passive safety features, sone of which form a part of the ADAS suite, the Honda Amaze also offers ‘LaneWatch Camera’ and six airbags (as standard). 
With an efficient ‘Connected’ car experience via Honda Connect on the cards (it is backed by a five-year subscription), the compact sedan is supported by 3 years of unlimited kilometres warranty as standard benefit to the customers. Customers can also opt for an extended warranty up to seven years for unlimited kilometres. 
“We are thrilled to present the all-new Amaze – a sedan that is set to outclass in all parameters of Styling, Safety, Connectivity, Drive and Comfort. The Amaze has always held a special place in the hearts of Indian customers, and this new generation model reflects our commitment to meeting their evolving needs. We are confident that this new Amaze will set new standards and continue to strengthen Honda’s legacy in India. For the first time in this segment, we are delighted to bring Honda SENSING, our advanced suite of safety and driver assistive technologies, to the Amaze. With this application, we now have ADAS technology introduced in all models of our India line up and Honda Amaze is the most affordable ADAS enabled car in India,” said Takuya Tsumura, President & CEO, Honda Cars India Ltd. 

Cars24, one of India’s leading autotech platforms, has announced its ambitious plans to invest INR 5 billion towards advancing its technology and product ecosystem in the coming years. Furthermore, it also aims to onboard over 100 techies in the next four months.

The company aims to strengthen its R&D, data science, genAI, Machine Learning (ML), react native, devops, engineering, and product innovation teams. It will create new roles across research and development (R&D), data science, engineering, and product innovation. The teams are expected to develop advanced features such as real-time car valuations, maintenance tracking, insurance renewals, hiring drivers, and car servicing, which can be seamlessly accessed through the company’s super app.

Gajendra Jangid, Co-Founder, Cars24, said, "At Cars24, technology drives everything we do. It’s in the code we write, the products we build, and the experiences we create for our customers. This investment is about pushing boundaries, solving real problems, and shaping the future of mobility through innovation and bold thinking."

The Indian subsidiary of Jeep, a Stellantis brand, has announced that it is supporting the Tennis Premier League (TPL) – a premier professional tennis competition that takes place in the country. 
The association of Jeep India with TPL concerns the sixth season of the sporting event that takes place at the Cricket Club of India in Mumbai from 3 December to 8 December 2024. 
The association between Jeep India and TPL is said to be a fresh category partnership. Aimed at reflecting the Jeep brand’s prowess to excel in tough conditions as well as to align with existing values of the players and the league, the partnership is expected to contribute towards the growth and development of tennis in India as well. 
What is surprising though is that the partnership announcement comes at a time when the Stellantis Global CEO Carlos Tavares has abruptly stepped down. He came under rising criticism for taking the ‘lean’ strategy a bit too far post the lack lustre H1 CY25 results of the group that was formed in 2021 with the coming together of FCA and PSA Group.  
"At Jeep, we’ve always believed in going beyond limits and enabling people to achieve the extraordinary. Partnering with the Tennis Premier League allows us to support a platform that aligns with our values. We are proud to be part of this journey and look forward to a long-term partnership that will help propel Indian tennis to greater heights,” said Kumar Priyesh, Brand Director, Jeep India.  
Kunal Thakkur, Co-Founder of Tennis Premier League, averred, "We are thrilled to welcome Jeep into the TPL family as our Official Drive Partner for the upcoming season. Their reputation for resilience and performance mirrors the values we champion at TPL. This partnership strengthens our commitment to together nurturing a world-class platform for tennis in India.”
 

MG Select, the premium luxury brand from JSW MG Motor India, has confirmed its first product for the Indian market. The company is all set to unveil the MG Cyberster, which it claims is the world’s fastest MG roadster, in January 2025.

The MG B Roadster of the 1960s inspires the two-door MG Cyberster. The company shared that the name ‘Cyberster’ combines the inspiration from the company’s classic roadster and the high-on-tech features.

Gaurav Gupta, Chief Growth Officer, JSW MG Motor India, said, “Growing up and even today, many of us dream of owning a sleek sports car—the kind that makes your heart race, your hair fly in the wind, and lets you relive the romance and thrill we have all seen in iconic movies and on racetracks. The MG Cyberster brings that dream to life, blending the timeless allure of classic roadsters with modern technology and inspired innovation. It encapsulates the thrill and charm of a bygone era while appealing to the discerning tastes of new-age luxury customers in India.”

It was just recently that the company had announced the introduction of the MG Select brand, which will see exclusive experience centres in 12 cities.