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!

Changan Automobile has unveiled its latest lineup of new energy vehicles (NEVs) at the Thailand International Motor Expo 2025, presenting models across the AVATR and CHANGAN DEEPAL brands.

AVATR, the brand that focuses on ‘Emotive Luxury,’ headlined the event with the debut of the AVATR 07 SUV. Led by AVATR's European design team, the model has earned international honours, including the IDA International Design Gold Award and the 2025 German iF Design Award. The cabin combines materials, multi-sensory enjoyment, and quietness. The vehicle can accelerate from zero to 100 kmph in a claimed 3.9s and features CDC adaptive air suspension, powered by ADAS to deliver a seamless, reliable, and confident driving.

CHANGAN DEEPAL, a part of Changan’s Thailand portfolio, continued its market momentum. The DEEPAL S05, the first made-in-Thailand model launched in March 2025, ranked No. 1 in EV SUV registrations for two consecutive months. Responding to consumer enthusiasm, Changan introduced the S05 Max Long Range, offering an all-black exterior and interior, a 68.82 kWh battery with 560 km NEDC range and a 200 kW motor capable of zero to 100 kmph in just 6.48 seconds.

As Thailand transitions toward electrification, it has become a strategic hub for Changan. Under its ‘In Thailand, For Thailand’ strategy, Changan is advancing localisation across local manufacturing, marketing, sales, and service.

In May 2025, Changan inaugurated its first overseas NEV plant in Rayong, Thailand – employing over 1,000 Thai workers and achieving approximately 60 percent local content. In August, Changan hosted its first Service Skills Competition in Bangkok to reinforce its global after-sales standards.

Looking ahead, Changan plans to launch seven models in Thailand over the next three years. Over the next five years, Changan will introduce more than 50 NEVs globally, driving the momentum of AVATR and CHANGAN DEEPAL toward leadership in mobility.

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles (TMPVL) and Red Bull India have announced an association to undertake acts that challenge norms, combining Tata Motors’ line of products with Red Bull’s athletes.

The first activity will feature the Harrier.ev SUV. The vehicle’s off-road capability will be tested by Red Bull athlete Abdo ‘Dado’ Feghali, a Guinness World Record holder in drifting and an icon in rally and drifting. A video of the challenge will be released soon.

Vivek Srivatsa, Chief Commercial Officer, Tata Passenger Electric Mobility, said, “These are truly exciting times as we partner with a company like Red Bull – known for defying limits. This collaboration brings together two brands that share a passion for innovation, performance, and pushing boundaries. We are excited to showcase how cutting-edge technology and stylish design can complement the thrill of adventure and extreme performance. This journey promises to be nothing short of extraordinary.”

Abdo ‘Dado’ Feghali, said, “The Harrier.ev truly delivers on its promise of go-anywhere capability. After conquering steep terrains in the Elephant Rock challenge, it exceeded expectations by effortlessly completing the latest task we threw at it. Its segment-leading torque offers smooth, linear delivery, making every obstacle feel convenient. This experience is a testament to the Harrier.ev’s engineering excellence – a new benchmark for electric SUVs in India.”

This association marks the beginning of an adventure between TMPV and Red Bull India, both of which share a vision of delivering experiences that celebrate power, precision, and passion.

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Maruti Suzuki India, the country’s largest passenger vehicle manufacturer, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Chhattisgarh Gramin Bank for retail vehicle financing for customers.

The collaboration has been established to provide retail financing solutions for new cars and commercial vehicles, enhancing the accessibility and affordability of Maruti Suzuki vehicles for customers.

The partnership will leverage the growing customer base of the bank to benefit Maruti Suzuki customer profiles and offer them a range of comprehensive financing solutions.

The MoU was signed in the presence of Partho Banerjee, Senior Executive Officer, Marketing & Sales and Vishal Sharma, Vice-President, Maruti Suzuki Finance & Driving School, from Maruti Suzuki India. Representing Chhattisgarh Gramin Bank were Vinod Kumar Arora, Chairman and Vijay Vasant Raikwad, General Manager, along with senior officials from both organisations.

Partho Banerjee, said: “Our collaboration with Chhattisgarh Gramin Bank strengthens our commitment to making car ownership more accessible and affordable. This strategic partnership enables us to extend our reach and offer customers competitive financing solutions that enhance the overall buying experience. We remain focused on delivering seamless and customer-centric finance options, and this alliance reinforces our vision of providing tailored financial support to a wider audience.”

Vinod Kumar Arora, said, “At Chhattisgarh Gramin Bank, fulfilling customer aspirations is at the core of our mission. Our partnership with Maruti Suzuki, a leader in the automotive industry, marks a strategic step toward expanding our service offerings and delivering enhanced value to our customers. This collaboration reinforces our customer-centric philosophy of enabling accessible and affordable vehicle financing solutions. We look forward to supporting individuals and families across the country in realising their dream of owning a Maruti Suzuki vehicle.”

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

The Indian passenger vehicle industry experienced its strongest festive season recently, driven by a combination of GST rate cuts and consumer demand, said a recent ICRA report.

In October 2025, passenger vehicle retail sales grew by 15 percent YoY. A sequential surge of 86 percent was observed as retail activity, deferred from the late-September Navratras, shifted into October.

Wholesale volumes also saw an uptick, increasing by 17 percent YoY and 24 percent sequentially to reach 460,000 units in October 2025, as OEMs boosted dispatches to dealers for the festive period.

Inventory levels with dealers reduced to 53-55 days by the end of October 2025, down from 60 days in September 2025, as reported by the Federation of Automobile Dealers Association (FADA). This improvement was supported by a 21 percent YoY growth, with 800,000 units sold during the 42-day festive period.

Utility vehicles (UVs) continue to dominate the market, accounting for 66-67 percent of total industry volumes. However, the compact and super compact car segments showed signs of revival following the GST reductions.

Export volumes recorded a 12 percent YoY growth in October 2025. Maruti Suzuki India maintained its position as the top exporter, followed by Hyundai Motor India. For the first seven months of FY2026, export volumes expanded by 17 percent YoY, indicating a supply push from Indian OEMs in international markets.

Looking ahead, ICRA expects wholesale volume growth for the full fiscal year FY2026 to be in the range of 1-4  percent, supported by the demand momentum from GST rate cuts, continuous new model launches by OEMs and anticipated demand during the ongoing wedding season.

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!