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!

In a move designed to enhance organisational agility, Renault Group has appointed Josep Maria Recasens to the newly consolidated role of Chief Strategy, Product & Program Management Officer with immediate effect. This promotion is a key part of the company's broader initiative to streamline its structure and accelerate decision-making. Recasens will now report directly to CEO François Provost and will join the Group’s Leadership Team, positioning him to shape the company's future direction.

His expanded responsibilities will encompass defining Renault’s overarching strategy, guiding critical product choices for the coming years and coordinating the implementation of future vehicle lineups to ensure their market success. While assuming these central corporate duties, Recasens will maintain his current position as CEO for the Iberian Peninsula countries. He will also continue as the CEO of Ampere, Renault's electric vehicle and software entity, until its ongoing transformation is fully complete.

Recasens brings a wealth of automotive industry expertise to this role. An engineer with an MBA, his career began at SEAT S.A. in 2002, where he progressed through roles in research and development, product planning, and international project management, eventually rising to Director of Strategy. He joined Renault in June 2021 as Director of Strategy and Business Development, playing a central role in the Renaulution plan and partnership deployments. His trajectory at Renault has been rapid, including his appointment as Chief Strategy Officer in 2023 and his leadership of Ampere, where he has been instrumental in steering its evolution into an electric and software-focused enterprise.

Provost said, “Since my arrival, I have focused on implementing a simpler, more effective and faster organisation to adapt to the current challenges. Bringing together the strategy, which sets the course, and the Product and Planning, which guides product choices and program directions, is an essential lever for greater coherence and agility. Josep Maria will be in charge of this scope and will take over from Guido Haak, whom I warmly thank for his dedication and years with us. Ampere's ambition remains at the heart of our strategy to provide our customers with innovative electrical and software technologies that are accessible to all.”

Recasens said, "I am very happy to take on this new challenge and grateful for the trust the Group has placed in me. My first priority will be to extend to the entire company a few principles that have made Ampere successful: a strong focus on the product, disciplined programme management and a holistic view of investments. With the support of the Leadership Team, we will adapt, accelerate and deploy these fundamentals to consolidate and amplify the renewed product momentum, and embed this dynamic in a sustainable way at the heart of the Renault Group's strategy.”

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

JSW MG Motor India has announced an association with pickleball player Monica Menon under its Women of MG initiative. The collaboration aims to support women achievers and emerging sports, which the brand states align with the values of agility, adaptability, and the pursuit of excellence.

The partnership draws a parallel between pickleball – described as reflecting the pace of modern life – and the MG Comet EV, the company’s urban electric vehicle. Monica Menon’s career includes transitioning from an AITA National Tennis Champion and 2010 Asian Games athlete to a pickleball player with more than 100 career podium finishes.

Udit Malhotra, Head of Marketing, JSW MG Motor India, said, “Pickleball captures the pulse of modern India, agile, intelligent, and always moving forward. Monica’s journey reflects that same rhythm of purpose and precision. The MG Comet EV, too, reimagines urban mobility with intent, compact yet expressive, simple yet smart. Through Women of MG, we celebrate women who lead with conviction and redefine their paths with style and substance.”

Monica Menon, added, “I’m thrilled to collaborate with JSW MG Motor India, a brand that champions women and supports new-age sports like pickleball. This partnership brings together two worlds that value precision, purpose, and thoughtful performance, sports and mobility. The MG Comet EV, with its compact yet spacious design and intelligent technology, makes every journey effortless, turning everyday travel into an experience of comfort and confidence. JSW MG Motor India’s commitment to supporting women and fresh ideas makes this collaboration truly meaningful.”

The partnership marks another step in the Women of MG programme, which has previously collaborated with figures such as professional golfer Tvesa Malik, Khel Ratna and Arjuna Awardee Deepa Malik and Paralympic silver medallist Bhavina Patel.

Beyond sports, JSW MG Motor India supports various community initiatives, including Sewa and Womentorship, Drive Her Back, Worth Waiting For, Prerna and MG Changemakers, to empower communities and amplify women’s potential.

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Maruti Suzuki Smart Finance (MSSF), the carmaker’s digital car financing platform, has surpassed the milestone of 2.5 million car loan disbursals since its inception in FY2020-21.

The platform aims to revolutionise the car financing customer journey with a seamless, transparent and fully digital experience. The total amount disbursed has exceeded INR 1,700 billion.

MSSF provides an end-to-end digital journey for customers, offering facilities such as loan application, online sanction and disbursal with real-time progress tracking. Customers can compare and choose from multiple financiers, with options for Credit Score-Based Interest Rates and pre-approved offers for salaried and self-employed individuals.

The platform has achieved significant uptake with over 40 percent of Maruti Suzuki customers have utilised MSSF across both the ARENA and NEXA networks.

Partho Banerjee, Senior Executive Officer, Marketing and Sales, Maruti Suzuki India, said, “Today, most car buyers start their journey online, exploring models and financing options before visiting a dealership. Recognising the magnitude of this shift early on, Maruti Suzuki pioneered a multi-financier, end-to-end digital car financing solution with Maruti Suzuki Smart Finance. Over the past five years, this platform has transformed the car-buying experience. Over 40 percent of our customers availed loans through Maruti Suzuki Smart Finance across ARENA and NEXA. MSSF’s ‘anytime-anywhere’ convenience has provided Joy of Mobility to over 2.5 million customers, amounting to more than INR 1,700 billion, reflecting our commitment to innovation and customer delight.”

He added: “This success is powered by the unwavering support of our finance partners, enabling seamless financing nationwide. Together, we continue to redefine automotive retail through customer-centric digital solutions.”

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles, one of the leading car manufacturers in the country, has unveiled the new Tata Sierra, which it said has been designed to honour its predecessor while redefining what a modern Indian SUV can be.

The SUV is a re-interpretation of the original's soul, bridging heritage and the future. It stands as a halo product, set to lead the next chapter of the company’s design. Clean surfaces replace ornamentation, while the proportions, long wheelbase, upright stance and powerful shoulders emphasise its stance.

The Sierra’s exterior design reinterprets the silhouette of the original. The three-quarter glasshouse has been reimagined using a panoramic roof, flush glazing and a black-painted roof finisher. This maintains the airy character of the original while meeting safety and aerodynamic standards. The long wheelbase, roofline and width deliver better aerodynamics and visual balance.

At the front, the Sierra features the Light Saber, a full-width LED DRL that forms a single curve across the fascia. This lighting signature is mirrored in the rear light bar. Complementing it are R19 alloy wheels, flush door handles and gloss black cladding. The Clamshell tailgate, wide rear haunches and floating-roof effect give it road presence.

Inside, the Sierra features a ‘Living Room Philosophy,’ aiming to create a lounge space on wheels. The TheatrePro multi-screen setup features a Horizon View screen layout, offering digital experiences for both driver and passenger. This integrates with the SonicShaft Soundbar with a JBL Black 12-speaker system, which, combined with Dolby Atmos, transforms the cabin into an acoustic experience. The PanoraMax (sunroof plus surround view glasshouse) recreates the openness of the original Sierra’s glass canopy. The cabin architecture is horizontal, accentuating width and openness.

Interestingly, even before its launch, the Sierra SUV design has been recognised globally by winning the Red Dot Design Award. The jury in 2025 consisted of 15 experts from 13 countries.

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!