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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Japanese luxury car brand Lexus India has inaugurated its new Guest Experience Centre in Surat, expanding its retail presence in Gujarat following a recent opening in Ahmedabad.

The facility is operated by Lexus Bharat, a joint venture between Kirloskar Systems, Toyota Tsusho India and Japan's Toyota Tsusho Corporation. The location features a vehicle showroom and an operational Lexus Service Point for aftersales maintenance. The inauguration ceremony was led by Lexus Bharat Managing Director Sreenivas Chivikula and Lexus India Executive Vice President Ryosuke Tawara.

Hikaru Ikeuchi, President, Lexus India, said, "India's luxury automotive market is evolving rapidly, with guests increasingly seeking distinctive products, meaningful experiences and brands that align with their values. At Lexus, our vision is to bring the Lexus experience closer to guests across the country. The inauguration of Surat Guest Experience Centre marks an important milestone for Lexus India. As the second GEC in Gujarat, following the recent inauguration of Ahmedabad GEC, the Surat outlet further strengthens our presence in this vibrant and growing luxury market. Known for its entrepreneurial spirit and legacy of craftsmanship, Surat's pursuit of quality and excellence resonates strongly with Lexus. We are delighted to welcome guests into a space that reflects our dedication to innovation, exceptional hospitality and Omotenashi. Through this new Guest Experience Centre, we look forward to building deeper connections with our guests while delivering the unique luxury experience that defines Lexus."

Sreenivas Chivikula added: "The inauguration of our Guest Experience Centre at Surat marks an exciting new chapter for Lexus in India. Lexus Bharat is committed to supporting Lexus India's efforts to deliver exceptional guest experiences. As we enter new markets, our focus remains on delivering world-class luxury retail standards and personalised guest experiences that embody Lexus' unique experience."

The Surat facility increases Lexus India's retail network to nine Guest Experience Centres across major metropolitan markets, including Mumbai, New Delhi, Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, Chandigarh, Kochi and Ahmedabad, supported nationwide by 19 Lexus Service Point locations. Ownership programs include an eight-year or 200,000-kilometre warranty covering the vehicle and hybrid battery system, alongside five-year roadside assistance packages.

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Maruti Suzuki India, the country’s largest passenger vehicle manufacturer, has attained a new sales milestone of 1.5 million units for its popular compact SUV – the Brezza.

The achievement follows the launch of the updated Brezza model, which has accumulated over 100,000 customer bookings.

The Brezza range includes multiple powertrain options, featuring the K15C petrol engine, a turbocharged Boosterjet variant and S-CNG technology. The S-CNG variant incorporates an underbody fuel-tank packaging layout to preserve boot compartment capacity. Safety specifications for the updated model include a 5-star rating under the Bharat NCAP testing protocol.

The company said that customer demand indicates that 56 percent of buyers evaluate the Brezza prior to starting their vehicle purchase process.

The milestone reinforces the model's position within Maruti Suzuki's SUV portfolio as production and sales volumes continue across domestic dealerships.

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Mumbai-headquartered automotive major Mahindra & Mahindra has launched the XUV 3XO ZNG, marking its initial entry into the compressed natural gas (CNG) passenger vehicle segment. The model is priced from INR 999,000 (ex-showroom), with top-tier variants reaching INR 1.22 million (ex-showroom).

The vehicle utilises a 1.2-litre mStallion TCMPFi turbocharged engine engineered to deliver 82 kW of power and 200 Nm of torque in both CNG and petrol operating modes. The engine system incorporates a 10-bar CNG injection pressure configuration, achieving a certified claimed fuel efficiency of 24.7 km/kg and zero-to-60 kmph in 4.9 seconds. Storage design features an underfloor twin-cylinder layout below the rear compartment, maintaining a flat cargo floor and 270 litres of usable boot space, with the spare tyre positioned externally under the body.

Dr Velusamy R, President of the Automotive Business at Mahindra & Mahindra, said, "The XUV 3XO ZNG comes with a clear promise: Zero Compromise. Customers today want the space, technology, safety and driving experience of an SUV, along with the lower running costs of CNG. With category-leading torque, turbocharged performance and impressive efficiency, the XUV 3XO ZNG brings together the practicality of CNG and the excitement of an SUV, setting a new benchmark for customer expectations from a CNG SUV."

Standard safety hardware across all variants includes six airbags, electronic stability control, ISOFIX child seat mounts, and an integrated gas leak detection system programmed to automatically switch fuel supply to petrol if a leak occurs. Higher trim levels feature a 26.03 cm infotainment display, digital instrument cluster, sunroof options, automatic climate control and connectivity software.

The company is set to begin test drives from 15 October 2026, with formal bookings and customer deliveries scheduled to open on 20 October 2026.

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Toyota Kirloskar Motor has launched the updated Toyota Glanza hatchback in India, priced from INR 699,000 ex-showroom. The updated hatchback introduces revised exterior styling, including an updated front bumper, side skirts, a wide chrome grille bar and LED headlamp assemblies.

Under the bonnet, it transitions to a 1.2-litre three-cylinder Z12E petrol engine producing 61 kW of power and 112.4 Nm of torque, with claimed fuel efficiency figures of 23.80 kmpl for the manual transmission and 24.77 kmpl for the automated manual transmission (AMT) variant. The alternative CNG powertrain delivers 51.3 kW of power and 101.8 Nm of torque, and now incorporates an AMT option.

Tadashi Asazuma, Deputy Managing Director, Toyota Kirloskar Motor, said, "Ever since its launch in 2019, the Toyota Glanza has been a popular choice among customers seeking a stylish, feature-rich and dependable hatchback. The 2026 New Toyota Glanza builds on this strong legacy with a sharper and sportier design, a more premium cabin experience and advanced safety technologies making it an even more compelling choice for today's customers. The hatchback segment continues to be an important entry point for customers beginning their mobility journey, and the Glanza is thoughtfully designed to meet these aspirations with style, quality and peace of mind. As customer needs evolve, we remain committed to delivering ever-better cars and creating happiness for our customers."

Sabari Manohar, Executive Vice-President of Sales-Services-Used Car Business, Toyota Kirloskar Motor, said, "As customer expectations continue to evolve, the New Toyota Glanza introduces several meaningful enhancements across safety, convenience and connectivity. With the introduction of Level 2 Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), featuring Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Keeping Assist, Lane Departure Warning, Lane Departure Prevention, Autonomous Emergency Braking and High Beam Assist, the New Glanza offers a premium mobility experience. The addition of AMT in the CNG variants further enhances driving convenience, while ventilated front seats, wireless charging and refreshed styling add to its overall appeal."

The Glanza features level 2 Advanced Driver Assistance Systems, a 360-degree camera system, six airbags, ventilated front seating, wireless device charging, a head-up display and a 22.86 cm touchscreen display with connected car telemetry.

Bookings have opened for an initial amount of INR 11,000, with customer deliveries scheduled to begin in the first week of November. The Glanza can be had in seven paint options and comes with a standard 3-year or 100,000-kilometre warranty.

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