Skoda Kodiaq SUV Launched At INR 4.68 Million In India
- By MT Bureau
- April 17, 2025
Czech automaker Skoda Auto India, which completes its silver jubilee in India, has launched its all-new Kodiaq premium SUV at prices starting INR 4.68 million.
Powered by a 2.0 TSI engine, the Kodiaq produces 150kW and 320Nm of torque, which is distributed to both axles through a seven-speed dual-clutch DSG automatic. Based on the MQB37 platform, the Kodiaq SUV is available in the Sportline and Selection L&K in seven-seat configurations. The company shared that the SUV is being assembled in India at the brand’s facility in Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar. The Kodiaq comes with a claimed fuel efficiency of 14.86 kmpl by ARAI.
The all-new Skoda Kodiaq grows 59mm longer than its predecessor, now measuring 4,758mm in length, 1,864mm in width and 1,679mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2,791mm. Its ground clearance increases to 155mm when fully laden. It continues to retain its three-row layout yet manages to offer 281 litres of cargo space with all seats upright, 786 litres with the third row folded, and 1,976 litres with both rear rows stowed. Externally, the SUV boasts a bold redesign, featuring LED Beam Crystallinium headlamps with a Welcome Effect and a front grille integrated with a horizontal light strip.
A red strip connecting the tail lamps accentuates its width, and six exterior colour options are available, including Moon White and Velvet Red, with exclusive Bronx Gold for the L&K and Steel Grey for the Sportline.
On the inside, the Kodiaq elevates luxury with two distinct themes: a sporty all-black interior for the Sportline and premium Cognac leather upholstery for the L&K trim. A 32.77-cm infotainment system and Smart Dials with tactile controls streamline access to HVAC, audio and drive modes. Ergonomic upgrades include a steering wheel-mounted gear selector and a rear tablet holder. The Ergo front seats feature advanced pneumatic massage, while an acoustic package and noise-reducing windows ensure a tranquil cabin.
The Kodiaq is equipped with nine airbags, complemented by a sliding panoramic sunroof and a 725W Canton sound system with 13 speakers.
Skoda Auto India is also offering a standard warranty of five-year/125,000km (whichever earlier), along with a 10-year complimentary Road-Side Assistance on offer.
Petr Janeba, Brand Director, Skoda Auto India, said, “In March, we recorded our biggest ever monthly sales in India, driven by the Kylaq launch, and supported by the Kushaq and Slavia. This is one of many new records we aim to set this year. In line with our product offensive strategy, the launch of the all-new Kodiaq showcases the other end of our product spectrum with Škoda’s luxury and technology prowess. The Kodiaq has now grown to be an important legacy name for us like the Octavia and Superb. The Kodiaq offers the ultimate luxury and handling for city roads and also packs in versatile all-terrain capabilities.”
Toyota Motor Corporation To Build New Plant In Aurangabad, Production To Begin In H1 2029
- By MT Bureau
- May 11, 2026
Toyota Motor Corporation (Toyota) announces plans to build a new Toyota Kirloskar Motor plant in the Bidkin Industrial Area, Aurangabad, in Maharashtra.
The plant will have a production capacity of 100,000 units per year and will employ approximately 2,800 people. It is set to produce Toyota Motor Corporation’s new SUV with the facility capable of stamping, welding, painting and assembly processes.
Toyota Kirloskar Motor’s new plant is planned to start production in the first half of 2029 and is aimed at strengthening Toyota's business foundation in the Indian market with production plans for both domestic and export markets.
At present, Toyota Kirloskar Motor has a manufacturing facility in Bidadi, Karnataka, where it has a capacity to produce around 320,000 units per annum.
Toyota Motor Corporation states it will continue strengthening its production structure to enable a flexible response to future demand growth and market changes in India and surrounding regions, and to deliver products in a timely manner that customers choose.
Opel Announces All-Electric C-SUV Development With Leapmotor
- By MT Bureau
- May 11, 2026
European automotive brand Opel has unveiled plans for a new, all-electric C-segment SUV as part of a strategic collaboration between Stellantis and Leapmotor. The vehicle is designed to expand Opel’s existing SUV line-up, which includes the Grandland, Frontera and Mokka.
The project aims to reduce development time to less than two years by utilising Leapmotor’s electric architecture and battery technology. The SUV will be designed in Russelsheim, Germany, with engineering handled by international teams in both Germany and China. Opel will integrate its own chassis engineering, seating technology and signature design into the platform.
Production is currently being evaluated for the Stellantis plant in Zaragoza, Spain, where it would be manufactured alongside the Opel Corsa. The sales of the new model are expected to commence in 2028.
Florian Huettl, CEO, Opel, said, “The SUV would be is designed and created by us at Opel in Russelsheim and developed by international teams located in Germany and China. The partnership with Leapmotor should enable a development time of less than two years. With this, Opel is planning a further important step in the development of state-of-the-art and accessible electric vehicles for our customers."
Xavier Chereau, Chairman of the Opel supervisory board and Stellantis Chief Human Resources & Sustainability Officer, added, “With this project, Opel would bring together German engineering excellence with global technological innovation speed. This innovative spirit defines the next chapter of our global collaboration with Leapmotor and Opel is taking on a pioneering role with this project."
The project is currently in the feasibility and pre-development stage, with definitive agreements and customary approvals pending. The announcement comes shortly before Stellantis' Investor Day 2026.
Skoda Auto India Expands Network With New Hyderabad Facility
- By MT Bureau
- May 09, 2026
Skoda Auto India has inaugurated a new sales facility in Raidurgam, Hyderabad, in partnership with Mody India Cars. The move strengthens the brand’s presence in Telangana, a key market for its growth strategy in India.
The new facility covers 3,200 sqft and is designed according to Skoda’s global ‘Modern Solid’ design philosophy, with space to display four vehicles. With this addition, Skoda now operates 15 customer touchpoints in the twin cities of Hyderabad and Secunderabad and a total of 19 touchpoints across Telangana, including Karimnagar, Nizamabad and Warangal.
With this, Skoda’s network has now expanded to over 330 touchpoints across 182 cities, up from 120 outlets in 2021. This growth follows a record-breaking Q1 2026, where the company sold 20,028 units, a 17 percent increase YoY, driven largely by the success of the Kylaq sub-compact SUV.
Ashish Gupta, Brand Director, Skoda Auto India, said, “With the inauguration of this new sales facility in Hyderabad, we continue to strengthen Skoda Auto India’s presence across Telangana. This city is a key market for us, and with over 15 Customer Touchpoints now operational, we are bringing our complete product range closer to customers while ensuring they experience the highest standards of service and care. Telangana remains a vital pillar of our growth in India, and with the Kylaq, new Kushaq, Kodiaq and Slavia, we are confident of growing the Skoda brand in this important market.”
Nihar Mody, Dealer Principal, Mody India Cars, said, “We are delighted to partner with Skoda Auto India and bring the brand’s premium experience closer to customers in Hyderabad. This new facility is designed to deliver a premium customer experience, from display to delivery. Our commitment is to provide the customers of this city with the very best of Skoda Auto’s product range and ownership journey.”
The expansion aligns with the company's ‘Skoda Super Care’ initiative, which provides a standard 4-year warranty and roadside assistance to enhance the long-term ownership experience.
Tata Motors Launches Nexon Pure+ PS With Panoramic Sunroof At INR 959,000
- By MT Bureau
- May 09, 2026
Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles (TMPV) has expanded its popular compact SUV offering the Nexon with the Pure+ PS variant at INR 959,000 (ex-showroom, Delhi). This introduction makes the Nexon the first vehicle in India to offer a panoramic sunroof at a price point below INR 1 million. The launch coincides with the milestone of one million Nexon units on Indian roads.
The Pure+ PS variant is available across multiple powertrain options, including a 1.2-litre turbocharged petrol engine, Twin Cylinder iCNG and a diesel engine, with both manual (MT) and automated manual (AMT) transmissions. The Nexon remains the only SUV in India to offer petrol, diesel, CNG and electric powertrains.
The tech-loaded Nexon Pure+ PS variant gets a voice-assisted panoramic sunroof, a 26.03-cm Harman infotainment system with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. It features a 6-speaker sound system and HD rear-view camera, auto LED headlamps & rain-sensing wipers, and cruise control and electric ORVMs with auto-fold functionality
Vivek Srivatsa, Chief Commercial Officer, Tata Passenger Electric Mobility, said, “As India’s #1 selling car in H2FY26 and India’s #1 SUV in FY26, the Nexon continues to remain as the preferred choice for customers across the country. With a 1 million+ strong family, Nexon has always stood for offering a superior all round package to its buyers at every price point. The introduction of the Pure+ PS variant with India’s first panoramic sunroof under INR 1 million further strengthens its proposition.”
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