Skoda Kodiaq SUV Launched At INR 4.68 Million In India

Petr Janeba with Skoda Kodiaq

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.”

Skoda’s New 7-Seater Flagship EV Christened Peaq

Skoda Peaq

Czech automaker Skoda Auto has announced that its upcoming all-electric seven-seater flagship model will be named the Peaq.

The vehicle represents the series production version of the Vision 7S concept first introduced in 2022. The name is intended to signify the model’s position at the summit of the Czech manufacturer's vehicle portfolio.

The Peaq incorporates the brand’s Modern Solid design language, which focuses on sustainability and functional aesthetics. Engineered for families and travel, the interior features seven seats and focuses on space and practicality. The model integrates the company's ‘Simply Clever’ solutions and marks an expansion of the Skoda electric vehicle range.

The development of the Peaq follows the brand's shift toward a refined product identity. By bringing the Vision 7S concept into production, Skoda aims to provide a vehicle that balances work and leisure requirements. The flagship is designed to meet user-friendliness standards while utilising the company's latest electric platform technology.

Martin Jahn, Skoda Auto Board Member for Sales and Marketing, said, “With the Vision 7S, we entered new territory for Skoda, with a clear idea of how to elevate the brand. Since then, we have introduced a new design language and further refined our product identity. Now we are bringing this innovative vehicle concept to life. Our new flagship model takes our brand values of spaciousness and practicality to a whole new level. As of today, our bold vision for Skoda’s electric future has a name: Peaq - a clear statement of where this model belongs in our portfolio.”

The world premiere of the Skoda Peaq is scheduled for summer 2026. This launch will follow four years of development since the initial debut of the design direction.

Honda To Adopt Refreshed Logo For Automobile Operations

Honda Motor Co

Honda Motor Co, has announced the adoption of a redesigned H mark as the symbol for its automobile business. The logo has represented Honda vehicles since 1963 and has undergone several modifications to reflect the company’s evolution.

The redesign coincides with the development of next-generation electric vehicles, including the Honda 0 Series. The company states that the design expression, resembling two outstretched hands, signifies its commitment to expanding mobility possibilities and meeting customer needs. The logo will be applied to electric and hybrid-electric models introduced from 2027.

Beyond vehicle badges, Honda will implement the mark across all automobile touchpoints. This includes dealership signage, communication materials, and motorsports activities. The transition marks what the company describes as its ‘second founding’ during the shift towards electrification and intelligent technologies.

By adopting this symbol, the manufacturer aims to lead the transformation of the automotive market. The move follows the strategy of utilising technology and ideas to move beyond conventional practices in vehicle production and branding.

Skoda Auto Volkswagen India Sells 117,000 Units In CY2025

Skoda Auto Volkswagen India

Skoda Auto Volkswagen India (SAVWIPL) concluded 2025 with its highest-ever domestic sales of 117,000 units, a record to date. This represents a 36 percent YoY volume growth, while cumulative sales, including exports, reached 159,500 units. During the year, the Group surpassed the milestone of producing 2 million vehicles in India.

The MQB-A0-IN platform, developed for the Indian market, serves as the foundation for all locally manufactured Skoda and Volkswagen models. The company also expanded its international operations, with cumulative exports exceeding 715,000 units. New markets in the GCC and ASEAN regions were entered as part of the Group’s strategy to establish India as a global production base.

Volkswagen maintained its position in the sedan category with the Virtus holding a 38 percent segment share, while the Golf GTI sold out shortly after its introduction. Skoda reported 107 percent growth albeit a low year ago base, supported by demand for the Kylaq and the return of the Octavia RS. To support the demand, the Group has increased its network to 700 touchpoints across its brands.

In the luxury and performance segments, Audi introduced the Q7 Signature Edition and the RSQ8 Performance. Lamborghini launched the Temerario and the Revuelto, while Porsche expanded to 13 points of sale. Bentley joined SAVWIPL as the sixth brand, opening dealerships in Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Delhi.

Piyush Arora, Managing Director & CEO, Skoda Auto Volkswagen India, said, “2025 has been a year of purposeful and broad-based progress for us. What stands out is that our performance is rooted in consistent execution and long-term road map for India. The strength of our Make-in-India strategy – supported by deeper localisation, scale and a robust product pipeline – is visible across manufacturing, sales and exports. As we move into 2026, our priorities remain clear: expand our portfolio and widen our network in line with customer needs, while strengthening India’s role as a high-quality global manufacturing hub. The momentum of this year reinforces our belief that India will be an even larger contributor to the Group’s global growth journey.”

Tata Motors Launches New Tata Punch Starting At INR 559,000

Tata Punch SUV

Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles (TMPV) launched the new Tata Punch subcompact SUV at prices starting INR 559,000 (ex-showroom, New Delhi) for the petrol MT Smart variant.

First introduced in 2021, the Punch SUV has been amongst the top-selling vehicles in the country, and currently is the best-seller for Tata Motors. In fact, the Punch SUV sales have crossed the 700,000-unit mark in just 4 years, which makes it amongst the fastest-selling models in the country.

The Punch SUV now features two new powertrain options: a 1.2-litre Turbocharged iTurbo Revotron engine provides a high power-to-weight ratio and a twin-cylinder iCNG technology paired with an AMT gearbox, a combination designed to balance efficiency with driver convenience.

The exterior of the new Punch includes an upright stance with a 3D front grille, LED headlamps and connected LED tail lamps. The cabin has been updated with a dashboard featuring ambient lighting, a 26.03 cm HD infotainment system, and a digital steering wheel.

For occupant comfort, the SUV includes seats with extended thigh support and a flat rear floor to increase legroom. Technical additions include a 65-Watt Type-C USB charger, rain-sensing wipers and a 360-degree HD surround view system.

The new Punch is built on the Alfa-Arc architecture using high-strength steel and includes over 95 safety features. Standard equipment across all variants includes six airbags, Electronic Stability Program (ESP) and 3-point ELR seatbelts for all passengers. The vehicle holds a 5-star B-NCAP rating and includes hill hold and hill descent control for varied terrains.

The new Punch is offered in several personas including Smart, Pure, Adventure, and Accomplished.

Persona

Petrol MT

Petrol AMT

iCNG MT

iCNG AMT

iTurbo MT

Smart

559,000

-

669,000

-

-

Pure

649,000

-

749,000

-

-

Adventure

759,000

814,000

859,000

914,000

829,000

Accomplished + S

899,000

954,000

-

1,054,000

979,000

(Prices in INR, ex-showroom New Delhi)

Shailesh Chandra, MD & CEO, Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles, said, “The Punch has always been a reflection of India’s evolving ambitions, democratising the SUV experience with a feature-rich package that earned it a place among India’s best-selling SUVs. The Punch gave India the freedom to explore long, stress-free, inter-city drives with its commanding position and confidence behind the wheel. Today, we have taken this experience to the next level. With the new Punch, we’ve redefined what an SUV in this segment can be – shaped by customer insights and engineered with new age technology at its core. It’s faster, smarter and safer, complemented by a bold, muscular stance with the confidence to truly Command Max."