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.”

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Mumbai-headquartered automotive major Mahindra & Mahindra has introduced the XUV 7XO, its newest SUV, with prices beginning at INR 1.36 million (ex-showroom). The vehicle builds upon the XUV 700, which has reached 300,000 customers since 2021. Deliveries for the AX7, AX7T, and AX7L variants are scheduled to start on 14 January 2026, followed by the AX, AX3, and AX5 variants in April 2026.

The XUV 7XO features a 31.24 cm Triple HD screen system and Adrenox+ technology powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon SA8155P chipset. It is the first internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicle in India to utilise the advanced processor. The SUV also debuts DAVINCI damping technology, a valve-based suspension system designed for ride stability.

Key Technical Features:

• Engine Options: 2-litre mStallion TGDi petrol and 2.2-litre mHawk turbo-diesel.
• Audio: 16-speaker Harman Kardon system with Dolby Vision and Atmos.
• Safety: 75 standard features and Level 2 ADAS with dynamic visualisation.
• Camera: 540-degree coverage with digital video recording.
• Exterior: Full-width grille with talon accents, Bi-LED projector headlamps and R19 alloy wheels.

The introductory prices apply to the first 40,000 customer deliveries. Customers can opt for automatic transmission for an additional INR 145,000 and All-Wheel Drive (AWD) feature in diesel variants for INR 245,000.

R Velusamy, President, Automotive Business, Mahindra & Mahindra, said, “XUV 7XO is our next step in delivering a truly premium, technology-forward SUV —smoother in ride, sharper in response and smarter in experience. We are introducing DAVINCI suspension system — our new valve-based damping technology — for the first time worldwide, delivering a distinctly more plush and settled ride. ADRENOX+, powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon SA8155P, marks the first introduction of this chipset in an ICE vehicle in India, enabling exceptional computing speed and responsiveness. Inside, a 16-speaker Harman Kardon system, engineered for exceptional spectral balance, is paired with Dolby Atmos and Dolby Vision — introduced for the first time in India. Backed by mStallion/mHawk powertrains and upgraded ADAS, the XUV 7XO offers a drive that feels confident, refined and engaging.”

Pratap Bose, Chief Design & Creative Officer, Mahindra & Mahindra, said,  “We wanted the XUV 7XO to feel instantly recognisable, iconic yet unmistakably new. Its exterior design exudes the trademark Mahindra authentic-SUV character of athletic presence and sophisticated refinement, with an imposing all-new grille featuring a piano black finish and jewel like talon accents, as well as Bi-LED projector headlamps with DRLs. The cabin feels immersive and serene, pairing plush, premium finishes with a futuristic coast-to-coast display and an audio-visual experience that cocoons occupants in luxury. To put it simply, the XUV 7XO has been designed to reshape aspirations and set new standards for sophistication, safety, performance and capability. It takes the SUV experience and raises it to the power of X.”

Nalinikanth Gollagunta, CEO, Automotive Division, Mahindra & Mahindra,  added, “The XUV700 created a new benchmark for India’s SUV market and its momentum has not slowed since. With the XUV 7XO, we are taking that benchmark to new heights. The segment is evolving fast, expectations are rising and India’s appetite for advanced, high-performance SUVs has never been stronger. The XUV 7XO reflects our commitment to stay ahead of the curve by delivering a product that sets new standards in design, technology and capability. In short, the XUV 7XO is built to be a trendsetter for the future of SUVs and will further solidify our position as a leader in the SUV segment.”

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Hyundai Motor India has introduced a new HX5+ variant for its recently launched all-new Hyundai Venue compact SUV at INR 999,900 (ex-showroom).

Equipped with the Kappa 1.2-litre petrol engine – MT, the HX5+ variant gets roof rails, Quad Beam LED Headlamps, rear window sunshade, smartphone wireless charger, driver console armrest with storage, rear wiper & washer and driver power window with auto up-down & safety. It also gets driver seat height adjustment.

Tarun Garg, Managing Director & CEO, Hyundai Motor India, said, “The all-new Hyundai Venue has witnessed an overwhelming response from customers, with more than 50,000 bookings already received. The introduction of the new HX5+ variant enhances all-new Venue’s value proposition with added comfort and convenience features that align with evolving customer expectations.”

“HMIL continues to stand for trust, quality and long-term value, delivering products that resonate with the aspirations of millions across our country. We are deeply committed to India and Indian customers and the introduction of the Hyundai Venue HX 5+ variant marks another milestone in our journey to delight customers with products that truly reflect their aspirations,” he said.

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Kia India, one of the leading passenger vehicle manufacturers, has announced the prices for its popular SUV the all-new Kia Seltos, starting at INR 1.09 million (ex-showroom).

In its second generation, the Seltos is manufactured at the company’s Anantapur facility and is intended to compete in the mid-SUV segment through a range of updates to its dimensions, technology and safety features.

The vehicle is built on Kia’s K3 platform, which is making its debut in India. The SUV has a length of 4,460 mm, a width of 1,830 mm and a wheelbase of 2,690 mm. Exterior features include a digital grille design, automatic door handles and LED projection headlamps. The model is available in 10 monotone colours and features alloy wheels up to 18 inches.

Inside, the cabin features a 30-inch display panel and a leatherette-wrapped steering wheel. Technical specifications include a Bose 8-speaker audio system, wireless smartphone integration and a proximity unlock function. Comfort is managed through a 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat with memory settings, ventilated front seats, and a dual-pane sunroof.

Safety systems consist of a standard pack of 24 features, including six airbags, an anti-lock brake system and hill-start assist. The vehicle also incorporates Level-2 Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) with 21 autonomous functions. The powertrain options include 1.5-litre petrol, 1.5-litre turbo petrol and 1.5-litre diesel engines. These are paired with six transmission options, including manual, iMT, IVT, DCT and automatic gearboxes.

Gwanggu Lee, Managing Director & CEO, Kia India, said, “The all-new Kia Seltos marks a strong evolution of a nameplate that has shaped Kia’s journey in India. With this new generation, our intent is clear – to redefine the mid-SUV segment by raising standards across space, safety, technology and overall ownership experience, while delivering exceptional value to our customers. This strategic approach strengthens our competitiveness, reinforces customer confidence in the brand, and positions Kia strongly to regain momentum and market share in one of India’s most important SUV segments. True to its BADASS legacy, the all-new Seltos reflects our long-term commitment to offering well-balanced, future-ready SUVs designed for modern Indian families.”

Ownership support includes service bookings via the MyKia app and extended warranty options for up to seven years. At present, Kia has established a network of 821 touchpoints across 369 cities in India.

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Honda Cars India (HCIL) has announced its domestic wholesales of 5,807 units in December 2025, which was 3.6 percent YoY, as compared to 5,603 units sold last year.

Furthermore, the company exported 2,352 units last month, as compared to 3,857 units a year ago.

Kunal Behl, Vice-President, Marketing & Sales, Honda Cars India, said, “We closed December with good sales growth, carrying forward the positive momentum achieved since GST 2.0 implementation. Demand remained robust across all models Honda Amaze, City and Elevate, with each contributing strongly to overall performance. The new year 2026 is expected to unlock new opportunities, with multiple product launches scheduled during the year.”

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