Skoda Auto Volkswagen India has become the latest carmaker in the country to have achieved a 5-star Bharat New Car Assessment Program (Bharat NCAP) rating for the Skoda Kylaq SUV. This also makes it the first vehicle by the Group to have been voluntarily assessed and aced the test for both adult and child occupants.

Launched in 2023, by Nitin Gadkari, Minister of Road Transport & Highways (MoRTH), the Bharat NCAP aims to address road traffic fatalities and injuries in the country by improving vehicle safety standards.

The Skoda Kylaq is the brand’s first sub-4 metre SUV especially designed and developed for the Indian market. The Kylaq scored 30.88 points of 32 points in adult occupant protection and 45 points out of 49 points in child occupant protection.

Piyush Arora, Managing Director and CEO, Skoda Auto Volkswagen India, said, “Safety is at the heart of our engineering philosophy, and Skoda Kylaq exemplifies this ethos. I’m proud to mention that Kylaq is our first car to participate and receive full 5-star Bharat NCAP rating for adult and child occupants. The 5-star Bharat NCAP safety rating for Kylaq highlights our continued focus on creating vehicles that combine world-class safety standards, cutting-edge technology and manufacturing excellence. With the growing demand for safer cars, the Bharat NCAP rating empowers consumers to make informed decisions, ensuring protection for self and family. Equipped with the world-class active and passive safety features across variants, Kylaq has set a new benchmark in the segment. This motivates us to raise the bar even higher for future innovations.”

The Kylaq achieved 15.035 out of 16 points in the frontal offset barrier test for adult occupant protection, demonstrating a stable occupant compartment and footwell. In the side-moving deformable barrier test, it scored 15.840 points out of 16 points. For child occupant protection, Kylaq earned the maximum possible 16 points in the frontal offset barrier test and full 8 points in the side-moving deformable barrier test for 1.5 and 3-year-old children. Furthermore, the vehicle secured maximum points in the recommended child seat assessment and 9 out of 13 points in the vehicle-based assessment.

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Tata Motors, one of the leading passenger vehicle manufacturers in the country, has commenced the production of its flagship electric vehicle the Harrier.ev.

Launched on 3 June 2025 at prices starting INR 2.14 million, the Harrier.ev is the company’s most powerful, capable and intelligent SUV. It is available in two drive configurations Quad Wheel Drive and Rear Wheel Drive options.

Delivering supercar-like performance, the Harrier.ev features a dual-motor setup producing 158 PS (116 kW) at the front and 238 PS (175 kW) at the rear, generating a combined torque of 504 Nm. It accelerates from zero to 100 kmph in a segment-best 6.3 seconds.

Powered by a 75 kWh battery, the vehicle can add 250 km of range with just a 15-minute charge. The company claims that the EV is designed for true off-road enthusiasts and comes equipped with a Quad Wheel Drive system and six terrain modes, along with a Transparent Mode that allows drivers to see around and underneath the vehicle.

Inside, the SUV pampers occupants with indulgent technology and luxurious comfort. Highlights include the Ultra Glide Suspension with Frequency Dependent Damping, and the world's first 36.9 cm (14.53-inch) Harman Cinematic Infotainment Screen powered by Samsung Neo QLED technology—the first of its kind in an automotive application.

The customer deliveries for Harrier.ev is set to begin this month.

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Hyundai Motor India (HMIL) has announced a milestone of selling over 1.1 million sunroof-equipped vehicles in India over the last five years.

At present, Hyundai Motor India offers sunroof option in 12 out of its 14 models currently on sale in the country. To ensure cost efficiency, the automaker has localised panoramic sunroof to meet higher number of customer preferences. In 2024 alone, the company’s domestic sales saw 52 percent of vehicles equipped with sunroof, which went up to 54 percent during the H1 of CY2025.

Tarun Garg, Whole-Time Director and Chief Operating Officer, Hyundai Motor India, said, “This milestone is a strong reflection of the modern Indian customer’s aspiration for premium experiences in everyday mobility. At HMIL, we have consistently worked towards democratizing global technologies and high-end features for a broader set of customers. Going forward, we shall continue with our commitment to shape the future of mobility, by blending cutting-edge technology and innovation and future-ready product offerings.”

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Mumbai-headquartered automotive major Mahindra & Mahindra will start deliveries of Pack Two for its Be 6 and XEV 9e electric SUVs by end-July with prices starting INR 2.19 million.  

The BE 6 and XEV 9e e-SUVs with Pack Two feature a 79 kWh battery option alongside the existing 59 kWh variant, which is claimed to offer a range of 500km and 400km respectively.

The e-SUV features a 16-speaker Harman Kardon sound system with Dolby Atmos, a full glass roof, Level 2 advanced driver assistance systems (Level 2 ADAS), a triple-screen wide cinemascope in XEV 9e and a race-ready Digital Cockpit in BE 6.

In addition, the BE 6 Pack Two comes with premium sage leatherette interiors from Pack Three, complemented by an elegant ivory roof finish to further enhance the cabin’s spacious and sophisticated feel.

Customers who had booked the e-SUVs and are waiting for deliveries will now have an option to upgrade their bookings for Pack Two featuring the 79 kWh battery.

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European automotive brand Renault India has inaugurated two new’R stores in Indore and Sagar, Madhra Pradesh as part of its new retail identity.

The initiative is part of Renault India’s brand experience and transformation strategy to align with evolving customer expectations, blending design innovation, digital integration and customer-first service.

Francisco Hidalgo, Vice-President Sales & Marketing- Renault India said, "Madhya Pradesh has been a priority market for us with the kind of reception our vehicles have received in the state. The opening of new’R stores in Indore and Sagar is an important step forward in scaling up our business expansion as per the renault. rethink. strategy, which puts focus on building positive customer experiences that showcase Renault’s global brand values while catering to local aspirations. With Madhya Pradesh now on our new’R store map, we are one step closer to creating a future-ready retail ecosystem across India. As we continue to expand our footprint, we intend to elevate the customer experience and set new benchmarks in automotive retail. Soon, we plan to unveil 2 more new’R store in India."

The new outlet will deliver Renault's New Visual Identity (NVI), featuring a sleek black façade and an updated logo designed in line with global standards making the urban car dealership more inviting and futuristic. The showroom places vehicles at the centre of the space that provides ample room for cars, allowing visitors to move freely and explore each model from various angles.

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