Skoda Launches Elroq vRS, Its Fastest Electric SUV

Skoda Elroq vRS

Skoda Auto has unveiled the Elroq vRS, the sportiest variant of its new all-electric compact SUV. The model debuts six months after the Elroq’s world premiere and will make its first public appearance at Milan Design Week 2025 from 8 April to 13 April 2025.

The Elroq vRS features two electric motors delivering 340 PS (250 kW) and all-wheel drive. It accelerates from 0–62 mph in 5.4 seconds, making it the fastest car in Skoda’s lineup. The 84 kWh battery provides a WLTP range of over 340 miles and supports DC fast charging at up to 185 kW, enabling a 10–80 percent charge in 26 minutes.

Johannes Neft, Skoda Auto Board Member for Technical Development, said, “The Elroq vRS combines 340 PS output with a 550 km range. Its DCC adaptive chassis balances sportiness and comfort, while the Modern Solid design language introduces a new aesthetic for vRS models.”

The exterior includes black accents, 21-inch alloy wheels and an illuminated Tech-Deck Face. Standard features include LED Matrix headlights, a sports chassis and progressive steering. Inside, the cabin features Suedia microfibre upholstery, a heated sports steering wheel and a 13-inch infotainment display with vRS-specific graphics.

The Elroq vRS also debuts Skoda’s latest Travel Assist system, integrating adaptive cruise control and swarm data. Remote Park Assist allows smartphone-controlled parking, while Powerpass provides access to over 800,000 European charging points.

Production begins in late 2025, with pricing to be announced closer to launch.

Toyota Kirloskar Motor Launches 9th Gen Hilux In India At INR 3.19 Million

Toyota Hilux

Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM), one of the leading passenger vehicle manufacturers, has launched the ninth-generation Hilux pickup in India, with prices starting from INR 3.19 million (ex-showroom) for 4x2 GX AT variant, INR 3.36 million for the 4x4 GX AT variant and 4x4 VX AT can be had for INR 3.66 million.

The company has started bookings, with customer deliveries scheduled to commence in the second week of August.

The Hilux is powered by a 2.8-litre BS6 Phase 2 diesel engine mated to a six-speed automatic transmission generating 150 kW (204 PS) of power and 500 Nm of torque. For off-road operation, the four-wheel-drive variants feature high (H4) and low (L4) range settings, an electronic differential lock and downhill assist control. The chassis utilises double wishbone suspension at the front, leaf springs at the rear and an 80-litre fuel tank.

Exterior styling incorporates design elements derived from the Cyber Sumo concept, including a wide front grille, LED headlamps with integrated daytime running lights, piano black bumper accents and alloy wheels.

On the inside, it gets a 12.3-inch infotainment display supporting wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a 7-inch instrument cluster display, connected vehicle technology via Toyota i-Connect, an eight-speaker audio system, wireless charging and PM2.5 air filtration.

Safety features include seven SRS airbags, vehicle stability control, anti-lock braking with brake assist, a panoramic view monitor, parking sensors, tyre pressure monitoring and ISOFIX child seat anchorages. The vehicle structure utilises Toyota's Global Outstanding Assessment impact-absorbing body architecture.

Masakazu Yoshimura, Chairman, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Toyota Kirloskar Motor, said, "At Toyota Kirloskar Motor, customer centricity means understanding what customers need today and preparing for what they will aspire for tomorrow. With nearly three decades in India, we continue to grow by listening to our customers, investing for the future, and delivering mobility solutions built on trust, quality and reliability. Guided by our vision of ‘Mobility for All’, we remain committed to creating long-term value and building products that earn customer trust for generations. The all-new Hilux further strengthens this direction, bringing Toyota’s proven durability, capability, and dependability to customers who seek a vehicle that is both powerful and trusted."

Tadashi Asazuma, Deputy Managing Director, Toyota Kirloskar Motor, said, "The all-new Hilux is tougher, smarter and more expressive, a reflection of our commitment to continuously evolve to meet the raising aspirations of our customers. Backed by Toyota’s authentic engineering and legendary durability, the new Hilux combines bold design and powerful performance representing the growing convergence of utility and lifestyle. India is witnessing a significant shift in mobility preferences. Customers are looking for vehicles that go beyond transportation to support diverse lifestyles, professional needs and the pursuit of new experiences. At Toyota, we view this as an opportunity to deliver products like the all-new Hilux that empower customers with greater freedom, confidence and peace of mind."

Sabari Manohar, Executive Vice President – Sales-Service-Used Car Business, Toyota Kirloskar Motor, added, "The exterior and interior of the all-new Hilux is designed under the "Tough & Agile" concept, combining "strength with agility”, emphasizing simplicity that is also powerful. With a 2.8-litre engine, the hallmark 4WD capability, advanced connected technologies like the 12.3-inch infotainment system with i-Connect, and comprehensive safety features including seven airbags and driver assist features, we are confident that all-new Hilux will continue to uphold its unchanged promise of serving generations."

The Hilux is available in six exterior paint options – Super White, Platinum Pearl White, Attitude Black+, Emotional Red, Sulphur Metallic+ and Ash.

Honda Cars India Intros ZR-V e:HEV As CBU At INR 4.79 Million

Honda ZR-V e:HEV

Honda Cars India, one of the leading passenger vehicle manufacturers, has announced the price and start of deliveries for the Honda ZR-V e:HEV at INR 4.79 million (ex-showroom, Delhi).

The ZR-V e:HEV is currently being sold as a Completely Built Unit (CBU) imported from Japan and serves as Honda's flagship SUV in India.

It features a 2.0-litre e:HEV sports hybrid powertrain delivering 184 PS of power and 315 Nm of torque, with a fuel economy of 22.8 kmpl and zero to 100 kmph acceleration in 7.9 seconds.

The ZR-V e:HEV comes with a 9-inch touchscreen, Bose audio system, hands-free power tailgate and Honda SENSING driver assistance technologies.

Kunal Behl, Vice-President, Marketing & Sales, Honda Cars India, said, "Today marks another important milestone in Honda’s journey in India as we commence the deliveries of the all-new Honda ZR-V e:HEV. Positioned as our flagship model in the India line-up, ZR-V embodies Honda’s global advancements in Strong Hybrid technology, design, comfort and safety, offering customers a truly sophisticated and engaging driving experience. The enthusiastic response to the ZR-V pre-bookings, with first two batches for Indian market already booked, has been extremely encouraging. We are deeply grateful to our customers for their trust and enthusiasm and remain committed to delivering an exceptional ownership experience as we start to fulfil these orders and welcome even more customers into the Honda family.”

Maruti Suzuki India Launches New Brezza With Turbo Boosterjet And Expanded Lineup At INR 739,900

Maruti Suzuki Brezza

Maruti Suzuki India, the country’s largest passenger vehicle manufacturer, has launched the new updated Brezza compact SUV with prices starting at INR 739,900.

The new Brezza introduces Turbo Boosterjet engine option, K15C engine variants and S-CNG models featuring an underbody fuel tank configuration.

The Turbo Boosterjet model is powered by a 1-litre engine delivering 81 kW of power and 170 Nm of torque, paired with a new 6-speed manual transmission and Progressive Smart Hybrid Technology.

The K15C powertrain is available with 6-speed manual and automatic transmission options, while the S-CNG variant offers a fuel efficiency of 26.9 km/kg. Safety features include a Bharat NCAP rating focus, 6 airbags, Electronic Stability Program and a 360-degree camera system.

Partho Banerjee, Senior Executive Officer, Marketing & Sales, Maruti Suzuki India, said, “The new Brezza, is an SUV that truly resonates with the aspirations of young India. With the new Brezza Turbo Boosterjet we add a new dimension of driving excitement that matches the energy and vibe of Young India. The new Brezza has been curated to find favour with diverse customer preferences as it switches effortlessly to appeal to the different moods and occasions of customers. It is an SUV that appeals to every side of a customer’s personality, be it at work or play, appealing to various aspects of their lifestyles and enabling them to ‘Lead Every Play’. This is the true hallmark of a great product, one that adapts to customers. I am confident the new Brezza will continue to build on the brand’s legacy as India’s favourite compact SUV.”

Hyundai i20 Surpasses 1.5 Million-Unit Cumulative Sales In India

Hyundai i20 Surpasses 1.5 Million-Unit Cumulative Sales In India

Hyundai Motor India Limited (HMIL) has announced that its premium hatchback, the i20, has crossed the 1.5 million-unit cumulative sales mark in the domestic market since its debut in 2008. The model has been a defining force in the premium hatchback space, consistently raising benchmarks through forward-looking design, technological upgrades and robust safety provisions. Over nearly two decades, the i20 has adapted to changing consumer lifestyles, earning particular favour among young urban professionals and families seeking a sophisticated ownership experience.

The sales figure reflects deep-rooted customer confidence in the Hyundai brand and underscores the manufacturer's ability to anticipate market demands. Through three generational iterations, the i20 has introduced several segment-first features, ranging from connected-car functionalities to safety technologies once absent in this category. This evolutionary approach has ensured the model remains a trendsetter while maintaining a loyal customer base nationwide.

Hyundai has strategically expanded the i20 lineup to cater to varied buyer preferences. The i20 N Line infuses a sportier character, drawing inspiration from global motorsport and targeting drivers who desire heightened performance alongside everyday usability. The i20 Knight Edition offers a distinct aesthetic with its black-themed styling, appealing to those favouring a bolder road presence. These variants collectively address a wide spectrum of tastes while preserving the comfort and technology expected from the brand.

The standard i20 is powered by a 1.2-litre Kappa petrol engine, available with a five-speed manual or an intelligent variable transmission. The i20 N Line features a 1.0-litre turbo GDi petrol unit, paired with a six-speed manual or a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, delivering a noticeably more spirited drive. This dual powertrain strategy caters to both efficiency-minded buyers and driving enthusiasts.

The i20 comes equipped with six airbags as standard, a 26.03-cm HD touchscreen infotainment system with navigation, a voice-enabled smart electric sunroof, wireless charging and smartphone connectivity. Additional highlights include over 60 Bluelink connected services, electronic stability control, hill-start assist, a Bose seven-speaker audio system, a dashcam and a tyre pressure monitoring system. With its stylish design, advanced amenities and strong safety suite, the i20 continues to hold a prominent position in Hyundai Motor India's portfolio and sustains robust demand nationwide.

Sunil Moolchandani, National Sales Head, Hyundai Motor India Limited, said, “The Hyundai i20 has been one of the most iconic products in Hyundai Motor India's portfolio and has consistently represented innovation, aspiration and premiumness. Crossing the milestone of 1.5 million cumulative sales is a testament to the immense trust and loyalty that customers have shown towards the brand over nearly two decades. We thank our customers for making the i20 a preferred choice in the premium hatchback segment and remain committed to delivering products and experiences that exceed expectations.”