The Fortuner has been a significant player in the segment with over 53 percent share. The company officials hope that the new avatar of Fortuner and the new Legender will help build upon its strengths and further improve the company’s market share in this segment. But Naveen Soni, Senior Vice President, TKM, puts it differently. He says the company has always been trying to go beyond the customer’s expectations and get more and more customers through that process.

Yoshiki Konishi, Chief Engineer, Toyota Motor Corporation, is confident that both the models will enthral customers and help the company get good numbers. “The new Fortuner is born out of our understanding of customer feedback. The idea was to enhance the toughness of the vehicle and give it a powerful presence and distinctiveness like no other.”

Konishi said, there were several inputs received from India for the development of the Legender and many of them incorporated in these vehicles. He said he visited India number of times and the two words he assimilated deeper were sophistication and exclusivity. Taking a cue from the vehicles’ design and development journey, he said these inputs made the team introduce new LED headlamps and created a futuristic image. “We also introduced kick-sensor and wireless smartphone charger. These features are good for the customer,” he said.

The grill has been enlarged, and the bumper’s side has been sculpted in the pontoon shape. These changes heighten the commanding identity of the new Fortuner. The sleek and the stylish design of the headlamp, the rear combination lamp and the alloy wheels give it a luxurious look. The addition of the skid-plate has amplified its tough looks. The new Split Rear Combi-Lamps give it a unique night time look that is hard to miss.

LED headlamps of the new Fortuner have a distinctive sharp design line guide added to give a unique signature to the vehicle along with crystal clear vision. Additionally, the dual-functional DRLs add to the style quotient and magnetic attention. The split rear combi lamps give it unique nighttime, that’s hard to miss. The multi-spoke alloy wheels, along with chrome metallic finish create a premium and robust presence.

“Our enhancements were more than just skin deep; we have also upgraded the engine by introducing a new heavy-duty Turbo, designed for powerful performance, and improved frictional efficiency. As a result, the Fortuner automatic now puts out 500Nm of torque, making it the best in the segment,” Konishi said.

The Fortuner is designed for leisure traveller and a lifestyle seeker. To suit his demanding tastes, the vehicle comes with several connected features. The 11-speaker premium JBL audio system with subwoofer will further enhance the drive experience with an epic acoustic output. The suction based seat ventilation system (front row) helps keep the driver and co-passenger comfortable. Instead of blower used in the conventional method, the pores in the seats suck the air from the cabin, thereby taking away the heat, making it well-suited for long journeys.

For added driving comfort and convenience, the new Fortuner comes with Auto Limited Slip Differential (Auto- LSD) that enables maximum power without breaking traction, Variable Flow Control (VFC) Power Steering that allows customers to dynamically change steering dynamics with drive modes [Eco, Normal, Sport] and Front Clearance Sonar to safely navigate when parking in tight spaces.

The 4X4 (AT and MT) variants enhance their off-road credentials with a Lockable Differential as an additional feature to ensure a firm footing when navigating in extreme terrains. In addition, it also has Downhill Assist Control, Active Traction Control (A-TRC), Auto Limited Slip Differential and Electronic Drive Control.

The new Fortuner will be available in existing colours of Phantom Brown, Super White, Attitude Black, Avant-Garde Bronze, Grey Metallic, Silver Metallic, Pearl White Crystal Shine and a new colour of Sparkling Black Crystal Shine.

TKM also unveiled the Legender with diesel powertrain and available only in Pearl White with Black roof (Dual-tone) colour. An essential addition to the new Fortuner & Legender is connected technology that enables features like Geo-fencing, Real-time tracking, last parked location for peace of mind. The infotainment system also comes with Android Auto/Apple Carplay connectivity to provide more convenience.

Powertrain

As the SUV fans also look for performance, the company has made significant changes to the powertrain by introducing a new heavy-duty turbo engine and improving frictional efficiency. These initiatives resulted in delivering torque that is best in the segment. The new Fortuner is available in 2.8 L diesel engine with 6-speed automatic and 6-speed manual transmission with Intelligent Manual Transmission options and 2.7 L petrol engine in 6-speed automatic and 5-speed manual transmission. The Fortuner Automatic Transmission variants provide 500 Nm torque and 204 PS of power while Manual Transmission variants generate 204 PS of power and 420 Nm torque.

The performance upgrades are on the engine and on drivability by incorporating variable flow control to the power steering. It gives twin benefits; it makes the steering lighter at low speed in city traffic condition while it becomes heavier at a higher speed while cruising on the highway. Also, the steering dynamics now change with the drive modes such as Eco / Normal / Sport enabling to adapt according to the chosen drive mode intelligently. As the Fortuner has been the go-anywhere SUV and favourite amongst off-road fans, the 4X4 capability of the new model is now enhanced with the lockable differential which allows it to go over various extreme terrains and ensure a firm footing.

Legenders

With its philosophy to cater to customers’ expectations, the company has introduced Legender crafted for India. “For the Legender, we have brought in a sense of exclusivity in the design language and style. The bold proportions and advanced features make it look cooler and modernised, giving it a true premium stance and outlook. We are confident customers will appreciate the tweaks we have introduced specifically for the Indian market,” Konishi added.

The bold proportions result from initiatives that the company has taken to demonstrate clear differentiation, making the SUV cooler and futuristic. The sharp nose creates a robust forward movement which emphasises a sleek and cool upper body. The shape is modernised by the large pontoon style fog lamps and other style elements. The split quad LEDs with a waterfall led line guide signature that helps turn the darkest of nights filled with brightness. The Legenders comes with a black roof that lends an exclusive two-tone look.

Masakazu Yoshimura, Managing Director, TKM said, “For more than a decade, the Fortuner has proven itself to be the most dependable SUV becoming the top-most choice for customers across every corner of the country. The Fortuner witnessed demand despite the effects of the pandemic on the economy. I am confident the new Fortuner and exclusive new Legender with their bold styling, advanced features and rugged frame structure will offer value, versatility and superiority attracting many existing customers to upgrade while bringing in a new set of customers to the Toyota family”. (MT)

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AU Small Finance Bank has partnered with Maruti Suzuki India, the country’s largest passenger vehicle manufacturer, to introduce 'Suhana Safar', a scheme that links Recurring Deposits (RD) to auto loans. The initiative is aimed at first-time car buyers and applies to the Alto K10, S-Presso, Celerio and WagonR models.

Under the programme, customers open an RD account with AU Small Finance Bank and deposit a monthly amount equivalent to the future car EMI for 3 to 6 months. Upon maturity, the accumulated funds, which have earned interest, are used as the down payment for the vehicle, after which the bank provides the auto loan.

The scheme allows customers to save and earn interest while demonstrating repayment capacity before committing to a loan. The bank also uses this process to evaluate creditworthiness.

AU Small Finance Bank offers RD interest rates of 4.75 percent to 7.40 percent per annum for the general public, and 5.25 percent to 7.90 percent per annum for senior citizens.

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Czech automaker Skoda Auto India has introduced the new Kodiaq RS, the first SUV to carry the performance-focused RS badge in the Indian market at INR 6.69 million (ex-showroom).

The company limited the initial release to 50 units, which were sold out within six minutes of launch. This release aligns with the 50th anniversary of the RS badge and the 125th year of the brand’s motorsport history.

Ashish Gupta, Brand Director, Skoda Auto India, said, “The RS badge represents an iconic performance legacy. Bringing it to our flagship 4x4, all-terrain, 7-seater SUV combines luxury, capability and motorsport DNA in one offering. The overwhelming response, with all units sold out in minutes, reflects the strong enthusiasm among customers.”

The Kodiaq RS features a 2.0-litre TSI engine producing 195 kW (265 PS) and 400 Nm of torque, paired with a 7-speed DSG transmission and all-wheel drive. The vehicle accelerates from zero to 100 kmph in 6.3 seconds, with a top speed of 231 kmph.

The vehicle is equipped with progressive steering and the latest-generation Dynamic Chassis Control (DCC) Plus, which allows drivers to adjust damping characteristics. The Driving Mode Select offers multiple settings, including Eco, Comfort, Normal, Sport, Individual, Snow and a dedicated Off-Road mode.

The exterior includes black accents on the grille frame, mirrors, window frames, roof rails, and the D-pillar. The front features a bumper with black elements and a horizontal light strip in the grille. The rear includes a full-width reflector, blacked-out lettering, and stainless-steel exhaust tips. The SUV is fitted with 20-inch Elias alloy wheels and is available in Moon White, Magic Black, Velvet Red and Steel Grey.

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Honda Cars India (HCIL), a leading passenger vehicle manufacturer, has announced wholesales of 8,788 units in June 2026.

In the domestic market, the company sold 5,243 units and 3,545 units for export, which marks 71.5 percent YoY, when the company sold 4,618 units domestically and exported 506 units.

Kunal Behl, Vice-President, Marketing & Sales, Honda Cars India, said, "The launch of new City and India Premiere of global SUV Honda ZR-V has generated strong momentum for our overall sales including Amaze and Elevate during June, driven by healthy customer demand and a positive market response. With Monsoon conditions expected to improve during July, we hope to sustain this positive momentum in the months ahead.

“The deliveries of ZR-V are also scheduled to begin from July. It will draw discerning new customers and prospects into Honda showrooms, enhancing our premium brand appeal and unlocking new growth opportunities,” he added.

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French automotive company Renault India has recorded 4,063 domestic wholesale units in June 2026, a 55 percent YoY increase compared to the previous year. This also marks the 10^th consecutive month of double-digit growth for the company.

Interestingly, for H1 CY2026, the company reported sales of 25,844 units, representing 61 percent YoY growth.

During June, Renault India began exports of the Duster, dispatching 750 units to South Africa. The company stated that this performance reflects customer response to its product strategy and demand across its portfolio.

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