SUVs continue their dominant streak as the vehicle of choice across demographics. They have come to account for a 43 percent year-on-year traffic increase across all sub-segments, according to a statement by CarDekho.com.  
Released with an eye on the festive season of 2024, the statement takes a look at the pre-festive season traffic trends across various sub-segments of the four-wheel passenger vehicle industry during the period April-September. 
With SUVs dominating, the statement reads that 58 models are available in the respective segment. Stating that more models are scheduled to be launched in FY2024-25, it underlines the broad range of fuel and engine type combinations, catering to diverse consumer needs and providing tailored options to suit varying preferences.
In the April-September 2024 period, the mass SUV segment led the growth in the automotive market, registering a strong 43 percent year-over-year (YoY) increase in traffic. Its contribution to overall traffic on the platform rose from 50 percent to 63 percent, making it the most dominant body type. 
While all SUV sub-segments displayed significant growth, the compact SUVs (sub-four-metre) sub-segment led the charge in the SUV segment with 37 percent year-on-year growth, increasing their traffic contribution from 32 percent to 38 percent. 
Interesting is the rise in prices of hatchbacks in the Indian market with their average selling price getting close to the average selling price of SUVs. 
This is said to be one of the factors that is leading to a switch to SUVs. With executive SUVs witnessing the highest growth within the SUV category at 47 percent year-on-year increase (their share is rising from 15 percent to 19 percent respectively), the demand for SUVs is expected to rise steadily over the short and mid-term as existing as well as new infrastructure quality continues to be a matter of concern. The quality of infrastructure looks inversely proportional to the rise in toll tax ironically across highways and city roads. 
The midsize SUV sub-segment also performed well with a 31 percent year-on-year increase, as per the CarDekho.com statement.

Mass hatchback segment
In the mass hatchback segment, traffic grew by 28 percent year-on-year, driven largely by premium hatchbacks that make up 86 percent of the total traffic in the respective category. 
Premium hatchbacks experienced a 31 percent year-on-year growth, while mini hatchbacks grew by 20 percent. The micro hatchbacks saw a 22 percent decline in traffic (this includes cars like the Marut Alto).
With a shift in consumer interest away from smaller, ultra-compact vehicles evident, it is the SUVs that seem to benefit from rather than sedans. 
The sedans showed the lowest growth among all body types with an 18 percent year-on-year increase, maintaining a consistent 15 percent share of overall traffic. Despite this, the premium sedan segment saw a significant 65 percent year-on-year growth even though it is driven by just one model. The sub-segment’s contribution remains at only one percent of total site traffic.
“The continued growth of the SUV segment reflects a strong and evolving consumer preference within the automotive industry. SUVs have become the vehicle of choice for a wide range of buyers due to their versatility, enhanced driving comfort, and ability to meet the diverse needs of Indian consumers. Compact SUVs, in particular, have gained significant traction, offering the perfect combination of practicality and performance. As we see this segment expand, it's driving healthy competition, promoting innovation, and ultimately offering a wider range of choices to the Indian consumer. This surge signals a maturing market where consumers are increasingly discerning, pushing the industry to elevate its game across design, features, and value proposition,” said Mayank Jain, CEO, New Auto (CarDekho Group).

Luxury autos
On the luxury brand side, the CarDekho.com statement reads, that traffic rose by 17 percent year-on-year across all model pages. Although luxury vehicles continue to garner interest, their share of total traffic remains relatively low compared to mass market segments, it mentioned.

Image for representative purpose only
 

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Kia India, one of the leading passenger vehicle manufacturers, has entered the three-row sports utility vehicle (SUV) segment in India with the launch of the Kia Sorento, priced from INR 2.79 million rupees for the diesel variant and INR 2.94 million for the hybrid model.

The Sorento SUV is manufactured at the company’s Anantapur facility in Andhra Pradesh, and marks the introduction of Kia's initial hybrid powertrain in the Indian market alongside the global deployment of its voice-controlled generative artificial intelligence assistant.

The SUV is built on Kia’s global N3 platform and measures 4,815 mm in length, 1,900 mm in width and 1,785 mm in height, with a 2,815 mm wheelbase.

It can be had in two powertrain options – a 1.6-litre turbo petrol hybrid delivering 180 PS from the engine and 65 PS from an electric motor paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, or a 2.2-litre diesel producing 193 PS and 442 Nm of torque mated to an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission. Both come with all-wheel-drive capability.

On the inside, it gets a curved panel combining two 12.3-inch displays for infotainment and instrumentation, integrated with NVIDIA computing hardware. Available in six-seat and seven-seat configurations, the cabin includes ventilated seats in the first and second rows, a windshield head-up display, digital rearview mirror and level-two driver-assistance systems comprising 30 features. The SUV is fitted with up to 10 airbags and provides wireless software update capability across 30 onboard control units.

Gwanggu Lee, MD and CEO, Kia India, said, “The arrival of the Kia Sorento represents a defining milestone in Kia India’s journey as we enter the premium three-row SUV for the first time. We are doing so with one of Kia’s most successful global nameplates, bringing Indian customers the most advanced Sorento yet. Built in India, for India, its arrival offers customers a compelling new choice in the segment, while also bringing two important firsts for Kia India — our first Hybrid offering and the global debut of Kia AI Assistant with Real-Time Generative AI capabilities with the India-spec Sorento. More than expanding our portfolio, Sorento reflects our commitment to bringing globally proven products and future-ready technologies to meet the evolving aspirations of Indian customers. We are confident that it will set a new benchmark for the segment and further strengthen Kia’s premium journey in India.”

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Mercedes-Benz has inaugurated India's first 'Mercedes-Benz Studio' in Gurugram, Delhi NCR, establishing a new global brand experience format in the country. Located at DLF One Horizon Centre, the studio is designed to bring the luxury automaker closer to customers in key metropolitan areas through experimental and immersive interactions. The opening ceremony also featured the Indian debut of the CONCEPT AMG GT XX supercar and the launch of the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 e-bike range, developed in partnership with EMotorad.

The studio offers more than a traditional showroom, housing a curated vehicle display alongside a design and material library, a Mercedes-Benz lifestyle collection and exclusive Mercedes-AMG X adidas merchandise. An exclusive Lavonne Café enhances the experience, serving 16 patisserie creations inspired by the brand's design language, featuring sculpted lines and a luxury palette of black, silver and gold. This innovative space allows visitors, from enthusiasts to families, to discover the brand at their own pace within a warm, modern luxury environment that embodies the 'Welcome Home' promise.

This Gurugram studio is part of a worldwide initiative that has established similar destinations in over 14 leading cities across four continents, following the first studio in Copenhagen. Each location is tailored to its city's character within a global framework, ensuring market-specific execution while maintaining brand consistency. The primary objectives include raising awareness among new audiences, deepening long-term customer relationships and reinforcing the brand's presence in India's premier metropolitan markets.

The studio concept is integral to the 'Welcome Home' narrative and coincides with Mercedes-Benz's 2026 celebration of ‘140 Years of Innovation’, commemorating Carl Benz's original patent. These physical destinations serve as convergence points for culture, innovation and urban life. At prime global locations, customers can engage with the latest products, exclusive events, and strategic partnerships, allowing genuine immersion in the Mercedes-Benz brand within their familiar urban environments.

The initiative strategically strengthens urban brand leadership by creating visible touchpoints where brand perception is formed. Visitors can book test drives prior to their visit through the Mercedes-Benz India website and purchase collection items and F1 merchandise at the studio. The collaboration with Lavonne Café results in precision-engineered patisserie, with each creation plated and finished to reflect the automotive brand's aesthetic, including metallic lacquers and signature colour tones.

The CONCEPT AMG GT XX, finished in sunset beam orange, showcases the brand's sensual purity design philosophy with a dynamic fastback silhouette and six circular deep red taillights. The AMG e-bike range, assembled in India by EMotorad, includes City, Track and Rallye editions, all featuring a 250W motor and 25 kmph assistance speed, requiring no registration or insurance in India. Pre-orders are open with deliveries starting mid-September 2026, supported by EMotorad's service network across 55 locations.

Santosh Iyer, Managing Director & CEO, Mercedes-Benz India, said, “Customer engagement with luxury has been evolving, as they desire specially curated spaces to enjoy spending time; experience the latest products, connect with the brand and immerse in an unmistakably familiar ‘Welcome Home’ feeling synonymous with Mercedes Benz. Mercedes Benz Studio presents this unhurried discovery, spending quality time, experiencing elevated culinary delight, making visitors feel welcome and interacting in novel, experimental ways. We are equally excited to showcase our alluring cars in the heart of the city, where customers can experience them in a relaxed and inspiring setting. We are confident ‘Mercedes-Benz Studio’ will create an immersive brand experience for customers as we plan to expand this concept to other metropolises gradually.

“The Studio opens with a distinct AMG flavour for enthusiasts. The CONCEPT AMG GT XX showcases Mercedes-AMG redefining standards of performance with groundbreaking technologies and innovations, underlining an entirely new dimension of a sustained electric future for customers. The launch of AMG F1 PETRONAS e-bikes in India is a natural extension of the AMG brand. These world-class F1 e-Bikes will enable more AMG enthusiasts to connect with the brand’s unique DNA of performance, design and craftsmanship.”

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Czech automaker Skoda Auto India has reintroduced the Octavia RS sedan, making 50 units available nationwide following an initial allocation in 2025 for INR 5.66 million (ex-showroom).

The announcement coincides with the 30th anniversary of the Octavia nameplate and follows a showcase event on 18 August alongside the Slavia and Superb models, where bookings for the batch opened. The company is set to begin deliveries next week.

The Octavia RS is powered by a 2.0-litre TSI engine producing 195 kW (265 PS) and 370 Nm of torque. Mated to a seven-speed DSG transmission, it has a claimed acceleration of zero to 100 kmph in 6.4 seconds and reaches a limited top speed of 250 kmph.

It features LED matrix headlights, 19-inch alloy wheels and a 600-litre luggage compartment. The Octavia RS measures 4,709 mm in length, 1,829 mm in width and 1,457 mm in height. Exterior finish options comprise Mamba Green, Velvet Red, and Magic Black.

On the inside, it gets suede and leather upholstery, sports seats with heating and massage functions, a 32.77 cm infotainment display and a head-up display. Safety equipment includes 10 airbags, a 360-degree camera and advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) including adaptive cruise control, autonomous emergency braking, lane assist, and park assist.

Ashish Gupta, Brand Director, Skoda Auto India, said, “The Octavia RS is not just a car for Skoda Auto India; it is an icon that has shaped the aspirations of driving enthusiasts in the country. The response to the first batch last year was extraordinary, with demand far exceeding availability and reaffirming the deep passion Indian customers have for Skoda’s performance-led, driver-focused cars. Bringing a second limited batch to India is our way of celebrating that enthusiasm and giving more customers the opportunity to own a nameplate that carries a powerful legacy. As the Octavia marks 30 years globally, and the RS badge continues its journey of over five decades, the Octavia RS stands as a rare combination of performance, everyday usability and emotional connection. We are delighted to bring back this limited set for customers who understand, value and truly live the spirit of RS.”

The Octavia RS comes with a four-year or 100,000-kilometre warranty.

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Japanese luxury car brand Lexus India has launched the self-charging hybrid ES 350h executive sedan, introducing the eighth-generation iteration of its core model line at prices starting INR 6.61 million for the Exquisite variant, going up to INR 7.18 million for the Luxury variant (ex-showroom).

Manufactured in India, the ES 350h shares its underlying platform with the battery-electric ES 500e and gets an updated 2.5-litre inline four-cylinder engine paired with an electric motor, an integrated power control unit eAxle and a lithium-ion battery pack. The IC-engine generates 139 kW at 6,000 rpm and 237 Nm of torque between 3,600 and 5,000 rpm, while the electric motor produces 119.1 kW. It achieves a claimed certified fuel efficiency rating of 25.22 kilometres per litre.

The ES 350h measures 5,145 mm in length, 1,920 mm in width and 1,575 mm in height, with a 2,950 mm wheelbase. On the outside, it gets daytime running lamps (DRL) integrated into turn indicators and rear lighting positioned on the outer body edges.

On the inside, the cabin features a 14.0-inch touchscreen multimedia interface and hidden switches built directly into the interior surfaces. Active safety features are provided through the Lexus Safety System+ suite, which includes pre-collision detection, radar cruise control, lane tracing assist and emergency braking systems.

Hikaru Ikeuchi, President, Lexus India, said,"Today marks a significant milestone for Lexus in India as we launch the All-New ES 350h. Building on the immense success of its predecessors, this launch reflects our long-term commitment and continued efforts to deliver vehicles of world-class quality tailored to the needs of our guests in India. Manufactured in India, the All-New ES 350h embodies our multi-pathway approach to sustainable mobility, seamlessly blending advanced technology, exceptional ride quality, and luxury. Renowned for its Takumi craftsmanship and inspired by the spirit of Omotenashi hospitality, it offers an elevated experience defined by comfort, innovation, and meticulous attention to detail. As the lifestyles and landscape continues to evolve, we remain committed to delivering vehicles that inspire confidence, enrich lifestyles, and contribute to a more sustainable future. We are confident that the All-New ES 350h will set new benchmarks in its segment, further strengthen the Lexus brand in India, and exceed the expectations of our guests."

The ES 350h comes with an eight-year or 200,000-kilometre warranty for both the car and its hybrid battery pack.

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