Toyota Launches Brezza Clone, The New Urban Cruiser Starts at Rs 840,000
- By MT Bureau
- September 23, 2020
Toyota Kirloskar Motor, the Indian Arm for Toyota Motor Corporation, has launched the new compact SUV, Toyota Urban Cruiser. The prices for the new mid-size SUV starts from Rs 840,000.
The new Toyota SUV was launched in the presence of Masakazu Yoshimura, Managing Director, Toyota Kirloskar Motor, Naveen Soni, Senior Vice President, Sales & Service, Toyota Kirloskar Motor, Tadashi Asazuma, Vice President, Marketing, Toyota Kirloskar Motor and actor Ayushmann Khurrana. Naveen Soni has announced that the deliveries would begin by mid-October.
Speaking at the launch Masakazu Yoshimura said, “Our journey began with the Toyota Qualis in 2000. Whether it was coming up with bold new designs or service standards, we knew that we always had to focus ourselves on the customers. We look to promote the same experience for our customers with the addition of our youngest new SUV.”
The new Urban Cruiser- A Young SUV for the Youth
The new compact SUV is going to come in three variants - Mid, High and Premium. Toyota has not changed the mechanical parts of the Brezza clone and comes with the same 1.5 litre petrol engine paired with a 5-speed manual or 4-speed torque-converter automatic. It produces an output of 105hp, reportedly the same as the Brezza. The automatic variant will come with a lithium-ion powered battery that would assist the mild hybrid technology.
The new vehicle is being promoted under the agreement between Toyota and Suzuki that also saw the birth of Toyota Glanza, which is the premium hatchback Maruti Suzuki Baleno with Toyota badging and a few features. It is also being reported that Suzuki will supply the Ciaz and the Ertiga under similar agreements. These India-produced vehicles are going to be supplied for Toyota’s African market as well. The agreement is going to benefit Suzuki through the local procurement of Hybrid Electric Vehicle technology from Toyota.
The list of features from the new SUV from Toyota includes-
LED Projector headlamps, LED DRLs, LED tail-lamps, LED fog lamps, rain sensing wipers, auto dimming rear view mirrors (called the elctrochromic rear view mirrors), 16-inch steel wheels, 2-DIN audio system with USB, AUX and Bluetooth connectivity, Automatic climate control, Keyless entry, Engine push start engine, Dual Tone interiors, Dual Tone exteriors, 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Smart Playcast for Android Auto/Apple Car Play, Cruise Control, Dual Airbags, rear parking cameras with guide lines and a few others.
Citroen India Unveils New C3X Range With Enhanced Features At INR 525,000
- By MT Bureau
- August 12, 2025
Stellantis-owned Citroen India has launched the new C3X, an updated version of its popular SUV at introductory prices starting INR 525,000. The move is part of the company's ‘Shift Into the New’ strategic plan.
The new model comes with 15 new features designed to improve comfort, safety and convenience while maintaining its position as an accessible vehicle in its segment.
A standout new feature is the Proxi-Sense Passive Entry and Push Start system. Unlike conventional keyless entry, this technology automatically unlocks the car when the key is nearby and locks it as the driver walks away, offering true hands-free convenience. The C3X is also claimed to be the only SUV in its class to offer Cruise Control with a Speed Limiter, which is designed to make long motorway journeys more comfortable.
Additional enhancements include:
- An auto-dimming interior rear-view mirror for reduced glare.
- The HALO 360-degree camera system with seven viewing angles for improved visibility.
- Upgraded LED Vision projector headlamps and fog lamps.
- A comprehensive safety suite that now includes six airbags and a perimetric alarm system.
The new C3X maintains the distinct SUV-inspired design of the original model, with a 180mm ground clearance and a compact turning radius of 4.98m, making it suitable for both city and highway driving. It is available with two engine options: a 1.2L PureTech 82 naturally aspirated engine and a 1.2L PureTech 110 Direct Injection turbo engine. The turbo model can go from zero to 100 kmph in under 10 seconds and has an ARAI-certified fuel efficiency of 19.3 kmpl.
Inside, the car features a best-in-class cabin with a spacious 2,540mm wheelbase and theatre-style rear seating. The 26cm Citroen Connect Infotainment System offers wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A new tropicalised automatic air-conditioning system is also included, which has been specifically designed to cope with India’s hot climate.
Shailesh Hazela, MD & CEO, Stellantis India, said, "With Citroen C3 range starting at the aggressive introductory price of INR 525,000, we’re redefining what value means in this segment. This is not just about affordability – it’s about delivering aspirational features, smart design, and robust performance at a price point that truly resonates with Indian customers. Living by the ethos of the brand – ‘For everyone like no one’ – we’ve pushed for even greater localisation to ensure the best value, lowest cost of ownership, and a product that feels truly made for India."
Kumar Priyesh, Business Head & Director – Automotive Brands, Stellantis India, said, “The New Citroen C3X represents our commitment to delivering premium features and meaningful innovation in a package that’s distinctly Citroen. With Proxi-Sense entry, Cruise Control with Speed Limiter and HALO 360 Camera, we’ve created a SUV that understands your routine, simplifies it, and elevates every moment behind the wheel. These upgrades don’t just speak to what’s expected – they reflect our belief in delighting the Indian customer through thoughtful engineering.”
The new C3X is now available to book at all Citroen dealerships across India, with deliveries set to begin in the first week of September 2025.
Stellantis Launches Dual-Brand Dealership in Ahmedabad
- By MT Bureau
- August 11, 2025
European automaker Stellantis India has launched its second ‘Stellantis Brand House’ in Gujarat, bringing its Jeep and Citroen brands under one roof in Ahmedabad. This new showroom, located on the Sarkhej–Gandhinagar Highway, follows the debut of the dual-brand model in Surat.
The new facility aims to provide customers with a ‘phygital’ retail experience, combining both digital and physical elements. Visitors can explore the full lineup of both brands, including the Jeep Grand Cherokee, Wrangler, Meridian and Compass, as well as Citroen's offerings like the Basalt, e-C3, C3 and C3 Aircross.
Kumar Priyesh, Business Head and Director of Automotive Brands for Stellantis India, said, “Ahmedabad’s automotive landscape is vibrant and growing, making it the perfect location for our next Stellantis Brand House. This dual-brand facility is designed to serve the evolving preferences of today’s customers, offering the convenience of two premium brands, a seamless phygital experience, and world-class service – all in one destination. It reflects our ongoing commitment to building a strong, unified retail footprint in India.”
Sankalp Joisar, Dealer Principal, Stellantis Brand House Ahmedabad (Magnus Motors), said, “We are proud to be part of this transformative moment for automotive retail representing both Jeep and Citroën. The dual brand offering strategy allows us to offer an elevated and differentiated experience to customers—whether they're seeking rugged capability or refined comfort. Our team is committed to delivering the passion, professionalism, and personalized care that customers expect from global brands like these.”
The dealership is equipped with advanced infrastructure, including interactive digital tools like a 3D configurator, diagnostics and a full-service centre. Staff are trained by both Jeep and Citroen to provide specialised product knowledge and support to customers.
Skoda Auto India Celebrates 25 Years with Limited Edition Kylaq, Kushaq and Slavia Models
- By MT Bureau
- August 11, 2025
Czech automaker Skoda Auto India has launched special limited editions of the Kushaq, Slavia and Kylaq models to mark its 25th anniversary in the country.
These limited-edition models feature special 25th Anniversary badging to celebrate the milestone and are based on the existing high-end trims—Monte Carlo for the Kushaq and Slavia and Prestige and Signature+ for the Kylaq.
Ashish Gupta, Brand Director, Skoda Auto India, said, “We are celebrating 25 incredible years of Skoda Auto in India with Limited Editions of the Kylaq, Kushaq and Slavia. These special editions are designed with our fans in mind, combining sporty elegance and premium features, including a complimentary accessories kit, and smart innovations that enhance the driving experience. It’s our tribute to the passionate community that’s been instrumental in our journey and reflects our strong commitment to delivering products that resonate with evolving customer preferences. Here’s to the past, the present, and the exciting road ahead.”
Limited to 500 units each, all three limited edition models come with a complimentary accessories kit, which includes a 360-degree camera, puddle lamps and underbody lighting. Each vehicle also features body garnishes and the special 25th Anniversary badging on the B-pillar.
Kushaq Monte Carlo Limited Edition: Available in two exclusive colours, Deep Black and Tornado Red, this model gets a bold, sporty makeover. It features contrasting accessories—Deep Black accents on the Tornado Red car and vice versa – giving it a striking visual appeal.
Slavia Monte Carlo Limited Edition: Mirroring the Kushaq, the Slavia limited edition offers the same powerful performance and premium features but with a unique styling package. It is also available in Deep Black and Tornado Red.
Kylaq Limited Edition: Skoda’s newest SUV joins the celebration with a limited edition available on the Signature+ (MT) and Prestige (MT) variants. It includes the same exclusive accessories kit as the other models and is offered in seven exterior colours.
The limited editions of the Kushaq and Slavia will be available in both 1.0 TSI (manual/automatic) and 1.5 TSI (DSG) configurations. The Kylaq limited edition will be powered by a 1.0 TSI engine paired exclusively with a six-speed manual transmission.
VinFast India Partners HDFC Bank For Retail And Dealer Inventory Finance
- By MT Bureau
- August 11, 2025
VinFast Auto India, a subsidiary of Vietnamese electric vehicle brand VinFast, has partnered HDFC Bank to provide auto and inventory financing for its exclusive dealership network.
The partnership will allow VinFast dealer partners to leverage HDFC Bank’s extensive network in India, along with digital platforms, to reach customers across urban and emerging markets alike. It also aligns with the company’s broader goal of accelerating the adoption of sustainable transportation solutions in India, one of the fastest-growing EV markets globally.
The MoU was signed by Pham Sanh Chau, CEO, VinFast Asia and Akhilesh Kumar Roy, Business Head – Auto Loans, Inventory Finance, and Two-Wheeler Loans, HDFC Bank.
Pham Sanh Chau, CEO, VinFast Asia, said, “This MoU marks a significant milestone in our efforts to make electric mobility more inclusive, convenient, and future-ready for Indian consumers. Partnering with a trusted banking institution like HDFC Bank ensures that we are not only delivering exceptional products and services, but also building the financial ecosystem necessary to support our customers and dealer partners at every step of the journey.”
Arvind Vohra, Group Head – Retail Assets, HDFC Bank said, EV adoption is increasing and financing will play a large role in driving this. The MoU with VinFast is a step in this direction and will enable customers access VinFast’s well known product line through financing options. This is part of the Bank’s larger effort to support customers in meeting their aspirations in a convenient way.”
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