Volkswagen India Delivers 131 Cars To Customers In Hyderabad On Navaratri

Volkswagen Passenger Cars

Volkswagen India has announced mega-deliveries of its cars in Hyderabad, Telangana. Celebrating the auspicious occasion of Navaratri.

The automaker delivered 131 cars to its customers, which it states underscores the brand’s commitment to providing customer experiences and highlights its strong acceptance in the Telangana market.

With the festive season well underway in India, Volkswagen has rolled out its annual festive extravaganza – Volksfest that provides offers and customer benefits for a limited period of time.

With Volksfest 2024, the brand has taken the festivities closer to where customers are, with curated activities and event zones across malls in 14 major metropolitans of India.

The brand has also launched the much-awaited Virtus GT Line and Virtus GT Plus Sport in October this year.

Both new variants of the Virtus come in enhanced avatar with a distinctly styled black theme. Along with this, the brand has also introduced an enhanced feature package for the Taigun GT Line while reinvigorating the line structure with the introduction of a new Highline Plus variant for both India 2.0 cars, thereby giving customers more for less with a highly accessible price point.

Kia Launches Sorento SUV In India At INR 2.79 Million

Kia Sorento

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.”

Skoda Auto India Reintroduces 50 Units Of Octavia RS At INR 5.66 Million

Skoda Octavia RS

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.

Lexus ES 350h Executive Sedan Launched At INR 6.61 Million In India

Lexus ES 350h

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.

Stellantis India Delivers 125 Vehicles Across Kerala During Onam

Stellantis - Citroen - Onam

Stellantis India completed the delivery of 125 Citroen and Jeep vehicles to customers across Kerala to coincide with the Onam festival. The handover involved models from both brand portfolios across the company's regional dealership network.

The deliveries encompassed Citroen models including the Basalt, Aircross, C3 and e-C3, alongside Jeep vehicles including the Compass, Meridian and Wrangler.

Kumar Priyesh, Business Head and Director of Automotive Brands, Stellantis India, said, "Onam is a festival that celebrates togetherness, prosperity and new beginnings, making it a particularly meaningful occasion for customers taking delivery of their new vehicles. We are delighted to celebrate this festive season with 125 Citroen and Jeep customers across Kerala as they begin a new chapter in their mobility journey. The overwhelming response reflects the trust customers place in our brands and our commitment to delivering products that resonate with diverse customer aspirations. Whether it is the adventurous spirit of Jeep or the comfort-centric philosophy of Citroën, both brands are united by a common focus on creating memorable ownership experiences."

The initiative was executed in partnership with local dealer networks across the state, incorporating specific delivery handovers for individual buyers during the holiday period. The volume of handovers reflects ongoing demand across both product lines, which target different vehicle market segments ranging from urban commuters to off-road users.