According to the company, C5 Aircross SUV is introduced in India after rigorous testing of the vehicle for over 2.5 lakh kilometres on different terrains and varied weather conditions across the country. Globally, the brand is illustrated by its unique comfort signature accomplished by five key objectives of the brand’s refined comfort, defined in the new vehicle. These include the flying carpet effect - for cushioning the discomfort from road bumps through the progressive hydraulic cushion equipped suspension system, exclusively developed by the vehicle maker.

Comfortable interiors – for a stress-free travel environment, the design cocoons the occupants in comfort with an acoustic windscreen & front window glasses, advanced comfort seats with memory foam. It offers panoramic life with a brighter and airier cabin and panoramic (only in the top-end variant) sunroof.

Intuitive Technologies - to simplify life on board through its offerings including grip control system with multiple drive surface options, blind-spot monitoring system, park assist feature which enables parking of the car with only the brake and accelerator control while the car steers itself. Besides, the engine stop & start function help conserve fuel. It has a 12.3-inch digital driver display, an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen with a phone mirroring function. These are fuelled by the 2.0-litre diesel engine and 8-speed automatic transmission with shift and park by wire control, giving a comfortable drive.

Well, does the car offer all that the manufacturer has promised? To check this out, we took a spin recently on a stretch that has a mix of traffic, a reasonable rough patch and a highway.

Though a host of technologies offers the occupants’ comfort, the prime amongst them is the progressive hydraulic cushions, which is different from the suspension system in other cars in the same segment or below. These specialised suspension systems are primarily used in high-end cars, and the speciality is that, unlike the conventional suspension system having shock absorbers, springs, and mechanical stops, the system offered by Citroen has two progressive hydraulic cushions – one at the top and the other at the bottom – for rebound and compression.

While driving on normal surfaces, the shock absorbers and springs control vertical movement without progressive hydraulic cushions. In potholes and rough patches, the shock absorbers and springs work together with the progressive hydraulic cushions.

As they are located at both the ends of the vehicle’s suspension travel, they help cushion slow movement more gradually than a conventional mechanical stop. In the conventional system, the absorbed energy is partially returned, giving discomfort to the vehicle’s occupants.

In the case of progressive hydraulic cushions, the absorbed energy is dissipated due to dual hydraulic cushions, eventually delivering a ‘magic carpet ride’ for the C5 Aircross. Besides, specific design, structural bonding and seats amply the comfort inside the car.

The first impression that the car gives when onboard is comfortable seating for the driver and other occupants. A thick, textured foam flown over the high-density foam at the surface makes the seat really comfortable. Three separate seats are provided in the rear with individual tracks to move forward and backwards. In addition to seats, clear outside view for the driver that is accentuated by the cut-glass beyond the C-pillar.

The clean dashboard with the infotainment system gives a nostalgic feeling of a component system or deck with a turntable, amplifier and cassette player sandwiched between two towers of speakers boxes. There is enough storage in the car – about 36 litres, in addition to 580L boot space; 720L when the rear seats moved forward and 1,630L with the modular rear seats folded away. The boot can be opened by moving your foot under the rear bumper and close with the touch of a button.

Citroen has gone one step ahead in providing even aircon controls in the touchscreen. Though it may be a good innovation to remove a cluster of knobs from the dashboard, it may not give the touch and feel of the knob, which does not need the driver’s attention to divert it to control, while is it not the case in the touch screen.

The DNA of an SUV is to take varied and challenging surfaces in its stride. The Citroën C5 Aircross SUV does precisely that with grip control, which provides secure traction in all conditions, through five modes – standard (ESC), snow, all-terrain (mud, damp grass, etc.), sand and traction control off – that you can select instantly using a dial on the centre console. Besides, it has a hill descent assist feature.

The exterior looks are different and pleasing, which makes the vehicle a head-turner. The feminist looks may attract many women customers as they would like to be behind an SUV’s wheels.

Though the company claims that the vehicle is meant for India, it was not evident on several fronts:

1. Like the other European and American vehicles, the C5 Aircross maintained the turn indicator lever on the left and the wiper on the right.

2. The bonnet opening lever is placed near the front door hinges of the left-hand side. This is not easy while entering star hotels and other secured areas as they expect to open the bonnet for security checks. While driving alone, the driver has to either step out and go to the co-passenger side, open the front door, lift the lever or he or she may have to seek others help to open it.

3. The vehicle is assembled at the company’s Chennai plant with SKD kits that comprise painted body shells. The kit includes even tyres, seats and battery, that can be easily localised. These will inflate the cost.

Still, the new brand - Citroen and its new SUV C5 Aircross can make it in the Indian market provided it satisfies the customers on all fronts.

La Maison Citroën

Citroën is ready for India with the launch of “La Maison Citroën” phygital showrooms. La Maison Citroën will disrupt the codes of traditional automobile distribution. It is a ‘feels like home’ comfort experience with its warm, friendly and colourful ambience. A giant screen placed on the façade attracts passers-by, encouraging them to walk inside. The warm interiors featuring a natural wood finish and colourful inscriptions invite customers to experience the Citroën brand and its century-old legacy.

A full digital ecosystem will link seamlessly the digital experience of customers and enrich the showroom’s journey with ATAWADAC - AnyTimeAnyWhereAnyDeviceAnyContent - with High Definition 360° 3D Configurator reception Bar, high definition 3D configurator, Citroen Origins touchscreen.

As part of the 360° Comfort strategy for India, Citroën will offer a range of services, including attractive finance and leasing services through Citroën Finance and Insurance and 30-minute Guaranteed Trade-In facility.

L’Atelier Citroen, the aftersales workshop, will offer innovative services including Anytime Anywhere, Access and Virtual Remote Diagnostics. (MT)

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JSW MG Motor India has introduced a customer programme for the MG Hector SUV during August 2026 to mark seven years of the model in India. The promotion offers benefits of up to INR 60,000, including exchange allowances, loyalty rewards, corporate incentives and price adjustments.

The MG Hector was launched in 2019 as an internet-connected passenger SUV. The range starts at an ex-showroom price of INR 1.19 million. Under the promotion, financing options include 100 percent on-road price funding for terms extending up to 84 months, alongside complete financing options for vehicle accessories.

Vinay Raina, Chief Commercial Officer, JSW MG Motor India, said, “The MG Hector has enjoyed an extraordinary journey over the past seven years, earning the trust of thousands of Indian families and redefining expectations in the SUV segment. As we celebrate this important milestone, we wanted to thank our customers with an ownership programme that delivers value far beyond the purchase of the vehicle. The Anniversary Programme reflects our customer-first philosophy and our commitment to making the MG Hector ownership experience as rewarding as the product itself.”

The vehicle features front and rear bumpers, a redesigned front grille, alloy wheels and updated exterior colour choices. Cabin updates include multi-tone interior schemes, synthetic and leather trims, front seat ventilation, an adjustable steering column and a power-adjustable driver seat.

On the inside, it gets a 14-inch portrait touchscreen display with gesture control capabilities, a digital instrument cluster and over 70 connected vehicle functions. Additional features include digital key functionality, remote air conditioning management, and automated maintenance notification systems.

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Hyundai Motor India (HMIL) has announced that it has exceeded 800,000 connected cars on Indian roads and aims to reach cumulative connected vehicle sales of one million units by 2027. The manufacturer targets crossing two million cumulative connected vehicle sales by 2030.

Connected vehicle penetration across Hyundai Motor India’s Indian product range has expanded from 4 percent in 2019 to 20 percent in 2026, supported by sales in models including the Creta, Venue and i20. The company's connected mobility infrastructure operates on its Hyundai Bluelink platform, which provides over 70 functions covering safety, security and convenience. Available systems include remote vehicle monitoring, diagnostics, location tracking, in-car payments via Hyundai Pay, remote immobilisation and voice commands supported in five languages.

Tarun Garg, MD & CEO, Hyundai Motor India, said, “The growing adoption of connected vehicles reflects the evolving expectations of customers and the increasing role of technology in shaping mobility. As we move towards our goal of 1 million connected car sales by 2027, we remain focused on advancing software-defined mobility and expanding connected technologies across our portfolio. Our upcoming mass-market electric SUV, which will offer next-generation connected car technology as standard across all variants, marks an important step in strengthening the convergence of connected and electric mobility while delivering future-ready ownership experiences for customers.”

Hyundai Motor India introduced OEM-fitted connected vehicle technology to India in 2019 with the launch of the Venue, followed by over-the-air map updates on the i20 in 2020. The company deployed its Audio Video Navigation Telematics platform in 2022, followed by its Connected Car Navigation Cockpit system with controller over-the-air update capability in 2025 to support software-defined vehicle development.

The platform has provided roadside assistance and emergency responses to over 0.5 million motorists, supported 15,000 crash notification interventions and assisted law enforcement agencies with vehicle recovery operations.

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Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles (TMPV) has announced consumer offers and vehicle special editions across its internal combustion engine and electric vehicle portfolios in Kerala for the Onam festive period.

The festival promotions run through August 2026, offering financial benefits up to INR 225,000, priority delivery slots and vehicle financing packages. As part of the seasonal campaign, the manufacturer has introduced the Sierra Jubilee Edition, Nexon Camo Edition and Punch HBX Pack to its product line-up.

The maximum benefits vary by model across both powertrain platforms – Internal combustion engine (ICE) models include benefits up to INR 54,500 on the Altroz, INR 72,500 on the Nexon and INR 77,500 on the Curvv.

The Harrier and Safari both get benefits up to INR 47,000, while the Sierra includes a loyalty benefit of INR 30,000. In the electric vehicle segment, savings up to INR 60,000 for the Nexon.ev and INR 55,000 for the Curvv.ev is being offered by the automaker. The Harrier.ev features benefits reaching INR 225,000, which includes a loyalty benefit of INR 100,000 alongside complimentary insurance coverage.

Vivek Srivatsa, Chief Commercial Officer, Tata Passenger Electric Mobility, said, “Onam is a celebration of cherished traditions, meaningful reunions and the progress that every family takes pride in. It is a season of gratitude for how far they have come and optimism for the road ahead. Through our 'Celebrate How Far You've Come' campaign, we are celebrating the aspirations, achievements and milestones that make every customer's journey and success unique. Kerala has always been a deeply important market for TMPV, and we are delighted to mark this festive season with special editions, attractive offers and seamless ownership solutions across our safest and most diverse range of cars and SUVs. We look forward to celebrating with our customers their next milestone and creating many more joyful memories.”

At present, Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles operates 85 service centres across Kerala to support vehicle maintenance during and after the sales campaign.

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Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles (TMPV) has launched the Nexon CAMO, a new special edition of its popular compact SUV, with prices beginning at INR 999,000 ex-showroom in Delhi. The introduction coincides with the brand’s celebration of a decade since the Nexon’s original debut and the trust of over 1.1 million customers, marking the model’s enduring success in the Indian automotive market.

The new CAMO variant distinguishes itself with two exclusive premium paint schemes, named Munnar Mist and Coorg Cloud. The former is a dynamic dark green that shifts to a sophisticated grey in shadows and reveals rich green and golden tones under sunlight. In contrast, the latter is a contemporary grey-silver finish with subtle metallic highlights, designed to offer an understated yet premium aesthetic that complements the SUV's rugged character.

TMPV has equipped the Nexon CAMO with a significant technology upgrade, headlined by an Ultra View Twin HD Digital Cockpit. This features a 31.24-cm infotainment system and a 26.03-cm digital instrument cluster, both from Harman, with the latter including embedded navigation. The technology package is further enhanced by an integrated dashcam recorder that is part of the 360-degree camera surround view system, which also includes a blind spot view monitor.

The special edition is not solely about aesthetics and screens, as it also incorporates a comprehensive suite of comfort and safety features. The cabin includes ventilated leatherette front seats, a voice-assisted panoramic sunroof, and an immersive nine-speaker JBL audio system with a subwoofer. Safety is addressed through seven Advanced Driver Assistance Systems functions calibrated for Indian roads, six airbags and electronic stability control, ensuring the CAMO is as secure as it is stylish.

Maintaining the Nexon’s hallmark versatility, the CAMO is offered across all three powertrain options: a 1.2-litre turbocharged petrol, a 1.5-litre diesel and the segment-exclusive 1.2-litre turbocharged iCNG with twin-cylinder technology. With multiple transmission choices available, the automaker has positioned the Nexon CAMO as a distinctive and aspirational package for a wide range of SUV buyers, reinforcing the model's legacy of innovation as the festive season approaches.

Vivek Srivatsa, Chief Commercial Officer, Tata Passenger Electric Mobility, said, "Since its launch a decade ago, the Nexon has provided comfortable, safe and enjoyable journeys for over 1.1 million families, becoming one of India's most iconic nameplates with an unmissable presence on the roads. This success has been built on constantly raising the bar in safety, technology and design while keeping these innovations accessible to a wider set of customers. The Nexon CAMO carries that spirit forward, with two striking new colours and an elevated technology package that makes it the most distinctive Nexon yet. Timed perfectly for the festive season, it gives customers an even stronger reason to make the Nexon their own."

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