Mahindra & Mahindra (M&M) has introduced the five-door version of its Thar SUV called as Thar Roxx in Chennai on the eve of India’s 78^th Independence Day. 

Touted as a category disruptor by company sources, the vehicle is priced upwards of INR 1,299,000 ex-shoroom and embodies a bold and unconventional spirit. Designed and engineered to turn heads and deliver a refined drive and powerful yet safe performance, the Thar ROXX conquers all terrains while offering an array of luxurious features.

It is built on Mahindra’s All-New M_GLYDE platform and could deliver an exceptionally smooth ride with crisp handling and class leading dynamics. It effortlessly blends Thar’s outdoor DNA with modern sophistication, offering a premium SUV experience that caters to those who demand the finest in every aspect of their lives. 

As a body-on-frame vehicle, the Thar Roxx has been rigorously tested in extreme conditions across diverse terrains and altitudes, including the scorching sand dunes of the Thar desert at over 50 degrees Celsius; the high altitudes of Umling La, tricky muddy surfaces in Coorg and the freezing cold of minus 20 degree Celsius in Kaza. 

Powered by either a 175 bhp 2-litre GDI engine (with 6-speed manual or 6-speed Aisin sourced automatic transmission) or a 173 hp 2.2-litre engine (with 6-speed manual or 6-speed Aisin sourced automatic transmission), the Thar Roxx draws much road presence with design features such as a bold front grille paired with Bi-LED projector headlamps and C-shaped DRLs. 

Its classic silhouette is characterised by a long hood, upright cabin and short overhangs for exceptional approach and departure angles. 

Drawing from the three-door Thar design, the vehicle sports angular wheel arches as compared to the round ones of the former, marrying timeless aesthetics with modern execution. There’s rugged cladding and R19 alloy wheels with 255/60 All Terrain tyres. 

The side-hinged split rear tailgate has an externally-mounted spare wheel whereas the interior boasts an ivory ambiance with leatherette trims and soft-touch materials; the leather-wrapped dashboard that is complemented by piano black and metallic finishes, and ambient footwell lighting.

With durable design elements, including low-gloss treatments on AC vents, sturdy dashboard sections, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel and gear lever, the Thar Roxx is available in seven striking colours. 

Featuring WATT’s Link suspension, advanced shock absorbers with MTV-CL and Frequency Dependent Damping (FDD) technology, the vehicle also has a ‘first-in-category’ Hydraulic Rebound Stopper (HRS) to enhance ride quality. 

While the flat floor design in the second row ensures increased comfort for all passengers, particular attention has been paid to achieve superior NVH (Noise, Vibration, and Harshness) levels for a quiet and refined driving experience​.

Engineered to achieve the highest B-NCAP safety rating, the Thar Roxx comes with six airbags, three-point seat belts and seat-belt reminder for all seats along with passenger airbag on/off for child safety, ISO-FIX child seats with top-tether, L2 ADAS (1R1V) suite with 10 features including Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB), 360-degree surround view system with blind view monitor, adaptive cruise control which adds to the safety, comfort and convenience.

Also equipped with a Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) and Tyre Direction Monitoring System (TDMS), the vehicle comes with an Electronic Stability Program (ESP) 9.3 system with BLD (Brake locking differential). There’s Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC), Traction Control System (TCS) and Roll Over Mitigation (ROM) too. 

The 4Xplor System (with four modes) provides superior traction through Electronic Locking Differentials. Touted as India’s first by company sources, the Crawl Smart Assist function offers precise low-speed control combined with IntelliTurn that enables effortless tight turns, enhancing maneuverability in challenging environments. 

With best-in-class approach, departure and ramp-over angles, the Thar Roxx has a 650 mm water-wading depth, the Thar ROXX is prepared for any adventure​.

Apart from the 644 litre boot space, the Thar Roxx could be had with a Panoramic Skyroof as well. There are Twin 26.03 cm HD screens and a Harman Kardon nine-speaker system with QuantumLogic surround, Bass enhancer, and a six-mode audio settings amplifier delivers an exceptional in-cabin audio experience.

The Adrenox connectivity with over 80 features includes Alexa integration and wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. 

Czech automaker Skoda Auto India, which completes its silver jubilee in India, has launched its all-new Kodiaq premium SUV at prices starting INR 4.68 million.

Powered by a 2.0 TSI engine, the Kodiaq produces 150kW and 320Nm of torque, which is distributed to both axles through a seven-speed dual-clutch DSG automatic. Based on the MQB37 platform, the Kodiaq SUV is available in the Sportline and Selection L&K in seven-seat configurations. The company shared that the SUV is being assembled in India at the brand’s facility in Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar. The Kodiaq comes with a claimed fuel efficiency of 14.86 kmpl by ARAI.

The all-new Skoda Kodiaq grows 59mm longer than its predecessor, now measuring 4,758mm in length, 1,864mm in width and 1,679mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2,791mm. Its ground clearance increases to 155mm when fully laden. It continues to retain its three-row layout yet manages to offer 281 litres of cargo space with all seats upright, 786 litres with the third row folded, and 1,976 litres with both rear rows stowed. Externally, the SUV boasts a bold redesign, featuring LED Beam Crystallinium headlamps with a Welcome Effect and a front grille integrated with a horizontal light strip.

A red strip connecting the tail lamps accentuates its width, and six exterior colour options are available, including Moon White and Velvet Red, with exclusive Bronx Gold for the L&K and Steel Grey for the Sportline.

On the inside, the Kodiaq elevates luxury with two distinct themes: a sporty all-black interior for the Sportline and premium Cognac leather upholstery for the L&K trim. A 32.77-cm infotainment system and Smart Dials with tactile controls streamline access to HVAC, audio and drive modes. Ergonomic upgrades include a steering wheel-mounted gear selector and a rear tablet holder. The Ergo front seats feature advanced pneumatic massage, while an acoustic package and noise-reducing windows ensure a tranquil cabin.

The Kodiaq is equipped with nine airbags, complemented by a sliding panoramic sunroof and a 725W Canton sound system with 13 speakers.

Skoda Auto India is also offering a standard warranty of five-year/125,000km (whichever earlier), along with a 10-year complimentary Road-Side Assistance on offer.

Petr Janeba, Brand Director, Skoda Auto India, said, “In March, we recorded our biggest ever monthly sales in India, driven by the Kylaq launch, and supported by the Kushaq and Slavia. This is one of many new records we aim to set this year. In line with our product offensive strategy, the launch of the all-new Kodiaq showcases the other end of our product spectrum with Škoda’s luxury and technology prowess. The Kodiaq has now grown to be an important legacy name for us like the Octavia and Superb. The Kodiaq offers the ultimate luxury and handling for city roads and also packs in versatile all-terrain capabilities.”

German luxury automotive brand BMW Group India has launched the BMW M Drift Academy, an exclusive performance training platform that brings the thrill of drifting to India like never before.

The two-day event will take place at Raymonds Compound in Thane West, Maharashtra on 26 April 2025.

The BMW M Drift Academy will allow enthusiasts to experience vehicle drifting in a safe environment. The event will feature the BMW M2 and BMW M4 with the course having a mix of theory and hands-on track time. Experienced BMW certified instructors will familiarise participants with the features of BMW M cars and train them on various aspects of the vehicles like controlling a drift, throttle control, maintaining a drift, exiting a drift, half circle drift, exiting a half circle drift with style, full circle drift, maintaining a full circle drift (clockwise and anticlockwise) and transition drifting on a figure 8. 

Vikram Pawah, President and CEO, BMW Group India, said, “The BMW M Drift Academy is first-of-its-kind experience for car enthusiasts in India. Designed to unlock pure driving exhilaration, the academy offers an unforgettable journey packed with mastering various drifting techniques with utmost safety. Conducted under the watchful eyes of BMW certified instructors, each session promises edge-of-the-seat excitement and skill enhancement behind the wheel of BMW M cars. It’s a perfect place where adrenaline meets precision, and every drift is a symphony of skill, speed and sound.”

Volkswagen India has launched the new Tiguan R-Line at INR 4.89 million (ex-showroom), expanding its SUV portfolio for the Indian market.

Based on the MQB EVO platform, the Tiguan R-Line introduces a new chassis generation focused on driving dynamics and on-road performance.

The Tiguan R-Line is powered by a 2.0-litre TSI EVO petrol engine that produces 204 PS and 320 Nm of torque. The engine is paired with a 7-speed DSG transmission and features 4MOTION all-wheel drive. The SUV also includes Dynamic Chassis Control (DCC Pro) and Vehicle Dynamics Manager, which allows wheel-specific braking and damper adjustment.

In terms of safety, the Tiguan R-Line is equipped with 21 Level 2 Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) features. These include adaptive cruise control, lane assist, park assist, and emergency braking, among others. The model carries a 5-star EURO NCAP safety rating and includes 9 airbags, tyre pressure monitoring, hill start assist, hill descent control and disc brakes at both front and rear.

Inside the cabin, the vehicle includes a 26.04 cm digital cockpit and a 38.1 cm infotainment system. A head-up display and multifunction control dial with an integrated TFT display allow for driver interaction with various settings and modes. The voice assistant (IDA) provides access to multiple infotainment features.

Convenience features include wireless charging, Wireless App-Connect and a sound system with eight speakers. The infotainment system integrates navigation data with the digital cockpit display.

Ashish Gupta, Brand Director, Volkswagen India, said, “With the launch of the all-new Tiguan R-Line today, we are entering an exciting phase for Volkswagen in India, a phase that embodies the future of premium mobility from Volkswagen. This iconic SUV along with being bold and dynamic is also modern, fully equipped and highly capable to handle all terrains. Developed with German–engineered DNA, 5-star safety and fun-to-drive dynamics, the all-new Tiguan R-Line is here to thrill.”

The Tiguan R-Line also comes with a support programme called 4EVER Care, which includes a four-year warranty, four-year roadside assistance, and three free services.

Bookings for the Tiguan R-Line are now open across all Volkswagen dealerships in India, as well as through the company's official website. Deliveries are scheduled to begin on 23 April 2025. The SUV will be offered in six colour variants: Persimmon Red Metallic, Cipressino Green Metallic, Nightshade Blue Metallic, Grenadilla Black Metallic, Oryx White Pearl, and Oyster Silver Metallic.

Italian luxury brand Automobili Lamborghini has appointed Nidhi Kaistha as the new Head of Lamborghini India.

With over two decades of experience across hospitality, aviation and automotive industry, Kaistha will  oversee sales, marketing and aftersales operations for Lamborghini in India, which also is the sixth-largest market for the luxury brand in the Asia Pacific region.

Prior to joining Lamborghini India, she held the role of Regional Sales & Pre-owned cars manager at Porsche India.

Francesco Scardaoni, Regional Director of Automobili Lamborghini Asia Pacific, said, “We are delighted to welcome Nidhi Kaistha as Head of Lamborghini India. She brings a wealth of experience in the automotive industry, and we are confident that her strategic vision will drive further growth in India. India continues to be a market with immense growth potential for Lamborghini, and we look forward to strengthening our presence and delivering exceptional experiences to our customers in the region.”

At present, Lamborghini operates three dealerships in Mumbai, Delhi and Bengaluru.