Hyundai Motor India Limited (HMIL) launched the new Hyundai AURA, with an introductory price of INR 62.96 billion (ex-showroom). The Hyundai AURA combines aesthetics of a modern design with advanced convenience and safety. HMIL claims that with multiple first and best in segment features, the car is here to elevate mobility experiences.

Speaking on the announcement, Unsoo Kim, Managing Director and CEO, Hyundai Motor India Ltd., said, “The new Hyundai AURA will revolutionise customer driving experiences by providing multiple best-in-class features and technologies that exceed their aspirations. We have worked towards delivering a world-class product for modern Indian families that will offer safety like never before. As a customer-centric brand, it has been a continuous endeavour to push boundaries and ensure customer delight through our class-leading products. The new Hyundai AURA sets this benchmark even higher, adding meaningful experiences to our most loved customers’ smart mobility life.”

Development concept
Hyundai Motor India has developed the Hyundai AURA to amplify aesthetics of an exceptional design with stylish and appealing interiors, comprehensive safety features and advanced convenience. According to the automobile manufacturer, the car has been equipped with best-in-class safety with over 30 safety features, while also enhancing convenience by offering multiple first and best-in-segment features. Additionally, to enhance value offered to customers, the Hyundai AURA also comes with four airbags as standard (driver, passenger and side airbags) with an option of six Airbags. HMIL states that the car has been developed on three key pillars – 

• Superior styling
• Advanced convenience
• Best-in-class safety

Superior styling
The Hyundai AURA captures the interest of customers through a modern and trendy exterior appeal. As per HMIL, the facade of the car evokes a contemporary charm with the new painted black radiator grille and new LED Daytime Running Lamps (DRLs) on the front bumper. The front bumper has also been redesigned to impart a wider and more stately look to the sedan.

The automobile manufacturer claims that the car features with R15 (D=380.2 mm) diamond cut alloy wheels. Accentuating the design, the sedan features chrome outside door handles. HMIL claims that the charismatic character is carried over to the rear with a rear wing spoiler making it look wider, sportier and bolder, and rear chrome garnish that builds on an upmarket look.

Further, the interiors have been rejuvenated to evoke a more radiant and classier feel with a new seat fabric design and pattern. According to HMIL, the in-cabin experience is bolstered with premium glossy black inserts, leather-wrapped steering wheel and gear knob, chrome finish on gear knob, parking lever tip as well as metal finish inside door handles and new fabric upholstery with AURA branding.
 

Safety
Hyundai has endeavoured to provide customers with best-in-class safety features that are perfectly embodied in the Hyundai AURA. The company states that the safety quotient is bolstered with the application of Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Vehicle Stability Management (VSM) and Hill Start Assist Control (HAC) that are offered as standard with Smart Auto AMT and as an option with 5 Speed manual transmission. The car also comes equipped with new first-in-segment tyre pressure monitoring system (highline) and other new features such as a burglar alarm and automatic headlamps.

Advanced convenience 
As per HMIL, the Hyundai AURA presents a smart and convenient mobility solution for Indian customers who are aspirational, trend-oriented and value seekers. To embrace the desires of modern Indian families, the car delivers top-notch quality and meaningful features that add more value to their mobility experiences, claims the automobile manufacturer. The car also boasts of a host of advanced features such as –  

• 8.89 cm (3.5") cluster with Multi Information Display (new)
• Footwell lighting (new)
• Wireless phone charger
• Fast USB charger (Type C) (new)
• Automatic headlamps (new)
• 20.25 cm (8") touchscreen display audio with smartphone connectivity
• Apple CarPlay
• Android Auto
• Voice recognition
• Bluetooth connectivity
• Steering wheel mounted controls for audio and Bluetooth
• Smart Key with push button start/stop
• Cruise control
• Outside mirrors (electrically folding and adjustable)

Performance
According to HMIL, the Hyundai AURA will offer customers a choice of three future ready powertrain options that are RDE compliant and E20 Fuel ready - 1.2 l Kappa petrol with 5 speed manual transmission; 1.2 l Kappa petrol with Smart Auto AMT; and 1.2 l Bi-Fuel (petrol with CNG) with 5 speed manual transmission. Delivering a pleasant driving experience, the 1.2 l Kappa petrol engine ensures robust power and strong performance. Hyundai’s Smart Auto AMT ensures a pleasant driving experience, be it in crowded city traffic or on open highways, states the automobile manufacturer.

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German luxury car brand Mercedes-Benz India has expanded its footprint in the southern market with the inauguration of three new state-of-the-art facilities across Bengaluru and Hyderabad, reinforcing its customer-centric ‘Go to Customer’ strategy.

In Bengaluru, the luxury carmaker opened a sprawling 2S (Sales & Service) facility with a Delivery Bay by long-standing partner Sundaram Motors on International Airport Road. The 47,000 sqft facility, built to Mercedes-Benz’s global MAR20X luxury retail standards, features 10 dedicated service bays, a Premium Aero Hub and a Mercedes Cafe. It also offers fast EV charging and quick repair zones, enhancing convenience and sustainability.

Hyderabad saw the addition of two new 2S facilities. Mahavir Motors inaugurated a 39,000 sqft outlet in a high-net-worth residential area near the city’s growing IT corridor. The facility, equipped with 19 service bays, combines digital interfaces with personalised service zones and eco-friendly features.

Landmark Cars also launched a new 12,000 sqft service centre in Hyderabad with six service bays. The facility offers specialised vehicle servicing, body paint work and Premier Express service for priority customers.

These openings mark a significant investment in customer engagement and service infrastructure in key southern metros, aligning with rising aspirations and demand for luxury vehicles in India.

Santosh Iyer, MD & CEO, Mercedes-Benz India, said, “We are delighted to inaugurate 3 state-of-the-art luxury facilities in Bengaluru and Hyderabad, reaffirming our commitment to delivering the best customer experience and deepening our presence in these key markets. These modern facilities reflect Mercedes-Benz’s vision of offering a world-class luxury retail experience, backed by digital innovation, modern luxury design and personalised customer consultation. We continue to invest in our luxury retail experience, with sharp focus on elevating customer experiences by creating new standards in luxury automotive retail. We are creating desire for the brand not only in emerging markets, but also in key metropolises like Bengaluru and Hyderabad, where Mercedes-Benz has a strong brand presence.”

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.