Kia India Launches Carnival Premium MPV, Unveils Sonet SUV concept

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  • April 11, 2020
Kia India Launches Carnival Premium MPV, Unveils Sonet SUV concept

Kia Sonet previews a future global compact SUV from the brand. The concept will be developed further ahead of a launch in the Indian market in the second half of 2020.

Carnival has been officially launched in India in three different specifications at the starting prices of INR 24.95 lakh for the Premium variant, INR 28.95 lakh for the Prestige variant, and INR 33.95 lakh for the Limousine variant. Carnival is designed to resonate with young-at-heart, trendy and elite Indian buyers. Kia received more than 1,400 bookings for the new car on the first day of orders.

Kookhyun Shim, MD and CEO, Kia Motors India, said, “When Kia launched in India two years ago, we came here to win the hearts of Indian customers. Today, I can say that our approach – to do more than simply build and sell great cars here – is bearing fruit. We have sought to understand the Indian customers’ aspirations, and match them with best-in-class products and services. Our latest vehicle, Kia Carnival, is a clear example of this approach. Though it represents a leap from the Seltos into a premium, aspirational segment, it has been devised with the same passion.”

Sonet: Kia Sonet concept previews the third product offering from Kia Motors in India. A smart urban SUV for young, dynamic Indian consumers, Sonet takes inspiration from the advanced world of networking.

With a modern, dynamic and bold design, Sonet is equipped with several first-in-class features like head-turning looks, Kia’s signature ‘tiger-nose’ grille, step-well geometry within the grille mesh, ‘tiger-eye line’ daytime running lights, and wide rear signature lighting.

Seltos X-Line Concept: Kia revealed also the rugged new Kia Seltos X-Line Concept, a bolder reinterpretation of the Seltos SUV. The X-Line Concept features a more assertive, rugged front design with a futuristic radiator grille. Further modifications have been made to the front and rear bumpers to make it look more distinguished, as well as the addition of a prominent skid plate, roof rack, and all-terrain-inspired body panels to elevate the personality of the car.

Building on its mission to innovate for tomorrow’s mobility solutions, Kia showcased 14 products at Auto Expo 2020. They included:-

Soul EV: One of Kia’s first globally-sold fully-electric vehicles, the Soul EV has several eye-catching features, and offers long-range, zero-emissions power in the urban crossover class. Powered exclusively by electric energy, Soul EV gives buyers a choice between mid and long-range battery packs.

Niro EV: Energy and power for the Niro EV come from a cutting-edge, liquid-cooled 64kWh lithium-ion polymer battery and powerful electric motor. The long-range battery, packaged under the floor of the vehicle to maximize cabin space for passengers, gives the Niro EV a range of 450 kilometers from a single charge.

XCeed: Kia’s latest global sensation XCeed combines compact SUV practicality with the sporty packaging and engaging handling of a hatchback. XCeed’s suites of advanced safety, connectivity and infotainment technologies make it one of the most high-tech, comprehensively equipped cars in its class.

Stonic: An eye-catching and confident compact CUV, Stonic blends SUV-inspired design with agile handling and a sporty ride for an exciting drive. (MT)

 

 

 

Kia India Sells 22,700 Cars In September

Kia India

Kia India, a leading mass premium carmaker in the country, has reported strong domestic sales in September 2025, reaching 22,700 units, up 15.8 percent compared to August 2025.

The company attributes the sales surge to a combination of market factors, specifically the recent GST reforms and the start of the festive season. The streamlined taxation framework is noted for having enhanced affordability and strengthened overall customer sentiment.

Kia India stated that its entire product portfolio, including the Sonet, Carens, Carens Clavis, Seltos, Syros and Carnival, continued to resonate with customers during the month.

Atul Sood, Senior VP, Sales & Marketing, Kia India, said, “September 2025 marks a significant milestone for Kia India, driven by the positive impact of GST reforms and the festive season demand. The streamlined taxation framework has enhanced affordability and encouraged stronger customer engagement across our product portfolio. This robust growth reflects the enduring trust customers place in our brand, the strength of our innovative and feature-rich lineup, and our commitment to delivering superior mobility solutions.”

Kia India also reported strong year-to-date (YTD) sales, with 206,582 units sold in 2025 so far. This represents a 7.2 percent growth compared to the 192,690 units sold during the same period last year.

In addition the company exported 2,606 units in September 2025.

Exports Boost Nissan India’s Record 9.3% Sales Growth In September

Nissan Magnite

Japanese automaker Nissan Motor India (NMIPL) has recorded consolidated sales of 10,500 units in September 2025, reflecting a 9.3 percent YoY growth over September 2024.

Domestic wholesale sales totalled 1,652 units, while exports reached 8,872 units, including 1,120 units to South Asia, marking Nissan's highest-ever sales in the region.

During Q2 FY2026, the company also launched a segment-first 10-year warranty for the New Nissan Magnite, which drove sales for the month.

Saurabh Vatsa, Managing Director, Nissan Motor India, said, “September was an exciting month for Nissan Motor India. The GNCAP 5-Star rated new Nissan Magnite with a segment-first 10-year extended warranty continues to resonate strongly with our customers and the recent GST-driven price benefit helped accelerate deliveries."

"We would like to thank our customers for an over-whelming response to the recently introduced Kuro Special Edition and the exciting new Metallic Grey colour brought to market on strong customer demand,” he added.

The company is aggressively expanding its dealership network, targeting 180 dealerships by end-FY2026 and 250 by end-FY2027. Nissan is preparing for new launches, including the upcoming all-new 7-seater B-MPV, 5-seater C-SUV and 7-seater C-SUV.

"With our dealership expansion now rapidly underway, we are focused on enhancing customer accessibility and delivering an exciting product portfolio, including the upcoming all-new 7-seater B-MPV, 5-seater C-SUV & 7-seater C-SUV,” concluded Vatsa.

Skoda Auto India Drives Record Growth In Q3 CY2026

Skoda India

Skoda Auto India has reported exceptional growth for the Q3 CY2025, registering a 110 percent YoY increase in sales over the same period last year. The brand sold a total of 17,161 cars between July and September, marking a record-breaking performance.

The company said its momentum was highlighted by robust monthly sales in September, where Skoda Auto India sold 6,636 cars, marking 110 percent YoY growth.

The company stated that the sales surge was ‘fuelled by the sustained demand for the Kylaq, along with steady contributions from the Kushaq, Slavia and Kodiaq.’

Ashish Gupta, Brand Director, Skoda Auto India, said, “The festive season, coupled with the simplified GST framework, has created a strong tailwind across the industry. Our September and Q3 results reflect the strong customer response to our product portfolio, particularly the Kylaq, which has become a true growth driver for us. With our growing network and value-driven ownership experience, we remain focused on building deeper connections with customers while accelerating Skoda’s growth journey in India.”

The company stated that its success in 2025 is largely anchored by its product offensive and network expansion including the Kylaq, which crossed 34,500 units in sales since launch. Year to date sales, the company achieved total sales of 53,355 units. Furthermore, to celebrate 25 years in India, Skoda has expanded its customer touchpoints to over 315 locations across 177 cities.

Maruti Suzuki India Sales Down 8% In September

Maruti Suzuki India

Maruti Suzuki India, the country's largest passenger vehicle manufacturer, has announced its wholesales for September 2025 and Q2 FY2026.  

The company sold 132,820 vehicles in September, which was down 8 percent, as compared to 144,962 units sold for the same period last year. The major decline in sales was witnessed in its mini (-30%) and SUV portfolio (-21%), while the compact segment grew by 11 percent.

Maruti Suzuki India attributed the decline in sales to ‘logistical constraints towards the last part of the month.’

In terms of exports, the company clocked its highest-ever monthly sales with 42,204 units last month, as compared to 27,728 units a year ago.

The automaker stated that with the revision in GST rates, the company has seen positive consumer sentiment, which reflected in its highest-ever deliveries of 165,000 units in the first 8 days of the ongoing Navratri festivals.

On the other hand, for Q2 FY2026, the company reported sales of 795,556 units, down 6 percent YoY, as compared to 844,614 units last year. Barring the compact vehicle segment, all segments reported a decline in sales.