Kia Seltos Achieves Five-Star Bharat NCAP Safety Rating
- By MT Bureau
- March 30, 2026
Kia India, one of the leading passenger vehicle manufacturers, has announced that its new Seltos SUV has secured a five-star safety rating under the Bharat New Car Assessment Programme (BNCAP). The vehicle achieved a combined score of 76.70, the highest recorded for an internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicle tested by the agency to date.
The assessment resulted in a score of 31.70 points for Adult Occupant Protection (AOP) and 45.00 points for Child Occupant Protection (COP). These figures represent the highest AOP score for an ICE vehicle under the BNCAP protocol.
The SUV is built on the K3 platform, which utilises reinforced hot-stamped components and high-strength steel. This architecture is engineered for crash energy management by absorbing and distributing impact forces during a collision.
The Seltos incorporates a range of active and passive safety technologies. Its Standard Safety Pack includes six airbags, Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and Hill-start Assist Control (HAC) as standard across all variants.
It gets ADAS Level 2, which includes a suite of 21 autonomous features, including Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist and Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go. The Seltos SUV also features a 360-degree surround camera, Blind View Monitor and side parking sensors to improve situational awareness.
The BNCAP certificate was presented to Kia India by Nitin Gadkari, Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways. The Seltos is the second Kia model to achieve this rating, following the Kia Syros.
Gwanggu Lee, MD and CEO, Kia India, said, “Safety is an integral part of Kia’s product philosophy as we continue our journey towards becoming one of the most trusted mobility brands in India. The All-New Kia Seltos achieving a 5-star rating, along with the highest-ever Adult Occupant Protection score across ICE vehicles under BNCAP, across ICE vehicles under BNCAP, with one of the strongest Child Occupant Protection scores recorded to date, has emerged as the highest-scoring ICE vehicle overall under BNCAP. This is a strong validation of our engineering capabilities and intent where every aspect of the vehicle, from its structure to its advanced safety technologies, has been developed with occupant protection at its core, making it a strong choice as a family SUV. This milestone sets a new benchmark for safety and reflects our commitment to bringing globally benchmarked safety standards to customers in India.”
Range Rover Confirms New Range Rover GT As 5th Model Lineup
- By MT Bureau
- July 23, 2026
Tata Motors-owned British luxury marque Range Rover has announced a fifth addition to its vehicle line-up: the Range Rover GT. It is the first all-electric Range Rover built on the EMA platform, manufactured in Halewood, UK.
The Range Rover GT will be available initially as a battery electric vehicle, with a hybrid electric vehicle option planned for later in the lifecycle. Prototype vehicles are undergoing on-road testing with a camouflage wrap.
The interior features a single screen design paired with a driver display, a concealed air vent running across the width of the cabin and a woven textile wrapping the dashboard.
Martin Limpert, Managing Director, Range Rover, stated, "The Range Rover GT will redefine the grand-touring segment with the ability to deliver beautiful and engaging GT poise, proportions and long-distance refinement while offering capabilities no conventional GT can match. We have spent the last few years working obsessively on the fundamentals of the GT formula, reinterpreted in a sophisticated, uniquely Range Rover way. The result is the most car-like, yet unmistakably capable, Range Rover ever created, now possible on our electrified EMA architecture – complementing our existing powertrain portfolio to deliver a complete set of options for every customer need. Its blend of effortless EV performance, first-class long-haul refinement and all-terrain capability is pure Range Rover; while its calming interior previews our vision of a modern grand tourer."
Further details will be released later in the year.
Honda India Foundation Hands Over Vehicles To Mumbai Police
- By MT Bureau
- July 22, 2026
The Honda India Foundation handed over 101 Emergency Response Vehicles to the Mumbai Police at a ceremony held in Worli, Mumbai. The deployment includes 100 Honda CB350 motorcycles and one Honda Elevate vehicle modified for police use to support patrolling and field response capabilities in Mumbai.
The flag-off ceremony took place in the presence of Mohd. Suvez Haque, IPS, Joint Commissioner of Police (Administration), Mumbai; Piyush Mittal, Vice-President & Operating Head, General Affairs & Corporate Affairs, Honda Cars India; Rajeev Taneja, Operating Officer, Honda India Foundation and representatives from the police and the foundation.
The motorcycles are equipped with sirens, public-address systems, LED emergency lights, front display boards, windscreens and storage boxes. The Honda Elevate has also been customised for police duties.
This deployment forms part of the Honda India Foundation programme, ‘Sadak Sahayak – Surakshit Marg, Surakshit Jeevan.’
With this handover, the foundation has deployed a cumulative 613 motorcycles to support police mobility and field operations across India.
Hyundai Motor India Announces India Couture Week 2026
- By MT Bureau
- July 22, 2026
Hyundai Motor India, one of the leading passenger vehicle manufacturers, has announced the 19th edition of the India Couture Week.
The event, in its fourth consecutive year in partnership with the Fashion Design Council of India will run from 23rd to 29th July 2026.
For the first time, the event commences with a showcase by designer Anamika Khanna at the Taj Falaknuma Palace in Hyderabad on 23rd July 2026. Subsequent showcases take place at the Taj Palace in New Delhi from 24th to 29th July 2026, featuring designers including Falguni Shane Peacock, Rohit Bal, House of Masaba, JJ Valaya, Tarun Tahiliani, Roseroom by Isha Jajodia, Rimzim Dadu, Arpita Mehta, Kunal Rawal, Dolly J, Jayanti Reddy, Aisha Rao and Rahul Mishra. The event will also include a display of the IONIQ 5.
Tarun Garg, MD & CEO, Hyundai Motor India, said, “As we celebrate 30 remarkable years of driving progress in India, we are delighted to continue our partnership with the Fashion Design Council of India for the fourth consecutive year at Hyundai India Couture Week 2026. This enduring association reflects our shared belief that exceptional design, innovation and craftsmanship have the power to inspire and create meaningful experiences. At Hyundai, design goes beyond aesthetics, it is at the heart of how we shape future mobility. Through platforms like India Couture Week, we are proud to celebrate India’s vibrant creative talent while strengthening our connection with discerning customers who value innovation, style and excellence. As we look ahead, we remain committed to enriching lives through smart mobility solutions and meaningful collaborations that reflect the aspirations of a new India.”
Sunil Sethi, Chairman, FDCI, said, "Our partnership with Hyundai Motor India enters its fourth successful year, reflecting a shared commitment to design excellence, innovation and craftsmanship. Hyundai India Couture Week has evolved into India's most prestigious and awaited couture platform, championing the artistry of our designers and artisans while setting new benchmarks for creativity season after season. We are proud to once again present the 19th edition that celebrates the richness of Indian couture, while shaping the future of global luxury fashion."
Skoda Auto India Introduces Dual-Tone Colours For Slavia Monte Carlo
- By MT Bureau
- July 21, 2026
Czech automaker Skoda Auto India has added two dual-tone colour options, Shimla Green and Steel Grey, to the Slavia Monte Carlo range. The limited edition is restricted to 200 units and will be available in the 1.0 AT and 1.5 DSG variants.
The Monte Carlo version features blacked-out exterior styling elements and a black and red interior theme. Customers can select between a 1.0-litre TSI engine paired with a 6-speed torque converter automatic transmission and a 1.5-litre TSI engine paired with a 7-speed DSG. The 1.5-litre unit includes Active Cylinder Technology and Plasma-Coated Cylinder Liners.
Ashish Gupta, Brand Director, Skoda Auto India, said, “The Slavia Monte Carlo has been well received by customers for its distinctive design, premium appeal, engaging driving dynamics and strong connection to our motorsport heritage. We are further enhancing the individuality and desirability of the Monte Carlo range, offering customers greater choice and exclusivity. The Slavia Monte Carlo continues to embody the perfect blend of style, performance, and modernity. We will continue to strengthen our sedan portfolio, in line with the evolving aspirations of our customers.”
The Monte Carlo trim pays homage to Skoda's involvement in the Rallye Monte Carlo.
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