Kia Syros Makes Global Debut In India

Kia Syros SUV

Kia India has marked the global debut of the Syros compact SUV in the country, which is set to enable the South Korean automaker to compete against the likes of Tata Nexon, Maruti Suzuki Brezza and Hyundai Venue in the segment.

Built on the K1 platform, the Kia Syros is equipped with a host of tech including Level 2 ADAS, rear sliding, reclining & ventilated seats, dual-pane panoramic sunroof. The company claims that in addition to be loaded with hi-tech it also gets 20 safety package including - Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Hill Start Assist control, six airbags, Vehicle Stability Management, Electric Parking Brake with Auto Hold. It also is equipped with Connect 2.0 that provides SOS emergency support, real-time diagnostics, and stolen vehicle tracking.

The Kia Syros can be had in two engine options - Smartstream 1.0-litre turbo petrol engine that produces 88.3 kW (120PS) 172 Nm and 1.5-litre CRDi diesel engine producing 85 kW (116PS) / and 250 Nm of torque, paired with manual and automatic transmission.

Gwanggu Lee, MD and CEO, Kia India, said, "Kia India has always been driven by a challenger spirit, setting new benchmarks in the automotive industry with our commitment to innovation, technology, and customer-centric design. Our journey since the first launch has been nothing short of remarkable, with a growing presence across the country and a focus on delivering high-quality, aspirational vehicles. With the Syros, we are further enhancing our product portfolio, offering a new species of SUV that combines superior comfort, cutting-edge technology, and bold design”.

To meet the diverse customer needs, the Kia Syros is being introduced in four standard trims and 2 option trims HTK, HTK (O), HTK+, HTX, and HTX+, HTX+(O).

JSW MG Motor India Introduces 5-Year Assured Buy-Back Scheme For EVs

MG ZS EV

JSW MG Motor India, one of the leading passenger vehicle manufacturers, has launched an initiative extending its assured buy-back programme for electric vehicles (EVs) from three years to up to five years. This makes JSW MG Motor India to becomethe first OEM in the country to offer a guaranteed resale value for this duration in the mass EV segment.

The programme operates independently of any finance or loan schemes, allowing owners to choose a tenure of three, four, or five years. Under the existing three-year plan, the company guarantees a 60 percent buy-back value. For the first time in India, commercial MG ZS EV owners are also eligible for resale benefits on vehicles up to three years old or with an annual mileage of up to 60,000 km.

The MG Value Promise Program is facilitated by Lockton India Insurance Broking and Advisory in partnership with Zuno General Insurance. The initiative is designed to reduce depreciation risk and provide financial predictability for customers. At the end of the selected term, owners have the option to retain, return, or exchange their vehicle for a newer model.

Anurag Mehrotra, Managing Director, JSW MG Motor India, said, “As a customer-centric brand, MG has always introduced initiatives like B-a-a-S (Battery-as-a-service), lifetime warranty on EV batteries that make EV ownership a delightful mobility experience. Resale value has been a key consideration for many customers who are considering buying an EV. With our industry-first MG Value Promise Program (Assured Buyback), facilitated by Lockton India Insurance Broking and Advisory Ltd in partnership with Zuno General Insurance, we want to give MG EV owners complete peace of mind as we now offer a Assured resale value where a customer has option to choose the tenure from 3 to 5 years. We believe this initiative will play a key role in expanding India’s EV market by eliminating a major concern for buyers and building stronger trust in electric mobility.”

Shanai Ghosh, MD & CEO, Zuno General Insurance, said, “As a digital insurer, this partnership strengthens our vision of building a strong, future-ready EV insurance portfolio. Electric mobility is reshaping how India moves, and we’re excited to support that shift with solutions that stay true to Zuno’s promise of easy, friendly, and transparent. Our collaboration with JSW MG Motor India reinforces our commitment to making EV ownership simpler and more secure for customers.”

Dr Sandeep Dadia, CEO & Country Head, Lockton India, said, “As EV adoption accelerates, customers increasingly seek clarity and confidence around long-term ownership. MG EVs are known for its true-to-range offerings with highest resale value and through our participation in MG’s extended Assured Buy Back Program, we’ve focused on shaping a solution that provides predictable value in a simple and transparent way. Initiatives like this empower customers to plan their EV journey with greater certainty and strengthen overall trust in India’s rapidly evolving electric mobility ecosystem."

The expansion of buy-back solutions aims to address consumer concerns regarding the residual value of battery-powered vehicles. By providing a fixed exit price, the company intends to lower adoption barriers and support the transition to electric mobility as infrastructure and technology continue to evolve.

Auto Hangar Opens Mercedes-Benz Showroom And Service Centre In Mumbai

Auto Hangar

Auto Hangar, a Mercedes-Benz India retail partner, has expanded its network in Mumbai with the opening of a showroom in Kandivali and a service centre in Charkop. The expansion targets the western corridor of the city, including Borivali, Malad and Andheri.

The Kandivali showroom follows the Mercedes-Benz ‘MAR 2020’ global retail design framework. The facility integrates digital tools with physical displays to facilitate vehicle customisation.

Key features of the showroom include:

  • Digital Car Configurator: Allows customers to select paint finishes, alloy designs, and interior trims virtually.
  • Model Range: On-site display of vehicles including the GLC, A-Class Limousine, and the Mercedes-Maybach S-Class.
  • Finance Integration: Access to STAR Agility+ programmes for vehicle financing.

The Charkop facility provides maintenance and repair services using Mercedes-Benz diagnostic systems. The centre is designed to meet the manufacturer's ‘Ambition 2039’ sustainability targets.

The service centre includes:

  • Quick-Service Bays: Staffed by certified technicians for routine maintenance and electronic calibrations.
  • Logistics: Pick-up and drop-off services for residents in the surrounding suburbs.
  • Environmental Systems: Integration of solar-powered systems, waste segregation, and water recycling technologies.

“This expansion is about more than new locations, it’s about redefining the Mercedes-Benz experience for Mumbai’s west. With state-of-the-art infrastructure, sustainable practices and a customer-first approach, we are ready to serve a new generation of luxury car buyers,” said the company in a statement.

The company maintains an existing network across Mumbai, with locations in Hughes Road, Prabhadevi, Lokhandwala Circle, Lower Parel and Sakivihar.

Honda Sports DNA

Honda Motor Co, is set to showcase a series of concept models and racing machines at the Tokyo Auto Salon 2026, scheduled for 9–11 January at Makuhari Messe in Chiba.

Under the theme of ‘Honda Sports DNA’, the company will demonstrate the transfer of technology from motorsports into production vehicle development and manufacturing.

The display will feature three world premieres developed in collaboration with Honda Racing Corporation (HRC) and Honda’s engineering teams:

Civic Type R HRC Concept: A concept based on the current Civic Type R. Developed by HRC, the vehicle incorporates racing expertise to refine the performance of the sports model.

Prelude HRC Concept: A customised version of the new Prelude, which launched in September 2025. The model features HRC-designed components intended to adjust driving dynamics.

Civic e:HEV RS Prototype: A prototype of a new trim for the hybrid Civic. This model will be the second vehicle, following the Prelude, to feature Honda S+ Shift control technology.

According to the company, the booth design and choice of vehicles represent ‘Honda Sports DNA,’ which expresses how Honda technology and passion to pursue driving performance – with motorsports as its ultimate proving ground – have been carried forward uninterrupted throughout all Honda activities, from racing to automobile development and manufacturing.

The use of red as the theme colour for the booth is intended to signal the OEM’s focus on performance and automobile engineering.

The exhibition will include additional racing machines from Honda’s global motorsports programmes, highlighting the connection between track testing and commercial vehicle production.

Citroen India Delivers 51 C3 CNG Vehicles To Luthra Group

Citroen India - Luthra Group

Citroen India, in partnership with its dealership La Maison Nanavati, has completed the handover of 51 Citroen C3 CNG vehicles to the Luthra Group. The ceremony took place at the Luthra Group’s headquarters in Surat.

The delivery is part of Citroen's strategy to expand its presence in tier-II and tier-III markets by providing mobility solutions to businesses and individuals.

The Citroen C3 CNG is designed for high-usage environments and daily commutes. The model includes several features tailored for the Indian market, integration of a factory-fitted CNG kit to manage running costs. A suspension system tuned specifically for local road conditions. Provisions for cabin space and air-conditioning systems designed for high-ambient temperatures.

The handover to Luthra Group represents the brand's focus on cost-efficient transportation. By targeting the regional business sector, Citroen India aims to strengthen its footprint in Gujarat and the broader Indian mobility market.

The C3 CNG is positioned as a solution for users requiring reliability and low operating expenses without compromising on ride comfort.