Maruti Suzuki India, one of the leading passenger vehicles manufacturer in the country, has launched the all new Dzire sedan with petrol and S-CNG offering at introductory prices starting at INR 679,000.

The Dzire sedan has been one of the most popular models in the country and till date has gone home to over 2.7 million customers. In addition to updates features and tech, the Dzire is Maruti Suzuki India’s most safest car with 5-star Global NCAP rating.

Hisashi Takeuchi, MD and CEO, Maruti Suzuki India, said, "The Maruti Suzuki Dzire has long stood as a hallmark of excellence in the sedan segment and chosen by customers to become India’s highest-selling sedan year-after-year. With each generation, it has revolutionised the market and redefined customer expectations. The dazzling new Dzire exemplifies this enduring legacy with emphasis on styling, performance, features and safety. Sporting a progressive sleek design and plush interiors, the all-new Dzire resonates with the aspirations of today’s ambitious and successful individuals. Furthermore, the advanced Z-Series engine makes it India’s most fuel-efficient sedan."

Partho Banerjee, Senior Executive Officer, Marketing & Sales, Maruti Suzuki India, said, “Trusted by over 2.7 million customers, Maruti Suzuki Dzire has been the best-selling sedan in its segment, since its launch in 2008. The all-new Dzire is a testament of our relentless pursuit to offer experiences that are specially tailored for the young, ambitious, ‘Thriver’ who makes a statement with distinct choices. The new Dzire is loaded with segment-first features making it a perfect blend of modernity and cutting-edge technology. This new generation Dzire will empower our customers to effortlessly enhance their lifestyle and confidently assert success”.

New features

The new Dzire now comes with the segment first LED Crystal Vision Headlamps, which is complemented by LED Daytime Running Lights (DRLs) that wrap around the upper grille creating a wide graphic expression. On the back, the Dzire now features a new 3D Trinity Rear Lamp Signature. The Dzire can be had in three new colour options – Alluring Blue, Gallant Red, Nutmeg Brown, in addition to the earlier options of Arctic White, Splendid Silver, Bluish Black and Magma Grey colour.

On the inside, the Maruti Suzuki Dzire features a completely new layout that features new dual-tone dashboard with black and beige colour tones with rich silver accents.The sedan also gets an electric sunroof, a 360 HD View Camera and a Three View Screen.

Maruti Suzuki India also equipped the Dzire with the segment-first Suzuki Connect telematics solution that provides real-time vehicle tracking and remote functionality for added convenience. A Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) for enhanced safety and added convenience is also added to the sedan.

Furthermore, it gets a 9-inch infotainment system with Surround Sense by ARKAMYS, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A wireless smartphone charger is also added.

In terms of powertrain, the Dzire gets a 1.2-litre Z-Series engine in both Petrol and CNG models. The petrol variant comes with Idle Start Stop technology and Dual VVT delivering 60 kW of peak power at 5700 rpm and 111.7 Nm of peak torque at 4300 rpm. The S-CNG mode generates 51.3 kW@5700 rpm and 101.8 Nm at 2900 rpm. The engine the OEM says has been tuned to provide excellent low-end torque for comfortable city drives. The company claims a 24.79 kmpl in Petrol MT and 33.73 km per kg in S-CNG mode, which it says is an 11 percent and 8 percent improvement over the outgoing model. It can be had with Auto Gear Shift (AGS) variant that provides a claimed fuel economy of 25.71 kmpl.

Mumbai-based automotive major Mahindra Group has rejigged its top leadership team to further strengthen the company’s market position.

The company has announced that Hemant Sikka, currently President of Farm Equipment Sector will take over the role of MD & CEO of Mahindra Logistics. He will succeed Ram Swaminathan who has stepped down to pursue other professional interests.

Furthermore, Veejay Nakra, currently President Automotive Division, has been appointed the President for Farm Equipment Business (FEB), which is among Mahindra’s large and profitable businesses with a ROCE of over 60 percent. The company sees huge opportunity to further grow the business and expand globally. He will continue to report to Rajesh Jejurikar, Executive Director & CEO, Auto & Farm Sector, Mahindra & Mahindra .

In addition, R Velusamy, currently, President Automotive Technology and Product Development, will take on the role of President of the Automotive Business (AB). He will be tasked to prepare the Automotive Business with technology innovation and lead opportunities for growth in domestic as well as global markets.

Mahindra has announced that it will now integrate the SUV and LCV (less than 3.5 tonne) business under one leadership to make the business more agile and collaborative, from engineering products to faster time to market. He will also report to Jejurikar.

Dr Anish Shah, Group CEO & Managing Director, Mahindra & Mahindra, said, “These leadership changes ensure that we have strong, proven leaders at the helm of our key businesses. Their experience will enable us to drive significant growth and create greater value for our customers and shareholders. We thank Ram for his contributions to the company, and wish Hemant, Veejay, and Velu the very best for the journey ahead.”

Hyundai Motor India, a leading manufacturer of passenger vehicles in the country, has has announced that every second vehicle it sold in India came with a sunroof.

The company shared that in FY2025, 53.2 percent of the Hyundai vehicles sold in the country was equipped with sunroof, what’s more the share of SUVs also increased to 68.5 percent from the earlier 63.2 percent a year ago.

At present, sunroof is offered as an optional feature in 12 out of 14 models in the Hyundai Motor India portfolio, which includes the Exter, Venue, Creta, Alcazar, Tucson Verna, Aura, Grand i10 NIOS, i20 and the Ioniq 5.

On the other hand, the demand for ADAS-equipped models grew to 14.3 percent from 6.7 percent a year ago.

Tarun Garg, Whole-Time Director and Chief Operating Officer, Hyundai Motor India, said, “FY2024-25 has been a landmark year for Hyundai Motor India. The fact that two out of every third vehicle sold by us in India was an SUV is a testament to our deep understanding of Indian customers and our commitment to delivering innovation, safety and style. The doubling of ADAS variant contribution and growing popularity of sunroof-equipped models reflects the rising aspirations of our customers and their readiness to embrace global technologies. We shall continue to march forward with a focus on customer delight, offering products that are future-ready, feature-rich, and engineered for India.”

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.”