Skoda launched the fourth generation of its popular small car, the Fabia, at the DOX Centre for Contemporary Art on May 4, 2021.

Twenty-two years after the debut of the Fabia, Skoda has now launched the fourth-generation model built on Volkswagen's MQB-A0 platform. The introduction of the new platform and some clever engineering makes the new Fabia a more spacious car than its peers. In its latest avatar, the Fabia boasts of improved comfort features and numerous advanced safety and assistance systems previously only reserved for high-tier vehicles.

Exterior:

The new Fabia has grown, with the length increasing by 111 mm to exceed the four-metre mark at 4,108 mm and the width by 48 mm. The wheelbase has also increased from 2470 mm to 2564 mm, freeing up more space on the interiors for added comfort and freeing 50l of additional boot space to a total of 380l, the largest boot in the segment.

As shown in the design renders, the new Fabia features sculpted lines on the bonnet with dynamic proportions and the SKODA-typical crystalline structures, creating a particularly emotive look. Skoda has managed to incorporate the triangle on the Czech flag with the body lines on the front doors as a small Easter egg.

The modern light unit with LED technology features Razor-sharp headlights, as well as taillights. The full-LED headlights feature cornering and adaptive light functions.

Skoda has computed more than 3,000 CFD simulations (computational fluid dynamic) to create a design that sets industry benchmarks with a low drag coefficient of 0.28. An essential part of the car's aerodynamics is the new type of cooling shutter in the front bumper's lower air inlet. These actively adjustable slats shut when slight cooling is needed. This helps improve the aerodynamics and results in better fuel savings and lower carbon emissions at constant speeds of 120 km/hr.

At the rear, the new Fabia features a large roof spoiler with side finlets that optimise the airflow at the back. The new wing mirror housings also reduce drag and direct the airflow to the rear in a targeted manner, while the vents in the front bumper, called air curtains, help channel the air in a particular way close to the side of the body and the wheels. Twelve panels now cover a large part of the underbody instead of three in crucial aerodynamics areas.  One can see Skoda's clever engineering feat in the unique plastic trims fitted in the Fabia to reduce the drag created by the wheels.

Interior:

The interior of the new Fabia is characterised by a free-standing infotainment display measuring up to 9.2 inches at the centre with a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster for the first time. Facilitated by the new architecture, features like a heated windscreen and heated steering wheel will now debut on the Fabia.

The use of the MQB-A0 platform has helped free more space inside, making the new Fabia the most spacious car in its segment. The use of symmetry in the interior design and horizontal decorative strips emphasise the cabin's width, making it bigger and airy. Skoda is also offering fabric upholstered dashboard with contrast stitching on some models of the Fabia. The large circular AC vents are finished in chrome along with the newly designed door handles.

Making the interiors of the new Fabia colourful, Skoda is offering LED ambient lighting that allows the driver to illuminate that decorative dashboard trim in white or red along with the centre console and front door handles. As part of the LED ambient lighting package, Skoda also offers LED reading lights at the front and the rear. A three-spoke multi-functional steering wheel finished in leather adds a touch of sportiness to Fabia's cabin, along with the paddle shifter on the DSG model.

The optional 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster lets the drivers choose from layouts to suit their needs, including classic, modern, reduced and extended layouts along with a sports layout on the dynamics pack. The virtual cockpit also displays radio stations, album covers, maps and more.

Another first for the Fabia is the dual-zone Climatronic AC with rear vents that help cool the cabin faster. The AC system features eight buttons that operate all the functions.

Users can select from three different infotainment systems with the new Fabia based on the trim level selected.  The entry-level system Swing features a modern 6.5-inch colour touchscreen, a radio with a digital DAB receiver and four front speakers as standard. Moving higher, the Bolero offers a radio, an 8-inch screen, a Bluetooth hands-free system and two additional surround-sound speakers in the rear doors along with wireless SmartLink and Android Auto or Apple CarPlay. The range-topping Amundsen features a 9.2-inch touchscreen with gesture control, the Laura digital voice assistant and navigation function that is online backed.

The Fabia also features outstanding NVH levels thanks to the aero-acoustic simulation methods used during the car's aerodynamic development to reduce wind noise by understanding the flow of air around the vehicle.

Connectivity:

Skoda has equipped the new Fabia's 9.2-inch infotainment system with an eSIM that lets users control specific functions of the car using the SKODA Connect app. This range-topping trim also includes options for Wi-Fi hotspot, music streaming services and maps that can be stored on the 64-GB SSD hard drive and updated online. Keeping in line with the current technology, Skoda has included five USB-C sockets for charging mobile devices – one of which can be found on the rear-view mirror to charge a dashcam.

With the help of SKODA Connect, app users can transfer their existing account into the new Fabia and use the Amundsen system's display to access weather reports and news, allow access to a personal Google calendar or warn of hazards.

Safety:

The new MQB-A0 platform has made the body of the new Fabia stiffer, offering excellent active and passive safety.

Exploiting the possibilities of the new platform, Skoda has equipped the new Fabia with Travel Assist, which provides automatic support with longitudinal and lateral steering. Features like Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Lane Assist, Park Assist, Blind Spot monitoring up to 70m away from the car, and Manoeuvre Assist use sensors to detect obstacles in front or behind the vehicle to apply brakes automatically and actively help in the safety of the occupants and the surroundings.

Another step up in safety, the Fabia comes equipped with up to nine airbags in the higher trims for occupants’ safety. Another standard across the range is the ISOFIX anchors and top tether anchor points on the back seats.

Powertrain:

Skoda has equipped the new Fabia with three engines from Volkswagen Group's latest EVO generation in five states of tune. Four of the five EURO 6d compliant engines produce a WLTP range of more than 900km.

The 1.0l MPI EVO three-cylinder petrol engine is available in either a 65 or 80hp tune while the 1.0l TSI EVO engine is available in either a 95 or 110hp tune. The 1.0l naturally aspirated engine is available with only a 5-speed manual while the 1.0l TSI engine is available with a choice of either with either a 5-speed manual, 6-speed manual, or 7-speed DSG. The more powerful 1.5l TSI EVO four-cylinder engine is available in 150hp guise mated to a 7-speed DSG. (MT)

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Mumbai-headquartered SUV major Mahindra & Mahindra has upgraded its popular offering, the Scorpio-N Z8L variant, with Level 2 Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) tech.

This will see the Scorpio-N Z8L variant coming with Forward Collision Warning, Automatic Emergency Braking, Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop & Go, Smart Pilot Assist, Lane Departure Warning, Lane Keep Assist, Traffic Sign Recognition and High Beam Assist features.

The ADAS tech will further enhance safety quotient for the Scorpion-N with exclusive features such as Speed Limit Assist and Front Vehicle Start Alert, marking a first for Mahindra ICE SUVs.

Furthermore, the company has also expanded the Scorpio-N line-up with the introduction of the Z8T variant at INR 2.02 million. The new variant will sit between the Z8 and Z8L variants. It comes with a compelling mix of premium features, including R18 diamond-cut alloy wheels, a 12-speaker Sony-branded audio system, front camera, front parking sensors, 6-way powered driver seat, electronic parking brake (EPB), ventilated front seats and an auto-dimming IRVM.

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Maruti Suzuki India, the country’s largest passenger vehicle manufacturer, has achieved a new milestone in its aftersales service. The company recorded servicing (free and paid) over 2.45 million vehicles in May, the highest in a single month in its history.

The feat was achieved through the company’s vast network of over 5,400 service touchpoints.

Hisashi Takeuchi, Managing Director & CEO, Maruti Suzuki India, said, “This is the first time in the company’s history that we have serviced over 24.5 lakh vehicles in a month, an achievement that reflects scale, depth, and efficiency of the service network. It is a result of the tireless efforts of our service teams and dealer partners across the country.”

“Good quality aftersales service is critical to maintain vehicle health, leading to a delightful car ownership experience and strengthen customer retention. Even before we started mass sales of vehicles in India, our focus was on building a robust service network, a foundation that continues to support us as we expand our business further. Going forward, we aim to expand our service touchpoints to 8,000 by FY 2030-31 and introduce innovative formats to cater to the requirements of diverse customer needs. This will help in our EV launch as well. We are preparing 1,500 EV enabled service workshops covering over 1,000 cities with specially trained manpower and special equipment to extend all EV related support to our customers,” he said.

Maruti Suzuki India has through its dealer partners introduced several innovative and industry-first service formats, to address the smallest query to full-car service needs ranging from traditional brick-and-mortar workshops to mobile workshops. Over the years, it has also created a dedicated Quick Response Team (QRT) to provide emergency on-road assistance across the country.

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Mercedes-Benz India, the German luxury car brand, has announced a significant organisational change, effective from 1 August 2025, with the appointment of Brendon Sissing as the new Vice-President of Sales and Marketing. He will take over from Lance Bennett, who has moved to Mercedes-Benz Middle East as their Chief Financial Officer.

Santosh Iyer, Managing Director & CEO, Mercedes-Benz India, said, "We are excited to welcome Brendon Sissing as the Head of Sales & Marketing for Mercedes-Benz India. Brendon takes over the responsibility from Lance Bennett, who has joined Mercedes-Benz Middle East as the CFO. Brendon brings rich experience from the world of financing and insurance, as he successfully steered Mercedes-Benz Financial Service India, doubling its portfolio, driving record profit and business transformation, while elevating the integrated customer journey. We are confident Brendon will continue the growth momentum of Mercedes-Benz in this highly diverse and dynamic Indian luxury car market. We thank Lance for his immense contribution and wish them both, the very best in their respective new roles."

Brendon Sissing previously served as the Head of Mercedes-Benz Financial Services India, where he was instrumental in doubling the company's portfolio and achieving record profits. He is recognised for his strong advocacy of digital transformation and risk management, leveraging his expertise in credit risk to drive operational excellence. He has extensive experience within the Mercedes-Benz group, having worked with Mercedes-Benz Malaysia and Mercedes-Benz South Africa, leading Credit Operations in both markets. He also held roles in Credit Underwriting and Key Accounts at Daimler Mobility, Stuttgart, before joining Mercedes-Benz Financial Services India in 2022.

The German brand stated that under Sissing's leadership, Mercedes-Benz Financial Services India significantly enhanced customer journeys through integrated online and offline platforms. He is also noted for his passion for coaching and mentoring, fostering high-performing team environments. Sissing holds a B. Tech degree in Cost & Management Accounting from Technikon Pretoria, South Africa and a Diploma in Credit Management from the Institute of Credit Management. He is also a founding member of Mercedes-Benz Services Malaysia, established in 2012.

A South African national, Sissing has worked in various international locations, including Malaysia, South Africa, Germany and India.

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Honda Cars India has launched a new variant of its popular mid-size sedan, the Honda City Sport, adding a dynamic and youthful edge to the City line-up. Priced at INR 1.48 million (ex-showroom, Delhi), the City Sport is positioned as a limited-edition offering designed to appeal to style-conscious, spirited drivers.

The new variant will be exclusively available with a CVT automatic transmission and is offered in three colour options — Radiant Red Metallic, Platinum White Pearl, and Meteoroid Gray Metallic.

Sporting a blacked-out exterior theme, the car features a Sporty Black Grille, Glossy Black Shark Fin Antenna, Trunk Lip Spoiler and multi-spoke grey alloy wheels. Inside, the cabin gets an all-black treatment with red stitching, leather seats and ambient lighting for a premium, performance-inspired feel.

Under the hood, it retains the 1.5L i-VTEC petrol engine, delivering 121 PS and 145 Nm of torque, with a claimed fuel efficiency of 18.4 kmpl. The model also comes equipped with Honda Sensing, the brand’s advanced driver assistance suite.

Kunal Behl, Vice-President, Marketing & Sales, Honda Cars India, said, “The new City Sport has been crafted to meet the aspirations of young buyers who value individuality and a spirited driving experience. It embodies a perfect blend of sporty exterior and interior style, fun to drive performance and the everyday usability that Honda City is known for, at a price that makes it even more compelling.”

The City Sport is being positioned as a limited-unit, exclusive edition for customers seeking distinction in both design and driving dynamics.

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