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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Maruti Suzuki India, the leading passenger vehicles manufacturer in the country, has reported its financial results for Q1 FY2026.

The company sold a total of 527,861 vehicles, which comprised 430,889 units in the domestic market and 96,972 units exported. This translated to a sales decline of 4.5 percent in the domestic market, while exports grew by 37.4 percent compared to a year ago.

Maruti Suzuki India’s reported registered net sales of INR 366.2 billion, up 8.11 percent YoY, as compared to INR 338.7 billion last year. The net profit came at INR 371 billion, up 1.7 percent, as compared to INR 364.9 billion last year.

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Hyundai Motor India, one of the leading passenger vehicle manufacturers in the country, has reported its financial performance for Q1 FY2026.

The company’s revenue came at INR 164.129 billion, down 5.36 percent YoY, the EBITDA came at INR 21.85 billion, down 6.62 percent YoY, while net profit at INR 13.69 billion was down 8 percent YoY.

Unsoo Kim, Managing Director said, “We continued our stated strategy of ‘Quality of Growth’ in the first quarter of FY 2026 with balance between domestic & exports, market share and profitability. This strategy helped us to sustain strong EBITDA margin of 13.3 percent during the quarter, despite tough macro-economic environment. Moving forward, we anticipate gradual recovery in domestic demand sentiments, driven by onset of monsoon & festive season coupled with government policy measures, while on the exports front, we are confident to maintain a positive momentum, in line with our growth commitments.”

Hyundai Motor India’s performance was affected by a slowdown in its overall volumes both in domestic and exports markets. Factors such as intensifying competition, geopolitical situation and tariff confusion have affected demand.

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Mumbai-headquartered SUV major Mahindra & Mahindra has reported a 24 percent YoY increase in consolidated net profit to INR 40.83 billion for Q1 FY2026, supported by strong performances across its automotive, farm and services businesses.

The consolidated revenue grew 22 percent to INR 455.29 billion in Q1 FY2026, while return on equity stood at 20.6 percent.

During the quarter, the company increased its revenue market share in the SUV segment to 27.3 percent, its LCV market share (up to 3.5 tonnes) to 54.2 percent, and its tractor segment market share to 45.2 percent.

The standalone automotive business recorded a 31 percent increase in revenue to INR 259.99 billion, with profit before interest and tax (PBIT) up 24 percent to INR 22.21 billion. SUV volumes reached 152,000 units, contributing to total vehicle sales of 247,249 units.

The farm equipment sector saw revenue rise 12 percent to INR 108.92 billion, with PBIT up 21 percent at INR 18.19 billion. Tractor volumes grew 10 percent to 132,964 units and standalone PBIT margins improved by 130 bps to 19.8 percent.

In the services segment, Mahindra Finance’s assets under management rose 15 percent, while Tech Mahindra’s EBIT margin increased by 260 bps to 11.1 percent, with a 34 percent jump in net profit.

Dr. Anish Shah, Group CEO & Managing Director, M&M, said, “Q1 FY2026 has been an excellent quarter, with broad-based growth across all our businesses. The operating excellence in our Auto and Farm businesses is evident in continued market share gains and margin expansion. TechM is witnessing momentum on deal wins, sustaining cost discipline and is moving steadily towards its FY2027 margin objectives. MMFSL’s calibrated approach to growth is manifesting in stable asset quality, with GS3 under 4 percent as committed. Our Growth Gems are progressing well on their value creation journeys.”

Rajesh Jejurikar, Executive Director & CEO (Auto and Farm Sector), M&M, said, “Our Auto and Farm businesses continue to lead with strong momentum in Q1 FY2026, with gain of 570 bps YoY in SUV revenue share, and 340 bps YoY in LCV (<3.5T) market share. In Tractors, we gained 50 bps YoY to reach 45.2 percent market share, the highest ever in a quarter. Our Auto Standalone PBIT margin (excl. eSUV contract mfg.) improved by 50 bps to 10 percent and core Tractor PBIT margins improved by 100 bps to 20.7 percent.”

Amarjyoti Barua, Group Chief Financial Officer, M&M, said, “We are pleased with the performance of the group in the quarter, despite several macro challenges including geo-political disruptions. It demonstrates the resilience of the group. With our continued focus on capital discipline & operational metrics, we remain committed to shareholder value creation.”

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Toyota Kirloskar Motor, a leading passenger vehicle manufacturer, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Zilla Parishad to upgrade the infrastructure of the Zilla Parishad Kendriya Prathamik School (ZPKPS) in Bidkin, Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar, Maharashtra.

The MoU was exchanged at the Collector Office in the presence of Deelip Swami, Collector and District Magistrate, Ankit, CEO of the Zilla Parishad, officials from the Education Department and senior Toyota Kirloskar Motor representatives including Sudeep Dalvi, Chief Communication Officer and Senior Vice-President.

This school development forms part of the automaker’s education-focused corporate social responsibility (CSR) activities and aligns with its recent investment to set up a greenfield manufacturing facility in Maharashtra.

ZPKPS Bidkin, a 100-year-old school currently serving over 800 students, is expected to see enrolment rise to around 1,200. The infrastructure project will be implemented in phases over three years, from 2025 to 2028.

Education continues to be a key area in Toyota Kirloskar Motor’s CSR work, which supports national initiatives such as Skill India and the National Education Policy. The company’s focus includes early childhood care, literacy, and access to learning resources.

Deelip Swami, said, “We welcome this collaboration with Toyota Kirloskar Motor to upgrade the infrastructure of ZPKPS Bidkin, a school that has been central to educating children from economically weaker sections in the region. With student numbers expected to grow significantly, this initiative comes at a crucial time and will greatly enhance the learning environment. Strengthening public education through such collaborative efforts is key to ensuring inclusive development. We appreciate Toyota’s proactive contribution toward this shared goal and are confident that the project will create lasting value for the children and the broader community of Bidkin.”

Sudeep Dalvi, said, “At Toyota Kirloskar Motor, our commitment to nation-building extends beyond mobility solutions. We firmly believe that education is one of the most powerful enablers of long-term, inclusive development. By creating a nurturing and modern learning environment for nearly 1,200 students, we are investing in the potential of future generations. This MoU reflects our continued collaboration with government stakeholders in delivering high-impact interventions that strengthen the social fabric of our communities. This initiative marks the beginning of our engagement in the state, as we move forward, our efforts will remain rooted in our core philosophy of ‘Creating Mobility for All’—that can transform lives and uplift entire communities.”

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