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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Hyundai Motor India (HMIL) has expanded its Alcazar SUV range with a new Corporate variant with diesel powertrain at prices starting INR 1.78 million and an expansion of automatic transmission options in the Prestige DCT Petrol (7-speed) at INR 1.86 million.

The Alcazar Corporate variant is equipped with a voice-enabled smart Panoramic Sunroof and is available with both 6-speed Manual and 6-speed Automatic transmission choices, and is designed to appeal to the evolving aspirations of Indian SUV buyers.

Tarun Garg, Whole-Time Director and Chief Operating Officer, Hyundai Motor India, said, “At Hyundai Motor India, we are continuously listening to customer feedback and evolving our product offerings to meet their aspirations. The introduction of the Corporate variant in Alcazar Diesel with a voice enabled smart panoramic sunroof and the inclusion of DCT in the Prestige Petrol variant reflects our commitment to providing a more personalized and premium SUV experience. With these updates, we aim to offer more choice and delight to our customers who seek performance, technology and sophistication in their vehicles.”

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When Tata Motors launched the Harrier.ev, it wasn’t just introducing another electric vehicle — it was signalling a shift in India’s premium electric vehicle landscape. Based on Tata’s Gen 2 EV (acti.ev+) architecture, the Harrier.ev blends familiarity with futuristic design, making electrification a natural progression rather than a disruptive leap.

Interestingly, the company is providing a lifetime warranty on the battery for the first vehicle owners, applicable only to private owners. 

Anand Kulkarni, Chief Product Officer, Tata Passenger Electric Mobility, told Motoring Trends, “We have said that our Gen 2 approach is basically a pure EV approach. Much the same way, the acti.ev+, in fact, we have taken that architecture further ahead on the Harrier.ev to make sure that you can get the seating comfort of a regular SUV without any compromise on the battery or powertrain.”

While rivals explore born-electric platforms from scratch, Tata’s strategy with the Harrier.ev is different – marrying known aesthetics with a ground-up EV design. That’s not just a technical decision, but as Kulkarni stated, it’s rooted in customer behaviour.

“There is a section of people who are saying, who want the comfort and the familiarity of the product that they are using. So we have ​made a product that retains that familiarity, while giving them the benefits of electrification,” Kulkarni explained.

The Harrier.ev isn’t just about powertrains and batteries – it’s about creating a ‘third space.’ With features like a 14.5-inch Neo QLED screen and Dolby audio, Tata wants the Harrier.ev to be as comfortable and connected as a living room.

“You have office, you have home, and everything in between is where you spend a lot of time in the car. People expect it to be comfortable, convenient, connected and safe,” Kulkarni said.

Even as the EV market rapidly matures, Tata remains mindful of long-term viability. Decisions around battery size, AWD vs FWD configurations, and software-driven features were all taken with a delicate balance of affordability and future-readiness in mind.

“We worked with two sizes of batteries. This was about making the right choices,” said Kulkarni, noting how Tata’s dual-battery strategy is now industry standard.

As Kulkarni explained, For Tata, the Harrier.ev is more than a product – it's a culmination of years of foresight, strategic evolution and a deep understanding of the Indian consumer. It’s a vehicle that reflects not just where the market is headed, but how Tata Motors is determined to lead it there.

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Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM) has launched the Fortuner and Legender in a new Neo Drive in a hybrid avatar, featuring a 48-volt system that delivers improved fuel efficiency. The models are priced at INR 4.47 million and INR 5.09 million, respectively.  

Since its debut in 2009, the Toyota Fortuner has defined the premium SUV segment in India, admired for its rugged design, robust performance and unmatched all-terrain capabilities. The stylish and feature-rich Legender complements the Fortuner, exemplifying Toyota’s core values of quality, durability and reliability. Together, they have cultivated a loyal following among urban adventurers and off-road enthusiasts alike.

The new Neo Drive variants introduce Toyota’s advanced 2.8-litre, four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine paired with a 48V system comprising a belt-integrated starter generator and lithium-ion battery. This technology mirrors hybrid electric systems by recuperating braking energy during deceleration, contributing to smoother low-end acceleration, quieter operation and improved fuel efficiency. The Smart Idle Start-Stop function further enhances efficiency by automatically shutting off the engine when stationary, resulting in lower emissions and fuel savings.

Importantly, the company claims that these enhancements do not compromise the Fortuner and Legender’s formidable payload capacity, durability or off-road performance. The Multi-Terrain Select system optimises throttle response, braking and traction control to deliver a superior driving experience across diverse terrains.

On the design front, the Fortuner retains its bold, purposeful stance, ideal for rugged adventures, while the Legender exudes a more dynamic and premium appeal with dual-tone body colours, split LED headlamps and a sleek fascia. Both models offer dual-tone leather upholstery, soft-touch materials and ergonomic seating designed for long-distance comfort.

In terms of safety the SUVs come with ABS, Vehicle Stability Control with Brake Assist, WIL Concept Seats, Hill Assist Control, Traction Control and more. Toyota’s focus on customer convenience extends to tailored finance solutions, including up to 8-year funding plans, Toyota Smart Balloon Finance and pre-approved value-added services such as extended warranty and genuine accessories. Buyers will also benefit from five years of complimentary roadside assistance and a standard 3-year/100,000 km warranty, extendable to 5 years/220,000 km, along with the customisable Toyota Smiles Plus service package.

Varinder Wadhwa, Vice President, Sales-Service-Used Car Business, Toyota Kirloskar Motor, said, “As the SUV market in India grows steadily, customers are seeking advanced features and differentiated styling. The new Fortuner and Legender Neo Drive variants meet these expectations with bold design, powerful performance, and comprehensive features, underscoring Toyota’s commitment to delivering ever-better cars and advancing towards carbon neutrality.”

Bookings for the Fortuner and Legender Neo Drive variants commenced on 2 June 2025, with deliveries set to begin from the third week of June.

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Hyundai Motor India, a leading passenger vehicle manufacturer, has onboarded popular actor Pankaj Tripathi as its new brand ambassador.

The company shared that Tripathi, who is known for his versatility and grounded charm, embodies Hyundai India’s values of reliability, authenticity and a deep-rooted connection with the country’s diverse audience. With this association, HMIL further strengthens its ambassador lineup that already includes iconic personalities.

Tarun Garg, Whole-Time Director and Chief Operating Officer, Hyundai Motor India, said, “At HMIL, we celebrate stories of progress and inspiration. We are delighted to welcome Pankaj Tripathi to HMIL family. His grounded persona, exceptional talent and widespread appeal resonate with the values of HMIL and our vision of ‘Progress for Humanity’. Together, we aim to drive deeper emotional connections with our diverse customer base across India.”

Pankaj Tripathi, said, “It is an honour to associate with Hyundai Motor India, a brand that has long stood for trust, innovation and customer-first approach. My first car was a Hyundai, and over the years, that relationship has grown into something truly personal. As someone who deeply values simplicity, sincerity and staying true to one’s roots, I find a natural alignment with HMIL’s ethos. I look forward to this partnership where together, we can connect with people across the country - not just through technology, but through shared stories and values.”

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