Skoda Auto India has launched the updated Kushaq, introducing technical and feature enhancements to its mid-size SUV. The model, which was the first vehicle developed under the India 2.0 strategy, now incorporates an eight-speed torque converter automatic transmission and integrated artificial intelligence.

The Kushaq comes with the Skoda Super Care package, providing a four-year warranty, four years of roadside assistance, and four labour-free services. Pre-bookings are open for INR 15,000, with deliveries scheduled to begin by the end of March 2026.

The vehicle debuts Skoda’s Modern Solid design language in India, featuring a new front grille with an illuminated light band, LED headlights, and connected taillights with sequential indicators. For the first time, the Monte Carlo variant is available from the start of sales. The SUV also introduces three colours: Shimla Green, Steel Grey and Cherry Red.

The new Kushaq offers two engine options and a revised range of automatic transmissions. The 1.0 TSI engine, producing 85kW and 178Nm, is now paired with a segment-first eight-speed torque converter or a six-speed manual gearbox. The 1.5 TSI engine, delivering 110kW and 250Nm, continues with the seven-speed DSG automatic and now features disc brakes on all four wheels.

Ground clearance remains at 188 mm, maintaining the vehicle’s capability for varying road conditions. The interior has been updated with a panoramic sunroof and a rear-seat massage function. Practical features include a 491-litre boot, expandable to 1,405 litres, and a 10.25-inch digital cockpit in higher specifications.

The infotainment system features a 10.1-inch screen with an AI voice assistant powered by Google Automotive AI. This system utilizes Gemini technology to provide real-time information and hands-free control over climate and media, specifically tuned to recognise Indian accents.

Safety remains a focus, with the Kushaq retaining its five-star Global NCAP rating. Six airbags and over 25 safety features are now standard across all variants, including: Electronic Stability Control (ESC), rain-sensing wipers, auto-dimming interior mirror and rear wiper & defogger.

Klaus Zellmer, CEO, Skoda Auto, said, “The updated Kushaq reinforces the importance of India as the springboard for Skoda Auto’s strategy to grow our international markets. The Kushaq has rapidly established itself with customers in India and as an export to ASEAN and the Middle East. Now we are setting the next benchmark for the model’s overall value proposition.”

Ashish Gupta, Brand Director, Skoda Auto India, said, “At Skoda, our mission is to democratise European technology and make it more accessible to customers across India. With the premiere of the new Kushaq today, we further build our legacy of having a class-leading range of ‘real automatics’ across our portfolio.”

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Kia India, one of the leading passenger vehicle manufacturers, has introduced the Model Year 2026 (MY26) edition of the Kia Sonet, increasing the availability of automatic transmissions across its diesel and turbo petrol variants.

The update introduces the 1.5-litre Diesel 6-speed Automatic and the 1.0-litre Turbo Petrol 7-speed Dual-Clutch Transmission (7DCT) in lower trim levels, with prices starting from INR 977,900 and INR 989,900, respectively. This move makes the Sonet the first SUV in its segment to offer both automatic technologies at a price point below INR 1 million.

The diesel automatic option has been expanded to the HTE(O), HTK(O), HTK+ and HTK+(O) variants. The turbo petrol 7DCT is now available in HTK(O) and HTK+(O) trims. These additions are intended to address the increasing demand for automatic vehicles in urban traffic conditions. The Sonet portfolio now includes five powertrain options, 70 connected car features and 10 Level 1 Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS).

Standard safety equipment across the Sonet range includes 15 features. The vehicle recently reached a sales milestone of 5 lakh units in the Indian market since its launch in 2020. Alongside the mechanical updates, Kia has added a new exterior colour option, Magma Red, to the palette. The model continues to feature a cabin equipped with a range of technologies designed for the compact SUV segment.

Atul Sood, Senior Vice-President, Sales & Marketing, Kia India, said, “We have been closely listening to evolving customer needs, particularly the growing preference for the convenience of automatic driving in everyday conditions. With the model year 2026 update, we are expanding our automatic line-up with Diesel Automatic and Turbo Petrol 7DCT options at highly competitive price points, enabling more customers to experience the ease of automatic mobility while further strengthening Sonet’s leadership in the segment.”

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Maruti Suzuki India, the country’s largest passenger vehicle manufacturer, has announced that its Dzire sedan has crossed the 3 million sales milestone. The vehicle was the highest-selling car in India during the 2025 calendar year.

First introduced in 2008, the Dzire has evolved through four generations, transitioning from its initial launch to its current iteration. The fourth-generation model is equipped with a Z-Series engine and features an electric sunroof, a 360-degree camera, and a 22.86 cm infotainment system with wireless connectivity. Safety specifications include six airbags, Electronic Stability Program (ESP) with Hill Hold Assist, and ISOFIX child seat anchorages. The vehicle has received 5-star safety ratings from both Bharat NCAP and Global NCAP.

According to the company, first-time buyers represent approximately 50 percent of the customer base for the current model. Over its history, the Dzire has introduced various technologies to the segment, including automatic transmissions, climate control and LED projector headlamps. The current version integrates smartwatch connectivity and remote vehicle monitoring through Suzuki Connect.

Partho Banerjee, Senior Executive Officer, Marketing & Sales, Maruti Suzuki India, said, “I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude towards all 3 million Dzire customers on this incredible milestone. The fourth-generation Dzire has well and truly reignited the sedan segment with its refined and sophisticated appeal, ensuring it finds strong preference among young first-time buyers, this demographic in fact represents nearly 50% of customers. A wide range of comfort and convenience features alongside 5-star safety ratings ensure the Dzire caters to every preference of today’s evolving customers.”

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Lamborghini India is witnessing a strong demand for its super cars from all regions of India – North, South, East and West. It is seeing new customers arrive with an ability to increasingly embrace the Italian brand’s Ad Personam personalisation programme, which helps create highly individual, statement-making configurations. The trend is exemplified through some of the recent Lamborghini Revuelto deliveries across the country, each uniquely specified and reflective of the customer’s personal style, performance preferences and ownership journey. 

North India: A Record -Spec for Revuelto in Azzurro Thetys 
The North India delivery features a Lamborghini Revuelto finished in Azzurro Thetys, an exclusive Ad Personam palette colour. The exterior is defined by upper and lower carbon fibre packages, carbon -fibre roof and A -pillars, and matt -black detailing, creating a refined yet performance -focused presence. Inside, the Classica Ad Personam interior is finished in Blu Delphinus with Bianco Polar accents, complemented by inverted stitching, embroidered Lamborghini shields, carbon - fibre interior elements, a carbon-fibre steering wheel with Corsa Tex, ambient RGB lighting and the High Premium Sonus faber audio system.

East India: First Revuelto in the region with high-specs
The first Revuelto delivery in East India is finished in bold Giallo Auge and underlines the growing preference for vibrant, high-impact specifications. The interior is finished in Nero Ade with Giallo Taurus contrast elements, featuring inverted stitching, fully electric and heated comfort seats, carbon -fibre kickplates with a backlit Revuelto logo, ambient lighting, passenger display and the Sonus faber audio system.

West India: The most comprehensive-spec carbon-fibre Revuelto in the country
Lamborghini India has delivered a highly bespoke Revuelto featuring full exterior and interior Ad Personam carbon-fibre packages in Mumbai. The supercar is finished in Verde Metallic and highlighted with Bronzo Oreadi accents, including a livery stripe on the rear diffuser, The 21/22-inch Diamond Cut Altanero forged wheels combo is in bronze. Extensive carbon-fibre detailing, including aerodynamic door fins, makes this car one of the most comprehensively specced Revueltos in the country. The Classica Ad Personam interior features Nero Ade upholstery with Terra Emilia accents, inverted stitching, embroidered Lamborghini shields and a carbon-fibre steering wheel, paired with fully electric and heated comfort seats for a balance of luxury and performance. 

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Hyundai Motor India (HMIL), one of the leading passenger vehicle manufacturers, has announced that bookings for the Hyundai Venue have exceeded 100,000 units. To mark this milestone, the company has introduced the HX8 Diesel Automatic (AT) variant, priced at INR 1.36 million.

The new variant is powered by a 1.5L CRDi diesel engine is paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission. This addition expands the Venue line-up, providing a diesel torque-on-demand option with an automatic gearbox for the compact SUV segment.

The HX8 variant includes several updates to the vehicle's interior, safety and mechanical systems. Notable mechanical additions include rear disc brakes and an electric parking brake with an auto-hold function.

The technical and convenience suite includes – paddle shifters, drive modes (Eco, Normal, Sport) and traction control modes (Sand, Mud, Snow). The cabin also gets front row ventilated seats, 4-way electric driver seat adjustment and ambient lighting. Over-the-Air (OTA) vehicle updates and Hyundai Bluelink connected car systems.

On the inside, it features a dual-tone leatherette seats featuring Venue branding.

The introduction of the diesel automatic transmission targets customers seeking fuel efficiency combined with the convenience of an automated gear shift. The Venue competes in the compact SUV category, supported by Hyundai’s existing sales and service network across India.

Tarun Garg, Managing Director & CEO, Hyundai Motor India, said, “We are delighted that the new Hyundai Venue has crossed 100,000 bookings, reaffirming the strong trust Indian customers place in our brand. This milestone reflects the growing aspiration for smart, connected and feature-rich mobility solutions that enhance everyday driving. The introduction of the new HX8 Diesel Automatic variant further strengthens the Venue lineup, offering customers the perfect blend of diesel efficiency, torque-rich performance and effortless convenience. It underscores our commitment to providing meaningful choices backed by advanced technology and superior value. At Hyundai, we remain focused on delivering future-ready products that resonate with evolving customer expectations and drive the next phase of mobility in India.”

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