Skoda Auto India Launches Refreshed Kushaq Starting At INR 1.06 Million
- By MT Bureau
- March 21, 2026
Skoda Auto India, one of the leading passenger vehicle manufacturers, has commenced customer deliveries and announced pricing for the updated Kushaq SUV. The refreshed line-up introduces segment-first technologies and a restructured variant hierarchy aimed at increasing the accessibility of its European engineering and safety features.
The new Kushaq maintains its turbocharged petrol engine range with significant updates to its transmission and braking systems:
- 1.0 TSI Engine: Produces 85 kW of power and 178 Nm of torque. It debuts a segment-first eight-speed torque converter automatic alongside the existing six-speed manual. Fuel efficiency is claimed at 19.66 kmpl (MT) and 19.09 kmpl (AT).
- 1.5 TSI Engine: Delivers 110 kW and 250 Nm of torque, paired exclusively with a seven-speed DSG automatic. This variant now features Active Cylinder Technology (ACT) and all-wheel disc brakes on the Prestige and Monte Carlo trims.
The Kushaq retains its Global NCAP 5-star safety rating and now includes over 40 safety features. Standard equipment across the entire range includes – 6 airbags, rain-sensing wipers, rear wiper and defogger.
On the exterior, it features LED headlamps, LED taillamps, sequential rear turn indicators and alloy wheels.
It gets electric sunroof, climatronic auto AC and touchscreen infotainment.
The SUV is available in five trims with eight colour options, including the new Shimla Green, Steel Grey, and Cherry Red.
|
Variant |
Key Features |
Starting Price (INR) |
|
Classic+ |
Entry-level with 6 airbags, R16 alloys, and 17.7 cm touchscreen. |
INR 1.06 million |
|
Signature |
20.32 cm Virtual Cockpit, 25.6 cm touchscreen with AI assistant. |
INR 1.45 million |
|
Sportline |
Blacked-out styling elements and R17 Vega Black alloys. |
INR 1.47 million |
|
Prestige |
Rear Seat Massager, panoramic sunroof, 26.03 cm Digital Cockpit. |
INR 1.67 million |
|
Monte Carlo |
Motorsport styling, red brake callipers, and exclusive dual-tone interior. |
INR 1.78 million (AT) |
All variants come with Skoda Super Care, which includes a standard 4-year/100,000 km warranty, 4 years of roadside assistance, and four labour-free services for up to two years. The warranty is extendable to eight years.
Ashish Gupta, Brand Director, Skoda Auto India, said, “At Skoda Auto India, our focus is on democratising European technology and making it accessible to a wider set of customers. With the new Kushaq, we truly redefine value across the range. The new Kushaq leads the way through competitive value pricing across variants, enhanced standard safety features and all-round performance. Segment-first additions such as the eight-speed automatic gearbox, Rear Seat Massager, and standardisation of essential features provide fantastic value right from the entry variant. Class-leading safety, unmatched driving dynamics and pride of ownership come standard with the new Kushaq, as with every Skoda.”
JSW MG Motor India Partners Golchha To Strengthen Presence In Nepal
- By MT Bureau
- May 12, 2026
JSW MG Motor India, one of India’s leading passenger vehicle manufacturers, has strengthened its presence in Nepal through a strategic distribution partnership with the Golchha Organisation.
As part of the partnership, the automaker has inaugurated a new MG dealership that will showcase its key products such as MG Hector, MG Windsor and MG Comet for the Nepal market.
With evolving customer expectations and needs, JSW MG Motor India sees Nepal as an important market.
Akash Golchha, Dealer Principal, Nepal, said, “We are delighted to partner with JSW MG Motor India and introduce MG’s globally recognised range of vehicles to customers in Nepal. This dealership is designed to offer a comprehensive and elevated customer experience, backed by modern infrastructure and a strong focus on service excellence. We believe MG’s portfolio, with its blend of technology, design, and sustainability, is well aligned with the aspirations of customers in Nepal, and we look forward to building a strong and enduring presence for the brand in the market.”
Toyota Motor Corporation To Build New Plant In Aurangabad, Production To Begin In H1 2029
- By MT Bureau
- May 11, 2026
Toyota Motor Corporation (Toyota) announces plans to build a new Toyota Kirloskar Motor plant in the Bidkin Industrial Area, Aurangabad, in Maharashtra.
The plant will have a production capacity of 100,000 units per year and will employ approximately 2,800 people. It is set to produce Toyota Motor Corporation’s new SUV with the facility capable of stamping, welding, painting and assembly processes.
Toyota Kirloskar Motor’s new plant is planned to start production in the first half of 2029 and is aimed at strengthening Toyota's business foundation in the Indian market with production plans for both domestic and export markets.
At present, Toyota Kirloskar Motor has a manufacturing facility in Bidadi, Karnataka, where it has a capacity to produce around 320,000 units per annum.
Toyota Motor Corporation states it will continue strengthening its production structure to enable a flexible response to future demand growth and market changes in India and surrounding regions, and to deliver products in a timely manner that customers choose.
Opel Announces All-Electric C-SUV Development With Leapmotor
- By MT Bureau
- May 11, 2026
European automotive brand Opel has unveiled plans for a new, all-electric C-segment SUV as part of a strategic collaboration between Stellantis and Leapmotor. The vehicle is designed to expand Opel’s existing SUV line-up, which includes the Grandland, Frontera and Mokka.
The project aims to reduce development time to less than two years by utilising Leapmotor’s electric architecture and battery technology. The SUV will be designed in Russelsheim, Germany, with engineering handled by international teams in both Germany and China. Opel will integrate its own chassis engineering, seating technology and signature design into the platform.
Production is currently being evaluated for the Stellantis plant in Zaragoza, Spain, where it would be manufactured alongside the Opel Corsa. The sales of the new model are expected to commence in 2028.
Florian Huettl, CEO, Opel, said, “The SUV would be is designed and created by us at Opel in Russelsheim and developed by international teams located in Germany and China. The partnership with Leapmotor should enable a development time of less than two years. With this, Opel is planning a further important step in the development of state-of-the-art and accessible electric vehicles for our customers."
Xavier Chereau, Chairman of the Opel supervisory board and Stellantis Chief Human Resources & Sustainability Officer, added, “With this project, Opel would bring together German engineering excellence with global technological innovation speed. This innovative spirit defines the next chapter of our global collaboration with Leapmotor and Opel is taking on a pioneering role with this project."
The project is currently in the feasibility and pre-development stage, with definitive agreements and customary approvals pending. The announcement comes shortly before Stellantis' Investor Day 2026.
Skoda Auto India Expands Network With New Hyderabad Facility
- By MT Bureau
- May 09, 2026
Skoda Auto India has inaugurated a new sales facility in Raidurgam, Hyderabad, in partnership with Mody India Cars. The move strengthens the brand’s presence in Telangana, a key market for its growth strategy in India.
The new facility covers 3,200 sqft and is designed according to Skoda’s global ‘Modern Solid’ design philosophy, with space to display four vehicles. With this addition, Skoda now operates 15 customer touchpoints in the twin cities of Hyderabad and Secunderabad and a total of 19 touchpoints across Telangana, including Karimnagar, Nizamabad and Warangal.
With this, Skoda’s network has now expanded to over 330 touchpoints across 182 cities, up from 120 outlets in 2021. This growth follows a record-breaking Q1 2026, where the company sold 20,028 units, a 17 percent increase YoY, driven largely by the success of the Kylaq sub-compact SUV.
Ashish Gupta, Brand Director, Skoda Auto India, said, “With the inauguration of this new sales facility in Hyderabad, we continue to strengthen Skoda Auto India’s presence across Telangana. This city is a key market for us, and with over 15 Customer Touchpoints now operational, we are bringing our complete product range closer to customers while ensuring they experience the highest standards of service and care. Telangana remains a vital pillar of our growth in India, and with the Kylaq, new Kushaq, Kodiaq and Slavia, we are confident of growing the Skoda brand in this important market.”
Nihar Mody, Dealer Principal, Mody India Cars, said, “We are delighted to partner with Skoda Auto India and bring the brand’s premium experience closer to customers in Hyderabad. This new facility is designed to deliver a premium customer experience, from display to delivery. Our commitment is to provide the customers of this city with the very best of Skoda Auto’s product range and ownership journey.”
The expansion aligns with the company's ‘Skoda Super Care’ initiative, which provides a standard 4-year warranty and roadside assistance to enhance the long-term ownership experience.

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