Skoda Auto India, one of the leading passenger vehicle manufacturers, has taken the wraps of the all-new Skoda Kylaq, the company’s third model developed locally for the Indian market. With prices starting at INR 789,000, this is the most affordable Skoda car currently available in the market.

This also marks the Czech brand’s first model in the popular sub-4-metre segment, which at present accounts for nearly 50 percent of sales in the Indian car market. The Kylaq C-SUV is the first model in India to feature Skoda’s new Modern Solid design language.

Klaus Zellmer, CEO, Skoda Auto, said, “The Skoda Kylaq is our first sub-4-metre SUV, designed in India and for India as a new entry point to our brand. India is key to our internationalisation plans, the world’s third-largest car market, and SUVs make up 50 percent of new vehicle sales. We want the Kylaq to welcome new customers who are looking in this popular and fast-growing segment. Adding to its appeal, the Kylaq marks the debut in India of our Modern Solid design language, with new visual accents.”

The Kylaq features 189mm of ground clearance, is 3,995mm long, 1,783mm wide and is 1,619mm tall with a 2,566mm wheelbase.

The 1.0 TSI engine produces 178Nm of torque and delivers 85 kW of power. The compact SUV can be had with a six-speed manual or automatic transmission. It has a claimed top speed of 188kmph and can go from zero to 100kph in 10.5 seconds.

Johannes Neft, Skoda Auto Board Member for Technical Development, said, “The Skoda Kylaq is our third offering based on the MQB-A0-IN platform, developed by our teams in India with comprehensive support by our colleagues in the Czech Republic for Indian customers. From the outset, this platform was designed to accommodate a sub-4-metre car like the Kylaq. This SUV is built on four key pillars: comfort, quality, global design language, and safety. That’s why the Kylaq has been rigorously tested across varied terrains, altitudes, and weather conditions. It will lead our presence in India’s fastest-growing and most competitive segment.”

The Kylaq gets over 25 active and passive safety features as standard including six airbags, multi-collision brake, roll over protection, motor slip regulation, electronic differential lock, XDS+, anti-lock brakes, electronic brake force distribution, and electronic stability control, among others. Select variants come equipped with over 35 safety features, such as cornering lights, automatic headlights and wipers, Hill Hold Control, and tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS).

In terms of space, the five-seater compact SUV has 446 litres of storage, which can be expanded to 1,265 litres with the rear seats folded.

On the inside, it features 10.1-inch infotainment display, which gets Android Auto and Apple CarPlay along with wireless charging support. The driver also gets a 8-inch digital cockpit that provides plenty of information.

Skoda India claims that the Kylaq has been tested for more than 800,000km of Indian terrain, including altitude test, temperature test and rigorous weather and water testing.

Piyush Arora, MD and CEO, Skoda Auto Volkswagen India, said, “Today is another important milestone in our India journey with the World Premiere of the Skoda Kylaq. Kylaq has generated tremendous excitement and buzz through 2024. And I’m extremely proud to unveil the Skoda Kylaq to India and to the world. With its high levels of localisation, unmatched driving dynamics and uncompromising safety, Kylaq will make a significant impact in the market.”

Oliver Stefani, Head of Skoda Design, said, “With the new Kylaq, our Skoda Design team has preserved and re-interpreted key Skoda design elements, combining them with new ideas and visual accents. It is one of the hallmarks of our new Modern Solid design language, ushering in a new era for design in a car that ushers in a New Era for us in India. Modern solid stands for solidity, functionality and authenticity while conveying a sense of safety and strength. The Skoda Kylaq, with its distinctive shape, minimalist and clean looks and functional features like a high ground clearance is a perfect embodiment of our new design approach to customers in India.”

Petr Janeba, Brand Director, Skoda Auto India, shared, “The Kylaq has literally hit the ground running and is going to be powering our growth in India over the next few years. It is the beginning of a new era for us in India. We are aware we are entering what is currently the most competitive segment in India. And are confident the Kylaq has what it takes to make an impact with its safety and driving dynamics. Moreover, the Kylaq boasts some segment-leading features like a six-way front electric seat adjustment with seat ventilation, and a class-leading 446 litres of boot space. The Kylaq continues with our India-focussed product line-up following the Kushaq and Slavia and will further our goal of entering newer markets and bringing new customers into the Skoda family. We believe we have stuck to our promise of accessible pricing of the Kylaq and look forward to ensure it democratises European technology in India. It is a compact car but is larger than life. And that’s the reason we premiere it via a motion picture premiere like never before.”

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Stellantis-owned Citroen India has announced the launch of its ‘Citroen 2.0 – Shift Into the New’ strategy, aimed at strengthening its position as an accessible mobility brand in the country. The plan focuses on enhanced customer satisfaction, product innovation and a significant expansion of its network across India.

The initiative includes upgrades to the C3, Aircross and Basalt Coupe SUV, with improvements in design, in-cabin technology and comfort. Developed on the global C-Cubed platform with up to 98 percent localisation, the refreshed portfolio is tailored to Indian driving conditions.

Shailesh Hazela, CEO & MD, Stellantis India, said, “India represents one of the most exciting and demanding opportunities for Stellantis globally and our Citroen 2.0 – Shift Into the New strategic plan is a decisive step forward in our commitment to India. We’re aligning closer than ever with Indian customers through locally engineered products, deeper network reach, and a relentless focus on quality and customer centricity. This is not about quick wins – it’s about sustainable growth, built on trust and long-term value. With high localisation, strong after-sales systems, newer ways of customer engagement and a sharp understanding of evolving expectations, we’re here to grow with India and for India.”

Since entering the market in 2021 with 10 showrooms, Citroen has grown to over 80 customer touchpoints, with plans to double the number by the end of this year. The expansion will prioritise Tier II, III and IV markets, supported by a digital service model offering transparent pricing and real-time tracking.

The company has invested over INR 53 billion in manufacturing, product platforms and localisation, with further investments planned in EVs, ICE platforms and supply chain localisation. The strategic plan will be introduced with a teaser featuring cricket legend MS Dhoni as brand ambassador.

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South Korean auto major Hyundai Motor Company and American automaker General Motors have joined forces to develop five new vehicles, including four for Central and South America and one for the North American market. The partnership aims to leverage the companies' combined scale to bring new models to customers faster and at a lower cost.

The collaboration will produce a compact SUV, car, and two different pickup trucks for Central and South American markets. These vehicles will be flexible, offering both traditional internal combustion engines and hybrid options. For North America, the companies will co-develop an electric commercial van.

The new vehicles are slated to launch starting in 2028. GM will take the lead on developing the mid-size truck platform, while Hyundai will spearhead the compact vehicle and electric van projects. While the vehicles will share platforms, each company will design unique interiors and exteriors to reflect its own brand.

This strategic collaboration is expected to produce more than 800,000 vehicles annually once production is fully scaled. The companies also plan to explore joint sourcing for materials and logistics, and are committed to sustainable manufacturing, including the use of low-carbon emissions steel.

Jose Munoz, President and CEO, Hyundai Motor Company, said, “Hyundai’s strategic collaboration with GM will help us continue to deliver value and choice to our customers across multiple vehicle segments and markets. Our combined scale in North and South America helps us to more efficiently provide our customers more of what they want – beautifully designed, high-quality, safety focused vehicles with technology they appreciate.”

Shilpan Amin, GM's Senior Vice-President and Global Chief Procurement and Supply Chain Officer, said, “By partnering together, GM and Hyundai will bring more choice to our customers faster, and at lower cost. These first co-developed vehicles clearly demonstrate how GM and Hyundai will leverage our complementary strengths and combined scale.”

The partnership, which was announced in September 2024, is still exploring other potential joint ventures, including collaboration on additional vehicle programs and propulsion systems like hydrogen fuel cell technology.

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CUPRA has introduced new Shadow Edition variants for its Leon and Leon Estate models in the UK, featuring bold dark styling accents that amplify the brand's sporty aesthetic. Based on the V3 trim, these editions come equipped with premium features such as leather upholstery, advanced driver aids and Dynamic Chassis Control.

The exterior showcases 19-inch matte black alloy wheels, black side skirts and a sleek roof spoiler, complemented by advanced CUPRA Matrix LED ULTRA headlights for superior nighttime visibility. Buyers can opt for the IMMERSIVE by Sennheiser sound system, which includes a 10-speaker setup with a subwoofer for an enhanced audio experience.

Additional upgrades like a panoramic sunroof, towbar, and various paint options are also available. Starting at GBP 36,770, the Shadow Edition is now open for orders in the UK.

Marcus Gossen, Managing Director of SEAT and CUPRA UK, said, “The launch of the Shadow Edition in the UK is a big step forward in the design journey of the CUPRA Leon. The Leon is the flagship hatchback of the brand and remains a disruptor and a style-leading icon in the market. The new features of the Shadow Edition combine striking design and leading technology to ensure that the Leon continues to be a popular choice for drivers.”

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Jaguar Land Rover has announced a new addition to its high-performance SUV lineup, the Range Rover Sport SV Carbon. The new model, which will debut on 13 August at Monterey Car Week, joins the existing Range Rover Sport SV and SV Black models, offering an even stronger focus on lightweight materials and performance aesthetics.

The Range Rover Sport SV Carbon features extensive use of carbon fibre, including a standard Forged Carbon Exterior Pack with detailing around the Active Quad Exhausts. Customers can also opt for a Twill Carbon finish and an exposed carbon fibre bonnet. The vehicle sits on lightweight 23-inch forged alloy wheels, with optional ultra-lightweight 23-inch Carbon Fibre Wheels also available. For stopping power, customers can choose optional Carbon Ceramic Brakes with a variety of calliper colour choices.

Inside, the carbon fibre theme continues with Forged Carbon detailing on the seatbacks and dashboard. The interior offers a choice of four colour themes in either perforated Windsor Leather or a leather-free Ultrafabrics material. Extended Moonlight Chrome detailing and illuminated SV treadplates complete the interior design.

Under the hood, the SV Carbon features a carbon fibre engine cover over a 4.4-liter Twin Turbo V8 mild hybrid petrol engine. The engine produces 635 horsepower and 750Nm of torque, allowing the SUV to reach a top speed of 180 mph (290 kmph). The vehicle also includes advanced features like the 6D Dynamics Suspension and Body and Soul Seat (BASS) technology, which provides a multi-dimensional audio experience.

Ryan Miller, Product and Services Marketing Director for Range Rover, said, "Following the introduction of the previously limited Range Rover Sport SV Edition ONE and Edition TWO, clients now have more choice when it comes to specifying their ultimate luxury performance SUV. Last month we announced the Range Rover Sport SV Black, offering a stealthy, dipped-in-black aesthetic, while the new Range Rover Sport SV Carbon is an assertive interpretation of our luxury performance SUV. Offered alongside Range Rover Sport SV and SV Black, it completes the new line-up showcasing the best of Range Rover’s sophisticated carbon fibre materials, for the ultimate expression of lightweight performance."

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