Czech automaker Skoda Auto India, which completes its silver jubilee in India, has launched its all-new Kodiaq premium SUV at prices starting INR 4.68 million.

Powered by a 2.0 TSI engine, the Kodiaq produces 150kW and 320Nm of torque, which is distributed to both axles through a seven-speed dual-clutch DSG automatic. Based on the MQB37 platform, the Kodiaq SUV is available in the Sportline and Selection L&K in seven-seat configurations. The company shared that the SUV is being assembled in India at the brand’s facility in Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar. The Kodiaq comes with a claimed fuel efficiency of 14.86 kmpl by ARAI.

The all-new Skoda Kodiaq grows 59mm longer than its predecessor, now measuring 4,758mm in length, 1,864mm in width and 1,679mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2,791mm. Its ground clearance increases to 155mm when fully laden. It continues to retain its three-row layout yet manages to offer 281 litres of cargo space with all seats upright, 786 litres with the third row folded, and 1,976 litres with both rear rows stowed. Externally, the SUV boasts a bold redesign, featuring LED Beam Crystallinium headlamps with a Welcome Effect and a front grille integrated with a horizontal light strip.

A red strip connecting the tail lamps accentuates its width, and six exterior colour options are available, including Moon White and Velvet Red, with exclusive Bronx Gold for the L&K and Steel Grey for the Sportline.

On the inside, the Kodiaq elevates luxury with two distinct themes: a sporty all-black interior for the Sportline and premium Cognac leather upholstery for the L&K trim. A 32.77-cm infotainment system and Smart Dials with tactile controls streamline access to HVAC, audio and drive modes. Ergonomic upgrades include a steering wheel-mounted gear selector and a rear tablet holder. The Ergo front seats feature advanced pneumatic massage, while an acoustic package and noise-reducing windows ensure a tranquil cabin.

The Kodiaq is equipped with nine airbags, complemented by a sliding panoramic sunroof and a 725W Canton sound system with 13 speakers.

Skoda Auto India is also offering a standard warranty of five-year/125,000km (whichever earlier), along with a 10-year complimentary Road-Side Assistance on offer.

Petr Janeba, Brand Director, Skoda Auto India, said, “In March, we recorded our biggest ever monthly sales in India, driven by the Kylaq launch, and supported by the Kushaq and Slavia. This is one of many new records we aim to set this year. In line with our product offensive strategy, the launch of the all-new Kodiaq showcases the other end of our product spectrum with Škoda’s luxury and technology prowess. The Kodiaq has now grown to be an important legacy name for us like the Octavia and Superb. The Kodiaq offers the ultimate luxury and handling for city roads and also packs in versatile all-terrain capabilities.”

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Hyundai Motor Europe has appointed Wolfgang Würth as Director of PR & Communications, effective 1 October 2025. In this role, he will lead the development and execution of an integrated communications strategy, overseeing all public relations, product and corporate communications activities across the region. Würth will report directly to Xavier Martinet, President & CEO of Hyundai Motor Europe, as a key member of the company's leadership team.

His primary focus will be on positioning Hyundai as a leading innovator in electric mobility, leveraging his strong passion for technological advancement and responsible transportation. Würth brings over 20 years of extensive experience in the automotive and technology sectors, with a background in brand strategy, digital marketing and social media from senior international positions at Mercedes-Benz AG and, most recently, smart Europe GmbH. He is also a graduate of the Executive MBA programme offered by the University of St. Gallen and ETH Zurich.

Martinet said, “We are pleased to welcome Wolfgang to the team. With his extensive knowledge and experience in the automotive industry, and his proven ability to craft compelling narratives, Wolfgang will play a key role in driving our brand forward. His expertise will be fundamental as we accelerate our growth and continue to redefine mobility across Europe.”

Würth said, “I am honoured to join Hyundai, a brand of progress, with a unique design philosophy and empowering technology. I look forward to working with the talented teams to strengthen the brand’s presence and inspire our customers across the continent.”

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Maruti Suzuki India (MSIL) has officially announced the introductory prices for its new SUV, the Victoris, with a starting price of INR 1.04 million. The company stated that sales for the vehicle will begin on 22 September 2025.

Targeting young and dynamic customers, the Victoris is designed to cater to a digitally integrated and ‘Always Online, Always On The Move Lifestyle.’

Partho Banerjee, Senior Executive Officer, Marketing & Sales, Maruti Suzuki India, “We have received an incredible response for the VICTORIS ever since its launch earlier this month. Customers have expressed overwhelming appreciation for the Victoris SUV, especially its intelligent technology, hyper-connected features, progressive and sleek design and all-round safety. Building on this euphoria, we are delighted to announce introductory prices for the Victoris, starting at INR 10,49,900. Armed with versatile powertrain options that are tailored for adventurous and environmentally responsible buyers of today, the VICTORIS is powered by high-end technologies such as strong hybrid, Allgrip Select, S-CNG and Smart Hybrid. With its robust performance, 5-star safety~ and cutting-edge features, the Victoris truly has ‘Got It All’—making it aspirational, yet accessible for today’s youthful SUV customers who seek experiential lifestyles.”

The Victoris is offered with a variety of powertrain options, including strong hybrid, Allgrip Select, S-CNG, and Smart Hybrid technologies. It boasts a 5-star safety rating and is available in 21 variants and 10 colour options (three dual-tone and seven monotone). The new SUV will be sold through Maruti Suzuki ARENA showrooms.

Here is the full price list for the new Maruti Suzuki Victoris (all prices are ex-showroom)

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Maruti Suzuki India, the country's largest passenger vehicle manufacturer, is leaving no stone unturned to mark its aggressive strategy to reinforce its leadership position.

The company, which recently introduced the Victoris SUV, to further cement its position in the SUV space, has made owning the vehicle more attractive with the model scoring a 5-star safety rating for both adult and child occupants under the new Global NCAP standards.

This makes the Victoris the second model after the Dzire sedan (last year) to score a 5-star safety rating, thus clearly indicating a focussed approach towards improving vehicle safety.

Global NCAP crash tested the Victoris, which comes with six airbags, ESC (Electronic Stability Control) and pedestrian protection as standard.  

The results found that the structure and footwell areas are rated as stable and can withstand further loadings. All body regions for adult occupants showed adequate to good protection in all crash test scenarios. 

Side impact and pole test showed full head protection. Global NCAP also found that 18-months old and 3-year-old child dummies showed full protection in the rearward facing child seat with ISOFIX anchorages and support leg.  

Richard Woods, Chief Executive Officer, Global NCAP, said, “The five star Victoris clearly demonstrates Maruti Suzuki’s commitment to improved safety for its new models. It continues the trend set by the Dzire launched last year which also achieved five stars.  We warmly welcome Maruti Suzuki’s engagement with the requirements of Global NCAP’s new protocols. The result is a significant vehicle safety victory for motoring consumers in India.”  

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Škoda UK has appointed Philip Taylor as the new Head of Network Sales, with his tenure commencing on 1 November 2025. Taylor brings a wealth of experience to the role, having dedicated 16 years to various positions within Volkswagen Group UK.

His career has encompassed a diverse range of both brand-specific and broader Group functions, providing him with a comprehensive understanding of the automotive sector. Most recently, Taylor held the strategic position of Head of Product and Planning at Volkswagen Passenger Cars UK. His leadership during this period was a significant contributing factor to the brand achieving the notable status of the UK's best-selling new car brand. A key highlight of his tenure was his instrumental role in steering the successful market introduction and launch of the brand's pivotal all-electric ID. model range.

In this new capacity, Taylor will be taking over from Kevin Rendell, who is departing Škoda UK to assume the identical role of Head of Network Sales at Volkswagen UK. This move represents a strategic exchange of seasoned commercial expertise within the Volkswagen Group family, with Taylor's proven track record in sales and product strategy positioned to further accelerate Škoda's ongoing growth and success in the UK market.

Taylor is joining Škoda UK at a particularly auspicious time for the Czech manufacturer. The brand is currently experiencing a period of considerable commercial success and critical acclaim, having recently achieved its highest-ever UK market share.

Matthew Bowden, Brand Director, Škoda UK, said, “I’m very pleased to welcome Phil to the Škoda  UK team. He will bring a wealth of experience built from his varied roles across the Group, which I am sure will prove invaluable as we move into the next stage of our growth plans.”

Taylor said, “I’m very excited to join the Škoda team. The brand has developed impressively over the years, and is now a major player in the UK market with a very strong, award-winning model line-up. I am really looking forward to working with the UK team and its retailer partners to help continue its successful momentum.”

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