SKODA has released the design sketches of the fourth generation Fabia revealing its significantly larger size and dynamic design.

VW Groups modular MQB-A0 platform has helped SKODA create more space on the inside for passengers and luggage. The design sketches have also revealed sharp front headlights and rear lights featuring LED technology. The front headlights feature a sharply cut block of ice element flanked by an L-shaped DRL. The flat full-LED rear lights feature SKODA’s signature crystalline elements.

The new Fabia will be 111mm longer and 48mm wider than the previous generation model. The MQB-A0 architecture has helped liberate 50 litres of extra boot space.

The elongated roof spoiler with side finlets ensures excellent aerodynamics along with the aerodynamically optimised exterior mirrors. Active cooling shutters in the front bumper air inlet also help in aerodynamics.

The new SKODA Fabia’s world premiere will take place in May 2021. (MT)

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In a major milestone for vehicle safety in India, Maruti Suzuki India’s all-new Dzire has become the first compact sedan in the country to secure a 5-star rating under the Bharat New Car Assessment Programme (Bharat NCAP). The safety certification was formally presented by Nitin Gadkari, Minister of Road Transport and Highways, during a ceremony held in New Delhi.

The same round of crash testing also saw Maruti Suzuki’s New Age Baleno receive a 4-star rating, further strengthening the company’s credentials in vehicle safety.

The country’s largest carmaker announced that by end-2025, all its passenger vehicles will come equipped with six airbags as standard. Currently, 10 models – including the Alto K10, Celerio, WagonR, Eeco, Swift, Dzire, Brezza, Grand Vitara, Jimny and Invicto –already feature this across all variants.

Additionally, the automaker confirmed that all 18 models in its portfolio now come with Electronic Stability Program+ (ESP) as standard. This the OEM states is the widest deployment of ESP across a passenger vehicle lineup in India, ahead of any regulatory requirement.

Minister Nitin Gadkari lauded the progress made in enhancing vehicle safety across India. He noted that Bharat NCAP now follows globally benchmarked testing protocols and commended Maruti Suzuki for incorporating advanced safety features even in entry-level models. Gadkari also encouraged other OEMs to adopt similar initiatives and stressed the need for road users to follow traffic laws, wear seat belts, and prioritise safety as a collective responsibility.

Hisashi Takeuchi, Managing Director & CEO, Maruti Suzuki India, said, “Bharat NCAP empowers Indian consumers to make well-informed decisions. We remain committed to making six airbags standard across our portfolio by the end of this year.”

Both the new Dzire and Baleno are built on Suzuki’s fifth-generation HEARTECT platform, designed for enhanced crash safety and structural rigidity. Standard safety features across both vehicles include:

• Six airbags (front, side, and curtain)
• Electronic Stability Program+ (ESP) with Hill Hold Assist
• ABS with EBD
• 360-degree HD camera
• Rear parking camera and sensors
• ISOFIX child seat anchors
• Seatbelt reminders with audio-visual alerts for all passengers
• 3-point seat belts for every occupant
• Speed-sensitive auto door locking
• High-speed alert system

Additionally, the Dzire features a manual day/night IRVM and tyre pressure monitoring system, while the Baleno offers an auto-dimming IRVM for added driving convenience.

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Stellantis-owned French auto brand Citroen India has announced a special anniversary celebration offer on its entire product range as it marks its fourth anniversary in the country.

As per the announcement, the company is providing exclusive limited-period benefits on the purchase of any Citroen vehicle, including cash benefits, extended warranty packages and low EMI finance schemes.

Citroen India stated that customers can avail attractive savings of up to INR 280,000 on select models during the celebratory period till end of June 2025 or till stocks last. Existing customers can avail complimentary car spa service for their Citroën throughout the month.

Kumar Priyesh, Business Head & Director – Automotive Brands, Stellantis India, said, “Our journey in India has been driven by innovation, ambition, and a clear focus on delivering meaningful value to customers. In just four years, we’ve introduced a portfolio of vehicles that combine Citroen’s global design language with deep local relevance. As we celebrate four years of Citroen in India, I want to sincerely thank our customers for placing their trust in our young brand. Their feedback and encouragement have played a vital role in shaping our offerings—from products to aftersales services. We remain committed to building on this foundation and delivering the ‘Citroen Comfort’ experience to many more customers across the country.”

At present, the company’s product line-up includes Basalt SUV coupe, C3 SUV and Citroen Aircross SUV.

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German luxury car brand Audi has launched Audi A4 Signature Edition at INR 5.71 million (ex-showroom).The A4 Signature Edition features distinctive styling enhancements, including Audi rings entry LED lamps, exclusive Audi rings decals and dynamic wheel hub caps.

The company stated that the luxury car will be available in limited units and comes with five colour choices: Glacier White Metallic, Mythos Black Metallic, Navarra Blue Metallic, Progressive Red Metallic and Manhattan Grey Metallic.

Balbir Singh Dhillon, Head of Audi India, said, “The Audi A4 has been one of the best-selling sedans in our line-up, combining dynamic performance with sophisticated elegance. With the launch of the Signature Edition, we’re offering our customers a chance to own an even more exclusive variant, distinguished by bespoke styling elements that elevate its premium appeal. The Audi A4 Signature Edition is crafted for discerning customers who value refined aesthetics and seek to make a sophisticated statement through their choice of vehicle.”

Some of the key highlights of the Audi A4 includes –

• Park Assist with 360–degree camera (new)
• New decorative inlays in wood oak, natural grey (new)
• Audi rings entry LED lamps that create a striking welcome light projection (new)
• Distinctive Audi rings decals for enhanced brand presence (new)
• Dynamic wheel hub caps that maintain the perfect Audi logo orientation regardless of wheel motion (new)
• Premium fragrance dispenser for enhanced cabin ambience (new)
• Aerodynamic spoiler lip for a more dynamic profile (new)
• Key cover in customisable colour options for a premium touch to your vehicle access (new)
• Stainless steel pedal covers add a sporty interior accent (new)
• Special alloy wheel paint design for a striking appearance (new)

The Audi A4 is powered by a 2.0L TFSI engine that churns out 204 hp (150kW) and 320 Nm torque. A zero to 100 kmph in just 7.1 seconds and it has a top speed of 241 kmph. It features a 12V Mild Hybrid System that reduces fuel consumption, brake recuperation enhances the overall fuel efficiency, B&O Premium sound system with 3D sound – with 19 speakers including a centre speaker and subwoofer, 16-channel amplifier and an output of 755 watts.

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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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