Tata Motors, one of the leading passenger vehicle and electric vehicle player, has expanded its product line-up with the launch of the Curvv.ev, a 4.3-metre SUV-Coupe with an introductory price starting at INR 1.7 million for the 45kWh battery and at INR 1.9 million for the 55kWh battery variant.

Initially to be sold in electric variant only, the Curvv address the whitespace in Tata Motors’ PV portfolio offering sitting between the Nexon compact SUV and the Harrier SUV. The Curvv.ev is also the second product based on the company’s advanced Pure EV architecture - acti.ev.

The new SUV-Coupe EV has a certified range of 502km on a single charge for the 45kWh variant and 585km on 55kWh variant. A quick 15-minute top-up with a compatible DC fast charger can add 150km of range.

Tata Motors also has introduced a range of official accessories for its EV portfolio under ‘Tata.ev originals’. The company has also introduced the Tata.ev Charge Point Aggregator, a consolidation of India's widest network of over 9,000 charging points with live status availability integrated into the iRA.ev connected car app.

Shailesh Chandra, MD, Tata Motors Passenger Vehicle and Tata Passenger Electric Mobility said, “Today, marks an important milestone in our SUV journey with our foray into the fast-growing mid SUV segment. We are very proud to launch our most innovative SUV yet with a new typology – India’s very first SUV Coupe. With the Curvv, we are pushing further the boundaries of design, safety and technology. The Curvv also takes forward our established strategy of offering choice to discerning customers with its multiple powertrain offerings in EV, petrol and diesel.” 

Petrol and Diesel Offering

The company also will be launching the Curvv in two petrol engines (new Hyperion Gasoline Direct injection engine and the 1.2-L Revotron Petrol Turbocharged engine) and the 1.5 L Kryojet diesel engine options - all paired with both, a 6-speed manual and a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. This marks the debut of the indigenously developed first GDi engine offering – The Hyperion Gasoline Direct Injection engine. 

The Curvv comes with 500 litre boot of space, several first-in-segment offerings like Powered tailgate with gesture control, largest screen size in segment with 31.24 cm infotainment by Harman, 26.03 cm instrumental cluster with JBL Branded Audio System (9 Speakers including Subwoofer), slim end to end LED DRLs with welcome and goodbye animation, end to End LED Tail lamp with welcome & goodbye animation, Illuminated 4 spoke digital steering wheel and best in segment Level 2 ADAS.

In terms of connectivity the IC-variants also come with iRA 2.0, which features remote engine start/stop and a range of innovations designed to enhance every journey.

“The Curvv.ev being launched today, offers an impressive estimated real-world range of 400-425km with its largest battery pack of 55kWh. Further, its specially designed fast charging capability ensures a top-up of 150km range in just 15-minutes. With a starting price of INR 1.7 million for the Curvv.ev 45, we are boldly bringing price parity between EVs and equivalent ICE vehicles. The extended range and attractive pricing of this product extraordinaire makes EVs an even more compelling proposition by breaking several perception barriers. Its tech-rich features, advanced safety and exhilarating infotainment will delight every EV buyer and enthusiast,” added Chandra.

The bookings for Curvv.ev open from 12h August, 2024 with the deliveries to begin from August 23, 2024.

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.”

German luxury automotive brand BMW Group India has launched the BMW M Drift Academy, an exclusive performance training platform that brings the thrill of drifting to India like never before.

The two-day event will take place at Raymonds Compound in Thane West, Maharashtra on 26 April 2025.

The BMW M Drift Academy will allow enthusiasts to experience vehicle drifting in a safe environment. The event will feature the BMW M2 and BMW M4 with the course having a mix of theory and hands-on track time. Experienced BMW certified instructors will familiarise participants with the features of BMW M cars and train them on various aspects of the vehicles like controlling a drift, throttle control, maintaining a drift, exiting a drift, half circle drift, exiting a half circle drift with style, full circle drift, maintaining a full circle drift (clockwise and anticlockwise) and transition drifting on a figure 8. 

Vikram Pawah, President and CEO, BMW Group India, said, “The BMW M Drift Academy is first-of-its-kind experience for car enthusiasts in India. Designed to unlock pure driving exhilaration, the academy offers an unforgettable journey packed with mastering various drifting techniques with utmost safety. Conducted under the watchful eyes of BMW certified instructors, each session promises edge-of-the-seat excitement and skill enhancement behind the wheel of BMW M cars. It’s a perfect place where adrenaline meets precision, and every drift is a symphony of skill, speed and sound.”

Volkswagen India has launched the new Tiguan R-Line at INR 4.89 million (ex-showroom), expanding its SUV portfolio for the Indian market.

Based on the MQB EVO platform, the Tiguan R-Line introduces a new chassis generation focused on driving dynamics and on-road performance.

The Tiguan R-Line is powered by a 2.0-litre TSI EVO petrol engine that produces 204 PS and 320 Nm of torque. The engine is paired with a 7-speed DSG transmission and features 4MOTION all-wheel drive. The SUV also includes Dynamic Chassis Control (DCC Pro) and Vehicle Dynamics Manager, which allows wheel-specific braking and damper adjustment.

In terms of safety, the Tiguan R-Line is equipped with 21 Level 2 Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) features. These include adaptive cruise control, lane assist, park assist, and emergency braking, among others. The model carries a 5-star EURO NCAP safety rating and includes 9 airbags, tyre pressure monitoring, hill start assist, hill descent control and disc brakes at both front and rear.

Inside the cabin, the vehicle includes a 26.04 cm digital cockpit and a 38.1 cm infotainment system. A head-up display and multifunction control dial with an integrated TFT display allow for driver interaction with various settings and modes. The voice assistant (IDA) provides access to multiple infotainment features.

Convenience features include wireless charging, Wireless App-Connect and a sound system with eight speakers. The infotainment system integrates navigation data with the digital cockpit display.

Ashish Gupta, Brand Director, Volkswagen India, said, “With the launch of the all-new Tiguan R-Line today, we are entering an exciting phase for Volkswagen in India, a phase that embodies the future of premium mobility from Volkswagen. This iconic SUV along with being bold and dynamic is also modern, fully equipped and highly capable to handle all terrains. Developed with German–engineered DNA, 5-star safety and fun-to-drive dynamics, the all-new Tiguan R-Line is here to thrill.”

The Tiguan R-Line also comes with a support programme called 4EVER Care, which includes a four-year warranty, four-year roadside assistance, and three free services.

Bookings for the Tiguan R-Line are now open across all Volkswagen dealerships in India, as well as through the company's official website. Deliveries are scheduled to begin on 23 April 2025. The SUV will be offered in six colour variants: Persimmon Red Metallic, Cipressino Green Metallic, Nightshade Blue Metallic, Grenadilla Black Metallic, Oryx White Pearl, and Oyster Silver Metallic.

Italian luxury brand Automobili Lamborghini has appointed Nidhi Kaistha as the new Head of Lamborghini India.

With over two decades of experience across hospitality, aviation and automotive industry, Kaistha will  oversee sales, marketing and aftersales operations for Lamborghini in India, which also is the sixth-largest market for the luxury brand in the Asia Pacific region.

Prior to joining Lamborghini India, she held the role of Regional Sales & Pre-owned cars manager at Porsche India.

Francesco Scardaoni, Regional Director of Automobili Lamborghini Asia Pacific, said, “We are delighted to welcome Nidhi Kaistha as Head of Lamborghini India. She brings a wealth of experience in the automotive industry, and we are confident that her strategic vision will drive further growth in India. India continues to be a market with immense growth potential for Lamborghini, and we look forward to strengthening our presence and delivering exceptional experiences to our customers in the region.”

At present, Lamborghini operates three dealerships in Mumbai, Delhi and Bengaluru.