Toyota Kirloskar Motor Launches 9th Gen Hilux In India At INR 3.19 Million

Toyota Hilux

Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM), one of the leading passenger vehicle manufacturers, has launched the ninth-generation Hilux pickup in India, with prices starting from INR 3.19 million (ex-showroom) for 4x2 GX AT variant, INR 3.36 million for the 4x4 GX AT variant and 4x4 VX AT can be had for INR 3.66 million.

The company has started bookings, with customer deliveries scheduled to commence in the second week of August.

The Hilux is powered by a 2.8-litre BS6 Phase 2 diesel engine mated to a six-speed automatic transmission generating 150 kW (204 PS) of power and 500 Nm of torque. For off-road operation, the four-wheel-drive variants feature high (H4) and low (L4) range settings, an electronic differential lock and downhill assist control. The chassis utilises double wishbone suspension at the front, leaf springs at the rear and an 80-litre fuel tank.

Exterior styling incorporates design elements derived from the Cyber Sumo concept, including a wide front grille, LED headlamps with integrated daytime running lights, piano black bumper accents and alloy wheels.

On the inside, it gets a 12.3-inch infotainment display supporting wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a 7-inch instrument cluster display, connected vehicle technology via Toyota i-Connect, an eight-speaker audio system, wireless charging and PM2.5 air filtration.

Safety features include seven SRS airbags, vehicle stability control, anti-lock braking with brake assist, a panoramic view monitor, parking sensors, tyre pressure monitoring and ISOFIX child seat anchorages. The vehicle structure utilises Toyota's Global Outstanding Assessment impact-absorbing body architecture.

Masakazu Yoshimura, Chairman, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Toyota Kirloskar Motor, said, "At Toyota Kirloskar Motor, customer centricity means understanding what customers need today and preparing for what they will aspire for tomorrow. With nearly three decades in India, we continue to grow by listening to our customers, investing for the future, and delivering mobility solutions built on trust, quality and reliability. Guided by our vision of ‘Mobility for All’, we remain committed to creating long-term value and building products that earn customer trust for generations. The all-new Hilux further strengthens this direction, bringing Toyota’s proven durability, capability, and dependability to customers who seek a vehicle that is both powerful and trusted."

Tadashi Asazuma, Deputy Managing Director, Toyota Kirloskar Motor, said, "The all-new Hilux is tougher, smarter and more expressive, a reflection of our commitment to continuously evolve to meet the raising aspirations of our customers. Backed by Toyota’s authentic engineering and legendary durability, the new Hilux combines bold design and powerful performance representing the growing convergence of utility and lifestyle. India is witnessing a significant shift in mobility preferences. Customers are looking for vehicles that go beyond transportation to support diverse lifestyles, professional needs and the pursuit of new experiences. At Toyota, we view this as an opportunity to deliver products like the all-new Hilux that empower customers with greater freedom, confidence and peace of mind."

Sabari Manohar, Executive Vice President – Sales-Service-Used Car Business, Toyota Kirloskar Motor, added, "The exterior and interior of the all-new Hilux is designed under the "Tough & Agile" concept, combining "strength with agility”, emphasizing simplicity that is also powerful. With a 2.8-litre engine, the hallmark 4WD capability, advanced connected technologies like the 12.3-inch infotainment system with i-Connect, and comprehensive safety features including seven airbags and driver assist features, we are confident that all-new Hilux will continue to uphold its unchanged promise of serving generations."

The Hilux is available in six exterior paint options – Super White, Platinum Pearl White, Attitude Black+, Emotional Red, Sulphur Metallic+ and Ash.

Toyota Kirloskar Motor Launches 2026 Fortuner Leader Edition In India

Toyota Fortuner Leader Edition

Toyota Kirloskar Motor, one of the leading passenger vehicle manufacturers in the country, has introduced the 2026 Fortuner Leader Edition in India, featuring exterior styling revisions and interior equipment updates.

Bookings for the model open on 12 October 2026 across company dealerships, with ex-showroom prices set at INR 3.65 million for the 4x2 Manual Transmission variant and INR 3.87 million for the 4x2 Automatic Transmission variant.

On the outside, the Leader Edition include the new redesigned front grille design, black rear door garnish, gloss black alloy wheels with matching hub caps, body side mouldings, a hood emblem and a black-finished roof and antenna.

In the cabin, the model features dual-tone black and maroon seat upholstery, matching door trims, ambient lighting and illuminated scuff plates. Additional functional additions comprise auto-folding outside rear-view mirrors and a tyre pressure monitoring system.

Sabari Manohar, Executive Vice-President of Sales-Service-Used Car Business, Toyota Kirloskar Motor, said, "The Fortuner has always represented confidence, capability and a spirit of achievement. With the new Leader Edition of the Fortuner, we are further defining this legacy through exterior enhancements and convenience features that reflect the aspirations of today’s customers. As we continue to align with changing trends, it is our endeavour to continuously evolve the Fortuner experience while staying true to the inherent qualities that have made them iconic. We are confident that the Leader Edition will further strengthen our commitment to delivering ever-better cars and creating Mass Happiness for All."

The model will be offered in three exterior colour options: Super White, Platinum White Pearl and Attitude Black. Toyota offers ownership packages with the vehicle, including a standard three-year or 100,000 km warranty extendable to five years or 220,000 km, 5-years of complimentary roadside assistance, and financing options up to seven years.

Kia India Expands Assured Buyback Scheme Across ICE, Hybrid And EV Portfolio

Kia India

Kia India, one of the leading passenger vehicle manufacturers, has expanded its Assured Buyback Programme to cover internal combustion engine (ICE), hybrid and electric vehicle models.

The programme provides customers with predetermined residual values at the time of purchase to simplify vehicle trade-in and upgrade procedures.

Under the updated terms, eligible internal combustion engine vehicles carry an assured residual value of up to 75 percent after three years, while electric vehicle models offer up to 70 percent over the same timeframe.

The scheme encompasses Kia's product range, including the Sonet, Syros, new Seltos, Carens, Carens Clavis and Sorento across petrol, diesel, CNG, hybrid and electric powertrains.

Atul Sood, Senior Vice-President of Sales and Marketing, Kia India, said, "A vehicle purchase is a long-term decision, and customers increasingly seek greater certainty around future value and upgrade convenience. By expanding our Assured Buyback Programme with industry best resale value of upto 75 percent on ICE and upto 70 percent for EV in 3 years, we are enabling eligible customers to understand their vehicle’s assured residual value at the outset and plan their ownership journey with greater confidence. The initiative reflects our commitment to building enduring customer relationships and delivering consistent value from the first purchase through to the next exchange or upgrade."

The programme offers tenure options of three, four, or five years for ICE models and three or four years for electric vehicles. Annual mileage limits can be set at 10,000 km, 15,000 km or 20,000 km, supporting total usage caps of up to 100,000 km across the contract period. Enrolment is managed through authorised Kia dealerships at the point of vehicle purchase, with guaranteed buyback values executed at the end of the selected tenure subject to contract terms.

Renault Duster Strong Hybrid E-Tech 160 Claims 29 KMPL Fuel Efficiency

Renault Duster Hybrid

Renault India, one of the leading passenger vehicle manufacturers, has announced that its soon-to-be-launched Renault Duster strong hybrid E-Tech 160 has attained an ARAI-certified fuel efficiency rating of 29 kilometres per litre.

The company has started bookings for the model on 9 October 2026 across its dealership network and website for a booking amount of INR 21,000.

The SUV is powered by a strong-hybrid system combining a 1.8-litre petrol engine, two electric motors and a 1.4 kWh battery, producing a combined output of 160 PS. The system utilises a multi-mode automatic transmission to switch between combustion power, electric drive and energy recovery modes during deceleration. The onboard battery recharges through regenerative braking and engine operation without external charging infrastructure.

Francisco Hidalgo, Vice-President of Sales and Marketing, Renault Group India, said, "Bringing Renault’s proven E-Tech strong-hybrid technology from Europe to India is a significant moment for us. Indian SUV customers should not have to choose between performance and fuel efficiency. With a combined output of 160 PS and an ARAI-certified fuel efficiency of 29 km/litre, the Duster strong hybrid E-Tech 160 brings both together in a versatile SUV, without requiring external charging. For customers considering alternatives to diesel, it offers a compelling new choice for everyday driving. We are pleased to open bookings ahead of its official market debut."

The Duster strong hybrid E-Tech 160 marks the introduction of Renault's E-Tech powertrain technology in India under the company's regional product roadmap. The OEM will conduct the full product reveal and market launch on 17 October 2026.

Jaguar Electric Type 01 Grand Tourer Breaks Cover

Jaguar Type 01

Jaguar has unveiled the Type 01, a four-door electric grand tourer, during a premiere event in New York. The model marks the start of the manufacturer's product architecture overhaul, with customer orders scheduled to open in early 2027 and initial deliveries expected in the second half of that year.

Designed, engineered and built in the United Kingdom, the Type 01 features a low roofline, long bonnet silhouette and aerodynamically focused body panels. Built on the bespoke Jaguar Electric Architecture, the 850-volt system produces over 1,000 PS of power. The electric vehicle provides an estimated 400-mile range under EPA testing standards, with 350kW rapid-charging capabilities adding 200 miles of range in 13 minutes.

During the event, Jaguar named actor Florence Pugh as the brand ambassador for its new product phase. The unveiling at STORIED in West Chelsea included displays detailing the vehicle's production engineering, structural panel development and testing protocols.

Rawdon Glover, Managing Director, Jaguar, said, "From its dramatic design to its captivating drive, Type 01 distils the essence of Jaguar into a luxury grand tourer for a new era. Type 01 is the foundation of this British brand, one that makes no compromise between design and engineering in our quest to create objects of desire, just as it was in the days of the E-type and XJS."