Mercedes-Benz is gearing up to make their presence felt in the entry-level luxury segment with the all-new A-Class Limousine. The new sedan replaces the erstwhile CLA though it’s not like a replacement as the CLA was a coupe, and the new A-Class Limousine is a traditional three-box sedan. One may ask, when SUVs are in high demand in both India and globally, why take out a sedan? Mercedes-Benz has the stats to back their logic as the sedan range constituted 53 percent of their sales last year. This new vehicle is available in three variants — petrol, diesel and the all-powerful AMG. We drove the A 200 petrol version. So, let’s find out if it is a total package.

Exteriors

The A-Class sedan makes quite a style statement with a star-studded front grille with a thick chrome line running across it. The angular shaped LED headlights, and L-shaped daytime running lamps (DRLs), the pronounced character lines on the bonnet and chunky lower front bumper with mock air dams all make the A-Class sedan look contemporary and muscular.

Moving on to the side profile, the A-Class Limousine has prominent lines running across the shoulder area and another line on the lower part of the doors. As it’s not a coupe, the sedan gets a taller roofline. It may look more or less identical to its hatchback sibling till the B-pillar, and from there till the boot, it looks like a ‘baby’ C-Class, which is a good thing as this sedan looks proportionate and regal.

Coming to the rear, it has a clean design. One may find it a bit too simple, but the edgy looking LED taillights, and the trapezoid twin exhaust pipes in chrome make the rear styling more appealing. In terms of practicality, the petrol version has a boot capacity of 405-litres and while the diesel gets 395-litres. The loading bay is wide and accessible, making it easy to plonk a full-sized stroller. The boot is deep enough to store two full-sized suitcases or strollers.

Interiors

Step inside the cabin, and the design language is on the lines of the S-Class, but the icing on the cake is that they have managed to create a rich and luxurious ambience. The beautifully crafted three-layer dashboard uses premium leather, wooden and metal materials. The centre of attraction has to be the two 10.25-inch screens — one is the touchscreen infotainment system, and the other is the all-digital instrument cluster. Both the screens’ graphics are outstanding, while the touchscreen is responsive. The multi-media system can also be controlled by the haptic pad on the central console. Unlike the previous generation, it doesn’t have any lag and is intuitive. There are also touch buttons on the steering wheel to browse through the media player and change the digital instrument cluster settings.

Mercedes has crafted five air vents inspired by a jet turbine. They look exquisite, to say the least. The A-Class Limousine is equipped with class-leading features like the smart artificial intelligence voice command or as the manufacturer calls it MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience). The AI is as receptive as Apple’s Siri and Google Assistant and it understands the Indian accent. With a simple command like ‘Hey Mercedes! I’m feeling hot, it will change the cabin temperature according to your comfort level. It also comes with connected-car technology, which is integrated into both Amazon’s Alexa and Google Home and allows you to unlock the door or switch on the air conditioner from the comforts of your home. Apart from this, it comes with the usual features like a sunroof, wireless phone charger, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, 64 ambient light options, 2 zone climate control and five USB Type-C ports.

There’s a very good chance that an A-Class sedan owner might end up spending a lot of time behind the wheel rather than being chauffeured around. Keeping that in mind, the front seats are electrically adjustable and come with a memory function allowing you to save your seating position. The seats offer good lumbar support and are comfortable, especially on long drives. With 2,729mm of the wheelbase, the A-Class Limousine is the longest sedan in its segment, and this translates into a spacious cabin, especially for the rear passengers. The angular position of the backrest provides good support though the seat squab lacks under-thigh support. The Achilles heel in this segment has been the legroom for rear passengers, but Mercedes-Benz has managed to iron out this problem as there’s plenty of it. As a matter of fact, the cabin also has a roomy headroom. It’s safe enough to say that the A-Class sedan’s cabin is a comfortable place to be in.

Engine

The A-Class Limousine gets a 1.3-litre turbocharged petrol motor under the hood. The engine’s capacity might not wow you, but it churns out 161bhp and 250Nm of torque. It does 0-100 km in 8.3 seconds, which is fast. According to ARAI, the A-Class sedan returns a fuel economy of 17.5kmpl, making it the best in its class. This front-wheel-drive car is mated to a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. Step on the gas, and the car responds in a linear manner. However, the turbo lag can be felt; the best way to negate that is to downshift with paddle shifters’ help on the back of the steering wheel. For tackling bumper-to-bumper traffic, automatic transmission’s ensures spot-on gear shift ensuring there’s ample power available. It comes in four driving modes — Eco, Comfort, Sport and Individual. Eco, as the name suggests, is all about getting the best fuel economy. While Comfort balances power, comfort and mileage. Sport, on the other hand, is where the engine is more responsive, the rev needle holds on a bit longer and goes past the 6,000 rpm mark, the steering wheel becomes a bit heavier for better stability at high speeds, and even the suspension is firm for better handling. Also, on this mode, the turbo lag reduces significantly. The ‘Individual’ mode enables you to customise it according to your preference. The engine is fairly refined and offers optimal performance in the mid-range power band.

Signing Off

The A-Class Limousine does manage to tick a lot of boxes like styling, practicality, performance and technology. The ride quality is ideal for Indian road conditions as it carpets, ditches and potholes easily thanks to a soft suspension set up. It isn’t meant for attacking corners or taking high speed turns, but it remains stable, although the body roll can be felt. Another feather in Mercedes-Benz’s cap is that the A-Class sedan comes with the country’s first-ever eight-year warranty with unlimited kilometres. If you are looking to enter the luxury segment, then the A-Class Limousine is a car you can bank on. It will take on the BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe and the upcoming Audi A3. (MT)

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Maruti Suzuki India Limited has launched the Smart Maintenance Plan (SMP), a flexible prepaid after‑sales service package aimed at giving existing customers a worry‑free ownership experience. The plan is open to all private and commercial vehicle owners.

Customers can subscribe at the time of vehicle purchase or later during a periodic maintenance visit to any authorised workshop. The plan offers various configurations, including labour‑only, parts and labour, commercial vehicle minor services, customer‑demanded services and engine oil with coolants. Optional wear‑and‑tear coverage for clutch and brake parts is also available.

Subscribers save at least 10 percent on labour costs, with extra savings on parts and consumables, while gaining protection against future inflation. Tenure and mileage options range from two years or 20,000 kilometres up to 10 years or 100,000 kilometres for private vehicles, and 10 years or 160,000 kilometres for commercial vehicles. The plan applies nationwide at any Maruti Suzuki authorised workshop.

Hisashi Takeuchi, Managing Director & CEO, Maruti Suzuki India Limited, said, “Since inception, our focus has been to deliver complete peace of mind and a truly joyful ownership experience to our customers. As customer expectations continue to evolve towards greater flexibility and personalised solutions, we are introducing the Smart Maintenance Plan. It is a prepaid service offering designed around individual driving needs. Customers can customise service packages while also protect themselves from future fluctuations in service costs by locking in maintenance expenses. Through this initiative, we aim to further enhance convenience, trust and long-term value for our customers.”

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French automotive major Renault is accelerating the international rollout of its high-value C-segment SUV, the Renault Boreal. Originally launched in Latin America out of the Curitiba production facility in Brazil, Renault has established a second major industrial hub for the vehicle at its OYAK Renault plant in Bursa, Türkiye.

The strategic expansion positions the Bursa facility to satisfy high domestic demand in Türkiye – Renault’s second-largest market globally – while serving as a primary export base for Eastern Europe, the Middle East, North Africa and Sub-Saharan Africa.

The Renault Boreal features dimensions that exceed conventional C-segment benchmarks, leaning into upper-tier spacing realities – 4.56 metre body length, 2.70 metre wheelbase and 630 litres of boot space, expandable up to 1,868 litres with the easy break rear seats completely folded down.

The exterior design language combines a high-riding stance with modern brand markers, highlighted by a body-colour front grille housing the backlit ‘Nouvel’R’ emblem. It features a sweeping roofline, prominent fender flares, a Niagara Concept-inspired LED headlight signature, 19-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels, and a black-contrast panoramic glass roof.

The Turkish manufacturing rollout introduces a pragmatic mix of combustion and hybrid systems tailored for cross-continental regulatory and driving conditions. It can be had in full hybrid e-tech with multi-mode automatic transmission option that produces 160 hp of peak power, a WLTP range of 100 km on 4.8-litre fuel, 1.3 Turbo TCe with 6-speed wet dual-clutch (EDC) producing 145 hp of peak power, offering a WLTP range of 100 km with 6.6-lite of fuel consumption and a Hybrid E-Tech 4x4 (launch in Q4 CY2026) with multi-mode automatic transmission option producing a peak power of 150 hp.

The 160 hp full hybrid variant utilises the HR18-coded engine built locally by Oyak Horse. The system is engineered to prioritise urban efficiency, running in pure electric mode up to 80 percent of the time during stop-and-go city commutes. It supports pure electric acceleration at speeds up to 110 kmph.

Drivers can modulate performance metrics through the Multi-Sense system. In addition to Eco, Comfort, Sport and Perso settings, the vehicle features a new Smart Mode that automatically recalibrates steering weight, throttle response, ambient cabin lighting and exhaust/sound notes based on real-time road conditions.

The driver-oriented cabin integrates digital technology with premium family utilities, featuring a 10-inch digital driver instrument display sitting flush alongside a 10-inch openR link central multimedia touchscreen.

The Boreal deploys up to 25 Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) depending on trim levels, highlighted by Active Driving Assist. This Level 2 system blends adaptive cruise control with automated Stop & Go routing and continuous lane-centring technologies.

Fabrice Cambolive, CEO, Renault Brand, said, “Boreal embodies Renault’s ambition to accelerate growth beyond Europe by delivering more value to our customers and strengthening our position in the strategic C-SUV segment. First launched in Latin America from our Brazilian hub, its expansion to Türkiye marks a new step in our international development. Boreal is also a strong illustration of Renault’s brand markers in action: Electrified by Passion with the introduction of our new E-Tech full hybrid technology; Designed to be Loved through its expressive design, elegant proportions and distinctive lighting signature that create an immediate emotional connection; People-First Technology with a seamless connected experience powered by Google, advanced driver assistance systems and intuitive onboard technologies; and Crafted Space through a spacious, versatile and comfortable interior designed around the needs of modern families. More broadly, Boreal demonstrates our ability to develop global voitures à vivre, produced close to their markets and thoughtfully adapted to local customer needs, combining desirability, innovation and everyday relevance for customers around the world.”

Ivan Segal, Renault Brand Head of Sales & Operations, added, “Boreal now enters a new phase of commercial deployment. Production in Bursa will enable us to address the Turkish market, Renault’s second-largest market worldwide, while opening up exports to a group of markets across Eastern Europe, the Middle East and Africa. With strong product appeal and a competitive industrial footprint, it will support our presence in the high-value C‑SUV segment across our international markets.”

Lionel Jaillet, CEO of Renault Group Türkiye, said, “We are very proud to introduce Boreal to the Turkish market. Being manufactured at our OYAK Renault facility in Bursa will both support domestic demand and strengthen Türkiye’s position in the global automotive ecosystem by contributing to our export targets.”
 

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Czech automaker Skoda Auto India has announced the expansion of its Rally Sport (RS) performance portfolio with the introduction of the all-new Kodiaq RS. Marking the first time Skoda’s performance badge has been applied to an SUV in the Indian market, the flagship model combines a three-row, seven-seat premium layout with a dedicated mechanical tune.

The company said official order books for the high-performance SUV are scheduled to open nationwide on 22 June 2026.

The core differentiator of the Kodiaq RS lies in its upgraded internal combustion hardware. The vehicle features a heavily revised iteration of the Volkswagen Group's EA888 engine architecture, tuned identically to the high-output configurations found in the global Octavia RS and Volkswagen Golf GTI.

The vehicle’s announcement follows a marketing campaign where Skoda Auto India’s entire active fleet – comprising the Kylaq, Kushaq, Slavia, standard Kodiaq and the limited-volume Octavia RS – established an official India and Asia Book of Record at the CoASTT circuit in Coimbatore. The group achieved the 'Fastest Multi-Car Relay of a Single Manufacturer on a Circuit' with a total combined lap time of 12:30.97.

The Kodiaq RS will arrive in the country via the Completely Built Unit (CBU) import route, serving as an elite flagship positioned above the locally assembled multi-tier Kodiaq lineup (Lounge, Sportline and L&K trims).

Ashish Gupta, Brand Director, Skoda Auto India, said, “The RS badge carries over 50 years of global performance legacy and a fiercely loyal following in India since the Octavia RS arrived more than two decades ago. The latest Octavia RS, launched last year, sold out in just 20 minutes, highlighting its cult status among enthusiasts. Now, we’re taking that legacy forward with the Kodiaq RS, our first-ever seven-seater in India to wear the iconic RS badge and the quickest Skoda yet in the country. It blends performance, space, and 4x4 capability into a bold, unmistakable expression of our racing DNA.”

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Kia India, one of the leading passenger vehicle manufacturers, has announced the final leg of its multi-city cultural partnership with HYBE INDIA, introducing the ‘Kia Vibe Studio’ experience to the national capital.

Designed to target Gen Z creators and premium lifestyle audiences, the activation will serve as a marketing anchor for the brand's latest mass-premium SUV, the 2026 Kia Syros.

The HYBE INDIA Pop-Up Park is scheduled to take place on 13–14 June 2026 at Yashobhoomi (IACC) in New Delhi. The event combines automotive showcase infrastructure with music, fandom and multi-format creator engagement zones.

The centrepiece of the activation is the Kia Vibe Studio, a specialised content creation pod built directly inside the cabin of the 2026 Kia Syros.

The integration allows visitors to record, edit and instantly download high-definition performance and lip-sync videos. By converting the stationary vehicle's acoustic interior, ambient lighting and connected infotainment hardware into an active studio space, the campaign positions the SUV as a tech-driven platform for self-expression.

The event serves as a prominent touchpoint for the 2026 Kia Syros, which features several upgrades designed for the Indian market, including an enhanced design with a more rugged SUV stance, muscular body panels and sports-themed trim configurations. Expanded accessibility to automatic gearboxes, including the introduction of a high-demand diesel automatic (AT) variant.

The SUV is built on a platform engineered for a 5-star Bharat NCAP (BNCAP) crash safety rating, featuring an optimised distribution of connected tech features across lower and mid-tier trims.

Following the public pop-up park event, HYBE INDIA will conduct on-ground talent auditions on 14 June 2026 at the Shangri-La Eros, Delhi. The talent scout marks part of an international entertainment initiative aimed at discovering, training, and launching India’s first global girl group under the K-pop blueprint.

The Delhi showcase concludes the regional ‘Pop-Up Park’ phase of the 10-city marketing campaign, which completed consecutive runs in Guwahati, Mumbai, Pune, Hyderabad and Bengaluru.

While the experiential park footprint concludes in Delhi, the talent pipeline will continue across secondary markets. Auditions are scheduled to advance into Ahmedabad, Kolkata, and Chandigarh, allowing Kia India to sustain its brand engagement with youth demographics nationwide.

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