The i20 has already sold over 25 lakh globally, including 10 lakh is in India. According to the vehicle maker, over 50 percent customers in the premium compact segment choose i20. Therefore, the expectations of the new avatar are more. How magnetic will the new i20 be to appeal to customers is the key question to be answered. HMI left no stone unturned to make it suitable to get attracted by the customer through its six key pillars approach improving on interiors, exteriors, performance, safety, offering innovative technology and peace of mind in maintaining the car. Inspired by Hyundai global design philosophy – Sensuous Sportiness, the new car is sleek, agile and has progressive dimensions, incorporating a seamlessly integrated blend of advanced and modern character lines.
Exteriors
LED headlamps with i20 branded LED DRLs, projector fog lamps and parametric jewel pattern grill that is designed to be oblique, accentuating smooth curvature around the car, make the exterior iconic. The muscular looks of the bonnet with sharp lines, the flyback chrome beltline design bold, large daylight opening area with quarter glass, shark fin antenna makes the car stand apart. The chrome garnish connecting the Z-shaped LED tail lamps with i20 branding, makes the rear appear wider. The branding is also in the side sill garnish.
With an improved vehicle forward flow, lowered front hood and implementation of the air curtain, among other enhancements, the new car offers enhanced aerodynamics. Through a combination of a body structure and systemic structural engineering materials, the vehicle provides customers with a thrilling and fun drive experience. The shell is designed not only to be attractive but also to be aerodynamic to support fuel economy, as the drag coefficient is as low as 0.33.
Compared to the outgoing i20 the new variant is longer by 10mm to 3,995mm, wider by 16mm to 1,750mm and wheelbase longer by 10mm to 2,580mm. The legroom is increased by 88mm and shoulder room by 40mm.
The new car comes in a wide choice of colour options on the all-new i20 including polar white, typhoon silver, titan grey, fiery red, starry night, metallic copper and dual-tone colour options such as polar white with black roof and fiery red with blacktop.
Interiors
As and when you enter the car, the first thing that you notice is the roomy interior, perhaps due to the horizontal design pattern that runs across from door to door. The leatherette upholstery, the sleek dashboard, ambient blue light, digital cluster with TFT displaying multiple information, Oxyboost air purifier, wireless charger with a cooling pad, electric sunroof, add not only to comfort and convenience but also matches the taste of NexGen customers.
The 10 inch HD touchscreen infotainment system with navigation, compatible with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, can be connected with multiple devices through Bluetooth. Hyundai is the first in the country to introduce the BOSE 7-speaker system (four speakers, two tweeters and a subwoofer), in this segment. Besides, the sliding front armrest, rear-seat armrest and tilt / telescopic steering add comfort.
Improved convenience is now delivered through BlueLink that offers 50 Connected Car features including first-in-segment Over-The-Air Updates (OTA) for enhanced in-car connectivity offering customers convenience and comfort. Customers can now experience voice-enabled functions by using Wake-Up Word ‘Hello BlueLink’ to control essential vehicle features such as climate control -temperature, fan speed control, airflow direction and air-intake type control (fresh/ circulation), radio, media, navigation assistance along with in-vehicle assistance like dial by number, India’s public holiday information and track live cricket scores, at the ease of a voice command.
It also offers enhanced convenience features such as remote engine start/ stop, remote lock/ unlock & climate control, remote vehicle status & alerts and even functions such as find my car location & share my car. The function also empowers customers with information such as auto crash notification, tyre pressure information and stolen vehicle tracking/ immobilisation.
The car also gets features such as digital cluster with TFT multi-information display offering information display for individual tyre pressure, drive info, fuel economy, parking warning and turn by turn navigation.
The horizontal lines in the exterior and interior make the car appear more expansive and roomier inside. Hyundai is offering the vehicle in Magna, Sportz, Asta and Asta (O) variants. Besides, it gives the customers a variety of petrol, diesel and turbo petrol engines and transmission options that include Intelligent Manual Transmission (iMT), Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT), 7-Speed Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT) and Manual Transmissions. The 1.0-litre turbo petrol that develops 120PS of power comes in DCT and iMT options while the 1.2 Kappa that develops 88PS is mated to iVT – intelligent Variable Transmission. The 1.5-litre diesel engine that generates 100PS of power is coupled with 6-speed manual transmission.
The speciality of the car is that it is built on a lightweight K-platform with 66 percent of the body structure in advanced high strength steel. It not only enhances the crashworthiness but also make the car lighter. The use of advanced digital gauge to check the panel thinning distribution - crack, neck prediction methodology, helps in manufacturing zero crack panels. Since there are over 4,000 welding spots in each car, and more than 70 cars being processed every hour, the company deployed a high-quality welding process that features over 450 fourth-generation robots offering 100 percent weld automation. For an added layer of protection the car is equipped with 6-Airbags, Hill Assist Control, Vehicle Stability Management, Electronic Stability Control, Emergency Stop Signal, ISOFIX compatibility, DRVM (Driver Rear View Monitor), ABS with EBD, rear parking sensors, driver and passenger seatbelt reminder with pre-tensioner/load limiter.
The company is offering product assurance through wonder warranty options - three years/ 100,000 kms, four years/ 50,000 kms and five years/ 40,000 kms. Further, customers can get three years BlueLink subscription plus three years roadside assistance.
The company has also introduced a wide range of 50 accessories for the new car. It offers three accessory packs such as Essentio, Platinum and Radiant.
Overall there are 13 variants with different combinations of engines and gearbox, and all India ex-showroom prices range from INR 6.79 lakh up to INR 11.17 lakh.
With all the attributes the all-new i20 is a smart car for the smart Indian customers offering quality time for a happy life. (MT)
Maruti Suzuki Rolls Out Smart Maintenance Plan With Pan India Service Coverage
- By MT Bureau
- June 15, 2026
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.”
Renault Expands Global Footprint With Second Production Hub For Boreal SUV In Türkiye
- By MT Bureau
- June 15, 2026
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.”
Skoda Auto India To Expand Performance Lineup With Kodiaq RS SUV
- By MT Bureau
- June 12, 2026
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.”
Kia India Unveils Kia Vibe Studio In Delhi For HYBE INDIA Pop-Up Park
- By MT Bureau
- June 10, 2026
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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