Skoda Auto India today confirmed that bookings for the new Skoda Kodiaq RS SUV will begin on June 22, 2026, marking the arrival of the brand’s first SUV to wear the RS badge. Compared to the standard model, it brings a more aggressive design theme, RS-specific cabin enhancements and a higher-output version of the 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine. Skoda Performance will import the SUV as a completely built unit (CBU), and like the Octavia RS, the Kodiaq RS is also expected to be offered in limited numbers in India. As a completely built unit (CBU), the Kodiaq RS will be…
Author: manojkumar@frontplayers.com
The image has been used for representational purposes. Tata Motors is preparing to launch the much-awaited Sierra EV in India. The electric SUV is expected to arrive later this month. Once launched, the Sierra EV will enter the increasingly competitive midsize electric SUV segment, where it is expected to take on the Hyundai Creta Electric, Maruti Suzuki E Vitara and the Mahindra BE6.Being an EV, the Sierra is expected to have several design changes compared to its petrol and diesel counterparts. These may include a closed-off front fascia, revised bumpers, unique alloy wheel designs and other aerodynamic enhancements. The overall…
Maruti Suzuki has announced a limited period price protection scheme for buyers of its entry-level cars, providing relief at a time when vehicle prices are under pressure from rising input costs. Under the initiative, customers who book Alto K10, S-Presso, Celerio or WagonR on or before June 14, 2026, will be protected from any price hike announced after their booking.Maruti Suzuki recently announced a price hike of up to Rs 30,000 across its model range from June 2026. However, customers booking these four small cars within the specified period will continue to benefit from the current prices, even if the…
BYD India recently introduced its DM-i (Dual Mode Intelligent) technology in India, bringing its globally established plug-in hybrid system to market. Designed as an electric-first hybrid powertrain, this technology combines a petrol engine, electric motor and battery pack, while delivering a claimed combined driving range of over 1,200 km.How does this work?Unlike conventional hybrid systems, which rely primarily on the internal combustion engine, the DM-i is engineered to operate on electric power for a significant portion of daily driving. The petrol engine is primarily used to generate power and support the battery when required, although it can also directly drive…
Bengaluru-based startup Ather Energy has started rolling out its Voice on Ather feature for eligible customers, which enables voice-based interactions on select electric scooters through an OTA software update. This functionality is available on Ather 450X, 450 Apex, and Rizzta Z equipped with Gen 3 hardware or newer. This rollout does not extend to the 450S and Rizta S. Eligible owners are getting this feature through the company’s OTA update program.First demonstrated at Ather Community Day 2025 as part of the EtherStack 7 platform, the feature allows riders to use natural voice commands to access navigation, vehicle settings, calling functions,…
Hyundai India has updated the Creta N Line range in India, revising prices for select variants while also streamlining the SUV’s variant lineup. These changes follow company-wide pricing adjustments announced earlier this month. A notable development is the removal of the N8 DCT and N8 dual-tone DCT variants from the Creta N Line portfolio. Hyundai has not officially confirmed its discontinuation, but both variants are no longer listed on the company’s website, indicating that they have been removed from the range.With these variants no longer available, the entry point into the Creta N Line lineup has increased. Earlier the price…
Mahindra’s upcoming Vision S has been spotted testing on Indian roads again, indicating that the development of the compact SUV is in progress. The model is expected to strengthen the company’s presence in the sub-four-metre SUV segment, where the XUV 3XO is currently its only offering. The Vision S was first showcased as a concept at Mahindra’s Freedom NU event, previewing the brand’s future direction for compact SUVs. Although the production version is expected to undergo some changes, recent test mules reveal that it has retained its straight proportions and strong design elements. Recent spy shots indicate that Mahindra has…
Korean automaker Hyundai has teased the fourth-generation Hyundai i20, and revealed the hatchback’s exterior design details ahead of its global debut. The latest preview confirms a new connected lighting setup on both the front and rear, marking a major styling change for the model.At the front, the new i20 features a full-width LED light bar that connects Y-shaped daytime running lamps at either end. The main headlamp units are placed lower on the bumper, giving the hatchback a more distinctive lighting system. A similar approach is adopted at the rear with connected LED tail-lamps joined by a light strip, while…
BYD India today showcased its DM-i (Dual Mode Intelligent) technology in India, bringing the company’s globally established plug-in hybrid system to the country. This technology is expected to support BYD’s future product plans in India and boast a combined driving range of over 1,200 km. Unlike traditional hybrid systems, which rely primarily on gasoline engines, BYD’s DM-i takes an electric-first approach. Under most driving conditions, the vehicle operates using electric power, with the engine kicking in when additional energy or range is needed. The system is designed to combine the efficiency of an electric vehicle with the convenience of a…
Toyota Kirloskar Motor recently launched the updated 2026 Toyota Innova Crysta, priced at Rs 19.72 lakh (ex-showroom). The 2026 model includes minor cosmetic changes, additional features, and more. The updated Innova Crysta is priced higher than before, with price increases ranging from Rs 32,000 to Rs 83,000 across the variant lineup. Interested customers can book the new Crysta online or by visiting their nearest dealership and the MPV will continue to compete with the likes of Mahindra XUV 7XO, Maruti Invicto and Kia Clavis. In this article let us compare the new Crysta with Mahindra XUV 7XO. price, variants The…