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Kodiaq roars again as Skoda shifts gears on luxury SUV game in India
MUMBAI: Bigger, bolder, and back with a bite, Skoda’s new Kodiaq has hit Indian roads and it’s not just purring, it’s roaring. Celebrating 25 years in India and 130 globally, Skoda Auto kicked off the next chapter in its SUV legacy with the launch of the all-new Kodiaq at PPS Motors in Kondapur, Hyderabad. Following the buzz around the sub-4m Kylaq, this seven-seater luxury 4×4 adds muscle to Skoda’s premium line-up, flaunting a sleeker design, tech upgrades, and terrain-hugging capability.
Unveiled in the presence of GHMC Corporator Jagadeshwar G and PPS Skoda COO S Cecil, the new Kodiaq is offered in two variants Sportline and the more luxurious Selection L&K both powered by a 2.0 TSI engine producing 150 kW of power and 320 Nm of torque, paired with a seven-speed DSG. It’s assembled at Skoda’s Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar facility and offers a claimed mileage of 14.86 km/l.
Dimensionally, it’s a roomier beast than before 59mm longer with an impressive 1,976 litres of max boot space. Interior indulgences include a 32.77 cm infotainment system, rotary Smart Dials, ergonomic gear placement, and even a massage function for the Ergo seats. Add nine airbags, a 13-speaker Canton sound system, and a panoramic sunroof to the mix, and you’ve got luxury firmly in the driver’s seat.
Design-wise, the SUV makes an entrance with LED Beam Crystallinium headlamps and a dramatic Welcome Effect, while exclusive trims like Bronx Gold and Steel Grey add visual polish to its brawny appeal.
Prices start at Rs 46.89 lakh (ex-showroom) for the Sportline and go up to Rs 48.69 lakh for the top-end L&K. Backed by a 5-year warranty, 10-year roadside assistance, and a complimentary first-year service package, Skoda’s flagship offering is clearly designed to please both city slickers and off-road enthusiasts alike.
With the new Kodiaq, Skoda isn’t just marking an anniversary, it’s rewriting the playbook for premium SUVs in India, one bold drive at a time.
Brands
Ather Energy doubles service network to 500 centres nationwide
EV maker scales support alongside growth to keep riders on the road
MUMBAI: Ather Energy is quietly building more than just scooters. It is building the backbone to keep them running.
The electric two-wheeler maker has expanded its service network to 500 authorised centres across India, nearly doubling its footprint in a year from 277. The move mirrors its growing retail presence and signals a clear focus on one often overlooked part of EV ownership, what happens after the purchase.
From the outset, Ather has prioritised service support in every city it enters, aiming to make ownership as smooth as the ride itself. Its Gold Service Centres bring in upgraded customer lounges, modern equipment and processes designed to make servicing more transparent and reliable.
Speed, too, is part of the pitch. Through its ExpressCare initiative, riders can get periodic maintenance done in about an hour, now available across 82 centres, turning what used to be a chore into a quick pit stop.
Ather Energy chief business officer Ravneet Singh Phokela said, “Crossing 500 service centres is an important milestone as we scale across the country. Reliable after-sales support is central to the ownership experience, and our focus remains on consistent service quality and accessibility.”
The expansion comes as demand grows for models like the Ather 450 and the Rizta, which have helped the company reach a broader set of riders across metros and emerging cities alike.
Alongside servicing, Ather continues to power up infrastructure through the Ather Grid, now one of the largest fast-charging networks for two-wheelers, with over 4,300 charging points.
With plans to scale further and deepen its presence, Ather’s approach is clear. Selling the scooter may start the journey, but keeping it running smoothly is what sustains it.
