2 New Kia Premium Hybrid Cars Launching Soon In India

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Kia Sorento Hybrid and Kia Carnival Hybrid will be the South Korean automaker’s first hybrid models in India, targeted at large families

After cementing its position in the compact and mid-size SUV segments, Kia is eyeing growth in higher segments. The company has lined up two new large global models for launch this year, both of which will be hybrid and arrive in the second half of the year.

The first of the two new big Kia cars arriving in India this year will be the Sorento, which competes with the Hyundai Santa Fe internationally. The D-segment SUV is 4,815 mm long, 1,900 mm wide, and 1,695 mm tall and has a 2,815 mm wheelbase. Kia offers the Sorento in 5-, 6-, and 7-seat versions globally, and in India, it may offer the 7-seat version as standard and the 6-seat version as an option.

While most automakers import cars in this segment in knocked-down kits or as a CBU, Kia plans to manufacture the Sorento, which would be a segment-first. What makes this project even more interesting is that the company plans to use a hybrid powertrain.

Also Read: Kia FY26 Sales Analysis; Sonet, Seltos, Clavis, Carnival, Syros, EV9

Image Source: NDTV AutoMate

Internationally, Kia uses a combination of a 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol engine and an electric motor in the Sorento Hybrid. Kia has not localised the former, and even if it did, this setup could prove to be too expensive for Indian customers. Reports say that it plans to swap that engine with a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol unit, which should be a derivative of the version it locally produces for the Seltos and Carens/Carens Clavis.

The Kia Sorento Hybrid will likely be loaded to the brim with premium equipment. 14-way power driver’s seat with memory and ventilation functions, 10-way power front passenger seat with a ventilation function, ventilated second-row seats, digital IRVM, gesture-controlled power tailgate with an automatic closing function, ten airbags, and a host of advanced driver assistance systems will likely be among the key features.

Also Read: Top 10 Car Exporters FY26; Maruti Suzuki, Hyundai, Nissan, VW, Toyota, Kia

The second model will be the Kia Carnival Hybrid, which will likely be imported as a CBU. The hybrid MPV has a 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol engine, which is assisted by an electric motor, both mounted on the front axle. The petrol engine produces 180 PS (178 hp) and 27.0 kgf.m (265 Nm) of torque and the electric motor generates 54 kW (74 hp) and 304 Nm of torque. A 6-speed automatic transmission sends drive to the wheels.

In South Korea, the Kia Carnival Hybrid is claimed to deliver a fuel economy of up to 14.0 km/l. Kia offers the hybrid MPV in 7- and 9-seat versions in its home market, but in India, it may only offer the former.

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Top 10 Hatchbacks FY26 – Swift, Baleno, Tiago, i10, i20, Glanza, Altroz

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The table of top 10 hatchbacks in Feb 2025 saw Maruti Suzuki WagonR beat its siblings Swift, Baleno and Alto to finish first

The hatchback segment was one of the biggest volume contributors in FY2025-26 despite the growing popularity of SUVs. While utility vehicles have gained market share rapidly, hatchbacks still delivered decent numbers thanks to affordability, fuel efficiency, city-friendly dimensions and widespread acceptance.

Maruti Suzuki once again dominated the category while Tata Motors and Hyundai retained an important presence. The Maruti Suzuki Swift emerged as the highest-selling hatchback of FY26 with 1,85,350 units by improving 3 per cent over the previous fiscal’s 1,79,641 units. In the second position was the Maruti Suzuki Wagon R at 1,80,134 units.

Although volumes dropped 9 per cent from 1,98,451 units, it remained a consistent high volume family hatchback. Third place went to the Maruti Suzuki Baleno with 1,72,560 units – registering a 3 per cent rise over 1,67,161 units. The Alto entry-level car finished fourth with 93,740 units but its sales numbers declined 8 per cent from 1,02,232 units.

Also Read: Maruti Suzuki Breaks Its Own Record With 23.47 Lakh Units In FY26

Tata Tiago

Rank	OEM / Model	FY2025-26	Y-o-Y
1	Maruti Suzuki Swift	1,85,350	3%
2	Maruti Suzuki Wagon R	1,80,134	-9%
3	Maruti Suzuki Baleno	1,72,560	3%
4	Maruti Suzuki Alto	93,740	-8%
5	Tata Tiago	83,035	20%
6	Hyundai Grand i10 Nios	56,750	-9%
7	Toyota Glanza	52,548	8%
8	Hyundai i20	50,596	-9%
9	Tata Altroz	38,153	8%
10	Maruti Suzuki Ignis	22,924	-16%

The Tata Tiago was the best-selling non-Maruti hatchback in FY26 – ending the year with 83,035 units. The numbers represented a 20 per cent increase over 69,234 units in FY25. The Tiago continued to benefit from petrol, CNG and EV choices – making it one of the most versatile offerings in the segment.

The Hyundai Grand i10 Nios secured sixth place with 56,750 units – down 9 per cent from 62,415 units. The seventh place belonged to the Toyota Glanza which posted 52,548 units and grew 8 per cent over 48,839 units. The Hyundai i20 ended FY26 in eighth with 50,596 units – slipping 9 per cent from 55,513 units.

Also Read: 6 Maruti Suzuki Cars Feature In Top 10 PVs In FY26 With Nearly 11.5 Lakh Units

The Tata Altroz stood ninth with 38,153 units – up 8 per cent from 35,187 units. Rounding off the top ten was the Maruti Suzuki Ignis with 22,924 units. Sales were down 16 per cent compared to 27,438 units in FY25 and it has been confirmed to be discontinued in India.

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Top 15 Most Sold EVs March 2026 – Windsor, XEV 9S, Punch EV, e Vitara, BE6

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In the top 15 list of most sold EVs in March 2026, MG Windsor EV led the way ahead of Mahindra XEV 9S, Tata Punch EV and Nexon EV

The zero-emission PV segment recorded total volumes of 24,716 units last month compared to 20,616 units in February 2026 with a healthy 19.9 per cent month-on-month increase. Tata Motors continued to dominate the space with 9,288 units – up from 7,982 units in February as it retained a commanding 37.6 per cent share.

The company also led the model-wise rankings through a number of offerings. The Tata Punch EV emerged as the third best-selling EV in the country with 2,871 units – jumping from 1,061 units in February with a 171 per cent rise – one of the biggest gainers of the month. The Tata Nexon EV stayed steady at 2,405 units against 2,410 units previously.

The Tata Harrier EV posted 1,597 units while the Curvv EV contributed 1,201 units last month while the Tiago EV registered 847 units and the Tigor EV added 367 units. Mahindra & Mahindra secured second place among manufacturers with 6,832 units but volumes dipped from 7,168 units in February. Despite the marginal decline, the company held a 27.6 per cent market share.

Rank	Model	March 2026 Sales	MoM
1	Windsor	4,530	74%
2	XEV 9S	3,254	-8%
3	Punch EV	2,871	171%
4	Nexon EV	2,405	0%
5	e Vitara	2,254	159%
6	XEV 9e	1,759	-7%
7	Harrier EV	1,597	-8%
8	BE6	1,495	35%
9	Curvv EV	1,201	-4%
10	Tiago EV	847	-31%
11	Comet EV	682	-2%
12	Creta Electric	600	116%
13	ZS EV	411	19%
14	Tigor EV	367	24%
15	XUV3XO EV	207	-56%

The Mahindra XEV 9e remained one of the top premium EV performers with 1,759 units while the Mahindra XEV 9S topped the individual chart for the brand and finished second overall at 3,254 units. The Mahindra BE6 improved from 1,104 units to 1,495 units with a 35 per cent rise. Meanwhile, the Mahindra XUV3XO EV fell to 207 units and the XUV400 slipped to 117 units.

JSW MG Motor India delivered the biggest monthly growth among volume players as it ended up third behind Tata and Mahindra. Sales jumped from 3,642 units in February to 5,623 units in March – a 54.4 per cent increase and it helped lift market share to 22.8 per cent. The standout performer for MG was the Windsor EV which became the best-selling EV in India for March with 4,530 units.

It had managed 2,599 units in February which led to a 74 per cent rise in just one month. The MG Comet EV added 682 units to the company’s tally while the MG ZS EV posted 411 units. Maruti Suzuki India Limited made an immediate impression with the e Vitara. The new midsize electric SUV recorded 2,254 units in March against 870 units in February – enough to secure fifth place among all EV models and a notable 9.1 per cent share for the brand.

Hyundai Motor India doubled volumes to 600 units from 278 units in February – supported mainly by the Hyundai Creta Electric. Kia India, on the other hand, witnessed only 81 units against 653 units with a steep decline of 87.6 per cent. Citroen India saw modest progress with 38 units as against 23 units in February with the eC3 being the sole contributor.

Source

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Mercedes-Benz CLA Electric Launched At Rs. 55 Lakh – 792 Km Range

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Mercedes-Benz CLA Electric is the first Mercedes-Benz product in India to be underpinned by the MMA platform; deliveries to begin soon

Mercedes-Benz has launched the all-new CLA Electric in the domestic market finally. Prices start at Rs. 55 lakh (ex-showroom) for the CLA 200 Standard Range which climbs to Rs. 59 lakh for the CLA 250+ Long Range and Rs. 64 lakh for the specially equipped CLA 250+ Launch Edition. Even before the official price announcement, the luxury brand confirmed more than 400 firm customer orders.

The new CLA is the first Mercedes-Benz product in India to be underpinned by the Mercedes Modular Architecture (MMA) – a born-electric platform developed for future compact and midsize EVs. It also debuts the brand’s latest MB.OS digital ecosystem in the local market bringing a major step up in software integration, connected features and vehicle intelligence.

Powering the higher CLA 250+ Long Range and Launch Edition is a 200 kW (268 hp) electric motor generating 335 Nm of torque. Both variants can accelerate from 0 to 100 kmph in 6.7 seconds and continue up to a top speed of 210 kmph. The entry-level CLA 200 Standard Range develops 165 kW (221 hp) and the same 335 Nm – enabling a 0 to 100 kmph run in 7.5 seconds while retaining the identical top speed.

Specification	CLA 250+ Launch Edition	CLA 250+ Long Range	CLA 200 Standard Range
Price (ex-showroom)	Rs. 64 lakh	Rs. 59 lakh	Rs. 55 lakh
Power	200 kW	200 kW	165 kW
Torque	335 Nm	335 Nm	335 Nm
0-100 kmph	6.7 seconds	6.7 seconds	7.5 seconds
Top Speed	210 kmph	210 kmph	210 kmph
Claimed Range (WLTP)	792 km	792 km	542 km
Max DC Charging Speed	320 kW	320 kW	200 kW
Range Added In 20 Min (240 kW DC Charger)	400 km	400 km	320 km

Mercedes-Benz claims a WLTP-certified range of up to 792 km for the CLA 250+ versions while the CLA 200 Standard Range is rated for 542 km. Using a 240 kW DC charger, the long range models can gain up to 400 km of range in 20 minutes. The CLA 200 can recover around 320 km in the same duration. The maximum DC charging capability stands at 320 kW for the upper trims and 200 kW for the standard-range model.

Exterior styling follows a sportier interpretation of the brand’s latest design language. The body gets a sleek coupe-like profile with a sloping roofline, short overhangs and a pronounced rear stance. Its 2,790 mm wheelbase should also help with cabin space. The front fascia features a shark-nose layout and an illuminated closed grille panel carrying 142 star-pattern inserts.

The LED lighting elements are linked by a full-width light strip while optional Multibeam LED lamps get signature star-shaped daytime running lights. The Launch Edition receives several cosmetic and equipment upgrades over the regular variants. These include MANUFAKTUR Cosmos Black Magno paint, edition-specific 19-inch alloy wheels, Night Package styling, leather upholstery, anodised gold-look cabin inserts, customised ambient lighting themes, illuminated sill plates and AMG floor mats with contrast piping.

Customers get the latest MBUX interface powered by MB.OS which is capable of over-the-air software upgrades and continuous feature expansion. NVIDIA processors with computing capability of up to 508 trillion operations per second manage infotainment, vehicle functions and assistance systems. Mercedes-Benz has also integrated a new virtual assistant combining ChatGPT4, Microsoft Bing and Gemini-based intelligence. Google Maps navigation with EV route planning and charging intelligence is included as well.

The cabin can be equipped with the wide Superscreen setup and panoramic sunroof with heat-protection coating while Level 2 ADAS as standard with Level 2+ functionality featuring steering assist to be enabled later through OTA upgrades. Mercedes-Benz says the CLA has been tuned for Indian road conditions including suspension calibration suited to local surfaces.

The brand’s MB.CHARGE Public ecosystem now covers more than 9,000 charging points across India. Ownership packages have also been tailored to attract EV buyers. Through Star Agility+, monthly instalments begin at Rs. 62,000 and include a 59 per cent assured buyback value. Traditional finance schemes start at an introductory 6.99 per cent interest rate for a five-year tenure. A four-year unlimited mileage Star Ease service package starts at Rs. 60,000.

The German brand has also introduced an industry-first High-Voltage Battery Report in India. Generated through authorised workshops, it combines physical inspection and diagnostic analysis to provide a clear picture of battery health in an aim to support existing owners as well as prospective used-EV buyers with transparent information. Deliveries of the CLA 250+ Long Range are scheduled to begin by the end of April 2026 while the CLA 200 Standard Range will start reaching customers from June.

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Kia FY26 Sales Analysis – Sonet, Seltos, Clavis, Carnival, Syros, EV9

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Kia finished FY26 with a total domestic sale of 2,89,035 units as against 2,55,207 units during the same period last year with a YoY growth of 13 per cent

Kia India ended last fiscal on a healthy note as cumulative domestic volumes rose to 2,89,035 units compared to 2,55,207 units in FY25 with an appreciable 13 per cent year-on-year improvement. The brand continued to rely on its SUV portfolio while MPVs and premium products added further depth to the lineup.

Notable demand for the Sonet, Seltos and Carens Clavis family ensured Kia remained one of the key players in the passenger vehicle market. Heading the charge was the Kia Sonet which remained Kia’s most sold offering with a tally of 1,14,142 units in FY26 against 99,805 units a year earlier.

The 14 per cent jump shows the continued popularity of the sub-four-metre SUV which competes in one of the country’s most crowded segments. Its broad variant spread, multiple engine options and long feature list have helped it retain consistent showroom traffic in the period between April 2025 and March 2026.

Also Read: 7-Seater Kia Sorento Hybrid Caught Testing In India, Launch Soon?

2026 Kia Sonet

Model	FY26 Sales	FY25 Sales	YoY Change
Kia Sonet	1,14,142	99,805	14%
Kia Seltos	83,747	72,618	15%
Kia Carens	76,837	64,609	19%
Kia Syros	13,433	15,986	-16%
Kia Carnival	874	1,361	-36%
Kia EV9	2	18	-89%
Kia EV6	0	810	-100%
Total	2,89,035	2,55,207	13%

The Kia Seltos followed in second place with 83,747 units – improving from 72,618 units in FY25. The 15 per cent gain can be attributed to the arrival of a brand new generation a while ago as the model’s continued its run in the midsize SUV category as one of the top sellers. The Seltos remains an important growth contributor for Kia.

Kia’s MPV portfolio also delivered impressive numbers. The Kia Carens and updated Clavis range together posted 76,837 units in FY26 – up from 64,609 units in the previous year by registering a 19 per cent increase. The numbers made it Kia’s fastest growing volume product among the mainstream nameplates as the debut of the Carens Clavis in ICE and electric forms has worked wonders.

Also Read: Updated 2026 Kia Syros Launched In India At Rs. 8.39 Lakh

The Kia Syros recorded 13,433 units in FY26 versus 15,986 units in FY25 with a 16 per cent decline and recently it received a model year update. At the premium end, the Kia Carnival managed 874 units compared to 1,361 units in FY25 – down 36 per cent. Luxury EV volumes were limited with the Kia EV9 posting 2 units against 18 units previously.

The Kia EV6 effectively ended its run with no FY26 dispatches compared to 810 units in FY25 and is expected to gain a facelift soon.

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Top 10 Scooters FY26 – Activa, Jupiter, Access, iQube, Chetak, Destini

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In FY26, Honda Activa continued to lead the top 10 scooter sales charts ahead of TVS Jupiter, Suzuki Access and TVS iQube

The scooter space has a pecking order that has barely changed in decades and FY2026 was no different at the top. Honda closed the year with 28,45,052 Activas finding homes across the country, a figure so absurd in its scale that the second placed TVS Jupiter at 14,63,328 units – itself a genuinely strong number – looks a bit modest by comparison. The gap between first and second stood at 13,81,724 units.

TVS has built the Jupiter into a genuine household name over the years and the numbers show the loyalty amongst customers year after year. Third place went to the Suzuki Access 125 with 8,12,920 units and it continues to be one of the more under appreciated success stories in the segment. Suzuki does not shout about it much but the Access keeps selling in numbers that most manufacturers would be beyond elated with.

TVS iQube finished fourth with 3,67,501 units and TVS Ntorq 125 was right behind in fifth with 3,63,904 units. The difference between those two? Just 3,597 units across twelve full months of sales. An electric scooter and a sporty 125cc ICE scooter from the same manufacturer essentially trading punches all year separated by less than 300 units a month – emphasising the brand’s versatility.

Also Read: JSW To Likely Launch 5 New Electric SUVs In The Next 2-3 Years

Rank	Model	FY2026 Sales
1	Honda Activa	28,45,052
2	TVS Jupiter	14,63,328
3	Suzuki Access 125	8,12,920
4	TVS iQube	3,67,501
5	TVS NTorq 125	3,63,904
6	Bajaj Chetak	3,02,674
7	Suzuki Burgman Street	2,87,177
8	Hero Destini 125	2,56,576
9	Honda Dio	2,38,106
10	Yamaha RayZR	2,31,986

Bajaj Chetak, positioned sixth with 3,02,674 units, is the other number worth sitting with for a moment. The Chakan-based manufacturer walked away from the scooter segment for years and came back with an all-electric product. Crossing three lakh units and finishing inside the top ten in FY2026 is a result that validates that decision completely.

The two electric scooters in the top six of India’s most competitive two-wheeler category shows how the preferences are changing in recent years. Suzuki Burgman Street came in seventh with 2,87,177 units – giving Suzuki two entries in the top ten and to consolidate its position, a heavily updated model was introduced recently in the domestic market.

Also Read: Top 10 Electric 2W Brands FY26 – TVS Sits Atop Bajaj, Ather, Ola & Hero

Hero Destini 125 followed in eighth with 2,56,576 units, Honda Dio took ninth with 2,38,106 units and Yamaha Ray ZR closed out the list in tenth with 2,31,986 units. From fourth to tenth, just 1,35,515 units separate the iQube from the RayZR as seven scooters carry seven different stories – all while fighting for effectively the same pool of consumers.

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New Yezdi Scrambler 350 Launched In India At Rs. 1.99 Lakh

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Yezdi Scrambler 350 uses a new 334cc liquid-cooled single-cylinder motor that Yezdi calls the Katar engine; delivers 30 PS and 30 Nm

At Rs. 1,99,950 ex-showroom Delhi, the updated Yezdi Scrambler 350 is one of the more interesting launches to come out of the Classic Legends stable in a while. It arrived alongside the BSA Scrambler 650 in what turned out to be a busy week for the company, and between the two, the Scrambler 350 is the one that is going after a much wider audience.

Powering it is a brand new 334cc liquid-cooled single-cylinder motor that Yezdi calls the Katar engine. The maximum power output stands at 30 PS at 8,100 rpm and 30 Nm of peak torque delivered at 6,750 rpm which represents gains of 0.9 PS and 1.8 Nm over the outgoing model despite displacement remaining unchanged. Yezdi has built a 30-30-30 formula around this engine – 30 PS, 30 Nm and approximately 30 kmpl fuel efficiency.

A six-speed gearbox handles transmission duties alongside an assist and slipper clutch. The engine also gets a horizontally mounted radiator for better heat management and a centrally routed exhaust that aids weight distribution across the chassis. More significantly, it is 8 kilograms lighter than the old model.

Dry weight now stands at 174 kg against the outgoing model’s 182 kg and ditching the twin-exhaust setup in favour of a single unit has contributed massively. Three riding modes – Road, Rain and Off-Road – are on board adjusting throttle response and traction control intervention based on conditions. Suspension duties are done by telescopic forks up front and twin rear shock absorbers – tuned specifically for longer travel to give the Scrambler 350 more composure on rough surfaces.

Braking is handled by a 320 mm front disc and 240 mm rear disc. Spoke wheels carry 100/90-19 front and 140/70-17 rear semi-knobby rubber while the seat height has gone up by 13 mm to 813 mm partly because of the new single-piece ribbed saddle. Wheelbase lies at 1,403 mm which is short enough to keep the Scrambler 350 flickable in tight spaces and on narrow trails and the fuel tank holds 12.5 litres.

The cockpit gets a digital instrument cluster, a wider handlebar for better leverage and control off-road, tactile switchgear and LED lighting at both ends including signature LED tail lamps and blinkers. The raised front beak, compact tail section and oval side panels with the 69 numbering keep the classic scrambler styling philosophy intact while the revised tank graphics and new seat freshen things up visually. Four colours are available namely Legacy Black, OG Yellow, Rogue Red and Rally Blue.

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