The name Kamiq continues the already familiar nomenclature of Skoda SUV models. The names of the larger models, the Skoda Karoq and Skoda Kodiaq, both also start with the letter K and end in a Q and owes it origin to the language of the Inuit people.

ŠKODA AUTO CEO, Bernhard Maier, said, “By introducing the ŠKODA KAMIQ, we are completing our successful European SUV portfolio at the lower end. As our first city SUV, the ŠKODA KAMIQ will captivate new customer groups for the ŠKODA brand and it is therefore an important component of our model campaign. The ŠKODA KAMIQ offers an attractive overall package and combines SUV‑typical characteristics such as the elevated seat position and a good view of the road with agile handling, an emotive design, a high level of safety and state-of-the-art connectivity. Furthermore, its generous amount of space and many Simply Clever features make it a real ŠKODA.”

The Skoda Kamiq continues the successful SUV design language from the Kodiaq and the Karoq and comes with new visual highlights such as the split headlights featuring the daytime running lights above the main headlights. The city SUV is based on the modular transverse matrix (MQB) and, with a length of 4,241 mm, offers the Skoda-typical generous amount of space.

Modern assistance systems, environmentally friendly and efficient drive systems, the latest infotainment systems and state-of-the-art connectivity solutions ensure the Skoda Kaniq perfectly fulfils the requirements of modern individual mobility – all whilst further consolidating the emotiveness of the Skoda brand.

“With the expansion of our SUV family, we have not only focused on a uniform design language, the clear line of the names containing a K and a Q also accentuates the coherence and has a high recognition value. In the language of the Inuit, KAMIQ embodies something in which you feel comfortable in any situation and that has its own character. That suits this car perfectly,” explained Alain Favey, ŠKODA AUTO Board Member for Sales and Marketing.

With the Kamiq, Skoda is tapping into a new, younger target group that pursues a modern, adventure-oriented lifestyle in the increasingly popular city SUV segment. Apart from a car’s off-road appearance, a high level of efficiency is especially important in this segment and the Kamiq is therefore exclusively available with front-wheel drive.

Top rallyist from across the country are set to prove their mettle in India’s only multi-nation TSD drive that gets underway here on Wednesday morning.

The 880-km JK Tyre Himalayan Drive 7, which is being organised in association with Experience Bengal (West Bengal Tourism), will see the competitors drive their mean machines for four days through majestic locations in North Bengal, scenic hills in Darjeeling and various picturesque routes in Bhutan.

The TSD drive which draws inspiration from West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee’s vision of connecting Bengal to its neighbours and encouraging people to people connectivity in the region, will cover a wide variety of terrain, ranging from tarmac, river beds, dirt tracks, forest paths to mountainous roads.

While the entire route will pose a great challenge to the competitors, it will test them to the hilt in Paro in Bhutan where the drivers might have to drive in extreme tricky conditions due to the impending snowfall prediction.

Sanjay Sharma, Head JK Motorsport, said, “We are really excited about the event. It is India’s only international TSD drive that provides a great opportunity to our top rallyists to stretch themselves to the limit, besides giving a huge boost to motorsports in the region.”

The drivers will take-off from Siliguri post the ceremonial flag-off and travel all the way to Murti, driving past North Bengal’s lush forests, river banks and embankments and idyllic towns.

The second leg will see the drivers start their journey from Murti to Paro, going through tea gardens and forests that are home to a rich variety of flora and fauna, including the Royal Bengal Tiger, the one-horned rhino and the Asiatic elephant before entering Bhutan through Phuentsholing.

From Phuentsholing, the competitors will hit the mountain roads filled with hairpin bends and steep gradients that offer spectacular views of the Himalayan heights, before entering the breath-taking Paro Valley.

On the third day, they drive back from Paro Valley through Dooars and cross the iconic Coronation Bridge over Teesta river to reach Kalimpong.

The final leg of this rally on Saturday will have the competitors drive down from Kalimpong, cross the Teesta bridge, Mungpoo, Jorebunglow and Kurseong before descending into the plains through Rohini.

After reaching the plains, they will go through Dudhia and Panighata, the riverbeds of Menjha and Mechi, and touch Naxalbari before taking the Asian Highway 2 and then National Highway 27 to finish at the City Center at Siliguri, where the prize distribution will take place in the evening in a gala function.

Volkswagen is committed to the Paris Climate Agreement and is laying the groundwork for sustainable mobility with its electric offensive. The new ID. that goes into production in Zwickau at the end of the year will play a pioneering role.  As the Group’s first electric car it will be CO2 neutral throughout the entire life cycle if the customer consistently charges with green power.

Regarding the manufacturing phase alone, the carbon footprint of the ID. will be improved by more than 1 million tons of CO2 per year. This is roughly the climate impact of a coal- fired power plant that supplies 300,000 households with electricity. In addition, Volkswagen is working on a comprehensive decarbonization program that includes measures for other models. The brand will offer more than 20 fully electric models by 2025.

“Climate change is the greatest challenge of our times,” said Thomas Ulbrich, the Board Member responsible for e-mobility at the Volkswagen brand. “As the world’s largest car manufacturer, Volkswagen is assuming responsibility: The new ID. will be the Group’s first climate-neutrally produced electric car. To ensure that it remains emission free during its life cycle, we are working on many different ways to use green power. Truly sustainable mobility is feasible if we all want it and we all work on it.”

Georg Kell, the founding director of the U.N. Global Compact and spokesperson for the Volkswagen Group Sustainability Council, says: “CO2 emissions produced by humans must be reduced as quickly as possible. Since its foundation, the Volkswagen Sustainability Council has worked hard to ensure that the company makes climate protection one of its strategic priorities. Volkswagen is taking the right approach with its electric offensive and the ID. Now it’s time to powerfully put this plan into motion.”

For the ID., Volkswagen has focused the entire value chain on the goal of avoiding and reducing CO2 emission. The battery cells will be produced in Europe, the energy will come from green power sources. More savings potential in the supply chain that extends all the way back to raw material production is being examined with the help of direct and indirect suppliers. The plant in Zwickau is already using externally produced power from renewable sources. Unavoidable emissions in the manufacturing process are offset by investments in certified climate projects. As a result, the ID. will be manufactured CO2 neutral right from the start.

For charging, Volkswagen recommends the use of energy from renewable sources like wind power and hydro-power. The new Volkswagen subsidiary Elli has recently begun to offer regeneratively produced electricity called Volkswagen Naturstrom. The IONITY fast-charging network created by Volkswagen and other car manufacturers will offer green power at about 400 charging locations on European motorways – wherever available.

Because electric cars are only as clean as the power that is used to produce and charge them, Volkswagen expressly supports Germany’s planned transition to sustainable energy supplies. Even beyond the energy transformation, the breakthrough of electric mobility can be achieved only in an alliance with political leaders. From residential property law to the expansion of public charging infrastructure, the goal should be to quickly remove the barriers standing in the way of electric cars.

Volkswagen wants to make the electric car attractive and affordable for as many people as possible. The compact ID.1 will roll off the assembly line in Zwickau starting in late 2019. The SUV ID. CROZZ1, the ID. BUZZ1 and the sedan ID. VIZZION1 will follow soon thereafter. The Volkswagen brand alone plans to invest about €9 billion in e-mobility by 2023.

Having earned accolades and admiration of competitors and media alike, Just Sportz Management Pvt. Ltd. is back with yet another edition of their flagship event – JK Tyre Himalayan Drive 7. The TSD (Time, Speed, Distance) Car Rally is undoubtedly the biggest motor sporting event of eastern India and will witness nearly 30 teams battling for glory which includes some of the biggest names in this part of the country.

The four-day event will be flagged off on February 27 from City Centre in Siliguri and will traverse through the picturesque landscapes of North Bengal and neighbouring Bhutan. Each year, motor sports enthusiasts ardently look forward to this thrilling action and adventure which promises some challenging terrains and breathtaking beauty, all in the beautiful backdrop of the mighty Eastern Himalayas.

For the first time in HD’s history, this year’s rally will feature a night stage which is likely to make this event even more exciting. A significant amount of dirt section will feature in the 800 kilometres rally route that will test the grit and determination of both man and machine. Each of the four legs will be equally important, with the battle for the top honours expected to go down to the final day of the HD7.

Hereunder is the tentative schedule for HD7:

27 February 2019 : 08:00 – 12:00 Hrs : Vehicle Scrutiny at Montana Vista, Siliguri
27 February 2019 : 13:00 Hrs : Driver’s Briefing at Montana Vista, Siliguri
27 February 2019 : 16:00 Hrs : Rally Flag Off from City Centre, Siliguri. Leg I from Siliguri to Murti; Night Halt at Murti
28 February 2019 : 08:00 Hrs : Leg II from Murti to Paro (Bhutan); Night Halt at Paro
01 March 2019 : 08:00 Hrs : Leg III from Paro (Bhutan) to Kalimpong , Night Halt at Kalimpong
02 March 2019 : 08:00 Hrs : Leg IV from Kalimpong to Siliguri
02 March 2019 : 20:00 Hrs : Prize Distribution at City Centre, Siliguri

Honda Cars India (HCIL), has announced the introduction of Exclusive Editions of three of its models Honda Amaze, Honda Jazz and Honda WR-V. These Exclusive Editions are available in two colours Radiant Red Metallic and Orchid White Pearl.

The Exclusive Editions in all the three models will come with exterior differentiators along with added interior utility features. The special editions will bring in unique freshness and enhance the overall appeal of the models.

Speaking about the introduction of these editions, Rajesh Goel, Sr. Vice President & Director, Sales and Marketing, Honda Cars India Ltd said, “We are extremely delighted to introduce the Exclusive Editions of Honda Amaze, WR-V and Jazz offering unique sense of freshness to the models. We are confident that these special editions will be appreciated by our customers for the differentiated value they offer.”

Honda Amaze Exclusive Edition – Highlights

· Based on top grade VX in both Diesel and Petrol

· Sporty Alloy Wheel with Dual Tone Black Stickers

· Sporty and Premium Black PU Seat covers

· Front armrest with slide functionality and Console box

· Step Illumination Garnish

· Exclusive Edition Emblem

· Price (Ex showroom Delhi)

o Petrol VX MT Exclusive – Rs. 786,900

o Diesel VX MT Exclusive – Rs. 896,900

o Exclusive Edition is priced Rs. 13,000 over VX grade

Honda WR-V Exclusive Edition – Highlights

· Based on top grade VX in both Diesel and Petrol

· All-new black painted Tailgate Spoiler with LED

· Special Body graphics

· Sporty and Premium Black PU Seat covers

· Step illumination Garnish

· Exclusive Edition emblem

· Price (Ex showroom Delhi)

o Petrol VX MT Exclusive – Rs. 935,050

o Diesel VX MT Exclusive – Rs. 1,048,050

o Exclusive Edition is priced Rs. 18,000 over VX grade

Honda Jazz Exclusive Edition – Highlights

· Based on top grade VX CVT Petrol

· All-new black painted tailgate spoiler with LED

· Sporty Black Painted Alloy Wheels

· Special Body graphics

· Sporty and Premium Black PU Seat covers

· Step illumination Garnish

· Exclusive Edition emblem

· Price (Ex showroom Delhi)

o Petrol VX CVT Exclusive – Rs. 922,900

o Exclusive Edition is priced Rs. 19,000 over VX CVT Petrol

Honda Cars India Ltd. will commence the pre-launch bookings for the eagerly awaited All New 10th Generation Honda Civic from 15th February 2019. The pre-launch booking can be made at all authorised Honda dealerships across the country, with a booking amount of Rs 31,000. The All New Civic is scheduled to be launched on 7th March 2019.

Talking about the Honda Civic, Rajesh Goel, Sr Vice President & Director, Marketing & Sales, Honda Cars India Ltd. said, “Civic is an iconic brand with a rich legacy of 10 generations and is currently our largest selling model globally. We are extremely excited to bring the latest 10th Generation All New Civic to the Indian market.”

Civic is Honda’s longest-running automotive nameplate with cumulative sales of 25 million units worldwide. Over the course of ten generations, the Civic has continuously evolved to meet changing customer needs around the world and is sold in 170 countries worldwide

The 10th Generation Civic boasts a youthful, premium and sporty new style that advances Civic design into the next league. The completely new interior of the all-new Civic is designed to match the exciting exterior styling while providing enhanced comfort, leading technology and quality.

The Civic will be launched in both petrol and diesel powertrains. There is the 1.8L i-VTEC Petrol engine mated to advanced CVT. Also,the Civic Diesel is being introduced for the first time in India with the 1.6L i-DTEC turbo unit from Honda Earth Dreams Technology series mated to a 6-speed manual transmission.

Bentley Motors has announced full details of the world’s fastest production SUV. The Bentayga Speed features an enhanced 635 PS (626 bhp) version of the renowned 6.0-litre W12 engine that delivers a top speed of 190 mph (306 kmph) and 0–62 mph (0–100 kmph) in 3.9 seconds.

Designed, engineered and handcrafted in Great Britain, the Bentayga Speed is the most powerful and performance-oriented Bentayga to date. It builds on a long tradition of Speed models that was born with the Continental GT in 2007 and pushes the boundaries of Bentayga performance further since claiming the production SUV record at the gruelling Pikes Peak International Hill Climb last year.

With a top speed of 190 mph, the Bentayga Speed is our most powerful and performance-oriented variant to date.

To match the elevated levels of performance, the Bentayga Speed sports a purposeful exterior look. Dark-tint headlights, body-coloured side skirts and a striking tailgate spoiler hint at the SUV’s performance credentials. Dark-tint radiator and bumper grilles, a unique 22-inch wheel design available in three finishes and Speed signature badging add to the sporting design cues.

Inside, the Bentayga Speed introduces a dramatic design theme. This includes elegantly crafted ‘swooshes’ around the door and door grab, on the edge of the seat cushions and backrest bolsters, and on the lower console; a new contrast stitching on the diamond quilting; discreet Speed badging; a Speed illuminated treadplate signature; and the use of Alcantara materials for the first time in a Bentayga.

As with all Bentaygas, the all-wheel-drive Speed is equipped with Electronic Differential Lock and up to eight Drive Dynamics modes. Bespoke engineering revisions to the Sport mode provide a more dynamic drive, while a greater exhaust character and firmer suspension tune further increase driver engagement.

Customers can personalise the Bentayga Speed to their own requirements with a range of exclusive options. Among them are carbon ceramic brakes, 22-way adjustable front seats with massage function, carbon fibre fascia panels, Bentley rear-seat entertainment (RSE) and mood lighting.

The Czech car manufacturer will be presenting its next step towards electric mobility at the Geneva Motor Show (5 to 17 March) with the Skoda VISION iV concept study. Now releasing two design sketches, Skoda whets the appetite for its first vehicle based on the Modular Electric Drive Kit (MEB). The four-door crossover coupe features fascinating sporty and emotional lines.

The Skoda VISION iV combines an athletic body, 22-inch aerodynamically optimised wheels and powerfully flared mudguards with a pronounced coupe-like, flowing roofline. A characteristic tornado line connecting the front and rear emphasises the clean surfaces of the doors without handles. Cameras, whose housings are visually reminiscent of shark fins, take the place of traditional exterior mirrors.

The front characterises a reinterpretation of Skoda’s typically wide covered grille, featuring fine vertical ribs and crystalline structures. The horizontal light strip in the upper part of the grille and strikingly large air intakes in the front apron emphasise the sporty appearance. The powerful rear features aerodynamic spoiler edges and crystalline LED tail lights. They redefine the typical Skoda C-shape and emphasise the width of the vehicle in combination with a light strip above the rear diffuser. Another eye-catching element at the rear is the Skoda logo; the individual letters are lit up in red.

2019 marks Skoda’s entry into the era of electromobility. 124 years after the company was founded, the Czech automaker is launching the Superb PHEV with plug-in hybrid drive and fully battery-powered version of Citigo. In 2020, the first production vehicles will follow based on the MEB. Over the next four years, Skoda is investing around two billion euros in alternative drive systems and new mobility services and will have introduced more than ten electrified models by the end of 2022.

Shortly before the world premiere of the new Skoda Kamiq at the Geneva Motor Show, Skoda is showing the interior of the new SUV for the first time. The interior of the Kamiq combines ergonomics and emotion with Skoda’s usual generous amount of space. The Kamiq is the traditional Czech brand’s second model to feature the new interior concept.

The interior of the Skoda Kamiq is characterised by the new interior concept presented for the first time in the VISION RS study. A character line surrounding the freestanding screen, which is positioned high in the driver’s field of vision, reflects the lines of the bonnet and also provides an ergonomic shelf for the hand operating the touchscreen. With the optional Virtual Cockpit, featuring one of the largest displays in the segment at 10.25 inches, Skoda offers another digital highlight in the new Kamiq. The redesigned instrument panel seamlessly continues the emotional design language of the exterior. The side air vents extend into the doors, visually enhancing the spacious feel of the Kamiq.

The instrument panel with new elaborate ornamentation and the front door panels feature a high-quality, soft foam surface with a new, crystalline structure based on a unique grain that will continue to characterize the Skoda brand’s design in the future. The ambient lighting, which is available in the colours copper, red or white, also adds to the pleasant atmosphere. The colours add a visual accent to the interior tones and an interesting contrast to the stitching on the seat covers. Suedia, a fine microfiber material, is available as an upholstery option. For additional comfort, the new Skoda Kamiq offers optional heating for the windscreen, rear seats and steering wheel.

Built on the modular transverse matrix (MQB), the Skoda Kamiq offers the generous interior space you would expect from a Skoda. With a wheelbase of 2,651 mm, the car offers generous knee clearance of 73 mm in the back. The boot volume is 400 litres, increasing to 1,395 litres with the rear seat backrests folded down.

The world premiere of the new Skoda Kamiq takes place at the Geneva Motor Show from 5 to 17 March 2019.