Performance Icon Returns as CBU; Expected Price North of ₹50 Lakh
Skoda has officially confirmed the return of the much-loved Octavia RS to India in 2025.
Skoda has officially confirmed the return of the much-loved Octavia RS to India in 2025. Enthusiasts, rejoice—this sharp-handling, performance-packed sedan will hit our shores by the festive season, albeit as a fully imported CBU (Completely Built Unit).
Ashish Gupta, Skoda India’s brand director, recently stated, “The Octavia RS is something that we will definitely bring to India this year.” While no exact date has been shared, sources suggest a launch before Diwali.
What to Expect Under the Hood
Front profile of the Skoda Octavia RS
The fourth-gen Octavia RS will be powered by a 265hp, 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine, the same motor seen in the new VW Golf GTI. Mated to a DSG gearbox and front-wheel drive layout, this RS is expected to deliver driving thrills both on road and track.
At the Bharat Mobility Global Expo earlier this year, the Octavia RS made its India debut, garnering serious attention from loyal fans. Given its cult following, demand is likely to be high despite a projected ex-showroom price of over ₹50 lakh.
Other CBU Models on Hold
The all-new 2025 Skoda Octavia RS flaunting its bold design by the waterfront
While the RS gets greenlit, plans to bring in the Kodiaq RS, Superb diesel, and even the regular Octavia diesel have been paused. The delay stems from ongoing uncertainty around FTA agreements and changing global trade policies, which make pricing and planning difficult for imported models.
Focus Shifts to India-Made Models
For now, Skoda is concentrating on its local lineup, particularly the Kylaq, which has already become a sales success, averaging 5,000 units a month. Upcoming updates for the Kushaq and Slavia will help strengthen the brand’s footprint in the Indian market.
The Octavia RS may be limited in numbers, but it’ll serve as a halo model—a performance flagship that keeps petrolheads and brand loyalists engaged.
MG M9 Electric MPV Detailed: Features, Specs, Launch Timeline
Introduction
MG Motor India is gearing up to launch its most premium EV yet — the MG M9. Touted as India’s longest and widest MPV, the M9 will arrive via the CKD route and retail exclusively through MG Select premium outlets. Ahead of its expected late-July launch, the brand has officially revealed detailed specifications and features for the India-bound model.
Exterior Design Highlights
The MG M9 gets a commanding road presence with luxury-focused design elements. Offered in three colour options — Metal Black, Concrete Grey, and Pearl Lustre White (the latter two with black roof for a dual-tone look) — the M9 is styled like a presidential limo.
Key Exterior Features:
LED headlamps & DRLs
LED rear fog lamp
19-inch alloy wheels
Sliding doors for easy rear access
Rear wiper for enhanced visibility
Premium Interior & Comfort Features
Step inside the MG M9, and the luxury becomes evident with its Cognac brown leather upholstery, dual sunroof, and ottoman-style rear seats. This MPV redefines comfort with first-in-segment features.
16-way power adjustable ottoman rear seats with massage
64-colour ambient lighting
Integrated air purifier
Infotainment & Tech
MG has packed the M9 with top-tier infotainment and in-cabin entertainment systems to appeal to tech-savvy buyers.
Infotainment Highlights:
12.3-inch touchscreen
Wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto
13-speaker JBL premium sound system
Steering-mounted audio & cruise controls
Advanced Safety Suite
The M9 is not just luxurious — it’s also one of the safest MPVs in its class, boasting a 5-star Euro NCAP safety rating. It features a comprehensive Level-2 ADAS suite and other active & passive safety features.
Safety Features:
7 airbags
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
360-degree camera
Electronic Parking Brake (EPB) with auto hold
ISOFIX child seat mounts
Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
Rain-sensing wipers
Auto headlamps
Seatbelt reminders for all rows
MG M9 Powertrain & Range
Under the floor lies a massive 90 kWh battery pack, powering a single front-wheel-drive motor. MG claims over 500 km of range, making it ideal for both city and highway luxury cruising.
Powertrain Specs:
Specification
Detail
Battery Pack
90 kWh
Motor
Single (FWD)
Power Output
245 PS
Torque
350 Nm
Claimed Range
548 km (internal testing)
Expected Price and Rivals
The MG M9 will be positioned as a premium electric MPV with an expected starting price of ₹60–70 lakh (ex-showroom). While it won’t have a direct EV rival at launch, it will stand as an electric alternative to luxury MPVs like the:
The MG M9 a premium electric MPV
Toyota Vellfire
Kia Carnival (Diesel only)
Our Take
The MG M9 is shaping up to be a game-changer in the premium MPV space — offering limousine-level comfort, segment-first EV features, and future-ready safety tech. With a compelling spec sheet and luxury credentials, it could attract buyers seeking a zero-emissions upgrade without compromising on space or sophistication.
Honda City Sport Edition Launched at ₹14.89 Lakh: Sporty Looks, Same Trusted Engine
Honda City Sport in its new Red color
Honda Cars India has launched an exciting new variant of its popular sedan — the Honda City Sport Edition — at ₹14.89 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi). Positioned just above the standard City CVT V variant, this new trim brings sporty styling enhancements both inside and out while retaining the tried-and-tested mechanical setup.
But what exactly is new in the HondaCity Sport, and how does it compare to the standard versions? Let’s take a look.
The City Sport is a limited-edition model of the fifth-generation Honda City. It’s based on the 1.5L petrol CVT version and is aimed at buyers who want something visually more dynamic and premium. Mechanically, it remains the same but gets exclusive cosmetic upgrades, especially targeting the younger and style-conscious audience.
Note: Honda hasn’t disclosed how many units will be sold, so this variant may not be around for long.
Honda City CVT Variant-Wise Pricing
Variant
Price (Ex-Showroom, Delhi)
V
₹14.40 lakh
Sport (NEW)
₹14.89 lakh
VX
₹15.47 lakh
ZX
₹16.65 lakh
Powertrain & Performance
The Honda City Sport continues with the same 1.5-litre, 4-cylinder i-VTEC petrol engine that delivers:
119 bhp of power
145 Nm of torque
E20 fuel-compliant
CVT gearbox with paddle shifters
Claimed mileage: 18.4 km/l
There are no changes to the engine or transmission, and this variant is available only with an automatic CVT — no manual, no hybrid, and no diesel options are offered.
Exterior Changes: All Things Sporty
Exterior changes of the Honda City Sport
The Honda City Sport Edition stands out with several blacked-out elements:
Glossy black front grille
Black trunk lip spoiler
Glossy black shark-fin antenna
Black outside rear-view mirrors (ORVMs)
Exclusive ‘Sport’ badging
New grey multi-spoke alloy wheels
These additions give the City a sharper, bolder, and more performance-inspired look — a noticeable shift from its otherwise elegant design language.
Interior Upgrades: Full Black Ambience with Red Stitching
All the Interior Changes in the Honda City Sport
Inside the cabin, Honda has created a much sportier vibe:
Full black interior theme (replacing the usual beige or dual-tone)
Red contrast stitching on seats, steering, and door inserts
Blacked-out roof liner and pillars
Dark red dashboard inserts
Glossy black AC vents
7-colour ambient lighting (not available in lower variants)
These cosmetic updates give the cabin a more youthful and premium feel — ideal for buyers looking for a distinct personality in their daily drive.
Features & Safety: ADAS Comes Standard
camera based ADAS system of the Honda City Sport
While no new tech features have been added specifically in the Honda City Sport variant, it inherits a well-equipped package from higher trims, including:
The Honda City Sport is available in three shades:
Radiant Red Metallic
Platinum White Pearl (+₹8,000)
Meteoroid Grey Metallic
Our Thoughts
If you’re in the market for a stylish automatic sedan under ₹15 lakh, the City Sport makes a strong case. It doesn’t add new features or power, but the blacked-out design, sporty interior, and trusted CVT performance make it ideal for those who want flair without compromising on comfort or safety.
