KIA Seltos sold over 828 thousand times thanks to five-star safety and other features

The Toyota Fortuner enjoys significant popularity in the Indian market, attracting both executives and ordinary buyers. The success of this model is due to trust in the Toyota brand and minimal competition in the market. Currently, the direct competitor to the Fortuner is the MG Majestor.

However, the 'invincible soldier' of Toyota will face a serious challenge in the near future. Kia plans to introduce its large SUV, the Sorento, production of which has already begun in India. The company announced the launch of this model for September 4th, and it has been confirmed that it will be assembled at the Anantapur plant.

Price plays a significant role in shaping the image of any car, especially the starting price of the base configuration. This is where the Kia Sorento has the potential to have a substantial impact. According to available data, Kia may launch this model with a price starting from 28 lakh rupees.

Although the official price has not yet been announced, if Kia launches the Sorento at this price, it could create difficulties for the Fortuner. Such a pricing policy will attract the attention of buyers who are considering purchasing the Fortuner. The Sorento will be available with both a hybrid and a diesel engine.

There is a fundamental difference between the models: the Fortuner is an old-school body-on-frame SUV equipped with a diesel engine, embodying reliability and the ability to traverse difficult terrain. In contrast, the Sorento is a unibody SUV designed with an emphasis on an improved cabin, modern technology, fuel efficiency, and comfortable daily operation.

This model will arrive as a strong hybrid and may be an attractive option for city dwellers thanks to its seven-seater cabin. Thus, people who previously chose the Fortuner may consider the Sorento. Furthermore, the Sorento's diesel engine will suit those who prefer long journeys and require low torque.

The Sorento will be equipped with All-Drive functionality. It is worth noting that the Toyota Fortuner starts from a price of 34.76 lakh rupees for the exterior version. If the Sorento is introduced at a price below 30 lakh rupees, it can attract Fortuner buyers, especially those who wish to avoid using diesel fuel in cities. Ultimately, how much Sorento will affect Fortuner sales will become clear soon.

Skoda has introduced its flagship sedan model, the Skoda Superb, showcasing the fourth generation of the vehicle even before its official launch. This car is expected to arrive in the first half of next year. The model will be available in the Laurin and Klement version under CBU assembly.

Buyers can already register for this car, and deliveries may begin in the second half of 2027. Skoda's return to the Indian market with diesel engines marks a significant event, as the company discontinued the use of diesel engines after the implementation of BS-6 norms in 2020.

The Superb version intended for the Indian market will be equipped with a 2.0-liter diesel engine capable of producing 150 hp and 290 Nm of torque. It will feature a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission that directs power to the front wheels. The car can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 9.2 seconds.

The maximum speed of this model is 225 km/h. Notably, the same model is available on the global market with a 193 hp engine, which is equipped with all-wheel drive and can reach 0-100 km/h in just 7.5 seconds. Skoda previously displayed the Superb at Auto Expo 2025.

The fourth generation Skoda Superb features matrix LED headlights, as well as LED daytime running lights accompanied by welcome and farewell animations. The design includes the signature Skoda grille with a chrome surround, a honeycomb air intake at the front, and a horizontal chrome strip. The car is equipped with standard 18-inch two-tone alloy wheels and rear LED lights.

The vehicle dimensions are 4912 mm in length, 1849 mm in width, and 1511 mm in height, with a wheelbase reaching 2841 mm. The interior features a 12.9-inch multimedia screen and a 10-inch digital driver display. The interior offers a 14-speaker system, three-zone climate control, 25W wireless charging, rear passenger blinds, and an electric tailgate with gesture control.

The front seats have memory, heating, ventilation, and massage functions.

In terms of safety, the Superb is equipped with ten airbags, a 360-degree view camera, Level 2 ADAS driver assistance system, electronic parking brake, tire pressure monitoring system, and automatic parking assist function. The Skoda Superb is expected to be sold at a premium price ranging from 55 to 60 lakh rupees. The car will be imported into India via the CBU channel and will compete with models such as the Toyota Camry.

The company launched the Renault Duster with high expectations, believing that this SUV would replicate the success of the 2012 model. However, sales of this SUV, which was intended to compete with the Creta and Sierra, are showing a monthly decline.

In July, the company sold only 3,293 passenger vehicles. Although this figure is higher than in July of last year (when 2,575 vehicles were sold), representing a 28% year-on-year increase, July sales were lower than in June. In June, 4,063 vehicles were sold, resulting in a 19% drop in sales in July.

The Duster, which can be considered the brand's flagship product, did not perform well in July. Its sales halved compared to the previous month. 1,011 units were sold in June, whereas only 512 were sold in July. This represents a 49% decrease in sales.

Since its launch in March, monthly sales of this SUV have been around a thousand units. However, July recorded the weakest sales performance. Over the period from March, 1,402 units were sold in March, 2,359 in April, 1,267 in May, 1,011 in June, and 512 in July.

The Renault Duster is available starting from 10.49 lakh rupees with an exclusive tax. Its top trim level costs 18.69 lakh rupees with an exclusive tax. The model is equipped with a 1.0-liter turbocharged petrol engine and a 1.3-liter turbocharged petrol engine. A hybrid version is also planned for release, which may appear during the festive season.

Regarding other Renault models, the Triber is the best seller. In July 2026, 1,762 units of this car were sold. In July of last year, 1,987 units were sold, and in June 2026, 1,871 units were sold. Thus, the year-on-year growth was 11%, and the monthly decline was 6%.

The Kwid is Renault's smallest and most budget-friendly model. 516 units were sold in July. Last July, the company sold 265 units, and in June, 492 units were sold. Sales of this model increased by 95% compared to last year and by 5% compared to June.

The Renault Kiger is the least sold model of the brand. Only 503 units were sold. In July of last year, 323 units were sold, and in June, 689 units were sold. The monthly sales decline was 27%, while the year-on-year growth reached 56%.