Archive · 22 Aug 2026
Auto Week Brings Skoda Facelift, Defender Dakar and New Editions
Several car and motorcycle companies announced new models and updates this week.
Skoda showed a refreshed Slavia sedan with changed lights, a larger grille and new colours.
Defender revealed a special Dakar SUV designed for road use but inspired by a racing vehicle.
Jeep introduced a special Compass to celebrate its 85th anniversary, and only 85 will be sold.
BMW is getting ready to launch a longer X1 with more passenger space.
Yamaha updated its scooters with new colours and, on one version, a screen with navigation.
Royal Enfield added new equipment and styling to the Classic 350 for its Gorkha Edition.
These vehicles are aimed at offering newer designs, extra features or greater exclusivity.
Skoda Auto India unveiled the 2026 Slavia facelift, with bookings open and deliveries expected during the festive season.
Defender revealed the limited-production, road-legal Dakar SUV based on the Defender OCTA and inspired by the D7X-R competition vehicle.
Jeep launched the Compass 85th Anniversary Edition in India at ₹26.70 lakh, with only 85 units available.
BMW is preparing to launch the 2026 X1 LWB in India, which offers increased length, a longer wheelbase and a 156bhp turbo-petrol engine.
Yamaha updated its 125cc scooter range, while Royal Enfield introduced the ₹2,10,684 Classic 350 Gorkha Edition.
- Who
- Skoda Auto India, Defender, Jeep, BMW, Yamaha and Royal Enfield.
- What
- The companies announced vehicle launches, special editions, feature upgrades and a performance-focused SUV.
- When
- During the reported week; some launches and reservations are scheduled for later dates.
- Where
- Several launches and updates concern the Indian market; the 2027 Dakar Rally is scheduled in Saudi Arabia.
- Why
- The updates were introduced to refresh models, add features, mark Jeep's 85th anniversary and offer limited or special editions.
- Skoda Slavia
- The 2026 facelift has open bookings; prices are due in the first week of October.
- Defender Dakar
- A limited-production, road-legal SUV based on the Defender OCTA, with a 4.4-litre twin-turbocharged V8.
- Jeep Compass 85th Anniversary Edition
- Priced at ₹26.70 lakh ex-showroom, with 85 units planned for sale in India.
- BMW X1 LWB
- The long-wheelbase version is 116mm longer than the standard X1 and has a 108mm longer wheelbase.
- Yamaha scooter pricing
- The RayZR Street Rally with TFT costs ₹1,00,440, while RayZR Disc and Drum variants cost ₹87,680 and ₹79,880.
- Royal Enfield Classic 350 Gorkha Edition
- Priced at ₹2,10,684 ex-showroom in New Delhi, with bookings open.
- Future Defender timing
- Reservations are expected to begin in early 2027, with more technical details planned for the 2027 Dakar Rally.