The Škoda Slavia has established itself as a premium mid-size sedan in India, blending European design with practical everyday usability. Known for its sharp styling, refined interiors, and safety-focused engineering, the Slavia competes in a space traditionally dominated by Japanese and Korean rivals. With both 1.0-litre and 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engines, it offers a wide range of choices from efficiency-focused commuters to performance-driven enthusiasts all while upholding Škoda’s reputation for quality.Until recently, however, Slavia’s ex-showroom pricing was weighed down by India’s GST and cess structure. As a petrol sedan over 4 metres in length, it fell under the mid-size category, attracting 28% GST and 17% cess, bringing the total tax to 45%. This significantly inflated its pricing, especially for top-spec trims.With the rollout of GST 2.0, effective September 22, 2025, the cess has been removed and replaced by a flat 40% GST rate. This 5% reduction in tax has brought a meaningful price drop by nearly ₹37,000–₹63,000, depending on the variant. For a premium sedan like the Slavia, this makes it more attractive against rivals such as the Hyundai Verna, Honda City, and Volkswagen Virtus.

The Škoda Kushaq is one of the brand’s most successful models in India, designed specifically for the country’s mid-size SUV market. With sharp European styling, high-quality interiors, and a choice of two turbocharged petrol engines — the 1.0-litre TSI and the more powerful 1.5-litre TSI the Kushaq appeals to buyers looking for performance, comfort, and premium build quality in a practical SUV package.Until recently, however, the Kushaq was subject to high taxation under India’s GST system. Being over 4 metres long, both its 1.0-litre and 1.5-litre petrol variants fell into the mid-size car/SUV tax bracket, attracting 28% GST and 17% cess, totalling 45%. This raised the ex-showroom prices and placed it at a disadvantage in a price-sensitive segment.With the introduction of GST 2.0, effective from September 22, 2025, the cess has been removed and replaced with a flat 40% GST for mid-size cars and SUVs. This change has resulted in a price drop by around ₹36,000–₹65,000, depending on the variant, making the Kushaq even more appealing against rivals such as the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, and Honda Elevate.

The Škoda Kylaq has been designed as a compact SUV for India, combining European styling with practical dimensions and a modern 1.0-litre turbo-petrol engine. Positioned to appeal to urban buyers and young families, it offers the premium touch that Škoda is known for, but in a smaller, more accessible package. With SUV-inspired looks and a robust feature list, the Kylaq caters to those wanting sophistication and everyday usability in one vehicle.Until recently, however, cars like the Kylaq carried a higher tax burden under the old GST framework. Being a petrol car under 4 metres with an engine capacity of 1.0 litres, it fell into the small car tax bracket, attracting 28% GST plus 1% cess, totalling 29%. This directly inflated its ex-showroom price and made it less affordable compared to what buyers might expect in the entry SUV space.With the rollout of GST 2.0, effective from September 22, 2025, this structure has been rationalised. The cess has been eliminated, and the Kylaq now falls under a simplified 18% GST slab. This results in an 11% reduction in total tax, translating into a price drop of ₹70,000–₹1.19 lakhs depending on the variant. The Kylaq now offers even better value, strengthening its competitive edge in the compact SUV category.

The Renault Kiger is a stylish and feature-packed sub-compact SUV designed for India’s value-conscious yet aspirational buyers. With its bold styling, roomy cabin, and dual engine options a 1.0-litre naturally aspirated (NA) petrol and a 1.0-litre turbocharged petrol it offers versatility for both city driving and highway runs. Positioned as an affordable SUV in the under-4m category, the Kiger rivals models like the Nissan Magnite, Tata Nexon, Tata Punch, and Maruti Brezza.Previously, small petrol cars under 4 metres with engines up to 1200cc  like the Renault Kiger were taxed at 28% GST and 1% cess, totalling 29%. This inflated its ex-showroom price, especially on the higher-spec turbo petrol trims, and reduced its cost competitiveness compared to rivals.With the introduction of GST 2.0, effective September 22, 2025, the cess has been abolished, and the Kiger now falls under a flat 18% GST slab. This has led to an 11% reduction in total tax, which means the Kiger gets a price cut of around ₹50,000–₹96,000 depending on the variant. This makes the Renault Kiger an even stronger value for money in the highly competitive compact SUV space.

The Renault Triber has carved out a unique space in the Indian market as one of the most affordable and practical compact MPVs. With seating for up to seven passengers, clever modular interiors, and a 1.0-litre petrol engine, the Triber appeals to budget-conscious families who want space and versatility without stretching their finances. Its sub-4 metre length keeps it compact for city use, while the flexible seating makes it an all-rounder for family trips.Until recently, however, the Triber was taxed under the old GST regime at 28% GST and 1% cess, totalling 29%. This higher tax inflated its ex-showroom price, particularly for top trims, making it harder for value-driven buyers to upgrade. In a price-sensitive segment like compact MPVs, even a small increase in tax translates into a noticeable difference in affordability.With the introduction of GST 2.0, effective September 22, 2025, this taxation has been simplified. The cess has been removed, and the Triber now falls under the flat 18% GST bracket. This 11% reduction in total tax results in a price drop, saving buyers nearly ₹50,000–₹80,000 depending on the variant. This makes the Renault Triber an even more compelling option in its category.

The Renault Kwid has established itself as one of the most accessible and stylish entry-level hatchbacks in the Indian market. Compact yet bold in design, it combines SUV-inspired looks with practicality and affordability, making it a popular choice among first-time buyers and budget-conscious families. Its 1-litre petrol engine, offered with both manual and AMT transmission options, ensures the Kwid delivers efficiency without compromising on convenience.Until recently, small petrol cars like the Kwid were taxed at 28% GST and 1% cess, bringing the total to 29%. This indirect tax burden pushed up the ex-showroom price, making the car slightly more expensive for buyers in the entry-level segment, where affordability matters most.With the implementation of GST 2.0, effective September 22, 2025, the cess has been removed, and the Kwid now falls under a simplified 18% GST slab. This results in an 11% tax reduction, which translates into a price drop of around ₹40,000–₹54,000 depending on the variant. The Renault Kwid is now even more competitive against rivals like the Maruti Alto K10.

The Maruti Suzuki Ignis has carved a niche for itself as a stylish urban hatchback with SUV-inspired design cues. Compact in dimensions but bold in appearance, the Ignis is a favourite among younger buyers and city dwellers who want individuality without compromising on practicality. Equipped with a reliable 1.2-litre petrol engine, it combines Maruti’s hallmark efficiency with peppy performance, making it an ideal daily commuter.Under the previous GST system, however, the Ignis was taxed at 28% GST and 1% cess, totalling 29%. This raised its ex-showroom price and reduced its overall affordability, particularly in a segment where budget-conscious buyers dominate.With the rollout of GST 2.0, effective September 22, 2025, the cess has been removed, and the Ignis now falls under a simplified 18% GST slab. This represents an 11% reduction in tax, which leads to a price drop by ₹49,000–₹70,000 depending on the variant. The Ignis now becomes even more appealing for first-time car buyers and urban professionals seeking a stylish, efficient hatchback.

The Maruti Suzuki Baleno has become one of India’s best-selling premium hatchbacks, combining practicality, efficiency, and modern features in a stylish package. With its spacious interiors, refined 1.2-litre petrol engine, and the option of a factory-fitted CNG kit, the Baleno is equally popular among city commuters and budget-conscious families. Its wide service network and Maruti’s brand reliability further strengthen its position in the market.Until recently, small cars like the Baleno were taxed under the old GST system at 28% GST plus 1% cess, bringing the total to 29%. This pushed up ex-showroom prices, particularly for higher trims and CNG models, which cater to value-focused buyers.With the introduction of GST 2.0, effective from September 22, 2025, the cess has been scrapped, and the Baleno now falls under the flat 18% GST rate. This 11% reduction in tax results in a price drop of ₹57,000–₹84,000, depending on the variant, making the Baleno even more competitive in its segment against rivals like the Hyundai i20 and Tata Altroz.

The Honda Elevate has quickly gained popularity in India’s mid-size SUV market, thanks to its bold styling, spacious cabin, and the proven 1.5-litre i-VTEC petrol engine. Built for urban families and young professionals, the Elevate combines Honda’s reputation for refinement with the practicality of a modern SUV. Positioned as a rival to segment leaders like the Hyundai Creta and Kia Seltos, it offers a premium driving experience at a competitive price.Until recently, however, SUVs like the Honda Elevate were burdened with a steep tax structure. Under the old GST system, mid-size petrol cars and SUVs longer than 4 metres with engines up to 1.5 litres attracted 28% GST plus 17% cess, bringing the total to 45%. This meant buyers paid significantly more in taxes, inflating the ex-showroom price.With the introduction of GST 2.0, effective September 22, 2025, the cess has been scrapped and replaced with a flat 40% GST rate. This results in a 5% reduction in tax, directly resulting in a price cut of ₹8,000–₹58,000, depending on the variant. This makes the Elevate a stronger value proposition for buyers looking to own a stylish and reliable mid-size SUV.

The Honda City has long been a household name in India, symbolising style, reliability, and premium comfort in the mid-size sedan segment. With its elegant design, spacious interiors, and Honda’s engineering finesse, the City has remained one of the most aspirational choices for buyers looking to upgrade from entry-level sedans or hatchbacks. Over the years, it has been offered in both a 1.5-litre petrol engine and an advanced hybrid variant, making it versatile for a wide range of buyers.Under the older GST regime, however, mid-size sedans like the Honda City were subject to higher taxation. Petrol variants were taxed at 28% GST plus 17% cess, totalling 45%, while hybrids were taxed at 28% GST plus 15% cess, totalling 43%. This meant that the City, despite being competitively priced in its class, still bore the burden of a steep tax structure that inflated its ex-showroom cost.With the rollout of GST 2.0, effective from September 22, 2025, this tax framework has been streamlined. Now, both the petrol and hybrid variants of the Honda City fall under a flat 40% GST rate, with the cess component eliminated. This change has led to a direct price drop of around ₹41,000–₹57,000, depending on the variant, making the City more affordable while retaining its premium positioning.