By: HT Auto Desk | Updated on: 15 May 2024, 11:51 AM
Mahindra will launch XUV.e9 in April 2025. It will be the second vehicle to be based on the ‘Born Electric’ platform.
The XUV.e9 is the coupe version of the XUV.e8 SUV. (Twitter/TeslaClubIN)
Mahindra is working on a slew of new electric vehicles for the Indian market. The homegrown manufacturer showcased new concepts back in 2022 and is currently testing them on Indian roads. One of the five electric SUVs was the XUV.e9 which was spotted recently while it was charging at a Tata Motors dealership.
One of the first things that we can notice is that the charging port is located on the rear left-hand side. We have seen from the earlier spy shots that there is a plastic piece that covers the charging port. There is a C-shaped LED tail lamp that wraps around the charging port.
A look at the charging port that is covered by a plastic piece. (Photo courtesy: Facebook/Anto Leo Thomson)
We also get a close look at the front-end design of the SUV Coupe. The LED headlamps are the same ones that are doing duty on the XUV.e8 so they are vertically stacked and have copper elements in them. There is also a slim air dam in the bumper for the airflow required for electrical components. There are also newly designed alloy wheels on the side with flush sitting door handles.
Mahindra XUV.e9 charging at a Tata dealership ((Twitter/TeslaClubIN))
The Mahindra XUV.e9 will have dimensions of 4,790 mm in length, 1,905 mm in width, and a height of 1,690 mm. It will be based on the INGLO platform and feature a wheelbase of 2,775 mm. The XUV.e9 does look rather imposing and dominating because of its size which will be larger than the XUV700 for reference.
Also Read : Mahindra XUV.e9 EV spotted ahead of launch.
Mahindra has already revealed that the XUV.e9 will be launched in April 2025. It will be the second ‘Born Electric’ vehicle to come from Mahindra’s stable after XUV.e8 which will be launched by the end of 2024. The XUV.e8 is essentially an electrified version of the XUV700 and the XUV.e9 is the SUV Coupe version of the XUV.e8.
By: Paarth Khatri | Updated on: 15 May 2024, 10:04 AM
Mahindra XUV 3XO is offered with three engine options and nine variants.
The Mahindra XUV 3XO comes with a new 6-speed automatic transmission.
Mahindra recently launched the XUV 3XO in the Indian market. It is essentially a heavily updated version of the XUV300. Now, the brand has opened bookings for the XUV 3XO online on the website and at authorised dealerships as well. Mahindra has also announced that they will be commencing deliveries of the sub-compact SUV from 26th May. Having said that, interested customers can already check out the XUV 3X0 at the nearby dealerships.
The XUV 3X0 will be offered with three engine options. There is a 1.2-litre turbo petrol engine, a 1.2-litre petrol engine with direct-injection and a 1.5-litre diesel engine. The direct-injection petrol engine puts out 128 bhp of max power and a peak torque output of 230 Nm. The turbo petrol produces 108 bhp and 200 Nm whereas the diesel engine puts out 115 bhp and 300 Nm.
As standard, all engines come mated to a 6-speed manual gearbox whereas the diesel engine also gets a 6-speed AMT. What’s new for the 3XO is the 6-speed torque converter automatic transmission that is now available on both petrol engines.
Mahindra is offering the XUV 3XO in nine variants. The prices start at ₹7.49 lakh and go up to ₹15.49 lakh. Both prices are ex-showroom. The main rivals of the XUV 3XO are the Kia Sonet, Tata Nexon, Maruti SuzukiBrezza, Hyundai Venue and the upcoming compact SUV from Skoda.
Watch: Mahindra XUV 3XO review: XUV300 reborn with more zeal and style? | Check – Price, Interior, Colours
Some of the highlights of the XUV 3XO are the panoramic sunroof which is the largest in the segment, there is a 360-degree parking camera, dual-zone climate control and auto hold with an electronic parking brake. Then there is the addition of Level 2 ADAS. The hardware is shared with the XUV700. Moreover, there are also three steering modes – Comfort, Normal and Sport.
Mahindra XUV 3XO is available with turbo-petrol and diesel engine options; prices start at Rs 7.49 lakh.
Mahindra has started taking bookings for the XUV 3XO (XUV300 facelift). Pricing for the compact SUV was announced last month, but the company is now officially accepting bookings for the Nexon, Sonet and Venue rival. Deliveries will commence in the coming weeks
XUV 3XO is priced from Rs 7.49-15.49 lakh (ex-showroom)
The Mahindra XUV 3XO is priced from Rs 7.49 lakh, going all the way up to Rs 15.49 lakh for the range-topping 131hp, 1.2 turbo-petrol AX7 L variant. Its rival Tata Nexon recently gained new entry-level variants in a bid to be priced competitively against the Mahindra SUV.
The XUV 3XO is available with three engine options, including a 1.2-litre, three-cylinder turbo-petrol engine making 111hp, a 1.2-litre, three-cylinder direct-injection turbo-petrol engine with 131hp and a 1.5-litre, four-cylinder diesel unit that puts out 117hp. Transmission options include a 6-speed manual, a 6-speed torque converter automatic and a 6-speed AMT.
On the feature front, the Mahindra XUV 3XO gets a 10.25-inch infotainment screen, a similarly sized digital driver’s display, a first-in-segment panoramic sunroof, dual-zone climate control, all-LED lighting a seven-speaker Harman Kardon audio system with a 380W amplifier, Adrenox Connect in-car connectivity, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and more.
The safety suite consists of six airbags, rear disc brakes, ESP, ISOFIX anchors, electronic parking brake with auto-hold, hill-start and hill descent assist, a 360-degree camera, blind spot monitor and segment-first Level 2 ADAS.
In the nearly decade-long presence in India, Jeep SUV models have competed in both the mass-market space as well as the luxury space. But the performance in terms of sheer volumes has not been much to write home about. So what makes the Jeep brand tick in a country which now has the world’s third-largest vehicle market in terms of sales? Is the business about number of units sold or is it about establishing and maintaining a premium image? And what does the future hold for a brand that prides in the rugged credentials of its offerings at a time when electric vehicles (EVs) are fast becoming a rage?
Watch: Jeep India strategy ahead: Will continue to be premium, lifestyle statement
HT Auto recently caught up with Jeep India Brand Director Priyesh Kumar to get an inside view on the sidelines of the unveil event of the 2024 Jeep Wrangler. Here are excerpts from the interview:
HT Auto: What does the Wrangler brand mean to Jeep and to, specifically, customers here in India?
The latest Wrangler from Jeep gets subtle style updates on the outside, feature additions within and is powered by a 2.0-litre petrol motor.
Priyesh: Wrangler is a product which has been known for its off-roading (capabilities). But what’s going to happen maybe time to come is that Wrangler is going to be equally good for the on-roading. New features that are getting added, like ADAS, Nappa leather seats, better navigation screens, six airbags, all those things are also going to give you an equally good on-road experience.
HT Auto: Wrangler has always been a bad boy. So what you are saying is it will be a bad boy but now with a good heart?
Priyesh: To some extent, yes. It is a bit poetic but it is correct.
HT Auto: How much has the Indian car-buying audience evolved to the whole concept of adventure driving, and what does it mean for a brand like Jeep and a model like Wrangler?
Priyesh: When it comes to the evolution of Indian customers towards experiencing lifestyle products, and maybe off-roading-capable products, they (customers) are still evolving. To further promote it, we are doing a lot of things like Jeep Camps, Jeep Trails, where we invite our customers to actually experience the product.So what I am saying is that it (fondness for off-road driving) is gradually coming up and it will help us as a brand.
HT Auto: But then help me understand what does Jeep stand for as a brand. Because on one end of the spectrum, you have the Compass and then the Grand Cherokee on the other. So does Jeep want mass appeal or have an aspirational aura?
The newest version of the Grand Cherokee was launched in India in 2022. It sits on the top of the Jeep product pyramid in the country.
Priyesh: We are going to be more accessible to all segments of customers. The Compass, Meridian, Wrangler or the Grand Cherokee are all premium products, and we will maintain that premium-ness. Going forward, it will be a lifestyle statement as well. But as I mentioned, the customer base itself is evolving, the customer thought process is evolving. So that’s going to definitely help Jeep as a brand.
HT Auto: But let’s be honest, are you also chasing volumes because frankly, cars like Wrangler, Grand Cherokee, as capable as they are and as much as they may carry the aspirational tag, won’t bring in the numbers and volumes (in terms of sales)?
Priyesh: I will not say that we are not in that number game. But we are not going to compromise on the quality of customers or the profile of customers which we are looking at.What we’re looking at is to expand that base altogether. Network expansion is on the cards so our cars are more accessible. A key pillar of our strategy is going to be corporate sales. So, there are a couple of things which we are looking at.
HT Auto: So volume, but not in the actual definition of volume?
Priyesh: We are not going to be in that rat race. But yes, we have also aspirations and we will pick up the volumes with all the things which I mentioned to you.
HT Auto: Jeep has products in the global markets that are positioned below or at par with Compass in India. Why not explore the idea of getting some of those products , like the Renegade for example, to the Indian market?
Jeep Renegade sold in several foreign markets has smaller exterior proportions than the Jeep Compass.
Priyesh: We are evaluating everything to be very honest with you. It’s not being limited to, let’s say, Compass on one side and Grand Cherokee. We are also evaluating the ever-changing customer expectations and market dynamics. On the basis of these, we will come with those products, whatever we find is appropriate for the market and makes business case for us.
HT Auto: Jeep CEO Antonio Fulani recently said that in India, a fair degree of localisation has been achieved but also hinted that more is required. You have 500 suppliers in the country. In your view, what more can possibly be done to bring down costs?
Priyesh: We have around 70 per cent localisation and are looking to take it to 90 per cent. If we have to grow, we can’t be limiting ourselves to our current numbers. So localisation makes the overall ecosystem more friendly to the Indian market. And that’s what is one of the priorities we have.
HT Auto: Going back to the product portfolio, can you give us a look into what is next after the 2024 Wrangler?
Priyesh: So I will start with what we did recently. We launched the Compass Night Eagle special edition which is a fully loaded variant. Then obviously, now is time for the new Wrangler. Then we have the Meridian 2.0. Again, we are looking at which all features should be part of the Meridian so that it isaligned to the market. It has to be something which appeals (to buyers) and it has to maintain the core DNA of Jeep. So all those things are being evaluated, post that also we will have a couple of product launches. But at this point in time, I am not in a position to share that.
HT Auto: What about electrics and what does battery technology and adoption hold for a brand that is about lifestyle, about adventure, about off-roading like Jeep. How do you not just stay relevant but stay ahead of the curve?
Priyesh: Globally, we have also got electric vehicles. Going forward, there are going to be some big ones like Wagoneer S and Recon. So globally, we are already there. In the domestic market, we are still exploring which products suit the market here. We are closely monitoring customer expectations, government policies, infrastructure development and regulations. We are very serious about this and we will come out with an option soon.
Kia Sonet is offered in three engine options. There is a naturally aspirated petrol engine, a turbocharged petrol engine and a diesel engine.
Kia Sonet 2024 facelift SUV comes with host of updates that includes a new exterior look, an updated interior and features galore. The biggest bragging right now is the introduction of ADAS technology, a first in the sub-compact SUV segment.
Kia India has announced that the Sonet has received a significant milestone of surpassing 4 lakh sales figures in under 44 months. It is important to note that these sales figures include domestic and overseas markets. The Sonet commands 33.3 per cent overall sales with 3,17,754 units sold domestically and 85,814 units exported. The updated Sonet was launched in India in January 2024. The price
In 44 months since launch, 63 per cent of customers prefer Sonet variants equipped with a sunroof. Regarding engine preference, Sonet’s 1.5-litre diesel engine is preferred by 37% of its customers which is quite surprising as the market for diesel engines is slowly dying. 63 per cent of customers prefer petrol engine options. Kia has also observed a consumer shift towards automatic variants. This is probably because of the increasing traffic that our cities are facing. The 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission in Sonet has gained traction, growing by 37.50 per cent since 2020. While automatic transmissions (7DCT & 6AT) contribute 28 per cent, the iMT has a steady fanbase with a 23 per cent sales contribution to Sonet. In the iMT gearbox, the driver needs to change the gears but doesn’t have to engage or disengage the clutch pedal.
Watch: Kia Sonet 2024 facelift SUV: Armed with ADAS, ready for rivals
Compact SUV is one of the most popular segments in the Indian market. Mr. Myung-sik Sohn, Chief Sales Officer, Kia India, commented, “The compact SUV segment presents a big opportunity, with many first-time buyers entering the segment directly. Sonet is our second-best innovation, and it has captured their imagination perfectly. It offers them a futuristic, tech-enabled, comfortable mobility solution designed very well and with low ownership costs.”
Recently, Kia introduced new entry and mid variants of Sonet by introducing 4 new HTE(O) and HTK (O) variants in diesel and petrol engine options. While the HTE(O) gets a sunroof, HTK(O) offers a sunroof along with LED Connected taillamps, fully automatic temperature control (FATC) and a rear defogger.
Update also introduces all-wheel drive for the first time in Formula E.
Formula E has taken the wraps off its revamped Gen3 Evo race car, claimed to be the fastest accelerating FIA single-seater with a 0-100kph time of 1.86secs. The update also introduces all-wheel drive, new tyres and sturdier bodywork.
Formula E claims 0-100kph time of 1.86secs
Update introduces all-wheel drive, new tyres
Will be introduced for 2025 season
Gen3 Evo is meant to be an interim update between the current Gen3 cars and the Gen4, which will be introduced for the 2026/27 season. Speaking to Autocar India, Formula E CEO Jeff Dodds said that the aim of the update is to deliver “faster performing cars on track, more technology to be able to transfer [to road cars] and this continued journey of sustainability”.
Of course, the headlining figure is a 0-100kph time of 1.86secs (0-60mph in 1.82secs), which is claimed to be 30 percent quicker than a current F1 car and 36 percent quicker than the Gen3 car. For reference, F1 cars can accelerate from 0-60mph in roughly 2.6secs. Formula E says all the upgrades should deliver a 2 percent performance gain, so a qualifying lap time around the Monaco circuit would roughly be 2secs faster.
“We’re growing very quickly. But in motorsport, the thing that captures attention the most is speed,” explains Dodds. “When we go out and tell people that the acceleration of this car is 30 percent faster than the current F1 car, I think that will capture the interest of sports fans around the world. And I hope people come and look at the racing for the first time, see how competitive and exciting it is, and choose to stick around.
All-wheel drive, new tyres
The update also unlocks all-wheel drive for the first time in Formula E, but this will only be available to use during qualifying duels, race starts and Attack Mode. Formula E is hoping this addition will enhance “both performance and strategy”.
The all-weather Hankook tyres have also been revised to provide 5-10 percent more grip. And they will also be made from 35 percent recycled and sustainable materials (up nine percent compared to the current Gen3 tyres).
The combination of these two should significantly alter driving dynamics. “All-wheel drive will require drivers to test it. I think they will get around that quite quickly because they’re some of the best drivers in the world,” said Dodds. “But the other thing that changes is the tyre and we know historically with racing drivers that it is often tyres and tyre changes that take longest for them to get used to because the performance is completely different.”
Since the introduction of the Gen3 cars, drivers have struggled to convert their Attack Mode boosts into overtaking moves. The combination of all-wheel drive and better grip should, in theory, help solve this issue to some extent.
More robust bodykit
The Gen3 Evo car also gets a new front wing, new rear winglets and a narrower nose. Formula E says the updated body kit has been designed to be “stronger, more robust and more aerodynamic”.
These cars will now be tested in Valencia later this year before being introduced for the 2025 season.
By: HT Auto Desk | Updated on: 16 Apr 2024, 07:14 AM
British Columbia has banned all cars with Level 3 ADAS in the province, directly impacting the new Mercedes-Benz S-Class and Mercedes-Benz EQS.
British Columbia has banned all cars with Level 3 ADAS in the province, directly impacting the new Mercedes-Benz S-Class and Mercedes-Benz EQS.
At a time when the global automobile industry is thriving towards adopting ADAS in an increasingly wide range of cars, the Canadian province of British Columbia has banned all cars with Level 3 ADAS. The province has recently updated its Motor Vehicle Act, prohibiting the use of vehicles with the Level 3 systems, which comes as a major clampdown on using such systems. The updated law makes it illegal to merely drive any Level 3 driving assist-equipped vehicle, even if the technology is not used.
The British Columbia government introduced the new rule on 18th March and enforced it into effect on 15th April. With this rule, driving a car in the province that comes equipped with Level 3 or above becomes illegal. However, currently, there are only two cars that come with Level 3 ADAS, which include the new Mercedes-Benz S-Class and Mercedes-BVenz EQS. This technology allows the drivers to go hands-off and eyes-off at a speed of less than 64 kmph.
This means if a person owns the new Mercedes-Benz S-Class or the Mercedes-Benz EQS, he or she will have to think twice before visiting the province. If caught, the person will be fined with a hefty amount ranging between CAD 368 and CAD 2,000 or even six months in jail as well.
Interestingly, while the British Columbia government has banned the cars equipped with Level 3 ADAS, future use of the technology is not ruled out. In a statement, the government has stated that new and emerging transportation technology needs further testing and policy adjustments before widespread use. The government also said that these new regulations will keep people safer on the roads and encourage even more use of active transportation, which is another step in modernizing the rules to keep up with new technologies that are changing how people are getting around.
By: HT Auto Desk | Updated on: 15 Apr 2024, 21:02 PM
Toyota has expanded its Innova Hycross lineup with the introduction of a new petrol variant, the GX (O). This new variant offers several upgrades over
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Toyota has expanded its Innova Hycross lineup with the introduction of a new petrol variant, the GX (O). This new variant offers several upgrades over the GX trim, such as a larger 10.1-inch infotainment system, automatic climate control, front parking sensors, and a 360-degree surround camera.
The Innova HyCross GX(O) sits on top of the GX variant. The new variant, offered in only petrol guise gets several improvements
Toyota Kirloskar Motor, the Indian arm of the Japanese carmaker, has added the GX (O) variant to its Innova Hycross lineup. The eight-seater variant is priced at ₹20.99 lakhs, while the seven-seater variant is priced at ₹21.13 lakhs. Bookings for the new variant are now open, with deliveries set to commence from April 15, 2024.
The GX (O) variant offers several upgrades over the GX trim, including a larger 10.1-inch infotainment system, wireless Apple CarPlay, automatic climate control, front parking sensors, a 360-degree surround camera, rear sunshade, rear defogger, dual-tone interior with a soft-touch dashboard, and LED fog lamps.
Inside, the variant gets dark chestnut quilted leather seats, soft-touch leather, and metallic decorations. Exterior features include 16-inch alloy wheels, a roof-end spoiler with LED stop lamp, and ORVMs with auto fold, electric adjust, and turn indicators.
In terms of safety, the GX (O) variant is equipped with an electric parking brake with auto-hold, all-wheel disc brakes, six SRS airbags, and ISOFIX anchors.
Sabari Manohar – Vice President, Sales-Service-Used Car Business, Toyota Kirloskar Motor, stated that the new variant with top-class performance along with 10 features is aimed to cater the customers seeking a fully loaded petrol version to meet their evolving lifestyle needs.
The Toyota Innova HyCross GX (O) is powered by a 2.0 L TNGA Gasoline Engine, producing 172 bhp and 205 Nm of torque. It comes with a Direct Shift CVT with a launch gear mechanism and a 10-speed sequential shift, offering a fuel economy of 16.13 kmpl.
Launched in November 2022, Toyota claims that it has sold over 50,000 units of the Innova HyCross till date. Recently, the company reopned the bookings for the top spec strong hybrid models, ZX and ZX(O).
The official website of the Japanese auto giant shows that the top variant is now up for booking at a price of ₹30.98 lakh (ex-showroom). Price of all other variants have also been hiked after Toyota announced increase of prices by about one per cent from April 2024 onwards.
In addition to the 5-year warranty, a 1-year RSA is also offered on all KTM and Husqvarna models.
KTM India has announced that it is now offering a five-year warranty on all KTM and Husqvarna motorcycles purchased from April 1, 2024 onwards. The company previously offered a two-year warranty as standard. All motorcycles now get the standard two-year warranty, along with an additional three-year warranty, for no additional cost. Apart from the extended warranty, KTM and Husqvarna are also offering customers a free one-year RSA (roadside assistance) package.
Offer valid from April 1, 2024
No duration disclosed for the 5-year warranty
With the new warranty, customers can enjoy their motorcycle stress-free for five years before worrying about major repair bills, as the warranty covers the replacement of major parts should they be defective. The one-year RSA programme covers 24/7 Roadside Assistance, Bike Towing and other breakdown-related assistance.
It is worth noting that this is not the first time that KTM and Husqvarna have offered this benefit. In the past, the brands have offered a five-year warranty, but only for a limited time. As there is no end date for this programme mentioned in the company’s official communication, only time will tell whether this will be a new standard feature on all KTM and Husqvarna models.
By: HT Auto Desk | Updated on: 15 Apr 2024, 07:54 AM
The fourth-generation Maruti Suzuki Swift is ready to hit the Indian market in May 2024 with a revamped design, new features and a new 1.2-litre Z-Ser
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The fourth-generation Maruti Suzuki Swift is ready to hit the Indian market in May 2024 with a revamped design, new features and a new 1.2-litre Z-Series three-cylinder petrol engine with mild-hybrid technology.
The fourth-generation Maruti Suzuki Swift is ready to hit the Indian market in May 2024 with a revamped design, new features and a new 1.2-litre Z-Series three-cylinder petrol engine with mild-hybrid technology.
Maruti Suzuki Swift has been making headlines over the last few months. The popular hatchback is all set to receive a completely new generation avatar in May this year, which will come with a revamped design, new features and a new 1.2-litre Z-Series three-cylinder petrol engine with mild-hybrid technology. This is going to be a major update for the Swift after a long time and is expected to boost the appeal of the hatchback further.
The new generation Maruti Suzuki Swift made its global debut at the 2023 Japan Mobility Show. Since then, the hatchback has gone on sale in global markets like Europe and Japan. Now, India is going to be added to that list. The India-spec next-generation Swift would be similar to the global model. However, the new generation Swift sits on the same platform as the current model.
2024 Maruti Suzuki Swift: Exterior
The new Maruti Suzuki Swift, also codenamed YED, comes with a significantly distinctive visual appearance compared to the outgoing model. It gets a new front profile featuring an updated radiator grille flanked by sharper and redesigned LED projector headlamps with integrated LED daytime running lights. The top variant would get LED fog lamps. The bumper too looks different. Moving to the side profile, the hatchback gets new design alloy wheels, and relocated rear passenger door handles. At the back, the new Swift sports redesigned LED taillights and a revamped bumper. The new Swift is expected to come available in new colour options.
2024 Maruti Suzuki Swift: Interior
Moving inside the cabin, the Swift gets a significantly updated dashboard layout sporting a free-standing touchscreen infotainment system and a fully digital instrument cluster. Seat and upholstery materials too come refreshed.
2024 Maruti Suzuki Swift: Safety
On the safety front, the new Swift would come with six airbags, ABS with EBD and ESP as standard, a three-point seatbelt for the second-row centre passenger, reverse parking camera. The India-spec Swift may miss out on the 360-degree camera and ADAS that are available in the global model.
2024 Maruti Suzuki Swift: Powertrain
The new generation Maruti Suzuki Swift gets a new Z-Series 1.2-litre three-cylinder petrol engine, which replaces the current model’s K12 four-cylinder petrol unit. Expect the power and torque output of the new engine to be similar to what the K12 unit generates. The current engine churns out 89 bhp peak power and 113 Nm maximum torque. Expect a five-speed manual unit and AMT option to be available for the new Swift. The biggest highlight would be the mild-hybrid technology that would be available across all the variants.
We tell you what all will be new and different on the India-bound all-new Maruti Swift.
The new Maruti Swift will go on sale in India on May 9, 2024, Autocar India can confirm. The all-new Swift will be one of the major launches for Maruti this year and will be followed by the market introduction of the all-new Dzire compact sedan later this year. The new Maruti Swift (Codename: YED) gets fresh yet familiar looks, new interior and features and all-new petrol powerplant.
New Swift sits on the same platform as its predecessor
Fresh Z-series 1.2-liter petrol engine to debut on the Swift
More features and safety tech incoming
New Maruti Swift: India-spec details
The all-new Swift was shown internationally last year and since then, there have been sightings of various test-mules in India as well. The India-bound Swift, will look more or less similar to the one sold abroad but there will be some country specific changes.
Sources tell us that the India-spec Maruti Swift will get slightly different looking front and rear bumpers however the changes will be minimal like the number plate housing will be bigger and there will be no contrast black elements seen. All-in-all, the new Swift for India will still closely look like the ones on the car sold overseas. The alloy wheel design is also similar but not exactly the same as the international car and mid-variants will have a unique design. The C-pillar on the India-bound Swift will also be all-black, similar to the Hyundai i20. The reverse camera however is placed on the boot lid and not on the rear bumper and the car will have full LED lights including LED fog lamps on the top variant. On the safety front, expect six-airbags, ABS with EBD and ESP to be standard along with three point seat-belt for the second row center passenger. Sources tell us that the car bound for India will not get a 360-degree camera or ADAS which is seen on the one sold abroad.
New Maruti Swift will debut new 1.2-liter Z-series engine
The K12 four cylinder petrol poweplant will be replaced by the new Z-series 1.2-liter three cylinder engine that made its debut on the Swift in Japan last year. This engine will get India-specific tweaks with more focus on emissions, efficiency and power output. Speaking of power, we are told the output for the new Z-series equipped Swift will be more or less similar to the outgoing K12 engine that churns out 90hp and 113Nm. There is no word on transmissions for the new Swift, however we expect Maruti to continue with the five-speed manual and AMT gearbox which will be tailored for Indian conditions. The new Z-series petrol is expected to come with mild-hybrid tech on all variants.
With new looks, more features and more fuel efficient engine under the hood, Maruti will expect the new Swift to build upon the outgoing car’s legacy in terms of sales numbers and popularity.
Expect more details on the new Swift to trickle out as the launch nears.
Ducati DesertX Rally uses a 937 cc Testastretta engine. It puts out 108 bhp and 92 Nm.
Ducati DesertX Rally comes with more suspension travel than the standard model
Last year, Ducati revealed the DesertX Rally in the global market. It is basically a more hardcore version of the DesertX adventure tourer which is already on sale in the Indian market at a price of ₹18.33 lakh ex-showroom. Now, the Italian two-wheeler manufacturer has announced that they have started accepting bookings for the DesertX Rally in India. So, the launch of the new motorcycle is expected to happen soon in the Indian market and it will be more expensive than the standard version.
The DesertX Rally is the first motorcycle from the brand to get a 21-inch front rim and 18-inch rear. This motorcycle has been put through its paces on racetracks and even took on the Erzberg Rodeo 2023. Not to mention, the DesertX Rally is sporting a fresh new livery.
With a beak-like design on the front mudguard and Kayaba suspension providing more travel, this bike is ready for any terrain. The rear wheel travel has been increased by 20 mm, while the front sees a 20 mm bump as well. Plus, the new central-spoked wheels offer better impact absorption than standard alloy wheels.
There is a forged carbon sump guard, machined gear pedals, and rear brake lever, the Rally version only weighs 1 kg more than the standard DesertX. Powering the DesertX Rally is a 937 cc Ducati Testastretta 11° twin-cylinder engine delivering 108 bhp at 9,250 rpm and 92 Nm of torque at 6,500 rpm.
Also Read : Ducati Streetfighter V4 and V4 S launched in India
Equipped with six riding modes including Sport, Touring, Urban, Wet, Enduro, and Rally, the DesertX Rally also features Cornering ABS, Ducati Traction Control (DTC), and Ducati Wheelie Control (DWC). The 5-inch colour TFT screen with Ducati Multimedia System allows for seamless smartphone connectivity, offering music control, call management, and optional Turn by Turn navigation.
By: HT Auto Desk | Updated on: 13 Apr 2024, 14:59 PM
The Jeep Wrangler facelift made its global debut nearly a year ago and the SUV is all set to make its way to the Indian market with a comprehensive up
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The Jeep Wrangler facelift made its global debut nearly a year ago and the SUV is all set to make its way to the Indian market with a comprehensive upgrade to its design and feature list.
The 2024 Jeep Wrangler gets subtle restyling in the form of a slimmer grille, new alloys, and more
Jeep India is all set to bring the updated Wrangler off-roader to the market on April 22, 2024. The Jeep Wrangler facelift made its global debut nearly a year ago and the SUV is all set to make its way to the Indian market with a comprehensive upgrade to its design and feature list. Here’s a look at what you can expect.
The Jeep Wrangler facelift will get an all-black with the trademark seven-slat design being slimmer than before. There are new alloy wheels, different wheel sizes and multiple roof options available globally. Jeep India will likely bring the soft top and hard top options to the Indian market.
The 2024 Jeep Wrangler gets a new infotainment screen and repositioned AC vents, while most of the other controls remain unchanged
The cabin will also get subtle changes including the revised dashboard layout features a larger 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system and repositioned AC vents, which will be standard on all trims.
The Wrangler facelift will also get Jeep’s latest Uconnect 5 user interface bringing more connected tech to the off-roader. Furthermore, there will be the new Trails Offroad guide with 62 off-road trails incorporated into the system. Other upgrades include the 12-way electrically adjustable front seats, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a semi-digital instrument console, and more.
Power on the Jeep Wrangler facelift for India will come from the 2.0-litre turbo petrol engine tuned for 266 bhp and 400 Nm of peak torque, while paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. The SUV will also get the Jeep Selec-Trac full-time Four-Wheel Drive (4WD) system. There won’t be a diesel engine for the Indian market.
The Wrangler is presently available in two variants – Unlimited and Rubicon – and we expect the same to continue on the facelifted model as well. The current version is priced between ₹62.65 lakh and ₹66.65 lakh (ex-showroom) respectively, and expect the new version to command a marginal premium over the same. The Jeep Wrangler will take on the Land Rover Defender in the luxury off-roader segment.
Powering the E-Class are three engines. There is a 2.0-litre petrol engine that puts out 196 bhp and 320 Nm and a 2.0-litre diesel engine that produces 192 bhp and 400 Nm. Then there is the 3.0-litre diesel engine that puts out 285 bhp and 600 Nm. All the engines come mated to a 9-speed automatic transmission.
Mercedes-Benz recently confirmed that it will launch as many as three new electric vehicles for the Indian car market this calendar year. These EVs would be part of 12 launches planned for 2024, three of which have already taken place in the TEV (top-end vehicles) category.
While Mercedes did not reveal which EV models it is bringing this year, the company did once again underline that it is looking at playing a lead role in the battery-powered luxury car segment. At present, the portfolio includes models like EQE, EQS and AMG EQS.
Besides revealing its plan for electric cars,Mercedes-Benz India also said that in the last quarter that ended in March 2024, the OEM sold 5,412 units in the country, marking a 15 per cent year-on-year (YoY) growth. The last financial year was the best-ever fiscal for Mercedes-Benz India, claimed the automaker. It claims to have sold 18,123 units in the country in FY24, recording a 10 per cent growth over the previous fiscal. Not only that, in March 2024, the luxury car marque registered its highest-ever sales in India. Another interesting fact the automaker revealed is that 25 per cent of its total cars sold in India were its top-end vehicles.
Updates breathe some fresh life into the Bajaj Pulsar N250.
It’s been two years since Bajaj launched the N250 and the F250, hoping they’d serve as a suitable replacement for the classic Pulsar 220F. Despite being a capable product, the N250 didn’t receive the same level of acceptance as the 220F and the sales figures reflected that sentiment. Well, Bajaj has been listening and decided to update the N250. The asking price has gone up by Rs. 800 over the previous model and here’s everything new over the existing N250.
2024 Bajaj Pulsar N250 Design and features
The design remains unchanged for the most part with subtle changes that only a true “Pulsar maniac” could spot. The big change is the addition of a USD fork which is finished in champagne gold on two of the three colors. There are two new paint options, one red and one white and Bajaj has replaced the eye-catching copper-color on the engine covers with a gunmetal finish.
The other big change is that Bajaj has replaced the part analog display with a completely digital LCD unit which is also found on the Pulsar N150 & N160. This unit also supports features like Bluetooth connectivity and turn-by-turn navigation.
LCD display hard to read in direct sunlight.
Additionally, it also allows you to toggle through the different ABS modes and settings but more on that later. My problem with this unit is it isn’t bright enough which makes the dash difficult to read on a sunny day. What makes it more challenging is Bajaj has only provided a single button to toggle through this LCD which doesn’t feel very tactile to use. It also takes a good amount of memorizing to execute each input. Apart from these tweaks, the design remains unchanged and the Pulsar N250 looks largely the same as before.
2024 Bajaj Pulsar N250 Ride and handling
The N250 aims to offer a balance of power, agility, and comfort. Bajaj wanted to create a motorcycle suitable for both daily commuting and occasional spirited rides. In the city, the N250 felt nimble and very comfortably maneuvered around traffic. The front feels a little taut but is still supple over bumps and undulations. I only felt a lack of agility while taking sharp U-turns where you notice that the bike doesn’t have a very tight turning radius. The suspension performed comfortably both in the city and at highway speeds. Bajaj has also increased the overall width of the tyre by 10mm but you’d hardly be able to tell the difference. Instead, it adds more to the N250’s overall aesthetic by adding some visual heft to its stance.
2024 Bajaj Pulsar N250 Performance
The motor remains unchanged and so is its performance. Bajaj says the changes have added 2kg to the overall weight but that’s a negligible difference in the real world. The 249cc, single-cylinder motor still produces 24.1hp and 21.5Nm. This motor has sufficient low-end grunt and a healthy midrange but lacks any top-end oomph.
The LCD shows a redline of about 12,000rpm even though the N250 doesn’t exceed 9500rpm. Gear shifts were some of the smoothest I’ve experienced in this class and the light clutch made it effortless to use in congestion. Some might complain about the lack of a sixth gear, but the five ratios here feel well spaced out.
Overall performance is good for the price and the N250 is a bang-for-your-buck type of product. However the N250 does lack some of the drama and engagement I’d want from a sporty 250. This motor will make for a great companion for city commutes and even the occasional short highway run but it;s not the most exciting bike on your favorite twisty road.
The brakes too perform adequately well but stop short of offering the bite and feedback one would expect from a performance-orientated machine.
The M button feels squishy to use with gloves on.
On the positive side, Bajaj has given the bike switchable traction control which makes it the first 250 to have this feature, including the much more expensive KTM 250 Duke. The N250 always had dual channel ABS as standard, but the system is now switchable by cycling between three modes – Road, Rain and Offroad. The system intervenes moderately in Road, Rain mode gets more intervention and Offroad allows a certain amount of slide before intervening. Traction Control stays on in Road and Rain and can only be turned off in Offroad mode. While you could argue that these features are overkill with less than 25hp, there’s no doubt that it’s nice to have the additional protection in the background for a rare case.
2024 Bajaj Pulsar N250 Price, Verdict
The Pulsar N250 was already a good value proposition but the extra features certainly do a lot to dazzle up the bike, although the LCD system left me wanting for more. I didn’t find the LCD usable enough and even found myself missing the handsome semi-digital unit that debuted on the new 250s in 2021.
Overall, As before, this is a very competent motorcycle, but it does things in a bit of a clinical manner and isn’t the most characterful thing out there. On the bright side, you get all this new stuff for a very small bump in price of just Rs. 800. And that makes what was already one of the best value deals in the 250 space even more so now.
The 2025 F1 season will see the Australia Grand Prix as the season opener instead of Saudi Arabia, which has been the case in recent years since the d
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The 2025 F1 season will see the Australia Grand Prix as the season opener instead of Saudi Arabia, which has been the case in recent years since the dates clash with the holy month of Ramadan.
The 2025 Formula 1 season opener will be held at Melbourne’s Albert Park between March 14-16
The FIA and Formula 1 have announced the calendar for the 2025 season, which will see the championship kick off in March next year. The 2025 F1 season will see the Australia Grand Prix as the season opener instead of Saudi Arabia, which has been the championship opener in recent years. The switch has been made owing to the holy month of Ramadan which will take place between March 1-30 next year.
This puts the Middle East venues including Saudi Arabia and Bahrain out of contention to host the early rounds. This takes F1 to the land down under the 2025 campaign set to kick off at Melbourne’s Albert Park between March 14 and 16.
Also Read : US-based Liberty Media announces MotoGP takeover for 4.2 billion Euros
The 24-race calendar for 2025 will conclude in Abu Dhabi at the Yas Marina circuit on December 7 (F1)
Speaking about the calendar announcement, Formula 1 CEO and President Stefano Domenicali said, “2025 will be a special year as we celebrate the 75th Anniversary of the FIA Formula One World Championship, and it’s that legacy and experience that allows us to deliver such a strong calendar. Once again, we’ll visit 24 incredible venues around the world, delivering top-class racing, hospitality, and entertainment, which will be enjoyed by millions of fans worldwide. We’re grateful to the FIA, our promoters, host city partners, and all the related ASNs for their commitment and support in delivering this schedule and securing what promises to be another fantastic year for Formula 1.”
Following the Australian GP, the Shanghai GP is scheduled next between March 21 and 23. This will be followed by a two-week gap after which F1 will head to Suzuka for the Japanese GP on April 6. The F1 circus will then head to the Middle East for Bahrain on April 13 and Saudi Arabia on April 20 in back-to-back races. The action will then move to the US with the Miami GP scheduled on May 4.
Formula 1 will then move to Europe for a triple header starting with Italy (May 18), Monaco (May 25), and Spain (June 1). The Canadian GP will be held next on June 15, followed by the Austrian GP on June 29 and British GP on July 6. A doubleheader would next in Belgium (July 27) and Hungary (August 3) before the scheduled summer break.
F1 will return to the track with the Dutch GP on August 31, followed by Monza GP (September 7), Baku GP (September 21), Singapore GP (October 5), Austin GP (October 19) and Mexico GP (October 26).
The last set of races starts with Sao Paulo (November 9), Las Vegas (November 22), and Qatar (November 30), with the finale at the Yas Marina circuit in Abu Dhabi on December 7, 2025.
By: HT Auto Desk | Updated on: 12 Apr 2024, 18:30 PM
Kia Sonet shares its underpinnings with Hyundai Venue.
Kia Sonet is offered with three engine options. (HT Auto/Kunal Vianayak Thale)
Kia has announced that they will be offering a new program called ‘My Convenience Plus Package’ for the Sonet. Under this program, Sonet owners can get a bundled package of essential services. The package is available for both petrol as well as diesel engines. There is a Premium package for four years which costs ₹33,596 for diesel and ₹29,996 for petrol engines. If you get the Luxury package for five years then it would cost ₹39,995 for a petrol engine and ₹45,995 for a diesel engine. It is important to note that the My Convenience Plus program can be purchased online through the MyKia app from the comfort of your home or offline at any authorized Kia dealer within 60 days of delivery.
The key features of the My Convenience Plus Kia ownership program include:
⦁ Scheduled maintenance along with add-on services like wheel alignment, balancing and tyre rotation
⦁ Extended warranty (EW) coverage up to 4th and 5th Year as per chosen plan
⦁ RSA includes an initial one-year tyre alloy protection, ensuring a worry-free driving experience, thereby extending the RSA coverage up to 4th/5th Year as per the chosen plan
⦁ Offers peace of mind for customers for 4-5 years along with savings of up to ₹7,000
⦁ PAN India coverage and validity
⦁ Scratch Care program for the New Sonet owners (retailed till 30th Ap’24). Customers can avail of one scratch repair (without dent) free of cost in an ownership period of 12 months from the date of sale.
Kia claims that with the new package, the ownership cost of Sonet should be as low as 75 paise per kilometer. Commenting on the new development, Mr. Myung-sik Sohn, Chief Sales Officer, Kia India, said, “Kia is continuously setting new industry benchmarks, and introducing ‘My Convenience Plus’ to Sonet customers underscores our commitment to enhancing the aftersales experience. With industry research recognizing Sonet’s lowest maintenance costs, coupled with the introduction of this program, Kia’s aftersales programs stand out as among the best in this segment. We are dedicated to delivering utmost convenience, affordability, and premium quality, ensuring peace of mind for our customers and setting new standards in customer satisfaction.”
Force Motors has teased the Gurkha again, but this time, along with the five-door model, the brand has stated that it will also bring back the Gurkha 3-door; the 3-door was discontinued with the start of BS6 Phase II norms in April 2023. While both models are expected to be revealed in the coming weeks, the teaser video only shows design details of the larger SUV.
Gurkha 3-door and 5-door to have similar design with unique touches
Gurkha 5-door has a 425mm longer wheelbase than 3-door
Both expected to share the Mercedes-sourced 2.6-litre diesel engine
New Force Gurkha: design highlights
While some spy shots of the Gurkha had shown that the five-door model will have square headlamps, the latest teaser confirms it’ll have the same circular units as the Gurkha 3-door. In addition, the two-slat grille with the Gurkha nameplate is also expected to be shared between the two. There may be some differences in their front and rear bumper designs.
Major differences will be seen at the sides – to incorporate the rear doors, the Gurkha 5-door has a wheelbase that is 2,825mm long; 425mm longer than the 3-door. The teaser also shows new-design alloy wheels, though they look to be 16 inchers, shod in similar 245/70 R16 tyres. The video released by Force Motors also shows a number of accessories, like a rear ladder and a roof rack with a jerry can holder.
New Force Gurkha: interior details
Naturally, the biggest difference on the inside of the two SUVs will be the seating configuration. While the Gurkha 3-door is a strict four-seater, the 5-door may get multiple seating layouts – a five-seater, two-row version; a six-seater, three-row version; and a seven-seat three-row iteration with two individual captain’s chairs for the third row, and a bench seat for the second row.
In addition, spy shots of the Gurkha 5-door’s interior showed that it’ll come with a shift-on-the-fly 4WD knob positioned next to the driver’s seat on the centre console. The Gurkha 3-door had separate front and rear diff-lock levers and a manually operated transfer case positioned behind the gear lever.
New Force Gurkha: powertrain
The Gurkha 5-door and 3-door are expected to carry over the Mercedes-sourced 2.6-litre diesel engine and the 5-speed manual transmission. No details on the engine’s output figures have been revealed yet, but the older Gurkha 3-door had it in a 91hp, 250Nm state of tune.
New Force Gurkha: launch timeline, price, rivals
According to our sources, the Force Gurkha 5-door and 3-door will be launched in India in the coming weeks. While the 3-door will continue to rival the Mahindra Thar, the 5-door will see competition from the upcoming Thar 5-door, which may be called the Thar Armada when it arrives by mid-2024, and the Maruti Jimny.
Before it was discontinued, the Gurkha 3-door was priced at Rs 15.10 lakh (ex-showroom). Considering this price point, the 3-door may be priced at a slight premium over its predecessor, while the Gurkha 5-door could be priced about Rs 1 lakh-1.5 lakh higher.
By: HT Auto Desk | Updated on: 12 Apr 2024, 07:00 AM
Tesla enjoys a massive following the world over and many of its offerings find a place in the list of top most-selling EVs in the world.
File photo of Tesla Model S electric vehicles. (REUTERS)
Even though the growth in sales of electric vehicles (EVs) is slowing down the world over, Tesla can perhaps rely on a majority of its existing buyers to once again buy a car from the brand. At least this is what 87 per cent of current Tesla owners in the US said in a survey conducted by Bloomberg Intelligence.
Tesla enjoys a massive cult following in markets where it has a presence. And while early adopters and affluent buyers are now making way for more gradual – and cautious – EV buyers, many of those who drive a Tesla appear happy with their ride. A brand loyalty of 87 per cent is impressive considering that Lexus finds itself second in the survey results with 68 per cent existing owners saying they would return to the Japanese brand. Toyota is third at 54 per cent.
The survey also found that 81 per cent of potential Tesla owners are those making their way in from a rival EV brand. The survey had 1,000 adult respondents who confirmed they had plans of either buying or leasing a new car within a year. The report observed that 42 per cent of those surveyed were willing to buy a fully-electric vehicle while 23 per cent were willing to purchase a hybrid. “Tesla, GM, and Stellantis’ slew of affordable EV models, set for debut by 2026, may tap more mass-market buyers,” said Steve Man, global lead director for auto & industrial market research at Bloomberg Intelligence and the lead author of the report. “Despite this, the market still has a long way to go to mature, with charging network inadequacy, range anxiety, and extended charging wait times topping the list of concerns for all car buyers.”
Tesla EVs like Model 3 and Model S are extremely popular in markets such as the US and China, and repeatedly find a place in the list of most-sold EVs in the world, as well as most-sold vehicles overall.
The new Nios Corporate variant gets manual and AMT options and sits between the mid-spec Magna and Sportz Executive trims.
Hyundai has launched the Grand i10 Nios Corporate variant, priced between Rs 6.93 lakh and Rs 7.58 lakh, ex-showroom, Delhi. The Korean brand had introduced a limited-run variant with this name back in 2020, but had discontinued it in 2021. The new Nios Corporate variant is available in manual and AMT form, with the same 83hp, 1.2-lire petrol engine.
Nios Corporate priced Rs 15,000 higher than the Magna
Priced Rs 35,000 lower than Sportz Executive
Gets more features than Magna like dual tone wheel covers, infotainment touchscreen
Priced at Rs 6.93 lakh and Rs 7.58 lakh for the manual and AMT versions, the new Nios Corporate variant is priced Rs 15,000 higher than the Magna trim. However, the Corporate variant costs Rs 35,000 less than the Nios Sportz Executive trim.
When compared to the Nios Magna, this new variant adds features such as dual tone covers for the 15-inch wheels, a new Amazon Grey exterior finish, and a ‘Corporate’ emblem on the tailgate. On the inside, the new trim gets a 6.75-inch infotainment touchscreen.
On the other hand, the Corporate misses out on features such as a rear camera, a rear defogger, projector headlights, alloy wheels, an 8-inch touchscreen, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, which are available on the Nios Sportz Executive.
