Volvo XC40 Recharge price, single motor, E40, Plus, features, range, battery, EV, charging and performance

Volvo XC40 Recharge price, single motor, E40, Plus, features, range, battery, EV, charging and performance

Volvo XC40 Recharge price

Single motor variant of the XC40 Recharge has a power output of 238hp, WLTP range of 475km.

Volvo has launched a new variant of the XC40 Recharge with a single motor mounted to the rear axle. Officially called the E60, the variant is dubbed the ‘Plus’ on the Volvo India website and is priced at Rs 54.95 lakh, ex-showroom, India. It is positioned below the dual-motor, AWD XC40 Recharge E80 (Ultimate) that’s priced at Rs 57.9 lakh, ex-showroom, India.

  1. Equipped with a 69kWh lithium-ion battery
  2. 0-100kph in 7.5 seconds 
  3. Misses out on Harman Kardon system and 360-deg camera

Volvo XC40 Recharge E60 single motor features

The E60 single-motor variant loses out on some features compared to the dual-motor model such as Pixel LED headlamps, fog lamps, 360-deg camera and a Harman Kardon sound system. That being said, the E60 variant gets features such as an 8-speaker sound system, two-zone climate control, a 12-inch digital driver’s display, a 9-inch infotainment unit, TPMS, park assist, 19-inch alloy wheels, panoramic sunroof, powered front seats and wireless phone charging to name a few.

However, being a Volvo, it continues to get a raft of safety features like 7 airbags and an ADAS suite that includes lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, cross-traffic alerts and rear collision warning.

Volvo XC40 Recharge E60 single motor powertrain, battery and range

The Volvo XC40 Recharge E60’s power output stands at 238hp and 420Nm, which allows the SUV to complete the 0-100kph sprint in 7.3 seconds and reach a limited top speed of 180kph. The single motor variant gets a 69kWh Lithium-ion battery pack that has a WLTP range of 475km.

Volvo XC40 Recharge E60 single motor rivals 

The Volvo XC40 Recharge E60 single motor rivals other RWD EVs such as the recently launched BYD Seal Dynamic (Rs 41 lakh) and Premium (Rs 45.55 lakh), Hyundai Ioniq 5 (Rs 45.95 lakh) and the Kia EV6 GT Line (Rs 60.95 lakh).

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2023 Volvo xc40 recharge pure electric

Bajaj Pulsar NS125 vs Hero Xtreme 125R vs TVS Raider 125: Which one is your pick

Bajaj Pulsar NS125 vs Hero Xtreme 125R vs TVS Raider 125: Which one is your pick

Bajaj Pulsar NS125 vs Hero Xtreme 125R

  • The newly launched updated version of Bajaj Pulsar NS125 comes competing with rivals such as Hero Xtreme 125R and TVS Raider 125.
The newly launched updated version of Bajaj Pulsar NS125 comes competing with rivals such as Hero Xtreme 125R and TVS Raider 125.

The Indian motorcycle market is the largest in the world and it has been witnessing a massive paradigm shift in the last couple of years. Indian motorcycle buyers, especially young-age consumers are showing more interest in buying premium higher displacement engine-equipped models instead of mundane entry-level commuters with 100 cc or 110 cc engines. While technically, the 100 cc motorcycles are still in the market as entry-level models in the Indian market, consumers are increasingly focusing on 125 cc models even for commuting, which was not the case earlier.

This drastic shift in consumer preference has propelled the two-wheeler manufacturers to change their strategy as well. Instead of focusing on 100 cc or 110 cc motorcycles for volume sales, the two-wheeler manufacturers in India are increasingly emphasising on bigger bikes. This is why, the 125 cc, 160 cc or 200 cc motorcycles are growing in numbers in India.

Watch: 2021 TVS Raider: Road test review

Bajaj Auto is one of the major players in the premium motorcycle segment in the country and the auto company recently launched its updated Pulsar NS series models. The OEM launched the updated iteration of Pulsar NS125 in India alongside the Pulsar NS160 and Pulsar NS200 just a few days ago. With this, the Bajaj Pulsar NS125 comes competing with rivals such as Hero Xtreme 125R and TVS Raider 125.

Here is a price and specification-based comparison between Bajaj Pulsar NS125, Hero Xtreme 125R and TVS Raider 125.

Bajaj Pulsar NS125 vs Hero Xtreme 125R vs TVS Raider 125: Price

The updated version of the Bajaj Pulsar NS125 comes priced at 1.05 lakh (ex-showroom). The Hero Xtreme 125R is priced between 95,000 and 99,500 (ex-showroom). On the other hand, the TVS Raider 125 comes priced between 95,219 and 1.03 lakh (ex-showroom). The Hero Xtreme 125R comes as the most affordable model among these three motorcycles, while the Bajaj Pulsar NS125 sits at the top of the pricing chart.

Bajaj Pulsar NS125 vs Hero Xtreme 125R vs TVS Raider 125: Specification

The Bajaj Pulsar NS125 comes powered by a 125 cc DTS-i engine, paired with a five-speed transmission. This engine is capable of churning out 11.83 bhp peak power and 11 Nm of maximum torque.

The Hero Xtreme 125R gets power from a 125 cc single-cylinder engine mated to a five-speed transmission. This engine is capable of kicking out 11.4 bhp peak power at 8,250 rpm and 10.5 Nm of maximum torque at 6,500 rpm.

On the other hand, the TVS Raider 125 is powered by a 124.8 cc single-cylinder air and oil-cooled engine, mated to a five-speed gearbox. This engine churns out 11.22 bhp peak power at 7,500 rpm and 11.2 Nm of maximum torque at 6,000 rpm.

The Bajaj Pulsar NS200 generates the most power output among the three motorcycles, while the TVS Raider 125 has the most torque output on paper.

First Published Date: 06 Mar 2024, 16:47 PM IST


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New Bike 2024

Why India is in love with hybrid cars?

Why India is in love with hybrid cars?

Why India is in love with hybrid cars

  • Hybrid cars have been increasingly becoming popular across India, bridging the gap between electric cars and ICE models.
Hybrid cars have been increasingly becoming popular across India, bridging the gap between electric cars and ICE models.

Hybrid cars are gradually gaining higher traction in the Indian passenger vehicle market. Over the last few years, several automakers present in the Indian market have been shifting their focus on bringing in new cleaner and greener powertrain technologies. While the ultimate goal remains steady on battery electric vehicles, hybrid cars are bridging the gap between pure EVs and fossil fuel-propelled models that run on petrol or diesel.

Market data reveals that between September and November 2023, sales of hybrid cars surged significantly surpassing the electric car retail numbers. While electric car sales have been witnessing a marginal slowdown, in sync with the worldwide trend, hybrid cars are recording a ramp-up in growth. As the numbers testify, a total of 24,062 units of hybrid cars were sold between September and November last year, as against 21,455 units of battery electric cars.

The question is why Indians are in love with hybrid cars instead of pure electric vehicles.

Advantages of hybrid technology over pure ICE or EV

It is well known that hybrid cars offer the benefit of both worlds, internal combustion engines (ICE) and electric vehicles (EV), by combining a fossil fuel engine with an electric motor and a battery pack. By blending the best of both worlds, the hybrid powertrain technology not only ensures lower tailpipe emission compared to pure petrol or pure diesel models but also offers lower fuel consumption and longer driving range, eventually resulting in financial savings for the vehicle owners.

At the same time, hybrid powertrain technology comes at a cheaper cost compared to pure electric vehicles. Besides that, using a hybrid car boosts the consumers’ confidence in electrified propulsion technology. There are different types of hybrid powertrain technology available in the market, which include micro hybrid, mild hybrid, full hybrid and plug-in hybrid. In the first two variants, the electric motor acts as an assisting component for the internal combustion engine, which generates the actual propulsion power, while in the latter two variants, the electric motor itself can generate propulsion power for the vehicle with assistance from a battery pack. Many full hybrid or plug-in hybrid cars can run about 50-kilometre distance on electric power alone.

Watch: Do Hybrid Cars Make More Sense Than EVs In India? | All Things EV | HT Auto

Hybrid cars offer a cost-effective solution against pure ICE, EV and CNG models

In the last few years, several automakers in the Indian passenger vehicle market have launched their respective hybrid cars. Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara, Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder, Honda City and Toyota Innova Hycross are some of the key passenger vehicles in the country, which currently are sold as hybrid models. Interestingly, the hybrid powertrain technology has penetrated not only the mass-market segment but the luxury segment as well. The reason behind this is the rising consumer demand for this tech.

Multiple factors have played their bit in this growth story of hybrid cars. Since the Covid-19 pandemic, demands for personal mobility have surged drastically. At the same time, sky-high petrol and diesel prices and the significantly high cost of acquisition for electric cars have paved the way for hybrid cars in India, which satiate the requirement for lower tailpipe emission in the face of tightening emission norms and growing concern for environmental pollution. Besides that, the promise of a longer driving range and lower fuel consumption too helped the growth of hybrid cars.

Petrol and diesel prices in India have shot up by around 41 per cent since 2019. In such a situation increased availability of CNG kits in the aftermarket and OEMs introducing petrol-CNG cars have offered the consumers a viable solution, but with that, the vehicle owners have to compromise on boot storage. Electric vehicles too have come up dramatically in the last few years, but even now, an electric car costs significantly more than its ICE counterpart. Besides that, other factors like confusion about the lifecycle of EVs, lack of charging infrastructure, and range anxiety have been hindering the desired growth of electric cars.

On the other hand, hybrid technology offers a key viable solution, where consumers don’t have to worry about range anxiety or compromise on the boot space of their vehicles while getting the benefit of both ICE and EVs. The consumers have understood this and shifting their focus accordingly. Buoyed by that, carmakers in India are increasingly focusing on bringing hybrid cars into the market, fuelling the cyclic growth in the segment.

First Published Date: 06 Mar 2024, 15:13 PM IST


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Hybrid Cars

Thats Why India is in love with hybrid cars.

Euro NCAP safety protocols danger of touchscreens, distracted driving

Euro NCAP safety protocols danger of touchscreens, distracted driving

Euro NCAP safety protocols danger of touchscreens


Touch-based car controls are inherently dangerous; more physical touchpoints could improve safety.

Touchscreens in cars were quite a novelty when they were first introduced, but in just a few years, they have completely taken over car interiors. In recent years, carmakers have been cramming even the most basic operations into touch panels, and more often than not, the usability and functionality has gone south.

Lately, some carmakers have started moving back to physical controls, in limited ways. In fact, carmakers in Europe are actually being encouraged to stop using touchscreens for basic functions in order to enhance road safety. As per a report by The Times, Euro NCAP is set to introduce a new set of rules for crash testing in January 2026 that will require vehicles to have physical controls for basic functions in order to score a full 5-star safety rating.

  1. Euro NCAP set to introduce new rules in January 2026
  2. Point to be awarded for having physical controls
  3. The proposition is still a work-in-progress

“The overuse of touchscreens is an industry-wide problem, with almost every vehicle maker moving key controls onto central touchscreens, obliging drivers to take their eyes off the road and raising the risk of distraction crashes,” said Matthew Avery, director of strategic development at Euro NCAP, to The Times.

Under the new set of rules that could come into effect in 2026, vehicles will need to be fitted with physicals buttons, dials or stalks for operations such as turn signals, hazard lights, horn and windscreen wipers to be eligible for the maximum safety rating.

Tesla, for instance, has completely removed stalks for indicators and wipers on the Model S. Meanwhile, a touch panel for the HVAC controls or integrating them into the infotainment system is also pretty common these days; think of the latest Tatas, Volkswagens and Skodas in India which have a touch panel.

These systems, however, are not the most intuitive to use as users have reported. But why are carmakers pushing screens then? The answer is simple – cost. A single touchscreen panel – usually made of plastic – is much more cost effective to produce than an array of buttons and dials.

Do note that Euro NCAP testing is voluntary, and this does not in any way mean carmakers will mandatorily have to fit physical controls in cars. However, Euro NCAP is backed by several EU governments and several carmakers regularly use these crash test results in their marketing campaigns in order to attract more buyers, so it could have a wider implication. Any risk of points being deducted during such assessments is likely to be taken into consideration.

This, however, is still understood to be work-in-progress, and the exact evaluation procedures haven’t been finalised yet. Reportedly, carmakers have also been made aware of this proposition and they support it.

Also See:

BNCAP to boost car, SUV safety in India




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Car 2024

MG ZS EV launched in new mid-spec Excite Pro variant, priced at ₹19.98 lakh

MG ZS EV launched in new mid-spec Excite Pro variant, priced at ₹19.98 lakh

MG ZS EV launched in new mid-spec Excite Pro variant

 

The new MG ZS EV Excite Pro brings the dual-pane panoramic sunroof to the electric SUV becoming the only sub 20 lakh EV to offer the feature. The model continues to come with other tech including over 75 connected features as well as Level 2 ADAS for additional safety. The model also packs a segment-first digital key, which allows the owner to start the car without using the physical key.

Also Read : MG Comet EV launched with fast charging, prices start at 8.24 lakh

 

The top variants remain unchanged on the MG ZS EV which continues to get 17 Level 2 ADAS features and more

The hardware has been carried over on the new ZS EV Excite Pro with power coming from the 50.3 kWh battery pack. The automaker claims a range of 461 km (certified) on a single charge, while the electric motor develops 174 bhp sending at the front axle. The feature list on the top variants comprises a 360-degree camera, a 10.1-inch touchscreen, wireless charging, a 7-inch digital console, and more. The model also comes with six airbags, ABS with EBD, ESC, Hill Descent Control, and more.

The MG ZS EV takes on the Tata Nexon EV and Mahindra XUV400 in the segment with both electric SUVs getting significant updates in recent times. The latest update should keep the ZS EV in check with the competition, offering better value to customers.

First Published Date: 05 Mar 2024, 20:46 PM IST



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BYD Seal Electric Battery-Motor Specs, Driving Range

BYD Seal Electric Battery-Motor Specs, Driving Range

BYD Seal Electric Battery-Motor Specs, Driving Range

This article will provide you with information about the battery-motor specs, like power, torque, battery capacity, driving range and mileage details, of the BYD Seal electric sedan.

Considering the price range of the BYD Seal, it competes with the following cars:

What Are The Battery-Motor Specs Of BYD Seal?

The battery and motor specifications of the BYD Seal are as follows:

BYD SEAL

BATTERY-MOTOR SPECIFICATIONS

Variant

Dynamic

Premium

Performance

Battery Capacity

61.4kWh

82.56kWh

82.56kWh

Power

204PS

312PS

530PS

Torque

310Nm

360Nm

670Nm

Transmission

Automatic

Automatic

Automatic

Range (Claimed)

510km

650km

580km

Charging Time (w/ 7.4kW AC)

12 hours

Charging Time (w/ 50kW DC)

45 mins

Mileage

8.30kmpu

7.87kmpu

7.03kmpu

What Is The Mileage Or Fuel Efficiency Of BYD Seal?

The BYD Seal has a mileage ranging from 7.03kmpu to 8.30kmpu, depending on the variant. This means that BYD Seal will cover 7.03 km to 8.30km for each unit or kWh of electricity.

Read more about how you can get the best mileage or fuel efficiency from your car:

10 Tips To Get The Best Mileage From Your Petrol, Diesel Or CNG Car


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Electric Cras

Mercedes EQE SUV, EQB SUV, EQS sedan, Mercedes India sales

Mercedes EQE SUV, EQB SUV, EQS sedan, Mercedes India sales

Mercedes EQE SUV, EQB SUV, EQS sedan, Mercedes India sales


Even as Mercedes dials back its electrification plans globally, its Region Overseas head believes India should stay on the EV track.

Mercedes-Benz announced last month that it would continue to sell combustion-engined cars – even in some developed markets – well into the 2030’s, contrary to its plan of transitioning into an all-electric brand by 2030 ‘wherever market conditions allow’.

However, while the company may be dialling back its EV plans elsewhere, it believes that electrification should stay on the fast track in India. Sagree Sardien, head of Region Overseas, Mercedes-Benz Cars, says, “For the Indian market, I think the better strategy would be to go electric as opposed to go to plug-in hybrids.”

Mercedes-Benz sells just one plug-in hybrid model in India, the AMG GT 4-door coupe. But it has three electric models – the EQS, the EQB, and the EQE SUVs – with plans to introduce three more this year.

‘Indian market committed to EVs’

Sardien explained that she sees India as a market committed to EVs and thus advises that the country “takes the journey faster to battery electric vehicles”. Sardien is also confident that the EV market will continue to grow for the brand. “Whilst we are at 4 percent EV penetration in India, we anticipate double-digit penetration going forward,” Sardien said. For reference, globally, Mercedes EVs account for 19 percent of its total sales.

Mercedes India had record sales in 2023 selling 17,408 units, which is close to its current 20,000 production capacity limit. However, Sardien says the company is ready to cater to any changes in demand patterns and volume. “The plant in Pune has adequate capacity to be able to handle 20,000. If the market demand changes, of course, we have the flexibility, scalability and speed to adapt. So, if for some reason the Indian market accelerates faster than anticipated, we can scale up equally.” Currently, the EQB and EQE SUVs are both brought in as CBUs, whereas the EQS is assembled locally.

Also see:

Mercedes EQS facelift teased showing traditional grille

Smaller Mercedes G-Class to be EV only, due by 2026

Mercedes-Benz GLA vs BMW X1 comparison: Diesel duel




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Hyundai Venue Executive Turbo launched at ₹9.99 lakh. Check what’s different

Hyundai Venue Executive Turbo launched at ₹9.99 lakh. Check what’s different

Hyundai Venue Executive Turbo launched at ₹9.99 lakh

The Executive Turbo trim comes with 16-inch dual-tone stylized wheels, dark chrome on the grille, roof rails, shark fin antenna and an ‘Executive’ emblem on the tailgate. The interior gets a front centre armrest with storage, 2-step rear reclining seats, 60:40 split seats and adjustable headrests for all passengers.

There is an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, which comes with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay and voice recognition. There is also a digital cluster with a TFT MID for the driver.

For safety, there are 6 airbags, 3 point seatbelts with seat belt reminders, Electronic Stability Control, Vehicle Stability Management, Hill Assist Control, automatic headlamps, tyre pressure monitoring system etc.

Powering the new variant is the same 1.0-litre three-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine. It puts out 118 bhp of max power at 6,000 rpm and a peak torque output of 172 Nm at 1,500 to 4,000 rpm. The Executive Turbo is only available with a 6-speed manual transmission. The engine also comes with an Idle Start/Stop system to enhance fuel efficiency.

Also Read : Hyundai Ioniq 5 facelift EV debuts with new N Line variant: See what has changed

Hyundai has also updated the Venue S (O) Turbo variant with an electric sunroof and map lamps for the passenger and the driver. This variant is available with a 6-speed manual gearbox and a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.

The new variant and feature additions should help in attracting more customers. Commenting on the announcement, Mr. Tarun Garg, COO,Hyundai Motor India

Ltd. said, “Hyundai has always made India ‘Live the SUV Life’. As we move forward on a path towards democratizing SUVs, we are excited to announce the Executive Turbo variant of the Hyundai Venue. This variant is poised to offer an optimum combination of thrilling performance & enhanced convenience features for the value-conscious new-age buyer. We are confident that the addition of the Executive variant of Hyundai Venue will further fuel India’s love for SUVs.”

First Published Date: 05 Mar 2024, 14:36 PM IST

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BYD Seal Electric Battery-Motor Specs, Driving Range

BYD Seal Ground Clearance, Boot Space & Dimensions


This article will give you details about the dimensions, or length, width, height and wheelbase of the BYD Seal. We’ll also look at the ground clearance, boot space, fuel tank capacity and tyre size of the BYD Seal.

The BYD Seal is 4800mm long, 1875mm wide and 1460mm tall. Bigger exterior dimensions give a car a stronger road presence. The Seal has a 2920mm long wheelbase. A longer wheelbase makes the car more stable at high speeds and gives better legroom in the back seat, while a shorter wheelbase makes the car more agile.

BYD SEAL DIMENSIONS

Length

4800mm

Width

1875mm

Height

1460mm

Wheelbase

2920mm

Ground Clearance

145mm

Boot Space

450L

Wheel Size (Base)

225/55 R18

Wheel Size (Top)

235/45 R19

The BYD Seal has a fuel tank capacity of  litres and a boot space measuring 450 litres. The Seal has a ground clearance of 145mm. The tyre size of the BYD Seal base model is 225/55 R18 and the top model rides on 235/45 R19 tyres. Cars running on bigger wheels provide better handling and styling. However, these advantages come at the cost of efficiency. Having bigger wheels means more metal and more rotating mass. Therefore, it adversely impacts your drivability, performance and mileage.

What Are The Dimensions Of BYD Seal?

The BYD Seal is 4800mm long, 1875mm wide and 1460mm tall.

What Is The Length Of BYD Seal?

The BYD Seal is 4800mm long. Here’s the length of Seal in other units like centimetres, metres, feet and inches:

BYD Seal Length

Millimetres

4800mm

Centimetres

480cm

Metres

4.8m

Inches

188.98in

Feet

15.75ft

What IsThe Width Of BYD Seal?

The BYD Seal is 1875mm wide. Here’s the width of Seal in other units like centimetres, metres, feet and inches:

BYD Seal Width

Millimetres

1875mm

Centimetres

187.5cm

Metres

1.875m

Inches

73.82in

Feet

6.15ft

What Is The Height Of BYD Seal?

The BYD Seal is 1460mm tall. Here’s the height of Seal in other units like centimetres, metres, feet and inches:

BYD Seal Height

Millimetres

1460mm

Centimetres

146cm

Metres

1.46m

Inches

57.48in

Feet

4.79ft

What Is The Fuel Tank Capacity Of BYD Seal?

The BYD Seal is an electric vehicle which does not come with a traditional fuel tank.

What Is The Wheelbase Of BYD Seal?

The BYD Seal has a wheelbase measuring 2920mm. Here’s the wheelbase of Seal in other units like centimetres, metres, feet and inches:

BYD Seal Wheelbase

Millimetres

2920mm

Centimetres

292cm

Metres

2.92m

Inches

114.96in

Feet

9.58ft

What Is The Boot Space Of BYD Seal?

The BYD Seal has a boot space measuring 450 litres. Here’s the boot space information of Seal in other units like cubic centimetres, cubic metres, cubic inches and cubic feet:

BYD Seal Boot Space

Litres

450L

Cubic Centimetres

450000cm3

Cubic Metres

0.45m3

Cubic Inches

27460.8in3

Cubic Feet

15.89ft3

What Is The Ground Clearance Of BYD Seal?

The BYD Seal has a ground clearance of 145mm. Here’s the ground clearance of Seal in other units like centimetres, metres, feet and inches:

BYD Seal Ground Clearance

Millimetres

145mm

Centimetres

14.5cm

Metres

0.145m

Inches

5.71in

Feet

0.48ft

Also read: BYD Seal Launched – Prices Start At Rs. 41.0 Lakh (Ex-showroom) | V3Cars



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BYD Seal EV to launch In India today: Check range, features price and specs

BYD Seal EV to launch In India today: Check range, features price and specs


  • BYD, the Chinese EV giant, is set to launch the Seal in India on March 5, marking its third electric car introduction in the country.
BYD is set to launch the Seal EV on March 5. The company commenced the bookings for the EV earlier in February. (REUTERS)

Chinese new energy vehicle manufacturer BYD is gearing up to launch its third offering for the Indian market today (March 5th) – the Seal EV. The company commenced the bookings for the electric vehicle (EV) earlier in February.

Expected to be priced between 55 lakh and 60 lakh, the Seal EV will serve as BYD’s new flagship electric vehicle in India, joining the e6 MPV and the Atto3 crossover SUV, which are currently priced at 29.15 lakh and 33.99 lakh respectively. Both the prices are ex-showroom.

The BYD Seal EV is expected to come in a single variant, featuring an 82.5kWh battery pack that delivers a claimed range of 570km (WLTP Cycle) on a single charge. The sedan will be equipped with a rear axle-mounted motor that generates 230bhp and 360Nm of peak torque, accelerating from zero to 100kmph in under six seconds.

BYD Seal: Visual and technical details

In terms of dimensions, the Seal EV measures 4,800 mm in length, 1,875 mm in width, and 1,460 mm in height. Inspired by the Ocean X concept showcased in 2021, the Seal boasts an aerodynamic body with a drag coefficient of just 0.21 cd. Its exterior features crystal LED headlamps with boomerang-shaped LED DRLs and full-width LED taillights.

Also Read : BYD Seal U revealed with 500 km of range, is brand’s first plug-in hybrid SUV

Inside, the Seal offers a premium look with soft-touch materials. The dashboard is highlighted by a 15.6-inch rotating touchscreen infotainment system, similar to the one found in the Atto 3. The digital driver display is 10.25 inches. Additional features include a head-up display and two wireless charging pads.

BYD Seal: Safety

Safety is a key focus for the Seal, which has received a 5-star safety rating in Euro NCAP crash tests. The vehicle scored 89 per cent for adult occupants, 87 per cent for child occupants, 82 per cent for Vulnerable Road Users, and 76 per cent in Safety Assist.

Safety features include dual front airbags, belt pre-tensioners, belt load limiters, side airbags, a centre airbag, ISOFIX child seat mounts, airbag cut-off switch, seatbelt reminders, Autonomous Emergency Braking, Lane Assist System, and Fatigue/Distraction Detection.

First Published Date: 04 Mar 2024, 10:13 AM IST



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MG Hector gets new variants Shine Pro and Select Pro. Here’s what’s new

MG Hector gets new variants Shine Pro and Select Pro. Here’s what’s new


  • MG Motor India introduced new variants Shine Pro and Select Pro to Hector SUV.
MG Motor India introduced new variants Shine Pro and Select Pro to Hector SUV.

MG Motor India on Monday announced the launch of new variants for its Hector SUV. Christened Shine Pro and Select Pro, the new variants come with enhancing options for the Hector buyers. The MG Hector remains the brand’s most popular SUV so far since its arrival in India as the brand’s introductory model in June 2019. The newly launched Shine Pro variant is priced at 15,99,800 (ex-showroom) and the Select Pro is priced at 17,29,800 (ex-showroom).

The SAIC-owned British car marque has stated that the new variants of the car come with India’s largest portrait-oriented HD touchscreen infotainment system, measuring 14 inches. The Select Pro variant gets a dual-pane panoramic sunroof and the Shine Pro comes with a single-pane electric sunroof. Both variants come with a new dashboard design and a host of features including wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity. Other features include a wireless charger, and a fully digital instrument cluster with a 17.78 cm embedded LCD display, a push start/stop button, floating light turn indicators, LED headlamps, and LED-connected taillights among others.

Watch: MG Hector 2023: First Drive Review | HT Auto

Speaking on the launch of the new variants of the MG Hector SUV, Gaurav Gupta, Deputy Managing Director, MG Motor India, said the Hector has made a bold statement with its commanding presence and has redefined the SUV landscape with a multitude of tech features and superior driving comfort with ADAS Level 2 and Connected features. “Each subsequent variant has set new benchmarks in the segment by offering a harmonious blend of comfort, advanced technology, and ergonomic design. Using insights from our market research, industry analysis, and customer feedback, we have introduced these two latest variants, underscoring our commitment to providing an elevated driving experience, characterized by performance and power, catering to the discerning preferences of SUV enthusiasts,” he added.

Mg Hector is available in both petrol and diesel engine options. The engine choices for the SUV include a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol motor available with both manual and CVT gearbox options and a 2.0-litre turbocharged diesel unit available with a manual gearbox.

First Published Date: 04 Mar 2024, 15:38 PM IST



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Automotive Design School India, automobile design India, postgraduate, masters course

Automotive Design School India, automobile design India, postgraduate, masters course

Automotive Design School India, Automobile Design India



Will offer courses such as a Master’s in Automobile Design & Management, and refresher courses and inductions for CXOs.

India is set to get its first dedicated automobile design institute, the Indian School for Design of Automobiles (INDEA). Set to begin by late 2025, Xavier School of Management (XLRI) will set up the institute in collaboration with automotive expert Avik Chattopadhyay. It will be located at the XLRI Delhi-NCR campus.

About the Indian School for Design of Automobiles

The main highlight of the institute is the one-year Master’s degree in Automobile Design & Management. According to the institue’s management, the course will have a class size of 20-25 students from all graduate schools, who will be selected after a screening process. Apart from going into the nitty-gritty details of automotive design, students will also be trained in managing design teams. It is worth noting that the specifics of the curriculum are being finalised. 

Apart from the master’s degree, there will also be refresher courses for automotive designers who want to fine-tune their skills, and inductions for chief experience officers (CXOs). The management is also considering offering a course on automotive restoration.

 

About the management 

XLRI is one of the oldest business schools in the country, and together with their former student, Chattopadhyay, has decided ‘to bridge the gap for skilled designers who also understand the nuances of management and customer preferences, creating well-rounded professionals for the Indian automotive industry.

While Indian universities such as the National Institute of Design, the Indian Institute of Technology and the Indian Institute of Management offer some automotive-related programmes, there is no dedicated institute for automobile design in the country. 

When asked about the recruitment problems faced in the Indian automotive design industry, Avik Chattopadhyay said, “The gap lies in the fact that schools are not specialised. Automotive designing ends up being one of the 17 or 21 courses that they offer. So, the industry ends up spending a lot of time making them unlearn and learn once again.”

Chattopadhyay went on to state that students will want to join INDEA because they will be able to get hands-on experience and it’ll also be a gateway into the industry. 

Dr Fr K S Casimir, director of the XLRI Delhi-NCR campus, threw light on the importance of creativity not just in education, but also in the betterment of the country. He said, “Creativity, innovation and originality will ensure that a country leapfrogs to that superpower status. We want to imbue the entire management education with a kind of spirit where we are able to even blunder into creativity.”

Also see: 

Pratap Bose on careers in auto design, Indian design schools and more





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Automakers hope to end FY24 on a positive note, shorter waiting periods ahead

Automakers hope to end FY24 on a positive note, shorter waiting periods ahead


  • Sales of passenger vehicles and two-wheelers posted a strong growth in February 2024.
Sales of passenger vehicles and two-wheelers posted a strong growth in February 2024.

The inordinately long waiting periods for passenger vehicles may be ending as the carmakers continued to produce a record number of vehicles in February 2024, building up stock in their respective dealerships, claimed a report by LiveMint. The increasing retail demand has been playing a crucial role for the automakers to push for higher vehicle production.

The report further stated that the carmakers in India are keeping a close watch on market demand, as inventories, which have already reached 26 days, are likely to pile up in the dealerships with the OEMs having been able to cater to the pending orders and incremental sales depending solely on the pace of fresh demand.

Passenger vehicles to see lower waiting period

The report quoted India’s largest carmaker Maruti Suzuki’s Senior Executive Director Shashank Srivastava revealing that the Indian passenger vehicle industry expects to finish the current financial year with an 8.1 per cent growth rate at 42 lakh units.

In February 2024, the passenger vehicle segment in India recorded wholesales of 373,177 units as opposed to 335,324 units registered in February 2023, marking an 11.3 per cent year-on-year growth, Srivastava said. However, the retail numbers are lower than the wholesale figure, estimated to be around 335,900 units registered last month as compared to 301,900 units recorded in February 2023, which also registered an 11.3 per cent growth. However, the difference between wholesale and retail numbers was about 40,000 units, which have been added to the stock, revealed the Maruti Suzuki top official.

He also said that the stock level is now at 300,000 units, which is around 25-26 days of stock in the industry. “So far since July of last year, we have seen pending bookings significantly come down and stock in the channel had come down. But not only is it pretty high again, the luxury for OEMs to push wholesale against retail is not there anymore,” Srivastava reportedly said, further adding, “We saw that rural growth cumulatively was at 11.7 per cent between April and February, higher than growth in urban sales at eight per cent.”

SUVs driving growth in PV segment

SUVs have been driving demand and sales in the Indian passenger vehicle market, just like the rest of the global market. In February 2024 as well, SUVs accounted for more than 50 per cent of all passenger vehicle sales in India. Industry experts reportedly expect the SUV segment to contribute more than half of total passenger vehicle sales in the current financial year.

The launch of a host of new models in the last few months, and improved availability on the back of the eased supply chain have helped the automakers to post a strong growth in this segment.

Two-wheelers clock strong double-digit growth

Major two-wheeler manufacturers such as Hero MotoCorp, TVS Motor Company and Bajaj Auto have clocked a strong double-digit growth in February 2024, compared to the same month a year ago. However, registrations of two-wheelers grew at a much slower pace in February this year, at 13.2 per cent, claimed the report. This resulted in inventory addition at showrooms. The report also claimed that in the premium segment, higher demand helped Royal Enfield post a wholesale growth of a mere five per cent, whereas retail registrations shrank 1.3 per cent last month, compared to February 2023.

In the electric two-wheeler segment, sales remained flat in February 2024, reflecting a stagnation in demand. The report claimed that registrations of high-speed electric two-wheelers were up by 24 per cent on a year-on-year basis in February 2024. This was due to the extra day in February because 2024 is a leap year. However, the registrations in this category were flat last month compared to January at 81,963 units.

First Published Date: 03 Mar 2024, 16:31 PM IST



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Car interiors evolving into living rooms on wheels. Here’s how

Car interiors evolving into living rooms on wheels. Here’s how

Car interiors evolving into living rooms

Modern car interiors are increasingly becoming more digitalised and smart, connected and feature-packed, essentially becoming an extension of the cons

Modern car interiors are increasingly becoming more digitalised and smart, connected feature-packed, essentially becoming an extension of the consumers’ living room.

A decade ago, visitors to an auto show would have seen cars with dashboards loaded with dials, knobs and mechanical buttons. Interactive engagement between the occupants and the car’s onboard system was still a futuristic idea. However, a decade later, the situation has gone through a massive evolution. Human-machine interfaces (HMI) are now taking over the car interiors with the auto OEMs implementing smart digital interfaces built on advanced technology platforms. This gradual and drastic transformation from mechanical to electronic HMI controls promises to revolutionize the driving experience of drivers and vehicle users.

The mechanical interfaces in passenger vehicles are increasingly being replaced by voice controls, touch-sensitive panels, digital surfaces, wireless communications etc. With the advent of advanced technology-aided features that are focused on the convenience and comfort of the driver as well as driving safety, technologies such as windshields being used as heads-up displays, showing traffic updates, weather reports and other information may become a reality shortly. Overall, the HMI capabilities in modern cars are growing increasingly sophisticated, propelling massive growth in the segment of the in-car electronics market.

Also Read : Subscription vs ownership: Which model can boost India’s electric mobility dream?

what’s more interesting is that, with the rise of advanced technology-aided features ensuring better creature comforts, car interiors are increasingly becoming living rooms on wheels.

 

Car Updates

A living room on wheels

Modern consumers are engrossed with the convenience of smart devices and the internet of things, which have become ubiquitous. While the consumers enjoy the convenience and advantage of such devices, they expect the same experience in their cars. OEMs too are increasingly focusing on providing the same to their car buyers. This is a key reason behind the rapid growth of connected cars and so many in-car features.

In an attempt to meet the market and consumer expectations as well as to remain competitive, car manufacturers have started connecting cars to the internet and providing smart user interfaces in these vehicles like those available on consumers’ smart devices, in their homes and at work. This strategy ensures seamless connectivity across the consumers’ devices irrespective of the place. In a nutshell, a car interior is increasingly becoming an extension of a vehicle owner’s living room or office.

The rapid growth of capacitive user interfaces including touchscreen that can be customised for various functions like infotainment, navigation and comfort settings, instead of the traditional mechanical knobs and buttons simply testify to this shift of consumer focus.

Flexibility of design

The growth of use in capacitive user interfaces has brought a revolution in car interior design as well, ensuring maximum physical comfort through ergonomic layout. This strategy is resulting in the contemporary cars’ interiors becoming sleek with cutting-edge aesthetics, even in the lower price categories.

The use of digitalized and sleeker HMI is maximising not only physical comfort for the vehicle occupants but offering greater design flexibility to the manufacturers as well. Modern cars are increasingly focusing on spacious interiors to ensure better creature comfort, while at the same time offering enriched experiences with features such as wireless communication, superior lighting and sound systems, internet or cloud connectivity etc.

First Published Date: 03 Mar 2024, 13:18 PM IST



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2024 F1 Bahrain GP results: Verstappen wins ahead of Perez, Sainz

2024 F1 Bahrain GP results: Verstappen wins ahead of Perez, Sainz

Sainz pulled off some spirited overtakes to finish third for Ferrari.

The 2024 F1 season opener in Bahrain proved one thing – that reigning world champion Max Verstappen still remains the driver to beat. The Red Bull driver cruised to victory, 22 seconds clear of teammate Sergio Perez. Carlos Sainz defeated his Ferrari teammate Charles Leclerc to secure the final spot on the podium.

  1. Verstappen wins, 22.457 secs ahead of Perez
  2. Sainz P3, Leclerc P4 for Ferrari

Verstappen takes dominant Bahrain GP

Starting from pole position, Verstappen held the lead into Turn 1 and there was no looking back throughout the 57-lap race. It was complete domination out at front – he pitted both times with sufficient gaps, crossed the chequered flag over 22 seconds clear of Perez and even secured a bonus point for setting the fastest lap.

“I think today went even better than expected. I think the car was really nice to drive, on every [tyre] compound I think we had a lot of pace. It was just super enjoyable to drive today, we really stayed out of trouble and it’s a great start to the year – it couldn’t have been better,” said Verstappen.

Sainz beats Leclerc to P3

Sainz may be out of a drive for next year, with Lewis Hamilton moving to Ferrari in 2025. The news may just a fueled a fire, with the Spaniard pulling off feisty overtakes on teammate Leclerc to grab third place.

Leclerc struggled with tyre degradation and locked up on several occasions, complaining about a brake issue. However, he did pick off George Russell in the closing stages to finish fourth.

Over at Mercedes, both Russell and Hamilton encountered battery issues. Hamilton at one point even reported a broken seat.  As a result, Russell had to settle for fifth place, while Hamilton finished seventh.

Both McLaren drivers finished in the points, with Lando Norris separating the two Mercedes drivers in P6 and Oscar Piastri in P8. The last two points-scoring spots were taken by Aston Martin’s Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll. The latter had to climb his way up the field after being spun around by Nico Hulkenberg on the opening lap.

F1 now heads to Jeddah for the Saudi Arabian GP on March 7-9. Just like Bahrain, the Saudi Arabia race will also be held on a Saturday.

2024 Bahrain GP results

2024 Bahrain GP results
Pos Driver Team
1 Max Verstappen Red Bull Racing
2 Sergio Perez Red Bull Racing
3 Carlos Sainz Ferrari
4 Charles Leclerc Ferrari
5 George Russell Mercedes
6 Lando Norris McLaren
7 Lewis Hamilton Mercedes
8 Oscar Piastri McLaren
9 Fernando Alonso Aston Martin
10 Lance Stroll Aston Martin
11 Zhou Guanyu Stake Sauber
12 Kevin Magnussen Haas
13 Daniel Ricciardo RB
14 Yuki Tsunoda RB
15 Alex Albon Williams
16 Nico Hulkenberg Haas
17 Esteban Ocon Alpine
18 Pierre Gasly Alpine
19 Valtteri Bottas Stake Sauber
20 Logan Sargeant Williams

Also see:

FanCode to stream F1 in India; packages start at Rs 49





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How to book Hyundai Creta N Line? A step-by-step guide

How to book Hyundai Creta N Line? A step-by-step guide

How to book Hyundai Creta N Line-

By: HT Auto Desk
| Updated on: 02 Mar 2024, 18:08 PM

  • Upon launch on March 11, Creta will become the third model from Hyundai in India to also have an N Line version, after i20 and Venue.
Hyundai Creta N Line is based on the latest Creta that was launched early 2024 in the Indian car market.

Hyundai Creta N Line is all set for its official India launch on March 11. The Creta N Line from Hyundai will be the company’s third N Line model, after i20 and Venue. The N Line, essentially, refers to models that are sportier versions of the original model with several visual enhancements on the inside as well as outer body while having minor technical updates as well.

HT Auto has learnt that Hyundai Creta N Line will be offered in two trims – N8 and N10, and with only the 1.5-litre turbo petrol engine that was introduced in the 2024 Creta. This engine is paired with both a manual gearbox as well as a DCT unit. The Creta N Line colour options include three monotone shades – White, Black and Grey Matte, as well as three dual-tone hues – Blue with Black roof, Grey with Black roof and White with Black roof.

How to book a Hyundai Creta N Line?

Hyundai opened bookings for Creta N Line from Thursday onwards and there are two ways to reserve a unit. The first is by simply walking into any company-authorised dealership in the country and paying a reservation amount of 25,000 which is refundable if the booking is cancelled.

 

The other option is to make a booking online. An interested customer can follow the steps below:

  1. Log on to Hyundai Motor India’s Click2Buy online platform.
  2. Choose the model. In this particular case, it would be the Creta N Line. Next select the fuel type which in this case, would be petrol only.
  3. Next, select one from the eight available variants of Hyundai Creta N Line. Follow up by opting for the body colour option.
  4. Now comes the most important part about selecting the preferred dealership. For this, select your state, city and the dealer name. The dealer name, on obvious lines, usually is the one closest to your location.
  5. Click on ‘Proceed’ and complete the transaction for the ₹25,000 that is charged as the token booking amount.

Do note that there is a likely waiting period of six to eight weeks that is expected on delivery of Hyundai Creta N Line from the date of launch and then from the date of bookings.

First Published Date: 02 Mar 2024, 18:08 PM IST


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TVS Motor Company’s sales grow by 33% in February 2024

TVS Motor Company’s sales grow by 33% in February 2024

TVS Motor Company’s sales grow by 33% in February 2024

By: HT Auto Desk
| Updated on: 02 Mar 2024, 18:08 PM

  • TVS sold 3,57,810 units of two-wherein February 2024
Image of TVS Raider used for representational purposes only.

TVS Motor Company has announced that they recorded monthly sales of 3,68,424 units in February 2024 with a growth of 33 per cent as against 2,76,150 units they sold in February 2023. The electric vehicle sales grew by 16 per cent as the sales units increased from 15,522 units in February 2023 to 17,959 units in February 2024.

The two-wheelers registered a growth of 34 per cent with sales increasing from 2,67,026 units in February 2023 to 3,57,810 units in February 2024. Domestic two-wheeler registered growth of 21 per cent with sales increasing from 2,21,402 units in February 2023 to 2,67,502 units in February 2024.

Motorcycles registered a growth of 46 per cent with sales increasing from 1,26,243 units in February 2023 to 1,84,023 units in February 2024. Scooter registered a growth of 26 per cent with sales increasing from 1,04,825 units in February 2023 to 1,32,152 units in February 2024.

The Company’s total exports grew by 85 percent, increasing from 53,405 units registered in February 2023 to 98,856 units in February 2024. Two-wheeler exports registered a growth of 98 percent with sales increasing from 45,624 units registered in February 2023 to 90,308 units in February 2024. Three-wheelers registered a growth of 16 percent, with sales increasing from 9,124 units in February 2023 to 10,614 units in February 2024.

TVS Motor Company is committed to investing ₹5,000 for the design, development and deployment of future technologies across products. The homegrown automaker is present in both the two and three-wheeler segments and the investment will be made in both these categories.

Also Read: TVS to invest ₹5,000 crore towards new technologies, focus on clean mobility

Speaking about the vehicle manufacturer’s commitment to invest ₹5,000 crore towards designing, developing, and deploying future technologies across products, TVS Motor Company’s Managing Director Sudarshan Venu said in a statement that the company’s core is engineering and research and development. “Our core is engineering and R&D, and this is driven by over 2,000 engineers backed by solid design and development capability. Our vision is to transform the quality of life of our customers, and redefine the future of mobility with technology, connectivity, and cutting-edge design,” he reportedly said.

First Published Date: 02 Mar 2024, 18:08 PM IST


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Opinion: Maruti's upcoming hybrid tech is a masterstroke

Opinion: Maruti's upcoming hybrid tech is a masterstroke

Maruti’s upcoming hybrid tech is a masterstroke

A few days ago we broke the news of Maruti’s plans to introduce its series hybrid technology in India in more affordable offerings like the Fronx, next-gen Baleno and next-gen Swift, among others. And here’s why I think this technology is going to be a game changer in the truest sense. 

Series hybrid vehicles, also referred to as range-extenders or self-charging electric vehicles, work in a manner that’s similar to an electric vehicle (EV). The battery-powered electric motor directly drives the wheels, with the only difference being that the battery doesn’t need to be plugged in; instead the models are fitted with on-board generators to recharge the battery. This generator is run by a petrol engine. A point to note is that its petrol engine never drives the wheels directly.

Where things get really interesting is that according to the Department of Revenue, an EV “that runs solely on electrical energy derived from an external source or from electrical batteries” qualifies under the 5 percent GST bracket. 

Further, even the Central Motor Vehicles Rules (CMVR), 1989 (amended in 2002) defines an EV “as a vehicle intended for road use, powered exclusively by an electric motor whose traction energy is supplied exclusively by a traction battery installed in the vehicle”.

There’s no mention of tailpipe emissions having been referenced or considered as a factor to define an EV. Which could technically define Maruti’s upcoming range-extenders as EVs, thus qualifying them for the lower GST slab.

This could give these upcoming Marutis a significant price advantage over other ICE cars in the market, including strong hybrids. Not only are these likely to be incredibly efficient, but their on-board generators will eliminate range anxiety associated with EVs, which could make this tech ideal for our market, where charging infrastructure remains at a nascent stage. The question is, will Maruti Suzuki be able to reap the benefits of this grey area in the rulebook and convince authorities to levy a lower GST rate? We’ll know very soon.

Also see: 

Opinion: Buying a new car as an investment

Opinion: Is ADAS suitable for India?

Opinion: Why the Citroen C3 Aircross should be priced aggressively
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WagonR, Baleno and Swift continue to power Maruti Suzuki through February

WagonR, Baleno and Swift continue to power Maruti Suzuki through February

Baleno and Swift continue to power Maruti Suzuki through February

  • Maruti Suzuki is currently preparing to launch the new-gen Swift in the Indian market.
Image used for representational purposes only. (Image courtesy: X/@HQ_DG_NCC)

India’s largest four-wheeler manufacturer, Maruti Suzuki India Limited, has announced sales figures for February. Maruti Suzuki sold a total of 1,97,471 units, which consists of domestic sales of 163,397 units, sales to other OEMs of 5,147 units and exports of 28,927 units.

The compact segment was the most popular as the brand sold 71,627 units in February 2024. It consists of vehicles like Baleno, Celerio, Dzire, Ignis, Swift, Tour S and WagonR. Then there were the utility vehicles, which consisted of Brezza, Ertiga, Fronx, Grand Vitara, Invicto, Jimny, S-Cross and XL6. The sales figures stood at 61,234 units. Ciaz and Eeco sold 481 and 12,147 units, respectively.

Affordable compact vehicles such as Alto and S-Presso are still very popular as the brand sold a combined 14,782 units of those. The rest of the sales numbers come from Super Carry, which is a light commercial vehicle and sales to other OEMs.

From April to February, the most popular models for Maruti Suzuki were WagonR, Baleno and Swift. SUVs accounted for 51.5 per cent of overall sales for Maruti Suzuki.

Also Read : Brezza, Grand Vitara, Fronx star in Maruti’s SUV rush in FY 2023-24

The brand is currently preparing to launch a new generation of Swift in the Indian market. The hatchback has already been revealed in Japan and will soon be making its way to Indian shores. The hatchback will not only get some major cosmetic upgrades but it would also get an all-new engine.

The new engine is a three-cylinder unit as compared to the four-cylinder unit that we currently get in the Indian market. Suzuki says that this change has been done in favour of more low-end torque and more fuel efficiency. In the global market, the new engine comes mated to a CVT automatic transmission. It is expected that the Indian market will still get a 5-speed manual gearbox and an AMT transmission.

First Published Date: 01 Mar 2024, 16:47 PM IST

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Maruti Cars

Brezza, Grand Vitara, Fronx star in Maruti’s SUV rush in FY 2023-24

Brezza, Grand Vitara, Fronx star in Maruti’s SUV rush in FY 2023-24

Fronx star in Maruti’s SUV

  • Maruti Suzuki ended February as India’s second largest SUV manufacturer behind segment leader Mahindra and Mahindra.
Maruti Suzuki’s dominance in the SUV market has been buoyed by vehicles such as Fronx, Grand Vitara, Brezza and Jimny. The carmaker is currently close second to Mahindra in the SUV segment in terms of sales.

Maruti Suzuki continues to benefit from its sport utility vehicles (SUVs) as it remains one of the largest manufacturers in the segment for the Financial Year 2023-24. From April last year to February 2024, Maruti has sold more than four lakh SUVs, which include the likes of Brezza, Grand Vitara, Fronx, Jimny and S-Cross. Though the carmaker had briefly become India’s largest SUV manufacturer last year, the crown has been retaken by Mahindra and Mahindra, the maker of Scorpio-N, Thar and XUV700 among others. However, Maruti Suzuki plans to continue with its SUV offensive and aims to increase its sales in the coming days.

36 KM Mileage Car

From small and compact cars to small and compact SUVs – Maruti Suzuki’s shift towards the more popular body-type in passenger vehicle segment has been rapid. In the last two years, the carmaker has driven in as many as four models, including the Grand Vitara, Fronx and Jimny. Maruti Suzuki said that it has sold 4,04,114 units of sport utility vehicles in the ongoing financial year. However, it admitted that it is likely to fail in meeting estimates of selling around 4.50 lakh SUVs within the same fiscal.

In February, Maruti Suzuki delivered 41,256 units of SUVs. Brezza, Fronx and Grand Vitara contributed the bulk of the sales in the segment. Currently, Maruti Suzuki has a little more than 20 per cent market share. The Jimny, one of the most anticipated launches that took place last year, has not been as successful as some of its siblings. However, it managed to increase its sales to 514 last month from the low of 163 units in January this year.

Compared to its rival Mahindra and Mahindra, Maruti Suzuki ended February just short by nearly 1,200 SUVs. Mahindra sold 42,401 units last month, mostly through its popular Scorpio brand which is available in Scorpio-N and Scorpio Classic versions. Jimny’s sales performance could be one of the factors why Maruti Suzuki may not hit the 4.50-lakh unit sales in the segment by March-end. Its performance could also be the reason why Maruti is currently lagging behind Mahindra in terms of market share in the SUV segment.

First Published Date: 01 Mar 2024, 16:36 PM IST


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