It will come with two battery pack options; likely to be called MR and LR.
Having wrapped up 2023 on the back of strong EV sales, it’s no surprise Tata’s first new model for 2024 is also going to be an EV. After numerous spy shots and much anticipation, Tata Motors is likely to officially debut the Punch EV in India this week, and we have some fresh details on its battery pack and equipment list.
Punch EV to get two battery pack options: 25kW and 35kW
Will come with ventilated seats, 10.25-inch screens
Bookings expected to commence next week
Tata Punch EV battery, equipment details
Our sources tell us that like the the Nexon EV and Tiago EV,the Punch EV will be available with two battery pack options – 25kWh and 35kWh. The two variants could, therefore, also be called Medium Range (MR) and Long Range (LR), as per Tata’s EV nomenclature. The small EV SUV will be based on the ALFA platform with Tata’s Gen 2 EV architecture, which essentially is an ICE to EV conversion with major modifications, and come with a liquid-cooled battery and a permanent magnet synchronous motor powering the front wheels.
Our sources also say the Punch EV will get ventilated front seats, which will make it the most affordable car in the country to get this feature. Higher variants will get a new 10.25-inch touchscreen from the Nexon EV, while lower variants will have a smaller 7.0-inch screen. The jewelled drive selector from the Nexon EV will also be carried over.
Previous spy shots have also hinted at four-wheel disc brakes, the two-spoke steering wheel seen on larger Tata SUVs, a digital instrument cluster and an electronic parking brake. It will also be marked out visually from its ICE counterpart with new styling elements, such as full-width LED light bars, a blanked-out grille and new alloy wheels, largely drawing inspiration from the Nexon EV.
Tata Punch EV positioning and rivals
The Punch EV will be squarely aimed at the Citroen eC3 in our market. It will be positioned below the Nexon EV MR and above the Tiago EV MR, which means prices could range between Rs 10 lakh-13 lakh, ex-showroom. Bookings are expected to commence soon and details on range, power figures and features are expected upon its official debut.
By: HT Auto Desk | Updated on: 03 Jan 2024, 20:28 PM
Honda Motorcycle and Scooter India closed the 2023 calendar on a positive note with over 3.17 lakh units sold in December 2023, a growth of 27 per cen
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Honda Motorcycle and Scooter India closed the 2023 calendar on a positive note with over 3.17 lakh units sold in December 2023, a growth of 27 per cent.
Honda 2Wheelers India’s exports shined in December 2023 with 31,022 units shipped overseas, registering an 82% growth year-on-year
Honda Motorcycle and Scooter India (HMSI) reported its sales for December 2023 and the company sold a cumulative (domestic + exports) of 317,123 units, growing by 27 per cent, as compared to 250,171 units sold in December 2022. The two-wheeler maker closed the calendar on a positive note even as the two-wheeler market showed slow sales momentum.
Honda’s domestic sales stood at 286,101 units, witnessing a hike of 22.71 per cent year-on-year, as against 233,151 units sold in December 2022. Exports, on the other hand, stood at 31,022 units, registering a massive growth of 82.27 per cent over 17,020 units shipped overseas during the same month a year before.
The Honda Shine 100 was launched in 2023 in the entry-level 100 cc segment as the brand’s most affordable motorcycle (HT Auto/Kunal Thale)
Honda Two-Wheelers India sold 43,84,559 units during the 2023 calendar year. In comparison, its biggest rival and market leader Hero MotoCorp sold 54.99 lakh units during the same period. The Japanese manufacturer continues to hold the second spot as far as two-wheeler sales are concerned in India.
Honda had an eventful 2023 with multiple new and updated launches. The company introduced the Honda Activa H-Smart variant, as well as the Shine 100, its most affordable motorcycle yet. The new Honda SP160 and Dio 125 also hit the market in 2023. In the premium segment, the company went on to launch the new classic CB350, the updated Gold Wing Tour and the XL750 Transalp adventure tourer. Furthermore, HMSI announced the appointment of Tsutsumu Otani as the new President, CEO & Managing Director of the company.
The 2024 calendar year is more crucial for Honda Two-Wheelers India with the company all set to enter the electric mobility space. The company has already announced its plans to foray into the space and will bring an electric scooter and motorcycle later this year. The made-in-India models will make it to other markets as well with India serving as the production hub.
This article will give you a perspective of the expected engine specs, like displacement, power, torque, mileage and transmission details, of the Hyundai Creta facelift petrol and diesel engines.
Considering the body style, size and price range of the Hyundai Creta facelift, it competes with the following cars:
Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder
What Are The Engine Specs Of Hyundai Creta Facelift?
HYUNDAI CRETA FACELIFT | ENGINE SPECS
Engine
1.5L Turbo Petrol
1.5L Normal Petrol
1.5L Turbo Diesel
Displacement
1482cc
1497cc
1493cc
Cylinder
4
4
4
Power
160PS @ 6000rpm
155PS @ 115rpm
116PS @ 4000rpm
Power:Weight
120.94PS/t
126.02PS/t
86.31PS/t
Torque
253Nm @ 1500 – 3200rpm
144Nm @ 4500rpm
250Nm @ 1500 – 2700rpm
Torque:Weight
191.23Nm/t
117.07Nm/t
186.01Nm/t
Manual
NA
6-speed MT
6-speed MT
Automatic
7-speed DCT
CVT
6-speed TC
The Hyundai Creta Facelift is available with 3 engine options – 1.5L turbo petrol,1.5L normal petrol and 1.5L turbo diesel.
The 1.5L turbo petrol engine, which also powers the Alcazar, produces 160PS of power at 6000rpm and 253Nm of torque between 1500rpm and 3200rpm. This engine is only available with a 7-speed DCT transmission.
The 1.5L normal petrol engine churns out 155PS of power at 115-6300rpm and 144Nm of torque at 4500rpm. The 1.5L normal petrol engine is offered with the option of a 6-speed manual transmission and CVT automatic transmission.
The 1.5L turbo diesel engine is rated to deliver 116PS of power at 4000rpm and 250Nm of torque between 1500rpm and 2700rpm. You can get the 1.5L turbo diesel engine of the Creta Facelift with a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed TC automatic transmission.
Read more about how you can get the best mileage or fuel efficiency from your car:
Hyundai sold 6.02 lakh units in the domestic Indian market between January and December of 2023. Kia, its partner in global markets, also clocked 2.55
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Hyundai sold 6.02 lakh units in the domestic Indian market between January and December of 2023. Kia, its partner in global markets, also clocked 2.55 lakh unit sales in India during this period.
Hyundai and Kia will kickstart the year with the launch of Creta 2024 facelift SUV and Sonet 2024 facelift SUV. While Creta is Hyundai’s best-selling model in India, Sonet is Kia’s second best-seller after Seltos.
South Korea’s Hyundai Motor Co and affiliate Kia Corp forecast on Wednesday that their combined global sales will rise about 2% in 2024, even as last year’s sales fell short of target.
The duo sold 7.3 million vehicles in 2023, about 3% less than their combined target of 7.52 million, largely due to a difficult economic environment, including rising interest rates and inflation that pushed vehicles out of the reach of some buyers. The companies said they would target global sales of 7.44 million vehicles this year.
“Hyundai plans to take a lead in electrification and focus on optimizing profitability by strengthening its global electric vehicle (EV) production infrastructure, establishing flexible business strategies to adapt to market changes, and reinforcing preemptive risk management capabilities,” Hyundai said in a statement.
Kia sold 3.09 million vehicles globally in 2023, posting a new annual global sales record, it said in a statement. Kia’s previous best yearly performance was in 2014, with sales of 3.04 million units.
Analysts said this year’s sales targets for the two companies appeared to be achievable, but that economic issues, including high interest rates, as well as rising incentives would have an impact on auto demand and profitability.
Hyundai is aiming for a 0.6% rise in annual global sales to 4.24 million vehicles, while Kia set its sales target at 3.2 million units, up about 4% from last year.
“It seems that Hyundai’s goal appears to be more conservative than Kia’s … Kia is set to launch new electric vehicles this year, but we need to factor in how the recent slowing growth of global EV sales would fold out,” said Shin Yoon-chul, an analyst at Kiwoom Securities.
Hyundai Motor Group Executive Chair Euisun Chung in his New Year address on Wednesday emphasized customer satisfaction and called for a corporate culture of “preparation” to make swift decisions.
“The best strategy is earning the full trust of our customers, not quickly following our competitors … In order to turn these external challenges into opportunities and achieve long-term sustainable growth, we must be prepared,” Chung said in the address.
Shares of Hyundai Motor and Kia closed down 3.3% and 3.9% respectively, versus a 2.3% fall in the benchmark KOSPI.
New Creta will get a total of five powertrain options and 19 variants to choose from.
Hyundai commenced bookings for the Creta facelift on Tuesday and also revealed the powertrain options that will be available on the SUV. As before, the 115hp, 1.5-litre petrol and diesel engines will continue with their respective gearboxes, but what’s new is the 160hp, 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine. Now we have a complete breakdown of which powertrain will be available on which trim.
Creta turbo-petrol to come in a single fully-loaded trim
Will only be offered with the 7-speed DCT gearbox
Bookings ongoing for Rs 25,000
Hyundai Creta facelift trims and variants
The new Creta will be available in seven trim levels – E, EX, S, S(O), SX, SX Tech and SX(O) – of which the latter two will also get a dual-tone colour option. Of the five powertrain options, it’s only the 1.5 petrol-MT that will be available across the board, but crucially, the 1.5 turbo-petrol will only be offered with 7-speed DCT gearbox and in just one fully-loaded trim. Here’s a table summarising the variant line-up of the new Creta.
Hyundai Creta variant lineup
E
EX
S
S(O)
SX
SX Tech
SX(O)
1.5 petrol MT
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
1.5 petrol CVT
–
–
–
Yes
–
Yes
Yes
1.5 turbo-petrol DCT
–
–
–
–
–
–
Yes
1.5 diesel MT
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
–
Yes
Yes
1.5 diesel AT
–
–
–
Yes
–
–
Yes
This, however, seems to be a missed opportunity for Hyundai. A sole gearbox option in a fully-loaded trim will limit the appeal and accessibility of the turbo-petrol engine, especially since the Kia Seltos additionally gets the option of an iMT gearbox with the same engine and from much lower in the variant lineup. Hyundai and Kia have predefined their gearbox strategy with the 1.5 turbo-petrol of manual and iMT, respectively, so a manual should have been offered with the Creta as well.
In fact, every other model in the Hyundai-Kia group that uses this engine gets the option of a second gearbox apart from the 7-speed DCT, and across multiple trims – the Carens gets an iMT while both the Alcazar and Verna get proper manual gearboxes. Even among Hyundai’s rivals, the Skoda Kushaq and Volkswagen Taigun get manual as well as DCT gearboxes with their respective 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engines.
Hyundai Creta facelift exterior, interior updates
As for the updates that come with the mid-lifecycle facelift, the Creta gets a comprehensive exterior makeover that brings with it new full-width LED daytime running lamps, new headlamps and grille and all-new front and rear bumpers. It looks a lot more upright and squared-out than the outgoing model, and perhaps will divide less opinion about its styling.
On the inside, the dashboard has been completely redone with new twin connected screens and a redesigned centre console with a touch panel for HVAC controls. On the features front, the addition of ADAS, dual-zone climate control and 360-degree camera will be key additions, among others.
Bookings for the Creta facelift are ongoing for a token amount of Rs 25,000, and those who have booked the outgoing model will have the option of changing their bookings to the facelifted model. The launch is expected later this month.
By: HT Auto Desk | Updated on: 02 Jan 2024, 21:42 PM
Hero MotoCorp closed the 2023 calendar year with over 54.99 lakh units sold, a growth of 5 per cent over 52.47 lakh units sold in CY2022.
Hero MotoCorp dispatched 393,952 units in December 2023 with volumes dropping marginally year-on-year
Hero MotoCorp reported its sales for 2023 and the company closed the calendar year with over 54.99 lakh units between January and December. The manufacturer registered a five per cent growth in volumes when compared to 52.47 lakh units sold during the same period in 2022. While sales ended in the green for the year, Hero witnessed a marginal drop in volumes with 393,952 units sold in December 2023, as against 394,179 units sold in December 2022.
Hero MotoCorp said that it expects the positive momentum to grow further from the fourth quarter of FY2024 with increased government spending and improved liquidity, encouraging farm activity and the upcoming marriage season.
Motorcycle sales in December remained flat with 354,658 units sold, when compared to 356,749 units sold during the same month a year ago. Scooter sales were down by five per cent with 39,294 units sold last month, over 37,430 units sold in December 2022.
Hero MotoCorp introduced its premium two-wheeler strategy in 2024 across segments and also went on to launch the Premia dealerships
Domestic sales remained flat at 377,842 units, as against 381,365 units a year before. Exports, on the other hand, registered a 25 per cent hike last month with 16,110 units shipped overseas, compared to 12,814 in December 2022.
The previous year also saw Hero make some significant announcements including the launch of the Xoom 110, Xtreme 160R 4V, Karizma XMR 210 and the return of the Passion Plus. The company also launched its maiden offering in partnership with Harley-Davidson in the form of the H-D X440. Hero also strengthened its EV arm, Vida, with network expansion and collaboration, announcing its partnership with Ather Energy for interoperable fast-charging stations across the country.
Furthermore, Hero announced Vida’s entry into the European market at EICMA 2023 while showcasing future models like the Xoom 125R, Xoom 160, and the 2.5R Xtunt Concept. The two-wheeler giant is all set to kick off 2024 with its motorsports program and will be competing in the upcoming Dakar Rally. The brand also has its new flagship product in the works which will be introduced on January 22, 2024.
By: HT Auto Desk | Updated on: 02 Jan 2024, 15:59 PM
Within months after launching the facelift version of the Superb, Skoda has teased the upcoming Octavia sedan. It will be introduced for glbal markets
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Within months after launching the facelift version of the Superb, Skoda has teased the upcoming Octavia sedan. It will be introduced for glbal markets in February.
Czech auto giant Skoda has teased the upcoming Octavia sedan. It will be unveiled for global markets next month.
Skoda Auto will debut the new Octavia 2024 facelift next month. The Czech auto giant has shared a teaser of the premium sedan’s new avatar ahead of global unveiling in February. The new Octavia will be introduced within months of Skoda launching the new Superb sedan. The Octavia 2024 will be the fifth major facelift the sedan will undergo. The fourth generation Octavia was launched five years back. The sedan was recently discontinued from the Indian markets earlier this year due to the new phase 2 of BS6 emission norms.
SkodaOctavia 2024 facelift will come with several changes. According to the teaser shared by the carmaker, the front face of the sedan will be updated with new LED headlight units. It appears that the reworked headlight unit will come with a V-shape design. Among other updates, the new Octavia is also expected to get a new grille and bumper at the front, redesigned alloy wheels on the sides and reworked LED taillight units as well.
The interior of the Octavia 2024 facelift is also set for revamp. Expected changes include a new 10-inch touchscreen infotainment display, a new 10-inch digital driver display, wireless connectivity with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto among others which are likely to be mostly cosmetic in nature. According to reports, Skoda is also likely to introduce level 2 ADAS in the new Octavia.
Under the hood, Skoda is expected to arm the new Octavia with new hybrid powertrain option. The sedan in its existing version is offered with three engine options which include a 2.0-litre diesel, a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol and a 1.4-litre plug-in hybrid powertrain. In India, Skoda offered the petrol engine which could churn out 188 bhp of power and 320 Nm of peak torque. In its new avatar, Skoda may add a 1.0-litre turbocharged petrol unit with hybrid powertrain as well as a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol with mild-hybrid version.
Skoda has not officially revealed whether the new Octavia will make a comeback to the Indian markets yet. Currently, the carmaker offers Slavia in the sedan segment which replaced the Rapid two years ago. Earlier this year, Skoda discontinued Octavia, along with Superb, from the Indian markets. However, at least one of them is expected to return to India soon.
The current Chetak with the LCD display will likely remain on sale as the Chetak Urbane, while the new Premium version will get features like a TFT display.
Bajaj will launch an updated Chetak Premium on January 5th, and the improved e-scooter will get fancier features, including a new TFT display.
The current Chetak lineup already includes an Urbane and a Premium variant, but the two scooters are extremely similar. With the updated Chetak Premium, Bajaj is likely to broaden the gap between the two variants. The Chetak Urbane will carry on as the more affordable and more basic version, while the updated Chetak Premium will present the more expensive and more feature-rich option.
Teaser image showing the new TFT screen coming to the updated Chetak Premium.
The company has taken to social media to announce the launch of the updated Chetak Premium, which will take place at 1pm on Jan 5. Additionally, it has also put up teaser images showing parts of the scooter, including a clear look at the new TFT screen. From the display readout, we can tell that the updated scooter will get Bluetooth connectivity and turn-by-turn navigation. It will also almost certainly continue to feature riding modes.
The images also show the rest of the scooter, which looks fairly identical to the current Chetak Premium. It will continue to sport the neat single-sided front suspension, the smart alloy wheels and the slick, rounded design. The seat, lights, floorboard and apron storage space also remain unchanged.
What’s not yet known is whether the powertrain and battery pack will receive any revisions. At present, the Chetak Premium gets a 2.9kWh battery pack good for a claimed range of 108km – at the very least, this is likely to increase to 113km as a result of software upgrades, as we saw with the recently launched Chetak Urbane.
By: HT Auto Desk | Updated on: 01 Jan 2024, 17:36 PM
Mahindra’s SUVs witnessed 24 per cent sales growth in December 2023.
Mahindra’s SUVs witnessed 24 per cent sales growth in December 2023. (HT Auto/Sabyasachi Dasgupta)
Mahindra on Monday announced that it sold 35,171 SUVs in December 2023, registering a 28 per cent growth compared to the same month a year ago when it sold 28,333 units in December 2022. This emphasises the rapidly rising demand for SUVs across India. Mahindra also claimed that in 2023, it sold a total of 333,764 SUVs between April and December 2023, up by 29 per cent from 257,849 units recorded in the same period of 2022.
The homegrown car manufacturer further said that it sold 35,174 units of passenger vehicles in India in December 2023. This marked a 24 per cent year-on-year growth for the automaker as it sold 28,445 passenger vehicles in the country in December 2022. Mahindra also claimed that it sold 333,777 units of passenger vehicles in India between April and December last year, marking a 28 per cent growth compared to the same period of 2022, when it registered 259,858 units.
Speaking about the sales performance, Veejay Nakra, President of the Automotive Division at Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd., said that its SUV business witnessed healthy growth over the last year. “In December, we sold a total of 35,171 SUVs, a healthy growth of 24 per cent over last year. We continued to face some supply challenges on select parts. We are working closely with our suppliers to mitigate these challenges going forward,” Nakra further added.
Mahindra currently sells a wide range of SUVs in India including popular models like Scorpio N, Scorpio Classic, Thar, XUV300, XUV700, Bolero Neo etc. Besides selling petrol and diesel-powered SUVs in India, Mahindra also sells electric cars in the country. The Mahindra XUV400 comes as a pure electric version of the XUV300 compact SUV. The Mahindra XUV400 competes with rivals like Tata Nexon and MG ZS EV.
By: HT Auto Desk | Updated on: 01 Jan 2024, 16:57 PM
Ola Electric sells S1 Pro, S1 Air and S1X Plus electric scooters in India.
Ola Electric sells S1 Pro, S1 Air and S1X Plus electric scooters in India.
Ola Electric on Monday announced that it sold 30,219 electric scooters across India in December 2023. The ride-hailing platform turned into an EV manufacturer also claimed that it captured 40 per cent market share in the Indian electric two-wheeler segment. Ola Electric further claimed that December 2023 witnessed its highest-ever monthly registrations.
The electric two-wheeler manufacturer has claimed in an official release that it registered a whopping 74 per cent sales growth in December 2023, as compared to the same month a year ago. Also, the company claims to have recorded 68 per cent growth in the last quarter ending in December 2023 with 83,963 units, compared to the October-December quarter of 2022. Also, the EV manufacturer claims to have sold a total of 2.65 lakh units of electric scooters in 2023.
Ola Electric further claimed that it crossed another milestone of becoming the first company in the industry to produce 400,000 electric scooters in just two years. Speaking about the sales performance, Anshul Khandelwal, Chief Marketing Officer of Ola Electric, said that its ‘December to Remember’ campaign was a massive success bringing thousands of customers under the EV fold. “We believe that we have continued our market leadership for yet another quarter on the back of our strong product lineup comprising the S1 Pro, S1 Air, and the S1 X+. Our ‘December to Remember’ campaign has been a massive success, bringing thousands more under the EV fold,” he added.
Ola Electric currently has five different electric scooters on offer across variants and different battery options. It sells models like S1 Pro, S1 Air and S1X Plus. Priced at ₹147,499 (ex-showroom), S1 Pro is the company’s flagship premium EV scooter while S1 Air is available at ₹119,999 (ex-showroom), and it is the band’s most affordable EV.
First report: The compact EV has entered our fleet and has been making light work of jam-packed commutes.
Say hello to the Autocar long-term fleet’s latest and smallest car, the MG Comet EV. Soon after, I whisked away the keys for some seat time with a car that has intrigued me for a while. After a short stint, here’s what it’s like to live with.
I have the privilege of taking home various test and long-term cars and bikes, and none of them have caught the fancy of my family like the Comet. I took it home over the Diwali weekend and everyone, including my extended family, was keen on checking out this cute little car. What immediately wowed them, apart from the unconventional looks, was the interior design and quality. With light colours and a clean, minimalist look, the MG Comet’s cabin is a nice, airy place to be. And while space at the back is actually ample for adults, getting in and out of the rear seat is a task, especially for older or healthier people.
The Comet EV manages to fit in comically small parking spaces.
The Comet has also been making my commute to work a breeze. Don’t get me wrong, it’s still jam-packed but much more manageable now. The Comet’s tiny footprint allows me to squeeze in and out of gaps, which I would only have been able to do on a two-wheeler. It also makes parking a stress-free process, with its large glass area giving you a great 360-degree view. It fits in parking slots where you just wouldn’t expect a car to. Another thing I appreciate about the MG is its steering. Not only does the wheel feel high quality and good to hold but it’s also effortless to operate, which again, is a boon in the city.
However, I really wish MG had given it a better audio system as the current one just isn’t good enough. It’s loud, but the clarity and bass leave a lot more to be desired. And a good music system is something that I really want in my car, which is something I’m sure the younger, hipster crowd that MG is targetting want. Furthermore, the touchscreen has also glitched on occasion so an infotainment upgrade is a much-needed one.
Audio system is very poor and leaves more to be desired.
I have been in very few vehicles that garner as much attention as the Comet. From young to old, everyone wants to know more about it. Part of the attention you get is because of its dimensions and the other part is thanks to this bright neon green paint. Personally, I don’t like this colour, but that’s a subjective matter.
While I haven’t run it long enough, I did run it from 100 to 30 percent, during which it covered 121km (see table below); more than acceptable for a city EV. And mind you, the AC was on the entire time.
MG Comet EV range
Charge
Distance
100%
0km
90%
16km
80%
32km
70%
52km
60%
65km
50%
82km
40%
101km
30%
121km
There’s also a few curious things I’ve noticed in my short stint with the Comet. First, the buttons to switch tracks etc. on the right hand side of the steering work on and off, especially when you’re using Android Auto. Second, it won’t charge using our office’s wall-mounted charger anymore. It did initially, but now the plug won’t lock into place, so I’ve had to resort to the slow AC charger that comes with the car. Lastly, and most surprisingly, the Comet managed to roll back its odometer on its own. And it’s not like it’s an analogue unit where it could be a mechanical malfunction; this is a full-digital unit. This is something I’ve never experienced with a car or bike in the five years I’ve been testing them. We will get these matters inspected and report back in the next long-term review.
By: HT Auto Desk | Updated on: 31 Dec 2023, 19:42 PM
First launch of the year, the Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R has received a host of upgrades since the last time this model was on sale in India.
The 2024 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R makes a comeback to the Indian market with new styling and the same exciting 636 motor
India Kawasaki Motor is all set to introduce the Ninja ZX-6R full-faired motorcycle in the country tomorrow, January 1, 2024. The first launch of the year, the Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R was showcased at India Bike Week 2023 earlier this month and has received a host of upgrades since the last time this model was on sale in India.
The Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R has seen plenty of upgrades internationally over the years. The MY2024 version will arrive in India with a revised bodywork that’s identical to the one found in the recently launched Ninja ZX-4R. The split LED headlamps are sharper and the bike comes with clip-on handlebars for a more dedicated riding posture. The bike has also been updated with a TFT screen that now gets Bluetooth connectivity.
Kawasaki ZX-6R uses a 636 cc, liquid-cooled, in-line four-cylinder engine tuned for 128 bhp and 69 Nm of peak torque
Power continues to come from the 636 cc inline-four engine engine that is now Euro5 compliant. The motor has been tuned to produce 128 bhp and 69 Nm of peak torque and is paired with a 6-speed gearbox with a quickshifter. Other mechanicals have been carried over including the Showa USD front forks and a monoshock at the rear. Braking performance comes from dual 310 mm discs at the front and a single 220 mm disc at the rear. The bike will come shod with 17-inch alloy wheels with Pirelli Diablo Rosso 4 tyres.
The Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R will take on the Aprilia RS 660 upon arrival and prices should be around ₹12 lakh (ex-showroom). The motorcycle makes for a fantastic bridge between the Ninja 400 and the top-spec Ninja ZX-10RR, keeping the track enthusiasts entertained. The bike is expected to soon face the heat from the Yamaha R7, also slated for arrival in 2024 in India.
By: HT Auto Desk | Updated on: 31 Dec 2023, 16:50 PM
Let us take a look at the top five moments from the world of F1 in 2023 and what made them exciting.
2023 was a smashing year for Max Verstappen and Red Bull with 19 victories of 22 races (REUTERS/Rula Rouhana)
The 2023 Formula 1 season had its fair share of ups and downs. While it was undoubtedly the best year for Max Verstappen and Red Bull with 19 victories in 22 races, there was plenty more drama and action where you’d least expect it. The complete season was entertaining if not the most exciting when it came to wheel-to-wheel racing.
So as we bid adieu to the year 2023, let’s take a look at the top five moments from the world of F1 and what made them exciting.
Fernando Alonso concluded the year with 8 podium finishes (Jewel SAMAD / AFP)
1. Fernando Alonso’s big comeback
Fernando Alonso managed to be a regular on the podium making this a rather eventful year for the legendary Aston Martin driver. The former three-time world champion took a shocking podium finish in the opening race in Bahrain as he battled with Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton and Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz to snatch third place in the race. He went on to replicate his pace and claimed six podiums in the first eight races of the season including his career’s 100th podium finish in the 2023 Saudi Arabian GP. However, the team couldn’t keep up with the veteran driver and slow development meant Alonso could pick up only two more podiums by the end of the season.
Red Bull’s Max Verstappen passes the chequered flag to win the Dutch Grand Prix (Pool via REUTERS)
2. Max Verstappen dominates the Dutch GP
Max Verstappen came to nearly achieving the ‘GOAT’ status with his performance in the Dutch GP. Red Bull team principal Christian Horner declared him “untouchable” as the best driver in the world after Verstappen managed to drop to 13th due to the double downpour but made his way to the top of the pack lapping two seconds faster than everyone else. The race equalled Sebastian Vettel’s nine-race winning streak and was Verstappen’s eighth victory from pole this season.
The Austrian GP became the high point when 47 laps of qualifying were deleted due to drivers exceeding track limits (REUTERS/Rula Rouhana)
3. Track Exceptions
2023 was a messy season due to drivers constantly exceeding track limits. The Austrian GP became the high point of the year when 47 laps of qualifying were deleted. The FIA also reported over 1,200 instances of cars leaving the track during the race. Several drivers ended up with time penalties and another 12 received punishments after the race, which makes for almost half the grid. Three of the top 10 drivers dropped places as a result of the penalties.
Alpha Tauri had three driver changes in 2023 with Nyck de Vries replaced by Daniel Ricciardo, who was replaced by Liam Lawson (USA TODAY Sports via Reuters Con)
4. Musical chairs at Alpha Tauri
Red Bull and its B-team Alpha Tauri are known for swap drivers mid-season but Alpha Tauri took it further with three driver changes throughout the year. The season started with former Formula E champion Nyck de Vries in the seat but he was disposed of after ten races with Daniel Ricciardo stepping in. However, the Australian ended up breaking his wrist and had to take a sabbatical, allowing rookie Liam Lawson some crucial time in the F1 car. Lawson made full use of the opportunity finishing seventh in Mexico, which may help him get a full-time seat in the future.
Sparks fly from the car of Ferrari’s Spanish driver Carlos Sainz Jr. as he races during the qualifying session for the Las Vegas GP (Jim WATSON / AFP)
5. Viva Las Vegas
The Las Vegas GP was added to the calendar this year and saw a healthy mix of conversations most outside of racing. With complaints about how the event was organised to a manhole cover damaging Carlos Sainz’s car, the race weekend had a rocky start at best but managed to culminate into an exciting weekend with some action-packed racing at the end of it. Verstappen was penalised for pushing Leclerc off track and even crashed into Russell. But the driver raced to victory with a damaged wing, making it a dramatic win.
We’ve been driving the Maruti Suzuki Jimny in the city, on the highway and even over some off-road sections. Here’s our list of good bits and bad bits.
By: HT Auto Desk | Updated on: 30 Dec 2023, 19:04 PM
From Ather to Ola and everything in between, there is something from every major EV player coming up in 2024.
From Ather bringing its family e-scooter to Honda introducing its maiden electric scooter, both new and traditional OEMs will have something to offer in 2024
2023 was a particularly challenging year for the electric two-wheeler segment. While demand soared on one end, manufacturers also faced challenges with the revision of the FAME II subsidy hiking prices across the EV space. Nevertheless, the demand continues to be on the rise for electric two-wheelers and manufacturers – new and traditional alike – are gearing up to introduce many new models in the coming year.
With electric two-wheeler sales exceeding the 8.3 lakh mark in 2023, the number is only expected to increase further in 2024. So if you are looking to bring a new electric scooter or motorcycle home next year, this should be the list to watch out for. From Ather to Ola and everything in between, there is something for everyone in this space. Here are the top 10 electric two-wheeler launches lined up in 2024.
The Ather 450X Apex will be a limited-run model with cosmetic and performance upgrades. It will arrive on January 6, 2023
1. Ather 450 Apex
Kicking off the new year will be the Ather 450 Apex. The new electric scooter arrives on January 6 and will be a new limited-run model line based on the 450X. The teaser images promise the transparent side panels from the 450X Series 1 limited edition, as well as a boost in performance. Expect to see visual upgrades as well when the 450 Apex arrives next month, albeit in limited numbers.
The Ampere NXG is expected to resemble the concept closely and will be the brand’s new flagship e-scooter
2. Ampere NXG
Ampere Electric Mobility, the EV arm of Greaves Cotton, previewed the NXG electric scooter at the 2023 Auto Expo and the model is slated to arrive in 2024. Showcased as a concept, the Ampere NXG is expected to stick close to the concept in shape and form while packing a 7-inch TFT screen, PMS mid-drive electric motor and a host of other features. The Ampere NXG will be the new flagship offering from the company and will take on the Ather 450X, Ola S1 Pro and Simple One presently on sale.
The TVS iQube ST will pack a bigger battery pack and a higher top speed over the iQube S
3. TVS iQube ST
While the TVS iQube is one of the best-selling electric scooters on sale, the much-awaited iQube ST continues to elude the market. The model was even showcased at the 2023 Auto Expo. The TVS iQube ST will be the top-spec variant of the electric scooter and packs a larger 4.56 kWh battery pack with a longer range of 145 km in Eco mode and 110 km in Power mode. The iQube ST also gets a higher top speed of 82 kmph as against 78 kmph on the iQube S. The e-scooter will come with a 950W charger powering the battery from 0-80 per cent in 4 hours and 6 minutes, while the company will also offer a 1,500W charger that’ll shorten the charging time to 2 hours and 30 minutes. The ST variant will be 3 kg heavier and will also get a price bump upon arrival.
The 2024 Bajaj Chetak Premium will come with a bigger battery pack and a new 7-inch touchscreen unit with more connectivity options
4. 2024 Bajaj Chetak Premium
The 2024 Chetak Urbane was launched recently with a subtle refresh and you can expect the more premium Chetak Premium variant to arrive over the next few weeks. According to leaked documents, the 2024 Chetak Premium will carry a larger 3.2 kWh fixed battery promising a longer range of 126 km on a single charge. The electric scooter will also get a new 7-inch touchscreen console that will bring features like turn-by-turn navigation and notification alerts. The top speed will also increase to 73 kmph on the top variant. The 2024 Bajaj Chetak Premium should be more competitively equipped to take on the Ather 450S, Ola S1 Air, Simple Dot One and the like in the segment.
The Ather family electric scooter will be comfier and should be more accessible as well
5. Ather Family Scooter
Also coming from the house of Ather Energy next year will be the family electric scooter. Ather Energy has been testing its new offering and the e-scooter is expected to grace showrooms in 2024. Details are scarce about the new family electric scooter but the model is expected to be more rounded and appealing to a wider audience and will give Ather a stronger product to level up its volume game. The new family e-scooter is also likely to be more affordable than the 450X.
The Honda SC e: concept looks like a 125 cc equivalent electric scooter that could influence the future e-scooters from the manufacturer
6. Honda Electric Scooter & Motorcycle
Making its debut in the electric mobility segment will be Honda Two-Wheelers India with its maiden electric offering. The company has already announced its plans to bring two electric scooters with fixed and swappable batteries respectively. Honda Global also announced recently that an electric motorcycle will be made in India and is slated to arrive in 2024. India will play a major role in Honda’s electric mobility plans going forward, especially in producing mass-market EVs. Honda’s maiden electric scooter should arrive by March 2024.
The production-spec Tork Kratos X will be different from the one revealed at the 2023 Auto Expo and will arrive by mid-2024
7. Tork Kratos X
The Tork Kratos X was first unveiled at the 2023 Auto Expo and was slated to arrive in June 2023. However, the FAME II subsidy revisions threw a spanner in the works of the Pune-based start-up. Tork Motors now plans to bring the Kratos X by mid-2024 and the electric motorcycle will see key changes over the one showcased at the expo. The X will be the flagship offering but will also come with an upgraded motor for better power and torque output. It needs to be seen if the aluminium swingarm, 7-inch TFT screen and winglets will be carried over on the updated version.
Ola Electric is likely to reveal the production-spec e-motorcycles next year that promise segment-leading power and range outputs
8. Ola M1 Electric Motorcycle
Ola Electric announced a foray into the electric motorcycle segment in August this year and we expect to see the first offering from the company arrive towards the end of 2024. Dubbed the M1 electric motorcycle range, the company showcased four concepts – roadster, cruiser, adventure and supersport – and we could see the final production versions arrive next year. Ola did not share any technical details on the upcoming e-motorcycles but promised that the bikes will see the biggest battery pack and motor on any Indian electric two-wheeler. At present, the UltravioletteF77 has the biggest battery pack at 10.5 kWh.
The Matter Aera will finally hit the streets in the first quarter of 2024 and will be the first electric motorcycle in India to get a liquid-cooled motor and battery, and a 4-speed gearbox
9. Matter Aera
Having launched its maiden e-bike earlier this year, Ahmedabad-based Matter will finally begin deliveries of the Aera electric motorcycle next year. The Matter Aera is priced from ₹1.73 lakh to ₹1.83 lakh (ex-showroom) and the reservation window is currently open. The Matter Aera is powered by a 10.5 kW (14 bhp) mid-mounted motor with 520 Nm of torque at the wheel. The e-motorcycle packs a 5 kWh battery pack promising a range of 150 km on a single charge. The Aera will be the first electric motorcycle to get a liquid-cooled motor and battery, and a functional 4-speed gearbox. Deliveries should begin from March 2024 onwards.
The Kinetic Luna will make a comeback in an all-electric avatar with Kinetic Green launching the e-moped sometime next year (In pic: Arun Firodia of the Kinetic Group with the Luna moped)
10. Kinetic Green e-Luna
Making a comeback in an all-electric avatar, Kinetic Green will revive the Luna name for its upcoming electric two-wheeler called the ‘e-Luna.’ The electric moped promises to be as functional as its yester-year ICE version and will pack a host of features as well. The company has not revealed more details about the e-Luna but the model is expected to arrive in the first half of 2024.
By: Paarth Khatri | Updated on: 30 Dec 2023, 13:16 PM
Volkswagen offers the Taigun with a 1.0-litre and a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engines. Here is the fuel efficiency figure of the 1.0-litre TSI wit
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Volkswagen offers the Taigun with a 1.0-litre and a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engines. Here is the fuel efficiency figure of the 1.0-litre TSI with the 6-speed automatic transmission.
Volkswagen Taigun in Curcuma Yellow colour scheme does stand out of the crowd and has a proper SUV appeal to it. (HT Auto/Paarth Khatri)
Volkswagen’s India 2.0 strategy has been doing quite well in the Indian market. The Virtus and the Taigun have been selling in decent numbers despite the competition that is there in the segment. Volkswagen launched the Taigun back in 2021 and since then it has received some feature additions as well as some special editions. Yes, there were a few issues when the vehicle was first launched but Volkswagen was able to fix them just in time.
The mid-size SUV is offered with a 1.0-litre TSI and a 1.5-litre EVO petrol engine. While the 1.5-litre EVO is the one that is more powerful and is desirable among enthusiasts, it is the 1.0-litre TSI that is more affordable and is being preferred by most people.
The 1.0-litre TSI petrol engine produces 113 bhp of max power and 175 Nm of peak torque. It comes mated to a 6-speed torque converter and a 6-speed manual gearbox. Because both engines are turbocharged, there is a bit of misconception that they would not deliver a good fuel efficiency figure.
To test this out, we decided to take the Taigun 1.0 TSI with the automatic transmission for a fuel efficiency test. While stuck in bumper-to-bumper traffic, the fuel efficiency hovered around 8-9 kmpl but it does climb up to 13.5 kmpl with a light foot in city conditions. On the highways, we managed to squeeze out a fuel efficiency figure between 16.5 to 17.9 kmpl. Having said that, the vehicle that we tested was not equipped with idle start/stop functionality which could help in improving the fuel efficiency further.
At the rear, the Volkswagen Taigun gets a lightbar that runs across the width of the vehicle. (HT Auto/Paarth Khatri)
It is important to note that turbocharged engines are very sensitive to throttle inputs. To counter the turbo lag, the gearbox would often downshift which might reduce the fuel efficiency figure. Fortunately, there are paddle shifters behind the steering wheel and one can up-shift if he or she is trying to maximise the fuel efficiency.
What’s next? Well, now that we do know what the 1.0-litre TSI’s fuel efficiency figure is, we will be testing the 1.5-litre EVO engine to see what is the difference between the fuel efficiency figures of both engines. Moreover, it is important to note that the 1.5 EVO comes with ACT or Active Cylinder Deactivation which could help in improving the fuel efficiency further.
The Renault Duster will make its India comeback with the third-generation model in 2025.
The all-new Duster has been revealed internationally by the Dacia brand, sporting a new platform, fresh design and multiple powertrain options. The big news is that Renault will bring it to India in 2025. So, without further ado, here are the most important things to know about the new Renault Duster for India.
1. Renault Duster platform
The new Duster is built on the Renault-Nissan Alliance’s modular CMF-B platform that, globally, also underpins a number of models for both the carmakers, as well as Renault’s sister brand Dacia. This platform is more advanced than the M0 architecture that underpinned the original Duster and it will be localised for production in India. Earlier this year, the Renault-Nissan alliance had announced a fresh investment of Rs 5,300 crore in the Indian market, primarily to launch six new locally produced models between the two brands. These would be based on the CMF-B platform and also on the electrified version of the CMF-A platform.
2. Renault Duster exterior
On the outside, the new Duster looks more squared off, and its muscular flanks and shapely bonnet give it a butch look. The large 18-inch wheels add to its appearance as do the large dose of plastic cladding all around, including on the angular wheel arch design. The headlights with their Y-shaped DRLs merge neatly with the grille for the Dacia version. Expect some differences in the front-end styling of the India-bound Duster that will be sold as a Renault to begin with. A Nissan version will follow later.
Along the sides, there’s a unique contrast panel behind the front wheel arches, while the rear door handles are integrated into the C pillar. At the back, you see attractive Y-shaped full LED tail-lights, cuts and creases on the tailgate, and a sporty roof spoiler.
The new model measures 4.34 metres long, which is about as long as the original Duster. Interestingly, a three-row, seven-seat version of the SUV is also in the works that will debut a little later.
3. Renault Duster interior
On the inside, the rugged theme continues on the Duster’s dashboard, which gets a prominent centre console that is angled towards the driver. The AC vents get the Y-themed styling and there are physical buttons for the climate control.
There’s a lot of new tech now: a 10.1-inch touchscreen takes centre stage, a 7-inch digital instrument panel, a six-speaker audio system with Arkamys 3D sound, a wireless phone charger, cruise control and an electric parking brake. The model that’s been shown abroad doesn’t sport a sunroof though. Charging options include two USB-C ports and a 12V outlet for both the front and rear passengers, and it also gets ADAS features such as auto emergency braking and lane keep assist. We expect Renault to bring the ADAS bundle on the India-bound Duster as well.
4. Renault Duster powertrains
Announced so far are three petrol engine options, two of which are electrified. There’s a strong hybrid – called the Hybrid 140 – that pairs a 94hp, 1.6-litre petrol with a 49hp electric motor and a high-voltage starter generator, and this is likely to be a front runner for India. This engine comes with an automatic gearbox and features regenerative braking and a 1.2kWh battery, enabling purely electric driving for up to 80 percent of the time in the city.
There’s also a new TCe 130 engine, which combines a three-cylinder, 1.2-litre turbo-petrol and a 48V mild-hybrid system that generates a combined 130hp. It comes with a 6-speed manual gearbox and front-wheel drive as standard; all-wheel drive is optional. There is no diesel version announced but some markets will get a petrol-LPG option.
The Duster AWD gets a terrain mode selector that, in auto mode, switches power between the front and rear axles as needed. It gets Snow, Mud/Sand, Off-Road and Eco modes too. Also standard on the AWD is hill-descent control, and off-road screens showing tilt angle, pitch and torque distribution between the axles. Duster AWD gets 217mm of ground clearance with 31-degree approach, 36-degree departure and 24-degree ramp breakover angles.
5. Renault Duster India launch
The Renault Duster will make its India entry only by late 2025. It will go up against a competent field of midsized SUVs, including the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Volkswagen Taigun, Skoda Kushaq, Maruti Grand Vitara, Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder and MG Astor. Expect it to be priced at around the Rs 20 lakh mark, which will put it right in the mix of things. As before, however, the rugged appeal and its brand equity, which is still quite high, could help the Duster make a space for itself in the crowd.
By: Sameer Fayaz Contractor | Updated on: 29 Dec 2023, 17:11 PM
Deliveries of the Odysse Vader began earlier this month after the company received iCAT certification passing all tests.
Nemin Vora – CEO – Odysse EV, revealed that the Vader electric motorcycle deliveries have commenced with over 5,000 bookings already in place
Mumbai-based electric two-wheeler start-up, Odysse EV recently began deliveries of the new Vader electric motorcycle in India and it plans to deliver the existing bookings of 5,000 units over the next six months. Deliveries of the Odysse Vader began earlier this month after the company received iCAT certification passing all tests. The motorcycle was launched in March this year at a price tag of ₹1.30 lakh (ex-showroom, pre-FAME subsidy revision).
The Odysse Vader electric motorcycle deliveries were originally announced to commence in August this year but were pushed by a quarter in a bid to accommodate the FAME subsidy revision in the final price, apart from the iCAT certification. This is the company’s first offering to meet the FAME II requirements and comes with built-in Google Maps. Prices have now been revised to ₹1.62 lakh (ex-showroom), which pits the model against the Hop Oxo, Revolt RV400, Oben Rorr and the upcoming Matter Aera.
The Odysse Vader is the first electric motorcycle to get built-in Google Maps and is presently priced at ₹1.62 lakh (ex-showroom, after revised FAME II subsidy)
Nemin Vora, CEO – Odysse EV said, “In terms of our other products, the production is going on but for the Vader, we plan to to roll out 300-400 units every month for the initial two months and then scale it up once things are more streamlined for us. Roughly we have about 5,000 bookings and we plan to complete that in about six months.”
“Since we’ve started delivery, we are experiencing good demand mainly from South India from markets like Kerala, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu right now. Those three are our top three markets for the Vader,” Vora added.
Odysse EV has about 68 dealerships right now spread across Maharashtra, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka. Vora revealed that South, West and Central India is where the brand has a better presence. The company recently expanded to the North East and East India with dealerships in West Bengal, Odisha, and now Assam. Odysse plans to expand its network to 90 dealerships by the end of the current financial year (FY2024) and further increase to over 150 outlets by the end of FY2025.
“When we launched, the FAME subsidy was on the higher side than what it is today. That’s definitely impacted our projections about what we had about the Vader because the subsidies have been revised. But we are still experiencing a good amount of demand for the Vader since the delivery has started,” Vora revealed further.
Odysse EV is now working on a new high-speed electric scooter slated to arrive next year. While the company has not shared more details on the new offering, we are told the upcoming e-scooter will be a 125 cc equivalent. The manufacturer is also looking to ramp up production with a new manufacturing facility in the works. Odysse presently has two plants located in Mumbai and Ahmedabad respectively and will consolidate its overall manufacturing to a single new plant. The new facility is coming up near Ahmedabad and will commence operations next year with an initial capacity of 10,000 units a month.
The updated Hyundai Creta is ready and raring for its official launch in the Indian car market. But unlike in times before, the champion is now threat
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The updated Hyundai Creta is ready and raring for its official launch in the Indian car market. But unlike in times before, the champion is now threatened by a longer list of very competent challengers.
Hyundai Motor has been spotted testing the upcoming Creta facelift SUV near NATRAX in Madhya Pradesh. (Image courtesy: YouTube/@jayantkamdar)
Hyundai Creta has been the undisputed champion in the mid-size SUV space. But the Creta model available at present has not received any major update – barring special editions – in the past few years. It is a time period in which rivals have entered and carved out some space for themselves. While the crown may not have been under threat yet, the 2024 Creta is more than likely to extend its lead in the Indian automotive market.
First launched in 2015, Creta galvanised the mid-size SUV space which at that point in time had the likes of Ford EcoSport and Renault Duster. Both EcoSport and Duster have since disappeared, replaced by options like Kia Seltos, MG Hector, Tata Harrier, Mahindra Scorpio-N, Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara, Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder, Volkswagen Taigun and Skoda Kushaq. Each of these models are power players in their own right but Creta continues to sell by the truckloads and the updated version is likely to further prospects.
The update to Creta has been awaited for quite a long time. Once Kia drove out the updated Seltos earlier this year, it was only a matter of time before Hyundai fired back too.
Spy images of a camouflaged Creta have repeatedly surfaced in recent weeks as the SUV undergoes testing in India. What is evident from these is that the new 2024 Hyundai Creta will sport an updated grille and other minor design tweaks on the outside. In the cabin, the dashboard layout has been refreshed while the screens are likely to be updated too. There will also be dual-tone seats on offer while a 360-degree camera and ADAS technology are almost certain too.
In terms of engine options, Hyundai is likely to push out the model with three choices – 1.5-litre naturally-aspirated petrol motor, 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol unit and a 1.5-litre CRDi diesel unit. There will also be multiple transmission choices.
2024 Hyundai Creta vs rivals
What is likely to hold the new Creta in good stead is the enormous popularity it has enjoyed for nearly a decade in the Indian market. Backed by Hyundai’s extensive sales and service network, the SUV could be the biggest blockbuster of 2024. But unlike previous times, the competition is red hot. The likes of Grand Vitara and Hyryder offer strong hybrid technology. The Seltos is still quite new and has been received well by potential buyers because of its catchy new styling and updated feature list. Taigun and Kushaq underline their safety credentials while Harrier has assumed an even more macho exterior style in its latest update. As for Scorpio-N, it continues to boast of a very solid road presence that is quite liked by those who prefer an SUV body type.
Citroen will add more features to the C3X to meet customer demand.
Citroen could delay the launch of the C3X, which is a sedan with a twist. Earlier scheduled to debut in mid-2024, we’ve learnt that after receiving feedback from stakeholders, Citroen has gone back to the drawing board to equip this car more generously, which could delay its launch.
C3X launch could be delayed by a few months
Feedback from stakeholders being considered
Citroen will add more features to the C3X sedan
The upcoming C3X is a fresh take on the sedan body style, with a coupe-like roofline, a notchback (like the Skoda Superb), and a crossover-like treatment that includes a raised ride height, tough body cladding, etc. The company is going to call it an ‘SUV-coupe’ to give it a unique position in its segment.
The Citroen C3X will be based on the C-Cubed platform, which underpins the C3, eC3 and C3 Aircross, and will also share several components, powertrains and equipment, among other things, to keep a check on costs. Due to the blatant cost-cutting and feature omissions on the recently launched C3 Aircross, sales of the SUV didn’t take off despite aggressive pricing, and within a month of its debut, the company was offering huge discounts to push sales.
Its poor start as well as feedback from customers, media and other stakeholders has certainly made the company’s top officials sit up and take notice. To meet the ever-growing demands of customers, we’re told that the C3X will get more equipment than the company had originally planned to correct some of the shortcomings of the C3 Aircross, which could delay the C3X from hitting showrooms.
Even though we aren’t certain what the C3X’s ‘updated’ equipment includes, we hope it packs in all or most of the C3 Aircross’ missing features like electric folding mirrors, automatic climate control, cruise control, wireless charging, LED headlamps, push-button start, keyless entry, ventilated front seats and a sunroof; these are available on competitor offerings.
The C3X will be powered by Citroen’s familiar 110hp, 1.2-litre three-cylinder turbo-petrol engine with a 6-speed manual transmission that does duty on the C3 and C3 Aircross. Citroen could also offer the 6-speed automatic transmission option right from launch; the torque convertor unit will make its debut in the C3 and C3 Aircross in the first quarter of 2024. An electric iteration of the C3X could hit the market in 2025.
Citroen C3X rivals
The Citroen C3X will rival midsize sedans like the Hyundai Verna, Volkswagen Virtus, Skoda Slavia and Honda City. However, on account of its coupe-like design and high-riding character, it could carve out its own niche. Interestingly, Tata will also launch the Curvv crossover with coupe-like styling by mid 2024, which will be a direct rival to the C3X. Going by Tata’s current portfolio, expect the Curvv to be generously equipped too. Will Citroen infuse the C3X with a healthy dose of premium features to match the Tata? We’ll find out soon.
.jpg&c=0 "Updated Bajaj Chetak Premium e-scooter India launch on Jan 5th")
.jpeg&c=0 "Renault Duster price; new Duster interior, launch details")
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