Ola Electric has announced commencing deliveries of the S1 Pro Gen2 electric scooter in India. The Ola S1 Pro Gen2 was launched in August this year for ₹1.48 lakh (ex-showroom, India) and received major changes including a comprehensively updated chassis, revised motor and battery pack, as well as new tech onboard. Ola Electric says deliveries of the S1 Pro Gen2 have begun in over 100 cities with more markets to follow soon.
By: Sameer Fayaz Contractor | Updated on: 13 Oct 2023, 19:05 PM
Ola Electric has commenced deliveries of the Gen2 S1 Pro in 100 markets with more to follow soon
Upgrades to the Ola S1 Pro Gen2 electric scooter include a frame that’s lighter in weight and a flat floorboard. The e-scooter also gets telescopic front forks instead of the monoshock unit seen on the Gen1 model. The mid-drive motor is now more powerful at 11 kW (14.7 bhp) and promises a higher top speed of 120 kmph. The e-scooter also accelerates faster from 0-40 kmph in 2.6 seconds.
The Gen2 Ola S1 Pro is based on a heavily redesigned platform along with a new and more powerful electric motor and battery pack
Compared to the Gen1 model, the new Ola S1 Pro Gen2 is about 6 kg lighter, which along with the improved battery pack has helped improve the claimed range on the scooter to 195 km on a single charge. The new S1 Pro has also received redesigned alloy wheels and a utilitarian single-piece grab rail, while the boot space shrunk by 2 litres and now stands at 34 litres. The e-scooter is available in five colours – Jet Black, Matt White, Stellar, Midnight Blue, and Amethyst.
Commenting on the commencement of deliveries, an Ola spokesperson said, “We are extremely delighted to start the deliveries of our flagship scooter S1 Pro Gen 2. With the best specs, and cutting-edge technology, the new S1 Pro is one of the most advanced scooters in the country. Building on the success of the S1 Pro Gen 1, we are confident that the S1 Pro Gen 2 will play a pivotal role in accelerating #EndICEAge in the segment.”
Potential customers can book the Ola S1 Pro Gen2 via the company’s app or website. Customers can also check out the e-scooter in person at over 1,000 experience centres across the country. We rode the S1 Pro Gen2 earlier this year and while it was impressive for all the upgrades on offer, the electric scooter did lose on the finesse expected from Ola’s flagship offering.
JK Tyre Motorsport has announced that it will launch India’s first-ever drifting competition. The JK Tyre Drift Challenge will be held on October 16, 2023, and will be held at the Buddh International Circuit (BIC) in Greater Noida. Drifting involves drivers sliding the cars and using oversteer to go sideways through a corner. The drift challenge involves skill, precision, and car control over sheer speed.
By: HT Auto Desk | Updated on: 13 Oct 2023, 18:43 PM
The JK Tyre Drift Challenge will be held on October 16, 2023, and will be held at the Buddh International Circuit (BIC) in Greater Noida
The JK Tyre Drift Challenge will feature a grid of 25 rear-wheel drive cars driven by some of the most skilled drivers from across the country. The event will see the drivers compete on specially designed track layouts. The drivers will be judged by an international three-member panel of drifting experts comprising Alistair Woodham from India who was an ex-member of the Drift Commission of FIA, Cristiani Nanami Lazaro from Brazil and Tanakorn Lertyaovarit from Thailand. The judging criteria will centre on four main aspects – line, angle, style and speed.
Sanjay Sharma, Head-Motorsport, JK Tyre, said, “The introduction of the JK Tyre Drift Challenge marks a significant moment in Indian motorsport history. Drifting has been happening in India in silos; however, with this competition with the help of FMSCI, we will formalize norms of drifting in India and try to match it on par with global standards soon. We have always been forerunners in the Indian motorsports arena, and with this competition, we continue to pursue our aim to develop the motorsport scene here with the introduction of diverse disciplines. This challenge will not only provide a platform for the country’s talented drivers to shine but also delight motorsport enthusiasts who are hungry for a new thrill.”
The drift challengers will be scored based on the ideal line through a corner and drivers that stick as precisely to it are scored higher. Drivers also get scored at the angle at which a driver drifts the car. A more acute angle is scored higher as the driver needs to carry more speed through. Meanwhile, a shallow angle will earn a lower score.
In addition to the Drift Challenge, JK Tyre will also host the JK Tyre Formula Imperial and Indian Karting Race. Organised by the Imperial Society of Innovation Engineers (ISIEINDIA), over 2,000 students from across the country are expected to take part, demonstrating their innovation in the areas of vehicle aerodynamics, battery and powertrain design, brakes, and suspension technologies. They will be put to the test over various rounds between October 12 and 16, culminating in a 12-lap endurance finale at the BIC which will decide the winners.
It’s also being exported to markets in Africa and South America.
Despite the immense local interest around the 3-door Jimny when it was unveiled in 2017, Maruti Suzuki did not launch it in the Indian market, choosing to develop a 5-door version instead. The company felt the additional doors would offer more practicality and would thus be a much better fit for the Indian market.
5-door Jimny to be showcased at Tokyo motor show
3-door Jimny production stopped in India
Post its unveiling, however, Maruti Suzuki says that the 5-door version has been receiving a lot of interest from international markets like Africa and South America, and even its home market in Japan. Speaking to Autocar India at a media interaction in Delhi, C V Raman, the chief technology officer at Maruti Suzuki, said, “The 5-door Jimny will also be launched in Japan, but in some time.”
India is currently the homeroom for all 5-door Jimnys for both left- and right-hand drive versions, and it recently dispatched its first export shipment. While the Indian plant initially began producing only the 3-door version, it now solely produces the 5-door version. However, Raman says that the plant can still produce the 3-door version.
Although the Jimny will be making its way to Japan – the made-in-India model is even slated to debut at the upcoming Tokyo Motor Show – it is unlikely to make its way back to Europe in either 3-door or 5-door guise due to stricter emissions norms in the EU.
Electric vehicle manufacturer Ather Energy has taken to its X handle to help customers reboot their scooter dashboard if it has got stuck after receiving an emergency alert test notification from the government. The OEM posted a YouTube video link demonstrating the procedure to reboot the dashboard. This comes after many citizens received the emergency test notification on their phones on Tuesday.
By: HT Auto Desk | Updated on: 12 Oct 2023, 17:00 PM
The digital dashboard on the Ather 450X shows the regen at work whether using Active or Braking regen feature.
The EV maker said that the owner will need to reboot the scooter dashboard by holding both brakes and then pressing the start switch for 10 seconds. “If your dashboard stopped responding following the message… This should restore normal functioning,” the tweet read.
In a separate development, the company recently released a fresh OTA update for the 450X customers, which now shows energy recuperation through regeneration on the model’s digital console. The feature has been rolled out for the Ather 450X Gen3 and Gen2 customers so far.
The digital dashboard on the Ather 450X shows the regen at work whether using Active or Braking regen feature. Regenerative braking essentially allows the vehicle to convert energy lost while braking into powering the battery, which in turn extends the range of the vehicle. This is why, electric vehicles with regenerative braking will offer even better range in the city, where instances of braking are higher.
The Ather 450X is currently priced from ₹1.38 lakh onwards for the 2.9 kWh battery pack. It’s available in two variants – Core and Pro – with the latter priced at ₹1.53 lakh. All prices are ex-showroom, Bengaluru. The company has temporarily stopped accepting bookings for the 3.7 kWh battery pack at the moment.
Tata Motors on Thursday announced that the company will officially launch the updated versions of the Safari and Harrier SUVs in the market on October 17. Bookings for both Tata Safari and Harrier had been opened just last week.
Tata Harrier and Safari SUVs are the flagship models from the company in India.
Both Tata Safari and Harrier are now promising some very significant updates to the styling on the outside while also sporting a number of updates in the cabin and crucial feature updates as well. While the Safari is a three-row vehicle that is positioned more as a family vehicle, the Harrier once again targets a younger-SUV-buying audience.
The Indian car market is being powered by a sustained demand for SUVs and in this space, Tata Motors has managed to create a solid mark with both the Safari and Harrier. While only offered with a diesel engine option which means those interested in a petrol motor remain sidelined, the sales figures of both vehicles remain a firm indication of the respective popularity.
While Harrier was first launched in the market back in 2019 and Tata Motors has since sold over one lakh units of the model, the Safari was introduced in 2021 and approximately 46,000 units has been sold thus far.
What’s new in the updated Tata Safari?
The updated Tata Safari stands on 19-inch alloy wheels and comes in multiple personas.
The facelift Tata Safari has a completely reworked front face which is highlighted by a new grille and updated casing for the head lights and fog lights. Stretching across the nose is an elongated DRL light bar which comes with ‘Welcome’ and ‘Goodbye’ signature illumination. The stretched light bar also makes its way to the rear of the SUV while the alloy design has been updated as well. In the cabin, the Tata Safari gets a new 12.3-inch infotainment screen with JBL Sound Modes, a 10-inch all-digital driver display, support for Amazon Alexa and Google Home – apart from native Tata voice command integration, dual-zone climate control, mood lighting, air purification system, panoramic sunroof, wireless phone charging, and more.
What’s new in the updated Tata Harrier?
The updated Tata Harrier is offered in new and bolder body shades.
The facelift Harrier also sports a much fresher look and is now claiming to be sportier rather than all-out muscular. It gets an updated grille on the face and the an updated vertical housing for the head lights and fog lights. It too sports the same stretched DRL bar on the face as the Safari, and the same stretched tail light LED bar. The alloy design has been changed too. In the cabin, the feature list is similar to what is also offered on the updated Safari.
Tata Safari and Tata Harrier: Key specifications
Tata Motors has not brought any changes to the mechanics of both Safari and Harrier. The capable 2.0-litre diesel motor continues to do duty and is paired with both automatic and six-speed manual stick.
This article will give you details about the dimensions, or length, width, height and wheelbase of the Tata Safari Facelift. We’ll also look at the ground clearance, boot space, fuel tank capacity and tyre size of the Tata Safari Facelift.
The Tata Safari Facelift is 4668mm long, 1922mm wide and 1795mm tall. Bigger exterior dimensions give a car a stronger road presence. The Safari Facelift has a 2741mm 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.
TATA SAFARI FACELIFT DIMENSIONS
Length
4668mm
Width
1922mm
Height
1795mm
Wheelbase
2741mm
Ground Clearance
200mm
Boot Space
420L
Fuel Tank Capacity
50L
Wheel Size (Base)
235/65 R17
Wheel Size (Top)
245/55 R19
The Tata Safari Facelift has a fuel tank capacity of 50 litres and a boot space measuring 420 litres. The Safari Facelift has a ground clearance of 200mm. The tyre size of the Tata Safari Facelift base model is 235/65 R17 and the top model rides on 245/55 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 Tata Safari Facelift?
The Tata Safari Facelift is 4668mm long, 1922mm wide and 1795mm tall.
What Is The Length Of Tata Safari Facelift?
The Tata Safari Facelift is 4668mm long. Here’s the length of Safari Facelift in other units like centimetres, metres, feet and inches:
Tata Safari Facelift Length
Millimetres
4668mm
Centimetres
466.8cm
Metres
4.668m
Inches
183.78in
Feet
15.31ft
What IsThe Width Of Tata Safari Facelift?
The Tata Safari Facelift is 1922mm wide. Here’s the width of Safari Facelift in other units like centimetres, metres, feet and inches:
Tata Safari Facelift Width
Millimetres
1922mm
Centimetres
192.2cm
Metres
1.922m
Inches
75.67in
Feet
6.31ft
What Is The Height Of Tata Safari Facelift?
The Tata Safari Facelift is 1795mm tall. Here’s the height of Safari Facelift in other units like centimetres, metres, feet and inches:
Tata Safari Facelift Height
Millimetres
1795mm
Centimetres
179.5cm
Metres
1.795m
Inches
70.67in
Feet
5.89ft
What Is The Fuel Tank Capacity Of Tata Safari Facelift?
The Tata Safari Facelift has a fuel tank capacity of 50 litres.
What Is The Wheelbase Of Tata Safari Facelift?
The Tata Safari Facelift has a wheelbase measuring 2741mm. Here’s the wheelbase of Safari Facelift in other units like centimetres, metres, feet and inches:
Tata Safari Facelift Wheelbase
Millimetres
2741mm
Centimetres
274.1cm
Metres
2.741m
Inches
107.91in
Feet
8.99ft
What Is The Boot Space Of Tata Safari Facelift?
The Tata Safari Facelift has a boot space measuring 420 litres. Here’s the boot space information of Safari Facelift in other units like cubic centimetres, cubic metres, cubic inches and cubic feet:
Tata Safari Facelift Boot Space
Litres
420L
Cubic Centimetres
420000cm3
Cubic Metres
0.42m3
Cubic Inches
25630.08in3
Cubic Feet
14.83ft3
What Is The Ground Clearance Of Tata Safari Facelift?
The Tata Safari Facelift has a ground clearance of 200mm. Here’s the ground clearance of Safari Facelift in other units like centimetres, metres, feet and inches:
This article will give you details about the dimensions, or length, width, height and wheelbase of the Tata Harrier Facelift. We’ll also look at the ground clearance, boot space, fuel tank capacity and tyre size of the Tata Harrier Facelift.
The Tata Harrier Facelift is 4605mm long, 1922mm wide and 1718mm tall. Bigger exterior dimensions give a car a stronger road presence. The Harrier Facelift has a 2741mm 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.
TATA HARRIER FACELIFT DIMENSIONS
Length
4605mm
Width
1922mm
Height
1718mm
Wheelbase
2741mm
Ground Clearance
205mm
Boot Space
445L
Fuel Tank Capacity
50L
Wheel Size (Base)
235/65 R17
Wheel Size (Top)
245/55 R19
The Tata Harrier Facelift has a fuel tank capacity of 50 litres and a boot space measuring 445 litres. The Harrier Facelift has a ground clearance of 205mm. The tyre size of the Tata Harrier Facelift base model is 235/65 R17 and the top model rides on 245/55 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 Tata Harrier Facelift?
The Tata Harrier Facelift is 4605mm long, 1922mm wide and 1718mm tall.
What Is The Length Of Tata Harrier Facelift?
The Tata Harrier Facelift is 4605mm long. Here’s the length of Harrier Facelift in other units like centimetres, metres, feet and inches:
Tata Harrier Facelift Length
Millimetres
4605mm
Centimetres
460.5cm
Metres
4.605m
Inches
181.3in
Feet
15.11ft
What IsThe Width Of Tata Harrier Facelift?
The Tata Harrier Facelift is 1922mm wide. Here’s the width of Harrier Facelift in other units like centimetres, metres, feet and inches:
Tata Harrier Facelift Width
Millimetres
1922mm
Centimetres
192.2cm
Metres
1.922m
Inches
75.67in
Feet
6.31ft
What Is The Height Of Tata Harrier Facelift?
The Tata Harrier Facelift is 1718mm tall. Here’s the height of Harrier Facelift in other units like centimetres, metres, feet and inches:
Tata Harrier Facelift Height
Millimetres
1718mm
Centimetres
171.8cm
Metres
1.718m
Inches
67.64in
Feet
5.64ft
What Is The Fuel Tank Capacity Of Tata Harrier Facelift?
The Tata Harrier Facelift has a fuel tank capacity of 50 litres.
What Is The Wheelbase Of Tata Harrier Facelift?
The Tata Harrier Facelift has a wheelbase measuring 2741mm. Here’s the wheelbase of Harrier Facelift in other units like centimetres, metres, feet and inches:
Tata Harrier Facelift Wheelbase
Millimetres
2741mm
Centimetres
274.1cm
Metres
2.741m
Inches
107.91in
Feet
8.99ft
What Is The Boot Space Of Tata Harrier Facelift?
The Tata Harrier Facelift has a boot space measuring 445 litres. Here’s the boot space information of Harrier Facelift in other units like cubic centimetres, cubic metres, cubic inches and cubic feet:
Tata Harrier Facelift Boot Space
Litres
445L
Cubic Centimetres
445000cm3
Cubic Metres
0.445m3
Cubic Inches
27155.68in3
Cubic Feet
15.72ft3
What Is The Ground Clearance Of Tata Harrier Facelift?
The Tata Harrier Facelift has a ground clearance of 205mm. Here’s the ground clearance of Harrier Facelift in other units like centimetres, metres, feet and inches:
By: HT Auto Desk | Updated on: 11 Oct 2023, 16:28 PM
An Indian government panel has recommended that the automakers who step up connectivity features in their cars to communicate with other vehicles and external systems should score better ratings on Bharat NCAP crash tests, Reuters has reported. The panel has reportedly submitted a draft report, which aims to boost road safety as well as introduce a technical blueprint for the connected cars in India. The Ministry of Road, Transport and Highways would decide the next steps on it, claimed the report.
The government panel has proposed the integration of V2X technology in connected cars in India that will help these cars communicate with each other as well as with other systems on the roads including traffic lights.
The proposal by the government panel reflects steps being weighed by the US, China and multiple other countries in Europe. The panel has reportedly proposed the integration of V2X technology in cars to reduce the risk of accidents and traffic congestion as well. With the V2X technology, the connected cars will be able to communicate with other vehicles as well as with other connected systems on the roads, including traffic lights, claimed the report.
The report claims that the 58-page draft proposal has stated that most of the traffic issues in India occur because of non-line-of-sight scenarios. “Most sensors do not work well in these scenarios and V2X fills the gap,” the proposal reportedly added, referring to the connected car technology commonly known as vehicle-to-everything (V2X). The panel reportedly wants the V2X technology to be considered for inclusion in India’s Bharat New Car Assessment Programme (BNCAP) for car safety ratings. This move comes in line with developments abroad. However, the panel didn’t set any deadline for the adoption of its recommendations.
India is known as a country with an alarmingly high number of road accidents, which cause lakhs of deaths and critical injuries to many people every year. If this proposal introduced by the government panel makes it to rule, it could force the automakers to equip the connected cars with technology using the airwaves to send warnings between drivers and communicate with other road systems.
Currently, the Bharat NCAP doesn’t mandate features to be included by car manufacturers, Instead, it assigns star ratings based on the impact of collisions. However, if the proposals by the government panel are to be considered we may see the government mandating the automakers to equip their connected cars with some advanced features.
At present, some cars on Indian roads feature forward collision warning and emergency braking technology. However, mostly these cars use sensors that can be triggered by close proximity. V2X is a more advanced and connected form of this warning technology, as it relies on a dedicated network to issue warnings even kilometres ahead, which enables the driver to be alert well ahead.
Jimny 5-door is expected to be showcased at the Japan Mobility Show later this month.
Maruti Suzuki has begun exporting the made-in-India Jimny 5-door to several international markets, including the Middle East, Latin America and Africa regions. India is the only country that manufactures the off-roader in five-door body style.
Jimny 5-door exported to the Middle East, Africa and Latin America regions
Will not be sold in Europe with petrol engine
Gets the same 1.5-litre petrol as the India-spec car
The Jimny 5-door for exports will have minor region-specific differences, however, there will not be any changes to its powertrain or off-road gear. The rugged ladder-frame SUV comes with a 1.5-litre petrol engine mated to either a 5-speed manual or a 4-speed automatic gearbox.
The Jimny 5-door made its debut at the Auto Expo in January and went on sale in India back in June. Earlier this year, Maruti Suzuki had said it planned to build over one lakh units of the SUV, with around 66 percent of the total production aimed at domestic sales, and the rest for exports. Domestic sales of the Jimny 5-door in India are currently averaging at around 3,000 units a month, and the SUV is available for ready delivery at some outlets, depending on the inventory and variant.
Sources tell us that the made-in-India Jimny 5-door will be showcased at the Japan Mobility Show later this month, and this is possibly the first time the Maruti off-roader is debuting outside India.
Jimny 5-door not for Europe
While the made-in-India Jimny will be sold in multiple international markets, the SUV will not go on sale in Europe, at least not as a passenger vehicle, due to strict emissions norms. As we’ve reported before, the 1.5-litre K15B engine does not clear the emissions regulations that are in effect in the EU where each carmaker can have a maximum fleet average of 95g of CO2/km. The Suzuki K15B engine does not feature any type of electrification, and on the Jimny, it emits high level of CO2. This had led Suzuki to pull the plug on the Jimny 3-door from the European market in January 2020.
The Jimny 3-door did make a comeback in the UK and Europe later as a commercial vehicle. It does not get a second row of seats, but gets a cargo bay and safety partition behind the front seats.
Suzuki Jimny EV will go on sale in Europe first
In February this year, Suzuki released teasers of its future EV models, which included the all-electric Jimny. The SUV will go on sale with an electric powertrain in Europe first and will initially come in the 3-door body style. A 5-door Jimny EV is expected to follow suit later. However, Maruti will first bring the Creta-sized eVX SUV to India as its debut born-EV product in late 2024.
BMW has been actively teasing the second-generation X2 crossover over the last few weeks and now, the German luxury car brand has taken the wrap off the car. The new generation BMW X2 comes with fresh styling, two powertrain options and a wide range of new technologies onboard. Slated for public debut at the upcoming Japan Mobility Show in Tokyo later this month, the X2 could come to India after launching in other global markets.
By: HT Auto Desk | Updated on: 11 Oct 2023, 14:33 PM
The new BMW X2 comes with a significantly updated design and promises up to 307 hp peak power.
The new BMW X2 gets a styling that makes it significantly different from its previous iteration. The new X2 gets a coupe-like roofline that flows seamlessly into the rear. The upright front profile, flared wheel arches and muscular rear profile give the crossover a strong and bold visual appearance compared to its predecessor. The car also comes with updated LED headlamps and taillights. The optional illuminated kidney grille is another design element that sets the X2 apart from its smaller sibling X1. The new X2 is also the first compact crossover from the automaker to come with optional 21-inch wheels.
Watch: 2023 BMW X7 SUV breaks cover: First Look
The car comes with a clean surface thanks to minimal dynamic lines at the side profile. The door handles too come integrated with the body enhancing the aerodynamic efficiency of the car. BMW claims that the new X2 has grown by 7.6 inches in length to 179.8 inches, while its wheelbase comes 0.9 inches longer than the outgoing model.
Moving inside the cabin, the new BMW X2 offers more space to the occupants than to the dimensional upgrade. With more focus on touch and voice control through the BMW Curved Display and BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant, the car comes equipped with BMW iDrive 9. The curved display combines a 10.25-inch instrument cluster and a 10.7-inch touchscreen infotainment display into a single glass panel. Among the new features inside is a cabin-facing camera that can take photos and record videos.
On the powertrain front, the new-gen BMW X2 gets a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine powering the X2 xDrive28i. This is the base variant and it can churn out 237 bhp peak power and 400 Nm of maximum torque. Also, it can reach 0-96 kmph in 6.2 seconds. Powering the top variant X2 M35i xDrive is a more potent 2.0-litre engine that pumps out 307 bhp peak power and 400 Nm peak torque. This engine is capable of propelling the car to 96 kmph from a standstill position in 5.2 seconds. Both versions get a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission.
MINI Countryman Shadow Edition model will be locally manufactured at the BMW Group Plant in Chennai.
By: HT Auto Desk | Updated on: 10 Oct 2023, 16:00 PM
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BMW MINI has launched the Shadow Edition in India based on the Countryman Cooper S JCW Inspired hatchback. The limited series of just 24 units is available for booking on the brand’s official website shop.mini.in, and each of these is priced at ₹49 lakh (ex-showroom).
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The MINI Countryman Shadow Edition model will be locally manufactured at the BMW Group Plant in Chennai. It comes in an all-black body paint with melting silver roof and mirror caps, resembling a midnight black sky with a silver lining. It rides on sporty 18-inch grip spoke alloy wheels and the John Cooper Works aerodynamics kit.
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The Piano Black paint combined with double matt on exterior decals and subtle elements add to the uniqueness of the model. The car comes loaded with premium features such as the Harman Kardon Hi-Fi speaker system, Panorama glass sunroof, navigation system with touch controller and Bluetooth connectivity.
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One of the highlights on the MINI Shadow Edition model is the picnic bench that folds out of the luggage compartment to provide seating space for two along with a fender dirt protection flap. One can simply park their MINI at a scenic location and enjoy some time out in nature.
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Under the hood, the MINI Shadow Edition is powered by the 2-litre 4-cylinder petrol engine with TwinPower Turbo technology, delivering a peak output of 178 hp/131 kW at 5,000 – 6,000 rpm and a maximum torque of 280 Nm at 1,350 – 4,600 rpm. The model can sprint to 100 km/hr in 7.5 seconds at the top speed of 225 km/hr.
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On the inside, Shaded Silver and Leather Chester Malt Brown upholstery contrasts the exterior theme. Further, colour lines along the door panel, armrest surfaces and knee pads under the dashboard compliment the upholstery colours. The model comes with a MINI Excitement Pack that features LED interior and ambient lighting as well as a projection of the MINI logo from the exterior mirror on the driver’s side when opening and closing the car door.
Powering the Magnite EZ-Shift is a 1.0-litre, naturally aspirated petrol engine that produces 71 bhp of max power and a peak torque output of 96 Nm. The new AMT transmission is a 5-speed unit. The manufacturer is claiming a fuel efficiency figure of 19.70 kmpl. When compared, the 5-speed manual gearbox has a claimed fuel efficiency of 19.35 kmpl.
The gearbox has Dual Driving mode which allows the driver to take manual control of the gearbox. Nissan is also offering a creep function which allows the car to move forward when the driver lets go off the brake. There is also an anti-stall & kick-down feature on offer. Moreover, the vehicle comes standard with Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) and Hill Start Assist (HSA).
Watch: Nissan Magnite EZ Shift AMT review: Is it better than the CVT?
Nissan recently introduced the Nissan Magnite Kuro Special Edition, starting at ₹8.27 Lakhs ex-showroom. Derived from the Japanese word for ‘Black,’ the name Kuro captures the essence of this Special Edition. The manufacturer has extensively used black for the exterior as well as the interior for the Kuro Edition.
Mr. Rakesh Srivastava, Managing Director, Nissan Motor India, commented, “Nissan Magnite has been a game-changer, setting new benchmarks with its strong value proposition, top-tier safety ratings, and low cost of ownership. The Nissan Magnite EZ-Shift, launched today at a very aggressive introductory price breaks boundaries as the most accessible affordable AMT in SUV, sedan and hatchback categories and is a game changer for accessible convenience for a wider range of customer preferences for a seamless exciting driving experience.”
New Himalayan 452 gets a liquid-cooled engine and new chassis that will also underpin future models.
We’ve already brought you engine specifications for the new Himalayan 452 as well as how much it weighs. Now we can report that the company will launch the Himalayan 452 on November 7 in India.
We will be riding the bike just a week before the launch so stay tuned for our reviews.
There’s already a lot that’s known about the new Himalayan 452 including the fact that its going to get all-LED lighting, a new instrument console, a USD fork and most likely an extensive range of accessories.
The biggest talking point is the brand-new liquid-cooled, 451.65cc, single-cylinder engine that’s rated for a peak power output of 40hp at 8,000rpm. This will be RE’s first liquid-cooled mill and to hear how it sounds, tap here. Interestingly, the peak power output and the rpms its made at is the exact same as the slightly smaller Triumph Speed 400.
The top-spec Himalayan 411 retails for Rs 2.28 lakh (ex-showroom, Chennai) and when this new 452 model is launched, expect it to be positioned near the Rs 3 lakh mark.
As the Audi A4 2021 gets ready for its debut in India, how much have things changed and how many of these changes are for the better? I got a test drive unit in the last few days of last year to find out if Audi’s big present for year 2021 is capable of carrying forward A4’s popularity in the luxury sedan segment and if it can indeed keep rivals mostly at bay.
And it was quite a revelation indeed. Let’s begin with the experience behind the wheel and behind the front seats.
Drive or be driven, A4 checks most boxes in bold font
The 2021 A4 is a facelift and we will come to the face and the lift in just a bit. Under the hood though is the debut of the 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol motor in this car and it belts out 190 hp and has a tantalizing 320 Nm of torque. For those who may still be wondering, no, this Audi too has no diesel on offer.
A4 from Audi has proportions that blend a classy look with a sporty touch. (HT Auto/Sabyasachi Dasgupta)
Get inside and get it to the drive mode and it is amply clear – yet again – that here is a sedan with the ambitions of being even more sporty than what the numbers would suggest. There is a nice humdinger aura around the A4 as it makes its way forward on city roads, the seven-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox working in tandem with the TFSI engine to deliver a constant stream of momentum.
And once the city skylines begin to fade, the promise of a more sporty drive begins to permeate.
Now the A4 has never really been the sportiest executive sedan around and the latest model isn’t too keen on going down this road either. But in the interest of offering something to he or she who may choose to drive it around, it does offer a bit more bang – Audi claims the new A4 can fire to 100 kmph in just a fraction over seven seconds and it is a claim with weight.
That A4 can sprint a bit is quite evident in the right drive mode but what it doesn’t lose out on while trying to be an Usain Bolt is its ability to also be Mo Farah. But does it really bolt to be called Bolt? Not quite. The sedan does have a sense of purpose around it but it won’t really win many drag races because it continues to prioritize balance over sheer speed thrills. Traction control on or off, it swerves ever so slightly when the pedal is slammed from standstill on a straight line, realizing a micro-millisecond later what it is being asked to do – run and run as hell.
Ideally, I would have liked a bit more feedback from the steering wheel at high speeds because it mostly remains rather muted once one picks up pace. It is well-weighted but lacks a bit of character.
No such complaints on the quality of the drive though as I remained firmly in the seats even when taking a sharp turn or a sudden U, with body roll to a minimum. The suspension is also typically Audi and the A4 gobbles speed breakers while letting in some of the bigger road craters at moderate speeds. And while suspension set ups in cars in this segment usually tend to be on the slightly softer side, the A4 could have ever so slightly gone a bit more towards the middle line.
Jump to the back seats though and it is a fine ride back home.
The recline of the rear seats are such that while the seating position is upright, it isn’t uncomfortable. A button for recline adjustment could have been great though. (HT Auto/Sabyasachi Dasgupta)
The rear seats are generous, plush and offer decent amount of space – for two. The space for legs and knees is commendable even if a tall driver is at the front, but the under-thigh support is just about adequate. The head room too is decent and the recline degree is such that even though you won’t be sitting uncomfortably upright, you will get breezy view of the surroundings. More on the cabin a bit later though.
For now, the style statement.
A4 gets botox treatment. And it works
The A4 is an executive luxury sedan and it is just great how the car has blended its stately looks with a profile that also appeals to those looking for something appealing. The 2021 A4 gets a number of visual updates but all of the changes appear to continue to enhance its bold-not-brazen exterior character.
The single-frame front grille is absolutely new – it gets a chrome boundary line and chrome horizontal slats – and is now wider than before, underlined by a reworked grille. The LED head light unit is also sleeker than in the preceding model and now integrates the pattern turn lights. There is a bit more chrome on the fog lamp enclosing while the bonnet now gets two stretched out character lines on either side and is more sculpted – almost curvaceous – than before.
The imposing single-frame front grille is the defining element of the new A4’s face. (HT Auto/Sabyasachi Dasgupta)
My test unit sat on 17-inch alloy wheels but there is an option to get a larger 18-inch set as well. With either option though, the A4 looks smart from the side and, somehow, has a more stretched out appearance. There are body lines on the side doors and the windows are decently large and enclosed in a chrome casing.
Interestingly, the door handles now pull slightly upwards rather than outright straight out. One major grouch here though is that the doors have to be almost slammed with a sense of impunity because a congenial push is going to set the (door ajar) alarms ringing – literally. This is the most annoying when seated inside and pulling the doors in.
Out and over to the rear is where the re-designed tail lights are at and the slight curve up over the boot lid, the chrome exhaust tips and the grey skid plate all add to a very attractive posterior.
The A4 sedan has a clean rear profile with chrome only at a minimal. (HT Auto/Sabyasachi Dasgupta)
Classic cabin chronicles
The cabin of the new A4 is actually where the bulk of the updates are at. Step inside to see how the car has stepped away from its predecessor.
The standalone 10.1-inch main infotainment unit is just what I want to see in every Audi car – yes, including the Q2 which has a toy-like 8-inch-screen – because it is just so a) vivid, b) responsive and c) great to look at. Frankly, I really don’t mind that there is no second screen for air-conditioning because the physical dials just below the touchscreen work well to ensure the three-zone climate control is simple enough to set and forget.
The standalone 10.1-inch infotainment system sits much like a crown on the dashboard of the new Audi A4. High-quality materials give the A4 a premium cabin appeal. (HT Auto/Sabyasachi Dasgupta)
Between the AC dials are a number of switches for functions such as selecting drive modes, auto ignition cut off, traction control, park assist and for proximity sensors. And still below is a 12V charging socket and a USB point. There is a storage space for a phone here but one can also make use of wireless charging in the space under the central armrest.
The center console itself is done well in black and piano black finish and while it can be a dust magnet, it looks really premium if well maintained. The gear unit is well within reach – not something I can say about the drive select button – and has the two cup holders as well as space to secure the car key.
Knick-knacks aside, the cabin is actually defined by the soft-touch materials all around – from the dash to the side doors, and the nicely cushioned seats come with high-quality stitching. It is just so important for a premium car to look and feel premium, and thankfully, Audi has not cut corners in this regard. Obviously, the front seats can be electronically controlled for position, recline and support, while the steering wheel can be manually adjusted for rake and reach.
Buttons and switches to electronically adjust front seats is standard in this segment of cars. (HT Auto/Sabyasachi Dasgupta)
The A4 also gets a regular-sized sunroof which can be electronically controlled to allow more light to flow in to mix and match with the beige upholstery in this review car unit.
The same sense of pleasing aesthetics continues over at the rear with the same level of premium quality on the side doors and seat cushioning. The floor hump is quite high which means the third person in the middle is going to struggle but three is often a crowd anyway. Two at the back won’t have anything much – except perhaps the lack of any AV unit – to complain about.
If packing in additional luggage emerges as a concern though, don’t fret. The rear seats fold down in 60:40 split for additional options in a near-flatbed layout. Just that these have to be done from within the cabin and there is no switch in the trunk which also misses out on a 12v charging point and instead, gets four luggage hook and a shopping bag hook to keep things in place.
The rear seats can be folded together or in 60:40 ratio for more luggage storage options. (HT Auto/Sabyasachi Dasgupta)
To buy or not to buy
The A4 from Audi has been a stellar performer for a number of reasons. It has pleasing visual aesthetics, a spacious cabin that is also premium and a drive attribute that is a nice balance between stately and sporty. Now, the 2.0 litre engine and the seven-speed automatic gearbox only go to add to the abilities of the A4. Add to it enhanced looks and updated cabin and there is no reason why Audi’s latest in 2021 shouldn’t make a whole lot of sense.
The only two points of note is a) pricing and b) rivals. The competing field is one that is packed with very capable performers as well, each making a solid claim to find a place in your garage. The much-acclaimed Mercedes-Benz C-Class, although slightly aged, and 3 Series from BMW have their own sets of strengths while the Jaguar XE is easily the most youthful of the lot, at least to drive. Then there is the new Volvo S60 that is ready for a March launch with the promise of more spunk in drive and the same mile-long list of safety highlights.
If Audi prices the A4 well, somewhere in the region of a starting tag of ₹42 lakh (ex showroom), it could once again become a disruptive force in its segment.
Entop Simurgh first broke cover in January 2023 as Mada 9 and claims to have been designed, developed and built entirely in Afghanistan.
By: HT Auto Desk | Updated on: 09 Oct 2023, 14:39 PM
1/5
Entop Simurgh is a swanky supercar that has grabbed everyone’s attention at the Geneva Motor Show in Qatar. While the car’s design is certainly look-worthy, the key USP for the Simurgh is the origin country of this sports car. It is the first-ever indigenous supercar from Taliban-controlled Afghanistan, which made this car one of the most extraordinary exhibits at the prestigious automotive event.
2/5
Entop Simurgh first broke cover in January 2023 as Mada 9 and claims to have been designed, developed and built entirely in Afghanistan. The stylish supercar, which is currently in prototype phase and awaits a production-ready avatar, claims to have been developed and built by the Kabul-based manufacturer Entop in collaboration with Afghanistan Technical Vocational Institute (ATVI).
3/5
The Entop Simurgh sports a glossy all-black paint theme. The car carries sleek LED headlamps, slim LED taillights, a sharp front splitter, large black alloy wheels, and flared fenders. The sculpted side profile gets wide air intakes and a bold rear diffuser, while the swooping roofline is there to help it achieve better aerodynamic efficiency.
4/5
Powering the Entop Simurgh supercar is a rear-mounted four-cylinder engine sourced from a 2000 Toyota Corolla. The mid-engine supercar comes with the powerplant cradled between tube chassis and surrounded by lightweight composite materials. While Entop claimed that the engine has been modified specifically for Simurgh, it has not revealed the technical specifications.
5/5
While the Entop Simurgh has grabbed many eyeballs at the Geneva Motor Show in Qatar, this is not the first time the sportscar made its appearance for the public eyes. Previously, the Afghan manufacturer revealed this supercar through its social media platforms. However, the car was christened as Mada 9 at that time and now the company has rebadged it as Simurgh.
Arjun S Nair extends his lead in the JK Tyre Novice Cup after adding two more wins to his tally.
Dark Don Racing’s Arya Singh scored three LGB Formula 4 race wins as the 2023 JK Tyre National Racing Championship (JK NRC) resumed with Round 2 at the Kari Motor Speedway. The Royal Enfield Continental GT Cup, meanwhile, saw two different winners as Md. Samuel Zubair and Jagadeesh Nagaraj won a race each.
LGB Formula 4
The LGB Formula 4 category features made-in-India single-seaters, powered by a 1,298cc Suzuki engine. Singh kicked off Round 2 on a strong note, scoring two back-to-back wins on the opening day. He fended off his Dark Don Racing teammates to win Race 3 as well, but couldn’t repeat that feat in the final race, which followed the reverse grid format.
Starting from ninth on the grid, TS Diljith carved through the field to win the race ahead of Tijil Rao and Singh. This means Dark Don Racing took a clean sweep in the category.
Results
Race 1
1. Arya Singh (Dark Don Racing) 21mins 21.356secs
2. Diljith TS (Dark Don Racing) – 21mins 22.914secs
3. Ruhaan Alva (MSport) – 21mins 26.671secs
Race 2
1. Arya Singh (Dark Don Racing) – 22mins 09.690secs
2. Diljith TS (Dark Don Racing) – 22mins 10.104secs
3. Ruhaan Alva (MSport) – 22mins 11.147secs
Race 3
1. Arya Singh (Dark Don Racing) – 19mins 25.449secs
2. Tijil Rao (Dark Don Racing) – 19mins 29.336secs
3. T.S. Diljith (Dark Don Racing) – 19mins 29.549secs
Race 4
1. T.S. Diljith (Dark Don Racing) – 27mins 43.905secs
2. Tijil Rao (Dark Don Racing) – 27mins 48.538secs
3. Arya Singh (Dark Don Racing) – 27mins 49.901secs
JK Tyre Novice Cup
Carrying on the strong pace they showed in Round 1, both Arjun S Nair and Neythan McPherson won races in the Novice Cup category. Championship leader Nair claimed comfortable wins in the first two races, but met his match in McPherson in the final race, which went down to the wire.
Results
Race 1
1. Arjun S Nair (Momentum Motorsports) – 15mins 04.770secs
The Royal Enfield Continental GT Cup features a grid of both amateur and professional racers competing astride race-prepped Continental GT-R650s. In Race 1, Md Samuel Zubair outperformed several professional riders to score his first win in the championship.
Jagadeesh Nagaraj fended off pressure from Ullas Nanda and Abhishek Vasudev to win Race 2.
Results
Race 1
1. Md. Samuel Zubair – 13mins 45.394secs
2. Jagadeesh Nagaraj – 13mins 45.755secs
3. Abhishek Vasudev – 13mins 45.860secs
Race 2
1. Jagadeesh Nagaraj – 13mins 38.407secs
2. Ullas S. Nanda – 13mins 39.060secs
3. Abhishek Vasudev – 13mins 39.112secs
JK Tyre 250 Cup
Round 2 also hosted the JK Tyre 250 Cup race, with competitors racing on Suzuki Gixxer 250cc bikes. Sarvesh Balappa remains undefeated so far this season after claiming his second win in as many outings. Aldrin Babu and Ashish Patel completed the podium.
Bookings for the ePluto 7G Max are already open across India.
By: HT Auto Desk | Updated on: 08 Oct 2023, 17:00 PM
1/6
Pure EV has announced the launch of the ePluto 7G Max electric scooter at ₹114,999 (ex-showroom). The EV startup has also stated that bookings for the retro-themed electric scooter have been open across the country, with deliveries slated to commence during the upcoming festive season.
2/6
With the launch of the ePluto 7G Max electric scooter, Pure EV aims to increase its sales numbers during the upcoming festive season. The all-new electric scooter comes promising an impressive 201 km range on a single charge. Also, the EV comes with a host of advanced features such as hill-start assist, downhill assist, coasting regen, reverse mode, smart AI for battery longevity etc.
3/6
The retro-themed electric scooter is available in four different colour options: Matte Black, Red, Grey and White. Powering the all-new electric scooter is a 3.5 kWh lithium-ion battery pack that is mated to an electric motor capable of churning out 3.21 bhp peak power.
4/6
The AIS-156 certified battery pack claims to come with a smart battery management system powered by Artificial Intelligence (AI). The scooter gets three different riding modes. Pure EV has said that the scooter comes with a standard battery warranty of 60,000 kilometres and an extended warranty of 70,000 kilometres too is on offer.
5/6
Speaking about the design of the ePluto 7G Max, the scooter dons an old-school design blended with modern elements like LED lights, a fully digital instrument cluster etc. The scooter is equipped with smart regenerative technology, claims the manufacturer. It gets reverse mode assist and parking assist features enhancing the convenience of the rider.
6/6
With the Auto Push function, the EV can move ahead at a steady speed of five kilometres per hour, which means the rider won’t have to push it manually. The model is targeted towards consumers driving around 100 km per day and do not want to go through the hassle of frequent charging.
Wireless charging technology has become one of the prime features offered in modern cars. While all the luxury cars come with this new-age technology-driven feature, mass-market cars too get the same. However, the wireless charging technology in certain BMW cars appears to be causing the Apple iPhone 15 models to permanently lose the ability to use NFC functions such as Apple Pay and Apple CarKey, reported Mac Rumors.
By: HT Auto Desk | Updated on: 08 Oct 2023, 14:35 PM
BMW became the first carmaker to enable its customers to use the iPhone as a fully digital car key.
The report claims that the problem is connected to the NFC chip inside the Apple iPhone 15 models. The NFC chip works on an ultra-low frequency and allows the iPhone 15 users to perform certain functions wirelessly. These include paying for a product or service using Apple Pay or unlocking their cars using Apple CarKey. However, the report claims that charging the iPhone 15 using the wireless charging docks of certain BMW cars may damage the phone’s ability to use the NFC chip permanently.
Watch: Made in India BMW M340i xDrive: First Drive Review
One of the BMW models that have caused such a problem for a user is the 3 Series. An iPhone 15 user has reportedly written on Reddit that the BMW 3 Series acted like an oven heater. The user reportedly claimed that barely charging the iPhone 15 using the wireless charger onboard a BMW 3 Series resulted in the smartphone becoming super hot. However, the report didn’t specify what other BMW cars are causing this issue for iPhone 15 models.
The wireless charging function in a car cabin is powered by a separate charging coil and it uses induction technology. The system works when the dock and the phone’s back are located close to one another. It is not clear, what is causing the malfunction in this case. The report has not revealed whether the iPhone 15 has some issues with the charging coil or the components used in the BMW cars are causing the problem.
New liquid-cooled 452cc engine makes 40hp; fit and finish appear better than Himalayan 411.
The latest reveal from Royal Enfield about the Himalayan 452 shows the bike in all its production-spec glory for the first time.
Gets mountain graphics on a white base paint scheme
New USD fork, new instrument console seen previously
India launch in November
As is evident from the large radiator, this is a liquid-cooled mill, and from a government homologation document, we already know the exact displacement and peak power output for this new bike. The Himalayan 452’s engine is rated for a peak power output of 40hp at 8,000rpm (identical to the new Triumph Speed 400).
What can also be seen here are big fork protectors on the front mudguard and despite its off-road credentials the rider’s seat looks quite approachable as does the pillion’s perch. This shouldn’t come as a surprise as most Himalayan owners tend to use their machines for long hauls fully loaded with luggage and a pillion.
The new fender and overall stance of the bike looks more muscular and purposeful, and it doesn’t appear as slim as the current bike, especially with that big curvy fuel tank. The new stubby exhaust muffler also has better finish levels than the exhaust on the 411. Considering the added performance the new engine has we could see taller ground clearance and added suspension travel than the existing Himalayan. When the Royal Enfield Himalayan 452 does launch in India in November, it will go up against the KTM 390 Adventure (Rs 2.80 lakh – Rs 3. 60 lakh) and BMW G 310 GS (Rs 3.25 lakh).
