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.
By: Sameer Fayaz Contractor | Updated on: 28 Dec 2023, 21:58 PM
Indians travelled a whopping 6.8 billion kilometres in Uber cabs during the year, enough to cover the complete 6.37-million km road network in the cou
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Indians travelled a whopping 6.8 billion kilometres in Uber cabs during the year, enough to cover the complete 6.37-million km road network in the country more than a thousand times over.
While Indians travelled 6.8 billion km using Uber cabs in 2023, about 64 million km were covered using EVs
Uber India shared its annual data report revealing several key details about the year. The app-based cab aggregator revealed that Indians travelled a whopping 6.8 billion kilometres in Uber cabs during the year, enough to cover the complete 6.37-million km road network in the country more than a thousand times over. While Delhi-NCR saw the highest Uber trips in 2023, Bengaluru stood in second place with the second-most number of trips.
Sharing rider trends, Uber revealed that Uber Auto and Uber Go were its most popular products in 2023, particularly the former, which has largely been a street-hailed service. Apart from Delhi-NCR and Bengaluru, the cities with the highest number of trips include Hyderabad, Mumbai, Pune, and Kolkata. That said, Mumbai had the most light-night trips booked through the year, while users in Kolkata booked weekend travel the most.
Residents in Delhi-NCR mostly booked through the Uber app for commutes and had the highest number of office-hour trips. The company also revealed that most Uber trips were booked between 6 pm and 7 pm, while the most popular day for booking availing the service was Saturday.
Uber saw its highest monthly bookings in December while the Durga Puja and Christmas weekends were the most popular days for the company. The firm also recorded the highest number of Uber Reserve trips to airports between 4 pm and 5 pm. Concerning Uber Rentals, most users opted for the 2-hour, 20-km package. About 74,000 first-time users booked a seat through the app via Uber Bus. Lonavala was the most frequented tourist destination for users in Mumbai.
2023 also saw Uber introduce its flagship ‘Uber Green’ service bringing the option to book EVs via the app. The company said Indians travelled 64 million km using EVs this year spending a total of 3.9 million hours.
By: Sameer Fayaz Contractor | Updated on: 28 Dec 2023, 15:46 PM
Maruti Suzuki achieved the landmark figure in seven years and eight months since the first generation Vitara Brezza went on sale in March 2016.
The Maruti Suzuki Brezza was launched as the Vitara Brezza in March 2016 and went on to achieve the one million sales milestone in December 2023
Maruti Suzuki has recorded a new milestone with one of its most popular SUVs as the Brezza clocked over 10 lakh units in sales. The achievement comes within eight months since the subcompact SUV crossed the nine lakh sales mark. The automaker achieved the landmark figure in a total of 94 months or seven years and eight months, since the first generation Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza went on sale in March 2016.
As of November 2023, Maruti Suzuki had sold 996,608 units of the Brezza and would need an additional 3,392 units to hit the one million milestone, which the company achieved in early December. Now in its second generation, the SUV has been a top seller right from the start averaging monthly sales of nearly 14,000 units every month.
The Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza was first unveiled at the 2016 Auto Expo
The Maruti Suzuki Brezza has also been the top-selling subcompact SUV in the country surpassing rivals like the Tata Nexon, Kia Sonet, Hyundai Venue, Mahindra XUV300 and the like. Notably, the Nexon is the only other SUV to have sales of more than one lakh units in FY2024 so far in the segment.
Maruti Suzuki clocked the one lakh sales milestone in March 2017 within a year of the Vitara Brezza’s launch. The subcompact SUV went on to hit the five lakh sales mark in January 2020, 46 months since its launch. The remaining five lakh units were achieved in just under 47 months, showcasing the same consistency in sales.
The Maruti Suzuki Brezza CNG launched earlier this year helped bring a new push to overall sales
While the first generation Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza was a diesel-only offering with a 1.3-litre oil burner, the carmaker changed that when the facelift arrived in 2020 plonking the 1.5-litre petrol engine. The automaker went on to add a CNG option in March this year, which pushed sales further amidst rising fuel prices. This helped the SUV claim the top spot in the segment, which it lost out to the Nexon in FY2022 and FY2023.
Maruti Suzuki also showcased the idea of a Brezza CNG automatic at the 2023 Auto Expo but the model has not yet been greenlit for production. The company’s UV offerings have been a massive success and helped Maruti to take the throne of the number one SUV maker in the country from Mahindra this year. The brand’s other SUVs include the Fronx, Jimny, and Grand Vitara
This article will provide you with the information about the battery-motor specs like power, torque, battery capacity, driving range and mileage details of the Citroen eC3 electric .
Considering the body style, size and price range of the Citroen eC3, it competes with the following cars:
Hyundai Kona EV
Tata Nexon EV Prime
What Are The Battery-Motor Specs Of Citroen eC3?
The battery and motor specifications of the Citroen eC3 are as follows:
Citroen eC3
BATTERY-MOTOR SPECIFICATIONS
Battery Capacity
29.2Kwh
Power
57PS
Torque
143NM
Transmission
Automatic
Range (Claimed)
320KM
Charging Time (w/ 7.4kW AC)
10.5 hours
Charging Time (w/ 50kW DC)
57 Minutes
Mileage
10.96
What Is The Mileage Or Fuel Efficiency Of Citroen eC3?
The Citroen eC3 has a mileage of kmpu. This means that Citroen eC3 will cover km for each unit or kWh of electricity.
Read more about how you can get the best mileage or fuel efficiency from your car:
Dashboard will get a new dual-tone finish and larger touchscreen, among other updates.
We have already reported to you that the Mahindra XUV400 EV is due for an equipment upgrade that’ll be introduced sometime in early 2024. Now, a leaked internal document has revealed all the new features that the XUV400 will receive, chief among which will be dual 10.25-inch screens for the infotainment system and instrument cluster.
XUV400 EV to get dual 10.25-inch screens with Adrenox software
Dashboard to get new dual-tone finish, rear AC vents
Launch expected in early 2024
Mahindra XUV400 EV new features revealed
The leaked document reveals the XUV400 EV will get two new trims – EC Pro and EL Pro. It remains to be seen if these new trims will be introduced alongside the existing EC and EL trims, or it replaces them altogether.
The higher-spec EL Pro trim will get the new 10.25-inch screen running Mahindra’s Adrenox software. It will also receive a new 10.25-inch fully digital instrument cluster – the current model uses two analogue dials with a small digital MID in between. And while this will necessitate a major redesign of the dashboard, spy shots suggest that it will not be the twin connected screens as we see on the XUV700.
Other feature additions will include dual-zone climate control with a memory function, wireless phone charger, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Alexa connectivity, rear USB ports as well as rear AC vents which had been sorely missing from the XUV400 so far. The all-black dashboard in the current model will make way for a new dual-tone finish, and there will be a new flat-bottomed steering wheel as well.
We, however, do not expect major cosmetic updates to the extent of the XUV300 facelift that’s also due sometime in early 2024. There could be minor updates here and there, but the overall design will likely remain unchanged.
Mahindra XUV400 EV: no mechanical updates
There will also be no updates on the mechanical front. The leaked document reveals the EC Pro will get the 34.5kWh battery while the EL Pro will get the larger 39.4kWh battery. The former has a claimed range of 375km while the latter has a claimed range of 456km, both on the MIDC cycle. Mahindra could, however, consolidate the lineup by offering the faster 7.2kW AC charger as standard on both variants.
Both variants are powered by a front axle-mounted electric motor that produces 150hp and 310Nm of torque. It also will also continue with disc brakes for all four wheels, regenerative braking and three drive modes.
These updates should help the XUV400 close the gap to the Tata Nexon EV, which recently took a huge leap with a mid-lifecycle facelift. Expect a notable step up in prices as well.
Electric two-wheeler manufacturer Xero EV has joined with battery-swapping technology provider VoltUp for last-mile delivery solutions. The EV maker announced on Wednesday that it aims to get 15,000 electric two-wheelers on the road within the next two years, which will be used in the last-mile delivery segment.
By: HT Auto Desk | Updated on: 27 Dec 2023, 18:18 PM
Xero EV aims to produce 15,000 electric two-wheelers with swappable batteries by 2025.
Under the strategic partnership between Xero EV and VoltUp, the electric two-wheeler manufacturer’s pure electric scooters will leverage the latter’s battery-swapping facility across 12 cities in the country. The EV maker claims the partnership will revolutionise last-mile delivery solutions across these cities. While the company claimed that this partnership will initially benefit the Mink electric scooter, it will also benefit other Xero electric two-wheelers. Xero EV has further claimed that under this partnership, users of its electric two-wheelers will be able to swap their battery packs within a minute.
Speaking about this collaboration, Bharat Pritmani, co-founder of Xero EV has said that the two companies are creating a solution that not only meets but exceeds the demands of last-mile delivery partners. “This collaboration marks a turning point in the electric vehicle industry. By integrating Xero’s energy-efficient products with VoltUp’s swappable battery network, we are creating a solution that not only meets but exceeds the demands of last-mile delivery partners,” Pritmani added.
Ritesh Singh, Head of Business & Strategy at VoltUp said that this partnership between the two companies will play a pivotal role in minimizing costs for riders, unlocking new possibilities for the electric vehicle landscape. “The partnership between VoltUp and Xero EV not only underscores our dedication to offering cutting-edge solutions but also emphasises our commitment to creating a sustainable future for all. As we embark on this journey together, we are confident that this partnership will play a pivotal role in minimizing costs for riders, unlocking new possibilities for the electric vehicle landscape. The integration of VoltUp’s platform into Xero EVs Mink model will significantly reduce charging times, enabling riders to optimize their time on the road and eliminate the waiting game associated with traditional charging or fast charging stations,” he added.
This article will provide you with the information about the battery-motor specs like power, torque, battery capacity, driving range and mileage details of the MG Comet EV electric .
Considering the body style, size and price range of the MG Comet EV, it competes with the following cars:
Hyundai Kona EV
Tata Nexon EV Prime
What Are The Battery-Motor Specs Of MG Comet EV?
The battery and motor specifications of the MG Comet EV are as follows:
MG Comet EV
BATTERY-MOTOR SPECIFICATIONS
Battery Capacity
17.3Kwh
Power
42PS
Torque
110NM
Transmission
Automatic
Range (Claimed)
230KM
Charging Time (w/ 7.4kW AC)
7 hours
Charging Time (w/ 50kW DC)
Mileage
13.29
What Is The Mileage Or Fuel Efficiency Of MG Comet EV?
The MG Comet EV has a mileage of kmpu. This means that MG Comet EV will cover km for each unit or kWh of electricity.
Read more about how you can get the best mileage or fuel efficiency from your car:
Hyundai Creta facelift SUV, all set for launch next month, has once again been spotted testing on Indian roads. The latest spy shot has revealed more details about the Creta 2024 SUV which will make India debut on January 16. The test mule caught on camera offered a brief look at its new dashboard layout with the screens and instrumentation details. This will be the first major facelift of the Creta since it was updated last back in 2020. It will renew rivalry with the likes of Kia Seltos, Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara, Honda Elevate among others in the compact SUV segment.
Hyundai Creta 2024 facelift SUV was spotted testing ahead of its launch next month. The spy shot offers first glimpse at the interior of the upcoming SUV.
The latest spy shot confirms that the upcoming Hyundai Creta will get a new dashboard layout with updated screens and features. The video, which offers a brief glimpse into the interior of the SUV, shows a new steering wheel setup as well. It is similar to the one Hyundai introduced in the new Verna. The digital instrument cluster is also going to be new, something closer to the one seen inside the Alcazar SUV. The infotainment screen is also expected to be updated with new features.
Earlier spy shots hint at more changes inside the cabin of the Creta 2024 SUV. It is likely to come with an all-black theme and dual-tone seats. One of the changes seen inside is that passengers at the rear will also get headrests. Among other features, the new Creta is expected to come with ventilated front seats, 360 degree camera as well as ADAS technology sourced from models like Verna or Tucson.
According to earlier spy shots, the upcoming Creta facelift SUV will have design elements similar to Palisade, Hyundai’s global SUV. It will get vertical LED light setup along with parametric grille at the front. At the rear, besides the updated light setup, the Creta will also get sequential turn indicators. Spy shots have revealed that the new Hyundai Creta SUV will also get connected LED taillight unit. The existing version of the Creta does not come with this feature. The new Creta will join the ranks of Kia Seltos, Tata Harrier and others to introduce this feature in the upcoming version.
Under the hood, Hyundai is likely to offer the new Creta SUV with at least three powertrain options. These include a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine, a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol unit and a 1.5-litre diesel engine. Expect these units to come mated with multiple transmission options which will include a six-speed manual, six-speed automatic and a 7-speed DCT for the turbo unit.
Hyundai Creta is currently available in India at a starting price of ₹10.87 lakh (ex-showroom). The launch price of the new Creta is likely to remain under ₹11 lakh.
.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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