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5 upcoming electric scooter launches in December 2023
It’s the last month of the calendar year and we are all set to get some exciting launches in the market, especially in the electric mobility space. From new variants to special editions and a new brand identity, electric two-wheeler makers have plenty of new offerings lined up, making sure December 2023 will be a busy month for us.
We bring together all the major upcoming electric scooter launches that you can look forward to in December.
Bajaj Chetak Urbane
Kickstarting this month has been Bajaj Auto with the updated Chetak Urbane. The new base variant gets a revised range, drum brakes, and a single Eco riding mode. It also gets a more affordable price tag starting at ₹1.15 lakh, going up to ₹1.21 (all prices, ex-showroom) for the Tecpac with more connectivity options, electronic aids and an additional riding mode. Expect the Bajaj Chetak Premium to be updated soon as well.
Also Read : Bajaj Chetak Urbane launched with upgrades, priced from ₹1.15 lakh
Ather 450 Apex
Ather Energy has announced its plans to launch the 450 Apex soon. The new offering promises to be the fastest iteration of the 450X with impressive acceleration and performance numbers. We wait to see how the new scooter will shape in terms of the hardware and will the upgrades come at a significant premium.
Simple Dot One
Simple Energy may be slow in delivering its maiden electric scooter but that hasn’t stopped the company from announcing its second electric offering. The Simple Dot One is expected to be the start-up’s most accessible model and is likely to share the underpinnings with the One. More details on the Dot One will be available in the coming days.
4. Kinetic Green electric scooter
Kinetic Green is all set to introduce a new electric scooter on December 11, which will mark a new chapter for the company. While details are scarce about the new e-scooter, the company promises to announce a new brand identity with the upcoming model, making it all that special. More details on Kinetic Green’s upcoming electric scooter will be available soon.
5. Gogoro Crossover
Taiwanese electric mobility company Gogoro is all set to bring its first electric offering to the Indian market in the form of the Crossover e-scooter. Making its debut earlier this year, the Gogoro Crossover is a rugged little offering that packs several off-road friendly components that aid in tackling rough terrain easily. Gogoro has not confirmed if it will be making any changes to the e-scooter for the Indian market but we do know that the model will be made in India and is being targeted at B2B users, due to its versatility.
First Published Date: 02 Dec 2023, 18:43 PM IST
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Jaguar Land Rover announces Holiday Service Camp with special offers, Chauffeur training program
Jaguar Land Rover has announced its new Holiday Service Camp for customers that will be held between December 4-9, 2023. The service camps will be held at the company’s authorised dealerships and include offers on branded goods, accessories, value-added services and a new Chauffeur Training Program.
Under the Holiday Service Camp, customers can bring in their Jaguar or Land Rover vehicles for a comprehensive 32-point electronic vehicle health check-up. The service technicians will also check the brakes, wipers, tyres and fluids, as well as the battery health.
Also Read : Tata Avinya series electric SUVs to be underpinned by JLR’s EMA platform
Speaking about the service campaign, Rajan Amba, Managing Director, JLR India, said, “Amidst the excitement of the holiday season, ensuring your vehicle is in top condition becomes paramount. Our holiday service camps offer more than just convenience; they’re a lifeline for a smooth and worry-free journey. From ensuring safety on winter roads to maintaining peak performance for those memorable road trips, investing in our tailored services guarantees complete peace of mind.”
Watch: 2023 Range Rover Velar SUV review: Luxury powerhouse for the elite
The more interesting addition is the specially curated Chauffeur Training Program that will cover all aspects of driving and vehicle maintenance, the company said in a statement. Customers wanting to avail of any of the services will have to schedule an appointment with their respective service centres. Do note that the chauffeur training program will be available in select cities across the country. JLR has 25 dealerships across 21 cities in India
First Published Date: 02 Dec 2023, 16:50 PM IST
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Maruti Suzuki Jimny price, 4×2 version ruled out, sales, price cuts and discounts
The company doesn’t want to veer away from the Jimny’s off-road DNA.
Maruti Suzuki has ruled out the possibility of a cheaper, two-wheel-drive (2WD) variant of the Jimny SUV. The carmaker introduced the Jimny, the successor to its immensely successful off-roader Gypsy in India, in June 2023.
- Jimny 2WD could dilute the brand value, says Maruti
- Not an active consideration despite customer interest
The compact Jimny – re-engineered into a five-door version specifically for India – has not seen a great start in terms of sales, which has hovered in the 3,000-unit monthly ballpark since launch.
The reason for the Jimny’s slow offtake can be primarily attributed to two things – its intended positioning as an off-roader and a slightly optimistic pricing, which ranges from Rs 12.84 lakh to Rs 14.89 lakh, ex-showroom. The Mahindra Thar was also launched as a 4×4, but later got a 4×2 variant, which has seen great customer interest.
According to Shashank Srivastava, senior executive director, Sales and Marketing, Maruti Suzuki India, “While we have received feedback from several customers asking for a 2WD variant of the Jimny, it will go against the Jimny’s core brand ethos.”
“Globally, Jimny is an off-roader, and it will be a dilution to the brand if we introduce a two-wheel drive variant. Therefore, a 2WD Jimny is not in active consideration, and we will continue to sell the 4WD version,” Srivastava added while addressing the media in a press conference on December 1, thus confirming our previous report about the Jimny not getting a 2WD version.
To give a boost to the relatively sluggish sales of the Jimny in the carmaker’s portfolio, Maruti Suzuki had introduced discounts of up to Rs 1 lakh during Diwali. Starting in December, the carmaker has introduced an even more aggressive scheme by slashing the prices of the entry-level manual-transmission variants by Rs 2 lakh for a limited period. It is now available at Rs 10.74 lakh, ex-showroom.
Srivastava says it was the lesser availability of components for the automatic variants that skewed initial production towards the manual variants, leading to significant discounts, but the supply chain has now improved considerably.
Also See:
Maruti Suzuki sales in November rises marginally, small cars biggest contributor
Maruti Suzuki continues to ride high on its small cars as it remains firmly on top of the list of biggest carmakers in India in November. Maruti Suzuki delivered 1.34 lakh units across India last month, up from 1.32 lakh units it clocked in November last year. Though small cars like Alto, Baleno, Swift and WagonR remain the biggest volume drivers for Maruti, the marginal one per cent growth for the carmaker came from its SUV lineup which includes models like Brezza, Grand Vitara and Fronx as well as MPVs like Ertiga and XL6.
On Friday, Maruti Suzuki released its sales report for November. According to the report, Maruti’s smallest offerings Alto and S-Presso contributed 9,959 units last month, down from 18,251 units during the same month last year. Its hatchback segment, which also includes models like Celerio, Dzire and Ignis, contributed 64,679 units to overall sales. However, this segment too, saw a drop from 72,844 units sold in November last year. Overall, both these segments saw nearly 20 per cent drop in sales.
Also Read : Creta, Venue help Hyundai clock growth in November sales
The biggest gainers for Maruti Suzuki in November were its SUVs and MPVs. The lineup, which includes models like Brezza, Fronx, Grand Vitara, Jimny, S-Cross, Ertiga, Invicto and XL6, clocked 49,016 units in November this year. During the same month last year, Maruti’s utility vehicles had contributed 32,563 units. However, Maruti Suzuki did not have models like Fronx, Jimny or Invicto in its lineup back then. EECO, the sole van in Maruti’s line-up, contributed 10,226 units last month.
Also Read : Nexon, Harrier, Safari facelift SUVs fail to boost Tata sales in November
Maruti Suzuki has intensified its SUV game in India. India’s leading passenger vehicle manufacturer had reported about 80 per cent hike in profit in the last three months thanks to the rise in demand for its SUVs. Maruti Suzuki currently leads the SUV segment in India with new-age models introduced in the past one year or so. Models like Grand Vitara and Fronx, which feature as some of India’s top-selling models, have added to Maruti’s tally led by sub-compact SUV Brezza as well as the latest entrant Jimny five-door off-road SUV.
In terms of exports too, Maruti Suzuki has grown last month despatching 22,950 units across its global markets. It is a growth of around 15 per cent compared to 19,738 units exported by the carmaker in November last year.
First Published Date: 01 Dec 2023, 15:47 PM IST
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Maruti Suzuki Jimny becomes more affordable with new Thunder Edition
The Thunder Edition comes with several accessories as standard. It gets a front skid plate, side door cladding, door visor, door sill guard, grip cover in rustic tan, floor mat and graphics on the exterior. There is also a garnish on the front bumper, ORVM, side fender and hood.
Maruti Suzuki has not made any other changes to the Jimny. It continues to come with a 1.5-litre, four-cylinder, K-series naturally aspirated petrol engine that produces 103 bhp of max power at 6,000 rpm and a peak torque output of 134 Nm at 4,000 rpm. It comes mated to a 5-speed manual gearbox or a 4-speed torque converter automatic transmission. The manual gearbox delivers a claimed fuel economy of 16.94 kmpl whereas the automatic transmission delivers 16.39 kmpl. The SUV comes with four-wheel drive as standard and the automatic transmission is available on both variants.
Also Read : Mahindra Thar five-door to break cover soon: Key expectations
In terms of safety equipment, the Jimny is equipped with 6 airbags, brake limited slip differential, ABS with EBD, Electronic Stability Program, Hill Hold Control, Hill Descent Control, Rear View Camera, Brake Assist Function and Engine Immobilizer.
The top-end Alpha variant is equipped with a push start/stop button, cruise control, leather-wrapped steering wheel, automatic climate control and a larger touchscreen infotainment system. Apart from this, it also comes with automatic LED headlamps, headlamp washers, fog lamps, dark green glass window, body-coloured door handles, alloy wheels and electrically foldable ORVMs.
Watch: Maruti Suzuki Jimny SUV: First Drive Review
In terms of dimensions, the Maruti Suzuki Jimny measures 3,985 mm in length, is 1,645 mm wide and stands 1,720 mm tall. It has a wheelbase of 2,590 mm. The main highlight of this version of the vehicle is that it offers more cabin space than its three-door twin because of the longer wheelbase.
First Published Date: 01 Dec 2023, 15:44 PM IST
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Bajaj Chetak price, Chetak Premium range, updated model India launch
The updated Chetak Premium will also get new electronic features as well as a larger boot.
Just a few hours after the new entry-level Chetak Urbane‘s pricing details emerged, we have got our hands on some exclusive information pertaining to the updated Chetak Premium that will be launched very soon.
- Premium will get 3.2kWh battery pack, claimed 127km IDC range
- New TFT dash will be available on “Tecpac” variant
- Price likely to go up marginally
Bajaj seems to be addressing all the shortcomings of the Chetak Premium in one fell swoop with this update. Let’s start with the most impactful one: the battery. The updated Chetak Premium will get a 3.2kWh battery with a claimed IDC range of 127km, which is a significant step up from the current model’s 2.88kWh unit and 108km range figure. With this step up in battery capacity, charging time has also risen, albeit not by a great deal. A 0 to 100 percent charge will now take 4 hours 30 minutes – an increase of just half an hour.
The Chetak has proven to be quite efficient in our range tests and we got more than 100km on a single charge in Eco mode, so expect this updated model to have a similar improvement in real-world range.
Also see:
Ather 450X vs Ola S1 Pro vs TVS iQube S vs Bajaj Chetak EV scooter comparison
Another area where the Chetak fell a little short of its rivals was its 63kph top speed. To remedy that, the updated model has a higher 73kph top speed. Currently, it isn’t known if any changes have been made to the motor to achieve this.
With just about every EV on the market offering a TFT dash (some even incorporating touch functionality), the Chetak’s rather simple LCD display was feeling a little out of place, especially at its asking price. With this update, the Chetak Premium will finally get a TFT dash with Bluetooth connectivity and will incorporate features such as turn-by-turn navigation, music playback, a tyre pressure monitoring system and remote immobilisation. All these features can be accessed by pairing your smartphone to the dash via the Chetak app.
Last but not least, Bajaj has also endowed the updated Chetak Premium with a bigger underseat storage area. The capacity has risen from 18 litres to 21 litres, and while that doesn’t seem like a very big increase, we are given to understand that it will now be easier to fit a helmet in there.
Considering that the Chetak Premium is getting its first comprehensive update since its launch, expect prices to go up to reflect that.
Toyota Taisor Expected Price Variant-Wise Calculation (Updated)
In this article, we’ll estimate the variant-wise ex-showroom price of the upcoming Urban Cruiser Taisor SUV — Toyota’s upcoming small SUV to compete against Tata Nexon, Maruti Brezza, Hyundai Venue, Nissan Magnite, Renault Kiger and Maruti Fronx. We’ll explain the logic behind the calculations in the Taisor expected price table and support our conclusions. As and when we get more information affecting our estimations about the Toyota Taisor price, we’ll update our estimations to accommodate new findings.
Important Note: Toyota haven’t yet confirmed the Taisor for the Indian market. Considering the rumours that the Taisor could be Toyota’s version of the Maruti Suzuki Fronx, we’re fairly confident that the Taisor may materialise sometime before the 2023 festivities start. In fact, it may just pop out of nowhere on a fine day like the Rumion did. So, with the assumptions out of the way, let’s dive into the price estimations.
Toyota Taisor Expected Price Summary
If you’re not interested in getting to know how we arrived at these numbers, then the following table will quickly give you our estimates of the Toyota Taisor price:
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Toyota Taisor — Powertrain/Engine Options
So far, we have seen that any Maruti Suzuki car that ends up with a Toyota badge retains the same powertrain options. In fact, in these cars, even the variant lineup has significant-to-full overlap with Maruti Suzuki cars. Only the variant names are different. The most prominent examples are Baleno-Glanza, Ertiga-Rumion and Vitara-Hyryder. In these cases, we have also noticed that the Toyota cars even retain the same feature distribution making it operationally efficient for the 2 brands to serve different customers with minimal overhead expenses besides the visual touch ups.
For the Taisor, we’re expecting to see the same wine in the same bottle with only a different label. This means that we are likely see the following 5 powertrain options for the Taisor:
- 1.2L normal petrol with 5-speed manual transmission
- 1.2L normal petrol with 5-speed AMT automatic transmission
- 1.2L normal CNG bi-fuel with 5-speed manual transmission
- 1.0L turbo petrol with 5-speed manual transmission
- 1.0L turbo petrol with 6-speed torque converter automatic transmission
Also Read: Toyota Rumion Price Reaction — Expected Vs Launch Price
New Tata Nexon 2023 Price Reaction — Expected Vs Launch Price
Note: Check your Car EMI with our – Car Loan EMI Calculator
Toyota Taisor Variants
Just like the Baleno, we’re expecting to see 4 main variants of the Taisor besides the one Plus variant. It’s also fairly safe to assume that Toyota will follow the same variant naming as the Glanza as the Fronx itself is based on the Baleno hatchback.
We’re expecting to see the following 5 Toyota Taisor variant names:
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Toyota Taisor Price Range
To derive the expected ex-showroom pricing of the Taisor, we’ll first have to look at the prices of the Maruti Fronx in the following table:
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Rumion Effect
With the Rumion prices, we have seen that Toyota are lightening the demand side to balance the supply-demand equation as it’s too heavy right now. With the Fronx, we have seen that the car is in high demand and beginning to consistently hit a 10,000+ units sales figure every month despite carrying considerably higher than expected prices. So, Toyota have a good amount of breathing room to hike prices further to puff up their profit margins and pay Maruti Suzuki the royalty for borrowing their product and R&D.
Nexon Effect
With the Nexon, we have seen Tata push the envelope further as it became the first B2 segment SUV to cross the psychological barrier of Rs. 15.0 lakh. Hence, even if Toyota push the prices of the Taisor beyond where the Fronx’s stand right now, they will come across as value for money in comparison to the Nexon’s. At Rs. 12.0 lakh for the top model with the turbo petrol-manual powertrain, the Taisor will have a strong footing to challenge the Nexon Creative Plus. Even with an ex-showroom price of Rs. 11.70 lakh, the Nexon Creative Plus petrol-manual, it still feels incomplete as it doesn’t get front and rear armrests.
Toyota Effect
There are a lot of buyers who value a smooth ownership experience and long-term reliability a lot more than the fancy features and styling. The moment the Fronx gets the Toyota badge, it brings along Toyota’s trust in the product and their support throughout the ownership.
Not only is the new Nexon far from achieving quality levels comparable with a Toyota product, their 7-speed DCT is also a piece of first gen hardware. Toyota Taisor, on the other hand, will bring a tried and trusted torque converter type automatic with refinement levels you won’t find in a Tata R&D transmission anytime soon. Despite an inefficient torque converter automatic, the Taisor will deliver far better fuel efficiency figures than the Nexon in the real world. It’s, after all, a Maruti Suzuki product behind the Toyota logo. Moreover, it has the torque to offer similar drivability as the Nexon as it has less weight to haul.
To know more about how the weight of a car relates to the safety, you can watch the following video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gCnJNjLdlnw
Maruti Fronx Vs Toyota Taisor – Price Comparison
Before I go off the rails on an unrelated tangent, let’s pivot back to our Taisor’s expected prices and compare them with the Fronx. Just like the Baleno-Glanza and Ertiga-Rumion, we can expect the Taisor’s starting prices to remain closer to the Fronx while higher variants could deviate a fair bit like the Rumion did.
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We expect the Taisor 1.2L petrol-manual variants to cost between Rs. 7.60 lakh and Rs. 9.0 lakh. The 2 AMT variants of the Taisor could cost Rs. 9.0 lakh and Rs. 9.50 lakh (ex-showroom). The Taisor turbo petrol manual range could start from Rs. 10.0 lakh and stretch up to Rs. 12.0 lakh. With the turbo petrol engine and an automatic transmission, the Taisor’s top 2 variants could cost Rs. 12.50 lakh and Rs. 13.50 lakh. Finally, the Taisor E and S CNG variants could carry an ex-showroom price tag of Rs. 8.55 lakh and Rs. 9.45 lakh, respectively.
With these prices, the Taisor will have at least one turbo petrol variant (barely) under Rs. 10.0 lakh. Moreover, it’ll have the 2 petrol-AMT and CNG-manual variants well under Rs. 10.0 lakh (ex-showroom) price. The turbo petrol with the manual and automatic transmission will have no trouble maintaining its premium appeal as it’ll mostly hover well over the Rs. 10.0 lakh limit.
Most importantly, with the Taisor, Toyota will once again have a presence in the B2-SUV space. It’s one of the hottest segments right now and if they bring the Taisor ahead of the festive season, then they can capitalise on the festive shopping spree and steal some sales from other brands as well.
Also Read: Hyundai Creta 2024 Expected Price Range – With Logic
Citroen C3 Aircross Expected Price Calculation – With Logic
Note: Check your car’s fuel cost with Fuel Cost Calculator in India
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First Honda electric motorcycle India launch confirmed in 2024
Honda Global has confirmed plans to launch an electric motorcycle equivalent to 110-125 cc commuters in India next year. The announcement was a part of Honda Motor Co’s new motorcycle electrification strategy, which will see the manufacturer invest $3.4 billion by 2030 on new products and development. The two-wheeler giant also revised its global sales target from 3.5 million to 4 million electric motorcycles by 2030.
The electric motorcycle will come with swappable batteries and will be built in India at the company’s existing manufacturing facility. It will be launched in India first, followed by other ASEAN markets, Japan and Europe. Honda announced electrification plans for India earlier this year promising two electric offerings equivalent to 110-125 cc offerings. While one e-scooter will get a fixed battery, the other model will come with swappable batteries.
Also Read : Honda to launch 2 electric two-wheelers in India in FY2024 with swappable battery.
Speaking during the presentation, Daiki Mihara, Executive Officer – Honda Motorcycle and Power Products Electrification Business Development Unit – Honda Motor Co., said, “Next year 2024, we will launch an electric motorcycle with swappable batteries starting in India and followed by ASEAN, Japan and Europe.”
Honda’s India operations will play a key role in the company’s motorcycle electrification strategy going forward. The company will use its existing facilities to build electric motorcycles from now till 2027 and plans to launch a dedicated plant beyond 2027 for electric motorcycles that will also manufacture important parts in-house to reduce cost. The new plants will have a production capacity of about one million units per year, per plant with an investment of 50 billion yen (approx. ₹2,800 crore) for each new facility.
Mihara further said that the two-wheeler maker will have a dedicated electric motorcycle plant in India, which will be followed up with another e-motorcycle manufacturing facility in the ASEAN region. Honda aims to reduce the cost of finished electric motorcycles by 50 per cent through optimising batteries, adopting modular platforms, and optimising production and procurement. The new assembly lines for electric motorcycles will be 40 per cent shorter when compared to ICE vehicles.
Furthermore, it plans to make major adjustments to its supply chains in order to achieve its goal of selling four million e-motorcycles by 2030 while achieving a 10 per cent operating profit margin. Honda also plans to repurpose its Kumamoto plant in Japan to produce larger-capacity electric motorcycles equivalent to 600-700 cc offerings.
Honda’s future strategy includes bringing 30 new electric motorcycles globally by the end of this decade. The upcoming offerings will pack new technologies including advanced connectivity, OTA updates, and modern data collection systems. The company is also working on improving battery technology and will use LFP battery cells going forward, alongside NMC lithium-ion batteries presently seen on its electric offerings.
First Published Date: 01 Dec 2023, 03:21 AM IST
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MG Hector price, MG Motor India, MG, SAIC-JSW Group joint venture
Along with introducing a broader range of vehicles, the JV will look at augmenting local sourcing, improving charging infrastructure, and the expansion of production capacity.
SAIC Motor and the JSW Group have entered into a strategic joint venture. The Shareholder Agreement and Share Purchase & Share Subscription agreement were signed by the President of SAIC Wang Xiaoqiu and JSW Group’s Parth Jindal at the MG Office in London, with the objective of accelerating the transformation and growth of MG Motor in India.
- Joint venture to expand MG Motor India’s presence
- JSW will hold 35 percent in the Indian joint venture
- Both NEVs and ICE vehicles to be introduced
SAIC Motor and JSW Group will create strategic synergies by bringing together resources in the field of automobiles and new technology. The joint venture will also undertake multiple new initiatives including augmenting local sourcing, improving charging infrastructure, expansion of production capacity, and introducing a broader range of vehicles with a focus on green mobility.
According to the agreement signed, JSW will hold 35 percent share in the Indian JV operations. SAIC will continue supporting the joint venture with advanced technology and products to deliver mobility solutions with a focus on the Indian consumer.
The joint venture is said to optimise SAIC Motor’s vast automotive experience and technical expertise to demonstrate MG’s spiritual cores – globalisation, digitalisation, rejuvenation, and young attitude. It will also leverage the large presence of JSW Group across B2B and B2C sectors of the Indian economy to augment local sourcing and establish a robust supply chain.
Together, SAIC and JSW Group will work towards creating a smart and sustainable automotive ecosystem in India by bolstering the development of NEVs (a four-wheeled EV that has a maximum speed greater than 32kph but not more than 40kph) and ICE vehicles with carbon neutrality, sustainability and green mobility at the centre of its shared vision.
Also see:
Punch EV to Harrier EV: Upcoming new Tata Motors cars you should wait for
Tata Motors is expected to drive in more electric vehicles besides other new models to India in coming days. The upcoming Tata cars, some of which will be launched in the next few months, also include CNG and ICE models too. While Tata Motors has confirmed launch of at least three of these models by next year, the other models have already been showcased in either production version or in concept avatars recently by the carmaker.
Tata Motors is currently the leading carmaker in India in the electric vehicle segment. It offers models like Nexon EV, Tiago EV and Tigor EV. Tata also has two of India’s best-selling SUVs in Nexon and Punch. The carmaker recently launched the facelift version of the Harrier and Safari SUVs. Besides EVs and ICE vehicles, Tata also offers a few CNG models including the Tigor, Tiago, Punch and Altroz. The carmaker will expand all these portfolios with new models in coming days.
Here is a look at some of the new and upcoming cars from Tata Motors stable worth waiting for.
Punch is the smallest SUV in Tata Motors’ lineup in India. The rival to Hyundai Exter, Punch is available in both petrol and diesel versions along with CNG kit too. In August this year, Tata Motors confirmed that it will launch four electric vehicles by early 2024. These upcoming electric vehicles also include the Punch EV, which has already been spotted a number of times during test runs. According to reports, the Punch EV will use the same Ziptron technology that is doing duty on the Nexon EV. The size of the battery could be the ones used for Tigor EV or the Nexon EV. Tata Punch EV could offer range of more than 300 kms in a single charge in the long-range version.
Tata Motors showcased the Curvv Concept model in 2022 highlighting how its design language will change for upcoming models. A year later, the carmaker is preparing to launch Curvv in the production form. Tata had showcased the ICE version of the Curvv at the Auto Expo held earlier this year. Sailesh Chandra, MD at Tata Motors, had confirmed that the Curvv ICE version will be launched in India ahead of its EV avatar by 2024. With either 1.2-litre and 1.5-litre petrol engines under its hood, the Curvv SUV is expected to take on the likes of Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara among others in the compact segment.
Tata Curvv EV
Showcased first as an electric concept, the Curvv SUV is likely to see its EV version launching in India after the ICE version. The Curvv EV will be based on Tata Motor’s X1 platform which will be heavily reworked to become EV ready. According to reports, the expected range of the Curvv electric SUV will be between 400 kms and 500 kms in a single charge. It is not clear if Tata Motors will use the same battery the Nexon EV facelift uses.
Tata Harrier EV
Tata Motors unveiled the Harrier EV at Auto Expo 2023 earlier this year. The carmaker has confirmed that the EV version of Tata’s flagship SUV will go on sale in 2024. It has been spotted testing on roads ahead of its launch within the next few months. Built on the Gen 2 EV architecture, the Harrier EV will come with V2L and V2V charging facilities. As far as design is concerned, the unit showcased by the carmaker at the Auto Expo is slightly different from the Harrier facelift SUV launched in October. Tata Motors has not revealed much about the powertrain and its specifications yet.
Tata Altroz EV
Showcased at the Auto Expo 2020 in concept form, Tata Altroz EV is one of India’s most awaited electric cars. This would be the second hatchback from the carmaker after the Tiago to get an electric version. The Tata Altroz EV is expected to draw power from the automaker’s Ziptron powertrain, which would comprise a permanent magnet AC motor channelling energy to the front wheels via a single-speed transmission. Expect the Altroz EV’s lithium-ion battery pack to offer a range of around 300 kms in a single charge, which could come with fast charging capability.
The Altroz premium hatchback is also expected to get its most powerful variant in the Racer version, which was showcased at the Auto Expo 2023. The sporty-looking version of the hatchback, complete with a dual-tone theme of red and black with white stripes, could be Tata’s answer to the likes if Hyundai i20 N Line. The Altroz Racer is powered by a 1.2-litre turbocharged petrol engine. It produces 120 bhp and 170 Nm of peak torque. These power outputs are more than the Altroz iTurbo. Also, the gearbox has been upgraded, the Altroz Racer gets a 6-speed unit instead of a 5-speed unit.
Tata Nexon CNG
The Nexon SUV, Tata Motors’ best-selling car in India, is currently offered with petrol, diesel and electric versions. However, the carmaker could complete Nexon’s family with the introduction of its twin-cylinder iCNG technology too. The carmaker recently launched the CNG version of Punch SUV. There are talks that Tata Motors is also planning to use the same technology in Nexon too. The sub-compact SUV’s key rival Maruti Suzuki Brezza is the only model in the segment which is offered with CNG technology.
The much-awaited Sierra SUV from Tata Motors was first showcased back in 2020 during Auto Expo. In the 2023 edition of the auto show, Tata Motors returned with an EV concept version of the SUV. Tata Motors has confirmed that the Sierra EV will be launched in India by 2025.
First Published Date: 30 Nov 2023, 14:15 PM IST
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Gogoro Crossover rugged electric scooter to be launched in India on December 12
Taiwan-based electric two-wheeler giant Gogoro has announced it will launch a new offering in India on December 12, 2023. This will be the company’s electric scooter for the Indian market and the manufacturer will be bringing the Gogoro Crossover as its maiden offering. The Gogoro Crossover is a rugged electric scooter that was unveiled in October this year and the model is better equipped to handle rough terrains.
The new Gogoro Crossover electric scooter is pitched as a “two-wheeled SUV” by the company with utility and versatility in focus. The model gets 12-inch wheels wrapped in Maxxis dual-purpose tyres. It gets telescopic front forks with fork gaiters and more black panels across the bodywork. The wheelbase measures a decent 1,400 mm, while the e-scooter is underpinned by a modified steel tubular frame. Braking comes from 220 mm front and 180 mm rear discs.
Also Read : Gogoro unveils Crossover electric scooter with off-road capability.
The Gogoro Crossover gets a ground clearance of 142 mm, which may seem a lot but is still less than the Ather 450X’s 170 mm and the TVS iQube’s 150 mm. It needs to be seen if Gogoro will modify the ground clearance to make it more favourable for Indian road conditions. Gogoro also announced a host of storage accessories for the Crossover to make it more practical.
Other notable bits include the split seats that can fold to become a backrest for the rider while liberating additional space for cargo. Power on the international-spec version comes from a 7 kW electric motor with 26.6 Nm of peak torque, while there are two swappable battery packs with a combined capacity of about 1.6 kWh with a range of 100 km. It’s likely that the India-spec model will be toned down in performance with a smaller and more affordable motor in place to keep costs in check.
Gogoro is expected to bring both B2C and B2B versions to the Indian market and the latter is likely to be in focus first. The upcoming electric scooter will be built at the company’s plant in Maharashtra and the manufacturer is eyeing the last-mile delivery service operators with its new offering. It has already partnered with several players including Swiggy, Zomato and Zypp Electric. The company has also begun setting up swappable battery stations and the first such unit was set up in Gurugram earlier this year. Heavy localisation should give Gogoro the much-required cost advantage to stay competitive in the entry-level electric scooter segment.
First Published Date: 29 Nov 2023, 22:37 PM IST
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2024 Renault Duster makes global debut with 4×4 and hybrid powertrain
Renault’s sister brand, Dacia has officially unveiled the new Duster in Portugal. Yes, the Duster is no longer on sale in the Indian market but the manufacturer has been selling it for the past 13 years. It is expected that the new Duster will go on sale in the Indian market sometime in 2025.
All-New Duster is built on the CMF-B platform which is a flexible platform that was first used on the latest Sandero and Logan models, then on Jogger. The new platform has helped in increasing space for the passengers, and luggage and has also helped in electrification of the SUV.
The 2024 Duster comes with 4×4 Terrain Control with 5 driving modes – Auto, Snow, Mud/Sand, Off-road and Eco. The 4×4 versions get a ground clearance of 217 mm with an approach angle of 31° and a departure angle of 36°.
The SUV now comes with a new 7-inch digital cluster and a new 10.1-inch central touchscreen. There is wireless Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, Arkamys 3D Sound System and navigation with real-time traffic data.
Powering the 2024 Renault Duster are three engine options – Hybrid 140, TCe 130 and Eco-G 100. The four-cylinder, 1.6-litre petrol engine comes mated to two electric motors and an electric automatic gearbox. The petrol engine produces 92 bhp whereas one electric motor produces 48 bhp and the other motor is a high-voltage starter generator. The battery pack on offer is a 1.2 kWh unit that can be charged using brake regeneration. Moreover, the engine always starts on electric power.
Then there is a new 1.2-litre three-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine that runs on Miller cycle with a 48V mild hybrid motor. The electric motor helps the combustion engine when the car starts or accelerates and this also helps in reducing average consumption. The regenerative braking system charges the 0.8 kWh battery. This powertrain will be offered with a 6-speed gearbox in the 4×2 and 4×4 versions.
Also Read : Renault plans big EV and hybrid offensive, to launch three new models in India
Finally, there is the LPG option which runs on petrol as well. There are two tanks, one for petrol while the other one is for LPG. Both have a capacity of 50 litres. There is a button placed on the dashboard that changes the fuel type.
First Published Date: 29 Nov 2023, 15:03 PM IST
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Tata Nexon price, petrol and EV price trends and differences, future price of EVs
Shailesh Chandra, MD of Tata Passenger Electric Mobility, says falling lithium-ion battery prices and low GST rates could help achieve this.
With battery costs falling to a record-low of around $130 (Rs 10,800 approx.) per kilowatt hour, there’s a potential to see a mass market electric car with a real-world range of 250km that’s priced similar to an ICE-powered vehicle within 18 months, says Shailesh Chandra, MD of Tata Passenger Electric Mobility.
- EVs currently priced 25-35 percent higher than ICE counterpart
- ICE to see price increase, while EV prices will decrease
Speaking at our sister publication Autocar Professional’s India EV Conclave, Chandra said that while early adopters of EVs are willing to pay a 20-30 percent premium over conventional ICE vehicles, mainstream buyers want an EV at the same price as an ICE vehicle. “In the foreseeable future – in less than 1 year, 1 and a half years – you are going to see a car with 200-250km real range in the mass market, hitting that level,” he added.
ICE and EV price trends
The head of India’s largest electric carmaker says the future “cost trend is locked in”, where the cost of an internal combustion engine will be “inflationary” in nature to meet the future emissions compliance, whereas for EVs will witness a “deflationary” trend with battery costs likely to fall. “It’s a given, EVs will see a deflationary trend. So, there is a breakpoint at some stage that you are going to see,” said Chandra.
There are several reasons why battery prices are going down. It’s primarily the LFP battery packs – Tata Motors uses LFP, while Mahindra uses NMC – that are becoming more affordable, due to declining raw material costs. This is due to both, a significant increase in lithium production capacity as well as the slowing growth rate of EVs across the globe.
The cost of an electric vehicle over a conventional ICE-powered car is still about 25-35 percent higher due to significant import content and high battery cost. For instance, top-spec variants of the Nexon and Nexon EV are priced at Rs 15.50 lakh and Rs 19.94 lakh (ex-showroom), respectively, which is roughly a difference of about 30 percent.
Chandra believes that with GST at 5 percent, benefit of falling battery cost and benefits accrued out of the government’s production linked incentive (PLI) scheme, the company will not only be able to price its products competitively but the EV business will also start generating profits.
In Tata Motors’ portfolio, models such as the Tiago and Tigor EVs have a real-world range of about 200km, and the upcoming Punch EV could also offer a similar range. Therefore, these entry-level models should be able to close the price gap with their ICE counterparts in the future. Tata Motors will also have an electric derivative of the Harrier, and the upcoming Curvv coupe-SUV too will have both ICE and electric versions. However, these larger vehicles with larger batteries may not be able to achieve the same cost competitiveness as the entry-level models.
Tata Motors’ share in EVs and investments
Tata Motors on its part has single-handedly helped in creating a market for EVs, and has a predominant share of over 85 percent in the nascent yet fast emerging space. The electric car market in India is likely to cross the 1 lakh mark for the first time ever this financial year, and the company is well on course for a six-digit annual sales mark within a year.
Tata Motors has committed USD 2 billion (around Rs 16,600 crore) in investment for its EV business and it has plans of building a portfolio of 10 electric vehicles by 2025. About 15 percent of its total sales comes from EVs, and the company expects EVs to account for 30 percent of its total volumes by 2025.
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Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 vs Yezdi Adventure. Which ADV should you buy?
Royal Enfield has finally launched the much-awaited Himalayan 450 in the Indian market. Now, that the new-gen Himalayan is here, the manufacturer will discontinue the Himalayan 411. One of the rivals of the Himalayan 450 is the Yezdi Adventure. Here is how the new motorcycle stacks against the adventure tourer from Yezdi.
Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 vs Yezdi Adventure: Looks
In terms of looks, both adventure tourers have a function over form design language. However, the Himalayan now has more road presence. This is because of the large fuel tank and the larger proportions. Both motorcycles come with a windscreen, a circular LED headlamp, up-swept exhaust and a split seat setup.
Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 vs Yezdi Adventure: Engine
The new generation of Himalayan has spiced things up when it comes to the engine. Both engines are now liquid-cooled but it is the Himalayan that has a larger engine. As a result, it puts out around 40 bhp whereas the Yezdi produces 29 bhp. There is a huge difference in torque output as well. The Royal Enfield Himalayan’s engine produces 40 Nm whereas the Yezdi puts out 29 Nm. The gearbox on both motorcycles is a 6-speed unit that gets a slip-and-assist clutch.
Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 vs Yezdi Adventure: Features
In terms of features, the Himalayan comes with all LED lighting, riding modes, ride-by-wire, switchable ABS, Bluetooth connectivity and a new TFT instrument cluster that features full maps. Yezdi Adventure comes with a digital instrument cluster, turn-by-turn navigation with Bluetooth connectivity, all LED lighting and switchable ABS.
Also Read : Royal Enfield Shotgun 650 Motoverse Edition launched at ₹4.25 lakh
Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 vs Yezdi Adventure: Hardware
The Himalayan 450 uses up-side down forks in the front and gas gas-charged monoshock at the rear. On the other hand, the Yezdi Adventure uses telescopic forks in the front and a monoshock at the rear. Braking duties on both motorcycles are done by a disc in the front as well as at the rear.
Watch: Royal Enfield Himalayan review: Adventure icon with brand new fashion
Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 vs Yezdi Adventure: Price
The Himalayan 450 now starts at ₹2.69 lakh introductory whereas the Yezdi Adventure starts at ₹2.16 lakh. Both prices are ex-showroom.
First Published Date: 28 Nov 2023, 16:47 PM IST
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Tata Motors launches its fourth vehicle scrapping centre in Chandigarh
Tata Motors has opened a new vehicle scrapping facility, its fourth, in Chandigarh today (November 28). Announcing the start of the new facility, the carmaker said the state-of-the-art facility will be able to scrap around 12,000 end-of-life vehicles each year. The vehicle manufacturer further stated that the new facility is named as Re.Wi.Re, which stands for Recycle with Respect. The new facility was unveiled by Shailesh Chandra, Managing Director at Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles and Tata Passenger Electric Mobility on Tuesday.
Tata Motors said that the facility has been developed and operated by its partner Dada Trading Company. According to the carmaker, the facility will help scrapping of vehicles using environment-friendly processes. The facility, which is fully digitalised, will be able to scrap both passenger and commercial vehicles. It has dedicated centres to dismantle components like batteries, tyres, as well as fuel, oil, liquid and gas. The carmaker said the scrapping centre has dedicated cell-type and line-type dismantling for both type of vehicles.
This new vehicle scrapping centre is the fourth such facility run by Tata Motors. Previously, the carmaker had opened three such centres in Jaipur, Bhubaneshwar and Surat. Shailesh Chandra, MD at Tata Motors, said, “This state-of-the-art facility not only emphasises our unwavering commitment to responsible manufacturing but also represents our dedication to creating a greener and cleaner environment. The establishment of the fourth such facility is a testament to our relentless pursuit of reducing carbon emissions, promoting a circular economy and cultivating a culture of recycling.” In September this year, Tata Motors inaugurated its Surat vehicle scrapping facility. It is capable of recycling 15,000 vehicles every year.
Also Read : Tata cars in India set to be pricier from January 2024
Tata Motors said scrapping of old vehicles will help in getting rid of polluting vehicles and make way for safer and more fuel-efficient vehicles to enter the market. It echoes Union Minister Nitin Gadkari’s vision to discard old vehicles. Gadkari had said that the Centre’s vehicle scrapping policy will increase automobile sales by 18 per cent. He had also said that using the raw materials sourced from scrapped vehicles will save 33 per cent cost on raw material procurement.
The Vehicle Scrappage Policy introduced for the first time in August 2021, focuses on phasing out old and unfit vehicles across India in order to reduce the vehicular pollution level as the older vehicles are known for polluting the environment more than the newer models. This policy aims to de-register private cars that are aged more than 20 years and commercial vehicles aged more than 15 years.
First Published Date: 28 Nov 2023, 13:38 PM IST
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The vintage elegance of the Mercedes W123
Ahead of the Mercedes-Benz Classic Car Rally, here’s getting behind the wheel of the legendary 230 sedan.
It is the Mercedes I used to draw in my school textbooks as a kid. The twin headlights in a single pod, the vertical chrome Mercedes grille, the ‘V’ bonnet. And later, when I just started driving, I got to spend a lot of time with a similar fuel-injected 230 E.
So coming face to face with it again feels like meeting an old friend. The familiar lines have aged very little and many of the details and proportions are so ingrained in my memory, I seem to know every line, every curve. It’s much smaller on the inside than I remember, and some of the buttons on the dash are not the same, but the car feels so familiar that I just want to jump in and drive.
Still, as we walk around the rear, I see that this is a carburetted and not fuel-injected version, so no einspritz ‘e’ suffix after the 230 badge on the boot, from where the E-Class funnily got its name. And it has a sunroof with a unique metal cover; just what we need here in India.
Getting behind the wheel is another nostalgia trip – the sights, the sounds, the smells just get me smiling. And then there’s the legendary build quality. No wonder, these cars ran for millions of kilometres as cabs, especially in Egypt and North Africa. The solid dash, the big four-spoke steering wheel, the manner in which the front seats slide along their rails.
The driver’s seat, with its nigh-perfect contours and large supportive frame, is comfortable even by today’s standards. And I just love those fox-eared headrests. The other thing I love is the huge upright dials with their orange accents and needles, and I absolutely love the manner in which the big chunky dial adjusts fan speed clacks through every slot.
Even better is the legendary door shut with that typical W123 thud and metallic clack from the door latch. Then I insert the key into the bottom left of the ‘70mm’ instrument panel and fire it up. The engine feels smooth, even 43 years on, and it revs in a creamy, silky manner. It is also pretty silent, apart from some mechanical clatter, and what gets the car moving effortlessly is that it has a nice torquey bottom end. Despite having a carburettor, it also accelerates smoothly; no jerks, no hiccups.
What’s exceptional, however, is the ride quality. The tall suspension seems to hover above the road and has plenty of travel. And what sort of sets it apart is that the wheels move under you in a soft, supple manner. The ride is good even by today’s standards.
There’s little doubt the W123 exudes an air of superior engineering. To say it’s a car built without a budget in mind would be something of an exaggeration, but it sure feels like that.
Also see:
10th Mercedes Benz Classic Car Rally: The Showstoppers
Maruti Suzuki to hike prices of its cars from January
If you are planning to buy a Maruti Suzuki car soon, you have just one month to drive home one before it gets costlier. Maruti Suzuki, India’s largest passenger vehicle manufacturer, has announced today (November 27) that it will increase the price of its models from New Year. The new prices will be applicable from January 1 next year. However, Maruti Suzuki has not specified if the fresh price hike will be applicable across all models and also the rate of price increase. The latest hike in Maruti Suzuki car prices will be implemented due to rising production costs.
On Monday, a regulatory filing from Maruti Suzuki said that the hike has become necessary due to ‘increased cost pressure driven by overall inflation and increased commodity prices.’ However, the carmaker assured that it is taking steps to minimise its effect on buyers. It said, “While the company makes maximum efforts to reduce cost and offset the increase, it may have to pass on some increase to the market. This price increase shall vary across models.”
Maruti Suzuki has not specified the quantum of the proposed price hike. The carmaker currently sells small to mid-size cars with few in the compact or large segment. Alto, its entry-level model as well as the smallest car in its lineup, comes at a starting price of ₹3.54 lakh (ex-showroom). The Invicto MPV, based on Toyota Innova HyCross, is the largest car Maruti sells. The price of Invicto starts from ₹24.80 lakh (ex-showroom).
Also Read : Audi cars in India all set to get more expensive from new year 2024
Models like Baleno, Swift and WagonR are the three top-selling cars from the Maruti stable. These three cars generally are the highest selling vehicles in India on a monthly basis. Of late, Maruti Suzuki has also stepped up its SUV game, and has become the largest SUV manufacturer with models like Brezza, Fronx, Grand Vitara and Jimny as offerings. Maruti Suzuki has grabbed 22% of the SUV market share, so far in FY24, which is quite close to its target of 25% for the financial year. The Grand Vitara compact SUV, rival to the likes of Hyundai Creta and Kia Seltos, recently became the fastest model in its category to clock one lakh sales since its launch last year.
First Published Date: 27 Nov 2023, 14:56 PM IST
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Mahindra’s five-door Thar SUV spotted testing again with sunroof
Mahindra and Mahindra’s upcoming five-door Thar SUV has been spotted testing on Indian roads once again. The bigger version of Mahindra’s flagship lifestyle SUV is expected to be launched some time next year. The test mule captured on camera has revealed a few more details about the new Thar which includes some features. When launched, the five-door Thar SUV will take on Maruti Suzuki Jimny SUV as one of its key rivals in the segment. Here is a look at what the five-door is likely to offer.
The video of the Mahindra five-door Thar test unit shared on social media shows the SUV with projector LED headlights placed on either side of a redesigned grille. The fog lights, placed on the bumper, are halogen units. At the rear, the five-door Thar is likely to get the square-shaped LED taillight units and a slightly tweaked bumper. The test mule seen in the video is a hard-top unit which will also offer an electric sunroof, a first in the segment if it makes it to the production version of the SUV. Earlier spy shots have revealed that the sunroof will be a single-pane unit.
The interior of the five-door Thar SUV will come with several changes as well, including updated features. The new Thar is expected to be offered with the same 8-inch digital touchscreen infotainment system that Mahindra offers in the Scorpio-N SUV. The bigger Thar is also likely to get new features like wireless phone charging and dual-zone climate control among others. Regular features like digital driver display, roof-mounted speakers, steering-mounted controls, wireless connectivity and more. Safety features coul include six airbags, parking sensors, tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS), electronic stability control (ESC) among others.
Watch: Mahindra Thar 2020 First Drive Review
Under the hood, Mahindra is likely to use the same 2.0-litre petrol and 2.2-litre diesel engines for the five-door Thar SUV. The 2.2-litre mHawk 130 CRDe diesel can generate kicks out 130 bhp of power and 300 Nm torque. The 2.0-litre mStallion 150 TGDi petrol is capable of churning out 150 bhp of peak power and 320 Nm torque. However, the power output could be slightly different for five–door Thar. Both engines are likely to come mated to either a six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic gearbox. Mahindra is expected to offer the five–door Thar with both 4WD system as well as rear-wheel drive technology.
First Published Date: 27 Nov 2023, 14:31 PM IST
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Toyota Fortuner price, Hilux Champ, IMV0 SUV, India details
Toyota has taken the wraps off the all-new Hilux Champ pickup, its first model based on the recently unveiled IMV 0 platform. Earlier this month, we had reported to you that this new Toyota pickup will be christened Hilux Champ upon debut.
The Hilux Champ has been unveiled in Thailand, which is where it will first go on sale; in the future, it will be launched in more markets like Indonesia, Africa and South America.
- Toyota Hilux Champ gets two wheelbase options
- Three engines, two gearbox options on offer
- IMV 0 platform to spawn a future affordable off-roader
Toyota Hilux Champ: what exactly is it?
The Hilux Champ is the second product for Toyota’s Hilux brand. It has been introduced as a customisable vehicle with as many as 10 configurations, depending on the market. This means, apart from the platform, mechanicals and some body panels, the Hilux Champ can be customised as per a buyer’s needs by third-party car body-builders.
This pickup is primarily aimed at customers who are looking for an affordable alternative to the Hilux, which has now grown much larger in size and also in price from the original. Toyota previewed the Hilux Champ as the IMV 0 concept at the Japan Mobility Show, and as the Toyota Rangga concept in Indonesia a few months ago. The model was also shown in the Philippines where there is a huge demand for customisable vehicles.
In production form, the Hilux Champ gets three powertrain choices. First is the 2.4-litre diesel good for 150hp and mated to either a 5-speed manual (350Nm torque) or a 6-speed automatic (400Nm torque). It also gets two naturally aspirated 4-cylinder petrol engine options – a 2.0-litre unit good for 130hp and 183Nm, and a 2.7-litre unit that delivers 166hp and 245Nm of torque. Both these engines also get a 5-speed manual and a 6-speed automatic gearbox as options. Additionally, there are talks of a strong hybrid petrol option also making its way in some markets.
As far as wheelbase options are concerned, the Hilux Champ SWB is 4.9 metres long, 1.8 metres wide and 1.8 metres tall. It has a 2,750mm wheelbase, which is identical to the Toyota Innova Crysta. Meanwhile, the Hilux Champ LWB is 5.3 metres long, has a 3,085mm wheelbase, and is identical in width and height to the SWB version. Both versions get a 180mm ground clearance.
Toyota Hilux Champ could spawn an affordable Fortuner
While there is no official word on whether the Toyota Hilux Champ will make it to India, the IMV 0 platform, which is a ladder-frame unit, is meant for developing markets, and is likely to spawn an affordable version of the Fortuner. However, sources tell us the Hilux Champ is likely to make its way to India in the future, and the SUV derivative is expected to go on sale around a year after the pickup’s India launch.
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Toyota Innova Crysta waiting period extends to 9 months