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

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

Car interiors evolving into living rooms

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

Car Updates

A living room on wheels

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

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

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

Flexibility of design

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

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

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

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

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

How to book Hyundai Creta N Line-

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

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

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

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

How to book a Hyundai Creta N Line?

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

 

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

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

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

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


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Hyundai India aims 100% renewable energy usage by 2025 to reach RE100 benchmark

Hyundai India aims 100% renewable energy usage by 2025 to reach RE100 benchmark

Hyundai India aims 100% renewable energy

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Hyundai plans to invest ₹32,000 crore for expansion of car and SUV platforms including electric vehicle range and charging infrastructure development

Hyundai
Hyundai plans to invest ₹32,000 crore for expansion of car and SUV platforms including electric vehicle range and charging infrastructure development.

Hyundai Motor India aims to reach the RE100 benchmark by 2025. To achieve this target, the South Korean auto giant aims to use 100 per cent renewable energy for its operations in India. The carmaker has announced in an official release that it has been strategically purchasing green electricity from the Indian Energy Exchange to increase its RE portfolio of 64 per cent. The OEM also claimed that it has conserved energy equivalent to about 19,200 tonnes of oil through key energy management projects till now in India.

Hyundai also claimed that it has achieved 80 per cent water neutrality by utilising recycled RO water and rainwater from harvesting ponds with a capacity of 350,000 tonnes. Besides that, the auto OEM claimed to have reduced hazardous waste by 19.4 per cent and non-hazardous waste by 14.3 per cent over the last five years.

Also Read : Hyundai set to bid farewell to petrol-powered N models. Check details

The development and launch of electric vehicles and the setting up of EV charging infrastructure are also a key part of the brand’s strategy to reach carbon neutrality. For this, the OEM has announced to invest more than 32,000 crores in the next 10 years. This investment will be made for the expansion of car and SUV platforms including electric vehicle range and charging infrastructure development.

Speaking on Hyundai’s aim to reach the RE100 benchmark, Gopala Krishnan CS, Chief Manufacturing Officer at HMIL said that the automaker’s operations are driven by a strong sense of responsibility towards the environment and communities. “Our operations are driven by a strong sense of responsibility towards the environment and our communities. We view this proactive role as an opportunity to contribute to long-term sustainable development goals. Our sustainability initiatives are focused towards carbon neutrality and energy transition, circularity, clean tech products and services, operational eco-efficiency, and natural capital conservation. Our ‘Integrated Solutions to Climate Change’ initiative aims for carbon neutrality by 2045, with a sustainable operating system for future generations,” he added.

First Published Date: 28 Feb 2024, 16:49 PM IST

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Mahindra Thar Earth Edition launched at ₹15.40 lakh. Check what’s different

Mahindra Thar Earth Edition launched at ₹15.40 lakh. Check what’s different

Mahindra Thar Earth Edition launched

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The exterior gets an ‘Earth Edition’ badge and a new Satin Matte colour that Mahindra calls Desert Fury. The ORVMs and the grille now get body colour accents. There are also desert-themed decals and alloy wheels with Thar branding inserts. Apart from this, ‘Mahindra’ and ‘Thar’ wordmarks are in matte black. The 4×4 and Automatic badges are now in matte black with red accents.

Mahindra Thar Earth Edition
The interior feels much more up-market than the standard version of the Thar.

The interior gets a decorative VIN plate on the dashboard. The cabin also looks more upmarket because of the leatherette seats, beige stitching and Earth branding on the seats and the headrest gets a Dune design. The door pads get accents finished in Desert Fury. Apart from all this, there are dual-tone AC vents, thematic inserts on the steering wheel, HVAC housing in piano black and dark chrome for the gear knob, centre gear console, cup holders and a twin peak logo on the steering wheel.

Also Read : Mahindra five-door Thar SUV India launch timeline revealed. Check details

There are also a few accessories on offer such as customised front and rear armrests that customers have been demanding since the Thar was first launched. There are also new 7D mats and a Comfort Kit. It is important to note that the accessories are sold separately.

Thar Earth Edition Petrol MT is priced at 15.40 lakh whereas the AT costs 16.99 lakh. Then there is the Diesel MT at 16.15 lakh and its AT variant costs 17.40 lakh. All prices mentioned are ex-showroom.

First Published Date: 27 Feb 2024, 17:13 PM IST

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Mahindra Thar Earth Edition launched price in India

What is the Aurus Senat? The limousine gifted by Vladimir Putin to Kim Jong Un

What is the Aurus Senat? The limousine gifted by Vladimir Putin to Kim Jong Un

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The UN sanctions ban the supply, sale and transfer of luxury goods including cars to North Korea. So what is the Aurus Senat which has been caught in

Aurus Senat Kim Jong Un Vladimir Putin
The Aurus Senat Limousine was built for Russian President Vladimir Putin and the car was recently gifted to North Korea’s supreme leader Kim Jong Un

Russian President Vladimir Putin recently gifted a new car to North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in a show of friendship between the two state leaders. The luxury limousine ‘Aurus Senat’ has been the talk of the town not for the gift itself but for violating the UN sanctions against Pyongyang. The UN sanctions ban the supply, sale and transfer of luxury goods, including cars, to North Korea. So, what is the Aurus Senat that’s caught in the eye of the storm? We break it down for you.

The Aurus Senat Limousine is Vladimir Putin’s official vehicle and the car is the first Russian luxury vehicle developed in the country. The Aurus Senat made its global debut in 2018 and was originally custom-made for the Russian president under the codename ‘Cortege’.

Also Read : Russia makes luxury cars? US mocks Putin for his gift to North Korea’s Kim

Aurus Senat
The Aurus Senat is built for civilians as well and draws power from a 4.4-litre V8 engine developed with inputs from Porsche Engineering

The Aurus Senat Limousine is the presidential state car while the shorter five-door sedan is also available for civilian purchase. Visually, the Senat borrows several cues from the Rolls-Royce Phantom luxury saloon, even as the company says its retro styling is inspired by the ZIS-110 Soviet limousine of the 1940s.

The Aurus Senat is sizeable at 5,631 mm in length and weighs a hefty 2,700 kg. President Putin’s stretched limousine measures 6,700 mm and also gets armoured protection. This includes bulletproof armour, reinforced glass, bomb-resistant underfloor protection, run-flat rubber tyres, as well as integrated “offensive” weapons and a self-contained oxygen supply. The presidential state car also gets its secure-line communication system.

Aurus Senat
The Aurus Senat’s cabin gets individually adjustable rear seats with entertainment screens for each passenger. The presidential vehicle is completely armoured as well

The cabin remains opulent on the Senat with the best of leather and finer materials gracing the cabin. The model gets dual instrument pods with a large TFT display in the centre and a large infotainment system slotted into the centre console. The rear seats get their respective screens, along with individually adjustable rear seats.

On the power front, the Senat stretched limousine gets a 6.6-litre V12 engine with about 850 bhp on offer, whereas the long-wheelbase saloon is powered by a 4.4-litre V8 developed by NAMI or the Central Scientific Research Automobile and Automotive Engines Institute in Russia. The motor is said to have been developed with inputs from Porsche Engineering and is tuned to produce 590 bhp and 880 Nm of peak torque.

Aurus Senat
The Aurus Senat joins Kim Jong Un’s fleet of luxury cars that includes Maybachs, Lexus, a Mercedes Pullman Guard and more

Kim Jong Un isn’t new to luxury cars and reportedly has a long line of opulent vehicles at his disposal. Reports suggest the leader has at least two Maybach 62s, a Mercedes-Maybach S650, a Lexus LX, a Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600, and a Mercedes Pullman Guard. The new Aurus Senat is now an addition to this list.

First Published Date: 26 Feb 2024, 16:13 PM IST

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India’s passenger vehicle industry to see less than 5% growth in FY25, says Tata

India’s passenger vehicle industry to see less than 5% growth in FY25, says Tata

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  • Tata Motors’ key official Shailesh Chandra has hinted at impending price hikes for passenger vehicles in the coming months.
Tata Tiago
Tata Motors’ key official Shailesh Chandra has hinted at impending price hikes for passenger vehicles in the coming months.

Despite the rapidly rising demand for personal mobility and SUV-mania across the country, India’s passenger vehicle segment is likely to see less than five per cent growth in the next financial year, forecasted Tata Motors. Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles Managing Director Shailesh Chandra stated that India’s domestic passenger vehicle industry is likely to see moderate to less growth in the next fiscal starting in April 2024. However, the Tata Motors official believes electric vehicle sales in the country will grow despite the slow pace of EV charging infrastructure development.

Passenger vehicles to see sluggish growth

Chandra said that in FY23, the industry witnessed 25 per cent growth in the passenger vehicle segment, which is expected to become moderate in this financial year to about eight per cent. The Tata Motors official said that the industry is currently witnessing a high base effect and in the next financial year, there will be be slightly challenging situation for the segment. This challenging situation would result in the industry recording less than a five per cent growth rate in the next financial year, claimed Chandra during an analyst call.

Watch: 2023 Tata Safari review: Family SUV with bachelor spirit?

Passenger vehicles likely to be pricier

In the last few months, automakers in India have announced price hikes for their respective passenger vehicle models citing increasing production costs due to factors such as surging raw material costs, inflation etc. Chandra hinted that there would be more such price hikes in the next financial year, which would pose challenges to the growth of passenger vehicles.

Citing various challenges for the growth of passenger vehicles in India, Chandra noted that while commodity prices have been stable in the past quarter or so, there is a risk that prices may go up going forward. He hinted that costs of crucial raw materials are going up, which may impact the prices of passenger vehicles negatively in the coming months.

Watch: 2023 Tata Nexon EV facelift first drive review: Best-seller gets even better?

Electric vehicles to continue growing

Tata Motors is spearheading the democratisation of electric vehicles in India’s passenger vehicles segment. The homegrown OEM is leading the Indian electric car segment with more than 80 per cent market share. In the last few years, the segment has witnessed rapid growth thanks to various factors such as rising costs of petrol and diesel, narrowing price gap between electric and fossil fuel vehicles, availability of various government subsidies and incentives for EVs, tightening emission norms, growing awareness about environmental pollution and vehicular emissions’ impact on that, the launch of new electric cars etc. Tata Motors believes this growth momentum will continue in the next financial year as well.

Chandra said that in 2023, while the overall passenger vehicle industry grew eight per cent on a year-on-year basis compared to 2022, electric vehicle sales surged by 95-100 per cent YoY compared to the previous year. “I think this trend is likely to continue. So companies with stronger portfolios in CNG and EVs will grow,” Chandra said.

Watch: Tata Altroz iCNG: First Drive Review

Interestingly, this growth projection comes despite the sluggish pace of growth for the electric vehicle charging infrastructure, which is considered a key factor for the growth of electric vehicle sales. “As far as EVs are concerned, I think the biggest challenge here is the pace at which the charging infra is growing. It is lagging behind the pace at which the EV adoption is happening,” Chandra noted further adding, “Given that the charging infra is crucial to the growth and expansion of EV market, we have gone for an open collaboration approach with all charge point operators as well as the oil marketing companies who are focusing on expansion of charging infra.”

First Published Date: 25 Feb 2024, 15:57 PM IST

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Ford EcoSport 1.0-litre EcoBoost variants recalled in the US

Ford EcoSport 1.0-litre EcoBoost variants recalled in the US

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  • The recall affects 137,790 units of the 2018-2022 Ford EcoSport and 2016-2018 Focus models with the 1.0-litre EcoBoost turbo petrol engine.
2018 Ford EcoSport US
The recall affects the 2018-2022 Ford EcoSport and 2016-2018 Focus models powered by the 1.0-litre EcoBoost turbo petrol engine

Ford has issued a voluntary recall for the EcoSport subcompact SUV in the US, as per the documents filed by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The recall affects 137,790 units of the 2018-2022 Ford EcoSport and 2016-2018 Focus models with the 1.0-litre EcoBoost turbo petrol engine. The NHTSA stated that the affected vehicles suffered from oil pressure issues due to a defective oil pump drive belt tensioner arm.

The issue is specific to the 1.0-litre EcoBoost variants of the Ford EcoSport and Focus models where the engine was paired with the 6F15 automatic transmission. The documents state that the belt tensioner arm may fracture because the retention caulk joint wasn’t robust enough to stand engine vibrations. This could end up with the tensioner separating from the backing plate and lead to the belt being degraded by loose teeth.

Also Read : Ford India rolls out last car from Chennai plant, a while EcoSport

The loose belt would then cause the loss of oil pressure, potentially causing damage and seizing the engine. The issue could lead to a loss in engine and braking power, and Ford said that it was aware of a crash due to this issue, which ended up injuring two people. Nevertheless, no fatalities were reported.

2018 Ford EcoSport Interior
The Ford EcoSport was discontinued in India and the US by mid-2022, soon after the automaker’s announced plans to end manufacturing in India

The recall is a part of the investigation by the NHTSA on about 250,000 EcoSports after reports of engine failure emerged in the 2018-2021 models. The EcoBoost engines were under the NHTSA’s scrutiny after 2022 when the US agency began investigations related to the Bronco in the US. About 700,000 Ford and Lincoln models were affected by the investigation powered by the 2.7-litre and 3.0-litre EcoBoost engines.

Also Read : Ford Endeavour design patented in India. Is it coming back?

At the moment, it’s unclear whether the issue is specific to the US-spec EcoSport or if it includes the India-spec models as well. We have reached out to Ford India seeking a statement and will update this piece as and when the company responds.

The Ford EcoSport was discontinued in India and the US by mid-2022 after the automaker decided to cease manufacturing in India. In related news, Ford has been contemplating its return to the country, which is said to be one of the reasons why the Tamil Nadu plant has not been sold yet. Ford’s Sanand facility was sold to Tata Motors last year. The company recently trademarked the new-generation Endeavour in India hinting at the SUV’s return, which could be a second inning for the American automaker.

First Published Date: 13 Jan 2024, 14:42 PM IST

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McLaren 750S with 740 bhp launched at ₹5.91 crore

McLaren 750S with 740 bhp launched at ₹5.91 crore

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Mclaren 750S: Specs and acceleration

Powering the McLaren 750S is a 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 that puts out 740 bhp and 800 Nm of peak torque. The power is sent to the rear wheels using a 7-speed gearbox. It is capable of achieving 0-100km/h in 2.8 seconds and 0-200km/h in 7.2 seconds whereas the Spider version takes 7.3 seconds.

Mclaren 750S: Weight savings

McLaren has focused on reducing the weight of the 750S as much as possible. They use a carbon fibre monocoque, active rear wing, carbon fibre-shelled racing seats and the lightest wheels ever fitted as standard. 750S is lighter than 720S by 30 kg as it has a dry weight of just 1,277 kg.

Mclaren 750S: Rivals

The supercar will lock horns against the Ferrari 296 GTB plug-in Hybrid, as well as the Lamborghini Huracan.

Also Read : McLaren GTS is a practical supercar, tops out at 326 kmph with 617 bhp )

“For 60 years, our past has fuelled our future. At McLaren Racing, every second can make a meaningful difference on the track for our F1 drivers. At McLaren Automotive, this same DNA drives us, every small change yields significant results. It is this ethos from which the 750S was created, carrying this DNA into a new era. It improves everything that matters to a driver and raises the supercar benchmark that we previously set so high with the 720S.” Paul Harris, Managing Director – APAC and China, McLaren Automotive

First Published Date: 12 Jan 2024, 17:18 PM IST

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Kia Sonet facelift to launch tomorrow in India

Kia Sonet facelift to launch tomorrow in India

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  • Kia will offer the Sonet with three engine options – a naturally aspirated petrol, a diesel engine and a turbo-charged petrol engine.
Kia Sonet
Kia Sonet continues to come in three broad trims and is offered in as many as seven variants. There are a plethora of exterior and upholstery colour options as well. (HT Auto/Kunal Vianayak Thale)

After unveiling the Sonet last month, Kia has revealed that they will be launching the compact SUV tomorrow in the Indian market. Kia is already accepting bookings for the 2024 Sonet for a token amount of 25,000. For 2024, the Sonet gets a sharper-looking exterior and a revised interior with an updated feature list.

2024 Kia Sonet facelift: Variants and Trims

Sonet will be offered in three trims – Tech Line, GT Line and X-Line. There will be seven variants on offer.

2024 Kia Sonet facelift: Colours

Kia will sell the 2024 Sonet facelift in eight monotone, two dual-tone and one matte finish paint shades. The brand has introduced a new Pewter Olive colour that is already found on the Seltos.

Watch: Kia Sonet 2024 facelift SUV: Armed with ADAS, ready for rivals

2024 Kia Sonet facelift: Engine and transmission

Just like earlier, the Sonet facelift will be available in three engine options. There will be a naturally aspirated petrol engine, a diesel engine and a turbo-petrol engine on offer.

The naturally aspirated petrol engine will get a 5-speed manual gearbox. Kia is claiming a fuel efficiency figure of 18.83 kmpl. The turbo-petrol engine which will be offered with a 6-speed intelligent manual gearbox and a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. The fuel efficiency figures are rated at 18.7 kmpl and 19.2 kmpl respectively.

The diesel engine gets a 6-speed intelligent manual gearbox with a fuel efficiency figure of 22.3 kmpl, there will also be a 6-speed torque converter automatic transmission rated for a fuel efficiency figure of 18.6 kmpl. Finally, there will be a 6-speed manual gearbox whose fuel efficiency figures have not been unveiled because it is still under certification.

Also Read : 2024 Hyundai Creta vs Kia Seltos: Which South Korean SUV should you choose

2024 Kia Sonet facelift: Rivals

Once launched, the Sonet will be competing against the Maruti Suzuki Brezza, Hyundai Venue, Nissan Magnite, Renault Kiger, Tata Nexon and Mahindra XUV300.

First Published Date: 11 Jan 2024, 17:29 PM IST

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2024 Renault Kwid vs Maruti Suzuki Alto K10: Price and specification comparison

2024 Renault Kwid vs Maruti Suzuki Alto K10: Price and specification comparison

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Renault India has launched the updated Kwid hatchback in the country with a revised list of features, enhancing its appeal further and raising its com

Kwid vs Alto
Renault India has launched the updated Kwid hatchback in the country with a revised list of features, enhancing its appeal further and raising its competitiveness against the Maruti Suzuki Alto K10.

Renault India has launched the 2024 iteration of the Kwid hatchback in the country at a starting price of 4.69 lakh (ex-showroom) alongside its other siblings like Kiger and Triber. While the pricing of the updated Renault Kwid hatchback remains unchanged, the French auto giant has revised the feature list and introduced three new dual-tone exterior shades.

With the launch of the updated Kwid, the RXL(O) variant of the car now comes with an eight-inch touchscreen infotainment system making it the most affordable hatchback in India with this feature. Also, this variant of the Kwid now comes with an AMT gearbox, making it the most affordable automatic car in India. Renault has also made 14 safety features as standard for the Kwid hatchback.

Renault Kwid competes with rivals like the Maruti Suzuki Alto K10, which has been one of the bestselling small hatchbacks in India for a long time. Here is a price and specification comparison between the new Kwid and Maruti Suzuki Alto K10.

2024 Renault Kwid vs Maruti Suzuki Alto K10: Price

The 2024 Renault Kwid is priced between 4.69 lakh and 6.12 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi), while the Maruti Suzuki Alto K10 hatchback is available between 3.99 lakh and 5.96 (ex-showroom, Delhi).

The RXL(O) AMT variant of the Renault Kwid is priced at 5.44 lakh (ex-showroom), which makes it the most affordable automatic car in India, while the closest competitor against it is the Maruti Suzuki Alto K120 VXI AGS, which is priced at 5.61 lakh (ex-showroom).

2024 Renault Kwid vs Maruti Suzuki Alto K10: Specification

The updated Renault Kwid remains the same as the previous model on the powertrain front. Under the hood, the 2024 Renault Kwid continues to draw power from a 1.0-litre, three-cylinder, petrol engine that is capable of churning out 67 bhp peak power and 91 Nm of maximum torque. This engine is available with transmission choices of a five-speed manual and an AMT unit.

On the other hand, powering the Maruti Suzuki Alto K10 is a 1.0-litre K10C petrol engine. This engine is available with transmission options of a five-speed manual unit and an AMT, which the automaker calls Auto Gear Shift or AGS. The Alto K10 hatchback churns out 65 bhp peak power and 89 Nm of maximum torque.

The Alto K10 is available in both petrol-only and petrol-CNG fuel options, while the Renault Kwid has no CNG option. When it comes to power and torque output, the Kwid generates slightly more power and torque than the Alto K10.

First Published Date: 10 Jan 2024, 15:57 PM IST

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Renault India to drive out 5 models in next 3 years, focus likely on new Duster

Renault India to drive out 5 models in next 3 years, focus likely on new Duster

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  • Renault promises to play the SUV game in India much stronger than it has so far while also confirming an EV for the market over the next three years.
Renault Duster
Renault India will drive out the next-generation Triber and Kiger models, an EV and two SUVs in the country in the next three years.

Renault India may have found the going tough over the past few years in the market here because of just three models in the portfolio and all of these three are ageing too. But the French automaker is now promising to fight back and is all set to enter the SUV space as well as electric segment. Renault officials on Tuesday confirmed as many as five launches over the next three years.

Renault, bolstered previously by the enormous success of the Duster only for the model to fade out, is now promising to enter the SUV game with renewed vigour. As such, two new SUVs are being promised for India – a B+ SUV and a C SUV. Although the company stopped short of openly naming Duster, it is more likely that the latest version of the model launched under the Dacia brand in Europe is the one that will also make its way into India. “We are saying that we will bring in a C SUV in the next three years. But I am not saying it will definitely be the Duster,” said Venkatram Mamillapalle, Renault India MD, when asked about the specifics. As for the B+ SUV segment, it refers to the more premium end of the sub-compact SUV space.

At present, Renault offers Kiger in the Indian market and the model competes in the entry-level SUV space, priced between 6.50 lakh and 11.20 lakh (ex-showroom). But while targeting a young set of buyers, the model hasn’t exactly been a rousing success just yet. The company on Tuesday also launched an updated version of the Kiger, complete with more features. The next-generation Kiger will also be introduced over the course of the next three years while the next-generation Triber, the company’s three-row MPV in the sub- 10 lakh bracket will also be brought in.

Also interesting is that Renault has confirmed entering the EV space in India over the next three years but once again, stopped short of elaborating which model or which price bracket this option would eventually be driven out in.

First Published Date: 09 Jan 2024, 12:04 PM IST

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Mercedes-Benz GLS facelift launched with subtle design changes, upgraded MBUX

Mercedes-Benz GLS facelift launched with subtle design changes, upgraded MBUX

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  • The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLS facelift comes with a host of subtle yet noticeable design updates, new features and 48V mild-hybrid technology.
Mercedes GLS
The 2024 Mercedes Benz GLS facelift comes with a host of subtle yet noticeable design updates, new features and 48V mild-hybrid technology.

Mercedes-Benz GLS facelift was officially launched in the Indian luxury car market on Monday at a starting price tag of 1.32 crore (ex-showroom). The facelift iteration of the luxury carmaker’s flagship SUV comes in India after making its global debut in April last year. Mercedes-Benz has been tasting success over the last couple of years as the German luxury carmaker is witnessing rising demand for its SUVs. With the launch of the new GLS, the auto company is expecting a sales boost.

Mercedes-Benz GLS facelift: Variants

In India, Mercedes-Benz will offer the new GLS facelift in two different trims– GLS 450 and GLS 450d. While the GLS 450 is powered by a petrol engine, the GLS 450d is fuelled by a diesel motor. While the petrol variant is priced at 1.32 crore (ex-showroom), the diesel one comes priced at 1.37 crore (ex-showroom).

Mercedes-Benz GLS facelift: Design

The updated Mercedes-Benz GLS gets subtle yet significant visual changes over the outgoing model. The most prominent one among them is the horizontally slated radiator grille finished in silver. The design of the LED headlamps and LED taillights has been revised, while the front bumper of the SUV has been revised as well. The reprofiled front bumper comes with new air inlet grilles and high-gloss black surrounds. Besides these changes, the updated GLS remains unchanged.

Mercedes-Benz GLS facelift: Interior

Interior of the updated flagship Mercedes-Benz SUV is more or less similar to the previous model. However, the SUV features new upholstery options in the form of Catalana Brown and Bahia Brown. Also, the India-spec GLS facelift does not get the six-seater cabin with captain seats in the middle row, which is available in global markets.

The cabin of the facelifted Mercedes-Benz GLS gets an upgraded MBUX infotainment system that combines the centrally mounted touchscreen infotainment system and the driver’s display at the instrument cluster. Other features include a 13-speaker Burmester 590-watt audio system, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, wireless charging for front and rear occupants, sound personalisation etc.

Mercedes-Benz GLS facelift: Safety

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLS facelift gets a parking package comprising a permanent low-speed 360-degree camera and an off-road mode with multiple camera viewpoints surrounding the vehicle. Other safety features on board the luxury SUV include multiple airbags, electronic stability control, a tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS), and Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS).

Mercedes-Benz GLS facelift: Powertrain

The new Mercedes-Benz GLS is available in both petrol and diesel engine options. The GLS 450 is propelled by a 3.0-litre six-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine that churns out 360 bhp power and 500 NM of maximum torque. The diesel-propelled GLS 450d generates 325 bhp power and 700 NM of peak torque.

Both the petrol and diesel engines come paired with a new 48V mild-hybrid system that generates an additional boost of 20 bhp and 200 Nm under heavy load. For transmission duty, the SUV gets a nine-speed automatic gearbox which channels power to all four wheels via the automaker’s famous 4Matic+ all-wheel drive setup. There are three drive modes on offer, which are – Eco, Comfort, and Off-road.

Mercedes-Benz GLS facelift: Rivals

The new Mercedes-Benz GLS facelift comes refreshing its rivalry with the likes of BMW X7, Audi Q8, Volvo XC90 and Land Rover Discovery.

First Published Date: 08 Jan 2024, 13:24 PM IST

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Honda Elevate prices hiked for the new year by up to ₹58,000

Honda Elevate prices hiked for the new year by up to ₹58,000

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The hike is in line with Honda’s announcement in December 2023 to increase prices for the new year. It also marked the end of the Elevate’s introductory prices ranging between 11 lakh and 16 lakh (ex-showroom). The SUV has gotten off to a good start and the model recently crossed the 20,000 sales mark.

Honda Elevate
A stretched and clean dashboard design inside the Honda Elevate lends the interiors a mature appeal

Honda Elevate: Engine Specifications

The Honda Elevate is offered with only the 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine tuned to produce 119 bhp and 145 Nm of peak torque. The motor is paired with a 6-speed manual and a CVT automatic.

Honda Elevate: Features

The model is decently packed with features and gets a 10.25-inch LCD touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. There’s also wireless charging, Honda Connect, soft-touch door and dashboard inserts, and a 7-inch TFT digital instrument console.

Watch: Honda Elevate SUV: First drive review

Honda Elevate: Safety

The Honda Elevate also comes equipped with Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), multi-angle rearview cameras, reverse parking sensors, and more. The SUV is offered in four trims – SV, V, VX and ZX with all but the base variants.

The Elevate takes on several offerings including the Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara, Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder, Kia Seltos, Volkswagen Taigun, Skoda Kushaq and MG Astor. The model will soon face heat from the upcoming Hyundai Creta facelift, set to arrive later this month.

First Published Date: 07 Jan 2024, 14:52 PM IST

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Actor Sharvari Wagh brings home the new-gen Mercedes-Benz GLC SUV

Actor Sharvari Wagh brings home the new-gen Mercedes-Benz GLC SUV

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  • Sharvari Wagh was recently spotted taking delivery of her new prized possession, images of which were shared on social media by the dealership.
Sharvari Wagh Mercedes Benz GLC
Actor Sharvari Wagh recently took the delivery of her new new-gen Mercedes-Benz GLC (Auto Hangar Mumbai)

Actor Sharvari Wagh, known for her performances in Bunty Aur Babli 2 and The Forgotten Army – Azaadi Ke Liye, has brought home the new-generation Mercedes-Benz GLC. The actor was recently spotted taking delivery of her new prized possession, images of which were shared on social media by the dealership. The new-gen Mercedes-Benz GLC was launched last year and is presently priced from 74.20 lakh (ex-showroom) onwards.

The second-generation Mercedes-Benz GLC features a larger grille with a bolder three-pointed star logo. The LED headlights have been redesigned while the profile remains identical. The rear gets new slimmer LED taillights connected by a blacked-out bar on the tailgate. The cabin borrows heavily from the C-Class sedan including the 11.9-inch portrait-style touchscreen information display and a 12.3-inch digital instrument console.

Also Read : 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC SUV drive review: Bettering the beauty of a beast

The new GLC is also loaded on the feature front complete with an air purifier, 360-degree cameras, 64-colour ambient lighting, heated front seats with memory function and a panoramic sunroof. It also gets the virtual ‘transparent bonnet’ feature that uses the front camera to show what’s underneath the SUV. The model can also be raised by 20 mm for better off-roading ability. On the feature front, the new GLC SUV gets seven airbags, pre-safe ADAS tech, and a whole lot more.

Watch: Mercedes Benz GLC 2023: First drive review

While it’s unclear as to which version has Sharvari Wagh opted for, the new-gen GLC is available with petrol and diesel engine options. This includes the GLC 300 with a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol motor tuned for 254 bhp and 400 Nm, while the GLC 220d is the more popular iteration with the 2.0-litre oil burner that churns out 194 bhp and 440 Nm of peak torque. The engines also get a 48-volt mild-hybrid system and an integrated starter generator that helps produce an additional 22.6 bhp and 200 Nm. Both engines are paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission with the 4MATIC all-wheel-drive as standard.

On the work front, Wagh has two projects in the works. She will be seen in Munjya and Vedaa next with both movies scheduled for release later this year.

First Published Date: 06 Jan 2024, 17:13 PM IST

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Volvo clocks over 30% increase in sales in 2023, XC60 remains its best-seller

Volvo clocks over 30% increase in sales in 2023, XC60 remains its best-seller

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  • Volvo launched the C40 Recharge electric SUV as its second fully-electric model in India last year.
Volvo C40 XC40 Recharge
Volvo Cars in India offers two fully electric models in C40 Recharge and XC40 Recharge. The latter found more than 500 homes across India in 2023.

Swedish auto giant Volvo Cars has clocked a significant jump in sales in 2023. The carmaker said it has sold more than 2,400 units in India, registering a growth of 31 per cent compared to 2022. In the previous year, Volvo had sold 1,851 cars across the country and emerged as one of the leading luxury vehicle manufacturers in India.

On Friday (January 5), Volvo released its India sales report for last year. The carmaker sold 2,423 units during this period. It garnered most of its sales from its flagship model XC60 SUV which remains its best-selling model in the country. Even its electric SUV XC40 Recharge contributed handsomely with one-fifth of its overall sales coming from the model.

Volvo is now gearing up for increase in sales in India this year. Jyoti Malhotra, Managing Director at Volvo Car India, said, “The year 2023 has been an impressive year in terms of growth. A 31 per cent growth over the previous year exhibits consumer confidence.” The carmaker recently launched the C40 Recharge electric SUV which contributed with 180 units since its introduction in September last year. More than half of the electric SUV were bought in states like Kerala and Tamil Nadu.

The C40 Recharge is the second pure electric offering from the Swedish luxury car brand after the XC40 Recharge. It is priced at 61.25 lakh (ex-showroom) and sits above the XC40 Recharge as Volvo’s most premium EV offering in India. The C40 Recharge comes equipped with twin electric motors paired with a 78 kWh lithium-ion battery pack and an AWD drivetrain. The dual electric motors are capable of generating 402 bhp of peak power and 660 Nm of maximum torque. The EV is capable of accelerating 0-100 kmph in 4.7 seconds at a top speed of 180 kmph.

Also watch: Volvo C40 Recharge electric SUV first drive review

The XC60 SUV, Volvo’s best-seller in India, saw a significant surge in sales last year. The carmaker said it retailed 921 units of the SUV in 2023. The SUV was launched in a mild hybrid avatar back in October 2021. The XC60 SUV comes powered by a 2.0-litre petrol engine which is mated to a 48V battery pack. The SUV is capable of generating up to 250 hp of power and 350 Nm of peak torque.

First Published Date: 05 Jan 2024, 16:47 PM IST

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New McLaren 750S with 740 bhp to be launched in India on January 10

New McLaren 750S with 740 bhp to be launched in India on January 10

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  • The 750S has the distinction of being the most powerful series-production McLaren to date and will take on the Ferrari 296 GTB in India.
McLaren 750S
The McLaren 750S is a replacement to the 720S and packs more power and torque, and is also about 30 per cent new underneath the bodywork

McLaren India is all set to bring the new 750S supercar to the market as its latest offering and is scheduled to launch on January 10, 2024. The McLaren 750S was globally unveiled in April last year as the spiritual successor to the 720S. The 750S has the distinction of being the most powerful series-production McLaren to date with the twin-turbo V8 engine churning out more power and torque over the predecessor.

McLaren 750S: Engine

The new McLaren 750S draws power from the familiar 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 but the output has gone up to 740 bhp and 800 Nm of peak torque. Couple that with the fact that the 750S is the lightest series-production McLaren road car yet. The British marquee managed to shave off 30 kg of the total weight over the 720S with the 750S tipping the scales at just 1,277 kg (dry).

Also Read : McLaren GTS is a practical supercar, tops out at 326 kmph with 617 bhp

McLaren 750S
The 750S is the lightest and most powerful series-production car to be ever produced by McLaren

McLaren 750S: Specifications

This makes for an incredible power-to-weight ratio of 579 bhp per tonne allowing the McLaren 750S to sprint from 0-100 kmph in just 2.8 seconds while 0-200 kmph will come up in 7.2 seconds and another 4.4 seconds to reach 300 kmph. The top speed is slightly lower at 331 kmph. McLaren has also made changes to the mechanicals with the 750S said to be nearly 30 per cent new underneath the bodywork. This includes a tweaked chassis, a new triple-layer head gasket, lighter pistons, higher-pressure turbochargers, new twin-fuel pumps and a standard-fit sports exhaust. The car also gets new carbon fibre-shelled alloys.

McLaren also reworked the bodywork on the 750S to improve performance and agility across the board. This includes a 6 mm increase in front track, a faster steering rack, 3 per cent lighter springs for a softer feel at the front and 4 per cent stiffer at the rear. The car also gets a new brake booster for an improved pedal feel and an upgraded version of McLaren’s Proactive Chassis Control system to keep body roll in check.

Also Watch: Ferrari 296 GTB review: Red demon with hybrid horns

McLaren 750S: New Styling

Visually, the McLaren 750S can be differentiated by the new and sharper LED headlamps, revised front bumper with larger air intakes and a larger active rear wing. The cabin also gets feature upgrades in the form of wireless charging, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, Nappa leather upholstery, a Bowers and Wilkins music system and the McLaren Control Launcher system for more customisable settings.

The new McLaren 750S should arrive as a coupe first with the convertible following suit. The supercar will lock horns against the Ferrari 296 GTB plug-in Hybrid, as well as the Lamborghini Huracan.

First Published Date: 04 Jan 2024, 22:33 PM IST

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Hyundai, Kia sales fall short of target in 2023, expect to make up in 2024

Hyundai, Kia sales fall short of target in 2023, expect to make up in 2024

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Hyundai sold 6.02 lakh units in the domestic Indian market between January and December of 2023. Kia, its partner in global markets, also clocked 2.55

Hyundai Creta 2024 Kia Sonet 2024
Hyundai and Kia will kickstart the year with the launch of Creta 2024 facelift SUV and Sonet 2024 facelift SUV. While Creta is Hyundai’s best-selling model in India, Sonet is Kia’s second best-seller after Seltos.

South Korea’s Hyundai Motor Co and affiliate Kia Corp forecast on Wednesday that their combined global sales will rise about 2% in 2024, even as last year’s sales fell short of target.

The duo sold 7.3 million vehicles in 2023, about 3% less than their combined target of 7.52 million, largely due to a difficult economic environment, including rising interest rates and inflation that pushed vehicles out of the reach of some buyers. The companies said they would target global sales of 7.44 million vehicles this year.

“Hyundai plans to take a lead in electrification and focus on optimizing profitability by strengthening its global electric vehicle (EV) production infrastructure, establishing flexible business strategies to adapt to market changes, and reinforcing preemptive risk management capabilities,” Hyundai said in a statement.

Kia sold 3.09 million vehicles globally in 2023, posting a new annual global sales record, it said in a statement. Kia’s previous best yearly performance was in 2014, with sales of 3.04 million units.

Analysts said this year’s sales targets for the two companies appeared to be achievable, but that economic issues, including high interest rates, as well as rising incentives would have an impact on auto demand and profitability.

Also Read : Hyundai hits record 6 lakh domestic sales mark in India, all eyes next on Creta

Hyundai is aiming for a 0.6% rise in annual global sales to 4.24 million vehicles, while Kia set its sales target at 3.2 million units, up about 4% from last year.

“It seems that Hyundai’s goal appears to be more conservative than Kia’s … Kia is set to launch new electric vehicles this year, but we need to factor in how the recent slowing growth of global EV sales would fold out,” said Shin Yoon-chul, an analyst at Kiwoom Securities.

Hyundai Motor Group Executive Chair Euisun Chung in his New Year address on Wednesday emphasized customer satisfaction and called for a corporate culture of “preparation” to make swift decisions.

Also Read : BYD beats Tesla to become world’s largest EV maker

“The best strategy is earning the full trust of our customers, not quickly following our competitors … In order to turn these external challenges into opportunities and achieve long-term sustainable growth, we must be prepared,” Chung said in the address.

Shares of Hyundai Motor and Kia closed down 3.3% and 3.9% respectively, versus a 2.3% fall in the benchmark KOSPI.

First Published Date: 03 Jan 2024, 14:56 PM IST

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Skoda Octavia 2024 to make global debut in February. Will it launch in India?

Skoda Octavia 2024 to make global debut in February. Will it launch in India?

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Within months after launching the facelift version of the Superb, Skoda has teased the upcoming Octavia sedan. It will be introduced for glbal markets

Within months after launching the facelift version of the Superb, Skoda has teased the upcoming Octavia sedan. It will be introduced for glbal markets in February.

Skoda Octavia 2024 facelift
Czech auto giant Skoda has teased the upcoming Octavia sedan. It will be unveiled for global markets next month.

Skoda Auto will debut the new Octavia 2024 facelift next month. The Czech auto giant has shared a teaser of the premium sedan’s new avatar ahead of global unveiling in February. The new Octavia will be introduced within months of Skoda launching the new Superb sedan. The Octavia 2024 will be the fifth major facelift the sedan will undergo. The fourth generation Octavia was launched five years back. The sedan was recently discontinued from the Indian markets earlier this year due to the new phase 2 of BS6 emission norms.

Skoda Octavia 2024 facelift will come with several changes. According to the teaser shared by the carmaker, the front face of the sedan will be updated with new LED headlight units. It appears that the reworked headlight unit will come with a V-shape design. Among other updates, the new Octavia is also expected to get a new grille and bumper at the front, redesigned alloy wheels on the sides and reworked LED taillight units as well.

The interior of the Octavia 2024 facelift is also set for revamp. Expected changes include a new 10-inch touchscreen infotainment display, a new 10-inch digital driver display, wireless connectivity with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto among others which are likely to be mostly cosmetic in nature. According to reports, Skoda is also likely to introduce level 2 ADAS in the new Octavia.

Under the hood, Skoda is expected to arm the new Octavia with new hybrid powertrain option. The sedan in its existing version is offered with three engine options which include a 2.0-litre diesel, a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol and a 1.4-litre plug-in hybrid powertrain. In India, Skoda offered the petrol engine which could churn out 188 bhp of power and 320 Nm of peak torque. In its new avatar, Skoda may add a 1.0-litre turbocharged petrol unit with hybrid powertrain as well as a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol with mild-hybrid version.

Skoda has not officially revealed whether the new Octavia will make a comeback to the Indian markets yet. Currently, the carmaker offers Slavia in the sedan segment which replaced the Rapid two years ago. Earlier this year, Skoda discontinued Octavia, along with Superb, from the Indian markets. However, at least one of them is expected to return to India soon.

First Published Date: 02 Jan 2024, 15:59 PM IST

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SUVs propel Mahindra to post 24% sales growth in December

SUVs propel Mahindra to post 24% sales growth in December

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Mahindra’s SUVs witnessed 24 per cent sales growth in December 2023.

XUV700
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.

First Published Date: 01 Jan 2024, 17:36 PM IST

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Year Ender 2023: 5 biggest highlights from the world of F1

Year Ender 2023: 5 biggest highlights from the world of F1

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Let us take a look at the top five moments from the world of F1 in 2023 and what made them exciting.

F1
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 Aston Martin
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.

Max Verstappen Dutch Grand Prix
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.

Abu Dhabi GP 2023
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 Daniel Ricciardo
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.

Carlos Sainz Las Vegas GP 2023
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.

First Published Date: 31 Dec 2023, 16:50 PM IST

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