By: Mainak Das | Updated on: 06 Mar 2024, 15:13 PM
Hybrid cars have been increasingly becoming popular across India, bridging the gap between electric cars and ICE models.
Hybrid cars have been increasingly becoming popular across India, bridging the gap between electric cars and ICE models.
Hybrid cars are gradually gaining higher traction in the Indian passenger vehicle market. Over the last few years, several automakers present in the Indian market have been shifting their focus on bringing in new cleaner and greener powertrain technologies. While the ultimate goal remains steady on battery electric vehicles, hybrid cars are bridging the gap between pure EVs and fossil fuel-propelled models that run on petrol or diesel.
Market data reveals that between September and November 2023, sales of hybrid cars surged significantly surpassing the electric car retail numbers. While electric car sales have been witnessing a marginal slowdown, in sync with the worldwide trend, hybrid cars are recording a ramp-up in growth. As the numbers testify, a total of 24,062 units of hybrid cars were sold between September and November last year, as against 21,455 units of battery electric cars.
The question is why Indians are in love with hybrid cars instead of pure electric vehicles.
Advantages of hybrid technology over pure ICE or EV
It is well known that hybrid cars offer the benefit of both worlds, internal combustion engines (ICE) and electric vehicles (EV), by combining a fossil fuel engine with an electric motor and a battery pack. By blending the best of both worlds, the hybrid powertrain technology not only ensures lower tailpipe emission compared to pure petrol or pure diesel models but also offers lower fuel consumption and longer driving range, eventually resulting in financial savings for the vehicle owners.
At the same time, hybrid powertrain technology comes at a cheaper cost compared to pure electric vehicles. Besides that, using a hybrid car boosts the consumers’ confidence in electrified propulsion technology. There are different types of hybrid powertrain technology available in the market, which include micro hybrid, mild hybrid, full hybrid and plug-in hybrid. In the first two variants, the electric motor acts as an assisting component for the internal combustion engine, which generates the actual propulsion power, while in the latter two variants, the electric motor itself can generate propulsion power for the vehicle with assistance from a battery pack. Many full hybrid or plug-in hybrid cars can run about 50-kilometre distance on electric power alone.
Watch: Do Hybrid Cars Make More Sense Than EVs In India? | All Things EV | HT Auto
Hybrid cars offer a cost-effective solution against pure ICE, EV and CNG models
In the last few years, several automakers in the Indian passenger vehicle market have launched their respective hybrid cars. Maruti SuzukiGrand Vitara, Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder, HondaCity and Toyota Innova Hycross are some of the key passenger vehicles in the country, which currently are sold as hybrid models. Interestingly, the hybrid powertrain technology has penetrated not only the mass-market segment but the luxury segment as well. The reason behind this is the rising consumer demand for this tech.
Multiple factors have played their bit in this growth story of hybrid cars. Since the Covid-19 pandemic, demands for personal mobility have surged drastically. At the same time, sky-high petrol and diesel prices and the significantly high cost of acquisition for electric cars have paved the way for hybrid cars in India, which satiate the requirement for lower tailpipe emission in the face of tightening emission norms and growing concern for environmental pollution. Besides that, the promise of a longer driving range and lower fuel consumption too helped the growth of hybrid cars.
Petrol and diesel prices in India have shot up by around 41 per cent since 2019. In such a situation increased availability of CNG kits in the aftermarket and OEMs introducing petrol-CNG cars have offered the consumers a viable solution, but with that, the vehicle owners have to compromise on boot storage. Electric vehicles too have come up dramatically in the last few years, but even now, an electric car costs significantly more than its ICE counterpart. Besides that, other factors like confusion about the lifecycle of EVs, lack of charging infrastructure, and range anxiety have been hindering the desired growth of electric cars.
On the other hand, hybrid technology offers a key viable solution, where consumers don’t have to worry about range anxiety or compromise on the boot space of their vehicles while getting the benefit of both ICE and EVs. The consumers have understood this and shifting their focus accordingly. Buoyed by that, carmakers in India are increasingly focusing on bringing hybrid cars into the market, fuelling the cyclic growth in the segment.
Touch-based car controls are inherently dangerous; more physical touchpoints could improve safety.
Touchscreens in cars were quite a novelty when they were first introduced, but in just a few years, they have completely taken over car interiors. In recent years, carmakers have been cramming even the most basic operations into touch panels, and more often than not, the usability and functionality has gone south.
Lately, some carmakers have started moving back to physical controls, in limited ways. In fact, carmakers in Europe are actually being encouraged to stop using touchscreens for basic functions in order to enhance road safety. As per a report by The Times, Euro NCAP is set to introduce a new set of rules for crash testing in January 2026 that will require vehicles to have physical controls for basic functions in order to score a full 5-star safety rating.
Euro NCAP set to introduce new rules in January 2026
Point to be awarded for having physical controls
The proposition is still a work-in-progress
тАЬThe overuse of touchscreens is an industry-wide problem, with almost every vehicle maker moving key controls onto central touchscreens, obliging drivers to take their eyes off the road and raising the risk of distraction crashes,тАЭ said Matthew Avery, director of strategic development at Euro NCAP, to The Times.
Under the new set of rules that could come into effect in 2026, vehicles will need to be fitted with physicals buttons, dials or stalks for operations such as turn signals, hazard lights, horn and windscreen wipers to be eligible for the maximum safety rating.
Tesla, for instance, has completely removed stalks for indicators and wipers on the Model S. Meanwhile, a touch panel for the HVAC controls or integrating them into the infotainment system is also pretty common these days; think of the latest Tatas, Volkswagens and Skodas in India which have a touch panel.
These systems, however, are not the most intuitive to use as users have reported. But why are carmakers pushing screens then? The answer is simple тАУ cost. A single touchscreen panel тАУ usually made of plastic тАУ is much more cost effective to produce than an array of buttons and dials.
Do note that Euro NCAP testing is voluntary, and this does not in any way mean carmakers will mandatorily have to fit physical controls in cars. However, Euro NCAP is backed by several EU governments and several carmakers regularly use these crash test results in their marketing campaigns in order to attract more buyers, so it could have a wider implication. Any risk of points being deducted during such assessments is likely to be taken into consideration.
This, however, is still understood to be work-in-progress, and the exact evaluation procedures havenтАЩt been finalised yet. Reportedly, carmakers have also been made aware of this proposition and they support it.
MG ZS EV launched in new mid-spec Excite Pro variant
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The new MG ZS EV Excite Pro brings the dual-pane panoramic sunroof to the electric SUV becoming the only sub тВ╣20 lakh EV to offer the feature. The model continues to come with other tech including over 75 connected features as well as Level 2 ADAS for additional safety. The model also packs a segment-first digital key, which allows the owner to start the car without using the physical key.
The top variants remain unchanged on the MG ZS EV which continues to get 17 Level 2 ADAS features and more
The hardware has been carried over on the new ZS EV Excite Pro with power coming from the 50.3 kWh battery pack. The automaker claims a range of 461 km (certified) on a single charge, while the electric motor develops 174 bhp sending at the front axle. The feature list on the top variants comprises a 360-degree camera, a 10.1-inch touchscreen, wireless charging, a 7-inch digital console, and more. The model also comes with six airbags, ABS with EBD, ESC, Hill Descent Control, and more.
The MG ZS EV takes on the Tata Nexon EV and Mahindra XUV400 in the segment with both electric SUVs getting significant updates in recent times. The latest update should keep the ZS EV in check with the competition, offering better value to customers.
Mercedes EQE SUV, EQB SUV, EQS sedan, Mercedes India sales
Even as Mercedes dials back its electrification plans globally, its Region Overseas head believes India should stay on the EV track.
Mercedes-Benz announced last month that it would continue to sell combustion-engined cars тАУ even in some developed markets тАУ well into the 2030тАЩs, contrary to its plan of transitioning into an all-electric brand by 2030 тАШwherever market conditions allowтАЩ.
However, while the company may be dialling back its EV plans elsewhere, it believes that electrification should stay on the fast track in India. Sagree Sardien, head of Region Overseas, Mercedes-Benz Cars, says, тАЬFor the Indian market, I think the better strategy would be to go electric as opposed to go to plug-in hybrids.тАЭ
Mercedes-Benz sells just one plug-in hybrid model in India, the AMG GT 4-door coupe. But it has three electric models тАУ the EQS, the EQB, and the EQE SUVs тАУ with plans to introduce three more this year.
тАШIndian market committed to EVsтАЩ
Sardien explained that she sees India as a market committed to EVs and thus advises that the country тАЬtakes the journey faster to battery electric vehiclesтАЭ. Sardien is also confident that the EV market will continue to grow for the brand. тАЬWhilst we are at 4 percent EV penetration in India, we anticipate double-digit penetration going forward,тАЭ Sardien said. For reference, globally, Mercedes EVs account for 19 percent of its total sales.
Mercedes India had record sales in 2023 selling 17,408 units, which is close to its current 20,000 production capacity limit. However, Sardien says the company is ready to cater to any changes in demand patterns and volume. тАЬThe plant in Pune has adequate capacity to be able to handle 20,000. If the market demand changes, of course, we have the flexibility, scalability and speed to adapt. So, if for some reason the Indian market accelerates faster than anticipated, we can scale up equally.тАЭ Currently, the EQB and EQE SUVs are both brought in as CBUs, whereas the EQS is assembled locally.
Hyundai Venue Executive Turbo launched at тВ╣9.99 lakh
The Executive Turbo trim comes with 16-inch dual-tone stylized wheels, dark chrome on the grille, roof rails, shark fin antenna and an тАШExecutiveтАЩ emblem on the tailgate. The interior gets a front centre armrest with storage, 2-step rear reclining seats, 60:40 split seats and adjustable headrests for all passengers.
There is an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, which comes with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay and voice recognition. There is also a digital cluster with a TFT MID for the driver.
For safety, there are 6 airbags, 3 point seatbelts with seat belt reminders, Electronic Stability Control, Vehicle Stability Management, Hill Assist Control, automatic headlamps, tyre pressure monitoring system etc.
Powering the new variant is the same 1.0-litre three-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine. It puts out 118 bhp of max power at 6,000 rpm and a peak torque output of 172 Nm at 1,500 to 4,000 rpm. The Executive Turbo is only available with a 6-speed manual transmission. The engine also comes with an Idle Start/Stop system to enhance fuel efficiency.
Hyundai has also updated the Venue S (O) Turbo variant with an electric sunroof and map lamps for the passenger and the driver. This variant is available with a 6-speed manual gearbox and a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.
The new variant and feature additions should help in attracting more customers. Commenting on the announcement, Mr. Tarun Garg, COO,Hyundai Motor India
Ltd. said, тАЬHyundai has always made India тАШLive the SUV LifeтАЩ. As we move forward on a path towards democratizing SUVs, we are excited to announce the Executive Turbo variant of the Hyundai Venue. This variant is poised to offer an optimum combination of thrilling performance & enhanced convenience features for the value-conscious new-age buyer. We are confident that the addition of the Executive variant of Hyundai Venue will further fuel IndiaтАЩs love for SUVs.”
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.
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 HyundaiCreta 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 тВ╣25,000 which is refundable if the booking is cancelled.
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The other option is to make a booking online. An interested customer can follow the steps below:
Log on to Hyundai Motor India’s Click2Buy online platform.
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.
Next, select one from the eight available variants of Hyundai Creta N Line. Follow up by opting for the body colour option.
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.
Click on тАШProceedтАЩ and complete the transaction for the тВ╣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.
A few days ago we broke the news of MarutiтАЩs plans to introduce its series hybrid technology in India in more affordable offerings like the Fronx, next-gen Baleno and next-gen Swift, among others. And hereтАЩs why I think this technology is going to be a game changer in the truest sense.
Series hybrid vehicles, also referred to as range-extenders or self-charging electric vehicles, work in a manner that’s similar to an electric vehicle (EV). The battery-powered electric motor directly drives the wheels, with the only difference being that the battery doesn’t need to be plugged in; instead the models are fitted with on-board generators to recharge the battery. This generator is run by a petrol engine. A point to note is that its petrol engine never drives the wheels directly.
Where things get really interesting is that according to the Department of Revenue, an EV “that runs solely on electrical energy derived from an external source or from electrical batteries” qualifies under the 5 percent GST bracket.┬а
Further, even the Central Motor Vehicles Rules (CMVR), 1989 (amended in 2002) defines an EV тАЬas a vehicle intended for road use, powered exclusively by an electric motor whose traction energy is supplied exclusively by a traction battery installed in the vehicle”.
ThereтАЩs no mention of tailpipe emissions having been referenced or considered as a factor to define an EV. Which could technically define MarutiтАЩs upcoming range-extenders as EVs, thus qualifying them for the lower GST slab.
This could give these upcoming Marutis a significant price advantage over other ICE cars in the market, including strong hybrids. Not only are these likely to be incredibly efficient, but their on-board generators will eliminate range anxiety associated with EVs, which could make this tech ideal for our market, where charging infrastructure remains at a nascent stage. The question is, will Maruti Suzuki be able to reap the benefits of this grey area in the rulebook and convince authorities to levy a lower GST rate? WeтАЩll know very soon.
Maruti Suzuki ended February as India’s second largest SUV manufacturer behind segment leader Mahindra and Mahindra.
Maruti Suzuki’s dominance in the SUV market has been buoyed by vehicles such as Fronx, Grand Vitara, Brezza and Jimny. The carmaker is currently close second to Mahindra in the SUV segment in terms of sales.
Maruti Suzuki continues to benefit from its sport utility vehicles (SUVs) as it remains one of the largest manufacturers in the segment for the Financial Year 2023-24. From April last year to February 2024, Maruti has sold more than four lakh SUVs, which include the likes of Brezza, Grand Vitara, Fronx, Jimny and S-Cross. Though the carmaker had briefly become India’s largest SUV manufacturer last year, the crown has been retaken by Mahindra and Mahindra, the maker of Scorpio-N, Thar and XUV700 among others. However, Maruti Suzuki plans to continue with its SUV offensive and aims to increase its sales in the coming days.
From small and compact cars to small and compact SUVs – Maruti Suzuki’s shift towards the more popular body-type in passenger vehicle segment has been rapid. In the last two years, the carmaker has driven in as many as four models, including the Grand Vitara, Fronx and Jimny. Maruti Suzuki said that it has sold 4,04,114 units of sport utility vehicles in the ongoing financial year. However, it admitted that it is likely to fail in meeting estimates of selling around 4.50 lakh SUVs within the same fiscal.
In February, Maruti Suzuki delivered 41,256 units of SUVs. Brezza, Fronx and Grand Vitara contributed the bulk of the sales in the segment. Currently, Maruti Suzuki has a little more than 20 per cent market share. The Jimny, one of the most anticipated launches that took place last year, has not been as successful as some of its siblings. However, it managed to increase its sales to 514 last month from the low of 163 units in January this year.
Compared to its rival Mahindra and Mahindra, Maruti Suzuki ended February just short by nearly 1,200 SUVs. Mahindra sold 42,401 units last month, mostly through its popular Scorpio brand which is available in Scorpio-N and Scorpio Classic versions. Jimny’s sales performance could be one of the factors why Maruti Suzuki may not hit the 4.50-lakh unit sales in the segment by March-end. Its performance could also be the reason why Maruti is currently lagging behind Mahindra in terms of market share in the SUV segment.
Third edition of the Red Bull Soapbox race to take place on March 3 in Hyderabad.
The Red Bull Soapbox race returns to India this Sunday after an eight year gap. The third edition of the event will be at Hyderabad on March 3, 2024, with the race starting at 5pm. Team registrations for the race had opened last year and ended on November 15, 2023.
12 teams will participate in this yearтАЩs event
Judges include Harith Noah and few others
Red Bull Soapbox Race: What exactly is it?
As reported by us earlier, Red Bull describes its soapbox race as the тАЬpinnacle of non-motor-racingтАЭ, in typical tongue-in-cheek manner. These races are global events held on mainly city courses with the same concept.┬а
Participants are local amateur entrants that need to build vehicles powered by gravity and leg muscles. The brakes and steering, however, need to be fully functional. The teams will have to build their racer, go to the top of a slope, and let gravity do its thing.
The event will be hosted by some of the popular comedians like Jordanian, Sahiba Bali, Rohan Joshi and Aaditya Kulshreshth among others.
Twelve teams are participating in this yearтАЩs event that will see six judges in total. These include Harith Noah, Tara Sachdev, Ankit Panth, Manpreet Singh, Lalremsiami and Ocean Sharma.
By: HT Auto Desk | Updated on: 29 Feb 2024, 15:07 PM
In the last few years, from Sony to Huawei, Apple to Xiaomi; traditional technology giants have been making major headlines with their automotive vent
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In the last few years, from Sony to Huawei, Apple to Xiaomi; traditional technology giants have been making major headlines with their automotive ventures throwing challenges to conventional auto OEMs. What’s the current status of such tech companies’ automotive projects?
In the last few years, from Sony to Huawei, Apple to Xiaomi; traditional technology giants have been making major headlines with their automotive ventures throwing challenges to conventional auto OEMs.
The automobile industry around the world is going through a rapid and multi-dimensional transformation over the last few years. With the advent of new technologies including connectivity, electric propulsion technology, autonomous driving etc, the industry is witnessing a lot of changes. One such change is the emergence of conventional technology companies as automakers.
In the industry’s massive shift to electric vehicles, legacy automakers and mobility startups are not the only ones trying their luck with vehicles powered by electric propulsion systems. Several global technology companies have been bringing their respective electric vehicles. In the last few years, from Sony to Huawei, Apple to Xiaomi – traditional technology giants have made major headlines with their automotive ventures.
The technology giants’ association with the mobility industry is nothing new. However, to date, the technology companies used to be suppliers for auto manufacturers. But, in the last couple of years, they have evolved drastically and to become new-age mobility companies as well as automobile manufacturers.
However, things have not been a cakewalk for these tech giants in their desired path in the automotive world. Here is the status report about the present scenario of these technology companies’ automotive projects.
Apple
Despite promising a lot through its Project Titan, Apple met little success and the project finally reached a make-or-break point recently due to rising costs and delays. This finally compelled the company to call off its fully autonomous electric car project after a decade since it started sometime in 2014, which was dubbed as one of the most ambitious projects in the history of the tech giant known for its products like iPhone, iPad and Macbook.
Xiaomi
While a tech company on the east side of the Pacific Ocean failed to materialise its dream of making an autonomous electric car, on the west side of the ocean, Chinese tech giant Xiaomi stunned the world with its first EV SU7. A suave all-electric sedan, the Xiaomi SU7 was showcased in the flesh at the Mobile World Congress 2024 in Barcelona. Xiaomi announced the development of the SU7 in 2023. It gets power from a 101 kWh battery pack capable of providing more than 800 kilometres of range on a single charge, significantly higher than the majority of EVs currently on sale.
Sony
Sony joined hands with Honda to make its dream of building an electric car true. Christened Afeela, the tech brand has already showcased a real prototype at the CES 2023. which will spawn the production model in 2026. Before being renamed Afeela, the electric sedan was previously christened Vision S. Sony has claimed that this upcoming EV will not only be a car but will act as a testbed for a wide range of futuristic advanced technologies including autonomous driving and other digital systems.
Huawei
Another Chinese tech giant Huawei too has shown its seriousness about smart electric cars. The company had set up an EV brand called Aito in 2021 in association with Seres Group. Under the Aito brand, already three electric cars have been launched: M5, M7 and M9; while a fourth model M8 is under development. Besides that, Huawei also rolled out two new vehicles in China, including its first electric sedan, the Luxeed S7, which is designed to take on Tesla models. Just a few weeks ago, Huawei set up a separate smart car unit, in another stride forward in the Chinese tech giantтАЩs automotive ambitions.
F1 fans in India now have a more affordable alternative to F1TV Pro.
Indian sports streaming platform FanCode has acquired the rights to stream F1 in India. This is part of a two-year deal that will cover the 2024 and 2025 seasons.
F1тАЩs broadcasting agreement with Sport Sports, which also included streaming on Hotstar, expired at the end of the 2022 season, leaving the sport without any TV broadcast in India. Instead, F1TV was made available for a hefty annual fee of Rs 2,999. The new deal with FanCode now gives Indian fans a far more affordable alternative.
FanCode to stream F1, F2 and F3
FanCode will stream all F1 practice, qualifying and sprint events, along with the main Grands Prix. Along with this, the platform will also stream F2 and F3 here.
тАЬI am delighted to announce that fans in India will be able to watch F1 on FanCode for the next two seasons. We have found a strong broadcast partner in them with expert knowledge on how we can best serve our 60 million existing fans and reach new audiences in India. Together, we will take our combined expertise to produce premium content that showcases the sporting spectacle that is F1.,тАЭ said Ian Holmes, director of media rights and content creation at Formula 1.
FanCode F1 price, subscription plans
FanCode offers multiple packages for those interested. There first of these is a race weekend pass, covering all the sessions for one round, for a price of Rs 49. The subscription for one full season costs Rs 599.
ThereтАЩs also an unlimited live stream pass (covering other sports like cricket, football and more) for Rs 999 annually and Rs 199 monthly.
All the races will be streamed with Sky Sports F1 commentary.
Where can you watch FanCode?
Subscribers can watch the races live on FanCodeтАЩs website, as well their Android and iOS apps. For TV streaming, apps are available for Android TV, JioTV and Amazon Fire TV.
Streaming is allowed on four devices simultaneously per account.
Is F1TV still available in India?
F1TV is still available in India for the time being, but subscription prices for that are a lot more costly at USD 29.99 (about Rs 2,480) for a year or $3.99 (approximately Rs 330) for a month.
But that subscription does come with the added benefit of live timing data, watching F1’s pre- and post-race analysis, all driver onboard cameras and even archival content.
McLarenтАЩs first PHEV drop-top gets upgrades that are destined for coup├й; weighs just 1,457kg.
McLaren has revealed the Artura Spider as its first drop-top hybrid, ushering in more power and a raft of chassis and aerodynamic upgrades that will also be used on an updated version of the coup├й.
Artura Spider claimed to be the┬аlightest convertible supercar in its class
3.0-litre V6 engine makes 19hp more
o-100kph time matches the coupe’s 3.0 seconds
тАЛMcLaren Artura Spider weighs only 1,457kg
The Artura Spider is claimed to be the lightest convertible supercar in its class тАЬby as much as 83kgтАЭ, with its 1457kg kerb weight giving it the edge over the Maserati MC20 Cielo and Ferrari 296 GTS.
Extensive use of lightweight materials тАУ such as carbonfibre for the folding hard-top тАУ means it is just 62kg heavier than the current coup├й version. The Ricardo-developed 120-degree 3.0-litre V6 petrol engine has been carried over but an ECU remap тАУ which can be performed on the existing McLaren Artura тАУ has given it a 19hp boost to 604hp.
Together with the 94hp axial flux motor in the gearbox, the total system output is now 699hp. That gives a power-to-weight ratio of 480hp per tonne and a 0-100kph time that matches the existing coup├йтАЩs, at 3.0sec. McLaren Artura Spider top speed is 330kph but McLaren chief engineer Andy Beale said the firm is тАЬkeen to do a chunk more than thatтАЭ. The engine drives through an enhanced version of the eight-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox, which now shifts 25 percent faster. It is also equipped with a new function that allows the driver to spin the rear tyres up when planting the throttle from a standstill.
The ArturaтАЩs тАШemotionalтАЩ credentials are enhanced here by the addition of an electrically folding hard-top тАУ framed in carbonfibre or with an electrochromic glass panel.
The roof can be operated at vehicle speeds of up to 50kph and deploys in as little as eight seconds, making it one of the fastest-folding of any convertible on sale. Because the roof mechanism sits where the engine cooling vent is on the coup├й, air is extracted via new ducts. Particular attention has been paid to aerodynamics, with an 8mm foil on the windscreen smoothing airflow over the cabin. International deliveries of the Artura Spider and updated coup├й will begin in the middle of this year, hot on the heels of the lightly refreshed GT and new 750S, which replaces the 720S.
McLaren India line-up
In our country, the Woking-based supercar maker retails the GT, the Artura and 750S. The Artura Spider is also expected to arrive in India, though it’s launch timeline is yet unknown.
Note: If you prefer watching the review in Hindi instead of reading it in English, then you can play the following video:
2023 Kia Seltos Facelift – Safety Features
The facelift of the Seltos primarily involves cosmetic changes and feature upgrades, with no major alterations to the platform, chassis or its build quality. If there are any changes, it’s not possible for anyone to determine whether this Seltos is any safer than the older version, solely through visual inspection or by opening and closing its doors.
As of now, no third-party agency has conducted a crash test on the India-spec new Seltos facelift. Given that there’s no significant change in its structure, we will consider the injury report of the pre-facelift Seltos. According to Global NCAP data, the pre-facelift Seltos crash test offered Adequate protection to the driver’s head, Good for the neck, and Marginal for the chest. These are the three areas where injuries can potentially be fatal. We do not consider Global NCAP’s body shell integrity as, in the end, the only thing that matters is the extent of the injury to the occupant.
If there’s no change in the construction, and the car gets more safety features тАУ which it does тАУ and if the car is subjected to the same test, then it’s understandable that the driver injury should not exceed that of the old Seltos.
Since there’s no weak or poor rating for the driver’s head, neck, or chest in the Seltos crash test, based on Global NCAP’s data, you can consider the Seltos from a safety perspective.
Regarding safety technology, in addition to the standard safety features, the Seltos gets the following safety features as standard:
2x front side thorax curtain airbags
2x curtain airbags
All 3-point seatbelts
Rear disc brakes
Electronic stability control (ESC)
Hill start assist (HSA)
Tyre pressure monitoring system
Automatic door lock/unlock
You can now see all the safety-related features of all variants in the following table:
2023 SELTOS | VARIANT-WISE SAFETY TECH
HTE
Std. safety features
2x front side thorax airbags┬а
Emergency stop signal
Remote central locking*
Rear disc brakes
2x curtain airbags
Day/night inside mirror*
Electronic stability control (ESC)
Halogen projector headlamps
Hill start assist (HSA)
Impact-sensing auto door unlock
Speed-sensing auto door locks
5x 3-point seatbelts with reminder
Tyre pressure monitoring system
HTK
Rear parking camera w/ live feed
Projector fog lamps
Front parking sensors
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HTK Plus
Rear washer wiper
Rear defogger
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2023 SELTOS | VARIANT-WISE SAFETY TECH
HTX & HTX Plus
LED headlamps
LED projector fog lamps
LED tail lamps
ISOFIX
Traction control w/ modes (Automatic Only)
Auto-dimming inside mirror
GTX Plus & X Line
Blind-spot monitoring in instrument cluster
360-degree parking camera
Electronic parking brake with auto hold
Auto wipers
ADAS Features
Blind spot monitoring, warning and avoidance assist
Auto high beam
Rear cross traffic warning and collision avoidance
Adaptive cruise control with stop and-go
Forward collision warning and avoidance assist
Safe exit warning
It is worth noting that the Seltos GTX Plus and X Line variants now come equipped with ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems) technology. During this initial drive, we tested the Seltos front collision avoidance, rear cross traffic avoidance assist and safe exit warning ADAS features and they worked satisfactorily. Now, let’s talk about the 2023 Seltos facelift exterior.
New Kia Seltos 2023 Turbo X Line – Exterior Review
Before we discuss the exterior, I believe we should talk in detail about the new key with buttons on the side тАФ it feels nice to hold.
We drove the X Line version of the Seltos, which comes in a matte grey colour. If we compare the changes to the pre-facelift Seltos, its front grille is now larger and gets a new design for the front bumper. The honeycomb pattern of the grille is different and the new DRLs extend through the grille. Speaking of lightwork, it now includes sweeping turn indicators, front and back, and it adds a nice styling touch to the exteriors.
Moving to the front bumper, it now has extra cladding, giving it a more muscular design. Like before, it houses the LED fog lamps. As we mentioned at the beginning, the Seltos now comes with ADAS. It has a radar in the front bumper with the front camera behind the windshield.
The Seltos facelift gets alloy wheels measuring 18 inches in the top variant and with a new design. This is the most prominent visual change on the side. It’s worth pointing out that the Seltos now has glossy black trim in many places, but there’s no red or any other coloured detailing in any variant. Earlier, the GTX variant had red accents on the exterior and interior to highlight its sporty nature.
In terms of the rear design, it has significant changes. The new Seltos now has a new set of tail lamps that are sleeker and almost interconnected. The design of its rear bumper is also new, and like before, it still has thick cladding. This version also gets functional dual exhausts, and the overall rear look is simple and appealing, yet sporty.
I personally feel that the exterior design of the pre-facelift Seltos is still appealing. But with the new colour options and other design upgrades, the Seltos 2023 has a fresh approach to the exterior design compared to the predecessor. It is an obvious improvement over the already pleasing exterior of the Seltos. Now, let’s look at its interior.
2023 Kia Seltos – Interior Review
In addition to beige-black, brown-black and all-black interior themes, the Seltos X-Line variant brings a greyish green-black interior. This colour combination feels premium and it also gets a leather finish on the dashboard and upholstery with some contrast red stitching.
The interiors instantly appear tastefully done. Along with this, the roof liner is black around the large panoramic glass sunroof. The sunroof curtain is so thick that light doesn’t pass through it. For my height of 5-feet 8-inch, there’s ample headroom in front as well as rear seats.
Now, coming to another prominent change in the cabin – the dual-screen curved housing. It integrates two 10.25-inch screens, making the dashboard layout look neat and modern at the same time. The touch feedback of its infotainment system is satisfactory, and there are a lot of features available here.
For instance, the settings for the instrument cluster include a Dynamic theme that displays information with a landscape background. Other than that, there aren’t many design-related changes, but Kia have reduced some inserts from the dashboard, which also makes the dashboard design appear cleaner.
There’s a layout-related change in the air-con control panel. Just above the glovebox on the dashboard, there’s an ambient light strip, which should enhance the cabin’s ambiance during night drives. Lastly, to accommodate the electronic parking brake, its centre console has a new design.
However, the rest of the cabin and design remain more or less the same, including the rear seat space, which is suitable for 2 adults and a child. 3 adults is a squeeze but completely doable for short trips. We have no complaints as such, because the new interior theme and dashboard layout make the Seltos interior feel richer compared to before. Now we’ll talk about the performance of the new 2023 Seltos turbo petrol engine.
Kia Seltos Facelift Turbo Petrol-Automatic – Engine Performance And Drive Review
The Seltos comes with 3 engine options: a 1.5L normal petrol engine, a 1.5L turbo diesel engine and a 1.5L turbo petrol engine. The only new addition among these is the turbo-petrol engine which replaces the olde 1.35L turbo petrol engine. This engine makes 160PS of power and 253Nm of torque. You can have it with either a 6-speed auto-clutch manual transmission or a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic. The X Line variant, which we drove, is only available with the automatic.
It’s the most powerful engine in the Seltos line-up, and Kia claim a time of 8.9 seconds with the dual-clutch automatic transmission and 10.1 seconds with the auto-clutch manual transmission. In our brief test in Sport mode, it easily achieved 0-100kmph in around 9.5 seconds. Under ideal test conditions, weтАЩre sure it can achieve KiaтАЩs 8.9 seconds of claimed acceleration time. We think any mass market car accelerating to 100kmph in less than 10 seconds is pretty quick by any standards.
That said, when you drive it calmly, it doesn’t immediately feel energetic and instead it feels like it’s a heavy car. But rev it a little and you will realise how strong this engine’s mid-range is тАФ and when you take it beyond the 2000rpm mark, it feels brisk and picks up speed rather quickly. We mainly drove it on the highway where it was cruising comfortably at 100kmph while revving around 1800rpm in the seventh gear.
So, it felt at ease doing triple digit speeds while staying in the peak torque zone for quick overtakes if necessary. Most of the time, you won’t feel the need to manually downshift, but if you want that control over gear shifts, you can do so with its gear lever or paddle shifters.
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Kia Seltos Turbo Petrol First Drive Review
What we also learnt about the engine on this short drive is that its noise is audible in the cabin. It is not bothersome, but it filters through at both slow as well as higher speeds. The vibrations or harshness is not much тАФ so like we said before тАФ it is not bothersome. Now, talking about its ride, Kia have increased the damping force of the front suspension setup compared to the old Seltos. Thus, the front might feel a little stiff now while the damping force of the rear has been reduced тАФ so it should feel a little softer.
From an experience standpoint, it’s difficult to say how much this has affected its ride, but what we can say with some degree of confidence is that it still feels a bit firm and handles a bit better than before. You can also feel the road surface in the car and we think this may lead to rattling noises with frequent rough road usage. We would also like to draw your attention to the fact that the Seltos we drove rode on 18-inch wheels. With a lower side wall to cushion the ride, compared to the older GTX Plus variant, it felt a bit firm.
On the other hand, it is because of this suspension setup only, that the car also feels planted, which is confidence inspiring for the driver. It also nicely complements the 160PS power output of this new turbo petrol engine. We found its handling and braking satisfactory for the performance on offer. With this new engine, the Seltos also has an auto engine start/stop tech, and so it has become more fuel efficient.
On this short drive, we couldn’t test its fuel efficiency, but the official mileage figures claim to offer 17.70kmpl with the turbo petrol-ACMT and 17.90kmpl with the turbo petrol-automatic. We will test the real-world mileage figures once we get to review it for a longer time. With the normal petrol engine, Kia suggest an ARAI-tested mileage figure of 17.0kmpl and 17.70kmpl with the manual and automatic transmission options, respectively.
To sum up the drive, we think that this 160PS engine completes the Seltos as a package тАФ so you get a car that looks upmarket on the outside and inside. It also performs and rides like a more expensive car. Now, let’s look at its prices and sum up this review.
2023 Kia Seltos Facelift – Verdict And Buying Recommendation
The prices for the new Seltos start from Rs. 10.89 lakh. With the normal petrol engine, HTX is its top variant, which costs Rs. 16.59 lakh with the CVT automatic transmission. The variants available with the turbo petrol engine are HTK Plus, HTX Plus, GTX Plus and X Line. The top variant is available only with automatic transmission and costs Rs. 19.99 lakh (ex-showroom).
The Seltos was already a car with mass appeal and when we had the older version of the Seltos with us for a long-term review, we were satisfied with the car. It felt like it even matched the cabin experience of more expensive cars. With this update, the cabin experience of the Seltos has improved further and it feels even more polished now with the new colour schemes. The new screens, the larger sunroof, new cabin features, ADAS and a powerful turbo-petrol engine makes it a car that is difficult to nitpick, especially in the higher variants.
More importantly, rather, most importantly, its higher variants also carry an attractive price, prices are also attractive тАФ so we think at this moment тАФ THIS IS THE C-SEGMENT SUV to buy if you want that premium experience with a manageable, compact dimensions.
HereтАЩs a look at the ex-showroom prices for the 2023 Kia Seltos facelift:
On a fine October morning in Delhi recently, I got to spend an entire day with the Tata Punch to figure out all the answers and assess what this new sub-compact SUV has on offer. A punchy name, after all, is just a name and the real proof of its capabilities lies out in the open world.
Read on for the extensive first-drive review of Tata Punch.
Tata Punch: Exterior
Tata Punch is being offered in four variants, or personas as Tata Motors likes to call these. Much of the details highlighted here would depend on which variant or persona one opts for. There is the base which is called Pure, followed by Adventure, Accomplished and the top-end Creative. It is a clever marketing strategy because even if you opt for the base model, all you have to say is “I bought the Punch in Pure persona”. Fancy!
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Punch has a very prominent face which underlines its SUV credentials.
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There are multiple colour options on offer but not all variants get all colour choices.
Tata Punch colour options
Pure
Adventure
Accomplished
Creative (Dual-tone roof)
Orcus White
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes (Black roof)
Daytona Grey
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes (Black roof)
Tropical Mist
Yes
Yes
Yes (Black roof)
Atomic Orange
Yes
Yes
Yes (Black roof)
Meteor Bronze
Yes
Yes (Black roof)
Tornado Blue
Yes (White roof)
Calypso Red
Yes (White roof)
The Punch I received as part of the media test drives was in Tornado Blue shade with white roof and the top-end Creative variant. In terms of dimensions, obvious at that, the all variants are same and the Punch has compact numbers while still looking showing off an SUV-ish profile. The prominent front face with a familiar тАШHumanity LineтАЩ on the grille, the LED DRLs and head light units that seem to have been taken straight from the Harrier and the fog light units on the front fender give it a muscular appeal.
A look at he front and side profile of Tata Punch.
On the side, the large arches over the 15- or 16-inch wheels – depending on the variant, striking alloy design, generous cladding on the doors and roof rails highlight the profile. The fact that this car also has doors which open at a 90-degree angle – mimicking a butterfly, visually speaking, means that getting in and out is quite easy, space permitting of course.
All four doors on the Punch open at a 90-degree angle. Just be sure not to hit anyone or anything else!
Tata Punch dimensions
Length (mm)
3827
Width (mm)
1945
Height (mm)
1615
Wheelbase (mm)
2445
And the rear has a sleek demeanour courtesy arrow-shaped LED tail lights, double character lines on the trunk door and ‘Punch’ lettering here.
Open the trunk and there’s around 360 litres of boot space available even if the load angle is a little high and could make lifting heavy suitcases a bother. While the addition of a tyre puncture repair kit, tucked neatly on one corner, is great, the exposed wiring on the inside trunk section is shoddy. The support hinge for the parcel tray in my review unit came off at the slightest bit of tug. Word of advise – don’t put anything remotely heavy on the tray.
Minor quality-related issues like this hook for the parcel tray coming off its casing may be a concern for a few on the Punch.
Tata Punch first drive review 2024
Tata Punch: Interior
Punch has a rather compact cabin because of its rather compact dimensions. If you step in with expectations kept sky high, it is likely that the fall back to the ground will hurt. There’s no sunroof, no air purification system, no wireless phone charging option and no ambient lighting. What one can get, depending on the variant of course, are functional features for everyday use such as a cooled glovebox, infotainment screen, climate control, auto-folding ORVMs, rain-sensing wipers, automatic headlights, four speakers with two tweeters, among other additions.
Tata Punch variant-wise features
Pure
Adventure
Accomplished
Creative
All features of Pure andтАж
All features of Adventure andтАж.
All features of Accomplished andтАж
Central locking with key
Floating 3.5 inch infotainment
Floating 7 inch touch screen infotainment by Harman with Android Auto and Apple Car Play
Projector HLs
Dual airbags
Four speakers
Four speakers, two tweeters
LED DRLs
ABS with EBD
Steering mounted control
Rear view camera
R16 Diamond cut alloys
IAC+ESS Technology
USB charging port
LED tail lamps
Roof rails
Brake Sway Control
ORVM with electrical adjustment
Front fog lamps
7 inch TFT instrument cluster
Front power windows
All power windows
R15 hyper style wheels
Auto headlamps
90-degree door
Follow me home HLs
Push button start stop
Rain sensing wipers
Flat rear floor
Anti glare IRVM
One touch down Dr window
Auto folding ORVMs
LED indicators
Central Remote Locking with Flip Key
Cruise control
Fully automatic temperature control
Black ODH
Full wheel covers
Driver seat height adjustment
Cooled glove box
Painted bumpers
Body coloured ORVM, ODH
Traction Pro (AMT only)
Rear wiper + wash
Door, wheel arch and sill cladding
Rear defogger
Puddle lamps
Rear seat arm rest
Leather steering & Gear knob
One can also choose from a host of customization options when buying the Punch, a sign that Tata Motors does not want you to be limited in your desire for more features just because you chose a lower variant.
Pure
Adventure
Accomplished
Creative
Rhythm Pack
Rhythm Pack
Dazzle Pack
IRA Pack
3.5-inch infotainment screen
7-inch touchscreen
16-inch diamond cut alloys
IRA Connected Car technology
4 speakers
2 tweeters
LED DRLs
Steering-mounted audio control
Android Auto/Apple CarPlay
Projector head lights
Rear camera
A Pillar black tape
The seven-inch infotainment screen inside my Persona was par for the course courtesy minimal reflections and good response to touch inputs. Apart from the usual audio, video and navigation details, it also puts out a driver scorecard which assesses how well (or not) you have been behind the wheel. The semi-digital driver display too was on expected lines and is positioned well behind the three-spoke, flat-bottomed steering with mounted controls. The steering, however, can only be adjusted for rake and not for reach.
A look at the cabin layout of Tata Punch.
Tata Punch first drive review The New Tata Punch
Now there is a lot of hard plastics used all around the cabin of the Punch but frankly, I was expecting this. Because Tata is likely to price Punch aggressively, this is something that can be overlooked. What is impressive though is the sporty dashboard design and layout which seek to camouflage the plastic quality, especially the white patterned addition on the lower end of the dash -where the AC vents are at. Speaking of AC vents, these get an outline border in the same hue as the exterior body colour of the vehicle.
The entire dashboard layout of Punch has a youthful appeal.
The cooled glovebox is a great addition and has plenty of space for storing either documents or bottles. Or both. A sectional divide here seeks to ensure that things don’t get jumbled.
Coming to the important bit about seat upholstery and spacing, Tata Punch tends to deliver on most counts. The seats are well cushioned and the quality of stitching appeared to be satisfactory. The driver seat can be adjusted for height which means even someone who may not exactly be considered tall will have a commanding view of the road ahead. I would have expected an arm rest, at least with the AMT I was driving, but there was none to be found.
The passengers on the back seat, well, have a bit of a hit and miss experience. The flat floor ensures that there is space for feet for the middle passenger but those on either side have limited space for their respective feet due to the rails on which the front seats sit. Leg room is rather limited and knee and head room is just about satisfactory. Three passengers sitting side-by-side on long journeys may be a bit of a cramped affair, also because there is no rear AC vent. Another miss is the lack of charging points for rear-seat passengers.
Space is a bit constrained on the back seats but Punch benefits from a high-seating position.
That said, it isn’t as if the rear section of the Punch is a deal-breaker for the family person. An armrest in the middle of the rear seats, high-seat position and good punchy speakers may still make this car a good proposition for small families.
Tata Punch: Safety
Tata Motors has been consistently producing some of the safest passenger vehicles in India. Over the last few years, the homegrown carmaker has shown the world that made-in-India cars can achieve a Global NCAP five-star safety rating and one among them is the Tata Punch. This boxy SUV-ish car has received a five-star for adult occupant protection, while for child occupant protection, it has received a four-star rating.
A major factor behind this safety rating is the build quality, as the automaker claims. Besides that, on the safety feature front, the Punch gets dual front airbags, ABS with EBD, automatic headlamps, reverse parking sensors, ISOFIX anchors, autonomous emergency braking lane departure warning, electronic stability control, blind-spot detection etc.
Tata Punch: Performance
Punch is made available only with a 1.2-litre Revotron petrol engine. In case you want a diesel option, I advise checking out other Tata Motor options or picking one from the rival camp. But if the petrol engine is fine, there’s much to look forward to right here.
Tata Punch technical specs
Max Power
86 Ps
Max Torque
113 Nm
Engine
1.2 Revotron petrol
Capacity, Cylinders
11999 cc, 3 cylinders
Fuel tank capacity
37 litres
The majority of my time with the Punch was with the AMT and that worked well because majority of my time was also spent within city limits – Delhi to Gurugram to Delhi. In all, I drove this variant (oops, persona) for around 100 kilometres on mostly well-laid city roads with the occasional broken patches.
Tata Punch first drive review
Punch is relatively stable at high speeds and maintains straight lines with poise.
The key takeaway from the drive that I had was that the AMT, on expected lines, is a bit slow to take off. It has a familiar reluctance till around the 1,500 RPM mark and there the so-called rubber-band effect is very, very omnipresent. Any sudden plans for overtaking ought not to be sudden and will have to be well thought out before being executed. But once speed does build up and around the 1800 RPM mark, the Punch does justice to its name.
If you are primarily driving within city limits, the Punch with AMT ought to be a good choice as long as you aren’t an authentic driving enthusiast. If you are, try the Punch with a manual gearbox.
Cruising past around 60 KMPH and the Punch comes into its element. Its compact dimensions meant that weaving in and out of the extremely congested Delhi-Gurugram Expressway was an absolute delight. And because the steering set up is done right, it offers a good balance between heft and flexibility – a good combination to have for a car that may be doing duty in all kinds of traffic situations. There is also a traction-control mode on offer on the AMT which promises to get you out of slippery situations.
NVH levels are satisfactory although the groan of the engine does seep into the cabin when being excessively pushed. Keep it steady and the Punch manages to hint at a certain level of refinement that recent Tata cars have started putting in respective resumes off late.
But one thing Punch ought not to put on its resume is the control over body roll. Again, this is only when the vehicle is being pushed to perform but sharp turns at relatively high speeds means the driver and especially passengers at the rear will have to get a grip, literally speaking.
It was soon time for me to make the switch to the Punch with manual transmission and take my word for it – if you like the basic nuances of driving, you will love this car.
The Punch with MT is not just capable on regular roads but is quite capable on paths less taken and traveled.
Now I am not sure if it is because I spent most of my time with the AMT or if the manual transmission is really that good but having a control over Punch’s punch made me wish that I had had more than just 20 minutes with this particular option. The gear shifts are short, crisp and nearly precise. And remember the bit about planning over-taking moves? No need! Downshift, press the pedal and the Punch will execute commands nearly instantly.
The manual gearbox is also what is likely to excel on roads less than perfect. I got a chance to test its тАШoff-roadтАЩ capabilities and while it was in a controlled test track, I was mighty impressed. Sure, Punch is no 4X4 but its high-seating position does help in giving a clear view of the surroundings – crucial in tricky terrain that one may encounter. With a 20.3 approach angle, 37.6 departure angle and 22.2 ramp-over angle, Punch was nifty throughout the obstacle course. And because it has a claimed water-wading capability of 370mm, this car may also be capable of navigating through submerged roads of Indian cities during monsoon. My advice though? Don’t try it unless you absolutely must have to.
Overall, it is great that Tata Motors has offered AMT on the Punch and it does have some serious SUV traits. But it is the manual transmission that would be my preferred choice and the fact that the vehicle can ably manage challenging terrain – to its best ability – is a big, big plus over rivals.
Tata Punch: Verdict
Tata Punch looks more like an SUV than many of the sub-compact SUVs out in the market. This alone could bring many to Tata showrooms to check out the vehicle. But beyond the superficiality of looks, it has a long list of core strengths that could work in its favour.
A high ground clearance and seating position means Punch is perhaps the most SUV-ish among all sub-compact SUVs on offer.
Punch may not have an absolutely exhaustive feature list or the most comfortable drive and ride experience in the segment it wants to compete in. And yet, it packs in the features that an owner is most likely to make use of – including iRA connected app support -and is an eager machine on the move. The ability on less than perfect roads don’t come as a cherry on the cake but is a large and delicious part of the cake itself.
I expect Tata Motors to price the Punch very, very aggressively and assuming this happens, the SUV will surely be a very, very compelling option for buyers inclined towards this body type without having to break bank.
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