Posts in category: Electric vehicles cars

Following a couple of official teasers from Kia, a leaked brochure on the internet now gives us all details of the upcoming Sonet facelift. Set to debut on December 14, the new Sonet will get design updates and a refreshed interior with new features, but the leaked brochure also reveals a key mechanical update – the diesel-manual powertrain is set to make a comeback on the compact SUV.

1. Sonet diesel to get MT, iMT and AT gearboxes
2. Sonet will continue to be offered in Tech line, GT Line and X-Line trims
3. Will get ADAS suite, 360-deg camera, new digital instrument cluster

Kia Sonet facelift powertrain options

The Sonet was previously available with a diesel-manual powertrain at launch, but Kia later swapped it with an iMT semi-auto gearbox. In fact, the company, along with sister brand Hyundai, adopted a clear strategy where the former would only be offering iMT gearboxes with its diesel engine while the latter will offer a regular manual gearbox. Likewise, the manual gearbox was also discontinued on the Carens and Seltos.

With the facelift, however, Kia will be bringing back a regular manual gearbox to the diesel engine lineup. While the iMT gearbox has its conveniences, the lack of even the option of a manual gearbox is likely to have deterred some buyers. This leads us to believe that the manual gearbox could also make a return on the Carens and Seltos.

Meanwhile, the iMT and torque converter automatic gearboxes with the diesel engine will continue as is. The petrol powertrain lineup will also remain unchanged – a 1.2-litre petrol mated to a manual gearbox and a 1.0-litre turbo-petrol mated to either the iMT gearbox or a 7-speed DCT gearbox.

Kia Sonet facelift trim and features

As before, the Sonet will continue to be offered in three distinct trim lines – Tech Line (HTE, HTK, HTK+, HTX, HTX+), GT Line (GTX+) and X-Line. The 1.2-litre petrol engine will be available only on the Tech Line trims while the turbo-petrol and diesel engines will be available across the lineup. Each trim line will also have its own unique styling elements and interior upholstery options.

The Sonet will also see several new feature additions such as 360-degree camera, ADAS suite, new 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, powered front driver’s seats as well as traction modes for the automatic variants. Most of these features, however, will be limited to the higher-spec trims. To read more about the exterior and interior updates, click here.

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The long-awaited Hyundai Creta facelift will make its global debut on January 16, 2024. Hyundai’s blockbuster SUV will then see a market launch by early 2024. The Creta facelift for India will have unique exterior styling, along with more features and tech in order to bring it at par with its rivals.

1. Creta facelift will be loaded with tech
2. Engine line-up to include two petrols, one diesel
3. Will go on sale early next year

Hyundai Creta facelift: what’s new

The current-gen Creta has been around in India since 2020, and it’s been on sale in a few markets abroad. With its gradual introduction in other countries, Hyundai updated the Creta’s front fascia with a Tuscon-like nose – Hyundai calls the design called Parametric Hidden Lights. However, this version of the Creta never made it to India, but it is on sale currently in the Middle-East and some ASEAN markets.

Going by the spy shots, the refreshed Creta for India that will go on sale early next year will get completely different front and rear styling. That should bring its design more in-line with newer Hyundai models like the Exter, the new Santa Fe, and the Palisade.  

The Creta facelift will come with an updated bumper, revamped tailgate and H-shaped LED DRLs like the Exter sub-compact SUV. Besides this, the Creta facelift will also get a split-unit vertical headlamp design with cube-like detailing and an updated front grille.

There will not be major changes to its sides, except for some minor tweaks and new alloy wheel designs. There have also been sightings of Creta facelift test mules with larger 18-inch wheels from the Alcazar, which could mean that the updated SUV could sport larger wheels on some variants.

Talking about the features, the updated Creta will come with an ADAS bundle and a 360-degree camera, like the Seltos. While there are no major interior changes expected, new shades for the upholstery and some minor changes here and there are in the pipeline. The 10.25-inch infotainment screen will likely continue on the updated Creta.

Hyundai Creta facelift: powertrain options

With this facelift, the new 160hp, 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine will finally make its way to the Creta. The same engine powers the Kia Seltos, Hyundai Alcazar, Hyundai Verna and the Kia Carens. Gearbox choices are expected to be a 7-speed DCT gearbox and with a manual gearbox. The other engine options include a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol and a 1.5-litre diesel engine; both powerplants churn out 115hp.

Hyundai Creta facelift: launch timeline, rivals

Once the refreshed Creta goes on sale in India, it will continue to rival the likes of the Kia Seltos, Honda Elevate, Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara, Toyota Hyryder, Skoda Kushaq, Volkswagen Taigun and MG Astor. The Alcazar, which is the three-row version of the Creta, is expected to get a facelift thereafter.

IMAGE SOURCE

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Hyundai Creta EV likely to get unique exterior styling

Honda has issued a recall for its H’ness CB350 and CB350RS neo retro roadsters for concerns regarding the models’ brake light and the bank angle sensor. 

The company says an improper process being followed during manufacture of the rubber parts of the brake light switch there are chances of cracks developing. This may lead to water entry and corrosion inside, leading the light to malfunction. For this issue, bikes manufactured between October 2020 – January 2023 are affected. 

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The other point of concern in this recall campaign is related to the bikes’ bank angle sensor. Honda claims this issue has arisen due to ‘inappropriate molding’ of the sensor housing, which can lead to a gap in sensor body sealing which might allow water to enter inside the bank angle sensor. This leads to chances of possible sensor malfunction and even the bike stalling in a worst-case scenario. Units manufactured between October 2020 to December 2021 are affected by this issue. 

Replacement of these affected parts will be carried out at BigWing dealerships across India starting from the second week of December. The replacement will be done free of cost irrespective of the warranty status of the vehicle.

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Maruti Suzuki has ruled out the possibility of a cheaper, two-wheel-drive (2WD) variant of the Jimny SUV. The carmaker introduced the Jimny, the successor to its immensely successful off-roader Gypsy in India, in June 2023. 

1. Jimny 2WD could dilute the brand value, says Maruti
2. Not an active consideration despite customer interest

The compact Jimny – re-engineered into a five-door version specifically for India – has not seen a great start in terms of sales, which has hovered in the 3,000-unit monthly ballpark since launch.

The reason for the Jimny’s slow offtake can be primarily attributed to two things – its intended positioning as an off-roader and a slightly optimistic pricing, which ranges from Rs 12.84 lakh to Rs 14.89 lakh, ex-showroom. The Mahindra Thar was also launched as a 4×4, but later got a 4×2 variant, which has seen great customer interest.

According to Shashank Srivastava, senior executive director, Sales and Marketing, Maruti Suzuki India, “While we have received feedback from several customers asking for a 2WD variant of the Jimny, it will go against the Jimny’s core brand ethos.”

“Globally, Jimny is an off-roader, and it will be a dilution to the brand if we introduce a two-wheel drive variant. Therefore, a 2WD Jimny is not in active consideration, and we will continue to sell the 4WD version,” Srivastava added while addressing the media in a press conference on December 1, thus confirming our previous report about the Jimny not getting a 2WD version.

To give a boost to the relatively sluggish sales of the Jimny in the carmaker’s portfolio, Maruti Suzuki had introduced discounts of up to Rs 1 lakh during Diwali. Starting in December, the carmaker has introduced an even more aggressive scheme by slashing the prices of the entry-level manual-transmission variants by Rs 2 lakh for a limited period. It is now available at Rs 10.74 lakh, ex-showroom.

Srivastava says it was the lesser availability of components for the automatic variants that skewed initial production towards the manual variants, leading to significant discounts, but the supply chain has now improved considerably.

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Just a few hours after the new entry-level Chetak Urbane‘s pricing details emerged, we have got our hands on some exclusive information pertaining to the updated Chetak Premium that will be launched very soon.

1. Premium will get 3.2kWh battery pack, claimed 127km IDC range 
2. New TFT dash will be available on “Tecpac” variant
3. Price likely to go up marginally

Bajaj seems to be addressing all the shortcomings of the Chetak Premium in one fell swoop with this update. Let’s start with the most impactful one: the battery. The updated Chetak Premium will get a 3.2kWh battery with a claimed IDC range of 127km, which is a significant step up from the current model’s 2.88kWh unit and 108km range figure. With this step up in battery capacity, charging time has also risen, albeit not by a great deal. A 0 to 100 percent charge will now take 4 hours 30 minutes – an increase of just half an hour. 

The Chetak has proven to be quite efficient in our range tests and we got more than 100km on a single charge in Eco mode, so expect this updated model to have a similar improvement in real-world range. 

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Another area where the Chetak fell a little short of its rivals was its 63kph top speed. To remedy that, the updated model has a higher 73kph top speed. Currently, it isn’t known if any changes have been made to the motor to achieve this. 

With just about every EV on the market offering a TFT dash (some even incorporating touch functionality), the Chetak’s rather simple LCD display was feeling a little out of place, especially at its asking price. With this update, the Chetak Premium will finally get a TFT dash with Bluetooth connectivity and will incorporate features such as turn-by-turn navigation, music playback, a tyre pressure monitoring system and remote immobilisation. All these features can be accessed by pairing your smartphone to the dash via the Chetak app. 

Last but not least, Bajaj has also endowed the updated Chetak Premium with a bigger underseat storage area. The capacity has risen from 18 litres to 21 litres, and while that doesn’t seem like a very big increase, we are given to understand that it will now be easier to fit a helmet in there. 

Considering that the Chetak Premium is getting its first comprehensive update since its launch, expect prices to go up to reflect that. 

SAIC Motor and the JSW Group have entered into a strategic joint venture. The Shareholder Agreement and Share Purchase & Share Subscription agreement were signed by the President of SAIC Wang Xiaoqiu and JSW Group’s Parth Jindal at the MG Office in London, with the objective of accelerating the transformation and growth of MG Motor in India.

1. Joint venture to expand MG Motor India’s presence
2. JSW will hold 35 percent in the Indian joint venture
3. Both NEVs and ICE vehicles to be introduced

SAIC Motor and JSW Group will create strategic synergies by bringing together resources in the field of automobiles and new technology. The joint venture will also undertake multiple new initiatives including augmenting local sourcing, improving charging infrastructure, expansion of production capacity, and introducing a broader range of vehicles with a focus on green mobility.

According to the agreement signed, JSW will hold 35 percent share in the Indian JV operations. SAIC will continue supporting the joint venture with advanced technology and products to deliver mobility solutions with a focus on the Indian consumer.

The joint venture is said to optimise SAIC Motor’s vast automotive experience and technical expertise to demonstrate MG’s spiritual cores – globalisation, digitalisation, rejuvenation, and young attitude. It will also leverage the large presence of JSW Group across B2B and B2C sectors of the Indian economy to augment local sourcing and establish a robust supply chain.

Together, SAIC and JSW Group will work towards creating a smart and sustainable automotive ecosystem in India by bolstering the development of NEVs (a four-wheeled EV that has a maximum speed greater than 32kph but not more than 40kph) and ICE vehicles with carbon neutrality, sustainability and green mobility at the centre of its shared vision. 

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With battery costs falling to a record-low of around $130 (Rs 10,800 approx.) per kilowatt hour, there’s a potential to see a mass market electric car with a real-world range of 250km that’s priced similar to an ICE-powered vehicle within 18 months, says Shailesh Chandra, MD of Tata Passenger Electric Mobility.

1. EVs currently priced 25-35 percent higher than ICE counterpart
2. ICE to see price increase, while EV prices will decrease

Speaking at our sister publication Autocar Professional’s India EV Conclave, Chandra said that while early adopters of EVs are willing to pay a 20-30 percent premium over conventional ICE vehicles, mainstream buyers want an EV at the same price as an ICE vehicle. “In the foreseeable future – in less than 1 year, 1 and a half years – you are going to see a car with 200-250km real range in the mass market, hitting that level,” he added.

ICE and EV price trends

The head of India’s largest electric carmaker says the future “cost trend is locked in”, where the cost of an internal combustion engine will be “inflationary” in nature to meet the future emissions compliance, whereas for EVs will witness a “deflationary” trend with battery costs likely to fall. “It’s a given, EVs will see a deflationary trend. So, there is a breakpoint at some stage that you are going to see,” said Chandra.

There are several reasons why battery prices are going down. It’s primarily the LFP battery packs – Tata Motors uses LFP, while Mahindra uses NMC – that are becoming more affordable, due to declining raw material costs. This is due to both, a significant increase in lithium production capacity as well as the slowing growth rate of EVs across the globe.

The cost of an electric vehicle over a conventional ICE-powered car is still about 25-35 percent higher due to significant import content and high battery cost. For instance, top-spec variants of the Nexon and Nexon EV are priced at Rs 15.50 lakh and Rs 19.94 lakh (ex-showroom), respectively, which is roughly a difference of about 30 percent.

Chandra believes that with GST at 5 percent, benefit of falling battery cost and benefits accrued out of the government’s production linked incentive (PLI) scheme, the company will not only be able to price its products competitively but the EV business will also start generating profits.

In Tata Motors’ portfolio, models such as the Tiago and Tigor EVs have a real-world range of about 200km, and the upcoming Punch EV could also offer a similar range. Therefore, these entry-level models should be able to close the price gap with their ICE counterparts in the future. Tata Motors will also have an electric derivative of the Harrier, and the upcoming Curvv coupe-SUV too will have both ICE and electric versions. However, these larger vehicles with larger batteries may not be able to achieve the same cost competitiveness as the entry-level models.

Tata Motors’ share in EVs and investments

Tata Motors on its part has single-handedly helped in creating a market for EVs, and has a predominant share of over 85 percent in the nascent yet fast emerging space. The electric car market in India is likely to cross the 1 lakh mark for the first time ever this financial year, and the company is well on course for a six-digit annual sales mark within a year.

Tata Motors has committed USD 2 billion (around Rs 16,600 crore) in investment for its EV business and it has plans of building a portfolio of 10 electric vehicles by 2025. About 15 percent of its total sales comes from EVs, and the company expects EVs to account for 30 percent of its total volumes by 2025.

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It is the Mercedes I used to draw in my school textbooks as a kid. The twin headlights in a single pod, the vertical chrome Mercedes grille, the ‘V’ bonnet. And later, when I just started driving, I got to spend a lot of time with a similar fuel-injected 230 E. 

So coming face to face with it again feels like meeting an old friend. The familiar lines have aged very little and many of the details and proportions are so ingrained in my memory, I seem to know every line, every curve. It’s much smaller on the inside than I remember, and some of the buttons on the dash are not the same, but the car feels so familiar that I just want to jump in and drive.

Still, as we walk around the rear, I see that this is a carburetted and not fuel-injected version, so no einspritz ‘e’ suffix after the 230 badge on the boot, from where the E-Class funnily got its name. And it has a sunroof with a unique metal cover; just what we need here in India. 

Getting behind the wheel is another nostalgia trip – the sights, the sounds, the smells just get me smiling. And then there’s the legendary build quality. No wonder, these cars ran for millions of kilometres as cabs, especially in Egypt and North Africa. The solid dash, the big four-spoke steering wheel, the manner in which the front seats slide along their rails.

The driver’s seat, with its nigh-perfect contours and large supportive frame, is comfortable even by today’s standards. And I just love those fox-eared headrests. The other thing I love is the huge upright dials with their orange accents and needles, and I absolutely love the manner in which the big chunky dial adjusts fan speed clacks through every slot.

 

Even better is the legendary door shut with that typical W123 thud and metallic clack from the door latch. Then I insert the key into the bottom left of the ‘70mm’ instrument panel and fire it up. The engine feels smooth, even 43 years on, and it revs in a creamy, silky manner. It is also pretty silent, apart from some mechanical clatter, and what gets the car moving effortlessly is that it has a nice torquey bottom end. Despite having a carburettor, it also accelerates smoothly; no jerks, no hiccups.

What’s exceptional, however, is the ride quality. The tall suspension seems to hover above the road and has plenty of travel. And what sort of sets it apart is that the wheels move under you in a soft, supple manner. The ride is good even by today’s standards.

There’s little doubt the W123 exudes an air of superior engineering. To say it’s a car built without a budget in mind would be something of an exaggeration, but it sure feels like that. 

 

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