Mahindra & Mahindra on Tuesday confirmed that all its existing models with internal combustion engines will eventually also come with an electric twin. While no timeline was assigned, the company confirmed that this plan includes Bolero, Thar and Scorpio.
Mahindra and Mahindra has announced that it will step up its EV game in India by launching electric versions of all its flagship models, including the Scorpio, Bolero and XUV models, in near future.
Mahindra currently offers XUV400 in the Indian market and will have models under its BE range soon as well. But the core ICE or internal combustion engine models too will come with electric powertrain ‘in the times to come’. the ICE and EV options of each model will be sold side by side but under different portfolio. The EVs will be under Born Electric Vehicle classification.
The electric versions of the Bolero. Thar, Scorpio and XUV are branded as Bolero.e, Thar.e, Scorpio.e and XUV.e, respectively. These models would eventually cater to the lifestyle buyer who is also environmentally concerned, says the company. Mahindra has also revealed that Oscar-winning music director AR Rahman will ‘design and build’ sounds that will go into upcoming all-electric models from the carmaker.
In August 2022, Mahindra & Mahindra had offered a glimpse at its upcoming electric vehicles during an event beld in United Kingdom. The carmaker had also showcased the new EV platforms which will underpin the upcoming Thar, XUV, Bolero and Scorpio-based electric SUVs.
Mahindra will showcase the concept version of the upcoming Thar.e, the electric version of its flagship off-road SUV Thar, in Cape Town later today. The carmaker had teased the Thar.e electric SUV ahead of the global debut. The teaser shows a glimpse of the rear tail lamp design which is in line with the current Thar. Considering this, it can be expected that the current design language of the Thar will mostly stay intact but will get a few changes to give some EV signature to the Thar.e.
It is expected that Mahindra will either re-purpose the existing platform of the Thar so that it can be used to fit batteries and electric motors or they will base the Thar.e on an all-new dedicated electric skateboard platform.
Tesla Cybertruck is one of the most awaited electric vehicles coming to the market in a few weeks. The US electric car manufacturer has already started production of the electric pickup truck and it is slated for delivery soon. Over the last few months, Tesla Cybertruck prototypes have been spotted in an increasing numbers ahead of its imminent market entry. The latest of them has revealed an interesting fact about the Cybertruck’s tyre.
By: HT Auto Desk | Updated on: 14 Aug 2023, 17:52 PM
Tesla is testing a wider set of tyre options for its upcoming Cybertruck electric pickup truck.
A spy shot of the Tesla Cybertruck posted on Instagram has revealed that the EV manufacturer has been testing the electric pickup truck with more than one tyre size. As the images reveal the tyres appear to have an all-season tread pattern and are sized at 285/65R20. The images also reveal that roughly 35 inches of rubber are wrapped around a 20-inch wheel rim.
The spyshots also reveal the tyres coming with an M+S marking, which means Mud+Snow, confirming that it is an all-season tyre. However, the three-peak mountain with the snowflake symbol is missing from the tyre, which means that it has not been tested and rated for driving in freezing temperatures. The photos also point out an H speed rating, which is usually stamped on sports cars’ tyres. This indicates that the car tyres can sustain speeds of up to 209 kmph.
Interestingly, this is not the first time a Tesla Cybertruck prototype has been spotted with larger asphalt-focused tyres. The tyre pictures that went online recently reveal a look similar to the ones spotted back in 2019 on the original prototype.
The Tesla Cybertruck is currently in the pre-production phase at the automaker’s Texas Gigafactory, with the delivery-intent production expected to commence from next month, and a ramp-up in manufacturing scheduled in early 2024, as Tesla CEO Elon Musk revealed earlier this year.
Porsche’s SUV and the Indian-made submarine are both PHEVs. We take a ‘deep dive’ into what makes both machines tick.
Published On Aug 14, 2023 05:15:00 PM
As the sun sets, a large dark mass slips silently out of view. The cylindrical shape displaces water noiselessly as it submerges, the screw at the rear creates almost no churn, and, once the submarine pulls its periscope in and dives, it all but vanishes from the face of the earth. Totally invisible and near impossible to track, it slips through the water like a ghost.
Detection is made more difficult thanks to its shape; it’s designed to present the smallest cross section to anyone putting out an exploratory sonar ‘ping’. So serious are the designers about acoustic stealth, every single component on this submarine is insulated to prevent noise generation. You can’t kill what you can’t see; and here, the only way to ‘see’ is by using sound.
Hybrids you can charge
What goes almost unnoticed, however, is the submarine’s clever propulsion system. A diesel-electric submarine like the Kalvari Class is a very good example of the use of the right technology for the right application. In use since the late 1930s, the system is designed so that the diesel engines can do both, run the propeller and/or charge the batteries.
Hydroplanes flip, help the submarine dive under.
The diesel-electric submarine also, crucially, is a plug-in hybrid. Its batteries can be charged both by plugging in to a shore charger or by running the diesel engine out at sea. When it needs to charge, the boat rises to the surface, runs the diesel engine and charges the batteries. It can even charge the batteries while running just below the surface; all it has to do is put up a snorkel.
Wires go here to charge the submarine on shore.
Porsche’s Cayenne plug-in hybrid is similar in many ways. For one, you also plug it into a wall socket and charge the battery. It isn’t a very large battery, and at 14.1kWh, it gives you a range of only around 30km. But this can be sufficient, especially if you only need to run electric for short city runs. Like the submarine, the 3.0-litre, V6 petrol engine also charges the Cayenne on the move. This happens when you get off the throttle and slow down, and also when the generator is spun by the engine to make electricity.
Many periscopes and aerials are deployed here.
In addition, the Porsche also has unique drive modes called E-Hold and E-Charge, selectable via the system menu on the screen. E-Hold keeps the level of the battery constant by topping it up regularly, and E-Charge goes one step further by actively taking the battery to full by running the engine at a higher speed than needed.
Kalvari in Malayalam means tiger shark.
While the submarine runs this part-electric system for greater stealth, the Porsche uses it to help deliver greater economy. The Cayenne, however, is still seriously performance-oriented. 0-100kph comes up in just 4.8 seconds and with combined power, at 455hp, there’s plenty of oomph. Pure electric power stands at 134hp and the petrol engine makes 335hp. Also, should you want to launch off the line on electric power alone, you can; the system is called E-Launch. To aid efficiency, Porsche has even given the throttle pedal a pressure point or detent that you can feel as you accelerate. Go beyond this and the combustion engine starts up.
On the surface
Before we get into the various systems and sub-systems of the Kalvari class boat, let’s take a quick look at just what we can see above the surface. But first, some perspective. It is big and very heavy. Approximately 70 metres long from stem to stern, with the conning tower and periscopes stretching around 12 metres high, it’s a fair-sized ‘boat’. And with a displacement of around 1,600 tonnes, it’s heavy. How heavy? Approximately the weight of 800 SUVs, if you take a rough average of two tonnes a car. Now for the details, and let’s start from the rear, where the propulsion takes place. Although we can’t see the screw or the propeller, the Kalvari class submarine uses a single multi-bladed prop, placed behind the large rudder.
E-Charge mode actively tops up batteries for you.
Up next, under some removable panels, sits a nest of plug points. Unlike a regular wall socket, the male part of the plug is fixed to the submarine and protected with a rubber casing. No, seriously. To charge the batteries on the submarine, you attach multiple plugs with high-tension leads coming from the shore. Don’t know how long it takes to charge the batteries, but I’m guessing the charging rate is high.
As I walk along, up next are stumps that have to be folded out. These help secure the boat to the dock. Don’t see a traditional anchor anywhere. Further ahead is the escape hatch for the submarine in case it gets stranded underwater and needs rescue. The rescue craft can affix itself onto the top of the hatch and take the sailors out.
The Cayenne can run as a pure EV for short distances.
Just below the conning tower is the main hatch. Yes, this is where you enter and exit from, not the top of the conning tower as many believe. While the conning tower looks plain and featureless, there’s actually a lot going on here. For one, take the teardrop-like shape that helps it slip through the water.
Above the conning tower sit a whole host of periscopes. While some are for navigation, others are for attack and weapons release. There are also communication aerials and others that send out radar waves when the sub is just below the surface. The wide chimney-like unit is the snorkel that takes in air for the diesel, and it is used when the sub is running just below the surface.
It can slip just under the surface and, via a snorkel, continue to run its diesel.
On either side of the conning tower are a pair of hydroplanes or control surfaces that help the sub dive or rise up. They work in tandem with similar ones on the tail. And the glass panels you see ahead of the conning tower aren’t windows but navigation lights.
The rounded nose of the submarine is also where the cylindrical sonar array, side firing sonar and the six torpedo tubes sit. Not only can the tubes fire massive wire-guided torpedoes, but two of the tubes can also be used to fire the SM-39 Exocet anti-shipping missile. The Exocet missile can take out a target that is several kilometres away.
Below deck
As fascinating as the Kalvari class is on the outside, the insides of the boat are even more of an eye-opener. Produced right here in Mumbai by the Mazagon Dockyard, to a design penned by the French Naval Group (formerly DCNS), Indian Kalvari class boats, however, differ significantly from French-produced Scorpène.
Our tour of the insides starts with a climb down into the submarine. As on all submarines, space is tight, and living quarters, even for the captain, are small. Still, these boats have showers and other luxuries not present on earlier Russian subs.
Just as we did topside, let’s start from the rear, where a prop-shaft sends power to the propeller or screw. The power going out to the back is converted from the battery’s DC to AC. To do this, more than 15 individual inverters are used, and these sit in a room just behind the propeller shaft. As we walk towards the centre of the submarine, we pass the huge and silent running electric motor – which is almost as large as the hull of the sub and measures between eight and ten feet in diameter. Up next, something very familiar, massive diesel engines, or, as they are called on this boat, diesel generators. And then we peer into the large battery pack, one of two on the boat.
Kalvari-class making a good rate of knots on the surface.
Then we enter the control room where there are rows of screens on each side and a large screen-based tactical table. Here, the captain gets a clear and live visual representation of the current scenario via feeds from cameras, sonars, radars and sensors; all fused into one. Right alongside is a choice of periscopes, and the captain has easy access to all of them.
One of the biggest challenges a sub faces underwater is navigation. Visibility even during the day is near zero, the submarine for the most part is blind as a bat, and then, once it drops below the surface, it is only electronics, sonar and satellites that can help. But can you imagine what it must have been like in the old days, being blindfolded and told to navigate in the inky depths with only a chart and a stopwatch in your hand? Yes, you have sonar, but once you put out a ‘ping’, everyone knows where you are, and then it’s game over. So subs generally use only passive sonar, where they just listen for sounds.
Both missiles and torpedoes can be fired from tubes.
The other major challenge is buoyancy. To enable it to drive, the submarine has ballast tanks and trim tanks that are filled with water or air. When the submarine has to dive, the tanks are filled with water. To come up, compressed air is pumped back in.
Best of both worlds
The Kalvari class submarines are a much-needed shot in the arm for the Indian Navy. Technologically advanced, bristling with sensors and noise reduction tech and armed to the teeth, India’s new family of submarines also make the best use of both diesel and electric systems.
Submarines are made in Mazagon Dock, Mumbai.
This is something the Porsche e-hybrid does as well. While plug-in hybrids aren’t very popular yet, due in part to the additional costs associated with running two full systems, they could be where we are headed, once costs come down.
Plug-in hybrid drive has some unique driver modes.
Cars are, however, still likely to lag behind subs technologically. Kalvari class submarines will soon be upgraded to use a fuel cell system. This will help give them greater endurance underwater. Designed, engineered and tested in India by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), the fuel cell or AIP (Air Independent Propulsion) systems could give the Kalvari class submarines a crucial edge. How soon will cars catch up and start using fuel cell tech? That’s anybody’s guess.
A submarine is all about three important things: silence, stealth and surprise.
By: HT Auto Desk | Updated on: 13 Aug 2023, 17:51 PM
Veteran Bollywood actor Jeetendra has added a brand new Black Range Rover luxury sedan to his garage. In a video sourced by HT, the actor can be seen getting inside his chauffeur-driven new car, which is worth around ₹3 crore. The actor was returning from his visit to the Shani Mandir Temple in his new luxury SUV. In the video, he can be seen surrounded by a crowd of fans, for whom he can be seen posing for selfies.
Bollywood actor Jeetendra getting inside his chauffeur-driven brand new Range Rover SUV.
Range Rover SUVs are known for sheer opulence and performance and are very popular even among Hollywood stars. With the purchase of this new luxury SUV, Jeetendra has joined the league of actors like Sanjay Dutt, Ajay Devgn, Nimrat Kaur, Mahesh Babu, and Allu Arjun.
Range Rover SUV commands a bold road presence with ample comfort and tech on the inside. It features premium leather upholstery, exquisite wood veneers, and multiple soft-touch surfaces. Seating arrangements are comfortable and customizable, offering utmost comfort to both front and rear passengers.
Tech features on the inside include Meridian sound system featuring active noise cancellation. The vehicle boasts a new 13.1-inch floating infotainment screen, Head-Up Display, multi-zone climate control, a four-spoke steering wheel, a fully digital instrument cluster, a rear seat entertainment screen, among others. In the LWB variant, a thrid seat option too is available on the Range Rover.
Powertrain options on the 2023Range Rover luxury SUV include petrol and diesel engine options. The petrol version is powered by a 4.4-liter engine generating 523 PS and 750 Nm of peak torque, while the diesel version utilizes a 3.0-liter engine generating 346 PS and 700 Nm of peak torque.
The electric Thar concept will see its global debut on August 15 in Cape Town, South Africa.
Mahindra recently teased the Thar EV concept, which will see a global debut on August 15 in South Africa. Officially known as the Thar.e, the design is a radical departure from the evolved CJ-like look of the current Thar. This is significant for two reasons – the fresh design allows Mahindra to future-proof the Thar brand and keep it current; and what’s equally important is that Mahindra will now be able to export its offroader to the other parts of the world, without legislators in certain markets squinting their eyes and seeing something else.
Mahindra Thar.e concept: the new look, clean-cut elements
Though teaser images of the new Thar.e reveal only bits of the car, look close and you can see a lot more. Initially, your attention is drawn to the square headlight at the upper right of the frame. To its left, the low-angle shot reveals a rectangular black grille with the words ‘THAR.e’ emblazoned across; note that the letters for THAR are now in a new ‘modern’ font. And what you can also see clearly, protruding out lower down, is part of a black bumper. Not sure how pedestrian safety has been taken care of.
Once you see the headlight, grille and bumper as a single unit, it is not difficult to imagine what the face of the new Thar.e looks like. Whereas the current Thar still has an upright grille and fenders that pop out, the Thar.e is a clean break, with nothing apparently carried over. What also makes it stand out is that the skinning is clean and the surface is made up of ‘flat’ panels’ with neatly defined edges – the fresh but friendly look not too dissimilar to that seen on the Honda E. But where the Honda has a rounded form, the Thar.e has flat sections.
Mahindra Thar.e concept: fresh details
The Thar.e is also full of interesting details. The square and sectioned LED headlight has been provided with some visual depth, the chamfered section between the bonnet and fender (top right) adds some muscle, and then the Thar.e even has some sort of hook or towing eye in red. One thing’s for sure, Mahindra designers must be complimented for arriving at the hard-to-attain simplicity the design exudes. The design even manages to offer some rugged appeal, despite clearly conveying a high-tech impression.
There’s still a lot to see on the Thar.e – such as whether the wheel arches will be squared or rounded – and while we still haven’t seen stuff like proportions and volumes, the first clean sheet design under ex-Tata Motors’ designer Pratap Bose’s watch seems to be off to a great start. The best bit, Mahindra will have the freedom to sell it wherever it likes. Can’t wait to see the whole Thar.e concept on Independence Day.
Cadillac is using a dedicated electric skateboard platform for the Escalade IQ.
By: HT Auto Desk | Updated on: 12 Aug 2023, 17:23 PM
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Cadillac has revealed the Escalade IQ which is essentially an electric version of the Escalade. However, it will not go on sale right now. Instead, Cadillac will launch Escalade IQ in 2025.
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Being the Escalade, the interior is very luxurious. It comes with 55-inch-total-diagonal LED display powered by a next generation Snapdragon Cockpit Platform from Qualcomm Technologies.
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The rear occupants get their own 12.6-inch-diagonal screens with HDMI ports. Moreover, there is a centre screen as well that cna be used to control various functions of the car.
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The Escalade IQ is based on GM’s Ultium platform which is a platform made for electric vehicles. It is essentially an electric skateboard platform where the wheels are placed on the corners and the floorboard forms the batteries. This helps in maximising the cabin space.
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There are motors in the front as well as at the rear. So, it comes with an electric all-wheel drive system. Cadillac will offer four-wheel steering as standard. There will also be Arrival Mode and Low Ride Mode.
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On the side, there are 24-inch alloy wheels that have an integrated aero design. The tyres measure 35-inch in size. There are flared wheel arches as well the enhance the side profile of the SUV.
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The Escalade IQ is based on GM’s Ultium platform which is a platform made for electric vehicles. It is essentially an electric skateboard platform where the wheels are placed on the corners and the floorboard forms the batteries. This helps in maximising the cabin space.
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Four-wheel steering reduces the turning circle while driving slowly as the rear tyres turn opposite to the front wheels. So, this helps in manoeuvring around a parking lot where there are tight turns. At higher speeds, the rear wheels turn in the same direction as the front wheels. This helps in increasing the stability.
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The Arrival mode is basically the Crab Walk feature that we first saw on the Hummer EV. It helps the SUV drive diagonally which can come in handy during off-roading sessions. Caddilac says that it can also be helful while entering a tight parking lot.
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The Low Ride mode enables the Escalade IQ to be driven at low speeds with the suspension fully lowered. This is possible because of the Adaptive Air Ride Suspension which can lowered by up to 50 mm and raised by 25 mm.
Four new Tata electric SUVs incoming; carmaker aims to build a portfolio of over 10 EVs by the end of 2025-’26.
Tata Motors says it hopes to sell about 10,000 electric vehicles every month as it expands its line-up to over half a dozen vehicles in the next year. The company has achieved the milestone of 1 lakh EVs in sales in the last five years, and expects to sell the next 1 lakh units within 12-14 months, said a senior executive of the company.
Celebrating its latest milestone, Shailesh Chandra, MD of Tata Passenger Electric Mobility, tells Autocar India, “The first 10,000 units would have taken us nearly 44 months. Then 50,000 [10,000 to 50,000 units] took us an additional 15 months, and the next 50,000 happened in nine months. Now, the next 1 lakh should happen in 12-14 months is what I would expect.”
With about 19,000 EVs in sales in the first quarter of FY24 (April-June 2023), group CFO PB Balaji has said Tata Motors is on the path to an annual volume of 1 lakh electric vehicles. The company, which seeded EVs in key markets, to begin with, has already penetrated over 130 cities with more than 250 dealers. In the last five years, over 6,500 public chargers have come up, which is fast moving to 10,000 chargers. There are chargers being set up at 1,500 residential complexes with 1 lakh home chargers already.
With the introduction of the Tiago EV, the penetration of zero-emission vehicles accelerated to 14-15 percent of the company’s total sales, and it has now set a vision of 50 percent penetration by 2030. Chairman Natrajan Chandrasekaran recently confirmed that in the next few quarters, four new EVs (Nexon EV facelift, Punch EV, Harrier EV and Curvv EV) will be launched, and this is set to expand the price point from Rs 8.5 lakh with Tiago EV at the entry-level to the Rs 30 lakh Harrier EV at the top.
‘A calculated gamble’: Shailesh Chandra
The management sees the journey as a transformational one, given the fact that when the company kicked off its EV business, the vendors didn’t believe them, customers felt that the EVs were the cars for the future, and there were hardly any players to invest in infrastructure. “When we entered the market, there were no enablers, and the market was not ready for electrification,” recalls Chandra on the journey. “But as a Group we took a bet given the challenges of pollution, climate change and higher dependence on imports, and the bet has paid off. Today, the suppliers want to invest, the customer mindset has transformed faster than we thought and the charging infrastructure came up faster than expected.”
He said it was a gamble, but a calculated gamble with a mitigation strategy of introducing electric powertrain through three different interventions – Gen-1 based on existing vehicle architecture; Gen-2 adapting new-gen architecture to accommodate both ICE and EV powertrains; and Gen-3 based on born-EV skateboard architecture. “This allowed us to launch EVs at almost 1/10th the cost, while gaining market insights,” Chandra says.
But these learnings came through addressing niggling issues. Since it is a new technology in a new environment, Chandra admits that Tata Motors faced certain problems and so did its customers. “The idea was that we respond to those problems fast and do the root cause analysis, doing combinations of immediate and permanent corrective actions, and today the technology has matured a lot. There are lesser problems today than we see,” he adds.
Tata Motors has a strong first-mover advantage and the learnings of the last five years will hold the company in good stead. The company today has a market share of over 85 percent and it is well funded to create a portfolio of over 10 EVs by the end of 2025-’26. It has committed an investment of USD 2 billion (roughly Rs 16,580 crore) in the EV business starting in 2022 over a period of five years.
Bengaluru-based start-up Simple Energy has trademarked ‘Dot One’ and ‘Simple Dot One’ nameplates in India hinting at two new electric scooters in the works. The two new e-scooters will most likely be variants of each other with a few differences. Sources suggest the upcoming Simple Dot One and Dot One e-scooters will be positioned below the Simple One, launched earlier this year. The upcoming offerings will take on the newly-launched Ather 450S, Ola S1 Air and TVS iQube in the segment.
By: Sameer Fayaz Contractor | Updated on: 11 Aug 2023, 15:15 PM
Simple Energy will bring two new electric scooters to the market by October that will be positioned below the One in its stable
The Simple Dot One and Dot One e-scooters are expected to arrive as early as October with a range of about 180 km on a single charge. The company is likely to use the same platform as the One but plonk a smaller battery and fewer features to make it more cost-effective.
₹1.45 lakh, going up to ₹1.58 lakh (ex-showroom Bengaluru after subsidy). The new models will undercut this pricing” src = “https://images.hindustantimes.com/auto/img/static/1x1_img.gif” onclick=”sendGa(this);” title=”Prices for the Simple One start at ₹1.45 lakh, going up to ₹1.58 lakh (ex-showroom Bengaluru after subsidy). The new models will undercut this pricing” style=”width:auto;” >
Prices for the Simple One start at ₹1.45 lakh, going up to ₹1.58 lakh (ex-showroom Bengaluru after subsidy). The new models will undercut this pricing
Currently, the Simple One is priced from ₹1.45 lakh (ex-showroom, after FAME II subsidy) onwards, which positions itself at the premium end of the electric scooter segment. Do note that the One was originally announced with an asking price of ₹1.10 lakh (ex-showroom). However, the revision in FAME II subsidies meant the pricing witnessed a significant price bump, much like the rest of the competition.
The more affordable Simple Dot One and Dot One aim to make the e-scooter more accessible. At present, the One e-scooter comes equipped with an 8.5 kW (11.3 bhp) electric motor with a continuous power output of 4.5 kW (6 bhp) and a peak torque of 72 Nm. The model can sprint from 0-40 kmph in 2.77 seconds with a top speed of 105 kmph, which makes it one of the fastest scooters in its class.
The Simple Dot One will be produced at the company’s facility in Tamil Nadu and is likely to share its underpinnings with the One e-scooter
The Simple One gets a claimed range of 212 km on a single charge from its 5 kWh battery pack. The charging time will also differ, should the model not get fast charging. The Simple Dot One and Dot One will be built at the company’s facility in Shoolagiri, Tamil Nadu, with an annual production capacity of 10 lakh units. At the time of launch, Simple Energy said that it had over 1 lakh bookings for the One e-scooter, and the numbers should increase further when the Dot One hits the market. The start-up has begun deliveries of the One only in Bengaluru so far, while other cities should get the model in the coming months.
Sources close to the company quote an expected range claim of 180km.
Simple Energy already has its debut offering on sale, in the form of the One e-scooter that became available to buyers a few months ago. Now, the company has trademarked the Dot One nametag, and it’s likely that it could feature on an upcoming model that will be more affordable.
Priced between Rs 1.45 and 1.50 lakh, the One is a rather expensive proposition, and a big part of that is down to its rather large 5kWh total battery capacity. The recent cut in the FAME-2 subsidy will only have added to Simple’s challenges, and therefore the most likely possibility is that the new Dot One nametag will find its way onto a more affordable entry-level offering that will quite possibly sport a smaller battery pack.
Sources close to the company indicate a claimed range in the ballpark of 180km for the upcoming model, which is slightly lower than the 212km claimed IDC range for the One. This further supports the notion that the Dot One will receive a slightly smaller battery pack, and Simple could also cut down on some of the features to help reduce costs. The 5kWh capacity on the One is split between a fixed pack in the floorboard and a removable pack in the underseat area, and perhaps Simple could move to a ‘simpler’ design featuring only a single fixed battery pack.
Meanwhile, as Simple Energy seemingly prepares to launch new products, its debut offering has seen a slow start, with the government’s VAHAN portal showing just 32 Simple scooters registered since it became available to buyers in May. This comes two years after the company first ‘launched’ the product on 15 August 2021, then at Rs 1.1 lakh. Despite this, Simple Energy claims to have received over 1 lakh bookings in the pre-launch period of the One.
By: Paarth Khatri | Updated on: 10 Aug 2023, 17:11 PM
Royal Enfield has launched a new riding jacket in the Indian market. It is called Streetwind Eco and what is special about it is that is made up of 100% recycled materials such as recycled polyester shell fabric, recycled polyester mesh fabric and recycled nylon Cordura. The manufacturer also repurposed 75 plastic pet bottles for one single jacket. The Streetwind Eco is priced at ₹5,950.
Royal Enfield offers Streetwind in three colour schemes.
As the name suggests, the Streetwind Eco is a ventilated mesh jacket for summer use. The design consists of 90 per cent mesh for airflow. Despite being a lightweight jacket, it comes with newly launched Ergo Pro Tech CE level 2 armour.
It passes the latest CE 2 standards even under different conditions like ambient, wet, hot, and cold temperatures and their 3D construction ensures a perfect fit for the human body’s impact zones. The shoulder and elbow armours are contoured to provide a snug fit at the joints, allowing for comfortable movement without any discomfort. Moreover, the design considers easy integration into jackets and trousers, making it convenient for the riders. To promote breathability, multiple vents are incorporated into the design, ensuring the rider’s skin remains cool and comfortable. Royal Enfield is using a Hexa pattern, with strategically placed grooves which enhances the flexibility of the armours.
Commenting on the launch, B Govindarajan, CEO, Royal Enfield, said, “Central to Royal Enfield’s philosophy is the commitment to leave every place better. Our comprehensive approach to sustainability is not only limited to our products, but extends to vendors, manufacturing, and collaborations ensuring that the entire supply chain is environment friendly. Having developed an apparel and gear portfolio that caters to riders regardless of terrain, weather conditions, or destinations, we are charting the way to a more sustainable future. With the launch of The Streetwind Eco Riding Jacket, we aim to set new benchmarks that look ahead, towards a promising and eco-conscious future in the segment.”
In addition to the W2, the company has also launched a base variant for the XUV300 TurboSport, the W4.
Mahindra has launched two new manual variants of the XUV300 compact SUV, and the compact SUV’s prices start at Rs 7.99 lakh.
All W4 variants get a sunroof
W4 variant extends to the Turbosport model
New, entry-level W2 variant introduced
Mahindra XUV300 W2
Mahindra has introduced a new W2 base variant on the compact SUV, which sits below the W4 variant. This variant is available exclusively with one engine and gearbox option – a 110hp, 200Nm, 1.2-litre turbo-petrol mated to a 6-speed manual gearbox. With this new base model costing Rs 7.99 lakh, ex-showroom, we expect that the vehicle will lose certain features that are available on the W4. However, the company has not shared any details with us yet.
Mahindra XUV300 Turbosport W4
The sportier model in the XUV line-up, the Turbosport, also gets a new W4 base trim that’s priced at Rs 9.29 lakh. It was previously available only from the W6 trim onwards, which is Rs 1.2 lakh less than the W6. This new W4 trim is available only with a 6-speed manual and has 131hp and 230Nm on tap.
Mahindra XUV300 price and variants
Variant
Petrol Manual
Petrol Automatic
TurboSport
Diesel Manual
Diesel Automatic
W2
Rs 7.99 lakh (new)
–
–
–
–
W4
Rs 8.65 lakh
–
Rs 9.29 lakh (new)
Rs 10.20 lakh
–
W6
Rs 9.99 lakh
Rs 10.69 lakh
Rs 10.49 lakh
Rs 10.99 lakh
Rs 12.29 lakh
W8
Rs 11.49 lakh
–
Rs 11.99 lakh
Rs 12.99 lakh
–
W8(O)
Rs 12.59 lakh
Rs 13.29 lakh
Rs 12.99 lakh
Rs 13.91 lakh
Rs 14.59 lakh
In addition, all W4 variants now get a sunroof, which was previously available only from the W6 variant onwards. Mahindra will also introduce a panoramic sunroof with the facelift of the XUV300 next year. The W4 variant is now available with three engine options – 2 petrol and a diesel – but only with a manual gearbox.
As is the case with the W2, the company has not shared the revised feature list with us, so it is not known what the W4 misses out on over the W6.
eBikeGo is all set to open order books for the upcoming Muvi electric scooter in India in October this year, the company has announced. Little is known about the bike’s specifications for the Indian market but the product image promises a city offering with large wheels, which will set it apart from conventional e-scooters on sale at the moment. eBikeGo has not revealed the booking amount for its upcoming model.
By: HT Auto Desk | Updated on: 09 Aug 2023, 15:52 PM
The eBikeGo Muvi is based on the Muvi City e-scooter built by Spanish electric two-wheeler firm Torrot
Prospective customers will be able to book the eBikeGo Muvi e-scooter online on the company’s official website. The manufacturer said that it was working to make the booking process “seamless” and will share detailed instructions soon. The e-scooter is likely to come with battery swapping technology but eBikeGo is yet to announce about building the infrastructure for the same.
Speaking about introducing the Muvi in India, Dr Irfan Khan, CEO – eBikeGo, said, “We are thrilled to open bookings for the Muvi soon. The incredible response we’ve received thus far showcases the growing interest in sustainable electric mobility. Our customers will soon get to experience the exceptional features and performance of the Muvi.”
The eBikeGo Muvi City electric scooter is based on the Spanish electric two-wheeler brand Torrot’s Muvi City e-scooter. eBikeGo has acquired the product licence to manufacture the model in the country. The Spanish-spec model weighs only 96 kg and is powered by a 2.65 kW motor with a top speed of 45 kmph and a range of 110 km in the Eco mode. A more powerful version called the Muvi Executive is also available that gets a 3 kW motor with a top speed of 70 kmph in Eco mode and a range of 85 km on a single charge. The e-scooter is designed and manufactured in Salt, Girona, on the outskirts of Barcelona in Spain.
With respect to features, the e-scooter comes with a 4-inch LCD display that can be customised through the mobile app. The model also comes equipped with an in-house ECU with CAN-BUS, Bluetooth, and OBD capabilities. More details about the upcoming offering should be available in October.
The brand has confirmed that it will bring four electric SUVs by early 2024.
Tata Motors chairperson Natarajan Chandrasekaran says that while there is a big push towards electric vehicles in the Indian market, the internal combustion engine is not going to go away anytime soon. Chandrasekaran was addressing the shareholders at the 78th Annual General Meeting on Tuesday.
The focus on multi-powertrain has helped Tata Motors bring in incremental sales, however, the brand has no plans to bring in hybrid vehicles, a technology that the market leader Maruti Suzuki, along with its alliance partner Toyota, is betting on. At the meeting, Tata Motors also confirmed that it will bring as many as four electric SUVs – the Nexon EV facelift, Punch EV, Harrier EV and the Curvv EV – by early next year.
Chandrasekaran says that by the end of this decade, the EV penetration for passenger vehicles will be 50 percent, and so internal combustion engines like petrol, diesel and CNG will still have a strong presence. “Currently, we don’t have any plans for hybrids. We are focused on EVs, on commercial vehicles, and heavy trucks; we will have hydrogen trucks,” he adds.
Tata Motors has committed Rs 8,000 crore to its standalone business for the financial year of 2024, it has committed about USD 2 billion (approximately Rs 17,000 crore) to its EV business through its subsidiary, Tata Passenger Electric Mobility. On the long-term growth potential of the market, Chandrasekaran says, “The Indian market will move towards 10 million units per annum over time and Tata Motors is well positioned to capture the growth as well as gain market share.”
Ather Energy has released a new teaser on social media, which reveals that they will be launching the three electric scooters on 11th August. What has been confirmed is the launch of the 450S, which will be the most affordable electric scooter in Ather’s lineup. As of now, the manufacturer is selling only the 450X in the Indian market. It is offered in two versions – with the Pro Pack and without the Pro Pack.
By: HT Auto Desk | Updated on: 08 Aug 2023, 15:43 PM
Image of Ather 450X used for representational purpose only.
So, it can be expected that the two remaining scooters will be updated versions of the 450X electric scooter. One gripe that many people have reported is the charging time of the Ather 450X without the Pro Pack. So, there is a possibility that Ather might just reduce the battery size to reduce charging times. Apart from this, there is a possibility that Ather will also update the 450X electric scooter. However, nothing has been confirmed yet. The manufacturer will not be introducing a new design language or platform as of now. This was confirmed when Ather launched Atherstack 5.0.
Speaking of the new scooter, the Ather 450S will look more or less the same as the 450X. However, it will come with a new LCD display with coloured elements. So, it is expected that the 450S will miss out on Google Maps and connected technology. Ather is promising a claimed range of 115 km on a single charge and a top speed of 90 kmph. It is expected that the 450S will use the same electric motor as the 450X, considering the top speed of both electric scooters is the same.
Ather Energy has already revealed the pricing details of the upcoming 450S electric scooter. It will be available at an introductory price of ₹129,999 (ex-showroom). Ather has not revealed to what extent the introductory pricing will be available for consumers.
It gets the 1,158cc V4 Granturismo engine from the Multistrada V4, albeit in a slightly different state-of-tune.
At the beginning of the year, Ducati announced its plan to launch nine new motorcycles in India in 2023, and the latest of these has just arrived in the form of the Diavel V4. Priced at Rs 25.91 lakh (ex-showroom, India), the Bologna brand’s power cruiser is powered by the same 1,158cc V4 Granturismo engine as the Multistrada V4.
Offered in just a single variant
Produces 168hp and 126Nm
Fully adjustable suspension at both ends
Ducati Diavel V4 engine
Though it is the same motor as the Multistrada, it does get a slightly different state-of-tune in the Diavel, and here it produces 168hp and 126Nm – 2hp less and 1Nm more than the adventure bike. This still marks a 9hp increase over the previous 1,262cc L-twin engine from the earlier Diavel 1260. An interesting feature on this new motor is a cylinder deactivation system, which shuts down the rear two cylinders as needed to reduce fuel consumption and heating. The engine is paired to a 6-speed gearbox that features a bi-directional quickshifter.
Ducati Diavel V4 chassis
Despite having gone from two cylinders to four, the Diavel has lost 12kg and now weighs 236kg. A large chunk of this is down to the frame, or rather the lack of one, which has helped save 8kg. Instead of the steel trellis frame of the outgoing Diavel, Ducati has given the new Diavel V4 an aluminium monocoque construction. The rear subframe, however, is still a steel trellis unit, while the swingarm is a single-sided cast aluminium unit.
Suspension duties are handled by a 50mm USD fork up front (120mm travel) and monoshock at the rear (145mm travel), both of which are fully adjustable. This marks a 15mm increase in travel over the Diavel 1260, and Ducati has also brought the handlebar 20mm closer to the rider for more comfortable ergonomics. Seat height stands at 790mm.
Ducati Diavel V4 features
New for the Diavel V4 is a fresh LED headlight with horseshoe-shaped LED DRLs, two-tone alloys with a diamond cut effect, an array of small LEDs under the tail section forming the tail lamp. These also mimic the horseshoe pattern of the DRLs up front. Perhaps the biggest ‘wow’ factor of this motorcycle’s appearance are the quad exhaust exits.
As for features, the 2023 Ducati Diavel V4 gets a 5.0-inch TFT display with Bluetooth connectivity, dynamic indicators, cruise control, launch control, a six-axis IMU, cornering ABS, traction control and wheelie control. The Ducati Diavel V4 will be available in two colours – Ducati Red and Thrilling Black, both commanding the same Rs 25.91 lakh asking price.
By: HT Auto Desk | Updated on: 07 Aug 2023, 14:01 PM
Bike-taxi aggregator Rapido has tied up with the Uttar Pradesh Police department to promote safe driving among two-wheeler riders. As a part of this initiative the police department distributed more than 100 Rapido-branded helmets to people in Noida. The free helmet distribution was held near the Botanical Garden Metro Station in Noida. The helmets were ISO certified that meet stringent quality standards.
UP Police distributing Rapido branded helmets to young riders in Noida.
The helmets were distributed to young commuters and low-income families who often lack access to proper protective gear. The distribution drive was carried out by Saurabh Srivastava, ACP Traffic, Gautam Buddha Nagar. The beneficiaries were also sensitized about the importance of wearing a helmet in context to safe driving practices.
The initiative is a part of Rapido’s commitment to promote safe driving practices amongst riders and “make two-wheeler riding a safe commuting avenue in the country”. By distributing free helmets, the company hopes to encourage the adoption of certified helmets among riders for increased personal safety and reducing chances of injuries and fatalities in case of road accidents.
Two-wheeler riders are the most vulnerable category on Indian roads and wearing a helmet can act as a protective gear, helping prevent fatalities in case of accidents. “The negligence amongst riders with regards to the use of preventive gears such as helmets is a cause of major concern. Wearing certified helmets properly can reduce serious injuries in accidents involving riders,” said Pavan Guntupalli, Co-Founder, Rapido. “We are thankful to have had this opportunity to participate in the UP Police led initiative for guiding riders on the pathway of safe driving practices.”
As per data found in the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), the highest number of fatalities in road accidents are of two-wheeler riders. In 2021, approximately 70,000 riders lost their lives in accidents, which is around 44% of the total fatalities due to traffic accidents.
Prices for the Creta and Alcazar Adventure editions start at Rs 15.17 lakh and Rs 19.04 lakh, respectively.
Hyundai has launched the Creta and Alcazar Adventure editions at Rs 15.17 lakh and Rs 19.04 lakh (ex-showroom, India), respectively. The Creta Adventure edition is available only with a petrol engine, while on the Alcazar, it is available with petrol and diesel engines.
While this is the first special edition of the Alcazar, the Creta already has a special Knight Edition. Here’s a detailed break-up of the prices of the new Adventure editions:
Both SUVs get a dashcam with the Adventure edition – a segment-first feature – that’s also available on the Exter and Venue N Line SUVs, and a blacked-out grille with a black ‘Hyundai’ logo. Other exterior bits that get the blacked-out treatment include the front, rear and side skid plates, wing mirrors, 17-inch alloy wheels, fog lamp housing, tailgate garnish (only on Alcazar) and the C-pillar trim (only on Creta). They also get special ‘Adventure’ edition badges on the front fenders.
The Adventure editions also get the new Ranger Khakhi colour option, which debuted on the new Exter SUV. Apart from this, they also are also available in Abyss Black, Atlas White and Titan Grey colours. While the Creta gets two dual-tone colours (Atlas White and Ranger Khaki with black roof), the Alcazar gets three (Atlas White, Ranger Khaki and Titan Grey).
The Adventure editions get an all-black interior theme with Sage Green inserts on the AC vents and switches. It also gets Sage Green inserts, piping and stitching on the seats, and they also get special mats and silver foot pedals.
As mentioned, the Creta Adventure edition is only offered with a 1.5-litre petrol engine that produces 115hp and 144Nm. It is available on the SX trim with the 6-speed manual gearbox and the SX (O) trim with the CVT.
On the Alcazar, the Adventure edition is available with both the 160hp, 253Nm, 1.5-litre turbo-petrol, a 116hp, 250Nm, 1.5-litre diesel engine and a 7-seat configuration. The Alcazar Adventure edition with the Platinum trim is available with only the 6-speed manual gearbox on the petrol and diesel engines. On the Signature (O) trim, the Adventure edition is available with the 7-speed dual-clutch automatic for the petrol and the 6-speed automatic with the diesel engine.
The Alcazar Adventure edition goes up against the various special editions of the Tata Safari – Dark, Red Dark and Adventure. Other rivals include the MG Hector Plus and Mahindra XUV700.
Over the last few years, several Tesla electric cars have made headlines for reasons that were unexpected and at times, unpleasant. The latest addition to the list of antics performed by Tesla car owners is when an EV bashed through a wall and plunged into a swimming pool. The incident took place in Arizona when a homeowner found the Tesla barreled through his house’s concrete wall and took a dive in the backyard pool, reported AZFamily.
By: HT Auto Desk | Updated on: 06 Aug 2023, 15:10 PM
It is not confirmed if the Tesla EV plunged into the pool because of a driver’s error or some technical glitch. (Image: Youtube/AZFamily)
The report says that despite such a crash into the swimming pool, the Tesla EV’s driver survived without any injury. However, the same can’t be said of the car or the yard it crashed into. The report has further revealed that the police are still searching for the cause of the crash. It is not known if the mishap took place because of the driver’s error or some technical glitch in the car.
The affected homeowner, Joe Papineau, said that he thought that he’d heard an explosion. “I was sleeping in my bed when all of a sudden I hear this huge crash and big explosion,” he said to the local news station. Papineau also said he believes that the Tesla car was passing through the area when another car pulled out in front of him. In a desperate attempt to avoid the accident, the Tesla driver made an evasive manoeuvre but couldn’t recover in time to avoid crashing into the wall and ending in the pool.
The video that emerged online shows the Tesla car has received extensive damage including a demolished windshield. Its front profile got damaged severely. However, the driver reportedly escaped with only minor injuries. There was no other passenger in the car during the time of the accident, the report has further revealed.
French design flair makes it stand apart from the crowd but is that enough in the hyper-competitive SUV segment?
Late to the Indian market, Citroen hasn’t wasted time and in just a little over two years has brought four products to Indian market, including the all-electric eC3 which gave it a good head start over its multi-national rivals in the EV race. But despite launching fresh, all-new models the French brand has barely made any impact in the Indian market thanks to a step-by-step approach and modest ambitions which prioritises profitability over volumes and market share. However, Citroen is upping its game with the C3 Aircross, the company’s fourth and most important model yet. This 4.3 metre long C3 Aircross dives straight into the mid-size SUV segment which is the holy grail for all automakers. For Citroen, the C3 Aircross too is a potential cash cow and a chance to establish itself in the Indian market which can’t seem to get enough of SUVs. But, Citroen will have to pull something special out of the box to get a strong foothold in this hyper competitive segment, so is the C3 Aircross which comes with a first-in-class seven seat variant special enough?
The rear quarter window merges with the rear windscreen to make it look like a wraparound unit.
Citroen C3 Aircross design
French cars have a certain design flair and individuality and the Citroen C3 Aircross is no exception. It looks refreshingly different from other mid-size SUVs and If there’s anything familiar about it, it’s because it looks related to the C3 hatchback with which it shares the same C-Cubed platform. The front in particular is very similar to the C3 and in fact right upto the B-pillar, the C3 hatch and C3 Aircross share the same sheet metal panels. That’s not a bad thing because the C3 is quite distinctive to look at and the C3 Aircross which gets a new lower bumper with a prominent skid plate with a pair of distinctive dummy housings above, looks even better. The air intake above the bumper is now wider which accentuates the width of the car and the Chevron logo finished in glossy black with a silver surround looks classier. The headlamp and DRL cluster is carried over from the C3 and so are the halogen lights. You don’t get LEDs, even as an option which is something you now expect in this segment.
C3 Aircross’ unique design has a distinctive French flair.
The side profile of the Citroen C3 Aircross showcases a superbly balanced design which Citroen’s designers have achieved by skillfully harmonising the upright stance with a best-in-class 2671mm wheelbase, 4323mm length, tight overhangs, and well-proportioned wheel arches and glass areas. Generous plastic cladding on the doors, a distinctive crease in the rear fender, a two tone roof and fantastic looking 17-inch ‘Quadratic’ alloys enhances the overall aesthetics even further. The striking C-shaped tail lights, prominent roof spoiler and chunky rear skid plate make the C3 Aircross attractive from the rear as well.
The two-tone roof and fantastic-looking 17-inch alloys enhance the aesthetics of the C3 Aircross.
Beneath the car, you’ll notice that the spare tire is positioned under the floor rather than inside the boot, which can make changing a flat tire a somewhat messy task. Nevertheless, the C3 Aircross boasts a distinctive and unique design, setting it apart from the crowd of SUVs.
Citroen C3 Aircross interior
Dashboard design is interesting but cabin feels low rent.
To enter the C3 Aircross, you’ll have to lift the old school flap-type door handle which has a cheap looking keyhole next to it and the non-foldable key itself looks like it belongs to a budget car from the 1990s. This first point of contact with the car sets the tone for the in-your-face paisa-pinching that abounds in the cabin. Again, the two-tone dashboard is similar to the smaller C3’s which means it’s stylish, nicely sculpted and full of interesting design details. The steering wheel too is from the C3 and gets an additional of set buttons (with a piano black surround) to play around with the different modes and displays that come with the new customisable and easy-to-read digital instrument cluster.
Front seat cushion a bit thin but driving position comfy. Only manual adjust.
The driver’s seat is a touch slim but nevertheless is quite comfortable with right amount of cushioning and though there is only manual adjust it’s easy to arrive at the right driving position. Short drivers can crank themselves up to a nice height for good outside visibility and all the controls too are well placed and fall nicely to hand.
The rear seat is also a comfortable space to be with generous headroom and legroom, even for tall passengers. Though the under thigh support is a tad short, the overall cushioning and high seat position lets you spend long journeys in comfort. Citroen are masters at judging the foam density for their seats which are not too hard and not too soft.
Rear seat spacious, arm rest only available with five seater variant.
Whilst the five seater variant has an arm rest, you miss the absence of one in the seven-seater version (difficult to engineer along with the tumble function of the second row) but you do get a seat back that reclines instead which is great for long drives. There’s a moderate amount of storage space in the cabin with large door bins and bottle holders for all passengers, cupholders in the front and a reasonably sized glove box.
Third row very tight for adults and for short journeys only.
The seven-seater or 5+2 seats as Citroen more appropriately terms it, is a master stroke which makes the C3 Aircross the only SUV in its class to offer a third row of seats which can easily accessed thanks to a smooth tilt and tumble operation of the second row. Sure, the rear seats which are placed on the flat floor are meant only for children but even adults can squeeze in there for short drives.
Third row pair of seats can be removed in under a minute. Useful as picnic chairs.
During a night out with friends, these tiny rear seats prove invaluable, as they can make all the difference between needing an additional car or not. And when you don’t need them you can remove them in 20 seconds flat (yes, we timed ourselves!) and either store them away or use them as picnic chairs. With both seats removed you get a clear luggage 511 litres of luggage space (a good 67 litre more than the 5 seater) which jumps to 839 litres with the second row seats folded. You can even remove just one seat and use the C3 Aircross as a six-seater with some luggage space to spare. It’s this versatility of the third row, which allows multiple configurations, that is the genius of the C3 Aircross and a great example of clever design that needn’t complicated or costly.
Citroen C3 Aircross features
Roof mounted rear aircon vents in 7 seater looks tacky and ruled out scope for a sunroof.
The 10.2 inch infotainment system is the same as the C3’s too which means it’s slick to operate has a good touch response, clear graphics and also gets wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. You also get a total of 5 USB (Type B and not Type C) charging ports (including two for the third row of seats), a get a standard rear view camera with reverse parking sensors and just two airbags as part of a feature list that is stingy by class standards. The C3 Aircross doesn’t come with one of the most desired features in an SUV today – a sunroof. What were Citroen product planners thinking?
All digital instrument cluster has multiple displays and modes.
Start poking around the cabin and you’ll quickly discover where Citroen’s accountants have had the final say. Most obvious is the clunky set of knobs to manually adjust the aircon controls instead of an electronically actuated system which even hatchbacks get today. On the five-seater version there are no rear aircon vents at all whilst the 5+2 variant gets a tacky looking roof mounted rear vent but the good thing is that it gets a strong three-speed blower to effectively cool the back row. Other annoying bits of cost cutting are, no grab handle for the front passenger, and whilst there’s a one-touch auto down function for all windows, there’s no auto up. Why? Because that would have meant installing an anti-pinch function (a mandatory safety requirement to prevent injury) which would have added to cost!
You need long hands to operate the rear windows.
Like in the C3, the rear window switches are not present on either the rear doors or the driver’s door. To reduce costs, a single pair of switches is provided for both front and rear passengers, inconveniently positioned between the front seats. This silly placement of the switches which also precludes the use of a central storage box and arm rest drew a lot of flak in the C3 and in the more expensive C3 Aircross (which gets basic fold down armrests attached to seats) it’s even more unacceptable. Citroen knows this but given the long lead times for design and engineering, it will be awhile before any changes can be done. There’s no wireless charging either and whilst the shelf in the centre console is big enough to take the largest smart phones, it doesn’t have a lip nor is it rubberised so under hard acceleration your phone slips out. It’s small details like this which irritate.
Clunky, manually operated aircon controls look and feel downmarket.
Citroen C3 Aircross powertrain
The C3 Aircross comes with just one engine and gearbox option, the same three-cylinder 1.2 litre turbo-petrol mated to a six-speed manual that powers the higher variants of the C3. There’s no diesel option which forty percent of mid-size SUV buyers want but it’s the lack of an automatic transmission, that puts the C3 Aircross on the backfoot as it eliminates around 50 percent of the SUV market which has gravitated to automatics A 6-speed, Aisin torque converter unit is in the works but that won’t come before the end of the year.
Smooth and strong 1.2 turbo petrol is the best around.
We’ve said this before and we’ll say it again, Citroen’s turbo-petrol is the best 1.2 litre engine in the market today. Updated to meet to the latest BS6.2 regulations, the latest generation of Citroen’s ‘PureTech’ engine gets the latest software and ECU tweaks but power and torque are unchanged at 110hp and 190Nn respectively The six-speed gearbox has been revamped with a shorter set of ratios than in the C3, to suit the heavier SUV.
6-speed gearbox is smooth and precise with a short throw.
There’s a bit of engine rocking idle that’s typical of many three-cylinder motors but the moment you get the revs up all vibrations disappear and in fact, this engine feels incredibly smooth and refined throughout its rev range. The C3 Aircross steps off the line smartly and part throttle response is really good. It’s only when you press your right foot down hard that you encounter turbo lag and need to downshift. Keep the revs above 2,500 rpm and you get a strong, linear tug all the way to the 6,200 rev limit. Whilst the Aircross may not be as quick as more powerful rivals, you’re rarely left wanting for more power and we were truly impressed with the way the C3 Aircross briskly gathered pace. Flat out acceleration is strong, the zingy engine has a willingness to rev and a smartly stacked set of ratios drops you in the meat of the powerband with every upshift. The engine’s mid-range is particularly strong which makes overtaking easy and highway cruising a breeze. Whilst a bigger and more powerful engine would be nice to have as an option, the 1.2 turbo effortlessly does the job.
Old fashioned key doesn’t belong in a 2023 SUV.
The short throw 6-speed manual is also brilliant with smooth, precise shifts that makes gear changing a joy but the clutch is a bit snappy and needs careful modulation. Driving in bumper-to-bumper traffic underscores the need for an automatic at the earliest.
Citroen C3 Aircross ride and handling
Comfort has long been a Citroen hallmark and the softly sprung C3 Aircross sets a new benchmark for ride quality in the mid-size SUV segment. Low-speed ride is phenomenal, the suspension soaks up rough edges, potholes and ruts like a velvet sponge. This soft edge makes to the C3 Aircross a very comfortable car to ride in. At high speeds, the Aircross tends to bob up and down a bit, especially at the rear and a firmer rebound damper setting would have given a flatter ride. However this would have corrupted the all-important ride comfort at moderate speeds and bad roads and hence the suspension set-up is a happy compromise best suited for everyday use. Besides, straight line stability is fantastic thanks to the long wheelbase and the steering like we experienced in the C3 hatch is again one of the best around. It’s light at low speeds, weights up perfectly as you go faster and has little slack around the straight ahead position which lets you drive with precision and control. In fact, at speed, the C3 Aircross is a joy to drive with the confidence it inspires.
200mm ground clearance and short overhangs allows it to indulge in some off-roading.
To showcase its ground clearance and short overhangs, Citroen organised an off-road course that was more for a Jeep. Yes, the C3 Aircross clambered over obstacles with ease and the sharp inclines were a good test for the hill hold function which worked rather well.
Citroen C3 Aircross verdict
Despite being softly sprung, the C3 Aircross is a tidy handler.
There is so much to like about the unconventional Citroen C3 Aircross which in many ways is a breath of fresh air in the mid-size SUV segment. The standout design and innovative three-row configuration makes it unique in a clutter of mid-size SUVs that all follow a similar template. The 1.2 turbo-petrol is a jewel of an engine and when it comes to ride comfort the C3 Aircross is in a different as well. Sadly, great product engineering can be undone by poor product planning and whoever specced the C3 Aircross has little understanding of the Indian consumer. Offering just a single petrol engine with no diesel or automatic options seriously limits the Aircross’ appeal but what’s worse is the lack of features and the in-your-face cost cutting. The C3 Aircross is a no-frills car that will need a no-frills price tag if it is to have a fighting chance. Prices will be announced in September with deliveries starting in October. Let’s hope Citroen surprises us.
₹1.45 lakh, going up to 
