Car Expert Reviews
Tata Tiago EV: Long Term Introduction
How is daily life with the least expensive electric car from Tata?
The Tata Tiago EV is, to put it simply, the best Tiago variant available. The Tiago petrol-automatic top model costs about Rs 4 lakh less than this one. Is it really worth the trouble, or does it seem justified?
For a full three months, we will be able to ascertain that with the Tiago EV.
Home Charging Is A Must Have
Having a charging station in your parking space is practically a need if you want to drive a Tiago EV every day. It is best to obtain permissions from your landlord or housing society in order to do this, but it also ensures that the Tiago electric has a charge whenever you need it.
You are reliant on charging stations if you find yourself in a predicament similar to mine where installing a charger is not an option. In this case, charging is not only more expensive, but there are additional costs involved as well, such as the trouble of downloading additional apps, adding funds to the digital wallet, and occasionally even having to wait for a charger to become available. We’ll compare a few different private charging stations in a later report, but it looks like this process takes some getting used to.
Tata Tiago EV
In addition, Tata states that DC fast charging from 10 to 80 percent can be completed in 58 minutes. The Tiago EV required precisely 57 minutes to charge from 10 to 80 percent, as we had confirmed with the Tiago EV charge time full report. While a 70 percent charge in less than an hour may sound impressive, it’s crucial to keep in mind that this only equates to a range of roughly 140 kilometers.
We would advise you to only fast charge when absolutely necessary, as frequent fast charging is bad for the battery anyway. If not, it is much preferable to let the Tiago EV charge slowly over night.
A full charge of the Tiago EV, which we are currently testing, lasts roughly 200 km, or roughly 2 km for every percentage of battery life. I feel somewhat certain that I won’t be left stranded or worried while looking for a charger now that we’ve made several runs inside Mumbai city.
In one specific case, I believed I would be coming close. 110 km of range when we left home, 94 km inside the city, and 34 km extra. You come to trust the Tiago EV a little bit more as you use it more frequently.
It’s time to get behind the wheel more often now that I have a reasonable amount of faith in the Tiago EV. A few concerns have already been raised, mostly regarding the in-cabin storage areas and the durability of the white interior, given that a restless toddler is frequently going in it.
Car Expert Reviews
Hyundai Exter: Second Long Term Report: 8000 km
The Exter joins us for a near 3000 km road trip, and has us pleasantly surprised
You wouldn’t think to take Hyundai Exter car a designed for city driving, like the Hyundai Exter car, on a lengthy road trip. But that’s exactly what we did. We learned a few interesting things about the car from our brief, seven-day trip, which included spending so much time with it. Let’s address each one separately.
The Comfort Level
The seats on the Exter will feel cozy and supportive for people of average build. We didn’t experience any aches, pains, or numbness during the nearly five hours we were together. That being said, you will find yourself “spilling out” of the front seats if you are an XL. You would like your shoulder blades and back to have a little bit more support. Similarly, the Exter’s integrated headrest won’t feel adequate if you’re tall. You might want to think about getting a neck cushion.
We did miss an armrest up front on longer trips. Hyundai would have been able to provide a little bit more storage as a result. Regarding space, there’s really nothing to be unhappy about. Large windows and a high seating position ensure that you never feel crowded inside the cabin.
Relaxed? Yes. Powerful? No!
The Exter was more than comfortable maintaining a constant speed of 100 kmph for the duration of the journey. Although it is capable of reaching much higher speeds, the engine is constantly under stress.
From an efficiency perspective, it would rather you cruise at a slower speed of 75–80 kmph. But it really struggles to make quick overtakes at these speeds. We had to shift into third or occasionally even second gear in order to pass other vehicles.
The cabin is comfortable due to its quiet engine and well-managed road, wind, and tire noise. This will get you 50–60 km/h on Indian highways, which is a respectable pace of travel.
In terms of fuel efficiency, a leisurely drive on the highway will yield 16–17 km/l. Increase the speed and you could reach 13–14 km/h.
Technology Pack
The Exter’s 8-inch touchscreen is user-friendly. Unfortunately, it is wired even though it has Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Your phone is constantly charged while traveling at 100% capacity, which is bad for the battery life of the device. This could have been resolved with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto.
You can charge four devices with the wireless, two type-A, and two type-C chargers. The wireless charger is a little sluggish, and it can barely hold a charge while your phone is streaming music. Additionally, since the majority of new phones now come with a type-C cable, we wish that the type-C port was the one that enabled Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
The top-spec model comes with an integrated dashcam, which is fantastic for taking pictures and recording moments in case of emergency. This is a really handy feature when traveling.
Enjoy Yourself!
The Exter’s exceptionally smooth ride is another feature. It pretty much flattens everything at low speeds with minimal movement within the cabin. At triple-digit speeds, it feels substantial and stable; high speed stability is also noteworthy. On the other hand, the car will feel bouncy during the recovery if it hits expansion joints or bumps at highway speeds. The rear seats intensify this feeling.
Car Expert Reviews
Audi A4 Review: What Makes Luxury Car Special?
With the Audi A4, we discover what makes a luxury vehicle unique.
All of us have fantasies about buying a fancy car someday, whether it be for our parents or for ourselves. However, whereas a good luxury car used to cost around Rs 30 lakh a few years ago, it now costs around Rs 60 lakh. The question that comes up in this situation is: Should I not choose a Toyota Fortuner instead? These days, vehicles up to Rs 30 lakh come equipped with a good number of luxury features, if not the Fortuner. Consequently, why make the additional financial investment?
We’re going to investigate the specific distinctions between a luxury and a regular car today. The Audi A4, the most economical vehicle in the car lineup, will help us with this task.
Looks
Modern automobiles strive to catch your eye with their distinctive designs. On the other hand, the A4 is unique. It gently asks to be acknowledged in its class rather than demanding attention. Any car can achieve the shape and design, but this luxury vehicle offers exceptional quality control and excellent quality.
First, let’s talk about its paint finish, which is unattainable for regular cars. Next are its substantial body panels and meticulous detailing, like the way the door handles naturally unfold and the way the mirrors fold in close to the body. Although LED headlights are widely used these days, the Audi’s lights are more admired for their brightness and throw. The tail lamps’ design is particularly distinctive. But the wheels have a somewhat boring appearance.
The most impressive aspect, though, is the consistency. Overall, the panels have clean, accurate fit and shut lines. No situation exists where one gap is excessively large and the other is excessively small. These disparities are frequently seen in mass-market automobiles, possibly not from Hyundai but from Tata or Maruti. Even though their designs have changed, the A4’s precision is what sets it apart as a luxury vehicle.
Interiors
The A4’s key is equally high-end as the vehicle. Its weight, texture, and finish support its classification as a high-end automobile key. It has options for remote keyless entry, auto-folding ORVMs, and a gesture tailgate, even though it’s a sedan. The door handles have very attractive lights on them at night.
What distinguishes a hotel room rated three stars from one rated five stars? They differ in quality, but both have beds, pillows, kettles, towels, and bathroom accessories. A luxury car’s interior is comparable to a five-star hotel, whereas mass-market automobiles are more like two- or three-star establishments.
This is reflected in the interior of the car. The door pads, handles, and even the door pockets are all coated in a soft-touch material that covers the entire dashboard. The steering wheel’s leather wrap is really well made. Even though regular cars now frequently have leather wraps and soft touches, it would be like comparing an Alka Yagnik song to a Neha Kakkar tune.
The piano black finish is another option; it feels tougher and deeper than standard car paint. Furthermore, there’s something ASMR about using the switches!
Features
A car priced at Rs 30 lakh may come with additional features like ADAS, a panoramic sunroof, and ventilated seats. Even though an entry-level luxury vehicle might not have these features, the A4’s does, and they provide excellent quality and experience.
The A4 has an LED instrument cluster measuring 12.3 inches and having clarity comparable to a TV. Everything is very clear in terms of map arrangement, logic, and integration with all readouts. A 10-inch touchscreen with an elegant black theme goes well with this. Its use has gotten even simpler with the updated smartphone interface. Its dedicated volume and track knob are especially appreciated.
These two screens are free of glitches and lag. What’s there functions flawlessly, and unlike some of the more recent Mahindra and Tata vehicles, it is not being beta tested on consumers.
The A4 also has a sunroof, powered front seats, a wireless phone charger, a superb Bang and Olufsen sound system with a subwoofer, and ambient lighting with 30 colors. It also has a 3-zone climate control system, with two zones for the front seats and a separate one for the rear seats.
There are additional specifics. You have the ability to lock and extend the center armrest to your preferred position. The ORVMs’ auto-dimming function makes sure that you are not distracted by oncoming vehicles’ high beams. The A4 is a luxury car because, as I have stated, even though it has fewer features.
Rear Seat
There are some mixed feelings about the backseat. The seat back is fairly upright, there are nets hidden in the pockets on the back, and there are no charging ports or outlets other than one 12V socket. Still, there’s good space, quality, and support. With its large armrest, temperature control, and sunshades, it also transforms into a luxurious vehicle.
To top it off, I really like this armrest. Its well-designed cup holder and phone storage area ensure security. When cup holders are positioned in the center of regular armrests, it can be uncomfortable. That issue won’t arise here. The attention to these little details results in a luxurious experience in the rear seats.
Boot
With plenty of room for luggage, a sedan and boot space are a match made in heaven. Nonetheless, the fully carpeted floor, which stops any rattling or noise from the objects, distinguishes it as a luxury car boot. Additionally, the opening is well-managed and fulfilling.
Engine And Performance
A 2-liter, 4-cylinder turbocharged engine is included. Yes, with 190 PS and 320 Nm of power, it is strong. It takes just 7.3 seconds to reach 100 kmph with its 7-speed transmission.
But its refinement is what strikes me as most impressive. This engine is virtually vibration-free in addition to being quiet. It costs money to achieve this level of smoothness, but the brochure doesn’t mention this. Whether you’re traveling through a city or passing someone on a highway, you won’t sense the engine straining inside.
It delivers power with astonishing smoothness. In the city, driving is easy and passing is a breeze. With a slightly forceful pedal push, the vehicle accelerates quickly. Its effortlessness and refinement set it apart from other cars when driving.
Ride And Handling
Nowadays, it’s a common misconception that a car can either handle well or be comfortable on uneven surfaces. Possessing both attributes is difficult. Luxury vehicles refute this idea. The A4’s advanced suspension system provides exceptional comfort. You won’t experience any jolts, good or bad on the roads. Furthermore, it moves admirably over bumps and speed breakers. You can actually feel what a comfortable suspension is like while you’re sitting in this car.
It’s also spot on in terms of handling. The A4 does not sway when navigating corners at high speed. The car maintains excellent control and the steering feels crisp. It has no annoying body roll, so you can enjoy road trips to hill stations.
Here, parking is also quite simple. Simply locate a parking space and use the required steering inputs to let the car park itself when it has the self-parking feature activated. It differs from ordinary cars in that it strikes a balance between comfort, handling, and parking ease.
Discretionary Premium
Even with all of this, brand value is a reality that must be recognized. Similar to luxury automobiles, clothing, or timepieces, a premium is associated with the brand. Luxury product manufacturers are able to charge more because their clientele can afford to spend more. For them, having luxury becomes a desire.
Therefore, the brand is important to Audi, BMW, and Mercedes customers, and it’s frequently connected to their social or professional image. Because of this, well-known individuals in the Bollywood industry, leaders in the banking or stock markets, well-known attorneys, and prosperous businesspeople frequently drive expensive vehicles because they draw attention to themselves. Their business benefits when they appear successful.
It’s mostly about the show in this case, so titles like “A4”, “3 Series,” “GLC,” or “Q5” might not mean much. However, it becomes crucial to respond, “Mercedes, BMW, Audi, Lexus, Porsche,” when someone asks in a meeting, “What do you drive these days?”
Verdict
It becomes clear after a few days with the car just how different luxury cars are. Their price is in your emotions, not in what you see. They differ from mass-market vehicles in terms of the paint job, driving package, cabin quality, and feature experience. A luxury car amplifies the feeling of having made a significant purchase, elevating it to a higher and more exclusive status in life, whereas an expensive car may give you that feeling every day. You enjoy its features and space more in such a car than in any other.
This also applies to the car. It’s a sedan that helps you understand the value of quality over quantity and what distinguishes a luxury vehicle. The A4 is an excellent choice if you want to venture into luxury for the first time.
Car Expert Reviews
Mercedes-AMG C43 First Drive Review – Eager, Fast Luxury Sedan
Mercedes-AMG C43 cEven though it has two fewer cylinders, the C43 AMG is still more powerful and has a gorgeous red exterior. Does that make it any more enjoyable or a better purchase than it was before, though?
The 2023 C43 AMG from Mercedes-Benz is currently available for Rs 98 lakh (ex-showroom). This aggressive sedan, based on the C-Class, goes after the BMW M340i and the Audi S5 Sportback. Despite having two fewer cylinders and a smaller displacement than the six-cylinder engine in the previous generation, the new C43’s engine thankfully produces more power. Is the asking price of more than Rs 1 crore justified? How does driving feel like? Does it belong in your garage? Let’s investigate.
Looks
The C43 AMG’s aggressive appearance is a result of the new Panamericana grill, which sets it apart from the standard C-Class. Stylish Adaptive LED headlights on both sides can change their beam to prevent blinding oncoming traffic. When you turn on the car, they even perform a little dance.
When compared to the normal C-Class, the C43 AMG is slightly lower. It has a stylish lowered stance thanks to its sporty black side sills and 19-inch multi-spoke alloy wheels. Patagonia Red Bright is one of ten paint colors available for selection.
Interior
The interior of the new 2023 C43 AMG looks sleek and contemporary despite sharing the same basic dashboard design as the standard C-Class. Both the large 11.9-inch MBUX touchscreen infotainment system and the driver’s 12.3-inch digital display are incredibly beautiful, feature crisp graphics, and are simple to operate.
It has a few unique upgrades because it’s an AMG. First, for aggressive driving, you get sporty front seats with thick side bolstering. The AMG-specific graphics on the driver’s MID and touchscreen are excellent. The touchscreen allows you to operate a number of the car’s functions. It also includes a digital stopwatch with the F1 sponsor’s logo for timing laps on a racetrack; it’s a little gimmicky but still pretty cool.
And then there is the special two-spoke AMG steering wheel that houses the steering controls. It also features two dials that allow you to adjust the drive mode settings while operating the vehicle. Red seat belts, red stitching, and sleek carbon fiber-like inserts on the dashboard and center console all contribute to the aggressive theme.
A special mention should be given to the ambient lighting setup. When music is playing or the temperature is changed, it changes color—blue is for cold and red for hot. 64 single colors and pre-defined dual-tone colors are available for selection.
Regarding quality, soft-touch plastics are used in the upper portions while still-high-quality hard plastics are used in the lower portions. It feels good to operate even the stalks and switches. You may discover some areas of the cabin, particularly those near the rear AC vents, that could use improvement if you look around.
Features
In terms of features, the C43 AMG is quite equipped. Features include wireless charging for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, dual-zone climate control, a powerful 15-speaker Burmester sound system, heated and memory-equipped front seats, ambient lighting with 64 colors, and a powered tailgate.
Safety
The C43 AMG is low, so getting in and out could be a little challenging, but once you’re inside, it’s really comfortable. With their strong side and underthigh support, the sporty front seats are ideal for those with larger frames. The steering and seats can be easily adjusted to provide the ideal driving position.
Enough space is provided in the rear for two adults and a small child in the middle. I could have easily stretched out behind the driver’s seat, even at my 5’10”. The seat back is fairly upright, and the side and underthigh support in the back are sufficient but not generous. For added comfort, there are rear sunshades, rear AC vents, and a center armrest with cup holders.
A one-liter bottle and other tiny objects can fit in the front door pockets. Your wallet and drinks can be stored in the center console, and the glove box is a respectable size. The narrow rear door pockets’ limited capacity is the only drawback.
With its spacious interior, the trunk is ideal for accommodating a sizable amount of luggage during your weekend trip. To the detriment of some storage space, the space saver lacks a separate compartment beneath the floor.
Engine
Let’s now discuss the engine, which is the hallmark of AMG vehicles. Instead of the previous 3-liter six-cylinder petrol engine, the new C43 AMG is equipped with a smaller 2-liter four-cylinder engine. The new engine is the same as the one found in the A45 S AMG and has an electronically driven turbocharger.
It feels easy to drive this four-cylinder engine in the city and has a smooth pull. When in comfort mode, it behaves like a standard C-Class and shifts through gears fairly smoothly. It’s easy to pass other vehicles; simply press the gas and the gearbox will shift down, providing you with more power when needed.
It’s fast as well—a claimed 4.7 seconds to go from 0 to 100 mph—but this is peak performance. As a result of the smaller engine, you must rev the motor and engage the gears to maximize engine performance. It certainly is exciting, but you have to put in a little more effort to get that excitement
Compared to the stock car, the exhaust note is louder, but it’s only noticeable and never gets bothersome. There is also a loud button, but it never gets too loud even when it is engaged.
Ride And Handling
The C43 AMG’s handling is improved by larger brakes than the standard C-Class, grippy Michelin Pilot Sport 4 tires, rear axle steering, and adaptive dampers.
The ride of the C43 AMG in comfort mode is still pleasant even with the lower-profile tires and sportier suspension. However, these are extremely slow speeds on smooth roads. The comfort mode seems a little too mushy at faster speeds, and there is often some movement over undulations. You will feel the sharper bumps more when you switch to sport mode, though. Overall, it consistently has the feel of a sporty sedan that is occasionally fairly cozy.
The C43 is a lot of fun to drive and has excellent handling. Despite being a long sedan, the rear axle steering allows for extremely sharp turns. With the amount of performance available, driving a sports car is enjoyable and rewarding. Additionally, the C43 is content to just cruise when you want to.
Verdict
The Audi S5 and the BMW M340i are two vehicles that offer comparable performance at a lower price point, making the C43 AMG a difficult choice. What’s even more thrilling to drive is the A45 S AMG, which sports the same badge on the bonnet.
Even so, the C43 offers everything a high-performance sedan ought to: thrills, exclusivity, opulent interiors, and a respectable level of comfort. This is why we won’t straightaway suggest it. Therefore, if you’re determined to have a gorgeous sedan along with high performance and the prestige of Mercedes-Benz’s AMG luxury, the car is unquestionably something to think about.
Car Expert Reviews
Initial Test of the Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV
Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV – How come I would purchase it?
- Comfortable cabin
- Refinement
- newest innovations
The reason why I would stay away from it is unclear.
- restricted area
- Not as good a value as the EQB
Which is it?
The EQE SUV, according to Mercedes-Benz, is “the multipurpose variant of the car sedan.” The EQE sedan is not yet available from Mercedes in India, therefore that title is currently of little interest to those of us in India. In its place, we get the mid-size EQB SUV and the aforementioned flagship EQS sedan.
It just takes a glance at the EQE SUV to see how much of its design is around streamlining for optimal aerodynamic efficiency. Nowhere on this automobile are there any harsh edges or upright design features. The arching roofline, the aerodynamically efficient alloys, the flat underbody paneling, and the many spoilers all give it an extremely smooth and elegant appearance. The EQE SUV includes what are known as cladding spoilers in the region of the rear side; they guide airflow around the rear wheels. In addition, the taillights feature an integrated edge that serves as a spoiler in addition to the typical boot lid spoiler.
Is the EQE SUV’s cabin any good?
The EQE SUV has a nice interior. There is no way around it. Even though it isn’t stunning in the traditional sense. To begin with, the dashboard lacks the contrasted materials that we have come to anticipate from Mercedes’ high-end cars, unlike that of the EQS sedan. You receive a 56-inch curved glass panel with three separate screens, not one, not two, but three instead. Naturally, the finishes around the glass are beyond luxurious and feature soft-touch materials, open-pore wood, and metal inlays.
The leftmost screen can only be used while the front passenger seat is occupied, while the primary center display is clear and responsive. It uses the same user interface as the main screen but lacks several essential functions, such as smartphone mirroring. The EQE SUV’s interior may seem strange to some, but it is user-friendly with buttons and knobs that are positioned just where you need them and are well-indicated. What’s particularly cool is that there is a fast access button for crucial things like ADAS functions and adjusting the ride height on the center console. But unlike the rest of the cockpit, the touch-sensitive controls on the steering wheel are still difficult to operate.
The front seats are spacious and comfortable, but the interior of this dark-colored car lacks a true sense of space. The floating center console does provide a reasonable amount of storage space, with enough for two cellphones, two cup holders, and a sizable cubby hole under the driver’s armrest. With strong under-thigh support and padding, the back seat is exactly as comfy as one would anticipate, but once again, the relatively small windows and the dark upholstery all over the place may make you feel hemmed in.
It costs Rs. 1.40 crore and is known as the EQE 500. It has a ton of high-tech gear for the price.
Of course, the 56-inch display, which holds all of the car’s features, is the focal point here. A heads-up display, a four-zone climate control with an integrated air purifier, a three-stage ventilation and heating system with eight different massage functions, a 360-degree camera, a panoramic glass roof, electrically adjustable front seats with memory, an electrically adjustable steering column, highly customizable ambient lighting, and a driver’s display with a ton of information are also included. However, this is not the end of the list.
The EQE SUV also has a height-adjustable air suspension, a magnificent 15-speaker Burmester sound system, and a special off-road mode for the screen that includes off-road angles and a clear hood view. The EQE SUV boasts nine airbags and other ADAS features for further safety.
Is driving the EQE SUV enjoyable?
Two motors—one on each of the front and rear axles—make up the EQE SUV’s all-electric drivetrain, which has a combined output of 850Nm of torque and 400bhp of power. A 90.5kWh battery pack located beneath the cabin floor offers this SUV a stated 550km range and a 0-100kmph sprint time of 4.9 seconds. Remember that the EQE is a big, hefty vehicle. Moreover, it is an SUV.
Of course, there are numerous drive modes with varying levels of urgency for the throttle response and power output. The EQE is most comfortable in Comfort mode, which has more than enough power and a surprisingly relaxed throttle response, out of Eco, Comfort, and Sport. In Comfort, the air suspension also becomes much more forgiving, providing a rather supple and comfortable ride over unpaved roads.
Must you purchase the EQE SUV?
For anybody seeking to get on the premium EV bandwagon, the Mercedes EQE SUV makes a lot of sense. It’s plenty swift, plenty comfy, and plenty opulent. The best part is that, when fully loaded, it has adequate ground clearance to handle big speed bumps. We are happy Mercedes has addressed that because the previous EQC SUV always had trouble with it. This concludes our quick first impressions of the EQE SUV. When we acquire this car for a thorough road test, keep an eye out for our real-world range test.
Also Read: Mahindra Global Pik