News & Top StoriesDiscover Why It Taken So Long to Have a CNG Automatic Option Now Available
In India, people who wanted lower operating costs for their cars have had the option of CNG technology available since the early 2000s, but it was only available as a retrofit. It was only made available as a factory-fitted option for a range of reasonably priced Maruti and Hyundai models in 2010. It wasn’t until February 2024 that any brand provided an option to pair an automatic transmission with a CNG powertrain.
Tata has been leading the CNG segment with its innovations, beginning with the dual-cylinder setup that permits a usable boot, despite the Indian automaker’s relative youth in the industry. By offering the option of an AMT with the Tiago CNG and Tigor CNG, they have once again advanced the game.
Issue Of Price Premium
Today’s CNG cars have advanced significantly from being primarily economical utilitarian vehicles to being equipped with some of the most important convenience and technology features. Fundamentally speaking, however, a buyer of a CNG vehicle is still anticipated to be more cost-conscious than the average car buyer, and the convenience of an automatic transmission—even an AMT—comes at a reasonable premium.
The Tiago CNG AMT is one example of this, where the CNG kit alone is worth Rs 95,000 more than the base petrol model. When the AMT gearbox is added, the price increase of about Rs 50,000 brings the total cost up to almost Rs 1.5 lakh more than the standard petrol version.
CNG and AMT: An Intricate Combination
The difficulty of establishing a trustworthy and harmonious relationship between an automatic transmission and a CNG powertrain is another reason contributing to the delay in the release of a CNG-automatic option. Adding a CNG powertrain to the mix only complicates matters, as the latter requires multiple sensors to shift gears based on data such as engine load and RPMs. An existing CNG model has two different fuel-dependent states of tune: one for gasoline-powered operation and another for CNG-powered operation, which results in reduced power and torque. The data from each of these sensors will need to be returned so that it is compatible with both CNG and gasoline tunes to achieve the CNG-automatic configuration.
Variants and Specifications of Tiago CNG AMT
XTA and XZA+ are the two versions that are offered. It has the same 1.2-liter gasoline engine as the hatchback but with a reduced power output (73.5 PS/95 Nm). Options include 5-speed MT and AMT for the Tiago CNG.
Prices And Competitors
From Rs 7.90 lakh to Rs 8.80 lakh (ex-showroom, nationwide), the Tata Tiago CNG AMT is priced. Although they are limited to manual transmissions, Maruti Wagon R and Maruti Celerio are their rivals.
News & Top StoriesIndia Will Soon Announce The Top 3 World Car of the Year 2024 Finalists
Top 3 World Cars: In contrast to the World Car Awards, which assess models sold across at least two continents, the Indian Car of the Year (ICOTY) award is focused on automobiles introduced in India. The winners of the 2024 World Car of the Year were recently revealed. EVs, specifically the BYD Seal, Kia EV9, and Volvo EX30, are the top three cars. Fortunately, all of these are scheduled to be released on the Indian market soon. Let’s quickly examine their features.
BYD Seal
Anticipated Price: INR 55 lakh and above
The BYD Seal made its debut in India at the next Auto Expo 2023, scheduled for March 5th of this year. Following the e6 MPV and Atto 3 SUV, it will be the EV manufacturer’s third offering in India. With three different battery packs and electric motor combinations, it can travel up to 570 kilometers, according to WLTC’s claims.
Wireless phone chargers, a 10.25-inch digital driver’s display, a spinning 15.6-inch infotainment display, and heated and ventilated front seats are among the standout features. Eight airbags, a 360-degree camera, ISOFIX child seat anchors, and an extensive array of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) are all included in BYD’s safety kit.
Kia EV9
Anticipated Release: Later in 2024
Anticipated Cost: Rs 80 lakh
The automaker unveiled the Kia EV9, their flagship electric vehicle, to the world in 2023. A pre-production concept version of the vehicle was also on display at the Auto Expo 2023. This three-row all-electric SUV has both rear-wheel drive (RWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD), with a choice of electric motor and battery configurations. With a stated range of more than 541 kilometers, the EV9 presents a strong contender as an alternative to the standard luxury SUV powered by a gasoline or diesel engine. Kia plans to use the completely built-up unit (CBU) route to launch the EV9 in the Indian market. (Top 3 World Cars)
The global-spec EV9 from Kia comes equipped with a 708W 14-speaker Meridian sound system and two 12.3-inch linked screens. Nine airbags, a 360-degree camera, and a comprehensive suite of advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS), such as adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, and front collision avoidance help, could be included in its safety package.
Volvo EX30
Anticipated Release: Later in 2025
Anticipated Cost: INR 50 lakh
The automaker’s newest entry-level electric SUV, the Volvo EX30, is anticipated to arrive in India in 2025. It has a maximum stated range of 474 km and is available with different electric powertrain options. Globally, it sits below the XC40 Recharge (now known as the EX40). A 12.3-inch touchscreen display that is angled vertically, wireless phone charging, connected automobile technology, and a 360-degree camera are among the available features. Several advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) are also included with the EX30, including collision avoidance, park assist, and driver attentiveness alert.
News & Top StoriesThe Skoda Sub-4m SUV and the Kushaq may share five characteristics
The new sub-4m SUV from Skoda is one of the major new releases scheduled for 2025, as stated lately. It will be the brand-new entry-level SUV model from Skoda that sits beneath the Kushaq in the Indian lineup.
These are five similarities between the next sub-4 million SUV and the Skoda Kushaq.
Excellent Design And Style
We anticipate the Skoda sub-4 million SUV’s fascia will have upscale styling and butch design elements similar to the Kushaq, based on the initial concept sketch teaser that the company released. Thus, anticipate a split headlamp configuration and the butterfly grille design found on contemporary Skoda models.
Shared Platform
Skoda plans to develop its Tata Nexon-rivalling SUV on the MQB-A0-IN platform, which is currently used by Kushaq. It will nevertheless be modified to comply with the sub-4m segment regulations.
To put things in perspective, the Taigun and Virtus, the Volkswagen SUV and sedan twins, and the Skoda Slavia car are also built on the same platform.
Similar Features List
A 10-inch touchscreen, cruise control, wireless phone charging, and ventilated front seats are just a few of the features that make the Kushaq a rather well-equipped little SUV. Alongside its feature-rich competitors, the new Skoda sub-4m SUV is anticipated to have at least some of the major amenities listed above, if not all of them. This would place it in a competitive position.
A Sturdy Safety Net
Regarding safety, we can anticipate that the next Skoda SUV will share certain features with the Kushaq, which boasts an electronic stability control (ESC), a reversing camera, and up to six airbags. We also expect that Skoda will include a 360-degree camera in its next sub-4m SUV, as some of its main competitors, including the Maruti Brezza and Kia Sonet, already have this feature. It’s too soon to say, though, if Skoda will begin providing ADAS technology for its India lineup.
The five-star Global NCAP rating of the Kushaq is another significant component of its safety criteria. We expect the new SUV to provide comparable levels of occupant safety as well since it will share the same platform.
The Condensed Engine
The Kushaq has two turbo-petrol engines (1 liter and 1.5 liters), but Skoda will most likely provide the smaller engine for its next SUV. This would allow the lower displacement engine category’s advantages to be fully realized at a fair price. It is expected that the new model will come with a 6-speed manual and an automated transmission.
Timeline for Launch, Estimated Price, and Competitor
News & Top StoriesApple Rejects EV Plans to Concentrate on Generative AI
- Apple Rejects EV: Apple began developing self-driving electric vehicles with Project Titan back in 2014.
- Apple originally intended to produce Level 4 autonomous electric vehicles, but ultimately decided to switch to Level 2+ EVs.
- Apple is shifting its emphasis to generative AI after discontinuing its EV project.
- Other tech firms, such as Google, Sony, and Xiaomi, have made strides toward producing electric or self-driving vehicles.
There has been no public declaration from the tech giant regarding the cancellation of Project Titan, the internal name for Apple’s electric vehicle, according to people with knowledge of the matter. Before being abandoned by the corporation for reasons that are only known to the brand, this massive Apple project had been in development for about ten years. The project is estimated to have employed 2,000 people, many of whom were transferred to Apple’s generative AI project, and they were informed that the project would shortly come to an end. This is all the information that we currently know about the Apple EV initiative.
Project Titan
When Apple first started producing autonomous electric cars in 2014, it was aiming to become a player in the automotive sector. Apple had originally intended to create a car with voice commands to operate Level 4 driving assistance systems in place of a steering wheel and pedals.
Apple has tested its driver assistance system and gone through several different car designs. However, according to recent sources, the company decided to stick with human controls and downgrade the driver aid from Level 4 to Level 2+. Even with such concessions, the most recent reported best-case launch date for an Apple EV was 2028—a long way off.
However, after ten years of development, Apple has abandoned this project thus, an electric vehicle from the company is unlikely. Apple has not explained, but rumors suggest that it might be because of the drop in EV sales worldwide.
Apple might have been discouraged from investing millions more in the EV project for several reasons. This includes the cost difference between electric and hybrid cars and gasoline and diesel cars, the growing popularity of hybrid cars, and the difficulties in creating autonomous driving technology that can be commercially successful while still having a large number of potential uses.
Generative AI
Apple is pursuing generative artificial intelligence, much like many other large tech businesses. For the unfamiliar, generative AI is a type of artificial intelligence application that requires little to no input from the user to produce text, images, audio files, or even videos. ChatGPT, which surprised everyone with its powers, is a shining example of this technology.
Apple will be refocusing its workforce on generative AI, which has been gaining a lot of attention lately, after abandoning its EV project. Apple Rejects EV has the potential to integrate this technology into its newest product, the Apple Vision Pro, which displays digital objects in the physical environment using augmented reality. The company plans to continue developing this technology for its upcoming product lines.
Future Of Apple EV
Project Titan may not come to an end, even though the tech giant has temporarily abandoned its plans to produce an electric car. Not with an emphasis on fully autonomous capabilities, but similar to Apple, other electronics and computer businesses have been attempting to break into the car market in the EV arena in recent years. Firms like Xiaomi and Sony have created their electric vehicles; the latter has collaborated with Honda in this regard. By employing cars like the Jaguar I-Pace as donor vehicles, Google is also progressing with its Waymo self-driving car project.
Apple might continue where it left off around 2030, and its dream of an electric car might come true. Is there any interest in an Apple-produced electric vehicle? In the comments section below, share your thoughts with us.
Also Read: Introduced Is The Skoda Sub-4m SUV Naming Contest
News & Top StoriesIntroduced is the Skoda Sub-4m SUV Naming Contest, which will go on sale by March 2025.
- Skoda Sub-4m SUV: The deadline for contest entries is April 12, 2024.
- Up to ten lucky winners will receive trips to Prague, and one winner will have the opportunity to take home a brand-new SUV.
- The naming scheme must complement the other SUVs from Skoda, such as the Karoq, Kushaq, and Kodiaq.
- Among the selected names for Skoda are Kyroq, Kylaq, and Kwiq.
- Skoda’s sub-4 million rupee SUV may start at Rs 8.50 lakh (ex-showroom).
It was recently reported that a new Skoda sub-4m SUV built in India will be on sale in March 2025. Though the Czech automaker has invited fans to participate in this process, the new offering’s name has not yet been determined. It has launched a naming competition where anyone may enter and offer a name for the upcoming Skoda SUV.
Specifics Regarding The Competition
The new name must only have one or two syllables and start and finish with the letters “K” and “Q.” Enter now through April 12, 2024, via the sweepstakes website or by utilizing the hashtag #NameYourSkoda on its official social media accounts. Ten fortunate winners will receive a trip to Prague courtesy of Skoda, and one winner will have the opportunity to take home the brand-new Skoda SUV.
Additionally, Skoda has narrowed down a shortlist of names for its next sub-4 million SUV. The names and their meanings are presented below:
- Designed to inspire, the Skoda Kariq is named after the Hindi term “Kaarigar.”
- Originating from the English term “quick,” Skoda Kwiq stands for “power and intelligence in harmony.”
- Timeless elegance, or Skoda Kylaq, is derived from the Sanskrit term “Kailasa.”
- Precious like you, Skoda Kymaq is derived from the Hawaiian term Kaimana.
- Designed to rule, Skoda Kyroq is derived from the Greek term “Kyrios.”
Consistent with Its Naming Style
Since the automaker has been using this system of nomenclature for some time, their SUV lineup includes models like the Kushaq, Kodiaq, and Karoq, whose names start and end with the letters “K” and “Q,” respectively.
An Overview of the New SUV
The Kushaq compact SUV and the yet-to-be-named SUV will use the same MQB-A0-IN platform, although the dimensions of the latter will be altered to comply with sub-4m market regulations. With a large touchscreen, a sunroof, and a digital driver display, we anticipate it to be a well-equipped vehicle.
We anticipate comparable levels of safety from the new SUV because it will be supported by Kushaq’s MQB-A0-IN platform, which has a 5-star rating in the Global NCAP crash tests. A tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS), electronic stability control (ESC), and six airbags are among the anticipated safety features.
What will give it power?
To capitalize on the tax advantages of the market, Skoda is anticipated to provide it with the smaller 1-liter turbo-petrol engine (115 PS/178 Nm) from the Kushaq. It may be available with a 6-speed manual or an automatic transmission.
Rivals And Expected Price
Starting at Rs 8.50 lakh (ex-showroom), we predict the Skoda sub-4m SUV will be available. It will compete against the Maruti Brezza, Kia Sonet, Hyundai Venue, Mahindra XUV300, Nissan Magnite, Renault Kiger, and Maruti Fronx sub-4 million crossover.
Also Check: Hyundai I20 N Line Facelift For Europe Unveiled
News & Top StoriesHyundai i20 N Line Facelift For Europe Unveiled: See How It Differs From The India-Specified Model
The redesigned i20 N Line from Hyundai has been formally unveiled for the European market, and production is set to commence shortly. Although the facelifted Hyundai i20 N Line was released for the Indian market last year, the new European-spec model is a little different and comes with extra amenities in addition to styling modifications. The variations between the two i20 N Line variants may be seen here.
Front
This hatchback’s appearance is impacted by the minor design variations in the fascia. Although it is designed identically, the European version’s front grille appears to be a little larger.
Here, the fog lamp housing and front bumper design are also the main differences. With a more triangular-shaped fog lamp housing and a sleeker front bumper devoid of red elements like the Indian-spec version, the European specification version is more appealing.
Side
The alloy wheels’ color is the most obvious difference at its side. The wheels on the European-spec i20 N Line are completely black, but the alloy designs are essentially the same on both models. In addition, the alloy wheels on this version are 17 inches in diameter instead of the 16 inches on the India-spec model.
Another modification is the side cladding, which is a little sharper on the hatchback built to European specs.
Back
The back profile also has some subtle but noticeable variations. First off, the European i20 N Line has a unique bumper with air dams on both sides and a bulky overall appearance. Second, the chrome strip between the tail lights is absent from the European-spec version even though the light configuration is the same.
A driver’s fully digital display
The interior is the same as the exterior but with N Line-specific features. A 10.25-inch fully digital driver’s display, like the one on the facelifted Hyundai Creta, is included in the European specification version. The semi-digital driver’s display on the India-spec model is smaller.
Increased Safety
The advanced driver assistance system, or ADAS, is another significant feature addition in addition to the driver’s display. A comprehensive range of driver assistance systems, such as adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitoring, park assist, lane keep assist, and auto emergency braking, are included with the European model. These features are absent from the India-spec version, which is limited to a basic feature package that includes six airbags, ABS with EBD, ESC, hill hold assist, a rearview camera, and ISOFIX child seat anchors.
Lightly hybrid technology
Hyundai’s i20 N Line, a European car, has the same 1-liter turbo-petrol engine as the India-spec car, but it also has 48V mild hybrid technology, which increases total fuel efficiency. Even yet, a tune is available that keeps peak power at 120 PS while marginally raising peak torque to 200 Nm from 172 Nm.
These were the main distinctions between the i20 N Line designed for Europe and the i20 N Line designed for India. Which version appears better to you? Tell us in the comments section below.
Also check: Mercedes-Benz GLC SUV Purchased By Priya Mani Raj Of “The Family Man” Series