News & Top StoriesWhat to expect from the 2024 Renault Duster
- 2024 Renault Duster: The new Duster is built on the CMF-B platform.
- The slim headlights and Y-shaped LED DRLs are similar to those found on the larger Dacia Bigster concept.
- The cabin features dual digital displays and Y-shaped inserts around the AC vents.
- Other expected features include wireless phone charging and ADAS.
- The third-generation Duster will most likely have three powertrain options: two turbo-petrol and one hybrid.
After first appearing as a Dacia-badged product, the Duster has now been revealed in its Renault form. Here’s what you can expect from this SUV:
A Fresh Exterior
The third-generation Duster, while drawing inspiration from the Dacia Bigster concept, maintains its boxy proportions. It sports a new grille design, which is complemented by sleek headlights with Y-shaped LED DRLs. Furthermore, it has a large air dam flanked by roundish fog lamps. Another distinctive design feature is the ‘Renault’ insignia spelled out across the grille.
The new Duster’s profile features squared wheel arches and dual-tone alloy wheels, which enhance its muscular stance. The side cladding and roof rails add to the rugged appearance. Notably, the rear door handles of the third-generation Duster are now mounted on the C-pillar. Moving to the back, it has Y-shaped LED taillights and a large skid plate.
Cabins and features are also upgraded
The interior of the 2024 Renault Duster has been completely redesigned, but, like the previous model, it still looks and feels utilitarian. In terms of technology, it features a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, a 7-inch digital driver’s display, wireless phone charging, a 6-speaker Arkamys 3D sound system, and cruise control.
Renault is expected to equip the new Duster with six airbags, an electronic parking brake, electronic stability control (ESC), a hill assist, a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS), and a comprehensive suite of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS).
What Will Power It?
The third-generation Duster is available in a variety of powertrain configurations worldwide, including hybrid and LPG options. These include a 130 PS 1.2-liter turbo-petrol engine with a 48 V mild hybrid system and a powerful hybrid system with a 140 PS 1.6-litre 4-cylinder petrol engine paired with two electric motors and a 1.2 kWh battery pack. There’s also a 1-litre petrol-LPG combination available. The 1.2-liter unit is equipped with a 6-speed transmission that sends power to all four wheels in the 2024 Renault Duster.
The exact engine and gearbox options for the upcoming India-spec Duster have yet to be revealed.
India Launch and Rivals
We expect the third-generation Renault Duster to arrive in India in 2025, with prices starting at Rs 10 lakh (ex-showroom). Its competitors will be the Maruti Grand Vitara, Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Honda Elevate, Skoda Kushaq, and Citroen C3 Aircross.
News & Top StoriesIndia’s BMW 7 Series Protection Lands Are Blast-Proof
India has seen the arrival of the luxury car with the highest level of security, the BMW 7 Series security. High-ranking officials, VIPs, CEOs, and royals who require security against all forms of attack can use this armored vehicle, which can shield them from gunfire, explosions, and even ballistic missiles. Examine all that this car has to offer.
Max Protection
The 760i Protection xDrive VR9, a variant of the 7 Series, has no resemblance to the standard model; however, internal modifications have been implemented to ensure its durability. Because the steel in the chassis of this variant is 10 mm thick, it can survive explosions. In addition, it has underbody protection to guard against bombs and 72mm thick multilayer bulletproof glass all around (2 hand grenades).
The run-flat tires, which can travel for about 30 km at 80 kmph after totally losing pressure, a self-sealing fuel tank, and an ALEA switchless protection user interface are also included. Additionally, it provides all four doors for an emergency escape and a private lounge for the backseat passengers.
A V8 Powertrain
The same 4.4-liter V8 petrol engine that powers its normal variant internationally drives the 7 Series Protection. With its 530 PS and 750 Nm of power, this engine enables the sedan to reach 100 kmph in 6.6 seconds.
The car has a rear-wheel steering system, all-wheel drive, and a top speed of 209 kmph.
The same list of features
BMW still offers a sumptuous cabin with the same style as its ordinary variations and it comes in numerous themes even with all this protection equipment on board.
It has an infotainment system with a 14.9-inch touchscreen a 12.3-inch digital driver’s display, a 31.3-inch 8K display for the backseat passengers, motorized front and rear seats with massaging capabilities, and an expensive surround sound system from Bowers & Wilkins.
Price?
The 7 Series Security from BMW has been introduced in Indias although its costs are unknown. That being said, they will be close to Rs 15 crore. For comparison, the current price range for the standard 7 Series in India is between Rs 1.81 crore and Rs 1.84 crore (ex-showroom).
News & Top StoriesThese Were January 2024’s Top 10 Best-Selling Automobiles
In the Indian automotive sector, month-on-month (MoM) demand increased in the first month of 2024 after a decline in sales at the end of 2023. Nearly every vehicle on this list experienced strong year-over-year (YoY) growth in demand. Here is a thorough analysis of each model’s performance in sales in January 2024:
| Model | January 2024 | January 2023 | December 2023 |
| Maruti Baleno | 19,630 | 16,357 | 10,669 |
| Tata Punch | 17,978 | 12,006 | 13,787 |
| Maruti Wagon R | 17,756 | 20,466 | 8,578 |
| Tata Nexon | 17,182 | 15,567 | 15,284 |
| Maruti Dzire | 16,773 | 11,317 | 14,012 |
| Maruti Swift | 15,370 | 16,440 | 11,843 |
| Maruti Brezza | 15,303 | 14,359 | 12,844 |
| Maruti Ertiga | 14,632 | 9,750 | 12,975 |
| Mahindra Scorpio | 14,293 | 8,715 | 11,355 |
| Maruti Fronx | 13,643 | – | 9,692 |
Key Takeaways
- The top spot on the January 2024 sales list went to the Maruti Baleno, with around 20,000 units sold. While its demand nearly doubled during the MoM spike, its year-over-year (YoY) figure increased by 20%.
- The Tata Punch, Maruti Wagon R, and Tata Nexon were the next three best-selling models in January 2024, with sales ranging from 17,000 to 18,000 units. The Punch saw the most YoY growth of 50% out of the three. Be aware that sales of the Punch EV and Nexon EV, respectively, are included in the data for both models.
- The Maruti Dzire, the only sedan on the list, sold over 16,800 units overall, trailing the Nexon by a narrow margin. Its month-over-month (MoM) sales increased by about 2,000 units.
- The next two cars on the January 2024 list were the Maruti Swift and Maruti Brezza, with sales figures ranging from 15,000 to 16,000 units. The hatchback saw a seven percent YoY decline, but the Brezza saw a seven percent YoY increase.
- The Mahindra Scorpio (Classic and Scorpio N models included) and Maruti Ertiga saw YoY increases in sales of over 50%.
- This list includes the Maruti Fronx, which shipped more than 13,600 vehicles. By over 4,000 units, its MoM number increased.
News & Top StoriesEnjoy Up To Rs 62,000 In Savings This February On Maruti Arena Vehicles
- Maruti Arena Vehicles: On the Alto K10, the maximum discounts are up to Rs 62,000.
- Get discounts of up to Rs 61,000 on the Wagon R, S-Presso, and Celerio.
- Up to Rs 37,000 in perks are available for the Dzire.
- Offers are good through the end of February 2024.
We now have access to the advantages offered by Maruti Arena Vehicles products, following our announcement of the reductions on Maruti Nexa automobiles. February 2024 will see significant discounts on several models, including the Alto K10, S-Presso, and Wagon R. Nevertheless, the Brezza and Ertiga are still not listed among the offers on Maruti Arena Vehicles
Let’s examine the model-specific savings that are available through the end of this month
Alto 800
| Offer | Amount |
| Exchange Bonus | Rs 15,000 |
| Total Benefits | Rs 15,000 |
- The aforementioned incentive is only valid for the Maruti Alto 800’s current inventory because it has already been discontinued.
- Except for the entry-level Standard, Maruti is offering the exchange incentive on all hatchback models (including CNG).
- Before its discontinuation, the Alto 800 was priced between Rs 3.54 lakh and Rs 5.13 lakh.
Alto K10
| Offer | Amount |
| Cash Discount | Up to Rs 40,000 |
| Exchange Bonus | Rs 15,000 |
| Corporate Discount | Rs 7,000 |
| Total Benefits | Up to Rs 62,000 |
- The savings noted above are exclusive to Maruti’s Alto K10 AMT models.
- The cash discount drops to Rs 35,000 if you choose to purchase the hatchback’s manual and CNG versions, but the exchange bonus and corporate discount stay the same.
- The price range for the Maruti Alto K10 is Rs 3.99 lakh to Rs 5.96 lakh.
S-Presso
| Offer | Amount |
| Cash Discount | Up to Rs 40,000 |
| Exchange Bonus | Rs 15,000 |
| Corporate Discount | Rs 6,000 |
| Total Benefits | Up to Rs 61,000 |
- These savings are exclusively offered on Maruti S-Presso AMT versions.
- A monetary discount of Rs 35,000 is applied to its other variations, which include CNG; other incentives are unaffected.
- The S-Presso from Maruti is priced between Rs 4.27 lakh and Rs 6.12 lakh.
Eeco
| Offer | Amount |
| Cash Discount | Up to Rs 15,000 |
| Exchange Bonus | Rs 10,000 |
| Corporate Discount | Rs 4,000 |
| Total Benefits | Up to Rs 29,000 |
- These savings are available on the Maruti Eeco’s petrol versions.
- Along with the same exchange incentive and corporate discount, Maruti is giving the CNG versions of the MPV a cash discount of Rs 10,000.
- The price range for the Eeco is between Rs 5.32 lakh and Rs 6.58 lakh.
Celerio
| Offer | Amount |
| Cash Discount | Up to Rs 40,000 |
| Exchange Bonus | Rs 15,000 |
| Corporate Discount | Rs 6,000 |
| Total Benefits | Up to Rs 61,000 |
- The aforementioned advantages are exclusive to the Maruti Celerio AMT models.
- The automaker is providing a cash discount of Rs 35,000 for customers who wish to purchase the manual and CNG versions, in addition to the same exchange incentive and corporate discount.
- The cost of the small hatchback ranges from Rs 5.37 lakh to Rs 7.10 lakh.
Wagon R
| Offer | Amount |
| Cash Discount | Up to Rs 35,000 |
| Exchange Bonus | Rs 15,000 |
| Additional Exchange Bonus | Rs 5,000 |
| Corporate Discount | Rs 6,000 |
| Total Benefits | Up to Rs 61,000 |
- Only the Maruti Wagon R AMT models are eligible for the aforementioned incentives.
- Only vehicles that are less than seven years old when trading in for a new Wagon R are eligible for Maruti’s enhanced exchange bonus.
- Cash discounts start at Rs 30,000 for manual versions and decrease to Rs 15,000 for CNG trims. The corporate discount and exchange incentives are still available.
Swift
| Offer | Amount |
| Cash Discount | Up to Rs 15,000 |
| Exchange Bonus | Rs 15,000 |
| Additional Exchange Bonus | Rs 5,000 |
| Corporate Discount | Rs 7,000 |
| Total Benefits | Up to Rs 42,000 |
- These discounts are exclusive to the Maruti Swift AMT variants.
- The additional exchange bonus from Maruti is only available if the vehicle you are trading in for the new Swift is less than seven years old.
- Should you get the hatchback’s manual version, the cash reduction drops to Rs 10,000. Conversely, the Swift CNG is only available with a Rs 7,000 business discount and a Rs 15,000 exchange bonus.
- The Swift special edition would cost an additional Rs 23,400 for buyers. It continues to receive the Rs 7,000 corporate discount and an exchange bonus of up to Rs 20,000 (including the additional exchange bonus).
- Prices for the Swift range from Rs 5.99 lakh to Rs 9.03 lakh.
Dzire
| Offer | Amount |
| Cash Discount | Up to Rs 15,000 |
| Exchange Bonus | Rs 15,000 |
| Corporate Discount | Rs 7,000 |
| Total Benefits | Up to Rs 37,000 |
- These discounts are available from Maruti on the AMT versions of the Dzire.
- The cash discount is lowered to Rs 10,000 for those who choose the MT versions, but the other offers stay the same.
- The cost of the Maruti Dzire ranges from Rs 6.57 lakh to Rs 9.39 lakh.
Note: Depending on the state and city, discounts could change. For further information, please get in touch with your neighborhood Maruti Arena dealership.
News & Top StoriesTop 10 Automobile Brands for Sales in January 2024: Hyundai Overtakes Tata to Take Back Second
Top 10 Automobile Brands
The brand-wise split of the January 2024 vehicle sales numbers suggests that several automakers had a little increase in sales at the beginning of the year. As per usual, Maruti continued to top the list of best-selling vehicles; however, Tata lost the position it had taken over from Hyundai in December 2023. The details of the top-selling auto brands in January 2024 are provided here.
| Brand | January 2024 | December 2023 | MoM Growth (%) | January 2023 | YoY Growth (%) |
| Maruti | 1,66,802 | 1,04,778 | 59.2 | 1,47,348 | 13.2 |
| Hyundai | 57,115 | 42,750 | 33.6 | 50,106 | 14 |
| Tata | 53,635 | 43,471 | 23.4 | 47,990 | 11.8 |
| Mahindra | 43,068 | 35,171 | 22.5 | 33,040 | 30.4 |
| Kia | 23,769 | 12,536 | 89.6 | 28,634 | -17 |
| Toyota | 23,197 | 21,372 | 8.5 | 12,728 | 82.3 |
| Honda | 8,681 | 7,902 | 9.9 | 7,821 | 11 |
| Renault | 3,826 | 1,988 | 92.5 | 3,008 | 27.2 |
| MG | 3,825 | 4,400 | -13.1 | 4,114 | -7 |
| Volkswagen | 3,267 | 4,930 | -33.7 | 2,906 | 12.4 |
Takeaways
- With sales of about 1.67 lakh vehicles in January 2024, Maruti is still in the lead. The automaker had a significant increase in month-over-month (MoM) sales of nearly 60% and year-over-year (YoY) sales of more than 13%.
- This month, Hyundai took back the second spot among the highest-ranking vehicles. Its annual sales increased by 14%, while its monthly sales increased by nearly 34%.
- Even though Tata dropped to third place, it was nevertheless able to achieve a positive increase in sales numbers for both the MoM (more than 23 percent) and YoY (almost 12 percent), resulting in total sales of more than 50,000 units.
Mahindra
- In January 2024, Mahindra’s sales surpassed 40,000 units. Sales YoY increased by more than 30%, while MoM increased by 22.5 percent.
- As of January 2024, Kia had sold over 23,000 units per month, nearly doubling its monthly sales. However, its YoY sales data decreased by 17% from January 2023 to that same month.
- In January of this year, Toyota’s YoY sales increased by an astounding 82 percent, and its monthly sales increased by 8.5 percent. Additionally, it was the last brand to sell 10,000 units.
- Sales for Honda increased both YoY and MoM in January. Sales rose by over 10 percent every month and 11 percent on an annual basis.
- The last company on the list whose sales did not decrease in any way is Renault. Its annual sales increased by more than 27%, and its monthly sales nearly doubled.
- The only brand that saw declines in sales both monthly and annually was MG. Both its annual and month-over-month sales decreased by more than 13 percent.
- Last but not least, Volkswagen is now ranked tenth among the top-selling brands. Even though its monthly sales decreased by more than 33%, its annual sales statistics increased by more than 12%.
News & Top StoriesMaruti Ertiga Sells 4 Lakh Units Since 2020, Exceeding 10 Lakh Sales
In 2012, the Maruti Ertiga MPV made its debut in India. The seven-seat MPV came with a choice of diesel and gasoline engines. The Ertiga had a generational upgrade in 2018 and as a result of strict emission regulations, the diesel engine option was phased out in 2020. In the year 2022, Maruti gave the MPV a midlife makeover. The Maruti Ertiga has now sold ten lakh units, a noteworthy sales milestone, as of 2024. Here is a summary of the MPV sales benchmarks since their launch
| Year | Sales |
| 2013 | 1 lakh |
| 2019 | 5 lakh |
| 2020 | 6 lakh |
| 2024 | 10 lakh |
In barely over a year, the Ertiga sold one lakh units, but it took until 2019 to reach five lakh units. Given that the next lakh units were sold in 2020 alone, it appears that demand for MPVs surged at that time. From that point on, Maruti has sold an average of over 1.3 lakh Ertigas annually, which has contributed to the most recent sales milestone of 10 lakh.
Powertrain Evolution
The Maruti Ertiga has provided Indian consumers with a broad range of powertrain options over its many versions. When the original Ertiga was introduced in 2012, it came with two engine options: a 1.3-liter multijet diesel engine (90 PS / 200 Nm) and a 1.4-liter K14B petrol engine (95 PS / 130 Nm). In addition, a CNG powertrain with a petrol engine that produced 110 Nm and 82 PS less was an option. A 5-speed manual transmission was paired with each of these engine configurations. Subsequently, a 4-speed torque converter automatic transmission was added as an option for the gasoline alternative.
Maruti updated the version of its MPV in 2018 by swapping out the petrol engine for a new 1.5-liter one. The 1.3-liter diesel workhorse was replaced by a newly built 1.5-liter diesel engine in the Ertiga shortly after, however, it was only around for a brief period. Before the BS6 emission standards were put into effect in 2020, the diesel versions were completely retired. The second-generation Ertiga then received a midlife update in 2022. The 4-speed torque converter was swapped out with a 6-speed torque converter, which is now the only engine available, along with an upgraded 1.5-liter gasoline engine (103 PS/137 Nm). The engine is only available with a 5-speed manual transmission and has a lower output of 88 PS and 121.5 Nm (in CNG mode).
What Functionalities Does It Provide?
Today, the Maruti Ertiga is equipped with features like cruise control, paddle shifters, automatic air conditioning, and a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Up to four airbags, an electronic stability program (ESP), a hill-hold assist, and a rear parking camera with sensors are all part of its safety package.
Price & Rivals
The ex-showroom price range for the Maruti Ertiga in Delhi is between Rs 8.69 lakh and Rs 13.03 lakh. It can be thought of as a more expensive substitute for the Renault Triber, although it is also more reasonably priced than the Toyota Innova Crysta and Kia Carens.