News & Top StoriesThe Week’s Top News Highlights (January 8–12): Price hikes, unveilings, new launches, and much more
The Week’s Top News Highlights (January 8–12)
New Launches
The Week’s Top News The four-wheeler sector is experiencing a number of fresh developments as 2024 gets underway. New automobile releases, model year revisions, and unveilings have all occurred in the last week. The main events of the previous week in the automotive industry are included in this weekly wrapup – The Week’s Top News
Kia Sonet: The redesigned Kia Sonet debuted at the end of the previous year, bringing with it additional creature comforts, a more angular look, and enhanced safety thanks to ADAS capabilities. Kia has already released the 2024 Sonet, with starting costs of Rs 7.99 lakh and going up to Rs 15.69 lakh (ex-showroom, introduction).
Mercedes-Benz GLS: The facelifted Mercedes-Benz GLS was unveiled this week. The opulent SUV’s exterior now has a more rough appearance, while the interior has undergone some small adjustments. The carmaker has increased the price of the model from Rs 1.32 crore to Rs 1.37 crore (ex-showroom) after making significant changes to its feature list. Here is more information about the new GLS.
Model Year Updates
Mahindra XUV400 Pro: At the beginning of 2024, the Mahindra XUV400 underwent a significant makeover. The interior of the electric SUV has been totally revamped with a new center console, dashboard, and dual-tone black and grey theme. It now has wireless phone charging, dual-zone climate control, a 10.25-inch digital driver’s display, and a touchscreen infotainment system.
2024 MG Astor: MG made significant updates to its small SUV for 2024, making it the most reasonably priced model available. The MG Astor now has wireless phone charging, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, ventilated front seats, and an updated infotainment system UI. The Astor’s exterior and internal design remain the same, but the cost has somewhat altered.
Models from Renault
Kiger, Triber, and Kwid are the three models that Renault currently sells in India; all three have the MY2024 update. With this update, several models gain additional features like an auto-dimming IRVM for the Kiger and a wireless phone charger for the Triber. A less expensive automated version of the Kwid is added, and the prices of all three variants have been lowered. You may get more information on each of the three Renault models here.
Hyundai Creta 2024: The exterior of the updated Creta was formally unveiled. A revised front profile featuring design cues reminiscent of the Hyundai Venue is carried by the upgraded compact SUV. Alloy wheels have been updated for the side profile, and an integrated LED tail light arrangement has been added to the back.
Tata Punch EV Interior: In the first week of 2024, Tata unveiled the Punch EV’s external design. The following week, we got our first peek at the vehicle’s interior. It has a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a touch-based temperature control panel, and the new Tata steering wheel with the illuminated logo.
Maruti eVX Confirmed For 2024: Maruti said at the Vibrant Gujarat summit 2024 that the Maruti eVX, the company’s first electric vehicle in India, will go on sale by the end of 2024. The eVX made its debut at the 2023 Auto Expo. It is anticipated to have a battery pack that can hold up to 60 kWh and a stated range of 550 km.
Honda Increased Prices
Many automakers increased the price of their vehicles at the beginning of 2024, with Honda being the most recent to do so. The Honda Elevate’s initial pricing have ended as the Japanese automaker raised the costs of the Elevate and the City.
News & Top Stories2024 Comparing Prices of Kia Sonet, Maruti Brezza, Nissan Magnite, and Renault Kiger
We compare the updated SUV’s performance to a couple of its petrol-powered competitors, as the Kia Sonet has increased in price by up to Rs 80,000 since its previous version.only competitors
Launched recently, the redesigned Kia Sonet is available in seven general variants: HTE, HTK, HTK+, HTX, HTX+, GTX+, and X-Line. With the update, Kia’s sub-4 million SUV has kept its diesel and gasoline drivetrains while receiving a minor exterior and interior redesign. The Sonet is now up to Rs 80,000 more expensive as a result of all these changes – 2024 Comparing Prices of cars
Petrol-manual
| 2024 Kia Sonet | Maruti Brezza | Nissan Magnite | Renault Kiger |
| HTE – Rs 7.99 lakh | XV – Rs 7.82 lakh | RXT – Rs 7.50 lakh | |
| LXi – Rs 8.29 lakh | RXT (O) – Rs 8 lakh | ||
| HTK – Rs 8.79 lakh | XV Premium – Rs 8.60 lakh | RXZ – Rs 8.80 lakh | |
| XV Turbo – Rs 9.19 lakh | RXT (O) Turbo – Rs 9.30 lakh | ||
| HTK+ – Rs 9.90 lakh | VXi – Rs 9.65 lakh | XV Premium Turbo – Rs 9.80 lakh | RXZ Turbo – Rs 10 lakh |
| HTK+ Turbo iMT – Rs 10.49 lakh | |||
| HTX Turbo iMT – Rs 11.49 lakh | ZXi – Rs 11.05 lakh | ||
| ZXi+ – Rs 12.48 lakh | |||
| HTX+ Turbo iMT – Rs 13.39 lakh |
iMT-Manual when the clutch pedal is absent
- The Kia Sonet’s beginning price has increased by Rs 20,000 due to the facelift, although it is still less expensive than the Maruti Brezza. With a starting price of Rs 6 lakh each, the Nissan Magnite and Renault Kiger are still the least expensive options in the market.
- The prices of the Sonet’s lower-spec models (HTE, HTK, and HTK+) are in line with those of the Nissan Magnite and the complete lineup of Renault Kiger.
- The Kia SUV’s turbo-petrol versions begin at a price up to Rs 70,000 more than the Nissan-Renault turbo models. However, the cost of the Sonet turbo is similar to that of the Maruti Brezza’s higher-spec ZXi and ZXi+ models, with the latter being up to Rs 91,000 less expensive.
- The Sonet HTX+ Turbo model is one of the priciest petrol-manual alternatives in the market, priced at Rs 13.39 lakh. With its turbo-petrol engine, the Kia sub-4m is the only vehicle available with an iMT (manual without clutch pedal) option.
- All of the automakers on this list, with the exception of Maruti, offer their SUVs with a 1-liter turbo-petrol engine. Nevertheless, the Brezza is the only sub-4 meter SUV with a larger 1.5-liter gasoline engine in this group – 2024 Comparing Prices of cars
Petrol-automatic
| 2024 Kia Sonet | Maruti Brezza | Nissan Magnite | Renault Kiger |
| VXi AT – Rs 11.15 lakh | XV Premium Turbo CVT – Rs 10.91 lakh | RXZ Turbo CVT – Rs 11 lakh | |
| HTX Turbo DCT – Rs 12.29 lakh | ZXi AT – Rs 12.55 lakh | ||
| ZXi+ AT – Rs 13.98 lakh | |||
| GTX+ Turbo DCT – Rs 14.50 lakh | |||
| X-Line Turbo DCT – Rs 14.69 lakh |
- The automatic (AMT) versions of the Nissan Magnite and Renault Kiger are the most economical in the market, beginning at Rs 6.60 lakh and Rs 7.10 lakh, respectively, just like their manual counterparts. The Magnite became the most reasonably priced SUV in India with an automatic transmission only in late 2023, whereas the Kiger had the AMT option from the beginning of its launch in 2021.
- The highest entry point for an SUV to purchase a petrol-automatic combination is the 2024 Sonet. It is available with a dual-clutch automatic transmission (DCT) exclusively on the turbo-petrol powerplant.
- Apart from the LXi basic model, the Maruti Brezza is the only vehicle in its portfolio to offer a conventional torque converter automatic option for the petrol engine.
- The priciest petrol-automatic combination available for the aforementioned sub-4 million SUVs is the Sonet GTX+, which retails for Rs 14.50 lakh. Additionally, there’s a special edition X-Line trim that costs roughly Rs 20,000 more than the fully loaded GTX+, making it the most expensive variation on this table by almost a lakh.
News & Top StoriesKia Sonet Facelift vs Rivals: Price In contrast
Compare its variant-by-variant prices against those of the Mahindra XUV300, Tata Nexon, and Hyundai Venue.
The 2024 Kia Sonet was unveiled a few weeks ago, and the Korean automaker has now finally revealed the pricing of its redesigned subcompact SUV. The Sonet now has a new design, improved safety measures, and updated technology thanks to the upgrade. Notably, Kia has brought back the option of a real manual transmission with the Sonet’s diesel powertrain. In this article, we’ve compared the Sonet facelift’s variant-by-variant costs to those of its main competitors, the Mahindra XUV300, Hyundai Venue, and Tata Nexon, all of which get a diesel option.
News & Top StoriesExplanation Of The New Mahindra XUV400 EL Pro Variant
The Explanation Of The Mahindra XUV400 EV now has the suffix “Pro” after it, and it is still offered in the same range of variants, EC and EL. A fully digital driver’s display, a larger touchscreen, and an improved dashboard design are some of the notable modifications. We have covered the top-spec EL Pro version of the XUV400 EV in 15 pictures in this post. With the release of the Pro model, Mahindra hasn’t significantly altered the exterior design of the XUV400 EV. The projector headlights with LED DRLs and the closed-off grille with copper inlays are still present on the fascia.
This new variation has no discernible alterations to its profile. It still has the same LED tail lamps on the back. The shark-fin antenna and the EV emblem on the tailgate are the only external modifications.
Mahindra has significantly updated the electric SUV’s interior. The dashboard’s appearance has been modified to include a flat-bottom steering wheel covered in leather and a new center console with the AC vents moved to the center. A piano black inlay has taken the place of the storage area on the co-driver’s side of the dashboard. There is now a larger 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system available on the XUV400 EV EL Pro model. With its recent update, the climate control panel now features dual-zone capability.
There are two charging connections and a wireless smartphone charger behind the climate control panel. There are two cup holders behind the drive mode selector lever, which is still the same as it was.
The new 10.25-inch digital driver’s display, which is derived from the Mahindra XUV700, is another noteworthy modification. The infotainment system and this driver’s display can be synchronized for the purpose of playing the map feed through Apple CarPlay or Android Auto.
Additionally, the upholstery has been changed from having an all-black theme to one that is black and beige. Features such as a driver’s seat with height adjustment and a sunroof have remained. In addition to the current adjustable headrests, the backseat now has AC vents. When the second row is folded down, the XUV400 EV has 378 liters of cargo capacity. For more room, the chairs can easily be divided into a 60:40 ratio.
The Explanation Of The XUV400 EV EL Pro model has two battery pack options: 34.5 kWh and 39.4 kWh, having claimed range of 375 km and 456 km, respectively. A single 150 PS and 310 Nm electric motor is connected to these batteries.
News & Top Stories2024 MG Astor Released: More Economical And Technologically Advanced Than Before
With a starting price of Rs 9.98 lakh for the new base-spec ‘Sprint’ variant, the MG Astor is now the most reasonably priced small SUV available.
- The SUV will have improvements MG Astor car in 2024 with amenities including wireless phone charging, ventilated front seats, and an auto-dimming IRVM.
- A software upgrade has also been made to the 10.1-inch infotainment system, enabling wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
- remains available with a 1.5-liter normally aspirated petrol engine and a 1.3-liter turbo-petrol engine as its two powertrain options – MG Astor car
- The Astor is currently available for between Rs 9.98 lakh to Rs 17.90 lakh.
The MG Astor was the first small SUV in its class to be introduced with advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) and a personal AI assistant in India in 2021. In 2024, MG has revised its entire range of variants in addition to adding new features to the Astor. Along with the launch of the new entry-level Sprint model, the Astor’s starting price was lowered to Rs 9.98 lakh.
Let’s first take a look at the revised MG Astor car variant-by-variant costs before delving into the new improvements.
| Variant | Price |
| Petrol Manual | |
| Sprint | Rs 9.98 lakh |
| Shine | Rs 11.68 lakh |
| Select | Rs 12.98 lakh |
| Sharp Pro | Rs 14.41 lakh |
| Petrol Automatic (CVT) | |
| Select | Rs 13.98 lakh |
| Sharp Pro | Rs 15.68 lakh |
| Savvy Pro (with Ivory interior) | Rs 16.58 lakh |
| Savvy Pro (with Sangria interior) | Rs 16.68 lakh |
| Turbo-Petrol Automatic | |
| Savvy Pro | Rs 17.90 lakh |
All costs are ex-showroom across India.
Note: MG Astor’s dual-tone exterior shades will cost customers an additional Rs 20,000.
MG has completely redesigned the Astor variation selection, replacing the Style version—which was previously available—with the less expensive Sprint model. The Astor is currently the most reasonably priced compact SUV in India, with a starting price that is Rs 84,000 less than it was previously. Additionally, the new Shine and Select SUV variations have replaced the Super and Smart models, and the Astor’s Sharp and Savvy trims now include a “Pro” suffix indicating that the Astor has more features than previously.
The upgraded Savvy Pro trim of the Astor is now priced at Rs 17.90 lakh, which is Rs 78,000 cheaper than the top-spec turbo-petrol Savvy variant, which was previously priced at Rs 18.68 lakh.
New Updates
Updates for the MG Astor in 2024 bring additional amenities like wireless phone charging, ventilated front seats, and an auto-dimming IRVM. With Smart 2.0 UI, the 10.1-inch infotainment system—which is now standard on all MG SUV models—has been improved. It provides more capabilities for connected cars, like as voice requests for the weather, news, calculator, and more with the Jio Voice Recognition technology. The infotainment system now offers supports wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
The Astor also has a panoramic sunroof, cruise control, automatic climate control, and a 6-way power-adjustable driver seat. Up to six airbags, hill ascent and descent control, heated ORVMs, a 360-degree camera, electronic stability control, and advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS)—which include adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, automated emergency braking, and lane-keeping/departure assist—all contribute to passenger safety.
Nothing Affects The Bonnet
The Astor’s engine and transmission choices have not been changed by MG. A 1.5-liter normally aspirated petrol engine (110 PS / 144 Nm) paired with a 5-speed manual or CVT and a 1.3-liter turbo-petrol engine (140 PS / 220 Nm) paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission are the two engine options available.
Competitors
The current price range for the MG Astor is Rs 9.98 lakh to Rs 17.90 lakh. It competes with vehicles such as the Volkswagen Taigun, Skoda Kushaq, Toyota Hyryder, Honda Elevate, Hyundai Creta, Maruti Grand Vitara, and Kia Seltos.
News & Top StoriesHyundai Creta Facelift Arrives to Dealerships Before Release
At a dealership, an Atlas White exterior-shaded 2024 Hyundai Creta that looks to be completely loaded has been sighted.
- Reservations for the rejuvenated Creta can be made for INR 25,000.
- New alloy wheels and linked headlights and taillights are among the exterior changes.
- Its inside features a revised climate control panel and two integrated screens.
- 10.25-inch digital driver display, ADAS, and dual-zone air conditioning are among the new features.
- to come with five different transmission choices and three different engines.
- Pricing is anticipated to start around Rs 11 lakh.
The complete 2024 Hyundai Creta has already been revealed, showcasing its revised interior and redesigned exterior. Bookings for it are already open for the nominal sum of Rs 25,000, and the prices are scheduled to be revealed on January 16. A few 2024 Creta vehicles have arrived at showrooms ahead of its formal launch – Hyundai Creta
Updated Front & Rear Look
The vehicle displayed at the dealership has the Atlas White external shade applied. With the advanced driver assistance system (ADAS) radar visible in the front bumper, it looked to be a more expensive model of the SUV. Its entire fascia has been updated, and it now sports an LED DRL strip with an inverted L-shaped signature that spans the width of the bonnet and a revamped grille that is reminiscent of the new Venue. The headlights are now part of the squared housing, and the noticeable silver skid plate gives it a more robust look – Hyundai Creta
The 2024 Creta’s overall profile is unaltered save for the new alloy wheels. Speaking of the rear, the redesigned SUV has linked LED taillights that have the same inverted L-shaped characteristic as the front. In addition to being remodeled, the rear bumper now sports a silver skid plate.
New Cabin Amenities
The dashboard of the 2024 Hyundai Creta has been totally redesigned, and it now has two integrated screens (10.25-inch digital driver’s display and 10.25-inch infotainment system). As seen on its brother, the Kia Seltos, Hyundai is also giving it a new climate control panel with touch-enabled controls and dual-zone capabilities (for the first time). The side AC vent is now housed in a piano black panel located in the upper portion of the passenger side dashboard.
In terms of equipment, the 2024 Creta has an eight-speaker Bose sound system, a panoramic sunroof, wireless phone charging, an eight-way power driver’s seat, and ventilated front seats. Six airbags and a 360-degree camera are part of its safety package, and 19 level-2 advanced driver assistance systems have recently raised the vehicle’s safety rating (ADAS).
Powertrain Selections
Hyundai has kept the 1.5-liter naturally aspirated gasoline engine (115 PS / 144 Nm) and 1.5-liter diesel engine (116 PS / 250 Nm) with a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic transmission from the outgoing model available for the Creta facelift. Hyundai is going to give the SUV a facelift in addition to a 1.5-liter turbo-petrol engine (160 PS / 253 Nm) paired with a 7-speed dual clutch transmission.
Expected Price & Rivals
Pricing for the Hyundai Creta in 2024 is anticipated to start at Rs 11 lakh. It will continue to take on the likes of the Kia Seltos, Maruti Grand Vitara, Volkswagen Taigun, and Honda Elevate.