News & Top StoriesThis Week’s Important Auto News (May 27–31): New Teasers, Patents, New Spy Photos, and More
In addition to a major Porsche debut, the Mahindra XUV.e8‘s interior and the Tata Altroz Racer were teased during the final week of May 2024. Along with learning about this noteworthy accomplishment, we also saw some spy photos of the future Tata Curvv. The main stories from the previous week are briefly summarized here:
Altroz Racer Teased
Tata Motors has shown a few teasers for the future Altroz Racer, indicating that this hot hatch will be available shortly after undergoing intensive testing on our roads. For a small cost of up to Rs 21,000, which may vary depending on the dealership, customers may now book the Altroz Racer offline at a few Tata dealerships. The Tata Altroz Racer will have the same 120PS turbo-petrol engine from the Nexon along with revised exterior and interior design components.
Patented components of Mahindra XUV.e8
Recently, multiple test drives of the Mahindra XUV.e8, an all-electric variant of the Mahindra XUV700, have been observed. Mahindra has now submitted a patent application for a three-screen integrated dashboard layout and a new steering wheel design. The design patent illustration shows that the steering wheel will have two spokes and be octagonal. It’s also possible that Mahindra will put an illuminated emblem in the middle of the steering wheel. The instrument cluster, an infotainment screen, and a separate screen for the front passenger are all part of the three-screen dashboard arrangement that the carmaker has also patented.
Tata Curvv spied
Images of the Tata Curvv coupe-SUV test mules have been circulating for a while. But this time, we managed to catch a glimpse of the SUV’s taillights. According to the spy photos, it will receive connected LED taillights in February 2024, just like the idea. These taillights, like those on several facelifted Tata cars including the Nexon, Harrier, and Safari, are probably going to have welcome and goodbye animations coupled with a sequential effect for the turn indicators.
Over 15 lakh cars have been produced by Skoda-VW in India.
Skoda Automobile Over 15 lakh Volkswagen India vehicles have been built there, including 3 lakh Skoda Kushaq and Slavia and a combined 3 lakh Volkswagen Taigun and Virtus. At its plant in Chakan, the firm has also produced more than 3.8 lakh engines. Additionally, the Skoda-VW Group has exported 30% of its cars built in India to over 40 nations.
Porsche 911 Carrera and GTS launched in India
The 911 Carrera and 911 Carrera 4 GTS are new Porsche models that retail for Rs 1.99 crore and Rs 2.75 crore, respectively. Reservations for both models are now being accepted, and by year’s end, deliveries are anticipated to begin. A redesigned 3-liter twin-turbo flat-six engine with 394 PS and 450 Nm powers the 911 Carrera. A new 3.6-liter turbocharged T-hybrid engine with 541 PS and 610 Nm powers the 911 Carrera 4 GTS. The GTS’s external characteristics include sports exhaust at the back and active-aero components upfront. These new 911s come equipped with an upgraded infotainment system and a fully digital driver’s display inside.
Unveiled: Audi Q6 e-tron Performance version
With just one engine available, Audi has launched a new Q6 Performance model with rear-wheel drive. It has an electric motor mounted on the back axle that generates 326 PS and is powered by a 100 kWh battery. It can go from 0 to 100 kmph in 6.6 seconds and has a range of 641 kilometers. The Q6 e-tron Quattro and SQ6 e-tron will be positioned above this new Performance model. Although the interiors are unknown, it is anticipated to have the same features and cabin as the other Q6 e-Tron models.
News & Top StoriesWatch: 360-degree camera comparison between the Mahindra XUV 3XO and Tata Nexon
The Tata Nexon is the main opponent of the Mahindra XUV 3XO, the newest subcompact SUV on the market. Although there are many similarities between these two India-bred vehicles, we also directly contrasted their 360-degree camera features to determine which one does it better when we had both models. What we discovered is as follows:
Execution
Mahindra XUV 3XO and Tata Nexon as in 3D mode, the 360-degree camera setup feed in the XUV 3XO is a little sluggish, and it seems as though the frame rate is lagging as you move the vehicle. In addition, the Mahindra SUV’s camera feed only occupies half of the screen, making it difficult to see details when utilizing this feature. On the other hand, because the 3D figure is translucent, it is simpler to see potential hidden objects beneath the vehicle.
On the Tata Nexon, the camera’s video feed lags less and is significantly smoother. Finding details is significantly simpler because the 3D model fills the entire 10.25-inch screen and travels quickly without stuttering.
After this test, we can state with confidence that the Tata Nexon has a better implementation of this feature, however, there are still certain areas where the 3XO needs to be improved.
Additional Safety Elements
Except for a 360-degree camera, both vehicles have a strong array of safety features. Six airbags, ABS with EBD, ESC, hill hold assist, tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS), blind spot monitor, and ISOFIX child seat anchors are all standard on these vehicles.
However, the Mahindra 3XO is the best because it has all of the Level 2 ADAS functions, including adaptive cruise control, high beam assist, lane departure warning, lane keep assist, and automated emergency braking.
Only the Tata Nexon has been subjected to crash testing as of yet, and it has received a flawless 5-star rating from both Bharat NCAP and Global NCAP. Although the XUV 3XO hasn’t been tested yet, the XUV 300 before its makeover received five stars from the Global NCAP in 2020, and we think the Bharat NCAP test will yield encouraging results soon.
Prices
| Ex-showroom Prices | |
| Tata Nexon | Mahindra XUV 3XO* |
| Rs 8 lakh to Rs 15.80 lakh | Rs 7.49 lakh to Rs 15.49 lakh |
* The Mahindra XUV 3XO is available at introductory prices.
Due to its introductory pricing, the Mahindra XUV 3XO is currently more inexpensive despite the competitive pricing of both cars. Both diesel and turbo-petrol engines are available, with options for manual and automatic transmissions. These vehicles compete with the Hyundai Venue, Kia Sonet, and Maruti Brezza, among other subcompact SUVs.
News & Top StoriesMahindra XUV700 Electric Design Patent Verifies New Steering Wheel And Three-Screen Configuration
Recently, there have been a few sightings of the Mahindra XUV.e8, the all-electric version of the Mahindra XUV700, in testing. Mahindra has filed multiple design patents, exposing some of the interior features of this anticipated electric SUV, in preparation for its later-year launch.
Unveiled are the new dashboard and steering
According to the image of the design patent, Mahindra plans to replace the three-spoke steering wheel seen in the standard XUV700 with an octagonal 2-spoke steering wheel with the XUV.e8. Mahindra’s new 2-spoke steering wheel is probably going to include an illuminated Mahindra emblem in the center, just like the Harrier-Safari pair and other modern Tata SUVs.
A three-screen arrangement on the dashboard, comprising the infotainment screen, the instrument cluster, and a separate screen for the front passenger, is another feature Mahindra has patented for the XUV.e8. Though details regarding the screen size are still scarce, it might run exclusively on Mahindra’s Adrenox software.
Expected Features
Features including wireless phone charging, multi-zone climate management, linked car technology, and a panoramic sunroof are anticipated for the XUV700 EV. It will have certain Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), electronic stability control (ESC), and up to six airbags for further safety.
Powertrain
The XUV.e8, the XUV700’s electric variant, will come with two different battery pack options: a 60 kWh and an 80 kWh battery pack. According to WLTP, it has a range of up to 450 kilometers. Both single and multiple motor configurations will be mated to the unit. Both rear-wheel drive (RWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD) setups will be supported by its platform. Up to 285 PS can be produced by the former, and up to 394 PS by the latter. Additionally, up to 175 kW of fast charging will be supported.
Predicted Release, Cost, and Competitors
The Mahindra XUV.e8 is anticipated to go on sale in December 2024 and cost approximately Rs 35 lakh (ex-showroom). It will compete with the BYD Atto 3 and act as a high-end substitute for the Hyundai Kona Electric and MG ZS EV.
News & Top StoriesThe Top 7 Cheapest 7-Seater SUVs in India That Are Ideal For Large Families
India’s growing popularity of SUVs is attested to by the variety of SUV body styles available there, ranging from micro- to full-sized SUVs. Furthermore, three-row SUVs have entered the mainstream market as a result of SUVs’ rising appeal, making sure that big families may still enjoy SUVs.
Seating capacity is one of the most important requirements in a country as diverse as India, where client needs differ greatly. With configurations ranging from four to seven seats, SUVs in India satisfy this need by offering a wide range of options across several sectors. We have compiled a list of the seven most reasonably priced 7-seater SUV alternatives available in India.
Mahindra Bolero Neo: Rs 9.95 lakh
In India, the most reasonably priced seven-seater SUV on the market is the Mahindra Bolero Neo. The base N4 model, which costs Rs 9.95 lakh, has a 1.5-liter diesel engine that produces 100 PS and 260 Nm of torque. It is coupled to a 5-speed manual gearbox. Additionally, the top-tier models include a mechanical locking differential at the back.
Mahindra Bolero: Rs 9.98 lakh
After more than 20 years of sales in the nation, consumers seeking a tough substitute for comparably priced monocoque SUVs have continued to choose the Mahindra Bolero. The most recent model of the seven-seat Bolero is priced at Rs 9.98 lakh. Its 1.5-liter diesel engine produces 210 Nm and 76 PS. It is connected to a manual 5-speed transmission. Comparing the Bolero to its rivals, though, shows how outdated it has become, and a generational redesign is anticipated for the SUV by 2026.
Citroen C3 Aircross: Rs 11.96 lakh
In and of itself, the Citroen C3 Aircross is a rather special offering. Citroen went above and beyond by providing the option of two additional seats in the rear while maintaining affordable pricing, something that other compact SUV manufacturers only provide in 5-seater configurations. The 7-seater is the most reasonably priced model on the list, with a starting price of Rs 11.96 lakh, while the 5-seater variations start at Rs 9.99 lakh. Its 1.2-liter turbo-petrol engine produces 110 horsepower and 206 torque. Either a 6-speed torque converter transmission or a 6-speed manual gearbox is included.
Mahindra Scorpio Classic: Rs 13.59 lakh
The automaker decided to continue selling the second-generation Mahindra Scorpio alongside the new SUV, albeit with certain modifications and a new moniker (Scorpio Classic), even after the third-generation model was introduced as the Scorpio N in India. To accommodate various buyer profiles, the older generation Scorpio is still available for purchase. There are only two models with seven and nine seats, which makes things simpler. A 2.2-liter diesel engine producing 300 Nm and 132 PS powers it. The manual transmission has six speeds.
Mahindra Scorpio N: Rs 13.85 lakh
The third generation of the Mahindra Scorpio brand, the Scorpio N, has better powertrains and additional features. The layouts with six and seven seats are likewise available. The base price of the seven-seater Scorpio N is Rs 13.85 lakh. You can choose between a 2.0-liter turbo-petrol engine (203 PS/380 Nm) and a 2.2-liter diesel engine (132 PS/300 Nm) at this pricing. Rear-wheel drive (RWD) and four-wheel drive (4WD) are the other two drivetrain options.
Tata Safari: Rs 16.19 lakh
In our market, the automaker’s premier three-row vehicle is the Tata Safari. Prices for it start at Rs 16.19 lakh and it comes in 6- and 7-seater versions. Its 2-liter diesel engine produces 350 Nm and 170 PS. It can be had with a 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic transmission, which both provide the front wheels with power. Although it is not currently available, a gasoline engine is anticipated to be added shortly. Additionally, an electric vehicle (EV) version of the SUV is being developed, with a 2025 debut anticipated.
Hyundai Alcazar: Rs 16.78 lakh
When seeking a larger SUV that can accommodate six or seven people, consider the Hyundai Alcazar instead of the Creta. A 1.5-liter turbo-petrol engine (160 PS / 253 Nm) mated to a 6-speed manual or a 7-speed DCT (dual-clutch automatic transmission) and a 1.5-liter diesel engine (116 PS / 250 Nm) mated to a 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic transmission are the two engine options available.
The MG Hector Plus (Rs 17 lakh), the 5-door Force Gurkha (Rs 18 lakh), and the Mahindra XUV700 (Rs 16.89 lakh) were other SUVs that were nearly as good but did not make the list.
News & Top StoriesComparison of Kia EV3 with Kia Seltos specifications
With its fast EV6 crossover, Kia has already made an entry into the Indian EV market, but it’s undoubtedly not a car that’s affordable for the majority of people. Without naming the model, the Korean automaker has stated that it will launch a customized EV in India in 2025. We have reason to think that the production-spec Kia EV3, which was just unveiled, may be introduced to India as an electric substitute for the Kia Seltos small SUV. Let’s start by comparing these two SUVs side by side.
Measurements
| Kia EV3 | Kia Seltos | |
| Length | 4300 mm | 4365 mm |
| Width | 1850mm | 1800 mm |
| Height | 1560 mm | 1645 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2680 mm | 2610 mm |
| Boot space | 460 litres (gets a 25-litre frunk additionally) | 433 litres |
- Compared to the internal combustion engine (ICE)-powered Seltos, the Kia EV3 has a unique design as an electric vehicle.
- It is 50 mm wider, 65 mm shorter in height, and 65 mm smaller than the Seltos.
- The wheelbase of the EV3, which is built on the E-GMP electric-only platform, is 70 mm longer than that of the Seltos.
- With an additional 27 liters of space in the boot and a 25-liter trunk under the front hood, the EV3 offers even more room.
Highlights of the Features
| Features | Kia EV3 | Kia Seltos |
| Exterior | LED Headlamps LED DRLs LED tail lights Aerodynamically-designed alloy wheels (size unknown) | LED Headlamps LED DRLs LED tail lights Front projector fog lamps 17/18-inch alloy wheels Shark-fin antenna |
| Interiors | White and grey dual-tone interiors Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) material on seats Steering wheel wrapped with recycled materials | Black and beige dual-tone dashboard (all-black on the higher trim levels) Leatherette seats Leatherette-wrapped steering wheel |
| Comfort and Convenience | 12.3-inch fully digital driver’s display automatic AC, touch controls Rear AC vents 12-inch Head-Up Display Touch button engine start/stop | 10.25-inch fully-digital driver’s display automatic AC Rear AC vents 8-inch Head-Up Display |
| Infotainment | 12.3-inch infotainment system Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay Harman Kardon music system | 10.25-inch infotainment system Wired Android Auto and Apple CarPlay 8-speaker Bose sound system |
| Safety | Airbags 360-view camera Level-2 ADAS | Six airbags Level-2 ADAS 360-degree view camera |
- Although it is the production-spec Kia EV3, the whole feature list has not yet been disclosed and will differ depending on the country.
- But compared to the Seltos, it boasts a more expansive integrated display configuration that includes a larger touchscreen infotainment system, a driver’s display, and AC controls built into a 5-inch touchscreen panel in between.
- In terms of high-end audio systems, linked automotive technology, LED lighting configurations, ambient lighting, and interior comforts, both vehicles are loaded with features. But with its touch-based control panels and use of recycled materials, the EV3 is a generation ahead of the Seltos.
- Advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) at Level 2 are installed in both cars.
Drivetrains
| Specifications | Kia EV3 | Kia Seltos | |||
| Battery Pack/Engine | Standard 58.3 kWh | Long Range 81.4 kWh | 1.5-litre petrol | 1.5-litre turbo-petrol | 1.5-litre diesel |
| Power | 204 PS | 204 PS | 115 PS | 160 PS | 116 PS |
| Torque | 283 Nm | 283 Nm | 144 Nm | 254 Nm | 250 Nm |
- Our main focus is on the performance that these two radically different SUVs have to offer. The EV3’s smaller battery’s claimed range, which Kia has not yet disclosed, is expected to be between 400 and 450 kilometers, while the larger battery’s stated WLTP range is 600 kilometers.
- The EV3 has a single motor setup for two battery packs, while the Kia Seltos has three different engine configurations.
- Compared to the Kia EV3, the most potent 1.5-liter turbo-petrol engine in the Seltos produces 44 PS and 29 Nm less power.
- Although Kia has not provided many specifics regarding the EV3’s charging timings, the larger battery pack can be quickly charged from 10 to 80 percent in just thirty-one minutes.
Cost Range
| Model | Kia EV3 | Kia Seltos | |
| Prices | Starting Rs 30 lakh (expected) | Rs 10.90 – 20.35 lakh | |
The Kia Seltos retails for between Rs 10.90 and Rs 20.35 lakh, ex-showroom. It competes with vehicles such as the Volkswagen Taigun, Skoda Kushaq, Maruti Grand Vitara, Hyundai Creta, and others. Due to its very localized offering, its price is competitive for the category.
However, because of its electric drivetrain and additional premium features, the Kia EV3, an electric SUV, will undoubtedly cost a premium. We anticipate it to be more expensive than vehicles like the MG ZS EV, the future Maruti eVX, and the Tata Curvv EV, even with a high level of localization.
News & Top StoriesCurrently, Mahindra XUV 3XO Petrol Variants Make Up Almost 70% Of All Bookings.
- In April 2024, Mahindra unveiled the XUV 3XO, a facelifted version of the XUV 300.
- It comes with a choice of 1.5-liter diesel and 1.2-liter turbo-petrol engines, each paired with an automatic transmission.
- Compared to diesel versions, petrol versions can be purchased for up to Rs 1.6 lakh less.
- The Mahindra SUV‘s starting pricing (ex-showroom, nationwide) ranges from Rs 7.49 lakh to Rs 15.49 lakh.
The Mahindra XUV 3XO, a facelifted version of the XUV300 SUV, was released at the end of April 2024. On May 15, the automaker began accepting reservations for the new SUV; it was subsequently disclosed that it had received 50,000 orders in the first hour. Top Mahindra executives also provided some information on the orders they have received for the new SUV during a recent investor meeting.
Increased Demand for Petrol
In contrast to the reputation of Mahindra SUVs, according to Mahindra spokespeople, the petrol models of the XUV 3XO make up almost 70% of all reservations made up to this point. It’s hardly shocking, considering that even the XUV300’s sales distribution over time has been fairly evenly split between the two fuel kinds. About 45% of SUV sales in January 2024 were of the gasoline variety, with the diesel and electric (XUV400) versions accounting for the remaining 55%.
The fact that the petrol versions are up to Rs 1.6 lakh less expensive than their diesel counterparts is another reason why there is probably more demand for them. This can play a big role in the decision-making process for those looking to purchase a sub-4 million SUV as opposed to those choosing larger and more expensive Mahindra SUVs like the Thar, Scorpio N, or even XUV700.
A Modernized Pair of Engines
Mahindra decided to keep supplying its sub-4 million SUV with diesel and petrol powertrains along with the makeover, but on its petrol engines, it swapped out the AMT automatic for a “proper” torque converter unit. Here are some of the available engine-gearbox combinations:
| Specification | 1.2-litre turbo-petrol | 1.2-litre TGDi turbo-petrol | 1.5-litre diesel |
| Power | 112 PS | 130 PS | 117 PS |
| Torque | 200 Nm | Up to 250 Nm | 300 Nm |
| Transmission | 6-speed MT, 6-speed AT | MT and AT six-speeds | 6-speed MT, 6-speed AMT |
| Claimed Mileage | 18.89 kmpl, 17.96 kmpl | 20.1 kmpl, 18.2 kmpl | 20.6 kmpl, 21.2 kmpl |
Three drive modes are also available for the higher-spec petrol-automatic variants: Zip, Zap, and Zoom. Perhaps the popularity of the petrol-powered 3XO models has also been attributed to the option of a more sophisticated automatic powertrain combined with segment-leading performance.
Cost Range and Rivals
The starting pricing of the Mahindra XUV 3XO (ex-showroom, all of India) ranges from Rs 7.49 lakh to Rs 15.49 lakh. Its rivals include the Nissan Magnite, Hyundai Venue, Maruti Suzuki Brezza, Kia Sonet, Tata Nexon, Renault Kiger, and the soon-to-be Skoda sub-4m SUV. Another option for sub-4 million crossovers like the Maruti Fronx and Toyota Urban Cruiser Taisor is the Mahindra SUV.