News & Top StoriesSpy photos of the facelifted Kia Carens appear online
- Early in 2022, Kia introduced the Carens MPV in India.
- Alloy wheels, a revised grille, and new lighting are anticipated for the facelifted model.
- Anticipated to keep the current model‘s dashboard layout and dual-tone look.
- A 360-degree camera, ADAS, and dual-zone air conditioning could be among the new amenities on board.
- Most likely to come with the same set of transmissions and the same gasoline and diesel engines as the current model.
- 2025 is the anticipated introduction year in India; an EV version will follow after that year.
Since early 2022, the Kia Carens have been offered for sale in India as a more expensive and spacious substitute for the Maruti Ertiga. It has received updates in the form of new models and feature enhancements, but the recently released collection of foreign espionage photos suggests that it may soon get a proper facelift abroad.
Notable Changes
We anticipate some adjustments to be made to the exterior design of the facelifted Carens, however, it is difficult to identify for sure what has changed just yet (because of the thick camouflage). Anticipate these to be upgraded connected LED tail lights that now mimic those on the new Sonet, a reworked grille and alloy wheels, and a new headlamp configuration.
Anticipated Seat and Amenity Modifications
This collection of spy photos does not feature the facelifted Carens cabin. We anticipate Kia will keep the same 6- and 7-seat arrangements in addition to the dual-tone cabin motif. Having said that, the only significant modification might be new seat coverings and perhaps an upgraded climate control panel.
Even though the Carens is currently a well-equipped MPV, it may benefit from a panoramic sunroof and dual-zone air conditioning to further enhance its upscale interior. It already has a sunroof, wireless phone charging, ventilated front seats, and two 10.25-inch screens (one for infotainment and the other for instruments).
Regarding security, we anticipate that Kia will equip the redesigned MPV with advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) and a 360-degree camera. Six airbags are standard on all Carens models that are currently available in India, along with a tire pressure monitoring system, front and rear parking sensors, and a rear parking camera.
An assortment of powertrains
We think Kia will keep offering the facelifted Carens with the same engine options as the existing model, as it was intended for India. It currently has the following options for the engine and gearbox:
| Specification | 1.5-litre N/A Petrol | 1.5-litre Turbo-petrol | 1.5-litre Diesel |
| Power | 115 PS | 160 PS | 116 PS |
| Torque | 144 Nm | 253 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Transmission | 6-speed MT | 6-speed iMT*, 7-speed DCT^ | 6-speed MT, 6-speed iMT, 6-speed AT |
Anticipated Release Date And Cost
Sometime in 2025, the redesigned Kia Carens is anticipated to go on sale in India; it will probably cost more than the outgoing model. To give you an idea, the ex-showroom pricing of the Carens, in its current specification, ranges from Rs 10.52 lakh to Rs 19.67 lakh. The facelifted MPV will continue to compete against the Maruti XL6, Toyota Rumion, and Toyota Innova Crysta in addition to the Maruti Ertiga. It will also function as a reasonably priced substitute for the Maruti Invicto and Toyota Innova Hycross.
News & Top StoriesWhat Every Maruti Swift 2024 Variant Offers Is This
After a delayed debut, the new Maruti Swift 2024 is now available in India for as little as Rs 6.50 lakh (ex-showroom). The upgraded Swift has a new engine and is now loaded with many additional capabilities. It is available in five broad variants: Lxi, Vxi, Vxi (O), Zxi, and Zxi+. Determine which Maruti hatchback version best meets your demands if you intend to purchase one.
Swift Lxi
Price: Rs 6.50 lakh
The following features are included in the new Swift base-spec variant:
| Exterior | Interior | Infotainment | Comfort & Convenience | Safety |
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| None |
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There is no infotainment available on the base-spec version, but it does include some convenience and comfort amenities and is well-equipped for safety. The Lxi model with low specs only has a manual transmission.
Swift Vxi
Price: Rs 7.30 lakh to Rs 7.80 lakh
| Exterior | Interior | Infotainment | Comfort & Convenience | Safety |
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The VXi variation which is one step beyond the standard model has minor external modifications but a relatively little safety package upgrade. It does, however, come with a useful entertainment suite that includes wireless smartphone connectivity and a 4-speaker sound system. You also have the choice of a 5-speed automatic manual transmission (AMT) starting with this version.
Swift Vxi (O)
Price: Rs 7.57 lakh to Rs 8.07 lakh
The hatchback’s mid-spec Vxi (O) model is equipped with the following added features:
| Exterior | Interior | Infotainment | Comfort & Convenience | Safety |
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For an additional Rs 27,000, the hatchback’s Vxi (O) model offers a few more comfort amenities but not much more than the Vxi variation. However, starting with this version, you also receive Suzuki Connect, Maruti’s linked automobile feature.
Swift Zxi
Price: Rs 8.30 lakh to Rs 8.80 lakh
Compared to the mid-spec Vxi model, the one-below-top Zxi variation has the following features:
| Exterior | Interior | Infotainment | Comfort & Convenience | Safety |
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| None |
Along with a ton of comfort and convenience options including a height-adjustable driver seat, automatic climate control, and a wireless phone charger, this hatchback version gets visual upgrades. This version of the new Swift is predicted to be the most popular since it comes with all the expected conveniences and a premium appearance.
Swift Zxi+
Price: Rs 9 lakh to Rs 9.65 lakh
The top-spec Swift model offers the following features above the Zxi variant:
| Exterior | Interior | Infotainment | Comfort & Convenience | Safety |
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A few feature additions are made to the top-spec model of the new Swift in every sector. It provides more luxurious interiors, more safety, and an updated infotainment system. Dual-tone exterior shades are another option available with this model, although they come at an additional cost of Rs 15,,000.
Every price is ex-showroom.
These were the new Maruti Swift’s variant-specific features. Which of these versions, in your opinion, is the most useful and provides the greatest value? Tell us in the comments section below.
News & Top StoriesMore over half of Maruti’s pending orders are for CNG vehicles.
During a recent investor conference, Maruti Suzuki disclosed that 1.11 lakh CNG vehicles were still pending delivery by the end of the last fiscal quarter (FY). Approximately 2 lakh orders have not yet been fulfilled by the automaker for clients.
Information On The Upcoming Orders
It was also mentioned in the meeting that the Maruti Ertiga MPV accounts for almost 30% of all outstanding CNG orders. Maruti Suzuki’s chief investor relations officer, Rahul Bharti, stated: “One significant vehicle that has a lot of CNG traction in the market is the Ertiga. Therefore, the Ertiga supply constraint is substantially addressed by Manesar’s 100,000 capacity.
More than half of Maruti Suzuki’s CNG sales, according to senior executive officer of sales and marketing Shashank Srivastava, came from the Ertiga back in November 2023.
Toyota has also reinstated reservations for the CNG versions of the Rumion MPV, which is based on the Ertiga.
An update on CNG sales and plans
After shipping about 4.5 lakh CNG models in the previous fiscal year, Maruti now intends to sell about 6 lakh units in the current fiscal year, FY24–25. During the same conference, the automaker confirmed that to fulfill the increasing demand, it intends to increase the production of CNG cars. Maruti conceded that there were some problems with the supply chain, but it also said that things have improved.
News & Top StoriesThe new mid-spec GX Plus variant of the Toyota Innova Crysta is priced at Rs 21.39 lakh.
- The Innova Crysta is currently offered by Toyota in four main variations: GX, GX Plus, VX, and ZX.
- Three airbags, an 8-inch touchscreen, and auto-folding ORVMs are among the amenities on board.
- 2.4-liter diesel engine with a 5-speed manual transmission powering it.
- The ex-showroom price range for the Innova Crysta in Delhi is between Rs 19.99 lakh and Rs 26.30 lakh.
Toyota appears to be updating variants in droves for 2024. The Toyota Innova Hycross now offers a new mid-spec GX Plus variant in addition to the recently unveiled top-spec GX (O) variant. The Toyota Innova Hycross is a petrol-only vehicle.
Variant-specific Prices
| Variant | Price |
| GX Plus 7-seater | Rs 21.39 lakh |
| GX Plus 8-seater | Rs 21.44 lakh |
The entry-level GX trim of the MPV with a diesel engine costs up to Rs 1.45 lakh less than the new GX Plus model.
For the GX Plus, there are five color options: Platinum White Pearl, Silver Metallic, Avant-Garde Bronze Metallic, Attitude Black Mica, and Super White.
Features On Offer
Toyota has added fabric upholstery, an 8-inch touchscreen, and auto-folding outside rearview mirrors (ORVMs) to the Innova Crysta GX Plus model. The GX Plus model of the Innova Crysta is equipped with three airbags, including a driver-side knee airbag, a rear parking camera, and vehicle stability control (VSC).
A Model Exclusive to Diesel
It has a single 2.4-liter diesel engine with 150 horsepower and 343 Nm that is mated to a 5-speed manual gearbox. Additionally, there are two drive modes: Power and Eco.
Price Range And Rivals
The cost of the Toyota Innova Crysta ranges from Rs 19.99 lakh to Rs 26.30 lakh. It serves as a diesel competitor to the Maruti Invicto and Toyota Innova Hycross and a high-end substitute for the Mahindra Marazzo and Kia Carens.
News & Top StoriesDealerships Get to See the Mahindra XUV 3XO MX3 Variant
Although official reservations for the Mahindra XUV 3XO have not yet begun, we have just recently received pricing information. However, dealerships are now receiving the vehicle in some different configurations. There are five main variations of the XUV 3XO available: MX1, MX2, MX3, AX5, and AX7. This post will examine the features and appearance of the XUV 3XO’s mid-spec MX3 model in nine real-world photos.
in Front
The SUV‘s mid-spec MX3 model has the identical bumper and grille as its higher-spec siblings. Nevertheless, because of its halogen projector headlights, it appears to be a lower-end model. It has LED daytime running lights with turn signals, but no front fog lamps.
Side
The MX3 version of the Mahindra XUV 3XO has body-colored door handles from the side, while the ORVMs (outside rear view mirrors) and A and C-pillars are blacked out. This specific XUV 3XO model has no roof rails and 16-inch steel wheels covered in wheel covers.
Back
Although the XUV 3XO MX3 variation has LED tail lights, it lacks the linked configuration seen in the MX3 Pro variant, which is a grade higher. Other features that set it out as a lower-spec model include the lack of a rear wiper washer, rear defogger, and an expanded roof spoiler. Nonetheless, the SUV’s bumper design is still the same as previous higher-spec models.
Interior
Although the 3XO MX3’s design may suggest a cheaper model, its inside delivers a mid-range experience. The dashboard and door panels are two-tone black and white. On this version, however, the temperature control panel is derived from the XUV300 before the makeover.
Its features include an analog instrument cluster, a 4-speaker sound system, a wireless phone charger, a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wired Apple CarPlay and wireless Android Auto, and a single-pane sunroof. This version boasts all-wheel disc brakes, electronic stability control, six airbags, and rear parking sensors for added passenger protection.
This XUV 3XO type is a mid-spec model, and it has black cloth seat upholstery. The extra convenience of rear passengers is enhanced by the provision of rear AC vents.
Powertrain
Mahindra provides turbo-petrol and diesel engine options for the XUX 3XO’s MX3 version. The details of the requirements are listed below:
| Specifications | 1.2-litre turbo-petrol | 1.5-litre diesel |
| Power | 112 PS | 117 PS |
| Torque | 200 Nm | 300 Nm |
| Transmission | 6-speed MT / 6-speed AT | 6-speed MT / 6-speed AMT |
The more potent T-GDi (direct injection) turbo-petrol engine is not available for the MX3 version.
Price & Rivals
The Mahindra XUV 3XO’s MX3 model costs between Rs 9.49 lakh and Rs 11.69 lakh (ex-showroom introductory). It competes with vehicles such as the Nissan Magnite, Hyundai Venue, Kia Sonet, Maruti Brezza, Tata Nexon, and Renault Kiger.
News & Top StoriesGlobal NCAP has retested the Honda Amaze and awarded it a 2-star safety rating.
- The Honda Amaze received a 2-star rating for adult occupant protection, with a score of 27.85 out of 34.
- With a score of 8.58 out of 49 for child occupant protection, it received a 0-star safety rating.
- The low score was caused by safety feature omissions such as side curtain airbags and electronic stability control.
Recently, the Global NCAP (New Car Assessment Program) crashed-tested the Honda Amaze once more, and this time, it received inadequate safety ratings for both adult occupant protection (AOP) and child occupant protection (COP). The 2019 Global NCAP crash test results for the South African version of the subcompact Honda car show that it received a 4-star safety rating. On the other hand, the Amaze was tested using the most recent Global NCAP protocols this time. Let’s examine how well it performed in each test in more detail.
| Protection | Adult Occupant Protection | Child Occupant Protection |
| Rating | 2 stars | 0 star |
| Score | 27.85/34 | 8.58/49 |
| Bodyshell Integrity | Stable | |
Adult Occupant Protection (27.85 points out of 34)
Impact in front (64 kmph)
The driver and co-driver of Honda‘s subcompact sedan showed “good” head and neck protection in the frontal impact crash test, while both occupants had “adequate” chest protection. But while their tibias demonstrated “good” protection, the driver’s and passenger’s knees only displayed “marginal” protection.
At 50 kmph, side impact
The protection received by the head and pelvis was rated as “good,” the chest as “marginal,” and the abdomen as “adequate.”
Side Pole Impact