Once more, a new generation Kia Carnival was observed being tested in hilly terrain. News & Top Stories

Once more, a new generation Kia Carnival was observed being tested in hilly terrain.

  • Once more, high in the mountains, the Kia Carnival facelift was being spied on while testing in India.
  • anticipated to debut later in 2024.
  • has a revised external design, with a larger grille and new front-end styling.
  • It is anticipated that the interior will resemble the worldwide model but have more technology than previously.
  • It is anticipated that the next generation Carnival will cost more than Rs 30 lakh.

The Kia Carnival is scheduled to make a comeback to the nation in its most recent incarnation after being discontinued in 2023. The high-end MPV has been observed testing once more ahead of its launch, this time in Himachal Pradesh’s high-altitude areas. While we wait for the new generation India-spec Kia Carnival to make its debut, check out what we can see on this test mule.

What’s Fresh

Even with the camouflage wrap, the most recent spy photos offer a closer look at the forthcoming MPV’s front-end design. With its new LED headlight arrangement and L-shaped LED daytime running lights (DRLs), it shares a design language with the Kia EV9. Compared to the previous Carnival that was sold in India, the front fascia appears larger, with a wider grille and a more upright nose.

The side and rear profiles of the MPV were also seen, albeit disguised, in an earlier test mule. Interestingly, we noticed a brushed aluminum skid plate in the front in the spy photos, but this test mule either lacks it or has it hidden behind the camouflage. Go here to read the story.

Expected Features and Interiors

We may presume that the technology and design of the forthcoming Kia Carnival, built for the Indian market, would resemble those of the global model even though we haven’t seen the interiors. Consequently, it ought to include a single curved glass pane that combines two 12.3-inch screens. It can also have a panoramic sunroof, wireless phone charging, powered and ventilated seats, a three-zone automatic air conditioning system with revised air vents, and a rear-seat entertainment system with two screens for passengers in the second row.

Engine and Performance

Although Kia has not released official information regarding the powertrain specifications of the upcoming Carnival for India, we anticipate that it will only be available with one engine option that is paired with an automatic transmission. It is available worldwide with a 1.6-liter petrol-hybrid (242 PS/367 Nm) and a 3.5-liter V6 petrol (287 PS/353 Nm). A 2.2-liter diesel engine producing 200 horsepower and 440 Nm paired with an 8-speed automated gearbox was offered for the earlier Carnival.

Cost and Competitors

The 2024 Kia Carnival may have starting costs beyond Rs 30 lakh (ex-showroom). It is anticipated to be less expensive than luxury MPVs like the Toyota Vellfire and Lexus LM, but a more opulent and high-end substitute for the Toyota Innova Hycross.

MG Hector & Hector Plus News & Top Stories

The price of MG Hector and Hector Plus increases by up to Rs 30,000.

  • The price increase for the MG Hector‘s five-seater model is up to Rs 22,000.
  • Right now, its price ranges from Rs 13.99 lakh to Rs 22.24 lakh.
  • Conversely, there has been a price increase of up to Rs 30,000 for the Hector Plus.
  • The current price range for the MG Hector Plus is Rs 18.20 lakh to Rs 23.08 lakh.

The MG Hector and Hector Plus SUVs will now cost you extra money because the company has announced a Rs 30,000 price hike for all variants of both vehicles. The SUV pair’s Blackstorm version is likewise subject to this hike. Let’s examine their updated prices according to variants.

MG Hector

Variant Old Price New Price Difference
Petrol Manual
Style Rs 13.99 lakh Rs 13.99 lakh No difference
Shine Pro Rs 16 lakh Rs 16.16 lakh + Rs 16,000
Select Pro Rs 17.30 lakh Rs 17.48 lakh + Rs 18,000
Smart Pro Rs 18.24 lakh Rs 18.43 lakh + Rs 19,000
Sharp Pro Rs 19.70 lakh Rs 19.90 lakh + Rs 20,000
Petrol Automatic
Shine Pro CVT Rs 17 lakh Rs 17.17 lakh + Rs 17,000
Select Pro CVT Rs 18.49 lakh Rs 18.68 lakh + Rs 19,000
Sharp Pro CVT Rs 21 lakh Rs 21.21 lakh + Rs 21,000
Hector Blackstorm CVT Rs 21.32 lakh Rs 21.53 lakh + Rs 21,000
Savvy Pro CVT Rs 21.95 lakh Rs 22.17 lakh + Rs 22,000
Diesel Manual
Shine Pro Rs 17.70 lakh Rs 17.88 lakh + Rs 18,000
Select Pro Rs 18.70 lakh Rs 18.89 lakh + Rs 19,000
Smart Pro Rs 20 lakh Rs 20 lakh No difference
Sharp Pro Rs 21.70 lakh Rs 21.92 lakh + Rs 22,000
Hector Blackstorm Diesel Rs 22.02 lakh Rs 22.24 lakh + Rs 22,000
  • The MG Hector’s base-spec Style petrol manual and mid-spec Smart Pro diesel manual models are not impacted by the price increase.
  • The price increase for the higher-spec petrol and diesel versions, which include the Blackstorm editions, is as much as Rs 22,000.
  • The MG Hector is currently available for between Rs 13.99 lakh and Rs 22.24 lakh.

MG Hector Plus

Variant Old Price New Price Difference
Petrol Manual
Select Pro 7-seater Rs 18 lakh Rs 18.20 lakh + Rs 20,000
Sharp Pro 6/7-seater Rs 20.40 lakh Rs 20.63 lakh + Rs 23,000
Petrol Automatic
Sharp Pro CVT 6/7-seater Rs 21.73 lakh Rs 21.97 lakh + Rs 24,000
Hector Plus Blackstorm CVT 7-seater Rs 22.05 lakh Rs 22.29 lakh + Rs 24,000
Savvy Pro CVT 6/7-seater Rs 22.68 lakh Rs 22.93 lakh + Rs 25,000
Diesel Manual
Style 6/7-seater Rs 17 lakh Rs 17.30 lakh + Rs 30,000
Select Pro 7-seater Rs 19.60 lakh Rs 19.82 lakh + Rs 22,000
Smart Pro 6-seater Rs 21 lakh Rs 21.23 lakh + Rs 23,000
Sharp Pro 7-seater Rs 22.30 lakh Rs 22.50 lakh + Rs 20,000
Sharp Pro 6-seater Rs 22.51 lakh Rs 22.76 lakh + Rs 25,000
Hector Plus Blackstorm 7-seater Diesel Rs 22.62 lakh Rs 22.87 lakh + Rs 25,000
Hector Plus Blackstorm 6-seater Diesel Rs 22.83 lakh Rs 23.08 lakh + Rs 25,000
  • The diesel versions of the MG Hector Plus have seen a price increase of up to Rs 30,000 in comparison to the petrol version.
  • The price difference for the Hector Plus Blackstorm models is now up to Rs 25,000.
  • The MG Hector Plus is priced between Rs 18.20 lakh and Rs 23.08 lakh.

Transmission & Engine

The following is a list of the specifications for the turbo-petrol and diesel engines that MG offers for the Hector and Hector Plus:

Engine 1.5-litre turbo-petrol 2-litre diesel
Power 143 PS 170 PS
Torque 250 PS 350 Nm
Transmission 6-speed MT, CVT 6-speed MT

The Hector SUV diesel models do not currently come with an automatic transmission option.

Rivals

The Mahindra XUV700 5-seater model, the Tata Harrier, and the higher-spec Hyundai Creta and Kia Seltos are also competitors for the MG Hector. Conversely, the has competition from the Tata Safari, Hyundai Alcazar, and the 6- and 7-seat Mahindra XUV700 models.

In India, reservations for the new petrol-powered Mini Cooper S have opened. News & Top Stories

In India, reservations for the new petrol-powered Mini Cooper S have opened.

  • new petrol-powered Mini Cooper Reservations are open; rates will be released shortly.
  • includes the recognizable Union Jack emblem on its LED taillights and a new octagonal front grille.
  • The conventional instrument cluster has been replaced inside with a 9.4-inch circular OLED touchscreen.
  • A 2-liter four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine with 204 horsepower and 300 Nm powers the Mini Cooper S.

The fifth generation new petrol-powered Mini Cooper, which keeps its famous form but has been modified with new styling and an improved interior, is about to make a comeback to India. Although the costs have not yet been disclosed, reservations for this new model are now being accepted.

Outside

The 2024 Mini Cooper retains its traditional shape and has a sleeker style that makes it look familiar. It has new circular LED headlights with DRL-customizable light patterns on either side of an elaborately designed octagonal front grille.

It has new 17-inch alloy wheels on the side that can be upgraded to 18-inch wheels. Redesigned LED taillights with a stylish sequential indicator and the recognizable Union Jack pattern are featured on the back.

The next Cooper S will be available from Mini in five different color combinations: Ocean Wave Green, Sunny Side Yellow, British Racing Green, Chill Red II, and Blazing Blue.

Interiors

The centerpiece of the 2024 new petrol-powered Mini Cooper’s redesigned, minimalist interior is a 9.4-inch circular OLED touchscreen that keeps the car’s recognizable round concept. This central screen serves as the vehicle’s information display in place of the conventional instrument cluster.

On the center console below it, a toggle bar unit contains the parking brake, gear selector, start/stop key, experience mode toggle, and volume control neatly placed. There’s a wireless charging tray in the place of the gear lever. The back seats fold down in a 60:40 split to expand the trunk space from 210 to 725 liters, and a panoramic glass top lets in more natural light into the cabin.

The Mini Cooper S comes equipped with a heads-up display, electrically adjusting front seats, a driver’s seat massage function, ambient lighting, an electrochromic rearview mirror, auto air conditioning, and connected car technology.

Powertrain

The 2-liter, four-cylinder, turbocharged petrol engine powering the 2024 Mini Cooper S produces 204 PS and 300 Nm, which is 26 PS and 20 Nm more than the present model. It also accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.6 seconds, which is 0.1 seconds less than the current model. The front wheels are driven by a 7-speed DCT (dual-clutch automatic gearbox).

Security

Six airbags, ABS with braking help, a level-1 advanced driver assistance system (ADAS), traction control, dynamic stability control, and an electronic parking brake are among the safety features of the 2017 Mini Cooper S. A blind spot warning system is an optional feature, however, it also comes with a pedestrian warning system as standard.

Cost and Competitors

The 2024 Mini Cooper’s pricing has not yet been revealed. But with the extra technology and features, the existing Mini Cooper S three-door line starts at Rs 42.7 lakh (ex-showroom) and will fetch a significant premium. Although it doesn’t have any direct competitors, the Mercedes-Benz GLA, Audi Q3, and BMW X1 are some of its possible substitutes.

News & Top Stories

Once More, New Force Gurkha-based Pickup Spy Testing

  • The snorkel and alloy wheels are identical to those of the standard Gurkha 3-door.
  • It features a cargo bed fastened to the back portion of the chassis, making it a pickup.
  • A 2.6-liter diesel engine with a modified tune is anticipated to power it.
  • Details about its launch are pending confirmation.

With an upgraded engine and new features, the 2024 Force Gurkha and Gurkha 5-door are already available for purchase in India. Now that a test mule has been seen going through testing, it seems like Force is almost ready to release a pickup version of the Gurkha SUV. This is what these latest spy photos might indicate.

According To The Revised Gurkha

 

All of the test mule’s camouflage was visible, save for the headlamp housing and front grille. These latest spy photos unequivocally indicate that they are based on the recently released, upgraded Gurkha. This test mule is a 2-door Gurkha Pickup, unlike the spy photo from before. As with standard Gurkha, the snorkel has also been given next to the A-pillar.

As seen in the picture, a cargo bed has been affixed to the back portion of the chassis. The test mule’s alloy wheels are the same ones that come with the Gurkha 3-door and 5-door SUVs.

Will It Enter Production?

It is yet unknown if this version of the Gurkha will go into production, and the test mule that was seen seems to be an early, unfinished prototype. Furthermore, Force has not disclosed any dates for the Gurkha pickup’s introduction.

Expected Powertrain

If it is introduced, the Gurkha pickup’s 2.6-liter diesel engine and 5-speed manual transmission are probably going to be the same. It may also be equipped with a 4-wheel-drive (4WD) system.

For the record, the current Gurkha SUVs have the same engine, which produces 140 PS and 320 Nm, and they are equipped with a 4WD drivetrain by default.

What About Features

We couldn’t comment on the Gurkha pickup test mule’s equipment list even though we weren’t able to see it inside. It’s probable, nevertheless, that it has fewer features than the standard Gurkha SUVs because of its pickup design. Expect its feature list to be comparable to the 3-door Gurkha’s, even if it is introduced as a private car in our markets.

The Gurkha now comes with a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, a digital instrument cluster, and manual air conditioning in both 3-door and 5-door models. A tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS), rear parking sensors, and dual front airbags are all part of their safety equipment.

Competitors

The Force Gurkha pickup is a reasonably priced substitute for the Isuzu V-Cross and Toyota Hilux.

Tata Altroz Racer vs Tata Altroz: Five Important Distinctions elucidated News & Top Stories

Tata Altroz Racer vs Tata Altroz: Five Important Distinctions elucidated

The Tata Altroz Racer is the brand-new, ultra-sporty sister of the Tata Altroz. This version of the high-end hatchback receives additional features and a more potent engine in addition to visual changes. Tata upgraded the standard Altroz along with the Altroz Racer, adding several of the latter’s additional features and a few new, higher-spec versions. To help you choose which of the two is ideal for you, we’ll go over the main distinctions between the upgraded Altroz and the Altroz Racer in this post.

Exteriors

Both of these high-end hatchbacks have the same overall design, but the Racer has a two-tone paint job while the ordinary Altroz only comes in monochromatic color choices. The list of colors for both hatchbacks is as follows:

Altroz Racer Altroz
  • Atomic Orange (New)

  • Avenue White

  • Pure Grey

  • Downtown Red

  • Avenue White

  • Arcade Grey

  • Opera Blue

  • Cosmic Dark

The hatchback’s recently introduced sportier version also has race-flag-inspired decorations that run from the roof to the blacked-out hood. The dark finish on the 16-inch alloy wheels and the blacked-out Tata emblem are two further unique features. The Altroz Racer also has two distinctive badges: an “i-Turbo+” badge on the tailgate and a “Racer” badge on the front fenders.

Insides

The dashboard design of the Racer edition is identical to that of the ordinary model, but it sports orange accents around the AC vents, “Racer” embossing on the headrests, and orange-white seat stripes. Although the seats are leatherette on both models, the Racers are completely blacked out, while the normal models have a tri-arrow design. Additionally exclusive to this model is the Racer edition’s leather-wrapped gear knob and orange ambient lighting on the dashboard.

Characteristics and Security

Following the introduction of new models in the standard Altroz, both hatchbacks now get an expanded 10.25-inch touchscreen with an eight-speaker configuration. The front ventilated seats, a feature unique to the Racer edition, are the main distinction here, though. A 360-degree camera with a blind-spot monitor, a wireless phone charger, an air purifier, and a 7-inch digital driver’s display are among the extra features that are now offered on both variants.

All three of Tata’s Altroz Racer models come with six airbags. Six airbags have been added by the automaker to the base Altroz as well, although only on the higher-spec models.

Powertrain

The Altroz Racer, in contrast to the ordinary Altroz, is equipped with a 6-speed manual transmission and a more potent turbo-petrol engine taken from the Nexon. The sole engine available for the standard Altroz is a 1.2-liter gasoline engine with a 5-speed manual gearbox or a 6-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission (DCT). The Altroz Racer lacks an automated transmission completely even though it gains 32 PS over the standard Altroz.

It’s also important to remember that the standard Altroz comes with a 1.5-liter diesel engine option (90 PS/200 Nm) paired with a 5-speed manual transmission. Conversely, the Altroz Racer is limited to gasoline.

Specifications Altroz Racer Altroz
Engine 1.2-litre turbo-petrol 1.2-litre petrol
Power 120 PS 88 PS
Torque 170 Nm 115 Nm
Transmission 6-speed MT 5-speed MT / 6-speed DCT

Additionally, Tata removed the i-Turbo petrol engine option from the ordinary Altroz lineup with the introduction of the Altroz Racer. Thus, you can choose the Racer edition only if you want a turbo-petrol engine.

The Altroz Racer has a dual-tip exhaust system, something the standard Altroz does not have. To match its aggressive style, Tata is even providing the Altroz Racer with a throaty exhaust tone.

Prices

Below is a comparison of the costs of the recently released Racer edition and ordinary Altroz:

Altroz Racer Altroz
Rs 9.49 lakh to Rs 10.99 lakh (introductory) Rs 6.65 lakh to Rs 10.80 lakh

The base-spec form of the ordinary Altroz is roughly Rs 3 lakh less expensive than the Altroz Racer. The normal Altroz is offered in six general trim levels: XE, XM, XM+, XT, XZ, and XZ+. In contrast, the Altroz Racer is supplied in three variations (R1, R2, and R3).

Hyundai i20 N Line or Altroz Racer Which Hot-Hatch Should I Get News & Top Stories

Which Hot-Hatch Should I Get: Hyundai i20 N Line or Tata Altroz Racer?

The Tata Altroz Racer is getting ready for its formal introduction. It is anticipated to cost approximately Rs 10 lakh (ex-showroom), placing it in the same price range as the Hyundai i20 N Line, its main rival. Should you choose the i20 N Line or the Altroz Racer for a sporty hatchback if you have a budget of about Rs 10 lakh? Here are their written specifications:

Performance And Powertrain

Model Tata Altroz Racer Hyundai i20 N Line
Engine 1.2-litre 3-cyl turbo-petrol 1-litre 3-cyl turbo-petrol
Power 120 PS 120 PS
Torque 170 Nm 172 Nm
Transmission 6 MT 6 MT/7 DCT*

The 3-cylinder engine included in both the Tata Altroz Racer and the i20 N Line produces equivalent power, however the latter produces marginally higher torque. The Altroz Racer does not have an automatic gearbox, although the i20 N Line has.

Features

Features Tata Altroz Racer Hyundai i20 N Line
Exterior
  • Auto-projector headlights

  • LED DRLs

  • Front fog lamps

  • White pinstripes on the bonnet and roof

  • Racer badges on the front fenders

  • 16-inch blacked-out alloy wheels

  • Dual-tip exhaust

  • Auto-LED headlights

  • LED DRLs

  • LED tail lights

  • Front projector fog lamps

  • Red accents all around

  • N Line badges in the grille, front fenders, and wheels

  • 16-inch dual-tone alloy wheels

  • Dual-tip exhaust

Interior
  • Leatherette seats

  • Leather-wrapped steering wheel and gear knob

  • Front sliding armrest with storage

  • Leatherette seats

  • Leather-wrapped steering wheel and gear knob

  • Sunglass holder

  • Front sliding armrest with storage

Infotainment
  • 10.25-inch infotainment system

  • 8-speaker music system (including 4 tweeters)

  • Connected car tech

  • 10.25-inch infotainment system

  • 7-speaker Bose music system (including 2 tweeters and a  subwoofer)

  • Connected car tech

Comfort and Convenience
  • Electrically adjustable and auto-folding ORVMs

  • Keyless entry

  • Push-button start/stop

  • All four power windows

  • Auto AC with rear vents

  • Ambient lighting

  • Height-adjustable driver seat

  • Cruise control

  • Voice-enabled electric sunroof

  • 7-inch fully digital driver display

  • Wireless phone charger

  • Xpress cool

  • Front ventilated seats

  • Air purifier

  • Electrically adjustable and auto-folding ORVMs

  • Keyless entry

  • Push-button start/stop

  • All four power windows

  • Auto AC with rear vents

  • Ambient lighting

  • Height-adjustable driver seat

  • Cruise control

  • Voice-enabled electric sunroof

  • Semi-digital driver display

  • Paddle shifters (with DCT only)

  • Wireless phone charger

Safety
  • 6 airbags

  • ABS with EBD

  • Reverse parking sensors

  • ISOFIX Child seat anchors

  • Rear wiper washer

  • Rear defogger

  • 360-degree camera with blind spot monitor

  • Rain sensing wipers

  • 6 airbags

  • ABS with EBD

  • Reverse parking sensors

  • Reversing camera

  • ISOFIX child seat anchors

  • Rear wiper washer

  • Rear defogger

  • Disc brakes on all four wheels

  • Tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS)

The Hyundai i20 N Line and Tata Altroz Racer are both well-equipped vehicles. But the Altroz Racer does have certain benefits, such as ventilated front seats and a 360-degree camera with a blind spot monitor.

Nevertheless, Hyundai is providing paddle shifters for the i20 N Line models that come with DCTs. It’s also important to note that the Altroz only has disc brakes on the front wheels, whereas the i20 N Line has disc brakes on all four wheels. A TPMS is another feature that the i20 N Line has that its Tata counterpart does not. Six airbags, ISOFIX child seat attachments, and a reversing camera are examples of standard safety equipment.

Price Range

Model Tata Altroz Racer Hyundai i20 N Line
Price Rs 10 lakh (expected) Rs 10 lakh – 12.52 lakh

The Hyundai i20 N Line is offered in two broad varieties, N6 and N8, whereas the Tata Altroz Racer will be available in three: R1, R2, and R3.

Verdict

The Tata Altroz Racer has a powerful engine and a plethora of features. It comes with extra safety and uplifting elements in addition to all the characteristics of the i20 N Line.

In contrast, the Hyundai i20 N Line boasts a more potent engine but is devoid of several important amenities that its rival offers. It does, however, have an automatic gearbox, something the Tata Altroz Racer does not.