News & Top Stories
Volvo Reaches A Milestone In India With 1,000 Electric Vehicle Sales
Since launching its first electric SUV in November 2022, Volvo Car India has sold 1,000 EVs to consumers via its online sales platform. This covers the Volvo C40 Recharge as well as the Volvo XC40 Recharge (including the single motor, rear-wheel-drive version). In India, 28 percent of Volvo’s sales are comprised of these EVs.
Volvo’s lineup of electric vehicles
Volvo currently has two electric cars available in India: the C40 Recharge and the XC40 Recharge. Both rear-wheel drive (RWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD) versions of the XC40 Recharge are offered. With a 69 kWh battery and 238 PS of power output, the single-motor-driven RWD variant has a claimed WLTP range of 475 km. On the other hand, the two-motor-powered AWD variant generates 408 PS and a 78 kWh battery, resulting in a 505 km WLTP range.
The C40 Recharge is only available with a dual-electric motor AWD system that produces 408 PS and has a stated WLTP range of 530 km. It is powered by a 78 kWh battery pack.
Cost and Competitors
The RWD version of the Volvo XC40 Recharge starts at Rs 54.95 lakh, while the AWD variant costs Rs 57.90 lakh. The cost of the C40 Recharge is Rs 62.95 lakh. The Volvo EVs compete with the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Kia EV6, and they also offer an electric SUV substitute for the BMW i4.
Volvo Future Plans
By 2030, Volvo Car India hopes to have converted its whole lineup to electric vehicles, starting with the introduction of one electric model annually.
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The Top 10 Vehicles That Will Be Released Throughout 2024
There have been numerous automobile debuts in 2024 thus far, including both facelifts and brand-new models, but there will be a lot more activity in the upcoming months. Many more vehicles from manufacturers like Tata, Mahindra, Kia, Honda, and Citroen will be introduced. These ten cars are the most anticipated of the group, even though the list of incoming cars is endless.
Tata Altroz Racer
Launch Date Anticipated: June 2024
Anticipated Cost: starting at Rs 10 lakh.
Tata has a lot of new models coming out this year, including the Tata Altroz Racer, which was introduced with great fanfare earlier this year. It wasn’t until the Auto Expo 2023 that it was initially hinted at and its launch date was ultimately confirmed. This will be the sportier variant of the Altroz hatchback, with new features, modified styling, and—above all—a potent 120 PS turbo-petrol engine taken from the Nexon. Reservations are now being accepted, and it has already been discovered a few times without a disguise.
New-gen Maruti Dzire
Launch Date Anticipated: June 2024
Anticipated Cost: starting at Rs 7 lakh.
The new Maruti Dzire isn’t too far away, as Maruti introduced the new Swift in India in May 2024. With a new 1.2-liter petrol engine, a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, six airbags, and revised climate controls, the upgraded sedan is anticipated to be released soon. It is anticipated to have an upgraded look as well, and it might bring a sunroof to the sub-$4,000 sedan class.
Kia EV9
Launch Date Anticipated: June 2024
Anticipated Cost: starting at Rs 80 lakh.
This year, Kia will introduce its flagship electric SUV, the Kia EV9, to the Indian market. After the EV6, this will be the company’s second electric vehicle in India. This SUV is available in international markets with a 99.8 kWh battery pack and rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. With amenities like twin 12.3-inch screens, a 14-speaker Meridian sound system, heated and ventilated front seats, nine airbags, a 360-degree camera, and ADAS, the Kia EV9 has a WLTP-claimed range of up to 680 kilometers.
Hyundai Alcazar Facelift
Launch Date Anticipated: June 2024
Anticipated Cost: starting at Rs 17 lakh.
We anticipate Hyundai will upgrade its three-row variant as well after the facelifted Hyundai Creta is introduced in January 2024. The updated Hyundai Alcazar is anticipated to come with a panoramic sunroof, multiple airbags, ADAS, dual 10.25-inch screens, dual-zone climate control, ventilated front seats, wireless phone charger, and a 360-degree camera in addition to its gasoline and diesel engines.
Tata Curvv EV
Launch Date Anticipated: July 2024
Anticipated Cost: starting at Rs 20 lakh.
The Curvv EV is another new Tata car for this year. The Acti. ev platform from Tata will serve as the foundation for this coupe-SUV, which is anticipated to have a 500 km stated range. Features of the electric SUV include a 10.25-inch digital driver’s display, heated front seats, a panoramic sunroof, a 360-degree camera, an infotainment system with a 12.3-inch touchscreen, and an advanced driving assistance system (ADAS).
Mahindra Thar 5 Door
Launch Date Anticipated: August 2024
Anticipated Cost: starting at Rs 15 lakh.
The five-door Mahindra Thar has been in development for a very long time, and occasionally fresh spy photos of the large off-road vehicle appear online, providing fresh information. With both rear-wheel drive and four-wheel drive powertrain options, the extended Thar is anticipated to have the same engine options as its three-door counterpart. It will also be equipped with features like a digital driver’s display, dual-zone climate control, a large touchscreen infotainment system (probably measuring 10.25 inches), and a sunroof.
Citroen Basalt
Launch Date Anticipated: August 2024
Anticipated Cost: starting at Rs 11 lakh.
The automaker’s newest model for the Indian market, the Citroen Basalt, was introduced some time ago. The coupe-SUV is expected to be equipped with a 1.2-liter turbo-petrol engine, available with a manual or automatic transmission, just as the C3 and C3 Aircross. Features including a wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay system, a 10.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a 7-inch digital driver’s display, six airbags, electronic stability control (ESC), and a rearview camera are anticipated.
Tata Curvv
Launch Date Anticipated: August 2024
Anticipated Cost: starting at Rs 10.50 lakh.
The automaker will introduce the Tata Curvv, an ICE variant, following the release of the Curvv EV. With a few minor adjustments, the design will be identical to that of the electric version. It is anticipated to be offered with turbo-petrol and diesel engine options. Along with having the same screen arrangement, ventilated front seats, a panoramic sunroof, and even ADAS technologies, its feature list is also anticipated to be comparable to that of its electric version. It will compete with vehicles such as the Skoda Kushaq, Maruti Grand Vitara, Hyundai Creta, and Kia Seltos.
Mahindra XUV e8
Launch Date Anticipated: December 2024
Anticipated Cost: starting at Rs 35 lakh.
This year will also see the release of the Mahindra XUV e8, the XUV 700’s electric variant. It will be built on the automaker’s INGLO platform, which is capable of handling 60 and 80-kWh batteries. With a WLTP-claimed range of up to 450 km, Mahindra may sell the electric XUV700 in both rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive configurations. Features including a panoramic sunroof, six airbags, electronic stability control (ESC), an integrated triple-screen configuration, and ADAS will be included.
New-gen Honda Amaze
Launch Date Anticipated: Unknown
Anticipated Cost: starting at Rs 7.50 lakh.
This year will see the release of Honda‘s next-generation Amaze, which has been overdue for an update. While there aren’t many details available, it will have a redesigned interior with features like wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, a larger touchscreen infotainment system, automatic climate control, and a safety kit that may include six airbags, ESC, TPMS, and a rearview camera. It is anticipated that the car will use the same 1.2-liter gasoline engine seen in the current generation.
News & Top Stories
Tata Altroz Racer Could Outperform Regular Altroz With These 7 Features
The Hyundai i20 N Line will be directly rivaled in India by the Tata Altroz Racer, which is scheduled to go on sale in June. The racer will be powered by a 1.2-liter turbo-petrol engine that produces 120 PS and is derived from the Tata Nexon. In addition to having a more potent engine, the Altroz Racer will also come with a new suite of amenities that aren’t available in the regular versions of the premium hatchback.
Greater Touchscreen Size
The Tata Altroz Racer‘s infotainment system is one of the biggest upgrades. It will have a larger 10.25-inch unit that is taken from the recently released Tata Punch EV and Tata Nexon. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are also supported by this system.
At the moment, the 7-inch touchscreen interface found on all ordinary variants of the Tata Altroz is limited to wired connectivity for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
New Driver’s Display, Completely Digital
The Tata Altroz model that is currently in production has a 7-inch semi-digital instrument cluster. The driver’s display on the “Racer” model will be completely digital and the same size at 7 inches.
Heads Up Display
A heads-up display is another feature that sets the Tata Altroz Racer apart from the standard Altroz. It does not need the driver to glance away from the road as it projects data such as current speed, clock, RPM, and instant fuel economy onto a small glass piece that is positioned higher than the instrument cluster. In the premium hatchback market, the Maruti Baleno and Toyota Glanza are the only vehicles that currently provide this function.
Wireless Charging of Phones
Although it isn’t available yet, wireless phone charging will probably be available for the standard Altroz model along with the Altroz Racer. It gets rid of the cable that hangs around the center console and could obstruct shifting gears.
Front seats with ventilation
Tata may provide ventilated front seats for the Altroz Racer. The Altroz Racer will be the first high-end hatchback in India to have this technology if it is made available. Because the seat ventilation helps children cool down fast, this feature is especially helpful during the hottest summers.
360-degree Camera
In addition to a larger touchscreen, the Tata Altroz Racer will also have a 360-degree camera. Moreover, during the Altroz Racer’s testing, this trait was seen. A 360-degree perspective makes it easier to maneuver the automobile through dense urban traffic and park in limited spots.
Six airbags
The Altroz Racer will get six airbags, which is one of the most significant safety upgrades. Even in the top-spec model, the standard Tata Altroz only has dual front airbags at the moment.
Anticipated Cost
It is anticipated that the Tata Altroz Racer will cost starting at Rs 10 lakh (ex-showroom). It will compete with the Hyundai i20 N Line.
News & Top Stories
Mahindra 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.
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Comparison 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.
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Currently, 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.