News & Top StoriesBookings for the New Leader Edition Toyota Fortuner are now open.
- receives the 2.8-liter diesel engine with rear-wheel drive alone, but with manual and automatic gears as well.
- Dual-tone exterior tints, black alloy wheels, and front and rear bumper spoilers are examples of cosmetic modifications.
- A tire pressure monitoring system is the only new feature.
- The ex-showroom prices of the diesel rear-wheel-drive Fortuner versions range from Rs 35.93 lakh to Rs 38.21 lakh.
Recently, the Toyota Fortuner was given a special Leader edition that adds a safety feature along with a few visual upgrades. Bookings for the Leader edition are already available, however, the carmaker has not yet disclosed pricing. Before you go ahead and place your name in the order Bookings, have a look at what this has to offer.
What You Acquire
The new dual-tone exterior color options for this special edition are Super White, Platinum Pearl, and Silver Metallic, all of which may be had with a black roof. Along with gloss black spoilers for the front and rear bumpers, it also has 17-inch blacked-out alloy wheels. The dealerships will install these items.
There is just one additional feature added to the Leader Edition, and that is a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) that is taken from the more advanced Fortuner Legender.
Available Powertrains
The 2.8-liter diesel engine of the Fortuner Leader Edition is identical to that of the base model, and it is available with a manual or automatic transmission. The automatic versions produce 500 Nm and 204 PS, while the manual versions produce 420 Nm and 204 PS. Only the Fortuner models with rear-wheel drive are compatible with the Leader Edition.
Features
The Leader edition’s amenities, which include an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, connected Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, dual-zone temperature control, a 6-speaker sound system, wireless phone charging, and a motorized tailgate, are identical to those of the normal Fortuner, except for the TPMS.
It has traction control, hill hold assist, vehicle stability control (VSC), seven airbags, and other safety features.
Anticipated Cost & Competitors
The diesel rear-wheel-drive Fortuner versions range in price from Rs 35.93 lakh to Rs 38.21 lakh (ex-showroom); considering the visual modifications, you should anticipate paying approximately Rs 50,000 more for the Leader Edition. The Jeep Meridian Overland, Skoda Kodiaq, and MG Gloster Blackstorm are competitors of the Toyota Fortuner Leader Edition.
News & Top StoriesView These Seven Pictures To See The Kia Sonet HTE (O) Variant
Kia has unveiled the HTE (O) and HTK (O), two new optional Sonet variants. We will walk you through Sonet’s HTE (O) variant in this report. This variant is based on the original HTE variant but has additional features including a sunroof and a sunglasses holder.
Here’s how it looks.
Design
It lacks the piano black grille finish because it is based on the entry-level HTE model. In addition to missing out on the DRLs that are available in the higher varieties, you receive basic halogen headlights. The small SUV gains a little bit of toughness from the silver skid plate on the bumper.
Approaching from the sides, you’ll notice that the Sonet has 15-inch steel wheels covered in plastic and door handles that match the color of the vehicle. The alloy wheels are dual-tone for the higher models.
When viewed from the back, the center section is not illuminated, but the attached halogen tail lamps are visible.
Interior
As soon as you enter the Sonet, you will notice the fabric-upholstered, all-black cabin. In contrast, the lower center console, steering wheel, and AC vents all have silver inlays. An entertainment system is absent from the HTE (O) variant; it is included in the HTK variant and above. If you want a music system installed, you will need to pay more money.
Features
It lacks several features because it is built on the entry-level HTE version. But now that it has a sunroof and a sunglasses holder, the inside feels a little more upscale. You receive all the standard amenities, plus two extras: manual air conditioning, power windows up front, central locking, a 12-volt power outlet, rear air conditioning vents, and USB Type-C charging outlets for the backseat passengers.
Six airbags, ABS with EBD, rear parking sensors, electronic stability control, and a tire pressure monitoring system are among the safety features that come standard.
Powertrain
Diesel and gasoline engines are available for the new HTE (O) version. It is equipped with two engines: a 1.2-liter naturally aspirated engine producing 82 horsepower and 115 Nm, mated to a 5-speed manual transmission; and a 1.5-liter diesel engine with a traditional 6-speed manual transmission producing 116 horsepower and 250 Nm. A more potent 1-liter turbo-petrol engine is another option available for the higher-end Sonet versions.
Price and Competition
The ex-showroom pricing of the Kia Sonet HTE (O) variation is Rs 8.19 lakh for the petrol variant and Rs 10 lakh for the diesel option. Rivals of the Sonet include the Mahindra XUV300, Tata Nexon, Renault Kiger, Hyundai Venue, Maruti Brezza, and Nissan Magnite.
News & Top Stories2024 Kia Seltos Will Be Released With Lower-Cost Automatic Transmission Models
- The MY2024 Kia Seltos debuted with numerous improvements but no additional features.
- The HTK Plus variant now has an automatic gearbox, which lowers the price by Rs 1.3 lakh.
- Additional color options were added to the entry-level HTE models.
- The HTK and HTK Plus versions have been updated with new features from higher variations.
Numerous model changes have been made to the Kia Seltos for 2024, most likely in response to input from the market after the facelifted model was introduced in July 2023. The most significant modification is the addition of automatic gearbox options to the mid-spec HTK Plus model, which lowers the price by over a lakh. In addition, Kia has improved the Seltos’ equipment list and color choices, making it a more desirable vehicle overall.
Kia Seltos 2024: New Automatic Models
Previously, the Seltos automated option was available starting with the HTX model. As per Kia, the HTK Plus is the most favored version of the Seltos small SUV; it is available solely with the diesel-iMT, petrol-manual, diesel-manual, and turbo-petrol iMT drivetrains.
The 1.5-liter gasoline CVT and 1. 5-liter diesel AT powertrain options, which were previously exclusive to the HTK version, have now been added to Kia’s lower-spec HTK Plus trim. The automated option in the Seltos is now up to Rs 1.3 lakh less expensive as a result. The most popular Seltos variation will become even more appealing with this update.
Here are the prices for the new variant:
| Engine Option | HTX | HTK Plus | Difference |
| 1.5-litre Petrol CVT | Rs 16.72 lakh | Rs 15.42 lakh | Rs 1.3 lakh |
| 1.5-litre Diesel AT | Rs 18.22 lakh | Rs 16.92 lakh | Rs 1.3 lakh |
2024 Kia Seltos: Updated Features
The Kia Seltos‘ feature set has been reorganized, with additional amenities from the higher variants being available with the mid-spec model and up. The variants that receive the greatest number of additions are HTK and HTK Plus. The table below contains all the information on these modifications.
| Variants | New Features Introduced |
| HTK |
|
| HTK+ |
|
| From HTX Onwards |
|
The Kia Seltos‘ feature set has been reorganized, with additional amenities from the higher variants being available with the mid-spec model and up. The variants that receive the greatest number of additions are HTK and HTK Plus. The table below contains all the information on these modifications.
2024 Kia Seltos: Colour Options Rejigged
Before, Sparkling Silver and Clear White were the only colors available for the Kia Seltos base model. To enhance its appeal, the base HTE and mid-spec HTK Plus models now come in a greater number of Seltos colorways, which are detailed in the table below:
| Variants | New Colours |
| HTE |
|
| HTK+ |
|
Kia Seltos 2024: Competitors
The Kia Seltos package’s overall appeal is increased by these upgrades. See what we thought of the redesigned small SUV in our detailed first-drive review. The Hyundai Creta, Honda Elevate, Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara, Volkswagen Taigun, Skoda Kushaq, and MG Astor are the competing vehicles of the 2024 Kia Seltos.
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News & Top StoriesThis Week’s Important Car News (March 25–29): Updates, New Unveils & Teasers, And More
This Week’s car news: We finally received a clue as to when Mahindra’s five-door Thar would be introduced during the final full week of March. The same week, Tata’s small SUV received more reasonably priced automatic versions, while Force unveiled the first teaser of its competitor’s 5-door vehicle, the Thar. Let us examine each of the week’s major highlights – This Week’s car news
Mahindra Thar 5-door Debut Date
The Mahindra Thar 5-door has been under development for almost two years, and various sightings of its test mule have been made. We finally learned last week that this Independence Day will see the unveiling of the Thar 5-door. The most recent spy photos also gave us a peek at the inside of the Thar 5-door’s base model.
Force Gurkha 5-door Teased
By the end of 2024, the Force Gurkha 5-door, the counterpart of the Thar 5-door, is also scheduled to arrive. Last week, Force unveiled the first teaser for the larger Gurkha, giving us a peek at its side profile.
Two Recalled Maruti Hatchbacks
Maruti announced a voluntary recall for the Wagon R and Baleno, two of its best-selling hatchback models. While more than 4,000 Baleno units were recalled, more than 11,800 Wagon R units were impacted. Affected units include those produced in the second half, from July 2018 to November 2019.
Tata Nexon Has Added New AMT Versions
Tata has launched five new AMT variants with lower-spec Nexon trims to provide more inexpensive automatic options in the subcompact SUV market. There are diesel and gasoline engine options available for these new models.
New Variants of the Toyota Innova Hycross
The petrol-only variant of the Toyota Innova Hycross will soon get a new top-spec trim. This new model, which will be available in 7- and 8-seater versions, will be positioned above the GX grade.
Variants of the Skoda Kodiaq Rejigged
The Kodiaq, Skoda’s top model in India, is now offered in a single fully equipped top-spec L&K variant. The SUV’s Style and Sportline models have been phased out, and the L&K trim’s cost has dropped dramatically.
Suzuki Swift in UK specs unveiled
Suzuki has now introduced the next-generation Swift hatchback for the UK market, after its premiere in Japan. The Japan-spec Suzuki Swift and the UK-spec model have the same powerplant option. Go here for additional information about the UK-spec Swift.
Citroen Basalt Coupe SUV Global Debut
News &
Previously known as the C3X, Citroen has unveiled the Basalt Vision, a coupe SUV concept. The C3 Aircross and this new coupe SUV are built on the same base. South American and Indian regions will be the first to receive the Basalt Vision coupe SUV.
Kia EV9 Won World Car Of The Year 2024
Kia‘s flagship luxury electric SUV, the EV9, won the 2024 World Car of the Year (WCOTY) title. In addition, the EV9 took home the title of “2024 World Electric Vehicle.” By the end of 2024, the EV9 is anticipated to reach India as well.
News & Top StoriesCitroen Basalt Vision Will Soon Be Introduced In India After Making Its World Debut
- The Citroen Basalt Vision shares its basis with the C3 hatchback and C3 Aircross SUV, which is the CMP platform.
- It is anticipated to have more features than India’s current C3 lineup.
- Most likely to use the same 1.2-liter turbo-petrol engine with 110 PS that powers Citroen vehicles now on the road in India.
- In the second half of 2024, Citroen will introduce the Basalt Vision coupe SUV in India.
- Pricing is anticipated to start at 8 lakh (ex-showroom).
The French carmaker’s brand-new coupe SUV, the Citroen Basalt Vision concept, has debuted globally. The Basalt Vision, formerly known as the Citroen C3X, will make its debut in the South American and Indian markets. Based on the same CMP platform as current Citroen products such as the C3 and C3 Aircross, this new coupe SUV. Let’s examine its appearance and features.
Design
The C3 and C3 Aircross, two current Citroen cars, are the source of inspiration for the fascia. It receives the same split headlight housing and split grille in a chrome finish. Because of its sloping coupe-like roofline, it has a sportier appearance from the side. The dual-tone alloy wheels, side body cladding, and squared wheel arches all contribute to its sporty appearance.
This SUV coupe has a lofty rear end and a boot lid that is much higher than the bonnet. Additional details on the rear include a tall bumper with a large silver skid plate and wraparound LED taillamps.
Interior & Features
The interior of the Basalt Vision concept, which Citroen hasn’t yet disclosed, is anticipated to resemble the C3 Aircross’s as well. But compared to current Citroen models, the Basalt Vision concept is anticipated to have more features, including keyless entry, cruise control, automatic air conditioning, and a push-button start/stop function.
It is expected that the C3 Aircross SUV will provide features like a 7.2-inch digital driver’s display and a 10.2-inch touchscreen. Six airbags, electronic stability control (ESC), a rear parking camera, and a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) are anticipated to be included in the Basalt Vision’s safety features.
Expected Powertrain
The Basalt Vision will probably use the same 1.2-liter turbo-petrol engine (110 PS / up to 205 Nm) as the C3 hatchback and C3 Aircross compact SUV, even if Citroen has not yet disclosed the specifics of the powertrain. A 6-speed torque converter automatic transmission or a 6-speed manual transmission will be available for this powerplant.
Anticipated India Debut
In the second half of 2024, the Citroen Basalt Vision will go on sale in India. Starting at Rs 8 lakh (ex-showroom), that is possible. As a rival to the Tata Curvv, the Basalt Vision can also be seen as a Honda Elevate alternative, along with the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Maruti Grand Vitara, Volkswagen Taigun, Toyota Hyryder, Skoda Kushaq, and MG Astor.
News & Top StoriesIndia Launches BMW iX xDrive50, Costing Rs 1.4 Crore
- There is a new top-of-the-line “xDrive50” version of the BMW iX.
- It is 19 lakh rupees more expensive than the base xDrive40 model.
- carries a bigger 111.5 kWh battery pack with a 635 km WLTP-certified range.
- obtains a two-motor configuration with 523 PS and 765 Nm of power
- The only modification to the iX’s characteristics is the addition of larger 22-inch alloy wheels.
The “xDrive50,” a new top-spec model of the BMW iX, is on sale today for Rs 1.4 crore (ex-showroom, all of India). It costs Rs 19 lakh more than the entry-level xDrive40 model that is already on sale. The performance and stated range of the top-tier xDrive50 are enhanced with a larger battery pack and a stronger motor.
Design and Elements
The new model’s design is mostly unchanged from the xDrive40 variant that is currently in use. Nonetheless, the 22-inch alloy wheels are standard on the top-tier xDrive50.
A 14.9-inch information system, a Harman Kardon Sound System with 18 speakers, wireless phone charging, a panoramic glass top, and a 12.3-inch digital driver display are among its features.
Advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS) like adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and blind spot recognition make up its safety net.
Achievement
WLTP-certified at 635 kilometers, the BMW iX xDrive50 is equipped with a larger 111.5 kWh battery pack. This system has all-wheel drive (AWD) since it is equipped with two electric motors, one on each of the axles. A 0-100 kmph run is achievable in just 4.6 seconds thanks to its 523 PS and 765 Nm output.
Adding Power
- Up to 195 kW of fast charging is supported by the iX xDrive50.
- The charging time is as follows
- DC charger with 195 kW: 10% to 80% in 35 minutes
- 10% to 80% in 97 minutes with a 50 kW DC charger
- 5.5 hours or so for a 22 kW AC charger to reach 100%
- 11 kW AC Charger: 100% in around 11 hours
The Audi Q8 e-tron, Jaguar I-Pace, and Mercedes EQE SUV are competitors of the BMW iX xDrive50.
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