News & Top StoriesWhich 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 |
|
|
| Interior |
|
|
| Infotainment |
|
|
| Comfort and Convenience |
|
|
| Safety |
|
|
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.
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 Tata Nexon May Obtain A Panoramic Roof
With its first-in-class features, the Mahindra XUV 3XO has undoubtedly given competitors pause to think about improving their features. It appears that the Tata Nexon, which leads the segment, would be the first to react by adding a panoramic sunroof as well. This is based on a recently released internet video that shows a Nexon equipped with that feature on a factory floor.
3XO XUV Effect?
The XUV 3XO replaced the XUV300 with a makeover and came with a ton of features that led the sector to a price that was competitive for its launch. The combination of these elements explains why, in the first hour of opening the order books, Mahindra received over 50,000 bookings for its new sub-4m SUV.
Since the launch of the Mahindra XUV 3XO on April 29, 2024, Tata has already revealed new base-spec models for the Nexon that are powered by gasoline and diesel, bringing the car’s starting price closer to that of the entry-level 3XO versions. Although the inclusion of a panoramic sunroof may have been in Nexon’s development plan from the beginning, it wouldn’t be shocking if Tata decided to move forward the date of this feature’s launch in reaction to competition.
Additional anticipated changes for the Tata Nexon include advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), which are available for the XUV 3XO, Kia Sonet, and Hyundai Venue in addition to other vehicles.
Present Features of the Nexon
The Tata Nexon has many amenities, such as air purification, ventilated front seats, a 360-degree camera, wireless charging, sequential LED DRLs with welcome and goodbye functions, and a JBL sound system. Voice control is already available for the single-pane electric sunroof on the current Nexon model.
Anticipated Release
It appears that a video showing the Tata Nexon with a panoramic sunroof was leaked from the manufacturing line, raising the possibility that the revised Nexon will be released shortly. It will still compete in the same segment as the Hyundai Venue, Kia Sonet, Nissan Magnite, Renault Kiger, and the soon-to-be Skoda sub-4m SUV.
The potential of a CNG powertrain is another Nexon improvement that was formally hinted at at the Bharat Mobility Expo in February 2024. Later this year, the Nexon CNG is anticipated to debut, putting the Maruti Brezza CNG models in direct competition.
News & Top StoriesLaunched: Mahindra Bolero Neo Plus; Starting Price: Rs 11.39 Lakh
- In essence, the Mahindra Bolero Neo Plus is the TUV300 Plus with a facelift.
- offered in two versions (P4 and P10) at prices (ex-showroom) of Rs 11.39 lakh and Rs 12.49 lakh, respectively.
- A new grille, modified bumpers, and Mahindra‘s new emblem are among the external improvements.
- A Bolero Neo-style instrument panel and steering wheel have been added to the cabin.
- The vehicle comes equipped with two front airbags, a manual air conditioner, and a 9-inch touchscreen.
- It comes with a single, 2.2-liter diesel engine paired with a 6-speed manual transmission.
The Mahindra Bolero Neo Plus, which debuted as an ambulance in the middle of 2023, is now accessible as a passenger car as well. As part of their facelift, Mahindra rebranded the TUV300 and TUV300 Plus, which are now known as the Bolero Neo and Bolero Neo Plus, respectively.
Variant-wise Prices
| Variant | Price (ex-showroom pan-India) |
| P4 | Rs 11.39 lakh |
| P10 | Rs 12.49 lakh |
The Bolero Neo Plus comes in just two versions, as opposed to the normal Bolero Neo’s three broad trim options. Nevertheless, the Bolero Neo is offered in a 7-seat arrangement, but this elongated variant has a 9-seat arrangement.
Design Detailed
In terms of general design, the Bolero Neo Plus and Bolero Neo look very similar. Mahindra’s new “Twin Peaks” emblem and a redesigned grille with chrome slats are added to its fascia. Not to mention the modified bumper with fog lamps on either side and an air dam with a mesh-like pattern. The Bolero Neo+’s extra length over the Bolero Neo is visible in profile, as are the new 5-spoke alloy wheels.
The rear bumper is slightly different from the Bolero Neo’s, and the back of the vehicle has a more rounded appearance overall. Nevertheless, it has the same spare wheel installed on the tailgate as the Bolero Neo.
Receives A Few Cabin Updates
The interior of the SUV has received some tweaks and adjustments from Mahindra. It now has the instrument cluster and steering wheel of the Mahindra Thar, which have clearer twin-pod displays. Mahindra has also changed the climate control dials and infotainment system, and the SUV is now available with new fabric upholstery.
The Bolero Neo+ lacks Apple CarPlay and Android Auto but has a robust 9-inch touchscreen with Bluetooth, Aux, and USB connectivity. The vehicle also has a manual air conditioning system, six speakers for music, four power windows, and a driver seat that can be raised or lowered.
Dual front airbags, ABS with EBD, front fog lamps, and a reversing camera are all part of its safety net.
News & Top StoriesSpied Testing of a Citroen Basalt Is Similar To The Concept
- The Citroen Basalt design is comparable to the concept version, according to the most recent spy photos of the vehicle.
- Although the inside has not yet been made public, it is anticipated to resemble the Citroen C3 Aircross.
- The 10.2-inch touchscreen and 7-inch digital driver’s display seen in the C3 Aircross are anticipated to be available in the Basalt.
- It is also anticipated to utilize the same 1.2-liter turbo-petrol engine (110 PS) found in the C3 hatchback and C3 Aircross small SUV.
In March 2024, the Citroen Basalt Vision was unveiled as a concept for the first time worldwide. It is scheduled to make its Indian premiere in the latter part of this year. The French carmaker’s coupe SUV, the Basalt Vision, is built on the same chassis as current Citroen products, including the C3 hatchback and C3 Aircross small SUV. Here’s what we observed when we recently saw the Citroen Basalt Vision test mule driving in India.
Looks the Same As The Concept
The spy photos make it abundantly evident that the Basalt Coupe SUV test mule’s exterior appearance is very similar to that of the concept version, the Vision. It has the recognizable split grille and headlamp housing up front that is found on current Citroen vehicles. The test mule’s taillight design is akin to that of the concept version from the back. However, its athletic appearance from the side is what makes it so unique due to its sloping, coupe-like roofline.
Cabin & Attributes
The Basalt Vision coupe SUV’s interior is still a mystery to Citroen, and these spy photos did not provide us with a peek of it. Its cabin and dashboard design are anticipated to resemble those of the Citroen C3 Aircross, although the Basalt Vision is anticipated to have more features as a more upscale and fashionable option.
Features like a 10.2-inch touchscreen, a 7-inch digital driver‘s display, cruise control, automatic air conditioning, and push-button engine start/stop are anticipated for the Citroen Basalt. Up to six airbags, electronic stability control (ESC), a rear parking camera, and a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) may be included in its safety equipment.
Powertrain
The 1.2-liter turbo-petrol engine (110 PS / up to 205 Nm) that powers the Citroen C3 Aircross and C3 is most likely what the Citroen Basalt Vision will run on. There will be a 6-speed torque converter automatic transmission and a 6-speed manual transmission available for this unit.
Rivals & Anticipated Launch
The Basalt Coupe SUV from Citroen may go on sale in India in the second half of 2024, with a starting price of Rs 8 lakh (ex-showroom). Along with compact SUVs like the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Maruti Grand Vitara, Volkswagen Taigun, Toyota Hyryder, Skoda Kushaq, MG Astor, and Honda Elevate, the Basalt Vision will directly compete with the Tata Curvv.
News & Top Stories7 Cars Scheduled for Release in April 2024
Several new cars are anticipated to go on sale in India as the 2024–2025 fiscal year gets underway, with some of the first releases scheduled for April of this year. This month is predicted to see the release of numerous new vehicles, such as the Toyota Taisor, which is Toyota’s take on the Maruti Fronx, and the fourth-generation Maruti Suzuki Swift. Let’s examine each one in more detail (Release in 7 cars).
Toyota Taisor
The Toyota Taisor, which is based on Maruti Fronx, is the next sub-4 m crossover SUV to hit our market. Anticipate that it will bear the Toyota emblem and have a few minor outward design modifications over the base car. It is anticipated that Toyota would equip it with the same features found on the Fronx, such as a 360-degree camera, six airbags, wireless phone charging, and a 9-inch touchscreen. There should be two different powertrain options available: a 1-liter turbocharged gasoline engine (100 PS/148 Nm) and a 1.2-liter gasoline engine (90 PS/113 Nm). A manual gearbox-equipped CNG powertrain (77.5 PS/98.5 Nm) may also be present. For the 1.2-liter engine, the available transmission options are 5-speed manual, 5-speed automatic, and 6-speed automatic transmission.
Mahindra XUV300 in 2024
The Mahindra XUV300 is one of the Mahindra SUVs that has been waiting a long time for an update. The facelifted model has been spotted numerous times with revised design components visible, such as new alloy wheels, linked LED taillights, and LED DRLS and headlights. Images from spy cameras within the cabin have shown that it would have two 10.25-inch screens, similar to the XUV400. Advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) may even be available for the facelifted XUV300 to keep up with competitors in the premium market, such as the Hyundai Venue and Kia Sonet. Mahindra is expected to go with the same powertrain choices seen on the current SUV model, which include a 1.5-liter diesel engine and two turbo-petrol engines (1.2-liter T-GDi and 1.2-liter MPFi, for gasoline direct injection and multi-point fuel injection, respectively).
New Maruti Swift
In its native Japan, the fourth-generation Suzuki Swift has made its debut. The latest hatchback has an updated interior and an evolutionary outward appearance that makes it more angular but recognizable. It has a brand-new 1.2-liter, 3-cylinder Z series petrol engine that produces 82 horsepower and 108 Nm. It can be mated to a CVT or a 5-speed manual transmission. Both gasoline and hybrid Swift models with optional all-wheel drive (AWD) are offered in Japan. These specs, however, can change in India, and the hybrid and AWD models won’t be taken into account. The new Swift has six airbags, blind spot recognition, auto air conditioning, a 360-degree camera, and a 9-inch touchscreen.
Force Gurkha 5-door
The Force Gurkha 5-door off-road SUV is the one that’s most eager to hit the market. After being extensively leaked for the past few years, Force appears to be getting ready for release, as the latest teaser suggests. Compared to the current Gurkha, it boasts a longer wheelbase, an additional set of doors, and other design changes. It will have a three-row seating configuration, most likely with bench seats in the second row and captain seats in the third. Anticipate receiving the same amenities as the 3-door model, such as the dual front airbags, manual AC, and 7-inch touchscreen. The same 2.6-liter diesel engine (90 PS / 250 Nm) that Force currently uses will probably be the Gurkha in its current form. The device will probably be connected to a manual 5-speed gearbox.
Skoda Superb
Having removed the Superb from retail in the first half of 2023, Skoda intends to reintroduce it, although through the completely built-up (CBU) way. The 2-liter turbo-petrol engine in the sedan (190 PS/320 Nm) was the only powerplant available. A 7-speed DCT dual-clutch automatic transmission was fitted to it. To make it a better value for the money, Skoda may even add a few extra creature comforts to the same feature list that it will have at launch. After bringing it here as a fully imported model, Skoda may even limit it as a fully loaded offering.
The Tata Altroz Racer
The Tata Altroz Racer made its debut at the Auto Expo 2023, where it was shown off as a hotter version of the hatchback. More recently, the first Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2024 featured a modified version on display. A 10.25-inch touchscreen, a 7-inch digital driver display, heated seats, and a sunroof are among the amenities available on board. Six airbags, rain-sensing wipers, and a reversing camera make up its safety net. The 1.2-liter turbo-petrol engine from the Nexon, which produces 120 PS and 170 Nm, powers the Altroz Racer Edition underneath the hood. It comes with a 6-speed manual transmission as standard and an automatic transmission option will be available soon.
Volkswagen Taigun GT Plus Sport
Volkswagen unveiled the GT Plus Sport and GT Line Sport, two new, sportier Taigun SUV models, at a recent event. Both inside and out, it receives cosmetic upgrades. The GT Plus Sport has a black alloy grille and wheels. Additionally, it features red highlights within the interior, red brake calipers, and red “GT” emblems. The larger 1.5-liter turbo-petrol engine is anticipated to be available for the GT Plus Sport, along with a 6-speed manual and a 7-speed DCT. (Release in 7 cars)
We anticipate seeing a handful of these vehicles arrive on our shores around April 2024. What do you think? Which other model do you wish to see released this month in India? Tell us in the comments below.
Also Read: Three Ways India Could See A Rise In The Price Of Hybrids