News & Top StoriesTata 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 |
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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).
News & Top StoriesThe 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 StoriesThis Week’s Important Auto News (May 27–31): New Teasers, Patents, New Spy Photos, and More
In addition to a major Porsche debut, the Mahindra XUV.e8‘s interior and the Tata Altroz Racer were teased during the final week of May 2024. Along with learning about this noteworthy accomplishment, we also saw some spy photos of the future Tata Curvv. The main stories from the previous week are briefly summarized here:
Altroz Racer Teased
Tata Motors has shown a few teasers for the future Altroz Racer, indicating that this hot hatch will be available shortly after undergoing intensive testing on our roads. For a small cost of up to Rs 21,000, which may vary depending on the dealership, customers may now book the Altroz Racer offline at a few Tata dealerships. The Tata Altroz Racer will have the same 120PS turbo-petrol engine from the Nexon along with revised exterior and interior design components.
Patented components of Mahindra XUV.e8
Recently, multiple test drives of the Mahindra XUV.e8, an all-electric variant of the Mahindra XUV700, have been observed. Mahindra has now submitted a patent application for a three-screen integrated dashboard layout and a new steering wheel design. The design patent illustration shows that the steering wheel will have two spokes and be octagonal. It’s also possible that Mahindra will put an illuminated emblem in the middle of the steering wheel. The instrument cluster, an infotainment screen, and a separate screen for the front passenger are all part of the three-screen dashboard arrangement that the carmaker has also patented.
Tata Curvv spied
Images of the Tata Curvv coupe-SUV test mules have been circulating for a while. But this time, we managed to catch a glimpse of the SUV’s taillights. According to the spy photos, it will receive connected LED taillights in February 2024, just like the idea. These taillights, like those on several facelifted Tata cars including the Nexon, Harrier, and Safari, are probably going to have welcome and goodbye animations coupled with a sequential effect for the turn indicators.
Over 15 lakh cars have been produced by Skoda-VW in India.
Skoda Automobile Over 15 lakh Volkswagen India vehicles have been built there, including 3 lakh Skoda Kushaq and Slavia and a combined 3 lakh Volkswagen Taigun and Virtus. At its plant in Chakan, the firm has also produced more than 3.8 lakh engines. Additionally, the Skoda-VW Group has exported 30% of its cars built in India to over 40 nations.
Porsche 911 Carrera and GTS launched in India
The 911 Carrera and 911 Carrera 4 GTS are new Porsche models that retail for Rs 1.99 crore and Rs 2.75 crore, respectively. Reservations for both models are now being accepted, and by year’s end, deliveries are anticipated to begin. A redesigned 3-liter twin-turbo flat-six engine with 394 PS and 450 Nm powers the 911 Carrera. A new 3.6-liter turbocharged T-hybrid engine with 541 PS and 610 Nm powers the 911 Carrera 4 GTS. The GTS’s external characteristics include sports exhaust at the back and active-aero components upfront. These new 911s come equipped with an upgraded infotainment system and a fully digital driver’s display inside.
Unveiled: Audi Q6 e-tron Performance version
With just one engine available, Audi has launched a new Q6 Performance model with rear-wheel drive. It has an electric motor mounted on the back axle that generates 326 PS and is powered by a 100 kWh battery. It can go from 0 to 100 kmph in 6.6 seconds and has a range of 641 kilometers. The Q6 e-tron Quattro and SQ6 e-tron will be positioned above this new Performance model. Although the interiors are unknown, it is anticipated to have the same features and cabin as the other Q6 e-Tron models.
News & Top StoriesSee: This is how Maruti Swift prices have increased over the years since 2005.
One of the most well-liked hatchbacks in India, the Maruti Swift, arrived on our shores in 2005. Its functions and design have improved over time with a few generational updates and facelifts since then. With each new upgrade, Swift’s costs in India have risen in addition to these modifications. Let’s look at the changes in these prices over the last almost twenty years.
Prices From 2005 Up Until Now
| Model | Price Range |
| First-gen Maruti Swift 2005 | Rs 3.87 lakh To Rs 4.85 Lakh |
| Second-gen Maruti Swift 2011 | Rs 4.22 Lakh To Rs 6.38 Lakh |
| Second-gen Maruti Swift Facelift 2014 | Rs 4.42 Lakh To Rs 6.95 Lakh |
| Third-gen Maruti Swift 2018 | Rs 4.99 Lakh To Rs 8.29 Lakh |
| Third-gen Maruti Swift Facelift 2021 | Rs 5.73 Lakh To Rs 8.41 Lakh |
| Fourth-gen Maruti Swift 2024 (current) | Rs 6.49 lakh To Rs 9.64 Lakh (introductory) |
Prices are all ex-showroom.
Three generations of improvements have been made to the Swift, with facelifts also going to the second and third-generation vehicles. When the Swift made its Indian debut in 2005, it cost Rs 3.87 lakh. In 2024, the starting price is Rs 2.62 lakh more than it was before.
Comparably, the top-spec Swift was priced at Rs 4.85 lakh in 2005; today, it fetches Rs 9.64 lakh, a substantial rise of Rs 4.79 lakh. The starting price of the Maruti Alto K10, which is Rs 12,000 higher than the Maruti Swift 2005, is Rs 3.99 lakh, making it the most inexpensive hatchback available in India today.
Swift 2024 Features
The most recent edition of the Swift is well-equipped with features including an automated air conditioning system with rear vents, a 6-speaker music system tuned by Arkamys, and a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system. It also has connected car technology, cruise control, push-button start/stop, and wireless phone charging.
Six airbags (on all models), a rear parking camera, a hill hold assist, electronic stability control, and rear parking sensors all contribute to passenger safety.
Swift 2024 Powertrain
The new Z series 3-cylinder petrol engine powers the Swift 4th generation vehicle. Here are the specifics of its specifications:
| Engine | 1.2-litre 3-cylinder Z series petrol |
| Power | 82 PS |
| Torque | 112 Nm |
| Transmission | 5-speed MT / 5-speed AMT |
| Claimed Mileage | 24.8 kmpl (MT) / 25.75 kmpl (AMT) |
The CNG powertrain option, which was available with the previous generation model, is not available with the 2024 Swift at this time. Nevertheless, Maruti is anticipated to unveil it in the upcoming months.
Competitors
Due to its pricing, the 2024 Maruti Swift competes with the Hyundai Grand i10 Nios and, given its size, can also be considered a cheaper alternative to the Renault Triber and smaller SUVs like the Hyundai Exter and Tata Punch.
News & Top StoriesWatch: 360-degree camera comparison between the Mahindra XUV 3XO and Tata Nexon
The Tata Nexon is the main opponent of the Mahindra XUV 3XO, the newest subcompact SUV on the market. Although there are many similarities between these two India-bred vehicles, we also directly contrasted their 360-degree camera features to determine which one does it better when we had both models. What we discovered is as follows:
Execution
Mahindra XUV 3XO and Tata Nexon as in 3D mode, the 360-degree camera setup feed in the XUV 3XO is a little sluggish, and it seems as though the frame rate is lagging as you move the vehicle. In addition, the Mahindra SUV’s camera feed only occupies half of the screen, making it difficult to see details when utilizing this feature. On the other hand, because the 3D figure is translucent, it is simpler to see potential hidden objects beneath the vehicle.
On the Tata Nexon, the camera’s video feed lags less and is significantly smoother. Finding details is significantly simpler because the 3D model fills the entire 10.25-inch screen and travels quickly without stuttering.
After this test, we can state with confidence that the Tata Nexon has a better implementation of this feature, however, there are still certain areas where the 3XO needs to be improved.
Additional Safety Elements
Except for a 360-degree camera, both vehicles have a strong array of safety features. Six airbags, ABS with EBD, ESC, hill hold assist, tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS), blind spot monitor, and ISOFIX child seat anchors are all standard on these vehicles.
However, the Mahindra 3XO is the best because it has all of the Level 2 ADAS functions, including adaptive cruise control, high beam assist, lane departure warning, lane keep assist, and automated emergency braking.
Only the Tata Nexon has been subjected to crash testing as of yet, and it has received a flawless 5-star rating from both Bharat NCAP and Global NCAP. Although the XUV 3XO hasn’t been tested yet, the XUV 300 before its makeover received five stars from the Global NCAP in 2020, and we think the Bharat NCAP test will yield encouraging results soon.
Prices
| Ex-showroom Prices | |
| Tata Nexon | Mahindra XUV 3XO* |
| Rs 8 lakh to Rs 15.80 lakh | Rs 7.49 lakh to Rs 15.49 lakh |
* The Mahindra XUV 3XO is available at introductory prices.
Due to its introductory pricing, the Mahindra XUV 3XO is currently more inexpensive despite the competitive pricing of both cars. Both diesel and turbo-petrol engines are available, with options for manual and automatic transmissions. These vehicles compete with the Hyundai Venue, Kia Sonet, and Maruti Brezza, among other subcompact SUVs.
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.