Bookings for the New Leader Edition Toyota Fortuner are now open. News & Top Stories

Bookings 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.

Kia Sonet HTE (O) News & Top Stories

View 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.

Launched: Mahindra Bolero Neo Plus; Starting Price: Rs 11.39 Lakh News & Top Stories

Launched: 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

VariantPrice (ex-showroom pan-India)
P4Rs 11.39 lakh
P10Rs 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.

Spied Testing of a Citroen Basalt Is Similar To The Concept News & Top Stories

Spied 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.

Hyundai Alcazar Facelift News & Top Stories

Launch is anticipated later this year for the Hyundai Alcazar Facelift, which was observed being tested in South Korea and India.

  • Hyundai Alcazar Facelift: New alloy wheels, a redesigned grille, and vertically stacked LED taillights are some of the exterior modifications.
  • It is anticipated to be offered as the outgoing model in both 6- and 7-seat configurations.
  • Updates to the cabin might include integrating the two digital monitors.
  • Must also have the ADAS package and dual-zone air conditioning of the new Creta.
  • Most likely to receive the same diesel and turbo-petrol engine choices as the present Alcazar.
  • Anticipated for release in the latter part of 2024; ex-showroom pricing may begin at Rs 17 lakh.

The upgraded Alcazar 3-row SUV is currently being prepared for India by the Korean automaker, Hyundai, following the release of the redesigned Hyundai Creta in early 2024. In South Korea, the facelifted Hyundai Alcazar has been sighted undergoing testing ahead of its anticipated launch in India by the end of 2024.

Specifics Seen in the Covert Photographs

The new Alcazar will not have the same fascia as the facelifted Creta, even though the test mule was heavily disguised. Nevertheless, it will have typical Hyundai Alcazar Facelift design features, such as a split headlamp arrangement with the LED DRL strip positioned above the updated grille. It is anticipated that the facelifted Alcazar will receive new alloy wheels, even though the side hasn’t broken yet. To further differentiate the facelifted SUV from the new Creta, vertically stacked LED taillights are anticipated on the back. It will still have the same dual-tip exhaust as the current model.

Anticipated Updates for Cabin and Features

Feature Updates

Although the inside of the redesigned Alcazar hasn’t been leaked yet, a new dashboard arrangement should be expected if the cabin of the new Creta is any indication. It will still be available with a 6- or 7-seat configuration. Additionally, the Hyundai Alcazar Facelift may equip the 2024 Alcazar with dual-zone AC from the new Creta and two 10.25-inch digital displays—one for infotainment and the other for instruments.

Six airbags, electronic stability control (ESC), a 360-degree camera, and the Creta’s array of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), which includes features like autonomous collision avoidance and adaptive cruise control, are all necessary for the safety of the three-row Hyundai SUV.

identical powertrains

The engine and gearbox options for the new Hyundai Alcazar are the same as those for the outgoing model.

Specification1.5-litre Turbo-petrol1.5-litre Diesel
Power160 PS116 PS
Torque253 Nm250 Nm
Transmission6-speed MT, 7-speed DCT*6-speed MT, 6-speed AT

What Would the Price Be?

The starting price of the redesigned Hyundai Alcazar Facelift may be Rs 17 lakh. The price range for the model that is now on sale is between Rs. 16.77 lakh and Rs. 21.28 lakh. The Tata Safari, MG Hector Plus, and Mahindra XUV700 will all be competitors for the redesigned three-row SUV.

Also Read: How It Works: Toll Plazas Will Be Replaced

Kia Sonet HTE (O) News & Top Stories

The price of the newly released Kia Sonet HTE (O) and HTK (O) variants starts at Rs 8.19 lakh

  • HTE (O) and HTK (O), two new Sonet variations, are based on the HTK and HTE trims, respectively.
  • The price range for the HTE (O) from Kia is Rs 8.19 lakh to Rs 10 lakh.
  • The price range for the HTK (O) is Rs 9.25 lakh to Rs 10.85 lakh.
  • There is a choice of gasoline and diesel engines available for both new models, but only with a manual shifter.
  • The sunroof and sunglass holder from the HTK version that comes next are included in the HTE (O).
  • With a sunroof, automated air conditioning, linked LED taillights, and a rear defogger, Kia is selling the Sonet HTK (O).

The HTE (O) and HTK (O), two new lower-spec variants of the Kia Sonet based on the HTE and HTK trims, respectively, have just been released. There is a choice of gasoline and diesel engines available for both of the new (O) models.

Variant-wise Prices

New VariantVariant It’s Based OnDifference
Petrol
HTE (O) – Rs 8.19 lakhHTE – Rs 7.99 lakh+Rs 20,000
HTK (O) – Rs 9.25 lakhHTK – Rs 8.89 lakh+Rs 36,000
Diesel
HTE (O) – Rs 10 lakhHTE – Rs 9.80 lakh+Rs 20,000
HTK (O) – Rs 10.85 lakhHTK – Rs 10.50 lakh+Rs 35,000

The newest (O) variants are priced up to Rs 36,000 more than the HTE and HTK, as can be seen in the above table.

New Characteristics And Variants

At the previously mentioned price premium, Kia is providing the new variations with a few extra goodies above their respective donor grades. What’s new for each variety will be examined now:

New Variants And Features

  • HTE (O): Sunroof and sunglass holder

base-spec

  • HTK (O): Rear defogger, auto air conditioning, linked LED taillights, and sunroof

Features like front power windows, a semi-digital instrument cluster, manually adjustable ORVMs, and a manual air conditioner with rear vents are already included in the base-spec HTE. On the other hand, the HTK trim comes with all four power windows, an 8-inch touchscreen, a 6-speaker sound system, keyless entry, and a driver seat that can be adjusted in height. Six airbags, electronic stability control (ESC), and a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) are among the safety features that both share. Front parking sensors are also included with the HTK version.

Engine-gearbox Configurations

The following powertrain options are available for the new models:

Specification1.2-litre N/A Petrol1.5-litre Diesel
Power83 PS116 PS
Torque115 Nm250 Nm
Transmission5-speed MT6-speed MT

The sub-4m SUV’s higher-spec diesel models also come with a 6-speed iMT (manual without a clutch pedal) and 6-speed automatic transmission. Kia also sells the higher-end Sonet models, which have a 1-liter turbo-petrol engine producing 120 PS and a 6- or 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission (DCT). 

Kia Sonet Competitors

Maruti Brezza, Hyundai Venue, Mahindra XUV300, Tata Nexon, Renault Kiger, Nissan Magnite, and the soon-to-be Skoda sub-4m SUV are all competitors of the Kia Sonet. It also acts as a substitute for sub-4 million dollar crossover SUVs, like the upcoming Toyota Taisor and the Maruti Fronx.

Also Read: 2024 Kia Seltos