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 StoriesSpy photos of the facelifted Kia Carens appear online
- Early in 2022, Kia introduced the Carens MPV in India.
- Alloy wheels, a revised grille, and new lighting are anticipated for the facelifted model.
- Anticipated to keep the current model‘s dashboard layout and dual-tone look.
- A 360-degree camera, ADAS, and dual-zone air conditioning could be among the new amenities on board.
- Most likely to come with the same set of transmissions and the same gasoline and diesel engines as the current model.
- 2025 is the anticipated introduction year in India; an EV version will follow after that year.
Since early 2022, the Kia Carens have been offered for sale in India as a more expensive and spacious substitute for the Maruti Ertiga. It has received updates in the form of new models and feature enhancements, but the recently released collection of foreign espionage photos suggests that it may soon get a proper facelift abroad.
Notable Changes
We anticipate some adjustments to be made to the exterior design of the facelifted Carens, however, it is difficult to identify for sure what has changed just yet (because of the thick camouflage). Anticipate these to be upgraded connected LED tail lights that now mimic those on the new Sonet, a reworked grille and alloy wheels, and a new headlamp configuration.
Anticipated Seat and Amenity Modifications
This collection of spy photos does not feature the facelifted Carens cabin. We anticipate Kia will keep the same 6- and 7-seat arrangements in addition to the dual-tone cabin motif. Having said that, the only significant modification might be new seat coverings and perhaps an upgraded climate control panel.
Even though the Carens is currently a well-equipped MPV, it may benefit from a panoramic sunroof and dual-zone air conditioning to further enhance its upscale interior. It already has a sunroof, wireless phone charging, ventilated front seats, and two 10.25-inch screens (one for infotainment and the other for instruments).
Regarding security, we anticipate that Kia will equip the redesigned MPV with advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) and a 360-degree camera. Six airbags are standard on all Carens models that are currently available in India, along with a tire pressure monitoring system, front and rear parking sensors, and a rear parking camera.
An assortment of powertrains
We think Kia will keep offering the facelifted Carens with the same engine options as the existing model, as it was intended for India. It currently has the following options for the engine and gearbox:
| Specification | 1.5-litre N/A Petrol | 1.5-litre Turbo-petrol | 1.5-litre Diesel |
| Power | 115 PS | 160 PS | 116 PS |
| Torque | 144 Nm | 253 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Transmission | 6-speed MT | 6-speed iMT*, 7-speed DCT^ | 6-speed MT, 6-speed iMT, 6-speed AT |
Anticipated Release Date And Cost
Sometime in 2025, the redesigned Kia Carens is anticipated to go on sale in India; it will probably cost more than the outgoing model. To give you an idea, the ex-showroom pricing of the Carens, in its current specification, ranges from Rs 10.52 lakh to Rs 19.67 lakh. The facelifted MPV will continue to compete against the Maruti XL6, Toyota Rumion, and Toyota Innova Crysta in addition to the Maruti Ertiga. It will also function as a reasonably priced substitute for the Maruti Invicto and Toyota Innova Hycross.
News & Top StoriesWith its India lineup, MG adds British racing colors.
- Except for the Comet EV, every model has a Rs 20,000 price increase for the special edition above the base vehicles.
- The special edition Comet EV costs an additional Rs 16, 000.
- A new exterior hue, a blacked-out interior, and a personalized infotainment touchscreen are included with the 100-Year Edition.
Except for the Gloster, MG has lately introduced a special edition for all of its models in India. The MG Astor, Hector, Hector Plus, Comet EV, and ZS EV models are the ones that have the 100-Year Limited Edition available on them. This limited edition honors MG’s more than a century-long racing heritage. These special editions come with the following features and prices.
Price
| Model | Variant | Special Edition | Standard Variant | Difference |
| MG Astor | Sharp Pro 1.5 Petrol MT | Rs 14.81 lakh | Rs 14.61 lakh | + Rs 20,000 |
| Sharp Pro 1.5 Petrol CVT | Rs 16.08 lakh | Rs 15.88 lakh | + Rs 20,000 | |
| MG Hector | Sharp Pro Petrol CVT 5 Seater | Rs 21.20 lakh | Rs 21 lakh | + Rs 20,000 |
| Sharp Pro Petrol CVT 7 Seater | Rs 21.93 lakh | Rs 21.73 lakh | + Rs 20,000 | |
| MG Comet EV | Exclusive FC | Rs 9.40 lakh | Rs 9.24 lakh | + Rs 16,000 |
| MG ZS EV | Exclusive Plus | Rs 24.18 lakh | Rs 23.98 lakh | + Rs 20,000 |
The Comet EV special edition is offered on the top-spec Exclusive FC variation, which was added a while back, while the Astor, Hector, and ZS EV special editions are based on the mid-spec variants. This limited edition is available on both the manual and CVT versions of the Astor small SUV from MG.
This limited edition Hector is available with both a 5-seater and a 7-seater (Hector Plus) configuration and with a choice of gasoline or diesel engines. The Hector and Hector Plus gasoline manual versions are not compatible with this special edition, and MG has not yet disclosed the cost of the diesel versions.
Modifications
This special edition is available for all MG vehicles. Inspired by the British Racing Green color, the façade features a black roof along with other blacked-out details in the hue “Evergreen.” Black or dark chrome components have taken the place of the outside chrome pieces. A “100-Year Edition” badging is also added to the tailgate of all models.
The interior of these editions is completely black, with a black dashboard, green and black upholstery, and ‘100-Year Edition’ badging on the headrests of the front seats. These premium models also include a customizable widget and an “Evergreen” colored motif for the touchscreen infotainment system.
Additional Special Editions
The Astor, Hector, and Gloster are also available in a “Blackstorm” edition, which has an all-black exterior and interior with red inserts. This is not the only special edition in MG’s portfolio. Those limited editions don’t look quite as unique as this 100-Year Edition, though.
News & Top StoriesGlobal NCAP has retested the Honda Amaze and awarded it a 2-star safety rating.
- The Honda Amaze received a 2-star rating for adult occupant protection, with a score of 27.85 out of 34.
- With a score of 8.58 out of 49 for child occupant protection, it received a 0-star safety rating.
- The low score was caused by safety feature omissions such as side curtain airbags and electronic stability control.
Recently, the Global NCAP (New Car Assessment Program) crashed-tested the Honda Amaze once more, and this time, it received inadequate safety ratings for both adult occupant protection (AOP) and child occupant protection (COP). The 2019 Global NCAP crash test results for the South African version of the subcompact Honda car show that it received a 4-star safety rating. On the other hand, the Amaze was tested using the most recent Global NCAP protocols this time. Let’s examine how well it performed in each test in more detail.
| Protection | Adult Occupant Protection | Child Occupant Protection |
| Rating | 2 stars | 0 star |
| Score | 27.85/34 | 8.58/49 |
| Bodyshell Integrity | Stable | |
Adult Occupant Protection (27.85 points out of 34)
Impact in front (64 kmph)
The driver and co-driver of Honda‘s subcompact sedan showed “good” head and neck protection in the frontal impact crash test, while both occupants had “adequate” chest protection. But while their tibias demonstrated “good” protection, the driver’s and passenger’s knees only displayed “marginal” protection.
At 50 kmph, side impact
The protection received by the head and pelvis was rated as “good,” the chest as “marginal,” and the abdomen as “adequate.”
Side Pole Impact
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.