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 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 StoriesIntroduced is the Skoda Sub-4m SUV Naming Contest, which will go on sale by March 2025.
- Skoda Sub-4m SUV: The deadline for contest entries is April 12, 2024.
- Up to ten lucky winners will receive trips to Prague, and one winner will have the opportunity to take home a brand-new SUV.
- The naming scheme must complement the other SUVs from Skoda, such as the Karoq, Kushaq, and Kodiaq.
- Among the selected names for Skoda are Kyroq, Kylaq, and Kwiq.
- Skoda’s sub-4 million rupee SUV may start at Rs 8.50 lakh (ex-showroom).
It was recently reported that a new Skoda sub-4m SUV built in India will be on sale in March 2025. Though the Czech automaker has invited fans to participate in this process, the new offering’s name has not yet been determined. It has launched a naming competition where anyone may enter and offer a name for the upcoming Skoda SUV.
Specifics Regarding The Competition
The new name must only have one or two syllables and start and finish with the letters “K” and “Q.” Enter now through April 12, 2024, via the sweepstakes website or by utilizing the hashtag #NameYourSkoda on its official social media accounts. Ten fortunate winners will receive a trip to Prague courtesy of Skoda, and one winner will have the opportunity to take home the brand-new Skoda SUV.
Additionally, Skoda has narrowed down a shortlist of names for its next sub-4 million SUV. The names and their meanings are presented below:
- Designed to inspire, the Skoda Kariq is named after the Hindi term “Kaarigar.”
- Originating from the English term “quick,” Skoda Kwiq stands for “power and intelligence in harmony.”
- Timeless elegance, or Skoda Kylaq, is derived from the Sanskrit term “Kailasa.”
- Precious like you, Skoda Kymaq is derived from the Hawaiian term Kaimana.
- Designed to rule, Skoda Kyroq is derived from the Greek term “Kyrios.”
Consistent with Its Naming Style
Since the automaker has been using this system of nomenclature for some time, their SUV lineup includes models like the Kushaq, Kodiaq, and Karoq, whose names start and end with the letters “K” and “Q,” respectively.
An Overview of the New SUV
The Kushaq compact SUV and the yet-to-be-named SUV will use the same MQB-A0-IN platform, although the dimensions of the latter will be altered to comply with sub-4m market regulations. With a large touchscreen, a sunroof, and a digital driver display, we anticipate it to be a well-equipped vehicle.
We anticipate comparable levels of safety from the new SUV because it will be supported by Kushaq’s MQB-A0-IN platform, which has a 5-star rating in the Global NCAP crash tests. A tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS), electronic stability control (ESC), and six airbags are among the anticipated safety features.
What will give it power?
To capitalize on the tax advantages of the market, Skoda is anticipated to provide it with the smaller 1-liter turbo-petrol engine (115 PS/178 Nm) from the Kushaq. It may be available with a 6-speed manual or an automatic transmission.
Rivals And Expected Price
Starting at Rs 8.50 lakh (ex-showroom), we predict the Skoda sub-4m SUV will be available. It will compete against the Maruti Brezza, Kia Sonet, Hyundai Venue, Mahindra XUV300, Nissan Magnite, Renault Kiger, and Maruti Fronx sub-4 million crossover.
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