News & Top Stories
Benefits Up To Rs 2.5 Lakh Are Available For A Week With Skoda Kodiaq
- Skoda Kodiaq has completed 7 years in India.
- To mark the occasion, Skoda is offering discounts on the MY23 and MY24 models of its flagship SUV.
- Škoda also offers a free standard service package for the Kodiak and a 5-year extended warranty.
- These offers are running now and run until July 24, 2024.
- The Kodiaq is available in the Laurin & Clement variant in the Indian market, powered by a 2-litre turbo petrol engine.
- It is priced at Rs 39.99 lakh (ex-showroom, pan-India).
If you are planning to buy a Skoda Kodiak in July, it could be just the right time.. Skoda is celebrating 7 years of Kodiak in India with a one-week offer on its flagship SUV.
Details Of The Offers
The MY23 and MY24 units of the Kodiaq SUV will enable customers to save up to Rs 2.5 lakh. In addition to all the benefits, Skoda also offers comprehensive service and a 5-year extended warranty at no extra cost. This offer is already in effect and will be valid until July 24, 2024.
Skoda Kodiaq: An Overview
The Kodiaq is available in the Indian market in a fully loaded Laurin & Clement variant, and the driver gets features like an 8-inch infotainment system with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, a 12-speaker system with a subwoofer and a 10-25-inch digital display, wireless phone charging, 3-zone climate control, and panoramic sunroof. For safety, it gets nine airbags, a 360-degree camera, front and rear parking sensors, and a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS).
Powertrain on Offer
The flagship SUV from the German automaker is only offered with a 2-litre turbo petrol engine, producing 190 PS and 320 Nm, mated to a 7-speed DCT (Dual Clutch Automatic Transmission) This is available with an all-wheel drive system.
Cost and Competitors
The Skoda Kodiaq competes with the MG Gloster, Toyota Fortuner, and Jeep Meridian and is priced at Rs 39.99 lakh (ex-showroom, all of India).
News & Top Stories
The 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 Stories
This 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 Stories
Watch: 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 Stories
Tata Altroz Racer Could Outperform Regular Altroz With These 7 Features
The Hyundai i20 N Line will be directly rivaled in India by the Tata Altroz Racer, which is scheduled to go on sale in June. The racer will be powered by a 1.2-liter turbo-petrol engine that produces 120 PS and is derived from the Tata Nexon. In addition to having a more potent engine, the Altroz Racer will also come with a new suite of amenities that aren’t available in the regular versions of the premium hatchback.
Greater Touchscreen Size
The Tata Altroz Racer‘s infotainment system is one of the biggest upgrades. It will have a larger 10.25-inch unit that is taken from the recently released Tata Punch EV and Tata Nexon. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are also supported by this system.
At the moment, the 7-inch touchscreen interface found on all ordinary variants of the Tata Altroz is limited to wired connectivity for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
New Driver’s Display, Completely Digital
The Tata Altroz model that is currently in production has a 7-inch semi-digital instrument cluster. The driver’s display on the “Racer” model will be completely digital and the same size at 7 inches.
Heads Up Display
A heads-up display is another feature that sets the Tata Altroz Racer apart from the standard Altroz. It does not need the driver to glance away from the road as it projects data such as current speed, clock, RPM, and instant fuel economy onto a small glass piece that is positioned higher than the instrument cluster. In the premium hatchback market, the Maruti Baleno and Toyota Glanza are the only vehicles that currently provide this function.
Wireless Charging of Phones
Although it isn’t available yet, wireless phone charging will probably be available for the standard Altroz model along with the Altroz Racer. It gets rid of the cable that hangs around the center console and could obstruct shifting gears.
Front seats with ventilation
Tata may provide ventilated front seats for the Altroz Racer. The Altroz Racer will be the first high-end hatchback in India to have this technology if it is made available. Because the seat ventilation helps children cool down fast, this feature is especially helpful during the hottest summers.
360-degree Camera
In addition to a larger touchscreen, the Tata Altroz Racer will also have a 360-degree camera. Moreover, during the Altroz Racer’s testing, this trait was seen. A 360-degree perspective makes it easier to maneuver the automobile through dense urban traffic and park in limited spots.
Six airbags
The Altroz Racer will get six airbags, which is one of the most significant safety upgrades. Even in the top-spec model, the standard Tata Altroz only has dual front airbags at the moment.
Anticipated Cost
It is anticipated that the Tata Altroz Racer will cost starting at Rs 10 lakh (ex-showroom). It will compete with the Hyundai i20 N Line.
News & Top Stories
Comparison of Kia EV3 with Kia Seltos specifications
With its fast EV6 crossover, Kia has already made an entry into the Indian EV market, but it’s undoubtedly not a car that’s affordable for the majority of people. Without naming the model, the Korean automaker has stated that it will launch a customized EV in India in 2025. We have reason to think that the production-spec Kia EV3, which was just unveiled, may be introduced to India as an electric substitute for the Kia Seltos small SUV. Let’s start by comparing these two SUVs side by side.
Measurements
| Kia EV3 | Kia Seltos | |
| Length | 4300 mm | 4365 mm |
| Width | 1850mm | 1800 mm |
| Height | 1560 mm | 1645 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2680 mm | 2610 mm |
| Boot space | 460 litres (gets a 25-litre frunk additionally) | 433 litres |
- Compared to the internal combustion engine (ICE)-powered Seltos, the Kia EV3 has a unique design as an electric vehicle.
- It is 50 mm wider, 65 mm shorter in height, and 65 mm smaller than the Seltos.
- The wheelbase of the EV3, which is built on the E-GMP electric-only platform, is 70 mm longer than that of the Seltos.
- With an additional 27 liters of space in the boot and a 25-liter trunk under the front hood, the EV3 offers even more room.
Highlights of the Features
| Features | Kia EV3 | Kia Seltos |
| Exterior | LED Headlamps
LED DRLs LED tail lights Aerodynamically-designed alloy wheels (size unknown) |
LED Headlamps
LED DRLs LED tail lights Front projector fog lamps 17/18-inch alloy wheels Shark-fin antenna |
| Interiors | White and grey dual-tone interiors
Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) material on seats Steering wheel wrapped with recycled materials |
Black and beige dual-tone dashboard (all-black on the higher trim levels)
Leatherette seats Leatherette-wrapped steering wheel |
| Comfort and Convenience | 12.3-inch fully digital driver’s display automatic AC, touch controls
Rear AC vents 12-inch Head-Up Display Touch button engine start/stop |
10.25-inch fully-digital driver’s display automatic AC
Rear AC vents 8-inch Head-Up Display |
| Infotainment | 12.3-inch infotainment system
Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay Harman Kardon music system |
10.25-inch infotainment system
Wired Android Auto and Apple CarPlay 8-speaker Bose sound system |
| Safety | Airbags
360-view camera Level-2 ADAS |
Six airbags
Level-2 ADAS 360-degree view camera |
- Although it is the production-spec Kia EV3, the whole feature list has not yet been disclosed and will differ depending on the country.
- But compared to the Seltos, it boasts a more expansive integrated display configuration that includes a larger touchscreen infotainment system, a driver’s display, and AC controls built into a 5-inch touchscreen panel in between.
- In terms of high-end audio systems, linked automotive technology, LED lighting configurations, ambient lighting, and interior comforts, both vehicles are loaded with features. But with its touch-based control panels and use of recycled materials, the EV3 is a generation ahead of the Seltos.
- Advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) at Level 2 are installed in both cars.
Drivetrains
| Specifications | Kia EV3 | Kia Seltos | |||
| Battery Pack/Engine | Standard 58.3 kWh | Long Range
81.4 kWh |
1.5-litre petrol | 1.5-litre turbo-petrol | 1.5-litre diesel |
| Power | 204 PS | 204 PS | 115 PS | 160 PS | 116 PS |
| Torque | 283 Nm | 283 Nm | 144 Nm | 254 Nm | 250 Nm |
- Our main focus is on the performance that these two radically different SUVs have to offer. The EV3’s smaller battery’s claimed range, which Kia has not yet disclosed, is expected to be between 400 and 450 kilometers, while the larger battery’s stated WLTP range is 600 kilometers.
- The EV3 has a single motor setup for two battery packs, while the Kia Seltos has three different engine configurations.
- Compared to the Kia EV3, the most potent 1.5-liter turbo-petrol engine in the Seltos produces 44 PS and 29 Nm less power.
- Although Kia has not provided many specifics regarding the EV3’s charging timings, the larger battery pack can be quickly charged from 10 to 80 percent in just thirty-one minutes.
Cost Range
| Model | Kia EV3 | Kia Seltos | |
| Prices | Starting Rs 30 lakh (expected) | Rs 10.90 – 20.35 lakh | |
The Kia Seltos retails for between Rs 10.90 and Rs 20.35 lakh, ex-showroom. It competes with vehicles such as the Volkswagen Taigun, Skoda Kushaq, Maruti Grand Vitara, Hyundai Creta, and others. Due to its very localized offering, its price is competitive for the category.
However, because of its electric drivetrain and additional premium features, the Kia EV3, an electric SUV, will undoubtedly cost a premium. We anticipate it to be more expensive than vehicles like the MG ZS EV, the future Maruti eVX, and the Tata Curvv EV, even with a high level of localization.