News & Top StoriesQuicker Than The New 4X2 Version Is The Jeep Compass 4X4 Diesel Automatic
The American automaker’s entry-level Jeep Compass received new 4×2 (front-wheel drive) diesel automatic versions last year. Before now, the top-spec version of the diesel-auto combo could only be had with the four-wheel drivetrain. We recently tested this new, less expensive powerplant and compared its performance to that of the 4X4 diesel automatic Compass. The outcomes are as follows:
Quickening
| Tests | 2-litre Diesel AT 4X2 | 2-litre Diesel AT 4X4 |
| 0-100 kmph | 11.24 seconds | 10.89 seconds |
| Quarter Mile | 17.77 seconds @ 125.11 kmph | 17.99 seconds @ 122.65 kmph |
| Kickdown (20-80 kmph) | 7.3 seconds | 7.11 seconds |
The Compass 4×4 variant performed better in our acceleration tests, dropping gears for on-the-go acceleration and running a 0-100 kmph time. The new front-wheel-drive version, however, finished the quarter mile faster. It should be noted that both of these versions have the same 2-litre diesel engine, which produces 350 Nm and 170 PS, and a 9-speed automated transmission. The drivetrain is the only distinction between these two versions.
Braking
| Tests | 2-litre Diesel AT 4X2 | 2-litre Diesel AT 4X4 |
| 100-0 kmph | 42.86 metres | 40.84 metres |
| 80-0 kmph | 26.6 metres | 25.55 metres |
The four-wheel-drive model outperformed the other option even in our braking tests, exhibiting a shorter stopping distance in the 100-0 kmph and 80-0 kmph tests. These two models are mounted on 18-inch alloy wheels. Nevertheless, in the 100-0 kmph test and the 80-0 kmph test, the 4X4 variant’s stopping distance was less by more than 2 meters and more than 1 meter, respectively.
Price
The Jeep Compass is priced (ex-showroom) between Rs 20.69 lakh and Rs 32.27 lakh, with the 4×4 diesel automatic variant having the highest price tag. However, the 4X2 diesel automatic powertrain with the Longitude trim starts at Rs 26.69 lakh. Rivals of the Jeep Compass include the Volkswagen Tiguan, Citroen C5 Aircross, Hyundai Tucson, and Skoda Kodiaq.
Read More on: Hyundai Creta N Line
News & Top StoriesThere is already a two-month wait period before the launch of the Hyundai Creta N Line.
- Hyundai Creta N Line: Reservations for the Creta N Line can be made for Rs 25,000 at dealerships and online.
- After launch, the SUV anticipates a six- to eight-week wait period.
- Red highlights and “N Line” badges everywhere are among the exterior changes.
- The cabin will have a red dashboard accent and an all-black theme.
- ADAS, six airbags, and two digital displays are possible features on board.
- receives a 1.5-liter turbo-petrol engine with a 6-speed manual transmission and a 7-speed DCT.
- Starting prices (ex-showroom) may be as low as Rs 17.50 lakh.
On March 11, the eagerly awaited Hyundai Creta N Line is scheduled to go on sale. For Rs 25,000, Hyundai is now accepting reservations for the sportier SUV both online and at its dealerships. It has now been made public that the automaker anticipates a six-to eight-week wait before the Creta N Line launches, with deliveries most likely to begin in May 2024.
Before the price is revealed, here is a brief rundown of the more athletic Creta:
Recap of Overall Changes
In terms of appearance, the Hyundai Creta N Line is sportier than the regular model. The Creta N Line is different from the regular Creta in that it has a larger grille, modified bumpers, several “N Line” badges on the outside, red accents, dual-tip exhaust, and larger 18-inch alloy wheels with red brake calipers. It also receives a new color, Thunder Blue, with a black roof in contrast.
The automaker will outfit it with an all-black interior with red accents on the dashboard and contrast red upholstery stitching to create a striking look. The N Line-specific steering wheel will also be included with the Creta N Line.
In terms of appearance, the Hyundai Creta N Line is sportier than the regular model. The Creta N Line is different from the regular Creta in that it has a larger grille, modified bumpers, several “N Line” badges on the outside, red accents, dual-tip exhaust, and larger 18-inch alloy wheels with red brake calipers. It also receives a new color, Thunder Blue, with a black roof in contrast.
The automaker will outfit it with an all-black interior with red accents on the dashboard and contrast red upholstery stitching to create a striking look. The N Line-specific steering wheel will also be included with the Creta N Line.
Which Features Are Included?
Hyundai is anticipated to provide the Creta N Line with dual 10.25-inch screens (one for infotainment and the other for instruments), ventilated front seats, a panoramic sunroof, and dual-zone air conditioning found in the standard model.
The sportier Hyundai SUV will have a hill assist, an electronic parking brake with auto-hold, electronic stability control (ESC), and six airbags for occupant protection. It’s also possible that advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) technology will be added to the Creta N Line.
Under The Hood: A Turbocharged Engine
The 1.5-liter turbo-petrol engine (160 PS/ 253 Nm) that powers the standard Creta N Line will come from Hyundai. However, it will probably also come with a 6-speed manual gearbox as an option, rather than just the 7-speed DCT (dual-clutch automatic transmission).
To further differentiate it from the standard Creta, we anticipate it to have a slightly modified suspension setup and faster steering response for better handling. Hyundai might also provide it with an exhaust system that sounds sportier.
Anticipated Cost And Competitors
Priced at approximately Rs 17.50 lakh (ex-showroom), the Hyundai Creta N Line is anticipated to be available. It’s going to compete against the Kia Seltos GTX+ and X-Line and offer a sportier-looking option to the Skoda Kushaq, Volkswagen Taigun GT Line, and MG Astor, among others.
Read More On: Discover Why It Taken So Long To Have A CNG Automatic Option Now Available
News & Top StoriesDiscover Why It Taken So Long to Have a CNG Automatic Option Now Available
In India, people who wanted lower operating costs for their cars have had the option of CNG technology available since the early 2000s, but it was only available as a retrofit. It was only made available as a factory-fitted option for a range of reasonably priced Maruti and Hyundai models in 2010. It wasn’t until February 2024 that any brand provided an option to pair an automatic transmission with a CNG powertrain.
Tata has been leading the CNG segment with its innovations, beginning with the dual-cylinder setup that permits a usable boot, despite the Indian automaker’s relative youth in the industry. By offering the option of an AMT with the Tiago CNG and Tigor CNG, they have once again advanced the game.
Issue Of Price Premium
Today’s CNG cars have advanced significantly from being primarily economical utilitarian vehicles to being equipped with some of the most important convenience and technology features. Fundamentally speaking, however, a buyer of a CNG vehicle is still anticipated to be more cost-conscious than the average car buyer, and the convenience of an automatic transmission—even an AMT—comes at a reasonable premium.
The Tiago CNG AMT is one example of this, where the CNG kit alone is worth Rs 95,000 more than the base petrol model. When the AMT gearbox is added, the price increase of about Rs 50,000 brings the total cost up to almost Rs 1.5 lakh more than the standard petrol version.
CNG and AMT: An Intricate Combination
The difficulty of establishing a trustworthy and harmonious relationship between an automatic transmission and a CNG powertrain is another reason contributing to the delay in the release of a CNG-automatic option. Adding a CNG powertrain to the mix only complicates matters, as the latter requires multiple sensors to shift gears based on data such as engine load and RPMs. An existing CNG model has two different fuel-dependent states of tune: one for gasoline-powered operation and another for CNG-powered operation, which results in reduced power and torque. The data from each of these sensors will need to be returned so that it is compatible with both CNG and gasoline tunes to achieve the CNG-automatic configuration.
Variants and Specifications of Tiago CNG AMT
XTA and XZA+ are the two versions that are offered. It has the same 1.2-liter gasoline engine as the hatchback but with a reduced power output (73.5 PS/95 Nm). Options include 5-speed MT and AMT for the Tiago CNG.
Prices And Competitors
From Rs 7.90 lakh to Rs 8.80 lakh (ex-showroom, nationwide), the Tata Tiago CNG AMT is priced. Although they are limited to manual transmissions, Maruti Wagon R and Maruti Celerio are their rivals.
News & Top StoriesIndia Will Soon Announce The Top 3 World Car of the Year 2024 Finalists
Top 3 World Cars: In contrast to the World Car Awards, which assess models sold across at least two continents, the Indian Car of the Year (ICOTY) award is focused on automobiles introduced in India. The winners of the 2024 World Car of the Year were recently revealed. EVs, specifically the BYD Seal, Kia EV9, and Volvo EX30, are the top three cars. Fortunately, all of these are scheduled to be released on the Indian market soon. Let’s quickly examine their features.
BYD Seal
Anticipated Price: INR 55 lakh and above
The BYD Seal made its debut in India at the next Auto Expo 2023, scheduled for March 5th of this year. Following the e6 MPV and Atto 3 SUV, it will be the EV manufacturer’s third offering in India. With three different battery packs and electric motor combinations, it can travel up to 570 kilometers, according to WLTC’s claims.
Wireless phone chargers, a 10.25-inch digital driver’s display, a spinning 15.6-inch infotainment display, and heated and ventilated front seats are among the standout features. Eight airbags, a 360-degree camera, ISOFIX child seat anchors, and an extensive array of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) are all included in BYD’s safety kit.
Kia EV9
Anticipated Release: Later in 2024
Anticipated Cost: Rs 80 lakh
The automaker unveiled the Kia EV9, their flagship electric vehicle, to the world in 2023. A pre-production concept version of the vehicle was also on display at the Auto Expo 2023. This three-row all-electric SUV has both rear-wheel drive (RWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD), with a choice of electric motor and battery configurations. With a stated range of more than 541 kilometers, the EV9 presents a strong contender as an alternative to the standard luxury SUV powered by a gasoline or diesel engine. Kia plans to use the completely built-up unit (CBU) route to launch the EV9 in the Indian market. (Top 3 World Cars)
The global-spec EV9 from Kia comes equipped with a 708W 14-speaker Meridian sound system and two 12.3-inch linked screens. Nine airbags, a 360-degree camera, and a comprehensive suite of advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS), such as adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, and front collision avoidance help, could be included in its safety package.
Volvo EX30
Anticipated Release: Later in 2025
Anticipated Cost: INR 50 lakh
The automaker’s newest entry-level electric SUV, the Volvo EX30, is anticipated to arrive in India in 2025. It has a maximum stated range of 474 km and is available with different electric powertrain options. Globally, it sits below the XC40 Recharge (now known as the EX40). A 12.3-inch touchscreen display that is angled vertically, wireless phone charging, connected automobile technology, and a 360-degree camera are among the available features. Several advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) are also included with the EX30, including collision avoidance, park assist, and driver attentiveness alert.
News & Top StoriesThe Skoda Sub-4m SUV and the Kushaq may share five characteristics
The new sub-4m SUV from Skoda is one of the major new releases scheduled for 2025, as stated lately. It will be the brand-new entry-level SUV model from Skoda that sits beneath the Kushaq in the Indian lineup.
These are five similarities between the next sub-4 million SUV and the Skoda Kushaq.
Excellent Design And Style
We anticipate the Skoda sub-4 million SUV’s fascia will have upscale styling and butch design elements similar to the Kushaq, based on the initial concept sketch teaser that the company released. Thus, anticipate a split headlamp configuration and the butterfly grille design found on contemporary Skoda models.
Shared Platform
Skoda plans to develop its Tata Nexon-rivalling SUV on the MQB-A0-IN platform, which is currently used by Kushaq. It will nevertheless be modified to comply with the sub-4m segment regulations.
To put things in perspective, the Taigun and Virtus, the Volkswagen SUV and sedan twins, and the Skoda Slavia car are also built on the same platform.
Similar Features List
A 10-inch touchscreen, cruise control, wireless phone charging, and ventilated front seats are just a few of the features that make the Kushaq a rather well-equipped little SUV. Alongside its feature-rich competitors, the new Skoda sub-4m SUV is anticipated to have at least some of the major amenities listed above, if not all of them. This would place it in a competitive position.
A Sturdy Safety Net
Regarding safety, we can anticipate that the next Skoda SUV will share certain features with the Kushaq, which boasts an electronic stability control (ESC), a reversing camera, and up to six airbags. We also expect that Skoda will include a 360-degree camera in its next sub-4m SUV, as some of its main competitors, including the Maruti Brezza and Kia Sonet, already have this feature. It’s too soon to say, though, if Skoda will begin providing ADAS technology for its India lineup.
The five-star Global NCAP rating of the Kushaq is another significant component of its safety criteria. We expect the new SUV to provide comparable levels of occupant safety as well since it will share the same platform.
The Condensed Engine
The Kushaq has two turbo-petrol engines (1 liter and 1.5 liters), but Skoda will most likely provide the smaller engine for its next SUV. This would allow the lower displacement engine category’s advantages to be fully realized at a fair price. It is expected that the new model will come with a 6-speed manual and an automated transmission.
Timeline for Launch, Estimated Price, and Competitor
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.
Also Check: Hyundai I20 N Line Facelift For Europe Unveiled