Father's Day: The Top 12 Car Accessories to Impress Dad News & Top Stories

Father’s Day: The Top 12 Car Accessories to Impress Dad

With Father’s Day approaching, you can give the dad in your household something that will make those travels safer and more enjoyable. In many households, the dad handles most driving responsibilities. Here are some suggestions for car accessories that will suit a variety of budgets and make him feel extra special.

Gifts Under Rs 10,000

Seats with External Ventilation

The built-in fans in these seat coverings provide relief from the intense summer heat by forcing a cool breeze through the seat cushion’s perforations. Even during lengthy trips, it can assist the wearer stay refreshed and prevent excessive perspiration.

Advice: Make sure that no changes or aftermarket ventilated seat coverings interfere with the airbags or seat belts in your car.

Cushion for back massage

These cushions have heated components and vibrating rollers with programmable settings to reduce back pain and improve comfort when driving. With this add-on, your dad will be able to enjoy the kind of comfort typically reserved for high-end vehicles and best experienced as a passenger.

Advice: Using it while operating a vehicle may cause fatigue, perhaps impair alertness, and slower reaction times, all of which raise the possibility of collisions.

Expensive Automobile Speakers

Giving a 6-speaker or 9-speaker audio system to parents who appreciate excellent sound quality for a wonderful driving environment might be a great idea. You may enjoy crystal-clear, detailed music from these high-end speakers while jamming out to your favorite songs during any drive.

Advice: Make sure the car speakers you’re thinking about work with the audio system that’s currently in your car. To get the best possible sound quality and performance, make sure the speakers are compatible with the power output of your car’s audio. To make sure they are correctly integrated, you should also think about having them professionally installed.

Gifts Under Rs 5,000

Dash Camera

The camera on this device faces forward and is fixed to the windshield of your car. It assists in documenting happenings on the road ahead, offering priceless video for insurance claims in the event of collisions, contesting inaccurate traffic citations, and filming beautiful drives for travel vlogging. Certain dash cams are perfect for vlogging because they contain an additional camera facing the cabin.

Advice: Make sure the dash cam is positioned correctly so that it doesn’t impede the driver’s view. A poor placement may cause distractions or problems with visibility, which could endanger people’s safety.

Vehicle Tracker

Dads who value vehicle security will love this device because it lets them keep an eye on their car’s whereabouts at all times. These gadgets are used in conjunction with smartphone apps that use GPS tracking technology to show you the car’s current location. When the vehicle is being driven by a chauffeur or by family and friends, it can also be used to track them.

Advice: To ensure that the device successfully tracks the location of the automobile and guard against possible tampering or theft, put the gadget in a discrete area of the car.

Display Heads-Up

When a car has a Heads Up Display (HUD), it projects crucial driving information onto its transparent glass so that the driver may see data like speed, navigational directions, and alerts without taking their eyes off the road. By reducing distractions, this technology helps drivers maintain their attention on the road ahead.

Advice: Make sure everything is properly positioned and that the text is readable without getting in the way of your view of the road.

Gifts Under Rs 3,000

Cleaner with Vacuum

There must have been a lot of us who got in trouble for leaving crumbs in the car. Giving your dad a vacuum cleaner will so demonstrate that you now take pride in the cleanliness of the automobile as well.

One useful item for keeping the interior of a car clean is a portable car vacuum cleaner. It is strong and small, making it easy to store in the trunk. It cleans car seats, floors, air vents, USB ports, and other surfaces of dirt, dust, and debris. Some can run off the car’s 12V plug, but others might work better with a battery.

Pick a model that has easily accessible filters and unambiguous maintenance instructions to make sure it stays in top shape.

Car Tyre Inflator

An indispensable instrument for ensuring that your tires are properly inflated is a tire inflator. A tire inflator can be used to temporarily fill a flat tire or slow puncture, allowing you to drive safely to the closest tire repair facility. There are many different kinds of these devices, including mechanical and electronic variants, and many of them have digital displays for simple monitoring.

Advice: To avoid air leaks, make sure the inflator has a dependable and user-friendly connector that fastens firmly to the valve stem of the tire.

Air Purifier

While the air outdoors has gotten noticeably more filthy, most cars did not have sophisticated air filtering systems until quite recently. Therefore, you may help your dad breathe clean air wherever he drives by getting him an air purifier for his car. To maintain clean, fresh air within, it eliminates allergies, pollutants, and smells.

Advice: Position the air purifier so that it doesn’t obstruct any air vents or dashboard controls. For maximum performance, routine maintenance is essential. This includes cleaning or replacing the filters following the manufacturer’s recommendations.

Gifts Under Rs 1,000

Mobile Holder

Though many automobiles still lack these features, the majority of modern cars come equipped with fancy infotainment systems (like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto) that can connect to your smartphone. A mobile holder will be a useful addition to your car if your dad has a lower-end model or an older vehicle without this option. It will prevent him from taking his hand off the steering wheel and being distracted while driving.

It is possible to place a mobile holder on the dashboard, the central air conditioning vents, or even a corner of the windshield. It’s a useful gadget that keeps your smartphone visible and accessible while driving, making it safer.

Advice: Make sure the phone holder is installed so that it doesn’t get in the way of the driver’s ability to see the road. Having things easily accessible will help reduce distractions.

Sun Shade for Windshield

When a car is parked outside, windshield sunscreen is a useful addition to help shield the interior from the sun’s harmful rays and extreme heat. It keeps the interior of the car cooler and guards against UV ray damage to the leatherette upholstery and dashboard by reflecting sunlight away from the car.

Advice: Pick one that fits your dad’s car’s make and model and is big enough to cover the whole windshield. This guarantees that the heat and UV rays will be blocked as effectively as possible, keeping the car’s interior cooler and more protected.

Wireless Charger

For fathers who value technology, this is a useful gadget. It makes charging simple: just place the phone on the pad to start charging it automatically. This eliminates the need for cords and keeps the interior of the car tidy.

Advice: It’s a good idea to stick with products from reliable, well-known manufacturers when picking a wireless charger. This guarantees that the charger satisfies safety requirements and reduces the possibility of an overheat or malfunction.

Bonus Gift Idea: Full tank of fuel

Even something as small as giving your car a full tank of gas when it’s almost empty can be a way to thank your dad for everything he does, especially when gas prices are constantly rising. A father ensures that the car is prepared and fully charged before sending you and your family to all of their favorite spots and life events, or just to work. Why not give him the same tranquility on Father’s Day?

Father’s Day isn’t just about giving extravagant gifts to our dads, even if we recognize that they occasionally enjoy being spoilt. By making their life a little bit easier, small but thoughtful gifts, like some of the accessories we’ve mentioned above, can be a way to demonstrate that you are aware of their difficulties and care about them. Taking your dad for a drive after you’ve fitted the correct automobile accessory present could be the best way to commemorate the day.

Once more, a new generation Kia Carnival was observed being tested in hilly terrain. News & Top Stories

Once more, a new generation Kia Carnival was observed being tested in hilly terrain.

  • Once more, high in the mountains, the Kia Carnival facelift was being spied on while testing in India.
  • anticipated to debut later in 2024.
  • has a revised external design, with a larger grille and new front-end styling.
  • It is anticipated that the interior will resemble the worldwide model but have more technology than previously.
  • It is anticipated that the next generation Carnival will cost more than Rs 30 lakh.

The Kia Carnival is scheduled to make a comeback to the nation in its most recent incarnation after being discontinued in 2023. The high-end MPV has been observed testing once more ahead of its launch, this time in Himachal Pradesh’s high-altitude areas. While we wait for the new generation India-spec Kia Carnival to make its debut, check out what we can see on this test mule.

What’s Fresh

Even with the camouflage wrap, the most recent spy photos offer a closer look at the forthcoming MPV’s front-end design. With its new LED headlight arrangement and L-shaped LED daytime running lights (DRLs), it shares a design language with the Kia EV9. Compared to the previous Carnival that was sold in India, the front fascia appears larger, with a wider grille and a more upright nose.

The side and rear profiles of the MPV were also seen, albeit disguised, in an earlier test mule. Interestingly, we noticed a brushed aluminum skid plate in the front in the spy photos, but this test mule either lacks it or has it hidden behind the camouflage. Go here to read the story.

Expected Features and Interiors

We may presume that the technology and design of the forthcoming Kia Carnival, built for the Indian market, would resemble those of the global model even though we haven’t seen the interiors. Consequently, it ought to include a single curved glass pane that combines two 12.3-inch screens. It can also have a panoramic sunroof, wireless phone charging, powered and ventilated seats, a three-zone automatic air conditioning system with revised air vents, and a rear-seat entertainment system with two screens for passengers in the second row.

Engine and Performance

Although Kia has not released official information regarding the powertrain specifications of the upcoming Carnival for India, we anticipate that it will only be available with one engine option that is paired with an automatic transmission. It is available worldwide with a 1.6-liter petrol-hybrid (242 PS/367 Nm) and a 3.5-liter V6 petrol (287 PS/353 Nm). A 2.2-liter diesel engine producing 200 horsepower and 440 Nm paired with an 8-speed automated gearbox was offered for the earlier Carnival.

Cost and Competitors

The 2024 Kia Carnival may have starting costs beyond Rs 30 lakh (ex-showroom). It is anticipated to be less expensive than luxury MPVs like the Toyota Vellfire and Lexus LM, but a more opulent and high-end substitute for the Toyota Innova Hycross.

MG Hector & Hector Plus News & Top Stories

The price of MG Hector and Hector Plus increases by up to Rs 30,000.

  • The price increase for the MG Hector‘s five-seater model is up to Rs 22,000.
  • Right now, its price ranges from Rs 13.99 lakh to Rs 22.24 lakh.
  • Conversely, there has been a price increase of up to Rs 30,000 for the Hector Plus.
  • The current price range for the MG Hector Plus is Rs 18.20 lakh to Rs 23.08 lakh.

The MG Hector and Hector Plus SUVs will now cost you extra money because the company has announced a Rs 30,000 price hike for all variants of both vehicles. The SUV pair’s Blackstorm version is likewise subject to this hike. Let’s examine their updated prices according to variants.

MG Hector

VariantOld PriceNew PriceDifference
Petrol Manual
StyleRs 13.99 lakhRs 13.99 lakhNo difference
Shine ProRs 16 lakhRs 16.16 lakh+ Rs 16,000
Select ProRs 17.30 lakhRs 17.48 lakh+ Rs 18,000
Smart ProRs 18.24 lakhRs 18.43 lakh+ Rs 19,000
Sharp ProRs 19.70 lakhRs 19.90 lakh+ Rs 20,000
Petrol Automatic
Shine Pro CVTRs 17 lakhRs 17.17 lakh+ Rs 17,000
Select Pro CVTRs 18.49 lakhRs 18.68 lakh+ Rs 19,000
Sharp Pro CVTRs 21 lakhRs 21.21 lakh+ Rs 21,000
Hector Blackstorm CVTRs 21.32 lakhRs 21.53 lakh+ Rs 21,000
Savvy Pro CVTRs 21.95 lakhRs 22.17 lakh+ Rs 22,000
Diesel Manual
Shine ProRs 17.70 lakhRs 17.88 lakh+ Rs 18,000
Select ProRs 18.70 lakhRs 18.89 lakh+ Rs 19,000
Smart ProRs 20 lakhRs 20 lakhNo difference
Sharp ProRs 21.70 lakhRs 21.92 lakh+ Rs 22,000
Hector Blackstorm DieselRs 22.02 lakhRs 22.24 lakh+ Rs 22,000
  • The MG Hector’s base-spec Style petrol manual and mid-spec Smart Pro diesel manual models are not impacted by the price increase.
  • The price increase for the higher-spec petrol and diesel versions, which include the Blackstorm editions, is as much as Rs 22,000.
  • The MG Hector is currently available for between Rs 13.99 lakh and Rs 22.24 lakh.

MG Hector Plus

VariantOld PriceNew PriceDifference
Petrol Manual
Select Pro 7-seaterRs 18 lakhRs 18.20 lakh+ Rs 20,000
Sharp Pro 6/7-seaterRs 20.40 lakhRs 20.63 lakh+ Rs 23,000
Petrol Automatic
Sharp Pro CVT 6/7-seaterRs 21.73 lakhRs 21.97 lakh+ Rs 24,000
Hector Plus Blackstorm CVT 7-seaterRs 22.05 lakhRs 22.29 lakh+ Rs 24,000
Savvy Pro CVT 6/7-seaterRs 22.68 lakhRs 22.93 lakh+ Rs 25,000
Diesel Manual
Style 6/7-seaterRs 17 lakhRs 17.30 lakh+ Rs 30,000
Select Pro 7-seaterRs 19.60 lakhRs 19.82 lakh+ Rs 22,000
Smart Pro 6-seaterRs 21 lakhRs 21.23 lakh+ Rs 23,000
Sharp Pro 7-seaterRs 22.30 lakhRs 22.50 lakh+ Rs 20,000
Sharp Pro 6-seaterRs 22.51 lakhRs 22.76 lakh+ Rs 25,000
Hector Plus Blackstorm 7-seater DieselRs 22.62 lakhRs 22.87 lakh+ Rs 25,000
Hector Plus Blackstorm 6-seater DieselRs 22.83 lakhRs 23.08 lakh+ Rs 25,000
  • The diesel versions of the MG Hector Plus have seen a price increase of up to Rs 30,000 in comparison to the petrol version.
  • The price difference for the Hector Plus Blackstorm models is now up to Rs 25,000.
  • The MG Hector Plus is priced between Rs 18.20 lakh and Rs 23.08 lakh.

Transmission & Engine

The following is a list of the specifications for the turbo-petrol and diesel engines that MG offers for the Hector and Hector Plus:

Engine1.5-litre turbo-petrol2-litre diesel
Power143 PS170 PS
Torque250 PS350 Nm
Transmission6-speed MT, CVT6-speed MT

The Hector SUV diesel models do not currently come with an automatic transmission option.

Rivals

The Mahindra XUV700 5-seater model, the Tata Harrier, and the higher-spec Hyundai Creta and Kia Seltos are also competitors for the MG Hector. Conversely, the has competition from the Tata Safari, Hyundai Alcazar, and the 6- and 7-seat Mahindra XUV700 models.

In India, reservations for the new petrol-powered Mini Cooper S have opened. News & Top Stories

In India, reservations for the new petrol-powered Mini Cooper S have opened.

  • new petrol-powered Mini Cooper Reservations are open; rates will be released shortly.
  • includes the recognizable Union Jack emblem on its LED taillights and a new octagonal front grille.
  • The conventional instrument cluster has been replaced inside with a 9.4-inch circular OLED touchscreen.
  • A 2-liter four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine with 204 horsepower and 300 Nm powers the Mini Cooper S.

The fifth generation new petrol-powered Mini Cooper, which keeps its famous form but has been modified with new styling and an improved interior, is about to make a comeback to India. Although the costs have not yet been disclosed, reservations for this new model are now being accepted.

Outside

The 2024 Mini Cooper retains its traditional shape and has a sleeker style that makes it look familiar. It has new circular LED headlights with DRL-customizable light patterns on either side of an elaborately designed octagonal front grille.

It has new 17-inch alloy wheels on the side that can be upgraded to 18-inch wheels. Redesigned LED taillights with a stylish sequential indicator and the recognizable Union Jack pattern are featured on the back.

The next Cooper S will be available from Mini in five different color combinations: Ocean Wave Green, Sunny Side Yellow, British Racing Green, Chill Red II, and Blazing Blue.

Interiors

The centerpiece of the 2024 new petrol-powered Mini Cooper’s redesigned, minimalist interior is a 9.4-inch circular OLED touchscreen that keeps the car’s recognizable round concept. This central screen serves as the vehicle’s information display in place of the conventional instrument cluster.

On the center console below it, a toggle bar unit contains the parking brake, gear selector, start/stop key, experience mode toggle, and volume control neatly placed. There’s a wireless charging tray in the place of the gear lever. The back seats fold down in a 60:40 split to expand the trunk space from 210 to 725 liters, and a panoramic glass top lets in more natural light into the cabin.

The Mini Cooper S comes equipped with a heads-up display, electrically adjusting front seats, a driver’s seat massage function, ambient lighting, an electrochromic rearview mirror, auto air conditioning, and connected car technology.

Powertrain

The 2-liter, four-cylinder, turbocharged petrol engine powering the 2024 Mini Cooper S produces 204 PS and 300 Nm, which is 26 PS and 20 Nm more than the present model. It also accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.6 seconds, which is 0.1 seconds less than the current model. The front wheels are driven by a 7-speed DCT (dual-clutch automatic gearbox).

Security

Six airbags, ABS with braking help, a level-1 advanced driver assistance system (ADAS), traction control, dynamic stability control, and an electronic parking brake are among the safety features of the 2017 Mini Cooper S. A blind spot warning system is an optional feature, however, it also comes with a pedestrian warning system as standard.

Cost and Competitors

The 2024 Mini Cooper’s pricing has not yet been revealed. But with the extra technology and features, the existing Mini Cooper S three-door line starts at Rs 42.7 lakh (ex-showroom) and will fetch a significant premium. Although it doesn’t have any direct competitors, the Mercedes-Benz GLA, Audi Q3, and BMW X1 are some of its possible substitutes.

News & Top Stories

Once More, New Force Gurkha-based Pickup Spy Testing

  • The snorkel and alloy wheels are identical to those of the standard Gurkha 3-door.
  • It features a cargo bed fastened to the back portion of the chassis, making it a pickup.
  • A 2.6-liter diesel engine with a modified tune is anticipated to power it.
  • Details about its launch are pending confirmation.

With an upgraded engine and new features, the 2024 Force Gurkha and Gurkha 5-door are already available for purchase in India. Now that a test mule has been seen going through testing, it seems like Force is almost ready to release a pickup version of the Gurkha SUV. This is what these latest spy photos might indicate.

According To The Revised Gurkha

 

All of the test mule’s camouflage was visible, save for the headlamp housing and front grille. These latest spy photos unequivocally indicate that they are based on the recently released, upgraded Gurkha. This test mule is a 2-door Gurkha Pickup, unlike the spy photo from before. As with standard Gurkha, the snorkel has also been given next to the A-pillar.

As seen in the picture, a cargo bed has been affixed to the back portion of the chassis. The test mule’s alloy wheels are the same ones that come with the Gurkha 3-door and 5-door SUVs.

Will It Enter Production?

It is yet unknown if this version of the Gurkha will go into production, and the test mule that was seen seems to be an early, unfinished prototype. Furthermore, Force has not disclosed any dates for the Gurkha pickup’s introduction.

Expected Powertrain

If it is introduced, the Gurkha pickup’s 2.6-liter diesel engine and 5-speed manual transmission are probably going to be the same. It may also be equipped with a 4-wheel-drive (4WD) system.

For the record, the current Gurkha SUVs have the same engine, which produces 140 PS and 320 Nm, and they are equipped with a 4WD drivetrain by default.

What About Features

We couldn’t comment on the Gurkha pickup test mule’s equipment list even though we weren’t able to see it inside. It’s probable, nevertheless, that it has fewer features than the standard Gurkha SUVs because of its pickup design. Expect its feature list to be comparable to the 3-door Gurkha’s, even if it is introduced as a private car in our markets.

The Gurkha now comes with a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, a digital instrument cluster, and manual air conditioning in both 3-door and 5-door models. A tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS), rear parking sensors, and dual front airbags are all part of their safety equipment.

Competitors

The Force Gurkha pickup is a reasonably priced substitute for the Isuzu V-Cross and Toyota Hilux.

Tata Altroz Racer vs Tata Altroz: Five Important Distinctions elucidated News & Top Stories

Tata Altroz Racer vs Tata Altroz: Five Important Distinctions elucidated

The Tata Altroz Racer is the brand-new, ultra-sporty sister of the Tata Altroz. This version of the high-end hatchback receives additional features and a more potent engine in addition to visual changes. Tata upgraded the standard Altroz along with the Altroz Racer, adding several of the latter’s additional features and a few new, higher-spec versions. To help you choose which of the two is ideal for you, we’ll go over the main distinctions between the upgraded Altroz and the Altroz Racer in this post.

Exteriors

Both of these high-end hatchbacks have the same overall design, but the Racer has a two-tone paint job while the ordinary Altroz only comes in monochromatic color choices. The list of colors for both hatchbacks is as follows:

Altroz RacerAltroz
  • Atomic Orange (New)

  • Avenue White

  • Pure Grey

  • Downtown Red

  • Avenue White

  • Arcade Grey

  • Opera Blue

  • Cosmic Dark

The hatchback’s recently introduced sportier version also has race-flag-inspired decorations that run from the roof to the blacked-out hood. The dark finish on the 16-inch alloy wheels and the blacked-out Tata emblem are two further unique features. The Altroz Racer also has two distinctive badges: an “i-Turbo+” badge on the tailgate and a “Racer” badge on the front fenders.

Insides

The dashboard design of the Racer edition is identical to that of the ordinary model, but it sports orange accents around the AC vents, “Racer” embossing on the headrests, and orange-white seat stripes. Although the seats are leatherette on both models, the Racers are completely blacked out, while the normal models have a tri-arrow design. Additionally exclusive to this model is the Racer edition’s leather-wrapped gear knob and orange ambient lighting on the dashboard.

Characteristics and Security

Following the introduction of new models in the standard Altroz, both hatchbacks now get an expanded 10.25-inch touchscreen with an eight-speaker configuration. The front ventilated seats, a feature unique to the Racer edition, are the main distinction here, though. A 360-degree camera with a blind-spot monitor, a wireless phone charger, an air purifier, and a 7-inch digital driver’s display are among the extra features that are now offered on both variants.

All three of Tata’s Altroz Racer models come with six airbags. Six airbags have been added by the automaker to the base Altroz as well, although only on the higher-spec models.

Powertrain

The Altroz Racer, in contrast to the ordinary Altroz, is equipped with a 6-speed manual transmission and a more potent turbo-petrol engine taken from the Nexon. The sole engine available for the standard Altroz is a 1.2-liter gasoline engine with a 5-speed manual gearbox or a 6-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission (DCT). The Altroz Racer lacks an automated transmission completely even though it gains 32 PS over the standard Altroz.

It’s also important to remember that the standard Altroz comes with a 1.5-liter diesel engine option (90 PS/200 Nm) paired with a 5-speed manual transmission. Conversely, the Altroz Racer is limited to gasoline.

SpecificationsAltroz RacerAltroz
Engine1.2-litre turbo-petrol1.2-litre petrol
Power120 PS88 PS
Torque170 Nm115 Nm
Transmission6-speed MT5-speed MT / 6-speed DCT

Additionally, Tata removed the i-Turbo petrol engine option from the ordinary Altroz lineup with the introduction of the Altroz Racer. Thus, you can choose the Racer edition only if you want a turbo-petrol engine.

The Altroz Racer has a dual-tip exhaust system, something the standard Altroz does not have. To match its aggressive style, Tata is even providing the Altroz Racer with a throaty exhaust tone.

Prices

Below is a comparison of the costs of the recently released Racer edition and ordinary Altroz:

Altroz RacerAltroz
Rs 9.49 lakh to Rs 10.99 lakh (introductory)Rs 6.65 lakh to Rs 10.80 lakh

The base-spec form of the ordinary Altroz is roughly Rs 3 lakh less expensive than the Altroz Racer. The normal Altroz is offered in six general trim levels: XE, XM, XM+, XT, XZ, and XZ+. In contrast, the Altroz Racer is supplied in three variations (R1, R2, and R3).