News & Top StoriesTata 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 StoriesMahindra XUV700 Electric Design Patent Verifies New Steering Wheel And Three-Screen Configuration
Recently, there have been a few sightings of the Mahindra XUV.e8, the all-electric version of the Mahindra XUV700, in testing. Mahindra has filed multiple design patents, exposing some of the interior features of this anticipated electric SUV, in preparation for its later-year launch.
Unveiled are the new dashboard and steering
According to the image of the design patent, Mahindra plans to replace the three-spoke steering wheel seen in the standard XUV700 with an octagonal 2-spoke steering wheel with the XUV.e8. Mahindra’s new 2-spoke steering wheel is probably going to include an illuminated Mahindra emblem in the center, just like the Harrier-Safari pair and other modern Tata SUVs.
A three-screen arrangement on the dashboard, comprising the infotainment screen, the instrument cluster, and a separate screen for the front passenger, is another feature Mahindra has patented for the XUV.e8. Though details regarding the screen size are still scarce, it might run exclusively on Mahindra’s Adrenox software.
Expected Features
Features including wireless phone charging, multi-zone climate management, linked car technology, and a panoramic sunroof are anticipated for the XUV700 EV. It will have certain Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), electronic stability control (ESC), and up to six airbags for further safety.
Powertrain
The XUV.e8, the XUV700’s electric variant, will come with two different battery pack options: a 60 kWh and an 80 kWh battery pack. According to WLTP, it has a range of up to 450 kilometers. Both single and multiple motor configurations will be mated to the unit. Both rear-wheel drive (RWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD) setups will be supported by its platform. Up to 285 PS can be produced by the former, and up to 394 PS by the latter. Additionally, up to 175 kW of fast charging will be supported.
Predicted Release, Cost, and Competitors
The Mahindra XUV.e8 is anticipated to go on sale in December 2024 and cost approximately Rs 35 lakh (ex-showroom). It will compete with the BYD Atto 3 and act as a high-end substitute for the Hyundai Kona Electric and MG ZS EV.
News & Top StoriesThe Top 7 Cheapest 7-Seater SUVs in India That Are Ideal For Large Families
India’s growing popularity of SUVs is attested to by the variety of SUV body styles available there, ranging from micro- to full-sized SUVs. Furthermore, three-row SUVs have entered the mainstream market as a result of SUVs’ rising appeal, making sure that big families may still enjoy SUVs.
Seating capacity is one of the most important requirements in a country as diverse as India, where client needs differ greatly. With configurations ranging from four to seven seats, SUVs in India satisfy this need by offering a wide range of options across several sectors. We have compiled a list of the seven most reasonably priced 7-seater SUV alternatives available in India.
Mahindra Bolero Neo: Rs 9.95 lakh
In India, the most reasonably priced seven-seater SUV on the market is the Mahindra Bolero Neo. The base N4 model, which costs Rs 9.95 lakh, has a 1.5-liter diesel engine that produces 100 PS and 260 Nm of torque. It is coupled to a 5-speed manual gearbox. Additionally, the top-tier models include a mechanical locking differential at the back.
Mahindra Bolero: Rs 9.98 lakh
After more than 20 years of sales in the nation, consumers seeking a tough substitute for comparably priced monocoque SUVs have continued to choose the Mahindra Bolero. The most recent model of the seven-seat Bolero is priced at Rs 9.98 lakh. Its 1.5-liter diesel engine produces 210 Nm and 76 PS. It is connected to a manual 5-speed transmission. Comparing the Bolero to its rivals, though, shows how outdated it has become, and a generational redesign is anticipated for the SUV by 2026.
Citroen C3 Aircross: Rs 11.96 lakh
In and of itself, the Citroen C3 Aircross is a rather special offering. Citroen went above and beyond by providing the option of two additional seats in the rear while maintaining affordable pricing, something that other compact SUV manufacturers only provide in 5-seater configurations. The 7-seater is the most reasonably priced model on the list, with a starting price of Rs 11.96 lakh, while the 5-seater variations start at Rs 9.99 lakh. Its 1.2-liter turbo-petrol engine produces 110 horsepower and 206 torque. Either a 6-speed torque converter transmission or a 6-speed manual gearbox is included.
Mahindra Scorpio Classic: Rs 13.59 lakh
The automaker decided to continue selling the second-generation Mahindra Scorpio alongside the new SUV, albeit with certain modifications and a new moniker (Scorpio Classic), even after the third-generation model was introduced as the Scorpio N in India. To accommodate various buyer profiles, the older generation Scorpio is still available for purchase. There are only two models with seven and nine seats, which makes things simpler. A 2.2-liter diesel engine producing 300 Nm and 132 PS powers it. The manual transmission has six speeds.
Mahindra Scorpio N: Rs 13.85 lakh
The third generation of the Mahindra Scorpio brand, the Scorpio N, has better powertrains and additional features. The layouts with six and seven seats are likewise available. The base price of the seven-seater Scorpio N is Rs 13.85 lakh. You can choose between a 2.0-liter turbo-petrol engine (203 PS/380 Nm) and a 2.2-liter diesel engine (132 PS/300 Nm) at this pricing. Rear-wheel drive (RWD) and four-wheel drive (4WD) are the other two drivetrain options.
Tata Safari: Rs 16.19 lakh
In our market, the automaker’s premier three-row vehicle is the Tata Safari. Prices for it start at Rs 16.19 lakh and it comes in 6- and 7-seater versions. Its 2-liter diesel engine produces 350 Nm and 170 PS. It can be had with a 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic transmission, which both provide the front wheels with power. Although it is not currently available, a gasoline engine is anticipated to be added shortly. Additionally, an electric vehicle (EV) version of the SUV is being developed, with a 2025 debut anticipated.
Hyundai Alcazar: Rs 16.78 lakh
When seeking a larger SUV that can accommodate six or seven people, consider the Hyundai Alcazar instead of the Creta. A 1.5-liter turbo-petrol engine (160 PS / 253 Nm) mated to a 6-speed manual or a 7-speed DCT (dual-clutch automatic transmission) and a 1.5-liter diesel engine (116 PS / 250 Nm) mated to a 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic transmission are the two engine options available.
The MG Hector Plus (Rs 17 lakh), the 5-door Force Gurkha (Rs 18 lakh), and the Mahindra XUV700 (Rs 16.89 lakh) were other SUVs that were nearly as good but did not make the list.
News & Top StoriesComparison 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.
News & Top StoriesCurrently, Mahindra XUV 3XO Petrol Variants Make Up Almost 70% Of All Bookings.
- In April 2024, Mahindra unveiled the XUV 3XO, a facelifted version of the XUV 300.
- It comes with a choice of 1.5-liter diesel and 1.2-liter turbo-petrol engines, each paired with an automatic transmission.
- Compared to diesel versions, petrol versions can be purchased for up to Rs 1.6 lakh less.
- The Mahindra SUV‘s starting pricing (ex-showroom, nationwide) ranges from Rs 7.49 lakh to Rs 15.49 lakh.
The Mahindra XUV 3XO, a facelifted version of the XUV300 SUV, was released at the end of April 2024. On May 15, the automaker began accepting reservations for the new SUV; it was subsequently disclosed that it had received 50,000 orders in the first hour. Top Mahindra executives also provided some information on the orders they have received for the new SUV during a recent investor meeting.
Increased Demand for Petrol
In contrast to the reputation of Mahindra SUVs, according to Mahindra spokespeople, the petrol models of the XUV 3XO make up almost 70% of all reservations made up to this point. It’s hardly shocking, considering that even the XUV300’s sales distribution over time has been fairly evenly split between the two fuel kinds. About 45% of SUV sales in January 2024 were of the gasoline variety, with the diesel and electric (XUV400) versions accounting for the remaining 55%.
The fact that the petrol versions are up to Rs 1.6 lakh less expensive than their diesel counterparts is another reason why there is probably more demand for them. This can play a big role in the decision-making process for those looking to purchase a sub-4 million SUV as opposed to those choosing larger and more expensive Mahindra SUVs like the Thar, Scorpio N, or even XUV700.
A Modernized Pair of Engines
Mahindra decided to keep supplying its sub-4 million SUV with diesel and petrol powertrains along with the makeover, but on its petrol engines, it swapped out the AMT automatic for a “proper” torque converter unit. Here are some of the available engine-gearbox combinations:
| Specification | 1.2-litre turbo-petrol | 1.2-litre TGDi turbo-petrol | 1.5-litre diesel |
| Power | 112 PS | 130 PS | 117 PS |
| Torque | 200 Nm | Up to 250 Nm | 300 Nm |
| Transmission | 6-speed MT, 6-speed AT | MT and AT six-speeds | 6-speed MT, 6-speed AMT |
| Claimed Mileage | 18.89 kmpl, 17.96 kmpl | 20.1 kmpl, 18.2 kmpl | 20.6 kmpl, 21.2 kmpl |
Three drive modes are also available for the higher-spec petrol-automatic variants: Zip, Zap, and Zoom. Perhaps the popularity of the petrol-powered 3XO models has also been attributed to the option of a more sophisticated automatic powertrain combined with segment-leading performance.
Cost Range and Rivals
The starting pricing of the Mahindra XUV 3XO (ex-showroom, all of India) ranges from Rs 7.49 lakh to Rs 15.49 lakh. Its rivals include the Nissan Magnite, Hyundai Venue, Maruti Suzuki Brezza, Kia Sonet, Tata Nexon, Renault Kiger, and the soon-to-be Skoda sub-4m SUV. Another option for sub-4 million crossovers like the Maruti Fronx and Toyota Urban Cruiser Taisor is the Mahindra SUV.
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.