News & Top StoriesBeginning in April 2024, Kia automobiles will be more expensive
Kia, a Korean automaker, has declared that it will raise the cost of its vehicles starting on April 1, 2024. Every mass-market model will be impacted by the price increase, with the Seltos, Sonet, and Carens seeing price increases of up to 3% starting next month. This is the first price increase for Kia models in 2024; the last price increase for Kia automobiles was announced in October 2023.
What Caused The Price Increase?
According to Kia, supply chain-related inputs, increased input costs, and commodity price increases are the reasons behind the company’s pricing increases for its vehicles.
“At Kia, we consistently strive to deliver premium and technologically advanced products to our esteemed customers,” stated Mr. Hardeep Singh Brar, National Head – of Sales and Marketing, Kia India, in response to this move. Nonetheless, we are forced to enact a partial price hike as a result of the ongoing rise in commodity prices, the unfavorable exchange rate, and growing input costs. Customers may keep driving their favorite Kia vehicles without suffering severe financial hardship because the firm is taking up a sizable amount of the increase.
Price Range For Current Kia Vehicles
| Models | Price Range |
| Kia Sonet | Rs 7.99 lakh to Rs 15.69 lakh |
| Kia Seltos | Rs 10.99 lakh to Rs 20.30 lakh |
| Kia Carens | Rs 10.45 lakh to Rs 19.45 lakh |
| Kia EV6 | Rs 60.95 lakh to Rs 65.95 lakh |
In India, Kia presently sells four cars, one of which is an EV called the Kia EV6. All models will be affected by the price increase, except the EV6, which is not a mass-market vehicle. Furthermore, the Kia Sonet’s promotional prices will expire in April 2024 due to a midlife upgrade that was received in January 2024.
Kia’s Future Plans
Kia is preparing to release a new generation of the Kia Carnival in India, as well as its flagship electric SUV, the Kia EV9. For additional information about forthcoming Kia vehicles in India, click this site.
Also Read: Launch Schedule For Volkswagen ID.4 In India Unveiled
News & Top StoriesLaunch Schedule for Volkswagen ID.4 in India Unveiled; Will Competitor Hyundai Ioniq 5
- In India, the Volkswagen ID.4 will be the brand’s first electric vehicle.
- will probably only be available in one well-equipped version when it arrives in India as a fully constructed unit (CBU).
- With a 77kWh battery pack, ID.4 is reportedly able to go over 500 kilometers (WLTP) worldwide.
Volkswagen India announced its product plans for the remainder of the year at its annual conference, where the German automaker also revealed the date of the debut of its first pure EV in the nation. The Volkswagen ID.4 electric SUV crossover made an appearance on stage, and it was revealed that it would be available as a premium CBU import by the end of 2024. When the item arrives at our place, let’s investigate everything that might be included in its shores.
Exterior
The Volkswagen ID.4 has an elegant appearance on the outside. The Volkswagen logo is front and center, encircled by wraparound LED headlights that draw attention to the car’s aerodynamic design because the front radiator grille has been removed. Additionally, there are dynamic components like the honeycomb air dam running the length of the front bumper and the air scoops on either end.
The car has a sleek and futuristic appearance because of its sharp edges and clean lines. Though it is classified as a crossover, the ID.4 has remarkable proportions; it is marginally shorter and lower than the Volkswagen Tiguan SUV. It yet has tough stylistic cues like the thick sheathing that surrounds the entire bottom. The ID.4 has a low drag coefficient of 0.28, which is perfect for extending range, because of its streamlined form. The ID.4 also has a sleek and expensive-looking design on the back, with a tall rear bumper and connected LED taillamps. The chrome skid plate stands tall in an attempt to enhance its SUV status.
The ID.4 GTX, a more aggressive variant of the electric crossover, was spotted in India last year.
Interior
The Volkswagen ID.4 maintains its futuristic feel inside, with touch or voice commands controlling the majority of its features. A 5.3-inch digital display known as ID. The cockpit replaces the conventional instrument cluster and takes center stage on the leather-wrapped steering wheel, providing important data like range and battery condition. Lighting controls are neatly located to the left, and a sizable rocker switch has taken the role of the shifter next to the display. A sizable touchscreen in the center of the dashboard manages entertainment, navigation, and other functions. Drivers can customize this screen.
Features
The ID.4 is equipped with all of the usual comfort and convenience features found throughout the Volkswagen range. Dual-zone climate control and a motorized tailgate with Easy Open & Close are included in the electric Volkswagen as a premium feature. A 12-inch touchscreen infotainment unit, augmented reality heads-up display, wireless mobile charging, wireless App-Connect, and linked car technology are among the technological features offered by the ID.4.
Six airbags, a 360-degree camera, and an extensive array of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) are among the ID.4’s standard safety features. The battery is protected from road dangers by a detachable aluminum underbody panel. To be extra safe, the battery is automatically turned off in the event of a serious collision.
Performance, Range, and Battery
Rear-wheel drive (RWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD) are offered on four separate VW ID.4 versions sold internationally. The battery-pack choice that Volkswagen will offer in India has not yet been confirmed, but here is a quick rundown of the several powertrain options it may get:
| Variants | Base RWD | Long Range RWD | Long Range AWD | GTX |
| Power (PS) | 170 PS | 286 PS | 286 PS | 340 PS |
| Battery Pack | 52 kWh | 77 kWh | 77 kWh | 77 kWh |
| Drivetrain | Single-motor rear-wheel drive | Single-motor rear-wheel drive | Dual motor all-wheel drive | Dual motor all-wheel drive |
| Claimed Range | 360 km | 541 km | 521 km | 510 km |
Note: These are the ID.4 specs as they are available in the UK market.
You can top off the ID.4 battery from 10 to 80 percent in 28 minutes with its 135kW DC fast charging capability. A full recharge of the battery from empty would require eight hours of 11kW AC fast charging.
Price and Competitors
The Volkswagen ID.4 is anticipated to retail for approximately Rs 65 lakh (ex-showroom) when it arrives in India. It will compete with the future Skoda Enyaq, the Hyundai Ioniq 5, the Kia EV6, and the Volvo XC40 Recharge.
Also Read: Recall Information Released For Hyundai Verna And Creta Petrol-CVT Units
News & Top StoriesThe timeline for the Tesla India launch is accelerated by the new EV policy that lowers import tariffs
A new e-vehicle strategy has been approved by the Indian government to position the country as one of the world’s leading centers for EV manufacturing. Due to high import duties that make their goods too expensive for their target users, international EV manufacturers are currently reluctant to enter the Indian market. If certain requirements are completed, this policy will enable these companies to import their EVs into India as completely built-up (CBU) units at much cheaper import duties.
Which Parameters Are There?
- The guidelines are more akin to restrictions put in place for major international brands by the Indian government. They are listed in the following order
- Within three years, the multinational EV manufacturers must establish a production facility in India with a minimum expenditure of Rs 4150 crore (about USD 500 million).
- Additionally, they must ensure that by the third year, they have achieved 25% localization, and by the fifth year, 50% localization. Additionally, within the first three years, they must begin producing their electric vehicles on a commercial basis.
- The imported electric vehicle must have a minimum CIF value of about Rs 28.99 lakh (USD 35,000) (cost + insurance + freight).
- With this benefit, EV manufacturers will be allowed to import a maximum of 8,000 of their vehicles annually.
- Not only that, but the brand’s investment must be supported by a bank guarantee; if the business doesn’t meet the deadlines mentioned above, it won’t receive its money back.
What Advantage Is There?
The producer of electric vehicles (EVs) will be permitted to import its products at a reduced import tax of only 15 percent if it receives approval from the Ministry of Heavy Industries (HMI), makes the investment that is supported by a bank guarantee, and guarantees to meet the other requirements in the allotted time. To put that in context, the standard import tax for CBUs is an astounding 100%, which is the reason why businesses can’t sell enough of their imported goods in India.
Arrival of Other Brands & Tesla
With lower import duties for electric vehicles, Tesla has made no secret of its intention to join the Indian market. To bring its well-liked electric vehicles to India, such as the Tesla Model 3 and Model Y, which would have cost the same as luxury EVs at higher import rates, the American automaker frequently cited such tariffs as one of the chief barriers. Tesla may now be able to implement its plans in India with the aid of this e-vehicle regulation, provided that it meets the specified requirements.
VinFast is another EV manufacturer that has been holding back on joining the Indian market, but they too stand to gain from this strategy. Due to its ongoing efforts to establish local manufacturing in the nation, the Vietnamese brand enjoys a modest advantage.
Long-Term Advantages Of The New Law
We understand that this will push international manufacturers to introduce their EVs into India sooner rather than later, but how does this benefit the populace and the government? To benefit from this policy, corporations will need to establish manufacturing facilities in India rather than simply importing automobiles, which will lead to the creation of additional jobs. Additionally, since these businesses must achieve 50% localization to profit, it will help some Indian businesses that supply parts for electric vehicles increase sales and foster the growth of these businesses in India.
People will have access to international automotive innovations, and because of the policy’s lower import taxes and localization, they will be more reasonably priced. To lessen environmental pollution and transition to a greener and more sustainable future, the Indian government also intends to encourage the use of EVs in India.
Also Read: Mahindra XUV700 Sales In February 2024
News & Top StoriesThis March, Maruti Arena models can receive discounts of up to Rs 67,000.
- On the Alto K10, maximum savings of up to Rs 67,000 are offered.
- Benefits for the Wagon R and S-Presso might reach Rs 66,000.
- Maruti is providing the remaining Alto 800 vehicles at a Rs 15,000 discount.
- The Maruti Brezza and Maruti Ertiga are not discounted.
- All deals expire on March 31, 2024.
We have presented the Maruti Suzuki Nexa automobile options to you. But if you’d rather purchase a Maruti Arena vehicle, there are also several discounts available for those models, except for the Brezza SUV and Ertiga MPV. Let’s examine the savings that are offered on Maruti Suzuki Arena vehicles through the end of March 2024:
Alto 800
| Offer | Amount |
| Exchange Bonus | Rs 15,000 |
| Total Benefits | Rs 15,000 |
- The aforementioned advantages are limited to the remaining Maruti Alto 800 units, as the model has already been discontinued.
- Except for the base-spec Standard model, the exchange bonus is available on all models (including CNG) of the entry-level hatchback.
- As its life cycle concluded, the Alto 800’s price ranged from Rs 3.54 lakh to Rs 5.13 lakh.
Alto K10
| Offer | Amount |
| Cash Discount | Up to Rs 45,000 |
| Exchange Bonus | Rs 15,000 |
| Corporate Discount | Rs 7,000 |
| Total Benefits | Up to Rs 67,000 |
- These savings are available on the Maruti Alto K10 AMT versions.
- While other deals are still available, Maruti is giving a cash discount of Rs 40,000 on the hatchback’s manual variant.
- The Alto K10 CNG offers the same exchange incentive and corporate discount in addition to a cash discount of Rs 25,000.
- The cost of the Alto K10 ranges from Rs 3.99 lakh to Rs 5.96 lakh.
S-Presso
| Offer | Amount |
| Cash Discount | Up to Rs 45,000 |
| Exchange Bonus | Rs 15,000 |
| Corporate Discount | Rs 6,000 |
| Total Benefits | Up to Rs 66,000 |
- These savings are available only on the Maruti S-Presso AMT models.
- The monetary reduction drops to Rs 40,000 for those who choose the hatchback’s MT models, but the other incentives remain unchanged.
- The CNG versions of the S-Presso are eligible for a cash discount of Rs 25,000; otherwise, the overall incentives remain unchanged.
- The hatchback is retailed by Maruti for between Rs 4.27 lakh and Rs 6.12 lakh.
Eeco
| Offer | Amount |
| Cash Discount | Up to Rs 20,000 |
| Exchange Bonus | Rs 10,000 |
| Corporate Discount | Rs 4,000 |
| Total Benefits | Up to Rs 34,000 |
- These savings are available on the Maruti Eeco’s petrol versions.
- Maruti is continuing to give the same exchange bonus and corporate discount on the CNG versions of the MPV, albeit at a cash discount of just Rs 10,000.
- The price range for the Eeco is between Rs 5.32 lakh and Rs 6.58 lakh.
Celerio
| Offer | Amount |
| Cash Discount | Up to Rs 40,000 |
| Exchange Bonus | Rs 15,000 |
| Corporate Discount | Rs 6,000 |
| Total Benefits | Up to Rs 61,000 |
- The Maruti Celerio AMT models are where you can find the biggest savings.
- Maruti is now giving customers who purchase the Celerio MT variant a cash discount of Rs 35,000, with all other advantages remaining unaltered.
- Along with the same exchange bonus and corporate discount as previously mentioned, the Celerio CNG also comes with a cash discount of Rs 25,000.
- The tiny hatchback from Maruti is priced between Rs. 5.37 lakh and Rs. 7.09 lakh.
Wagon R
| Offer | Amount |
| Cash Discount | Up to Rs 40,000 |
| Exchange Bonus | Rs 15,000 |
| Additional Exchange Bonus | Rs 5,000 |
| Corporate Discount | Rs 6,000 |
| Total Benefits | Up to Rs 66,000 |
- These savings are available only on the Maruti Wagon R AMT models.
- Only vehicles that are less than seven years old when trading in for a new Wagon R are eligible for Maruti’s enhanced exchange bonus.
- Cash discounts start at Rs 35,000 for manual versions and drop to Rs 30,000 for CNG trims. The corporate discount and exchange incentives are still available.
- The price range for the Wagon R is Rs 5.55 lakh to Rs 7.38 lakh.
Swift
| Offer | Amount |
| Cash Discount | Up to Rs 20,000 |
| Exchange Bonus | Rs 15,000 |
| Additional Exchange Bonus | Rs 5,000 |
| Corporate Discount | Rs 7,000 |
| Total Benefits | Up to Rs 47,000 |
- Only the Maruti Swift AMT models are eligible for the aforementioned incentives.
- The additional exchange bonus from Maruti is only available if the vehicle you are trading in for the new Swift is less than seven years old.
- For individuals wishing to purchase the hatchback’s manual version, the cash reduction drops to Rs 15,000. Conversely, the Swift CNG is only available with a Rs 7,000 business discount and a Rs 15,000 exchange bonus.
- You would need to pay an additional Rs 18,400 if you want to purchase the Swift special edition. It still receives the corporate discount of Rs 7,000 and the exchange bonus of up to Rs 20,000 (including the additional exchange bonus).
Dzire
| Offer | Amount |
| Cash Discount | Up to Rs 15,000 |
| Exchange Bonus | Rs 15,000 |
| Corporate Discount | Rs 7,000 |
| Total Benefits | Up to Rs 37,000 |
- These discounts are exclusive to the Maruti Dzire AMT versions.
- The cash discount lowers to Rs 10,000 if you prefer the MT models of the sub-4 million sedan; other deals stay the same.
- The price range for the Maruti Dzire is Rs 6.57 lakh to Rs 9.39 lakh.
Also Read: In India, BYD Seal Prices Beat Out All Premium EV Competitors!
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 StoriesOfficial Tata WPL 2024 Vehicle: Tata Punch EV
- Tata Punch EV: The Indian Premier League (IPL) of cricket is matched by the Women’s Premier League 2024 for female players.
- The IPL and WPL are the Indian cricket leagues’ respective headline sponsors, Tata.
- In prior IPL seasons, Punch, the Tiago EV, Altroz, Harrier, and Nexon were also official vehicles.
The newest model in Tata’s all-electric lineup is the Punch EV. The newly released Punch EV has been named the official vehicle of the Women’s Premier League 2024, which will take place in India from February 23, 2024, to March 17, 2024. Tata is also the league’s main sponsor. The men’s equivalent of cricket, the India Premier League (IPL), has Tata as its title sponsor.
Cricket Leagues’ Other Tata Automobiles
Tata Cars has previously supported cricket leagues as an official sponsor. Everything began in 2018 when the Tata Nexon was named the IPL’s official vehicle. After that, the 2019 Indian Premier League saw the Harrier SUV become the official vehicle, followed by the Altroz hatchback in 2020, the Safari SUV in 2021, and the Tata Punch in 2022. Tata strengthened its relationship with the Indian Premier League that same year by taking on the title sponsorship role. The Tata Tiago EV was then designated as the official vehicle until 2023. The Indian automaker also obtained title sponsorship for the Women’s Premier League in 2023, with the Tata Safari Red Dark edition serving as the official vehicle of the time of year.
Details Regarding Tata Punch EV
The Acti.The EV platform serves as the foundation for Tata’s first all-electric vehicle, the Punch EV. Its specs are listed below, and it is available with two battery pack options: Medium Range and Long Range:
| Variant | Medium Range | Long Range |
| Battery Pack | 25 kWh | 35 kWh |
| Power | 82 PS | 122 PS |
| Torque | 114 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Claimed Range | 315 km | 421 km |
There are various charging solutions available for the Punch EV, and the charging times are as follows:
| Charger | Medium Range | Long Range |
| 3.3 kW AC | 9.4 hours | 13.5 hours |
| 7.2 kW AC | 3.6 hours | 5 hours |
| 50 kW DC Fast Charger | 56 minutes | 56 minutes |
Safety & Features
Included in the Tata Punch EV‘s amenities list include an electric sunroof, ventilated front seats, cruise control, an air purifier, and a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system.
Electric stability control (ESC), an electronic parking brake with auto hold, a 360-degree camera, and six airbags are among the safety features.
price and competitors
The ex-showroom price of the Tata Punch EV in Delhi is between Rs 10.99 lakh and Rs 15.49 lakh. In addition to competing with vehicles like the Citroen eC3, it is also a high-end option compared to the Tata Tiago EV and MG Comet EV.
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