18th September 2023
Revving Up the Week: Latest Automotive News
🚗 Sit back and buckle up, folks! It's that time of the week again when we bring you all the latest from the high-speed world of automobiles. If you're an automotive enthusiast, you're in for a treat. So, without further ado, let's dive into the world of cars and bikes.
1. Tata Motors Unleashes the Updated Nexon Range
Our journey begins with Tata Motors, which has just launched the revamped Nexon range. Starting at a competitive 8.1 lakh rupees and topping off at 15.5 lakh rupees, the Nexon offers a diverse array of trims and powertrain options.
For the petrol heads, there's a zippy 120 HP 1.2-liter three-cylinder turbo petrol engine, while the diesel aficionados can revel in a 115 HP 1.5-liter diesel engine. Gearbox choices abound, with 5-speed and 6-speed manual options and even a 6-speed AMT. But wait, there's more! Tata Motors has thrown in a new 7-speed dual-clutch gearbox for good measure.
The Nexon's exterior has undergone a comprehensive makeover, boasting AGR styling, a split headlamp arrangement, and sleeker elements all around. Inside, you'll find a revised center console with a touchscreen panel, updated AC vents, and leather inserts for a touch of luxury. The tech-savvy will appreciate the 10.25-inch touchscreen, digital dials, and a 360-degree camera.
Safety takes center stage with six airbags, ESC 3.0, seat belts for all passengers, and ISOFIX child seat mounts. And don't forget the Nexon EV, now with improved range, a new motor, and innovative features like vehicle-to-load and vehicle-to-car functionality.
2. Citroen C3 Aircross SUV Lands in India
Citroen has made a grand entrance into the Indian market with the C3 Aircross SUV. Starting at just 9.99 lakh rupees, this substantial SUV offers a unique third-row seating option that can be removed for extra luggage space. While it might miss some high-end features like a sunroof and ventilated front seats, it compensates with a 10.2-inch touchscreen, a 7-inch digital instrument cluster, and roof-mounted AC units.
Under the hood, you'll find a 1.2-liter turbo petrol engine churning out 110 HP, mated to a 6-speed manual gearbox. There's no word on an automatic variant yet, but we're keeping our fingers crossed.
3. Jeep Compass Gets Automatic Transmission
Jeep lovers, rejoice! Jeep has rolled out an automatic transmission option for the 4x2 diesel version of the Compass. With a starting price of 23.99 lakh rupees, it's now a full 6 lakh rupees more affordable than its 4x4 counterpart.
This version shares the same 2-liter diesel engine with the 4x4, delivering 170 horsepower and 350 Newton meters of torque. Fuel efficiency stands at a respectable 16.2 kilometers per liter.
Jeep has also expanded the Compass lineup, offering five trims with new design alloy wheels. Additionally, they've introduced the Meridian Overland Edition, featuring a fresh grille design, alloy wheels, and a captivating copper-based interior color theme.
4. Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV Electrifies the Market
Mercedes-Benz is turning heads with the launch of the all-electric EQE SUV, priced at a luxurious 1.39 crore rupees. This EV boasts a 408 horsepower dual-motor setup powered by a 90.5 kilowatt-hour battery pack, providing a robust WLTP-rated range of 550 kilometers. It's a real powerhouse, capable of sprinting from 0 to 100 kilometers per hour in just 4.9 seconds.
The EQE SUV's design exudes elegance, with sleek lines, a sealed-off front grille, and aero-enhancing wheels. Inside, it offers the luxurious feel of an elevated sedan, complete with a 56-inch hyper screen, air suspension, and off-road mode.
However, it's worth noting that the EQE SUV carries a premium price tag, putting it in competition with rivals like the BMW iX, Audi Q8 e-tron, and Jaguar I-PACE.
5. Lotus Sets Its Sights on India
British sports car manufacturer Lotus is gearing up to make its grand entrance into the Indian market. Known for their lightweight sports cars, Lotus will be selling the Emira and Electra models. The Emira, a sports car
with AMG and Toyota-powered variants, promises agility and power. On the other hand, the all-electric Electra SUV, with its edgy design and impressive 611 to 918 horsepower range, aims to capture a wider audience.
Prices for Lotus models are expected to range from 2.5 to 3.1 crore rupees, making them quite the status symbol for enthusiasts.
6. Airbag Mandate Deferred, Diesel Engines Under Scrutiny
In a surprising turn of events, Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, announced that the mandate requiring all cars to be equipped with six airbags may not come into force. Instead, he pointed to the Bharat New Car Assessment Program, set to launch on October 1, 2023, as a driving force behind manufacturers' decisions to equip their vehicles with six airbags voluntarily.
Additionally, Minister Gadkari urged the automotive industry to shift away from diesel vehicles and hinted at the possibility of an additional 10% pollution tax on diesel cars. However, he clarified that there is no concrete proposal under consideration at the moment.
7. KTM Unleashes the Gen 3 390 Duke
For two-wheel enthusiasts, KTM has unveiled the Gen 3 390 Duke, priced at 3.11 lakh rupees. The star of the show is its all-new, larger engine, boasting 45 HP and 39 Newton meters of torque, offering a thrilling ride. The trellis frame, suspension upgrades, and three riding modes promise an exciting experience for riders.
8. Honda CB300F Gets a Price Drop
Last but not least, Honda has slashed the prices of its CB300F models, with savings of up to 59,000 rupees for the Deluxe Pro variant. The CB300F is powered by a 293 CC oil-cooled engine delivering 24 horsepower and 25.6 Newton meters of torque. It also comes equipped with a slew of features, including traction control, dual-channel ABS, and more.
And that concludes our weekly wrap-up of automotive news. We hope you enjoyed the ride through the world of cars and bikes. Stay tuned for more exciting updates in the weeks to come!
FAQs in Comments
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