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GaadiWaadi - The upcoming BMW X5 facelift will get minor design and equipment upgrades, and new electrified powertrain will also be available German luxury automaker BMW has been testing a lot of upcoming products lately. The new X8 SUV was spied a few months back, as was the iX1 and even the upcoming 4-Series Gran Coupe. Now, the X5 facelift has been spied as well, driving around the streets of Munich wearing heavy camouflage. A few design changes, however, were still visible on the test model. The front bumper resembles the one on the current X5 M model, while the headlamps seem to be the same as before, at least through the camouflage. The front grille is, thankfully, not hideously massive, instead, they look the same as the current one. Even the taillights remain unchanged. This makes us believe that this could be an early prototype, which doesn’t sport a lot of changes. Perhaps this model is out testing a new powertrain at the moment, and we could see later test mules could

GaadiWaadi - While Jeep’s global plans consist of launching fully-electric vehicles in the near future, it is yet to be seen when the carmaker will introduce the electrified range to the Indian market Jeep is a brand that is known for making rugged vehicles, primarily SUVs – both crossovers and fully off-road worthy SUVs, as well as a pickup truck. However, Jeep has been trying to introduce some eco-friendly cars to its line-up, including a range of plug-in-hybrid vehicles dubbed 4xe. However, it looks like the American brand wants to go all in on this plan of building cleaner vehicles. Jeep’s Global President, Christian Meunier, says he wants the brand to grow globally, and make its image over into that of the world’s “greenest SUV brand.” It should be noted that the emission norms in the United States aren’t as stringent as Europe, and it looks like Jeep’s future expansion plans certainly includes more vehicles for EU. According to a report by Automotive News , Jeep will be ben

GaadiWaadi - The MY2022 Genesis GV70 will make use of Biometric systems and radar sensors to improve the convenience and safety of the SUV The Genesis GV70 was globally unveiled a little while back, as the second SUV in the brand’s lineup. The GV70 is expected to go on sale in a few international markets, like the US, in the second half of 2021. The upcoming Genesis SUV is a luxury offering, which will rival the likes of BMW X3, Mercedes GLC, and Audi Q5. There is plenty of luxury on offer in the GV70, and the cabin is exquisitely crafted. The exterior is also brilliantly designed, and looks very pretty. Recently, the company announced that it will offer fingerprint recognition on it, to improve the safety and convenience of the car. The biometric scanner is located just below the start/stop button on the dashboard. The driver can use their fingerprint to authenticate payments in Genesis ‘CarPlay’, instead of using the traditional 6-digit pin. It can be used to pay for fuel and p

GaadiWaadi - In 1968, an Australian Tour Company established the world’s longest bus route, travelling between different countries like Australia, UK, and India. We think of buses as a transport best suited for intracity travel at best, and interstate at most. That, however, isn’t the end limit of a bus’s potential. In 1968, Andy Steward, a businessman based in Australia, established a tour company. The company ran a double-decker luxury bus service on the longest bus route ever, between three continents! The bus, affectionately called ‘Albert’, set on its maiden journey on 8th October 1968, from Martin Place in Sydney, Australia, and returned on 17th February 1969. Over a period of eight years, Albert undertook a total of 16 trips, out of which 15 had return trips as well. The bus made upwards of 150 border crossings and wasn’t ever stopped for major security concerns or scrutiny. The official website also claims that the entire duration of its operation went smoothly, without a

Prices of the new-generation Mahindra Thar are set to be increased from 1 st December, 2020 (i.e. tomorrow). The carmaker has already sent mails and notified its existing customers about the price hike. The updated prices will be effective for the fresh bookings. Customers who have already booked the new Mahindra Thar will get it at the launch price. The off-road SUV was offered an introductory price of Rs 9.80 lakh (for the entry-level AX variant) – Rs 13.75 lakh (for the top-end variant). One must note that the carmaker recently removed the entry-level AX Std petrol, AX petrol and AX diesel variants from the model lineup. The new Thar is available in the price range of Rs 11.90 lakh – Rs 13.75 lakh that will be soon updated. Aforementioned prices are ex-showroom. Currently, the off-road SUV commands a waiting period of up to 7 months. In order to reduce it, the company aims to produce 3,000 units per month from January, 2021. The new-generation Thar has been sold out till May, 202

Japanese automaker, Nissan has revealed the all-new X-Terra 7-seater SUV for the Middle-East. The new model is based on the Nissan Navara 2021, which is based on the redesigned ladder frame chassis. The new Nissan X-Terra 2021 features a four-wheel drive system, which has a four-wheel lock, brake limited slip differential and electronic locking rear differential. Exterior and Interior The new Nissan X-Terra 2021 is designed at the Global Design studio in Japan. It measures 4.9 meters in length, 2.1 meters in width and 1.9 meters in height, and has a ground clearance of 243mm. The new model shares styling cues from the Patrol SUV. The front fascia of the SUV features the signature V-motion front grille with thick frame and revised horizontal chrome bars. The SUV comes fitted with uniquely styled C-shaped LED signature headlamps. It also has quad LED projector lamps, which is claimed to offer high-tech vibe. At the back, the SUV gets wide LED signature tail-lamps and characteristic c

It’s no secret that Jeep is working on a new 7-seater SUV that has been spotted multiple times during its test rounds. It will essentially be bigger and more powerful version of the 5-seater Compass. The new Jeep Compass 7-seater SUV will make its way to India sometime in late 2021 and take on the cars like Toyota Fortuner, MG Gloster and Ford Endeavour. Some of its design bits and features will be similar to the Compass. It will underpin the same monocoque platform, but sit on a longer wheelbase. Jeep will also increase its length in order to accommodate the third row of seats and offer more cabin space especially for the middle row passengers. It will have more comfort and safety features to offer such as a panoramic sunroof, electronic stability program, cruise control, full LED auto headlamps, 18-inch alloy wheels and more. Similar to the Compass facelift that’s due for the early next year, the Jeep Compass 7-seater SUV will offer the updated UConnect infotainment system along wi

GaadiWaadi - Honda posted a total of 4,94,459 units last month with YoY growth of 1.4 growth as it finished second behind Hero MotoCorp Honda 2Wheelers India registered a total of 4,94,459 units last month as against 4,87,819 units during the corresponding period in 2019 with 1.4 per cent volume growth. The Japanese manufacturer finished second behind Hero MotoCorp, which in stark contrast, endured a massive 34.8 per cent sales increase. The company had a market share of just over 24 per cent as against 27.76 per cent during the same period last year with 3.68 per cent fall. The Activa was the most sold two-wheeler for Honda last month while it was also the second most dispatched model in the whole of the industry. It recorded a total of 2,39,570 units as against 2,81,273 units in October 2019 with 15 per cent negative growth. The CB Shine commuter motorcycle garnered a total of 1,18,547 units in October 2020 as against 87,743 units during the same period in 2019 with 35 per cent

Renault is planning to expand its Indian product portfolio with a couple of new models including the Kiger subcompact SUV and a new compact sedan. While the former is slated to hit roads in early 2021, the latter is expected to come in the second half of 2021. According to a fresh media report, the upcoming subcompact sedan might take its design inspiration from the new Renault Logan that sold in global markets. The Logan is ready for a generation change and its new model will be named Renault Taliant. The recently leaked patent images of the Renault Taliant confirm that the sedan will carry familiar front design with angular headlamps, black bumper with large badge and fog lamp assembly at the lower section of the front end. It will also feature a sloping roofline flowing towards the boot and angular taillamps. Similar to the Triber, the new Renault sedan will be based on the CMF-A+ platform. The same architecture will underpin the upcoming Nissan Magnite. Speculations are on rife

Official prices of the Nissan Magnite subcompact SUV will be announced on 2 nd December, 2020. Ahead of its launch, the carmaker has started taking pre-bookings for the vehicle at an initial sum of Rs 11,000. While its test drive will begin in a couple of days, deliveries will commence from January 2021. The upcoming Nissan compact SUV will come in five trims (XE, XL, XV, XV Premium and XV Premium (O)) and eight colour schemes (4 monotone, 4 dual-tone). There will be two engines to choose from – 1.0L naturally-aspirated and 1.0L turbocharged. While the naturally-aspirated unit will be good for 72PS and 96Nm, the turbocharged motor will deliver 100PS and 152Nm. The Magnite will be offered with two gearbox options – a 5-speed manual (standard) and a CVT automatic (turbo petrol only). The top-end XV Premium (O) trim will be exclusively offered with turbocharged petrol engine. Nissan has equipped the Magnite with several class-leading features including the Around View Monitor (AVM)

GaadiWaadi - The new Mahindra Thar is set to receive its first price hike tomorrow, i.e. 1 st December 2020, just two months after its launch The second-generation Mahindra Thar has managed to become quite a popular vehicle in the Indian market, despite being a lifestyle product and not a mainstream one. In fact, the production capacity of the SUV had to be increased, in order to meet the demand! Now, the manufacturer has announced a price hike for the new Thar, effective from 1 st December 2020. The new-generation Mahindra Thar was launched at a starting price of Rs. 9.8 lakh, going all the way up to 13.75 lakh (ex-showroom prices, New Delhi). These were only introductory prices though, and the company has now decided to update the price list of the SUV. This revision would see an increase of a few thousand rupees on each trim level, on both diesel and petrol variants. Customers who’ve booked their Thar by 30 th November won’t have to pay the increased prices, although any ch

It is no secret that Maruti Suzuki is considering the 5-door version of the Jimny off-roader for the Indian market . The company had showcased the mini off-roader at the 2020 Auto Expo; however, the exact launch details are yet to be released. In fact, Maruti Suzuki will start manufacturing 3-door Jimny for export markets. It was reported that Maruti Suzuki could introduce the 3-door Jimny as a CKD unit in 2021. The 5-door version will need significant changes, which will take time. Reports suggest that 5-door Jimny won’t be introduced before the end of 2022. It is expected that Suzuki could make the 5-door version of the Jimny Sierra. For people not in the know, the Jimny Sierra is slightly bigger than the standard Jimny. The standard Jimny measures 3,395mm in length, 1,475mm in width, and 1,725mm in height, and offers a ground clearance of 205. On the other hand, the Jimny Sierra is 3,550mm long, 1,645mm wide and 1,730mm tall, and has a ground clearance of 210mm. Both models get t

GaadiWaadi - Kia Sonet is retailed in three engine choices and it has the largest bootspace in its class alongside featuring many segment-first features Kia Motors India launched the Sonet as its third product locally and it has attained prominence in a very short span of time. The compact SUV competes in a highly sought after segment against the likes of Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza, Hyundai Venue, Tata Nexon, Ford EcoSport, Mahindra XUV300, etc and it certainly has tricks up its sleeve to get ahead of the competitors. Firstly, the five-seater is offered in three engine choices: a 1.2-litre naturally-aspirated petrol, a 1.5-litre diesel and a 1.0-litre three-cylinder turbo petrol. The bigger petrol unit is paired with a five-speed manual but the solo diesel gets a six-speed manual or a six-speed torque converter automatic transmission, which is a segment-first feature. The six-speed AT is definitely driving in the audience as it gives an advantage in convenience as well as fuel e

Bengaluru-based electric two-wheeler company Ather Energy has discontinued the Ather 450 . The company had said in a statement that the sale of the electric scooter in Bengaluru and Chennai has been stopped. The Ather 450 has been replaced by newer and improved Ather 450X and 450 Plus electric scooters. The Ather 450 was Ather Energy’s first electric scooter that was introduced in the market in 2018. Speaking about the same, Ather Energy Co-founder and CEO Tarun Mehta, said: Our maiden model, Ather 450 was the outcome of four years of continuous work on R&D, design, prototype building and testing, and improving the product to make it production worthy. The learnings from Ather 450 in terms of design, specifications and production along with feedback from the owners has helped shape the Ather 450X and Ather 450 Plus. Also Read: Ather 450X Collector’s Edition unveiled, gets translucent body panels The Ather 450 was Ather Energy’s first electric scooter that was introduced i