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Kia India has rolled out the first customer car of the three-row recreational vehicle, the Kia Carens , from its state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Anantapur, Andhra Pradesh. The Kia Carens is the latest 'Made-in-India' offering from the company, which combines the sophistication of a family mover and the sportiness of an SUV in one to make it a compelling value proposition and the best choice for modern Indian families. Furthermore, the Kia Carens is all set to create a segment of its own. The Kia Carens has been tested across multiple terrains, and simulated conditions before the company announced the mass production of the car. It will be manufactured in India and will be exported to over 80 countries. Following the world premiere in December, the Kia Carens will be officially launched in February 2022. The Kia Carens comes in petrol and diesel powertrains combined with multiple transmission options, including the 7DCT and 6AT. The car also comes equipped with a

GaadiWaadi - Check out this digitally rendered model of a Mahindra XUV700 with a widebody kit and bagged look, which is sure to set your mind racing Mahindra XUV700 currently enjoys extremely strong demand in the Indian market, with over 1 lakh cumulative bookings received by the manufacturer for the SUV. Launched in India back in September last year, M&M has successfully delivered over 14,000 units of XUV700 to customers to date, which is a small number compared to the pending orders. Although Mahindra XUV700 has only made it to the garage of relatively few people, it surely has made it into the hearts of many. Among the latter, we have a few artists, some of whom have created digital art with the SUV as the base. On that note, take a look at this Mahindra XUV700 widebody concept vehicle, created by Amogh (@ amgstop ). The digital model sports a matte dark grey body paint, with only a few chrome elements on the exterior. The window sill is chrome-lined, extending all the way

Maruti Suzuki is preparing to launch the new Baleno facelift in the month of February 2022. Ahead of the launch, Maruti Suzuki NEXA dealerships have started accepting pre-bookings for the 2022 Maruti Baleno facelift. It is reported that NEXA dealerships are quite excited about the new Baleno, which is the brand’s first major launch in past couple of years. Production of the new Baleno facelift have already been commenced at the Suzuki’s Gujarat based plant. In fact, the first production model was rolled out on January 24, 2022 . The new model is expected to go on sale in the second or third week of February 2022. The new Maruti Baleno facelift will come with significantly revised exterior and completely new interior. The vehicle looks wider and bolder than the outgoing model. The front fascia of the hatchback gets a new larger grille & L-shaped wrap-around projector headlamps with LED DRLs (daytime running lamps), and a revised bonnet design. Maruti Suzuki has revised the front

MG Motors is reportedly preparing to launch the new ZS EV facelift in the country in the month of February 2022. In fact, the 2022 MG ZS EV facelift has been spotted multiple times during its test rounds. A new set of spy images show the interior of the upcoming facelift. The spy images reveal that the 2022 MG ZS EV facelift cabin looks similar to that of the Astor. Similar to the Astor, the new ZS electric gets rectangular central vents positioned on top of the central console. There is a large 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system with controls for AC situated below it. The side vents are in round-shape. In fact, the steering wheel seems identical to that of the Astor. Red stitching is also visible on the steering wheel and around the central tunnel. It will have a 7.0-inch digital instrument console. Also visible is a carbon-fibre-like finish on the dashboard and on the door panel. The MG ZS EV facelift is likely to share the features with the Astor. It is expected to get a

Tata Motors has recently launched the new CNG versions of the Tiago and the Tigor in the country. The company is also testing multiple new models including the Nexon EV facelift and the petrol powered versions of the Safari and the Harrier. Tata Motors has officially introduced the ventilated seats in the Safari XZ+ and XZA+. The front row ventilated seats are offered as standard in the XZ+ and XZA+ trims; however, the second-row ventilated seats are offered in the 6-seater variants with captain seats. This feature was not offered in the Safari when it was first launched. The company later introduced the ventilated seats in the Safari Dark Edition and the Gold Edition. The Tata Safari is available with a single 2.0-litre turbocharged diesel engine, which is sourced from FCA (Fiat Chrysler Automobile). Called the Kryotec, this engine produces 168bhp of power and 350Nm of torque. Transmission choices include a 6-speed manual and a 6-speed torque convertor automatic. Tata Motors is a

GaadiWaadi - Toyota Hilux accessories list comprises tailgate assist, wireless charging facility, tonneau cover, air compressor, tenth with canopy, and so on Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM) unveiled the India-spec Hilux less than a couple of weeks ago and its deliveries will commence around April 2022. The pickup truck’s prices will be announced in March and although no official information is available yet, we do expect it to start around Rs. 28 lakh for the entry-level variant (ex-showroom). The Japanese manufacturer will offer the Hilux in two variants namely Standard and High and it will compete against Isuzu D-Max V-Cross but will be positioned above it. Toyota has revealed the official accessories list for the Hilux pickup truck as it is a capable off-roading machine with high practicality and can do a lot of stuff on and off the tarmac. The accessories are tent with canopy, stylish roll bar and over fender, tailgate assist, wireless charging facility, TPMS (Tyre Pressure Monit

Mahindra has announced that it has delivered first batch of 14,000 XUV700 SUVs by January 26, 2022. The company has received a cumulative bookings of around 1 lakh for the new Mahindra XUV700. The SUV has received an overwhelming response; however, the ongoing global shortage of semi-conductor chips have increased the waiting period up to almost 2 years in few cases. Mahindra had started delivering the petrol version of the XUV700 from October 30, while diesel variants deliveries were started from November-end. The SUV received unprecedented response, as it bagged 50,000 orders within 2 days. The booking numbers increased to 65,000 in just 2 weeks. Mahindra has added another 35,000 orders in the past 3 months. Mahindra currently has a backlog of 86,000 XUV700s. The top-spec AX7 Luxury trim comes with a waiting period of around 84 weeks (up to 1 year), while the AX3, AX6 and AX7 commands a waiting period of around 8 months. The base MX trim comes with a waiting period of around 7 mo

GaadiWaadi - 2022 Maruti Suzuki Ertiga is expected to be launched in March with minor cosmetic changes; a new six-speed torque converter AT could be offered Maruti Suzuki India Limited (MSIL) is gearing up to launch a host of new products this calendar year including the facelifted Ertiga, heavily updated Baleno, new generation Brezza, all-new Alto and a brand new midsize SUV in collaboration with Toyota. Late last year, the second generation Celerio debuted in India and it was followed by its CNG version this month. While the facelifted Baleno is expected to be launched on February 10, 2022, it will more likely be followed by the midlife facelift for the Ertiga – the country’s best-selling seven-seater MPV. Pictures of the test mules of the updated Ertiga have been around the internet for several months already and here we have another picture indicating the frontal changes. The 2022 Maruti Suzuki Ertiga gets new grille inserts and is surrounded by black taping presumably hiding

Kia India is all set to introduce its fourth model – the Kia Carens for our market. The company calls it a “Recreational Vehicle”; offering a combination of an MPV and an SUV. However, it is nothing but an urban 3-row MPV or Multi Utility Vehicle. Kia wants to position the new Carens somewhere between the Maruti Suzuki Ertiga and the Toyota Innova Crysta. This C-segment MPV segment currently has no major products, except for the Mahindra Marazzo. Though, Toyota, Tata Motors and few other brands are planning to enter this segment. Video – Carens First Drive Review Before official launch, we got to test drive the turbo petrol manual and diesel automatic version of the Kia Carens. In this first drive review, we try to find out how good is the Carens MPV and should customers consider this 3-row MPV over the 7-seater UVs on sale in our market. Kia Carens Design The Carens is based on the SP2 platform that underpins the popular Kia Seltos, Hyundai Creta and even the 7-seater Alcazar.

GaadiWaadi - 2022 Maruti Suzuki Baleno gains a new equipment list boasting a number of premium features such as HUD, ESP, six airbags, wireless charging facility, etc Maruti Suzuki India Limited (MSIL) will reportedly launch the heavily updated Baleno on February 10, 2022 in the domestic market and bookings will open on February 1. A recently leaked image suggests that the production of the facelifted Baleno commenced on January 24 and is being rolled out of the brand’s Gujarat production facility. The 2022 Maruti Suzuki Baleno is in response to the growing competition in the premium hatchback segment courtesy of the third-generation Hyundai i20 launched in 2020 and the Tata Altroz, which is offered in an expansive range as well. The upcoming model comes with an array of changes inside and out and it will have a more upmarket features list. However, it will be competitively priced just like the existing model and could carry a price range of around Rs. 6.4 lakh to Rs. 10.3 lakh (e

GaadiWaadi - Check out Interlayan 650, a Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 that wears an RE Himalayan body kit, built by UK-based Cooperb Motorcycles Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 was first introduced back in 2018, alongside the Continental GT650. Both these motorcycles have been enjoying a lot of sales success, not just in India, but in several international markets as well. In fact, we’ve been seeing a lot of modified RE 650 twins built in India as well as overseas. Here, we have a customised RE Interceptor 650, which has been transformed into a Royal Enfield Himalayan lookalike! This custom motorcycle – cleverly nicknamed Interlayan 650 – has been built by Cooperb Motorcycles , and a video of it has been uploaded on the workshop’s YouTube channel. Said video gives us a close look at the Interlayan 650. The motorcycle started life as a regular Royal Enfield Interceptor 650, as stated in the video. The fuel tank, front subframe, headlamp, and front fender are taken directly from an R

GaadiWaadi - Maruti Suzuki plans to spend Rs. 3,000 crore in the existing quarter of this FY and is working on setting up its largest production plant in Sonipat In the current fiscal, Maruti Suzuki India Limited (MSIL) has raised an annual capital expenditure of about Rs. 5,500 crore and is its highest ever ahead of a slew of product launches planned for this calendar year. The capex guidance is Rs 1,000 crore higher than the Rs 4,500 crore earlier guided capex at the start of FY2021-22. Just in the existing quarter of this financial year, MSIL plans to spend Rs. 3,000 crore reportedly. The largest carmaker in the country has faced production setbacks due to the semiconductor issues and the economic slowdown created by the health crisis took its toll. Only a few months ago, MSIL launched the second generation Celerio – the brand’s first new launch in eighteen months. It was quickly followed by the arrival of the CNG variant of the Celerio this month and a host of new products are

GaadiWaadi - A Tata Altroz was stolen from a dealership in Ujjain under the guise of a test drive, but the thieves’ plan was spoiled by modern tech Cars these days are loaded to the brim with useful features and equipment, even the budget-friendly ones. Such features help enhance the convenience, safety, and security factors of a vehicle. In a recent incident in Ujjain, a Tata dealership managed to recover a stolen Altroz hatchback, thanks to its advanced features. On January 25th, Tuesday, two crooks visited Sanghi Brothers Tata showroom on Agar road in Ujjain, at around 3 to 5 P.M. The pair stated that they were interested in Tata Altroz, and wanted to take one out for a test drive. After completing the formalities, the miscreant duo took the car out for a spin, with a showroom executive named Vishnu seated with them. After driving for a little distance, the person driving the car reportedly said that there was some problem with the car. They asked Vishnu to check the problem, b

GaadiWaadi - Here, we have an exclusive video of the soon-to-launch Kia Carens, which gives us a detailed look at all the colour options of the MPV Kia Carens is set to launch in India in February, with an expected starting price of around Rs. 15 lakh (ex-showroom). The MPV will directly compete with Mahindra Marazzo, and indirectly with the likes of Maruti Ertiga/XL6. Ahead of its launch, the upcoming Kia car has started arriving at dealerships, and we’ve managed to capture its beauty in different colours on video. There are eight paint options on offer on Kia Carens – Imperial Blue, Moss Brown, Intense Red, Aurora Black Pearl, Gravity Grey, Sparkling Silver, Glacier White Pearl, and Clear White. In the Indian car market, white is the most popular colour choice, and Kia has decided to offer two choices in white! However, personally speaking, it is the darker colours that are more attractive. The Gravity Grey colour will be the easiest to clean and maintain, and it will also be ab

Ola Electric has announced Ola Future Foundry, its global center for advanced engineering and vehicle design. This center will be based in Coventry, the UK, a global hub for the best automotive design and engineering talent in the world. Ola Future foundry will work in sync with the design and engineering teams based at Ola Campus in Bangalore, India. It will house global talent across multiple disciplines of 2W and 4W vehicle design, advanced high-performance automotive engineering, digital & physical modelling and more. It will also house talent that will focus on vehicle R&D around new energy systems including cell technologies. Ola will invest over US$100 million over the next 5 years into the state-of-the-art center and staff it with over 200 designers and automotive engineers. The centre will also partner with a world-class education and research institutions in the UK to collaborate on technology research and development. Bhavish Aggarwal, Founder & CEO, Ola sai

GaadiWaadi - Toyota has sold a total of 1 lakh rebadged Maruti Suzuki cars in the Indian market, consisting of the Glanza hatchback and Urban Cruiser SUV Toyota Kirloskar Motor has announced that it has sold over 1 lakh units of the Glanza and Urban Cruiser in India. Toyota Glanza was launched in our market back in June 2019, and over 65,000 units of it have been sold to date. As for Urban Cruiser, it was introduced in September 2021, and it has garnered over 35,000 unit sales till now. The manufacturer has stated that these two models have helped rope in 66 per cent of first-time Toyota car buyers in India. Their popularity is the highest in Tier II and Tier III cities. The Japanese carmaker also offers value-added services on its cars, like Toyota Smiles Value packages, Q Service, Express Maintenance 60, etc. Regular readers would know that Toyota Glanza is a rebadged version of Maruti Baleno, and Toyota Urban Cruiser of Maruti Vitara Brezza. Both these rebadged Maruti Suzuki ca

GaadiWaadi - Bajaj Platina was the most sold two-wheeler within the brand’s domestic range in the month of December 2021 with 44,800 units In the month of December 2021, Bajaj Auto garnered a cumulative domestic tally of 1,27,593 units as against 1,28,642 units during the same period the previous year with a YoY sales decline of 0.8 per cent. The Chakan-based brand finished in the fourth position in the overall two-wheeler manufacturers’ sales table last month. The Platina was the most sold model with a total of 44,800 units as against 30,740 units in December 2020 with YoY volume growth of 46 per cent. The Pulsar 125 posted 27,900 units last month as against 42,686 units during the same period in 2020 with a massive YoY sales drop of 35 per cent as it finished ahead of its bigger Pulsar 150 sibling. The Pulsar 150 registered a total of 27,169 units as against 19,958 units with a YoY growth of 36 per cent while the CT100 entry-level commuter motorcycle recorded 8,288 unit sales as