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Showing posts from October, 2023

Mahindra Thar Electric SUV Takes Big Step Towards Production

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The Mahindra Thar electric SUV (Thar.e), initially unveiled as a concept in August, has now been officially homologated in India, marking a significant step towards its production. This electric SUV, confirmed for production by Mahindra Group’s Chairperson, Anand Mahindra, still lacks an official launch timeline, but it’s estimated to be a reality in the next 2-3 years. Homologation ensures that the vehicle meets essential technical and legal requirements to be deemed roadworthy, involving a thorough assessment of performance, emissions, safety features, and construction standards. The concept version of the Mahindra Thar.e exudes rugged charm, featuring notable characteristics like a substantial ground clearance, an upright stance, squared-off fenders, and flat panels. At the front, the SUV showcases a rectangular grille with three LED slat elements, quartered and square headlamps, and a robust bumper, while the rear profile appears compact and purposeful. While the conventional IC

Hyundai Reveals Kona Jayde Concept at 2023 SEMA Show

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Hyundai will reveal the 2024 Kona Jayde Concept at the 2023 SEMA Show on October 31. The Jayde Concept is a one-of-a-kind urban crossover utility vehicle designed to elevate your next adventure with unparalleled style and flair. Beyond its striking visual appeal, Kona Jayde is ideally outfitted for urban escapades with features like a Thule cargo box and a matching e-bike from Vintage Electric Bikes. Exclusive Urban Aesthetics The Kona Jayde Concept is a tribute to those who express their personal style through their vehicles, featuring a distinctive robin’s egg blue wrap that immediately sets it apart. Aero enhancements by Air Design give this Kona an edge, especially its aggressive front lip, unique rocker panels, and sleek rear spoiler. Embodying style and swagger, the Jayde features custom one-piece HRE 520M wheels rendered in a unique brushed-black finish. These 20x9 wheels are wrapped in aggressive 235/40/ZR20 Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S tires for style and performance. In tande

5 Exciting New Cars & SUVs To Be Launched Soon In India

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We have already witnessed launches of several new cars and SUVs in the country in the past 6-9 months. In the next 1 year, a wide range of new models will be launched in India. In this article, we talk about the top 5 upcoming exciting new cars and SUVs over the period of next 1 year – New Hyundai Creta Hyundai will launch the new Creta facelift in the country in the first quarter of 2024. The new Hyundai Creta facelift will come with significantly revised exterior and interior along with a new turbo petrol engine. The SUV will look different from the global model, and will receive India-specific changes. The SUV will have new front and rear design, new alloy wheels and new lighting system. Inside the cabin, the SUV will have a new dashboard layout with a dual-screen setup for a touchscreen infotainment and a digital instrument console. It will retain the existing 1.5L petrol and diesel engine options. Moreover, the SUV will also get a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine that produ

Citroen Offering Discounts Of Rs 1 Lakh On C3 Aircross & C3 Hatch

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Citroen had launched the C3 Aircross crossover at a starting price of Rs 9.99 lakh in September 2023. The SUV is offered in 3 variants – YOU, PLUS and MAX – and in 5 and 7-seat configurations. On the other hand, the Citroen’s entry-level hatchback – the C3 is available in the price bracket of Rs 6.16 lakh to Rs 8.80 lakh. In order to improve sales during festive season, Citroen is offering discounts worth up to Rs 1 lakh on the C3 hatchback and the C3 Aircross. Moreover, Citroen is giving discounts worth up to Rs 2 lakh on the C5 Aircross premium SUV. The Citroen C3 Aircross SUV’s benefits include a cash discount of Rs 30,000, a five years extended warranty worth Rs 25,000 or 60,000km, and an annual maintenance system worth Rs 45,000 for 50,000km or five years. Customer can also opt for a cash discount of Rs 90,000. Citroen is giving benefits up to Rs 99,000 on the C3 hatchback. Moreover, customers can also opt for “Buy today and pay EMIs from 2024” on the hatchback. Benefits may va

Honda To Launch Only SUVs In India; EVs In Focus

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Honda Motor Company is on a mission to reclaim its market share in India, and it’s making some strategic moves to achieve this goal. Presently, the Japanese automaker’s Indian portfolio comprises just three models: the Amaze compact sedan, the City sedan, and the Elevate mid-size SUV. The recently launched Elevate holds high promise, and Honda aims to drive up its sales by an impressive 35 percent in the second half of this fiscal year. Read: Honda Elevate Vs Rivals In a recent interview with an online media publication, Toshio Kuwahara, President & CEO of Asian Honda Motor Company and Head of Regional Operations for Asia & Oceania, shed light on Honda’s expansion plans for India. The company intends to bolster its model lineup with the introduction of five new products by 2030, all of which will cater exclusively to the rapidly expanding SUV segment. One of the most notable upcoming additions is an electric SUV based on the Honda Elevate , signaling Honda’s strong commitmen

Valeo Windshield Wipers Awarded First Place in Auto Plus Comparison Test

Valeo’s range of windshield wipers has won yet another award. After numerous awards for Valeo Canopy and Valeo Everguard, it is now the turn of Valeo Infinium to be rewarded by taking the first place in the comparative test of 12 pairs of windshield wipers organised by Auto Plus and based on an average of three criteria (price, fitting and efficiency). The choice of windshield wipers is an essential safety feature for any vehicle. They help to improve visibility by removing rain, snow and dust. Valeo contributes to the safety of road users by offering significant improvements in terms of visibility and life span. Thanks to Valeo’s specially developed wiping technologies, Valeo Infinium achieves an excellent level of wiping quality and offers one of the best Valeo performances over time. These performances were praised by Auto Plus, which placed Valeo Infinium number one following a comparison of 12 pairs of wipers. Valeo Infinium is recognised not only for its wiping quality but

TVS Ronin TD Special Edition Launched – Price, Triple Tone, Features

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TVS Motor Company is getting aggressive with its product strategy for the Indian market. Earlier this year, the company had launched the new Apache RTR 310 and the TVS X electric scooter. Ahead of the festive season, TVS has launched a new special edition variant of the Ronin 225. Called the TVS Ronin TD, the new special edition motorcycle is priced at Rs 1.73 lakh (ex-showroom). The new TVS Ronin TD Special Edition comes equipped with multiple upgrades and a new colour option. The special edition is available in a new triple-tone Nimbus Grey colour option. It also comes with a new body graphic. The grey paint is used as the primary tone, while the White colour comes as the secondary paint. A red stripe is used as the third tone. The Ronin TD Special Edition features the TVS Ronin branding on the rims. The lower cycle parts are finished in black. The headlamp bezel also comes with the blacked-out treatment. TVS has also added several accessories like a USB charger, visor, and an FI

TVS Ronin Special Edition Launched in India Ahead of Festive Season

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TVS Ronin Special Edition has been launched in India. In line with its ethos of celebrating and encouraging riders to make their own move without following a script, the all-new TVS RONIN Special Edition comes equipped with a host of stunning new upgrades to amplify their experiences. This Special Edition of the motorcycle comes with a new graphic as compared with the current TD range. It offers a triple tone with grey as primary tone and white as secondary with a red stripe being the third tone (both on tank and side panel). The motorcycle will also come with subtle details embodying the ‘R’ logo pattern. The wheel rim comes with the TVS RONIN branding while the lower portion of the vehicle is all black, with the black theme also added to headlamp bezel. Additionally, the Special Edition will come with pre-fitted accessories including the USB Charger, Visor and a uniquely designed EFI Cover. The new TVS RONIN TD will be available in the colour - Nimbus Grey, at an exciting price

5-Door Mahindra Thar – Different Design, More Features, 2 Engines

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The upcoming 5-door Mahindra Thar has garnered considerable attention among automotive enthusiasts. It’s ready to be a compelling addition to the off-roading segment, building on the success of its 3-door counterpart. Although the official launch date remains undisclosed, it appears to be in its final development stages and is expected to grace the roads in the first half of 2024. Read: New Mahindra XUV300 – New Automatic Gearbox, Panoramic Sunroof, ADAS The latest spy images provide a glimpse of the SUV in its nearly production-ready form, featuring the iconic front grille, LED projector headlamps with distinctive DRLs, and LED fog lamps. Several design elements will set it apart from its 3-door counterpart. One notable difference observed in the spy images is the uniquely designed taillamps with new LED graphics, although the overall shape remains consistent with the 3-door Thar. Additionally, the 5-door variant may come with a distinct style of alloy wheels. The changes aren’t li

2 Car Launches, 2 Big Product Unveiling In November 2023

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As we enter the penultimate month of 2023, the automotive industry is gearing up for several highly anticipated new car launches across various segments. November promises to be an exciting time for auto enthusiasts, with notable releases on the horizon. Two luxury vehicles from Mercedes-Benz, the GLE facelift and AMG C 43, are set to hit the market. Additionally, two major global debuts are expected: the new-generation Renault Duster and the revamped Skoda Superb. Let’s delve into the key details of these upcoming models. Mercedes GLE SUV Facelift Launch Date: November 2 The updated Mercedes GLE will introduce a new 450d variant, replacing the existing 400d variant. The 300d and 450 variants will continue to be part of the lineup, and all three will be equipped with a 48V integrated starter generator (ISG), boosting power by 20bhp and torque by 200Nm. The GLE facelift will sport a revised front bumper, LED headlamps, newly-designed alloy wheels, and updated taillamps. Inside, it

4 Upcoming SUVs To Rival Kia Seltos, Maruti Grand Vitara

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The compact SUV segment is one of the fastest & most crowded in the Indian market. This segment is currently dominated by Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos and Maruti Grand Vitara. In fact, the newly launched Honda Elevate has also received overwhelming response from car buyers. The competition will further increase, as multiple new compact SUVs will be launched in our market in the next couple of years – New Hyundai Creta The Korean automaker, Hyundai has announced to launch the new Creta compact SUV in our market in early 2024. The updated model is already on sale in select international markets; however, the India-spec model will be significantly different from the regular model. It will receive several India-specific changes, featuring a new front grille and split headlamp setup. The new Creta facelift will also receive significantly revised interior with similarities with the new Verna. It will also receive ADAS tech with features similar to the one offered in the new Verna. It wi

These Automotive-Grade Ceramic Capacitors are Just 0.18mm Thick

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Murata has extended their lead in the manufacture of multi-layer ceramic capacitors for automotive applications with the release of their LLC series. The components feature a reversed termination for low ESL and are in a world’s-first 0.18mm profile package. Footprint is just 0.5 x 1.0mm for 1µF capacitance making the parts the smallest in the market. The LLC series uses Murata’s proprietary thin-layer forming and high-precision lamination technology, along with advanced material atomization and homogenization techniques to achieve about 20% reduction in component height compared with existing parts. This opens up the potential to more-easily fit the capacitors on the back-side of circuit boards, even amongst solder ball terminations, locating the parts in optimum positions for decoupling of processor power rails, close to the die. This in turn allows fewer capacitors to be used, saving cost, and increasing system reliability. Along with their low ESR, the reduction in ESL achieved

2024 Swift’s New Z-Series Engine Explained – High On Mileage

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Suzuki Motor Corporation has taken the spotlight at the ongoing Tokyo Motor Show with a preview of its upcoming models. Among the reveals, the eVX concept , now in a refined form, made its debut, but the true showstopper was the introduction of Suzuki’s new Z-Series engine in the next-generation Swift hatchback. Codenamed Z12, this new engine is a naturally aspirated 1.2L 3-cylinder unit, poised to replace the current 1.2L 4-cylinder K-Series motor. So, what sets Suzuki’s Z-Series engine apart? Let’s delve into the details. Lightweight and Greener The most striking feature of the Swift’s Z-Series engine is its 3-cylinder configuration, replacing the previous 4-cylinder setup, resulting in a lighter engine. This change not only reduces weight but also allows the engine to meet the stringent BS6 emission standards and CAFÉ (Corporate Average Fuel Efficiency) Phase 2 regulations. It’s important to note that the 2024 Suzuki Swift showcased at the event features a hybrid powertrain. In I

Interesting Festive Benefits on Ather 450X, 450S Electric Scooters

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Ather Energy has announced exciting festive season benefits on its renowned electric scooter offerings, the Ather 450S and 450X. Customers looking to upgrade to an EV from their existing petrol scooters now have the opportunity to upgrade to a new generation of modern electric scooters from Ather, which offers superior technology, connectivity and performance. Customers looking to switch from traditional petrol-powered two-wheelers to Ather's electric scooters can avail an exchange value up to Rs. 40,000 on the Ather 450X (2.9 kWh and 3.7 kWh) and Ather 450S (2.9 kWh). This exchange value can be utilized as the down payment for the new Ather scooter while the remaining amount is easily arranged through attractive retail financing options. In addition to the exchange value, Ather Energy is also extending a Festive Benefit (up to Rs 5,000), a Corporate discount (Rs. 1,500) and a Credit Card EMI cashback (up to Rs 6,000) on the 450S and 450X. Furthermore, to drive affordability, A

Renault Kardian SUV Revealed – Photos, Specs, Features

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After a series of teasers, Renault has finally revealed the new Kardian SUV. The new Renault Kardian compact SUV will be aimed at emerging markets including South America. It will be sold in emerging markets where the French automaker is not selling the Kiger sub-4 meter SUV. The new Kardian will directly rival the Fiat Pulse that’s on sale in the South American market. Based on the new CMF modular platform, the Renault Kardian compact SUV measures 4.12 meters in length. This platform is designed and developed for emerging markets and will be used to develop as many as eight models. In terms of styling, the new Renault Kardian compact SUV gets chunky bumpers, a large Renault signature double-layer grille, and a split headlamp set-up with LED DRLs on top and main unit on the lower bumper. Renault has added significant amount of faux aluminium inserts on the Kardian compact SUV to offer a rugged look. Similar to the Kiger, the Renault Kardian SUV features a coupe-like bodyshell and hi

Infiniti's Vision of Electric Future: Stunning Vision Qe Concept

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Infiniti unveiled the Vision Qe concept, a stunning preview of the brand’s electrified future. The concept, revealed at an event alongside Tokyo Bay, embodies Infiniti’s evolved design language and sets the tone for its first all-electric sedan. The Infiniti Vision Qe concept showcases the evolved design form “Artistry in Motion” in the all-electric era. It blends artistic details with a single fluid design gesture that flows from front to rear. Its sleek, aerodynamic fastback profile exudes a sense of graceful motion. A gentle pressing along the bodyside combines with the surfacing of the fenders to create an elegant yet muscular presence, hinting at the engaging all-electric drive a future production version will deliver. Infiniti’s signature double-arched grille has been reimagined for the EV era. It is now represented by sculpted lines within the front fascia and illuminated with a bright LED outline. Infiniti’s “digital piano key” lighting signature graces the concept’s front

New-Gen Renault Duster To Be Unveiled In November – Details

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After a successful decade-long run in India, the Renault Duster SUV bid farewell in 2022. Currently, the French automaker’s Indian portfolio comprises three models: the Kwid hatchback, the Triber MPV, and the Kiger subcompact SUV. Renault is now gearing up to rekindle the Duster brand in India with a new generation. According to a recent media report, the next-generation Dacia Duster, also known as the Renault Duster, is set to make its global debut on November 29, 2023, in Portugal. Its launch in India is slated for 2025. Read: Renault Plans 9 New Models For India Reports indicate that Renault will introduce a three-row variant of the new Duster, which will be based on the Dacia Bigster SUV. The design and styling of the upcoming Duster will draw inspiration from the Bigster, boasting a boxy yet rugged stance. The front fascia will feature a freshly designed grille, slender LED headlamps, prominent fenders, and a new bumper with integrated aluminum skid plates. The SUV will also spor

New 2024 Maruti Swift Unveiled – Real World Images, Key Details

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The highly anticipated 2024 Maruti Swift has been unveiled by Japanese automaker Suzuki at the Tokyo Motor Show. This new-generation Swift showcases a production-ready model with a revamped design language and a more upscale interior. In India, the all-new Swift is set to make its debut early in 2024, possibly in February, followed by the next-generation Dzire compact sedan . However, specific details regarding the official launch date and other specifics are yet to be revealed by the carmaker. When it arrives, the 2024 Maruti Swift will face competition from newly introduced models like the Tata Punch and Hyundai Exter, while continuing to compete with established rivals such as the Hyundai Grand i10 Nios, Renault Triber, and Citroen C3. Let’s delve into some key details about the new Swift. New 2024 Maruti Swift Design The majority of cosmetic changes are concentrated at the front fascia. The new Swift features a newly designed, larger grille with a gloss black and dark chrome fi

New Skoda Subcompact SUV – Brezza, Venue, Sonet On Radar

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Skoda India currently boasts a portfolio consisting of three products: the Slavia mid-size sedan, along with the Kushaq and Kodiaq SUVs. As previously reported, the Czech automaker has ambitious plans to venture into the highly competitive sub-4 meter SUV segment. Rumors suggest that the new Skoda subcompact SUV is slated for a potential debut next year, followed by its market launch. It is worth noting that the company is actively in the process of setting up the assembly line for this upcoming model. Upon its release, the new Skoda subcompact SUV will join the ranks against formidable contenders like the Maruti Suzuki Brezza, Hyundai Venue, Kia Sonet, Tata Nexon, and Mahindra XUV300. This model will fall under Skoda’s India 2.5 project and will be underpinned by the MQB A0 IN platform. The MQB A0 IN architecture is essentially an offshoot of the Volkswagen Group’s MAB A0 platform, specifically tailored for emerging markets. Skoda has already leveraged this architecture for its Sla

A New Tata MPV In the Works? – Ertiga or Innova Fighter

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Tata Motors is making significant strides in the automotive industry. The homegrown automaker has recently updated four of its popular SUVs: the Nexon, Nexon EV, Harrier, and Safari. Looking ahead, the company has confirmed its plan to introduce the production-ready Curvv coupe SUV in early 2024. Initially, this model will be launched with an electric powertrain, followed by its internal combustion engine (ICE) version. Furthermore, Tata has set a target for the launch of the Tata Sierra SUV in 2025. Much like the Curvv, the Sierra.ev will be the first to hit the market, with its ICE counterpart following suit. Shailesh Chandra, the Managing Director of Tata Motors, has also disclosed the company’s intention to enter a segment that is currently unrepresented in its product portfolio. While remaining tight-lipped about the specifics of this upcoming model, it is widely anticipated to be a multi-purpose vehicle (MPV). In the compact MPV segment, there are currently options like the Mar

Maruti Celerio Xtra Edition Goes On Sale – What All It Has?

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As the festive season gets underway across the country, Maruti Suzuki has unveiled the Celerio Xtra Edition, an accessorized version of their popular hatchback. This special edition is expected to come at a premium of approximately Rs 25,000 over the standard model, although the official pricing details are yet to be disclosed by the automaker. But what exactly does the Maruti Celerio Xtra Edition offer in addition to its regular counterpart? This model comes equipped with various accessories, including body side molding, wheel arch cladding, door visor garnish inserts, and a multimedia audio system. Inside the car, the interior will receive enhancements in the form of accessories like a boot mat, 3D mats, a steering wheel cover, door sill guards, and number plate garnishes. Official Video The Maruti Celerio Xtra Edition will retain its existing features, which encompass electric outside rear-view mirrors, power windows, steering-mounted controls, rear defogger, rear wiper, height-

Toyota’s Mini Land Cruiser To Rival Ford Bronco – New Details

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We reported earlier that Toyota is working on a new mini Land Cruiser SUV , which is scheduled to be launched sometime in 2024. Toyota is currently 3 different variants of the Land Cruisers – the 300 Series, Prado (to be replaced by the 250 Series), and the Classic 70 Series. The company will soon unveil an all-new 7-seater Land Cruiser Se electric concept at the Japan Mobility 2023. Toyota had previously hinted about a smaller, off-road focused vehicle at the reveal of the Land Cruiser 250 in early 2023. If media reports are to be believed, the new mini Land Cruiser could be launched by the end of 2024. It is expected that the new mini Land Cruiser could be called the “Land Hopper”, as the name was trademarked by Toyota. Moreover, the new compact off-roader could be called the “FJ Cruiser” or the “FC Cruiser”. The new model is likely to draw inspiration from the Land Cruiser’s off-road capabilities and will be based on a new smaller platform. The new mini Land Cruiser will directly

2023 Tata Safari Vs Mahindra XUV700 – Specs Comparison

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Tata Motors has recently launched the updated version of the Safari facelift SUV in the country. The 2023 Tata Safari facelift comes with significant design changes and all-new interior along with a wide array of new features. The new model directly rivals the Mahindra XUV700, MG Hector Plus and the Hyundai Alcazar. So, if you are looking to drive home a new 7-seater SUV and confused between the XUV700 and the Safari, here’s a specs & features based comparison between these two offerings – Price Model Name Price (ex-showroom) 2023 Tata Safari 16.19 – 27.34 lakh Mahindra XUV700 14.01 – 24.35 lakh (Petrol) 14.45 – 26.18 lakh (Diesel) – the new Safari is available in the price bracket of Rs 16.19 lakh to Rs 27.34 lakh (ex-showroom). – the XUV700 petrol range starts at Rs 14.01 lakh and goes up to Rs 24.35 lakh. The diesel version is priced between Rs 14.45 lakh and Rs 26.18 lakh. 2023 Tata Safari Vs Mahindra XUV700 Specs – the new Safari is available with a si

All-New BMW 740d M Sport Diesel Model Launched in India

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BMW India has launched the diesel variant of the all-new BMW 7 Series – 740d M Sport. It is locally produced at BMW Group Plant Chennai. It has been priced at Rs 1.81 crore (ex-showroom). The all-new BMW 740d M Sport is available in following paintworks – Oxide Grey, Mineral White, Black Sapphire, and BMW Individual Tanzanite Blue. The choice of paintwork can be made online at BMW Visualizer. The powerfully expressive design features for the exterior of the new BMW 7 Series authentically reflect its central product attributes and the associated on-board experience. The headlights are divided into two parts. At the top are the daytime running lights, complete with the BMW Crystal Headlights. Their sparkling Swarovski crystals reflect ambient light in a multi-faceted way even when not illuminated, resulting in an impressive shimmering effect. Underneath are the LED headlights for high beam and low beam. Another distinguished feature is the strikingly illuminated BMW Iconic Glow kidney

Tata Curvv SUV Coupe Spotted In Close To Production Avatar

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Tata Motors has recently launched the updated versions of the Nexon, Safari and Harrier. The company is now preparing to introduce the much-awaited Tata Curvv SUV Coupe that has been spotted testing with heavy cladding. The latest spy images reveal the coupe-esque silhouette of the bodyshell. Going by the spy images, it is visible that the spotted model appears close to production with a sloping rear roofline. The vehicle misses out on a rear quarter glass. The spotted model retains the original shape of the concept that debuted at the Auto Expo 2023. The Tata Curvv appears completely different from its direct rivals, which comes with a more conventional SUV or crossover-ish styling. The Tata Curvv SUV seen in the pictures have different alloy wheels compared to the ones offered on the concept. The SUV retains the sporty design with squared-off wheel arches and strong cladding on the side to give it a sporty profile. The front fascia has a full-width LED DRLs, vertically positioned

New Toyota Land Cruiser Se, EPU Pick-up EVs Revealed

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We have recently revealed that Suzuki will showcase multiple new vehicles including the new-gen Swift and new electric vehicle concepts at the 2023 Japan Mobility Show. Not just Suzuki, several OEMs will showcase several new cars, electric vehicles and several technologies at the event. Toyota will also showcase multiple cool concepts including the new Land Cruiser Se electric and the EPU electric pick-up at the event. New Toyota Land Cruiser Se electric Toyota has revealed the all-new Land Cruiser Se electric vehicle, which is set to make a public debut at the Japan Mobility Show. Toyota said that the new Land Cruiser 3-row electric SUV caters to the world’s diverse needs. This is for the first time that the new Toyota Land Cruiser nameplate is based on a monocoque platform. Toyota claims that a “monocoque body also offers highly responsive handling and confidence in tackling rough terrain.” BEV quietness helps create a comfortable cabin space when driving in urban areas and oth