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For decades, BMW has adorned its gas-powered models with the iconic "i" at the end of their names, signifying fuel injection technology. However, in a strategic move, BMW is bidding farewell to the familiar letter. Originally, the "i" denoted the transition from carbureted to fuel-injected engines, distinguishing models like the 325i and 540i. But with carburetors long gone and the "i" brand associated with BMW's electric vehicles, the company is redefining its nomenclature. The decision was confirmed by a BMW executive to BMWBlog, revealing that the next-generation X3 will be designated as the M50, departing from the current M40i naming convention. Bernd Köber, Senior Vice President BMW Brand and Product Management, Connected Company, explained that BMW aims to reserve the "i" for its electric vehicles. This strategic shift aims to avoid customer confusion in a lineup where an i5 could be fully electric while a 540i runs on gas. The lo...

Demand for Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs) and Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEVs) is gradually growing in the Indian automotive market. In 2023, BEVs accounted for 2.3% and HEVs for 2% of total passenger vehicle sales. Several buyers prefer hybrid vehicles as an intermediate step before transitioning to fully electric vehicles, and proof of it lies in the sales figures of popular hybrid models like the Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara, Toyota Innova Hycross, Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder, Maruti Suzuki Invicto, and Honda City Hybrid. Suzuki, the parent company of Maruti Suzuki, is known to be developing cost-effective hybrid technology for the Indian market. This new hybrid technology is expected to be introduced across Maruti Suzuki’s mass-market models, including the Fronx, Baleno, Swift, and Brezza. Hyundai Motor India, a new entrant in the hybrid vehicle sector, is reportedly planning to introduce hybrid powertrains as part of its electrified future strategy over the next three years. Thi...

Mahindra XUV 3XO (the XUV300 facelift) is finally here. The subcompact SUV model lineup comes with a new variant nomenclature as we have seen in the XUV700, namely, MX1, MX2, MX2 Pro, MX3, MX3 Pro, AX5, AX5 L, AX& and AX7L. Its prices start from Rs 7.49 lakh for the entry-level MX1 petrol manual variant and go all the way up to Rs 15.49 lakh for the top-end AX7 L petrol automatic variant. The entire model lineup comes in nine trims and eighteen variants along with the six engine and gearbox combinations. Here, we’re analyzing the variant lineup of the new XUV 3XO SUV for providing insights into which variant might best suit your needs. Mahindra XUV 3XO Variants Explained XUV 3XO MX1 Features Price – Rs 7.49 Lakh Engine – 111bhp, Petrol MT Bi-halogen projector headlamps LED signature lamp with front turn indicators LED indicator on ORVM R16 steel wheels LED taillamps 6 Airbags Electronic stability control Isofix Reverse parking sensors 3-point seat belt for all p...

The Kia EV9 has been recognized with the prestigious ‘Best of the Best’ award at the Red Dot Award: Product Design 2024 in the Cars and Motorcycles category. Success at the highest level of the global design competition acknowledges the contribution Kia as a brand, and the EV9 in particular, has made to setting exceptional standards of design innovation. The Red Dot: ‘Best of the Best’ award, presented only to the most pioneering designs, further validates the success of the Kia design team in creating the EV9, the brand’s first flagship electric SUV. The EV9 represents the essence of Kia's 'Opposites United’ design philosophy, presenting a harmonious combination of futuristic design, highly advanced technology, and sustainable values. Harnessing the creative tension generated by the divergent values of nature and modernity to deliver a harmonious whole, ‘Opposites United’ provides Kia’s designers with a framework through which to fuse a unique combination of sleek, sculptur...

The 5-Door Mahindra Thar is set to make its global debut on 15th August 2024. This highly anticipated lifestyle off-road SUV has been undergoing extensive testing, allowing us to gather key insights into its design and features. The 5-door Thar will have unique design elements to set it apart from its 3-door counterpart, and it will be more practical, with an extended length of 300mm, providing more cabin space and a larger boot. The additional length will also enable more storage spaces and cubbies, along with expected improvements in material quality. Talking about its features, the 5-door Mahindra Thar will offer more than its 3-door version. It will have a redesigned dashboard with a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system , likely supporting the latest Adrenox software and over-the-air (OTA) updates. Higher variants will exclusively feature a 10.25-inch digital driver display , while lower variants might come with a larger central multi-information display (MID), similar to th...

May 2024 is set to be an exciting month for auto enthusiasts, with three major mass-market product launches from Maruti Suzuki, Tata Motors, and Force Motors. Maruti Suzuki will launch the fourth-generation Swift hatchback on 9th May, while Tata Motors and Force Motors are expected to release the Altroz Racer Edition and the 5-door Gurkha off-road SUV. Let’s dive into some key details about these upcoming models. New-Gen Maruti Swift – 9th May Unofficial bookings for the all-new Maruti Swift have already begun at select Arena dealerships. The new Swift will feature significant cosmetic changes, as seen in the Japan-spec model, although there might be some differences in the India-spec version. A major highlight of the new 2024 Maruti Swift is Suzuki’s all-new 1.2L, 3-cylinder naturally aspirated Z-Series petrol engine, replacing the existing K-Series, 4-cylinder motor. Unlike the Japan-spec Swift, which comes with strong hybrid technology, the India-spec version will be equipped wi...

Hyundai Motor Group announced its plan to produce five mass-market, locally manufactured electric vehicles (EVs) for the Indian market by 2030. These upcoming EVs will be developed at the Hyundai-Kia Namyang R&D center in Korea. All research work, including electrification, mobility research, development of voice recognition technology in local Indian languages, and autonomous driving, will be conducted at this facility. The Hyundai Creta EV will be the first vehicle under this EV strategy, with production slated to begin in December 2024. Its market launch is expected in the first half of 2025. Specifications for the Creta EV are not yet disclosed, but it is likely to feature a 45kWh battery pack and an electric motor located at the front axle. This setup is similar to the one in the global-spec Kona EV. The expected range of the Hyundai Creta EV is approximately 500 km. The electric version of the SUV will be based on the updated Creta, with a few EV-specific design elements bo...

Toyota, renowned for its quality automobiles, is taking innovative steps to ensure the safety of its factory workers. The Japanese auto giant has introduced dummy fingers to evaluate and maximize the safety of its workers' hands, particularly in light of increased interaction between humans and robots on the factory floor. The initiative comes as part of Toyota's commitment to maintaining the safety of its workforce amid the growing integration of automation in car manufacturing. Despite the efficiency of the Toyota Production System, human workers remain essential for operating machinery, but they are also prone to accidents, especially when working alongside heavy automated equipment. Crafted in Aichi Prefecture, Japan, at Toyota's headquarters in Toyota City, these dummy fingers are the brainchild of Takeo Mori, a manager in the Manufacturing Engineering Department. Collaborating with Panasonic, Toyota developed these innovative tools to address the rising risk of wor...

Following its unveiling at the Volkswagen Group Media Night on 24 April, the Lamborghini Urus SE made its world public premiere at the Auto China Beijing 2024 motor show. This new-generation Urus, the Urus SE – the first PHEV (Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle) luxury super SUV – features a new design; optimized aerodynamics; unprecedented on-board technologies; and a hybrid powertrain with an output of 800 CV, setting a new segment benchmark in terms of comfort, performance, efficiency, emissions and driving pleasure. The Revuelto, the first super sports V12 hybrid HPEV (High Performance Electrified Vehicle), is also being showcased, while the Huracán Tecnica, a rear-wheel drive super sports car powered by a V10 engine, is on display in the Ad Personam room. World premiere of the Lamborghini Urus SE The Lamborghini Urus SE adopts a re-engineered twin-turbo 4.0 V8 engine, delivering 620 CV of power and 800 Nm of torque. In optimal synergy with the electric powertrain, the system gene...

Together with Porsche AG, management and IT consultancy MHP is taking industrial and production sector training to a new level: in a showcase event, part of the production process at the Zuffenhausen plant was implemented as highly realistic 3D training in Apple Vision Pro. CAD data of a robot and a rotary table (welding) are realistically mapped in Apple Vision Pro in the "Shopfloor Training" showcase. With the capabilities provided by Apple Vision Pro, employees can now utilize an innovative training application that not only saves time, but also provides extremely effective training, thanks to the authentic representation of the production facility. Let’s take the maintenance of machines and systems, for example. Shutting down an entire production plant for training purposes is expensive and could result in delays in the entire system. Training with Apple Vision Pro, on the other hand, can be carried out anywhere. In the specific showcase event developed by MHP, employe...

Maruti Suzuki currently has two strong hybrid vehicles in its product portfolio: the Grand Vitara and the Invicto. Both models use Toyota’s self-charging strong hybrid technology, with price ranges of Rs 10.80 lakh – Rs 20.09 lakh and Rs 25.21 lakh – Rs 28.92 lakh, respectively. Aiming to make hybrid technology more accessible to the mass market, Suzuki Motor Corporation (the parent company of Maruti Suzuki) is developing an affordable hybrid for the Indian market. The automaker plans to introduce its own cost-effective hybrid technology in smaller cars, including the Fronx compact crossover, the Baleno hatchback, a new mini MPV, and the Swift hatchback. This initiative will eventually improve the vehicles’ fuel efficiency and reduce their carbon footprint. Representational Image According to reports, the Maruti Suzuki Fronx facelift will be the first model to feature the brand’s new hybrid system (HEV) in 2025. The new-generation Baleno and a mini MPV based on the Japan-spec Spa...

Volkswagen Tayron SUV has made its debut at the ongoing 2024 Beijing Auto Show in China. It’s essentially the long-wheelbase or stretched version of the new Tiguan that was showcased last year. In the Chinese market, the model is called Volkswagen Tiguan L Pro and offered with five-seats configuration. The German automaker will also bring in the new Tayron SUV in India via CKD (Completely Knocked Down) route in 2025. Here, it will be positioned against the Skoda Kodiaq and Jeep Meridian . Underpinning the Volkswagen’s new MQB EVO platform, the new Tayron SUV shares most of its design elements with the new Tiguan. The front fascia design is sharp and aggressive featuring the sleek black grille, LED headlamps with LED DRLs and bumper with a contrasting black finish. It has pronounced wheel arches, all-black alloy wheels, body coloured door handles, black ORVMs and roof rails. The rear profile has been adorned by wrap around LED taillights connected via a LED light bar, a sculpted tailga...

Hyundai Creta, the top volume generator for the South Korean automaker in India, is ready to foray into the EV (electric vehicle) segment. The carmaker has confirmed that the SUV’s electric iteration will enter production in December 2024 at its Chennai-based facility, making Hyundai’s first locally produced EV.  Although the official launch date of the Hyundai Creta EV is yet to be announced, the model is likely to hit roads in the first quarter of 2025. Additionally, the company aims to make its Pune plant as a production hub with capacity of 2 lakh units per annum. The facility is likely to be operational in the second half of the next year. Hyundai’s Chennai plant currently has a production capacity of 8.24 lakh units. It clearly hints at the company’s intention to achieve over 10 lakh manufacturing capacity by the end of 2025. Talking about the upcoming Hyundai Creta EV, the model will be based on the facelifted Creta. If reports are to be believed, the electric SUV could b...

The first-ever BMW i5 was launched in India today and will be available as an exclusive BMW M Performance model, BMW i5 M60 xDrive. This all-electric sporty executive sedan leads with elegant presence, innovative technology, and dynamic performance. As a performance model from BMW M GmbH, the all-electric BMW i5 M60 xDrive comes as standard with specific exterior features that also visually underline its outstanding sport potential. The exterior of the first-ever BMW i5 M60 xDrive is designed to be as innovative as you. The Illuminated BMW kidney grille sets the scene with its unique radiance. Stylistically inspired by the so-called "Sharknose" and projecting far forward, the BMW kidney grille functions as the visual centre of the vehicle front. The range of functions of the standard Adaptive LED Headlights includes the cornering light and the Matrix High Beam including the glare-free High Beam Assist BMW Selective Beam. In addition, blue design elements below the LED units...

Get ready for two major product launches from India’s top OEMs in the next two weeks. Mahindra & Mahindra is all set to launch the XUV 3XO (XUV300 facelift) on 29 th April, while Maruti Suzuki will announce prices of the new-generation Swift on 9 th May 2024. Let’s devel into some key details of both the forthcoming models. Mahindra XUV 3XO The new Mahindra XUV 3XO subcompact SUV has already generated considerable buzz, thanks to a series of teaser videos revealing design details and interior features. In the latest teaser video, the carmaker has revealed that the SUV will promise an ARAI-certified mileage of 20.1kmpl, likely attributed to the diesel-automatic combo. It can do 0 to 60kmph in 4.5 seconds. Similar to its predecessor, the Mahindra XUV 3XO will come with the 1.2L turbo petrol, 1.2L TGDi petrol and 1.5L diesel engines. The oil burner could be exclusively offered with a 6-speed torque convertor automatic gearbox. Mahindra will equip its new subcompact SUV with lot...

The updated Jeep Wrangler SUV has finally made its way to the Indian market. Prices of the SUV model lineup start at Rs 67.65 lakh for the Unlimited variant and go all the way up to Rs 71.65 lakh for the Rubicon version. All mentioned prices are ex-showroom. Compared to its predecessor, the new 2024 Jeep Wrangle facelift is nearly Rs 5 lakh more expensive. Let’s take a look at what all has been changed in the SUV. The Unlimited variant is being offered in five colour options – Black, Bright White, Sarge Green, Firecracker Red and Granite Crystal. The Rubicon version, on the other hand, comes in Sarge Gree, granite Crystal, Black, Bright White and Firecracker Red shades. Both variants feature a newly-designed blacked-out, seven-slat radiator grille and a Gorilla Glass windshield. While the Unlimited comes with a new set of 18-inch alloy wheels, the Rubicon gets new 17-inch alloys. The SUV continues to come with hard-top and soft-top roof options. Inside the cabin, the new 2024 Jeep W...

Mahindra & Mahindra has unfolded new details of the new XUV 3XO subcompact SUV that’s ready to debut on 29 th April. This time around, the carmaker shared information about its interior features and performance figures. The latest teaser confirms that the new Mahindra XUV 3XO will come with a 6-speed torque convertor automatic gearbox, replacing the old AMT unit with the diesel motor. It’s claimed to deliver a fuel efficiency of 20.1kmpl. While the specific engine-gearbox combination providing this mileage has not been disclosed, it’s likely to be the new diesel-automatic combination. Read: Mahindra Bolero Neo Scores 1 Star In Global NCAP Talking about the powertrains, the new Mahindra XUV 3XO will be made available with the 110PS, 1.2L turbo petrol, 130PS, 1.2L TGDi turbo petrol and 117PS, 1.5L diesel engine options. All these motors will get a 6-speed manual gearbox as standard. However, the 1.2L turbo petrol and 1.5L diesel units can also be had with a 6-speed AMT and the new ...

We have mostly heard of NCAP ratings for cars. Multiple crash tests are carried out in controlled environments and the vehicles are rated on a plethora of aspects with a 5-star rating being the highest. Now, similar to how there is a safety rating for cars, Euro NCAP has revealed details of the first-ever heavy truck safety rating. Euro NCAP officially announces a major milestone in the development towards a Truck Safe rating scheme. This is in direct response to data showing that while trucks represent only 3% of vehicles on Europe’s roads they are involved in almost 15% of all EU road fatalities. At NCAP24, in front of an audience of international road safety experts and industry, Euro NCAP will showcase what elements the organisation is currently considering as part of a future Truck Safe rating and how it intends to evaluate and benchmark truck performance. Trucks play a vital role in a vibrant and productive economy. However, data shows there is a disproportionate number of tr...

Kia India currently offers four utility vehicles (UVs) in its product lineup, namely, Sonet, Seltos, Carens, and EV6. The South Korean automaker plans to sell 100,000 units of its highly popular Sonet subcompact and Seltos midsize SUVs in the current fiscal year. Additionally, Kia will launch the new Carnival MPV (available in 4/7/9-seater configurations) and the EV9 electric SUV (6/7-seater) in the second half of 2024. Here’re the key details of the upcoming Kia 7-seater UVs. 2024 Kia Carnival Facelift The updated Carnival will feature significant cosmetic changes and interior upgrades in India. This MPV will have a more upright front design, a wide grille with chrome accents, L-shaped headlamps with daytime running lights (DRLs), and a slightly revised front bumper with a small air intake bordered by a faux brushed aluminum skid plate. The rear section will be revised with L-shaped taillamps and a matte black bumper with chrome accents. The 2024 Kia Carnival will come equipped wi...

The updated Royal Enfield Classic 350 and Classic 650 motorcycles are set hit Indian roads this year. For the Classic 350, this will be the first update since it shifted to the new ‘J’ platform. While detailed information on the 2024 Royal Enfield Classic 350 facelift is scanty, it’s expected to feature some cosmetic changes such as all-LED lighting and new alloy wheels with tubeless tyres. Additionally, Royal Enfield might introduce a range of new features to enhance the bike’s appeal and provide better value for money in its segment. In terms of the powertrain, the engine is likely to remain unchanged. The 2024 Royal Enfield Classic 350 will continue to source its power from a 349cc single-cylinder air-cooled, fuel-injected engine, the same one that does duty in the Royal Enfield Meteor. This engine has an additional counter-balancer shaft to minimize vibrations, delivering 20.2bhp of power and 27Nm of torque. The suspension setup is expected to retain the telescopic front forks and...

Hyundai’s Creta facelift was one of the first and largest product launches from the South Korean automaker in India this year. The company is set to update other models in its lineup, including the three-row Alcazar SUV and the Tucson SUV. The 2024 Hyundai Alcazar, currently undergoing final testing, is expected to arrive in showrooms by May or June. The Hyundai Tucson facelift, which had its global debut in late 2023, is likely to launch in India in the second half of 2024. While the exact launch dates for both SUVs are yet to be announced, here are some key details about the upcoming Alcazar and Tucson facelifts. 2024 Hyundai Alcazar Facelift The facelifted three-row SUV will receive a few cosmetic updates and feature enhancements while maintaining its current engine setup. The new Alcazar will source some design elements from the Creta facelift but will have different styling for its front grille, bumper, headlamp clusters, daytime running lights (DRLs), alloy wheels, and rear ta...

The latest set of Global NCAP crash tests has revealed that Honda Amaze subcompact sedan scored a 2-star safety rating for adult crash tests and 0 stars for child safety. The child safety rating was impacted by head contact in the frontal impact for both dummies, high loads on the chest and neck of the 3-year-old dummy, and an ejection risk for the 1.5-year-old dummy. The zero-star rating for child safety was further justified by the lack of three-point seat belts in all seating positions, the absence of a passenger airbag disconnect switch, and the failure of some child restraint systems (CRSs) to install properly. The low score for adult occupant protection was due to the lack of optional side head protection, electronic stability control, and seat belt reminders (SBR) only for the driver’s seat. Crash Test Video – Honda Amaze The Honda Amaze, manufactured in India and sold in South Africa, was previously tested under the earlier Global NCAP protocols. In 2019, the model received...

Kia Carens, the compact MPV from the South Korean automaker, underwent a recent round of Global NCAP crash tests, resulting in a 3-star rating for adult and child occupant protection. The model was tested under new protocols, demonstrating some improvements over the previous test, but still highlighting areas for concern. In the latest crash test, the Carens showed an improvement in its structure, but the driver’s neck values were rated as poor. Additionally, protection for the driver’s chest and the driver’s and passenger’s knees was marginal. Crash Test Video – Kia Carens This result to a zero-star rating for adult occupant protection in earlier units of the Carens, those manufactured between May 2, 2023, and December 11, 2023. However, units produced after December 11, 2023, showed enhanced adult occupant protection, allowing the model to achieve a 3-star rating with a score of 22.07 out of 34 points. Read: Kia Plans 2 Affordable EVs (MPV/SUV) For India The Global NCAP report i...

Bajaj Auto has released the first teaser of the forthcoming Bajaj Pulsar NS400, which is set to go on sale on May 3, 2024. The teaser video shows the bike’s alloy wheels that appear similar to the newly-launched Pulsar N250. The model is likely to come with an underbelly exhaust instead of the unit fitted at the rear section. A similar setup is found in the Bajaj Pulsar NS160 and NS200. The NS400 will also get the single-sided mount rear tyre hugger with a fatter rear tyre. Powering the new Bajaj Pulsar NS400 will be a 373.3cc, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine that also does duty in Dominar 400. The motor has been tuned for generating power worth 40PS and a maximum torque of 35Nm. Transmission duties will be done by a 6-speed gearbox with a slip and assist clutch. The Quickshifter could be exclusively offered on the top-end variant. Teaser Video View this post on Instagram A post shared by Bajaj Pulsar (@mypulsarofficial) Suspensi...