motornews

Following the success of the Nexon subcompact SUV , the Tata Punch has emerged as the second-best-selling SUV from the indigenous automaker in India. Competing in the micro SUV segment against the Maruti Suzuki Fronx and Hyundai Exter, Tata Motors has elevated its game by equipping all variants of the Punch with a digital instrument cluster. Recent sightings of the lower variants revealed a 4-inch digital screen, presenting information such as the trip meter, odometer, speed time, warning lights, and more. Interestingly, the Punch’s top variant, known as Creative, retains a distinctive 7.0-inch part-digital instrument cluster. The incorporation of the digital instrument cluster as a standard feature is expected to have a marginal impact on pricing, although details regarding a potential price adjustment remain pending. This enhancement positions the Tata Punch to pose a formidable challenge to the Hyundai Exter, which already boasts a 4.2-inch MID digital instrument cluster as stand...

Japanese automaker, Toyota is getting good response from its new breed of cars including the Urban Cruiser Hyryder, Glanza and the Innova Hycross. In fact, the Hycross 3-row MPV comes with a waiting period of over 1 year. The company is constantly selling over 20,000 units per month. In order to further improve sales, Toyota is preparing to launch 5 new SUVs in the Indian market in the next 2-3 years. New Toyota Fortuner Toyota has started working on the next gen Fortuner SUV, which is expected to be launched sometime in 2024. However, the India-spec model is likely to be launched in 2025. The SUV will be designed and developed on an all-new TNGA-F architecture, which currently underpins multiple global cars including the Land Cruiser 300, Lexus LX500d and the new Tacoma pickup. This platform is compatible with different body styles and multiple engine options including ICE and hybrid. The new-gen Toyota Fortuner is likely to be powered by a 2.8-litre turbo diesel engine, which com...

Maruti Suzuki will finally enter the electric vehicle space with an all-new electric SUV, which will be based on the eVX concept. The company had showcased the Maruti eVX electric SUV concept at the 2023 Auto Expo. The production version of the electric SUV is expected to be launched sometime in late 2024, most probably around September-October 2024. The new Maruti eVX electric SUV will be locally developed at Suzuki’s Gujarat based manufacturing plant. In fact, the electric SUV will also be exported to several international markets including Europe. The electric SUV is jointly developed by Suzuki and Toyota, and the later will also have its own version. The Toyota’s version of the electric SUV will go on sale in our market in 2025. The Maruti eVX electric SUV will come with an aggressive price tag. The electric SUV will come with a high amount of localised content including batteries and drivetrain. Speaking to AutoCar Professional, Rahul Bharti, executive director of Corporate Af...

Tata Motors has officially announced the impending launch of the Curvv mid-size SUV coupe in the first quarter of 2024. The initial release will feature an electric powertrain, paving the way for subsequent introductions of its ICE (Internal Combustion Engine) and CNG (Compressed Natural Gas) iterations. Earlier this year, the automotive world caught a glimpse of the Tata Curvv EV concept, and a series of spy images and videos have since unveiled captivating details about the vehicle. The electric coupe SUV will be built upon Tata’s Generation 2 EV architecture, designed to accommodate various body styles and powertrains. This Gen 2 platform represents a substantial modification of Tata’s existing architecture, enabling the incorporation of larger batteries, a dual motor setup, and an AWD (All-Wheel-Drive) system. Recent revelations from the indigenous automaker indicate that electric cars based on both Gen 1 and Gen 2 platforms will boast an impressive range of over 500km on a full...

Orxa Energies, the Bengaluru-based EV startup, has launched its first electric motorcycle, called the Orxa Mantis. First unveiled in 2019, the new electric motorcycle (+ 1.3kW Charger) is priced at Rs 3.60 lakh (ex-showroom, Bengaluru). The company is offering a 30,000km or 3 year warranty on the Mantis e-bike, battery and motor; however, the motorcycle is not eligible for FAME 2 subsidy. Orxa Mantis Range, Top Speed The motorcycle comes fitted with a liquid-cooled motor that draws power from an 8.9kWh fixed battery pack. The motor output stands at 20.5kW (27.5bhp) and offers a peak torque of 93Nm. It is claimed to achieve 0-100kmph in 8.9 seconds before hitting a top speed of 135kmph. The Orxa Mantis is claimed to offer an estimated range of 221km (Indian Driving Condition or IDC cycle) on a single charge. The motorcycle is positioned in the same segment as the Ultraviolette F77, which has a larger 10.2kWh battery pack and has a claimed IDC range of 307km. The Mantis 8.9kWh batter...

The protracted discord between the Indian Government and Tesla Inc. has been an enduring saga over the past couple of years. Nevertheless, signs of resolution have emerged as both parties diligently address their differences, edging closer to a conclusive agreement. According to the latest accord, Tesla is ready to commence the import of its electric vehicles (EVs) into India starting from the upcoming year. Additionally, the American automaker has secured permission to establish a manufacturing facility within the next two years. Tesla Plant Setup In Gujarat? Deliberations on the optimal location for Tesla’s inaugural Indian plant are ongoing, with Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Tamil Nadu emerging as the frontrunners. Notably, these states boast well-established ecosystems for electric vehicles (EVs) and exports. The official announcement of these developments is anticipated to take place at the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit scheduled for January 2024. Local Manufacturing & Invest...

French automaker, Citroen was offering discounts up to Rs 1 lakh on the C3 and the C3 Aircross in our market in October 2023. The company has now announced extra benefits on the twins. Citroen has now increased the benefits on the C3 and C3 Aircross by Rs 50,000. The company is offering both 5-year extended warranty and free fuel for a year. These new offers are valid only till December 31, 2023. Citroen has already giving benefits worth Rs 2 lakh on the C5 Aircross SUV and the benefits will be valid till November 30. However, discounts on Citroen cars can vary from city to city and on the availability of stock. Citroen C3 Aircross mid-sized SUV is available in the price bracket of Rs 9.99 lakh to Rs 12.54 lakh (ex-showroom). The SUV is available with 5- and 7-seat options, and the 7-seater variant comes with a removable third-row. It is powered by a 1.2-litre turbocharged petrol engine that produces 110bhp of power and 190Nm of torque. The SUV is only available with a manual gearb...