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Two EV SUVs will sit above and below the recently unveiled Land Cruiser Prado SUV. Just like the expanded Century and Crown model line-ups, Toyota's Land Cruiser range will see more models in the future. The brand currently sells three Land Cruiser SUVs globally: the flagship LC300, the recently unveiled LC250 or the Land Cruiser Prado, and the retro-styled rugged Land Cruiser 70, which also received a major update a few months ago. The brand is readying two more models for global markets that will be positioned above and below the Land Cruiser Prado. Two Land Cruiser EV SUVs incoming The upcoming Land Cruiser EV line-up will include an affordable, urban-focused derivative and a range-topping luxury model, to establish the name as a brand in its own right. These EV SUVs will follow the new ‘core’ Land Cruiser model, which is the J250 or the Prado. The Prado is currently in the process of seeing market introductions globally, and comes with petrol and diesel engine optio

  Twin 10.25-inch screens are a highlight, but there are plenty of physical controls too. Ahead of its launch on January 16, we now have the real world interior pictures of the Hyundai Creta facelift. Hyundai has already teased the interior and several of its features before, but these images give us a closer look at the details. 1.Creta facelift gets two 10.25-inch connected screens 2.Gets dual-zone AC, ADAS, 360-deg camera, among others 3.Bookings ongoing for Rs 25,000 Hyundai Creta facelift interior revealed Hyundai has completely revamped the interior of the SUV – it gets an all-new dashboard with the highlight being the twin, 10.25-inch connected infotainment screens. This is the same unit found on the Kia Seltos, and it offers improved functionality and better user experience. An interesting detail that wasn't clear in the teaser images is that the central HVAC control panel retains physical buttons – two rotary dials and toggle switches – along with shortcut buttons for medi

 The company recently invested Rs 2,000 crore in Gujarat for a new EV manufacturing facility. A prototype of the unique three-wheeled Gensol EV, which was teased late last year, was recently spied testing on our roads. Slated for a debut in March this year, this as yet unnamed EV will be positioned as a compact urban electric runabout. This will be the company’s first EV which is a subsidiary of Gensol Engineering that offers ride-hailing players in the country with its buy-and-lease package of EV cars. 1.Gensol EV to have 200km range in a single charge 2.Will have a unique two-door, three-wheeled setup 3.Slated for a debut in March 2024 Gensol EV: what do the spy shots reveal? While we had already anticipated a three-wheel setup for the upcoming EV, this spy shot gives us a clear view of single wheel on the rear axle positioned in the centre. The two-door EV has a conventional looking front end, but tapers slightly at the rear and pushes up to make space for the rear wheel hub. It als

Makes 14hp, 4Nm more than Trident 660; hzzzlly-faired design. Triumph has finally taken the covers off the Daytona 660 and in this bike, the 660cc triple is in its most powerful state yet making 95hp at 11,250rpm and 69Nm at 8,250rpm.  1.Gets radial calipers and IMU 2.First fully-faired Triumph after original Daytona 675 While the Daytona 660 is a fully-faired machine, its rider triangle is much more relaxed than the original and quite unforgiving 675. Owing to the fact that the clip-on handlebars are placed above the fork tops and the footpegs not being set very high up, the riding position is sporty yet comfortable. . Clip-ons are above the fork tops, same instrumentation as the Tiger Sport 660, Street Triple R. The split seats are also larger than a traditional supersport, like say a Kawasaki ZX-6R, and should be more comfortable for both rider and pillion.  While the main frame, wheels and most of the cycle parts are carried over, there are a few key changes. The Daytona 660 weighs

  ChatGPT feature will be seen on Volkswagen MEB EV range and MQB EVO platform-based models globally. Volkswagen Group, in collaboration with Cerence Inc, has confirmed at the ongoing CES 2024 in Las Vegas that it will offer ChatGPT in some of its cars and SUVs globally. The carmaker also confirmed that the current MEB and MQB EVO-based models will have access to automotive-grade ChatGPT integration. The announcement also says that personal data is protected as ChatGPT does not gain access to vehicle information. 1.IDA voice assistant can control infotainment, HVAC 2.Questions and answers are deleted to ensure privacy VW MEB, MQB EVO models to get ChatGPT integration first At the ongoing CES 2024, Volkswagen has showcased its first vehicles that will get the artificial intelligence-based chatbot ChatGPT is integrated into its IDA voice assistant. Volkswagen said that in the future, customers will have access to the growing AI database from all Volkswagen models equipped with IDA, and w

Lower variants of the Hycross and Crysta see minimal hikes while higher variants see a larger price bump. Toyota has announced price hikes for its popular Innova MPV line-up – the Crysta and Hycross – by up to Rs 15,000 and Rs 42,000, respectively. The Hycross is now priced between Rs 18.92 lakh-30.68 lakh, while the diesel Innova Crysta is priced between Rs 19.99 lakh-26.30 lakh. 1.Top-spec Hycross ZX, ZX(O) variants see the highest price hike 2.Higher-spec Crysta VX trims see highest increase in prices 2024 Toyota Innova Hycross prices, variants The Innova Hycross is available in G, GX, VX, VX(O), ZX and ZX(O) trims, and is powered by either a 172hp, 2.0 litre naturally aspirated petrol engine or a 184hp, 2.0-litre strong-hybrid powertrain with CVT gearboxes. The G and GX trims – available only with the petrol powertrain – see a minimal hike in price. The strong-hybrid VX and VX(O) trims' prices get hiked by up to Rs 33,000, while the top-spec, 7-seater only ZX and ZX(O) variants

 New EV SUV is expected to be called the Yep Plus. The Baojun Yep compact SUV will be getting a five-door version in select markets soon and the model has been spied testing already. The new EV SUV, said to be called the Yep Plus, is expected to launch in China in the first quarter of this year. Read on to know how this new model relates to the India-bound MG Comet EV-based SUV that’s coming in 2025. 1.Baojun Yep Plus to be longer than 3.4m but shorter than 4m 2.Expected to get larger battery pack than the Yep three-door 3.Yep, Yep Plus based on MG Comet EV’s GSEV platform Baojun Yep Plus: what to expect? As the spy images show, the Yep Plus is an elongated version of the Yep SUV that went on sale in China in May last year. The longer wheelbase is clearly visible, and while the Yep Plus will be longer than the 3.4-metre Yep, the overall length is still expected to duck under the 4-metre mark. The retro-boxy styling has been retained, and even the design of the tail-lights and bumper se

 Changes on the Hero from the Harley X440 include a telescopic fork, redesigned headlight and some styling tweaks. Ahead of its public unveil later this month, Hero’s upcoming 440cc bike has been spotted testing in the real world alongside its Harley-Davidson cousin. We've learned that it will be called the Mavrick. 1.Will use same 440cc engine as H-D X440 2.Styling, componentry will be quite different  3.Hero 440 will be more affordable than X440 The most prominent change visually is the fact that the Hero 440 uses a telescopic fork instead of the USD unit on the Harley X440. This is likely down to the fact that while this will be a premium model for Hero, its positioning is going to be much more accessible than the X440 in the market. Expect it to find a middle ground between the Karizma XMR (Rs 1,79,900) and the Harley-Davidson X440 (Rs 2,39,500-2,79,500). Another area of change is the fact that the Hero 440cc bike gets a new headlight, similar to the increasingly common H-shape

New Triber and Kiger among the launches Renault has planned. Renault India has announced an ambitious plan to bring five new models by 2027, as part of its Renaulution 2024 initiative. This underlines the French carmaker’s commitment to our market –  Renault considers India one of four key hubs for the brand outside of Europe. The company’s new initiative also sees making some revisions and additions to the Triber, Kiger and Kwid ranges, instituting a new customer experience strategy and renewing its used car programme, which is called Renew. Renault has announced that its new brand identity will be rolled out across its network in 2024, and that it will be seen across all models from 2025 onwards. 1.New Triber, Kiger, Duster among the 5 new Renaults 2.Renault Kwid RXL(O) AMT among India’s most affordable automatics 3.Current Triber, Kiger, Kwid range get feature updates for 2024 New Renault Triber, Kiger incoming Renault has confirmed that the new Triber and Kiger will be among the fi

 Expected to arrive in 2026, the compact MPV will sit below the Ertiga and rival the Renault Triber. Maruti Suzuki is readying the launch of its fourth-gen Swift and Dzire along its first EV, the eVX, in India. However, the brand’s long-term plans include bringing a Suzuki Spacia-based compact MPV by 2026. Here’s what you need to know about the upcoming three-row model for India that is codenamed YDB. 1.Maruti YDB MPV will be longer than Japan-spec Spacia 2.Unlike the Japanese model, the Indian MPV will seat seven 3.Expected to be sold via Maruti’s Nexa outlets Maruti Suzuki YDB MPV: what to expect When it is brought to India, the Spacia-based MPV will look different than the model sold in Japan. For one, the India-spec model will be stretched – the Japanese car has a length of 3,395mm – but it will still be a sub-four-metre model. Another change may be the lack of sliding doors as cost targets may not allow this feature. Nonetheless, the YDB MPV is likely to retain the overall boxy si

 Refreshed GLS now gets mild styling tweaks and upgraded infotainment system. Mercedes-Benz has kick-started 2024 with the launch of the GLS facelift priced at Rs 1.32 crore for the GLS 450 and Rs 1.37 crore for the GLS 450d. The three-row GLS sits at the top of Mercedes’ SUV line-up and made its global debut in April last year. Mercedes-Benz GLS facelift design and exterior  The biggest talking point when compared to the model that it replaces is the design of the grille. The facelift gets four horizontal chrome strips instead of two, a new daytime running lamp (DRL) signature, a new block pattern signature on the rear tail-lights and a restyled front bumper. The GLS facelift is available with 21-inch alloy wheels and five colour options to choose from – Obsidian Black, High-tech Silver, Sodalite Blue, Selenite Grey and Polar White. Mercedes-Benz GLS facelift interior and features  The GLS facelift is available with a choice of three interior upholstery choices, black, beige and brown

 Petrol versions of the Sonet are more frugal than the petrol Nexon, though the Sonet diesel is less efficient than its rival from Tata. The Kia Sonet facelift’s fuel efficiency figures have been revealed just days before its prices are announced. With the facelift, Kia has brought back the diesel-manual powertrain option, which means there are three engine and six gearbox options to choose from. Kia has, however, yet to reveal the mileage of the Sonet diesel-manual as it is still under certification. Here are the ARAI fuel efficiency figures for all the other powertrain options. 1.Sonet 1.0-litre turbo-petrol with DCT rated at 19.2kpl 2.Sonet diesel with iMT rated at 22.3kpl 3.Sonet sits in the middle of compact SUV segment in terms of efficiency Kia Sonet facelift fuel efficiency While the two petrol engines – the 83hp, 1.2-litre petrol and the 120hp, 1.0-litre turbo-petrol – in the Sonet facelift post marginally higher ARAI-rated efficiency figures than they did in the outgoing mode

A lot of exterior panels will be shared with the XUV700, but it will be completely unique under the skin. In the EV space that’s largely dominated by Tata Motors, Mahindra will be looking to make gradual ingress throughout 2024, with models like the updated XUV400 and new XUV300 EV, but what the company is really betting on to take its EV game ahead is the upcoming XUV700 EV – or XUV.e8 as it was shown in concept form – and other models on the born-electric INGLO platform. We now have a new spy shot of the Mahindra XUV.e8 within factory premises, in what looks like close-to-production guise. The debut is slated for late 2024. 1.Mahindra XUV.e8 to get up to 80kWh battery pack 2.Interior will have three screens spanning the dash 3.Exterior largely similar to XUV700, but gets EV-specific details Mahindra XUV.e8 seen in close-to-production guise Although it is still far from a finished product, this is our first, uncamouflaged sighting of the body panels of the XUV.e8. And from the looks o

450 Apex has top speed of 100kph, exclusive colour and an update to the regenerative braking system. After what seems like a long wait peppered with multiple teasers, Ather has finally launched the 450 Apex at Rs 1.89 lakh (ex-showroom). The 450 Apex is meant to be the pinnacle of how far the current platform can be pushed within safe thermodynamic limits. Also See: Ather 450 Apex review: Peak Ather 1.Special Indium blue colour, transparent rear panel 2.Belt cover debuts on Apex, will be on all Athers going forward 3.Top speed of 100kph in Warp+ mode The 450 Apex uses the same 3.7kWh battery pack as the 450X but claimed IDC range has gone up to 157km, due to the new regenerative braking system. On the 450 Apex you can twist the accelerator 15 degrees backward to slow down the e-scooter without having to touch the brakes, a feature cleverly named 'Magic Twist'.  The motor on the 450 Apex is rated for 7kW of peak power and this e-scooter is the only one in Ather’s lineup to get t

 Resurrected Scout SUV brand will focus on EVs initially.. Volkswagen will take the wraps off its first SUV under the Scout brand later this year. A teaser video released by Scout confirms this development. The ‘Scout’ moniker has sat dormant since the International Harvester, the original SUV's manufacturer, retired the model in 1980. The resurrected Scout SUV brand will initially see a launch in North America, followed by other global markets. The brand had announced earlier that two 4WD EVs will be part of its first set of products.  1.VW Scout to focus on electric SUVs 2.Sales to commence from 2026 3.Will not be based on the MEB born EV platform Volkswagen Scout SUV brand: what’s new? A teaser video shows footage of Scout SUVs and pickups from yesteryear and also some visuals of rural landscapes, mainly from the United States region. The two rugged EVs being readied will be designed and manufactured in the US. We expect the first set of prototypes to be revealed sometime this y

 It gets two variants – Standard and Long Range – and also supports DC fast charging. Tata Motors' first new model for 2024 has been revealed – the Punch EV is the brand’s fourth all-electric car and second electric SUV. Bookings for the new Punch EV are now open and can be made at Tata’s new EV-only outlets, select standard showrooms, and via the company’s online portal for an amount of Rs 21,000. This is also the carmaker's first model on the Gen 2 EV architecture, or acti.ev as Tata calls it.  1.Punch EV draws design inspiration from Nexon EV     2.Gets ventilated seats, 10.25-inch touchscreen and instrument cluster    3.Bookings open for Rs 21,000  Tata Punch EV exterior   This is our first good look at the Punch EV and that the updated grille and bumper design are similar to the new Nexon EV is obvious. In essence, it looks very much like a scaled-down Nexon EV.  There is a full-width light bar at the front of the bonnet and a split headlamp setup, where the main headlamp

It will come with two battery pack options; likely to be called MR and LR. Having wrapped up 2023 on the back of strong EV sales, it’s no surprise Tata’s first new model for 2024 is also going to be an EV. After numerous spy shots and much anticipation, Tata Motors is likely to officially debut the Punch EV in India this week, and we have some fresh details on its battery pack and equipment list. 1.Punch EV to get two battery pack options: 25kW and 35kW 2.Will come with ventilated seats, 10.25-inch screens 3.Bookings expected to commence next week Tata Punch EV battery, equipment details Our sources tell us that like the the Nexon EV and Tiago EV, the Punch EV will be available with two battery pack options – 25kWh and 35kWh. The two variants could, therefore, also be called Medium Range (MR) and Long Range (LR), as per Tata’s EV nomenclature. The small EV SUV will be based on the ALFA platform with Tata’s Gen 2 EV architecture, which essentially is an ICE to EV conversion with major m

 Apart from the entry-level SUV (codenamed Y43), a Grand Vitara-based three-row SUV (Y17) is in the works as well. Maruti to expand SUV portfolio with a Grand Vitara-based three-row SUV and a Punch-rivalling SUV . Despite having a limited SUV portfolio, Maruti Suzuki has managed to grab leadership in the segment in the ongoing financial year, and it's now looking to aggressively fill key gaps in its portfolio. The company, which currently has over 20 percent share in the utility vehicle market, plans to introduce a small SUV as an alternative to entry hatchback buyers and a large, three-row SUV in the next two to three years to further build its presence and market share in the fast-growing segment. Maruti Y43 SUV will sit below the Brezza Both models will launch between 2025 and 2027 Maruti eVX SUV coming by late 2024 According to industry sources, Maruti Suzuki is scheduled to launch a three-row SUV (codenamed Y17), based on the Grand Vitara, with a strong hybrid powertrain from

Latest-gen Ford Endeavour to be assembled at the company’s Chennai plant. Having filed a patent in India for the Endeavour, listing new job openings, and making a u-turn on the sale of its Chennai plant, Ford has sparked off speculation of a possible return of the Endeavour to India. Indeed, our sources tell us the American car giant is gearing up for a return to sales in India post its closure in 2021. The patent filed is for the design of the current generation Endeavour that is on sale in markets like Thailand, as the Ford Everest SUV. Having launched in international markets in 2022, this generation did not make it to India and, as such, would be new to our market.  New Endeavour could arrive sooner than 2025 The plan is to assemble the Endeavour at the company’s Chennai factory. However, our sources also tell us directly importing it is also being mulled over. With the import of fully-built up cars without homologation still allowed  – up to 2,500 units per year – Ford could impor