Recently, Goodyear received the highest ranking for Customer Satisfaction in the Small Car segment in J.D Power’s Tire Customer Satisfaction Index (TCSI) Study. As per the study, Goodyear Tyres have a total score of 856 out of 1,000 points in the small car category. However, Goodyear managed to grab the second position in the Midsize Car segment with about 831 points and Utility Vehicle segment with about 824 points. J.D Power TCSI measures Customer satisfaction among factory-fitted tyre owners during the first 12 to 36 months of ownership. They check for four key factors: wear, ride, traction/handling, and appearance.

Goodyear is one of the world’s largest tyre manufacturing companies. It employs around 64,000 people and manufactures its products in 47 facilities across 21 countries around the world. Goodyear has two Innovation Centers in Akron, Ohio and Colmar-Berg, Luxembourg, which strive to develop state-of-the-art products and services that set the technology and performance standard for the tyre industry. The 2019 J.D. Power Original Equipment Tyre Customer Satisfaction Index study is based on over 3,598 responses from new-vehicle owners who purchased their vehicle between March 2015 and August 2017.

Goodyear has been a part of the Indian economy for over 95 years. The company has established two plants, one each in Ballabgarh and Aurangabad. In the passenger car segment, Goodyear supplies tyres to many of the leading automobile manufacturers in India and has also been the pioneer in introducing tubeless radial tyres in the market. Even in the farm segment, Goodyear is the market leader and supplies tyres to all major tractor companies.

Also Read: Maruti Suzuki’s New Alto 800 Rolls Out On CEAT Fuelsmarrt Tyres

Commenting on this, Mr Rajeev Anand, Chairman & Managing Director, Goodyear India said, “It is a proud moment for Goodyear to receive such high levels of recognition from the premier benchmarking company in the automotive industry.” P.K Walia, Vice President – Consumer Business said, “As pioneers in tyre technology, we constantly challenge ourselves to innovate and develop better products to improve the overall driving experience of our consumers. Our sustained efforts in improving the quality of products are being reflected in the voice of the customers which has been highlighted in this study.”

One of the many hatchback’s offered by Maruti Suzuki in the Indian market, the Swift has received two major updates. The compact, fun to drive hatchback has now received a BS – VI compliant motor. Joining the likes of the Alto and the Baleno, the Swift too, complies with the upcoming emission norms. However, only the petrol motor complies with these emission norms, the oil burner has been left untouched considering the fact that Maruti shall be discontinuing diesels from next year. The other update this hatchback has received comes in the form of additional safety features. These features are accompanied by a minor price hike, which is mentioned in the table below.

The petrol motor, dubbed K12B engine has been updated to comply with these new emission norms. This 4-cylinder, naturally aspirated motor retains its power output despite complying with the new norms. Peak power stands at 83 hp and maximum twist of 113 Nm is delivered by this car. Power is sent to the front wheels via a 5-speed gearbox a standard, however, customers can also opt for an AMT unit, for a more comfortable driving experience. There is, however, one drawback to the inclusion of the BS – VI norms, as the car delivers marginally less fuel efficiency now, returning 21.2 km for every litre of fuel it sips. The 1.3-litre DDiS oil burner will continue to be sold in BS – IV guise before it is taken off shelves next year.

Also Read: This Modified Maruti Esteem Claims To Be A 200 kmph Sleeper

The other change received by the Swift is the inclusion of much more safety kit, as part of standard equipment across all trim levels. Apart from the dual airbags, ABS with EBD and driver side seatbelt reminder that were part of standard equipment, co-driver seat belt reminder, a speed alert system, and rear parking sensors too join the list now. The latter, however, was available in the top end trims of the car. Apart from the Swift, the big new WagonR also has received this updated engine. To know more about this hatchback, do watch our in-depth review of this car, linked below.

Mahindra’s latest offering in the Indian market, a sub-4-metre SUV called the XUV300 has been having a rather good stint in the Indian market. The car has gone to register a healthy amount of bookings and plenty of them can be seen on the road today. However, this SUV currently misses out on the option of an automatic gearbox. As we had reported earlier and going by the spy mules seen on the internet, Mahindra is going to offer an AMT gearbox with this car, which is expected to be launched by the end of this month. Currently, AMT transmissions are offered only by Tata Nexon and Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza in this segment.

The petrol engine of the XUV300 comes with 3-cylinder arrangement and a displacement of 1.2-litres. This engine generates 110 PS of maximum power and 200 Nm of torque. The petrol engine equipped model of the car retails between INR 1.9 Lakh to INR 11.49 Lakh. In its diesel avatar, the XUV300 uses a 1.5-litre, 4-cylinder unit which is tuned to generate 115 PS of power and segment-leading 300 Nm of torque. Unlike a conventional automatic gearbox(a torque converter, CVT, DSG, etc), an AMT gearbox is, as the name suggests, is a manual gearbox where the clutch pedal is operated by an actuator. So unlike a conventional automatic gearbox, an AMT does not come with a compromise in fuel efficiency.

Also Read: Mahindra Collaborates With Blu Smart To Provide An Eco-Friendly Cab Service In Delhi/NCR

Talking about segment-leading features, the XUV300 has quite a few, which includes front parking sensors, heated ORVM, 7 airbags, dual zone climate control and much more. Apart from that, features like keyless entry, start/stop button, electric sunroof and others are also offered to compete with the cars in this segment. Expect the prices to go up by some margin for the AMT equipped model, which would be made available across few trim levels, if not all of them. Stay tuned to know more about further developments on that front. Have any questions regarding this compact SUV from Mahindra? Do watch our in-depth review which is linked below to know more.

Launch not too long ago, the big new WagonR is currently in its third generation of production. A practical package, with abundant space, thanks to its tall boy design, the WagonR has been a popular choice for buyers. The car as launched at attractive introductory prices, which gathered even more eyeballs. However, with about 6 months passed since the launch, Maruti has announced the first price hike for this hatchback. Accompanying this price hike is also the inclusion of the BS – VI compliant engine which is also offered with the Swift and Baleno hatchbacks. The WagonR now joins the likes of the Swift, Baleno and Alto by becoming a BS – VI compliant car in the Maruti Stable. 

Available with two engine options, a 1-litre 3-cylinder motor and a 1.2-litre 4-cylinder motor. The latter of which now comes in a BS-VI compliant avatar. The latter engine is tuned to produce 82 hp of maximum power and 113 Nm of maximum torque while the former engine delivers 67 hp of peak power and 90 Nm. Both these gearboxes come mated with a 5-speed manual gearbox but an AMT is available as an option with both of them. The revised prices of this car are listed below (all prices are ex-showroom, Delhi) –

Also Read: This Modified Maruti Esteem Claims To Be A 200 kmph Sleeper

In its latest iteration, the WagonR comes loaded with features, in both the comfort and safety department. The interiors look more up to date and appear to be of better quality and have been finished rather nicely. The centre console gets the next generationSmartPlay Studio Infotainment system, a 17.78 cm (7-inch) touch infotainment system. On the safety front, features like Driver airbag, ABS (antilock braking system) with EBD (electronic brake force distribution), front seatbelt reminder, speed alert system and rear parking sensors are available as standard across all trims. This car also complies with all the new safety regulations set by our government. With a total of six shades (Pearl Poolside Blue, Pearl Nutmeg Brown, Magma Grey and Pearl Autumn Orange, Silky Silver and Superior White) on offer, the WagonR competes with the brand new Hyundai Santro and Tata Tiago in the Indian market. Linked below is our in-depth review of the car, do have a look.

Recently, the Indian ride-hailing transport company, Ola, announced its plans to set up a new state-of-the-art Technology Centre in San Francisco Bay. This technology centre will be the first of its kind and will require a team of over 150 engineers. The centre will also be working on various advanced, next-generation technologies, to enhance the future of mobility and ride services. This new expansion plan is a part of the company’s global initiatives to further drive the mobility-led transformation to billions across the world.

Ola is present in around 150 cities across India, UK, Australia and New Zealand, while serving more than 150 million users and completing over a billion rides annually. In India, Ola’s core mobility contribution has increased a lot over the last few years, thanks to the help from its electric subsidiary, Ola Electric, Ola Fleet Technologies, and a public transportation ticketing app, called Ridlr. Through its widely used digital platform, Ola also extends unique offerings to consumers through the Ola Financial Service and Foodpanda.

Ola’s commitment to accelerate the development of technology and innovation in Mobility is also a part of its global and electric-vehicle initiative. Ola’s Advanced Technology Center will be the first of its kind in the United States, as it will most likely invite world-class experts to collaborate closely with global teams in the various regions where Ola operates. The centre will be built using cutting-edge technology solutions to accelerate Ola’s ambitions across electric mobility and connected vehicles as well as lead futuristic experiments like autonomous vehicles. To achieve this, Ola is looking to hire experts from various fields like Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Data Sciences, Engineering and Product Development.

Also Read: Ratan Tata Invests In Ola Electric Mobility As Part Of Series A Round Of Funding

Ankit Bhati, Co-founder and CTO said, “We are very excited about launching Ola’s Advanced Technology Center in the Bay Area. The Valley and the talent ecosystem here are very conducive to the development of next-generation mobility solutions. This is also a big step in our journey as a global mobility player, with a mission that talent from around the world is inspired to join us on.” He added, “The Advanced Technology Center will be the centre-point of transformative mobility technology in the time to come. We are committed to building world-class mobility innovations and look forward to working with people who are as passionate as we are about building mobility for a billion people.”

The Honda City, over the years has established itself in the Indian market. Having seen many generations of the sedan, the latest one being offered since 2014, it is about time we saw a refreshment. Honda, can be expected to deliver this new model by the next year, considering it has already begun testing of this new car. Spied on the roads of Thailand, here are some first set of images one can see of the brand new, fifth generation Honda City, do have a look and read ahead to know more about this updated model.

Despite being covered in a camouflage wrap, one can notice certain design highlights of the new model. The front end gets a revised look, which seems to be imitating their flagship sedan, the Accord. One can expect Honda to offer wraparound headlamp cluster with LED illumination in this sedan. Also expected to be seen is sufficient chrome treatment on the front fascia, giving the car a premium appeal. The rear too, will probably get wraparound taillights, again, LED illuminated. Another highlight seen in these spy images is the fact that the new generation model looks significantly longer than the outgoing model, the width and height too, seem to have gone up by some margin.

Also Read: Honda Amaze Scores 4-Stars For Adults In Global NCAP Crash Test

Under the bonnet, expect Honda to provide the same iVtec and iDtec petrol and diesel engine, but in an updated, BS – VI compliant avatar. While currently, only the petrol motor comes with a CVT gearbox, the new generation model can be expected to offer a diesel automatic as well. Moreover, as reported earlier, this new generation model is very likely to get micro-hybrid technology paired with the petrol motor, for added benefits for customers. Apart from that, expect the new City to comply with safety norms and provide features like airbags, ABS with EBD, seatbelt reminders, high-speed alert and many more as part of standard equipment. The Honda City competes against the likes of the Maruti Suzuki Ciaz and Hyundai Verna in the Indian market. For more news on this Japanese sedan, stay tuned.

Image Source: Drive Master on FaceBook

Maruti Suzuki, after updating the Swift and WagonR hatchbacks with the new, BS – VI compliant engine, has now launched as CNG powered variant of the Alto hatchback. A popular choice amongst first-time car buyers, the Alto has held the record of being India’s best-selling car for 15 years in a row. Apart from first-time buyers, the car also appeals to other customers due to its compact size, ease of maintenance and value for money proposition. Making it more valuable for money and economical to run, Maruti has launched a new CNG powered variant of this vehicle. Available in two trim levels – LXi and LXi(O), the car comes with a price tag of INR 4.10 Lakh and INR 4.14 Lakh respectively (both prices are ex-showroom, Delhi).

Powered by a 796 cc, 3-cylinder engine, the Alto 800 when powered by CNG manages to deliver 41 hp and 60 Nm, marginally less than its petrol-powered counterpart. However, being a comparatively cheaper fuel and delivering more efficiency, the engine does have its own appeal. This model, unlike its larger sibling, the Alto K10 also happens to be future proof, as it already complies with the upcoming BS – VI emission norms and the upcoming crash test & safety norms. As part of these safety norms, this hatchback comes with features like rear parking sensors, driver side airbag, ABS with EBD, driver and co-driver seatbelt reminder and rear door child look as standard equipment, across all trim levels.

Also Read: Maruti Suzuki WagonR Gets A Price Hike & BS-VI Compliant 1.2-Litre Engine

India’s largest car manufacturer, Maruti Suzuki has been offering factory fitted CNG cars for quite some time now. Apart from delivering better fuel efficiency, this fuel also happens to be considerably cheaper to buy when compared with regular petrol or even diesel. Moreover, this fuel burns in a much cleaner manner, creating less pollution, making the car much more eco-friendly compared to its petrol or diesel powered counterparts. That is why we see many public transport agencies too, adopt this fuel by which they not only save a huge chunk of cash in fuel costs but also contribute to making the earth a far more greener place.

Driving on our traffic-filled city streets has proven to become a pain these days. With you moving inch by inch every few minutes, operation of the clutch pedal tends to become a bit more tedious. That is where cars equipped with automatic transmission kick in. With just 2 pedals to operate, they happen to be much simpler to drive in a variety of conditions. That is why, many manufacturers offer an automatic transmission with most of their cars available in the market today. The latest car to join this bandwagon is the Tata Tigor sedan, which now comes equipped with an AMT type automatic transmission.

The AMT gearbox will be offered in two trim levels – an entry level XMA and the top of the line XZA+. These models are priced at INR 6.39 Lakh and INR 7.24 Lakh respectively(ex-showroom, Delhi). The AMT gearbox comes with features like anti-stall and crawl which would make driving that much easier in tight spaces and traffic conditions. This gearbox will be paired exclusively with the 1.2-litre Revotron petrol engine. This motor is tuned to generate 85 PS at 6,000 rpm and 114 Nm of torque at 3,500 rpm.

The facelift model of the Tigor was unveiled in the month of October last year, where we saw this compact sedan receive a number of changes. This includes the introduction of projector headlamps, diamond grille, 15-inch dual tone alloy wheels, clear lens tail lights and much more. On the inside, the cabin offers 7-inch Harman powered touchscreen infotainment system, with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity.

Also Read: The Tata Altroz Website Gets Over 1 Lakh Views In Less Than 24 Hours

Commenting on the expansion of the Tigor range, Mr. S N Barman, Vice President, Sales, Marketing & Customer Support, Passenger Vehicles Business Unit (PVBU), Tata Motors, said “In a constant effort to maintain our growth momentum, we continuously introduce advanced technologies in our products, fill white spaces and offer exciting product interventions to meet the growing aspirations of our customers. This strategy also includes continuously expanding and strengthening our automatic portfolio. We are confident that our customers will appreciate the perfect combination of practicality and convenience these new additions have to offer.”

MPVs have been quite a rage in the Indian market. The segment, once limited to comparatively expensive, premium cars, has now evolved, giving the buyer a huge number of options. At one end, we have the Maruti Suzuki Ertiga, while the luxurious Mercedes Benz V-Class is offered on the other end. However, this segment is about to become more interesting with a new player, from French car maker Renault. Called the Triber, the renowned car manufacturer teased the upcoming vehicle on its Twitter. The teaser image also gives us an unveiling date of this global car, which is the 19th of June, 2019.

Renault calls this a super spacious, ultra modular vehicle. This suggests that the car would come with an option of rearranging the seats and the interior to suit the needs of the occupants. Based on the Kwid’s CMF-A platform, with a longer, wider and taller body than the hatchback, the spy images seen before suggest that space too, would be abundant in this car. Moreover, in the teaser image, Renault calls the Triber an India first, suggesting that the car could come equipped with a number of segment first features. Also seen in this teaser image is the front profile of this upcoming car, which appears to borrow a few design cues from the Captur SUV. LED DRLs and roof rails are on offer, along with a conventional antenna in the middle.

Also Read: Renault KWID Surpasses The 3 Lakh Sales Milestone

Under the bonnet, expect Renault to use the same 1-litre, 3-pot motor as the Kwid but in a different stage of tune to pull the larger vehicle. Moreover, complying with the new safety norms, Renault will have to provide features like airbags, ABS with EBD, high-speed alert, seat belt reminders and rear parking sensors as standard across all variants. With an expected price tag between INR 5 Lakh to INR 8 Lakh, the Triber will carve out a segment of its own and does not have any direct competitors as such. In terms of pricing, however, it can be compared to the Datsun Go+ and the Maruti Suzuki Eeco. Keep looking at this space for more updates on this upcoming French MPV.

The Mahindra Thar is nothing short of an icon in the Indian automotive scene. This rugged SUV attracts a swarm of enthusiasts, who like to have some fun at places where there are no roads. On sale for quite some years now, Mahindra has been forced to take this icon out of the showroom due to new safety norms. The company will soon be unveiling the next generation model of this SUV, which shall comply with these safety norms and also come with a BS – VI compliant engine. However, before the current generation retires, Mahindra has given it a worthy farewell, with the Thar 700, a special edition model, of which only 700 units shall be sold. This model has been priced at INR 9.99 Lakh, ex-showroom, Delhi.

The 700 marks the 70 years legacy of Mahindra, as its lineage traces back to 1949 when the first Mahindra vehicle was built in India. For this particular model, Mahindra has also introduced a new colour scheme. Called Aquamarine, this colour can also be seen on the Mahindra Marazzo, which was launched some time back. The popular Napoli Black colour scheme too, is on offer. Moreover, the SUV will also come with a special badge which shall have Mr Anand Mahindra’s signature. Apart from that, a number of changes can be found, both on the outside and inside, they are:

• Stylized 5-spoke alloy wheels
• Decals on the side and bonnet
• Black finish on the grille
• Silver finish on the front bumper
• Leatherette upholstery with THAR logo on the front seats
• Anti-lock braking system (ABS)

Also Read: Mahindra Collaborates With Blu Smart To Provide An Eco-Friendly Cab Service In Delhi/NCR

Speaking on the special edition Thar 700, Veejay Ram Nakra, Chief of Sales and Marketing, Automotive Division, Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd. said, “We are delighted to introduce the last 700 units of our iconic off-roader, Thar, in its current avatar. We believe that the enthusiasts will see it as their last chance to own a piece of this Mahindra legacy, as a must-have garage collectable. The Thar is clearly an extension of our 70 years legacy and what brand Mahindra stands for. Over the years, it has successfully shaped the lifestyle vehicle segment while being popular with the off-road tribe.”

Last month, MG Motor revealed its first car for the Indian market, the Hector. This much-awaited SUV was unveiled on the 15th of May, 2019 in the city of Mumbai. The Hector will offer internet connectivity, with the next-gen iSMART technology which promises safe, connected, and fun experiences. The Hector will be competing against the likes of the newly launched Harrier and the well-established Compass. Let’s have a look at how the Hector goes up against the segment best-seller, the Tata Harrier:

Dimensions

The Hector is 1,835 mm wide and 1,760 mm tall. However, the Hector is 57 mm longer than the Harrier and also has a wheelbase of around 2,750 mm, which is 9 mm longer than the Harrier. The Hector also gets a 60-litre fuel tank, which is 10-litres more than the Harrier.

Chassis and Design

In terms of chassis and design, the Harrier and Hector, both get the unconventional LED DRL and low-headlight design, which not only improves the visibility but also enhances the premium and unique feel of the car. Both the cars get a set of R17 alloys in the higher variants, however, the Harrier gets a smaller set of 16-inch steel rims in the lower trims, while the Hector gets a set of 17-inch steel rims. The Hector also gets front and rear disc brakes, while the Harrier only gets front disc brakes and a couple of drum brakes at the rear. Unlike the Harrier, the Hector is also equipped with a panoramic sunroof, which makes the cabin much more spacious and airy.

Features

Talking about the features, the Hector is definitely a feature-loaded car when compared to the Tata Harrier. However, the Hector still misses out on driving modes and practical storage spaces, when compared to the Harrier. The Hector also gets a first-in-class voice-controlled infotainment system and many more features which make it one of the smartest cars in India.

Engine and Transmission

The Hector is available in 3 engine options: Petrol, Petrol-Hybrid and Diesel. The Petrol and Petrol-Hybrid, both get a 1.5-litre, intercooled engine, which produces 143 PS at about 5,000 rpm and 250 Nm of peak torque at 3,600 rpm. However, the Diesel variant gets a more powerful 2-litre engine which produces 170 PS at 3,750 rpm and 350 Nm of peak torque at 2,500 rpm. All the engine options are paired with a 6-speed manual gearbox, but the petrol version is also available with the option of a 6-speed DCT gearbox. On the other hand, the Harrier is only available with a 2.0-litre diesel engine which is capable of producing 140 PS at 3,750 rpm and 350 Nm of peak torque at 2,500 rpm. Currently, the Harrier is only available with a 6-speed manual transmission.

Price

The prices for the MG Hector are expected to start from INR 13 lakhs, to compete with the Tata Harrier which is also priced at INR 12.99 lakhs (ex-showroom, Delhi).

The Indian start-up, Revolt Intellicorp, led by Micromax Co-Founder, Rahul Sharma, has eventually completed its homologation process and has now received all the necessary approvals from the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI). This means that India’s first ARAI-certified, AI-enabled, electric-motorcycle is ready for production. Revolt Intellicorp truly believes in a bright and eco-friendly future, which is why they want to revolutionize the automotive industry and replace fuel-burning engines with all-electric powertrains. Last week, Revolt Motors had announced that the launch of their new AI-enabled electric bike would be held on the 18th of June in Delhi. This article will be updated in real time in the space below. Until then, keep that refresh button handy and allow us to tell you a little more about the new upcoming AI-enabled electric bike.

1:00 – The founder and CEO of Revolt Intellicorp, Mr Rahul Sharma

1:05 – The disadvantages of using fossil fuels is explained

1:10 – The EV revolution is coming

1:15 – The team behind this company

1:18 – Phone connectivity using Bluetooth

1:25 – Tracking and real-time battery indicator

1:30 – Types of charging

1:32 – Partner companies

1:34 – Mobile swapping stations to be offered across many cities to charge the bike. This new solution is much better when compared to petrol stations.

1:40 – The 4 different options to charge the bike.

1:42 – The new bike will also be getting a Geofencing feature, which can limit the distance the bike travels. This means if you have to lend the bike to a friend, you will be able to control how long or how far he/she can take it.

1:50 – Finally revealed

Repsol Honda Team rider, Marc Marquez, has now managed to extend his Championship lead to 37 points after cruising to his fourth victory this season. The controversial Gran Premi Monster Energy de Catalunya saw many ups and downs during the race, as Jorge Lorenzo, Andrea Dovizioso, Maverick Vinales and Valentino Rossi all crashed out of the race at Turn 10 in the second lap.

Yamaha rider, Vinales managed to get past Marquez but the latter took back the second position on Lap 2 before a huge, race-defining moment struck at the front. While coming into the complex Turn 10, Lorenzo was late on the brakes as he attempted to pass Viñales on the inside as teammate Marquez went to dive past. However, Lorenzo then tucked the front as Ducati rider, Dovi turned into the corner. That is when Lorenzo’s 99 Repsol Honda hit the Ducati bike and went down, with Vinales also crashing after as he had no space to pass.

Yamaha rider, Valentino Rossi, who was also late on the brakes tried to pass Ducati’s Danilo Petrucci for the fifth position just behind, instead, he went wide and became the victim in Lorenzo’s crash. The number 46 rider almost kept it upright, but he and his Yamaha got tangled with Lorenzo’s bike and crashed out. Four popular podium contenders and four World Champions were out of the Catalan GP due to this horrific crash. Luckily, no one was critically injured.

Also Read: MotoGP: Marc Marquez Bounces Back And Wins The Spanish Grand Prix

This chaos left Marquez with a strong lead, which meant that the reigning World Champion started to use this incident to his advantage over the second-placed Petrucci. The battle for the second and third places continued as, Suzuki rider, Alex Rins and Yamaha rider, Quartararo were fighting with Petrucci for the second spot. However, in the end, Quartararo managed to get past Petrucci and grab the second spot, while Rins completed the race on the 4th position. Quartararo, Petrucci and Rins will now be challenging from the front again at the next race, which will be held at the classic Dutch TT in about two weeks.

Another day, another teaser from Korean brand Kia. Making a debut in the Indian market, this renowned carmaker has uploaded yet another teaser video of the upcoming Seltos SUV on its YouTube channel. The new teaser showcases the same wine red colour we had seen earlier, which is quite eye-catching. Kia showcases the front silhouette of the car, where the trademark tiger grille takes the front stage. Chrome treatment has been given right above this grille, which shines brightly and connects the headlights which flank the grille. The shiny metal has been placed above the headlights as well, which add a premium feel.

The next detail seen is the alloy wheels, which have been designed rather well. The centre caps are finished in black with the word KIA embossed on a metallic plate. Red accents surround this cap, which matches the red paint of the brake calliper. The rear too has been designed in a rather nice, sporty manner with a number of recesses and creases. We see a chrome applique placed over the number plate area. A spoiler can also be seen at the rear, which is finished in a contrasting shade of black. Above this spoiler, we can see the sporty roof rails and the shark-fin type antenna of the car. The side profile view is seen, also reveals the floating type roof design of the car.

Also Read: Hyundai And Kia Motors Invest In Aurora Innovation To Build Autonomous Vehicle Technologies

This SUV, which would be competing against the likes of the Hyundai Creta, Nissan Kicks and the Renault Captur, is expected to come with a number of features. This includes a 10.25-inch touch enabled infotainment screen, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity, ventilated seats, ambient lighting and some more. In the early design sketches released by Kia, we also noticed an off-road button to be present on the inside, suggesting that the Kia will have some tricks up its sleeve to handle rough terrain. Under the bonnet, Kia shall offer a choice of petrol and diesel engines which are expected to be BS – VI compliant. Both these engines would have a capacity of 1.5-litres and will come married with manual gearboxes as standard but expect Kia to offer an optional automatic for both the engines. Keep looking at this space for more updates on this Korean SUV, which will be unveiled globally on the 20th of June.

Honda has witnessed tremendous success with its all-new, second-generation Amaze compact sedan. The Japanese car manufacturer has now announced that this model has crossed the 1,00,000 units sales milestone, in a matter of 13 months from launch. This makes it the fastest Honda car to achieve this feat. In a way to celebrate the success of this sedan, the car manufacturer has announced a special Ace edition of this compact sedan, which would sport a number of additional features and will be available in the top-of-the-line VX trim level, with both petrol and diesel motors, read ahead to know more.

As mentioned above, the Ace edition will be based on the top-of-the-line VX variant of the Amaze. Which implies it will come loaded with features including touch enable infotainments screen, turn by turn navigation, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity, rear parking camera and much more. Apart from the features the regular VX variant offers, the Ace Edition shall receive the following additions:

• Stylish Black Alloy Wheel
• Sporty Black Trunk Spoiler
• Stylish seat covers with Ace Edition Branding
• Front Room Lamp
• Black Door Visor
• Door Edge Garnish
• Ace Edition Emblem

Prices of this variant of the Amaze sedan are mentioned below, do bear in mind that these are ex-showroom, pan-India prices:

• Petrol MT – INR 7,89,200
• Petrol CVT – INR 8,72,200
• Diesel MT – INR 8,99,200
• Diesel CVT – INR 9,72,200

Also Read: Next Generation Honda City Spied On The Streets Of Thailand

Speaking on the success of Honda Amaze, Mr. Rajesh Goel, Senior Vice President & Director, Marketing & Sales, Honda Cars India Ltd said, “All New 2nd Generation Honda Amaze has been a game changer for HCIL achieving exceptional success with over 1 lakh sales in record 13 months translating into 20% higher sales as compared to 1st Gen Amaze that was launched in 2013. The bold styling of Amaze has appealed to a lot of SUV intenders and First-time buyers. We would like to thank our customers for the confidence & continuous support that has enabled the brand to grow so strongly. To commemorate this success, we are introducing the special “Ace Edition” of Honda Amaze with an enhanced sporty and premium look.”

Mahindra’s two-wheeler division, which also owns the Classic Legends, the company responsible for the revival of the Jawa brand has been evidently quite busy with the same. Maybe that is why their much-awaited update for the Mojo motorcycle took a back seat. However, with the launch of the Jawa motorcycles now out of the way, the Mojo update has been going on in full swing. Ahead of its launch, we now have a set of spy shots of this upcoming, updated Mojo model, read ahead to know more.

In terms of appearance, the bike does not look very different, however, we see a number of changes, all of which are listed below:

• No USDs

This model does not feature the Upside Down Forks of the previous model. Conventional telescopic forks are not present, which would translate to a more affordable price tag.

• Single exhaust

This particular test mule seen here sports a single exhaust. This again seems to be done in order to have a more affordable price tag.

• Bybre Brakes

This time around, the Mojo comes with a set of solid brakes outsourced from Bybre. The presence of ABS rings at both ends confirms the fact that Mahindra will offer a dual channel ABS module with this bike.

While the inclusion of ABS is a welcome feature, The omission of the USDs and the dual exhaust may not go well with the fans of this motorcycle. That said, the bike seen in these images could probably be the more affordable variant of the Mojo, akin to the UT300, and Mahindra may offer a fully loaded model with many more features at a slightly higher price.

Also Read: Mahindra Thar 700 Is A Limited Edition Farewell To The Legendary Off-Roader

Apart from these changes, we also have reason to believe that the engine will be modified to comply with the upcoming BS – VI emission norms which shall be enforced from next year. Currently, only the Honda Activa 125 FI and the Hero Splendor are the only two-wheelers that comply with these emission norms. Expected to make its appearance in the market rather soon, stay tuned for more news on this upcoming motorcycle.

Image Courtesy: Mahindra Mojo Riders Club

Further enhancing its reach in our country, the world’s largest car manufacturer, Volkswagen opens up a new showroom in the eastern city of Ranchi. This showroom will take care of sales, service and spares of all Volkswagen vehicles. the state-of-the-art facility spread across a total area of over 17,000 sq. ft. comprises of a 5-car display along with 10-service bays. The workshop can undertake preventive maintenance, general and accidental repair work and encompasses a paint booth. With this new showroom in place, Volkswagen now boasts of having a total network of 119 showrooms, 114 workshops, 105 DasWeltAuto outlets in 101 cities across India.

With this new showroom, the state of Jharkhand has two dealerships – one in Jamshedpur and the new one in Ranchi. This new dealership can be found in Deputy Para, Circuit House area. Listed below are the address of the dealership and showroom:

• Showroom: Plot No.759, C/o Basudeb Engineering Enterprises Ltd, Deputy Para, Circuit House Area, Ranchi, Jharkhand, India – 834001
• Workshop: 8P-Kokar Industrial Area, Ranchi, Jharkhand, India – 834001

This dealership will sell the Polo, Ameo, Vento, Tiguan and Passat models of the leading German brand, and service many more. Speaking on the inauguration of Volkswagen Ranchi, Mr Steffen Knapp, Director, Volkswagen Passenger Cars said, “Through, Volkswagen Ranchi, we aim to enhance our reach and accessibility in high potential markets of India. Furthermore, offer a comprehensive suite of sales and after-sales services along with a holistic car buying experience to all our prospective customers. With the inauguration of this new facility, we shall continue to provide globally renowned standards of safety, build quality and a fun-to-drive experience.”

Also Read: Volkswagen Shows Its Support For India With The #GermanyCheersForIndia – Campaign

Commenting on the partnership with Volkswagen India, Mr Rohit Kataruka, Managing Director, Volkswagen Ranchi said, “We are delighted to be Volkswagen dealer partner in the city of Ranchi. It gives us immense pleasure to be associated with a global brand like Volkswagen and offer an impeccable range of products and services. We intend to offer a premium and hassle-free experience to all our prospective customers and welcome them enthusiastically at Volkswagen Ranchi.”

Today, Tata Motors, announced their next milestone on its journey of electrification, by partnering with Janani Tours, to deploy over 25 Tigor EVs (Electric Vehicles) in Bengaluru. Janani Tours is one of the leading tour operators in Bengaluru. They have now decided to begin their e-mobility journey to serve their corporate clients and fleet customers while also improving sustainability. The first batch of Tigor EVs was handed over today by Tata Motors’ Dealership – M/s Prerana Motors to Janani Tours officials, at their office in HSR Layout, Bengaluru.

Also Read: Tata Tigor Gets 2 More AMT Variants, Prices Now Start From INR 6.39 Lakh

Tata Motors is playing a leading role in proactively driving electric mobility in the country. To build a sustainable future for India, the company has been working collaboratively on various electric and hybrid vehicle solutions. Tata Motors is India’s largest and the only OEM offering extensive range of integrated, smart and e-mobility solutions. It also has operations in the UK, South Korea, Thailand, South Africa, and Indonesia through a strong global network of 109 subsidiary and associate companies, including Jaguar Land Rover in the UK and Tata Daewoo in South Korea.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr Shailesh Chandra, President- Electric Mobility Business & Corporate Strategy, Tata Motors said, “We are delighted to partner with Janani Tours on their pragmatic initiative of inducting zero-emission vehicles in their fleet. We are confident that Tigor EV will address the growing demand of the city to travel in electric vehicles. We remain committed to the sustainable mobility mission and will continue to work towards bringing aspirational e-mobility solutions for customers, leading the drive towards faster adoption of electric vehicles in the country.”

Also Read: Tata Harrier Gets A Price Hike, Range Now Starts From INR 12.99 Lakh

Speaking on the occasion, Mr Ram Ramakrishnan, CEO, Janani Group of Companies, said “Keeping in line with our commitment of being pioneers in mobility service providers, we are excited to begin offering Tigor EVs to Bengaluru citizens. We are excited to partner with Tata Motors for offering eco-friendly mobility solutions to our customers and commitment to society. We believe the inherent benefits of zero-emission and lower operating costs of EVs will be the ultimate game-changer for commuting in the city. We see a positive response from our clients to reach 1000+ vehicles in the next 6-9 months under the brand JenNext.”

The future of cars is indeed electric, which has forced many mainstream auto manufacturers to work and produce electricity powered cars. Renault, a major French carmaker too, has decided to adopt this technology and has been working on an all-electric hatchback, based on the Kwid. Called the K-ZE concept, this car has been primarily made for the Chinese market, however, there have been rumours of this car making its way to other international markets, even the Indian market as well. Making us believe these rumours is the fact that a camouflaged car, matching the visuals of the eKwid, was captured undergoing tests in this video, do have a look.

One can notice the bumper mounted headlight on this test mule. The DRLs are placed higher, on the edge of the bonnet, very similar to the designs of SUVs like the Harrier, MG Hector, Hyundai Venue that we have seen already. One can also notice the 3 lug nut wheels on the car, which suggests that some steps have been taken to reduce the overall costs, which is quite necessary for a price sensitive market like ours. Moving in pairs, one of the test mules also sports wheel caps. In terms of appearance, the overall shape of the car pretty much resembles the Kwid hatchback.

To be called the e-Kwid, this little hatchback is expected to come with lithium-ion powered batteries, which are also found in other, well established electric cars from brands like Tesla, Mercedes, BMW and more. A range of somewhere between 100 to 150 km would make it perfect for city work, however, considering the fact that Renault has used only 3-lug nuts for the wheels, do not expect a performance-oriented EV with a relatively low speed, which can be handled by three bolts.

Also Read: Renault KWID Surpasses The 3 Lakh Sales Milestone

However, these test mules could also be part of an extensive road test programme, being conducted by Renault. Indian roads offer quite a number of challenges to cars. Renault may be doing a thorough road test of the car in other countries, before launching in the Chinese market. However, a launch in the Indian market cannot be ruled out too. With too many questions rising right now, we will have to wait for some time before these questions get answered. In the meanwhile, do have a look at this video showcasing the test mules.

Skoda’s entry-level sedan, the Rapid has recently crossed a major production milestone. The Czech manufacturer recently rolled out the 1,00,000th unit of this sedan from their manufacturing facility in Chakan, Pune. First offered in the year of 2011, this sedan was given a facelift in 2016. Not too long ago, Skoda also introduced a new, Monte Carlo edition of the car, which currently sits at the top in the model line up. It was this very variant which rolled out as the 1,00,000th unit from the plant, finished in a bright shade of Flash Red. The Skoda Rapid competes against the likes of the Hyundai Verna, Honda City, Maruti Suzuki Ciaz and Volkswagen Vento in the Indian market.

The Rapid is currently offered with a total of two engine options, one petrol and one diesel. The petrol motor, a 1.6-litre, 4-cylinder MPI unit is tuned to generate 105 PS of peak power and 153 Nm of peak torque. The oil burner, a 1.5-litre TDI unit is tuned to generate 10 PS of power and 250 Nm of peak torque. Both these engines are offered with a 5-speed manual gearbox as standard, however, optional automatic gearboxes are on offer. The petrol engine gets a conventional torque converter type automatic, with 6 gears, while the diesel motor uses the 7-speed DSG gearbox. Listed below are the ex-showroom prices of this sedan:

• 1.6 L Active – INR 8,81,916
• 1.6 L Ambition – INR 9,98,599
• 1.6 L Style – INR 11,15,599
• 1.6 L Ambition AT – INR 9,99,000
• 1.6 L Style AT – INR 12,43,599
• 1.5 TDI CR Active – INR 10,06,139
• 1.5 TDI CR Ambition – INR 11,29,599
• 1.5 TDI CR Style – INR 12,73,599
• 1.5 TDI CR Ambition AT – INR 12,49,599
• 1.5 TDI CR Style AT – INR 13,99,599

Also Read: Skoda Teams Up With Kamal Kishore Auto To Expand Its Footprint In Uttar Pradesh

The Monte Carlo Edition of the Rapid was introduced in the month of February this year. This new variant of the sedan comes with a number of changes, on both the exterior as well as the interior. On the outside, Skoda offers a blacked out grille, wing mirrors, roof, B-pillar, faux diffuser and spoiler. Dual tone alloy wheels are also offered. Changes on the inside include a flat-bottom steering wheel, leather-wrapped gear knob, leatherette upholstery, steel floor pedals and scuff plates along with Monte Carlo inscription. This Monte Carlo edition is priced between INR 11.16 Lakh to INR 14.26 Lakh.