Tag Archives: 2018

Featured

End Of The Road For Volvo XC40 In India, Here Are The Remaining Luxury SUVs At That Price


The entry-level luxury SUV space is exclusively German, at least for combustion engine options

Volvo XC40, which was launched in India in 2018, has come to the end of its five-year journey in the country. The SUV received its final update in 2022 with the launch of its pure electric version, the XC40 Recharge. The decision to discontinue the XC40 was based on the market response towards electric vehicles (EVs). In its final phase, the XC40 was priced at Rs 46.40 lakh (ex-showroom, pan-India). In the entry-level luxury SUV segment, Volvo was the only non-German option. However, for petrol or diesel engine options in this price range, the choices are limited to the usual German trio. Let’s take a look at these alternatives:

Audi Q3/Q3 Sportback

Price Range: Rs 46.27 lakh to Rs 52.97 lakh

Audi Brings Second-gen Q3 To India, Prices Start From Rs 44.89 Lakh

The latest generation Audi Q3, introduced in India in 2022, is available only as a petrol variant. It comes in two body styles: the Q3 and the Q3 Sportback (SUV-coupe). The Q3 is equipped with features like a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a 10.25-inch driver’s display, dual-zone climate control, powered front seats, and a panoramic sunroof. In terms of safety, it offers six airbags, tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS), front and rear parking sensors with a rear-view camera, and ISOFIX child seat anchorages. The Q3 is powered by a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine (190PS/320Nm) coupled with a Quattro all-wheel-drive system and a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission.

BMW X1

Price Range: Rs 45.90 lakh to Rs 51.60 lakh

BMW X1 18i M-Sport

The third-generation BMW X1, launched in India in early 2023, is locally assembled and offered with both petrol and diesel engine options. It comes in three variants: sDrive18i xLine, sDrive18d M Sport, and sDrive18i M Sport. The X1 features a curved integrated screen setup with a 10.25-inch digital driver’s display and a 10.7-inch infotainment system. Other features include a 12-speaker Harman Kardon Surround Sound audio system, active seats for the driver and front passenger, multiple airbags, cornering brake control (CBC), ABS with brake assist, and driver-assistance systems like lane departure warning, front collision warning, and manual speed limit assist. The X1 is powered by a 1.5-litre petrol engine (136PS/230Nm) and a 2.0-litre diesel engine (150PS/360Nm), both paired with a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission.

Mercedes-Benz GLA

Price Range: Rs 48.50 lakh to Rs 52.70 lakh

Price for AMG GLA 35 4MATIC: Rs 63.50 lakh

Mercedes-Benz GLA Front Left Side

The current generation of the Mercedes-Benz GLA, launched in 2021, is yet to receive any major updates. The latest generation is expected to arrive in India soon. The GLA offers a range of features such as a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a 10.25-inch driver’s display, dual-zone AC, powered front seats with memory function, panoramic sunroof, 64-color ambient lighting, seven airbags, electronic stability program (ESP), and active brake assist. It is available with both petrol and diesel engine options: a 1.3-litre turbo petrol engine (163PS/250Nm) and a 2.0-litre diesel engine (190PS/400Nm). The petrol variant comes with a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission, while the diesel variant offers an 8-speed dual-clutch transmission. The diesel variant is also available with an optional all-wheel drive system. The GLA also has a performance version called the AMG GLA 35 4MATIC, which is powered by a more powerful 2.0-litre turbo petrol engine (306PS/400Nm) and mated to an 8-speed DCT.

Special Mention

Mini Cooper Countryman

Price Range: Rs 48.10 lakh to Rs 49 lakh

Mini Countryman Shadow edition

Although it is not a typical SUV, the Mini Countryman can be considered as an alternative to the discontinued Volvo XC40. The Countryman, which was introduced in India in 2018, is available in two variants: Cooper S and Cooper S JCW Inspired. It comes with features like an 8.8-inch touchscreen, a powered tailgate, wireless phone charging, dual-zone climate control, cruise control, and safety features like six airbags, 3-point seatbelts for all passengers, reversing camera, and cornering brake control. The Mini Countryman is powered by a 2.0-litre turbo petrol engine delivering 181PS and 280Nm of torque. It is paired with a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission and can accelerate from 0 to 100kmph in 7.5 seconds. The successor to the Countryman is expected to be an electric vehicle as Mini is transitioning to an electric lineup.

These are the available alternatives to the discontinued Volvo XC40. However, if you still prefer a small Volvo SUV, you can choose from the two EV versions: the XC40 Recharge and C40 Recharge, priced at Rs 56.90 lakh and Rs 62.95 lakh respectively (both ex-showroom).

Read More on : Volvo XC40 Automatic

Featured

Spellman Signature Auctions: 2018 Lamborghini Aventador S

Get ready for the Spellman Signature Auctions where a 2018 Lamborghini Aventador S will be up for auction. This event is scheduled for September 30, 2023, at the Newport Car Museum. The Aventador S is not just any car; it is a statement piece that will turn heads and give you an adrenaline rush.

The Aventador has always been Lamborghini’s flagship model, showcasing their commitment to performance and luxury. But with the Aventador S, Lamborghini has taken it a step further. This car is not only about speed but also about exceptional handling.

In previous iterations, the Aventador was known for its straight-line speed. However, the Aventador S has been improved to handle curves and corners with ease. Lamborghini has introduced features like a quicker steering ratio and rear steer, allowing the car to change direction effortlessly, especially in the rear end.

The driving experience is further enhanced by the upgraded magnetorheological shock system, which improves ride quality and reduces interior noise, providing unprecedented comfort while cruising in an Aventador S.


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14 Photos

It’s hard to put into words the driving experience the Aventador S offers. Its ability to navigate through tight corners, its incredible cornering attitude, and its responsive turn-in make driving this car a revelation. The rear-wheel-steering system works brilliantly, allowing the Aventador S to slice through high-speed corners with unmatched speed.

This particular car has only 10,000 miles on it, meaning it’s practically brand new. It also features the Exhaust Plus tuning, which was an additional $25,000 cost, ensuring precision and a thrilling engine sound. With a $75,000 carbon fiber kit, the vehicle is further elevated, providing additional support to the x brace and wing.

And let’s not forget about the engine. The Aventador S is powered by a 6.5-liter V12 engine delivering an impressive 729 horsepower and 507 ft-lbs of torque. The car can go from 0 to 60 mph in under 3 seconds and has a top speed of 217 mph.

In a world where many supercars prioritize style over performance, the Aventador S stands out. Spellman Signature Auctions is excited to present this masterpiece. This is not just a car you drive; it’s an experience you won’t forget.

So, mark your calendars for September 30 and get ready to place your bid on a vehicle that will awaken your senses and redefine your expectations of what a supercar can be. The Aventador S not only raises the bar but sets a new standard.

Motorsport

Refreshed Aston Martin Vantage Roadster Spotted with Rusty Exhaust Pipes

The current Aston Martin Vantage was launched in 2018, replacing the previous-generation model that had been in production for 12 years. Although it’s unlikely that the British automaker will wait that long to introduce a successor to the current Vantage, the model still has several more years on the market. This means that a mid-cycle refresh is necessary to keep the sports car competitive. Recent spy photos reveal the Vantage Roadster, the open-top version of the vehicle.

Spotted near Aston Martin’s test center at the Nürburgring, this test vehicle is covered in camouflage foil that conceals the entire body. However, the automaker has used a fluorescent green wrap for marketing purposes, displaying the phrase “Thrill. Driven.” Beneath the camouflage, notable changes can be seen, such as a wider grille and completely new sweptback headlights. Additionally, there’s a prominent front spoiler lip and new hood vents that have been repositioned closer to the center.


Motorsport

Audi Q3 Facelift Rendered With Subtle Visual Changes

The second generation Audi Q3 was launched back in July 2018, making it a five-year-old premium crossover. Despite its age, the model hasn’t been a bestseller for the German brand, with only 8,925 deliveries in the United States during the first six months of this year. As a result, Audi has decided it’s time for a refresh, and work on the facelifted Q3 has already begun. We now have a rendering that gives us a preview of how the crossover could look when it debuts in 2025.

Our friends at Motor.es have produced this exclusive digital drawing based on early test prototypes they’ve seen. Although our spy photographers haven’t caught a Q3 trial vehicle yet, it seems that the visual changes to the crossover will be minimal. This shouldn’t come as a surprise, as Audi has a history of giving its core models subtle revisions for their mid-cycle facelifts.


News

2023 Volkswagen Jetta Vs. 2023 Toyota Corolla

The seventh generation Volkswagen Jetta was released in 2018, replacing the previous generation that had been in production since 2010. It was discontinued in the European market due to poor sales, but it is still being sold in other regions, with China being its biggest market.

Since its release, the Jetta has received mid-cycle updates, including a facelift design and a new engine, to stay competitive in the market.

The current Toyota Corolla, released around the same time as the Jetta, has also undergone a few updates. These two cars are perfect for comparing and cross-shopping. Let’s find out which one is the better choice: the Jetta or the Toyota Corolla.

RELATED: The Best Cars Under $35,000

The Volkswagen Jetta Looks Classy

The Volkswagen Jetta has always been known for its sophisticated but rather boring design. The 2023 model carries on this tradition with a few updates. It now features updated LED headlights with chrome strips on the grille, giving it a premium look. The side profile is typical of a sedan, but with a pronounced body line that runs from the front fenders through the door handles and joins the rear tail lights.

The Jetta comes with 16-inch wheels as standard, with 17-inch wheels also available. At the rear, it sports LED lights with chrome strips on the bumpers, and the exhaust is hidden for a cleaner look. The new Jetta is longer than its predecessor by 4.5 inches and features subtle but strong body lines on the hood, sides, and trunk. Overall, it is one of the classiest-looking vehicles in this segment.

Vehicle Dimensions

Vehicle

Volkswagen Jetta

Toyota Corolla

Length

186.5 inches

182.3 inches

Wheelbase

105.7 inches

106.3 inches

Width

70.8 inches

70.1 inches

Height

57.7 inches

56.5 inches

Ground Clearance

5.5 inches

5.3 inches

Wheel size

16-inch

16-inch

Weight

2,990 pounds

2,995 pounds

The Toyota Corolla has a sporty look with sleek LED headlights and blacked-out front bumpers. However, it looks fairly normal in comparison to the Jetta. It comes standard with 16-inch wheels, with 18-inch wheels available. At the back, it features normal taillights and dual exhausts on one side. While it looks good, it doesn’t match the Jetta in terms of overall appearance.

RELATED: 2023 Toyota Corolla Vs. 2023 Honda Civic

The Volkswagen Jetta Has A Quality Looking Interior

2023 Volkswagen Jetta Interior
Volkswagen
Interior shot of a Volkswagen Jetta Dashboard
  • The Volkswagen Jetta offers 97.7 cubic feet of passenger volume, while the Toyota Corolla only has 88.6 cubic feet.
  • The Jetta also provides larger trunk space at 14.1 cubic feet, compared to the Corolla’s 13.1 cubic feet.

The interior of the Jetta resembles that of a low-budget luxury Audi. It features a fully digital eight-inch gauge cluster on all trim models, along with an eight-inch touchscreen infotainment system that supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The center console houses buttons and knobs for climate control, tilted towards the driver for convenience.

Though it lacks special interior materials, the Jetta offers ample interior space and a well-designed layout, making it one of the best in its class.

The Toyota Corolla has a simple design but lacks the same level of integration as the Jetta. It offers a seven-inch cluster similar to the Jetta, but with less configurability. The eight-inch center screen sits on top of the dashboard, appearing bulky due to large bezels. The Corolla uses simple materials and provides less space compared to the Jetta.

RELATED: 10 Reasons To Choose The 2023 Toyota Corolla

The Corolla Offers Four-Wheel Drive, The Jetta Doesn’t

Engine Specifications

Vehicle

Volkswagen Jetta

Toyota Corolla

Engine

Turbo Inline-four

NA Inline-four

Displacement

1.5 liters

2.0 liters

Power

158 horsepower

169 horsepower

Torque

184 pound-feet,

151 pound-feet

Transmission

Six-speed manual/eight-speed auto,

CVT automatic

Drivetrain

Front-wheel drive

Front-wheel drive

Hybrid

Not available

Available

All-Wheel Drive

Not available

Available

Fuel Economy (MPG)

32/41 City/Highway

31,41 City/Highway

The Jetta comes with a new 1.5-liter turbocharged inline-four engine introduced in the 2022 model year, replacing the previous 1.4-liter engine. This new engine offers more power and torque. It is available with front-wheel drive and a choice of a six-speed manual or an eight-speed automatic transmission. The Jetta delivers more low-down torque than the Corolla while maintaining similar fuel economy.

The Corolla, on the other hand, uses a larger naturally aspirated 2.0-liter inline-four engine across its range. It sends power to the front wheels and offers good power, although with less torque. The Corolla is equipped with a CVT automatic transmission for optimal efficiency. Additionally, it offers a hybrid powertrain for better fuel economy, achieving 50 MPG. However, the hybrid powertrain comes with a smaller 1.8-liter engine delivering less power and torque.

RELATED: The Carnage Caused By This Certified Hot Hatch Against The Volkswagen Jetta Is Insane!

Vehicle Safety And Warranty

2023 Toyota Corolla
Toyota
Aerial rear shot of a white Toyota Corolla in motion

The Toyota Corolla has received a top safety pick rating from the IIHS, thanks to its advanced safety technologies. Toyota’s Safety Sense 3.0 offers features like Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist, Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Lane Tracing Assist, Road Sign Assist, and Automatic High Beams.

The Volkswagen Jetta has also improved its safety features and driver assistance systems, but it has only received a five-star rating. This means the Corolla may be a safer option, even though the Jetta is classified as a midsize sedan. The Jetta’s IQ.DRIVE includes features like Travel Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control, Active Blind Spot Monitor, Rear Traffic Alert, Front Assist, Emergency Assist, and Lane Assist.

The Corolla is known for its reliability, receiving a 4.5 rating from RepairPal compared to the Jetta’s 4.0 rating. Additionally, the Corolla ranks first out of 36 compact cars, with an annual repair cost of just $362. On the other hand, the Jetta ranks 21st out of 36 and has an average annual repair cost of $609, slightly lower than the industry average of $652. Both cars come with a warranty that is on par with each other.

Would You Have The Volkswagen Jetta Or Toyota Corolla For A Similar Price?

2023 Volkswagen Jetta
Volkswagen
Aerial render of a blue Volkswagen Jetta in motion

The Volkswagen Jetta and the Toyota Corolla are similarly priced. The Jetta has four trim models, with the base S trim starting at $21,750 and the range-topping SEL trim starting at $29,480. This makes it an affordable option for a sophisticated German sedan, offering good looks, ample interior space, advanced technology, and a strong brand name.

The Toyota Corolla falls within the same price range as the Jetta but offers more options due to hybrid and hatchback models. It starts with the base LE trim priced at $22,795 and goes up to $27,945 for the top XSE trims. The Corolla is a reliable and dependable vehicle, characteristics that Toyota is renowned for.

Motorsport

Experience the Thrilling Journey of Bugatti Chiron Climbing a Mountain in First-Person Perspective

The Bugatti Chiron Sport, the first variant of the renowned model, amazed car enthusiasts when it made its debut at the 2018 Geneva Motor Show. Packed with numerous upgrades compared to the standard version, this exceptional vehicle recently took on the breathtaking Oberalp Pass in Switzerland, and lucky for us, it was captured on video.

Even though it is a public road, the driver displayed impressive control throughout the ascent. However, the true highlight of the footage is the awe-inspiring sound of the engine. Bugatti decided not to enhance the powertrain compared to the standard Chiron, but rather focused on improving other aspects of the vehicle. This includes a new dynamic handling package, a revamped suspension, and stiffer shock absorbers – all of which are essential for conquering this kind of challenging road.


Featured

2023 Aston Martin DBS Superleggera Review: A Fascinating Combination of Beauty and Power

The Aston Martin DBS Superleggera has been a subject of fascination ever since its photos were first released in 2018. Its perfectly proportioned design, combining sportiness and elegance, continues to captivate car enthusiasts even after five years. Priced at $406,086, it is undeniably a stunning object of obsession that one might sometimes prefer to admire rather than drive.

One of the key attractions of the DBS Superleggera is its powerful 715-horsepower twin-turbocharged engine, which delivers supercar-level performance. Despite its impressive power, this grand tourer remains smooth and refined, making it ideal for long drives. Additionally, its rear axle provides a playful and surprisingly aggressive handling experience, surprising for a car of its size.

However, over the past five years, the interior of the DBS Superleggera has not aged well. While it boasts excellent materials, its outdated technology lags behind its competitors from Ferrari and Bentley. This raises the question of whether the combination of beauty and power is enough to justify its $406,086 price tag.

The exterior styling of the DBS Superleggera is a matter of personal preference, but its proportions are undeniably masterful. With a long hood, rear-biased seating position, and flowing roofline, it exudes an air of luxury and elegance. The carbon-fiber body panels, including the roof, clamshell-style hood, splitter, and rear spoiler, not only reduce weight but also enhance the sporty look of the car.

While its aerodynamic features, such as the air exits behind the front wheels and the double-diffuser at the rear, are subtle, they contribute to the distinctive appearance of the DBS Superleggera.

One of the highlights of the DBS Superleggera is its impressive powertrain. With its twin-turbocharged 5.2-liter V12 engine generating 715 hp and 663 lb-ft of torque, it surpasses competitors like the Ferrari Roma and Bentley Continental GT Speed. It achieves a 0-60 mph time of 3.4 seconds and reaches a top speed of 211 mph, thanks to an eight-speed ZF automatic transmission.

However, the DBS Superleggera’s driving experience is not as immediate as its competitors. It behaves more like a muscle car, comfortably cruising at low revs and delivering explosive power in straight-line runs. While it can be less responsive in corners due to turbo lag, it compensates by providing an aggressive and thrilling experience when it wakes up.

The DBS Superleggera’s suspension consists of double wishbones at the front and a multi-link setup at the rear, with adaptive dampers. While its curb weight becomes evident in tight bends, it excels on open highways and city streets, providing a comfortable and enjoyable driving experience. The cabin is well-insulated, allowing for effortless cruising, and the plush front seats strike a balance between sportiness and comfort.

Inside the DBS Superleggera, the seating position and visibility are well-designed for a driver of average height. The cabin feels spacious, especially with its two small rear seats. The overall design combines black leather, Alcantara, and carbon fiber, creating a luxurious and sporty ambiance. The ergonomics are well-considered, with easy-to-reach controls and column-mounted shift paddles.

However, the interior tech of the DBS Superleggera is outdated, relying on an older Mercedes-Benz COMAND system. Its low-resolution graphics and lack of smartphone integration are disappointing, especially given the car’s high price. Aston Martin has made improvements in this area with the recent release of the DB12, but it will take time for those updates to reach the DBS Superleggera.

Considering the price, the DBS Superleggera offers a thrilling driving experience and a well-appointed cabin. Priced at $406,086, it includes additional features such as a Bang & Olufsen stereo, titanium sport exhaust, and carbon ceramic brakes. While the outdated interior tech may be a deal-breaker for some, the overall personality and charm of the DBS Superleggera make it an appealing choice.

Despite its flaws, the Aston Martin DBS Superleggera remains a highly desirable car. Its timeless beauty and exhilarating performance make it stand out among its competitors. Priced at $406,086, it is undeniably expensive, but for those seeking a captivating and thrilling driving experience, the DBS Superleggera delivers.