Teasers have hinted at up to date entrance fascia with new grille and LED DRLs
The arrival of Toyota’s model of the Maruti Fronx was first introduced in late 2023 and it’s lastly able to make its world debut on April 3, 2024. Even with its crossover proportions, it marks Toyota’s re-entry into the sub-4 meter SUV section in India. This newest Maruti-based Toyota mannequin could undertake the title “Urban Cruiser Taisor,” a trademark registered beforehand by Toyota.
Exterior Design
While retaining the fundamental physique construction, Toyota will introduce distinctive styling parts to distinguish it from the Maruti Suzuki Fronx. These alterations embody a redesigned grille that includes Toyota badging, tweaked bumpers, distinctive headlights and daytime working lights (DRLs), and tail lamp designs. Shared SUVs between Maruti and Toyota currently have managed to keep up distinct visible identities.
Many of the adjustments above have been affirmed by the most recent teaser from Toyota for this upcoming crossover. It may also be provided in a brand new orange hue, not seen with the Fronx.
Interior Design
While the dashboard format may stay the identical that from the Fronx, Toyota might change the cabin colours. In distinction to the black and burgundy inside of the Maruti mannequin, the Toyota variant may go for a lighter beige-themed inside.
Maruti Fronx’s cabin picture used for reference functions solely
All options accessible on the Fronx are anticipated to be carried on the Toyota Taisor, together with a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system, wi-fi Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, heads-up show, automated local weather management, and cruise management. Safety options are anticipated to incorporate as much as six airbags, ABS with EBD, digital stability program (ESP), hill maintain help, ISOFIX youngster seat anchors, and a 360-degree digital camera.
Same Powertrains
Aligned with earlier Maruti-Toyota collaborations, the Toyota crossover will probably share engines and gearboxes with the Fronx. Expected powertrains embody a 1.2-liter naturally aspirated petrol engine with 5-speed guide and AMT choices. Additionally, a 1-liter turbo-petrol (Boosterjet) engine producing 100 PS and 148 Nm torque may also be provided, coupled with a 5-speed guide or 6-speed automated transmission. While a CNG variant could possibly be a risk, it is going to probably not be accessible from launch.
Expected Price and Rivals
Drawing from the costs of the Maruti Fronx, the anticipated Toyota Taisor is anticipated to be between Rs 8 lakh and Rs 13 lakh (ex-showroom). It will probably carry a small premium over comparable variants of the Fronx.
The electrical panorama is buzzing with anticipation for the arrival of the brand new Tesla Roadster. This article has been up to date to mirror the most recent data on the second technology Roadster, maintaining you knowledgeable on its progress and potential.
The electric vehicle panorama thrums with innovation, showcasing a kaleidoscope of charming fashions and tantalizing prospects. Yet, few automobiles command the extent of anticipation surrounding the Tesla Roadster 2.0. Since its electrifying prototype reveal in 2017, it has develop into an automotive enigma, leaving fans captivated and eagerly awaiting its arrival.
This fervor is fueled by the Roadster’s audacious promise: a efficiency exceeding that of any manufacturing automobile ever witnessed. Originally envisioned for a 2020 debut, the high-performance EV encountered unexpected headwinds. The world pandemic’s disruptive drive, coupled with the following years’ challenges, has pushed its arrival again. Production stays slated for a hopeful graduation in late 2024, leaving a lingering air of uncertainty.
However, the potential rewards of this prolonged wait could possibly be actually groundbreaking. The renewed Roadster sets its sights on dethroning the industry’s elite, aiming to surpass even essentially the most potent supercars in existence. This ambition is a testomony to the automobile’s lineage, being the second iteration of the groundbreaking Tesla Roadster.
Introduced in 2008, the unique mannequin electrified the world by shattering preconceived notions of electrical car efficiency. It boasted a formidable 244-mile vary and a blistering 0-60 mph acceleration time of three.7 seconds, firmly establishing itself as a pioneer in its time. While it by no means claimed the highlight inside Tesla’s lineup, its contribution to the corporate’s EV engineering experience proved invaluable.
This second-generation iteration guarantees an much more radical evolution. With a 600-mile vary and a 0-60 mph acceleration time of 1.1 seconds, the Roadster pushes the boundaries of what is attainable. If these audacious figures translate into actuality, the electrical convertible has the potential to not solely redefine the hypercar segment but additionally rewrite the history of electric vehicles fully. The Roadster 2.0 stands poised to be a revolution on wheels, its arrival eagerly awaited by a worldwide viewers captivated by its electrifying potential.
UPDATE: 2024/02/21 13:00 EST BY ANIEBIET INYANG NTUI
The electrical panorama is buzzing with anticipation for the arrival of the brand new Tesla Roadster. This article has been up to date to mirror the most recent data on the second technology Roadster, maintaining you knowledgeable on its progress and potential.
In order to provide the latest and correct data attainable, the info used to compile this text was sourced from Tesla and different authoritative sources resembling ScorchingCars and AutomobileBuzz.
Despite what you may’ve heard, the first-gen Tesla Roadster is iconic, distinctive to the core, and 93 p.c totally different from the Lotus Elise.
From Lotus Elise To Spacefaring Powerhouse
Tesla
The Tesla Roadster’s story is one among ambition, innovation, and fixed evolution. From its early days as a Lotus-based sports activities automobile to its upcoming incarnation as a record-breaking powerhouse, it has embodied Tesla’s mission to accelerate the world’s transition to sustainable energy.
In 2008, the first-generation Roadster burst onto the scene, marking a pivotal second in electrical automobile historical past. This Lotus Elise-based car wasn’t simply electrical; it was quick, trendy, and capable of impressive range, achieving 245 miles on a single cost. This feat challenged the notion of electrical automobiles as gradual and impractical, showcasing their potential for efficiency and on a regular basis use.
2008 Tesla Roadster Performance Specs
Trim
Roadster
Roadster 2.5
Engine
Electric Motor
Electric Motor
Battery
53 kWh
53 kWh
Horsepower
248 horsepower
288 horsepower
Torque
273 pound-feet of torque
295 pound-feet of torque
Transmission
1-Speed Auto
1-Speed Auto
Drive Layout
Rear-wheel drive
Rear-wheel drive
0-60 MPH
3.9 seconds
3.7 Seconds
(Specs sourced from Tesla)
From Rumors To Reality
As the first-generation Roadster’s manufacturing resulted in 2011, rumors of a successor started to swirl. The anticipation in-built 2014 when Tesla unveiled glimpses of the second-generation Roadster, even referring to it because the “Model R.” Musk expressed his need for even quicker acceleration, pushing the boundaries of electrical automobile efficiency.
Elon Musk, hinted at a brand new, in-house-developed Roadster by 2014, but later pushed it to late 2015. Then it was all radio silence. The world lastly caught a glimpse of the brand new Roadster in 2017, unveiled with a bang at a Tesla Semi occasion. Musk declared its function: to ship a “hardcore smackdown” to gasoline sports activities automobiles. This daring assertion underscored Tesla’s dedication to not solely compete with, however surpass, conventional efficiency automobiles. He additionally said that the Roadster shall be accessible in 2020.
Hype Meets Reality
Tesla
The Roadster’s ambitions reached new heights in 2018 with the reveal of the “SpaceX option package.” This futuristic function promised chilly gasoline thrusters for enhanced maneuverability, drawing inspiration from Musk’s different enterprise, SpaceX. Additionally, Tesla teased world-record targets for pace, vary, and acceleration.
Despite the joy, manufacturing timelines confronted steady setbacks. Initial estimates of 2020 availability gave option to delays, with Musk citing engineering complexities and prioritizing different Tesla initiatives. Now, the Tesla CEO claims the Roadster 2.0 shall be accessible in late 2024.
With 600 miles of vary and a $200,000 base MSRP, Tesla’s second-generation Roadster is among the most anticipated EV releases ever.
Defying Physics With Electric Supercar Performance
Tesla
Elon Musk unveiled the Tesla Roadster 2.0 with attribute aptitude, touting it as “the fastest production car ever made, period.” And the bottom mannequin’s specs, on paper, do justify the declare: a “neck-snapping” 0-60 mph in 1.9 seconds, 0-100 mph in 4.2 seconds, and a quarter-mile obliterated in a mere 8.8 seconds.
For the actually audacious, the “SpaceX Package” pushes the boundaries of physics with a mind-boggling 0-60 mph in 1.1 seconds – courtesy of chilly air thrusters. Imagine ten miniature Falcon 9 rockets embedded in a automobile, offering compressed air for improved acceleration, cornering, high pace, and even braking. It’s an outlandish idea, however undeniably revolutionary. Like Elon himself says, “this numbers sound nutty but they’re real”.
Beyond the headline-grabbing figures, the Roadster 2.0 boasts equally spectacular technical prowess. The triple-motor, all-wheel-drive format with torque vectoring guarantees razor-sharp dealing with and exhilarating cornering. The 200 kWh battery pack, double the size of any current Tesla batteries, interprets to a claimed vary of 620 miles, shattering present EV vary data. And let’s not neglect the highest pace – over 250 mph – making this electrical supercar actually dwell as much as its identify.
The Roadster 2.0 is not nearly pace; it is a showcase of future EV know-how. Its 200 kWh battery pack, supporting 350 kW DC fast charging, signifies a major leap in vary and charging speeds. While rivals chase solid-state batteries, Tesla sticks to an upgraded lithium-ion format, promising 5 instances extra power density, 16-percent extra vary, and vital weight discount. This selection may appear typical, however its potential affect is something however.
Where Form Meets Function
As Tesla itself say;
As an all-electric supercar, the Roadster maximizes the potential of aerodynamic engineering—with record-setting efficiency and effectivity.
This interprets to a modern, sculpted design that is not simply aesthetically pleasing, but additionally cuts by the air with minimal resistance. This give attention to aerodynamics contributes to the automobile’s spectacular vary and efficiency, making it a real marvel of engineering.
Toyota’s hybrids surge whereas Teslas stumble, however each face complicated futures past their core applied sciences.
Minimalist Design Meets Futuristic Tech
From the photographs printed to date by Tesla, the Roadster 2.0 boasts a modern and minimalist design. This 2+2 coupé, designed by Franz von Holzhausen, Tesla’s chief designer, affords a removable glass roof for open-air driving and a spacious cockpit dominated by a big touchscreen.
Exterior
Minimalist and aerodynamic: The Roadster 2.0 adheres to Tesla’s signature minimalist aesthetic, prioritizing clear traces and performance. This design prioritizes aerodynamic effectivity, probably contributing to its spectacular efficiency figures.
Removable glass roof: The detachable glass roof provides a contact of pleasure and flexibility, permitting for open-air driving experiences.
Interior
Modern and minimalist: The cabin continues the minimalist theme, that includes a modern dashboard draped in carbon fiber. This strategy may enchantment to those that recognize fashionable design, however opinions differ on whether or not it successfully conveys the posh anticipated at this worth level.
Touchscreen dominance: The large central touchscreen dominates the dashboard, probably changing the normal gauge cluster. While this affords a contemporary and streamlined look, some may discover it much less intuitive or sensible in comparison with typical controls.
Controversial steering yoke: The Roadster 2.0 adopts the controversial steering yoke, changing the normal steering wheel. This design selection divides opinions, with some discovering it fashionable and futuristic.
Practicality: The cabin affords sufficient legroom for the entrance passengers. However, the rear seats are smaller and won’t be appropriate for adults. Even Elon Musk admits this, saying;
you may’t put large folks within the rear seat…a large individual is squashed or a small individual match within the again…
Check out what’s new in Tesla’s mannequin lineup for 2024, their costs, and which fashions are eligible for the $7,500 Federal Tax Credit, and so forth.
High-Priced Exclusivity Generates Buzz And Early Interest
Tesla
Tesla’s second-generation Roadster has generated vital buzz by its pre-order marketing campaign. Securing a spot required a sizeable deposit of $50,000, a threshold indicative of the car’s target market of luxurious automobile fans.
To incentivize early adopters, Tesla implemented a referral program, offering substantial discounts in the direction of the ultimate buy worth for individuals who introduced in new prospects. This technique aimed to leverage present homeowners’ enthusiasm and increase the automobile’s attain throughout the Tesla neighborhood.
From Budget To Bespoke
Pricing initially performed a central function in pre-order advertising. The base mannequin was listed at $200,000, positioning it firmly throughout the high-performance electrical automobile section.
However, a restricted “Founder’s Series” of 1,000 models commanded a $250,000 price ticket and required full fee upfront. This transfer catered to early supporters prepared to pay a premium for exclusivity and bragging rights. Interestingly, the bottom mannequin’s worth was later faraway from the web site, leaving only the $50,000 deposit option.
The Roadster’s pre-order marketing campaign generated pleasure and secured early curiosity from potential consumers. However, the excessive worth factors and deposit necessities restricted accessibility to a choose few. Nonetheless, it successfully focused a particular area of interest throughout the electrical automobile market and leveraged present proprietor loyalty by the referral program.
The LBX is a premium-focused B-segment automobile, and for a brand new arrival in late 2023 it’s pretty novel: there’s no electrical model deliberate, and by increasing right into a smaller market, Lexus has bucked the continuing pattern of vehicles rising to the purpose that they barely match on British roads any extra. (We will conveniently overlook the brand new supersized LM MPV for now…)
That places the LBX into an intriguing spot out there: its nearest direct rivals are in all probability the Audi Q2, which will probably be retired subsequent 12 months, and the DS 3, which hardly sells. It’s greater than the Mini hatchback, smaller than the Mini Countryman. You might evaluate it to the brand new Volvo EX30, besides that’s battery-powered and the Lexus is completely a hybrid.
Less charitably, you might additionally take into account the LBX a blinged-up Toyota Yaris Cross. Underneath that trendy Lexus design and inside, each vehicles are based mostly on the TNGA-B platform and have the identical 1.5-litre three-cylinder hybrid powertrain.
The large distinction is you can get a Yaris Cross for £24,855. The LBX vary begins at £29,995, with top-spec front-wheel-drive fashions reaching £39,545. Our Premium check automobile is priced at £32,495, or £435 if you happen to’re paying month-to-month.
LBX chief engineer Kunihiko Endo insists that, whereas utilizing the identical fundamental platform, the 2 vehicles have been developed completely individually, with intensive work performed to verify his machine was a ‘true’ Lexus. Compared with the Yaris Cross, the wheelbase has been stretched by 20mm to 2580mm, and the physique is 10mm longer, at 4190mm. The LBX can be barely decrease and 60mm wider, the latter permitting for a wider observe that Endo says was key to optimising the journey and dealing with.
Styling-wise, you would not mistake the LBX for the Yaris Cross: the Lexus design workforce has, to those eyes, performed an ideal job of fusing the agency’s conventional design notes right into a compact package deal. The entrance grille has gone frameless (much less formal, apparently) and the sleek, curved bodywork options quite a lot of attention-grabbing traces – and helps the airflow to enhance effectivity.
At the rear, the quantity plates is mounted low down on the automobile to present extra prominence to the Lexus lettering on the boot, and there is additionally a new-style rear mild bar. You’ll additionally spot a small spoiler mounted on the rear fringe of the roof.
The electric car market is moving faster than anticipated, with the emergence of low-cost EVs from China serving as a wake-up call for traditional car manufacturers like Nissan. As a result, Nissan is reassessing its development plans and exploring ways to make its EVs more affordable.
During the Tokyo Motor Show, Nissan CEO Makoto Uchida acknowledged that EVs are becoming more affordable at a much faster rate than predicted, thanks in large part to the acceleration fueled by Chinese market developments. Uchida stated that discussions on pricing and affordability of EVs are ongoing within the company.
While there is no specific timeline for Nissan to reduce its EV prices, Uchida confirmed that the company has a plan in place. He emphasized the importance of ensuring Nissan’s cars offer good value for money rather than simply producing smaller and cheaper EVs.
Uchida refrained from commenting on whether governments should introduce tariffs on Chinese cars to promote fair competition with locally produced models. Instead, he stressed the need for Nissan to adapt its approach to EV development in order to remain competitive in each market.
China’s progress in the EV market has served as a wake-up call for Nissan, compelling the company to overhaul its development strategies and accelerate the introduction of new technologies and models to keep pace.
NVIDIA’s foray into the Arm-based PC market could bring about a significant change. The company, already dominating the GPU technology sector, earned a trillion-dollar market valuation by capitalizing on the AI trend with its H-series graphics engines. Considering that major players like Google and Microsoft are racing to incorporate more AI capabilities into their hardware, NVIDIA’s expertise in this field could be an attractive proposition for PC vendors.
In fact, NVIDIA’s entry into the market could give Windows PCs a competitive advantage, especially as Apple, known for its tight-lipped approach, remains silent on AI developments but is frantically trying to catch up with its rivals by investing billions of dollars, according to Bloomberg. Like AMD, NVIDIA can leverage its extensive experience in manufacturing GPUs to produce Arm-based silicon, particularly since graphics engines are crucial for demanding generative AI applications.
Meanwhile, Qualcomm is not remaining idle in the Arm chip race. The company has acquired talent from the same Apple team responsible for developing the M-series processors and assigned them to develop Nuvia chips for PCs. Rumors suggest that Nuvia is working on a 12-core design similar to Apple’s M-class chips with impressive performance gains.
However, the ultimate power lies with Microsoft when it comes to determining the success of these developments. The transition from x86 to Arm architecture, like Apple’s, was smooth because Apple provided developers with a tool called Rosetta to migrate their app’s code from Intel to Arm. In contrast, Microsoft’s attempts at doing the same have been lackluster in the past.
Munich. BMW is introducing the all-new BMW 5 Series Sedan and the first-ever BMW i5 with an elegantly sporty design and an electric drive system. The eighth model generation of the forward-looking business sedan captures attention with its digital innovations. To accompany the market launch on October 21, 2023, BMW has developed an innovative campaign that combines a digital-first approach with the evolution of classical advertising media.
The new BMW 5 Series combines advanced, electrified drive technology with pioneering driver assistance systems and digital services. These innovations enhance comfort, safety, and digitalization in the cockpit. BMW has infused the campaign with emotionally rich storytelling and editorial content that explore the visionary functions, appealing to technophile target groups. A central element of the campaign is a brand innovation centered around a group of guardian angels who benefit from the new BMW Proactive Care service.
The campaign showcases the inspiring digital services and features of the new BMW 5 Series.
BMW Proactive Care is a groundbreaking service that detects the servicing requirements of BMW vehicles using artificial intelligence. It offers proactive solutions to customers without them needing to take action. The new BMW 5 Series Sedan is equipped with various features such as Condition Based Servicing, digital tire diagnostics, Battery Guard, and accident detection. These features enable the vehicle to identify servicing requirements or assistance needs and communicate them to BMW through the customer’s preferred communication channel.
The new BMW 5 Series also introduces the BMW iDrive with QuickSelect, a display and control/operation system based on BMW Operating System 8.5. It offers hosting capability for audio and video streaming services and a new form of in-car gaming. Additionally, the new Highway Assistant with Active Lane Change Assistant enables extensive semi-automated driving, allowing drivers to take their hands off the steering wheel in certain situations while remaining attentive to the road.
An extensive awareness campaign across TV, out-of-home, print, and radio.
The Germany-wide launch communications focus on video content to showcase the new features of the BMW 5 Series Sedan. The campaign kicked off with the “Guardian Angels” TV commercial airing on ARD, immediately before the Tagesschau news magazine. The campaign also includes commercials on public and private channels, targeted programmatic actions on addressable TV, and online distribution through media libraries and video portals. Two ad integrations during UEFA Champions League football match broadcasts are also planned.
To reach target groups through audio channels, BMW is placing ads in high-reach business and automotive podcasts in addition to classical radio advertising. The campaign also includes out-of-home measures with digital advertising media, as well as placements in online magazines and an extensive social media campaign. A print campaign in news, business, and technology publications, as well as national daily newspapers, further extends the reach of the campaign.
In late 2021, Lexus announced plans to develop a successor to the iconic LFA. While it is still a few years away, a recent trademark filing suggests that the luxury brand is furthering its intentions for this new model. Toyota Motor Corporation has filed a new trademark application for the “LFA” word mark with the US Patent and Trademark Office.
It is too early to know for certain what name Lexus will give to its upcoming supercar. When it was first teased nearly two years ago, it was referred to as the Lexus Electrified Sport, which is not particularly thrilling. LFA seems like a more fitting name, but the recent trademark filing could also be a proactive measure from Toyota to safeguard its intellectual property. Lexus may ultimately decide not to use the LFA name again.
Munich. Premium carmaker BMW is undergoing a process of transformation as it prepares for the arrival of the Neue Klasse. With new developments happening every day, BMW is taking a fresh perspective and reevaluating the concept of “new.” The second issue of FREUDE.FOREVER, BMW’s award-winning magazine, explores the meaning of “new” through the eyes of inspirational individuals in their lives, work, and art.
This issue, titled THE NEUE NEW, continues the structure of the pilot issue by engaging the seven human senses. However, it also introduces a new dimension: augmented reality. In collaboration with Icelandic art collective Fischersund, the FREUDE.FOREVER team has created a digital flower that embellishes the cover of the magazine. Scanning a QR code inside the magazine provides an immersive augmented reality experience of the flower. This interaction between the readers and the magazine’s cover combines sight, hearing, emotions, and technology, offering a new world of perception and communication, in line with the BMW brand.
Jens Thiemer, Senior Vice President Customer and BMW Brand, explains that BMW sees a significant opportunity in the fusion of the analogue and digital worlds, driven by advancements in artificial intelligence, augmented reality, and virtual reality. Similarly, FREUDE.FOREVER aims to enrich the pleasure of reading through an immersive digital journey, combining the analogue and the digital.
The concept of “new” for BMW is not limited to something created for the first time but also involves embracing fresh perspectives and understanding the power of vision. It requires an open mind, courage, flexibility, self-criticism, honesty, and the willingness to view change as an opportunity. These stories are reflected in the second issue of FREUDE.FOREVER.
For example, Fischersund explores how a new world of floristry can be experienced, while David Zilber experiments with redefining taste in top-class cuisine through fermentation. Keisei Kawahara, an athlete and model, leads a new generation of prosthesis wearers who see their orthopaedic aids as opportunities for growth. Other stories in the magazine feature developers teaching machines to feel and an artist duo showcasing the future potential of holography technology. Interviews with Arnold Schwarzenegger and Pieter Nota, Member of the Board of Management of BMW AG, provide further insights into constant reinvention and the transformation of the automotive industry.
FREUDE.FOREVER is a collaborative project between BMW and the LOOPING GROUP, the magazine’s publisher. Recognized for its content and design creativity, the first issue received accolades from the Society of Publication Designers and the Art Directors Club. The new issue, THE NEUE NEW, is available for purchase in English and German through the online shop www.freudeforever.com and magazine retailers for 10 euros.
The European car market has undergone significant changes in the past two decades, with the rise of Tesla and the entry of Chinese brands. Europe, being a highly competitive market with strict safety and emissions standards, has seen shifts in the dominance of traditional car manufacturers.
Europe is the third largest automotive market in the world, after China and the United States, and it ranks second in terms of electric vehicle adoption. However, when it comes to the past 20 years, some car brands have fared better than others.
Big Brands Shrinking?
Between 2003 and 2023, the European automotive market witnessed a significant shift in brand dominance. Traditionally, Europe has been led by seven major automakers: Fiat from Italy, Citroen, Peugeot, and Renault from France, Volkswagen and Opel from Germany, and Ford from the UK.
In 2003, these seven brands (including Opel with Vauxhall) held almost 58 percent of new car registrations in Europe across 29 markets. Due to their strong presence in their respective home markets, they maintained a relatively strong position compared to Japanese and Korean brands.
For instance, Opel had a market share of 10 percent in Germany, while Renault had 27 percent in France. Although these figures were lower compared to the 1990s, they were still satisfactory because Korean brands had not yet made significant progress, and Japanese brands were trying to win over European consumers.
And Then Came SUVs
The dynamics started to shift with the popularity of SUVs, which began with the launch of the first-generation Nissan Qashqai. Additionally, Hyundai and Kia established manufacturing plants in the Czech Republic and Slovakia, producing competitive cars that appealed to local consumers.
As a result, in 2013, the Big-7 brands accounted for nearly 49 percent of the European car market, a decrease of 9 percentage points compared to a decade earlier. Between 2003 and 2013, six of these brands saw a decline in market share, ranging from a 0.9-point decrease for Fiat to a 4-point decrease for Renault. The exception was Volkswagen, which increased its market share from 9.8 percent in 2003 to 12.6 percent in 2013.
Who Came Out on Top?
In addition to Volkswagen’s slight gain in market share, the biggest winners over the past 20 years have been German premium brands, Toyota, Hyundai, Kia, and most recently, Tesla. These brands possess a greater level of flexibility compared to their European counterparts.
This allows them to introduce fresh products faster, catering to the evolving needs of consumers. Moreover, they were less affected by the European crisis between 2011 and 2014, and their strong global presence enabled them to save costs.
Will other struggling brands learn from their success?
The author of the article, Felipe Munoz, is an Automotive Industry Specialist at JATO Dynamics.
The Tata Punch may not have the richest equipment list now with the Hyundai Exter’s arrival, but it does still have an edge with some unique features
With the Hyundai Exter, the carmaker raised the bar of “what-to-expect” from a micro SUV in terms of equipment, thanks to its plentiful segment-first features. However, its prime rival, the Tata Punch, still offers some unique features in its kitty as mentioned below.
Rain-sensing Wipers
Tata is still the only brand of the two to offer many of its compact offerings, including its micro SUV, with rain-sensing wipers (front). Only those buying the range-topping Creative trim of the Punch can avail of this premium feature.
16-inch Alloy Wheels
Another feature that’s common between the two SUVs is dual-tone alloy wheels. While Hyundai provides 15-inch units on the Exter, the Punch comes equipped with 16-inch alloy wheels. Like the rain-sensing wipers, 16-inch alloy wheels too, are limited to the top-spec variant.
Traction Control
Even though the Hyundai Exter gets a lot more modern safety equipment over the Punch, the latter is only one of the two to offer traction control, which is available on its AMT variants from the second-to-top Accomplished trim. Combined with it, it has traction control modes as well to raise its SUV-like appeal.
Rear Armrest
One of the comfort features that you probably will expect most of the modern cars priced around Rs 10 lakh to get is a rear centre armrest. Even though the Punch is the older model of the two, it has been given this comfort feature but only on the top-spec trim. There aren’t any cupholders on the armrest, though, which does reduce its practicality.
Traction control isn’t the only safety feature that the Punch gets over the Exter. Tata’s micro SUV even gets front fog lamps with cornering function that’s trickled down from a segment-above-SUV: the Nexon. This safety feature is provided from the Accomplished variant.
