Tag Archives: base

Ninth Passat generation can now be ordered in Europe. Base price with extensive equipment and 110 kW mild hybrid (eTSI): 39.995 euros
Next-generation cockpit design with large displays and self-explanatory menu structure developed in response to feedback from Volkswagen customers
High travel comfort thanks to maximum space, effective noise insulation, new seats and optional adaptive chassis control DCC Pro

The completely newly developed ninth generation of the Passat can now be ordered in the first countries in Europe. The model impresses with a new aerodynamic design, high quality and new high-efficiency drives. Deliveries of the new Passat, which is offered exclusively as a spacious Variant model, will start in the first quarter of 2024. With more than 34 million units sold so far, the Passat is one of the bestsellers of the Volkswagen brand.

New top Volkswagen duo in the mid-sized class: with the Passat and the likewise new all-electric ID.7, Volkswagen will offer two ultra-modern product lines in the high-volume mid-sized class in future. The new Passat is available with the complete spectrum of petrol (TSI), diesel (TDI), mild hybrid (eTSI) and plug-in hybrid (eHybrid) drive systems. With an electric range of up to 100 km and a DC fast charging function, the optimised eHybrid models bridge the gap to electric mobility – they are designed for all drivers who want to cover short and medium distances under electric power but want to complete long journeys without stopping to a charge. At the market launch, the new Passat will initially be offered with engines from the particularly successful 110 kW class (150 PS). In addition to a Passat “Business” 1.5 eTSI (from 44,995 euros³), the entry-level version – the Passat eTSI – will also be available soon from 39,995 euros. Both are equipped with a mild hybrid drive (48-volt technology), which is used for the first time in this model series. Also on offer: a 110 kW (150 PS) 2.0 TDI (from 48,495 euros) with extensive standard equipment.

Largest Passat of all times: thanks to its generous space, the new Volkswagen breaks down all the usual class boundaries.: The 50 mm longer wheelbase compared with the predecessor benefits above all the legroom in the rear. With its significantly enlarged luggage compartment capacity of up to 1,920 litres (previously 1,780 litres), the new Passat is the perfect all-rounder for business and leisure.

Next-generation interior: Volkswagen has completely re-designed the high-quality interior. The clearly structured, large display landscape is characterised by the standard 32 cm (12.9 inch) display, optionally available up to 38 cm (15 inches). The technical basis for this is the latest-generation modular infotainment matrix (MIB4). The new Passat shares the menu structure and graphic design with the all-electric ID. models, among others. The Passat additionally sets new standards in terms of comfort. This is particularly true in the case of the optional new adaptive chassis control (DCC Pro). Thanks to the use of two-valve shock absorbers in a Volkswagen for the first time, this system permits an unusually large spread between dynamics and comfort. The new Passat is also equipped with a Vehicle Dynamics Manager for the first time. This standard system ensures especially neutral, stable, agile and precise handling. The excellent long-distance driving comfort is enhanced further by the optionally available ergoActive seats with a new, pneumatic pressure point massage function.

Basic specification with high level of standard equipment: the new Passat can be configured in the four equipment lines “Passat”, “Business”, “Elegance” and “R-Line”. They have all been significantly enhanced compared with previous versions. Thebasic specification “Passat” already includes features such as the new MIB4 display, Car2X warning system, App Connect (wireless Apple and Android integration), automatic air conditioning, USB-C ports with 45 W charging capacity at the front, black roof rails, LED headlights, LED tail light clusters and numerous assist systems.

These standard systems include:

Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
Side Assist (lane change assist)
Front Assist (Autonomous Emergency Braking)
Lane Assist (lane keeping system)
oncoming vehicle braking when turning function
Park Distance Control (acoustic and visual warning signals at the front and rear)
Rear View (rear view camera system)
Dynamic Road Sign Display

“Business” specification for frequent drivers: In view of the fact that the Passat is one of the most successful company cars in Europe, Volkswagen is also offering the optional “Business” specification in the new generation. From the outside, this model can be recognised by chrome trim on the side windows, silver-anodised roof rails and chrome elements at the front and rear, among other things. In Germany, dark privacy glass is added for the rear windows. On the inside, the Passat Business is characterised, among other things, by seat covers in ArtVelours, own interior applications, partially electric seats with massage function, additional 45-watt USB-C ports in the rear and three-zone automatic air conditioner. Systems such as Light Assist (automatic lighting control, Park Assist (assisted driving into and out of parking spaces) and Travel Assist (partially automated driving) additionally come as standard. Also standard in Germany is the new IDA voice assistant. This can be used to control functions such as navigation or to ask general knowledge questions to obtain information such as a weather forecast, for example.

“Elegance” and “R-Line” as the top versions: Volkswagen has positioned the “Elegance” and “R-Line” versions above the “Business” equipment line. With these specifications, the Passat can be made either more stylish (“Elegance”) or more dynamic (“R-Line”), depending on preference. Compared to the Business version, both lines share additional equipment details such as:

the new-generation IQ.LIGHT LED matrix headlights with high-performance main beam (range of up to 500 m)
LED tail light clusters with dynamic turn signals
seat heating
extended seat massage (12 instead of three pneumatic massage elements)
keyless locking and starting system Keyless Access
electrically operated boot lid
30-colour background lighting
IDA voice control (for all markets)
the new Park Assist Plus with memory function
Dynamic Light Assist main-beam control system

The Passat R-Line is equipped with sports seats with integrated head restraints. In the top-of-the-range R-Line Signature model, the roof pillar trims and headliner are finished in dark ArtVelours in the Passat R-Line. These features are complemented by matching aluminium decorative trims with a dark anodised finish. “Puglia” leather that has been sustainably tanned with olive-leaf extract is optionally available – this made its debut in the premium-class Touareg. The front and rear ends of the Passat R-Line have a sporty R design. Its roof and the exterior mirror caps have a sporty Black paint finish.

Optional 19-inch alloy wheels. Further custom features of the top models include specific 17-inch alloy wheels (optionally 18-inch) for the Passat Elegance and 18-inch alloy wheel rims for the R-Line version. Both top versions can also be optionally ordered with 19-inch alloy wheels.

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Motorsport

2024 Porsche Cayenne S E-Hybrid Debuts: 512 HP Mid-Range Trim For $100K

September 26, 2023 Prafful Singh

The Porsche Cayenne S is positioned between the base Cayenne and the powerful Cayenne Turbo. With the introduction of new hybrid variants for 2024, Porsche is bridging the gap even further. Say hello to the 2024 Porsche Cayenne S E-Hybrid, a model that offers more power and advanced technology.

So, how much power does it have? Porsche promises 512 horsepower and 553 pound-feet of torque in this hybrid Cayenne. This impressive performance is achieved through the combination of a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine and a single electric motor. The V6 engine produces 348 horsepower, while the electric motor contributes an additional 174 horsepower, resulting in a total of 512 horsepower. Porsche highlights that this is a significant increase over the non-electrified Cayenne S, which features a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 engine. As a result, the hybrid variant is slightly faster. It can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 4.4 seconds, the same as the non-hybrid version, but it completes the quarter-mile in 13 seconds flat.

Featured

Tata Nexon EV Facelift Creative Base Variant Detailed In 5 Images

September 16, 2023 Prafful Singh

The base variant is available only with the mid-range powertrain, with a claimed range of up to 325 kilometres

The Tata Nexon EV facelift has been launched in India, with prices ranging from Rs 14.74 lakh to Rs 19.94 lakh (ex-showroom). It has undergone a major makeover inside and out, with a lot more features and an increased range.

The Nexon EV facelift gets 30kWh and 40.5kWh battery pack options, which claim a range of up to 325 kilometres and 465 kilometres, respectively. It is available in three broad trims – Creative, Fearless, and Empowered.

If you’re planning for the base-spec Creative variant, here’s a detailed gallery for you to explore:

The base variant of the Nexon EV facelift looks quite close to the top-end variant. It gets regular LED headlights and DRLs, while the higher variants get connected DRLs and projector LEDs. Besides, the welcome light function, front fog lamps, and charging status elements are also missing here.

The side profile remains identical to the top-end variant, even for the wheels. These are actually 16-inch steel wheels but the cover has the same design as seen on the alloys.

Save for the welcome light function, the rear profile gets no differences compared to the top-end Empowered. It gets connected LED tail lamps with the new ‘Nexon.ev’ branding on the bootlid.

You can choose between Daytona Grey, Creative Ocean, Pristine White, and Flame Red exterior colour options.

Inside the Creative+ variant, there’s a dual-tone black and white theme, but this unit in the Creative Ocean colour gets elements of a similar hue in place of the white. Tata’s new 2-spoke steering wheel with a backlit display and the illuminated Tata logo is standard. Features on board include automatic AC, height adjustable driver’s seat, push button start-stop, a 7-inch touchscreen system, and a 7-inch digitised cluster. The next-in-line variant adds the bigger 10.25-inch touchscreen system and 10.25-inch digital driver’s display.

Safety is covered by six airbags, ESP, tyre pressure monitoring, hill hold assist, and rear parking camera.

The base-spec Nexon EV Creative variant is only offered with the Medium Range (MR) powertrain featuring the 30kWh battery pack which claims up to 325 kilometres of driving range. The electric motor on offer here is rated at 129PS and 215Nm. A fast charger will take 56 minutes to juice up the Nexon EV’s mid-range variants from 10 to 100 percent, while a 7.2kW AC charger takes 4.3 hours for the same.

Also Check Out: Watch: How Tata Fit An Airbag Into The Backlit Steering Wheel Of The Nexon EV Facelift

How To Use Amiibo With Your Nintendo Switch

September 5, 2023 David

Amiibo figures have NFC chips built into their base, allowing them to be scanned by your Switch controller when they are nearby. The data on these chips is read, and if it’s compatible with the game you’re playing, you’ll unlock various content and features.Learn more.

The use of an Amiibo figure can vary depending on which character it represents and the game you’re playing. For example, if you’re playing “Splatoon 3” and scan a “Splatoon” series Amiibo, you can unlock special gear items that are otherwise unobtainable. If you’re playing “The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom” and scan a “Zelda” series Amiibo, you may receive helpful items or unique armor sets.

In certain games, like “Super Smash Bros. Ultimate,” you can also use Amiibo figures to save player data and preferences, transferring them to another Switch console. This feature is particularly useful when playing at a friend’s house.

The general rule for Amiibos is that if the character isn’t from the game you’re playing, the figure will either have no effect or a generic effect. For example, scanning a “Splatoon” Amiibo in “Tears of the Kingdom” would only yield some generic food items. While still helpful, it is not as exciting as unlocking game-specific content.

News

BMW R 18 Custom Nigel Mansell ‘Il Leone Edition’ Will Be Auctioned

August 30, 2023 David

Since its introduction in 2020, the BMW R 18 has become a popular base for custom builds. While many of these builds have been commissioned by BMW, it is rare to see one of these custom R 18s go up for sale. However, that is about to change with the upcoming RM Sotheby’s auction of Formula One champion Nigel Mansell’s Legacy Collection, which will take place from October 4 to 11, 2023.

The collection mainly consists of memorabilia from Mansell’s successful racing career on four wheels, but there are also a couple of motorcycle-related items up for bidding. One of these items is Mansell’s Honda ST 70 ‘Ferrari’ pit bike from his tenure with the Ferrari Formula One team. The other item is this 2020 BMW R 18 ‘Il Leone Edition’ custom build, which is named after Mansell’s nickname, “Il Leone,” given by Ferrari fans.

The 2020 BMW R 18 ‘Il Leone Edition’ is one of only 31 custom bikes announced by Mansell’s son, Greg, who manages the Mansell Collection on the Channel Island of Jersey. Greg Mansell and Steve “Custom Bike Steve” Burt crafted this machine as a tribute to Nigel Mansell, taking inspiration from BMW’s race bikes of the 1930s and ‘40s. They made ergonomic adjustments to capture the essence of those race bikes while also modifying the original solo seat to accommodate a passenger. The handlebars have been modified, and a custom hand-painted number plate with the Il Leone Red numeral “5” has been added.

This unique build features various other details, including custom finishes, real wood accents reminiscent of the wooden shift knob in Nigel Mansell’s Williams F1 car, a hand shifter, and a foot clutch. This particular BMW R 18 ‘Il Leone Edition’ will be auctioned with no reserve during the RM Sotheby’s Nigel Mansell’s Legacy Collection auction, with an estimated price range of £20,000 to £40,000 ($25,303 to $50,606).

Motorsport

Ford Bronco Base Trim Is Dead For 2024, Cheapest Model Now Over $40k

August 23, 2023 Prafful Singh

Ford dropped the base Bronco and increased prices on most of the remaining trim levels for 2024. That means after 2023, there will no longer be a model available for less than $40,000. Additionally, Ford has already switched its online configurator over to the new model year. So the best opportunity to find a new 2023 base model is through existing dealer inventory.

The Big Bend is now the price leader of the Ford Bronco family and the only trim level that doesn’t see a price hike. It starts at $41,025, including a $1,895 destination fee. Options include a 10-speed automatic transmission and the 222A Mid Package with popular features like remote start, dual-zone climate control, heated seats, and Ford’s Co-Pilot360 driver assist. The Sasquatch package is available for an extra $8,660, as are a multitude of roof choices and appearance options.

Stepping up to the Black Diamond model now costs $44,525. It also includes a choice of a seven-speed manual or 10-speed automatic transmission and the same options as the Big Bend while adding additional off-road equipment like heavy-duty bash plates and rock rails.

Trim Level	2023	2024
Big Bend	$41,025	$41,025
Black Diamond	$43,395	$44,525
Heritage Edition	$44,305	$49,750
Outer Banks	$48,245	$49,835
Badlands	$50,040	$51,290
Everglades	$56,540	$57,415
Wildtrak	$60,670	$61,920
Heritage Limited Edition	$69,445	$71,580
Raptor	$88,475	$91,730

Returning this year is the Bronco Heritage Edition, which starts at $49,750. It adds classic styling cues taken from the original Ford Bronco, including a white hardtop, white grille, and unique body graphics. The Sasquatch package is standard on the Heritage model, as are other features which were options on the Big Bend and Black Diamond trim levels.

Both the Outer Banks and Badlands models add luxury features like leather seats and a 12-inch touchscreen with Sync 4 and enhanced voice recognition. The Badlands adds more off-road capability with features like a front stabilizer disconnect, electronic locking axels, and advanced on-demand four-wheel drive.

For the truly adventurous, the trail-ready Everglades model includes a factory-installed WARN winch, snorkel, and 35-inch mud-terrain tires. Both the Wildtrak and Heritage Limited Edition add a 2.7-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine with up to 330 horsepower and 415 pound-feet of torque.

The Raptor is still the ultimate Bronco with 418 horsepower on tap from a 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6. Starting at $91,730, it’s a serious off-road brute. For those who want to explore its full capabilities, Ford Performance teamed with Vaughn Gittin Jr. to teach owners how to drive it offroad.

Except for the price increases and the discontinued base model, the Bronco receives very few changes for 2024. All models are now equipped with a 12.0-inch infotainment screen. The Badlands now comes standard with a powder-coated heavy-duty front bumper while the Bronco Raptor gets a new Code Orange package that adds vivid accents and body-colored fenders.

Featured

Mahindra Teases New Pickup Concept, Probably Electric, With Scorpio N Styling

August 1, 2023 Prafful Singh

# Mahindra Teases New Pickup Concept, Probably Electric, With Scorpio N Styling

– The Mahindra pickup will be a global offering.
– Shares design similarities with the Scorpio N.
– Could get a range of up to 450km.
– Likely to arrive by 2025.

Mahindra has teased a new pickup concept for its event on August 15, which we believe is based on the Scorpio N. The previous-generation Mahindra Scorpio also had a pickup version sold in select global markets, and we believe it’s getting a successor.

## An Electric Pickup?

The Scorpio N is an ICE (internal combustion engine) model, but since Mahindra mentioned in the teaser that it will be showcasing its vision for a global pickup, we have reason to believe it could be electric and based on the carmaker’s INGLO platform.

In most developed markets where pickups are commonplace, established carmakers like Ford and Toyota have already started developing/selling electric pickups. Meanwhile, at the luxury end, Tesla is still working on getting the Cybertruck, which already has a multi-year waiting period, production-ready.

Also Read: Upcoming Electric Cars In India

## INGLO Platform

This platform can house two different batteries: 60kWh and 80kWh. The INGLO platform will be capable of offering both rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive powertrains, the latter being more suitable for a pickup, capable of providing a range of up to 450km. You can understand more about the INGLO platform here.

## Design Similarities

The teaser for the pickup concept only showcases a few details such as the front grille, tail lamps, and the side step, all of which seem to be inspired by the Scorpio N. Also, the overall shape of the pickup looks similar to the popular SUV, including the bonnet and the sunroof position.

Also Read: Here’s How The Mahindra XUV e8 (XUV 700 Electric) Could Look Different From Its Concept Version

The Scorpio N-based pickup concept will be showcased on 15th August in Cape Town, South Africa. An electric pickup may not be arriving anytime before 2025, but if there’s an ICE version like the previous-gen Scorpio Getaway, it could come to India as well to rival the likes of the Isuzu V-Cross and the Toyota Hilux.

Should You Consider The Top-End Maruti Invicto Alpha+ Variant?

July 24, 2023 Prafful Singh

Are the flagship comforts worth the Rs 3.5 lakh premium over the base variant? Let’s find out

The Maruti Invicto enters the premium MPV space with a high price range of Rs 24.79 lakh to Rs 28.42 lakh (ex-showroom). It can be availed in two variants – Zeta+ and Alpha+. Let’s see if the top-end Alpha+ variant is worth spending Rs 3.63 lakh extra:

Variant	Price	Difference Over Previous Variant
Alpha+	Rs 28.42 lakh (7-seater)	Rs 3.63 lakh

Why Consider The Alpha+ Variant?

Here you get all the bells and whistles of the Maruti Invicto. It features leatherette seats, a panoramic sunroof, powered tailgate, electrically adjustable driver’s seat with memory function, ventilated front seats, and the 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system, which elevate the cabin experience. The safety package is enhanced by a 360-degree camera, front and rear parking sensors, and a tyre pressure monitoring system.

The Alpha+ variant offers a truly flagship experience and if that’s what you seek from the Maruti MPV, this is the only option to consider. It is only available in the seven-seater layout with captain seats in the middle row.

Here’s what the Alpha+ packs:

Highlights

Exterior

Interior

Comfort and Convenience

Infotainment

Safety

Twin LED headlights with LED DRLs

Chrome coloured outside door handles

17-inch dual-tone alloy wheels

Wheel arch cladding

All-black cabin theme with champagne accents

Leatherette seat upholstery

Chrome inside door handles

Ambient lighting around roof, cup holders and co-driver’s dashboard

Leather-wrapped steering wheel and gear shifter

Captain seats with slide and recline function

50:50 split for third row seat

Second row individual armrests

Panoramic sunroof

Powered tailgate

8-way power-adjustable driver seat with memory function

Ventilated front seats

Side table for captain seats

Dual-zone AC

10.1-inch touchscreen system

Wireless Apple CarPlay

7-inch digital driver display

6-speaker music system

Connected car tech with remote functionalities

Six airbags

360-degree camera

Electronic parking brake with Auto-hold

Front and rear parking sensors

Tyre Pressure Monitoring System

Others

Turn indicators on ORVMs

LED taillights

Front type-A and type-C USB ports

2x type-C USB ports for the second row

Front and second row reading lamps

Rear cabin lamp

Day/night IRVM

Second row sunshades

Paddle shifters

Push-button start/stop

Tilt and telescopic steering wheel adjustment

Vehicle stability control

Hill-start assist

ISOFIX child seat anchorages

Second and third row seatbelt reminder

Rear defogger

What’s Missing In The Maruti Invicto Alpha+?

For this price, you get many premium and upmarket features which will keep you pampered. However, when we put the top-spec Innova Hycross in frame, it misses out on the better-looking 18-inch alloy wheels, 9-speaker JBL sound system, powered second-row Ottoman seats, and radar-based ADAS. However, those features also attract a decent premium.

Variants	Verdicts
Zeta+	Consider if your primary requirements are low running cost and a comfortable family MPV. You will have to compromise on features.
Alpha+	Consider if you are looking for a fully loaded experience with fancy features and feel good elements.

Should You Consider The Base-Spec Maruti Invicto Zeta+ Variant?

July 24, 2023 Prafful Singh

The Zeta+ is a base variant just for name’s sake as it comes loaded with several premium features

The Maruti Invicto is the costliest and most premium model in the Indian brand’s lineup. Its base-spec Zeta+ variant is priced at Rs 24.79 lakh (ex-showroom), undercutting the top-end Alpha+ variant by Rs 3.63 lakh. While technically an entry-level model, it’s still quite well-equipped. But is it the one that offers the best value for its lofty price tag? Let’s find out.

Variants	Price
Zeta+	Rs 24.79 lakh (7-seater) / Rs 24.84 lakh (8-seater)
Alpha+	Rs 28.42 lakh (7-seater)
Difference	Rs 3.63 lakh

Ex-showroom prices

Why Consider The Zeta+ Variant?

The Invicto Zeta+ does not look much different from the top variant with the LED lighting, alloy wheels and chrome grille, so it looks certainly looks the part of a premium MPV.

The Zeta+ variant of the Maruti Invicto is adequately equipped with daily-use features. It comes packed with automatic AC, paddle shifters, push button start-stop, tilt and telescopic adjustment for the steering wheel, 7-inch TFT driver’s display, and an 8-inch touchscreen system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Only the steering wheel and drive selector are wrapped in leather but the cabin does come with ambient lighting.

Safety is also well taken care of by six airbags, a rear parking camera, and electronic parking brake with auto-hold function.

Importantly, this variant is the only one of the two which gets the option of an eight-seater layout with a split-folding bench seat in the second row. You are also likely to get closer to the hybrid MPV’s claimed economy of around 23kmpl in this specification as its a few kilos lighter than the top-spec.

Here is detailed list of all the features you get with the Maruti Invicto Zeta+ :

Highlights	Exterior	Interior	Comfort and Convenience	Infotainment	Safety
		All-black cabin theme with champagne accents Fabric seats Ambient lighting around the roof, cup holders and co-driver’s dashboard Leather-wrapped steering wheel and gear shifter Leatherette front armrest with storage Second row individual armrests (7-seater) Side table for captain seats (7-seater) Second row armrest with cup holders (8-seater) Front cup retractable holders with cooling function		8-inch touchscreen system Android Auto and Apple CarPlay 7-inch digital driver display 6-speaker music system Connected car tech
Others		Front type-A and type-C USB ports 2x type-C USB ports for the second row Front and second row reading lamps Rear cabin lamp Day/night IRVM Captain seats with slide and recline function (7-seater) Bench seats with 60:40 split for the second row (8-seater) 50:50 split for third row seats Chrome inside door handles
Upgrade to Alpha+ for:			Panoramic sunroof Powered tailgate 8-way power-adjustable driver seat with memory function Ventilated front seats Dual-zone climate control (first and second row) PM2.5 air filter Remote controls for windows, climate control and ventilated seats		360-degree camera with guidelines Front and rear parking sensors Tyre Pressure Monitoring System Second and third row seatbelt reminder Rear defogger

Why Skip The Zeta+ Variant?

The base-level Invicto is still short on several niceties compared to the Alpha+ variant. It misses out on a panoramic sunroof, dual-zone AC, ventilated front seats, the bigger 10-inch touchscreen system, a 360-degree camera, and rear parking sensors. For a car that’s priced over Rs 25 lakh on-road, some of these missing features should have been added to improve the cabin experience of the premium MPV.

The price premium of over Rs 3.5 lakh is significant, but if you want the flagship premium experience, you will have to jump to the Invicto Alpha+ trim.

Variants	Verdicts
Zeta+	Consider if your primary requirements are low running cost and a comfortable family MPV. You will have to compromise on features.
Alpha+	Consider if you are looking for a fully loaded experience with fancy features and feel-good elements.

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