Munich. Sylvia Neubauer will assume the role of head of Customer, Brand, and Sales for BMW M GmbH starting October 2023. Neubauer previously oversaw brand portfolio strategy, market research, and competitive analysis for all brands within the BMW Group. She will be taking over from Timo Resch, who has voluntarily decided to leave the company after holding the position since January 2022.
BMW M GmbH CEO, Franciscus van Meel, expressed gratitude towards Timo Resch for his significant contributions in strengthening sales and marketing activities at BMW M GmbH over the past two years. In 2022, BMW M GmbH achieved record-breaking sales with over 177,000 vehicles sold worldwide, and the company is on track to set a new record in the current fiscal year.
Sylvia Neubauer eagerly anticipates her new responsibilities and the opportunity to combine her passion for BMW M vehicles with her professional expertise. She aims to play a pivotal role in addressing the challenges that lie ahead during these exciting times. The brand’s main focus for current and future development revolves around the continued pursuit of e-mobility and the promotion of performance and high-performance models with electrified drive.
Franciscus van Meel describes Sylvia Neubauer as an experienced sales and marketing specialist, with a strong background in brand repositioning for BMW M, data analytics, and customer journey. Her appointment is seen as the perfect choice to lead the transformation process of BMW M GmbH and strengthen the brand’s global fan community.
Small SUVs have become the primary source of sales for many car manufacturers. There are several reasons why these compact SUVs are in high demand. They offer a commanding view of the road without the large size of full-size family SUVs. Additionally, they are more affordable and have improved their design and appeal in recent years. These factors have contributed to their popularity and strong sales performance.
Small SUVs are known for their car-like drivability, making them easy to handle. The extra ride height also allows them to handle rough terrain to some extent. Furthermore, their hatchback-like mechanical features make them cost-effective to maintain. Instead of locking differentials, most small SUVs now offer hybrid powertrains or pure electric options.
Cons High price, average powertrain efficiency, limited visibility
Land Rover has taken a leading position in the small SUV market with the second-generation Range Rover Evoque. The Evoque now features mild-hybrid engines and a longer wheelbase, providing improved interior space without significant growth in size. The model range has also expanded with the addition of a plug-in hybrid variant, the Evoque P300e, which qualifies for a lower tax band.
The Evoque has made significant advancements in mechanical refinement, interior space, luxury features, and technology. Although it may not be the most practical option in its category, it offers ample room for adults in the second row. The D200 diesel engine is recommended for its strong performance and refined nature. The P300e model stands out with its impressive plug-in hybrid powertrain, long electric range, and engaging handling. Overall, the Evoque offers a luxurious experience, justifying its higher price tag for many buyers.
Let’s see which one of these hatchbacks has the practicality to become your first car
These two hatchbacks have been battling each other for over a decade now. While the Swift debuted back in 2005, the Grand i10 was bought in two years after that. Since then, both the hatchbacks have been through generation upgrades but they both continue to rival for the exact same reason – Can it be your family’s first car? Let’s find that out in the space and practicality review:
Looks
I believe this is a clear cut answer. Maruti Swift definitely looks much more handsome than the two, and in fact, is the sportiest looking hatchback for its price range. The Grand i10 Nios rather flaunts its modern and stylish looks.
In terms of visual elements, both the hatches sport big grilles, LED DRLs, 15-inch dual-tone alloy wheels, and LED tail lamps. The Swift additionally packs LED headlamps, while the Nios gets some extra bling with the chrome door handles.
Park both of them besides each other and the Nios definitely looks bigger. However, on paper, it is smaller than the Swift but its roundish appearance and roof rails gives it the bigger hatch look. This might appeal more to the mature and aged buyers, while the Swift would cater the tastebuds of enthusiasts and young buyers.
Boot Space
The Maruti Swift has a more practical boot space, as it can fit bigger suitcases than the Grand i10 Nios. Our regular boot space testing equipment consists of three different-sized suitcases and two duffle bags. The Swift was able to fit the largest and smallest suitcase along with two duffle bags, but we had to swap the largest one for the medium suitcase in case of the Nios.
The i10’s back seat is more reclined, which slightly reduces the loading space and pushes the suitcases more towards the boot lid. The larger floor board of the Swift also helps in liberating more usable space.
Maruti offers 60:40 split seat for the Swift, which is another advantage and makes it a more practical option for loading additional luggage.
Interior
The Hyundai Grand i10 Nios’ cabin is more premium and stylish to look at. The interior has a more expensive car experience and the 3D dashboard pattern gives it an upmarket feel. It’s light-coloured dual-tone interior shade also makes the cabin look airy. The touch points and quality of materials feel better in the Nios.
The all-black theme of the Swift, however, feels sporty. The switches and plastics could have had a better quality here, which on the Nios feel more polished. I personally do like certain elements like the rotary AC knobs, flat-bottom steering wheel, and analogue cluster with red accents styling of the Swift, which give it that slightly quirky vibe.
Features
Common Features
Nios Extra
Swift Extra
Projector headlamps
Footwell lighting
LED headlamps
LED DRLs
8-inch touchscreen
7-inch touchscreen
LED tail lamps
wireless charger
2 tweeters
Analogue Cluster
rear AC vents
Front adjustable headrests
4 speakers
Rear USB charger
One-touch up and down driver window
Cruise control
Cooled glove box
Push button start stop
Automatic AC
Height adjustable driver’s seat
Automatic headlamps
ADjustable rear headrests
The Nios and Swift are adequately equipped with features, enough for your daily usage. Hyundai cars are far better than most of their rivals, when it’s about the quality of the touchscreen system. Even in the case of the Grand i10 Nios, its 8-inch display is smoother and more easy to operate.
However, there’s a good ergonomic quality of the Swift, as we see its touchscreen system slightly tilted towards the driver. Ideally, you shouldn’t take your eyes off the road and play with the infotainment, but its tilted nature will be better for the driver.
Both of them get feel good features like automatic AC, cruise control, and a push button start-stop along with the convenience of a height adjustable driver’s seat.
Being a Hyundai, the Grand i10 Nios is simply a more feature-rich offering here. You get additional niceties like a wireless phone charger, ambient foot lighting, and a cooled glove box. The presence of rear AC vents and rear USB charger will elevate the experience for the rear seat passengers.
Cabin Practicality
Both the hatchbacks cover the basics of cabin practicality – storage spaces in the centre console, bottle holders on all four doors, and a phone docking space. The Nios’ cabin, however, is more practical with an additional storage compartment over the glove box and a bigger phone docking space.
Both of them get two cupholders in the front, but the Nios can still manage to fit 1-litre bottles in those spaces. The Swift’s cupholders are placed ahead of the gear lever and are limited in depth, which restricts you to only place takeaway coffees from Starbucks or Mcdonalds.
In case of cabin practicality, fit and finish, and features, the Grand i10 Nios is definitely a better option.
Rear Seat Experience
The Grand i10 Nios establishes itself as an all-rounder with better rear seat experience. The seats are more comfortable and reclined, which helps passengers in being relaxed on long journeys.
The seat base is bigger on the Nios and with more knee room, headroom, and leg room, six foot passengers would be more comfortable here. The larger windows offer better visibility and overall, you feel that the cabin is airy to be seated in.
The Swift’s extra width helps it being a better place for three people abreast. Not significantly, but by a minor difference. That said, both the hatchbacks are better off as being four-seaters because three people would feel cramped.
Talking about rear seat practicality, Swift gets smaller 500ml holders for the rear passengers, whereas the Nios gets narrow 1-litre holders. Instead of rear AC vents, the Maruti hatch gets a small bottle/cupholder, missing out even on a 12V socket. For extra comfort of rear passengers, the Nios gets rear AC vents, which would be very helpful if three people are cramped at the back.
Safety
Both the hatchbacks have secured weak ratings in the global NCAP crash tests. The latest version of the Swift has been tested as per the updated NCAP protocols, where it received 1 star rating for adult and child occupants’ protection.
The pre-facelift version of the Nios was crash tested as per the earlier NCAP protocols, scoring two stars. The current version gets six airbags (four airbags standard), which would further improve the safety of the facelift by a margin.
In terms of safety features, the hatchbacks get hill hold assist, electronic stability program, rear parking camera, and ISOFIX child seat mounts. The Nios is the clear winner here with more airbags, tyre pressure monitoring system, and vehicle stability management. The addition of a tyre pressure monitor is very helpful for long distance journeys.
Ride And Comfort
The firmer suspension setup of the Maruti Swift helps in its sportier nature. While it transfers some discomfort of the potholes and undulations inside the cabin, it feels more planted and composed at higher speeds.
Show the Swift some curves and turns and you’ll realise, it’s a hoot to drive. The driving characteristics are sporty enough to awaken the enthusiast inside you. The steering feedback is also on-point as you feel very confident while tackling high speed turns. I personally would pick the Swift purely for its driving dynamics.
And then we have the Nios, which has a family-friendly softer suspension. It feels comfortable over bad surfaces and potholes at lower speeds. However, if the speed is higher, the Nios will force you to slow down. You will feel more uncomfortable here and there’s a louder thud sound as well.
The light steering wheel of the Nios is perfect for the driving in the city. It also weighs up as you start reaching the triple digit speeds, but the feedback still isn’t good enough for spritted driving. So, while going on curves and high speed turns, it doesn’t feel as spirited and confident as the Swift.
Engine And Performance
The Maruti Swift is a better car to drive, when it comes to sheer performance. Both are smooth and easy to drive around the city and pack enough punch for quick overtakes at lower speeds. But when it comes to highway driving, the Swift feels quicker to reach triple digit speeds. High speed overtakes are also much easier with the Maruti hatchback.
Engine refinement is brilliant in both the hatchbacks, but at higher RPMS, the Nios starts sounding harsher. The throaty engine note of the Swift adds to its sportiness.
For the convenience of a driver, both the hatchbacks can be opted with an AMT transmission as well. Mileage-oriented buyers can also look out for their CNG variants.
Verdict
The Hyundai Grand i10 Nios and Maruti Swift, both are good enough to be your first family cars. But, the Nios proves to be a better all-rounder than the Swift. Firstly, It undercuts its rival by Rs 50,000, making it a more affordable but premium offering. On top, it offers a better cabin experience, more practical storage spaces, and features. For a family, it is better than the Swift. But, if you are a keen driver and want sporty performance, handling and looks from your daily driver, then the Swift is a no brainer.
Roof helmets have been around since 1993, and has become quite popular among motorcyclists thanks to its unique, rounded look that’s a fusion of modern and retro styling. The French brand is celebrating its 30th anniversary by unveiling the newest version of one of its most popular helmets, the Boxxer 2 modular helmet.
The very first Roof Boxxer helmet was launched all the way back in 1995, and it gained popularity thanks to its style and practicality. The helmet featured a modular design with a chin bar that flipped open 180 degrees. This meant that it got completely out of the way of the rider, while at the same time providing the helmet with an unmistakable aesthetic. Fast-forward to 2017, and Roof introduced the Boxxer Carbon, a much lighter, more performance-oriented lid of the same design and look.
As for the Boxxer 2, one glance is all it takes, as it’s clear to see that it’s an evolution of the Boxxer marque. Roof has tried its best to keep the helmet’s styling intact, and indeed, it has done this all while updating the helmet’s technology to meet the exacting parameters of the new ECE R22.06 standard. Like before, the helmet retains its dual P/J homologation, which means it’s approved for road use with the chin bar both open and closed.
The Roof Boxxer 2 features a fiberglass shell which now gets a new FleXLocker system for locking it in the open position. The result is a lightweight helmet, considering the fact that its modular, tipping the scales at 3.5 pounds (1,600 grams). It’s interesting to note that while other helmets tend to gain weight after conforming to the 22.06 standard, the Boxxer 2 has managed to keep its weight identical to its predecessor.
On the inside of the helmet, the Boxxer 2 gets a removable and washable Silent Lining interior complete with antibacterial treatment. As the name suggests, the inner liner has been designed specifically to offer comfort and an extra quiet ride. The lid also comes with extra cushions so you can adjust the thickness, and cheek pads of varying thicknesses are also available as options from the brand. The lid gets a clear anti-scratch visor with an anti-fog screen, and is intercom-ready.
In terms of pricing and availability, the Roof Boxxer 2 modular helmet is offered in three solid colors consisting of black, gray, and red, as well as a selection of graphic options. The helmet comes in sizes ranging from XS to XXL, and carries a suggested retail price of 499 Euros, or about $536 USD.
Extreme E organizers have announced the launch of a new hydrogen-powered category, called Extreme H, in 2025. This will mark the first time a FIA world championship will use hydrogen as a fuel source. The Extreme H category will feature the same off-road SUV-styled buggies as the current Extreme E series, but with an electric powertrain replaced by a hydrogen version, possibly employing a hydrogen fuel cell system.
Alejandro Agag, founder of Extreme E, has previously expressed plans to run Extreme H alongside Extreme E, following the same format. Both series will hold events on off-road courses in extreme locations impacted by climate change. Each team consists of a female and male driver who switch mid-race.
Extreme E has signed a non-binding memorandum of understanding with the FIA to establish Extreme H as an official FIA championship by 2025. At the same time, Extreme E itself will gain official FIA recognition, becoming an officially recognized series. Once specific criteria are met, Extreme H will become an official FIA world championship starting from 2026. Only seven series, including the electric Formula E world championship, hold this prestigious title.
Extreme E founder Alejandro Agag has expressed his excitement about this development, stating, “This announcement is a significant first step in the development of our championship and our ground-breaking transition to hydrogen-powered racing. Sport is the most powerful and effective platform to drive innovation, and our commitment to delivering sustainable motorsport championships, full of excitement and with a reduced carbon footprint, is testament to that.”
FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem has also voiced his support, emphasizing the FIA’s goal of utilizing sustainable power sources in motorsport. He stated, “Using sustainable power sources in motorsport is the key objective of the FIA and part of our long-term strategy, and this series is an ideal showcase for that. Hydrogen is an important part of that mix, and we have developed a set of safety regulations for hydrogen-powered vehicles, which is part of the FIA’s International Sporting Code.”
The new Extreme H category will be able to leverage the existing infrastructure at Extreme E events. Typically, electricity to power the cars is generated on site using solar panels, with the energy then converted into hydrogen and utilized to power electricity generators.
OpenAI claims that allowing GPTBot to access your website can enhance the accuracy and capabilities of AI models and improve their safety. However, this benefits OpenAI more than the owners of the websites from which the data is scraped.
AI chatbots like GPTBot gather information from websites, absorb it, and then reproduce it without acknowledging the source. This is different from Google’s Bard AI chatbot and Microsoft’s Bing Chat, which started providing citations in May 2023. But ChatGPT still does not offer citations. For instance, when I asked ChatGPT about recent innovations in solid-state batteries for electric cars, it provided examples but failed to provide any sources such as academic journals or news publications. An experiment conducted by Indiana University revealed that ChatGPT may even omit or misquote citations despite being given ample information in the prompt.
The main issue here is that once users obtain answers from ChatGPT, they may no longer feel the need to conduct their own Google searches or visit various websites for information. This means that publishers lose out on crucial web traffic, which is vital for their survival, especially if ChatGPT provides incorrect information.
Not just the most affordable one, but the C3 Aircross EV could also become the first mass-market 3-row EV in the country
The electric vehicle market in India is expected to see the introduction of various SUV-shaped EVs in the next few years. While affordable electric hatchbacks and SUVs are already available, there is currently no budget-friendly 3-row EV option. The only 3-row electric vehicle available in the market is the Mercedes Benz EQB, which is priced above Rs 75 lakh. However, Citroen is planning to fill this gap with an affordable 3-row EV.
Citroen’s Future Plan
Citroen is set to launch the C3 Aircross compact SUV in September, which will be its second launch this year following the eC3. The automaker has also confirmed that an electric version of the C3 Aircross is in the pipeline.
Citroen’s plan is to launch a new model every year, and the C3 Aircross EV is expected to be part of this strategy. Following the pattern of the C3 hatchback and eC3, we can anticipate the C3 Aircross EV to go on sale in the first half of 2024.
Expectations From The eC3 Aircross
The C3 Aircross is an extended and modified version of the C3 hatchback, sharing the same 1.2-litre turbo-petrol engine. However, the electric 3-row SUV is likely to feature a larger battery pack than the eC3, providing a competitive range of around 400 kilometres. The styling of the C3 Aircross EV is expected to be similar to its non-electric counterpart.
Citroen is known for its aggressive pricing strategy for localized offerings. The C3, for example, is priced competitively compared to hatchbacks from a lower segment. While the prices of the C3 Aircross are yet to be revealed, it is estimated to start from around Rs 9 lakh (ex-showroom). Based on this, the electric variant of the C3 Aircross could be priced between Rs 15 lakh to Rs 20 lakh (ex-showroom), similar to other subcompact electric SUVs like the Tata Nexon EV Max and Mahindra XUV400.
Other Expected Electric Three-Row Models
The only other confirmed three-row electric car in India is the XUV.e8 (XUV700 EV), scheduled to debut in December 2024. However, it is expected to have a higher price tag of around Rs 35 lakh. Kia is also working on an electric vehicle for the Indian market, which may include an electric Carens. Additionally, an electric Safari based on the Harrier EV could be in development. These models are expected to be priced above Rs 20 lakh and are likely to be launched in 2025 or later.
More details about the C3 Aircross EV will be revealed by the end of this year. With the right pricing, it has the potential to be an attractive option for joint families looking to transition to electric vehicles without breaking the bank.
Game controllers have become fairly standardized with the usual buttons and sticks. However, the Steam Deck and Xbox Elite Controllers offer additional features that enhance gameplay. In addition to extra paddles on the undersides, the Steam Deck also has a unique input.
The Steam Deck features an “Outer Ring” input for each analog stick. This activates when the stick is pressed all the way in any direction. By selecting the controller icon in a game’s Steam card, users can assign different actions to the outer ring. This can be done by choosing a preferred controller template and editing the layout. This customization option allows for unique actions, such as firing a weapon with the outer ring in a twin-stick shooter.
Moreover, the Steam Deck can greatly expand its inputs with “Action Set Layers.” These layers function similarly to Steam button combo shortcuts, but users have full control over which button activates the layer and how it interacts with other buttons. By setting up the layers in the “Edit Layout” tab, users can perform a wide range of in-game actions without compromising the standard button layout.
Electric bikes and scooters have become immensely popular for urban transportation in Europe, leading to an influx of unique and unconventional designs in the personal mobility market. The latest addition to this lineup is the electric trike by Lámpago, a Turkey-based company. Despite its name, which means “lightning” in English, this trike is not particularly fast, but it certainly catches the eye with its stylish design.
With a top speed limited to 28 miles per hour, you might wonder who would be interested in this vehicle. The Lámpago electric trike serves as a novelty ride and offers a fashionable alternative to cargo e-bikes or e-scooters for navigating urban areas. It falls under the classification of personal mobility devices and does not require a motorcycle license to operate in Europe. Instead, a class AM or A1 license is sufficient.
In terms of design, the Lámpago resembles a Vespa scooter with a sidecar that seamlessly merges into the main body of the vehicle. It features smooth and rounded bodywork akin to an egg, with doors on both sides and two seats positioned one in front of the other. The trike follows a conventional layout with two wheels at the back and one at the front, similar to a Reliant Robin. However, the absence of a roof or any overhead structure categorizes it as an electric moped, necessitating the use of a helmet while riding on public roads.
On the technology front, the Lámpago is equipped with a 60-volt, 30-ampere-hour lithium battery pack that provides a range of approximately 25 to 45 miles on a full charge. While the exact specifications of the electric motor are not disclosed, it is estimated to have an output of around 1,000 watts. The trike features 10-inch wheels and is equipped with front and rear drum brakes for stopping power. Its total load capacity is stated to be 200 kilograms.
As of now, Lámpago has not released any information on the pricing or availability of this charming electric three-wheeler.
With the facelift, the Kia Seltos has become one of the most equipped offerings in its segment, thus climbing up the price ladder by a big margin over its rivals
The Kia Seltos facelift has been launched in India, and is being offered in three broad variant lines: Tech (HT) Line, GT Line and X-Line. With the midlife refresh, the compact SUV has become more premium and is the most powerful model in its segment (thanks to the new turbo-petrol engine).
Let’s see how the prices of Kia’s updated compact SUV compare against its segment rivals:
The Kia Seltos facelift’s starting price is on par with those of its prime rivals. While it’s only the Maruti Grand Vitara whose starting price undercuts that of the new Seltos, the Skoda Kushaq-Volkswagen Taigun duo has the highest entry point of over Rs 11.50 lakh.
Five of the seven compact SUVs mentioned above – save for the German duo – get a 1.5-litre petrol engine, with both manual and automatic options.
The facelifted Kia Seltos is the only compact SUV to provide an option of a 6-speed iMT (clutchless manual) with its new 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine. At 160PS/253Nm, the new Seltos is the most powerful and torquiest SUV in its class.
It’s only the Skoda Kushaq and Volkswagen Taigun that get a 6-speed manual gearbox option with both their 1-litre and 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engines.
If it’s a CNG powertrain that you desire, your options are limited to the Maruti and Toyota SUVs in this segment. They are also the only SUVs here to come with the option of an all-wheel drivetrain (AWD) with their top-spec manual variants.
At Rs 18.29 lakh, the new Seltos has one of the costliest range-topping petrol-manual variants on offer thanks to the premium features such as a 10.25-inch digital driver display, 8-way powered driver seat and seat ventilation.
The facelifted Seltos’s automatic range now has the highest entry-point in its segment by up to Rs 3 lakh.
It’s the automatic variants of the Maruti Grand Vitara, Toyota Hyryder and MG Astor that are most affordable, with their starting price falling under Rs 14 lakh.
Among all the SUVs here, it’s only the Seltos, Creta and Astor that get a CVT option (an 8-step unit is offered with the MG SUV).
The two pairs of the Grand Vitara-Hyryder and Kushaq-Taigun come with a 6-speed torque converter automatic, although it’s limited to the smaller 1-litre turbo-petrol unit of the German SUVs.
Kia, Skoda and Volkswagen are the only carmakers here to provide a 7-speed DCT gearbox with their 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engines.
Although MG’s turbo-petrol engine is the smallest here (1.3-litre unit), it only comes with a 6-speed automatic gearbox option.
The Seltos has the costliest automatic variants here in the form of the GTX+ and X-Line priced at Rs 19.79 lakh and Rs 19.99 lakh, respectively. But for that premium, you get advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), which is otherwise only available with the MG Astor’s Savvy variants which are more affordable by up to Rs 3 lakh.
The Hyundai Creta, for now, doesn’t get a choice of the turbo unit seen on the facelifted Seltos but it will be on offer with the launch of the Creta facelift expected next year.
It’s only the Seltos and the Creta that continue to offer a diesel powertrain option in the compact SUV space.
While both the Korean SUVs share the 1.5-litre diesel unit, the Seltos gets a 6-speed iMT gearbox whereas the Creta comes with a 6-speed manual transmission.
Between the two, it’s the Creta that has a wider diesel-manual variant lineup with their prices undercutting those of the Seltos facelift, with the difference between their respective range-topping variants being of Rs 70,000.
Diesel-auto vs Strong-hybrids
2023 Kia Seltos
Hyundai Creta
Maruti Grand Vitara
Toyota Hyryder
S – Rs 16.46 lakh
HTX AT – Rs 18.19 lakh
Zeta+ – Rs 18.29 lakh
G – Rs 18.49 lakh
SX (O) AT – Rs 19 lakh
SX (O) Knight AT – Rs 19.20 lakh
GTX+ AT – Rs 19.79 lakh
Alpha+ – Rs 19.79 lakh
X-Line AT – Rs 19.99 lakh
V – Rs 19.99 lakh
The Seltos shares its 1.5-litre diesel engine with its Hyundai sibling, the Creta. However, between the two, it’s the Kia SUV that has an additional variant on offer.
While the Maruti Grand Vitara and Toyota Hyryder’s strong-hybrid variants are priced similar to the diesel-auto variants of the Seltos-Creta duo, the Hyryder hybrid is the most affordable among the lot by a little over Rs 2.50 lakh.
Prices of the top-spec Seltos diesel-auto and Hyryder hybrid variants are tied at just under Rs 20 lakh.
Note: Almost all SUVs mentioned above can be had with a dual-tone paint option with some of their variants for a premium, which could effectively bring down their entry-level price points. For example, in the case you opt for the Creta’s S+ DCT dual-tone (DT) variant, its starting price drops down to Rs 15.79 lakh.
