Tag Archives: cabin

Donkervoort F22

The Donkervoort F22 has a spacious cabin, designed with an extra 80mm of width and 100mm of length compared to its predecessor, the D8 GTO. This means that passengers no longer have to endure a narrow space.

According to Denis, creating the F22 was seen as a gamble. With a Targa-style roof and a hard top for the boot, the F22 has a more car-like appearance compared to previous models. However, owners were accepting of these changes as long as the core rawness of the vehicle was preserved.

The clutch of the F22 provides a medium rare sensation – it is weighty enough to convey a certain level of prestige but not too heavy to make driving in heavy traffic unbearable. The engine, provided by Audi, is powerful and adds to the overall experience of the Donkervoort F22.

One decision owners have to make is whether to opt for power assist or not. The F22’s large front footprint may make one wonder if its boots were put on backwards. However, the unassisted rack can feel beastly at low speeds, but it truly unfurls when driven at higher speeds.

The Donkervoort F22 offers a crisp and resolute driving experience. The brake pedal is strong but provides good feedback, and gearshifting is short, sturdy, and smooth. Overall, the F22 is a physical car with a wild charm.

Tata Safari Facelift Uncamouflaged Interior Spied


The cabin of the Tata Safari facelift gets an updated center console and a Tata Avinya-inspired 4-spoke steering wheel with a display in the centre

2024 Tata Safari spied

  • The 2024 Tata Safari’s touchscreen housing could also be revised as part of the new centre console.
  • The SUV will likely get ventilated front seats, a 10.25-inch touchscreen and a panoramic sunroof.
  • Its safety kit could be updated with adaptive cruise control and six airbags as standard.
  • It will retain the 2-litre diesel engine from the current Safari.
  • The 2024 Tata Safari may also get the 1.5-litre turbo petrol engine showcased at the 2023 Auto Expo.
  • Expected to go on sale sometime next year, with prices likely starting from Rs 16 lakh (ex-showroom).

The Tata Safari facelift is being thoroughly put through its paces ahead of its expected launch in early 2024. While its updated interior had already been caught on camera earlier, the latest spy shots show it without any camouflage, providing a clear glimpse of the new center console and steering wheel design.

A Redesigned Center Console

Tata Safari Facelift Interior

The picture reveals significant updates to the centre console, including restyled centre AC vents and possibly a revised housing for the same 10.25-inch touchscreen unit. Below it is the new climate control setup, which is expected to come with haptic controls.

Another notable feature is the all-new 4-spoke steering wheel, inspired by Tata’s Avinya concept. It incorporates a display in the centre, which will possibly feature an illuminated Tata logo and additional driving information. As seen in previous spy images, it also gets a new drive mode selector, likely featuring a display similar to the one on the Tata Nexon EV Max. Behind that, a new gear selector is also visible.

Features To Expect

Tata Safari cabin

The 2024 Tata Safari will carry over numerous features from its current version, including a digital driver’s display, a 9-speaker JBL sound system, a wireless phone charger, an air purifier, a panoramic sunroof with ambient lighting, a 6-way power-adjustable driver seat, and ventilated front and middle row seats (the latter available only with the 6-seater configuration).

The current Safari is already equipped with advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) features like forward-collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, and auto emergency braking. With the facelift, there’s a possibility of the Safari receiving adaptive cruise control and six airbags as standard. Other safety features will likely be retained include electronic stability control (ESC), tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS) and 360-degree camera.

Also Read: Tata Nexon Facelift Test Mule Spotted In The Wild Once Again

Powertrains Check

Tata Safari engine

The facelifted SUV will most likely retain the 2-litre diesel engine (170PS and 350Nm) from the current model. This unit comes mated to a 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic transmission.

Tata might also offer the updated Safari with the new 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine which was showcased at the 2023 Auto Expo. The engine makes 170PS and 280Nm, and will likely be mated to a DCT transmission.

Expected Price And Rivals

The facelifted Tata Safari is expected to have a starting price of Rs 16 lakh (ex-showroom). It will continue its rivalry with MG Hector Plus, Mahindra XUV700, and Hyundai Alcazar.

Image Source

Toyota Innova Crysta Can Now Be Customised As An Ambulance

The entire rear half of the MPV’s cabin has been modified to offer the necessary equipment for emergency medical purposes.

Toyota Innova Crysta Ambulance

  • The Innova Crysta Ambulance is available in two variants: Basic and Advanced

  • Gets more than just ambulance-specific stickers and graphics on the outside.

  • Inside, the second and third row seats have been removed to accommodate the stretcher.

  • Top-spec comes loaded with medical equipment such as Multiparameter Health Monitor, an oxygen delivery system, and Kendrick Extrication device.

  • The Innova Crysta is only available with a diesel-manual powertrain.

The Toyota Innova Crysta MPV is a well-known and popular people mover in India, especially when a blend of driving dynamics and passenger comfort are a priority. Now, those aspects of the premium MPV are being leveraged for medical purposes with a detailed conversion that can transform the Innova Crysta into an ambulance.

This ambulance conversion process is carried out in partnership with Pinnacle Industries Ltd, and there are two versions available – Basic and Advanced.

How Is It Different?

Toyota Innova Crysta Ambulance

While the Innova Crysta Ambulance looks no different from its regular version in terms of overall design, it features ambulance-specific red and yellow stickers all around and  emergency flashing lights have been mounted on the roof.

Inside, the front of the cabin is separated from the rest by a partition to separate the patient and paramedic from the driver. The Innova Crysta’s second and third-row seats have been removed to accommodate the stretcher, a front-facing paramedic seat and other emergency equipment, such as portable and stationary oxygen cylinders and a cabinet for storing medical equipment. 

Ambulance Features

Toyota Innova Crysta Ambulance Interior

The entire right-wall of the modified cabin in the Ambulance version of the Innova Crysta is equipped with all the necessary equipment needed for emergencies. The fully loaded Advanced trim comes with features such as the Multiparameter Monitor, which helps monitor the health parameters of a patient, an oxygen delivery system, the Kendrick Extrication Device (used for head, neck, and torso support), portable suction aspirator, and a spine board. 

Additional power sockets are also provided inside the cabin to operate all the electronics.

Also Check Out: This Could Be The Look For The India-spec Toyota Rumion

Same Engine

The Innova Crysta Ambulance uses the same 2.4-litre diesel engine (150PS and 343Nm) as the regular Innova Crysta. This unit is mated to a 5-speed manual transmission. 

Why An Innova Ambulance?

Toyota Innova Crysta Ambulance

While a conventional ambulance seems to be ideal as it is built for that specific purpose, it is not perfect for every situation. Furthermore, they are quite expensive and are best used for emergency medical situations, whereas other vehicles can be considered for simpler uses like transporting patients that are not in severe need for medical attention.

That’s where the Innova can act as an alternative for a single-patient transport and its relatively smaller size makes it easier to navigate through city conditions. Addtionally, its pliant ride quality can be beneficial for long-haul hospital transfers.

The Regular Innova Crysta 

The 3-row Toyota Innova Crysta, most commonly used as a family MPV, is priced from  Rs 19.99 lakh to Rs 25.68 lakh (ex-showroom India). The additional cost of the ambulance conversion has not been revealed. The Innova can be considered as an premium alternative to the Mahindra Marazzo and the Kia Carens, the latter of which is also offered with an emergency vehicle conversion.

Read More on : Innova Crysta diesel

New Mini Cooper Cabin Revealed: Minimal Design, Massive Round Screen

Mini has unveiled the new cabin of the Cooper, showcasing the start-up animation for the infotainment system. The design takes inspiration from the original Mini but incorporates modern elements.

The dashboard of the new Cooper has been significantly simplified compared to the previous model. Gone are the traditional instruments behind the steering wheel, now replaced with a head-up display. The centerpiece of the dash is a round screen that combines the speedometer and infotainment functions. Physical controls are housed in an oval-shaped panel below the screen.

Mini Cooper Interior Reveal
2022 Mini Cooper Hardtop Interior

The new steering wheel features thicker grips at the 2 and 10 o’clock positions. The multi-function buttons are more prominent as well.

The dash is covered in fabric with a gray gradient pattern on the driver’s side that transitions into a houndstooth pattern on the other end. HVAC vents are housed in a narrow slit.

When the Mini starts, ambient lighting illuminates the lower portion of the dashboard. The screen displays the brand emblem, followed by teal and yellow balls swirling before launching the main display.

Mercedes-AMG A45 S

The interior of the Mercedes-AMG A45 S is based on the stylish cabin of the standard Mercedes A-Class. The stepped dashboard top, turbine-style air vents, and large twin screens of the MBUX infotainment system are all retained. However, in the AMG Plus specification, there are improved material quality and design enhancements.

The doors and dash feature expansive brushed aluminium sections, which contrast with the glossy black plastic panelling that surrounds the air vents and populates the centre console. In the Plus-spec cars, genuine leather upholstery replaces the microfibre and Artico leather combination, and striking yellow panelling and stitching add to the sporty aesthetic.

The seats in the Mercedes-AMG A45 S are firm and position the driver slightly higher in the cabin. However, they provide excellent support with ample bolsters, and the steering column offers plenty of adjustability.

The functionality of the cabin is also impressive. There are numerous storage cubbies throughout, and the rear seating area offers decent head and legroom, measuring at 690mm and 930mm, respectively. The boot has a capacity of 370 litres, the same as the standard A-Class, and it is 35 litres larger than the Audi RS3 Sportback, its closest rival.

The 2023 facelift of the A-Class range introduced two significant changes. The first is the removal of the trackpad for the MBUX infotainment system. The usability implications of this change are discussed further, but it should be noted that Mercedes did not utilize the freed-up space in the centre console effectively, as it only provides a tray that is slightly too small for most phones.

The other change is the introduction of the new-style AMG steering wheel, featuring a chunky rim and touch-sensitive spokes. The wheel feels comfortable in the hands, but the touch-sensitive surfaces can be easily activated unintentionally. In the A45, the wheel also includes two satellite pods for quickly switching drive modes and adjusting individual parameters, which is particularly convenient considering the multitude of modes available that genuinely alter the car’s dynamic character.

Multimedia system

The Mercedes MBUX infotainment system in the A45 S is impressive, featuring sharp graphics and fluid responsiveness on its two 10.25-inch displays. The integration with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is seamless.

In the 2023 model, the A-Class removes the trackpad on the centre console, replacing it with a shallow tray that is less useful. While the touch-screen interface is logical, the touch-sensitive surfaces on the steering wheel can be inconsistent in their response.

The S models also come with the AMG Track Pace app, which allows drivers to record lap times and analyze driving data. Additionally, the MBUX Augmented Reality function can project a racing circuit’s ideal racing line onto the head-up display, although this feature was not tested.

2023 BMW X5 Facelift Launched At Rs 93.90 Lakh


The 2023 X5 gets a revised front fascia and updated cabin with dual integrated displays

  • The BMW X5 facelift features the current design language of the brand.

  • The design is differentiated by new headlamps, taillamps, and updated grille.

  • The cabin now includes a 12.3-inch digital driver’s display and a 14.9-inch infotainment touchscreen.

  • It still offers a panoramic glass roof, powered and ventilated front seats, and plush upholstery.

  • The turbo-petrol and diesel powertrains have been updated with 48V mild-hybrid tech for improved performance.

BMW X5 2023 Launched

The BMW X5 is a popular mid-size SUV in the luxury segment. The facelifted version has now been launched in India. It is available in two variants, offering both petrol and diesel engines. The prices are as follows:

BMW X5 Variants

Petrol (xDrive40i)

Diesel (xDrive30d)

xLine

Rs 93.90 lakh

Rs 95.90 lakh

M Sport

Rs 1.04 crore

Rs 1.06 crore

The facelifted X5 has a price premium of around Rs 6 lakh over the previous iteration for the top-spec M Sport variants.

What’s new with the facelifted X5?

The 2023 X5 features a revised front fascia with vertically-oriented air intakes on the new front bumper. The main grille is larger and now illuminated, and the LED headlamps have a sleeker design with a new light signature. The rear of the SUV has a redesigned layout for the LED taillamps. The M Sport variant has blacked-out elements for a sportier look.

BMW X5 facelift interior

Inside the cabin, the facelifted X5 features the current BMW dashboard with dual integrated displays – a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 14.9-inch infotainment touchscreen. It also has an ambient lighting bar around the dashboard for the front passenger area.

New X5 Powertrains

The BMW X5 still comes with 3-litre turbo-petrol and diesel engines, but they now have 48V mild-hybrid tech for increased performance. Here are the details:

Variant

xDrive40i

xDrive30d

Engine

3-litre, six-cylinder

3-litre, six-cylinder

Power

381PS

285PS

Torque

520Nm

650Nm

Transmission

8-speed AT

8-speed AT

BMW X5 facelift rear

All-wheel-drive is standard for the X5.

Still Feature-rich

The BMW X5 comes with a range of features including a panoramic glass roof, active seat ventilation, electrically adjustable front seats, and a powered split-tailgate in the top variant. The xLine trim has Sensafin upholstery while the M Sport variant offers a choice of brown or white leather upholstery. The new X5 rides on 21-inch alloys as standard. The M Sport variant has air suspension for a plush ride quality. In terms of safety, it comes with six airbags, dynamic stability control, hill descent control, tyre pressure monitor, ISOFIX child seat mounts, and Active Park assist.

Rivals

The BMW X5 facelift will compete against the Mercedes-Benz GLE, Volvo XC90, Range Rover Velar, and the Audi Q7.

Read More on : X5 Automatic

Check Out The Maruti Invicto Inside & Out Through These 20 Detailed Images


The Invicto comes in 4 monotone exterior shades and an all-black cabin with champagne gold inserts

Maruti Invicto

The Maruti Invicto is the carmaker’s entry into the truly premium category in terms of size, and features, and costs around Rs 30 lakh on-road. As a rebadged version of the Toyota Innova Hycross, the Invicto is very much like it, but it still has a host of differences to distinguish itself. It is only offered in two variants, both with the strong-hybrid powertrain rated at 186PS, and claims a fuel economy of over 23kmpl.

If you haven’t got a good look at the Maruti premium MPV yet, you can explore it through these 20 detailed images.

Also Read: Maruti Invicto vs Toyota Innova Hycross vs Kia Carens: Price Comparison

Exterior

Front

Maruti Invicto front

From the front, you can easily tell the Invicto apart from the Hycross. It gets a different grille with two chrome strips in the middle connecting the LED headlamps.

Positioning of the chrome elements is slightly different with the presence of a chrome strip at bottom of the bumper, and it gets tri-LED elements in the LED headlamps.

Side

Maruti Invicto side

From the sides, it looks just like the Toyota MPV with sharp character lines on the doors, and you can clearly see the length of the car from this angle.

Maruti Invicto 17-inch alloy wheels

The only noticeable difference on the side is the size of the alloy wheels. The Invicto gets smaller 17-inch alloys compared to the Toyota’s 18-inch alloys and that too of a different design.

Rear

Maruti Invicto rear

The design is more or less the same here. The Invicto carries a bold rear profile with an all-black bumper. It even has a roof-integrated spoiler that adds a sporty touch to the rear end of the MPV.

Here, it gets Nexa’s tri-LED design in the LED tail lamps and comes with a ‘Hybrid’ badge.

Related: Maruti Invicto Interior And Exterior Accessories Detailed

Boot

Maruti Invicto boot space with third row folded down

The Invicto offers a boot space of 239 litres which can be increased to 690 litres by tumbling down the third row flat.

Maruti Invicto powered tailgate

It also comes with a powered tailgate for additional convenience and enhances the MPV’s premium experience.

Interior

Dashboard

Maruti Invicto cabin

The Invicto gets an all-black cabin unlike the brown cabin of the Innova Hycross, but the layout remains unchanged. The most notable design element is the positioning of the drive-selector on the tall central console.

Maruti Invicto champagne-gold accents

The cabin also gets champagne-gold elements on the doors, centre console and AC vents.

The main attraction of the dashboard is the free-standing 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system above the central AC events. Below that you can find the dual-zone climate controls which also have the ventilated seat buttons on either end.

The Invicto gets a familiar instrument cluster with a 7-inch TFT display flanked by analogue dials for the fuel, engine temps and tachometer.

Maruti Invicto pop-out cup holder

A nice touch for the front passengers is that there are pop-out cup holders just below the air vents on either end of the dashboard. This also allows you to cool your drink using the air coming from the vents.

Also Read: Take A Look At The Variant-wise Features Of The Maruti Invicto

Front Seats

Maruti Invicto front seats

The Invicto gets an 8-way power-adjustable driver’s seat with memory function. The leatherette seats get the same colour treatment as the dashboard.

Second Row Seats

Maruti Invicto second row seats

It can be had in both 7- and 8-seater layouts and the former gets captain seats in the second row. These seats get manual adjustment for slide and recline. Between them, you’ll find two cup holders and a tray for your convenience. You can also spot the AC vents on the roof.

Maruti Invicto dual-zone climate control

The second-row passengers also get their own climate control setting. They even get their own USB Type-C ports.

Maruti Invicto panoramic sunroof

The second row seats also get the most of the Invicto’s panoramic sunroof which also gets ambient lighting.

Third Row Seats

Maruti Invicto third row seats

The third row of the Invicto MPV can actually fit three, but it’s still more comfortable for just two. The outboard passengers also get cupholders and just like the second row, the third row also gets blower controls.

The Invicto is priced between Rs 24.79 lakh and Rs 28.42 lakh (introductory, ex-showroom) and is a direct rival to the Toyota Innova Hycross. The MPV is also a premium alternative to the Toyota Innova Crysta and Kia Carens.

Read More on : Invicto Automatic

You Can Buy The Hyundai Exter In 9 Different Shades


It even gets a choice of three cabin themes depending on the exterior colour

Hyundai Exter Colour Options

The Hyundai Exter is the latest offering from the Korean manufacturer and it has entered the Indian market at an introductory starting price of Rs 5.99 lakh (ex-showroom). The micro-SUV can be had in six monotone and three dual-tone colour options, and before you go and put your name in the order books, find out which of its nine exterior colours you like the best.

Colour Options

Ranger Khaki

Ranger Khaki

Cosmic Blue

Cosmic Blue

Starry Night

Starry Night

Atlas White

Atlas White

Titan Grey

Titan Grey

Fiery Red

Fiery Red

Cosmic Blue Dual Tone

Cosmic Blue Dual Tone

Ranger Khaki Dual Tone

Ranger Khaki Dual Tone

Atlas White Dual Tone

Atlas White Dual Tone

Apart from the exterior colour options, you also get three different themes for the cabin, depending on the colour you choose. These add coloured accents to the seat upholstery, cross-stitches, AC vents and even the AC dials.

Cosmic Blue Interior Inserts

Cosmic Blue

Available with Cosmic Blue and Cosmic Blue dual tone exterior shades

Light Sage Interior Inserts

Light Sage

Available with Ranger Khaki, Ranger Khaki dual tone and Atlas White dual tone exterior shades

Silver Interior Inserts

Silver

Available with Starry Night, Altas White, Fiery Red and Titan Grey exterior shades

Powertrain

Hyundai Exter Engine

The Hyundai Exter gets the same 1.2-litre petrol engine as the Grand i10 Nios, Aura and i20 that churns out 82PS and 113Nm. This engine is mated to either a 5-speed automatic or a 5-speed AMT. Hyundai is also offering a CNG powertrain with the same engine. In CNG mode, this engine makes 69PS and 95Nm and is paired only with a 5-speed manual transmission.

Features & Safety

Hyundai Exter Cabin

The Exter comes equipped with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a semi-digital instrument cluster, wireless phone charging, single-pane sunroof with voice commands, automatic climate control with rear AC vents, cruise control and a dual camera dash cam.

Also See: Check Out The Feature-Loaded Hyundai Exter SX CNG Variant In 6 Pics

For passenger safety, it gets six airbags, ABS with EBD, electronic stability control (ESC), 3-point seatbelts for all passengers and vehicle stability management (VSM) as standard. The higher variants also get safety features like tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS), ISOFIX child seat anchors and a rearview camera.

Price & Rivals

Hyundai Exter Front

Hyundai has priced the Exter between Rs 5.99 lakh and Rs 10 lakh (introductory, ex-showroom). This micro-SUV is a direct rival to the Tata Punch and Maruti Suzuki Ignis, but it can also be considered an alternative to the Citroen C3, Nissan Magnite, Renault Kiger and Maruti Fronx

Read More on: Hyundai Exter AMT

You Can Buy The Hyundai Exter In 9 Different Shades


It even gets a choice of three cabin themes depending on the exterior colour

Hyundai Exter Colour Options

The Hyundai Exter is a new car model from Hyundai that has been recently introduced in the Indian market. It is priced at Rs 5.99 lakh (ex-showroom) and comes in six monotone and three dual-tone colour options. Let’s take a look at the nine different exterior colours available for this micro-SUV.

Colour Options

Ranger Khaki

Ranger Khaki

Cosmic Blue

Cosmic Blue

Starry Night

Starry Night

Atlas White

Atlas White

Titan Grey

Titan Grey

Fiery Red

Fiery Red

Cosmic Blue Dual Tone

Cosmic Blue Dual Tone

Ranger Khaki Dual Tone

Ranger Khaki Dual Tone

Atlas White Dual Tone

Atlas White Dual Tone

In addition to the exterior colour options, the Hyundai Exter also offers three different cabin themes that match the chosen exterior colour. These themes add coloured accents to the seat upholstery, cross-stitches, AC vents, and AC dials.

Cosmic Blue Interior Inserts

Cosmic Blue

Available with Cosmic Blue and Cosmic Blue dual tone exterior shades

Light Sage Interior Inserts

Light Sage

Available with Ranger Khaki, Ranger Khaki dual tone, and Atlas White dual tone exterior shades

Silver Interior Inserts

Silver

Available with Starry Night, Altas White, Fiery Red, and Titan Grey exterior shades

Powertrain

Hyundai Exter Engine

The Hyundai Exter is equipped with a 1.2-litre petrol engine that produces 82PS of power and 113Nm of torque. This engine is the same as the ones used in the Grand i10 Nios, Aura, and i20 models from Hyundai. It is available with either a 5-speed automatic or a 5-speed AMT transmission. Additionally, Hyundai also offers a CNG powertrain option for this engine, which produces 69PS of power and 95Nm of torque and is paired with a 5-speed manual transmission.

Features & Safety

Hyundai Exter Cabin

The Hyundai Exter comes with a range of features including an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a semi-digital instrument cluster, wireless phone charging, a single-pane sunroof with voice commands, automatic climate control with rear AC vents, cruise control, and a dual camera dash cam.

For safety, the Exter is equipped with six airbags, ABS with EBD, electronic stability control (ESC), 3-point seatbelts for all passengers, and vehicle stability management (VSM) as standard. Higher variants also come with additional safety features such as a tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS), ISOFIX child seat anchors, and a rearview camera.

Price & Rivals

Hyundai Exter Front

The introductory price of the Hyundai Exter ranges from Rs 5.99 lakh to Rs 10 lakh (ex-showroom). It competes directly with the Tata Punch and Maruti Suzuki Ignis, and it can also be considered as an alternative to the Citroen C3, Nissan Magnite, Renault Kiger, and Maruti Fronx.

Read More on : Hyundai Exter AMT

Mazda 2

The new Mazda 2 may not impress in terms of cabin space compared to its wider and more practical rivals. However, what catches the eye is its stylish interior design that is imaginative and attention to detail. The dashboard stands out with its space-conscious architecture and well-integrated features such as unbroken horizontal lines, corralled switchgear, and periscoped instrument cluster.

While the input device for the multimedia system could be positioned more ideally for usability, the ergonomic complaints are minimal. The seating position is slightly higher than desired, but within the norm for the segment. The front cabin feels spacious with 20mm of additional elbow room, even with two adults on board. The rear space, however, is not the most generous for taller passengers compared to cars like the Fiat 500 or Seat Ibiza.

The boot has a decent capacity of 280 liters, although its aperture width could be improved.

Multimedia system

The infotainment touchscreen is neatly placed on the dashboard, and the good news is that you won’t have to touch it while driving. Mazda has provided a rotary input device and physical shortcut buttons for easy control. The touchscreen is deactivated when the car is in motion, which some testers found convenient, while others found it cumbersome to navigate Apple CarPlay using the rotary controller.

Although the Mazda 2 was launched before the existence of CarPlay and Android Auto, both have been added later on. CarPlay works wirelessly, while Android Auto requires a cable. The default interface provided by Mazda may feel a bit dated in 2023, but it is still user-friendly.