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Motorsport

2024 Renault Grand Kangoo Introduces 1,024 Seat Configurations

While crossovers dominate the market, Renault is committed to keeping the multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) alive as an alternative. The all-new Grand Kangoo, showcased at the 2023 IAA Mobility event in Munich, offers exceptional practicality at an affordable price. Building upon the third-generation Kangoo launched in 2020, this MPV features a modular interior with seven individual seats.

As one of the most versatile vehicles showcased at this year’s IAA, the 2024 Grand Kangoo also serves as a van. By removing the three seats from the middle row and the two seats from the rear row, the cargo capacity increases significantly. The available space expands from 17.6 cubic feet or 500 liters (when all seats are installed) to an impressive 132.4 cu ft or 3,750 liters, as long as the front passenger seat is folded down.


Featured

These 7 Cars Under Rs 15 Lakh Get The Most Affordable Top-End Variants In Their Segment


These cars will give you the space and practicalities of their respective body types, but it does mean they are the best equipped of their rivals

With a budget of Rs 15 lakh, there are over 40 cars to choose from, ranging from entry-level hatchbacks to subcompact SUVs. In this throat-cut competition, manufacturers try to undercut the prices of their rivals as much as possible, whilst still offering most of the highlight features of their cars.

So, if you’re looking at any of the segments under this budget, these are seven examples whose top-end variants are more affordable than the best-equipped versions of their rivals.

Entry Level Hatchbacks

Maruti Alto K10

The top-end variant of the Maruti Alto K10 undercuts the Renault Kwid by close to Rs 50,000. The Renault hatch additionally offers a rear parking camera, hill hold assist, traction control, tyre pressure monitoring system, powered ORVMs, and a bigger 8-inch touchscreen system. The Alto additionally gets the choice of CNG, which claims an efficiency of up to 33.85 km/kg.

Mid-Size Hatchbacks

Maruti Ignis

Maruti Ignis

The Maruti Ignis rivals the Maruti Swift and Hyundai Grand i10 Nios, which are costlier by up to Rs 87,000 and Rs 35,000, respectively. However, the Ignis, despite having a stylish design, is outdated compared to its frequently updated competition. It misses out on cruise control, automatic headlamps, three-point seatbelts for all passengers and ISOFIX child seat mounts compared to the Swift. The Grand i10 Nios is even more feature rich, offering a bigger touchscreen system, wireless phone charger, and six airbags additionally. The Ignis here misses out on a CNG option, which is available with both of its rivals.

Premium Hatchback

Maruti Baleno

Maruti Baleno

Maruti Baleno has the most affordable top-end variant when compared to the Hyundai i20, Tata Altroz, and its rebadged cousin, the Toyota Glanza. The i20 is the costliest competitor here, with its top-end variants touching close to Rs 12 lakh. The Baleno itself is a feature-rich offering as it offers segment-first features like heads-up display and a 360-degree camera. While it’s slightly more feature-rich than the Altroz, the i20 adds an electric sunroof and larger touchscreen. However, the Altroz and i20 get the choice of a turbo-petrol engine for the enthusiasts, the latter with the option of a DCT automatic as well.

Subcompact Sedan

Tata Tigor

Tata Tigor

The top-spec Tata Tigor undercuts the top-spec Maruti Dzire by close to Rs 45,000, while the fully-loaded Honda Amaze is costlier by around Rs 71,000. The Hyundai Aura is priced very competitively, while its CNG variant undercuts that of the Tigor. The Aura being the most feature-rich offering here, gets wireless charger, six airbags, and a bigger touchscreen system over the Tata sedan.

Subcompact SUV

Nissan Magnite

Nissan Magnite

The Nissan Magnite is more affordable than the highest variants of most of its rivals by over Rs 3 lakh. You get the high ground clearance and looks of an SUV for the price of micro SUVs and premium hatchbacks. However, all of its rivals are more powerful and premium than the Magnite. Comforts like an electric sunroof, wireless charger, ventilated front seats, and more importantly, six airbags, are missing from the Magnite, which are offered by several of its competitors.

Compact Sedan

Maruti Ciaz

Maruti Ciaz

The Maruti Ciaz is the most outdated sedan in its class, as the Hyundai Verna and Honda City were recently updated and the Skoda Slavia and Volkswagen Virtus went on sale in 2022 itself. The affordable pricing doesn’t make you compromise in space and looks, but does miss certain feel-good features. Compared to its rivals, it skips out on an electric sunroof, ventilated front seats, wireless charger, six airbags, and a tyre pressure monitoring system. Not only that, but it gets a humble 1.5-litre engine, which is less powerful in front of the other sedans, especially the Verna, Slavia, and Virtus, which also get turbo-petrol options.

Micro SUV

Tata Punch

Hyundai Exter

Price

Rs 6 lakh to Rs 10.10 lakh

Rs 6 lakh to Rs 10.10 lakh

Engine

1.2-litre petrol

1.2-litre petrol

Transmissions

5-MT / 5-AMT

5-MT / 5-AMT

The relatively newer micro SUV segment is harder to choose from. There are only two options here, and the Tata Punch and Hyundai Exter are priced exactly the same (for now). Both get a 1.2-litre petrol engine with the choice of CNG, but the Exter’s engine is a four-cylinder motor over the Tata three-pot. In terms of features, the Exter edges ahead with the, a bigger touchscreen system, wireless phone charger, paddle shifters, six airbags, and tyre pressure monitoring system. The top-spec Punch gets rain sensing wipers, traction modes (AMT) and a 5-star safety rating over the Hyundai.

So, would you pick these cars over their costlier rivals? Let us know in the comments below. Also let us know, if you want to get a similar list on cars between Rs 10 lakh to Rs 20 lakh.

Read More on : Ignis AMT

News

Alfa Romeo: Limited-edition V6 supercar to be unveiled next week

Next week, Alfa Romeo is set to reveal a limited-edition V6 supercar, which is expected to feature a modified version of the Giulia Quadrifoglio’s twin-turbocharged 2.9-litre V6 engine. It is speculated that the car will have more power than the usual 520bhp.

The CEO of Alfa Romeo, Jean-Philippe Imparato, stated that the new supercar will not only be suited for the track but also practical for everyday use, despite its anticipated high price and positioning. He believes that the car has the potential to become an iconic and recognisable Alfa Romeo model.

Imparato also revealed that Alfa Romeo has already planned its core range of models until 2027, with one new model scheduled to be launched each year. Additionally, Alfa Romeo has presented a product plan to parent company Stellantis until 2030, with the possibility of adding more models as the brand achieves success in the coming years.

The CEO confirmed that Alfa Romeo is planning to introduce both larger and smaller SUVs compared to the existing Tonale model. The smaller SUV, expected to be unveiled next year, will be an electric sister car to the new Jeep Avenger, featuring significant enhancements and different capabilities. On the other hand, the larger SUV, possibly a replacement for the Stelvio, is scheduled for release around 2026 and will also be electric.

In 2025, Alfa Romeo plans to introduce a successor to the Giulia, which will be the first model in the Stellantis lineup to utilize the group’s next-generation EV architecture. Imparato mentioned that the new platform will incorporate advanced technologies, including 5G connectivity and a highly advanced software suite. Furthermore, the Giulia will also come with a 1000hp Quadrifoglio variant.

Imparato hinted at the possibility of offering various options and body styles for future Alfa Romeo models, including roadsters, saloons, and hatchbacks.

Featured

Bharat NCAP To Be Introduced Tomorrow: Here’s What To Expect


The Bharat NCAP will give a crash-test rating to new cars for both adult occupant protection and child occupant protection

Bharat NCAP crash tests

  • Bharat NCAP to be similar to the international new car assessment programs like Global NCAP and Latin NCAP.

  • Carmakers to send their cars, measuring up to 3.5 tonnes, for testing on a voluntary basis.

  • A new testing facility is also likely to have been set up to conduct these assessments.

  • A couple of Indian carmakers might even announce the Bharat NCAP ratings achieved by some of their cars.

If there’s one thing our automotive industry is yet to locally standardise, it is the crash test assessments. There are various international institutions and new car assessment programs (NCAPs) like the Global NCAP, Euro NCAP and even Latin NCAP which put new cars through stringent safety checks and give them both a score and a rating based on their performance. Reports of the Indian government planning our own NCAP (called the Bharat NCAP) surfaced online in early 2022. Now, it’s been confirmed that Nitin Gadkari, the Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways, will launch the Bharat NCAP on August 22, 2023.

What Could Be Announced?

We expect the Transport Ministry to reveal not just the details and parameters for the Bharat NCAP, but the newly set up Indian testing facility as well. We can also expect an Indian carmaker or two to announce the Bharat NCAP crash-tested ratings of either one or multiple models. The transport ministry is also likely to detail all the steps involved in its tests.

Aiming For Global Standards

Back in 2022, Union Minister Gadkari had said, “The testing protocol of Bharat NCAP shall be aligned with Global Crash Test Protocols factoring in the existing Indian regulations, allowing OEMs to get their vehicles tested at India’s own in-house testing facilities.”

Also Read: 6 Electric Cars That Have Made 2023 Greener So Far

Bharat NCAP Details

The new Indian crash-test assessment programme will measure the safety parameters of vehicles weighing up to 3.5 tonnes or 3500kg. Carmakers can voluntarily get their cars tested under this programme, as per the proposed Automotive Industry Standards 197 (AIS-197) document. According to AIS-197, the Bharat NCAP will include the offset front impact test, side impact test and pole side impact test. The tests will award them with star ratings for adult occupant protection (AOP) and child occupant protection (COP).

2023 Kia Seltos rear seats

A previous government document had suggested that the ratings could include mandatory features such as six airbags, electronic stability control (ESC), 3-point seatbelts for all passengers, and advanced emergency braking system. So if these features are standard in the to-be-tested car, it might score better ratings.

Currently Mandated Safety Measures

For now, all cars in India are required to have dual front airbags, ABS with EBD, rear parking assist, front seatbelt reminder, and speed alert system. The government is already working on making six airbags a mandatory requirement on cars that can seat up to eight passengers. It is also looking at making select advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) as standard.

Also Read: 5 Key Takeaways From The Mahindra Scorpio N-based Global Pik Up Concept

Featured

Mahindra August 15 New Concept Cars Showcase: Here’s What To Expect

The 2023 Independence Day showcase from Mahindra will give us the first look at an all-electric Thar and a pickup version of the Scorpio N

Mahindra Thar EV and Scorpio N pickup teased

As has been a tradition of Mahindra since 2020, it will once again be having an automobile-related showcase on this year’s Independence Day. Based on its recent teasers, two new concept showcases have been confirmed for this August 15, both of which are expected to be all-electric. So let’s get into all the things that you can expect from its event tomorrow:

Thar.E : Thar’s Electric Version⚡

Mahindra Thar EV

Mahindra released a short video which showcased an electric version of the popular ‘Thar’ nameplate bearing the ‘Thar.E’ moniker. It is likely to debut as a concept of the 3-door model first and then head to production (if that’s actually on the cards).

If the Thar EV does make it to production, it will become one of the few models across the globe to have an electric powertrain under a body-on-frame chassis. What is also likely to work in its favour is that the new EV platform is 4×4-friendly.

Scorpio N-derived Pickup To Debut Too

Mahindra Scorpio N pickup teased

In an era when SUVs are the flavour of every market, a pickup surely stands out (examples include the Isuzu V-Cross and Toyota Hilux). It looks like Mahindra has taken a leaf out of its own book as a recent teaser put out by the carmaker suggests a pickup spawned from the newest Scorpio N. Reason why we say so is because the Scorpio Classic’s predecessor had its own pickup version which has enjoyed reasonable success in global markets.

The deal is likely to be even sweeter as we reckon the Scorpio N-derived pickup is expected to be an electric vehicle. We believe it could be based on a version of Mahindra’s new INGLO platform (representing the carmaker’s roots and aspirations: IN for India and GLO for Global).

Also Read: Mahindra Scorpio N, Scorpio Classic, And XUV700 Account For 69 Percent Of The Carmaker’s Current Pending Orders

A Brief On Mahindra’s EV Offensive

Mahindra EV concepts

Mahindra has divided its EV arm into two sub-brands: XUV and BE (Born Electric). The XUV.e8, which is the all-electric iteration of the Mahindra XUV700, will reportedly go on sale towards the end of 2024. Its BE range of EVs will be introduced only from 2025, starting with the launch of the BE.05. It is one of the five EVs that Mahindra showcased on August 15, 2022, whose test mule was recently seen on the roads for the first time.

Also See: Mahindra XUV.e8, XUV700’s All-electric Version, Detailed In Images

Read More on : Scorpio N Automatic

Motorsport

2024 Skoda Octavia Facelift: Sneak Peek at Interior and Exterior Changes

The Skoda Octavia is about to receive a refreshing update, and these spy photos give us a tantalizing glimpse of what’s to come. Notably, we get our first look at the new model’s interior.

The upcoming Octavia still maintains its recognizable appearance, as seen in previous spy shots. The front grille presents vertical uprights with a dip in the middle of its upper border. Moreover, the headlights adopt a rectangular shape, while the lower fascia combines horizontal fins with vertical inlets on the outer edges.


Motorsport

Runaway Golf Cart Avoids Cars and Pool, Crashes Into Fence

Some people underestimate the physical exertion involved in gardening and yard work, but those who have planted trees or carried heavy bags of potting soil know better. That’s why having a wheelbarrow or garden cart can be a great help, especially on hot and humid days. Having a golf cart can be even more convenient, as long as you remember to engage the parking brake before loading it up.

According to the video’s description, a woman was doing some gardening in the evening. While loading the golf cart, she accidentally dragged a bag of potting soil over the gas pedal, which also released the parking brake. This is an easy mistake to make since the accelerator and parking brake are part of the same pedal mechanism.

The golf cart immediately took off on its own, with the woman and her golden doodle in close pursuit. Miraculously, it managed to avoid hitting several parked cars, a fire pit, and a fenced-in swimming pool. It headed straight for a horse pasture, knocking down a fence and narrowly missing six colts before veering to the right and coming to a stop. Thankfully, no one, including the horses, was injured, and the damage was minimal. On a positive note, the family found the incident amusing, and we can enjoy the video as well.

While owning a golf cart may seem luxurious, it is a common convenience in many planned communities in the US that are designed for golf cart transportation. Many golf carts are equipped with headlights and turn signals, and people use them for short trips, such as going to the mailbox or visiting the local swimming pool.

As a piece of farm equipment, a golf cart actually serves a practical purpose. If you don’t need the off-road capabilities of a 4×4 ATV, a golf cart is a more affordable option. It is also environmentally friendly if you opt for an electric model. Golf carts are great for transporting people or towing small trailers to carry gardening supplies like potting soil or lumber for fence repairs.

The most important thing to remember when using a golf cart is to always engage the parking brake. There have been several incidents, such as one involving a delivery driver or a driveway mishap, where a truck rolled out of a garage due to the parking brake not being set. These incidents serve as funny but friendly reminders that setting the parking brake can greatly reduce the risk of accidents.

Motorsport

New game Alaskan Road Truckers offers more than just a driving experience

Games like Snowrunner and American Truck Simulator give players a taste of what it’s like to be behind the wheel of a big rig without actually having to live on the road. The newly launched Alaskan Road Truckers offers a fresh take on this concept by allowing players to simulate being a truck driver, not just driving a semi-truck.

The game is set to launch this fall on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC stores such as Steam, GoG, and Epic Games.

What sets Alaskan Road Truckers apart from its predecessors is the player’s ability to do things such as handle the fuel nozzle and visit the gas station to grab some snacks. The player can even crawl into the bed of the big rig’s sleeper cabin to take a rest. In addition, the player must manage the driver’s temperature, hunger, and energy levels, as well as make repairs along the side of the road if necessary, like pulling out a chainsaw to clear a tree from the road. The player can also listen to online radio stations as they drive the truck.

The trailer video shows various weather conditions and terrain differences. After attaching the trailer to the truck, the player is required to perform other tasks, such as connecting the air lines. Alaskan Road Truckers also includes running a trucking business, taking jobs to make money, and slowly upgrading one’s facilities. The player can even open the hood of the truck to check out the engine and modify the big rigs with upgrades.

The game, which was previously under development as Alaskan Truck Simulator, was recently changed to Alaskan Road Truckers to better reflect the experience of playing as a driver. The Polish company Road Studios is behind the development of the game.

If Alaskan Road Truckers sounds appealing, a video with eight minutes of gameplay is available below, with a developer narrating what’s happening.