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News

The final bulletproof BMW: escaping an assault within the armoured i7

The Dragunov OTs-03 SVU is not only a firearm; it is an instrument of deadly precision. With a spread of as much as 1200 meters, its ammunition can penetrate a daily metal automobile physique like a sizzling knife by means of butter, with dramatic penalties for these inside.

The new electrical BMW i7 xDrive60 Protection and its petrol-powered 760i xDrive Protection sibling are, nonetheless, amongst a choose few armoured limousines to supply licensed defence towards one of many world’s most feared handheld weapons.

Conceived to the best of ballistic requirements inside the automotive business, the limos have been expressly designed to repel repeated rounds from the 7.62x54mm calibre Russian-produced sniper rifle and lots of different explosive units, together with grenade-carrying drones, bombs consisting of as much as 15kg of TNT and far more.  

Their secret is the so-called Protective Core – a singular self-supporting construction constituted of the most recent technology of armored metal and different unique supplies. Encapsulating their luxuriously geared up cabin, it dietary supplements the modified physique shell of the usual 7 Series.

Together with a closely armoured underbody, roof and pillars, in addition to a windscreen, rear display and doorways that includes specifically developed multi-layer glass, they present the most recent in an extended line of BMW Protection fashions with a coveted VPAM VR10 score, bolstering their enchantment with probably the most discerning of security-minded patrons.

‘VR’ stands for Vehicle Resistance and the quantity 10 denotes the best licensed grade for ballistics and blast safety granted to armoured autos by world authorities. It’s a grade shared with solely a handful of different limos out there straight from the manufacturing facility of a longtime automobile maker, fairly than being retrofitted by third-party firm.

To obtain this, every particular person door weighs as much as 200kg. They’re so closely fortified that they require specifically developed hinges and durable electrohydraulic mechanisms to open and shut. There are even pyrotechnic components to blast them freed from the physique within the aftermath of an accident or assault.

Car review

Toyota Yaris

Toyota claims to have improved visibility by setting the instrument panel decrease and pulling the A-pillars additional again relative to the motive force. 

We really feel the general efficacy of those measures is marginal the place the view ahead is worried, however the Yaris actually does really feel spacious from inside – a minimum of for front-seat occupants, who are actually set 21mm decrease than the earlier era automotive.

The driver additionally advantages from adjustment for attain in addition to rake within the steering column, so it’s simple to discover a comfy and supportive place. The leather-trimmed steering wheel is especially good to carry, too, and wouldn’t even really feel misplaced in, say, the GR Toyota Supra.

In design phrases, Toyota has partly reinstated the playful environment the Yaris was as soon as identified for – the ‘binocular’ dial association throughout the instrument binnacle and curvaceous dashboard moulding are two apparent examples – nevertheless it has additionally injected some class into the cabin. 

It isn’t troublesome to search out laborious plastics (not least on the cheap-feeling door handles) however attention-grabbing materials, softer plastics and rubberised surfaces have been deployed among the many numerous surfaces and storage cubbies.

The basic curvature of the dashboard and door panels can be pleasing and is a departure from extra staid European rivals – the just lately rejuvenated French manufacturers however. Broadly talking, perceived high quality has additionally improved, in step with the twelfth-generation Toyota’s bigger hatchback, the Toyota Corolla.

Although the Volkswagen Polo and Mini are unlikely to really feel too threatened by the Yaris’ type, it would do sufficient to attract envious glances from drivers of the Ford Fiesta. 

But regardless of all this, and the outside progress spurt, the Yaris is much less spectacular by way of back-seat and baggage area. 

The Volkswagen Polo and Renault Clio do notably higher in each areas and in goal phrases, and the Yaris really has a touch much less roomy boot than its predecessor.

Toyota does a minimum of match a variable-height boot flooring, which is helpful on these events when most capaciousness isn’t required and the scale of the loading lip will be decreased.

Toyota Yaris infotainment and sat-nav

The Yaris launched with the Toyota Touch 2, the model’s touchscreen infotainment system, however the measurement of the display differs relying on which specification stage you select. 

Cars with the Icon trim made use of a extra dated 7.0in show, whereas the remainder of the Yaris line-up advantages from an 8.0in touchscreen, excluding the top-of-the-range Excel mannequin, which will get a much bigger 9.0in system. 

Perhaps crucial factor you might want to know concerning the infotainment system within the Yaris is that each Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration come as normal. 

And, frankly, house owners are more likely to depend on these functions closely, not solely as a result of there exists no navigation provision with the essential system but additionally as a result of Toyota’s system of menus will be awkward to make use of, with small graphics and a few latency. 

Certainly, options such because the programs fitted within the Mini and Volkswagen Polo are significantly slicker. There are additionally USB ports and, on UK automobiles, standard-fit reversing cameras, albeit of low decision.

In phrases of {hardware}, the entry-level Yaris Icon makes use of a central 7.0in touchscreen, though our Design check automotive advantages from an 8.0in show. There are additionally USB ports and, on UK automobiles, standard-fit reversing cameras, albeit of low decision.

In 2024, all Yaris fashions will obtain an improve on this respect, gaining a way more trendy 9.5in touchscreen with crisper graphics and smoother operation. The highest trim ranges will get a ten.5in show. 

Featured

These 5 SUVs Under Rs 20 Lakh Get A Fully Digital Driver’s Display


These types of digital instrument clusters were once only available in luxury cars not long ago, but they have now become more accessible

It is common for technology that premieres in luxury vehicles to eventually filter down to mass-market models, and one recent feature following that trend is the highly capable digital driver’s display. This screen in the instrument cluster provides a comprehensive setup, showing multiple parameters and vehicle information using infographics, sometimes with visuals that can be personalized. In this article, we’ve put together a list of 5 internal combustion engine (ICE) powered SUVs, all priced under Rs 20 lakh, that offer a fully digital driver’s display.

Disclaimer: We have only chosen SUVs that exclusively feature fully digital instrument clusters, providing a complete display setup, and not semi-digital setups (like the Renault Kiger) or digitised clusters (like the Hyundai Venue).

Tata Nexon

Variant: Fearless Onwards

Price: Rs 12.50 Lakh Onwards

The Tata Nexon has recently undergone a significant makeover in both design and features. One of the key upgrades in the facelifted Nexon is the introduction of the 10.25-inch fully digital driver’s display, available with the top-spec Fearless variant of the sub-4m SUV. This cluster can be synchronized with the infotainment screen, allowing the driver to view the map directly on the cluster using either Android Auto or Apple CarPlay.

Other features onboard the Tata Nexon include a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment, auto AC, wireless phone charging, ventilated and height-adjustable front seats, cruise control, and a 9-speaker JBL sound system. Safety is taken care of by 6 airbags (as standard), ABS with EBD, hill assist, electronic stability program (ESP), tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS) and a 360-degree camera.

Volkswagen Taigun/Skoda Kushaq

Variant: Topline Onwards (Taigun) / Style Onwards (Kushaq)

Price: Rs 15.84 Lakh Onwards (Taigun) / Rs 16.11 Lakh Onwards (Kushaq)

The Volkswagen Taigun and Skoda Kushaq pair of compact SUVs come equipped with an 8-inch fully digital driver’s display in their respective top-spec variants, available with both 1-litre and 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine options. Essentially twins with different looks, we’re counting them as a combined single entity.

Talking about other features, both SUVs are loaded with a 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system, ambient lighting, a single-pane sunroof, ventilated front seats, powered driver and co-driver seat. The safety in both SUVs is taken care of by up to six airbags, ABS with EBD, electronic stability control (ESC), a tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS) and a rear-view camera.

Kia Seltos

Variant: HTX+ Onwards

Price: Rs 18.28 Lakh Onwards

The 2023 Kia Seltos has not only got an updated design and new interior cabin, but an integrated screen setup for infotainment and fully digital driver’s display (10.25-inch each). Kia offers this setup from the Seltos’ mid-spec HTX+ trim onwards.

Features on board the Seltos also include dual-zone climate control, and a panoramic sunroof, air purifier, ambient lighting, LED sound mood lighting, heads-up display and ventilated front seats. Passenger safety is taken care of by six airbags, electronic stability control (ESC), hill-assist control (HAC), tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS), a 360-degree camera and advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) like lane-keep assist, forward-collision warning and adaptive cruise control.

Tata Harrier

Variant: Pure Onwards

Price: Rs 16.99 Lakh Onwards

Another recently facelifted SUV in this list is the Tata Harrier, which also offers the 10.25-inch fully digital instrument cluster that debuted on the Nexon facelift. Here, it’s fitted right from its second-from-base Pure variant. The Harrier’s feature list further includes a 12.3-inch infotainment system, dual-zone automatic AC, ventilated front seats, 6-way power driver’s seat with memory function, 4-way powered co-driver’s seat, wireless phone charging, a panoramic sunroof (with mood lighting), a gesture-enabled powered tailgate, and a 10-speaker JBL sound system.

Its safety kit includes up to 7 airbags (6 airbag as standard), electronic stability control (ESC) with hill assist, a 360-degree camera, a tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS), and full suite of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), which now also includes adaptive cruise control.

Also Check Out: These 7 Smartphone Giants Are Interested In Making EVs Too: Apple, Sony, Xiaomi And More

Tata Safari

Variant: Pure Onwards

Price: Rs 17.69 Lakh Onwards

Along with the updated Tata Harrier, its 3-row version, the new Tata Safari gets updated looks and features. The Safari also offers the fully digital 10.25-inch digital driver’s display from the one-above-base Pure variant.

The Tata Safari boasts amenities like a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, 6-way powered driver’s seat with memory and welcome function, and 4-way powered co-driver’s seat with electric boss mode, gesture-enabled powered tailgate, and a 10-speaker JBL sound system. On the safety front, it gets up to 7 airbags (6 airbags as standard), electronic stability control (ESC), hill assist, a 360-degree camera, tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS), and advanced driver assistance system (ADAS) features which now also includes adaptive cruise control.

Do you prefer the fully digital instrument cluster over other types of digital or digitised setups? Let us know in the comments section below.

Read More on: Tata Nexon AMT

Featured

7 Cars Under Rs 20 Lakh In India With A Heads-up Display


A heads-up display shows crucial details from the instrument cluster above the dashboard’s height to help drivers keep their eyes on the road

Cars with a heads-up display under Rs 20 lakh

A growing variety of luxury and premium features are being democratised to mass-market models in recent years. Included in that list is the heads-up display that first came to the masses with the Kia Seltos back in 2019. Thanks to carmakers such as Maruti and Toyota, a heads-up display today is available in cars priced under Rs 10 lakh as well. Let’s first see what the feature offers:

What Is A Heads-up Display (HUD)?

Heads-up display

There are a few types of heads-up displays available on cars based on their prices and segments. Most mass-market cars with this feature use a transparent panel which is placed on the driver side of the dashboard, falling virtually in line with the road ahead. It relays some key bits of information from the instrument cluster onto the display that pops up from its housing, so that the driver does not have to take their eyes off the road.

Let’s now have a look at the models which offer you a HUD under Rs 20 lakh:

Maruti Baleno

Maruti Baleno heads-up display

  • In early 2022, the Maruti Baleno became the first model under Rs 10 lakh to get a heads-up display.

  • Its heads-up display, which is reserved for the top-spec Alpha trim, shows information such as vehicle speed, gear position indicator (AMT only), and tachometer readout (RPM) as well.

  • The Maruti Baleno Alpha retails from Rs 9.33 lakh onwards.

Toyota Glanza

Toyota Glanza heads-up display

  • Shortly after the facelifted Baleno went on sale, the Toyota Glanza was given a refresh as well (being the former’s rebadged version).

  • With the update, the Toyota hatchback also got the heads-up display, although reserved for its top-spec V trim.

  • Toyota Glanza V is priced from Rs 9.73 lakh.

Also Read: New Google Maps Update Will Help You Plan Your Trips In A Better Way

Maruti Fronx

Maruti Fronx

  • The Maruti Baleno served as the base for the carmaker to develop a sub-4m crossover SUV called the Maruti Fronx, which was launched in early 2023.

  • Being based on the premium hatchback, it shares almost all the features with the former, including a heads-up display. The convenience feature is limited to the top-spec Alpha trim of the crossover.

  • The Maruti Fronx Alpha is priced from Rs 11.47 lakh.

Maruti Brezza

Maruti Brezza heads-up display

  • In mid-2022, the Maruti Brezza was launched in its second-generation avatar, which made it a more tech-loaded offering.

  • As part of the feature upgrades, the sub-4m SUV got a head-up display on its fully loaded ZXi+ variants. It shows the same data as the Baleno, which includes the gear position indicator, cruise control, and digital speedometer.

  • The Maruti Brezza ZXi+ trim starts at Rs 12.48 lakh.

Maruti Grand Vitara

Maruti Grand Vitara heads-up display

  • The Grand Vitara nameplate was revived for Maruti’s latest entry in the compact SUV space in mid-2022.

  • It is one of the best-equipped Maruti cars on sale today and has this convenience feature on board. It is limited to the strong-hybrid variants only (Zeta+ and Alpha+).

  • On this Maruti offering, the heads-up display is more detailed and also shows information related to the SUV’s battery and navigation.

  • Maruti retails the Grand Vitara Hybrid from Rs 18.29 lakh.

Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder

Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder heads-up display

  • The Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder, gets the identical set of powertrains and equipment as the Maruti Grand Vitara, including a heads-up display.

  • This convenience feature is offered only on the top two G and V trims in its hybrid lineup.

  • Toyota has priced the strong-hybrid variants (with the heads-up display) of the SUV from Rs 18.49 lakh.

Kia Seltos

Kia Seltos heads-up display

  • The new Kia Seltos offers this convenience feature only on the X-Line variants which show details such as speed and navigation. This unit’s design is different from the ones listed above, more premium.

  • Its prices start at Rs 19.60 lakh.

These are all the cars that come with a heads-up display under Rs 20 lakh in India as of now. Which of these would be your pick and why? Which car should offer it next? Drop your thoughts in the comments below.

All prices ex-showroom Delhi

Read More on : Baleno AMT

Featured

2023 Tata Harrier Base-spec Smart Variant Detailed In Images


The base-spec Harrier Smart comes with a digital instrument cluster and six airbags, but no infotainment unit.

The Tata Harrier facelift has been fully unveiled, featuring updated exterior and interior designs, new features, and enhanced safety. Orders for the updated Harrier are now open for Rs 25,000. The 2023 Harrier is available in four variants: Smart, Pure, Adventure, and Fearless. Let’s take a closer look at the base-spec Smart variant and its features.

At the front, the base-spec variant of the 2023 Harrier comes with a blacked-out grille with connected LED DRLs and a projector headlight setup. It doesn’t have fog lamps. The bumper features a chunky air dam with black inserts and a silver skid plate.

Also Check Out: 2023 Tata Safari Facelift’s Variant-wise Features Revealed

The profile of the SUV is similar to higher-spec variants, with body-colored door handles, blacked-out ORVMs, and roof rails. It comes with 17-inch alloy wheels, already available on mid-spec variants of the current Harrier. The ‘Harrier’ insignia is present on the front doors, even on the entry-level Smart trim.

At the rear, the Harrier Smart features connected LED taillights and a revised font for the ‘Harrier’ moniker. However, it does not have a rear wiper, washer, and defogger.

Also See: 2023 Tata Harrier Facelift Colour Options Detailed

The base-spec Smart variant of the Tata Harrier facelift has a black and grey cabin theme with grey fabric upholstery. It is equipped with a 7-inch digital driver’s display, automatic AC, and electrically adjustable ORVMs. However, it does not have an infotainment setup.

The Harrier Smart also includes AC vents for the second row, Type-A and Type-C charging ports for the first and second row, and a 4-spoke steering wheel with an illuminated Tata logo. It has both tilt and telescopic adjustments. The handbrake lever has an aero-throttle style, similar to the outgoing version of the SUV.

In terms of safety, the base-spec version of the facelifted Harrier comes with 6 airbags, electronic stability control (ESC) with hill hold, rear parking sensors, tyre pressure monitoring system, 3-point seatbelts with reminders for all passengers, and ISOFIX child seat anchorages.

Advanced safety features such as 7 airbags, electronic parking brake, and driver assistance systems are available in higher-spec variants.

Powertrain Check

The 2023 Tata Harrier is powered by the same 2.0-liter diesel engine, capable of producing 170PS and 350Nm. It can be paired with a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic transmission.

Expected Price & Rivals

The 2023 Tata Harrier is expected to start at Rs 15 lakh (ex-showroom). Its main rivals include the 5-seater variants of the Mahindra XUV700, MG Hector, as well as the higher-spec variants of the Hyundai Creta and Kia Seltos.

Read More on : Harrier diesel

News, Science

How NASA’s Sky-High Tech Helps Wine Makers Look For Grape Disease

Scientists are using NASA’s AVIRIS-NG instrument to detect signs of GLRaV-3, a grapevine disease. AVIRIS-NG is typically used for ecological research, such as studying wildfires and air pollution. However, in this case, it was used to observe how grape plants interact with sunlight. By analyzing the composition of light absorbed by the plants, researchers were able to identify infected plants with up to 87% accuracy even before they exhibited symptoms. The study, published in the journal “Phytopathology,” utilized machine learning and data from 11,000 acres of vineyards. This technology has the potential to assist grape farmers and could be extended to monitor crop diseases globally.