Tag Archives: list

The Top 5 Headsets for Nintendo Switch in 2023

July 23, 2023 David

The Skullcandy PLYR 1 over-ear gaming headset is one of the top contenders on this list. While it may not be the cheapest option available, it comes with a range of impressive features. With a battery life of 24 hours and rapid charging capabilities, you won’t have to worry about your headset dying in the middle of a gaming session. The microphone features include a detachable boom, Clear Voice Smart Mic, LED Mic Mute Indicator, and a secondary mic. On top of that, the headset also has convenient onboard controls for various functions such as power, Bluetooth pairing, volume adjustment, muting the microphone, sidetone, EQ modes, and play/pause switching.

What sets the PLYR 1 apart from other headsets is its incorporation of Tile technology. Using the Tile App, you can track the location of your headset if it gets misplaced or stolen. Keep in mind, however, that if you want to enjoy the wireless feature, you’ll need to purchase an additional adapter through Skullcandy. The price of the PLYR 1 is around $130, making it a great option for those looking for a high-quality gaming headset.

Featured

Upping The Coolness Quotient Quite Literally: Cars With Dual Zone Climate Control Under Rs 30 Lakh

July 16, 2023 Prafful Singh

Only one of the cars on this list offers this feature as standard, and the brand of the car may surprise you

Cars have evolved significantly over the past few decades. They are no longer just a means of transportation, but also a place where we spend a significant amount of time. To enhance the in-cabin experience for occupants, carmakers, especially mass-market brands like Mahindra, Maruti, and Kia, have been equipping their cars with premium features, including dual-zone climate control. With the recent addition of dual-zone climate control in the Kia Seltos facelift, we have compiled a list of other cars priced under Rs 30 lakh that offer this luxury feature:

2023 Kia Seltos

The new Kia Seltos will be the first compact SUV in India to come equipped with dual-zone climate control. This luxury feature will be available from the higher-spec HTX variant onwards. The Kia Seltos is expected to be the most affordable car on the market with dual-zone air conditioning, at least until the facelifted Hyundai Creta is launched.

Price: Rs 15 lakh onwards (expected)

Mahindra XUV700

The Mahindra XUV700, launched in mid-2021, caused quite a stir among fans due to its extensive list of premium features that were previously only available in more expensive cars. It was the first Indian midsize SUV to offer integrated dual displays (10.25-inch each), advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), and dual-zone climate control. Mahindra offers this comfort and convenience feature only on the range-topping AX7 variant of the SUV.

Price: Rs 20.56 lakh onwards

Mahindra Scorpio N

The Mahindra Scorpio N, launched in mid-2022, saw a significant increase in premium features compared to its predecessor. As part of the update, dual-zone climate control from the XUV700 was introduced. However, this feature is only available on the top-spec Z8 variant of the Scorpio N.

Price: Rs 18.05 lakh onwards

Jeep Compass

The Jeep Compass, launched in 2017, was one of the earliest models on this list to offer dual-zone climate control. The facelifted Compass now offers dual-zone AC on all variants except for the base-spec Sport. However, the variant lineup has been reduced, with the premium comfort starting from the Longitude variant.

Price: Rs 25.64 lakh onwards

Toyota Innova Hycross

The third-generation Toyota Innova, known as the Innova HyCross, surprised everyone with its unique characteristics and premium feature additions. One of these additions is the dual-zone climate control, which is available in the top-spec ZX and ZX (O) Hybrid variants. Unlike other models that offer dual-zone AC for the front occupants, the Innova Hycross splits the convenience feature between the front and second-row passengers.

Price: Rs 29.62 lakh onwards

Maruti Invicto

The Maruti Invicto, essentially the Toyota Innova Hycross underneath with some cosmetic revisions, offers most of the same premium comforts. This includes dual-zone climate control, which is available only on the range-topping Alpha+ variant. The Invicto marks Maruti’s entry into the premium space with prices starting above Rs 20 lakh.

Price: Rs 28.42 lakh

Hyundai Tucson

The Hyundai Tucson is the only model on this list to come with dual-zone climate control as a standard feature. It is also the most premium offering and, fortunately, the base variant falls within our price limit. Currently, it is the only car in Hyundai India’s lineup to offer this comfort and convenience feature, but we can expect the upcoming 2024 Creta to feature it as well.

Price: Rs 28.63 lakh

Do you consider dual-zone climate control as a valuable comfort in a car? Are there any other features from premium and luxury cars that you would like to see more of in mass-market models? Let us know in the comments.

All prices, ex-showroom Delhi

Featured

Hyundai Exter Gets These 7 Features Over The Tata Punch

July 13, 2023 Prafful Singh

The Hyundai Exter packs an extensive equipment list, which includes a few segment-first features as well

The Hyundai Exter has entered the micro SUV segment, challenging the monopoly of the Tata Punch since its launch in late 2021. Along with the option of a CNG powertrain, the Exter offers a range of features that can attract buyers from other segments. Let’s take a look at the top 7 features that the Hyundai Exter offers over the Tata Punch:

A Sunroof

The Hyundai Exter comes with a sunroof, a highly desired feature among Indian buyers. This feature is available on the SX, SX (O), and SX (O) Connect variants of the SUV.

Digitised Driver’s Display

While the Tata Punch offers a semi-digital driver display with a 7-inch screen, the Hyundai Exter provides a fully digitised instrument cluster similar to the Venue. Though the Punch has a larger coloured TFT screen (7 inches compared to 4.2 inches), the Exter’s digitised display is more functional as it also supports multi-regional languages. Additionally, the semi-digital cluster is only available on the top-spec Creative variant of the Punch, while Hyundai offers the digitised driver display as standard.

Also Read: Hyundai Exter vs Tata Punch, Citroen C3 And Others: Price Comparison

Dual Dashcam Setup

The Exter is equipped with a segment-first dual dashcam setup, similar to recent Hyundai cars. This feature is available only on the range-topping SX (O) Connect variant and includes front and rear cameras, a 2.3-inch display, smartphone app connectivity, and multi-recording modes. The dual cameras have different recording options such as Driving (normal), Event (safety), and Vacation (time lapse), and can shoot videos in full HD resolution.

Wireless Phone Charging

The Exter shares many features with the Grand i10 Nios, including wireless phone charging, which is a segment-first offering for the micro SUV. This feature is available in the higher-spec SX (O) and SX (O) Connect variants.

Paddle Shifters

The Exter surprises with another segment-first feature – paddle shifters with its AMT gearbox, borrowed from the Venue’s DCT automatic. This feature is available in the SX, SX (O), and SX (O) Connect AMT variants of the micro SUV, and it marks the first time the Exter offers paddle shifters with only the AMT gearbox.

A Bigger Touchscreen

While the Tata Punch comes with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system in its higher-spec Accomplished and Creative variants, the Hyundai Exter features a larger 8-inch touchscreen unit, similar to the Grand i10 Nios. This touchscreen is available across the Exter’s lineup, except for the base-spec EX and EX (O) variants. The infotainment unit in the range-topping SX (O) Connect variant also includes BlueLink connected car tech and Alexa connectivity features.

A Beefier Safety Kit

While the Tata Punch scored a 5-star safety rating from Global NCAP with features like dual front airbags, traction control, and brake sway control, the Exter goes further and offers six airbags, electronic stability control (ESC), vehicle stability management (VSM), hill-start assist, and 3-point seatbelts for all passengers.

The Exter is priced between Rs 6 lakh and Rs 10.10 lakh (introductory ex-showroom pan-India). It competes with the Tata Punch, Maruti Ignis, Renault Kiger, Citroen C3, and Nissan Magnite.

Hyundai Exter vs Tata Punch, Citroen C3 And Others: Price Comparison

July 12, 2023 Prafful Singh

The Hyundai Exter micro SUV arrives with an impressive list of features and competitive prices

The Hyundai Exter is available in five broad variants: EX, S, SX, SX (O) and SX (O) Connect. Being a micro SUV, its direct rivals are the Tata Punch, Citroen C3 and Maruti Ignis. Like those rivals, the Exter’s prices and features list also put it up against some variants of the Renault Kiger and Nissan Magnite subcompact SUVs.

In this story, let’s see how its variant-wise prices compare to those of its rivals:

Petrol-manual

Hyundai Exter	Tata Punch	Citroen C3	Maruti Ignis	Renault Kiger	Nissan Magnite
EX – Rs 6 lakh	Pure – Rs 6 lakh	Live – Rs 6.16 lakh	Sigma – Rs 5.84 lakh		XE – Rs 6 lakh
EX (O) – Rs 6.24 lakh	Pure Rhythm – Rs 6.35 lakh		Delta – Rs 6.38 lakh	RXE – Rs 6.50 lakh
	Adventure – Rs 6.9 lakh	Feel – Rs 7.08 lakh	Zeta – Rs 6.96 lakh		XL – Rs 7.04 lakh
S – Rs 7.27 lakh	Adventure Rhythm – Rs 7.25 lakh	Feel Vibe Pack – Rs 7.23 lakh
S (O) – Rs 7.41 lakh					XL Geza Edition – Rs 7.39 lakh
	Accomplish – Rs 7.7 lakh	Shine – Rs 7.60 lakh	Alpha – Rs 7.61 lakh		XV – Rs 7.81 lakh
SX – Rs 8 lakh	Accomplish Dazzle – Rs 8.08 lakh			RXT – Rs 7.92 lakh	XV Red Edition – Rs 8.06 lakh
		Feel Turbo – Rs 8.28 lakh		RXT (O) – Rs 8.25 lakh
SX (O) – Rs 8.64 lakh	Creative – Rs 8.52 lakh			RXZ – Rs 8.8 lakh	XV Premium – Rs 8.59 lakh
SX (O) Connect – Rs 9.32 lakh	Creative iRA – Rs 8.82 lakh	Shine Turbo – Rs 8.92 lakh			XV Turbo – Rs 9.19 lakh
				RXT (O) Turbo – Rs 9.45 lakh	XV Red Edition Turbo – Rs 9.44 lakh
					XV Premium Turbo – Rs 9.72 lakh
				RXZ Turbo – Rs 10 lakh	XV Premium (O) Turbo – Rs 9.92 lakh

[embedded content]

The Exter’s starting price is tied with that of its closest rival, the Tata Punch, at Rs 6 lakh, while the Maruti Ignis undercuts them both by around Rs 16,000.
The Magnite prices start on par with the Exter, while the Citroen C3 is pricier by Rs 16,000. But the priciest entry point here is for the Renault Kiger.
Save for the Renault and Nissan SUVs, all other models here get a 1.2-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine with a 5-speed MT.
The Renault-Nissan duo comes with a 1-litre naturally aspirated petrol unit with a 5-speed MT. They also offer a 1-litre turbo-petrol unit with the same manual gearbox option.

The Citroen C3 is the only car here to get an optional 1.2-litre turbo-petrol engine with a 6-speed MT.
Hyundai Exter is the only model here to offer a CNG powertrain (until the Punch CNG arrives).
The top-spec Exter is pricier than the top-spec Punch by Rs 50,000 but also offers more features like a sunroof and dual-camera dashcam.

The Nissan Magnite’s entry-level turbo variant is more affordable than the top-spec Exter, while offering more space thanks to its bigger size, same as the Kiger. But if its performance you’re prioritising, you can consider the top-spec C3 turbo-petrol option instead.
All models in this comparison can be had with an optional dual-tone paint option, majorly limited to their higher-spec variants. The Tata Punch also comes with a Camo edition with multiple variants for a distinctive exterior finish, at a small premium.

Petrol-auto

Hyundai Exter	Tata Punch	Maruti Ignis	Renault Kiger	Nissan Magnite
		Delta AMT – Rs 6.93 lakh
	Adventure AMT – Rs 7.5 lakh	Zeta AMT – Rs 7.51 lakh
S AMT – Rs 7.97 lakh	Adventure Rhythm AMT – Rs 7.85 lakh
	Accomplish AMT – Rs 8.3 lakh	Alpha AMT – Rs 8.16 lakh	RXT AMT – Rs 8.47 lakh
SX AMT – Rs 8.68 lakh	Accomplish Dazzle AMT – Rs 8.68 lakh		RXT (O) AMT – Rs 8.8 lakh
SX (O) AMT – Rs 9.32 lakh	Creative AMT – Rs 9.12 lakh		RXZ AMT – Rs 9.35 lakh
	Creative iRA AMT – Rs 9.42 lakh
SX (O) Connect AMT – Rs 10 lakh				XV Turbo CVT – Rs 10 lakh
			RXT (O) Turbo CVT – Rs 10.45 lakh	XV Red Edition Turbo CVT – Rs 10.25 lakh

The Exter’s entry-level automatic variant is pricier than that of the Punch, while the Maruti Ignis’s entry-level automatic undercuts it by almost a lakh rupees. The Nissan Magnite has the most expensive entry-level automatic option here at Rs 10 lakh.
Although the Exter and Punch’s AMT variants are priced closely to one another, it’s the latter’s variants that are relatively more affordable.
The Exter, Punch and Ignis all offer a 5-speed AMT, as does the Renault Kiger with its 1-litre petrol engine. Citroen does not offer an automatic transmission with the C3, neither does Nissan with the Magnite’s 1-litre engine. The turbo-petrol engines of the Renault-Nissan SUVs come with the choice of a CVT auto.
The Hyundai Exter’s top-spec SX (O) Connect AMT is the costliest of the lot (Rs 10 lakh) when the AMT models are considered. It is also the only one to offer features like paddle shifters and the aforementioned sunroof and dashcam.

Overall, the better-equipped Exter is pricier than the Punch, while the aged Ignis is the most affordable in every comparison. The Citroen C3 is not as well-equipped as those three but still offers the benefit of a larger cabin and a punchy turbo-petrol engine. Meanwhile, the Renault Kiger and Nissan Magnite subcompact SUVs are overall more expensive for their bigger proportions and more features at the top end.

All prices ex-showroom Delhi

Also Read: Here’s Just How Fuel Efficient The Hyundai Exter Is

Hyundai Exter vs Tata Punch, Citroen C3 And Others: Price Comparison

July 12, 2023 Prafful Singh

# Hyundai Exter vs Tata Punch, Citroen C3 And Others: Price Comparison

## The Hyundai Exter micro SUV arrives with an impressive list of features and competitive prices

[![Hyundai Exter vs Tata Punch vs Citroen C3](https://stimg.cardekho.com/images/cms/carnewsimages/editorimages/64ad1e7809f5c.jpg)](https://stimg.cardekho.com/images/cms/carnewsimages/editorimages/64ad1e7809f5c.jpg)

The [Hyundai Exter](https://www.cardekho.com/hyundai/exter) is available in five broad variants: EX, S, SX, SX (O) and SX (O) Connect. Being a micro SUV, its direct rivals are the Tata Punch, Citroen C3 and Maruti Ignis. Like those rivals, the Exter’s prices and features list also put it up against some variants of the Renault Kiger and Nissan Magnite subcompact SUVs.

In this story, let’s see how its variant-wise prices compare to those of its rivals:

## Petrol-manual

[embedded content]

– The Exter’s starting price is tied with that of its closest rival, the [Tata Punch](https://www.cardekho.com/tata/punch), at Rs 6 lakh, while the Maruti Ignis undercuts them both by around Rs 16,000.
– The Magnite prices start on par with the Exter, while the [Citroen C3](https://www.cardekho.com/citroen/c3) is pricier by Rs 16,000. But the priciest entry point here is for the Renault Kiger.
– Save for the Renault and Nissan SUVs, all other models here get a 1.2-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine with a 5-speed MT.
– The Renault-Nissan duo comes with a 1-litre naturally aspirated petrol unit with a 5-speed MT. They also offer a 1-litre turbo-petrol unit with the same manual gearbox option.

[Citroen C3 1.2-litre turbo-petrol engine](https://stimg2.cardekho.com/images/roadTestimages/816×544/20220614_182721/781/citroen0.jpg)

– The Citroen C3 is the only car here to get an optional 1.2-litre turbo-petrol engine with a 6-speed MT.
– Hyundai Exter is the only model here to offer a CNG powertrain (until the Punch CNG arrives).
– The top-spec Exter is pricier than the top-spec Punch by Rs 50,000 but also offers more features like a sunroof and dual-camera dashcam.

[Nissan Magnite](https://stimg2.cardekho.com/images/roadTestimages/816×544/20201120_181940/699/nissan0.jpg)

– The [Nissan Magnite](https://www.cardekho.com/nissan/magnite)’s entry-level turbo variant is more affordable than the top-spec Exter, while offering more space thanks to its bigger size, same as the Kiger. But if its performance you’re prioritising, you can consider the top-spec C3 turbo-petrol option instead.
– All models in this comparison can be had with an optional dual-tone paint option, majorly limited to their higher-spec variants. The Tata Punch also comes with a Camo edition with multiple variants for a distinctive exterior finish, at a small premium.

**Related**: [You Can Buy The Hyundai Exter In 9 Different Shades](https://www.cardekho.com/india-car-news/you-can-buy-the-hyundai-exter-in-9-different-shades-31117.htm)

## Petrol-auto

[Maruti Ignis](https://stimg.cardekho.com/images/cms/carnewsimages/editorimages/6459003fdf4c0.jpg)

– The Exter’s entry-level automatic variant is pricier than that of the Punch, while the [Maruti Ignis](https://www.cardekho.com/carmodels/Maruti/Maruti_Ignis)’s entry-level automatic undercuts it by almost a lakh rupees. The Nissan Magnite has the most expensive entry-level automatic option here at Rs 10 lakh.
– Although the Exter and Punch’s AMT variants are priced closely to one another, it’s the latter’s variants that are relatively more affordable.
– The Exter, Punch and Ignis all offer a 5-speed AMT, as does the [Renault Kiger](https://www.cardekho.com/renault/kiger) with its 1-litre petrol engine. Citroen does not offer an automatic transmission with the C3, neither does Nissan with the Magnite’s 1-litre engine. The turbo-petrol engines of the Renault-Nissan SUVs come with the choice of a CVT auto.
– The Hyundai Exter’s top-spec SX (O) Connect AMT is the costliest of the lot (Rs 10 lakh) when the AMT models are considered. It is also the only one to offer features like paddle shifters and the aforementioned sunroof and dashcam.

[Renault Kiger](https://stimg2.cardekho.com/images/roadTestimages/816×544/20210222_094103/714/renault0.jpg)

**All prices ex-showroom Delhi**

**Also Read**: [Here’s Just How Fuel Efficient The Hyundai Exter Is](https://www.cardekho.com/india-car-news/heres-just-how-fuel-efficient-the-hyundai-exter-is-31114.htm)

Read More on : [Exter AMT](https://www.cardekho.com/hyundai/exter)

News

Yamaha Is Bringing Its Ténéré 40th Anniversary Tour Across Europe In 2023

July 8, 2023 David

In 2023, Yamaha will celebrate the 40th anniversary of its original Ténéré motorcycle. The Ténéré line, which began with the 1983 Yamaha XT600Z, has continued to thrive over the decades. This milestone is a significant achievement for everyone involved.

To commemorate this special occasion, Yamaha Europe is organizing a full 40th anniversary Ténéré tour across various locations in Europe during the summer of 2023. Fans and enthusiasts, as well as casual observers, will have the opportunity to see and experience a range of attractions at these stops, including historic Ténéré production machines and classic Dakar race bikes.

Since the Ténéré line is still going strong in 2023, Yamaha Europe will also offer participants the chance to test ride their new bikes at these events. The tour will also feature the first public appearances of the new Ténéré 700 World Rally, which was designed in tribute to the line’s 40th anniversary and pays homage to the legendary Dakar winner Stéphane Peterhansel.

25 Photos

The Yamaha Ténéré 40th Anniversary Tour began on June 22, 2023, with its first stop at the Adventure Bike Rider Festival in the UK, the largest annual ADV gathering in the region. It then traveled to Ténéré Spirit Aguilar de Campoo in Spain from June 31 to July 1.

Future events include Germany’s MaxlRide Motofestival from August 25 to 27 and France’s Alpes Aventure Motofestival from September 8 to 10. Yamaha may add more events to its calendar throughout the year, so it’s best to check with your local Yamaha dealer for the latest information.

The MaxlRide Motofestival will be held in the Bavarian Alps and offers camping, glamping, and hotel options for participants. The Alpes Aventure Motofestival will take place in Barcelonette, France, at the Parc de la Sapinière. For more information on these festivals, you can visit their official websites.

Featured

These Were The Most Sought-after Cars In June 2023

July 5, 2023 Prafful Singh

The list featured the same cars in the top five rankings as seen in May 2023, with a slight shuffling in their order

The list of best-selling cars for June 2023 is now out. From the 15 models mentioned below, 10 witnessed sales over 10,000 units. However, a majority of them experienced a decline when their year-on-year (YoY) figures are considered.

Here’s the entire list:

Model	June 2023	June 2022	May 2023
Maruti Wagon R	17,481	19,190	16,258
Maruti Swift	15,955	16,213	17,346
Hyundai Creta	14,447	13,790	14,449
Maruti Baleno	14,077	16,103	18,733
Tata Nexon	13,827	14,295	14,423
Hyundai Venue	11,606	10,321	10,213
Maruti Alto	11,323	13,790	9,368
Tata Punch	10,990	10,414	11,124
Maruti Brezza	10,578	4,404	13,398
Maruti Grand Vitara	10,486	–	8,877
Maruti Eeco	9,354	10,130	12,818
Maruti Dzire	9,322	12,597	11,315
Mahindra Bolero	8,686	7,884	8,170
Mahindra Scorpio	8,648	4,131	9,318
Maruti Ertiga	8,422	10,423	10,528

Also Read: A Pair Of Icons: Amitabh Bachchan Seen Driving A Mahindra Thar

Takeaways

One of the usual table-toppers, the Maruti Wagon R, witnessed total sales of close to 17,500 units. While its month-on-month (MoM) number went up, its YoY figure plummeted by 9 percent.
The Maruti Swift stood second for another consecutive month, this time with cumulative sales of nearly 16,000 units.

Taking the final spot on the podium was the Hyundai Creta, therefore the best selling SUV of June 2023. With almost 14,450 units sold, it surpassed the Maruti Baleno by 300-odd units whose sales stood just over 14,000.
The Tata Nexon moved neither up nor down on the sales chart compared to its May 2023’s ranking (read fifth spot), although it did record a drop in sales by around 600 units. Do note that these figures also include sales of the Nexon EV Prime and Max.

Following Tata’s sub-4m SUV were the Hyundai Venue and Maruti Alto, both with sales falling in the 11,000- to 12,000-unit range. Both enjoyed MoM growth. The Hyundai SUV’s sales also includes the numbers of the Hyundai Venue N Line.
While the Tata Punch’s YoY sales went up by approximately 600 units, its MoM number saw a marginal drop of 100-odd units.

The Maruti Brezza’s YoY sales shot up by a whopping 140 percent to breach the 10,500 sales mark, but dropped in MoM figures. The YoY spike is likely down to the drop in the production of the previous model while leading into the introduction of the more premium and loaded second-gen model of the SUV in June 2022.
With up to 10,500 units dispatched of the Maruti Grand Vitara in June 2023, it was the last car on this list whose sales went beyond the 10,000-unit mark, and not far behind its more affordable sibling.

Next up were the Maruti Eeco and Maruti Dzire, with the two having a difference of barely 30-odd units in their June sales. The sub-4m sedan was also the worst affected model on the list in terms of YoY numbers.
The bottom three spots on this list were taken by the Mahindra Bolero, Mahindra Scorpio and Maruti Ertiga, respectively, with their sales in the 8,000- to 9,000-unit territory. The Scorpio’s numbers are inclusive of figures for both the Mahindra Scorpio Classic and Mahindra Scorpio N.

Also Read: Maruti Eeco: Good At Doing What It Does Best

BMW Z4 With a Nascar Engine Designed to Dominate Hillclimbs

July 3, 2023 Prafful Singh

In motorsport events around the world, you’ll often find at least one BMW on the list of participants. These BMWs are typically modified in various ways. However, there are individuals who believe that merely turbocharging a naturally-aspirated BMW engine is insufficient. One such person is Jimmy Giannoccaro, the owner of G&H Transport in South Africa, who has a racing background in Zambia. With both the financial resources and the experience, Giannoccaro has created something truly unique – a BMW Z4 with a Nascar V8 engine under its hood.

The project began with a roughly 10-year-old 5.7-liter naturally-aspirated Nascar engine imported from the United States to South Africa. The engine was then meticulously fit into the engine bay of the BMW. However, as the owner recalls, the car performed poorly last year, so they decided to start from scratch to improve its performance for this year’s Knysna Simola Hillclimb, the premier motorsport event in South Africa.

Among the modifications made to the Z4, the Americanized coupe was equipped with a sequential gearbox and a drivetrain borrowed from a BMW M5 to deliver power to the rear wheels. The engine was also converted from carburetors to fuel injection, which posed its own set of challenges. Additionally, the car’s brakes were upgraded to an AP Racing set with 15-inch rotors on all corners. The car now features luxuries such as a traction control system, ABS, and launch control, which were absent in the previous iteration.

The 5.7-liter Hendrick Motorsports engine is located behind the front wheels, effectively making the BMW Z4 a front mid-engine machine. Currently, the engine is limited to 7,500 rpm, but the owner plans to increase it to an ideal target of 9,000 rpm in the future. The car currently produces around 590 horsepower and 468 pound-feet of torque, which is commendable for a naturally-aspirated race car.

In terms of aesthetics, the team imported a genuine GT3 body kit from Germany, making Giannoccaro’s Z4 the first in South Africa to have such a appearance. It’s truly an impressive creation. After watching the video above, we’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments section below.

Motorsport

BMW XM Label Red Configurator Now Available, Top Price is $198,544

July 2, 2023 Prafful Singh

BMW has recently launched the XM Label Red configurator on its website. Although the waiting list has been open since February, this is the first chance for customers to customize the large SUV, which has a starting price of $185,000 plus an additional $995 for destination fees. For this amount, buyers can choose from a variety of paint colors, including metallic shades like Anglesey Green Metallic, matte options like Frozen Black and Ruby Black Metallic, as well as Frozen Tulum Blue.

The standard size for the wheels is 22 inches, featuring double-spoke and bi-color M Light Alloys. However, buyers have the option to upgrade to 23-inch M Light Alloy Star-spoke wheels. There are also various tire packages to choose from, including all-season, performance, and high-performance compounds. The final price remains the same regardless of the wheel and tire package selected. Additionally, adding Toronto Red exterior trim or M Sport brakes with blue or red calipers does not affect the final price.

The interior of the BMW XM Label Red offers only full Merino leather upholstery with red accents and carbon fiber M Signature trim. However, customers can add the Bowers & Wilkins Diamond Surround Sound System for an additional $3,400. This system features exclusive Diamond Dome tweeters, fully active amplification channels, and QuantumLogic Surround/Dynamic Sound Equalizing.

Similar to other BMW performance vehicles, buyers of the BMW XM Label Red can opt for the $2,500 M Driver’s Package. In addition to increasing the top speed of the XM, this package also includes a one-day high-performance driving class at the BMW Performance Center. This allows drivers to experience the vehicle’s limits in a controlled environment through various high-speed exercises.

The final option to consider is the selection of BMW Ultimate Care+ bundles, which vary in price from $850 to $6,649 depending on the level of maintenance and duration. The highest-level bundle, BMW Ultimate Care+ 4, provides extended coverage and replacement of wear-and-tear items for an additional four years and 89,000 miles. This brings the total coverage to seven years or 125,000 miles and is transferable if the vehicle is sold.

The total cost of the BMW XM Label Red, including destination charges, is $198,544, which is only $12,549 more than the base price. BMW has surprisingly limited the available options for the XM Label Red, but it is worth noting that this package is already a limited edition. In comparison, choosing a base BMW X3 sDrive30i and adding various options can easily surpass $17,000 in additional costs.

Featured

Maruti Invicto To Be The First Model From The Carmaker To Get These 10 Features

June 16, 2023 Prafful Singh

The Maruti Invicto’s features list will include some new comfort, convenience and safety equipment borrowed from its premium partner

Until early 2022, most Maruti cars were lacking the modern tech offered by their competitors. This changed with the facelifted Maruti Baleno, which introduced some first-time features and was further improved with the Grand Vitara. Now, with the Toyota Innova Hycross-based Maruti Invicto launching on July 5, we have compiled a list of the 10 features that will debut for the marque:

A 10-inch Touchscreen

The Invicto will come with a larger 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment unit, an upgrade from the current 7-inch unit.

Powered Driver Seat With Memory

The Invicto will feature an 8-way power-adjustable driver seat with memory function, similar to the Toyota Innova Hycross.

Dual-zone Climate Control

The Invicto will be equipped with front and rear dual-zone climate control, along with a pollution filter.

9-speaker Premium Sound System

The Invicto will feature a 9-speaker premium JBL audio system, a departure from Maruti’s previous Arkamys tuning.

Front Parking Sensors

The Invicto will come with front parking sensors, a safety addition not previously offered on Maruti cars.

Also Read: We Took The Toyota Hilux On An Off-road Expedition!

Ottoman Seats

The Invicto will offer ottoman seats in the captain seat specification, providing increased legroom and reclining options.

18-inch Alloy Wheels

The Invicto will come with 18-inch alloy wheels, the largest offered by Maruti from the factory.

Electronic Parking Brake

The Invicto will introduce an electronic parking brake with auto-hold, providing convenience during city driving.

Powered Tailgate

The Invicto will feature a powered tailgate, adding convenience to the lineup.

ADAS

The Invicto will debut with advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), including adaptive cruise control, autonomous emergency braking, and lane keep assist.

Also Read: Toyota Innova HyCross Hybrid First Drive | A Safe Cover Drive or A Hit Out Of The Park?

BONUS: USB Type-C Ports And Rear Sunshades

The Invicto will come with USB Type-C charging ports and rear sunshades as additional convenience features.

Note: While these features are provided from the factory in the case of the Toyota Innova Hycross and the Maruti Invicto, they can also be added as aftermarket accessories.

Which of these features would you like to see in future Maruti cars? Share your thoughts in the comments.

Only one of the cars on this list offers this feature as standard, and the brand of the car may surprise you

2023 Kia Seltos

Mahindra XUV700

Mahindra Scorpio N

Jeep Compass

Toyota Innova Hycross

Maruti Invicto

Hyundai Tucson

The Hyundai Exter packs an extensive equipment list, which includes a few segment-first features as well

A Sunroof

Digitised Driver’s Display

Dual Dashcam Setup

Wireless Phone Charging

Paddle Shifters

A Bigger Touchscreen

A Beefier Safety Kit

The Hyundai Exter micro SUV arrives with an impressive list of features and competitive prices

Petrol-manual

Petrol-auto

The list featured the same cars in the top five rankings as seen in May 2023, with a slight shuffling in their order

Takeaways

The Maruti Invicto’s features list will include some new comfort, convenience and safety equipment borrowed from its premium partner

A 10-inch Touchscreen

Powered Driver Seat With Memory

Dual-zone Climate Control

9-speaker Premium Sound System

Front Parking Sensors

Ottoman Seats

18-inch Alloy Wheels

Electronic Parking Brake

Powered Tailgate

ADAS

BONUS: USB Type-C Ports And Rear Sunshades

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