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Tata Curvv Makes Its Spy Debut With Heavy Camouflage


The SUV will likely hit the Indian market sometime next year, arriving first in an electric avatar

Tata Curvv Spied

Tata Curvv, an upcoming coupe-SUV from the Indian carmaker, has been spied testing for the first time in the country. The carmaker had already revealed the near-production-ready Curvv at the Auto Expo 2023 and now the testing has begun, as a test mule under heavy camouflage was spotted in a parking lot, surrounded by other test mules.

What The Spy Shots Suggest

Tata Curvv Spied

In the spy shots, the front and side profile of the Curvv can be seen clearly. From the front, we could only notice the position of the headlamp, the silhouette of the DRL strip, and the position of the Tata logo in the middle. The position of the grille seems to be the same as in the unit showcased at the Auto Expo.

Also See: Tata Altroz i-CNG Shows Off Its Boot Space At The Airport Conveyor Belt

The side profile shows a different set of alloys compared to the one we saw at the motor show. From this angle, we can see the length of the car, flush door handles, and the sleek windows. Also, it seems like the carmaker has tried to hide the sloped rear-end styling of the production-spec model, which is the highlight of the Curvv’s design, by adding extra box camouflage.

Powertrain

Tata Curvv Centre Console

The Tata Curvv will be powered by Tata’s 1.2-litre turbo-petrol engine that produces 125PS and 225Nm. The transmission options have not been confirmed yet, but one of them could be a dual-clutch transmission (DCT). Other engine options are still unknown.

Tata Curvv EV

It will also have an electric version built on Tata’s Gen 2 platform. The electric version is expected to have a range of up to 500 km and is scheduled to arrive before the model with the internal combustion engine (ICE).

Features & Safety

Tata Curvv Cabin

Based on the 2023 showcase at the Auto Expo, the Tata Curvv is expected to come with a large touchscreen infotainment system with connected car tech, a fully digital driver’s display, automatic climate control with a touch panel, and a panoramic sunroof. It might also feature Tata’s new steering wheel with a central digital display.

Also Read: EVs A Priority But Not At The Cost Of Petrol And Diesel Cars, Says Tata

For safety, the SUV is expected to offer up to six airbags, ABS with EBD, electronic stability control (ESC), rear parking sensors, and ISOFIX child seat anchors. It might also come with some advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) features as found in the Tata Harrier.

Price & Rivals

Tata Curvv

The Tata Curvv is expected to be launched early next year, with the electric version starting at around Rs 20 lakh, and the ICE version starting at an estimated price of Rs 10.5 lakh (all prices ex-showroom). Once launched, it will compete against compact SUVs like the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Maruti Grand Vitara, Toyota Hyryder, Volkswagen Taigun, Skoda Kushaq, and MG Astor. Meanwhile, the electric version of the Curvv will compete against vehicles like the MG ZS EV and Hyundai Kona Electric.

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Meet AKT Motos, A Colombian Moto Brand You’ve Probably Never Heard Of

When it comes to motorcycles, there are numerous manufacturers outside of the North American market that many of us have never even heard of. Different regions have different needs and preferences when it comes to motorcycles. In the US, big, powerful bikes are popular for long-distance travel on freeways. In other congested regions like Europe, Asia, and South America, small-displacement bikes are favored for mobility. Exploring the bikes and manufacturers in these regions is like discovering a whole new world of motorcycles.

AKT Motos is one such brand that many of us, including myself, haven’t heard of until now, but it is one of the biggest names in the motorcycle industry in Colombia. Established in 2004, AKT Motos aimed to produce affordable motorcycles for Colombian residents. Over the past 19 years, the brand has grown significantly and now holds 15 percent of the Colombian motorcycle market. It also exports its bikes to neighboring markets and has recently expanded to Bolivia and Aruba.

Currently, AKT Motos has 5,000 spare parts distributors and 427 service centers in Colombia alone. The brand’s rapid growth and popularity in Colombia can be attributed to its accessibility. AKT Motos sources its products from Chinese and Taiwanese manufacturers and then remodels, reassembles, or rebrands them for the Colombian market. This allows them to offer affordable prices that fit within the budgets of most Colombian residents.

In addition to accessibility, AKT Motos has adopted a unique digital approach to connect with customers. The brand utilizes various online and social media platforms, including WhatsApp, to engage with its customer base. Furthermore, AKT Motos actively promotes safe and defensive riding. The company conducts rider training workshops and runs a road safety campaign called “Mi Familia Me Espera” or “My Family Awaits Me,” emphasizing the importance of riding safely to return home to loved ones.

When it comes to product offerings, AKT Motos has a wide range of bikes to choose from. Their official website showcases an impressive selection, including the workhorse NKD 125 series, sporty naked bikes like the CR4 125, scooters like the Dynamic, and even a sporty supermoto called the TTR 125. With such diverse models and attractive pricing, it’s no wonder that AKT Motos has gained prominence in Colombia.

2024 Renault Arkana Facelift Unveiled with Esprit Alpine Flagship Trim

The Renault Arkana, also known as the Megane Conquest and XM3 in different markets, was one of the earliest coupe-SUVs to make its way to Europe. Launched in October 2020, this sleek compact car is already receiving a mid-cycle update. Building on the success of the original model, which has sold 163,000 units in Europe and a total of 240,000 units including the XM3 in South Korea.

The 2024 Arkana is the latest Renault model to feature the updated corporate logo and comes with various accents depending on the trim level – black, satin chrome, or dark chrome. The lineup has been simplified, now offering three versions: Evolution, Techno, and Esprit Alpine, which replaces the RS Line and serves as the top-of-the-line version. Other subtle changes include partially tinted lights and dark accents replacing silver.

Here Is Everything You Need To Know About The Hyundai Exter


The micro-SUV is entering the market as a rival to the Tata Punch and will be launched on July 10

Hyundai Exter

Hyundai Exter, the latest offering from the Korean carmaker is all set to be launched on July 10 as the brand’s new entry-level SUV offering. Bookings for the Exter have been open for a while now and Hyundai has revealed most details of the SUV except for its price. So let’s take a look at what the Exter has to offer:

Design

Hyundai Exter Front & Side

The Hyundai Exter has a very modern-looking boxy design. The front profile has a bold look due to the upright fascia, stubby bonnet and multi-section bumper with the large skid plate. It also gets a sleek set of H-shaped LED DRLs and below them, the square-shaped headlamps can be found.

Also Read: Facelifted Hyundai Creta Spied On Test In India For The First Time

On the sides, the wheel arches bulge outwards for an athletic stance and it gets cladding all around for an enhanced SUV look. The Exter will also come with dual-tone black and silver alloy wheels.

Hyundai Exter Rear

The rear end of the Exter looks a lot like the front, with muscular creases and the H-shaped lighting elements in the tail lamps. The tail lamps are connected by a thick black strip and its rear skid plate starts high on the black bumper for an extra rugged look.

Cabin

Hyundai Exter Front Seats

The cabin layout of the Exter is nearly identical to the one on the Grand i10 Nios. The only difference is in the colour scheme. While the hatchback gets a dual-tone cabin, the SUV gets an all-black one with the same design.

Hyundai Exter Cabin

The centre console, diamond pattern on the dashboard and turbine-shaped AC vents are quite similar to that of the Grand i10 Nios. The Exter gets a leather-wrapped steering wheel and it also gets semi-leatherette seats.

Powertrain

Hyundai Exter Engine

The Exter gets the same engine as the Grand i10 Nios and Aura: a 1.2-litre petrol engine that churns out 83PS and 114Nm. This unit will be paired with either a 5-speed manual transmission or a 5-speed AMT.

Also Read: 5 Things That The 2024 Hyundai Creta Will Get From Kia Seltos Facelift

Just like the Grand i10 Nios, the Exter will also get a CNG powertrain at the time of launch. The CNG variant will use the same engine mated only to a 5-speed manual and will have lower output figures.

Features & Safety

Hyundai Exter Dashboard

Onboard the Exter, you’ll see an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a digitised driver’s display with a 4.2-inch MID, cruise control, wireless phone charger, single pane sunroof, automatic climate control and a dash cam with dual cameras.

Hyundai Exter Dash Cam

In terms of safety, it will come with six airbags as standard. Other features like ABS with EBD, electronic stability control (ESC), tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS), rearview camera and ISOFIX anchors will also be offered.

Price & Rivals

Hyundai Exter Sunroof

Hyundai will reveal its prices on July 10 and we expect it to be priced from Rs 6 lakh (ex-showroom) onwards. After its launch, the Exter will be a rival to the Tata Punch in the micro-SUV segment while also taking on the Nissan Magnite, Renault Kiger, Citroen C3 and Maruti Fronx.

What’s The Difference Between Polestar And Volvo?

The Polestar brand is a recent addition to the global automotive market. In October 2017, it became its own brand separate from Volvo, where it was originally a division for high-performance cars. This move was announced by Volvo Cars and Geely and marked the brand’s dedication to producing electric vehicles (EVs), coinciding with the 20th anniversary of its foundation by Flash / Polestar Racing.

A Unique Philosophy

The initial aim behind the creation of Polestar as a standalone brand was to compete in the emerging market of electrified cars. Their first model, the Polestar 1, was a large plug-in hybrid luxury coupe, followed by the Polestar 2, an all-electric midsize sedan that directly rivals the Tesla Model 3. Despite being a new brand, Polestar managed to sell around 110,000 vehicles worldwide between 2020 and May 2023, demonstrating their success in the premium segment.

A Better Volvo?

The confusion between Polestar and Volvo’s positioning began when Volvo introduced its first fully electric autonomous model, the Volvo C40. This highlighted Volvo’s plans to produce premium electric vehicles, raising questions about how the two brands will differentiate themselves while pursuing a similar goal.

Subsequently, Polestar unveiled the Polestar 3 around the same time as Volvo revealed the new XC90. Both vehicles are large premium electric SUVs, but their construction philosophies differ. Polestar’s existence is based on three fundamental pillars: design, innovation, and sustainability. They aim to produce a climate-neutral car by 2030, which aligns with Volvo’s values and objectives. However, the specifics of their differences are yet to be seen.

Volvo Will Also Become Fully Electric

As automakers transition from combustion to electric power, they are creating new brands or sub-brands to better position themselves in the new era. For example, BMW has the “i” sub-brand, and Mercedes has the “EQ” family. However, as the shift towards electric vehicles becomes predominant, manufacturers must avoid redundancy between these brands. Geely and Volvo Cars aim to position Polestar as a real alternative without negatively impacting Volvo’s sales.

Ultimately, the success and differentiation of Polestar will depend on the public’s response to their upcoming models. For now, both Polestar and Volvo can coexist, but only time will tell how they will continue to evolve.

The author of the article, Felipe Munoz, is an Automotive Industry Specialist at JATO Dynamics.

Volkswagen reveals new T-Cross: major update for the successful compact SUV

Volkswagen presents the first facts and pictures of the new T-Cross: The car comes to customers with its revamped design, enhanced standard equipment, new technology features and a newly designed high-quality interior. Pre-sales are scheduled to start in the fourth quarter of 2023. In just four years, the T-Cross has captured a top position among compact SUVs: around 1.2 million people have already chosen this versatile Volkswagen. With an average of 300,000 units produced every year, the T-Cross, which is also offered outside Europe under the names Tacqua and Taigun, is currently one of the most successful Volkswagen models worldwide.