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Featured

10 Cars Under Rs 10 Lakh That Are Ideal for Rainy Season


These cars have sufficient ground clearance to handle various types of terrain and urban obstacles

Driving on the dilapidated roads of India can be a hassle, as you always have to be cautious about your car’s underbody scraping on the road. Add to that the challenges of navigating through flooded streets during the monsoon season, and you’ll find yourself worrying about how to safely and relatively dryly maneuver through such situations. While SUVs are known for their ruggedness and high ground clearance, there are also subcompact cars priced under Rs 10 lakh (ex-showroom) that offer a reassuring distance from the ground.

Renault Kwid – 184mm

Renault Kwid

The Renault Kwid, one of the earliest entry-level subcompact cars to adopt SUV design elements, offers a decent ground clearance that is comparable to some SUVs. The Kwid is equipped with a 1.0-liter petrol engine (68PS/91Nm) and is available with either a 5-speed manual or a 5-speed AMT. The Renault hatchback is priced between Rs 4.70 lakh and Rs 6.33 lakh (ex-showroom).

Hyundai Exter – 185mm

Hyundai Exter

The recently launched Hyundai Exter micro-SUV offers a ground clearance that is similar to the Kwid. This Hyundai model is positioned high off the ground, ensuring you don’t have to worry about rough roads. The Exter is powered by a 1.2-liter petrol engine (83PS/114Nm) that can be paired with either a 5-speed manual or a 5-speed AMT. Additionally, there is a CNG variant available with the same engine and a 5-speed manual transmission. The introductory price range for the Exter is between Rs 6 lakh and Rs 10.10 lakh (ex-showroom).

Also Read: Hyundai Exter Top-spec AMT vs Hyundai i20 Sportz Turbo-Petrol DCT – Which One To Pick?

Tata Punch – 187mm

Tata Punch

The Tata Punch, a direct competitor to the Exter, surpasses the Hyundai micro-SUV with slightly higher ground clearance and larger 16-inch wheels. The Punch is equipped with a 1.2-liter petrol engine (88PS/115Nm) and comes with a 5-speed manual or a 5-speed AMT. The top variant of the Punch also offers traction modes, making it more capable on rough roads compared to other compact SUVs in this price range. The price range for the Tata Punch is between Rs 6 lakh and Rs 9.52 lakh (ex-showroom).

Maruti Fronx – 190mm

Maruti Fronx

The Maruti Fronx, one of Maruti’s latest offerings, boasts impressive ground clearance, making it easier to navigate rain-affected roads. This crossover SUV, based on the Baleno, is available with two engine options: a 1.2-liter petrol engine (90PS/113Nm) and a 1.0-liter turbo-petrol engine (100PS/148Nm). Both engines come with a 5-speed manual transmission as standard, and the 1.2-liter petrol engine also has a 5-speed AMT option. Additionally, there is a CNG variant available with the 1.2-liter petrol engine. The price range for the Maruti Fronx is between Rs 7.46 lakh and Rs 13.13 lakh (ex-showroom).

Also Read: The “Toyota Fronx” Exists, And May Arrive In 2024!

Hyundai Venue – 195mm

Hyundai Venue

The Hyundai Venue, the first true SUV on this list, offers slightly less than 200mm of ground clearance. Despite this, the subcompact SUV is capable of handling various terrains. It is available with three engine options: a 1.2-liter petrol engine (83PS/114Nm) mated to a 5-speed manual transmission, a 1.0-liter turbo-petrol engine (120PS/172Nm) paired with a 6-speed iMT or an optional 7-speed DCT (dual-clutch automatic), and a 1.5-liter diesel engine (116PS/250Nm) available only with a 6-speed manual transmission. The Hyundai Venue is priced between Rs 7.77 lakh and Rs 13.18 lakh (ex-showroom).

Maruti Brezza – 200mm

Maruti Brezza

The Maruti Brezza offers 5mm more ground clearance than the Venue, making it more suitable for rough terrains without the worry of hitting the car’s underbody. It is equipped with a 1.5-liter petrol engine (103PS/137Nm) available with a 5-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic transmission. Additionally, there is a CNG variant available with the same engine and a 5-speed manual transmission. The Maruti Brezza is priced between Rs 8.29 lakh and Rs 14.14 lakh (ex-showroom).

Also Read: Maruti Brezza Automatic Now More Efficient Than Manual Variants

Renault Kiger – 205mm

Renault Kiger

The Renault Kiger offers the highest ground clearance on this list, surpassing the Brezza by an additional 5mm. With the same wheelbase as the Brezza but a higher ground clearance, the Kiger is even more capable of dealing with bad road conditions, especially during the monsoon. It is available with two engine options: a 1.0-liter petrol engine (72PS/96Nm) and a 1.0-liter turbo-petrol engine (100PS/160Nm). Both engines are paired with a 5-speed manual transmission as standard, with the 1.0-liter petrol engine having the option of a 5-speed AMT and the 1.0-liter turbo-petrol engine equipped with a CVT. The price range for the Renault Kiger is between Rs 6.50 lakh and Rs 11.23 lakh (ex-showroom).

Nissan Magninte – 205mm

Nissan Magnite

The Nissan Magnite, which shares its platform with the Kiger, also boasts the same ground clearance of 205mm. It offers similar powertrain options, with the difference being that the 1.0-liter petrol engine (72PS/96Nm) is available only with a 5-speed manual transmission. One advantage of the Magnite over the Kiger is the inclusion of a 360-degree camera, which proves helpful when tackling difficult terrains. The price range for the Magnite is between Rs 6 lakh and Rs 11.02 lakh (ex-showroom).

Kia Sonet – 205mm

Kia Sonet

The Kia Sonet matches the ground clearance of the Renault-Nissan duo, providing an impressive 205mm of ground clearance. Despite sharing its mechanical components with the Venue, the Sonet sits 10mm higher than its Hyundai counterpart. It offers the same three engine options as the Venue: a 1.0-liter turbo-petrol engine (120PS/172Nm) with a 6-speed iMT or a 7-speed DCT, a 1.2-liter petrol engine (83PS/115Nm) with a 5-speed manual, and a 1.5-liter diesel engine (115PS/250Nm) with a 6-speed iMT or a 6-speed automatic transmission. The price range for the Kia Sonet is between Rs 7.79 lakh and Rs 14.89 lakh (ex-showroom).

Tata Nexon – 209mm

Tata Nexon

The Tata Nexon, the best-selling SUV in India, offers the highest ground clearance among the cars under Rs 10 lakh, surpassing its rivals by an additional 4mm. With this ground clearance, the Nexon can easily handle bumpy roads, flooded streets, and even some off-road terrains. It is available with two engine options: a 1.2-liter turbo-petrol engine (120PS/170Nm) and a 1.5-liter diesel engine (115PS/260Nm). Both engines are offered with either a 5-speed manual transmission or a 6-speed AMT. The price range for the Tata Nexon is between Rs 8 lakh and Rs 14.60 lakh (ex-showroom).

Honorary Mention

Maruti Alto K10 – 160mm

Maruti Alto K10

The Maruti Alto K10 may only have a ground clearance of 160mm on paper, which is relatively low compared to other cars on this list. However, thanks to its mechanical simplicity, this entry-level hatchback can often handle challenging terrains, including mud, snow, and flooded areas, where larger SUVs may struggle and require towing.

Also Read: Over 87,000 Units Of Maruti S-Presso And Eeco Have Been Recalled

Driving during the monsoon can be risky, and while these cars are better suited to handle broken or flooded roads, we advise caution and only going out when absolutely necessary.

Read More on : KWID AMT

Featured

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

NewsNew

SXSLIDE FULL PLATE FOR KTM 450: PRODUCT REVIEW


ktm 450xcf w sxslide

ktm 450xcf w sxslide

PRODUCT: The SXSlide Full Plate is a skid plate designed specifically for the KTM 450XCF-W. It is made from 1/4-inch UHMW plastic, which is both lightweight and extremely durable. It features deflectors to protect the water pump on the right side and a wing to protect the ignition side of the engine. Since this is a PDS machine, it does not need a linkage guard.

OUR TAKE: Mounting aftermarket skid plates can be a hassle, but the SXSlide Full Plate makes it easy. It uses KTM mounting points on the frame and a billet crossbar mount, simplifying the installation process. In terms of protection, it is significantly thicker than the stock skid plate, and the wings that guard the water pump and ignition do an excellent job in shielding these important areas.

In summary, the SXSlide Full Plate offers easy installation, increased protection, and a lightweight yet sturdy design.

Price: $135

Contact: www.sxslideplate.com

Featured

Citroen C3 Completes 1 Year In India: Here’s A Recap


The hatchback is one of the most stylish and competitively priced models on sale, with an EV derivative on offer as well

Citroen C3

The Citroen C3 has completed its first anniversary in India. The hatchback was the French carmaker’s second and most-affordable model for our country. While it essentially is sized to compete with premium hatchbacks like the Maruti Baleno and Hyundai i20, its prices put it on par with more affordable cars like the Hyundai Grand i10 Nios and Maruti Swift.

So, here’s a recap of the Citroen C3 and the changes it has been through over the year:

Price Change

Variant

Launch Price

Latest Price

Difference

Live

Rs 5.71 lakh

Rs 6.16 lakh

Rs 45,000

Feel

Rs 6.63 lakh

Rs 7.08 lakh

Rs 45,000

Feel DT

Rs 6.78 lakh

Rs 7.23 lakh

Rs 45,000

Feel DT Turbo

Rs 8.06 lakh

RS 8.28 lakh

Rs 22,000

Shine

–

Rs 7.60 lakh

–

Shine DT

–

Rs 7.75 lakh

–

Shine DT Turbo

–

Rs 8.80 lakh

–

  • The Live and Feel variants have grown costlier by Rs 45,000, while the Feel Turbo sees a hike of Rs 22,000 since its launch.

  • The C3 now ranges from Rs 6.16 lakh to Rs 8.80 lakh (ex-showroom).

New Top-End Variant

Citroen C3

Citroen has added a new top-spec Shine variant to the C3’s lineup. This variant adds electrically adjustable ORVMs, fog lamps, 15-inch dual-tone alloy wheels, connected car tech features, day/night IRVM, rear parking camera, and a rear wiper with washer.

Feature Additions

Citroen C3 Interior

The turbo variants exclusively get electronic stability programme (ESP), hill-hold assist, tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS), and idle-engine start/stop as standard.

Also Read: Citroen eC3 vs Tata Tiago EV: Space & Practicality Comparison

Safety Ratings Out

Citroen C3 Latin NCAP

The made-in-Brazil Citroen C3 failed the Latin NCAP crash tests. The crash tests were performed on the Brazil-spec model, where it scored zero stars in the assessment. It scored 31 percent (12.21 points) in adult occupation protections and 12 percent for child protection.

BS6 Phase 2 Updates

The hatchback, just like other cars on sale, received the BS6 phase 2 emission norms update earlier in 2023. The C3 is offered with 82PS 1.2-litre petrol and 110PS turbo-petrol engines, respectively. The naturally aspirated option gets a 5-speed manual transmission, while the turbo unit gets a 6-speed manual gearbox.

Gets An Electric Version Too!

Citroen eC3

In February 2023, Citroen also introduced an electric version of the C3 hatchback. It looks identical to the ICE version, with a few eC3 badges, but minus the exhaust pipe. It gets a 29.2kWh battery pack which claims a driving range of up to 320 kilometres. The eC3 is priced from Rs 11.50 lakh to Rs 12.43 lakh (ex-showroom).

Future Changes

In future, we can expect the C3 to finally get the choice of an automatic transmission. The Brazilian-spec model gets a 6-speed torque converter automatic, which is likely to debut on the India-spec C3 too.

Read More on : Citroen C3 on road price

NewsNew

SHERCO ANNOUNCES 2024 LINE

Sherco has introduced its 2024 lineup of off-road bikes, featuring both two-stroke and four-stroke models. The four-stroke range includes the 500, 450, 300, and 250, while the two-stroke line consists of the 300, 250, and 125. The major highlight for 2024 is the improved performance of the 250 and 300 four-stroke models, which now have higher revs and increased power. Here are the specifications provided by Sherco:

450 – 500 SEF FACTORY

2024 Sherco 500SEF

SPECS

  • New 2024 graphics kit
  • New LED headlight
  • New front fender
  • New clutch cover
  • New swingarm
  • New Sherco Factory exhaust header pipe and Akrapovič silencer
  • New frame paint
  • New wheels
  • New rear sprocket
  • Blue Diamond SELLE DALLA VALLE seat
  • KYB front suspension with closed cartridges
  • KYB rear shock absorber
  • 6mm AXP skid plate
  • GALFER front brake disc
  • BREMBO brake system

250 – 300 SE TWO-STROKES

2024 Sherco 250SE Factory

SPECS

  • New 2024 graphics kit
  • New LED headlight
  • New front fender
  • New clutch cover
  • New swingarm
  • New frame paint
  • New wheels
  • New rear sprocket
  • Blue Diamond SELLE DALLA VALLE seat
  • KYB front suspension with closed cartridges
  • KYB rear shock absorber
  • GALFER front brake disc
  • BREMBO brake system

250 – 300 SEF FACTORY

2024 Sherco 300SEF Factory

SPECS

  • New 2024 graphics kit
  • New LED headlight
  • New front fender
  • New engine
  • Akrapovič exhaust system with titanium header pipe
  • New clutch cover
  • New swingarm
  • New frame paint
  • New wheels
  • New rear sprocket
  • Blue Diamond SELLE DALLA VALLE seat
  • KYB front suspension with closed cartridges
  • KYB rear shock absorber
  • 6mm AXP skid plate
  • GALFER front brake disc
  • BREMBO brake system

125SE FACTORY

2024 Sherco 125SE

SPECS

  • New 2024 graphics kit
  • New LED headlight
  • New front fender
  • New clutch cover
  • New swingarm
  • New frame paint
  • New wheels
  • New rear sprocket
  • Blue Diamond SELLE DALLA VALLE seat
  • KYB front suspension with closed cartridges
  • KYB rear shock absorber
  • GALFER front brake disc
  • BREMBO brake system

SPECS

  • Engine: 2-stroke single cylinder with electronically controlled valve system
  • Displacement: 124.81cc
  • Bore & Stroke: 54 x 54.50mm
  • Fuel supply: Keihin PWK 36 carburetor
  • Battery: BS 12V 140A Lithium Battery
  • Lubrication: 2% mixture
  • Fuel: 95-E10 unleaded gasoline
  • Cooling: Liquid with forced circulation
  • Starting: Electric starter
  • Exhaust: Chromed steel exhaust header pipe, Aluminum silencer
  • Ignition system: DC – CDI ignition with digital advance
  • Transmission: 6 speed – 520 O-ring chain
  • Clutch: Brembo hydraulic control, multi-disc in oil bath
  • Ignition: 220 W alternator
  • Chassis: Semi-perimeter high-strength chrome-molybdenum steel
  • Fuel tank: 10.4 L capacity
  • Brakes: Hydraulic Brembo, 260 mm Ø (front) – 220 mm Ø 220 (rear)
  • Front suspension: KYB 48 mm Ø fork – 300 mm stroke – closed cartridge technology – hydraulic setting + specific spring rate
  • Rear suspension: KYB 50 Ø18 mm shock absorber – 330 mm rear wheel travel – hydraulic + specific spring rate.
  • Front wheel: Excel 1.60 x 21’’ black anodized rim and Michelin Enduro Medium tire
  • Rear wheel: Excel 2.15 x 18’’ black anodized rim and Michelin Enduro Medium tire
  • Wheelbase: 1465mm (57.68 inches)
  • Ground clearance: 355mm (14 inches)
  • Saddle height: 950 mm (37.4 inches)
News

10 Most Iconic Pickup Trucks Of All Time

What makes a vehicle an icon in the automotive world? Does it need to offer the greatest performance numbers, the most unique features, or help save a brand from extinction? Each of these ten pickup trucks brings something unique to the truck market, cementing a solid place on our list.

America is much more than home to the “free and brave,” and it’s also more than its expansive ocean to ocean width. The size and ruggedness of the American landscape have made it a country where pickup trucks are some of the most popular vehicles to drive. These iconic models showed what automakers could create with these amazing work vehicles.

Related: 10 Best Sleeper Trucks Of All Time

10 2004 Dodge Ram SRT-10: Viper Power In A Half-Ton Truck

What Makes It Iconic: Dodge Viper 8.3-liter V-10 engine

Red Dodge Ram SRT-10
Dodge
Front and side shot of a Red 2004 Dodge Ram SRT-10 parked

The 2004 Dodge Ram SRT-10 pickup truck is imaginative and creative but wasn’t as useful as most trucks. The Viper engine enabled the SRT-10 to be the fastest full-size truck in production at the time.

Pros

  • 5.3-second sprint to 60 mph
  • 500 horsepower
  • 150 mph top speed

Cons

  • The clutch wasn’t made for the Viper engine
  • Cold starts are challenging
  • Poor Fuel economy numbers

This Dodge Ram was a great option for owners looking for a fast truck for some fun driving as long as they didn’t need a truck to actually do truck stuff. The SRT-10 was fast and impressive, but it wasn’t made for towing or carrying heavy loads, which is what most truck owners look for in a pickup.

9 1970 Chevrolet El Camino SS 454 LS6: Is This A Real Truck?

What Makes It Iconic: Car/Truck Combination

1970 Chevy El Camino SS
Gestalt Imagery / Shutterstock
Front three-quarters shot of a 1970 Chevy El Camino SS parked on the lawn at an event

Many might argue the 1970 Chevrolet El Camino wasn’t a real truck, but this model came with insane power. At the time, 450 horsepower wasn’t achievable in most vehicles, but the massive LS6 engine brings 7.4-liter of displacement to the 454 V-8 engine, making this a high-performance car/truck combo.

Pros

  • Muscle car good looks
  • Useful open-bed cargo area
  • Powerful V-8 LS6 engine

Cons

  • Polarizing build
  • Better as a muscle car than a truck
  • Limited towing capacity

The El Camino, when classified as a truck, is easily one of the most iconic models ever made. The muscle car front end with a pickup truck bed makes this vehicle the mullet of the truck world.

Related: Best Mid-Size Pickup Trucks Of 2023, Ranked

8 1994 Dodge Ram: Revolutionary Style Made A Splash

What Makes It Iconic: Intentionally Polarizing Design

Dodge Ram
Bring a Trailer
3/4 front view of 1994 Dodge Ram 1500

Before the 1994 model arrived, Dodge Ram trucks weren’t considered to be capable or attractive trucks. Rather than attempt to follow the worn path of another brand, Dodge intentionally gave the Ram pickup a polarizing design borrowed from big rigs. This design served to bring Dodge Ram trucks back from the dead.

Pros

  • 4,800-pound towing capacity
  • 1,721-pound payload
  • Iconic, polarizing style

Cons

  • Poor factory paint job
  • Water pumps fail early
  • Dodge trucks ranked behind GM and Ford pickups

From the first year of this new truck generation to the second, the Dodge Ram pickup showed a 240% increase in sales, which showed the popularity of this new design. The large crosshair front grill and massive build became a Dodge staple.

7 1999 Ford SVT F-150 Lightning: The Return Of A Performance Champion

What Makes It Iconic: Supercharged Triton V-8 Engine

The 1999 Ford SVT F-150 Lightning was reborn for a second generation after leaving the market for a few years. This second attempt at a high-powered truck was exciting, and sold more than double the number of trucks from the first generation.

Pros

  • Incredible truck power – 360 hp, 440 lb-ft
  • 5,000-pound towing capacity
  • 0-60 MPH in only 6.2 seconds

Cons

  • Lacks maneuverability on par with the speed
  • Lower-powered F-150s tow more weight
  • Lacks off-road capabilities

The Lightning name is usually mentioned when the thought of iconic, powerful, and fast trucks comes up. However, this name is now used for an electric pickup, it’s hard to get the impressive, supercharged Triton engine off the mind of those who understand what this truck brings to the drive.

Related: Chevrolet Silverado vs. Ford F-150 vs. RAM 1500 vs: Best American Full-Size Pickup In 2023

6 1978 Dodge Little Red Express: An Unusually Fast Truck

What Makes It Iconic: Fastest Detroit Vehicle Of The Time

The gas crisis of the 1970s, coupled with new emissions regulations, caused many performance vehicles to lack that special sauce that made them fun. The 1978 Dodge Little Red Express is one of the most iconic pickup trucks by being faster than the Corvette and other Detroit-born performance vehicles during the late 1970s.

Pros

  • Massive 5.8-liter V-8 engine
  • 100 MPH top speed
  • Relatively light at 3,815 pounds

Cons

  • Built for speed, not towing
  • Too much body roll to be fast around a track
  • Second-year models weren’t as popular

A loophole in the emissions regulations allowed Dodge to build some models of the Little Red Express with four-barrel carburetors and others with catalytic converters. The Little Red Express is popular for featuring the step-side D100 body and semi-truck-like exhaust pipes.

5 1992 GMC Syclone: Midsize GMC Performance Fun

What Makes It Iconic: Corvette Engine For Insane Truck Speed

Black 1993 GMC Syclone
GMC
Front three-quarter shot of a black 1993 GMC Syclone

Love it or hate it, the 1991 GMC Syclone is one of the hottest small pickup trucks ever made, and it set the trend for many others to follow. This high-performance version of the GMC Sonoma midsize truck featured a lowered stance, performance suspension, and a powerful engine.

Pros

  • 0-60 MPH sprint in 4.5 seconds
  • Quickest midsize truck
  • 4WD system

Cons

  • Made for speed, not for truck stuff
  • 4-speed automatic transmission
  • Mostly a parts bin build

The GMC Syclone brought real speed to the road with full-time 4WD that sent 35 percent of the torque to the front wheels and the remaining 65 percent to the rear. Toss in the limited-slip differential in the rear, and you’ve got a small truck that rockets off the line.

Related: 15 Most Unreliable Pickup Trucks

4 2010 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor: SVT Goes Off-Roading

What Makes It Iconic: Fastest Off-Road Truck

Ford-F-150_SVT_Raptor_R-2010
Ford Motor Company
Front view of 2010 orange Ford F-150 Raptor jumping into the air. 

The earliest Raptor brings a wide body and thick tires to the off-road trails, making it fun to drive this F-150 where there aren’t any roads. The SVT team added extended suspension arms in the front and long-travel Fox Racing shocks in the rear. The Raptor’s name quickly became the most impressive truck on the trails.

Pros

  • Refined ride
  • Quiet interior
  • Excellent style

Cons

  • Lackluster truck performance
  • The steering wheel doesn’t telescope
  • Low fuel mileage figures

The first name that comes to mind when you think of high-speed off-road trucks is the Ford F-150 Raptor. Today’s models don’t have the SVT name, but this original version came in limited numbers and could race across the desert at speeds over 100 mph.

3 1958 Datsun 220: An Early Compact Truck

What Makes It Iconic: The Start Of The Compact Truck Era

The late 1958 through the 1970s was a strange time in the American automotive landscape. American trucks were growing bigger, but there was a need for a small, economical truck to handle short drives and light loads. This was the perfect place for the 1958 Datsun 220 to shine.

Pros

  • Filled a need for efficiency
  • The first compact truck, ushering in a new truck class
  • Was the predecessor to small Nissan trucks

Cons

  • Build on the Datsun 210 sedan chassis
  • Small 48-hp engine
  • Lacked power and ruggedness

Whether you look at the Datsun 220 as an iconic pickup truck that started a new class or blame it for making trucks smaller, it was the first truck of its size in North America. Compact trucks lasted for several years and are making a comeback as trucks continue to grow.

Related: 11 Best Full-Size Pickups, Ranked

2 1989 Dodge Ram Cummins Turbodiesel: Dodge Had Nothing To Lose

What Makes It Iconic: The Cummins Diesel Engine

Dodge struggled mightily to sell trucks in the 1980s, giving them a slight edge. How do you have an edge during a struggle? When you have nothing to lose, trying anything and everything is easy. The 1989 Dodge Ram Cummins Turbodiesel became the first American pickup with a heavy-duty turbocharged diesel engine.

Pros

  • 5.9-liter Cummins turbocharged diesel 6-cylinder engine
  • Revolutionized towing and fuel mileage
  • Started a new era in the three-quarter and one-ton truck market

Cons

  • Dodge was nearly dead in the 1980s truck market
  • Weak automatic transmission
  • An abundance of rust issues

The power output from the Cummins engine was 160 horsepower and 400 lb-ft of torque, which revolutionized towing and fuel mileage in the heavy-duty truck class. This impressive Dodge could pull up to 11,900 pounds, making it one of the strongest trucks of its time.

1 1925 Ford Model T Runabout With Pickup Body: The First Truck For Farmers

What Makes It Iconic: It Was The First Pickup Truck

The first of anything has to be iconic, and the 1925 Ford Model T Runabout with the pickup body was the first real pickup truck. This truck could handle a medium-sized load of produce or equipment and was ideal for farmers to bring their wares into town.

Pros

  • Relatively low cost of $281 at the time
  • 38,000 models sold in the first year
  • Top speed of 45 mph (quick for the time)

Cons

  • It’s a truck built on the Model T chassis
  • Lack of safety and comfort features
  • Small cargo area compared to horse-drawn wagons

The Ford Model T was an amazing vehicle, made affordable because of the assembly line and interchangeable parts that made it possible for nearly every American to own one. The Pickup body made perfect sense, with nearly 35 percent of the population still living on farms.

News

Autocar magazine 12 July: on sale now

This week in Autocar, we provide information on the baby Porsche 911 in Britain, take a drive in the Prodrive-reworked Subaru Impreza, and explore the behind-the-scenes action at the Goodwood Festival of Speed.

News

The Goodwood Festival of Speed features the Caterham Project V, an electric sports coupe that could potentially go into production by 2026. We have all the details you need to know.

Gilles Vidal, the design chief at Renault, encourages car manufacturers to embrace a global trend towards minimalism. This involves using fewer, lighter materials to create more striking vehicles.

Alfa Romeo may soon introduce a long-awaited replacement for the GTV coupe, as confirmed by the brand’s chief designer. The design work is ongoing, and the results are expected to be impressive.

Aston Martin has unveiled a new supercar that draws inspiration from the Victor, featuring a powerful 750bhp V12 engine and a six-speed manual gearbox.

Reviews

Matt Prior explores the Lotus Eletre, a large, powerful electric SUV that challenges traditional Lotus principles. Is it a worthy addition to the brand?

The Tesla Model S has received a performance boost with the Plaid edition, boasting 1020bhp. How does this executive car perform for families?

Alpina bids farewell to the G30 BMW 5 Series with the 625bhp B5 GT, their most powerful creation yet. Is this powerful sedan a suitable tribute to one of the best all-rounders?

We also test drive the updated Mercedes GLC Coupe, Volkswagen Passat, and the new BMW M2.

Features

Prodrive has transformed the iconic Subaru Impreza 22b into the P25, a tribute to one of the top performance cars of the 1990s. Steve Cropley determines if it lives up to its predecessor.

John Evans delves into the world of tether cars, exploring this little-known form of motorsport. With speeds reaching 200mph and cornering forces of 90g, it’s an extreme way to experience performance.

Get an exclusive glimpse behind the scenes of the Goodwood Festival of Speed and discover how the organizers prepare for one of the largest global events, attracting over 200,000 visitors.

Opinion

Matt Prior discusses the diverse range of car manufacturers, from Kamm to Pininfarina, and examines how the level of car personalization often reflects the customer’s wealth.

Featured

Citroen eC3 vs Tata Tiago EV: Space & Practicality Comparison


Both electric vehicles offer a real-world range of over 200km, but which one is more livable within the city?

If you’re trying to choose an affordable electric hatchback in India, you might feel undecided between the Citroen eC3 and Tata Tiago EV. Both EVs have their own set of advantages and disadvantages, but which one is the all-rounder? In this review, we’ll compare the space and practicality of both the EVs to help you decide which one suits you best.

Before we continue, our partner website has conducted a ride and handling comparison of both EVs, which you can read here.

Key

To begin with the key, the eC3 receives a remote key with lock and unlock buttons, which gives it an outdated feel. Even in the top-spec variant of the eC3, the key needs to be inserted to bring the EV to life, as it doesn’t have the push-button start feature.

On the other hand, the Tiago EV’s key fob can rest in your pocket as Tata’s electric hatchback comes with a passive entry feature and a push-button start/stop as well. Unlike the eC3, Tata’s EV also comes with auto-folding ORVMs.

Looks

The Citroen eC3 has an SUV-like stance due to its upright presence. Elements like body cladding and roof rails give it a rugged look. But it still gives an outdated vibe due to the flap style door handles and fender-mounted turn indicators. It also looks the same as the C3, and Citroen could have done more to differentiate the looks of its electric hatchback from that of its ICE iteration. 

On the other hand, the Tiago EV is a stylish hatchback that can be easily distinguished from the regular Tiago. Its distinct color scheme, bumper design, and blue accents allow this vehicle to stand out in a crowd. In contrast to the eC3, the Tiago EV is equipped with projector headlamps and turn indicators mounted on the outside rear-view mirrors (ORVMs). It also has a font used for the Tiago.ev badging that adds more value to the customers who are willing to pay a more premium amount for an electric vehicle.

In terms of dimensions, the eC3 is larger than the Tiago EV. The eC3 rides on 15-inch alloy wheels, while the Tiago EV features smaller 14-inch steel wheels with wheel caps. However, the eC3 lacks the distinguishing factors typically associated with electric cars. In contrast, Tata’s electric hatchback, despite its smaller size, possesses a more appealing overall design.

Interior

The eC3’s cabin features a funky design, highlighted by contrast-colored door pockets and a dotted pattern on the dashboard. However, the materials used could have been better, and the panel gaps in certain areas could have been more uniform. The eC3 offers a higher driving position, resulting in improved visibility and better judgment of the car’s dimensions in traffic.

The Tiago EV’s dashboard showcases a sober and mature design. The quality of the plastics used is comparable to that of the eC3, but the fit and finish is a concern with Tata’s electric hatchback. In terms of the seating position, it is not as elevated as the eC3, but maneuvering the Tiago EV through city traffic isn’t challenging.

Features

Both electric hatchbacks are equipped with a touchscreen infotainment system that supports connected car technology, including Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. They also feature a tilt-adjustable steering wheel, digitized driver’s display, height-adjustable driver’s seat, and steering-mounted controls. 

Citroen eC3

Citroen eC3: The eC3 features a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment unit, which is larger than that of the Tiago. It also supports wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, but there are some issues with Bluetooth connectivity that could potentially be resolved in the future through a software update. The eC3’s feature list is basic for a top-end variant of an electric vehicle, with several amenities missing, such as passive keyless entry, rear camera, cruise control, automatic AC, and more.

Citroen eC3

Tata Tiago EV: The Tiago EV comes with a smaller 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, but it compensates with an 8-speaker Harman sound system, push-button start/stop, cruise control, rain-sensing wipers, automatic headlights, a tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS), a rear parking camera, automatic air conditioning, and more. The digitized instrument cluster in the Tiago is also more advanced and stylish compared to the eC3.

Rear Seat Comfort

Citroen eC3: The eC3 feels more spacious than the Tiago EV. It offers a good space for two people at the rear, while adding one more person would make it a little congested. It also offers ample headroom and legroom.

Tiago EV: The Tiago EV is not as spacious as the eC3, and its rear seat is not suitable for accommodating three people comfortably. While the legroom is adequate, it doesn’t provide the same airy feel as the eC3.

Practicality

Both the eC3 and Tiago EV offer good practicality with cupholders, storage areas, bottle holders, and door pockets. The eC3 has more charging ports and a dedicated smartphone tray. However, the layout of the rear power window controls in the eC3 is not ideal.

Boot Space

The eC3 offers more boot space and comes with a spare wheel. The Tiago EV has less boot space and doesn’t have a spare wheel, as the battery pack is accommodated inside the vehicle.

Boot Space

Citroen eC3

Tata Tiago EV

315 litres

240 litres

Ride Comfort

Both EVs offer good ride comfort, but they have slight variations in their response to road undulations. The eC3 has a more SUV-like riding characteristic due to its ample suspension travel, while the Tiago EV has a more hatchback-like ride. The Tiago EV feels more plush in the city and maintains stability at higher speeds.

Warranty

Both the Tiago EV and Citroen eC3 offer warranty coverage on the battery pack, electric motor, and vehicle. Tata offers a longer warranty period for the battery pack and electric motor compared to Citroen.

Warranty

Citroen eC3

Tata Tiago EV

Battery Pack

7 years / 1,40,000km

8 years/ 1,60,000km

Electric Motor

5 years / 1,00,000km

8 years/ 1,60,000km

Vehicle Warranty

3 years / 1,25,000km

3 years / 1,25,000km

Price & Verdict

Price Check

Citroen eC3

Tata Tiago EV

Rs 11.50 lakh to Rs 12.76 lakh

Rs 8.69 lakh to Rs 12.04 lakh

All prices are ex-showroom Delhi

Both electric vehicles offer a range of over 200km based on our real-world tests, which is practical for city usage. While the eC3 is more focused on space and practicality, the Tata Tiago EV offers more premium amenities and better performance at a lower price. The eC3 costs Rs 90,000 more than the Tiago EV and only offers around 20 kms more of range, but it lacks some key features. This makes Tata’s electric hatchback a better value for money option and a better fit for your family.

So, who should buy these? The eC3 is suitable for those who prioritize space and ground clearance, while the Tiago EV is a better choice for those who want a premium cabin experience and a fun-to-drive electric vehicle.

Read More on: Tata Tiago EV Automatic

Entertainment, Technology

Why Peacock Doesn’t Stream in 4K (And Which Plans Support 4K)

Streaming 4K content on Peacock can be a challenge because not all 4K-capable devices are supported. According to Peacock’s Help Center, only some compatible devices can play 4K Ultra HD (UHD) content at the moment. This means you have to check if your specific device is compatible by looking for a 4K or UHD logo on the media’s Peacock page.

However, even if your device is compatible, finding available 4K titles on Peacock can be difficult. Unlike other streaming services like Netflix or Disney+, Peacock offers a limited selection of 4K titles. While any 4K content will automatically play in 4K, Peacock does not specify which titles are available in UHD.

Third-party websites like HDReport have compiled lists of 4K titles available on Peacock. If your 4K-compatible device still can’t play these titles in 4K, it may not be compatible with Peacock’s 4K streaming. Some viewers have found a workaround by manually selecting 4K resolution in their device’s settings, but this is not an official solution for all users.

Featured

EVs A Priority But No Less Focus On Petrol And Diesel Cars From Tata


Tata is one of the few carmakers that still offer diesel powertrains after the BS6 phase-2 update

Tata cars

The global auto industry is facing pressure to transition from internal combustion engines (ICE) to electric vehicles (EVs). However, the question arises about the future of petrol and diesel cars until EVs become viable alternatives without compromising on performance. While the government is taking steps to reduce carbon emissions, potential buyers are still unsure about choosing EVs due to their higher prices and limited charging infrastructure.

Tata’s Perspective on Petrol and Diesel Cars

Tata, a leading carmaker in terms of affordable EV offerings, has shared its thoughts on the future of petrol and diesel cars in its lineup. Rajendra Petkar, President and CTO of Tata Motors, stated, “In the next decade, ICEs will continue to evolve until we reach net zero at the national level. The government is investing in alternative fuels, biofuels, and CNG. Going forward, our focus will be on creating a fuel-agnostic engine. Until net zero technologies become commercially affordable with adequate charging infrastructure, petrol and diesel cars will continue to be available, although their numbers will gradually decrease.”

Tata’s Petrol and Diesel Cars Lineup

Tata Tiago, Harrier and Tigor

Tata is one of the few carmakers that have not discontinued diesel powertrains even after the BS6 phase-2 update. They offer a strong lineup of petrol and diesel cars. Currently, the Tiago, Tigor, and Punch are only available with petrol engines, while the Harrier and Safari come with diesel engines. The Altroz and Nexon offer both petrol and diesel engine options. Tata also provides an optional CNG kit for the Tiago, Tigor, and Altroz, and plans to introduce it for the Punch as well.

While leading the EV race, Tata continues to develop new petrol and diesel car models like the Curvv and Sierra. Additionally, they are working on a new turbo-petrol engine to be introduced in the lineup soon.

Also See: Facelifted Tata Safari’s Cabin To Be Heavily Revamped According To First Spy Shots

Tata’s Focus on EVs

In 2021, Tata announced plans to introduce 10 new EVs by 2025. They aim for EVs to constitute 25% of their total sales within five years and 50% by 2030. Tata is on track with three electric cars in their green lineup: the Tiago EV, Tigor, and Nexon EV (including the Nexon EV Prime and Nexon EV Max).

Tata has showcased concept and pre-production versions of upcoming EVs like the Harrier EV, Sierra EV, Curvv EV, and Avinya EV. They are also planning to launch the all-electric Punch, which was recently spotted with new interior details.

How long do you think petrol and diesel models will remain affordable options compared to EVs? Let us know in the comments.

Also Read: 50,000 People Have Bought The Tata Nexon EV So Far

Read More on: Altroz on road price