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Featured

2023 Kia Seltos And Kia Carens Price Hike Coming In October 2023


It will mark the end of the introductory prices of the recently launched 2023 Kia Seltos

  • The prices of 2023 Seltos and Carens are expected to be hiked by up to two percent.

  • According to reports, the company official has cited rising input costs and investments in the updated Seltos as the reasons for the price hike.

  • Both Seltos and Carens come with the same engine and transmission options, though the MPV misses out on a CVT automatic.

  • The price hike will be effective from 1st October 2023.

As the second half of the financial year approaches, carmakers are starting to revise prices. Kia is the Mahindra way by introducing a price hike for two of its popular models – the 2023 Kia Seltos and the Kia Carens, starting from October. The Carens will receive its second price hike this year, while it will mark the end of the introductory prices for the facelifted Seltos.

By How Much?

Kia Seltos Profile

According to reports, the prices of the 2023 Seltos and the Carens are expected to see an increase of up to 2 percent. In his official statement to PTI, Hardeep S Brar, National Head of Sales & Marketing at Kia India, said that while many companies announced price hikes post April due to the rising cost of raw materials, Kia refrained from doing so. He further added, Kia had introduced the updated Seltos into the market in July, and given the significant investment gone into the development of the 2023 Seltos, the time has come to revise its prices.

However, Kia will not increase the prices of the Sonet subcompact SUV in this round of hikes as per reports.

Also Check Out: Google Completes 25 Years: Here’s How It Shaped Modern Cars And Our Driving Experiences

What Do Seltos And Carens Offer?

Kia Seltos Interior

The updated Kia Seltos comes with amenities such as dual 10.25-inch displays (digital driver’s display and touchscreen infotainment), dual-zone climate control, and a panoramic sunroof. It also gets a built-in air purifier, ambient lighting, heads-up display and ventilated front seats. Its safety package now includes six airbags (standard), electronic stability control (ESC), a 360-degree camera and advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) like lane-keep assist, forward-collision warning and adaptive cruise control.

Kia has recently also introduced more affordable ADAS-equipped variants of the Seltos. You can check more details on that by going here.

Kia Carens Interior

The Carens MPV on the other hand comes as a three-row offering with choice of 6- or 7-seater configurations. It has a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, a semi-digital instrument cluster, cruise control and ventilated front seats. Its safety package includes six airbags, all-wheel disc brakes, ABS with EBD, electronic stability control (ESC) and tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS).

Powertrains

Kia Carens Engine

Both 2023 Kia Seltos and Kia Carens come with three engine options, including one naturally-aspirated petrol, one turbo-petrol and one diesel engine. Their specifications have been detailed below.

Engine

1.5-litre petrol

1.5-litre T-GDi turbo petrol

1.5-litre diesel

Power

115PS

160PS

116PS

Torque

144Nm

253Nm

250Nm

Transmission

6-MT, CVT (Seltos only)

6-iMT, 7-DCT

6-iMT, 6-AT

The turbo-petrol and diesel engines do not get the choice of a regular manual shifter. Instead, Kia offers them with its iMT (manual without a clutch pedal).

Existing Price Range

Currently, the 2023 Kia Setlos ranges from Rs 10.90 lakh to Rs 20 lakh (introductory), while the Kia Carens is priced from Rs 10.45 lakh to Rs 18.95 lakh (both prices are ex-showroom). The Seltos competes with the likes of the Maruti Grand Vitara, Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder, Volkswagen Taigun, Skoda Kushaq, Citroen C3 Aircross and the MG Astor.

The Carens is a premium alternative to the Maruti Ertiga and the Maruti XL6, while it can also be regarded as an affordable alternative to the Toyota Innova Hycross, Maruti Invicto and Toyota Innova Crysta.

Read More on : Seltos diesel

Motorsport

2024 Mazda CX-30 Base Price Increases by $2,000, Starting at $26,370

If you were planning to buy a new Mazda CX-30, we have some unfortunate news. Prices have gone up for all trim levels, and if you want the lowest or highest trim, the cost has significantly increased.

Specifically, the base model of the 2024 Mazda CX-30 2.5 S now costs $24,995. When you add the mandatory $1,375 destination charge, the total comes to $26,370 – a $2,045 price increase compared to the previous year. It’s important to note that this is still the same base CX-30 as last year, equipped with a 191-horsepower naturally-aspirated four-cylinder engine and a six-speed automatic transmission with standard all-wheel drive. The only notable addition is blind spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, which is now included as part of the standard driver-assist tech package provided by Mazda. Other than that, there aren’t any significant changes for the 2024 model.


Motorsport

2023 AAA New Car Ownership Cost Study Shows Significant Jump Over 2022

The American Automobile Association’s (AAA) annual Your Driving Costs (YDC) study reveals a notable increase in the average cost of owning a new vehicle. The 2023 report indicates that the annual expense has risen substantially, with an average yearly cost of $12,182, or $1,015 per month. This marks a significant jump from the previous year’s average of $10,728, or $894 per month.

To calculate the ownership and operating costs of new vehicles in the United States, AAA uses a proprietary methodology that incorporates data from various sources and standardized criteria. The study estimates the expenses over a five-year ownership period and 75,000 miles of driving. However, actual costs may vary based on factors such as driving habits, location, and operating conditions.

Several factors have contributed to the increase in costs of owning a new vehicle. One primary factor is the rise in the average manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) of new vehicles, which reached $34,876 in the 2023 YDC study. This represents a 4.7 percent increase from the previous year, amounting to a $1,575 uptick.

It’s important to note that the MSRP may not reflect the actual purchase price, as it can fluctuate based on demand and market dynamics. However, the higher MSRP directly impacts finance costs, with the average annual finance charge for this year’s vehicles standing at $1,253. This signifies a significant 90 percent increase from the previous year.

Depreciation is another contributing factor, reflecting the decline in a car’s value over time. AAA anticipates that new vehicles will depreciate by an average of $4,538 each year over a five-year ownership period. This marks a 24 percent increase compared to the prior year. Additionally, the focus on producing larger, more luxurious, and feature-rich vehicles by automakers drives up the prices of new models, thereby increasing annual new car ownership costs.

In terms of fuel expenses, the average cost per mile for fuel has experienced a modest decrease of around 2 cents per mile compared to the previous year. However, the cost of charging electric vehicles (EVs) has seen an opposite trend, rising by nearly 2 cents per kilowatt-hour from 13.9 cents per kWh to 15.8 cents per kWh. This increase is attributed to higher-than-expected inflation, as noted by the US Energy Information Administration (EIA).

Motorsport

Ford Bronco Base Trim Is Dead For 2024, Cheapest Model Now Over $40k

Ford dropped the base Bronco and increased prices on most of the remaining trim levels for 2024. That means after 2023, there will no longer be a model available for less than $40,000. Additionally, Ford has already switched its online configurator over to the new model year. So the best opportunity to find a new 2023 base model is through existing dealer inventory. 

The Big Bend is now the price leader of the Ford Bronco family and the only trim level that doesn’t see a price hike. It starts at $41,025, including a $1,895 destination fee. Options include a 10-speed automatic transmission and the 222A Mid Package with popular features like remote start, dual-zone climate control, heated seats, and Ford’s Co-Pilot360 driver assist. The Sasquatch package is available for an extra $8,660, as are a multitude of roof choices and appearance options. 

Stepping up to the Black Diamond model now costs $44,525. It also includes a choice of a seven-speed manual or 10-speed automatic transmission and the same options as the Big Bend while adding additional off-road equipment like heavy-duty bash plates and rock rails. 

Trim Level 2023  2024
Big Bend $41,025 $41,025
Black Diamond $43,395 $44,525
Heritage Edition $44,305 $49,750
Outer Banks $48,245 $49,835
Badlands $50,040 $51,290
Everglades $56,540 $57,415
Wildtrak $60,670 $61,920
Heritage Limited Edition $69,445 $71,580
Raptor $88,475 $91,730

Returning this year is the Bronco Heritage Edition, which starts at $49,750. It adds classic styling cues taken from the original Ford Bronco, including a white hardtop, white grille, and unique body graphics. The Sasquatch package is standard on the Heritage model, as are other features which were options on the Big Bend and Black Diamond trim levels. 

Both the Outer Banks and Badlands models add luxury features like leather seats and a 12-inch touchscreen with Sync 4 and enhanced voice recognition. The Badlands adds more off-road capability with features like a front stabilizer disconnect, electronic locking axels, and advanced on-demand four-wheel drive. 

For the truly adventurous, the trail-ready Everglades model includes a factory-installed WARN winch, snorkel, and 35-inch mud-terrain tires. Both the Wildtrak and Heritage Limited Edition add a 2.7-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine with up to 330 horsepower and 415 pound-feet of torque.  

The Raptor is still the ultimate Bronco with 418 horsepower on tap from a 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6. Starting at $91,730, it’s a serious off-road brute. For those who want to explore its full capabilities, Ford Performance teamed with Vaughn Gittin Jr. to teach owners how to drive it offroad. 

Except for the price increases and the discontinued base model, the Bronco receives very few changes for 2024. All models are now equipped with a 12.0-inch infotainment screen. The Badlands now comes standard with a powder-coated heavy-duty front bumper while the Bronco Raptor gets a new Code Orange package that adds vivid accents and body-colored fenders.

Featured

Toyota Rumion Offers Five Color Options


Bookings for the Rumion are expected to open soon and its prices will be announced during the festive season

Toyota Rumion Color Options

  • The Rumion has fewer color options compared to the Maruti Ertiga.

  • It is equipped with the same 1.5-liter petrol engine and a CNG powertrain.

  • Features include a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, automatic climate control, up to four airbags, and a rear parking camera.

  • Expected to be priced from Rs 8.7 lakh (ex-showroom) onwards.

The India-spec Toyota Rumion MPV, which is essentially a rebadged version of the Maruti Suzuki Ertiga, has made its debut. Although bookings have not yet opened, most of the vehicle’s details have been revealed, including its color options. The Toyota Rumion will be offered in five monotone shades. Here’s a look at them:

Color Options

Toyota Rumion Spunky Blue

Spunky Blue

Toyota Rumion Rustic Brown

Rustic Brown

…

Inside the Toyota Rumion, you’ll find a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, Arkamys sound system, automatic climate control with rear AC vents, paddle shifters, and cruise control.

Also Read: Check Out The Variant-wise Features Of The Toyota Rumion

In terms of safety, it will come with up to four airbags, ABS with EBD, electronic stability control (ESC), brake assist, hill hold assist, rear parking camera, and ISOFIX child seat anchors.

Price & Rivals

Toyota Rumion

Prices for the Rumion will be announced later this year during the festive season and are expected to start from around Rs 8.7 lakh (ex-showroom). Once launched, it will directly compete with the Maruti Ertiga while providing an affordable alternative to the Kia Carens and Toyota Innova Crysta.

Motorsport

Study: Used Car Prices Have Increased by Nearly 50% Since 2019

The prices of used cars have seen a significant increase in recent years. On average, prices have gone up by 47.7% since 2019. Additionally, the mileage on these vehicles has also increased by 46% compared to four years ago. This poses a challenge for buyers looking for affordable used cars, as they may need to spend more money on older vehicles with higher mileage.

These findings come from a recent study conducted by iSeeCars, a popular website that offers data and guidance for purchasing used vehicles. The study revealed that popular car models such as the Honda Civic and Toyota RAV4 are now 41% to 46% more expensive than they were in 2019. Full-size trucks like the Ford F-150, Chevrolet Silverado, and Ram 1500 have seen price increases ranging from 30% to 50% during the same period. In terms of actual prices, the average used car price has risen from $23,351 to $34,491 in four years.

Not only have prices gone up, but the average mileage on used cars has also increased by 45.7%. In 2019, the average mileage was 43,541 miles, which has now risen to 63,457 miles. Full-size trucks experienced an even higher increase in mileage, with an average of 49% to 53% more miles. The Honda Civic and Toyota RAV4 saw mileage increases of 81% and 139.6%, respectively.

The study by iSeeCars analyzed over 10.8 million used vehicles aged one to five years. Apart from the price and mileage increases, the study indicated that finding a $20,000 car with less than 44,000 miles is becoming increasingly difficult. In 2019, 20% of the used car market met these criteria, but that percentage has now dropped to 11%, with the average vehicle having over 63,000 miles.

However, there is some good news as well. Another study by iSeeCars found that used car prices have actually decreased this year. Overall prices dropped by 4.7% from September 2022 to March 2023 and 8.7% compared to the previous year. Notable models with the largest price declines include the Tesla Model 3, as well as SUVs from Nissan, Infiniti, and Land Rover, all of which saw prices drop by around 20%.

Featured

No Confusion! Citroen C3 Aircross To Get Only 1 Fully Loaded Variant


Most details except the prices for the upcoming Citroen C3 Aircross have been revealed, including its technical specifications and features

Citroen C3 Aircross

  • The Citroen C3 Aircross will only be available in a single fully loaded variant called ‘Max’.

  • It comes with removable third-row seats and a 60:40 split setup for the second row seats.

  • The features of the car include a 10.2-inch touchscreen system, a digital driver’s display, dual airbags, TPMS (tyre pressure monitoring system), and a rear camera.

  • The car is powered by a 110PS 1.2-litre petrol engine with a 6-speed manual transmission.

  • The expected price of the Citroen C3 Aircross is around Rs 9 lakh (ex-showroom).

Citroen C3 Aircross buyers won’t have to worry about choosing from different variants as the car will only be available in a single fully loaded variant called ‘Max’ at the time of launch. The ‘Max’ variant offers the choice of five- and seven-seater configurations.

Seating Configurations

Citroen C3 Aircross Third-row Folded

In its three-row specification, the C3 Aircross comes with removable third-row seats, which creates more boot space. The five-seater option offers a class-leading boot capacity of up to 511 litres. The second-row seats can be split-folded 60:40 for additional space, and in the three-row version, they can also be reclined. The single fully loaded variant features semi-leatherette seat upholstery for a premium cabin experience.

Also Read: Honda Elevate vs Hyundai Creta vs Kia Seltos vs Maruti Grand Vitara vs Toyota Hyryder: Specification Comparison

Features

Citroen C3 Aircross Cabin

The C3 Aircross is equipped with features such as a 10.2-inch touchscreen system with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, a 7-inch digital driver’s display, manual AC, roof-mounted AC vents, keyless entry, electrically adjustable ORVMs (outside rearview mirrors), and USB charging ports for all rows.

In terms of safety, it comes with dual front airbags, ESP (electronic stability program), hill hold assist, tyre pressure monitoring system, and a rear parking camera.

Powertrains

Citroen C3 Aircross Engine

The C3 Aircross is powered by a 1.2-litre turbo-petrol engine that develops up to 110PS and 190Nm of torque. It is currently available with a 6-speed manual transmission, but an automatic option is expected to be introduced later.

Also Read: Citroen C3 Aircross vs Rivals: Claimed Fuel Efficiency Compared

Since it is only available in a single variant, the C3 Aircross is expected to be priced from around Rs 12 lakh (ex-showroom) onwards. It may have a lower price compared to well-equipped variants of its compact SUV rivals, including Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Volkswagen Taigun, Skoda Kushaq, MG Astor, Maruti Grand Vitara, Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder, and Honda Elevate.

Read More on : Citroen C3 on road price

News

Challenges jeopardize the recovery of European car sales

Recent data reveals that car sales are surging in Europe due to the return of supply. However, the industry’s rebound in the second half of the year is under threat due to high new car prices and increasing interest rates.

The ACEA, a European automotive industry group, reports that overall sales in Europe, including the UK, have increased by 17% to 5.3 million during the first five months of the year.

News

Here’s Why Elon Musk Is Slashing The Price Of The Tesla Model 3

Tesla is once again reducing its prices. This is the sixth time the automaker has cut the prices of its models in 2023. Earlier this year, Tesla CEO Elon Musk surprised many by implementing price cuts of up to 20 percent in the U.S. and up to 17 percent in the European markets. As a result, the Tesla Model 3 became eligible for electric vehicle tax credits, solidifying its position as one of the most affordable EVs in the U.S. However, these price cuts have impacted Tesla’s profit margins, which have seen a sharp drop in the last quarter. Despite this, Musk believes that reducing prices is a calculated move to ensure long-term success for Tesla.

Sacrificing Today’s Profits For Tomorrow’s Rewards

Musk is willing to sacrifice short-term profits in order to set Tesla up for long-term success. The goal is to attract more customers and gain a competitive advantage over traditional automakers. Although the price cuts are eating into profits now, Musk believes it will pay off in the future. This strategy has sparked an EV price war, with other companies facing a dilemma on whether to follow Tesla’s lead. Only time will tell if this strategy will work in Tesla’s favor.

Tesla Is Striving To Capture A Larger Market Share

Tesla aims to capture a larger share of the automotive market currently dominated by traditional car manufacturers. Musk is pursuing a higher volume and larger fleet approach to achieve this. By slashing prices, Tesla has forced other automakers to adjust their EV prices in response. This move is aimed at enticing potential customers away from traditional automakers and towards Tesla. While competitors are hesitant to lower prices due to the impact on profit margins, Musk is confident that Tesla’s strategy will result in increased market share.

Musk Is Adapting To The Increasing Competition In The Market

Tesla is facing competition from both traditional automakers and new EV market entrants. Musk recognizes the need to adapt to this increasing competition, especially in key markets like China. The company is countering this competition by not only reducing prices but also by developing new models and employing innovative manufacturing techniques to lower production costs.

It’s The Best Way To Boost Sales

Musk believes that selling a large number of EVs at a lower margin is a more effective strategy. By reducing prices, Tesla aims to make EVs more affordable and accessible to a wider range of customers. This approach is intended to increase demand and penetrate the market further. Price cuts have already been implemented in various countries, resulting in increased demand and eligibility for electric vehicle tax credits.

Featured

Volkswagen Taigun Gets New GT Variants And Limited Editions With New Colours

With the new variants and prices, the DSG option has become more accessible in a lower trim while making the top-spec GT+ variant more affordable

Volkswagen Taigun limited editions

  • Volkswagen debuted the new GT variants and special colours at its annual meeting in April.

  • It is accepting bookings for the SUV’s limited editions only via its website.

  • The GT DSG is placed above the GT MT while the GT Plus MT slots below the GT Plus DSG.

  • All the new variants are only available with the larger 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine.

  • The new variants along with the limited editions are available in the new Deep Black Pearl, and Carbon Steel Grey Matte shades.

  • Feature highlights on the limited editions include red accents inside and out, and gloss black finish.

  • New variants are priced from Rs 16.80 lakh to Rs 19.46 lakh (ex-showroom pan-India).

  • Deliveries of the limited edition models will begin from July 2023.

After debuting at the carmaker’s annual meeting in April this year, the new variants under the Volkswagen Taigun Performance Line have now gone on sale. Apart from that, the SUV has also received two new limited editions as part of the ‘GT Edge Limited Collection’, bookings for which are open only online.

New Variants And Prices

Variant

Price

GT DCT

Rs 16.80 lakh

GT+ MT

Rs 17.80 lakh

GT+ MT Deep Black Pearl

Rs 18 lakh

GT+ MT Carbon Steel Grey Matte

Rs 18.20 lakh

GT+ DCT Deep Black Pearl

Rs 19.26 lakh

GT+ DCT Carbon Steel Grey Matte

Rs 19.46 lakh

For reference, Volkswagen only offered the entry-level Performance Line GT trim of the Taigun with the 6-speed manual transmission while the top-spec GT Plus was limited to the 7-speed DSG (dual-clutch automatic) only. Now, both GT variants powered by the 150PS 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine get a choice of both transmissions.

Volkswagen Taigun GT badge

The new GT DCT variant slots above the GT MT, which is priced at Rs 16.26 lakh. On the other hand, the GT+ MT is placed below the GT+ DCT that costs Rs 18.71 lakh. With the new variants, the DCT option has become more accessible on the lower trim while making the top-spec GT+ variant more affordable. 

The Taigun is also available with a smaller 1-litre turbo-petrol unit (with both 6-speed MT and AT), offered with the Dynamic Line variants – Comfortline, Highline, and Topline.

Volkswagen will be offering the Taigun in the Deep Black Pearl and Carbon Steel Grey Matte shades for a limited period. The carmaker will start handing them over to customers from July 2023. It’s also worth noting that these GT Edge variants will be manufactured on the basis of bookings, kind of built-to-order.

Also Read: These Are The Top 3 Family SUVs In India Under Rs 20 Lakh According To A.I.

What’s New With Taigun GT Edge Variants?

The Deep Black Pearl edition features typical GT-specific upgrades including red brake callipers, red stitching for seats and red ambient lighting that contrast even more to the new glossy black exterior. On the other hand, the Matte edition gets a gloss black finish for the ORVMs, door handles and the rear spoiler as well as red accents on the front and sides.

Apart from this, the SUV continues with the same equipment list as before. This includes a 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system, auto climate control, a single-pane sunroof, and ventilated front seats (still not available on the standard GT variants). Its safety kit includes up to six airbags, a reversing camera, electronic stability control, and ISOFIX child seat anchorages.

Also Read: Apple iOS 17 Will Include Cool New Features For CarPlay And Maps Application

Price And Rivals

The Taigun continues to be priced between Rs 11.62 lakh and Rs 19.06 lakh (ex-showroom pan-India) with only the new limited edition colours adding a premium to the GT Plus DSG variants. It fights it out with the Toyota Hyryder, Maruti Grand Vitara, Kia Seltos, Hyundai Creta, MG Astor, Skoda Kushaq, and the upcoming Citroen C3 Aircross and Honda Elevate.

Read More on : Volkswagen Taigun on road price