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News

Lexus line-up goes electrified solely as LC and RC F retired

Lexus has eliminated the LC and RC sports activities automobiles from sale within the UK, which suggests it now sells solely hybrids and EVs, and not provides a V8. 

The two-door GTs had been approaching the tip of their anticipated life cycles anyway, at seven and 10 years previous respectively, however a spokesperson for the model cited “legislative and homologation issues” as the explanation for his or her withdrawal. 

It is just not clear, although, whether or not the choice was made in gentle of GSR2 security laws, the EU’s new cybersecurity directive or fleet emission quotas. 

Autocar understands each automobiles are not accessible in mainland Europe, and the UK allocation for every has been offered out.

The withdrawal of the LC and RC means Lexus’s European line-up is now primarily made up of SUVs, with simply the ES and LS saloons and LM MPV remaining alongside the LBX, UX, NX, RX and RZ crossovers. 

It additionally means all Lexus fashions are electrified, with the agency’s naturally aspirated 5.0-litre V8 retiring together with the LC and RC. That leaves the Ford Mustang and Chevrolet Corvette as the one two series-production automobiles accessible with an atmo V8 within the UK. 

The LC has been on sale since 2017 with the selection of the pure V8 or an electrified 3.5-litre V6, receiving the choice of a soft-top convertible in 2020. It has offered 624 items within the UK over its lifetime. 

The older RC was accessible with a four-cylinder hybrid from launch, however that was dropped in 2020, at which level the coupé was provided solely in hardcore RC F guise with a 467bhp model of the V8. 

The RC was the extra fashionable automotive, with 2600 items offered within the decade it was right here, however Lexus offered simply 15 examples final yr and solely 12 in 2022.

Featured

8 Cars That Bid Adieu To The Indian Market In 2023

Among 8 fashions in whole, Honda phased out three, and Skoda eliminated two sedan fashions from its India lineup

In 2023, the automotive panorama witnessed a flurry of thrilling launches and refreshing facelifts from outstanding producers comparable to Tata, Honda, and Hyundai. On the opposite hand, some fashions from Honda, Skoda, Nissan, and Mahindra have been discontinued within the Indian market, principally as a result of introduction of the BS6 Phase-2 norms, because the respective carmakers  didn’t take into account these fashions in style sufficient to be definitely worth the excessive funding wanted to make their engines adjust to the up to date emissions norms. Here are the 8 vehicles that have been phased out in 2023:

Maruti Alto 800

Last recorded value – Rs 3.54 lakh to Rs 5.13 lakh

Engine – 0.8-litre (Petrol / CNG) engine (5-MT)

Debut – 2012

The Maruti Alto 800 was launched in 2012, positioned not solely as a more cost effective various to the Alto K10 but additionally as essentially the most reasonably priced providing from Maruti in India. It got here with choices for each petrol and CNG powertrains. However, after over a decade available in the market, the Alto 800 was discontinued in 2023, because the entry-level Maruti didn’t obtain the BS6 Phase-2 replace. The Alto title nonetheless lives with the K10 model, which will get the 1-litre petrol engine.

Honda Jazz

Last recorded value – Rs 8.01 lakh to Rs 10.32 lakh

Engine – 1.2-litre petrol engine (5-MT/CVT)

Debut – 2009

The Honda Jazz made its debut within the Indian market again in 2009, and underwent a big generational replace in 2015. Initially, the Jazz was supplied in each petrol and diesel variants. In 2020, the Japanese icon underwent a facelift, dropping the diesel choice with the introduction of the BS6 emissions norms. And with the appearance of the BS6 Phase-2 norms in April 2023, Honda discontinued it altogether.

Also Check Out: Top 10 Cars Priced Under Rs 30 Lakh That Received A Facelift In 2023

Honda WR-V

Last recorded value – Rs 9.11 lakh to Rs 12.31 lakh

Engine – 1.2-litre petrol petrol (5-MT) / 1.5-litre diesel engine (6-MT)

Debut – 2017

In 2017, Honda launched the WR-V, a sub-4m crossover primarily based on the Honda Jazz. Boasting each a 1.2-litre petrol engine and a 1.5-litre diesel engine, the WR-V was solely supplied with handbook transmission choices. However, the absence of an computerized transmission and rising competitors considerably impacted the gross sales of the Honda WR-V. By 2023, the WR-V confronted discontinuation together with the Jazz, unworthy of the funding wanted to maintain it compliant with the most recent norms.

Honda City 4th-generation

Last recorded value – Rs 9.50 lakh to Rs 10 lakh

Engine – 1.5-litre-petrol engine (6-MT)

Debut – 2014

The fourth-generation Honda City was launched in India in 2014 and obtained a midlife replace in 2017. It featured each a 1.5-litre petrol and a 1.5-litre diesel engine, with the previous providing a CVT choice as properly. However, in 2020, the fifth-generation Honda City was launched and the older sedan was saved on sale however with out the diesel engine and CVT choices as an reasonably priced various. But with the fifth-generation City receiving a facelift in March 2023, Honda lastly phased out the fourth-generation City.

Nissan Kicks

Last recorded value – Rs 9.50 lakh to Rs 14.90 lakh

Engine – 1.5-litre petrol engine (5-MT) / 1.3-litre turbo-petrol engine (MT / CVT)

Debut – 2019

The Nissan Kicks was launched in India in 2019 as a compact SUV, aiming to rival fashions such because the Hyundai Creta. It got here with each 1.5-litre petrol and 1.5-litre diesel engine choices, every providing handbook transmission decisions. In response to the tightening emission norms in 2020 with BS6, Nissan discontinued the 1.5-litre diesel engine choice. Instead, it launched the brand new 1.3-litre turbo-petrol engine (156 PS / 254 Nm), accessible with both a handbook transmission or a CVT computerized. In 2023, when the brand new RDE (Real Driving Emissions) norms have been carried out, Nissan stated that the Kicks had already reached the tip of its life cycle, and discontinued the low-selling SUV. Since, the one Nissan mannequin bought in India stays the Magnite sub-4m SUV.

Also Check Out: THIRTEEN! That’s How Many Performance Cars Were Launched In India This Year

Skoda Octavia

Last recorded value – Rs 27.35 lakh to Rs 30.45 lakh

Engine – 2-litre turbo-petrol (7-DCT)

Debut – 2001

The first-generation Skoda Octavia made its debut in India 2 many years in the past, receiving its remaining generational replace in 2021. Sold as a CKD (utterly knocked-down) mannequin, this premium Skoda sedan gained reputation amongst lovers for its dealing with and efficiency. The sedan additionally achieved a gross sales mark of over a lakh models in India in 2022. But the implementation of the BS6 Phase-2 norms in April 2023 led to the discontinuation of the Skoda Octavia from India. Interestingly, it stays alive and properly in world markets with a plethora of latest options and powertrain choices.

Skoda Superb

Last recorded value – Rs 34.19 lakh to Rs 37.29 lakh

Engine – 2-litre turbo-petrol (7-DCT)

Debut – 2009

The Skoda Superb was the flagship sedan providing from Skoda in India.First launched in 2009 in its second-generation avatar, it was supplied with each petrol and diesel engine choices. In 2020, the Superb was restricted to petrol-only choices because the Skoda-Volkswagen model moved away from diesel engines completely when the BS6 emission requirements have been carried out. 

Just just like the Octavia, the Superb was accessible as a CKD unit in India. And in 2023, when the norms grew to become extra stringent and the demand for non-luxury govt sedans saved falling, Skoda determined to part out the Superb. Moreover, the new-generation Superb has already been unveiled globally, and should even be launched in India in 2024.

Mahindra KUV100 NXT

Last recorded value – Rs 6.06 lakh to 7.72 lakh

Engine – 1.2-litre petrol engine (5-MT)

Debut – 2016

The Mahindra KUV100 NXT entered the market in 2016 and was facelifted in 2017. The KUV100 NXT was a 6-seater crossover which had each a 1.2-litre petrol engine and a 1.2-litre diesel unit. However at a later stage, the diesel engine variants have been phased out. In 2023, Mahindra stopped taking each on-line and offline reservations for the KUV100 NXT, which meant the mannequin was lastly discontinued. 

These have been the 8 fashions which have been taken off the market in 2023. Which mannequin do you assume mustn’t have been discontinued, and why? Share your ideas under.

News

Renault Zoe taken off sale in UK after 11 years

The Renault Zoe has been faraway from sale within the UK after 11 years, with manufacturing of the small electric car set to finish for good in March 2024. 

The last model of the Zoe can be inbuilt France on 30 March. Production of the Smart Forfour-based electrical Twingo, which was by no means offered within the UK, will finish on the identical time.

A Renault spokesperson informed Autocar that manufacturing of the Zoe was coming to an finish to successfully make means for the brand new Renault 5 electrical hatchback, which can be revealed in manufacturing type on the Geneva motor show in February. 

It was confirmed final yr that the Zoe would not get replaced, regardless of its place because the best-selling EV in its dwelling nation.

The Zoe remained technically aggressive in opposition to its rivals effectively into its manufacturing run, providing a 52kWh battery and a spread of 238 miles on a single cost.

Incidentally, the brand new 5 can even be outfitted with a 52kWh battery, providing 248 miles of vary. 

More than 30,000 Zoes have been offered within the UK and greater than 380,000 in Europe altogether. It was the top-selling EV in Europe for 2 years, topping the gross sales charts in 2015 and 2016. More than 100,000 gross sales have been in France alone.

In 2021, the up to date Zoe made headlines for changing into simply the third automotive in historical past to be handed a zero-star Euro NCAP security score, following a five-star verdict for the unique automotive in 2013. 

Renault product efficiency boss Bruno Vanel just lately informed Autocar it might be costly to replace the Zoe to adjust to the EU’s new GSR2 security requirements. 

The producer is now targeted on a mixture of hybrid and electrical automobiles, which will co-exist for the foreseeable future.

The Zoe was Renault’s solely devoted EV for a number of years, however it now sells the Mégane E-Tech hatchback and can add the Scenic crossover, 5 supermini and 4 child crossover.

News

Audi RS Q3 removed from sale in the UK

The Audi RS Q3 performance SUV has been removed from sale in the UK, along with its Sportback sibling, with no timeline placed on their return.

A spokesperson for Audi UK confirmed the models “have been closed for ordering” because the “volume of orders taken has now filled our current production capacity into 2024”.

Audi sold 95 examples of the regular RS Q3 and 191 examples of the more rakish RS Q3 Sportback in the UK during the first nine months of 2023 – and demand has remained sufficiently strong for the firm to fulfil existing production capacity.

It has yet to be confirmed whether either model will go back on sale in 2024, after orders from this year have been fulfilled.

The withdrawal from sale comes as Audi is readying its new Q3, which is due to arrive in 2025. Prototypes have recently been spotted testing, revealing an overall profile inspired by the Q6 E-tron, slimmer headlights, a new grille design and flush door handles.

This could be followed by an electric replacement for the RS Q3 as part of the Audi RS line-up going EV-only by the end of the decade, bringing a significant performance increase and a name change to RS Q4, in line with the brand’s new naming strategy.

The current RS Q3 uses Audi’s revered 2.5-litre five-cylinder turbocharged engine and, until it was removed from sale, it was one of only two cars available in the UK with this engine.

News

Exclusive: New Toyota Prius to be Released in the UK

The latest Toyota Prius will soon be available for purchase in the UK, according to Autocar. Previously, the release of the fifth-generation Prius in the UK was postponed due to the high demand for SUV models.

Last year, Toyota explained that the decision not to offer the new Prius in the UK was due to changes in market conditions and their evolving product strategy. The company noticed a shift in UK consumer demand towards SUV-style vehicles.

Toyota also mentioned that Prius sales in the UK were not as strong as their other hybrid models, such as the C-HR crossover and Corolla hatchback.

However, Autocar has learned that the Prius hybrid hatchback will now be introduced in the UK, with an official announcement expected soon. The sales of parallel- and plug-in hybrids have likely contributed to the strengthened business case for this model. In the UK, both types of hybrids saw an increase in market share compared to the previous year, as of September.

The latest Prius is built on the updated version of the TNGA platform, which was used for the previous generation. However, the new model features significant modifications to enhance its stiffness, refinement, and stability.

Globally, the new Prius offers two powertrain options: a front-wheel-drive 2.0-liter parallel hybrid with 191bhp, and a four-wheel-drive 221bhp plug-in hybrid. The plug-in hybrid version can accelerate from 0-62mph in just 6.7 seconds, making it the fastest Prius to date.

The plug-in hybrid also comes with a 13.6kWh lithium-ion battery, capable of providing an electric driving range of 53 miles, according to official figures.

While the roof of the Prius is equipped with a solar panel that can contribute energy for approximately 777 miles of electric driving per year, it is uncertain whether this feature will be available in the UK.

The interior of the Prius has been redesigned with an emphasis on material quality and driver comfort. It comes with a standard 7.0-inch digital driver display, strategically positioned to minimize distraction while driving. The central infotainment screen is a new-generation version based on the one found in the latest Corolla and Toyota RAV4 models.

News, Technology

T-Mobile will discontinue its SyncUP Pets tracking service later this year

T-Mobile has removed all mentions of SyncUP Pets from its main website. However, the support webpage for the service is still active and confirms that T-Mobile will shut down the service on November 10, 2023.

The support page states that after the shutdown date, SyncUP Pets trackers will no longer connect to T-Mobile’s service, and all tracking features will cease to function. This renders the trackers useless. Customers who have subscribed to the service will no longer be charged. T-Mobile has also mentioned that customers don’t need to take any action, except for removing the tracking device from their pet’s collar.

If you are searching for an alternative to SyncUP Pets, there are several pet-focused apps, devices, and tech gadgets available on the market. Some popular options include the Fi Smart Dog Collar Series 3, Ring Pet Tag, Tractive GPS Tracker, Jiobit Smart Tag, Apple AirTag, and Tile Pro. These devices vary in price, features, and battery life. It is recommended to compare the different options before selecting one for your pet.

Although it is disappointing to see SyncUP Pets being discontinued, it is not entirely unexpected. The service faced tough competition from rival products and was unable to gain significant market share.

Cars

This Household Product Is Great for Removing Bugs from Your Car

If you need to get rid of pesky bugs that are stuck on your car, look no further than the trusty WD-40 Multi-Purpose spray. WD-40 is well-known for its ability to displace water and degrease surfaces, making it the perfect solution for tackling tough substances and cleaning various objects. And when it comes to bug remains, there’s nothing stickier than that, so WD-40 comes in handy.

However, it’s important to note that WD-40 is not a miracle cure-all. You can’t simply spray it on your car and expect all the dead bugs to miraculously disappear. Instead, WD-40 works best when used as part of a comprehensive car-cleaning routine. It adds an extra layer of degreasing power and protection to your cleaning efforts, helping to effectively remove those nasty bugs. So, if you’re willing to put in some time and effort, WD-40 can significantly enhance the results of your car-cleaning and ensure they last longer.

News

Audi removes hot S4 and S5 diesels from sale in UK

Audi has temporarily removed the S4 and S5 models from sale in the UK due to high demand and the need to fulfill existing orders. The models can still be purchased from stock, but they are no longer available on Audi’s website. It is unclear when they will be back on sale. The current A4 and A5 models are set to be replaced next year, and it is uncertain if the S4 and S5 will return before the new models are introduced. However, customers can still order the RS4 Avant, RS5 Coupe, RS5 Sportback, S6, and S7 saloons. Between January and June 2023, Audi sold a total of 198 S4 and S4 Avant models, as well as 178 S5 Coupes and S5 Sportbacks in the UK. It is uncertain if the 2024 models will use the same 3.0-litre V6 diesel engine. Currently, BMW has also axed all diesel variants of the 4 Series. As part of Audi’s new naming strategy, the next-generation A4 will carry the A5 name into production, and an electric equivalent called the A4 E-tron will also be available. The fate of the successor to the current A5 model is unclear. The S4 Avant and S5 were initially launched in 2017 with a 3.0-litre petrol V6 engine and later facelifted in 2019 to include a twin-scroll turbocharged diesel engine option.

Motorsport

Volvo S60, V60, V90 Discontinued in UK Due to Declining Interest in Sedans and Wagons

Volvo has made changes to its lineup in the UK by removing the S60, V60, and V90 models. The automaker cites the decreasing demand for sedans and wagons, while noting the increasing interest in its SUVs.

According to Autocar, the absence of these models was discovered on Volvo’s online configurator. Volvo confirmed the removal and explained that customers have shown strong interest in the upcoming EX30 and EX90 models. Volvo stated in a response to Autocar that it will continue to transform its product offerings, focusing on electrification, new platforms, and the transition towards manufacturing fully electric vehicles.