Volkswagen’s small EV may come full circle in just a few years. After the e-Golf was changed by the ID.3, it appears the oldsters at Wolfsburg are planning the ol’ switcheroo close to the tip of the last decade. An organization official has strongly hinted that the ID.3 could be retired after a single technology to pave the best way for the return of the electrical Golf.
The ninth-generation Golf has already been confirmed as a pure EV and might be in-built Wolfsburg on the VW Group’s upcoming Scalable Systems Platform. Top Gear journal requested Kai Grünitz, the top of technical growth on the firm, in regards to the destiny of the ID.3 when the next-generation Golf hits the market.
“There is not enough space to have two or three different models fitting to the same customer. We’ve started to work on a fully electric Golf. We have concrete ideas of how it will look like, but we will see how the market develops.”
However, even when the ID.3 will get the proverbial axe, the return of the electrical Golf will not instantly sign the tip for the ID.3. Grünitz went on to say that there might be an overlap between the 2 fashions, indicating that for an undisclosed period of time, VW will promote each EVs.
In the meantime, the lately launched Golf Mk8.5 marks the tip of the road for the compact hatchback within the inside combustion period. Grünitz confirmed that the facelift serves as the ultimate hurrah for the ICE mannequin, which celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2024. The purely electrical successor will retain the Golf title since “it’s the heart of the brand,” with greater than 37 million items produced since 1974. The Golf is the best-selling automobile ever in Europe.
Not solely will the “Golf” title endure within the electrical age, however different vital monikers for VW will even persist. The German automaker has already affirmed that the “GTI” and “R” suffixes are right here to remain, even after the period of gasoline engines involves an finish. VW plans to stop manufacturing of automobiles with combustion engines in Europe from 2033.
We will not have to attend for the return of the electrical Golf for a scorching hatch from VW and not using a combustion engine. Later this yr, the long-promised ID.3 GTX is anticipated to interrupt cowl.
While the next-gen Golf is prone to supersede the ID.3, the Polo supermini will ultimately get replaced by the ID.2. Hopefully, VW intends to present the subcompact hatchback the GTI remedy as nicely to honor the legacy of its gasoline-fueled predecessor. Lest we neglect the corporate can be engaged on a smaller ID.1, which ideally, will spawn a GTI spinoff to choose up the place the diminutive up! GTI left off.
The Volvo S90 saloon is anticipated to get replaced with a brand new electrical flagship launching in 2025, prone to be referred to as the ES90.
Known internally on the Swedish automotive maker underneath the codename V551, manufacturing is about to happen at a manufacturing unit owned and operated by Volvo’s mother or father firm Geely in China, as revealed in {a photograph} and specs leaked by the corporate’s board.
{A photograph} printed to Volvo‘s worker intranet reveals members of Volvo’s manufacturing crew in Zhejiang huddled round indicators that learn “Volvo Cars V551 First VP Car Celebration” and “Confidential Top Secret”. The reference to VP stands for ‘Verification Prototype’.
The electrical Audi A6, BMW i5 and Mercedes-Benz EQE rival is totally obscured from view, forward of an anticipated unveiling within the coming months.
The luxurious four-door is anticipated to be primarily based on Volvo’s SPA2 platform – the identical construction that underpins the brand new EX90 SUV and its Polestar 4 sibling. It accommodates electrical drivetrains working at both 400 or 800 volts.
Specifications leaked by Volvo recommend the ES90 will probably be bought with the selection of each single-motor rear-wheel drive and dual-motor four-wheel drive.
It can be mentioned to make use of a 111 kWh battery (107 kWh usable) delivering 600km (373 miles) of vary together with the single-motor, rear-wheel-drive drivetrain.
According to Volvo, the ES90 measures 4999mm in size, 1547mm in peak and 1945mm in width, making it 61mm shorter, 32mm increased and 45mm wider than the BMW i5. It additionally receives a wheelbase that’s 105mm longer than its German rival at 3100mm.
Development of the ES90 is known to have been partly carried out together with Geely’s new Galaxy E8 saloon and Zeekr 7 saloon – the latter of which boasts as much as 637bhp and a variety of 478 miles on the Chinese CLTC check cycle in range-topping dual-motor four-wheel drive specification.
While early hypothesis advised the ES90 may share its platform with the lately unveiled Polestar 5, it’s understood the brand new bonded aluminum construction is taken into account too costly for the value level and anticipated manufacturing volumes of the brand new Volvo saloon, which is deliberate to be provided in all of its present international markets.
Details of Volvo’s new electrical S90 come after it phased out all estate and saloon models in the UK market, citing a lot increased demand for SUVs. As a outcome, it stays unclear if the model will deliver its Audi A6 rival right here.
The ES90 will probably be Volvo’s fourth bespoke electrical automotive, becoming a member of the EX30 crossover, EX90 SUV and EM90 MPV. An electric successor to the XC60 is due in 2025, however no plans have but been revealed for an electrical alternative for the S60 and V60.
The Lexus GS 460 changed the underpowered GS 430, offering a stronger V-8 engine that challenged European automakers.
The GS 460 featured a 4.6-liter V-8 engine with 342 horsepower, making it faster than the discontinued GS 430.
The GS 460 supplied an opulent inside with customary choices like computerized local weather management and a 14-speaker sound system, and its rarity and reliability make it a wise buy on the used market.
The Lexus GS 460 wasn’t initially within the lineup when the third-gen Lexus GS fashions debuted in 2005. Like different sports activities sedan automakers, Lexus supplied a V-8 variant dubbed the GS 430. However, that includes an influence unit producing a mere 290 horsepower, the GS 430 was woefully underpowered and, subsequently, undesirable. It perplexed many within the automotive universe that the V-6 GS variant had extra energy than the V-8 mannequin.
Back within the late 2000s nevertheless, Lexus restored stability to its lineup by ditching the GS 430 and changing it with the stronger GS 460. The Japanese automaker lastly had a V-8-powered sedan able to difficult offerings from European automakers. It’s mystifying {that a} sedan as sensible because the GS 460 grew to become a gross sales failure. Here’s all the things in regards to the GS 460, a bulletproof V-8 luxurious sleeper which you could each day drive.
Although the Infiniti Q50 was final up to date many moons in the past, the compact sports activities sedan nonetheless has a couple of tips up its sleeves
In order to provide the most modern and correct info doable, the information used to compile this text was sourced from varied producer web sites and different authoritative sources, together with MotorTrend, Car And Driver, and basic.com.
The Lexus GS 460 Features A Detuned Version Of The V-8 Powering The LS 460
Lexus
To achieve what was a highly competitive V-8 sedan segment, Lexus wanted a mannequin with greater than 290 horsepower. Rather than construct a brand new energy unit from scratch, they used a detuned model of the V-8 powering the LS 460, the then Lexus flagship sedan mannequin.
The Lexus GS 460’s V-8 Gets The Sedan To 60 MPH In 5.5 Seconds
The V-8 underneath the GS 460’s hood is highly effective, economical, and extremely dependable. Dubbed the 1UR-FSE, it debuted in 2006, that includes direct injection and hole twin camshafts that reduce weight. The Lexus GS 460 debuted with a 4.6-liter V-8 engine, making 342 horsepower.
This was 52 extra horses than the 4.3-liter engine motivating the discontinued GS 430. The further ponies powered the brand new sedan to 60 MPH 0.2 seconds sooner than the outdated automobile. Over a quarter-mile, the GS 460’s benefit prolonged to 0.5 seconds. The GS 460 was the quickest GS variant over a quarter-mile, beating the hybrid GS450h by 0.2 seconds.
Performance Specifications
Engine
Naturally aspirated 4.6-liter V-8
Horsepower
342 horsepower
Torque
339 pound-feet
Transmission
Eight-speed computerized
Driveline
RWD
Fuel Economy (cmb/metropolis/hwy)
20/17/24 MPG
0-60 MPH
5.5 seconds
Top Speed
155 MPH (Limited)
(Specs: Lexus)
The Only Transmission Offered Was An Eight-Speed Automatic
The GS 460 Features A Plush Interior And Plenty Of Standard Luxury Options
Inside the GS 460, you get a upscale inside lined with semi-aniline leather-based upholstery and wooden and aluminum accents. It seats 5, however the middle seat within the rear is relatively slender. Also, tall passengers might discover fault with the restricted headroom.
Lexus offered quite a few customary luxurious choices with the GS 460, together with computerized local weather management, a 14 -speaker sound system, keyless entry and ignition, and heated energy entrance seats. You may additionally customise the automobile to your liking by consulting the in depth checklist of non-compulsory extras.
Lexus GS 460 Optional Extras
14-speaker Mark Levinson sound system
Rear sunshade
Satellite Radio
Rearview digital camera
Rain-sensing wipers
Rear park help
‘Comfort’ Suspension Setting Is Designed To Soften The Ride For Occupants
Lexus
The Lexus GS 460 had a number of tips up its sleeve, together with customary adaptive suspension. When you choose ‘Sport’ mode, it companies up the suspension to enhance efficiency; while you select ‘Comfort’ mode, the trip turns into delicate and compliant.
‘Comfort’ is good for each day driving. Lexus offered an non-compulsory energetic stabilizer system designed to reinforce stiffness, decreasing physique roll throughout cornering You ought to, every so often, check the efficiency limits of the GS 460. The automobile has a laundry checklist of security options to maintain you secure, whether or not you might be having enjoyable on the monitor or are out on a grocery run.
We take an up-close have a look at the similarities and variations between mainstream and luxurious manufacturers
The V-8 Engine Powering The GS 460 Is Reliable And Economical
Lexus
Common engine faults embrace: Oil Consumption And Valve Spring FailuresThe 1UR-FSE engine is a hardy machine that hardly ever breaks down if maintained correctly. It options cast connecting rods, a cast metal crankshaft, and aluminum alloy cylinder heads. With that stated, excessive mileage examples generally undergo from gremlins, together with extreme oil consumption and valve spring failures.
Excessive oil consumption occurs when the piston rings put on excessively or fail, permitting oil into the combustion chamber. Replacing the rings ought to clear up the problem. Another difficulty which will have an effect on the GS 460’s engine is valve spring failure. In 2010, Toyota and Lexus recalled vehicles worldwide to fix faulty valve springs, together with these utilizing the 4.6-liter V-8 powerplant. Therefore, earlier than buying a GS 460, test if the valve springs present indicators of failure.
Other Common Lexus GS 460 Engine Faults
Electronic throttle system failures
Timing chain tensioner failures
Water pump failures
The V-8 Engine’s Consumption Is Average Among Competing Sports Sports Sedans
The Lexus V-8’s consumption is at par with most automobiles in its class. Its 20 MPG combined fuel rating matches most BMW 3 collection and 5 collection fashions of the time. The Lexus’s consumption is spectacular, contemplating that its engine has the next capability and extra cylinders than its BMW opponents. It betters the Infiniti M45, certainly one of its important opponents on the time, by two MPG within the mixed gasoline effectivity metric.
Lexus’s Bulletproof Reliability Makes The GS 460 A Smart Purchase
The undeniable fact that the GS 460 didn’t promote as anticipated doesn’t make it a foul automobile. Its execs embrace a clean and potent V-8 bolted to the chassis. One key purpose why you shouldn’t fear about shopping for a used GS 460 is Lexus’s bulletproof reliability and dependability. The Japanese automaker has confirmed over a few years that it builds automobiles that final.
Another purpose why it is best to go for the GS 460 is its rarity: Lexus offered only one,616 items from 2008 to 2011. You might by no means come throughout one other instance in your lifetime. As they’re so few, they’re laborious to come back by on the used market. When they seem, nevertheless, they’re moderately low cost. The one example on classic.com sold for $12,250, a good worth for a novel, V-8-powered Lexus luxurious sedan.
The roar of gasoline engines is progressively being changed by the hum of electrical motors because the automotive business undergoes a major transformation. Electric trucks are significantly thrilling as they provide the opportunity of revolutionizing the transportation of products with out compromising on energy or efficiency. A major hurdle that must be overcome is the issue of range anxiety.
However, there’s a silver lining – the combination of photo voltaic panels into the tonneau covers of electrical vans. This improvement presents an intriguing and probably game-changing answer. These photo voltaic panels, which seize the solar’s power, can improve the vary of electrical vans, mitigating vary nervousness and opening the door to a greener way forward for trucking.
Delve into the journey of the solar-powered automotive that is silently steering the way forward for inexperienced mobility.
In order to provide the most recent and correct data attainable, the info used to compile this text was sourced from ScienceDirect, Energy Sage, Southern Energy, Worksport, and different dependable sources.
Harnessing The Power Of The Sun
Worksport
The solar, a boundless supply of power, has lengthy captivated mankind. From historical solar worship to trendy photo voltaic farms, harnessing its power has been a constant human pursuit. Now, on the cusp of a transportation revolution, this age-old quest meets cutting-edge know-how within the type of photo voltaic panels built-in into tonneau covers for electrical vans. This seemingly easy idea holds immense potential to redefine the truck expertise, pushing the boundaries of vary, sustainability, and even practicality.
From Canvas To Composite
The story of the tonneau cowl is interwoven with the historical past of the truck itself. In the early days, when pickups had been primarily workhorses hauling items and laborers, open beds had been the norm. However, the necessity to shield cargo from the weather and prying eyes led to the invention of straightforward canvas covers.
These early “tonneau” covers, derived from the French phrase for “barrel,” had been little greater than tarps stretched over wood bows. But as vans developed, so did their covers. Metal frames changed wooden, providing sturdier help and sleeker profiles. Later, supplies like fiberglass and composite took heart stage, including sturdiness, climate resistance, and even aerodynamic advantages.
The Rise Of Solar Energy In Automotives
Worksport
While tonneau covers had been busy carving their area of interest within the automotive world, one other revolution was brewing – the harnessing of photo voltaic power. The early applications of solar power were predominantly in space satellites and distant areas. However, as know-how superior and prices decreased, photo voltaic panels started making inroads into on a regular basis life.
Convergence Of Two Paths
The confluence of those two distinct histories – the sensible objective of tonneau covers and the rising potential of photo voltaic know-how – has laid the groundwork for an thrilling prospect: photo voltaic panels built-in into tonneau covers for electrical vans. This seemingly easy thought holds a number of benefits that make it significantly interesting for this rising section of the automotive market.
The Gebrüder Weiss Terren conquers the world’s highest lively volcano, paving the best way for a sustainable transportation’s future with photo voltaic power.
Utilizing Solar Energy Can Increase The Range Of EVs
Worksport
The most compelling benefit of solar-powered tonneau covers is the potential to considerably prolong the driving vary of electrical vans. By harnessing the sun’s abundant energy, these panels can generate additional power, probably including tons of of kilometers to a truck’s vary.
Freedom From The Grid, Unplugging From Fossil Fuels
Solar-powered tonneau covers supply a path towards higher power independence for electrical vans. By producing their very own energy, these autos turn into much less reliant on conventional charging infrastructure, which frequently faces limitations by way of accessibility and availability.
Enhanced Efficiency And Versatility
Worksport
The advantages of solar-powered tonneau covers prolong past merely boosting vary. These panels may energy auxiliary gear onboard the truck, equivalent to refrigeration items, lighting methods, and even onboard instruments, this eliminates the necessity for separate energy sources. Additionally, the generated energy can be utilized to take care of the truck’s battery well being, extending its lifespan and lowering substitute prices.
Innovation And Adaptability
The know-how behind solar-powered tonneau covers is consistently evolving, with developments in panel effectivity, supplies, and integration strategies. This steady enchancment ensures that these options stay adaptable and related to the ever-changing panorama of the electrical truck business.
As photo voltaic know-how matures, the potential advantages of those covers will proceed to develop, providing even higher vary extension, value financial savings, and environmental benefits. This adaptability makes solar-powered tonneau covers a future-proof answer, guaranteeing their relevance and worth for years to come back.
Uncover how solar-powered vehicles problem the norm, promising a self-sustaining mannequin within the electrical automobile area.
Payload Payload, Go Away
Worksport
While the prospect of solar-powered electrical vans geared up with tonneau covers adorned with shimmering photovoltaic panels undoubtedly ignites a spark of fresh power pleasure, it is essential to acknowledge the shadows lurking beneath this seemingly shiny prospect.
One of the basic strengths of vans, significantly for business purposes, lies in their impressive payload capacity. Integrating photo voltaic panels into tonneau covers comes at a price: weight. These panels, coupled with the supporting infrastructure, add further kilos to the truck’s total burden.
Consequently, the payload capability takes a success, probably compromising the very motive many companies go for electrical vans within the first place. Furthermore, the load distribution additionally performs an important position. Adding panels primarily to the rear of the truck may alter the automobile’s heart of gravity, impacting dealing with and stability, particularly throughout maneuvers or on uneven terrain. This cannot solely pose security considerations but in addition improve put on and tear on the truck’s parts.
A Delicate Dance With The Wind
Worksport
Trucks, by their very nature, usually are not famend for his or her aerodynamic prowess. Their giant dimension and boxy form create vital drag, impacting gas effectivity or, within the case of electrical vans, vary. Adding photo voltaic panels to the equation throws one other wrench into the fragile dance with the wind. These panels act as sails, additional rising drag and probably lowering the truck’s total vary.
The extent of this affect depends upon numerous components, such because the panel dimension, angle, and design. However, the potential for compromised aerodynamics can’t be ignored. In conditions the place maximizing vary is important, equivalent to long-distance hauling, the effectivity losses induced by photo voltaic panels may outweigh the advantages of onboard power technology.
The Fickle Nature Of Sunlight
Worksport
The very core precept of photo voltaic panels – changing daylight into power – introduces a elementary limitation: reliance on a finite and infrequently unpredictable useful resource. Solar power technology is considerably affected by climate situations and daylight. Cloudy skies, rain, and snow can drastically reduce the panel’s output, rendering them virtually ineffective at night time.
Moreover, the effectiveness of photo voltaic panels varies geographically. Regions with plentiful sunshine profit significantly, whereas these with much less favorable photo voltaic situations won’t reap the promised rewards. This disparity may create an uneven enjoying subject, probably disadvantaging sure companies or geographical areas.
As photo voltaic panels begin to seem extra usually on roofs of properties and parking tons, vehicles appear to be a logical subsequent step. But this isn’t a brand new thought.
DIY Enthusiasts Spark The Flame
It is price acknowledging the modern spirit of DIY fanatics who’ve embraced the potential of solar-powered tonneau covers. Online boards and communities buzz with artistic tasks the place hobbyists have efficiently built-in photo voltaic panels into current covers. These self-made options, whereas inspiring and a testomony to human ingenuity, usually lack the polish and effectivity of commercially obtainable methods. However, they function a beacon, demonstrating the viability of the idea and paving the best way for extra refined choices.
Worksport’s TerraVis Takes The Concept To Reality
Ontario-based Worksport has taken the DIY spirit to the subsequent degree with their TerraVis Solar Truck Bed Power System. This ingenious system seamlessly blends a folding tonneau cover with a robust photo voltaic array, remodeling the usually underutilized truck mattress right into a cell solar energy station.
While the TerraVis largely caters to gasoline and diesel vans from model years 2010 and newer, Worksport has its sights set on electrical vans. Future iterations of the system goal to supply vary extension for electrical vans from a various vary of producers.
Worksport has already secured strategic partnerships with two electrical truck startups, Atlis Motor Vehicles to combine the TerraVis know-how into the Atlis XT electric pickup, permitting the truck’s onboard system to leverage solar energy for prolonged vary. Similarly, a partnership with Hercules guarantees to equip the Hercules Alpha electric truck with the TerraVis system.
Interestingly, this is not restricted to simply electrical vans
In conclusion, whereas solar-powered tonneau covers for electrical vans maintain immense promise for prolonged vary, sustainability, and practicality, the idea faces challenges associated to weight, aerodynamics, daylight limitations, and price. The success of this know-how will hinge on modern options for these hurdles. DIY fanatics and partnerships with electrical truck producers supply additional proof of idea and pave the best way for a future the place vans harness the ability of the solar to redefine the boundaries of transportation.
The India-spec Maruti Swift, which will soon be replaced, is only offered in 9 colours
The fourth-generation Suzuki Swift made its global debut at the Japan Mobility Show in October.
Gets an updated fascia, and interior layout inspired by other Maruti models like the Baleno and Fronx.
The new-gen Swift is powered by a new 1.2-litre 3-cylinder petrol engine.
Its India launch is expected by early 2024.
Following its close-to-production concept debut at the Japan Mobility Show 2023, Suzuki unveiled the fourth-generation Suzuki Swift in its home market. This updated model features comprehensive styling changes and a new 1.2-litre petrol engine. The Japanese automaker has also now revealed the available color options for the new-gen Swift. Let’s take a closer look at each of them one by one.
Frontier Blue Metallic
This shade is similar to the Pearl Metallic Midnight Blue offered with the India-spec Maruti Swift.
Cool Yellow Metallic
This is one of the new shades for the next-gen Suzuki Swift that was also showcased at the Japan Mobility Show.
The most iconic shade for a Swift, called Solid Fire Red on the current India-spec model.
Flame Orange Pearl Metallic
This shade looks a bit brighter than the Pearl Metallic Lucent Orange currently offered in India.
Caravan Ivory Pearl Metallic
Another one of the new shades for the new-gen Swift, it is one of the more mature options in this list and more stylish than the likes of white or silver.
Pure White Pearl
A staple colour for almost any model and suits the updated looks of the new-gen Swift.
Premium Silver Metallic
The premium silver colour offered by Suzuki is one of the shades being carried forward for the updated hatchback.
Star Silver Metallic
Unlike the previous silver, the Star Silver metallic is a brighter option, midway between white and silver..
Super Black Pearl
With the India-spec Swift, this colour is offered as a special Black edition.
Frontier Blue Metallic With Black Roof
This fourth-generation Swift made its global debut in Japan in this dual-tone colour.
Burning Red Metallic With Black Roof
This is the dual-tone variant of the Burning Red colour. In India, Maruti also offers the Swift in a red paint option with a midnight black roof.
Cool Yellow Metallic Gun With Black Roof
The newest shade of the Swift also comes with a black roof option.
Pure White Pearl Metallic With Black Roof
The Pure White Pearl colour can also be had with a contrasting black roof which makes it look sportier.
Note:- All colour names of the new Japan-spec Suzuki Swift have been translated from their native language to English.
As per Suzuki, the prices for the Frontier Blue Pearl Metallic, Burning Red Pearl Metallic, Pure White Pearl, Premium Silver Metallic and dual-tone roof options of the Swift will vary from other body colours.
The new-gen Suzuki Swift features a 1.2-litre 3-cylinder Z-series petrol engine, replacing the 1.2-litre 4-cylinder K-series engine offered with the current Swift in India. While Suzuki has not yet disclosed the output figures for the new engine, it will be paired with a CVT automatic gearbox for enhanced fuel efficiency. Meanwhile, the India-spec model is expected to offer both manual and automatic options.
Expected India Launch
The 2024 Maruti Swift has already begun testing in India, and recent spy shots of the hatchback reveal new design details and features specific to the India-spec version. The new-generation Swift is expected to launch in the first half of 2024, with a starting price anticipated to be from Rs 6 lakh onwards. It will compete with the Hyundai Grand i10 Nios while being a sportier alternative to the Maruti Wagon R and Maruti Ignis.
The Czech automaker has also replaced the alloy wheels on the Style variant of the Skoda Kushaq
The Skoda Slavia and Skoda Kushaq have now regained the 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system, which was temporarily unavailable due to a shortage of semiconductor chips. This infotainment system is available in the top-spec Style variants of both models. However, it’s worth noting that the larger touchscreen system was already being offered with the Monte Carlo edition of the Kushaq.
Both models in the Style variant now also receive electrically adjustable front seats and footwell illumination. Other common features on both the Slavia and Kushaq include an 8-inch digital driver’s display, a single-pane sunroof, and ventilated front seats. Additionally, the Ambition Plus variant of the Slavia features a built-in dashcam.
The Style variant of the Skoda Kushaq now comes with a set of silver alloy wheels, replacing the dual-tone 17-inch alloy wheels. The Monte Carlo edition of the Kushaq still features the 5-spoke dual-tone 17-inch wheels.
Both the Skoda Slavia and Kushaq are available with two engine options: a 1-litre turbo-petrol engine with a 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic transmission, and a 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine with a 6-speed manual or 7-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT).
The prices for the Skoda Slavia and Kushaq start at Rs 10.89 lakh (ex-showroom pan India).
The Skoda Slavia and Skoda Kushaq have received an upgrade in their Style variants. They now come equipped with the 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system, which was temporarily unavailable due to a shortage of semiconductor chips. This feature is available in the top-spec Style variants of both models. It is important to note that the Skoda Kushaq Monte Carlo edition already had this larger touchscreen system.
In addition to the touchscreen infotainment system, both the Skoda Slavia and Kushaq Style variants now also come with electrically adjustable front seats and footwell illumination. Other features that are common to both models include an 8-inch digital driver’s display, a single-pane sunroof, and ventilated front seats. The Ambition Plus variant of the Slavia also includes a built-in dashcam.
The Style variant of the Skoda Kushaq has undergone a change in its alloy wheels. It now features a simpler-looking set of silver alloy wheels, replacing the previously available dual-tone 17-inch alloy wheels. However, the Monte Carlo edition of the Kushaq still retains the 5-spoke dual-tone 17-inch wheels. Both designs of the alloy wheels are referred to as VEGA by Skoda.
Both the Skoda Slavia and Kushaq offer two engine options. There’s a 1-litre turbo-petrol engine that comes with a choice of a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic transmission. There’s also a 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine with a 6-speed manual or a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT).
The starting prices for the Skoda Slavia and Kushaq are Rs 10.89 lakh (ex-showroom pan India).
The seventh generation Volkswagen Jetta was released in 2018, replacing the previous generation that had been in production since 2010. It was discontinued in the European market due to poor sales, but it is still being sold in other regions, with China being its biggest market.
Since its release, the Jetta has received mid-cycle updates, including a facelift design and a new engine, to stay competitive in the market.
The current Toyota Corolla, released around the same time as the Jetta, has also undergone a few updates. These two cars are perfect for comparing and cross-shopping. Let’s find out which one is the better choice: the Jetta or the Toyota Corolla.
The Volkswagen Jetta has always been known for its sophisticated but rather boring design. The 2023 model carries on this tradition with a few updates. It now features updated LED headlights with chrome strips on the grille, giving it a premium look. The side profile is typical of a sedan, but with a pronounced body line that runs from the front fenders through the door handles and joins the rear tail lights.
The Jetta comes with 16-inch wheels as standard, with 17-inch wheels also available. At the rear, it sports LED lights with chrome strips on the bumpers, and the exhaust is hidden for a cleaner look. The new Jetta is longer than its predecessor by 4.5 inches and features subtle but strong body lines on the hood, sides, and trunk. Overall, it is one of the classiest-looking vehicles in this segment.
Vehicle Dimensions
Vehicle
Volkswagen Jetta
Toyota Corolla
Length
186.5 inches
182.3 inches
Wheelbase
105.7 inches
106.3 inches
Width
70.8 inches
70.1 inches
Height
57.7 inches
56.5 inches
Ground Clearance
5.5 inches
5.3 inches
Wheel size
16-inch
16-inch
Weight
2,990 pounds
2,995 pounds
The Toyota Corolla has a sporty look with sleek LED headlights and blacked-out front bumpers. However, it looks fairly normal in comparison to the Jetta. It comes standard with 16-inch wheels, with 18-inch wheels available. At the back, it features normal taillights and dual exhausts on one side. While it looks good, it doesn’t match the Jetta in terms of overall appearance.
The Volkswagen Jetta Has A Quality Looking Interior
Volkswagen
Interior shot of a Volkswagen Jetta Dashboard
The Volkswagen Jetta offers 97.7 cubic feet of passenger volume, while the Toyota Corolla only has 88.6 cubic feet.
The Jetta also provides larger trunk space at 14.1 cubic feet, compared to the Corolla’s 13.1 cubic feet.
The interior of the Jetta resembles that of a low-budget luxury Audi. It features a fully digital eight-inch gauge cluster on all trim models, along with an eight-inch touchscreen infotainment system that supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The center console houses buttons and knobs for climate control, tilted towards the driver for convenience.
Though it lacks special interior materials, the Jetta offers ample interior space and a well-designed layout, making it one of the best in its class.
The Toyota Corolla has a simple design but lacks the same level of integration as the Jetta. It offers a seven-inch cluster similar to the Jetta, but with less configurability. The eight-inch center screen sits on top of the dashboard, appearing bulky due to large bezels. The Corolla uses simple materials and provides less space compared to the Jetta.
The Corolla Offers Four-Wheel Drive, The Jetta Doesn’t
Engine Specifications
Vehicle
Volkswagen Jetta
Toyota Corolla
Engine
Turbo Inline-four
NA Inline-four
Displacement
1.5 liters
2.0 liters
Power
158 horsepower
169 horsepower
Torque
184 pound-feet,
151 pound-feet
Transmission
Six-speed manual/eight-speed auto,
CVT automatic
Drivetrain
Front-wheel drive
Front-wheel drive
Hybrid
Not available
Available
All-Wheel Drive
Not available
Available
Fuel Economy (MPG)
32/41 City/Highway
31,41 City/Highway
The Jetta comes with a new 1.5-liter turbocharged inline-four engine introduced in the 2022 model year, replacing the previous 1.4-liter engine. This new engine offers more power and torque. It is available with front-wheel drive and a choice of a six-speed manual or an eight-speed automatic transmission. The Jetta delivers more low-down torque than the Corolla while maintaining similar fuel economy.
The Corolla, on the other hand, uses a larger naturally aspirated 2.0-liter inline-four engine across its range. It sends power to the front wheels and offers good power, although with less torque. The Corolla is equipped with a CVT automatic transmission for optimal efficiency. Additionally, it offers a hybrid powertrain for better fuel economy, achieving 50 MPG. However, the hybrid powertrain comes with a smaller 1.8-liter engine delivering less power and torque.
Aerial rear shot of a white Toyota Corolla in motion
The Toyota Corolla has received a top safety pick rating from the IIHS, thanks to its advanced safety technologies. Toyota’s Safety Sense 3.0 offers features like Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist, Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Lane Tracing Assist, Road Sign Assist, and Automatic High Beams.
The Volkswagen Jetta has also improved its safety features and driver assistance systems, but it has only received a five-star rating. This means the Corolla may be a safer option, even though the Jetta is classified as a midsize sedan. The Jetta’s IQ.DRIVE includes features like Travel Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control, Active Blind Spot Monitor, Rear Traffic Alert, Front Assist, Emergency Assist, and Lane Assist.
The Corolla is known for its reliability, receiving a 4.5 rating from RepairPal compared to the Jetta’s 4.0 rating. Additionally, the Corolla ranks first out of 36 compact cars, with an annual repair cost of just $362. On the other hand, the Jetta ranks 21st out of 36 and has an average annual repair cost of $609, slightly lower than the industry average of $652. Both cars come with a warranty that is on par with each other.
Would You Have The Volkswagen Jetta Or Toyota Corolla For A Similar Price?
Volkswagen
Aerial render of a blue Volkswagen Jetta in motion
The Volkswagen Jetta and the Toyota Corolla are similarly priced. The Jetta has four trim models, with the base S trim starting at $21,750 and the range-topping SEL trim starting at $29,480. This makes it an affordable option for a sophisticated German sedan, offering good looks, ample interior space, advanced technology, and a strong brand name.
The Toyota Corolla falls within the same price range as the Jetta but offers more options due to hybrid and hatchback models. It starts with the base LE trim priced at $22,795 and goes up to $27,945 for the top XSE trims. The Corolla is a reliable and dependable vehicle, characteristics that Toyota is renowned for.
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