Tag Archives: smallest

Featured

BYD Trademarks New Seagull Electric Hatchback In India

The Seagull is the smallest hatchback from BYD, and could rival the Citroen eC3

BYD Seagull

  • The BYD Seagull is an entry-level electric hatchback that may come to India.

  • Its bookings are already open in China, with pre-sale prices ranging from 78,800 RMB to 95,800 RMB (approximately Rs 9 lakh to Rs 11 lakh).

  • The Seagull gets two battery pack options – 30kWh and 38 kWh – with the maximum driving range of up to 405km.

  • It could be launched in India sometime in 2024.

The BYD Seagull, the brand’s new small electric hatchback, is being registered for trademark in India. The Seagull is the smallest EV from BYD, and was showcased at the Auto Shanghai 2023 motor show. Let’s see what it may offer upon its India debut:

How does it look?

BYD Seagull

The Seagull is a 5-door electric hatchback featuring a tallboy design with sharp details. The headlight cluster looks sharp, and the design of the bumper looks aggressive. From the side, it has a somewhat sporty appeal with the rising windowline and roof-integrated spoiler. From the rear, the connected LED tail lamps further enhance its visual appeal.

Also Read: BYD’s $1 Billion Indian Investment Proposal Rejected: Here’s What Happened

Features

BYD Seagull EV cabin

Despite being an entry-level offering, it has a rich interior, like the MG Comet EV. The interior design of the BYD Seagull draws significant inspiration from the BYD Atto 3, with a similar steering wheel and dashboard layout. The Seagull features a large touchscreen that can be rotated for both portrait and landscape orientations. Also on offer is a compact digital driver’s display, and wireless charging.

Battery Pack & Range

While there is still no official information regarding its technical specifications, reports suggest that the Seagull may be equipped with a choice of  two battery packs: 30kWh and 38kWh. The former may be paired with a 74PS electric motor, while the latter is set to feature a 100PS electric motor, with driving ranges of 305 km and 405 km, respectively.

Also Check Out: These Are The 10 Upcoming Car Launches In The Second Half Of 2023

BYD Sea Lion Trademarked Too

Recognizing the future of EV sales in India, BYD has also trademarked the “Sea Lion” premium offering. Prototypes of this model have been spotted outside India and will potentially be positioned above the existing Atto 3 in the brand’s lineup.

It is expected to use the same battery pack found in the Atto 3 (a 60.48kWh unit), mated to an electric motor which produces 204PS and 310Nm. The claimed driving range could be up to 521km. It may also feature an all-wheel drivetrain with a bigger battery pack, and more range.

Expected Launch Of Seagull & Sea Lion

BYD Seagull EV rear

The BYD Seagull electric hatchback may arrive in India sometime in 2024. Its pre-sale prices in China range from 78,800 RMB to 95,800 RMB (approximately Rs 9 lakh to Rs 11 lakh). In India, the electric hatchback is expected to be priced from Rs 10 lakh (ex-showroom) onwards.  It will rival the MG Comet EV, Tata Tiago EV, and Citroen eC3. On the other hand, the Sea Lion may arrive at a later date, with a price tag north of Rs 35 lakh (ex-showroom), perhaps as an alternative to the likes of the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Volvo XC40 Recharge.

Cars

From War Machine to Street Machine: The Transformation of Gulf War Humvees into the Hummer

In 2005, General Motors (GM) introduced the smallest version of the Hummer, known as the H3. This new model was based on Chevy’s recently released Colorado compact pickup truck, which replaced the outdated S-10. GM also launched a fresh advertising campaign aimed at a wider demographic. A spokesperson for the brand stated that the H3 was an “approachable vehicle that will appeal to introverts, extroverts, vegans, and carnivores.” Surprisingly, the H3 indeed managed to attract a diverse range of consumers. In 2006, a record-breaking 71,524 Hummers were produced. However, this success would be short-lived.

Despite the H3 offering better fuel efficiency compared to the larger H1 and H2 models, it could only achieve around 16 miles per gallon at a time when fuel prices were rising, and the economy was reeling from the bursting of the housing bubble and the subsequent Great Recession. In 2009, GM filed for bankruptcy and attempted to sell the Hummer brand. Unfortunately, no buyers expressed interest, leading GM to make the tough decision to discontinue the brand entirely.

Many enthusiasts believed that this would mark the end of the Hummer legacy. However, GM surprised everyone in 2020 when it announced the return of this massive off-roader as an electric vehicle. In 2022, the Hummer made its triumphant comeback as the Hummer EV (HEV), a model included within GM’s GMC truck brand. While the all-electric powertrain reflects current social norms, the rest of the vehicle remains true to its Hummer roots. The HEV weighs over 9,000 pounds, carries a price tag well above $100,000, and boasts impressive off-road capabilities, with up to 16 inches of ground clearance. Perhaps, history does repeat itself after all?

Featured

Hyundai Exter vs Tata Punch vs Maruti Ignis: Size, Powertrain And Fuel Efficiency Comparison


Let’s see how the Hyundai Exter sizes up against its main rivals

Hyundai Exter is the smallest SUV from the Korean marque in India and arrives as the latest addition to the micro-SUV segment. It competes directly with the Tata Punch and Maruti Ignis, even though the latter is not as SUV-like as the others. So let’s find out how the Exter fares against them in terms of size and powertrains.

Size

Tata Punch

Dimensions

Hyundai Exter

Tata Punch

Maruti Ignis

Length

3.815 mm

3,827 mm

3,700 mm

Width

1,710 mm

1,742 mm

1,690 mm

Height

1,631 mm

1,615 mm

1,595 mm

Wheelbase

2,450 mm

2,445 mm

2,435 mm

Boot space

391 litres

366 litres

260 litres (up to parcel tray)

The Tata Punch is the longest and widest, while the Exter is the tallest, which helps enhance its SUV persona. The wheelbase of both these models is almost the same, with the Exter having an extra 5 mm. Hyundai’s offering also promises more luggage capacity, likely thanks to the taller design.

Also Read: Hyundai Exter vs Tata Punch, Citroen C3 And Others: Price Comparison

The Ignis, on the other hand, is smaller than the Exter and Punch in all aspects, making it the smaller offering. It may seem like it has a tiny boot in comparison, but it is worth noting that the Exter and Punch are stating their capacities till the roof, not just the parcel shelf.

Powertrain

Hyundai Exter

Specifications

Hyundai Exter

Tata Punch

Maruti Ignis

Engine

1.2-litre NA petrol

1.2-litre NA petrol + CNG

1.2-litre NA petrol

1.2-litre NA petrol

Power

83PS

69PS

86PS

83PS

Torque

114Nm

95Nm

115Nm

113Nm

Transmission

5MT/ 5AMT

5MT

5MT/ 5AMT

5MT/ 5AMT

All three models offer a 1.2-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine with the choice of either a 5-speed manual or a 5-speed AMT. Out of all three, Punch’s engine produces the highest power and torque, giving it a slight edge over the others. However, the Exter is currently the only model in this segment to offer a CNG powertrain. 

Also See: Check Out The Maruti Invicto Zeta+ Variant In These Images

The Punch CNG is in the works and can be launched sometime this year, but there is no news of Maruti offering a CNG option with the Ignis. Tata’s CNG variant will also offer the convenience of a bigger boot, thanks to the twin-cylinder setup, as well as the ability to start the car in CNG mode directly.

Fuel Efficiency

Maruti Ignis

Mileage

Hyundai Exter

Tata Punch

Maruti Ignis

Petrol MT

19.4 kmpl

20.09 kmpl

20.89 kmpl

Petrol AMT

19.2 kmpl

18.8 kmpl

CNG MT

27.1 km/kg

NA

NA

Between Tata Punch and Hyundai Exter, the Tata SUV claims to be more efficient with the manual shifter, while the Hyundai model promises better economy when it comes to their AMT options. Meanwhile, the Ignis offers the same claimed mileage for both the manual and AMT variants, which is higher than that of the other two SUVs.

Also Read: Maruti Invicto Waiting Period Less Than Toyota Innova Hycross In These 4 Cities!

However, for peak fuel economies among these three, you can look at the Exter CNG, which claims to offer a fuel efficiency of 27.1 km/kg.

On paper, there is not a lot that separates these three ‘micro SUVs’, with the Exter and Punch being quite similar overall. The Ignis is the only one that is relatively compromised by its smaller proportions. We’ll be discussing the feature differences between them in a different story, so stay tuned to know more. Let us know which one of these would be your pick in the comments below.

Read More on : Hyundai Exter AMT

Featured

Hyundai Exter vs Tata Punch vs Maruti Ignis: Size, Powertrain And Fuel Efficiency Comparison


Let’s see how the Hyundai Exter sizes up against its main rivals

Hyundai Exter is the smallest SUV from the Korean marque in India and arrives as the latest addition to the micro-SUV segment. It competes directly with the Tata Punch and Maruti Ignis, even though the latter is not as SUV-like as the others. So let’s find out how the Exter fares against them in terms of size and powertrains.

Size

Tata Punch

Dimensions

Hyundai Exter

Tata Punch

Maruti Ignis

Length

3.815 mm

3,827 mm

3,700 mm

Width

1,710 mm

1,742 mm

1,690 mm

Height

1,631 mm

1,615 mm

1,595 mm

Wheelbase

2,450 mm

2,445 mm

2,435 mm

Boot space

391 litres

366 litres

260 litres (up to parcel tray)

The Tata Punch is the longest and the widest while the Exter is the tallest, which helps it enhance its SUV persona. The wheelbase of both these models are almost the same with the Exter having an extra 5 mm. Hyundai’s offering also promises more luggage capacity, likely thanks to the taller design.

Also Read: Hyundai Exter vs Tata Punch, Citroen C3 And Others: Price Comparison

The Ignis, on the other hand, is smaller than the Exter and Punch in all aspects, making it the smaller offering. It may seem like it has a tiny boot in comparison, but it is worth noting that the Exter and Punch are stating their capacities till the roof, not just the parcel shelf.

Powertrain

Hyundai Exter

Specifications

Hyundai Exter

Tata Punch

Maruti Ignis

Engine

1.2-litre NA petrol

1.2-litre NA petrol + CNG

1.2-litre NA petrol

1.2-litre NA petrol

Power

83PS

69PS

86PS

83PS

Torque

114Nm

95Nm

115Nm

113Nm

Transmission

5MT/ 5AMT

5MT

5MT/ 5AMT

5MT/ 5AMT

All three models offer a 1.2-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine with the choice of either a 5-speed manual or a 5-speed AMT. Out of all three, Punch’s engine produces the highest power and torque, which gives it a slight edge over the others. However, the Exter is currently the only model in this segment to offer a CNG powertrain. 

Also See: Check Out The Maruti Invicto Zeta+ Variant In These Images

The Punch CNG is in the works and can be launched sometime this year, but there is no news of Maruti offering a CNG option with the Ignis. Tata’s CNG variant will also offer the convenience of a bigger boot thanks to the twin-cylinder setup, as well as the ability to start the car in CNG mode directly.

Fuel Efficiency

Maruti Ignis

Mileage

Hyundai Exter

Tata Punch

Maruti Ignis

Petrol MT

19.4 kmpl

20.09 kmpl

20.89 kmpl

Petrol AMT

19.2 kmpl

18.8 kmpl

CNG MT

27.1 km/kg

NA

NA

Between Tata Punch and Hyundai Exter, the Tata SUV claims to be more efficient with the manual shifter, while the Hyundai model promises better economy when it comes to their AMT options. Meanwhile, the Ignis offers the same claimed mileage for both manual and AMT variants which is higher than that of the other two SUVs.

Also Read: Maruti Invicto Waiting Period Less Than Toyota Innova Hycross In These 4 Cities!

However, for peak fuel economies among these three, you can look at the Exter CNG, which claims to offer a fuel efficiency of 27.1 km/kg.

On paper, there is not a lot that separates these three ‘micro SUVs’, with the Exter and Punch being quite similar overall. The Ignis is the only one that is relatively compromised by its smaller proportions. We’ll be discussing the feature differences between them in a different story, so stay tuned to know more. Let us know which one of these would be your pick in the comments below.

Read More on : Hyundai Exter AMT

VolvoCars

Volvo Cars announces UK prices and specifications for the all-new, all-electric EX30

  • All-new EX30, Volvo’s smallest ever SUV, on sale to UK customers from today
  • Three electric powertrains:
    • Single Motor with 272hp and 51kWh battery
    • Single Motor Extended Range with 272hp and 69kWh battery
    • Twin Motor Performance with 428hp and 69kWh battery
  • On-the-road prices from £33,795
  • Two equipment grades at launch – Plus and Ultra; additional Core entry-level grade to be introduced later
  • Plus specification includes 12.3-inch touchscreen display, two-zone climate control, Harman Kardon premium sound system with dashboard soundbar, front and rear parking sensors and rear camera, heated front seats and steering wheel, a heat pump* and an 11kW on-board charger
  • Additional features on Ultra grade include 360-degree camera with virtual 3D view, fixed panoramic sunroof, Park Pilot Assist self-parking system, 20-inch alloy wheels, power-adjustable front seats and a 22kW on-board charger
  • All new EX30s benefit from three-year/60,000-mile care package
  • UK customer deliveries from first quarter of 2024

On the day that the all-new EX30 is revealed to the world, Volvo Cars is pleased to announce UK specifications and pricing for the fully electric small SUV. The new model goes on sale today and the first cars will be with UK customers in the first quarter of 2024.

The EX30 might be the smallest Volvo SUV yet, but its urban-friendly exterior dimensions belie a roomy and comfortable interior with plenty of smart storage space. Equally, it has a big role to play as a key model in Volvo Cars’ electrification strategy and growth ambitions.

Beyond having an electric powertrain and being constructed on a new pure-EV platform, the EX30 has been developed with a focus on achieving a smaller carbon footprint than any previous Volvo car. Its cleaner profile is not limited to zero tailpipe emissions: it also takes in greater use of recycled materials in the car’s construction and close scrutiny on reducing lifecycle carbon emissions, from materials sourcing to supply chain operations, manufacturing processes and end-of-life disposal.

Kristian Elvefors, Volvo Car UK Managing Director, said: “The EX30 has huge potential for expanding the reach and performance of our brand in the UK. It brings together our established strengths in electrification, safety and design without compromise in a convenient, compact package. With an authentic approach to improving sustainability and lowering carbon emissions, it will have strong appeal to urban consumers looking for an efficient electric car that’s easy to live with. Together with our retail partners, we are excited to bring fresh thinking and a genuinely new proposition to the market for small SUVs.”

The UK model range

The EX30 range in the UK will come with three different powertrain options: a Single Motor version with 272hp and a 51kWh battery; a Single Motor Extended Range with 272hp and a 69kWh battery; and a Twin Motor Performance with 428hp and a 69kWh battery.

On-the-road prices are from £33,795 for the Single Motor versions, £38,545 for Single Motor Extended Range cars, and £40,995 for the Twin Motor Performance models.

Pre-homologation performance figures indicate a potential driving range of up to 298 miles on a single battery charge, with power consumption of up to 4.0 miles/kWh. Battery charging will be quick and convenient, with 10 to 80% charging in as little as 26 minutes. The EX30 also promises rapid acceleration, with the Twin Motor Performance version expected to accomplish 0-62mph in just 3.6 seconds – making it the fastest-accelerating Volvo car ever.

Customers can choose from five exterior paintwork colours and a series of interior treatments, classed as ‘rooms’ – each with its own ambience and character created through different textures, colours and finishes, using a range of sustainable and recycled materials.

Plus and Ultra equipment grades

The initial UK model range consists of two equipment grades, Plus and Ultra. Both reflect the priorities of today’s customers for seamless connectivity, digital integration and intuitive functionality, together with high levels of safety, comfort and convenience. An additional entry-level Core grade will be added at a later date, at a lower price point.

The Plus versions come as standard with a 12.3-inch central touchscreen with built-in Google functions and wireless smartphone integration using Apple CarPlay. There’s also a Harman Kardon premium audio system, featuring a new soundbar that extends across the width of the dashboard. The two-zone climate control set-up has an air-purification system and uses an energy-saving heat pump*, while the heated front seats and steering wheel help contribute to quick and efficient warming. A rear camera and front and rear parking sensors help the driver safely manoeuvre tight spaces, and Pilot Assist provides adaptive cruise control with steering assistance to help keep the car safely within its lane. There’s also an 11kW on-board charger and the peace of mind of a three-year/60,000-mile care package that covers the car’s standard servicing schedule, plus wear-and-tear consumables.

Building on this specification, the EX30 Ultra models provide higher levels of driver-assistance with a 360-degree camera with virtual 3D view and Volvo’s Park Pilot Assist automatic parking system. Other features include a fixed panoramic sunroof, 20-inch alloy wheels, power-adjustable front seats, dark-tinted rear windows and a more powerful, 22kW on-board charger.

Safety leadership

Safety is synonymous with the Volvo brand, and the EX30 small SUV benefits from new technology to give extra protection to everyone on board – and other road users. It introduces Safe Space Technology, which specifically addresses the kind of accident risks familiar in urban areas.

This equips the car with front and rear Cross Traffic Alert with brake support, which detects and warns the driver of other vehicles approaching unexpectedly and applies automatic braking if there’s an imminent collision risk. There is also Door Opening Alert, which gives visual and audible warnings to help guard against a door being opened into the path of a cyclist or other road user approaching from the rear.

On-the-road pricing

EX30 Single Motor Plus – £33,795

EX30 Single Motor Extended Range Plus – £38,545

EX30 Twin Motor Performance Plus – £40,995

EX30 Single Motor Extended Range Ultra – £42,045

EX30 Twin Motor Performance Ultra – £44,495

WLTP range figures (preliminary data)

EX30 Single Motor – up to 214 miles

EX30 Single Motor Extended Range – up to 298 miles

EX30 Twin Motor Performance – up to 286 miles

For more information on the EX30, and to use the online configurator, please go to www.volvcars.co.uk

VolvoCars

The fully electric Volvo EX30 SUV: a small car with big potential

Sometimes, first impressions can be misleading. Yes, the new Volvo EX30 is our smallest SUV to date. And yes, it comes at an attractive price. But it can have an oversized impact, representing one of our biggest business opportunities in the coming years.

The Volvo EX30, available to order now in selected markets*, is a cornerstone of the strategic transformation we are on as a company. Already by mid-decade, we aim for half of our global sales volumes to consist of fully electric cars and to reach an operating profit margin of 8-10 per cent. By 2030, we plan to sell only fully electric models.

We expect the EX30 to be one of our best-selling models in the coming years as we work towards those ambitions, and it will significantly contribute to our growth and profitability objectives.

With the Volvo EX30, we enter a new and fast-growing segment for our brand. There is a growing demand from consumers globally for small, fully electric premium SUVs. For example, many people living in the city are looking for a car that brings convenience and allows them to commute to work and get around, while doing so in a way that reflects who they are.

The EX30 is also designed to be as safe as you’d expect from a Volvo car and aims to look after both you and others in hectic urban environments. For example, it includes a special safety feature for bikes that helps to prevent so-called ‘dooring’ accidents, by alerting you when you are about to open your door in front of a cyclist, scooter or runner. State-of-the-art protective safety technology further illustrates how we’ve applied our high safety standards to the EX30.

The EX30 provides drivers with a true and capable SUV, born electric and packed with all the smart tech that they need. Combined with an attractive starting price of around EUR 36,000, this means customers get a premium fully electric SUV for a similar price to combustion engine-powered equivalents.

And as if that wasn’t enough, data from our initial analysis in two markets shows the total cost of ownership to be currently lower than any other fully electric Volvo car – and well ahead of much of the competition in the electric, small SUV segment*.

“We know that price and cost of ownership is still one of the biggest challenges when people consider switching to an electric car,” said Jim Rowan, our Chief Executive. “With the Volvo EX30, we aim to bring premium, fully electric mobility to a much broader audience, helping to advance and speed up the transition to full electrification that our industry and society needs.”

In the way you want it

With its convenient size, smart technology and different configurations to choose from, the Volvo EX30 is designed to appeal to a wide range of customers – each with their own preferences, needs and ways of life.

That same flexibility and convenience is reflected in the way we structured the commercial offer. It is designed around convenience and freedom of choice. You decide how you want to access a Volvo EX30: for example, through outright ownership, leasing or subscription.

Our Care by Volvo subscription offer has been very successful in recent years, not least because it gives customers flexibility and price predictability. We’ll offer that same level of transparency on the EX30: you can see your monthly cost at a glance, without hidden fees or costs, allowing you to enjoy life with your EX30 even more.

“With subscriptions for the EX30 starting at EUR 599 per month, we strongly believe this car will be an attractive choice for many customers – not just for our existing customers, but also to those who are new to the Volvo brand,” said Björn Annwall, our Chief Commercial Officer and Deputy CEO. “That will allow us to create new customer relationships and boost customer retention over time.”

A seamless customer experience

The Care by Volvo subscription packages are part of our ever-growing online offer. We’ve focused on developing a simple, intuitive and smooth buying process via our online flagship store, volvocars.com. Transparent online pricing without hidden fees, as well as an easy-to-understand offer, makes ordering a new Volvo EX30 a breeze.

That online sales process reflects our ambition of creating the best possible customer experience, seamlessly merging online and offline channels. Regardless of whether you visit one of our retailers, walk into one of our urban studios, head to our website or use the Volvo Cars app, everyone should get the same outstanding and meaningful experience.

In addition to the United Kingdom, which will be our first market to switch to a fully integrated online/physical, direct-to-consumer model this year, the Volvo EX30 will also be available online in other selected markets.

The small print

  • The Volvo EX30 is available for order as of today across Europe and other selected markets. In the United States, customers can place pre-orders, while orderbooks will open in other markets at a later stage that will be communicated in due course.
  • Total cost of ownership calculations from third-party data, based on 36 months and 60,000 kms of driving an EX30 Single Motor Core in the German and French markets. We expect similar results in other markets.