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Featured

5 Things The VW Taigun Facelift Could Get From The New T-Cross


The Volkswagen T-Cross is closely related to the Taigun sold in the Indian market

Volkswagen has unveiled the near-production model of the new T-Cross compact SUV, which shares many similarities with the Volkswagen Taigun available in India. The two models have almost identical rear and side designs, as well as similar cabins. With these shared elements, it is likely that the facelifted Taigun will receive design and feature updates inspired by the newly revealed T-Cross. Here are the key enhancements expected in the global SUV:

1. Exterior Design

The most noticeable design change in the new T-Cross is the redesigned front fascia, which features sportier vertical LEDs in the bumper. Volkswagen may incorporate the same changes in the Indian version of the Taigun, albeit with a market-specific bumper design. The overall profile of the Taigun facelift might remain similar, except for the alloy wheels, which could be different. The T-Cross also introduces a new light signature for the connected LED tail lamps, which could be carried over to the Taigun facelift as well.

2. Interior Styling

The cabin of the new T-Cross does not differ significantly from the current Taigun, but there are some minor changes. The dashboard features a reworked and layered design, with a free-standing 9.2-inch touchscreen infotainment display replacing the integrated 10-inch unit in the Taigun.

Volkswagen has also incorporated more soft-touch materials in the cabin of the new T-Cross, which might also make their way into the facelifted SUV.

3. More Standard Features

While Volkswagen has not added any new features to the T-Cross, they have made several features available from the base-spec model. Standard features in the new T-Cross include LED headlights, LED tail lamps, a 360-degree camera, road sign display, digital driver’s display, and a touchscreen infotainment system. It is expected that some of these features will also be included as standard in the facelifted Taigun, bringing it in line with competitors like the MG Astor, Kia Seltos facelift, and Honda Elevate.

4. Better Safety

The current Taigun already boasts a 5-star safety rating in both Global NCAP and Latin NCAP, making it the safest compact SUV in India. However, the India-spec model does not currently offer any driver assistance systems. The new T-Cross, on the other hand, is equipped with advanced driver assistance features such as lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control, and auto emergency braking. It is expected that these safety features will be included in the facelifted Taigun as well, bringing it up to par with rivals that already offer ADAS technology.

5. Same Powertrains

The new T-Cross does not introduce any changes to the powertrain options. Volkswagen is likely to continue using the same pair of TSI engines and transmissions that are already available in the current Taigun.

The release of the new T-Cross is scheduled for early 2024 in the international market, and it is anticipated that the facelifted Taigun will be introduced in India by the end of 2024. The facelifted Taigun is expected to come with a higher price tag than the current model, which ranges between Rs 11.62 lakh and Rs 19.46 lakh (ex-showroom).

Read More on: Volkswagen Taigun on road price

Motorsport

See 23 People Crammed Inside Suzuki Vitara Small Crossover

# See 23 People Crammed Inside Suzuki Vitara Small Crossover

The Suzuki Vitara is a small crossover that is popular in Europe. Although it is not sold in the United States, it is currently manufactured in Hungary and China. However, its sales in Europe have decreased in recent years, with only about 40,000 units delivered to customers in 2022 compared to over 80,000 in 2019. To showcase the practicality of the Vitara, Suzuki Iberica, the Spanish arm of the brand, decided to conduct a unique marketing campaign.

Suzuki Iberica challenged 23 people to get inside the cabin of the Vitara. Although this is far from the world record of 57 people inside an original Volkswagen Beetle, it is still impressive considering the relatively small 98.4-inch (2,500-millimeter) wheelbase of the Vitara. Suzuki emphasizes that the Vitara has one of the largest cabins compared to its compact exterior dimensions.

During the Suzuki Family Day in Spain, which celebrated 20 years of Suzuki Iberica, the brand showcased the Vitara facelift. The rear seats were folded down to create more space, allowing six people to sit in the front and another seventeen in the area behind the front seats, which has a volume of 39.51 cubic feet (1,119 liters). All 23 participants were medium-sized youngsters who completed the challenge with a fun choreography, a lot of elasticity, and enthusiasm. You can watch the footage of the experiment at the top of this page.

The current fourth-generation Vitara was launched in 2015 and received a facelift in 2018. Despite being one of the oldest models in Europe’s subcompact segment, it remains popular. Since March 2020, the model is only available in Europe with a 1.4-liter turbocharged engine supported by a 48-volt mild-hybrid system. The peak system output is 127 horsepower (95 kilowatts) and 173 pound-feet (235 Newton-meters) of torque. In selected countries like Hungary, France, Poland, and the Netherlands, there is also a more powerful 1.5-liter hybrid option with 115 horsepower (85 kilowatts).

News

2024 Mercedes-Benz CLE: Replacing the C-Class and E-Class Coupes

The new Mercedes-Benz CLE will initially be available only as a coupe. However, a convertible version with an automatic multi-layered fabric hood is set to be launched later this year.

There is no information yet on the pricing for either model in the UK, but it is expected to be above £50,000.

First Ride: New Mercedes CLE

Mercedes-Benz has made the decision to replace the C-Class and E-Class coupes and cabriolets with the CLE coupe and cabriolet models. This means that instead of four models, there will now only be two.

During an initial ride in a validation prototype with low mileage on smooth roads near the Mercedes-Benz factory in Sindelfingen, Germany, it became clear that the new CLE maintains the overall on-road character of its predecessor models.

Inside, there are numerous styling cues taken from the C-Class saloon and estate. However, the CLE coupe has a lower seating position in the front, giving it a sportier feel. Improved perceived quality can be seen in comparison to the old C-Class and E-Class coupes and cabriolets, as well as better performance of the infotainment system. The system uses the latest version of the Mercedes-Benz MBUX operating system, providing faster response times and higher resolution on new-generation displays.

In its initial configuration with a top-of-the-line six-cylinder petrol engine, the CLE coupe delivers smooth and effortless performance. The prototype also excels in mechanical refinement and effectively reduces wind noise at typical motorway speeds.

Lexus

Toyota Motor North America Reports U.S. June and First Half 2023 Sales Results

  • 270,476 electrified vehicles sold in first half of 2023 represents 26 percent of total sales volume
  • Toyota and Lexus bringing more electrified powertrain options to their lineups. This diverse portfolio of electrified options will help propel Toyota toward its goal of carbon neutrality.
  • 24 electrified Toyota and Lexus vehicle options available at dealerships, the most among any automaker

PLANO, Texas (July 5, 2023) – Toyota Motor North America (TMNA) reported U.S. sales in June 2023 of 195,448 vehicles, up 14.9 percent on a volume and daily selling rate (DSR) basis versus June 2022. June 2023 sales of electrified vehicles totaled 51,535, representing 26.4 percent of total monthly sales.

For the first half of 2023, TMNA reported U.S. sales of 1,038,520 vehicles, down 0.7 percent on a volume and DSR basis. First half electrified vehicle sales totaled 270,476, representing 26.0 percent of total year-to-date sales.

Toyota division posted June sales of 168,680 vehicles, up 14.4 percent on a volume and DSR basis. For the first half of 2023, Toyota division reported sales of 889,108 vehicles, down 2.8 percent on a volume and DSR basis.

Lexus division posted June sales of 26,768 vehicles, up 18.1 percent on a volume and DSR basis. For the first half of 2023, Lexus division reported sales of 149,412 vehicles, up 14.0 percent on a volume and DSR basis.

“We continue to focus on customers’ needs with several new and refreshed products in the first half of the year, including the all-new Toyota Crown and the Lexus brand’s first fully electric vehicle, the RZ 450e,” said Jack Hollis, executive vice president, Sales, TMNA. “Our teams are working around the clock to get vehicles into customers’ hands and they can expect even more exciting and electrified products later this year, including the all-new Grand Highlander, Toyota Tacoma, and a new nameplate from Lexus, the TX.”

June and First Half 2023 Highlights

TMNA:

  • June electrified vehicle sales of 51,535, up 28.8 percent; represents 26.4 percent of total sales volume
  • First half electrified vehicle sales of 270,476, up 1.4 percent; represents 26.0% percent of total sales volume
  • 24 electrified Toyota and Lexus vehicle options available at dealerships
  • June sales of 195,448, up 14.9 percent (volume an DSR basis)
  • Passenger car June sales up 8.9 percent
  • Truck June sales up 17.8 percent; first half sales up 1.2 percent

Toyota Division:

  • Electrified vehicle June sales up 22.5 percent
  • June electrified vehicle ratio: 26.0 percent
  • First half 2023 electrified vehicle ratio: 7 percent
  • Passenger car June sales up 11.3 percent
  • Camry June sales up 23.8 percent; first half sales up 10.9 percent
  • Mirai June sales up 75.9 percent; first half sales up 26.8 percent
  • SUV June sales 17.5 percent
  • bZ4X June sales up 1,767 percent; first half sales up 1,477 percent
  • Corolla Cross June sales up 21.2 percent; first half sales up 27.0 percent
  • Sequoia June sales up 8,453 percent; first half sales up 1,908 percent
  • Pickup June sales up 9.4 percent; first half sales up 15.4 percent
  • Tacoma first half sales up 7.5 percent
  • Tundra June sales 37.7 percent; first half sales up 34.8 percent
  • Best-ever June sales:
    • bZ4X
    • Corolla Cross
    • Corolla Cross HEV
    • Corolla HEV
    • Crown
    • Mirai
    • Grand Highlander
    • Grand Highlander HEV
    • Sequoia
    • Tundra HEV
  • Best-ever first half sales:
    • bZ4X
    • Corolla Cross
    • GR Corolla
    • Corolla HEV
    • Mirai
    • RAV4 PRIME PHEV
    • Sequoia
    • Tundra HEV

Lexus Division:

  • Electrified vehicle June sales up 84.0 percent; first half sales up 67.7 percent
  • June electrified vehicle ratio: 28.4 percent
  • First half 2023 electrified vehicle ratio: 27.9 percent
  • IS first half sales up 1.9 percent
  • Luxury utility vehicle June sales up 17.8 percent; first half sales up 22.1 percent
  • UX June sales up 86.4 percent; first half sales up 14.7 percent
  • NX June sales up 85.3 percent; first half sales up 73.5 percent
  • RX June sales up 10.7 percent; first half sales up 6.7 percent
  • LX June sales up 29.1 percent; first half sales up 22.1 percent
  • UX HEV June sales up 401 percent; first half sales up 106.2 percent
  • NX HEV June sales up 123.3 percent; first half sales up 48.4 percent
  • NX PHEV first half sales up 33.9 percent
  • RX HEV June sales up 119.3 percent; first half sales up 126.3 percent
  • LS HEV June sales up 166.7 percent; first half sales up 258.8
  • Best-ever June sales:
    • Total electrified vehicles
    • Total luxury utility vehicles
    • IS 500
    • NX
    • NX HEV
    • Total NX
    • RX HEV
    • RZ
  • Best-ever first half sales:
    • Total electrified vehicles
    • Total luxury utility vehicles
    • IS 500
    • UX HEV
    • NX HEV
    • NX PHEV
    • Total NX
    • RX HEV
    • Total RX
    • RZ

Note:

HEV = Hybrid Electric Vehicle

PHEV = Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle

FCEV = Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle

BEV = Battery Electric Vehicle

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About Toyota

Toyota (NYSE:TM) has been a part of the cultural fabric in North America for more than 65 years and is committed to advancing sustainable, next-generation mobility through our Toyota and Lexus brands, plus our more than 1,800 dealerships.

Toyota directly employs more than 48,000 people in North America who have contributed to the design, engineering, and assembly of nearly 45 million cars and trucks at our 13 manufacturing plants. By 2025, Toyota’s 14th plant in North Carolina will begin to manufacture automotive batteries for electrified vehicles. With more electrified vehicles on the road than any other automaker, Toyota currently offers 24 electrified options.

Through the Start Your Impossible campaign, Toyota highlights the way it partners with community, civic, academic, and governmental organizations to address our society’s most pressing mobility challenges. We believe that when people are free to move, anything is possible. For more information about Toyota, visit www.ToyotaNewsroom.com.

Motorsport

Fiat Introduces Colorful Options, Drops Gray Cars

In 2022, more than 65 percent of new cars sold in the United States were white, black, or gray. Gray cars, in particular, accounted for just over 18 percent of total sales. However, Fiat is not impressed by these statistics. The Italian automaker has decided to stop producing gray cars and instead focus on offering more vibrant color choices.

Fiat’s current model range in the European market, including the 500, 500 Hybrid, Panda, and Tipo, already comes in a diverse array of shades. Some of the available colors are Gelato white, Sicilia orange, Paprika orange, Passione red, Blu Dipinto di Blu, Italia blue, Venezia blue, Rugiada green, Foresta green, Rose gold, and Cinema black. And now, Fiat is planning to add a new color option to its palette.


Motorsport

Ford Maverick Owner Not Happy With Ground Clearance After A Year Of Driving

The Maverick, Ford’s entry-level pickup, debuted in 2021 and since then has been sold in over 120,000 units in the United States alone. Presumably, some buyers got a Maverick as their first-ever pickup, but others chose Ford’s unibody truck because it promises decent fuel economy and lower maintenance costs compared to the bigger pickups out there.

However, as the video embedded at the top of this page shows, it’s not a perfect vehicle, especially if you like to wander off the beaten track frequently.

YouTuber Overland Florida explains in the 5-minute long production that the biggest gripe he has with his 2022 Ford Maverick Lariat FX4 is the low ground clearance and low-hanging front bumper, which isn’t ideal when going off-road.

He says that because it’s an FX4-equipped pickup, it should have a higher ground clearance from the factory, seeing how the optional package comes with goodies like all-terrain tires, exposed front tow hooks, hill descent control, and skid plates as standard.

Ford released the Tremor pack for the 2023 model year, which comes with a lot more off-road-oriented features, like an electronic lockable rear differential, skid plates, and – more to the point of this article – different front and rear shocks that increase the ride height by one inch (25 millimeters), compared to the base variant Maverick.

Unfortunately, cooler and more feature-rich variants usually come later in the life of a new vehicle – an issue early adopters have to live with.


Featured

Maruti Jimny Variants Explained: Which Variant Should You Buy?

The Maruti Jimny is sold in two broad variants: Zeta and Alpha, with 4WD as standard

Maruti Jimny

After making us wait for what seemed like an eternity, the Maruti Jimny has finally landed in our market. The off-roader is available in a new 5-door iteration, still with a petrol heart, in India. With the Jimny being offered in just two broad variants, it shouldn’t be too tough to pick the most suitable one, but we’re here to make that choice even simpler. First, let’s get through the basics:

Maruti Jimny low-range transfer case

Engine

1.5-litre Petrol

Power

105PS

Torque

134Nm

Transmission

5-speed MT, 4-speed AT

Claimed Fuel Efficiency

16.94kmpl (MT), 16.39kmpl (AT)

Drivetrain

4WD

Ground Clearance

210mm

Related: Deliveries Of The Maruti Jimny Have Started Already

Maruti offers the 5-door Jimny in the following exterior shades:

Here’s the variant-wise pricing of the new Jimny:

Variant

1.5-litre Petrol

MT

AT

Zeta

Rs 12.74 lakh

Rs 13.94 lakh

Alpha

Rs 13.69 lakh

Rs 14.89 lakh

The dual-tone option is only available with the range-topping Alpha trim, which commands a premium of Rs 16,000.

Maruti Jimny rear

Here’s our brief analysis and verdict of every variant. For a detailed insight, just click on the desired variant’s name.

Variant

Verdict

Zeta

Covers all the essentials with potential for accessories. Our suggestion is to go for the Alpha given the small price jump.

Alpha

It’s our pick of the two for the feel-good features that it gets over the Zeta for a justified premium.

All prices, ex-showroom pan-India

Read More on : Jimny on road price