Ferrari’s first electrical automobile will launch someday late in 2025. The firm is conserving the vital particulars beneath guard in Maranello, however CEO Benedetto Vigna went on CNBC’sSquawk Box Europe to say the automaker will proceed to emphasise styling and efficiency in its battery-electric autos and that they will not lose the model’s “unique” really feel.
Vigna famous that “electric cars are not silent” and reiterated that Ferrari is engaged on distinctive “sound signatures” for its fashions; the corporate patented an EV exhaust observe in 2023. Vigna additionally understands that the know-how will enable Ferrari to “do a lot of things” with them. Ferrari’s clients do not care a lot for performance, permitting the automaker to deal with delivering “the emotion” of its luxurious automobiles at the beginning to its purchasers.
The CEO, who took the helm at Ferrari in 2021, stated he is assured the corporate can nonetheless ship a particular driving expertise by harnessing the know-how “in a unique way.”
We’ll see what meaning in about 18 months, however whilst the corporate electrifies its lineup, it would continue to invest in combustion engines. Ferrari’s battery-powered period will embrace a brand new manufacturing facility. It’ll open in June in Maranello and produce battery packs, electrical motors, and energy inverters.
Vigna stated he does not imagine combustion engines will ever totally disappear from the luxurious automobile market, with combustion engines, hybrids, and BEVs on sale collectively, however Ferrari will electrify 60 % of its lineup by 2026. E-fuel is one different that might preserve combustion engines on the highway for years whereas reducing dangerous emissions, which is the last word purpose of many governments all over the world.
The Tata Punch facelift is anticipated to go on sale by someday in 2025
The Tata Punch facelift will seemingly incorporate the identical updates because the just lately launched Punch EV
The exterior updates will seemingly embody an up to date grille and LED DRLs, redesigned headlight housing, and up to date entrance and rear bumpers.
It might get a much bigger 10.25-inch touchscreen and a much bigger 10.25-inch digital driver’s show.
In phrases of security, it would seemingly get six airbags, a 360-degree digital camera, and digital stability management (ESC).
The Tata Punch was first launched in India in 2021, and in 2024, it additionally acquired an all-electric model with up to date seems and new options. However, the ICE (inner combustion engine) model of the Punch remains to be due for a midlife replace, which it’s anticipated to obtain in 2025. A model of the Punch has been spied beneath camouflage and it’s almost certainly the facelifted model solely, noticed for the primary time.
What We Saw In The Spy Shots?
Despite being utterly camouflaged, the Punch EV-inspired up to date fascia is obvious on the check mule. The Punch facelift is anticipated to obtain a brand new grille, LED DRLs, and a redesigned headlight housing, just like these discovered on the all-electric model of the Tata Punch.
However, there aren’t any main modifications to the general profile of the micro SUV, although it might obtain an up to date set of alloy wheels. At the rear, its taillights resemble these of the prevailing model of the Punch, however minor tweaks to the rear bumper are anticipated.
Though we didn’t get a transparent peek at how the inside of the Punch facelift will look, it would seemingly obtain updates alongside the strains of the Punch EV. The facelifted model of the Punch may even function extra facilities, similar to a bigger 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a ten.25-inch totally digital driver’s show, and ventilated entrance seats. Amenities like a sunroof and cruise management will likely be retained.
The security equipment of the Tata Punch facelift will likely be additional enhanced by six airbags, digital stability management, and a 360-degree digital camera with blind spot monitoring. At current, the Punch solely comes with twin entrance airbags and a rear parking digital camera.
The Tata Punch facelift will seemingly proceed utilizing the identical 1.2-litre three cylinder petrol engine (88 PS and 115 Nm) provided with the prevailing Punch. The unit comes mated to both a 5-speed guide or a 5-speed AMT (computerized) transmission.
The similar engine can be provided with in CNG, however with a decreased output of 73.5 PS and 103 Nm (in CNG mode), solely mated to a 5-speed guide transmission. However, Tata might present the Punch CNG facelift with the choice of a 5-speed AMT transmission, as just lately launched with the Tata Tiago CNG and Tata Tigor CNG. The Punch CNG additionally options Tata’s dual-cylinder know-how that permits for a usable boot area.
The Tata Curvv SUV-coupe is slated to go on sale someday within the second half of 2024, with costs more likely to begin from Rs 11 lakh (ex-showroom)
The already crowded compact SUV section is about to develop additional quickly with the launch of the Tata Curvv. While it is going to have many potent rivals to compete in opposition to, the Curvv has its personal distinctive qualities which can be possible to assist it draw many consumers, together with its SUV-coupe enchantment and an expansive options record. So if you’re planning to purchase a brand new compact SUV within the subsequent few months, do you have to await the brand new Tata Curvv, or go for one in all its rivals? Let’s discover out.
Model
Prices (ex-showroom pan-India)
Tata Curvv
Rs 11 lakh to Rs 20 lakh (anticipated)
Hyundai Creta
Rs 11 lakh to Rs 20.15 lakh
Kia Seltos
Rs 10.90 lakh to Rs 20.30 lakh
Maruti Grand Vitara/ Toyota Hyryder
Rs 10.80 lakh to Rs 20.09 lakh/ Rs 11.14 lakh to Rs 20.19 lakh
Skoda Kushaq/ VW Taigun
Rs 11.89 lakh to Rs 20.49 lakh/ Rs 11.70 lakh to Rs 20 lakh
Honda Elevate
Rs 11.58 lakh to Rs 16.20 lakh
MG Astor
Rs 9.98 lakh to Rs 17.89 lakh
Citroen C3 Aircross
Rs 9.99 lakh to Rs 14.05 lakh
2024 Hyundai Creta: BUY For New Features And Design, Improved Safety And Multiple Powertrains
The Hyundai Creta was not too long ago launched in a facelifted avatar, giving it a contemporary exterior and even a revamped dashboard design on the within. It’s supplied with new options corresponding to a ten.25-inch full digital driver show, and dual-zone local weather management. In phrases of security tech, the brand new Creta bought further options corresponding to a 360-degree digicam and Level-2 superior driver help programs (ADAS), additional bolstering the security suite of the SUV. With the facelift, Hyundai additionally introduced again the choice of a turbo-petrol powertrain on the Creta – the 1.5-litre unit (160 PS/253 Nm) however solely with a 7-speed DCT (dual-clutch computerized transmission). Other engine choices embody a 1.5-litre naturally-aspirated petrol unit and a 1.5-litre diesel as nicely, each with selection of handbook and computerized transmissions.
Kia Seltos: BUY For Looks, Equipment, And Multiple Powertrain Options
Back in mid 2023, we bought the facelifted Kia Seltos with extra options, improved seems to be, and the choice of a brand new 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol unit with a number of transmission choices together with an iMT gearbox (handbook with out the clutch pedal). The Seltos, with the midlife refresh, bought a ten.25-inch absolutely digital instrument cluster, dual-zone local weather management, and a panoramic sunroof. Kia even enhanced the SUV’s security suite by equipping it with Level-2 ADAS having options like adaptive cruise management, lane-keep help, and autonomous emergency braking. Like the Creta, the Seltos additionally provides a much less highly effective petrol engine in addition to a diesel engine possibility.
Maruti Grand Vitara/ Toyota Hyryder: BUY For Strong-hybrid Powertrain, All-wheel-drive Option, And Segment-best Mileage
Only two SUVs within the section, particularly the Maruti Grand Vitara and the Toyota Hyryder, get the selection of a strong-hybrid powertrain. Both SUVs share the identical set of options just like the 9-inch touchscreen infotainment unit, 360-degree digicam, panoramic sunroof and ventilated entrance seats. Both even have a premium design inside and outside. Maruti and Toyota additionally provide the common petrol variants of those SUVs with an all-wheel-drive (AWD) setup, which isn’t obtainable with some other compact SUV for now. With their strong-hybrid powertrain, each SUVs provide the perfect mileage within the section however a compromise must be made by way of the boot area, because of the placement of the battery pack.
Volkswagen Taigun/ Skoda Kushaq: BUY For Enthusiastic Performance And Tested Safety
The Skoda Kushaq or the Volkswagen Taigun must be your choose for those who search thrilling efficiency and a fun-to-drive compact SUV. Both the fashions get 1-litre and 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine choices with a number of transmissions together with a 6-speed handbook, a 6-speed torque converter and a 7-speed DCT. These SUVs are additionally the one fashions within the section to have a 5-star crash take a look at security ranking from the Global NCAP. However, whereas each these SUVs provide nice efficiency and security, their cabins and options lists have grow to be outdated by comparability, and wish an replace quickly.
Honda Elevate: BUY For Spacious Cabin And Affordability
The Honda Elevate is likely one of the latest choices within the section and comes with only a single 1.5-litre petrol engine. While it isn’t as thrilling as its German counterparts whereas driving, the Elevate does provide a easy and relaxed expertise, because of its well-refined CVT computerized gearbox. Although the Honda SUV isn’t as function loaded as its Korean rivals, it does get the fundamentals proper together with some premium options like ADAS and wi-fi cellphone charging. Honda is providing it with a complicated wanting cabin having nice supplies, focussing on worth somewhat than technological gimmicks. Another motive to think about the Honda Elevate over the opposite fashions is its pricing, with its high variant being extra reasonably priced than high variants of its rivals by over Rs 4 lakh.
MG Astor: BUY For A Well-built Cabin And ADAS
While the MG Astor is unlikely to be the preferred SUV right here, it nonetheless has loads to supply by way of a well-appointed cabin and the inclusion of ADAS in its options record. The brilliant pink cabin has a premium construct high quality together with set of options, an AI assistant, and two petrol engine choices: a 1.5-litre petrol, and a 1.3-litre turbo-petrol. The latter even provides a little bit of sportiness to this compact SUV.
Citroen C3 Aircross: BUY For 7-seater Layout, Comfortable Ride Quality And Affordable Pricing
If you need a compact SUV with the selection of a 5-seater or a 7-seater format, it’s the Citroen C3 Aircross. The 7-seater model comes with a detachable third row of seats to develop baggage storage space. Citroen has offered it with a 1.2-litre turbo-petrol engine with a 6-speed handbook transmission however there are not any computerized or diesel powertrains on provide. The C3 Aircross comes with nice journey and dealing with, and provides nice consolation to the passengers. It can also be some of the reasonably priced compact SUVs on sale, with costs ranging from Rs 9.99 lakh (ex-showroom). The C3 Aircross could be the right automobile for these in search of a compact SUV for his or her huge household. However, all of this comes at the price of a fundamental options record with none premium comforts, and a scarcity of powertrain choices.
Same Prices, Other Options: Sedans And Bigger SUVs
Model
Prices (ex-showroom pan-India)
Hyundai Verna
Rs 11 lakh to Rs 17.42 lakh
Honda City
Rs 11.71 lakh to Rs 16.19 lakh
Skoda Slavia/VW Virtus
Rs 11.53 lakh to Rs 19.13 lakh/ Rs 11.56 lakh to Rs 19.41 lakh
Tata Harrier
Rs 15.49 lakh to Rs 26.44 lakh
Mahindra XUV700
Rs 13.99 lakh to Rs 26.99 lakh
MG Hector
Rs 13.99 lakh to Rs 21.95 lakh
At an analogous value vary for the Tata Curvv and its section rivals, you get the selection of premium compact sedans as nicely. These fashions have higher rear seat area and boot capacities however have a decrease floor clearance.
On the opposite hand, you even have the choice of selecting a barely larger SUV such because the Mahindra XUV700 or the Tata Harrier. Given their costs, it is possible for you to to purchase their lower- or mid-spec variants with a little bit of compromise by way of options. That mentioned, they’ll provide extra in-cabin area and luxury given their measurement.
Tata Curvv: HOLD For Unique Looks, Features, Safety Rating, And Multiple Powertrains
One of the most important causes to attend for the Tata Curvv is its distinctive design due to its coupe-like roofline. The closer-to-production mannequin that has been showcased nonetheless had flush-fitting door handles and 18-inch alloy wheels. It is more likely to be geared up with a 12.3-inch touchscreen, a ten.25-inch digital driver show, ventilated entrance seats and a panoramic sunroof. Its security internet might embody six airbags, a 360-degree digicam, TPMS and Level 2 ADAS. Being a contemporary Tata providing, you can even count on it to have a excessive security ranking from the crash-testing authorities like Bharat NCAP. Tata has additionally confirmed that the Curvv might be supplied with each turbo-petrol and diesel engine choices, together with the selection of a number of transmissions.
Let us know whether or not you’ll await the Tata Curvv or do you propose to purchase one in all its already obtainable rivals as a substitute within the feedback.
The new technology of the Renault Kwid might go on sale in India someday in 2025
The Dacia Spring is actually the electrical Renault Kwid for the European markets with some design adjustments.
New Dacia Spring EV will get 2024 Duster-like fascia, together with the grille design and Y-shaped LED DRLs.
It additionally will get a brand new cabin with twin digital shows as seen on the Duster.
Other options embrace linked automotive tech, all-four energy home windows and handbook AC.
Safety tech contains just a few ADAS options and rear parking sensors.
Comes with a 26.8 kWh battery pack with a WLTP-claimed vary of over 220 km.
India launch of the Spring EV-based electrical Kwid stays unsure.
Renault’s budget-oriented international model, Dacia, has revealed the new-generation Spring EV for the European markets. The Dacia Spring is actually the electrical Renault Kwid with some beauty tweaks inside and outside, and therefore the brand new one additionally previews the brand new technology of the entry-level hatchback offered in India. We anticipate Renault to convey the 2024 Spring EV to India because the new-gen Kwid someday in 2025.
Retains Key Design Elements
The new Spring EV, at first look, appears to be like like a sized-down model of the third-gen Dacia Duster SUV. It will get the identical sleeker grille with twin chrome strips working from the Y-shaped LED DRLs to the Dacia brand within the centre, which acts as a flap for the charging port. Lower down, it now has smaller and sharper headlight clusters and a large bumper sporting the air inlets above and beneath it.
Although its profile appears to be like largely the identical because the outgoing mannequin, the new-gen hatchback appears to be like taller than the earlier iteration. You may also discover that the wheel arches, housing the 15-inch wheels with stylised black covers, are extra squared off. The roof rails have been performed away with, making it extra aerodynamic and thus bettering its vary.
At the again, its taillight design mimics the Y-shaped LED DRLs situated up entrance. The new rear lighting setup is linked by a chunky black component having the ‘Dacia’ moniker spelled out over it.
A More Upmarket Interior
The resemblance with the Duster is obvious inside as effectively. The Spring EV additionally will get variant-specific white/copper accents across the AC vents and the Y-shaped inserts within the central AC vents. Even the steering wheel appears to be the identical one as seen on the brand new SUV whereas the gear selector is positioned within the centre console. Thankfully, the Spring EV has been supplied with bodily buttons and rotary dials for the local weather management.
In phrases of comforts and conveniences, the Spring EV packs a 7-inch digital driver’s show, a 10-inch touchscreen with wi-fi smartphone connectivity, all 4 energy home windows, handbook AC, and linked automotive tech. The EV additionally comes with the vehicle-to-load (V2L) characteristic, which makes it an power supply to energy different electrical gadgets.
The electrical hatchback’s security web packs rear parking sensors and numerous superior driver help methods (ADAS) together with autonomous emergency braking (AEB), visitors signal recognition, driver attentiveness alert, and lane hold help.
Details Of Its Electric Powertrain
The Dacia Spring EV will get a 26.8 kWh battery pack appropriate for a WLTP-claimed vary of over 220 km. It is out there with a alternative of two electrical motors relying upon the variant chosen: 46 PS and 66 PS.
The new Dacia Spring EV is provided as customary with a 7 kW AC charger that may energy up the battery from 20 to one hundred pc on a 15A plug level in lower than 11 hours, or in simply 4 hours from a 7 kW wallbox unit. A 30 kW DC charger permits quick charging from 20 to 80 p.c in 45 minutes.
Expected India Price And Rivals
The new-gen Renault Kwid (primarily based on the brand new Dacia Spring EV) might be priced from Rs 5 lakh (ex-showroom). It will proceed to tackle the Maruti Alto K10 whereas additionally going up towards the Maruti S-Presso. However, the launch of an electrical Renault Kwid in India stays unconfirmed.
Although the common Octavia received’t be headed to India, we are able to count on to get its sportier vRS model someday within the second half of 2024
Skoda to debut the facelifted Octavia on February 14, 2024.
Sketches reveal sharper LED headlights, up to date LED DRLs and new alloy wheels.
Cabin anticipated to come back with a brand new structure and an even bigger touchscreen.
Skoda to supply the global-spec sedan with a number of powertrains, together with a diesel.
Its vRS model might go on sale in India in 2024 with costs beginning over Rs 40 lakh (ex-showroom).
The fourth-generation Skoda Octavia facelift will make its international debut on February 14. But earlier than that, the Czech carmaker has given us a glimpse of the refreshed sedan by way of a couple of teaser sketches.
What Do The Sketches Reveal?
The Octavia will get a lot of the adjustments on the entrance, together with a revised grille, sharper LED headlights, and a sportier bumper. But the standout design function is the brand new boomerang-shaped LED daytime working lights that offers the brand new fascia an aggressive look.
While the aspect profile stays roughly unchanged, Skoda has given the sedan a brand new set of alloy wheels. At the again, the tail lights retain their earlier form, however the lighting sample has been up to date. Its rear bumper has additionally been redesigned and now sports activities sharper cuts and creases.
The carmaker has additionally shared a teaser sketch of the facelifted Octavia vRS, displaying off its revised design. It will get a in another way styled bumper with enormous, aggressive air vents, sporty alloy wheels, and a sporty rear bumper too. Skoda will proceed to supply the Octavia in each sedan and property physique kinds internationally.
Cabin And Feature Updates
Skoda hasn’t revealed the inside of the up to date Octavia but, but it surely’s prone to get contemporary upholstery, revised dashboard, further color alternatives, and potential function upgrades equivalent to an even bigger infotainment show.
Skoda plans to supply varied engine selections for the Octavia globally, equivalent to a 1.4-litre plug-in hybrid (for the vRS mannequin), a 1.5-litre turbo-petrol, a 2-litre turbo-petrol, and a 2-litre diesel. The 2024 Octavia will probably be supplied with each handbook and automated gearbox choices.
Expected Price And India Arrival
Although the usual Octavia will not return to India, it’s prone to make a comeback in its vRS model, which is likely one of the favourites of fans right here. We count on the facelifted Skoda Octavia vRS to have a beginning worth of over Rs 40 lakh (ex-showroom) as it will likely be a full import. It will function an inexpensive different to the BMW M340i. Skoda might deliver it to our shores someday within the second half of 2024.
The facelifted Kia Sonet might be unveiled on December 14 and can go on sale someday in early 2024
Kia launched the Sonet in 2020 in India, now giving the SUV its first correct replace.
To get a revised grille, related LED hind lights, and redesigned alloy wheels.
Cabin updates may embrace a digital driver’s show and new seat upholstery.
Expected to return with a ten.25-inch touchscreen, 6 normal airbags and ADAS.
To be powered by the identical petrol and diesel engines because the outgoing mannequin.
Prices may begin from Rs 8 lakh (ex-showroom).
The facelifted India-spec Kia Sonet is about to debut on December 14. Kia not too long ago confirmed the identical and even gave us a sneak peek of the up to date SUV. Now, a couple of dealerships have began accepting offline bookings for the brand new Sonet. Here’s what’s recognized to this point:
Expected Set Of Powertrains
We usually are not anticipating any main adjustments to the powertrains of Kia’s sub-4m SUV. Even with the replace, it ought to proceed with the identical choices as under:
Specifications
1.2-litre N.A. Petrol
1-litre Turbo-petrol
1.5-litre Diesel
Power
83 PS
120 PS
116 PS
Torque
115 Nm
172 Nm
250 Nm
Transmission
5-speed MT
6-speed iMT/ 7-speed DCT
6-speed iMT/ 6-speed AT
There have been stories on-line suggesting the potential of Kia re-introducing a 6-speed handbook gearbox with the diesel engine as a substitute of the iMT (handbook with out clutch pedal). However, we might suggest holding on for some time to see if that involves fruition on the facelifted SUV.
A Fresh Look
Kia has sharpened the outside design of the Sonet with the midlife replace by giving it longer fang-shaped LED DRLs, a revised grille and repositioned LED fog lamps. Other exterior adjustments will embrace a distinct set of alloy wheels and related LED hind lights.
How Different Will It Be On The Inside?
We anticipate the carmaker to present the 2024 Sonet a brand new seat upholstery and local weather management panel. The facelifted SUV’s teaser confirmed it had the identical 10.25-inch touchscreen because the outgoing mannequin.
What Other Features Can You Expect?
New options on board the facelifted Sonet will seemingly embrace a digital driver’s show (from the brand new Seltos) and a 360-degree digital camera. Kia will proceed to supply the SUV with wi-fi cellphone charging, ventilated entrance seats, a single-pane sunroof, and cruise management.
Its security package is predicted to pack six airbags as normal, entrance and rear parking sensors, hill-hold help, and perhaps even superior driver help methods (ADAS).
The Kia Sonet facelift is predicted to be priced from Rs 8 lakh (ex-showroom) when it goes on sale in early 2024. It will proceed to compete with the Hyundai Venue, Maruti Brezza, Tata Nexon, Mahindra XUV300, Nissan Magnite, Renault Kiger and Maruti Fronx crossover.
Renault is expected to bring the new Duster to India sometime by 2025
The third-generation Renault Duster (Dacia Duster) has just been revealed globally. It will be a key model for the carmaker as it will be a big step up for the nameplate in India since its second-gen version never came here. Since the SUV isn’t likely to head our way anytime before 2025, feast your eyes on its images below:
Exterior
The front of the new Duster appears to be an evolutionary upgrade rather than a revolutionary one at first glance. It features a slimmer grille with inserts, Y-shaped LED DRLs, and a big bumper housing a huge air dam and the fog lamps.
The SUV’s silhouette has stayed similar but with sharper details. Highlights on the new Duster’s profile include squared-off wheel arches, C-pillar-mounted rear door handles, and functional roof rails. A kink in the windowline towards the quarter glass panel is also noticeable.
The new 5-spoke dual-tone alloy wheels (ranging from 17- to 18-inches) are an evolution of the ones offered on the previous generation Duster (the one not sold in India).
The back of the new Duster is much more subdued, featuring Y-shaped LED taillights and a chunky bumper.
Interior
The third-gen Renault Duster has a completely fresh dashboard design with Y-shaped elements throughout the cabin. The instrument cluster and infotainment system are digital, but the carmaker has opted to provide physical buttons for climate control, a welcome decision.
The international-spec third-gen Duster comes with two cabin themes, with one featuring blue highlights for the upholstery, while the other top-spec variant offers a grey-black theme with bronze-like accents.
The rugged SUV lacks a rear center armrest, but it has three adjustable headrests and 3-point seatbelts for all passengers. It also has provisions for ISOFIX child seat mounts.
The new Duster is equipped with a 7-inch digital driver’s display capable of showing a large variety of information, with hybrid variants receiving additional variant-specific graphics.
In terms of features, the SUV offers a 10.1-inch free-floating touchscreen system, wireless phone charging, ventilated front seats, and a 6-speaker Arkamys 3D sound system.
The new Duster also includes an electronic parking brake for added convenience. Its automatic variants use a toggle for the drive selector.
The third-gen Duster is being offered globally with a range of powertrain options, including hybrid and LPG. These include a 130 PS, 1.2-litre petrol engine paired with a 48V mild hybrid system, a strong-hybrid 140 PS 1.6-litre 4-cylinder petrol engine paired to two electric motors, powered by a 1.2 kWh battery pack. The last one is a combination of petrol and LPG. It is available with both manual and automatic transmission options. The SUV also comes with an all-wheel drivetrain (AWD), emphasizing its rugged appeal and the proven off-roading capabilities of the Duster brand.
We anticipate the new Renault Duster to have a starting price of Rs 10 lakh (ex-showroom). It will compete with the Kia Seltos, Maruti Grand Vitara, Hyundai Creta, Skoda Kushaq, Honda Elevate, Volkswagen Taigun, Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder, and Citroen C3 Aircross.
Renault is expected to bring the new Duster to India sometime by 2025
The third-generation Renault Duster (Dacia Duster) has just been revealed globally. It will be a key model for the carmaker as it will be a big step up for the nameplate in India since its second-gen version never reached here. Since the SUV isn’t likely to head our way anytime before 2025, feast your eyes on its images below:
Exterior
At a first glance, the front of the new Duster seems more like an evolutionary upgrade than revolutionary compared to the older model. It has a slimmer grille with inserts, Y-shaped LED DRLs, and a big bumper housing a huge air dam and the fog lamps.
The silhouette of the SUV has still remained intact but now has sharper details. Highlighting elements on the new Duster’s profile include squared off wheel arches, C-pillar-mounted rear door handles, and functional roof rails. You can also notice a kink in the windowline towards the quarter glass panel.
Its back is much sober in comparison, with the talking points being Y-shaped LED taillights and a chunky bumper.
Interior
The third-gen Renault Duster features a completely fresh dashboard design with Y-shaped elements seen all around the cabin. While the instrument cluster and infotainment system is digital, the carmaker has thankfully chosen to offer physical buttons for climate control.
In terms of features, the SUV has a 10.1-inch free-floating touchscreen system, wireless phone charging, a 7-inch digital driver’s display, ventilated front seats, and a 6-speaker Arkamys 3D sound system.
Its safety kit includes an electronic parking brake, six airbags, a reversing camera, and a host of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) including autonomous emergency braking (AEB), lane keep assist, and driver attentiveness alert.
The third-gen Duster is globally being offered with a range of powertrain options, including hybrid and LPG. These comprise of a 130 PS, 1.2-litre petrol unit coupled with a 48V mild hybrid system, a strong-hybrid 140 PS 1.6-litre 4-cylinder petrol engine paired to two electric motors, powered by a 1.2 kWh battery pack. The last one is a combination of petrol and LPG. It is available with both manual and automatic transmission options. The SUV is also being provided with an all-wheel drivetrain (AWD) to take the roads less taken.
We expect the new Renault Duster to have a starting price of Rs 10 lakh (ex-showroom). It will rival the Kia Seltos, Maruti Grand Vitara, Hyundai Creta, Skoda Kushaq, Honda Elevate, Volkswagen Taigun, Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder, and Citroen C3 Aircross.
The third-gen Renault Duster is expected to be launched in India sometime in 2025, with prices likely to start from around Rs 10 lakh (ex-showroom)
Renault’s budget-oriented global brand, Dacia, to reveal the new Duster on November 29.
To have design similarities with the Bigster concept including Y-shaped LED DRLs and a slimmer grille.
Features on board to likely include multiple displays, ventilated seats and possibly ADAS.
International-spec model to get three petrol engine options; India-spec powertrain details yet to be confirmed.
India only got the first-gen Renault Duster; it was discontinued in early 2022.
Towards the end of October 2023, it was confirmed that the third-generation Renault Duster will break cover on November 29. Renault’s budget-oriented global brand, Dacia, will be unveiling the SUV in Portugal. While we wait for the official reveal, the new Duster’s images have already leaked online. Renault only offered the first-gen Duster in India from 2012 and discontinued it in early 2022. It was one of the first models to contribute to the growth of the compact SUV segment in India.
How Does It Look On The Outside?
The leaked teaser shows the SUV in its full glory, and it’s evident that it has taken design inspiration from the Bigster concept. The new Duster has retained the boxy proportions associated with the nameplate which are in line with the carmaker’s latest design language. At the front, it has a slimmer LED headlight setup with Y-shaped LED DRLs and a chunky air dam with fog lamps.
Its profile is dominated by squared off wheel arches, roof rails and dual-tone alloy wheels. Body cladding adds further muscle to the overall design. A massive rear skid plate and LED taillights with Y-shaped signature round off the design changes.
Interior And Features
Although the teaser doesn’t show the new Duster’s cabin in detail, we do get its glimpse, which shows the digital driver’s display. Other expected features include ventilated front seats, a bigger touchscreen system, a panoramic sunroof and even wireless phone charging.
Its safety kit will likely include multiple airbags, electronic stability control (ESC), and possibly even a suite of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS).
The third-gen Duster will be underpinned by the new CMF-B platform – same as the second-gen Europe-spec Captur – suitable for both internal combustion engines (ICE) and EV powertrains. It is being reported that the new Duster will come with three petrol engine options: a 110 PS 1-litre turbo-petrol engine, a 1.2-litre hybrid engine (making between 120 PS and 140 PS), and a 170 PS 1.3-litre turbo-petrol engine. While these engines will be offered on the global-spec Duster, it remains to be seen what powertrain combo Renault chooses to offer for our market.
Launch And Price
We expect the third-gen Renault Duster to arrive on our shores sometime in 2025, with prices likely to start from Rs 10 lakh (ex-showroom). It will compete with the likes of the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, MG Astor, Skoda Kushaq, Maruti Grand Vitara, Honda Elevate, and Citroen C3 Aircross.
The 5-door Mahindra Thar is expected to go on sale sometime in 2024, with prices likely to start from Rs 15 lakh (ex-showroom)
The spied model had LED headlights and taillights, alloy wheels and a single-pane sunroof.
Its cabin is likely to get a bigger touchscreen, dual-zone AC and rear AC vents.
Mahindra is expected to offer it with the 3-door Thar’s petrol and diesel engines but with revised outputs.
Should be offered with both rear-wheel-drive (RWD) and 4-wheel-drive (4WD) options.
With 2024 nearing, there are many fresh cars (including a lot of SUVs) waiting to go on sale in our market. One such SUV is the 5-door Mahindra Thar, which has been spied umpteen times in heavy camouflage. Another test mule of Mahindra’s elongated off-roader was spied again, with production-ready touches.
Details Observed
The SUV was seen with production-ready LED headlights and taillights, a freshly designed grille, alloy wheels, and halogen fog lamps as well. It also had the single-pane sunroof and the circular LED DRLs as seen in previous spy shots. Other revisions made for the 5-door model include an additional set of doors and the elongated wheelbase.
What About The Cabin?
It’s not just the exterior of the SUV that will be new from the 3-door version but its interior will have differences as well. An older spy shot had hinted at the presence of a bigger touchscreen (probably from Scorpio N), with a possibility of a new cabin theme as well.
Aside from the bigger touchscreen and the sunroof, the 5-door Thar is also expected to get dual-zone climate control and rear AC vents. Its safety net could include six airbags, electronic stability control (ESC), a reversing camera, and tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS).
Familiar Powertrains Under The Hood
Mahindra is expected to offer the long-wheelbase Thar with the same 2-litre turbo-petrol and 2.2-litre diesel engines as the current 3-door model, although likely with increased outputs. Both units are likely to get manual and automatic transmission options. The 5-door Thar could also come with both rear-wheel-drive (RWD) and 4-wheel-drive (4WD) options.
The 5-door Mahindra Thar is expected to have a starting price of Rs 15 lakh (ex-showroom). It will serve as a longer alternative to the Maruti Jimny while taking on the upcoming 5-door Force Gurkha.
