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Motorsport

2024 Volkswagen Tiguan PHEV Seen Testing Under Discrete Camouflage

We now have a glimpse of the upcoming third-generation Volkswagen Tiguan, as spy shots reveal the plug-in hybrid version of the SUV in both left- and right-hand drive setups.

The Tiguan PHEV bears a striking resemblance to other variants of the new model. The charging port is conveniently located on the driver’s side front fender. The front end features a wide fascia with chrome elements shaped like brackets on the outer edges. Volkswagen has cleverly disguised the upper grille using decals, and the headlights have distinctive rectangular lamps.


Featured

April-June 2023 Recap: All The Major Auto Events That Happened This Past Quarter


We witnessed several discontinuations, new launches, and crash test scores over the last three months.

Q2 2023 Recap

The second quarter of 2023 was both hectic and exciting, especially considering the Auto Expo 2023 that took place earlier, where many cars were unveiled. This quarter saw a mix of highly anticipated launches and disappointing discontinuations in the Indian auto industry. Here’s a detailed recap of all the key headlines over the past three months:

Discontinuations

Several cars were discontinued due to the implementation of the BS6 Phase 2 norms. Here’s a list of models that are no longer available:

Honda WR-V, Jazz and fourth-gen City

1. Honda Jazz, WR-V, and fourth-generation City: These models were already outdated compared to their rivals, especially the Jazz and WR-V.

2. Maruti Alto 800: After being on sale for over a decade, Maruti has discontinued its entry-level model with the sub-litre engine. However, the Alto nameplate still exists in the form of the K10, which has a 1-litre petrol unit.

Maruti Alto 800

3. Skoda Octavia and Superb: The new emission norms also affected the Skoda Octavia and Superb, leading to their discontinuation. The Superb might make a comeback in a new avatar, while the Octavia is rumored to return as an imported version at a higher price.

4. Other discontinuations include the Mahindra KUV100 NXT, Nissan Kicks, and Kia Carnival. The Mahindra and Nissan offerings were axed due to poor sales, while the Kia MPV was outdated compared to the global model.

Launches

MARUTI JIMNY

Maruti Jimny

The highlight of this quarter was the long-awaited launch of the Maruti Jimny. This compact SUV was announced for the Indian market three years ago and is now priced between Rs 12.74 lakh and Rs 15.05 lakh (ex-showroom). It comes in two trims – Zeta and Alpha – and offers features such as LED headlamps, a 9-inch touchscreen system, cruise control, six airbags, and a rear camera. The Jimny is powered by a 1.5-litre petrol engine with manual and automatic options, and it comes with 4X4 as standard.

MARUTI FRONX

Maruti Fronx Alpha Variant

Prior to the Jimny, Maruti launched the all-new Maruti Fronx, a compact SUV based on the Baleno. The Fronx has a unique SUV-crossover design inspired by the Grand Vitara and is priced between Rs 7.46 lakh and Rs 13.13 lakh (ex-showroom). It is available with two engine options: a 1.2-litre petrol and a 1-litre turbo-petrol, both offered with manual and automatic transmissions.

MG COMET EV

MG Comet EV

The most affordable electric vehicle in India, the MG Comet EV, was launched this quarter. It is a small two-door EV with a four-seat capacity, equipped with a 17.3kWh battery pack that provides a range of up to 230 kilometers. The Comet EV features LED headlamps, dual 10.25-inch displays for the touchscreen system and digital instrument cluster, dual airbags, and a rear camera. The prices for the Comet range from Rs 7.98 lakh to Rs 9.98 lakh (ex-showroom).

TATA ALTROZ CNG

Tata Altroz CNG

Tata introduced the CNG variant of its premium hatchback, the Altroz. The Altroz CNG is available in six variants, priced from Rs 7.55 lakh to Rs 10.55 lakh (ex-showroom). It is powered by a 1.2-litre petrol-CNG engine mated to a five-speed manual transmission. The highlight of the Altroz CNG is its dual-cylinder setup, which frees up more boot space. It offers features such as an electric sunroof, wireless charger, rain-sensing wipers, and dual front airbags.

Volkswagen Virtus and Taigun Updates

Volkswagen Taigun Matte Edition

Volkswagen introduced new variants in the Taigun lineup – GT MT and GT Plus DSG. The Virtus also received an update with the introduction of the GT Plus MT variant, which features a 150PS turbo-petrol engine with a manual transmission. Additionally, two new limited-edition colors – Deep Black Pearl and Carbon Steel Grey Matte – were added to both models.

BS6 PHASE 2 Launches

All the cars were updated with BS6 phase 2 emission norms by April, resulting in a price hike. These updates also led to changes in power figures and fuel economy for several cars.

Crash Test Scores

Maruti Wagon R

Maruti Wagon R at Global NCAP

The Maruti Wagon R received a one-star safety rating in the global NCAP crash tests. It scored one star for adult occupants’ protection and zero stars for child occupants’ protection.

Volkswagen Virtus / Skoda Slavia

Skoda Slavia

The Volkswagen Virtus and Skoda Slavia emerged as the safest cars in India, scoring a full five stars for adult and child occupants’ protection.

Maruti Alto K10

Maruti Alto Crash Tested

The updated global NCAP crash tests awarded the Maruti Alto K10 a two-star safety rating. Although its body shell integrity was rated stable, the overall safety score was not impressive.

Unveilings And Teasers

Citroen C3 Aircross

Citroen C3 Aircross

Citroen showcased the C3 Aircross, its entry into the compact SUV segment in India. Expected to go on sale in August, this three-row SUV features a 10-inch touchscreen system, a 7-inch digital display, dual airbags, and TPMS. It will be powered by a 1.2-litre turbo-petrol engine and may offer an automatic transmission. The expected price of the C3 Aircross is around Rs 10 lakh.

Honda Elevate

Honda Elevate

Honda unveiled the Elevate compact SUV, which is set to launch in India soon. It is a petrol-only SUV powered by the 1.5-litre petrol engine from the City, available with manual and CVT transmissions. The Elevate features a 10.25-inch touchscreen system, a digital instrument cluster, an electric sunroof, six airbags, and ADAS. The expected price of the Elevate is around Rs 12 lakh.

Hyundai Exter

Hyundai Exter sunroof

The Hyundai Exter, a micro SUV based on the Grand i10 Nios, was unveiled. It comes equipped with an electric sunroof, an 8-inch touchscreen system, automatic AC, six airbags, TPMS, and a rear camera. The Exter is powered by a 1.2-litre petrol engine with manual and AMT transmissions, and it also offers a CNG option. The expected price of the Exter is around Rs 6 lakh.

Maruti Invicto

Maruti Invicto MPV

Maruti is set to launch the Invicto MPV, which is a rebadged version of the Innova Hycross. The Invicto MPV will be powered by the Hycross’ 2-litre petrol-hybrid engine, claiming a mileage of up to 23.24kmpl. It will offer features like a panoramic sunroof, a 10-inch touchscreen system, dual-zone AC, a wireless charger, up to six airbags, and ADAS. The expected price of the Invicto is around Rs 19 lakh.

Events That Would Impact The Auto Industry

New Lithium Reserves

India’s Lithium Reserves Have Just Gotten Bigger

In February, India discovered its first lithium reserves in Jammu and Kashmir, and even larger reserves were found in Rajasthan in May 2023. These reserves position India as one of the world’s largest lithium producers, which will support the production of lithium-ion batteries for electric vehicles.

Tesla India Launch Confirmed

Elon Musk Narendra Modi

Elon Musk confirmed Tesla’s entry into the Indian market during a meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the USA. The Prime Minister invited Musk to explore investment opportunities in India, including setting up factories for local production of EVs.

Read More on : Maruti Jimny on road price

ToyotaUk

Toyota Quarterly Supplement for Takata Recalls Second Quarter 2023

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Motorsport

Subaru BRZ, Toyota GR86 Owner Test Reveals Oil Pressure Issue During Right Turns

The Subaru BRZ and Toyota GR86, introduced in 2021, grabbed attention with their larger 2.4-liter boxer four-cylinder engine, offering more power than the previous model. However, some owners have reported sporadic engine problems. To investigate further, a 2022 Subaru BRZ owner has conducted a test.

The test, featured in a video on the YouTube channel “900BRZ,” is introduced by a person named Brian, who owns a 2022 BRZ. In the video, he evaluates both his BRZ and a 2022 Toyota GR86 on a track, with four different drivers of varying skill levels. The cars were equipped with two oil pressure sensors and connected to a custom software suite that recorded real-time data of engine oil pressure during track driving.


Motorsport

Renault Scenic E-Tech EV Spotted Testing for the First Time

The popular Renault Scenic is set to make a comeback in Europe, this time as an electric vehicle (EV) with the upcoming E-Tech model. Recently, spy shots of the car’s development have emerged, offering a first glimpse of its design.

In an effort to conceal the exterior features, Renault’s engineering team has covered the car with a camouflage wrap and used blocky panels to distort its appearance. Despite this, we can see that the Scenic E-Tech sports a sleek front end with a trapezoidal inlet positioned in the lower section. The headlights are thin and neatly frame the hood.


News

Japan’s Cullinan Killer: Rumored Toyota Century SUV Now Confirmed

These days, almost everything in the automotive industry needs to be a crossover or an SUV in order to stay relevant. However, there seems to be no end in sight to the demand for SUVs and crossovers. During the unveiling of the new Toyota Alphard luxury minivan, a rumor that has been circulating for quite some time was confirmed—a Century SUV. This means that Toyota is officially creating an SUV version of its iconic full-size luxury sedan. Toyota’s Chief Branding officer, Simon Humphries, stated that the Century offers the ultimate Chauffeur experience and it will have to evolve. He also mentioned that more details will be shared later in the year about this new addition to Toyota’s chauffeur series.

The Century is a full-size flagship luxury sedan made by Toyota, and it is exclusive to the Japanese market. It is often compared to models like the Mercedes-Benz S-Class and Rolls-Royce Phantom. It is highly sought after by Japanese VIPs and high-profile businessmen. The current generation Century has been on sale since 2018 and is built on the rear-wheel drive N platform. The Century SUV will most likely debut before a next-generation Century sedan appears.

What We Wish The Century SUV Will Be

As Toyota’s flagship SUV, we hope that the Century SUV will be the epitome of Japanese prestige and luxury. It should not be based on a front-wheel drive architecture like many other Lexus and Toyota crossover SUVs. There are two possible routes for Toyota to take. The first is to utilize the TNGA-F platform, which would allow the SUV to have off-roading capabilities like the Lexus LX 600. The second option, and the one we prefer, is to use the TNGA-L platform, which is already used in the Lexus LS and LC. This platform offers high levels of comfort and on-road performance.

What Could It Look Like?

The Century SUV will likely resemble an SUV version of the Century sedan. However, it will not simply be a rugged version of the sedan. Toyota will combine vintage design elements with modern aesthetics, just like they did with the current Century sedan. The interior will follow a similar theme, with vintage and modern elements blended together. Rear seat comfort will be a highlight, with the possibility of an optional two-seater configuration.

Hybrid Propulsion As Standard

The Century SUV will most likely feature a hybrid electric drivetrain. It could either use a V-8 hybrid engine, similar to the one in the current Century sedan, or a V-6 hybrid engine used in the Lexus LS and LC. Both options offer a combination of power and fuel efficiency. There is also a possibility that Toyota will develop a completely new powertrain for the Century SUV.

How Much Would A Century SUV Cost?

In Japan, the current Toyota Century sedan has a base price of ¥20,080,000 ($140,000), making it more expensive than any Lexus or Toyota vehicle. The Century SUV will likely be even more expensive, possibly reaching the $200,000 mark. The limited production run and hand-built assembly process of the Century sedan contribute to its exclusivity and high price. It remains to be seen if the world is ready to pay nearly $200,000 for a Toyota SUV.

Car review

Human Horizons HiPhi X: A Closer Look

The Human Horizons HiPhi X boasts impressive digital screens, although they were not fully operational during our test drive. Once they are up and running, they are expected to provide a rich digital experience.

The central infotainment console is complex, similar to a Tesla, as it integrates most secondary systems and adjustment functions. From adjusting door mirrors to controlling ventilation settings, everything is done through the touchscreen menu.

Initially, it may seem overwhelming and potentially distracting. However, with time, users will become familiar with which functions can be adjusted while driving and which need to be set before departure.

One positive aspect is that the large display for the front passenger is designed not to distract the driver. It also has the option to be turned off when not in use.

The HiPhi X offers generous space in the first and second rows, while the third row is suitable for adults of average height and below. The overall space is in line with other vehicles in its class.

When it comes to material quality, the HiPhi X may not match the standards of brands like Audi or Range Rover. Nevertheless, considering this is Human Horizons’ first production car developed in just three and a half years, it is an impressive achievement.

The front seats are comfortable and adjustable, and the driving position is more semi-recumbent than upright, giving a unique feel.

The only downside is the limited rearward visibility, which can be improved by relying on the rear-view camera. Fortunately, most owners of this type of vehicle would likely be comfortable using the camera.

Similar to the HiPhi Z, the HiPhi X offers a refined and comfortable driving experience. Despite its size, it handles well on the road and benefits from modern suspension and steering technology. While it may not be an exciting drive, it does a great job of maintaining comfort for the occupants.

Featured

Top 10 Indian Celebrity Brand Ambassadors For Indian Cars!


These are some of the most iconic celebrity endorsements for cars in India, including some partnerships that are still continuing

Brands often use celebrity endorsements to attract potential customers and make their products more appealing, and carmakers are no exception. In addition to regular product updates and improvements, car brands in India have partnered with various popular celebrities over the past two decades. Here is a list of the top 10 Indian celebrities who have acted as brand ambassadors in the country’s automotive industry:

Sachin Tendulkar – BMW India and Fiat Palio

Sachin Tendulkar With BMW 328i

Sachin Tendulkar, an iconic figure in Indian cricket, endorses many products and serves as a brand ambassador for numerous companies. One of these companies is BMW India, which appointed Sachin Tendulkar as its brand ambassador in 2012.

Sachin Tendulkar With Fiat Palio

But BMW wasn’t the first car brand to have Sachin endorse their products. In 2001, Fiat made Sachin Tendulkar the brand ambassador for its soon-to-be-launched model, the Fiat Palio. Fiat even created a special limited edition of the Palio dedicated to Sachin called the S10, which combined his initials and jersey number. Sachin Tendulkar himself launched the Palio S10.

Shah Rukh Khan – Hyundai Santro and Hyundai i10

Shah Rukh Khan Ad For Hyundai Santro

Shah Rukh Khan, the King of Bollywood, is known for endorsing various products. In the automotive world, he was signed as the brand ambassador for Hyundai Santro when it was launched in 1998. SRK later went on to endorse the Hyundai i10 and has since become an integral part of Hyundai’s brand image. Recently, the carmaker appointed cricketer Hardik Pandya as the brand ambassador for their upcoming micro-SUV, the Hyundai Exter.

Amitabh and Abhishek Bachchan – Maruti Versa

Amitabh Bachchan With Maruti Versa

Amitabh Bachchan and his son Abhishek were signed as the brand ambassadors for Maruti Versa, a people mover launched in 2001. Maruti introduced the father-son duo as the faces of its MPV, and both Bachchans launched the Versa together. The ad campaign featured both Bachchans in the MPV, with Abhishek driving and Amitabh sitting in the second-row seat.

Also Read: Official: Maruti Invicto Is The Name Of The New MPV Based On The Toyota Innova Hycross

Abhishek Bachchan also endorsed the Ford Fiesta in 2006 but was not a brand ambassador.

Aamir Khan – Toyota Innova

Aamir Khan With Toyota Innova

Aamir Khan endorsed one of Toyota’s most popular models in India, the Toyota Innova. He served as the brand ambassador for the MPV when it was first launched in 2005. The Innova is still available in the country, with options like the diesel-only Innova Crysta and the Innova Hycross, which offers a strong hybrid powertrain.

Virat Kohli – Audi India

Virat Kohli Audi Brand Ambassador

Virat Kohli, former captain of the Indian cricket team and a car enthusiast, became the brand ambassador for Audi India in 2015. He owns several models from the German carmaker, including the R8, which he purchased in 2012. Virat Kohli’s jersey number, 18, is well-known among cricket fans and adds to his association with Audi.

Ranbir Kapoor – Renault India

Ranbir Kapoor With Renault Kwid

In 2015, Renault signed actor Ranbir Kapoor as the brand ambassador for its range of cars. Before that, Ranbir had been the brand ambassador for Nissan Micra. Ranbir later endorsed Renault models like the Duster and Kwid. In a Renault Kwid ad campaign, Ranbir disguised himself as a Renault salesman and showcased the car to a couple at a Renault dealership.

Ranveer Singh – Maruti Nexa

Ranveer Singh With Maruti Ciaz

Ranveer Singh was roped in as the brand ambassador for Maruti’s Nexa range of cars in 2014. He first endorsed the Maruti Ciaz, followed by the Maruti XL6 and the Maruti Baleno. In the campaign for Maruti’s premium models, Ranveer Singh was often seen wearing a suit to highlight the cars’ premium nature, making him a suitable choice for the brand ambassador of Maruti’s Nexa lineup.

R Madhavan – Maruti Wagon R

Before Ranveer Singh became the brand ambassador for Maruti’s Nexa lineup, R Madhavan endorsed one of Maruti’s popular models, the Maruti Wagon R. In 2009, Maruti signed R Madhavan, known for his role in the movie 3 Idiots, as the brand ambassador for the third-generation Wagon R. One of the TV ads showed Madhavan traveling with his friends and singing about the Wagon R’s features and ride quality.

John Abraham – Nissan India

John Abraham With Nissan GT-R

John Abraham, an avid bike and car enthusiast, became the brand ambassador for Nissan India in 2016. He endorsed the carmaker’s upcoming models in the country and was present at the 2016 Auto Expo, where he promoted the Nissan X-Trail and the GT-R. John Abraham also owns a GT-R himself.

Sunil Shetty – Ford Endeavour

Sunil Shetty With Ford Endeavour

In 2009, Ford India signed actor Sunil Shetty as the brand ambassador for the Ford Endeavour, their premium SUV model. The 2009 Ford Endeavour came with diesel engine options and both 4X2 and 4X4 drivetrains. However, Ford eventually decided to withdraw from the Indian market in 2020 due to significant losses.

Also Read: Remembering Ford Endeavour: One Of The Best SUVs That We Had

Let us know in the comments which celebrity endorsement surprised you the most, or if you have any favorite ambassadors that aren’t on this list.

Read More on: Wagon R on road price

ToyotaUk

Celebrating Father’s Day: Working with Dad — Toyota Employee Stories

When it comes to being close, these fathers and their adult children tell how their Toyota work bond has brought them lasting memories.

Providing, Just Like Dad

  • Father: Darrell Brock, Body Weld Seibi manager, Production Engineering and Manufacturing (PEMC); 34 years at Toyota
  • Son: Craig Brock, senior engineer, Internal Logistics Engineering, PEMC; 7 years at Toyota

What’s the best thing about working with your father?

Craig Brock: I’m thankful for having peace of mind in providing a future for my daughter the same way my father provided for me.

What’s your greatest work memory with your father?

When I was able to show my father my Toyota badge.

Supporting One Another

  • Father: Walter Burroughs, senior engineering manager assembly, PE VMC, Toyota Mississippi; 28 years at Toyota
  • Daughter: Kristen Burroughs, Corporate Communications analyst, Toyota Mississippi; one year at Toyota
  • Son: Brad Burroughs, strategic planning senior analyst, Toyota Logistics Services (TLS); 12 years at Toyota

What’s the best thing about working with your father?

Kristen Burroughs: Being able to discuss and relate to one another’s work life. For my dad, he loves knowing that his kids have valued his time and dedication to Toyota and saw what a great company it is to pursue our careers as well. All three of us also serve/served in the U.S. military.

What’s your greatest work memory with your father?

Having my dad by my side while I spoke to employees on Veterans Day about my experiences. He also showed up for me during my first planned event at Toyota Mississippi, which was a holiday toy drive/grant presentation for the Salvation Army.

Following in His Footsteps

  • Father: Monty Hagstrom, group manager, chief production engineer, PEMC; 28 years at Toyota
  • Daughter: Morgan Kennard, project manager, Safety, PEMC; 7 years at Toyota

What’s the best thing about working with your daughter?

Monty Hagstrom: Besides getting to see each other while in the office, we have a common goal to contribute to the success of the company while sharing common core values in how we approach our daily tasks.

What’s your greatest work memory with your daughter?

The day she was hired full time. I knew she would be working for a great company that would support her development and value her contribution. Following in my footsteps was a great feeling as well!

Like Father, Like Son

  • Father: Phil Nunn, safety analyst, Toyota Logistics Services (TLS) Princeton; 28 years at Toyota
  • Son: Phillip Andrew Nunn, production association track team member, TLS Princeton; Less than one year at Toyota 

What’s the best thing about working with your son?

Phil Nunn: Andrew gets to experience the type of work I did for 11 years as a production employee at TLS.

What’s your greatest work memory with your son?

When Andrew first applied his “Critical Eye for Safety” at work.

Growing a Bond

  • Father: Donnie Johnson, production group leader, Plant Chassis 2, Toyota Kentucky; 28 years at Toyota
  • Son: Triston Taylor Johnson, skilled team leader, Stamping, Toyota Kentucky; 3 years at Toyota

What’s the best thing about working with your son?

Donnie Johnson: We’ve always bonded with sports, now we have things that are happening at work to talk about, too. I also get to see him more now than I did when he was a teenager.

What’s your greatest work memory with your son?

When Taylor was promoted to team leader.

Family, Friends and Colleagues

  • Father: Lance Brittle, manager, Dealer Facilities Operations, Toyota Motor North America (TMNA); 35 years at Toyota
  • Daughter: Maggie Brittle, manager, Marketing Communications and Operations, Toyota Credit Corporation; 12 years at Toyota

What’s the best thing about working with your father?

Maggie Brittle: The best thing? Guilting him into buying me lunch! In all seriousness, working at the same company as my dad has been a blessing. Growing up, I admired him for his dedication to Toyota and passion for his work. He started at Toyota because he had a dream of doing more for his family. He took a huge risk by leaving a steady job as a mechanic and leaving his hometown to relocate to California, and I will forever be grateful for his courage to face the unknown. Working at Toyota with my dad has provided me with the incredible experience of knowing my dad, not just for being an awesome father, but for being a dependable, loyal and dedicated part of a larger team.

What’s your greatest work memory with your father?

When we attended the National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) Show for the first time together. When I found out he was going to be attending as well, it dawned on me that this was the first time that our corporate paths had actually crossed. We were both working Toyota booths, and at one point I realized that no one else in my family would ever have the opportunity to see my dad like this. It was also the first time he got to see me in a professional setting. We left that event with a better understanding that our relationship was now both professional and personal, and it helped me build a friendship with my dad as an adult.

Proud Father and Son

  • Father: Dwayne Beisel, VMO Operations manager, TMNA; 29 years at Toyota
  • Son: Collin Beisel, Commerce content platform manager, TMNA; 6 years at Toyota

What’s the best thing about working together?

Collin Beisel: It was great to be able to get lunch or coffee with each other when we both worked on site. Now it’s just nice to have a family member to bounce things off of and someone that understands the way things work in OneTech.

Dwayne Beisel: When we were both at headquarters, I enjoyed having lunch with Collin regularly and periodically passing him in the hallways.

What’s your greatest work memory?

Collin: It’s always nice when someone recognizes my name and already has a positive association with it due to a relationship with my dad.

Dwayne: Hearing from my peers about what a fine young man my son is and the great work he does. It makes me even more proud of him and to be his father.

A Bright Future

  • Father: Kevin Newell, Body Weld Production manager, Toyota Kentucky; 24 years at Toyota
  • Son: Tyler Newell, skilled group leader, Plastics-Maintenance, Toyota Kentucky; 7 years at Toyota
  • Son: Tevis Newell, team leader, TL Powertrain, Toyota Kentucky; 3 years at Toyota

What’s the best thing about working with your sons?

Kevin Newell: The pride that our family feels working for such a great company and being able to not only have contributed to past successes but also working toward future ones as well.

What’s your greatest work memory with your sons?

Seeing my sons achieving their career goals and be recognized for their successes.