The new variant will most certainly include a 6-speed torque converter and gained’t be obtainable with the diesel engine
The Mahindra XUV700 is available in 5 broad variants: MX, AX3, AX5, AX7, and AX7L.
The base-spec MX petrol will include the 6-speed AT unit from greater trims.
Its new computerized variant will include the two.0-litre turbo-petrol engine.
Price premium over the corresponding guide variant will probably be round Rs 1.6 lakh.
The base-spec MX variant gives options resembling an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, four-speaker sound system, and dual-front airbags.
Mahindra XUV700 would possibly get a extra reasonably priced petrol-automatic variant quickly as a doc from the Transport Department, Government of NCT of Delhi has surfaced on-line which means that its base-spec MX petrol trim will get the choice of an computerized transmission.
Powertrain Details
As of now, the automated variants of the XUV700 begin from the one-above-base AX3 variant. So providing an computerized transmission with the bottom variant will make the 2-pedal setup extra reasonably priced. This computerized gearbox, most certainly a 6-speed torque converter, will probably be provided with the 2-litre turbo-petrol engine (200 PS/380 Nm), and never the two.2-litre diesel mill.
Base-spec Features
The MX variant of the XUV700 comes with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Android Auto, top adjustable driver seat, type-C charging port for the rear seats, and a four-speaker sound system.
In phrases of security, it gives twin entrance airbags, ABS with EBD, digital stability management, and ISOFIX baby seat anchors.
Expected Price
The Mahindra XUV700’s base-spec MX petrol-manual variant is priced at Rs 13.99 lakh (ex-showroom), and the automated variant will seemingly carry a premium of round Rs 1.6 lakh. As for the XUV700, its total costs vary from Rs 13.99 lakh to Rs 26.99 lakh (ex-showroom), and it’s a rival to the likes of Hyundai Alcazar, MG Hector Plus, Tata Safari, and its 5-seater variants go up in opposition to the Hyundai Creta, MG Hector, and the Tata Harrier.
Yamaha’s MT bikes prioritize torque and a soulful driving expertise over velocity and specs.
The MT sequence presents a various vary of bare bikes with distinctive designs and efficiency traits.
The MT lineup consists of fashions such because the MT-03, MT-07, MT-09, and MT-10, every providing an distinctive driving expertise of their respective segments.
Yamaha is an oddball Japanese producer. While different Japanese producers, like Suzuki, Kawasaki, and Honda, are busy manufacturing bikes which can be wonderful examples of environment friendly engineering and efficiency, Yamaha has its eyes on one thing else: character and real-world driving expertise. This is why the Yamaha R1 feels extra energetic than the Kawasaki ZX-10R or why the YZF-R7 is the best super-twin regardless of the GSX-8R providing a bit extra.
Today, Yamaha has a number of motorbike households, with the R-series dominating the racetrack and Teneres dominating the ADV section, however the MT is what stands out essentially the most. The MT household of bare bikes is cherished by many bikers globally and has change into a signature a part of the Yamaha lineup. And in truth, the MT bikes have even change into a signature a part of the bare section — it simply wouldn’t be the identical with these Yamaha nakeds. So, let’s give in and discover the Yamaha MT sequence and what makes them so particular.
Even after being round for a decade, the Yamaha MT-07 nonetheless delivers spectacular worth.
In order to provide the most recent and correct data attainable, the information used to compile this text was sourced from Yamaha, and different authoritative sources, together with Motorcycle News and Motorcycle Specs.
Not Just “MT” Promises — What It Means To Be MT
At first look, the MT moniker might not imply a lot; you’d not be incorrect to imagine it for a technical jargon that caught round. But Yamaha is a bit smarter than that, which is why MT is definitely a significant moniker. What does it stand for? Master of Torque. Ride any MT motorbike, and also you’d agree with this marque — Yamaha’s MT bikes ship exhilarating torque that quantities to an thrilling driving expertise.
The MT historical past dates again over 15 years — when the MT-01 was revealed in 2005 — however, not like different motorbike lineups, the MT bikes don’t want to stick to a selected template. Take the CBR for instance — these Honda sports bikes are light and nimble, prioritizing handling over maximum horsepower. But MT bikes comply with an open-ended growth that depends on one factor, monozukuri, Japanese for doing issues proper.
So, what does it imply for a motorbike to be MT? Simple. The motorbike ought to deal with a torquey experience, deal with like a pointy blade by butter, and have a soulful engine. An MT bare motorbike is what you get whenever you deal with the driving expertise, not velocity or spec sheet. And that is what units MT bikes other than their rivals.
See how Yamaha’s MT-10 SP took the title for finest Japanese motorbike of 2024.
Pioneering The Modern Naked: MT-01
Yamaha MT-01 Production Years: 2005 To 2012
Wikimedia Commons
It’s 1999; Hayabusa has obliterated superbikes, and it’s the flip of the millennium. At the Tokyo Motor Show, Yamaha unveiled an eccentric hypernaked: the Yamaha MT-01 idea. The model wished to supply a distinct form of worth from the run-of-the-mill sports activities bikes, so it determined to deal with Kodo, or soul beat, of the engine, torque, and dealing with for the MT-01 idea. The hypernaked featured a giant air-cooled V-twin, highlighting Yamaha’s individualistic identification that helped it stand out from different Japanese producers.
The MT-01 idea made many headlines, and what have you learnt, Yamaha was already working growth exams with it. Some at Yamaha even puzzled if a 1,700cc cruiser engine in a unadorned bike was possible, however the model went forward with it nonetheless. The prototype MT-01 featured the Warrior 1700 engine in an XJR1300 body — it had loads of potential. Convinced, Yamaha determined to good different points of the bike, like a CF aluminum die-cast body.
At its core, Yamaha focussed on its unique Jin-Ki Kanno philosophy, i.e., producing efficiency in tune with rider notion. So, the hypernaked was made to slice by canyon roads with ease whereas being exhilarating to speed up, due to an explosive V-twin engine. And each a part of the motorbike revolved round this philosophy. Even the exhaust was positioned underneath the seat to float away behind the bike, breaking the exhaust notice as near the rider as attainable.
The manufacturing MT-01 debuted in Europe in 2005. It took some time to come back to fruition, but it surely didn’t disappoint. The press world was impressed, and the bike gained acclaim from fans. Unfortunately, the bike’s idiosyncrasies stopped it from being embraced by bikers everywhere. Yet, Yamaha noticed some potential, in order that they introduced out the MT-03, led by Yamaha Motor Italia. This motorbike bucked the conference and featured the XT660 single. It was agile and sporty, and European riders cherished it. The small MT-03 was offered from 2006 to 2013, however the MT line didn’t see any extra progress for some years.
Yamaha MT-03 And MT-01 Specs
Specs
Yamaha MT-03
Yamaha MT-01
Engine Type
Single cylinder
48-degree V-twin, SOHC
Displacement
660cc
1,670cc
Frame Type
Tubular metal
Aluminum CF die-cast sports activities body
Max Power
45 HP
90 HP @ 4,750 RPM
Max Torque
41 LB-FT
110.7 LB-FT @ 3,750 RPM
Top Speed
100 MPH
129 MPH
1/4 Mile Acceleration
14.6 seconds
12.7 seconds
(Specs sourced from Motorcycle News and Motorcycle Specs)
Insane energy ranges, beautiful particulars, and largely minimal bodywork to higher present the mechanicals – that is what a real hyper-naked is
Resurgence That Finally Stuck Around
Yamaha
During the identical time, a growth staff at Iwata HQ was creating a brand new form of bare motorbike that was mild, slim, and compact. The bike’s efficiency was speculated to be in live performance with human sensitivities. It would additionally embody Jin-Ki Kanno to ship seductive exhilaration and a human-machine connection, not like some other motorbike.
For this, two engines have been shortlisted, a cross-plane 270-degree parallel twin and a cross-plane inline triple. You can guess the place that is going. The engines have been tuned for torque and a punchy low to mid-range efficiency, standing in stark distinction to high-revving sports activities bikes. The engines have been additionally tuned for versatility. Apart from the engine, the design staff shortened the gap between the handlebars and the seat whereas eliminating any purely ornamental parts to reveal mechanical parts as a lot as attainable.
As the design for these two new-age bare neared completion, they wanted a moniker. And the ultimate piece of the puzzle occurred to be the MT tag. The bikes, unknowingly, adopted the MT-01’s footsteps. So, Yamaha revived the MT line-up. And with the tag got here a brand new slogan, The Dark Side of Japan, representing the darker sides of Japanese motorbike manufacturing — a facet that’s uncooked and characterful in comparison with the extra supple Japanese rivals. The first-gen MT-07 and MT-09 have been born.
The bikes modified the bare section, and shortly sufficient, the MT-10 was born, that includes the cross-plane inline-four from the Yamaha YZF-R1 however with a spotlight on-road efficiency and dealing with. Later, Yamaha diversified the MT section even additional, giving beginning to an array of bikes. The MT household bought small bikes, just like the MT-125, MT-15, MT-25, and MT-03; the middleweights included MT-07 and MT-09, and the MT-10 sat because the apex predator of all.
“If only you knew the power of the Dark Side…” – Darth Vader
Present-Gen MT Motorcycles: The Heart Of The Naked Lineup
Yamaha
One have a look at the MT household, and also you’ll see that the bikes don’t look the identical. Yes, they do characteristic some frequent parts, however every MT motorbike is exclusive in its personal approach. The bikes don’t adhere to particular guidelines or strains. However, the design is aimed on the efficiency housed inside every motorbike. The frequent theme that binds all MT bikes just isn’t design, it’s the idea of being Torquey and Agile.
So, what flavors can you discover as we speak? In the US, the Yamaha MT lineup consists of 4 bikes. The smallest one is the MT-03, a parallel-twin powered, sub-400cc motorbike for freshmen that’s primarily based on the R3 however with extra deal with the road. Sitting above it is the now legendary MT-07, a CP2-powered middleweight bare that’s typically considered the religious successor to the Suzuki SV650 — it’s simply good in each approach.
Then comes the MT-09, an inline-triple powered tremendous bare that gives bonkers efficiency, and if that’s not sufficient, you’ll be able to even get the SP variant that will get KYB/Ohlins suspension, Brembo Stylema brakes, and higher electronics. At the highest sits the MT-10 and its SP variant — the best Japanese motorcycle of 2024. In every section, the MT bikes are by no means essentially the most highly effective or the quickest, however the driving expertise is commonly exhausting to beat for his or her rivals. The MT bikes have mastered the darkish facet of Japan, and we wouldn’t hesitate to hitch the Dark Side in any respect. We’re with Darth Vader on this one.
2024 Yamaha MT-09 SP and MT-10 SP Specs
Specs
Yamaha MT-09 SP
Yamaha MT-10 SP
Engine Type
Liquid-cooled, DOHC, CP3 inline-triple
Liquid-cooled, DOHC, CP4 inline-four
Displacement
890cc
998cc
Frame Type
Lightweight managed fill aluminum die-cast Deltabox body
Save for the Honda Elevate, all different compact SUVs comes with the selection of torque converter computerized
The compact SUV phase in India has obtained quite a lot of updates prior to now few months, be it within the type of facelifted Hyundai Creta or the Honda Elevate. Recently, Citroen launched the choice of an computerized transmission with the C3 Aircross, which is essentially the most inexpensive computerized providing within the phase. In this record, we are going to take a look on the prime 5 most inexpensive computerized compact SUVs you should purchase in India.
Citroen C3 Aircross
(Torque Converter)
Automatic Price Range: Rs 12.85 lakh To Rs 13.85 lakh
The Citroen C3 Aircross was first launched in India in 2023 solely with the choice of a 6-speed handbook transmission. But lately, the Citroen SUV obtained the selection of a 6-speed torque converter, and it’s essentially the most inexpensive computerized compact SUV out there. The C3 Aircross can also be the one compact SUV in its phase which gives each 5- and 7-seater configurations, with the latter getting detachable third-row seats. Citroen has outfitted the C3 Aircross with a 1.2-litre turbo-petrol engine which churns out 110 PS and 205 Nm.
When it involves options, the C3 Aircross will get a ten.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, a 7-inch digital driver’s show, and a handbook AC. The security options embody twin entrance ABS with EBD, a tyre stress monitoring system, and a rea parking digital camera.
Honda Elevate
(CVT)
Automatic Price Range: Rs 13.41 lakh to Rs 16.20 lakh
Honda additionally entered the compact SUV house in India in 2023 with the Elevate, and it’s the second most inexpensive computerized compact SUV on this record. The Elevate is powered by a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine which makes 121 PS and 145 Nm, with an possibility of a CVT computerized gearbox.
The Honda Elevate’s function record features a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wi-fi Android Auto and Apple CarPlay assist, a 7-inch semi-digital driver’s show, computerized local weather management, a wi-fi cellphone charger, and a sunroof. The Elevate can also be the one compact SUV on this record to come back with superior driver help techniques (ADAS). Other security options embody as much as six airbags, hill begin help, lane watch help, automobile stability help, and a rear parking digital camera.
Automatic Price Range: Rs 13.60 lakh to Rs 16.91 lakh (Only For Petrol Automatic)
The third most inexpensive computerized compact SUV within the record is the Maruti Grand Vitara, which in its petrol model makes use of a 1.5-litre petrol mild-hybrid engine (103 PS / 137 Nm). The computerized variant of the Grand Vitara petrol comes with the choice of a 6-speed torque converter, nevertheless misses out on the choice of an all-wheel-drive (AWD) drivetrain provided with its handbook model.
Maruti’s compact SUV comes with options corresponding to a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a 7-inch digital driver show, panoramic sunroof, a wi-fi cellphone charger, ventilated entrance seats and a heads-up show. Safety options embody as much as six airbags, tyre stress monitoring system (TPMS), and a 360-degree digital camera
The Grand Vitara additionally comes with the choice of a 1.5-litre robust hybrid powertrain possibility (116 PS / 141 Nm) mated to an e-CVT gearbox. Its costs vary between Rs 18.33 lakh and Rs 19.99 lakh.
Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder
(Torque Converter)
Automatic Price Range: Rs 14.01 lakh to Rs 17.24 lakh (Only For Petrol Automatic)
The Toyota Hyryder is the rebadged model of the Maruti Grand Vitara, priced barely greater than its Maruti’s counterpart. The Hyrder makes use of the identical 1.5-litre petrol mild-hybrid engine (103 PS / 137 Nm) because the Grand Vitara, with an possibility of a 6-speed torque converter.
Features on board the Toyota’s compact SUV embody a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment, ventilated entrance seats, wi-fi cellphone charger, panoramic sunroof, and a heads up show. In phrases of security, it will get as much as six airbags, hill descent management, a 360-degree digital camera, and a tyre stress monitoring system.
Just just like the Grand Vitara, the Toyota SUV can also be being provided with an possibility of a robust hybrid powertrain (116 PS / 141 Nm) mated to an e-CVT gearbox. Toyota has priced the hybrid variants of the Hyrder from Rs 16.66 lakh to Rs 20.19 lakh.
Automatic Price Range: Rs 15.43 lakh to Rs 18.08 lakh (Only For 1-litre turbo-petrol computerized)
At final, the Volkswagen Taigun is the fifth most inexpensive petrol computerized compact SUV within the phase. It comes with the choice of a 1-litre turbo-petrol engine (115 PS / 178 Nm) mated to a 6-speed torque converter computerized.
Volkswagen has outfitted the Taigun with facilities like a ten.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system, an 8-inch digital instrument cluster, ventilated and powered entrance seats, computerized AC, and a sunroof. In phrases of security, it will get as much as six airbags, digital stability management (ESC), a tyre stress monitoring system, and a rear view digital camera.
The Taigun can also be provided with a extra highly effective 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine (150 PS / 250 Nm), mated to a 7-speed twin clutch transmission (DCT). The costs for the Taigun DCT ranges between Rs 17.36 lakh and Rs 20 lakh.
So these are the 5 most inexpensive computerized compact SUVs you should purchase in India. Which one would you select amongst these and why? Let us know within the feedback under.
It will now get the selection of a 6-speed torque converter computerized transmission possibility as nicely
Citroen C3 Aircross presently has only one powertrain possibility – 1.2-litre turbo-petrol with a 6-speed guide.
No new options anticipated with the brand new computerized variants.
Gets fundamentals like a touchscreen infotainment unit, guide AC and digital instrument cluster.
Automatic variants are more likely to entice a premium of as much as Rs 1.3 lakh over the guide.
Top-spec Citroen C3 Aircross will probably keep priced inside Rs 10 lakh to Rs 15 lakh (ex-showroom).
The Citroen C3 Aircross SUV made its Indian market debut in October 2023 however solely with a single petrol-manual powertrain. Now, the French SUV is able to introduce the selection of an computerized transmission as nicely and right here’s every thing it’s worthwhile to learn about it.
Automatic Transmission Details
The C3 Aircross will now get the selection of a 6-speed torque converter computerized with the identical 1.2-litre turbo-petrol engine provided with the 6-speed guide. This is the one engine possibility for the Citroen SUV, rated at 110 PS and 190 Nm.
No Feature Changes
Citroen just isn’t anticipated to make any modifications to the characteristic checklist with the introduction of the automated transmission variants. The C3 Aircross SUV doesn’t get any feel-good comforts however nonetheless comes with fundamentals like guide AC, 10.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wi-fi Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and a digital instrument cluster.
Its primary worth proposition stays the quantity of cabin house on provide. The C3 Aircross is the one mannequin on this section to get the selection of a 7-seater configuration with detachable third-row seats.
The Citroen C3 Aircross is at present provided in three broad variants, priced from Rs 9.99 lakh to Rs 12.75 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi). The computerized transmission possibility is anticipated so as to add a premium of as much as Rs 1.3 lakh over the corresponding guide variant.
The C3 Aircross is an reasonably priced rival to the likes of the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Maruti Grand Vitara, Honda Elevate, Toyota Hyryder, Skoda Kushaq, Volkswagen Taigun and MG Astor.
The 3.6-liter V8 produced 250 horsepower and 251 lb-ft of torque, however in 1992, Audi upgraded the engine to a 4.2-liter model that generated 276 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. Most of the V8s produced had been four-door sedans, however Audi CEO Ferdinand Piech had a station wagon model constructed for his spouse that was later exhibited on the Audi Forum in Ingolstadt. The V8 was costly (the 1991 mannequin retailed for simply over $50,000) and didn’t promote significantly nicely – gross sales peaked at lower than 2,00 items in 1990 and dropped to simply 77 vehicles by 1994. Audi offered fewer than 4,000 V8s between 1989 and 1994, when the mannequin was changed by the A8.
The V8 did assist set up Audi’s repute as a maker of premium cars, nevertheless. It was additionally a racing champion, profitable the 1990 and 1991 DTM Group A titles for Schmidt Motorsport and Audi Zentrum Reutlingen.
[Featured Image by Jagvar via Wikimedia Commons | Cropped and scaled | Public domain ]
Munich. With 218 electrically generated hp (160 kW) and 330 Newton metres of most torque, the MINI Cooper SE (electrical energy consumption mixed: 14.7 – 14.1 kWh/100 km in keeping with WLTP; CO2 emissions mixed: 0 g/km) is approach out in entrance with zero emissions, particularly with its potential to dash from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.7 seconds. The high-voltage battery put in within the MINI Cooper SE with an vitality content material of 54.2 kWh allows a variety of as much as 402 kilometres as decided within the WLTP take a look at cycle. To give your MINI a very sporty look it may be ordered in John Cooper Works Trim. With many particulars the gear variant emphasises the model’s motorsport genes – achieved by quite a few racing successes, together with three victories on the Monte Carlo Rally within the Sixties.
“The all-electric MINI Cooper SE in the new John Cooper Works Trim combines a passion for iconic design, legendary performance and sustainable mobility. It is the epitome of efficiency and driving pleasure”, says Stefanie Wurst, Head of the MINI model.
Individual entrance and rear design with a motorsport look.
The new John Cooper Works emblem, which is characterised by clear outlines, stands out significantly effectively with its conventional crimson, white and black color scheme and the symbolised chequered flag on the octagonal entrance grille. The highly effective look of the MINI Cooper SE in JCW Trim is achieved, amongst different issues, by 18-inch wheels in Lap Spoke 2-tone design with ten spokes every and JCW brake callipers in eye-catching crimson. Bonnet stripes on the physique emphasise the sporty character.
As normal the MINI Cooper SE in JCW Trim consists of placing diffusers on the entrance and rear. The radiator grille encompass and emblem are completed in high-gloss black. Visual highlights embody the contrasting roof and the mirror caps in Chilli Red.
The MINI LED headlights have particular person gentle signatures. With the chosen JCW signature, the entrance lights solely present two horizontal stripes as daytime working lights and emphasise the minimalist design of the brand new MINI Cooper SE. The graphics of the matrix taillights underline the width of the rear of the automobile.
Racing-inspired inside.
The JCW seats mix artificial leather-based with crimson stitching and multi-coloured knitted materials within the shoulder part. The black and crimson color idea is sustained on the 2nd-knit overlaying the inside of the door and the dashboard – the passenger facet of which is adorned with the JCW-specific sample in type of a chequered flag.
The central, high-resolution OLED show with a diameter of 240 mm bundles vehicle-related information and supplies data on navigation, media, phone and local weather settings. With the MINI Experience Modes, it gives new prospects for individualisation. These embody the John Cooper Works-inspired GO-KART Mode, which colors the show and inside lighting anthracite crimson. In addition to the particular GO-KART sound, the optimised throttle response of the accelerator pedal on this mode enhances the sporty driving expertise.
New driver help programs and environment friendly charging.
With 12 ultrasonic sensors and 4 encompass cameras, Parking Assistant Plus simplifies parking and identifies free parking areas. The superior EXPLORE Mode gives a novel resolution for this automobile section: it permits parking through smartphone with out the motive force having to sit down within the MINI. A big plus in comfort when parking area is tight on the facet.
Fast charging with direct present is feasible with as much as 95 kW. This implies that the battery will be charged from 10 per cent to 80 per cent in just below half-hour at a quick-charging station. The high-voltage battery is charged with 11 kW utilizing alternating present. When navigation is activated, the high-voltage battery of the MINI Cooper SE is ready to the best temperature for environment friendly charging relying on the climate situations. The benefit: a considerably shorter charging time, particularly at low exterior temperatures.
Interested in a vehicle with 5000lb ft of torque making weekly tours through your local streets? That’s what Lunaz is offering.
This kind of pulling power is about double what the largest heavy-haulage vehicles can offer. And believe it or not, this vehicle can accelerate from 0-50mph in six seconds, despite weighing 17 tonnes when empty.
Lunaz, the Silverstone-based company known for electrifying premium classic cars, is about to deliver its first ‘upcycled’ electric bin lorry to Buckinghamshire Council. The company has garnered investment from high-profile investors, including David Beckham. Although it’s unlikely that Mr Beckham will be involved in the waste management operations, his support adds to Lunaz’s environmental credentials.
Lunaz Applied Technologies, the company behind the electric bin lorry, is poised to be the main revenue generator for the brand. Founded only five years ago by David Lorenz and Jon Hilton, the company has developed the lorry in its new 250,000sq ft building.
Upcycling is Lunaz’s unique selling point. Instead of requiring local authorities to invest in an all-new heavy commercial EV, Lunaz repurposes a bin lorry, using the chassis, cab and body from a vehicle that has reached the end of its UK service life. Lunaz replaces the diesel drivetrain with an electric one, producing around twice as much power and seven times the torque.
The concept allows the Lunaz lorry to retain 80% of the donor vehicle, with the electric components being the main upgrade. This results in 80% of the lorry’s embedded carbon being saved, compared to a brand-new commercial EV, which has to be manufactured from scratch.
Lunaz says its bin lorry is just the start, with the potential for over 1100 upcycled electric commercial vehicles to be produced yearly. Details about the specific derivatives have not been revealed.
All three are sub-4m SUVs, and only one gets a proper torque converter automatic transmission
As emission norms continue to get ever stricter, the option of diesel engines has faded away from most cars in small segments. Due to the considerable input costs associated with upgrading diesel engines to meet the stringent pollution standards, implementing these changes would have made small cars with diesel powertrains prohibitively expensive.
However, if you’re in the market for a new car with a diesel engine with the added convenience of an automatic transmission, there are still 3 options priced under Rs 15 lakh to choose from. All of them are subcompact SUVs from brands like Tata, Mahindra, and Kia. Let’s have a look at these options in detail.
The most affordable and powerful diesel automatic option on this list is the Mahindra XUV300. Mahindra’s subcompact diesel SUV has a 1.5-liter diesel engine with a performance rating of 117 PS and 300 Nm. The automatic variant of this diesel SUV is equipped with a 6-speed AMT transmission.
The XUV300 comes with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, a single-pane sunroof, automatic AC, and cruise control. Passenger safety features include up to 6 airbags, ABS with EBD, and front and rear parking sensors.
The Kia Sonet also uses a 1.5-liter diesel engine, with a power output of 116 PS and 250 Nm. This is the only diesel model here paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission. Additionally, the Kia Sonet diesel offers the choice of a 6-speed iMT (manual transmission without a clutch pedal). If an iMT setup works for you, you can also look at diesel variants of the Kia Seltos and Kia Carens priced under Rs 15 lakh.
The Kia Sonet is packed with features like a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, a single-pane sunroof, wireless phone charger, automatic AC, ventilated front seats, and an air purifier. In terms of safety, it gets up to 6 airbags, ABS with EBD, electronic stability control (ESC), and a tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS). A facelifted version of the Sonet is due to arrive in 2024 and it will likely get pricier too.
In September, Tata gave a comprehensive makeover to its subcompact SUV, the Tata Nexon. With this update, the Nexon emerged as a more feature-loaded option in its segment and also retained the choice of a 1.5-liter diesel engine (115 PS and 260 Nm). In its automatic iteration, this diesel engine is paired with a 6-speed AMT transmission.
The Nexon diesel is loaded with amenities like a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment, 10.25-inch fully digital driver’s display, auto AC, wireless phone charging, ventilated and height-adjustable front seats, cruise control, and a 9-speaker JBL sound system. The safety features include 6 airbags (as standard), hill assist, electronic stability program (ESP), tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS), and a 360-degree camera. Please note that the Tata Nexon is the only option in this list to offer 6 airbags as standard.
All prices listed above are ex-showroom
If you had to choose one of the above three diesel-automatic options, which would it be? Let us know in the comments section below.
Also, if you extend your budget till Rs 20 lakh, you get bigger diesel automatic SUV options like Kia Seltos, Hyundai Creta, or even Tata Harrier as well.
It’s not difficult to get something with so much torque and a long wheelbase to behave well, but what’s surprising is the sense of finesse and pedigree, even from the passenger seat.
The development of the 5 is taking place at MIRA, by a team of engineers from backgrounds at Lotus, McLaren, and other top handling schools. The British team at Polestar HQ in Gothenburg is working on it from scratch, and it shows in the car’s performance.
When driving, the 5’s tail moves smoothly, and it feels forgiving in the way it handles. Even when pushed mid-corner, the car maintains control. It feels composed and resistant to understeer.
Concrete technical details about the 5 will be scarce until closer to the car’s 2025-model-year launch. However, it’s clear that the 5 will ride on a passive suspension set-up without air springs or selectable modes.
Even though the 5 will likely have a high price, it showed natural poise and good suppleness on the Dunlop circuit, though it may struggle with potholes and poor roads.
Maruti introduced AMT gearbox technology in 2014, and the torque converter accounts for 27 percent of the tally
Maruti Suzuki India Limited (MSIL) has achieved a significant milestone by selling over 10 lakh automatic vehicles in India. Maruti Suzuki, being a prominent name in the automotive industry, has played a crucial role in making two-pedal automatic car technology accessible across the country. The company currently offers four different automatic transmission systems to cater to the diverse needs of its wide range of customers.
Innovative Technology And Customer Insights
In 2014, Maruti Suzuki introduced the Auto Gear Shift (AGS) technology, commonly known as AMT (automated manual transmission). This technology was quickly embraced by customers due to its ease of use and affordability. Currently, 65 percent of automatic vehicles sold by Maruti, from the Alto to the Fronx, are equipped with the AGS technology. Additionally, 27 percent of total automatic sales are attributed to models with a torque converter Automatic Transmission (AT). The Jimny and Ciaz offer a 4-speed torque converter, while the Brezza, Ertiga, XL6, and Grand Vitara come with a 6-speed torque converter and paddle shifters. About 8 percent of sales come from the Hybrid Electronic-Continuous Variable Transmission (e-CVT), offered in the petrol-hybrid variants of the Grand Vitara and the Invicto MPV.
Shashank Srivastava, Maruti Suzuki’s senior executive officer for marketing and sales, stated, “At Maruti Suzuki, we are committed to providing our customers with the best driving experience. We aim to make automatic transmission technology accessible to everyone by offering multiple options, and we are humbled by the positive response from our customers. Our automatic car sales have been consistently increasing, and we expect to reach the one lakh automatic vehicle sales mark for FY23-24.”
Srivastava also mentioned that about 58 percent of automatic car sales come from Maruti Suzuki’s NEXA lineup, while the Arena range contributes approximately 42 percent.
Maruti Suzuki’s automatic car sales are thriving in various regions of India, with the top contributors being Delhi NCR, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, and Kerala. As traffic conditions worsen in most urban areas, the importance of automatic transmission options continues to grow, despite the premium they attract for added convenience.
