Tag Archives: updated

Peugeot e-2008 GT 2023 first drive

June 23, 2023 David

The Peugeot e-2008 has received an updated version of the e-CMP platform with a bigger 54kWh lithium-ion battery. This increase in battery capacity has boosted the car’s WLTP range from 214 to 251 miles. The new battery system also brings improved efficiency, with official figures showing an efficiency of 5.0mpkWh, which is better than its rivals such as the MG ZS EV Long Range.

In terms of styling, the e-2008 now features a more aggressive and wider-looking front end with headlights and tail lights similar to those found on the Peugeot 508. Inside the car, higher-spec models offer new materials and a 10.0-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality.

It’s important to note that the 1.2-litre turbocharged three-cylinder petrol engine will still be available as an option in the Peugeot 2008 range, with the same style and interface updates.

While there haven’t been any changes to the suspension or steering, the e-2008 now comes with a more powerful 154bhp motor. Despite not being a performance-oriented vehicle, the e-2008 offers a pleasant mid-speed urgency and feels pokey enough for fast motorway merges. It also provides a comfortable and composed ride, even on 18-inch alloy wheels.

During acceleration from a standstill with a significant amount of lock applied, the front tyres may scrabble and squirm, causing the e-2008 to understeer when attempting sharp corners. However, overall, it performs well and offers a quiet and intuitive driving experience whether in urban environments or on scenic roads.

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5 Key Changes To The New 2024 Toyota Vellfire

June 23, 2023 Prafful Singh

The updated design of the Toyota Vellfire makes it easier to distinguish from its more premium sibling, the Alphard

The new Toyota Vellfire has made its international debut with updated looks and overall improvements. Given the luxury MPV is also on sale in India and enjoys a fair bit of popularity, we expect the 2024 Vellfire to make its way to our shores too. So let’s find out what the new Vellfire gets over the current version available in India.

Sporty Exterior Design

The 2024 Vellfire gets a massive front grille which looks similar to the one on the latest Toyota Land Cruiser. The headlight and DRL setup is combined and sleeker than the India-spec model’s separate units. The 2024 version also gets massive air dams which house the fog lamps.

On the sides, the new Vellfire gets a more curvy design with a Z-shaped element on the B-pillar. The 19-inch alloy wheels on the updated version come in a black shade with fewer spokes compared to the 17-inch silver alloys we get here.

The rear end now gets a flatter design and the tail lamps are reshaped and extended to the side profile. This tail lamp setup also gets a thin connecting element housing the Toyota logo, with ‘Vellfire’ badge below. Overall, Toyota has intentionally made the Vellfire MPV look more dynamic while the more premium Alphard stands out as the formal choice.

Also Read: We Took The Toyota Hilux On An Off-road Expedition!

Changes To The Cabin

The changes to the cabin, especially the cockpit, are significant. It gets a cleaner layout that wraps around the occupants with brown leather upholstery. The 2024 Vellfire gets a new steering wheel, a bigger touchscreen infotainment system and a fully digital driver’s display, over the older India-spec Vellfire.

The climate and audio controls have been moved to the infotainment system and the start/stop button which in the India-spec model is on the right side closer to the door has been moved to the left top behind the steering wheel. The design of the AC vents is also different and the centre AV vents are now positioned horizontally.

Rear Seat Experience

The Vellfire, as a luxury MPV, is known for its rear seat experience, and since the previous version was already very spacious and equipped with a lot of features, the 2024 model doesn’t get many visually notable upgrades. In both versions, you get powered second-row seats with a powered ottoman and ample space. Both also get the option of rear seat entertainment screens and chauffeur controls.

But in the 2024 Vellfire, keeping rear seat comfort in mind, the space for the second and third row has been increased by 5mm and 10mm, respectively. The design of the second-row headrests is now different and the second-row passengers now get small displays on their armrests for controls. The rear seat AC vents’ housing is also bigger and stretches to the third row. Also, unlike the India-spec model, all rear AC vents in the 2024 Vellfire are placed inside the climate control unit housed in the roof.

Also Check Out: Toyota Innova Crysta Through The Ages – Undefeated Even After 18 Years!

More Powertrain Options

There is a change in the powertrain as well. The updated Vellfire comes with two engine options: a new 2.4-litre turbo petrol engine with an 8-speed automatic, and a 2.5-litre petrol hybrid engine with an eCVT gearbox. Both get the option of all-wheel drive as well as front-wheel drive systems.

The Vellfire we currently have in India only gets the 2.5-litre petrol hybrid unit with an e-CVT transmission in a four-wheel drivetrain.

Enhanced Safety

While the India-spec model already comes equipped with a host of safety features like seven airbags, brake assist, vehicle stability control (VSC), hill start assist, tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS) and a 360-degree camera, the 2024 Vellfire brings more safety to this list with the addition of driver assistant features like remote parking, lane keep assist, steering assist, and radar-based cruise control.

These were just some of the key differences in the new Toyota Vellfire over the previous version which is currently available in India. When brought here, it would likely be priced at around Rs 1 crore given the current model is priced at Rs 96.55 lakh (ex-showroom).

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Kia Seltos Facelift Spotted Uncovered; 5 Key Observations

June 20, 2023 Prafful Singh

The updated version of the compact SUV will be available for purchase in July

The facelifted Kia Seltos has been spotted without any camouflage for the first time. The compact SUV was introduced in 2019 and this will be its first major update since its launch. It is expected to be available for purchase in July. So, here are the five main things that we noticed in the facelifted version:

New Front Profile

The new Seltos will feature a refreshed front profile, starting with a new and larger grille. It will have new LED headlights and sleeker daytime running lights (DRLs), integrated into the grille. The redesigned bumper appears busier and more aggressive. The fog lamps, styled like stacked ice cubes, have been retained but their housing has been redesigned along with the bumper.

No Changes To The Side Profile

The side profile remains largely unchanged, except for some modifications to the door cladding. Surprisingly, the alloy wheels are the same as those seen on the X-Line variants. This particular model appears to be a higher-end variant, as indicated by the presence of chrome door handles.

More Stylish Rear Profile

The changes to the rear profile are more significant compared to the front. The boot shape has been modified to give it a more aggressive appearance. The facelifted model will feature new LED tail lamps connected by a illuminated strip. The redesigned bumpers will now house the reverse lights as well. The dual faux exhausts are now more prominent than in the current version, contributing to the sportier look.

Also Read: Defence Personnel Can Now Buy Kia Cars Through Military, Navy, And Airforce Canteens

ADAS!

We already knew that it would be equipped with radar-based Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) technology, and the latest spy shot confirms this. The vehicle seen in the picture is a production-ready model featuring a rectangular-shaped radar on the front bumper. It will be the second compact SUV to offer this safety feature, following the MG Astor. The ADAS suite is expected to include blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keep assist.

Refreshed Interior

The spy shots only offer a glimpse of the interior. The facelifted model is expected to feature a refreshed interior design with a new layout similar to the international model. The global-spec model boasts a new dual-layer, all-black theme with new switches and dual-integrated 10.25-inch displays, including a digital driver’s display and touchscreen infotainment system.

In terms of powertrains, it is likely to continue with the same 1.5-litre petrol and diesel engines. The discontinued 1.4-litre turbocharged petrol engine will be replaced by a new 160PS 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine. All engine options will be available with an automatic transmission, as before.

Also Read: Facelifted Kia Sonet Makes Spy Debut; India Launch In 2024

We expect the Kia Seltos facelift to have a starting price of around Rs 10.5 lakh (ex-showroom). It will continue to compete against the MG Astor, Hyundai Creta, Volkswagen Taigun, Skoda Kushaq, Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara, Citroen C3 Aircross, and Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder.

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