Tag Archives: week

Car News That Mattered This Week (May 13-17): Tata Nexon And Maruti Fronx New Variants Launched, Altroz Racer And Nexon With Panoramic Sunroof Spied, And More

Bookings opened for the Mahindra XUV 3XO this previous week, and the deliveries of the brand new Maruti Swift have commenced

This week of May 2024 noticed Tata increasing its Nexon lineup with new variants, whereas we bought extra of the upcoming Altroz Racer. Maruti launched a brand new mid-spec Fronx’s Delta Plus (O) variant and we bought the worldwide debut of the Kia EV6 facelift. There was motion from the luxurious section as properly with new variants of BMW and Porsche SUVs. Here’s a fast abstract of the highest information from this previous week: 

Tata Nexon New Variants

Tata has launched new base-spec Smart variants for the Nexon, together with an much more inexpensive entry-level Smart (O) petrol at Rs 7.99 lakh. Nexon’s diesel choices now begin from the Smart Plus variant at Rs 9.99 lakh. Safety consists of 6 airbags, ESC, hill maintain help, and rear parking sensors. 

Tata Altroz Racer spied

Leaked paperwork revealed that the Tata Altroz Racer is ready to launch in June 2024. Shortly after, we spotted the upcoming sportier variant of the Tata premium hatchback with none camouflage. It sports activities the identical vibrant orange and black color scheme with stripes seen on the 2023 Bharat Mobility Expo, together with cabin updates like a bigger touchscreen infotainment unit.

Maruti Fronx new variant

Maruti has launched the Delta Plus (O) variant of the Fronx, solely with the 1.2-litre petrol engine. Priced at Rs 8.93 lakh for the guide and Rs 9.43 lakh for the AMT, it affords six airbags and a puncture restore package, making security extra inexpensive.

XUV 3XO bookings open

Official bookings for the Mahindra XUV 3XO have commenced with deliveries set to start out within the final week of May. It is offered in 5 variants, and will get segment-leading options just like the panoramic sunroof, adaptive cruise management and dual-zone local weather management.

New Swift deliveries start

Customer deliveries of the recently launched new-generation Maruti Swift 2024 have begun. It brings an enhanced options checklist and a extra environment friendly petrol engine. It now will get a 9-inch touchscreen, wi-fi telephone charger and LED lighting throughout.

Nexon panoramic sunroof spied

The Tata Nexon might soon feature a panoramic sunroof, as prompt by a leaked video displaying a Nexon fitted with this characteristic in a manufacturing facility setting. This potential replace may very well be a response to opponents just like the Mahindra XUV 3XO, which affords segment-leading options, together with a panoramic sunroof.

BMW X3 M Shadow Edition launched

The BMW X3 now gets a M Sport Shadow Edition priced at Rs 74.90 lakh, that includes blacked-out beauty enhancements and new color choices. With a premium of Rs 2.40 lakh over the usual M Sport variant, it options black parts. Inside it will get an all-black theme, whereas the diesel powertrain stays unchanged.

Porsche Cayenne GTS and GTS Coupe launched

The newest Porsche Cayenne GTS and GTS Coupe models have been launched in India, boasting a revamped 4-litre twin-turbo V8 engine with 500 PS and 660 Nm of torque. These luxurious SUVs characteristic enhanced efficiency, GTS-specific design parts, and up to date interiors.

Kia EV6 facelift globally unveiled

The updated Kia EV6 options delicate exterior modifications and important inside upgrades. Safety is boosted with 10 airbags and continued ADAS choices. The standout enchancment is a bigger 84 kWh battery pack.

Read More on : Tata Nexon AMT

Autocar journal 15 May: on sale now

This week in Autocar, we scoop Aston Martin’s upcoming rival to the Land Rover Defender, drive the best Mercedes G-Class there has ever been, and ship our verdict on the brand new Aston Martin Vantage.

News

Aston Martin is concentrating on the Land Rover Defender and Mercedes G-Class with an expensive new tremendous 4×4 – we have all the data on its platform, the place it is going to be constructed and what number of will likely be constructed.

Seat, in the meantime, is ready to stay on sooner or later regardless of concern that it was going to be axed, positioned with a lower-cost electrical automobile sitting under the Cupra vary.

Over at Goodwood, Rolls-Royce is ready start a brand new period because it expands its manufacturing unit in Sussex, which is able to allow it to supply considerably extra personalisation on each automobile it builds.

We additionally cowl the brand new Volvo EX90, China’s cut-throat new automobile market, and plummeting used EV values.

Reviews

The new Aston Martin Vantage unequivocally exhibits the place Aston is heading as a result of it’s sportier, extra highly effective and dearer. But a key query stays: is it any good?

Mercedes has electrified the G-Class, giving it a motor for every wheel and a giant 124kWh battery – is it an affront to the G’s lineage?

Meanwhile, the G63 AMG has been handled to extra energy because of the addition of hybrid know-how – we drive it in France to search out out if it is nonetheless a correct AMG.

We’re additionally driving the diesel variant of the brand new G-Class, the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N, and for street check 5674, we have the Smart #3.

Features

The rising power of the Chinese automobile market is basically the product of the all-powerful Geely. Our editor Mark Tisshaw heads east to pattern the very best it has to supply.

Cars have gotten greater, heavier and dearer within the electrical period. Helpfully, a trustworthy recreation of the outdated Mini reverses two of these traits. Matt Prior drives it.

Audi is a previous grasp of slick electrical SUVs whereas Lotus is a category rookie. Can the brand new Eletre compete alongside the SQ8 E-tron? We put them head-to-head.

Opinion

Matt Prior realises that he cannot sustain with the tempo of the automobile world after discovering out that the following Rimac is unlikely to be an EV.

Steve Cropley, in the meantime, riffs on the amphibious TVR Scamander, learns a couple of small and individualistic automobile assortment, and longs for a day when electrical automobile chargers are as properly marketed as petrol pumps.

Used

Toyota Pilots Chevron’s Renewable Gas Blend for First Fill at Port of Portland

The week of April 8 was no abnormal week for Toyota Logistics Services and their routine processing of autos coming into the Port of Portland. Earlier as a part of a pilot mission, a really particular mix of gasoline from Chevron was delivered to the location, which was used to fill the prevailing gasoline tank. Then, on April 11, the autos that had come into port have been processed, cleaned, and stuffed previous to being loaded up onto rail and heavy-duty vehicles to be shipped to sellers.

Everything was routine for the staff doing their jobs – however the autos have been all crammed with and powered by Chevron’s drop-in renewable gasoline mix gasoline, comprised of greater than 50% renewable content material.

Chevron reviews their renewable gasoline blend can reduce lifecycle CO2 emissions by more than 40% compared to traditional gasoline. In the United States alone, greater than 265 million autos are at present powered by gasoline. The common passenger car is 12 years outdated and stays on the highway for nearly 20 years. That implies that new vehicles bought right now will nonetheless be on the highway for many years, and, with the assistance of renewable gasoline blends, it’s attainable to scale back lifecycle emissions from these autos.

“The enormity of the climate challenge means that we’re going to have to work with other industries more and more,” mentioned Mark McCarthy, Program Manager, Energy & Fuels, Sustainability and Regulatory Affairs, Toyota Motor North America (TMNA). “Using Chevron’s renewable gasoline blend for the first fill of the vehicle can mean real emissions reductions for our real operations – and it operates just like normal gasoline!”

Initially, Toyota labored carefully with Chevron to check the gasoline within the lab to find out compatibility with typical inner combustion engines. The fuels have been then placed on the highway as a part of the “Future Fuels Showcase” within the spring of 2023. The showcase was a highway check that included a Toyota Camry LE FWD, a RAV4 Prime, and a Tundra, all of which have been totally fueled with Chevron’s renewable gasoline blends after which pushed on public roads from Pascagoula, Mississippi to Plano, Texas.

As the automotive business transitions to the long run, it’s important to take a complete strategy to decreasing carbon dioxide emissions, invoking a number of options to concentrate on decreasing carbon depth. Vehicles powered by electrical energy, decrease carbon depth fuels, hydrogen, and renewable pure gasoline will all play important components within the course of.

Watch the video under to see how this gasoline performed an enormous position because the “first fuel” for autos on the Port of Portland on April 11.

My Week In Cars: New Steve Cropley/Matt Prior podcast (ep. 86)

Episode 86 of the Autocar podcast My Week In Cars finds our resident automobile hacks Matt Prior and Steve Cropley speaking a few road-going version of the Jaguar C-X75 idea automobile up to date by its designer Ian Callum, a Morris Minor set for a restoration, our pal Derek’s hairdresser and his Toyota GT86, observe daying an Alpine A110 and rather more in addition to, together with your correspondence. 

Make positive you by no means miss an Autocar podcast. Subscribe to our podcasts through Apple PodcastsSpotifyAmazon Podcasts or through your most well-liked podcast platform. And when you subscribe, fee and assessment the pod, we might actually admire that too.

Autocar journal 24 April: on sale now

This week in Autocar, we checklist the highest 100 finest vehicles on sale immediately and element the brand new electrical Mercedes-Benz G-Class.

News

The new Mercedes-Benz G-Class is an “uncompromised” machine that the agency is making some bullish claims about – we have the whole lot it’s essential to know.

Mini, in the meantime, has accomplished its line-up with the reveal of the Aceman – a Renault Clio-sized hatchback positioned between the Cooper and Countryman.

Over at Maserati, the agency is deciding whether or not to maneuver the next-generation Quattroporte onto an prolonged model of the brand new Granturismo’s platform – we element why it is an ‘necessary downside’ for Bologna.

Staying in Italy, Alfa Romeo boss Jean-Phillipe Imparato has urged EU politicians to give attention to defending jobs within the trade and never mannequin names, after a spat that noticed the Alfa Romeo Milano renamed the Junior.

Reviews

With a brand new platform, a unique motive energy, and extra weight, can the electrical model actually behave like a Porsche Macan ought to? We head to France to provide one a go.

Audi has addressed the criticisms of the A3 to make it much more interesting for these after big-car high quality in a hatchback physique.

Meanwhile, the brand new S3 has been handled to an influence improve with RS3-spec driveline tech – we discover out if it will possibly nonetheless maintain a candle to its best (and cheaper) rivals.

We’ve already pushed the coupe variant of the brand new Mercedes-Benz CLE, however not the convertible – till now. On sweeping roads round Tenerife, we discover out if the brand new automotive is a worthy substitute for the C-Class and E-Class cabriolet.

We’re additionally driving the Lotus Eletre and, for street take a look at 5671, we’re within the highest-specification Bentley Bentayga.

Features

It’s been 5 years since we final ranked our outright favorite new vehicles, which suggests we’re lengthy overdue to provide an up to date checklist. Considering the highest 100, we discover out that are probably the most succesful and value your money.

If a few of our high 100 vehicles look too costly, how about some second-hand alternate options? We take a look at the bargains you may discover within the classifieds and what it’s essential to learn about them.

Around 800 Ford Mustangs lined up on the British Motor Museum in celebration of the everyman sports activities automotive’s sixtieth birthday. We pay a go to, changing into wowed by the range on present.

Opinion

Matt Prior riffs on the big-car qualities of the Renault Clio and the way you seemingly get extra to your cash in immediately’s market, and why producers ought to must pay clients to lug about subscription-based options.

Arcfox to Zeekr: Every new automobile on the 2024 Beijing motor present

The Beijing motor present returns subsequent week for the primary time since 2019, bringing an array of unveilings from each home and international producers.

Taking place from Wednesday, 24 April to Saturday, 4 May, one of many world’s most necessary motor reveals will host unveilings of brand-defining ideas, tech-heavy showcases, ultra-luxurious flagship autos and essential new international fashions. 

European producers can have a robust presence as Mercedes launches the brand new electrical G-Class, the long-awaited Mini Aceman makes its public debut and the covers come off the Volkswagen Tiguan-rivalling Smart #5, to call however a couple of.

But Chinese corporations will clearly be out in power, with a wave of electric and hybrid vehicles anticipated to reach on UK soil within the coming years and months. BYD will launch a brand new electrical pick-up and GWM will likely be on the stands with the Ora 07 – a swooping, saloon-shaped stablemate to the 03 hatchback

We will preserve this preview bang updated with all the newest information because the present approaches, so preserve checking again for the lowdown on all the largest reveals. 

Arcfox Alpha S5

BAIC-owned electrical automobile maker Arcfox has detailed its newest saloon, the Alpha S5, forward of its public debut.

It’s primarily based on an 800V electrical structure and packs two motors – one on every axle – that output a mixed 523bhp and 509lb ft of torque.

It’s claimed to dispatch the 0-62mph dash in 3.7sec and it could drive 419 miles between fees, in response to China’s CLTC check cycle.

Avatr 12

This upmarket five-door liftback is the second manufacturing mannequin from the Chinese EV producer that is partnered with cell phone firm Huawei and battery producer CATL. It will likely be primarily based on the agency’s EP1 EV platform, just like the 11 SUV launched in 2022, with manufacturing of right-hand-drive fashions set to start this 12 months.

The 12 (pronounced ‘one-two’) is predicted to make its present debut in Beijing earlier than it goes international within the coming months.

Avatr 12: CATL, Changan and Huawei create new electric saloon

BMW 4 Series facelift

BMW has confirmed it’s going to showcase the revised 4 Series on the Beijing present. It has but to element the breadth of the upgrades, however they’re anticipated to broadly mirror these lately utilized to the range-topping M4.

BMW Neue Klasse SUV

The idea that previews the longer term design of BMW’s electrical SUVs – and extra particularly the next-generation iX3 – will make its public debut at Beijing.

Here’s Everything That Happened In The Indian Automotive Space This Week

Upcoming vehicles spied together with new variant launches have been the highlights of the week that simply glided by

2024 Maruti Suzuki Swift Launch Confirmed

The extremely anticipated fourth-generation Maruti Suzuki Swift is slated for launch in May 2024. Can wait?Well, a number of Maruti Arena dealerships throughout the nation are accepting offline bookings too! 

Toyota Innova Hycross GX(O) Variant Launched

Toyota has launched a new non-hybrid GX(O) top-variant for the Innova Hycross, beginning at Rs 20.99 lakh (ex-showroom). Positioned above the GX trim, this variant inherits extra options which have been beforehand unique to the MPV’s hybrid-only fashions. It is obtainable in each 7 and 8-seater configurations.

Citroen Basalt Spied Testing

The Citroen Basalt Vision was unveiled worldwide as an idea in March 2024, with plans for its launch in India in the course of the latter half of the 12 months. This coupe-SUV from the French automaker shares its design and platform with current Citroen fashions just like the C3 Aircross compact SUV. A check mule was lately spotted testing on Indian roads, giving clues of its exterior.

Also Read : MG Hector Blackstorm Edition Detailed In 7 Images

⁠Mahindra Bolero Neo Plus Launched

Mahindra has launched the extended 9-seater model of the Bolero Neo, known as the Bolero Neo Plus, at a beginning value of Rs 11.39 lakh (ex-showroom). It is obtainable in two variants, P4 and P10, and will get a 2.2-litre diesel engine mated to a 6-speed handbook transmission. 

Force Gurkha 5 Door Interior Teased

The forthcoming Force Gurkha 5 door has been present process rigorous testing, and the automaker has been teasing movies giving a glimpse of the options will probably be filled with. The latest teaser video has showcased its inside, hinting that it’ll get a bigger infotainment display and a digital driver’s show together with captain seats for the third row passengers.

⁠Mahindra XUV 3XO To Get Connected Car Tech

The Mahindra XUV 3XO is scheduled to debut on April twenty ninth, and the automaker has been progressively releasing new teaser movies, providing insights into the revamped XUV300 (rebranded because the XUV 3XO). Recently, Mahindra launched one other teaser showcasing the SUV’s connected car technology and automated twin zone local weather controls.

Also Read : Hyundai Venue Executive Variant Explained In 7 Images

Skoda Sub-4 Metre SUV Spied Testing

Skoda has been testing its upcoming sub-4 metre SUV which is slated to debut in 2025. The recently spied camouflaged test mule provides us a touch of what might probably be the mid-spec variant of the sub-4 metre SUV.

⁠Nissan Magnite Recalled

The Nissan Magnite’s decrease variants have been recalled in India as a consequence of a fault associated to its entrance door deal with sensors. While the Japanese automaker hasn’t disclosed the exact variety of affected models, it has clarified that the recall pertains to automobiles manufactured between November 2020 and December 2023. Notably, Magnite models produced after December 2023 aren’t topic to this recall.

Read More on : Toyota Innova Hycross Automatic

2025 KTM OFF-ROAD CROSS COUNTRY LINEUP ANNOUNCED : XC & XC-F MODELS GET UPDATED

Last week KTM introduced their 2025 Motocross lineup, and now they’ve formally launched their Cross Country lineup that’s options extra Race Ready fashions than they’ve ever produced! Below is the official photographs and data instantly from KTM: 

The 2025 KTM XC and XC-F vary brings a collection of updates adopted instantly from KTM Factory Racing efforts.

With years of race-winning credentials and a trophy room bursting on the seams, FMF KTM Factory Racing is not any stranger to profitable premier offroad racing titles, at present main this 12 months’s Grand National Cross Country (GNCC) Series with Johnny Girroir, in addition to the National Grand Prix Championship (NGPC) by the hands of Dante Oliveira. For 2025, the KTM XC and XC-F vary brings correct KTM Factory Racing experience to the path in a bid to proceed its domination.

Leading the cost with regards to improvement, the body now options seen cutouts and totally different tube-wall thicknesses across the headstock space, with the engine mount and rear shock mount areas receiving the identical remedy.

These adjustments have been particularly engineered to enhance chassis flex traits and scale back weight by round 300 g whereas sustaining general stability and enhancing cornering habits. An up to date swingarm with a machined chain slider – for higher mud dissipation – and an up to date rear brake pedal – for improved sturdiness and resistance to bending – spherical out the adjustments to the body.

To complement the updates, the WP XACT Closed Cartridge spring fork and XACT linkage shock function reworked settings to account for the extra flex and fewer weight. The WP XACT shock additionally advantages from an up to date linkage with renewed seals and smaller diameter linkage bolts. The setup is taken instantly from the KTM Factory Racing Team and is optimized to profit weight financial savings and stiffness parameters.


New tank shrouds with bi-composite plastics make for a recent, sharper look, together with improved cooling traits. This is supported by an up to date gasoline tank mount that protects the body in opposition to put on from scrubbing and improves tank fitment.

Full-orange bodywork with purple and black in-mold graphics brings these adjustments collectively, whereas the most recent KTM XC and XC-F fashions additionally function an up to date, 1-piece air inlet sleeve and snorkel design to stop deformation, due to a extra sturdy and stiffer materials design.

2025 additionally sees the introduction of the Connectivity Unit Offroad accessible as KTM PowerParts for the XC-F line-up. The CUO presents a variety of functionalities and adjustability choices by way of the KTMconnect app. This exists as two components, specifically, the CUO itself, mounted on the correct higher fork between the decrease and higher triple clamp, and the GPS sensor on the entrance fender in a CUO-compatible pocket. This comes as a whole package from KTM PowerParts.

The 2025 KTM XC and XC-F vary will arrive in approved KTM dealerships this June.

Autocar journal 17 April: on sale now

This week in Autocar, we element Alfa Romeo’s new BMW M3-beater, drive Skoda’s Swiss military knife, and discover out why the boss of Jeep is bullish in regards to the firm’s future.

News

The subsequent Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio will arrive in 2026 as its most potent automobile thus far, nudging 1000bhp and on-board AI that may tweak its dealing with – now we have each element. We additionally check out Alfa’s long-awaited new SUV, the Milano, because it appears to focus on a ‘new technology’ of patrons.

Meanwhile at Mercedes, the EQS has been handled to a brand new face and vary boosted by 11% – we have got the lowdown on the BMW i7 rival.

The best-selling Nissan Qashqai has additionally obtained a gentle facelift to carry it consistent with the electrical Ariya, full with sharper strains and a brand new face impressed by Japanese samurai helmets.

We additionally cowl Porsche’s determination to maintain the Boxster, Cayman and Macan on sale within the UK, and why Aston Martin is about to maintain combustion powertrains for so long as it will possibly.

Reviews

The new Skoda Kodiaq has arrived greater and swisher, providing seven-seat petrols and diesels and, for the primary time, a plug-in hybrid. We discover out if it nonetheless has the enduring enchantment of the outgoing automobile.

BMW’s best-seller, the X3, has been given an overhaul in each division – we head to France to drive a pre-production prototype.

Speaking of prototypes, the Audi RS E-tron GT has been given a spread of updates with the promise of being a extra well-rounded and dynamic GT. Does it fulfil that billing? 

Omoda, the Chinese agency planning an offensive on UK shores, is heading for our markets with a competitively priced rival to the Hyundai Kona, merely known as the 5. We drive the plug-in hybrid and electrical model to see what’s what.

Elsewhere in a packed opinions part, we’re testing three model new Volkswagens, the Aston Martin DB12 Volante, and the Citroen C5 Aircrews Hybrid.

Features

New Jeep CEO Antonia Filosa understands what makes the American model totally different. James Attwood hears how he plans to show it into a world success story.

Horiba MIRA, the 80-year-old automotive validation station, is reworking itself right into a one-stop car improvement store. Matt Saunders takes the tour.

Opinion

Matt Prior discusses the federal government’s determination to look into headlight glare and the nifty resolution he has give you. He additionally talks in regards to the SMMT’s name to halve VAT on EVs.

Steve Cropley, in the meantime, riffs on the attractive and daring Wells Vertige, the revival of the Vauxhall Frontera, and the way a nook of the Bicester Heritage circuit has been given a well-recognized title.

Avatr to Zeekr: Every new automotive on the 2024 Beijing motor present

The Beijing motor present returns subsequent week for the primary time since 2019,  bringing with it an array of unveilings from each home and world producers.

Taking place from Wednesday 24 April to Saturday 4 May, one of many world’s most vital motor exhibits will host unveilings of brand-defining ideas, tech-heavy showcases, ultra-luxurious flagship fashions and essential new world fashions. 

European producers may have a robust presence as Mercedes launches the brand new electrical G-Class, the long-awaited Mini Aceman makes its public debut and the covers come off the Volkswagen Tiguan-rivalling Smart #5 – to call however just a few.

But Chinese corporations will clearly be out in pressure, with a wave of electric and hybrid vehicles we will anticipate to see on UK soil within the coming years and months. BYD will launch a brand new electrical pick-up, and GWM can be on the stands with the Ora 07 – a swooping, saloon-shaped stablemate to the 03 hatchback

We will preserve this preview bang updated with all the newest information because the present approaches, so preserve checking again for the lowdown on all the largest reveals. 

Avatr 12

This upmarket five-door liftback is the second manufacturing mannequin from the Chinese EV producer that is partnered with cell phone firm Huawei and battery producer CATL. It can be based mostly on the agency’s EP1 EV platform, just like the 11 SUV launched in 2022, with manufacturing of right-hand drive fashions set to start this yr.

The 12 (pronounced ‘one-two’) is anticipated to make its present debut in Beijing earlier than it goes world within the coming months.

Avatr 12: CATL, Changan and Huawei create new electric saloon

BMW Neue Klasse SUV

The idea that previews the longer term design of BMW’s electrical SUVs – and extra particularly the next-generation iX3 – will make its public debut at Beijing.

Bringing again some retro styling cues from BMWs of previous, just like the kidney grille modelled on the model’s ultra-cool Sixties saloons, it can be based mostly on BMW’s new EV-specific structure, that includes new-gen battery tech and a sophisticated new software program stack working on 4 high-performance computer systems.

BMW Vision Neue Klasse X sets template for brand’s electric SUVs

BYD Pick-up

Having already turn out to be one of many world’s greatest automotive makers, BYD will enter the sunshine business car market with a brand new mid-sized truck to rival the Toyota Hilux. Heavily camouflaged prototypes have been noticed already in China, sporting a dual-cab design and slab-sided profile.