Innholdsfortegnelse for May 2020 i Car India

THERE IS A SMALL CHANCE THAT THE LEGENDARY FIAT BRAND COULD RESUME INDIAN operations thanks to the country’s EV push and their new 500 EV. FIAT Chrysler Automobiles have all but shut shop on the FIAT brand here in India. With BS6 norms kicking in, the brand has shown no inclination towards updating their range. If the Indian government does more than talk a good game about EVs and offers substantial incentives and the right infrastructure to allow electric vehicles to thrive in the country, FCA could be tempted to launch the new third-generation, all-electric FIAT 500 EV hatchback here. This new FIAT 500 EV was showcased in Milan and features a completely new, fully electric design. It is bigger and more spacious than before, while still retaining its pocket-sized…

WITH THE GLOBAL PANDEMIC AFFECTING EVERYONE IN SOME MEASURE, the affected manufacturers have begun diverting their assets and energy towards helping out. Everyone from Ford, Kia, and Tesla to Ferrari, Lamborghini, and McLaren have begun producing personal protective equipment (PPE) to meet the shortfall. Ford have tied with experts, including 3M and GE Healthcare, to build respirators, ventilators, and face-shields. Not only have Ford tied up with 3M to increase the production of their Powered Air-Purifying Respirators (PAPR), similar to N95 masks, but they are also working together to develop a new design of these respirators that will leverage parts from both the company’s production lines. The American brand is also working with GE to start mass-producing a scaled-down version of the latter’s ventilator design to help those facing breathing…

Warranty Extended With the pandemic ensuring that few venture out, if at all, many cars are just stationary. Many stay silent for days if not weeks with intermittent start-ups being all the activity they see. Almost all manufacturers have recognized this and have extended their vehicle warranty and/or service packages to a period beyond the foreseeable lockdown scenario; some until the end of May and some further still. Car Sales Move Online With contactless sales fast becoming the new norm, some car-makers have begun offering online solutions for customers and prospective owners. Hyundai’s “Click to Buy” platform has integrated over 500 dealerships across India. Tata Motors’ “Click to Drive” has got 750+ dealers involved all across the country. More manufacturers are expected to follow suit. Mahindra Defer SsangYong Investment About…

THE MERCEDES-BENZ A-CLASS SEDAN IS ALL SET TO REPLACE THE CLA in the Indian market this year, sporting a muscular design with new equipment and powertrain choices. The new A-Class will have the smart new MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience) system which offers services such as voice control, personalization, navigation display with augmented reality, touchscreen operations, and more. The A-Class now has semi-autonomous ability for certain driving conditions; however, whether those systems are offered remains to be seen. Mercedes have also ramped up safety features with Active Steering Assist, Active Distance Assist, Active Emergency Stop Assist, and Lane Change Assist all included in the list. The new Mercedes A-Class Sedan could be initially launched in AMG A 35 guise, with a 306-hp turbo-petrol, as showcased earlier, but let us not rule…

THE ALL-NEW HONDA CITY WAS SET FOR LAUNCH JUST BEFORE THE LOCKDOWN WAS announced in India owing to the pandemic, which meant the media drive was cancelled. Until it arrives, here is what the fifth-generation car is all about. The new City looks more aggressive and sportier. Its new LED lights look sharper and distinct, while flowing lines give it a futuristic look, as do the new alloy wheels. Inside, we hear touchscreen infotainment is a given, as are Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and the segment début of Amazon’s Alexa Remote. More safety kit will also be offered, in line with it earning a five-star safety rating in the ASEAN NCAP test, including hill-start assist, all three-point seat-belts, and even the Lane Watch camera. The new City will get the…

AVAILABLE FROM AROUND US$ 59K (or approximately Rs 45 lakh), the Hyundai Nexo Fuel Cell is one of the cleanest forms of personal mobility available. However, the price is beside the point. It’s about going green. And, with many countries still dependent on coal for their energy requirements, a hydrogen fuel-cell electric vehicle that uses hydrogen from tanks to generate electricity and emits only water vapour. The world’s desire for SUV body styles is surprising from many perspectives yet understandable in some ways as well. The larger and heavier the car, the worse will be its efficiency. Yet, some countries have such terrible infrastructure that a level paved road is akin to a luxury. So, an SUV, with the added ground clearance, makes sense on that count. As with modern…

THE LAST vehicle here is the Creta — Hyundai’s fantastically successful SUV that sold over 4.5 lakh units in India in its original form. Launched in March 2020, this is the Creta’s second avatar and it is better than ever before. While the sporty SUV silhouette is still present, the actual aesthetic has been completely reworked. Attractive additions include that distinctive cascading grille and the unique Trio Beam LED headlamps with a crescent-shaped LED DRL arrangement framing it. Adding to the Creta’s confident profile are the 17-inch alloys and cladding all around. You can see the meticulous level of detail put into the design when you see the same crescent style of the DRLs incorporated in the tail-lamp units as well. The arching contrast C-pillar, chrome handles, integrated roof-rail, and…

THE NEW DEFENDER MIGHT DO TO THE Discovery what Land Rover feared the original Discovery might do to the Range Rover 30 years ago: steal the existing car’s sales. But this time, the cannibalism might prove fatal. The “big” Disco is now easily LR’s worst-selling vehicle, with 41,000 made in the last financial year, down 14 per cent on the previous year. The full-fat Range Rover came second-last but sold 40 per cent more. The RR Sport sold twice as many as the Disco, and the Discovery Sport topped the chart with 88,000 shifted, even as it awaited its recent refresh. This isn’t entirely the current Disco 5’s fault, although it hasn’t been an unalloyed success with the critics, not least for its looks, and that offset rear number-plate in…

THE EXHAUSTS’ BLUFF BARK RICOCHETS OFF THE HILLSIDES and the M235i changes direction like a horizontal yoyo. We’re sidewinding along an undulating road in the forests north of Lisbon, unforgiving drop-offs either side. If this were a rally stage, there would be some definite “Don’t cut!” pace notes. In fact, up here, this BMW feels like a leather-trimmed rally car: bluff three-box body, powerful turbo-charged four-cylinder engine, effective all-wheel drive. The steering is so quick your fingertips never need to move from quarter-to-three for anything but a hairpin, while torque-vectoring inside-wheel braking helps the inside Pirellis bear-hug each apex and the tidy standard-fit mechanical limited-slip diff at the front increases accuracy without tugging away at the steering. Yes, the M235i is a blast to drive, just as its M135i hatchback…

GROUPE PSA IN INDIA ARE TAKING MEASURES TO COMBAT THE prevalent crisis, stating their plans for the future of the business, including brand Citroen launch. Since the outbreak of COVID-19, Groupe PSA in India have been deploying Employee Safety First measures across all locations. The Group reaffirmed their commitment to India and are working closely with all stakeholders to maintain continuity. The offices in Chennai and the plants at Thiruvallur and Hosur in Tamil Nadu are closed in line with the government’s lockdown directive. All Groupe PSA employees are now working from home in India. Groupe PSA India, in close co-ordination with their new dealer partners, have decided to re-time the Citroen launch, spearheaded by the début vehicle, the Citroën C5 Aircross SUV, to the first quarter of next year,…

MAHINDRA LOGISTICS ALYTE ARE WORKING IN COLLABORATION WITH THE LAW enforcement agencies in various cities to extend emergency cab services to those in need. While the Coronavirus lockdown mandates that we stay at home, there will always be instances where people need to be transported to cater to an emergency. Taking this into account, Mahindra Logistics Alyte are working closely with the law enforcement agencies in various cities, including Hyderabad, Delhi, Kolkata, Chennai, Kochi, Pune, and Mumbai. The company will now provide free cab rides for those who need it the most: pregnant women, senior citizens, and the differently-abled. To avail of this service, please call the Alyte helpline or the local police. Do remember that this is an emergency service only and they may not be able to provide…

WE WERE DEEPLY SADDENED TO HEAR ABOUT THE untimely demise of Rudratej Singh, the first Indian President and Chief Executive Officer of BMW Group India. Rudratej, also called “Rudy”, was 46. He was a crucial part of the German auto-manufacturing company and played a huge role in the planning and strengthening of its growth and dealership network in India. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and loved ones during this difficult period. As reported elsewhere in these columns, Rudratej’s was the second loss within BMW India within a span of just 12 days. Earlier, it was Mihir Dayal, Director, Sales and Marketing, who passed away. Rudratej had posted an obituary for his colleague: ‘Rest in peace, my friend. We play our pending round of golf now on the…

THE AURA was launched in January 2020 to replace the Xcent in Hyundai’s catalogue. It has a distinct design that you will never mistake for anything else in the market. The bold silver-satin finish grille, signature twin boomerang DRLs, eye-catching LED tail-lamps, and smooth, silky lines all contribute to its distinctive appearance. The whole styling approach is completed by elegant touches such as integrated turn indicators in the outside rear-view mirrors, slick diamond-cut alloy wheels, and chrome garnish on the boot. There are six colour options on offer to ensure that the buyers can have their Aura reflect their personal style. The story continues inside the cabin, where dual-tone interior, an attractive satin bronze crash pad, and a truly spacious cabin are hallmarks of Hyundai’s superior engineering. The comfortable cushioning…

EVERY YEAR, THE WORLD CAR AWARDS ASSEMBLE TO hand out the most prestigious set of awards, including the big one, the World Car of the Year, after a panel of esteemed automotive journalists the world over converge to determine the best of the best. This year, however, with the impact of the pandemic, the World Car Awards were limited to the digital media and the reveal was made public online. The Awards and its 86 jurors from 25 countries around the world recognized the widespread impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and extended their condolences to all those affected. In deference to that impact, the reveal of the 2020 World Car Awards winners was done only via the digital media. World Car of the Year: Kia Telluride THE KIA TELLURIDE…

The Corolla’s journey in India is nearly two decades now. Please take us through its highlights. A true reflection of Toyota’s commitment for a sustainable future, Toyota Corolla was launched in India in 2003. A world-class sedan, known as one of the most popular cars in international markets, it soon became the most preferred choice of our loyal customers in India. Over the years, we introduced enhanced versions of the vehicle, keeping in mind the evolving needs of the customers. Further to the launch of Corolla Gen 9, we introduced Corolla Altis Gen 10 in 2008 and Corolla Altis Gen 11 in 2014, with the most recent facelift introduced in 2017. We sold close to 116.5K Corollas in India and really appreciate the celebratory stint it witnessed in the Indian…

FIVE YEARS AGO, HYUNDAI DIVED INTO THE mid-size SUV space with the original Creta. It proved extremely popular since its introduction, even taking home the coveted Indian Car of the Year Award the year after its launch. The Korean manufacturer has now revealed the 2020 Creta and it’s more than just a new face; the SUV is all-new, with a thorough redesign, more interior space, and new BS6-compliant engine options. Petrolheads can now choose between a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder unit mated to either a manual or a CVT automatic or a punchier 1.4-litre turbocharged four-pot mill that gets a seven-speed DCT. The outgoing 1.4- and 1.6-litre diesel engine options have been replaced by a 1.5-litre CRDi motor that can be had either with a six-speed automatic or the six-speed…

ASPIRATION IS A WONDERFUL THING. IT CAN drive one to greater things and have them step up to greener pastures, so to speak. The thing is, it never stops. However, the first step is the most important one. A premium car is still something of great aspirational value but, over the decades, the shape and even the essence of desires have changed. People have gone from aspiring to own a particular car to wanting to own a certain brand. And, to cater to such people, there are a slew of choices on a lateral axis. However, where the axis of these models may be lateral, not all parts of where they will roam will be so too, and that’s where the SUV body-style comes in. Desirable cars have gone from…

ALTERNATIVE FUELS ARE FAST SHOWING THEIR NEED TO BE mainstream and a push with BMW i hydrogen power is only going to get the rolling ball gain even more momentum. Developing alternative powertrain technologies is now an even higher priority for BMW. We now have a virtual insight into the powertrain system for the new BMW i Hydrogen NEXT. With it, they reaffirm their commitment to following a carefully considered and systematic route to emission-free mobility. This approach also includes the consideration of varying market and customer requirements as part of the company’s “Power of Choice” strategy. Their approach is customer-centric and has the flexibility needed to facilitate the breakthrough for sustainable mobility on a global level. Jürgen Guldner, Vice President of Hydrogen Fuel Cell Technology and Vehicle Projects at…

THE NEW POLESTAR PRECEPT IS A CLEAR EXPRESSION OF INTENT AND PREVIEWS THE execution of innovative, new and more sustainable interior materials, the continued development of the digital user interface, and, basically, the essence of Polestar design. The “Precept” name describes a unique design philosophy firmly embedded in Polestar’s brand values: pure, progressive, and performance. Its 3.1-metre wheelbase accommodates a large battery pack and gives it a low and sleek silhouette with emphasis on rear occupant room, embodying “minimalistic athleticism”. A great focus on aerodynamics sees an integrated front wing above the SmartZone ― a shift from breathing to seeing. An area which once channelled air to radiators and the engine now houses technology for sensors and assistance functions. The roof-mounted LIDAR pod allows for superior visibility for future automated…

THE SUZUKI SWIFT SPORT HAS ALWAYS had enthusiast hearts beating a little faster when it surfaces online or in conversations and the new model packs a more potent 48-volt mild-hybrid powertrain. The new Swift Sport packs some exciting details. It’s 50 millimetres longer and 15 mm lower than the previous car. The blacked-out pillars, floating-roof effect, and LED lighting in the headlamps and tail-lamp clusters add to its appeal. Based on the light and rigid “HEARTECT” platform, the Swift Sport weighs only 1,025 kg and delivers enhanced performance. Inside, red accents in the cockpit with black create a high-contrast cabin, with a red tachometer and silver speedometer; a unique LCD unit is in the centre. Exclusive alloy pedals also highlight its character. The powertrain comprises the K14D Boosterjet 1.4-litre turbo-petrol,…

WE HAVE HAD GLIMPSES OF THE NEW YARIS-BASED TOYOTA compact SUV since January 2020 after leaked images appeared. Now Toyota have revealed the New Yaris Cross. Toyota had confirmed they were working on a new compact SUV, even hinting at a Geneva début. The Coronavirus situation meant otherwise. The SUV won’t be launched until next year at the earliest. The question is will Toyota Kirloskar Motor bring it to India? Logically, they should. We know how popular SUVs are here in our market and we know Toyota are trying to expand their portfolio. The Toyota Corolla Altis and Platinum Etios have also been axed from the model portfolio, making the Glanza the entry model. While the Etios has no BS6 future, the Corolla looks like it won’t sufferr the same…

WE WERE SADDENED TO HEAR THE SHOCKING NEWS OF THE DEMISE of 40-year-old Mihir Dayal, Director of Sales and Marketing at BMW India. Mihir will be remembered as an inspiring and compassionate human being. Since 2007, he had been a valuable member of the BMW Group India as he shouldered different responsibilities in the company over the past 13 years. Mihir, who lost a battle against cancer, is survived by his wife and their two children. Our prayers are for his family and friends in these trying times.…

Hyundai Verna HYUNDAI INDIA HAVE FORMALLY INDUCTED THE all-new Verna BS6 into their portfolio and it is available from Rs 9.31 lakh (ex-showroom). The new Verna has a low-slung stance with some aggressive design language that lends it a thoroughly modern appearance. And it is, too. It boasts of 45 connected features as well as several first-in-segment equipment, including a digital cluster, Audio Video Nav with HD display, ventilated front seats, sunroof, wireless charging, and even Blue Link. New engines include a choice of two petrol and one diesel. The 1.5-litre petrol, with 115 hp and 144 Nm, is the entry powertrain and gets a choice of six-speed manual or an Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT), priced between Rs 9.31 lakh and Rs 13.85 lakh. The 1.0-litre Turbo GDI petrol engine,…

SITTING ONE notch higher than the Aura in the segment pecking order is the sophisticated Verna. You can see the family resemblance between the two sedans, but there is no denying that Verna is very much its own car. The generous proportions, sharp headlamp design, dark chrome grille, and flashy bumper design all set the bigger Hyundai sibling apart. The tapering contours of the bonnet lend the Verna’s visage a streamlined visual and the sharp R16 alloy wheels match perfectly the overall look of the Verna. It is great to see that the design team at Hyundai have struck a perfect balance in the design of the Verna. It is understated yet elegant, which is ideal for a car in this segment. Premium materials and uncluttered design of the interior…

HOW LONG HAVE WE DEBATED ALTERNATIVE POWER? From solar, wind, and hydro for electricity generation to hydrogen fuel cells and what not, everything has been under the scanner. Conventional batteries aren’t the solution. Their production is unclean and environmentally devastating, they’re expensive to produce and run and, after their life is done, they’re not easy to reuse or dispose of either. It’s really a no-win situation on many counts. However, post-lithium technology or, rather, the evolution of the cell may be just the solution we need. Solid oxide fuel cells (SOFC) are the new buzzword. They’re clean, involve electricity and water, and can be quickly re-energized. The essence of the cell is a series of metal plates — these could be aluminium or zirconium — that react with oxygen in…

WHEN GUSTL ACHLEITNER HANDED FRANK WALLISER THE keys to the chief engineer’s office at Porsche last year, the DNA of the sports car family took an invisible step towards more extreme dynamics. That’s what you get when you appoint a man whose CV features the 918 Spyder and RS Spyder, 919 and 911 RSR race cars. Previous Turbos were, to an extent, aimed at graciously greyed gentlemen who enjoyed showing off in a prestigious piece of street furniture that made a statement about wealth and about not being ready for the retirement home. Those silver foxes will still be drawn to this 992-generation 911 Turbo S. But beneath the skin lurks a very different animal: raw, aggressive, more tactile, so much faster, and not as easy to drive at the…

MERCEDES-BENZ’S TOP-SELLING PREMIUM SUV has just become better. The “GLC 220d” nomenclature may not have changed, but the car has been given a serious makeover. Apart from the usual styling updates and additional features, the crossover gets a new 2.0-litre diesel engine which was first introduced in the C-Class. More on the engine in a short while. Let’s quickly go through the design updates of the GLC 220d. You can’t miss the new LED headlamps with eye-catching lighting profile and integrated LED daytime running lights. The front bumper now gets more chrome highlights and has been carved out to improve the approach angle. I like the new twin-slat chrome grille, too, which holds a larger Mercedes-Benz logo with glossy piano-black inserts. You’ll also appreciate the large 19-inch alloy wheels with…

THE 1950s ALFA ROMEO 159 The end of the beginning FOUR ALFA ROMEO 158S RAN IN THE FIRST-EVER F1 world championship race. Silverstone, 13 May 1950. A Saturday. Three of those cars finished one-two-three, the closest challenger two laps behind. Not by coincidence did the first season of one of the world’s most tech-centred sport kick off behind one of the most technologically superior and successful GP cars in history. Alfetta means “little Alfa” in Italian. In 1950, the 158 was more than a decade old. The Alfa was originally designed for pre-War Voiturette racing — a “step-down” class with displacement limited to 1.5 litres. By the late ’30s, Hitler’s state-backed Silver Arrows had dominated Grands Prix for several seasons. Italy didn’t have Hitler’s money, but it did have…