Innholdsfortegnelse for September 2020 i Car India

WITH MODERN STYLING AND PACKING exciting new features, the new Kicks e-Power Hybrid was launched in Japan from ¥2.76 million (Rs 19.3 lakh, approx). The new Kicks e-Power measures 4.3 metres long and has a ground clearance of 170 mm, weighing just 1,350 kg. It sports a futuristic design, a roomy interior and ample space. The boot volume is 423 litres. The e-Power system aims to offer powerful, quiet driving with increased confidence thanks to the ProPILOT driver assistance that uses millimetre-wave radars to detect other vehicles and help maintain distance ahead, stay centred in the lane or also autonomously brake when necessary. One-pedal operation enables acceleration and deceleration by operating only the accelerator. The Kicks e-Power Hybrid is driven by an electric motor with the combustion engine working as…

THE HIGH-PERFORMANCE TROFEOspec V8 engine is now available in the Ghibli and Quattroporte sedans. This is also the first time the Ghibli is being offered with an eight-cylinder engine. The Trofeo-spec engine, a 3.8-litre, turbo-petrol 90° V8 with direct injection, was first seen in the Levante SUV but was paired with the standard Q4 all-wheel driveline. In the Ghibli and Quattroporte, however, the power flows from the eight-speed automatic to just the rear wheels. The twin-turbo V8 puts out a heady 580 hp and 730 Nm. Unlike the Levante Trofeo, the torque for the rear-drive sedans peaks for 500 rpm longer ― between 2,250 and 5,250 rpm. They also receive Skyhook active suspension as standard. The Maserati Ghibli Trofeo and Quattroporte Trofeo go from zero to 100 km/h in 4.3…

THE NISSAN MAGNITE DESIGN HAS SOME modern takes and sharp features that accentuate its SUV stance. Based on the new compact modular platform, it features a front-engine-front-drive (FF) layout. The design department has ensured the Magnite will stand out with its unique styling elements and purposeful stance. The Magnite was inspired by three main traits or values ― kabuku, sui, and inase ― which translate into the design going boldly against established social convention and being a dynamic and vibrant form; further inspiration came from the vibrant Indian culture. Penned to the principle of “dynamic solidity”, it expresses lightness and agility but exudes a confident and sturdy presence that protects in an urban environment. The interior and packaging were another major focal point. It had to match the leaner, cleaner,…

Maruti Suzuki S-Cross The S-Cross brings you the best of everything ― presence, power, space, and ground clearance ― all in one fascinating vehicle and has been recently introduced with a powerful 1.5-litre Smart Hybrid petrol engine. This can be your office-commute ride during the week and the vehicle for exploration and adventure on the weekends. Engine: 1,462-cc four-cylinder K15 Smart Hybrid petrol Performance: 75kW at 6,000 rpm | 138 Nm at 4,400 rpm Transmission Options: Five-speed manual and four-speed torque converter automatic Starting Price: Rs 8.39 lakh (ex-showroom) Maruti Suzuki Ciaz A sedan like no other, the Ciaz is opulent, sophisticated, and oh-so-spacious. Its long wheelbase and sleek lines endow it with a dynamic aura and a slew of features make it an exciting proposition in its category. Engine:…

THE ALL-NEW BMW X2 XDRIVE25E brings a unique combination of smart design and a versatile sportiness backed by modern electrified technology. The new X2 xDrive25e was recently introduced in the European market from €47,250 (Rs 40 lakh). BMW have continued to develop more advanced electrified technologies, including the recent move of all four- and six-cylinder engines to 48-volt mild-hybrid technology, with a slew of smart plug-in hybrid models — the 330e, 530e, 545e, and even the 745Le. The new X2 sports an attractive new design and features equipment also available for the conventionally powered variants of the compact model. The new front design has taut surfaces without fog-lights and a new Phytonic Blue metallic colour. The standard LED headlights now get integrated bad-weather light. There’s also a Business package that…

There are 30 ABS Fitness clubs in 16 cities, spread over 50,000 square feet, occupying 500 fitness professionals, with 60,000 members Founder-president of United Health & Fitness Forum, India’s first association for fitness club owners. Nominated by the American Council for the Exercise Fitness Professional of the Year Award Featured by the International Health Racquet Sports Club Association on Top Eight Fitness Leaders…

AMG’s eight is a brawny, raucous cad of a motor FIRST DRIVE Aston Martin DBX MOMENT OF CLARITY NUMBER ONE: if you were asked to create a luxury SUV that drove with the alacrity the Aston Martin name demands, you might seek to pull together a team and a parts tool-kit not dissimilar to those behind this car, the most important Aston in the marque’s history. The pandemic torpedoed Aston’s original DBX launch plans (set for the perfect light and wide open spaces of California), leaving ever so slightly less exotic Silverstone to host our first meeting with the car in finished, production-ready guise. Aston have an engineering centre on the Stowe circuit, nestled within the flat-out curves of the Grand Prix track, and I get a guided tour with…

THE INDIAN AUTO SPACE ISN’T REALLY FOR THE faint-hearted, given the number of vehicles and manufacturers trying their hand and scampering out tail-between-legs and what not. A few, though, have stuck to their guns and understood what the Indian customer and roads would like and permit. One such company is none other than the Korean manufacturer, Hyundai. Hyundai’s story in India is the definition of success with the marque continuing to strive to be number one. Hyundai have now added further momentum to this goal with a new programme, called Hyundai Mobility Membership. Hyundai Mobility Membership aims to enhance ownership and lifestyle experiences for their customers. This project is a partnership with a number of leading brands in India with offers and benefits among several categories. The membership is based…

TWITTER HAS LAUNCHED FLEETS. IF YOU’RE NOT FAMILIAR, THAT’S A version of the famous “stories” feature that first saw the light of day on Snapchat and then quickly made its way to Instagram, Facebook, WhatsApp... you name it. The only popular social media portal that held on and didn’t fall for this particular trend was Twitter. Until now, that is. And, yes, I get that stories are the way to go to expand reach and all the cool kids are doing it, but Twitter was different, it was quirky. It had a sometimes infuriating word-count limit, a refusal to offer an edit button, and no bandwagon-hopping “stories” option. And while the other elements of its quirkiness still remain, you can’t help but question everything you thought you knew about life,…

THE MARUTI SUZUKI S-CROSS HAS a very prominent role to play in the larger scheme of things for India’s largest car manufacturer. It was the first car model to make its début at the upmarket Nexa outlets, helping the predominantly mass car-maker to carve out a niche in the premium range of cars. In the last five years, over 1.1 million customers have driven out in brand-new cars from the 370-plus Nexa showrooms. Not an easy feat and only a brand like Maruti Suzuki could have pulled this off. Back then, the S-Cross was available with two diesel engines: 1.3-litre and 1.6-litre units. But now Maruti Suzuki have bid farewell to diesels and both these have been chucked out of the window. The 2020 model sports a 1.5-litre petrol equipped…

Why is it here? The car that created the company in 1948 ended up as the odd man out by the time its run ended in 2016. If the old Defender (the name used from 1990) was still true to the frontier spirit of the Series I, II, and III that preceded it, it had been left behind by the rivals it inspired — and by the rest of the Land Rover line-up. With the 2020 Defender, Land Rover put that right, taking the 1948 car as inspiration but creating a thoroughly modern car in its image. Any clever stuff? Out goes the body-on-frame chassis with its crude suspension, in comes a version of the D7 aluminium monocoque also found in the Range Rover. There’s fully independent suspension, with air…

I was quite excited to take home the new Hyundai Grand i10 NIOS as my long-term car because I had heard a lot of positive things about it from our road test. As a compact hatchback, the NIOS ticked all the right boxes for me in terms of style (especially those 15-inch alloy wheels) and further strengthened its case with an impressive list of features. Some of the highlights include rear a-c vents and an eight-inch touchscreen infotainment system that is armed to the teeth with the latest in connectivity further complemented by a good sound system. Me and the family were looking forward to a few long drives in the summer but that went for a toss because of the coronavirus lockdown. Once the lockdown was lifted, the car…

WHEN IT COMES TO FOUR-DOOR, SPORT-luxury tourers that can do it all, from mile-munching to track-days, few can stand comparison with the Panamera. The new model has a total of 12 variants across three body styles ― sports saloon, long-wheelbase “Executive”, and “Sport Turismo” estate. The Sport Design front end is standard with striking air-intakes and a single-bar light module. Inside, there are additional digital functions and services and an extensive list of safety features. The line-up begins with the new Panamera powered by the 2.9-litre twin-turbo V6 with 330 hp and 450 Nm, paired to an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic and rear-wheel drive. The Panamera 4, 4 Executive, and 4 Sport Turismo variants are next, with the same engine and all-wheel drive. The new Panamera 4S E-Hybrid combines a 440-hp…

THE ŠKODA ENYAQ IS THE FIRST ALL-electric SUV and the Czech brand’s first series-production vehicle based on the MEB (Modularen Elektrifizierungs Baukasten or Modular Electric Toolkit). The 4.65-metre-long Enyaq iV combines the brand’s virtues of generous space, emotive design, and well-balanced proportions and combines them with a sustainable yet fun driving experience. The proportions highlight a short front section and an elongated roofline that create a dynamic exterior while offering a generous amount of space. The dynamic design language is complemented by a striking grille ― with the option of illumination. The “New Design Selection” concept for the interior makes for quality finish and a typically generous amount of room for occupants as well as luggage. The production Enyaq offers up to 510 km of range on the WLTP cycle.…

CONTINENTAL HAVE INTRODUCED THEIR NEW GENERATION 6 TYRES IN INDIA: the ComfortContact CC6 and UltraContact UC6. Continental says that the new range of tyres, especially designed for Indian road condition, will offer higher mileage and support all kinds of driving experiences from intracity to highway driving. The ComfortContact CC6 aims to offer a more comfortable ride with excellent stability and lower noise levels as well as better fuel efficiency The CC6 Whisper Compound is a smoother rolling tread that adapts better to the roughness of the road surface for superior comfort. It is designed to absorb tyre vibrations to diffuse road noise, while dampening micro bumps for a smoother driving experience. The CC6 tyres are available for rims with diameters of 13 to 15 inches. The UltraContact UC6 has been…

TURTLE WAX, THE CHICAGO-BASED car care brand, has entered India by introducing a special “Namaste India” kit to familiarize car-owners with their range of products. This goodie bag contains all the basic car care products you’ll need to keep your prized possession in top shape. Here’s what you get: Ice Snow Foam Wash that promises a spa-like rich foam car wash ODOR-X Caribbean Crush Scent that eliminates cabin odour with its fragrance for up to 30 days Ice Seal and Shine with its special hydrophobic formula that repels water and protects the paint Quick & Easy Interior 1 Cleaner, the one-stop cleaning solution for the car’s fabric, carpets, and vinyl Quick & Easy Inside & Out Protectant shields all plastic, vinyl, and rubber surfaces Clearvue Rain Repellent for a smear-free…

WHEN MERCEDES-BENZ BROUGHT their first production electric car to the Auto Expo 2020, many of us visited the German pavilion hoping to see a radical design. You know, with gullwing doors and cutting-edge kits like cameras and screens instead of rear-view mirrors. This was the first model coming from the company’s new all-electric EQ sub-brand, part of their “Ambition 2039” to go completely CO2-neutral in the next 19 years. To most people’s surprise, the EQC 400 has none of these gimmicky embellishments. Instead what you get is a well-built conventional-looking car, with a practical design and armed well for the mission zero-emission at hand. And if you know the history of this 132-year-old car-maker well, you would’ve expected just that. As with everything else, the pandemic and the lockdown that…

THE ENVIRONMENT HAS BEEN CONSTANTLY changing — and for the worse, as we’ve seen, whether or not we accept it yet. The pandemic and the global lockdown that followed soon after showed everyone that human intervention in the way of things, just by existing normally, can be hazardous to our own as well as the health of every other being that we share this planet with. In barely a few weeks of minimized activity — not even a complete shutdown — the earth showed dramatic change. The sky cleared up, air quality improved, the rivers ran cleaner, and more species not seen for long resurfaced. That also pushed some people to think. What is really necessary and what qualify as just wants. We cannot live without consequence and, as such,…

ONE SECOND, IT’S DAWDLING behind a three-wheeler, seeming stuck in second, and the next, the distance between that mini goods carrier and another one half a kilometre away is dismissed in a matter of seconds; and in one sequence of quick inhale and exhale. This is AMG’s four-door, four-seater GT and it caters to a tiny niche. It is the answer to those who asked for an evolution of a two-door GT Coupé with space for the kids and a few bags and also the answer to another bunch of German four-door coupés. Mercedes, of course, have two; the CLS — the one that started it all — being the first. And it’s a proper coupé roof, aimed squarely at the Porsche Panamera Turbo, Audi RS 7 Sportback, and BMW…

MCLAREN GT The Honda and Ferrari stress-test the McLaren’s talents at either end of the spectrum Sports car meets plush. Fight! Either McLaren have been thinking outside the box or they haven’t read the script, because the specification of this new McLaren GT veers so far off-piste from a trad grand tourer’s that someone should probably call mountain rescue. Not that the GT’s ingredients are radical, because it follows the same formula as every McLaren produced since 2011’s MP4-12C and its building blocks trip from the tongues of car literates like a primary school pupil might recite the alphabet: carbon-fibre tub, mid-mounted twin-turbo V8, seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox, dihedral doors. You’ll pay from £163,000 (Rs 1.59 crore), so the GT is affordable in a McLaren context and comparable money to the…

The Renault Triber created a stir upon its arrival with its lightweight price tag for a seven-seater. There is a lot more to the Triber that meets the eye while glancing through the spec-sheet. Something that we have had first-hand experience of over the past 10 months. We have put this MPV through its paces with long journeys in varied conditions as well as the regular drive in our crowded cities. In both areas the Triber shone bright without any fuss or annoyance. Our long journey was from Pune to Goa, Gokarna, then onwards to Kodagu (Coorg) and back to Pune. This trip had us munching miles on the highway as well as navigating through narrow streets in Gokarna and Goa. The road up to Kodagu from Gokarna had a…

IT WAS LEWIS HAMILTON WHO planted his Mercedes-AMG on pole position just 0.059 of a second ahead of his teammate, Valtteri Bottas, the only two cars to break into the 1:15s, with the Red Bull Racing Honda of Max Verstappen in P3, just 0.7 of a second off pole. The two Racing Point Mercedes cars of the returning Sergio Perez and Lance Stroll qualified fourth and fifth; with about a second covering the top five. The start saw Hamilton shoot off into the distance and there was no looking back. Further back, Verstappen managed a great start to pass the second Mercedes of Bottas and take over second place. Stroll and Perez in the Racing Points also made moves on Bottas, but the Mercedes eventually retained the advantage. Verstappen managed…

THE NEW BMW 5 SERIES WAS REVEALED EARLIER THIS YEAR AND THE SECOND, MORE powerful plug-in hybrid model has now arrived. Like the 530e, the 545e xDrive uses a combustion engine and electric motor combination to deliver more performance with incredible efficiency and a pure electric mode as well. The 545e has the same styling and modern design with all the creature comforts, equipment, and connectivity of the up-to-date 5 Series, but with a more potent six-cylinder hybrid powertrain: 3.0-litre straight-six turbo-petrol and 80-kW e-motor. The combined peak output is 394 hp and 600 Nm. The 12-kWh lithium-ion battery pack provides up to 54 km of electric range, with a top speed of 140 km/h. The consumption rate is 5.58 km/kWh. Hybrid mode allows getting from zero to 100 km/h…

ROLLS-ROYCE HAVE REVEALED THE all-new Ghost as well as their new brand identity to complement their journey from automotive manufacturer to House of Luxury. The new Ghost is built on the marque’s new Architecture of Luxury that also underpins the larger Phantom. It’s a sharper, more chiselled look this time and some changes are more than subtle. The signature grille is now available with illumination and laser headlamps provide superior lighting over a longer distance ahead. Inside, there is more space, more connectivity and more extravagance, with nearly infinite customization choices. The Ghost now receives what Rolls refer to as the most refined engine in existence. The 6.75-litre twin-turbo V12 with 571 hp and 850 Nm delivers effortless motive force and is now mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission that…

THE AUDI E-TRON S MAY BE ALL-ELECTRIC BUT IT PACKS MORE than 500 hp and nearly 1,000 Nm. The e-tron S and its Sportback counterpart pack fully-electric drive, using three electric motors, two of which are for the rear axle. The drive layout is based on modular construction and the more powerful motor, from the rear axle of the standard e-tron 55, is adapted for the S’ front axle. Intelligent drive control sees improved handling dynamics and safety, with electric torque vectoring and active, fully variable torque distribution on the rear axle. Unlike the e-tron 55, the new e-tron S has maximum boost for eight seconds. That brings 370 kW (503 hp) and a whopping 973 Nm of peak four-wheel torque for a 4.5-second sprint from zero to 100 km/h…

Audi RS Q8 Audi have spiced up their Indian line-up with the all-new RS Q8 ― the highest-performance avatar of their dynamic coupé SUV ― at Rs 2.07 crore (base, ex-showroom). The RS Q8 gets some aggressive styling tweaks to distinguish itself from its regular V6 sibling, including an all-black grille, sportier front and rear bumpers, and an RS-spec spoiler on the roof. It sports stylish 22-inch alloy wheels, with the option to bump it up to massive 23-inchers. The cabin, too, gets a host of RS touches, including a sporty new flat-bottom steering wheel. The RS Q8 balances high performance with refined comfort as only Ingolstadt can manage. It draws power from a 4.0-litre TFSI V8 engine with 48-volt mild-hybrid technology backing it up. The output is a punchy…

The Purpose Behind the Pageantry THE NEXA STORY BEGAN WITH THE AIM TO offer Indian customers a new, elevated lifestyle. The idea behind its creation was to present a grandiose experience that their prospective customers wouldn’t get anywhere else. The values and the vision that drove the NEXA initiative lead to the crafting of a superlative ecosystem that was immersed in quality, style, and the regalia of a luxe lifestyle. The vision and mission of the NEXA brand philosophy have been captured beautifully in the brand’s slogan: CREATE. INSPIRE. The elements of these tenets can be seen in both the way the showrooms have been put together and also, within the vehicles that are sold. Everywhere you look there is a whiff of class, an air of elegance, and a…

THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC AND THE lockdown that followed have been immensely challenging for everyone, but at least one good thing came of it. The virtual shutdown implemented in India allowed nature to rest and recuperate and the results are there for all to see. The River Ganga has been cleaner than it has been in decades, the air above Delhi actually reached breathable levels, and there were even reports of dolphins being spotted along Mumbai’s coastline! It shouldn’t take a life-altering event such as this to allow the environment some respite, though, and one of the ways we can help keep pollution in check is by switching over to an electric vehicle. Now, we have all heard the arguments against EVs — impracticality, range anxiety, and lack of power, to…

‘YOU DON’T NECESSARILY HAVE TO WORK OUT FOR SEVERAL HOURS every day seven days a week to remain fit. Even 30 minutes three times a week is good enough to stay active and healthy, so long as you do it consistently.’ That was my first free advice from Abhimanyu Sable, the popular fitness guru whose health coaching videos get thousands of likes and views on YouTube and Instagram. Often spotted posing on the pages of newspapers, Abhimanyu has the distinction of being one of the first Indians to be certified by the American College of Sports Medicine and is the founder of ABS fitness centre. This chain of gyms is now present in 16 cities, empowering 500 fitness professionals who train over 60,000 members. We met the health expert in…

THERE WAS AN OBVIOUS VOID IN THE Mahindra line-up during the early part of this century with the discontinuation of the MM 540 and MM 550, descendants of the CL340 ‘Classic’, which, in turn, was derived from the Willys CJ3A Jeep that Mahindra were licensed to build and sell in India back in 1949. Although focusing on more road-friendly SUVs during this time, the brand went back to its off-roading roots with the introduction of the Thar in 2010, bringing back the iconic design form and bare-bones, three-door SUV layout that we have known since childhood. The Thar saw a couple of updates over the last decade, and 2020 brings us an all-new version of this enduring 4x4, with a reworked design, modern features, powerful engine options, and a host…

A COMBINATION OF ATTRACTIVE pricing, an eye-catching design, and Hyundai’s well-appointed interior packed with creature comforts has seen the Korean brand’s entry-level SUV earn much praise and popularity since its launch last year. Hyundai currently offer the Venue with three powertrain options: a torquey 1.5-litre common-rail diesel, a frugal 1.2-litre petrol motor, and, lastly, the fun option, an entertaining 1.0-litre turbo petrol mill that pumps out 120 horses. So far, this punchy engine could be had with either a six-speed manual transmission or a seven-speed DCT and you can read our review of the DCT variant in the February 2020 issue of Car India. Hyundai have now gone a step further and are the first car manufacturer in India to offer a clutchless manual transmission; you heard right — this…

GROWING THE TRIBE IS A GOOD THING SOMETIMES. SOME THINGS are just easier. The new Triber Easy-R is the automated version of the popular expanded hatch-MUV crossover. It still seats up to seven occupants and feels phenomenal on the road and not just for a car of its price. Normally, I tend to discuss power first and price later. However, in this day and age, when money has lost its value and value has lost its meaning, there are few things that make sense any more. And the Renault Triber makes sense. It’s compact enough not to be a bother in tight city lanes and when squeezing through narrowing gaps. Yet it’s large enough to accommodate seven adults with ease, with the flexibility to accommodate anywhere from two people and…

OH, YES. ON THE ROAD, THE 2020 Defender does everything the previous vintage refused to even try to do. Like run straight and true and smooth, irrespective of surface. Like steer without random surprises. Like accept a stab at the brake pedal as an order, rather than a polite request to be dealt with in good time. Like relishing towns, motorways, and country lanes just as much as enjoying crossing a mountain range. And all without deafening the occupants above 50 mph (80 km/h). The latest Land Rover is a dynamic revelation. It rides at least as smoothly over most surfaces as today’s key rivals: the Mercedes G-Class and Jeep Wrangler. The brakes are reassuringly strong. Directional stability is no longer a theoretical target but an accomplished mission. Without mastering…

Why is it here? A storied Merc that doesn’t have any awkward Nazi-related skeletons in its closet? Hurrah! Except the G-Class has something else in its origin story that Mercedes would rather not go on about. It originally came into being, at least in part, because the Shah of Iran, a share-holder, wanted a tough army truck. That eventually emerged as 1979’s original G, just in time for the Shah to be deposed and the order cancelled. Over the last 40 years, it has proved itself on safari and in desert races, sprouted an official Mercedes three-axle version, the G 63 6x6, been a Popemobile, had the Maybach treatment, and gone wild in 2004 with the 476-hp G 55 AMG V8. Any clever stuff? Always a bigger deal in Germany…

THE FORMULA 1 SEASON moved to the Ardennes mountains and Spa-Francorchamps in Belgium — a circuit known for separating the good from the great. Lewis Hamilton seems to be in the form of his life at the moment as he once again snatched pole in his Mercedes-AMG ahead of his teammate, Valtteri Bottas, with the invariable thorn in their side, Max Verstappen in the Red Bull Racing Honda, starting third. The surprise was the lack of pace for the two Ferraris, who barely made it to Q2, and the improved Renault duo with Daniel Ricciardo and Esteban Ocon both looking strong. The start saw Hamilton, Bottas, and Verstappen get away with the two Renaults also making their presence felt behind them. Just 10 laps in, there was an incident where…