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2021 Tata Safari launched in India, start at Rs. 14.69 lakh

By
Madhav Banka
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Tata Motors has launched the 2021 Safari SUV here in India, it starts at the price of Rs 14.69 lakh (ex-showroom). This model of the car would be available in six variants and three color options as well. The bookings for this SUV have been commenced by Tata, for Rs. 30,000.

Under the hood, the 2021 Tata Safari packs in a 2.0-liter Kryotec diesel engine that produces 170bhp and 350Nm of torque. This motor can be offered with a six-speed manual unit and a six-speed automatic unit as well.

On the exterior, trim, this new Tata Safari features a chrome grille with the signature tri-arrow design. It has 18-inch alloy wheels, panoramic sunroof, silver skid plates at the front and rear, roof rails, and an integrated spoiler as well.

For the features now, the 2021 Tata Safari comes would come equipped with an 8.8-inch touchscreen system that would support Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as well. There is automatic climate control, boss mode, ambient lighting, cruise control iRA connected car technology, an electronic parking brake, terrain response modes, JBL-sourced nine-speaker music system, and a six-way electrically adjustable driver seat too.

This new model also receives new safety features in the form of six airbags, ABS with EBD, ESP, traction control, hill descent control, roll-over mitigation, rear parking sensors, and corner stability control. We already have a review of this car on The Auto Motive Blog YouTube Channel, which can be viewed from here-

The prices of the 2021 Tata Safari, are mentioned below variant wise-

Safari XE MT: Priced at Rs 14.69 lakh

Safari XM MT: Priced at Rs 16 lakh

Safari XM AT: Priced at Rs 17.25 lakh

Safari XT MT: Priced at Rs 17.45 lakh

Safari XT+ MT: Priced at Rs 18.25 lakh

Safari XZ MT: Priced at Rs 19.15 lakh

Safari XZ AT: Priced at Rs 20.40 lakh

Safari XZ+ MT: Priced at Rs 19.99 lakh 

Safari XZ+ AT: Priced at Rs 21.25 lakh

XZ+ Adventure Persona edition MT: Priced at Rs 20.20 lakh

XZ+ Adventure Persona edition AT: Priced at Rs Rs 21.45 lakh

Well with that said, do let us know your opinions on the new Tata Safari, by dropping a comment down below. 

2021 Mahindra Marazzo diesel variant AMT to launch soon in India

By
Madhav Banka
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Mahindra would soon be launching the Marazzo with an automatic gearbox option with its diesel powertrain in the upcoming months. Some of its main highlights are below, for users to have a better overview-

  • Marazzo will be getting a 6-speed AMT automatic gearbox.
  • It will continue to use the 123hp, 1.5-litre turbo-diesel engine.
  • The AMT gearbox will be offered on all three trim; M2, M4+, and M6+

2021 Mahindra Marazzo: engine and gearbox details-

Under the hood, It’ll be equipped with a 6-speed AMT automatic gearbox which is powering the MPV will be the same 1.5-liter, four-cylinder turbo-diesel that produces 123hp and 300Nm, the same as in the current model. As per some of the documents, it appears that they would be offering the automatic gearbox option on all of the three trims of the MPV; M2, M4+, and M6+. Mahindra would also be developing a petrol engine for the Marazzo as well.

Mahindra Marazzo: Expected pricing and the rivals-

Well now, for the pricing, the Mahindra Marazzo could cost Rs 40,000-50,000 more than the manual counterpart. Moving on to the rivals now, it would compete with the Maruti Suzuki Ertiga and also the XL6.

Well with that, do let us know your opinions on the new Mahindra Marazzo, by dropping a comment down below.

 

Hyundai to make it’s SUV lineup better in India

By
Madhav Banka
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Hyundai Motor India will be having further plans to make its SUV portfolio bigger in the country. The company had also led the SUV market in the country with the sale of 1.8 lakh units in 2020. It had sold models like Venue, Creta, and Tucson in the Indian market.

Commenting on this, SS Kim, Hyundai Motor India, MD, and CEO said, “We will continue with the production and sale of diesel cars in many segments. If a customer wants some product, we will give that as we are a customer-centric organization.”

According to some reports, it is said that when someone asked if the company would be willing to launch an MPV in the country, Kim replied, “There is market demand for the multi-seater vehicle so we are preparing some product and hopefully in the future, we can introduce something new, not specifically a multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) but a vehicle with multi seating configuration.”

Hyundai currently sells 11 models in the country but it does not have any kind of MPV in the product lineup. During the April-January period of this fiscal year, they led this segment with the dispatch of 82,121 units, which is down to 47.01% from the year-ago.

He also said, “Government is expected to give an outline of the PLI scheme in the first week of March, so we are very closely following that. We are committed to the Aatmanirbhar initiative and the PLI scheme will not only augment the growth in the industry but also project the country as a very strong manufacturing base,” 

Upon asking about the company’s stand on the upcoming second phase, for the corporate average fuel efficiency, and also the real-time driving emission test norms, he said that the implementation of the initiatives would lead to an increase in material costs, and it will eventually lead to a price increase of vehicles as well.

Further adding, “We are afraid that price increase will have a negative impact in terms of market demand and it could lead to a low demand scenario. So if the government decides for maybe one year or three-year deferment that will be very helpful in the market recovery,” 

Well with that said, do let us know your opinions on Hyundai’s next aim, by dropping a comment down below.

For the 1st Time, TVS iQube gets higher sales than the Bajaj Chetak Electric Scooter

By
Madhav Banka
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With the accumulating interest and the high demand for electric two-wheelers, the market has become pretty big. There are a lot of startups and a lot of tech companies have also launched their products in the market. While we talk about this, here is a list of some of the leading companies in this segment; Hero Electric, Okinawa, Ampere, Ather, and Revolt. Fortunately, for the people who are looking to buy it from an established auto company, then there are fairly limited as there are only two options, mainly; Bajaj Chetak and TVS iQube.

Both the main Chetak and iQube were launched last year in January. While Chetak was launched only in Pune, the iQube was also launched only in one city which is Bengaluru. Bajaj did later introduce the Chetak in Bengaluru, and also iQube had expanded it to Delhi as well.

For the actual sale figures, in terms of the overall sales, Chetak has the lead and now it has the lead. But, in monthly sales, the iQube was ahead in December 2020 and January 2021. While in January, Chetak made sales that were 30 units more as compared to 211 units of the iQube. This happened, because due to production constraints and not due to the lack of demand for this electric scooter.

The parts that are used in the Bajaj Chetak, are mostly imported and that is the reason why the company hasn’t been able to meet its production timelines. It currently is not taking any pending orders for Chetak in access for the 1,500 units. Also due to this backlog and production constraints, they are not currently taking fresh bookings as well.

Well with that said, do let us know your opinions on the TVS iQube, by dropping a comment down below.

Ford to soon offer a new variant of Ecosport SE without the tailgate spare

By
Madhav Banka
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While Ford is well recognised to compose its variant line-up every period, the company is yet to introduce a very interesting car in the form of the upcoming EcoSport SE in the Indian market.

Some of the main highlights are mentioned below, for readers to have a better overview-

  • The Ford EcoSport SE will come without a tailgate-mounted spare wheel
  • It will get a similar rear tailgate design as the export model
  • Instead of a spare wheel, it would come with a tyre puncture repair kit.

The key point of this new EcoSport SE would be the rear tailgate design as it’s very identical to the version sold in international markets, like in the European and North American markets which stand for that this model would not show up with a tailgate-mounted spare wheel, like others that are sold in India.

This new export version of the EcoSport will also be built-in India, alongside the domestic model. But instead, it would succeed with a very unique rear design that carries the number plate mounted at the center of the tailgate instead. This export version of the Ford EcoSport, but without the tailgate-mounted spare wheel was also unveiled in Geneva but back in 2015.

Uttering about what it offers under the hood and positioning of this new Ford EcoSport SE. While we do not know much about the new positioning. It is expected that it would be the second-from-top variant, which means it could be positioned just below the Titanium and also the Sport trim in India.

Also, this new 2021 Ford EcoSport SE could most likely be sold with both the petrol and the diesel engine options. The standard version of the car eventually means that the 1.5-liter, three-cylinder petrol or a 1.5-liter diesel engine will be available. As last year, the 1.0-liter EcoBoost turbo-petrol equipped variant was discontinued.

Well with that said, do let us know your opinion on the new Ecosport SE, by dropping a comment down below.

Bajaj launches the 2021 Pulsar 180 in India, at the price of Rs 1.08 lakh

By
Madhav Banka
-

Bajaj has brought back the Pulsar series, with the new 2021 Pulsar 180 at an ex-showroom price of Rs 1.08 lakh. Bajaj will also no longer retain the semi-faired Pulsar 180F that has made its debut around 2019. We’re not sure about this, but it seems like that. The new 2021 Pulsar 180 has replaced the older 180F model.

Some of the highlights, of this motorcycle, are mentioned below, for readers to have a better overview-

  • The Bajaj Pulsar 180 has returned with the new 2021 model.
  • All the features are the same, and even the engine and hardware are the same as the Pulsar 180F.
  • Even after that, it costs Rs 10,000 less than the previous Pulsar 180F.

2021 Bajaj Pulsar 180: engine and features-

Appearing to the actual motorcycle now, it is powered by a 178.6cc, single-cylinder, air-cooled engine that produces peak output figures of 17hp at 8,500rpm and 14.2Nm at 6,500rpm with 0.2hp and 0.3Nm less than the Pulsar 180F. This engine comes with a 5-speed gearbox as well.

This Pulsar 180 is very similar to the Pulsar 180F that it is replacing. It is using the same conventional halogen headlight and an LED tail-lamp. Meanwhile, the Digi-analog instrument cluster has been carried over as well.

The chassis and hardware components of the motorcycle are similar though, with a telescopic fork and mono-shock handling suspension duties. The braking here is handled by a 280mm front disc and a 230mm rear disc. There is a single-channel ABS that comes as a standard. It is also 10k lighter than the 180F as it lacks the major bodywork.

Well with that said, do let us know your options on the new 2021 Pulsar 180, by dropping a comment down below. 

Okinawa Autotech showcases their electric scooters at a launch event of ‘Go Electric’.

By
Madhav Banka
-

Okinawa Autotech is one of the fastest-growing and most disruptive Electric two-wheeler manufacturers. It has launched the ‘Go Electric’ campaign by the Bureau of Energy Efficiency. And under the guidance of the Ministry of Power, and also the Government of India.

This event is brought together by the government bodies. And also the key industry player to discuss the Role of Stakeholders in the E-Mobility Ecosystem. In the presence of key Panelists such as. ARAI, Shri Sameer Pandita, Director, BEE, DG, Society of Manufacturers of Electric Vehicles, Okinawa, and more.

Commenting on the same, Jeetender Sharma, MD & Founder, Okinawa Autotech, stated, “The Government of India has been vigorously working towards accelerating the Electric Revolution in India through various breakthrough initiatives like “Go Electric” campaign. We are glad to receive this opportunity to exhibit our products at a prestigious event by the Ministry of Power. By supporting the government’s initiative, We have taken a step ahead to boost EV adoption by spearheading the awareness of e-mobility and EV charging infrastructure amongst our stakeholders. We are also aiming to expand our product portfolio and 100% localization of our products in the near future”. 

Alongside the key industry players such as Omega Seiki Mobility, Okaya Power, Fortum, Hyundai, etc. Okinawa Autotech had showcased their revolutionary products at this event.

Well with that said, do let us know your opinions on this new Go Electic event, by dropping a comment down below. 

MG Motor India to increase the plant capacity and localisation

By
Madhav Banka
-

MG had commenced its India innings, with its manufacturing operations at its Halol, Gujarat plant in April 2019. In barely less than two years, it has plans of beginning mass production. Also, the company has already geared up for additional growth.

And also, the company is preparing for its next model – the Creta fighter (Codenamed Model K). Commenting on this, Rajeev Chaba, President, and Managing Director, MG Motor India, in an interview with Autocar India said, “We’ve already invested Rs 3,000 crore in the last two and a half years, and we are going to invest another Rs 1,500 crore this year,” He further added, “The additional Rs 1,500 crore will be invested in expansion and localization.”

“Before we introduce our fourth car (Model K) in the third quarter of this year, we need to increase capacity to 7,000-8,000 units a month, and that’s what we are focusing on right now. This means, we can go up to 80,000-90,000 cars a year,” he also said.

Some points are mentioned below so that readers could have better information on the topic-

  • MG would add more shifts to expand capacity at its Halol plant
  • Localized content in Hector would increase by 10% this year
  • Creta would be rivaling the MG Model K to debut by Q3 2021

In addition to that, localization could be another region where the company could also be focusing. For instance, the MG Hector debuted in 2019 and has almost about 70% of all its components sourced locally. Now, MG is operating to further increase the content from Indian suppliers. Commenting on this, Chaba said, “If you consider the diesel Hector, then 84 percent of it is localized, and in petrol form, there is more than 55-60 percent localization,”

Well with that said, do let us know your opinions on the topic as well, by dropping a comment down below.

Skoda Kushaq to make a debut this year, on the 18th of March

By
Madhav Banka
-

After an extended delay, Skoda will ultimately be launching its much-awaited Kushaq SUV on the 18th of March. Fortunately, it could assume some time for the price announcement in India a little delayed.

There are some key highlights, that are mentioned below, so that reader can have a better overview-

  • It will feature 93 percent of localized content
  • Two petrol engines would be present in the car
  • The Safety features include 6 airbags, ESC, hill-hold control, and more

Before talking about the car, here are all the rivals that it would be competing with, This new SUV would be entering the competition with the like of the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Nissan Kicks, and also the recently updated MG Hector and the Tata Harrier. It could likewise be receiving another rival, which is Volkswagen Taigun according to few leaks which could be hitting the Indian market later this year.

Now for the car itself, this new SUV powers two TSI turbo-petrol engines under the hood. The first engine would be a 110hp, 1.0-litre, three-cylinder unit. Whereas, the second one would be a 150hp, 1.5-litre, four-cylinder unit. Both of the engines will offer a 6-speed manual gearbox, though automatic gearbox options may vary. The 1.0-liter engine would be getting a 6-speed torque converter whereas the 1.5-liter unit would come with a 7-speed DSG.

Skoda has also told the meaning of the name of the car, and why did they choose the name. So according to them, this mid-size SUV’s name has been originated from the Sanskrit word ‘Kushak’. Which in English, refers to ‘King’ or an “Emperor’. This word is similarly very much in line with the brand’s SUV lineup as some of the names of its car start with ‘K’ at the start and end with ‘Q’.

Well with that said, do let us know your options on the Skoda Kushaq, by dropping a comment down below.

Pay fine if you don’t have a FAStag even for driving in city limits

By
Madhav Banka
-

FASTag has served as one of the most essential things that have made it straightforward for the deduction of money in Toll-Tax lines.

Discussing more on the beginning of the 16th of January, Vehicles without the RFID tag on their windshield; will have to pay up twice the normal toll in case they pay cash at a toll plaza. This is only for a National Highway, also even those not venturing onto highways would have to face a challan for violating provisions of the Central Motor Vehicles Rules.

The State transport departments have started sending text messages to all the owners of those vehicles that are violating this new rule. But most of the drivers are unaware of this new rule of driving and also mentioning that they are liable to a penalty for this offense. Rolling on to the penalty which should need to be paid. It is taking off to be INR 300 for the first violation, and after that, it would be INR 500 for a repeat violation.

The government introduced the new cashless system so that it could check leakage at toll booths. As the highways were often found to be under-reporting collections. Apart from a smoother traffic flow at the plazas and to reduce congestion.

According to a report by TOI, where when, they talked to an atoll operator. He said, “We have been instructed to fix the FASTags on vehicles, which don’t have them, at the spot. The imposition of double-toll charges on non-FASTag vehicles will reduce the chance of confrontation at toll gates. We are expecting there will be the deployment of more police personnel to deal with any issue.”

Well with that said, do let us know your opinion on this new rule that the Government has introduced, by dropping a comment down below.

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