tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-46012121185260294382024-03-19T14:18:09.987+05:30ANYTHING ON WHEELSAravind Rameshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06011949894210487722noreply@blogger.comBlogger800125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4601212118526029438.post-44147956512679080522021-12-20T21:18:00.000+05:302021-12-20T21:18:15.232+05:30All-new Mahindra Scorpio spotted testing<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Not content with delivering back-to-back runaway hits in the all-new Thar and XUV7OO launched in 2020 and 2021 respectively, Mahindra appears to be working hard for a repeat act in 2022. This time, it’s the aging Scorpio that’s due for replacement.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi-iHsBX4PEPDWTnJK_h85cMgGsytNNMieeHHUAdqoOuj47DAGt-fVHyTYiKWnOEefFPmOeFQDClwF8lpJ0D_FP5WYDQ9ZXKAJUufbUa8RulOkVrL05EJRykdXbTNp8CPWazRKPGTJHCKr41xqWXNfxiBWEPbi33mFaNfWmiYpbJzoo27fy59h0NzkP=s1440" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1075" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi-iHsBX4PEPDWTnJK_h85cMgGsytNNMieeHHUAdqoOuj47DAGt-fVHyTYiKWnOEefFPmOeFQDClwF8lpJ0D_FP5WYDQ9ZXKAJUufbUa8RulOkVrL05EJRykdXbTNp8CPWazRKPGTJHCKr41xqWXNfxiBWEPbi33mFaNfWmiYpbJzoo27fy59h0NzkP=w299-h400" width="299" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Caught testing in the busy GST Road that connects Chennai and Trichy, the new Scorpio seems to be taking shape well. Though the vehicle being tested still wears reasonable helping of camouflage, the upcoming Scorpio’s design cues – like the double-barrel headlamps, the toothy grille with Mahindra’s trademark vertical slats, the window line that kinks up at the C-pillars and the door handle at the top left corner of the tailgate – can clearly be seen. Also noticeable are roof rails that cantilevers at the rear, a shark fin antenna and prominent character lines running through the door handles on either side before tapering up. Though it’s futile to form an opinion based on this test mule, this particular Scorpio appears under-tired and doesn’t carry steel wheels as well as a butch SUV should.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhwEhmzs6UxDkLb8UD1bG1RjPyCB2BKxMGTyd7PoBYD0l6w9M2iDrs6SW414RTXpS8RCs92uDOuRwpzzB7arP80zB5bvEYH74XqQO-8abiifciJ-RFPo5jIjuoqLnnhlcCVewN48UUGzDD_REhyldAbxJuU5b80Y8v4POKooG20fVIbVCERRb-dF-N9=s1440" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="901" data-original-width="1440" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhwEhmzs6UxDkLb8UD1bG1RjPyCB2BKxMGTyd7PoBYD0l6w9M2iDrs6SW414RTXpS8RCs92uDOuRwpzzB7arP80zB5bvEYH74XqQO-8abiifciJ-RFPo5jIjuoqLnnhlcCVewN48UUGzDD_REhyldAbxJuU5b80Y8v4POKooG20fVIbVCERRb-dF-N9=s320" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhV-OpquHoApZd3ER0_jUHUE3fgni5K1GDNIiaHM06kjUsgH_-t1F5gX7pjvP9tieQqKWEk-jr9OeptYSx3P6AAtHxEbm0nDv5sapo3lPYfVOrU5X63X4RSbrQqOvMZAt877NN5me2I-AoEICIiJtVhxbXdkb9kDIuK223OL-lXYs6o1HCJYwuALZmi=s1440" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="901" data-original-width="1440" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhV-OpquHoApZd3ER0_jUHUE3fgni5K1GDNIiaHM06kjUsgH_-t1F5gX7pjvP9tieQqKWEk-jr9OeptYSx3P6AAtHxEbm0nDv5sapo3lPYfVOrU5X63X4RSbrQqOvMZAt877NN5me2I-AoEICIiJtVhxbXdkb9kDIuK223OL-lXYs6o1HCJYwuALZmi=s320" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiwNiRTZx__ZR6nicVa3JUDkM-Ftyg_43NqhNNIfCRmW9flgNXXihHoOG6NFp3J54BNPNRYZOnLcU_lmqZk5y5Vxtm7zKgTA-ZwfsjAXMpBtOdEVX4MoVrlJGnULCmKchZOTI9ZHtuSufp86_Rjwh9EndIK5FD9P-Six_0YNWWD5DvhYOi0GNgQTNky=s1440" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="901" data-original-width="1440" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiwNiRTZx__ZR6nicVa3JUDkM-Ftyg_43NqhNNIfCRmW9flgNXXihHoOG6NFp3J54BNPNRYZOnLcU_lmqZk5y5Vxtm7zKgTA-ZwfsjAXMpBtOdEVX4MoVrlJGnULCmKchZOTI9ZHtuSufp86_Rjwh9EndIK5FD9P-Six_0YNWWD5DvhYOi0GNgQTNky=s320" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">While the Scorpio currently on sale has aged well externally, it’s interiors, dynamics and safety are pretty much outdated. There is only so much that could be done to a two-decade-old model like this one! The fact that the Scorpio is still one of Mahindra's better-selling models speaks volumes on the cult status it enjoys in semi-urban and rural parts of the country. </span></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjQXU9Pt9eqTp5Bullt4LLcgT_8zS_s63pOMyWYW9947AjAsC_sXT1YteK-IzrhRJFq0TXtQS6Hfk-S5sAQRq8GqdqkOburPip__VdAPyBf3KCxYuJVRMmhJ0G8bwSY0ceBtTtZbAEXKX53WrDFnSEH9LbkETVcBSw9l66IvRWTc6emF23wgbPolKFI=s1440" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1079" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjQXU9Pt9eqTp5Bullt4LLcgT_8zS_s63pOMyWYW9947AjAsC_sXT1YteK-IzrhRJFq0TXtQS6Hfk-S5sAQRq8GqdqkOburPip__VdAPyBf3KCxYuJVRMmhJ0G8bwSY0ceBtTtZbAEXKX53WrDFnSEH9LbkETVcBSw9l66IvRWTc6emF23wgbPolKFI=w300-h400" width="300" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">The new Scorpio then has big shoes to fill in without a doubt!</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Expected to slot in just below the XUV7OO in Mahindra's line-up, the new Scorpio will use the same engines that power the former. The 2.0-liter turbo petrol and 2.2-liter turbo diesel mills would be paired with both 6-speed manual and automatic transmissions. Staying true to it's SUV lineage, the new Scorpio will also have a four-wheel-drive option with a low range transfer case for those mud-and-slush sojourns. The interiors are all set for a thorough overhaul and Mahindra's recent form on safety make me believe the Scorpio will not disappoint on this aspect like it's predecessor did. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">So, is it a hattrick on the cards for Mahindra then? Sure looks like it, yeah!</span></p>Aravind Rameshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06011949894210487722noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4601212118526029438.post-8449953037763502212021-07-10T11:00:00.000+05:302021-07-10T11:00:58.298+05:30Citroen's upcoming compact crossover spotted testing<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Citroen might have just started it's Indian innings with the C5 Aircross but the French brand is already gearing up to mix it with the big boys in the coming years.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pScgUNhV1-w/YOkuUI_x4PI/AAAAAAAA5BU/ZySsy5tYYAYoRVboYMg0O5FeGJI6z6oAwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1440/202107_Citroen%2BC3%2Bon%2Btest%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="901" data-original-width="1440" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pScgUNhV1-w/YOkuUI_x4PI/AAAAAAAA5BU/ZySsy5tYYAYoRVboYMg0O5FeGJI6z6oAwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/202107_Citroen%2BC3%2Bon%2Btest%2B1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tpJqkxkQxKI/YOkuUIQIanI/AAAAAAAA5BY/ocRhhkYBu2cjgmHpO9B5m-jbwhZAvh4XQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1440/202107_Citroen%2BC3%2Bon%2Btest%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1440" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tpJqkxkQxKI/YOkuUIQIanI/AAAAAAAA5BY/ocRhhkYBu2cjgmHpO9B5m-jbwhZAvh4XQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/202107_Citroen%2BC3%2Bon%2Btest%2B2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Gu4ekOaFGTU/YOkuUPZWqaI/AAAAAAAA5Bc/ttTP8pkCWas0C86eh_ztfIUrzgMT_Qw9ACLcBGAsYHQ/s1440/202107_Citroen%2BC3%2Bon%2Btest%2B3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="903" data-original-width="1440" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Gu4ekOaFGTU/YOkuUPZWqaI/AAAAAAAA5Bc/ttTP8pkCWas0C86eh_ztfIUrzgMT_Qw9ACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/202107_Citroen%2BC3%2Bon%2Btest%2B3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Leading the charge would be the car you see here. Spotted testing on two separate occasions several weeks apart - once inside Chennai city and the next time on the busy Chennai-Bengaluru highway - these test mules are likely to evolve into Citroen's entry-level offering for the Indian market. Codenamed CC21, Citroen has based this compact crossover on Stellantis' Common Modular Platform (CMP) that's shared with Peugeot and an army of other brands the group has in it's umbrella.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6U35OQw_KF4/YOkurvOQoHI/AAAAAAAA5Bo/bto6DaPHOFQN8WHZFqbxOJsU8BPKfXrMQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1440/202103_Citroen%2BC3%2Bon%2Btest%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="897" data-original-width="1440" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6U35OQw_KF4/YOkurvOQoHI/AAAAAAAA5Bo/bto6DaPHOFQN8WHZFqbxOJsU8BPKfXrMQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/202103_Citroen%2BC3%2Bon%2Btest%2B2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HA3ZxT7L0l4/YOkuru7l3bI/AAAAAAAA5Bs/7to0crMF-ng1fUzCLbemh1UmoH3mn6SsQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1440/202103_Citroen%2BC3%2Bon%2Btest%2B4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="898" data-original-width="1440" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HA3ZxT7L0l4/YOkuru7l3bI/AAAAAAAA5Bs/7to0crMF-ng1fUzCLbemh1UmoH3mn6SsQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/202103_Citroen%2BC3%2Bon%2Btest%2B4.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wn1-NT8uhDM/YOkurlNBxfI/AAAAAAAA5Bw/Brs5AD95rbAgdRolZxW_4fNTvmY5pDLIQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1440/202103_Citroen%2BC3%2Bon%2Btest%2B5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="902" data-original-width="1440" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wn1-NT8uhDM/YOkurlNBxfI/AAAAAAAA5Bw/Brs5AD95rbAgdRolZxW_4fNTvmY5pDLIQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/202103_Citroen%2BC3%2Bon%2Btest%2B5.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Likely to be badged the C3, Citroen's smallest and most-affordable crossover will feature the same quirky styling elements like the C5 Aircross that the French brand is synonymous with in Europe. Despite the camouflage, the split light clusters at the front, the stubby rear end and the distinct C-pillar can clearly be seen. Also visible are old-school flap-type door handles, signaling Citroen's intent to get the pricing right in the cut-throat sub-4m crossover segment the C3 would be in. One of the spy shots capture the C3 next to the Hyundai Creta which gives a fair indication of the Citroen's size.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-899cQHf697s/YOku961wAEI/AAAAAAAA5CA/wL9GpjxgEgsNp2F-0uGHfZb7dFaLRAQ9wCLcBGAsYHQ/s1440/202103_Citroen%2BC3%2Bon%2Btest%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1440" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-899cQHf697s/YOku961wAEI/AAAAAAAA5CA/wL9GpjxgEgsNp2F-0uGHfZb7dFaLRAQ9wCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/202103_Citroen%2BC3%2Bon%2Btest%2B1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Though not much of the interiors can be seen, the floating touchscreen in the center console is making its presence felt in a couple of shots. Expect good quality and intelligent features to be thrown in to go with Citroen's premium aspirations. </span></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DnsJs911OAc/YOkvJd0pBsI/AAAAAAAA5CI/zpk_zvyNN94QeufRcUyieciahf-wU0ryACLcBGAsYHQ/s1440/202103_Citroen%2BC3%2Bon%2Btest%2B6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="901" data-original-width="1440" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DnsJs911OAc/YOkvJd0pBsI/AAAAAAAA5CI/zpk_zvyNN94QeufRcUyieciahf-wU0ryACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/202103_Citroen%2BC3%2Bon%2Btest%2B6.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zEm660pWUgo/YOkvJSLR5OI/AAAAAAAA5CE/-CuqfUlxOGIK9pyvF6G-FQ5hukoItNU9gCLcBGAsYHQ/s1440/202103_Citroen%2BC3%2Bon%2Btest%2B7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="901" data-original-width="1440" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zEm660pWUgo/YOkvJSLR5OI/AAAAAAAA5CE/-CuqfUlxOGIK9pyvF6G-FQ5hukoItNU9gCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/202103_Citroen%2BC3%2Bon%2Btest%2B7.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">PSA is said to be working on a 1.2-liter turbocharged petrol engine to power the C3 while a 1.5-liter diesel engine might also join in due course. A 5-speed manual transmission is likely to be the mainstay with an automatic option also being planned. While the powertrain would be manufactured at PSA's joint-venture plant with Avtec near Hosur, the car will be assembled at a facility in Thiruvallur near Chennai that PSA bought from Hindustan Motors.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">With Citroen India's plans to launch a new crossover every year from 2021 until 2023 out in the open, the C3 is likely to play an integral role in establishing the brand amongst the masses. When launched, the C3 will be pitted against a bunch of successful and competent crossovers like the Maruti-Suzuki Vitara Brezza, Hyundai Venue, Kia Sonet, Tata Nexon, Ford EcoSport, Renault Kiger, Nissan Magnite and Mahindra XUV3OO. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Will typical 'French' quirkiness prevail and make an impact? Let's wait and watch.</span></p>Aravind Rameshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06011949894210487722noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4601212118526029438.post-50241739925575822032021-04-07T19:45:00.001+05:302021-04-07T19:45:19.495+05:30All-new Royal Enfield 350cc motorcycle caught testing<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Royal Enfield has been doing everything right over the last few years. Be it the <a href="http://anything-on-wheels.blogspot.com/2017/11/royal-enfield-unveils-interceptor-650.html" target="_blank">launch of their 650 cc twins</a> in 2018 without teething problems, the subsequent carefully-planned expansion to many global markets and the perfectly-executed Meteor 350 debut last year, the Chennai-based brand nailed every one of them.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">With Jawa, Benelli and Honda joining the fray, Royal Enfield's unrivalled supremacy in the 350-500 cc retro cruiser space is now a thing of the past. To protect it's turf, Royal Enfield is busy augmenting it's line-up.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">One of the many models under development is an all-new 350 cc motorcycle that would complement the Meteor and the upcoming new Classic range. Based on trademarks filed by Royal Enfield way back in 2019, this could be called the Hunter.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uVW4FF7gdxY/YG27Ygi7M-I/AAAAAAAA33w/HHRGs4BkK8sHckI3fxgSqjkQIC-SF35iwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1440/202103_Royal%2BEnfield%2BNew%2B350cc%2BMotorcycle%2Bon%2Btest%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="902" data-original-width="1440" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uVW4FF7gdxY/YG27Ygi7M-I/AAAAAAAA33w/HHRGs4BkK8sHckI3fxgSqjkQIC-SF35iwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/202103_Royal%2BEnfield%2BNew%2B350cc%2BMotorcycle%2Bon%2Btest%2B1.jpg" width="320" /></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OtG4z3y_TGE/YG27eqTb4bI/AAAAAAAA330/ZlhYzjTqPUYwBXd4tdf7HQGgBzFf_xnkwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1440/202103_Royal%2BEnfield%2BNew%2B350cc%2BMotorcycle%2Bon%2Btest%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1440" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OtG4z3y_TGE/YG27eqTb4bI/AAAAAAAA330/ZlhYzjTqPUYwBXd4tdf7HQGgBzFf_xnkwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/202103_Royal%2BEnfield%2BNew%2B350cc%2BMotorcycle%2Bon%2Btest%2B2.jpg" width="320" /></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hv7bJWubWPY/YG27ktxDj7I/AAAAAAAA334/pz8BifN-Ms04IDdrbp6G1M4TokWPG5U7gCLcBGAsYHQ/s1440/202103_Royal%2BEnfield%2BNew%2B350cc%2BMotorcycle%2Bon%2Btest%2B3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="896" data-original-width="1440" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hv7bJWubWPY/YG27ktxDj7I/AAAAAAAA334/pz8BifN-Ms04IDdrbp6G1M4TokWPG5U7gCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/202103_Royal%2BEnfield%2BNew%2B350cc%2BMotorcycle%2Bon%2Btest%2B3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div></div></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Caught testing in the busy NH45 off Chennai, these spy shots give a fair indication of what to expect from this upcoming Honda CB350 and Jawa Forty Two rival.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LLbYVH_AeVA/YG27s6CwnzI/AAAAAAAA34A/EICVRFAHBlQE2TwfIo-MEX_U4PLnLVWwQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1440/202103_Royal%2BEnfield%2BNew%2B350cc%2BMotorcycle%2Bon%2Btest%2B4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="896" data-original-width="1440" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LLbYVH_AeVA/YG27s6CwnzI/AAAAAAAA34A/EICVRFAHBlQE2TwfIo-MEX_U4PLnLVWwQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/202103_Royal%2BEnfield%2BNew%2B350cc%2BMotorcycle%2Bon%2Btest%2B4.jpg" width="320" /></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2ta2iXXuv6E/YG27x1t7ECI/AAAAAAAA34E/lv76nQnztv8e1TWOZ7yq01jCQKCv5FEqgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1440/202103_Royal%2BEnfield%2BNew%2B350cc%2BMotorcycle%2Bon%2Btest%2B5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1440" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2ta2iXXuv6E/YG27x1t7ECI/AAAAAAAA34E/lv76nQnztv8e1TWOZ7yq01jCQKCv5FEqgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/202103_Royal%2BEnfield%2BNew%2B350cc%2BMotorcycle%2Bon%2Btest%2B5.jpg" width="320" /></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vk8RZSqsLP8/YG273Vje1_I/AAAAAAAA34M/lGFrolBNWUkj1TmHJfKGVcPERGAVbIFLwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1440/202103_Royal%2BEnfield%2BNew%2B350cc%2BMotorcycle%2Bon%2Btest%2B6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1440" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vk8RZSqsLP8/YG273Vje1_I/AAAAAAAA34M/lGFrolBNWUkj1TmHJfKGVcPERGAVbIFLwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/202103_Royal%2BEnfield%2BNew%2B350cc%2BMotorcycle%2Bon%2Btest%2B6.jpg" width="320" /></a></div></div></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Although the styling looks familiar at first glance, look closely and you'll be able to make out the subtle differences. For starters, the seating position is set lower than the Classic but not as relaxed as the Meteor. The single-piece seat is flatter and the taillights and rear indicators are placed higher. The exhaust pipe is stubby and more upswept too. These changes make this more of a retro scrambler.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">The rest of the underpinnings - including the new J-platform with dual cradle frame, the refined 350 cc mill and front and rear disc brakes with dual-channel ABS - are expected to be shared with the Meteor and Classic. The new instrument cluster with Tripper navigation is likely to be offered too as will a plethora of accessories and customization options.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Once this hits the market, Royal Enfield will have three different 350 cc motorcycles catering to different tastes in a similar price band. These are exciting times, not just for Royal Enfield fans but also for potential customers out there with around INR 2 Lakhs to spare. Watch this space!</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: x-small;"><b>Picture Credits:</b> N. Swami</span></p><div class="gmail_default" dir="auto" style="font-family: "trebuchet ms", sans-serif; font-size: small;"></div>Aravind Rameshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06011949894210487722noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4601212118526029438.post-1333850353615526152021-04-06T11:22:00.003+05:302021-04-06T11:22:55.707+05:30Mahindra Thar caught testing; Is a more powerful variant getting ready for export markets?<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">After <a href="http://anything-on-wheels.blogspot.com/2019/08/2020-mahindra-thar-spotted-testing-in.html" target="_blank">years of testing</a> across the vast Indian landscape, Mahindra launched <a href="http://anything-on-wheels.blogspot.com/2020/08/all-new-mahindra-thar-unveiled.html" target="_blank">the all-new second-generation Thar</a> last October. Since then, the order book has been overflowing with Mahindra struggling to produce enough to meet demand.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Despite being a lifestyle vehicle, the Thar hit the right chords for thousands of Indians out there who are raring to go out and explore the impossible.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">With the choice of a powerful petrol or a torquey diesel engine mated to manual or automatic transmissions and specced in either adventure (AX) or lifestyle (LX) series, there is a Thar for just about everyone. The iconic Jeep-inspired looks and the go-anywhere 4x4 credentials add to its appeal.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-l2HAKbfFyJo/YGv0lFQcuKI/AAAAAAAA32o/sA9QEjf_ZfEVcw4WJcnAT95D7oyYy7mZACLcBGAsYHQ/s1440/202103_Mahindra%2BThar%2Bon%2Btest%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="902" data-original-width="1440" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-l2HAKbfFyJo/YGv0lFQcuKI/AAAAAAAA32o/sA9QEjf_ZfEVcw4WJcnAT95D7oyYy7mZACLcBGAsYHQ/w320-h200/202103_Mahindra%2BThar%2Bon%2Btest%2B1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Just a few months after launch, it appears Mahindra is back to it's testing routine with the all-new Thar. Caught in the outskirts of Chennai on the highway that houses the Mahindra Research Valley, it begs to be asked what's new in here.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RvwxQnnjEjA/YGv0wOjavXI/AAAAAAAA32s/Zzf36QUwlzkbVVHQtPYXw8IUjXs7m9cAwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1440/202103_Mahindra%2BThar%2Bon%2Btest%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="898" data-original-width="1440" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RvwxQnnjEjA/YGv0wOjavXI/AAAAAAAA32s/Zzf36QUwlzkbVVHQtPYXw8IUjXs7m9cAwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/202103_Mahindra%2BThar%2Bon%2Btest%2B2.jpg" width="320" /></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kP7GuP-HLfo/YGv02APYjcI/AAAAAAAA320/QbF0zyeWtJUTPu5b6kUYSl7Ar4rSle84gCLcBGAsYHQ/s1440/202103_Mahindra%2BThar%2Bon%2Btest%2B3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="898" data-original-width="1440" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kP7GuP-HLfo/YGv02APYjcI/AAAAAAAA320/QbF0zyeWtJUTPu5b6kUYSl7Ar4rSle84gCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/202103_Mahindra%2BThar%2Bon%2Btest%2B3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">In terms of looks, there's hardly anything new apart from a couple of barely-noticeable changes. The tailgate now houses a rather large 4x4 badge which is currently seen on the right rear fender. Though it can't be seen in these pictures, the radiator grille has changed too from the tacky one the Thar on sale now has.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mtY5hzNfvNQ/YGv09pxVlvI/AAAAAAAA324/pR0DCFPXUZYV3Gl84I299a8J27oyRLunwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1440/202103_Mahindra%2BThar%2Bon%2Btest%2B4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="898" data-original-width="1440" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mtY5hzNfvNQ/YGv09pxVlvI/AAAAAAAA324/pR0DCFPXUZYV3Gl84I299a8J27oyRLunwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/202103_Mahindra%2BThar%2Bon%2Btest%2B4.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">If reports circulating in the web are to be believed, Mahindra is said to be working on a more powerful tune for the 2.0-liter 'mStallion' petrol engine that powers the Thar. The car spotted testing here is the petrol automatic variant, which adds further ammunition to those reports. It is not hard to believe as the 150 horsepower the 4-cylinder mill generates right now isn't much for markets like Australia, South Africa and the Middle East where Mahindra intends to export the Thar. An addition of 20 to 30 horses would do the Thar a world of good and make it a strong contender against established rivals like the Suzuki Jimny and the more expensive Jeep Wrangler.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">While nothing can be confirmed at the moment, just about anything related to the Thar is good news, given the car's popularity. So, let's keep guessing until Mahindra spills the beans!</span></p>Aravind Rameshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06011949894210487722noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4601212118526029438.post-16040697672800987372021-04-03T16:08:00.002+05:302021-04-03T16:08:54.860+05:30Genesis unveils the striking X Concept<p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QcMXtW5AbXE/YGhEmS5rZSI/AAAAAAAA30c/FPZcvj_A8XgJz7F0oTvnW6AlVCBOUZZegCLcBGAsYHQ/s1920/2021%2BGenesis%2BConcept%2BX%2B3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="752" data-original-width="1920" height="156" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QcMXtW5AbXE/YGhEmS5rZSI/AAAAAAAA30c/FPZcvj_A8XgJz7F0oTvnW6AlVCBOUZZegCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h156/2021%2BGenesis%2BConcept%2BX%2B3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">As a standalone brand, <a href="http://anything-on-wheels.blogspot.com/2015/11/hyundai-decides-to-carve-off.html" target="_blank">Genesis might only be a few years old</a> but it has to be said they're doing a lot of things right already. One of them - and I'm sure a lot of you would agree with this - is the design and styling of their cars. This is especially true with the concept cars that the young Korean brand treats us with every now and then.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Remember the <a href="http://anything-on-wheels.blogspot.com/2018/03/2018-new-york-genesis-steals-show-with.html" target="_blank">stunning Essentia Concept</a> from the 2018 New York Auto Show? Joining it as yet another eye candy from Genesis is the X Concept.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Unveiled earlier this week at a private roof top in Los Angeles, the X Concept is Genesis' vision of a high-performance, electric GT (Gran Turismo) Coupe. As has been the case with the brand's earlier concepts, the X is gorgeous and wears a compelling design that just goes to show the fine form the Korean brand's designers are in.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xsGaFHpCInM/YGhE1wKNqBI/AAAAAAAA30g/hPPf6nw6qiAi03O10FFLerjnuM1APhkRgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1440/2021%2BGenesis%2BConcept%2BX%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="902" data-original-width="1440" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xsGaFHpCInM/YGhE1wKNqBI/AAAAAAAA30g/hPPf6nw6qiAi03O10FFLerjnuM1APhkRgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/2021%2BGenesis%2BConcept%2BX%2B1.jpg" width="320" /></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nPfokasqOmo/YGhE8KKwFdI/AAAAAAAA30o/0-KMOPZzEHIvlxnRFBI6IcBVDYMf-Vi2wCLcBGAsYHQ/s1440/2021%2BGenesis%2BConcept%2BX%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="901" data-original-width="1440" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nPfokasqOmo/YGhE8KKwFdI/AAAAAAAA30o/0-KMOPZzEHIvlxnRFBI6IcBVDYMf-Vi2wCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/2021%2BGenesis%2BConcept%2BX%2B2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">The fascia has a forward-leaning Crest Grille with an unique mesh pattern inside. Flanking it on either side are the brand's signature quad headlamps that cut across the wheel wells and extend into the fenders. The sculpted hood is integrated with the fenders as a single Clamshell panel. Prominent Parabolic Lines originate from the tip of the hood and arches all the way to the rear, giving the X Concept a muscular and powerful stance. The taillights mimic the "Two Lines" theme just like the headlights, creating an unique lighting signature.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Despite its EV credentials, Genesis has stuck to the classic GT formula of a long hood, expansive wheelbase and a short boot. </span></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9p_U6s8vO1Q/YGhFD5lwUeI/AAAAAAAA30s/Bk9fPOdtkBEZFGAUj4-RmIfVRH10mzDQQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1440/2021%2BGenesis%2BConcept%2BX_Interiors%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1440" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9p_U6s8vO1Q/YGhFD5lwUeI/AAAAAAAA30s/Bk9fPOdtkBEZFGAUj4-RmIfVRH10mzDQQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/2021%2BGenesis%2BConcept%2BX_Interiors%2B1.jpg" width="320" /></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qbPA9pKpf0Y/YGhFLrRNvkI/AAAAAAAA304/mJwI0_X4skw7euapV08OrT8_NNpoE2PmgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1440/2021%2BGenesis%2BConcept%2BX_Interiors%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="902" data-original-width="1440" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qbPA9pKpf0Y/YGhFLrRNvkI/AAAAAAAA304/mJwI0_X4skw7euapV08OrT8_NNpoE2PmgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/2021%2BGenesis%2BConcept%2BX_Interiors%2B2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">The couple of interior shots Genesis released show a cabin that cocoons the person behind the wheel with a cockpit-like place housing all the controls and displays. This being a design study, Genesis has played around quite a bit with different coloured seats for the driver and passenger and exposed metal seat frames. The Crystal Sphere electronic shift lever with integrated drive mode selector looks classy and would be a nice addition to Genesis' existing lineup.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Genesis hasn't released any details on the concept's power-train. That's a shame but it's safe to assume Genesis would stuff the X with more than enough go to match its show.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Whatever, if this is the kind of stuff Hyundai's luxury arm is cooking, I just can't wait to see what's being served. Bring it on, I say!</span></p>Aravind Rameshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06011949894210487722noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4601212118526029438.post-66478290306095333452021-01-26T16:33:00.003+05:302021-01-26T16:34:04.617+05:30Renault Kiger spotted testing days before unveiling<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">After tasting success with their 'made-for-India' models like the </span><a href="http://anything-on-wheels.blogspot.com/2020/04/driven-2020-renault-kwid-10l.html" style="font-family: verdana;" target="_blank">Kwid</a><span style="font-family: verdana;"> and Triber, the folks at Renault are at it again. This time, they have set their eyes on the booming compact crossover segment. After taking the wraps off the Kiger Concept virtually last November, Renault announced earlier this month that the production model would be unveiled on 28th January, 2021.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ov9rXTvRXT8/YA_1x5D-xVI/AAAAAAAA23U/AB30niEki1IwKRFvJ4_MVNW8Fhcb_uurACLcBGAsYHQ/s1440/2020%2BRenault%2BKiger%2BConcept%2B1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1080" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ov9rXTvRXT8/YA_1x5D-xVI/AAAAAAAA23U/AB30niEki1IwKRFvJ4_MVNW8Fhcb_uurACLcBGAsYHQ/w300-h400/2020%2BRenault%2BKiger%2BConcept%2B1.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">With just a couple of days to go for the official unveiling, the Kiger was caught testing on the busy Chennai-Bengaluru highway.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9CegelxYgFM/YA_1-XQftKI/AAAAAAAA23Y/MNSbbbdA2qMMlczqxW9B-Pn2n1DV3B6sgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1440/202101_Renault%2BKiger%2Bon%2Btest%2B1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1440" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9CegelxYgFM/YA_1-XQftKI/AAAAAAAA23Y/MNSbbbdA2qMMlczqxW9B-Pn2n1DV3B6sgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/202101_Renault%2BKiger%2Bon%2Btest%2B1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PLRfABBpcX4/YA_2EpD2bUI/AAAAAAAA23g/fx06lq3kAcQex1G8sK1v9hflA8q7gGZNACLcBGAsYHQ/s1440/202101_Renault%2BKiger%2Bon%2Btest%2B2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="899" data-original-width="1440" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PLRfABBpcX4/YA_2EpD2bUI/AAAAAAAA23g/fx06lq3kAcQex1G8sK1v9hflA8q7gGZNACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/202101_Renault%2BKiger%2Bon%2Btest%2B2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Despite it's evidently compact dimensions, the Kiger enjoys a good stance thanks to the wide shoulders and the wheels being pushed off to the corners. With Renault confirming that the production model would resemble the concept closely, expect Kwid-like split lighting clusters up front and C-shaped LED taillights at the back with a sharp cut in between. The latter, together with the sculpted tailgate seen in the concept, would give the Kiger a sharp-looking derriere. Those crazy wheels and bright green accents are not likely to make it to production.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MAAHXP6RxuE/YA_2S0B189I/AAAAAAAA23o/yQAPXPIx9ys021g0wI8G-vDysNMfJBWSQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1440/202101_Renault%2BKiger%2Bon%2Btest%2B3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="897" data-original-width="1440" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MAAHXP6RxuE/YA_2S0B189I/AAAAAAAA23o/yQAPXPIx9ys021g0wI8G-vDysNMfJBWSQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/202101_Renault%2BKiger%2Bon%2Btest%2B3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nB1EEYRU3KI/YA_2YETHdFI/AAAAAAAA23w/OU3Ju4jQjOAZ-5dFr77yUNE1Ea5IcN5xgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1440/202101_Renault%2BKiger%2Bon%2Btest%2B4.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="899" data-original-width="1440" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nB1EEYRU3KI/YA_2YETHdFI/AAAAAAAA23w/OU3Ju4jQjOAZ-5dFr77yUNE1Ea5IcN5xgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/202101_Renault%2BKiger%2Bon%2Btest%2B4.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Built on the CMF-A platform that already underpins Renault's own Kwid and Triber, Datsun's redi-Go and Nissan's latest hit Magnite, the Kiger is likely to carryover the 1.0-liter, 3-cylinder petrol engine that powers all of them. While it generates a modest 72 horsepower in naturally aspirated form, turbocharging bumps the power up to 100 horsepower. Transmission options would include a 5-speed manual and a CVT automatic.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">If Magnite's pricing is any indication, expect the Renault Kiger to be priced aggressively, giving the established brands a lot to think about. Let's see how things pan out for the Kiger-Magnite duo!</span></p>Aravind Rameshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06011949894210487722noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4601212118526029438.post-11102469715397961612021-01-15T05:57:00.001+05:302021-01-15T07:00:00.121+05:30Get excited, folks. The Tata Safari is coming back!<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">It wasn't India's first-ever SUV as many believe it to be but was definitely ahead of it's time when launched. It was never a big-seller bringing in the volumes but topped the charts when it came to desirability and appeal. It's reliability was always questionable but in terms of capability - both on and off the road - there was no question. The Safari is an enigma - a legend that thousands of fans swear by, a nameplate that many more aspire to be associated with and an icon the folks at Tata are proud of, quite rightly so!</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aHyEEYTUGPI/YADgkMU3RLI/AAAAAAAA2n8/0BG8ip1BE70rj2toUz9hpOT5VWvjAKuFACLcBGAsYHQ/s1440/2021%2BTata%2BSafari%2B1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1440" height="250" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aHyEEYTUGPI/YADgkMU3RLI/AAAAAAAA2n8/0BG8ip1BE70rj2toUz9hpOT5VWvjAKuFACLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h250/2021%2BTata%2BSafari%2B1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">That's why when Tata broke the news all of a sudden that the Safari is coming back, there was excitement in the air and the whole fraternity was thrilled. In just a matter of minutes, automotive websites, forums and social media handles were buzzing with activity. Almost none, by the looks of it, had forgotten the 'Safari' or the brilliant "Reclaim your life" ad campaign. How can we, really?</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">I would be lying if I tell I wasn't apprehensive about the prospects of the Gravitas (that's how the Safari was going to be called!). One of the few things Tata did not get right over the last few years was the launch of the Harrier. Though they ironed out the niggles and gave it a new lease of life coinciding with the changes done for BS6 emission norms, the Harrier isn't a runaway success like the Tiago, Nexon and Altroz are. The Gravitas was just going to be a bigger Harrier with similar looks, similar interiors, an additional row of seats and a few incremental features.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Mu6XAHjHO2U/YADgxcBS2uI/AAAAAAAA2oA/TfDicf05sWcPbE-GH7BreokH-XEoqWlKwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1440/2021%2BTata%2BSafari%2B2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="902" data-original-width="1440" height="250" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Mu6XAHjHO2U/YADgxcBS2uI/AAAAAAAA2oA/TfDicf05sWcPbE-GH7BreokH-XEoqWlKwCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h250/2021%2BTata%2BSafari%2B2.jpg" width="400" /></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kTo7UYmpibg/YADg37zczAI/AAAAAAAA2oI/oyTOZj2GvNcxekn7gXxuELgzwec2sbE3QCLcBGAsYHQ/s1440/2021%2BTata%2BSafari%2B4.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1440" height="250" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kTo7UYmpibg/YADg37zczAI/AAAAAAAA2oI/oyTOZj2GvNcxekn7gXxuELgzwec2sbE3QCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h250/2021%2BTata%2BSafari%2B4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Will these small changes be enough to give the Gravitas an identity of its own and let Tata charge a premium? Will the upcoming new Mahindra XUV5OO steal the thunder from the Gravitas, given the latter has no brand recall to speak of? Will Tata's soon-to-be flagship live up to its title?</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">In one fell swoop, Tata answered all these questions. Whether this was the plan from the very beginning or some smart bloke within Tata had similar concerns and proposed a change of name, we might never know. What we know is Tata pulled off a masterstroke by deciding to launch this as the new Safari.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">They made everyone talk. They made the legions of followers feel restless with excitement and anticipation. They made the new Safari get into a lot of people's consideration lists that the Gravitas could've only dreamt of. They've given the car a chance to fight existing and upcoming rivals hard.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PGelxGf1Y0c/YADhCiT7aQI/AAAAAAAA2oQ/eIKZ8uEcj-knhecEpt8OMuGhz3wOv2puQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1440/2021%2BTata%2BSafari%2B3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="903" data-original-width="1440" height="251" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PGelxGf1Y0c/YADhCiT7aQI/AAAAAAAA2oQ/eIKZ8uEcj-knhecEpt8OMuGhz3wOv2puQCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h251/2021%2BTata%2BSafari%2B3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">While we have to wait to see the results, production of the new Safari has started at Tata's plant in Pune with the first car rolling out yesterday. From the images released, the Safari has clearly come of age in this bold, stylish and modern new avatar. The car is all set for launch on the Republic Day which is when the prices and specifications would be out. An AWD option, sadly, might not be on offer at launch!</span></p>Aravind Rameshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06011949894210487722noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4601212118526029438.post-57354233057171198952021-01-12T19:05:00.001+05:302021-01-12T19:05:28.190+05:30India's "Top 20" Best-selling Cars in 2020<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">From <a href="http://anything-on-wheels.blogspot.com/2021/01/indias-top-10-best-selling-car-brands.html" target="_blank">my previous post</a>, it was clear the CoVID-19 pandemic had a lasting impact on automobile sales for more than a quarter last year with the industry hitting the rock-bottom in April with zero units sold. With Maruti-Suzuki and Hyundai holding their positions, the rest of the car-makers fought hard for the one-third of the market that was left out.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Of course, India's best-selling car in 2020 was a Maruti-Suzuki. But which of the many cars wearing the 'S' badge finished on top? Where did the Hyundais end up in the pecking order? Did cars from any other brand apart from these two manage to break into the top ten? </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Here's the answer for all those questions:</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EgoD5OTs5bg/X_2jfhct_AI/AAAAAAAA2j0/FnGrOF5rTjs0U8GIXSzP64Ogj6GamZzTwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/2020_India%2527s%2BBest-Selling%2BCars.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1117" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EgoD5OTs5bg/X_2jfhct_AI/AAAAAAAA2j0/FnGrOF5rTjs0U8GIXSzP64Ogj6GamZzTwCLcBGAsYHQ/w350-h640/2020_India%2527s%2BBest-Selling%2BCars.jpg" width="350" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><ul><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">The top six best-selling cars are from Maruti-Suzuki</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Seven of the top ten and ten of the top twenty best-selling cars are from Maruti-Suzuki too</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Two cars from Hyundai and a Kia are the only other brands to feature in the "Top 10"</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Mahindra's Bolero, a trio of Tatas and Renault's Triber round out the "Top 20"</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">With the exception of new launches, none of the models reported growth over 2019; Creta, Wagon-R and Nexon did a brilliant job of minimizing the fall compared to the previous year</span></li></ul><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><b>Swift was India's best-selling car in 2020</b></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Xc0U4b2XbD4/X_2kWqiPkxI/AAAAAAAA2kA/tn7dn5NP_sggyLy9PxsUw5yFy67btY08gCLcBGAsYHQ/s1440/2020_India%2527s%2BBest-Selling%2BCars_Maruti-Suzuki%2BSwift.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="901" data-original-width="1440" height="250" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Xc0U4b2XbD4/X_2kWqiPkxI/AAAAAAAA2kA/tn7dn5NP_sggyLy9PxsUw5yFy67btY08gCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h250/2020_India%2527s%2BBest-Selling%2BCars_Maruti-Suzuki%2BSwift.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><ul><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">At India's largest car-maker, the fight for supremacy is not with cars from rival brands. Cars within the brand slug it out and trade positions. In 2020, the Swift came out on top trumping the smaller Alto and bigger Baleno by a few thousand units. </span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">As a first car for a young couple or the daily runabout for urban dwellers, the Swift is just perfect. That the car is capable of doing it keeping the person behind the wheel 'smiling' makes this little Suzuki a big winner.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">While the Alto came runner-up in the race, Baleno and Wagon-R aren't far behind. Remarkably, the Wagon-R lost just 5% of its sales compared to 2019. </span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Dzire bore the brunt of Maruti-Suzuki moving to a petrol-only line-up post BS6 implementation with a steep fall of 37%. Vitara Brezza suffered a similar fate for the same reason.</span></li></ul><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><b>Hyundai and Kia SUVs take the market by storm</b></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rfN8IMfM5l0/X_2k-QJON8I/AAAAAAAA2kI/-cSk0m8P9TAm87HFnIHHbym5dj7RAogLQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1440/2020_India%2527s%2BBest-Selling%2BCars_Hyundai%2B%2526%2BKia%2BSUVs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1440" height="250" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rfN8IMfM5l0/X_2k-QJON8I/AAAAAAAA2kI/-cSk0m8P9TAm87HFnIHHbym5dj7RAogLQCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h250/2020_India%2527s%2BBest-Selling%2BCars_Hyundai%2B%2526%2BKia%2BSUVs.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><ul><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">From being a fringe player in the segment in 2014 to India's leading seller of SUVs/Crossovers, Hyundai (and now Kia!) has come a long way.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Creta continues its dream run in its second generation, reporting just a 3% drop over 2019.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Sibling Kia Seltos finished close behind more than doubling its 2019 sales tally.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Add the numbers of Venue and Sonet (launched in the second half of 2020) and the two Korean brands have decimated competition in this 'hot and happening' segment.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">All's not well with Hyundai though with the i20's 40% drop despite the launch of a new generation model sure to ruffle feathers internally.</span></li></ul><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><b>Tata makes quite an impression</b></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><ul><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Despite it's age and boxy nature, Mahindra's Bolero continues its incredible run outselling all other newer models in the brand's line-up.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Tata Motors had a stellar year with the Tiago, Nexon and Altroz bringing in consistent numbers through the year. With eye-catching styling and an impeccable safety record across the line-up, Tata's success is very satisfying to watch.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Renault Triber sneaked in at number twenty, becoming yet another success story for the French brand in the country.</span></li></ul><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Just outside the "Top 20", Kia's Sonet is waiting to break into the list while the Kwid was a casualty of the success of Renault's own Triber.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Watch this space. 2021 is going to be very interesting!</span></p>Aravind Rameshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06011949894210487722noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4601212118526029438.post-67903675238045892612021-01-10T15:57:00.006+05:302021-01-10T16:44:47.547+05:30India's "Top 10" Best-selling Car Brands in 2020<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Any which way you look at it, the Indian automotive landscape is one of a kind. There's no other market in the world I'm aware of that sells more than a couple of million cars every year but still dominated by one brand.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Did the COViD-19 pandemic that gripped the country (and the whole world!) in 2020 change any of that? Apparently not, looking at the sales figures. One thing that did change though is the industry reported 'zero' sales in April 2020 when the whole country went into a lockdown in a bid to curb the spread of the virus. This had never happened before and hopefully, never happens again.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">As we look forward for a better year, here's the list of "Top 10" best-selling car brands that survived 2020 in India:</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PTHs8m-5cGY/X_rP8-9Z5wI/AAAAAAAA2ic/Ll9xB1pAHEsOjh-naMVbq8ws9S998lMqgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1500/2020_India%2527s%2BBest-Selling%2BCar%2BBrands.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PTHs8m-5cGY/X_rP8-9Z5wI/AAAAAAAA2ic/Ll9xB1pAHEsOjh-naMVbq8ws9S998lMqgCLcBGAsYHQ/w320-h400/2020_India%2527s%2BBest-Selling%2BCar%2BBrands.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><b>There's no stopping the Maruti-Suzuki juggernaut</b></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jcqbKvjZDAA/X_rQMDelGpI/AAAAAAAA2ig/P31yywcPObMRxwY0wCrrazeNfqOxzHzYwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1440/2020_India%2527s%2BBest-Selling%2BCar%2BBrands_Maruti-Suzuki.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1440" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jcqbKvjZDAA/X_rQMDelGpI/AAAAAAAA2ig/P31yywcPObMRxwY0wCrrazeNfqOxzHzYwCLcBGAsYHQ/w320-h200/2020_India%2527s%2BBest-Selling%2BCar%2BBrands_Maruti-Suzuki.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><ul><li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">2020 threw everything at India's largest car-maker. From shutting down their plants during the lockdown to bringing them back upto scale within a few weeks, from having to discontinue their strong-selling diesel line-up when BS6 emission norms were implemented to multiple attempts by rivals to snatch their lead in many lucrative segments, the Japanese brand prevailed and came out stronger.</span></li><li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">As a result, Maruti-Suzuki still sells one in every two cars sold in India, the 18% drop from 2019's numbers notwithstanding.</span></li><li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Add the cars sold to Toyota to retail through their outlets and the number goes even higher!</span></li><li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">If the 'S' badge can pull in so many customers with a petrol-only line-up, imagine what would happen if the 1.5-liter diesel engine makes a comeback as widely reported. Competitors should be a worried bunch.</span></li><li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Despite the love we Indians shower on them, Suzuki's desirable models like the Swift Sport and Jimmy aren't in India. Sad! They're also lagging behind in the EV race. Hyundai, Mahindra, Tata and even MG have electric cars on sale in India.</span></li></ul><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><b>Tata storms to third behind Hyundai</b></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VtT6q8sqsrI/X_rQfD4XkCI/AAAAAAAA2is/vM3nJG-VwS8joFU9WfnIFCT2NjDlpdZggCLcBGAsYHQ/s1440/2020_India%2527s%2BBest-Selling%2BCar%2BBrands_Tata.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1440" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VtT6q8sqsrI/X_rQfD4XkCI/AAAAAAAA2is/vM3nJG-VwS8joFU9WfnIFCT2NjDlpdZggCLcBGAsYHQ/w320-h200/2020_India%2527s%2BBest-Selling%2BCar%2BBrands_Tata.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><ul><li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Hyundai continues to be all alone in the race, having reported sales of 423,642 units. That's a 17% drop over 2019. While the Creta and Venue are big-sellers raking in the profits, hatchbacks like the Grand i10 and i20 continue their strong run.</span></li><li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Tata has been the shining star in the Indian market over the last 12 months, managing a growth of 11% in what was an extremely tough year. Their product-led transformation has been amazing to witness. From nailing the design to acing the safety tests, the Indian car-maker has focused on all the right aspects so far. Altroz has now joined the Nexon and Tiago in bringing in the volumes while the Harrier is playing the role of a flagship to perfection. Tata, on its part, isn't resting on the laurels and is having its kitty full. Next up is the Safari debuting later this month.</span></li></ul><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><b>Kia and MG make inroads</b></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><ul><li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Kia's entry - and subsequent rise - in India has been almost flawless. Seltos and Sonet have been smash hits and the Carnival is doing pretty well as an image-builder. I was right in predicting Kia's rise in our market after all! Is there no chink in the brand's armour then? Oh no, there's one and that's a big one. I'm referring to Seltos' modest showing in the Global NCAP tests. A 3-star rating is unacceptable for a model that retails for 20 million rupees in its top spec.</span></li><li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Mahindra had a tough year. It's domestic sales slid 38% pulling the brand down to fifth. With the XUV5OO's magic starting to fizzle out, Mahindra is now dependent on its old workhorses Bolero and Scorpio for volumes. The rest of the line-up, barring the XUV3OO, have fallen flat. After the stupendous success of the new Thar, Mahindra would be pinning its hopes on the all-new XUV5OO and Scorpio to turn the tide around. Elsewhere, Mahindra has other problems to contend with. SsangYong is a bit of a headache now and discussions with Ford on the proposed joint-venture has come to a screeching halt as well. </span></li><li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Renault, in sixth position, did a good job of arresting the fall, helped by the launch of the Triber and the timely facelift of its bread-and-butter Kwid. The French car-maker learnt pretty early that it needed market-specific models to survive in India and the Kiger is the next in line.</span></li><li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Next up is Toyota, the world's largest car-maker. That they deemed it fit to tie up with Suzuki to bolster their 'affordable' model range in India shows how tough our market is for global brands to figure. Innova Crysta and upwards, Toyota is doing just fine.</span></li><li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Honda is on a free fall right now. With sales almost half of what it was in 2019, the Japanese brand has clearly seen better days. The City, with all it's might, is doing what it can but needs help from a high-riding sibling that's nowhere to be seen. Come on Honda, get your damn SUVs and crossovers here!</span></li><li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">With the proposed joint-venture with Mahindra that was going to bring in new models not happening now, Ford has hit a roadblock. What the American car-maker has in store for India remains to be seen. Seven years after launch, EcoSport is still the model that keeps Ford going.</span></li><li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">MG, the erstwhile British brand now owned by China's SAIC, makes an entry into the Top 10 pushing Volkswagen out. From bringing in three new models in just 18 months, equipping and positioning them well to putting in a lot of efforts towards brand building, MG has done a lot of things right.</span></li></ul><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Outside the top ten, Volkswagen, Skoda and Nissan are trying to get their respective houses in order. While the two European brands are lining up new launches in a renewed bid to make it big here, Nissan has just struck gold with its Magnite. Let's see if these brands manage to shake things up in the top ten list this year.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><b>BMW pips Mercedes-Benz in the luxury race *</b></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-M8GD6pFbK4A/X_rUX63NMJI/AAAAAAAA2i4/i90lmhygCW8Mbgz13vZSqc9javqTmOT4wCLcBGAsYHQ/s1440/2020_India%2527s%2BBest-Selling%2BCar%2BBrands_BMW.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="901" data-original-width="1440" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-M8GD6pFbK4A/X_rUX63NMJI/AAAAAAAA2i4/i90lmhygCW8Mbgz13vZSqc9javqTmOT4wCLcBGAsYHQ/w320-h200/2020_India%2527s%2BBest-Selling%2BCar%2BBrands_BMW.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><ul><li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">While Mercedes-Benz has not announced its 2020 sales figures yet, BMW was leading the luxury race by a healthy margin until the end of November.</span></li><li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Assuming December threw no major surprises, BMW should have easily finished ahead with a total of 6,092 units sold last year.</span></li><li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">That's a massive drop from the 9,000 and 13,786 cars BMW and Mercedes-Benz managed to sell in 2019. Clearly, India's rich tightened their wallets to let the pandemic pass.</span></li><li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">The rest of the luxury brigade are too far off to threaten this duo.</span></li></ul><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: small;"><b>Source: </b>Official manufacturer press releases and monthly sales charts published in <a href="https://www.team-bhp.com/" target="_blank">Team-BHP</a> & <a href="https://www.autopunditz.com/" target="_blank">Auto Punditz</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: small; text-align: center;">* Mercedes-Benz hasn't released its 2020 sales figures</span></div><p></p>Aravind Rameshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06011949894210487722noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4601212118526029438.post-18282554019575175882021-01-08T19:49:00.001+05:302021-01-08T19:49:12.740+05:30America's "Top 20" Best-selling Cars in 2020<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">It was clear from the previous post that <a href="https://anything-on-wheels.blogspot.com/2021/01/americas-top-10-best-selling-car-brands.html" target="_blank">Ford was the most popular brand in the United States</a> last year. Toyota and Chevrolet, placed next in the pecking order, were not far off though. Is the same trend observed in sales of individual models too? Let's find out.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Before we get into the details, here's the list of America's 'Top 20' best-selling cars in 2020:</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bVz_boNDzw4/X_hnk0XZtpI/AAAAAAAA2ew/UwTyzbMR2gE-f7MkGn_3ibEgHu65i8WqQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/2020_America%2527s%2BBest-Selling%2BCars.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1117" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bVz_boNDzw4/X_hnk0XZtpI/AAAAAAAA2ew/UwTyzbMR2gE-f7MkGn_3ibEgHu65i8WqQCLcBGAsYHQ/w350-h640/2020_America%2527s%2BBest-Selling%2BCars.jpg" width="350" /></a></div><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><b>F-Series tops the charts</b></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Alright, this has become an annual affair, pandemic or not. </span></p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Ford's F-Series ended 2020 as the most popular vehicle in the United States of America. </span></li><li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">This marks an incredible 39th year at the top of the sales chart for this behemoth.</span></li><li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">This is also the 44th year in a row the F-Series has finished as America's favourite pick-up truck.</span></li><li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Remarkably, the F-Series managed this feat despite being in the last year of its life cycle and the disruptions caused by the pandemic.</span></li></ul><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">With the next-generation F-Series - including the electrified 'PowerBoost' variants - already in the dealerships, the stars are aligned for Ford to mark four decades of leadership with this truck by the end of 2021. Watch this space.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QfkEBPC4qAE/X_hoLCZTOmI/AAAAAAAA2e8/VdYw47XnXegOCengyjQmXnqDbWF15oLpwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1440/2020_America%2527s%2BBest-Selling%2BCars_The%2BTop%2B3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1080" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QfkEBPC4qAE/X_hoLCZTOmI/AAAAAAAA2e8/VdYw47XnXegOCengyjQmXnqDbWF15oLpwCLcBGAsYHQ/w300-h400/2020_America%2527s%2BBest-Selling%2BCars_The%2BTop%2B3.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><b>Chevrolet and Ram trade places</b></span></p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Finishing runner-up to the F-Series was its arch-rival from Chevrolet, the Silverado.</span></li><li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">After losing out to Ram's stylish new Pick-Up in 2019, the Silverado was back on top in its own little duel.</span></li><li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">That the Silverado managed to improve its numbers by 3% over 2019 despite the pandemic goes to show how good an outing the Chevy had in 2020.</span></li><li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Ram was relegated to its usual third spot in the list and would be itching to get back ahead. </span></li></ul><p></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><b>SUVs, Crossovers and Trucks gain at the expense of sedans</b></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RiIBCVIm9xw/X_houqhL63I/AAAAAAAA2fE/obnT9tyDWbEK2YZYT6uC_rnlT-ibfwTZgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/2020_America%2527s%2BBest-Selling%2BCars_Big%2BGainers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RiIBCVIm9xw/X_houqhL63I/AAAAAAAA2fE/obnT9tyDWbEK2YZYT6uC_rnlT-ibfwTZgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/2020_America%2527s%2BBest-Selling%2BCars_Big%2BGainers.jpg" /></a></span></div><p></p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">With over 430,000 units sold, Toyota's RAV4 was America's best-selling vehicle that wasn't a pick-up truck. Honda's CR-V came in next but the gap between the two is too big to make Toyota worry. In fact, with three models in the Top 10 and five in the Top 15, Toyota is sitting pretty. It's the competition that has to worry. </span></li><li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Toyota Camry - America's erstwhile favourite - is holding its own so far, managing to keep the Chevrolet Equinox and the other fast-rising SUVs and trucks behind. It's buddies from Japan - the Civic, Corolla and Accord - have all lost positions with each reporting declines of over 20%.</span></li><li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">GMC Sierra and Ford Explorer had an amazing run, growing their sales by 9% and an astonishing 21% respectively last year. Add the Sierra's numbers to the Silverado's and GM wins the great American pick-up war. Explorer's lead in the mid-size SUV segment gave Ford reasons to cheer though.</span></li><li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Anything that wasn't a SUV, crossover or truck lost positions and reported a bigger drop in sales compared to those high-riding body-styles. Notable exceptions were Nissan's Rogue and Ford's Escape which should be a great cause of concern for the two brands.</span></li><li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Two models each from Jeep and Subaru complete the Top 20 line-up with the latter's Forester ousting the former's Cherokee off the list.</span></li></ul><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">While the trends are clearly visible, we shouldn't be reading much into 2020's sales figures as stated in the previous post. After all, it was an abnormal year. Let's wait and watch how the American market unfolds this year!</span></p>Aravind Rameshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06011949894210487722noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4601212118526029438.post-35795449143329935382021-01-07T18:48:00.002+05:302021-01-10T16:42:47.282+05:30America's "Top 10" Best-selling Car Brands in 2020<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">None of us have to be reminded of the absolute havoc caused by the COViD-19 pandemic in 2020, taking millions of lives away and collapsing hordes of businesses. Now that the automotive industry has survived the trough and the car-makers are looking forward with cautious optimism, it's time to reconcile the numbers and see who shed the least blood in the year gone by.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">As always, it’s the United States of America we’re going to start our analysis with. After a phenomenal run of five consecutive years when the number of new cars and trucks sold topped 17 million units, 2020 was quite a blow. Cumulative sales of 14.5 million units represented a drop of close to 15% compared to 2019. Given the circumstances though, there's not much to read into it. 2020, by all means, was an abnormal year and it would be prudent to wait and watch how the industry fares this year.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Based on the numbers reported, here's America's ‘Top 10’ best-selling brands:</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BhI8FoaN1-I/X_cG9CX0N1I/AAAAAAAA2d4/SLPrGgOl3sUJrdZZjnUwMl5-Cj6YRTQIwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1500/2020_America%2527s%2BBest-Selling%2BCar%2BBrands.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BhI8FoaN1-I/X_cG9CX0N1I/AAAAAAAA2d4/SLPrGgOl3sUJrdZZjnUwMl5-Cj6YRTQIwCLcBGAsYHQ/w320-h400/2020_America%2527s%2BBest-Selling%2BCar%2BBrands.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><b><br /></b></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><b>Ford remains America’s favourite brand</b></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-39y00FXtq-o/X_cHI4me1iI/AAAAAAAA2d8/Cw7tRK7EmYUGSqIGZAkCDvd9u_g4mbQgQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1440/2020_America%2527s%2BBest-Selling%2BCar%2BBrands_Ford.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="896" data-original-width="1440" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-39y00FXtq-o/X_cHI4me1iI/AAAAAAAA2d8/Cw7tRK7EmYUGSqIGZAkCDvd9u_g4mbQgQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/2020_America%2527s%2BBest-Selling%2BCar%2BBrands_Ford.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><ul><li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">For a 11th consecutive year, Ford was America’s most popular brand. </span></li><li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">With total sales of 1.94 million units, Ford was helped massively by the continuing popularity of the F-Series that’s now been America’s best-selling pick-up for 44 straight years. </span></li><li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Also boosting its numbers were the Explorer and Escape with the former ending 2020 as America’s best-selling midsize SUV. That should be a massive relief for the folks at the helm, given the much-publicized launch troubles the model went through in 2019. </span></li><li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">With the Bronco Sport starting off well, the Mustang Mach-E garnering praise from everyone and the Bronco sitting on a pile of orders, 2021 should be a good year for the ‘Blue Oval’. It better be as Toyota and Chevrolet aren't very far away! </span></li><li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Spare a thought for the Fusion and Fiesta that are fading into the sunset as part of the brand’s strategy to exit cars and focus on SUVs and crossovers. The former, especially, will be missed in the United States.</span></li></ul><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><b>Toyota and Chevrolet close in</b></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><ul><li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">With 1.84 million cars and trucks sold in 2020, Toyota came in second with just 100,000 units separating it from the top spot. That’s a number that can easily be overhauled with just one very successful new model. With the RAV-4 going all guns blazing, the Camry holding fort amidst an onslaught of crossovers, SUVs and trucks and the Tacoma, Corolla and Highlander pitching in with significant sales of their own, Toyota is sitting pretty. That they are the runaway leaders when it comes to 'hybrids' also helps. </span></li><li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Going into 2021, the folks at Chevrolet would be a happy bunch. Though the 1.74 million units sold in 2020 and the 11% drop over 2019 might indicate otherwise, the new-generation Silverado family - in their first full year in the market - had a successful run and was one of the few nameplates that grew vis-à-vis 2019. Yes, the Silverado (and it’s sibling, the GMC Sierra) posted growth over 2019! Equinox and Traverse did well too with the former leapfrogging popular Japanese sedans like the Civic, Corolla and Accord. </span></li></ul><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><b>Nissan falters, Kia put up a strong fight</b></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-55ARnU3gKNo/X_cHYH-n48I/AAAAAAAA2eA/YNeclxQGEiAMdWdXiKt9Y368qwlnth8MgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1440/2020_America%2527s%2BBest-Selling%2BCar%2BBrands_Kia.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="901" data-original-width="1440" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-55ARnU3gKNo/X_cHYH-n48I/AAAAAAAA2eA/YNeclxQGEiAMdWdXiKt9Y368qwlnth8MgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/2020_America%2527s%2BBest-Selling%2BCar%2BBrands_Kia.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><ul><li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Honda, in fourth is all alone, with Chevrolet far ahead and Nissan dropping off quite significantly behind. CR-V is the brand’s best-seller but unable to mount a challenge to the ever-popular RAV-4. Civic and Accord are the other big-sellers with both experiencing sharp drops as SUVs and crossovers continue to run rings around sedans. </span></li><li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Clinging onto fifth position behind Honda is Nissan. The Japanese brand has been grappling with a myriad of issues and this 33% drop in one of its biggest markets would’ve already set the alarm bells ringing in Japan. Something has to be done, soon. The recent redesign of the Rogue, Nissan’s best-seller, is a step in the right direction. Unfortunately for them, their once-strong sedans are in freefall mode right now! </span></li><li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Not far behind is Jeep, FCA’s crown jewel. After a few years of unprecedented growth when the brand could do no wrong, Jeep saw its sales drop 14% to under 800,000 units. With the exception of Gladiator, the drop was seen across the line-up with everything from the Renegade all the way up to the Grand Cherokee ending up in red. </span></li><li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Ram came in seventh with almost the entire sales coming from the brilliant new Pick-up. While the flagship 1500 TRX has mesmerized truck-lovers with its insane power and torque in a bid to woo the Raptor-loving crowd, the fact that the Ram Pick-up fell behind its arch-rival Chevrolet Silverado within a year of getting ahead would be of great concern to the brand.</span></li><li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Hyundai had a better year compared to the other brands in this list, with sales dropping just a shade under 10% compared to the prior year. The Korean brand’s efforts on getting one crossover after another to the market seems to be paying off with the Tucson, Santa Fe, Palisade, Kona and Venue more than making up for the fall in sales of the Elantra, Sonata and Accent sedans. </span></li><li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Subaru’s dream run came to a screeching halt in 2020 with the Japanese brand reporting a 13% decline in sales compared to their all-time high figures achieved in 2019. As always, the Forester and Outback led the charge for Subaru in what has now become the Japanese car-maker’s most important and possibly most profitable market. </span></li><li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Rounding off the Top 10 is Kia, capping a remarkable year in which it saw its sales slip in just lower single digits. Of course, it’s still worse than brands that grew in 2020 – like Mazda, for instance – but those brands don’t sell as much as Kia. Shining bright in Kia’s line-up was the Telluride. The last I heard, the Korean car-maker wasn’t able to produce as many as they could sell. Also helping matters are their stylish new launches like the Sorento and K5.</span></li></ul><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><b>Mercedes-Benz pips BMW in the luxury race</b></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tF5jwxZ626o/X_cHgDPM5uI/AAAAAAAA2eI/-vi6qdg1jQ06L8j_cjNYZc37-Z801fFlACLcBGAsYHQ/s1440/2020_America%2527s%2BBest-Selling%2BCar%2BBrands_Mercedes-Benz.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="901" data-original-width="1440" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tF5jwxZ626o/X_cHgDPM5uI/AAAAAAAA2eI/-vi6qdg1jQ06L8j_cjNYZc37-Z801fFlACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/2020_America%2527s%2BBest-Selling%2BCar%2BBrands_Mercedes-Benz.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><ul><li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">From the very beginning of 2020, Mercedes-Benz has been leading the luxury race from BMW. While the former is yet to report its full year sales, only a very poor showing in the fourth quarter would be able to dislodge Mercedes-Benz from the top. The GLC, GLA and GLE raked in good numbers apparently while the E-Class continue to be a popular choice amongst sedans. </span></li><li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">With sales of 278,732 units in 2020, BMW reported a 18% decline compared to the previous year. That resulted in the brand losing its lead from 2019. Within the lineup, the X series of SUVs have been very popular and fast displacing sedans as the mainstay of the brand. </span></li><li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Lexus proved its resilience and reported 275,041 units sold last year, placing it just a few thousand units behind BMW. The RX was the undisputed best-seller for the Japanese brand with the NX and ES sedan also adding considerable numbers.</span></li></ul><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Now that we've seen the Top 10 best-selling brands in the United States, the list of Top 20 best-selling cars would follow in the next post. </span></p>Aravind Rameshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06011949894210487722noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4601212118526029438.post-72171765928294982822021-01-03T15:56:00.002+05:302021-01-03T17:23:06.166+05:30All-new Mahindra XUV5OO spotted testing<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">The joint-venture with Ford might not be happening any more but the folks at Mahindra are going to have a busy year.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">With the <a href="http://anything-on-wheels.blogspot.com/2020/08/all-new-mahindra-thar-unveiled.html" target="_blank">new Thar firing on all cylinders</a> forcing the car-maker to ramp up capacity, two of their best-selling models are also getting ready for launch later this year. One of them, the all new XUV5OO, was caught testing on the outskirts of Chennai, not far off Mahindra's R&D Center.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mCOQgOyTCLA/X_Ga2XubWsI/AAAAAAAA2aw/rLbWVi0kFAcv3ktb0i641OngVPeXg-x7QCLcBGAsYHQ/s1920/202101_Mahindra%2BXUV5OO%2Bon%2Btest%2B1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1201" data-original-width="1920" height="250" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mCOQgOyTCLA/X_Ga2XubWsI/AAAAAAAA2aw/rLbWVi0kFAcv3ktb0i641OngVPeXg-x7QCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h250/202101_Mahindra%2BXUV5OO%2Bon%2Btest%2B1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Despite the heavy camouflage, it is clear Mahindra is looking to tone down the design and styling of the second-generation XUV5OO. The elimination of paw-shaped door handles and the reduced heft on the rear fenders are proof of that. Still, there are enough cues to not mistake it for anything but an XUV like the tipped-forward stance and the kinked-up window line. This restrained aggression bodes well for the new XUV5OO as it's likely to lock horns directly with the upcoming Tata Gravitas that wears sleek and contemporary clothes.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">The interiors are likely to be significantly better than the current model with a plethora of features and improved build quality, fit and finish. Earlier test mules were seen with loads of kit including a flat-bottomed steering wheel and a two-tone dashboard with a long, continuous screen incorporating the instruments and infotainment.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6qHyqOhOUAs/X_GbBQm1QNI/AAAAAAAA2a0/RoZL5pnULUkQVC5at9-u6MEdEbo-tYy6QCLcBGAsYHQ/s1920/202101_Mahindra%2BXUV5OO%2Bon%2Btest%2B2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1920" height="250" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6qHyqOhOUAs/X_GbBQm1QNI/AAAAAAAA2a0/RoZL5pnULUkQVC5at9-u6MEdEbo-tYy6QCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h250/202101_Mahindra%2BXUV5OO%2Bon%2Btest%2B2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Powertrain options are likely to be carried over from the Thar. The 2.0-liter 'mStallion' petrol and the 2.2-liter 'mHawk' diesel would be on duty, albeit in higher states of tunes. Both would have a choice of 6-speed manual and automatic transmissions with All Wheel Drive likely to be on offer in select trim levels as well.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Mahindra, together with Tata, have been flag-bearers of safer cars in the Indian market with the XUV3OO currently holding the distinction of the safest mass market car on sale. Expect that to continue with the XUV5OO.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">So, if you're in the market for a three-row SUV, please wait. All pointers indicate the all-new XUV5OO should be worth it!</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: x-small;"><b>Picture Credits:</b> Karthik Chandrasekar</span></p>Aravind Rameshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06011949894210487722noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4601212118526029438.post-21448950213171096652020-12-31T19:15:00.001+05:302020-12-31T19:15:10.158+05:3050 Years of Range Rover - Here's how the world's most-popular luxury SUV evolved over the years!<p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LZZL04totd0/X-3QS77kV8I/AAAAAAAA2Xk/HqqqLV4UkegSWC4M2oZK45fOxUUBIvP9wCLcBGAsYHQ/s1440/2019%2BRange%2BRover%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1440" height="250" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LZZL04totd0/X-3QS77kV8I/AAAAAAAA2Xk/HqqqLV4UkegSWC4M2oZK45fOxUUBIvP9wCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h250/2019%2BRange%2BRover%2B1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">While 2020 has been a year to forget for almost everybody, Land Rover had reasons to celebrate. Their flagship Range Rover turned 50 this year!</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">From being a single model positioned at the top of the Land Rover line-up in 1970 to a full-blown sub-brand of sorts with a four-strong lineup in 2020, Range Rover has come a long way in these 50 years. With each successive generation, Range Rover kept moving up the ladder in terms of price and positioning, always offering customers an enticing combination of ultimate luxury with go-anywhere prowess. Just as well as Range Rover was one of the pioneers of "luxury off-roading" when introduced.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PklFbO8STPQ/X-3Ql-tbrQI/AAAAAAAA2Xs/hJWGluZk6w0cUVr9rQJdgyrLaEq4rBIAgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1920/2020_Range%2BRover_Line-up.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1920" height="250" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PklFbO8STPQ/X-3Ql-tbrQI/AAAAAAAA2Xs/hJWGluZk6w0cUVr9rQJdgyrLaEq4rBIAgCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h250/2020_Range%2BRover_Line-up.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">For me, the best aspect of Range Rover has to be the fact those off-roading credentials do not come at the expense of aesthetics. The iconic silhouette, clamshell hood, floating roof and continuous waistline have all stood the test of time, evolving over the years to look fresh and contemporary.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">As 2020 draws to a close, I thought it would be good to wrap up the year with a post dedicated to Range Rover's evolution and the many feats it accomplished along the way.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><b>Debut</b></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">The 4x4 leisure market was growing worldwide and Jeep was making merry with its Wagoneer. Land Rover felt it's Defender was too basic to suit lifestyle audiences and take the fight to the Jeep. After making the first prototype in 1966 and fine-tuning it over the next four years, Land Rover introduced the Range Rover to critical acclaim in 1970. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><b>Milestones</b></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><ul><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">It took 12 years for Range Rover to reach the production milestone of 100,000 units</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Sales rose over the next two decades with production crossing 500,000 units in 2002</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Over the last decade and half, Range Rover has been the growth engine for Jaguar-Land Rover contributing significantly in terms of volumes as well as revenue</span></li></ul><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><b>Fun Facts</b></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><ul><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Range Rover has featured in over 1,400 movies and television shows</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Range Rover has starred in five James Bond movies; That's just two short of Sean Connery and Roger Moore - both of whom starred in the lead role in 7 movies - and more than all other actors that have played James Bond</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Range Rover has been a popular choice amongst celebrities globally; Well-known personalities to have owned Range Rover include Her Majesty the Queen, basketball legend Michael Jordan, Hollywood star Tom Cruise, ex-Beatle Paul McCartney, Indian skipper Virat Kohli and a whole gamut of Bollywood stars including Amitabh Bachchan, Salman Khan, Akshay Kumar, Ranbir Kapoor, Alia Bhatt and Anushka Sharma</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">At the 2012 Geneva Motor Show, Land Rover did the unthinkable and unveiled the Range Rover Evoque Convertible Concept; While many thought the world's first luxury SUV convertible would remain a concept, Land Rover went ahead and put it into production from late 2015</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">A near-identical copycat of the Range Rover Evoque exists in China (where else?) in the form of Landwind X7</span></li></ul><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kSEBKryQ48w/X-3RHLIJP5I/AAAAAAAA2X0/eybBpi58sLIYD6KDxYXyRv-W3Bbx0n4IQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1920/2020_Range%2BRover_Generations.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1920" height="250" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kSEBKryQ48w/X-3RHLIJP5I/AAAAAAAA2X0/eybBpi58sLIYD6KDxYXyRv-W3Bbx0n4IQCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h250/2020_Range%2BRover_Generations.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Staying true to its roots while remaining relevant over a span of 50 years is no mean feat. Range Rover has accomplished just that. So, how did the model evolve over the years? </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Read on, to find out.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">First Generation (1970 - 1994)</span></b> </span></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JuEzM7staik/X-3RV6QTe-I/AAAAAAAA2X8/4kLVjVMIfooUcHmbQFBXP6sccr6pXNE_QCLcBGAsYHQ/s1440/1970%2BRange%2BRover%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="901" data-original-width="1440" height="250" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JuEzM7staik/X-3RV6QTe-I/AAAAAAAA2X8/4kLVjVMIfooUcHmbQFBXP6sccr6pXNE_QCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h250/1970%2BRange%2BRover%2B1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Now fondly called the Classic, the original Range Rover was only available as a two-door model with an aluminum Rover V8 engine, full-time four-wheel-drive and all-wheel disc brakes. It struck a chord with buyers almost immediately. The rest, as they say, is history.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">It wasn't until 1981 Land Rover found the need to add a four-door model to the line-up. Though the initial models were fairly utilitarian with vinyl seats and washable dashboard made of plastic, convenience features like power steering, carpeted floors, air-conditioning, leather upholstery and wooden interior trim were added over the years. From becoming the world's first 4x4 to feature Anti-lock Braking System in 1989 to being the first-ever SUV equipped with electronic Traction Control System and automatic air suspension in 1992, this generation of Range Rovers had quite a few firsts to boast of in it's 25-year life span.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">It was also during this period Range Rover's reputation for unrivalled all-terrain capability was cemented with a series of high-profile endurance runs.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><ul><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">In 1972, Range Rover became the first vehicle to complete an 18,000-mile Trans-America expedition staged by the British Army including crossing the dangerous Darien Gap in South America</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">In 1974, Range Rover completed a 7,500-mile trek across the Sahara Desert in just 100 days</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">In 1977, Range Rover topped the 4x4 class of the 18,750-mile London-Sydney marathon, the longest-ever speed-based rally</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">In 1979, Range Rover won the first-ever Paris-Dakar rally followed by another triumph in 1981</span></li></ul><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">The classic Range Rover finally bowed out in 1996 after a 2-year overlap with its successor and a production run of 317,615 units.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><b>Second Generation (1994 - 2001)</b></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wpSdYuHwja8/X-3Rlr9gBcI/AAAAAAAA2YI/8Ve4MMhLyVIxbawoq0imlzVfeaegJK1HwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1440/2001%2BRange%2BRover%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="901" data-original-width="1440" height="250" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wpSdYuHwja8/X-3Rlr9gBcI/AAAAAAAA2YI/8Ve4MMhLyVIxbawoq0imlzVfeaegJK1HwCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h250/2001%2BRange%2BRover%2B1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Internally named 'P38a' after the building in which it was developed, the second-generation Range Rover debuted in 1994 offering better off-road capability, better on-road behaviour, more luxurious interiors and technological advancements including an advanced electronic air suspension. The powertrain lineup expanded as well with the V8 petrol engine now available in 3.9-liter and 4.6-liter displacements in addition to a BMW-sourced 2.5-liter diesel.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">In 1999, Land Rover joined hands with furniture designer Lord Linley to come up with what was the most luxurious and the most expensive Range Rover then. Inching past the six-figure price barrier (It was priced £100,000 at launch), the Linley special edition featured a hand-finished black paint job, bespoke interiors finished with black leather upholstery, piano black trim inserts and uncommon niceties like an on-board television, VCR player and satellite navigation. Just ten of these were made, making it one of the most exclusive Range Rovers you can lay your hands on!</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><b>Third Generation (2001-2012)</b></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IYctToZ6yu0/X-3R0XQrpYI/AAAAAAAA2YM/MVHBPP7IdYYn3CoNDaQEqLd8ALsQ1tDHwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1440/2003%2BRange%2BRover%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1440" height="250" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IYctToZ6yu0/X-3R0XQrpYI/AAAAAAAA2YM/MVHBPP7IdYYn3CoNDaQEqLd8ALsQ1tDHwCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h250/2003%2BRange%2BRover%2B1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Range Rover entered the new millennium with the arrival of the bigger, more spacious and more luxurious third generation model, codenamed L322. As a result of this upmarket move, Range Rover had a cabin that would serve an S-Class owner just right! It was a big deal, given that none of the off-road chops Range Rovers were known for had been compromised.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Planned and developed under BMW ownership, the L322 Range Rover shared a lot of its components with the 7-Series initially. Powering this generation were V8 petrol engines from BMW until 2005 and Jaguar after that. Diesel mills were sourced from BMW first and Ford later. Technological highlights include the addition of 'virtual' instrument cluster in 2010 and the first-in-industry dual-view infotainment display. It's remarkable how both of those high-end features of the day have filtered down to entry-level cars these days.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BNyQo4e4Is0/X-3SFKS2NII/AAAAAAAA2YY/mEKqOny3LFs89yat5P5k51WKj0dpiQ9sACLcBGAsYHQ/s1440/2006%2BRange%2BRover%2BSport%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1440" height="125" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BNyQo4e4Is0/X-3SFKS2NII/AAAAAAAA2YY/mEKqOny3LFs89yat5P5k51WKj0dpiQ9sACLcBGAsYHQ/w200-h125/2006%2BRange%2BRover%2BSport%2B1.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Dbi4CRhmaD8/X-3SLsSQSmI/AAAAAAAA2Yc/0Rh-JVoA41gQ4xbDm8vUlO-eey5wAV1wgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1440/2015%2BRange%2BRover%2BEvoque%2BConvertible%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: verdana; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="899" data-original-width="1440" height="125" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Dbi4CRhmaD8/X-3SLsSQSmI/AAAAAAAA2Yc/0Rh-JVoA41gQ4xbDm8vUlO-eey5wAV1wgCLcBGAsYHQ/w200-h125/2015%2BRange%2BRover%2BEvoque%2BConvertible%2B1.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">This generation saw the nameplate expand with the introduction of the Range Rover Sport in 2005 and the Range Rover Evoque in 2011. Both of these models have established themselves as successful off-shoots of the Range Rover nameplate and are currently in their second generation.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><b>Fourth Generation (2012 onwards)</b></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KLBdLAuRZ_k/X-3TgDy69wI/AAAAAAAA2Ys/JLGx4ONUCEI-VbIrGogAoB3SLX2dswssQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1440/2013%2BRange%2BRover%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1440" height="250" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KLBdLAuRZ_k/X-3TgDy69wI/AAAAAAAA2Ys/JLGx4ONUCEI-VbIrGogAoB3SLX2dswssQCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h250/2013%2BRange%2BRover%2B1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">2012 saw the introduction of the fourth-generation Range Rover, codenamed L405. Bragging rights this time came in the form of its aluminium construction, a leaf taken out of Jaguar's book. By becoming the world's first SUV to make significant use of the light metal, this generation of Range Rovers benefitted from reduced weight, improved strength and increased efficiency. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">As it did with every prior generation, Range Rover moved further upmarket in price and positioning. The fact that exterior styling and interior appointments matched that move helped its cause. Engine options include 3.0-liter V6 petrol, 5.0-liter V8 petrol, 3.0-liter V6 diesel and 4.4-liter V8 diesel paired to a ZF-sourced 8-speed automatic transmission.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MfHqt_b9SuQ/X-3U-HtnJ3I/AAAAAAAA2ZA/NBUjfKuKVBQ04aNdNrlNtTIrRRi2xgGJACLcBGAsYHQ/s1440/2019%2BRange%2BRover_Interiors%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="901" data-original-width="1440" height="125" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MfHqt_b9SuQ/X-3U-HtnJ3I/AAAAAAAA2ZA/NBUjfKuKVBQ04aNdNrlNtTIrRRi2xgGJACLcBGAsYHQ/w200-h125/2019%2BRange%2BRover_Interiors%2B1.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yJYGloHpYCQ/X-3TwSs5tOI/AAAAAAAA2Y0/xDgP49S_QAwZ1ZyOMd6xiTLnabQHLOTrgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1440/2018%2BRange%2BRover%2BVelar%2B3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="901" data-original-width="1440" height="125" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yJYGloHpYCQ/X-3TwSs5tOI/AAAAAAAA2Y0/xDgP49S_QAwZ1ZyOMd6xiTLnabQHLOTrgCLcBGAsYHQ/w200-h125/2018%2BRange%2BRover%2BVelar%2B3.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">The inevitable electrification happened in 2013 with the first Range Rover Hybrid making its debut. Other high points include the launch of the Range Rover Sport SVR - the world's fastest SUV at the time - in 2014 and the addition of the sexy Velar as the fourth model of the Range Rover line-up in 2018.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">During this tenure, Range Rover was back doing what it did best in its first iteration.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><ul><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">In 2013, three Range Rover Hybrids completed a 9,950-mile endurance expedition following the ancient Silk Route from the UK to India</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">In 2018, a Range Rover Sport Plug-in Hybrid became the first vehicle ever to climb the towering 45-degree, 999-step staircase to Heaven's Gate in China </span></li></ul><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><b>Range Rover Fifty</b></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CXpVoQd-V7I/X-3VTeSkQGI/AAAAAAAA2ZI/BwfzDBSPMgAk1JZyTn_rrR819rlWIi_ywCLcBGAsYHQ/s1920/2020%2BRange%2BRover%2BFifty%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1201" data-original-width="1920" height="250" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CXpVoQd-V7I/X-3VTeSkQGI/AAAAAAAA2ZI/BwfzDBSPMgAk1JZyTn_rrR819rlWIi_ywCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h250/2020%2BRange%2BRover%2BFifty%2B1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">To commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Range Rover, Land Rover introduced the Range Rover Fifty earlier this year. Based on the Autobiography trim level, this special edition is an ode to the original Range Rover with a production run that's limited to 1,970 units. Yes, you got that right. 1970 was when the Range Rover was originally introduced.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Being a special commemorative edition, the Range Rover Fifty gets a slew of bespoke features like exterior accents painted in Auric Atlas (that's black for you and me), unique 22-inch alloy wheels, a special colour palette including Tuscan Blue, Bahama Gold and Davos White that are replicated from the original's palette. A special 'Fifty' script can be seen on the exterior badging, headrests, dashboard and the illuminated doorsills. There's also a '1 of 1970' badge on the center console to remind owners of their ride's exclusivity.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><b>What does the future hold?</b></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aC7nIEgrHW8/X-3VfCtjQrI/AAAAAAAA2ZM/DzuGW3Ku5zsuNMljXpatXx-MltJBjUH3wCLcBGAsYHQ/s1920/2020_Range%2BRover_Offroading.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1920" height="250" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aC7nIEgrHW8/X-3VfCtjQrI/AAAAAAAA2ZM/DzuGW3Ku5zsuNMljXpatXx-MltJBjUH3wCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h250/2020_Range%2BRover_Offroading.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">With the current-generation model on its final legs, a new Range Rover is likely to debut in the next year or two. With electrification and autonomy being the buzz words in the industry, I'm sure the new Range Rover is going to embrace one or both of them in some form or the other. It's going to be interesting. Just wait for the baton to be passed on!</span></p>Aravind Rameshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06011949894210487722noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4601212118526029438.post-47743444994632894172020-12-14T20:34:00.000+05:302020-12-14T20:34:00.104+05:30Porsche rolls out one-millionth Cayenne<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">When Porsche took the wraps off the Cayenne at the 2002 Paris Motor Show, it left the show-goers, fans and automotive enthusiasts across the world shocked. </span></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--dt15a5zYlM/X9d8KXUAJlI/AAAAAAAA2BU/RYkldqh-_VwzDZan5_hgPreDo87fO_-0ACLcBGAsYHQ/s1280/2003%2BPorsche%2BCayenne%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="799" data-original-width="1280" height="250" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--dt15a5zYlM/X9d8KXUAJlI/AAAAAAAA2BU/RYkldqh-_VwzDZan5_hgPreDo87fO_-0ACLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h250/2003%2BPorsche%2BCayenne%2B1.jpg" width="400" /></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kOYAHgVy_SM/X9d85Sf3jjI/AAAAAAAA2Bc/P-uXke34LdsecdIEBHoAvaV7o6yOI0qmgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1280/2018%2BPorsche%2BCayenne%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="799" data-original-width="1280" height="250" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kOYAHgVy_SM/X9d85Sf3jjI/AAAAAAAA2Bc/P-uXke34LdsecdIEBHoAvaV7o6yOI0qmgCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h250/2018%2BPorsche%2BCayenne%2B1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">What were they thinking? How can Porsche – known for their pure-bred sportscars like the iconic 911 – think of making an odd-looking SUV like this? What a crazy decision, this! These were just some of the questions and statements hurled at the German car-maker. Guess what? Porsche had the last laugh.</span><span style="font-family: verdana;"> </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">In just over 18 years, Porsche has rolled out 1 million units of the Cayenne from its assembly line at Leipzig, Germany. The landmark model was a GTS painted in Carmine Red, headed to a German customer. </span></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9BBz-MUz80A/X9d9Y7XW7JI/AAAAAAAA2Bk/jC9nYlaKKLA2XqTseUd_MuOcxuV5USINQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1920/2020_Porsche%2BCayenne_History.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1920" height="250" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9BBz-MUz80A/X9d9Y7XW7JI/AAAAAAAA2Bk/jC9nYlaKKLA2XqTseUd_MuOcxuV5USINQCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h250/2020_Porsche%2BCayenne_History.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">In all these years, the Cayenne has gone through three generation changes, defied physics with its incredible handling despite riding high off the ground, made its mark in the tough Transsyberia Rally on more than one occasion, holds a Guinness World Record for towing the gargantuan Airbus A380, blossomed into a handsome brute of an SUV, spawned the trendy Cayenne Coupe and forced brands from Lamborghini to Rolls-Royce to sit up and take notice. That it managed all of these looking right at home in the porch of a 5-star hotel as well as traversing through slush and snow makes the Cayenne Porsche's ultimate all-rounder.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Debuting at a time when the SUV boom was still in its infancy, the Cayenne was well-placed to capitalize as demand for high-riding vehicles like these soared across segments and price bands. As a result, Porsche's luxury SUV bet saved the brand from folding up and sowed the seeds for the success and reputation it enjoys today.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IeL_2UnLzzA/X9d-c09zZjI/AAAAAAAA2Bw/r8qVeqEEcCgMvw7MztzDza-AQ5SN1uk7QCLcBGAsYHQ/s1280/2019%2BPorsche%2BCayenne%2BCoupe%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="801" data-original-width="1280" height="250" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IeL_2UnLzzA/X9d-c09zZjI/AAAAAAAA2Bw/r8qVeqEEcCgMvw7MztzDza-AQ5SN1uk7QCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h250/2019%2BPorsche%2BCayenne%2BCoupe%2B1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">With the Macan mimicking the same success formula in a smaller package, Porsche now has two best-sellers in its range bringing in all the money needed to develop their sports cars and more. So, the next time you see the brilliant new 911 out on the road, thank the Cayenne! </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Just so you know, <a href="http://anything-on-wheels.blogspot.com/2017/05/porsche-builds-one-millionth-911-at.html" target="_blank">the 911 took 54 years</a> to achieve the same feat.</span></p>Aravind Rameshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06011949894210487722noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4601212118526029438.post-89524357896067752020-11-18T19:26:00.006+05:302020-11-18T19:26:54.288+05:302022 Honda Civic previewed with a sleeker and more mature design<p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uZ8FCgLY940/X7UmsR9GeaI/AAAAAAAA1mo/DciDqUX0gD8UQBXs0V9eyNM98ZQHy97cACLcBGAsYHQ/s1440/2022%2BHonda%2BCivic%2BPrototype_Badge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="901" data-original-width="1440" height="250" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uZ8FCgLY940/X7UmsR9GeaI/AAAAAAAA1mo/DciDqUX0gD8UQBXs0V9eyNM98ZQHy97cACLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h250/2022%2BHonda%2BCivic%2BPrototype_Badge.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Honda has taken the wraps off the next generation of its perennial best-seller, the Civic. The new model – previewed in prototype form and expected to go on sale late next year – will be the eleventh generation of a car that continues to be a best-seller for Honda in key global markets.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">At a time when several brands are ditching sedans in favour of high-riding crossovers and the rest are busy fighting for the glory of having the biggest grille ever on a car’s fascia, the new Civic comes across as refreshingly clean and sedate. Those two words would have given you the hint that Honda is betting on a contrasting strategy compared to the current Civic that’s all edgy and aggressive.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KWnXGRWdlIo/X7UmrV5L-pI/AAAAAAAA1mg/LQUJChlyILQL0d6cDICyEvvU1dhL1AQ1wCPcBGAYYCw/s1440/2022%2BHonda%2BCivic%2BPrototype%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1440" height="250" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KWnXGRWdlIo/X7UmrV5L-pI/AAAAAAAA1mg/LQUJChlyILQL0d6cDICyEvvU1dhL1AQ1wCPcBGAYYCw/w400-h250/2022%2BHonda%2BCivic%2BPrototype%2B1.jpg" width="400" /></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0ehOUs7i3tw/X7UmrbT2jOI/AAAAAAAA1mw/eTtUhGLlI7IddkHPpCRIvk-o0Nr405V6gCPcBGAYYCw/s1440/2022%2BHonda%2BCivic%2BPrototype%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="901" data-original-width="1440" height="250" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0ehOUs7i3tw/X7UmrbT2jOI/AAAAAAAA1mw/eTtUhGLlI7IddkHPpCRIvk-o0Nr405V6gCPcBGAYYCw/w400-h250/2022%2BHonda%2BCivic%2BPrototype%2B2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Up front are sleeker LED headlights, a more pronounced grille and a chiseled bumper housing a larger air dam. The profile continues to be athletic with a sharp shoulder line that runs the length of the car and a rising belt line that connects the fenders. The long hood, the kinked-up C-pillar and the mildly-flared wheel arches housing dark 19-inch wheels stand out. At the rear, taillights are now more conventional than the outgoing model and takes an horizontal shape that extends into the boot-lid. Dual exhaust pipes and an integrated trunk spoiler are cool and add a sporty touch as do the blackened elements all around the car.</span><span style="font-family: verdana;"> </span></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MTJo93lno7E/X7UmsrF6JSI/AAAAAAAA1nA/c8qNB8Es--ANTYZNQxMkB07tMq9vY9e2gCPcBGAYYCw/s1440/2022%2BHonda%2BCivic%2BPrototype_Interior%2BSketch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1440" height="250" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MTJo93lno7E/X7UmsrF6JSI/AAAAAAAA1nA/c8qNB8Es--ANTYZNQxMkB07tMq9vY9e2gCPcBGAYYCw/w400-h250/2022%2BHonda%2BCivic%2BPrototype_Interior%2BSketch.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Interior pictures have not been released though Honda was kind enough to release a design sketch of the cabin. From the looks of it, the new Civic will have a simpler, cleaner layout with much emphasis placed on the horizontal elements. The dashboard has a trim piece with a mesh-like pattern behind which the air-conditioning vents appear concealed. All you see are small knobs for adjustment. Neat! A sporty, three-spoke steering wheel, digital instrument cluster and a tablet-like 9-inch infotainment screen that pops out of the dashboard are the other bits that are easily noticeable.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Knowing Honda, expect the production version to not look very different from this prototype inside and out. In addition to the sedan you see here, the new Civic will also be available as a hatchback like the current model. Of course, the sporty Si and Type-R trims would join the line-up as well. Riding on the same platform as the outgoing model, expect the new Civic to carryover some or all of the engines, transmissions and suspension hardware. That would also mean the new Civic would continue to be a driver’s car in a segment that’s known to not offer much for those seeking driving pleasure. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Now, don’t sulk. Skoda Octavia is more of an exception than a norm!</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-R2CfYAh9o7M/X7UmrYrgcUI/AAAAAAAA1m4/Kr3aUiF3x7Ex_WVUcQu9mwXAxHOUU3hSACPcBGAYYCw/s1440/2022%2BHonda%2BCivic%2BPrototype%2B3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="901" data-original-width="1440" height="250" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-R2CfYAh9o7M/X7UmrYrgcUI/AAAAAAAA1m4/Kr3aUiF3x7Ex_WVUcQu9mwXAxHOUU3hSACPcBGAYYCw/w400-h250/2022%2BHonda%2BCivic%2BPrototype%2B3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Coming back to the Civic, Honda has a lot riding on this. Ever since the nameplate debuted in 1972, the Civic has been a massive success and a consistent best-seller for the brand. The current tenth-generation model that debuted in 2016 is arguably the most successful Civic ever with over 1.5 million units sold just in the United States of America. China, Canada and Thailand are some of the many other markets where the car has enjoyed considerable success. The new Civic sure has big shoes to fill.</span></p>Aravind Rameshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06011949894210487722noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4601212118526029438.post-77875706787350828152020-11-16T18:33:00.000+05:302020-11-16T18:33:01.750+05:30Who says minivans aren't cool? Look at the Porsche Vision Renndienst!<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">As part of activities surrounding the release of a new book called “Porsche Unseen”, the German car-maker has opened the virtual doors of its design studio at Weissach for a sneak peek into a handful of design studies the team created between 2005 and 2019. Of course, being experimental prototypes intended to test the creative limits of the design team while also helping to develop a long-term vision for the brand, these never made it outside the studio. Until now, that is.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">While a race car-derived street sports car and a spartan roadster for the purists amongst others were studied as one would imagine from Porsche, what piqued my interest was a minivan. You read that right. But wait, don’t curse me. A 6-seat minivan from Porsche is real! 2020 is odd, indeed.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">While you let that sink in, the Vision "Renndienst” - as Porsche calls it - is their design team’s interpretation of what a futuristic family van from the brand could look like. The result? An amazingly cool minivan that’s instantly desirable.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RU14ud7nS8s/X7J3MtWxrzI/AAAAAAAA1ks/LNZPoxPkY4w9eKxsJcRFvQOTRHRRHlz8gCPcBGAYYCw/s1440/2018%2BPorsche%2BVision%2BRenndienst%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1440" height="250" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RU14ud7nS8s/X7J3MtWxrzI/AAAAAAAA1ks/LNZPoxPkY4w9eKxsJcRFvQOTRHRRHlz8gCPcBGAYYCw/w400-h250/2018%2BPorsche%2BVision%2BRenndienst%2B1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-f96eYiUvIOc/X7J3MmpqSII/AAAAAAAA1kg/Bu3lqU6_ZVsr4iYqSChVefGUbHrqli1QQCPcBGAYYCw/s1440/2018%2BPorsche%2BVision%2BRenndienst%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1440" height="250" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-f96eYiUvIOc/X7J3MmpqSII/AAAAAAAA1kg/Bu3lqU6_ZVsr4iYqSChVefGUbHrqli1QQCPcBGAYYCw/w400-h250/2018%2BPorsche%2BVision%2BRenndienst%2B2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_5PwLPTQJ5M/X7J3Mg0hSdI/AAAAAAAA1kk/kswBdsXcuV0PzVksq95uTlpsfrVgZtFzQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1440/2018%2BPorsche%2BVision%2BRenndienst%2B3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1440" height="250" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_5PwLPTQJ5M/X7J3Mg0hSdI/AAAAAAAA1kk/kswBdsXcuV0PzVksq95uTlpsfrVgZtFzQCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h250/2018%2BPorsche%2BVision%2BRenndienst%2B3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">First up, the proportions are spot-on with all four wheels pushed off to the corners. The wheels themselves are massive housed inside muscular wheel arches that are flared just enough. The current design DNA of the brand is visible all through - from the quad-lights up front to the light bar running the width of the rear. Reducing the visual bulk of a minivan is quite a task and the team at Porsche has done that rather well using black inserts all around and a swanky greenhouse. Shown alongside an old Volkswagen T1, the differences in design and execution is understandably stark.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fiozw--8cHQ/X7J3NQWBn4I/AAAAAAAA1k0/5cqGqDe8iDcgkhaDrZfjeoDB4Wyt_UNWgCPcBGAYYCw/s1440/2018%2BPorsche%2BVision%2BRenndienst%2Bwith%2BVW%2BT1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1440" height="250" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fiozw--8cHQ/X7J3NQWBn4I/AAAAAAAA1k0/5cqGqDe8iDcgkhaDrZfjeoDB4Wyt_UNWgCPcBGAYYCw/w400-h250/2018%2BPorsche%2BVision%2BRenndienst%2Bwith%2BVW%2BT1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Inside, the Vision Renndienst is said to be equally funky with a central driver’s seat flanked by two passenger seats on either side placed slightly behind in a triangular layout. Apparently, there are seats to accommodate three more passengers behind. Keeping with the ‘futuristic’ theme, the Vision Renndienst is envisioned as a zero-emission full-electric vehicle with autonomous capabilities to boot. No further details have been shared.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">How cool would it be to have one parked in your garage? Sadly, 1:1 isn’t going to be possible. Your best bet would be to wait for one of the many die-cast manufacturers to come out with a 1:18 or a 1:43 scale model and bring one of those little ones home.</span></p>Aravind Rameshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06011949894210487722noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4601212118526029438.post-40001694520020671852020-09-16T18:03:00.002+05:302020-09-16T18:04:16.686+05:30Nissan previews next-gen Z sports car with this prototype<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">It’s official. A new Z is on the way! </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">And the Z Proto - unveiled today by Nissan virtually - is a thinly-veiled preview of what’s headed our way in the not-so-distant future. </span></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lt6FUbs2VcE/X2Hj7K7re4I/AAAAAAAA0go/9dDPF2Vio-wDIlrvw31Vpk5_eb3tsYdKACLcBGAsYHQ/s1440/2020%2BNissan%2BZ%2BPrototype%2B1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="901" data-original-width="1440" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lt6FUbs2VcE/X2Hj7K7re4I/AAAAAAAA0go/9dDPF2Vio-wDIlrvw31Vpk5_eb3tsYdKACLcBGAsYHQ/w320-h200/2020%2BNissan%2BZ%2BPrototype%2B1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">With 50 years of heritage and legions of fans globally, the Z is not just an important model in Nissan’s glorious history but also has a key role to play in the brand’s NEXT transformation plan announced earlier this year. Yes, the next-generation Z – rumored to be called the 400Z - could just be the image catalyst the Japanese brand desperately needs right now!</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">In this day and age when unnecessary creases and cuts are becoming a norm, the Z prototype is clean and simple. Refreshingly so, if I may add! </span></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bORgFJVCPQQ/X2HvfswgQsI/AAAAAAAA0hQ/qr2svoemDLwMSvI0xP6-NIHmLPxmSigxQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1440/2020%2BNissan%2BZ%2BPrototype%2B2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="901" data-original-width="1440" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bORgFJVCPQQ/X2HvfswgQsI/AAAAAAAA0hQ/qr2svoemDLwMSvI0xP6-NIHmLPxmSigxQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/2020%2BNissan%2BZ%2BPrototype%2B2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_Jii5MdDWhQ/X2Hvn9AoKWI/AAAAAAAA0hU/r9xxHH7v_4Iuo-DQ6s5yqFgPltTVMq87wCLcBGAsYHQ/s1440/2020%2BNissan%2BZ%2BPrototype%2B3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="901" data-original-width="1440" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_Jii5MdDWhQ/X2Hvn9AoKWI/AAAAAAAA0hU/r9xxHH7v_4Iuo-DQ6s5yqFgPltTVMq87wCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/2020%2BNissan%2BZ%2BPrototype%2B3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BxbIKdj9kKk/X2Hv0RTTFoI/AAAAAAAA0hc/Q8auN0P1Dv8yNgMUYSmmwvIIQuhhMJOEwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1440/2020%2BNissan%2BZ%2BPrototype%2B4.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="901" data-original-width="1440" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BxbIKdj9kKk/X2Hv0RTTFoI/AAAAAAAA0hc/Q8auN0P1Dv8yNgMUYSmmwvIIQuhhMJOEwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/2020%2BNissan%2BZ%2BPrototype%2B4.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">A part of that could be due to the fact the new Z pays homage to the Z cars of the past, old and new. The silhouette is where the influence is most obvious – the way in which the A-pillars rise and the roof starts tapering down immediately afterwards until it reaches the low-slung rear end. Likewise, the teardrop-shaped headlights are an ode to the original 240Z while the horizontal taillight bars set into a full-width black panel are a modern interpretation of the ones found on the 300ZX. Adding further oomph are carbon-fiber accents on the front lip, side skirts and rear valance, dual exhaust tips and striking 19-inch wheels. The large, rectangular grille up front - reminiscent of the current 370Z - is the only design element that doesn't look convincing enough.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nYpUkGTHdgM/X2HkllTE7zI/AAAAAAAA0hE/U3746pY9M88rFfArcwz8_4StjCmGoFwBACLcBGAsYHQ/s1440/2020%2BNissan%2BZ%2BPrototype_Interiors%2B1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1440" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nYpUkGTHdgM/X2HkllTE7zI/AAAAAAAA0hE/U3746pY9M88rFfArcwz8_4StjCmGoFwBACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/2020%2BNissan%2BZ%2BPrototype_Interiors%2B1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">The interiors follow the same ‘retro homage’ theme with modern niceties like a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and the obvious touchscreen infotainment system. A trio of auxiliary gauges on the dash – a Z trait – remain, angled towards the driver. Bright yellow accents are found throughout the cabin, matching the lovely pearlescent yellow shade the car comes painted with. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Packing a punch under the hood is a twin turbo V6 engine paired with a 6-speed manual transmission that channels the power to the rear wheels. While no other specifications have been released, Nissan did drop a hint in its press release with the statement “Each new generation had a more powerful engine”. That ties up nicely to the 400Z rumors floating around!</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Whatever that is, the mere fact that an all-new Z is on the way is good news. From the looks of it, the new Z is everything we enthusiasts wanted. The wait begins!</span></p>Aravind Rameshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06011949894210487722noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4601212118526029438.post-66333160294363522962020-09-09T19:31:00.001+05:302020-09-09T19:31:55.091+05:30Jeep Grand Wagoneer Concept previews the brand's upcoming flagship<p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-C_CZIu72xI8/X1je-pUQb2I/AAAAAAAA0VU/okzRF8kr5To-VvBUq0z1AM_qSElfB8O_QCLcBGAsYHQ/s1440/2020%2BJeep%2BGrand%2BWagoneer%2BConcept%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="901" data-original-width="1440" height="250" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-C_CZIu72xI8/X1je-pUQb2I/AAAAAAAA0VU/okzRF8kr5To-VvBUq0z1AM_qSElfB8O_QCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h250/2020%2BJeep%2BGrand%2BWagoneer%2BConcept%2B1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Jeep has been FCA's knight in shining armour for the last decade or so, riding high on the back of a slew of macho-looking, go-anywhere models tailor-made to take advantage of the SUV boom that gripped the industry. Now, in its quest to venture upmarket, Jeep is bringing back its storied 'Wagoneer' moniker that will be applied on a portfolio of vehicles that, the brand claims, will redefine "American premium".</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">The Grand Wagoneer Concept shown here likely previews the flagship Grand Wagoneer that will be joined by a not-so-expensive and not-as-luxurious Wagoneer. These will sit atop Jeep's line-up when they go on sale sometime in 2021.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Launched in 1963 under the ownership of Kaiser Jeep Corporation, the original Wagoneer pioneered the luxury 4WD niche at a time when rivals General Motors, Ford, International Harvester and Land Rover were churning out utilitarian off-road vehicles with spartan interiors. That it remained in production - with just minor changes - until 1991 is a testimony to the fact Jeep got the formula right.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">If the Grand Wagoneer ends up looking like this concept - which, in all likelihood, it will - Jeep has got it right again. 30 years later!</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-q907yuzzEIQ/X1jfHpu2r9I/AAAAAAAA0VY/6dIGWmcHS3QcPaGkpSBDnc5b2f5Oq9o8QCLcBGAsYHQ/s1440/2020%2BJeep%2BGrand%2BWagoneer%2BConcept%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="901" data-original-width="1440" height="250" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-q907yuzzEIQ/X1jfHpu2r9I/AAAAAAAA0VY/6dIGWmcHS3QcPaGkpSBDnc5b2f5Oq9o8QCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h250/2020%2BJeep%2BGrand%2BWagoneer%2BConcept%2B2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3LBX9YBMsRY/X1jfPMgmuTI/AAAAAAAA0Vg/npd5aC65HR0fczDD-kdcB95jnTBBtVciQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1440/2020%2BJeep%2BGrand%2BWagoneer%2BConcept%2B3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1440" height="250" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3LBX9YBMsRY/X1jfPMgmuTI/AAAAAAAA0Vg/npd5aC65HR0fczDD-kdcB95jnTBBtVciQCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h250/2020%2BJeep%2BGrand%2BWagoneer%2BConcept%2B3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Despite steering clear of the 'oversized grilles' trend that has gripped most new cars these days, the Grand Wagoneer looks bold and imposing when viewed up front. Thank the familiar 7-slot grille that's now narrow and finished in "Obsidian Black". Book-ending the grille are narrow LED headlights with teak wood detailing. A full-width light bar and raised and illuminated 'Wagoneer' lettering add to the bling quotient. In profile, those flared, trapezoidal wheel arches and large, body-coloured pillars accentuate the size of the Grand Wagoneer with the design around the D-pillar standing out. The rear mimics the front with full-width light bars and thin tail-light clusters book-ending a recessed license plate holder.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">If the exteriors don't impress you, the interiors surely will. Jeep has gone all out to make sure the Grand Wagoneer Concept is seen as a legitimate rival to the Cadillac Escalade and <a href="http://anything-on-wheels.blogspot.com/2016/03/2016-new-york-lincoln-navigator-concept.html" target="_blank">Lincoln Navigator</a>. </span></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-waKMX383hkQ/X1jfeLaOYsI/AAAAAAAA0Vo/Mv-r0V4e3-EvUXF7lrYK6Oa2ENVZzVIxQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1440/2020%2BJeep%2BGrand%2BWagoneer%2BConcept_Interiors%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="901" data-original-width="1440" height="250" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-waKMX383hkQ/X1jfeLaOYsI/AAAAAAAA0Vo/Mv-r0V4e3-EvUXF7lrYK6Oa2ENVZzVIxQCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h250/2020%2BJeep%2BGrand%2BWagoneer%2BConcept_Interiors%2B1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-acF7UNXfwzA/X1jfjyflhuI/AAAAAAAA0Vw/fY_959PIooQhhTO8C6Kvpt1bGks28LcRACLcBGAsYHQ/s1440/2020%2BJeep%2BGrand%2BWagoneer%2BConcept_Interiors%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="898" data-original-width="1440" height="250" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-acF7UNXfwzA/X1jfjyflhuI/AAAAAAAA0Vw/fY_959PIooQhhTO8C6Kvpt1bGks28LcRACLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h250/2020%2BJeep%2BGrand%2BWagoneer%2BConcept_Interiors%2B2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">The cabin is well-styled, well-appointed with lots of sustainable material used for its construction and rich in tech with a grand total of - believe it or not - 7 touchscreens spread across two rows controlling the infotainment and other functions. There's one ahead of the driver, two on the center console, one ahead of the front passenger, two mounted on the front seat headrests and one on the floor console ahead of the second row. Phew! By the way, the flagship Jeep gets a 23-speaker McInstosh audio system.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Jeep has not revealed much more on the new Wagoneer range including power-train specifications. What's been said though is this concept is a plug-in hybrid, so it's safe to assume the Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer will offer some sort of electrification at launch. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Not just Chevrolet and Ford, it's time even Cadillac and Lincoln roll their sleeves up and get ready for the fight. Here I come, says Jeep!</span></p>Aravind Rameshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06011949894210487722noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4601212118526029438.post-49760179266554749272020-09-05T10:55:00.002+05:302020-09-05T10:55:54.882+05:30A trio of EV crossovers have started India's electric car revolution<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">It might take years (or even decades!) before electric cars push over their internal combustion engine counterparts in India but the foundation for that to happen is well and truly set. And a trio of electric crossovers - or SUVs, as some call them - are driving this change.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-A48QPVEeTno/X1Mfq6Aks2I/AAAAAAAA0Oc/Z1lvkRtCI_ALLz6DCVRl_A87fUfcdFMFACLcBGAsYHQ/s900/2020_India%2527s%2BEV%2BRevolution%2Bhas%2Bstarted.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-A48QPVEeTno/X1Mfq6Aks2I/AAAAAAAA0Oc/Z1lvkRtCI_ALLz6DCVRl_A87fUfcdFMFACLcBGAsYHQ/w320-h320/2020_India%2527s%2BEV%2BRevolution%2Bhas%2Bstarted.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Tata's Nexon EV, MG's ZS EV and Hyundai's Kona Electric have managed what Mahindra Electric - despite it's 10-year head-start - couldn't. Yes, Mahindra took over the erstwhile Reva Electric Car Company in 2010! Reva, lest you forget, has been around for even longer with Chetan Maini launching his pint-sized toy-ish electric car way back in 2001. What a lead this, to be squandered!</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Let's get back to this trio. Their success hinged on their ability to garner the attention of the car-buying public by legitimately staking claim as 'no-compromise' urban run-abouts. That they managed to do it overcoming monumental challenges like lack of charging infrastructure, limited awareness and range anxiety is remarkable.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Look at their spec sheets and you'll know why I called them 'no-compromise' offerings.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TE27JtxNNko/X1Mf-fvPfRI/AAAAAAAA0Ok/Ze2nS59fWUM4sz-OqfG7y2VkFVr19by1QCLcBGAsYHQ/s1440/2020%2BTata%2BNexon%2BEV%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="902" data-original-width="1440" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TE27JtxNNko/X1Mf-fvPfRI/AAAAAAAA0Ok/Ze2nS59fWUM4sz-OqfG7y2VkFVr19by1QCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/2020%2BTata%2BNexon%2BEV%2B1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">The Nexon EV is the most-affordable and consequently the top-seller of this bunch with Tata recently celebrating the roll-out of 1000th Nexon EV. Priced between INR 13.99 - 15.99 Lakhs, the Nexon EV has a 30.2 kWh battery with an ARAI-certified range of 312 km on a single charge. Plugged into a regular 15A socket, the Nexon EV would bump it's battery up from 10 to 90% in 8.5 hours. With CCS2 fast charging, it would take just an hour for the battery to go from 0 to 80%. Even assuming an usable real-world range of just over 200 km, the Nexon EV has hit a sweet spot in the price-range equation. That, along with it's funky looks, class-leading safety and solid build, enhances the Nexon EV's appeal.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">The other two are more closely matched and a cut above the Tata, both in terms of pricing and specifications. Surprisingly, it's MG that won against Hyundai's might.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-k4IzlpX67ow/X1MgKvgVwkI/AAAAAAAA0Oo/pn8wM5-VQRIWY9hCVVnzBKa0ewV0Vq3nACLcBGAsYHQ/s1440/2020%2BMG%2BZS%2BEV%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="901" data-original-width="1440" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-k4IzlpX67ow/X1MgKvgVwkI/AAAAAAAA0Oo/pn8wM5-VQRIWY9hCVVnzBKa0ewV0Vq3nACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/2020%2BMG%2BZS%2BEV%2B1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Hot on the heels of Hector's success, MG launched the ZS EV in India with ex-showroom prices ranging between INR 19.88 - 23.58 Lakhs. Equipped with a bigger 44.5 kWh battery and an ARAI-certified range of 340 km, the ZS EV gets multiple charging options. The portable charger that comes along with the car can be plugged into any 15A socket and takes 16-18 hours to juice up the battery from 0 to 80%. The same can be done in 6-8 hours by opting for AC fast chargers and just 50 minutes with DC fast chargers installed in MG dealerships. Road Site Assistance facility for mobile charging support is also available in case of an emergency. The ZS EV's appeal lies in it's all-round capability. Good-looking? Check. Feature-loaded? Double check. Panoramic sunroof? Hell yeah!</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pu5lisrRy4Q/X1MgVLtkMLI/AAAAAAAA0Ow/ojwIVpaeLd4a82ro6qmnJVcR-HGcytqcQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1440/2020%2BHyundai%2BKona%2BElectric%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="899" data-original-width="1440" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pu5lisrRy4Q/X1MgVLtkMLI/AAAAAAAA0Ow/ojwIVpaeLd4a82ro6qmnJVcR-HGcytqcQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/2020%2BHyundai%2BKona%2BElectric%2B1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">That brings us to the <a href="http://anything-on-wheels.blogspot.com/search?q=kona+electric" target="_blank">Kona Electric, India's first EV crossover</a> and the first-ever EV in the country that offered range in excess of 100 km when it was launched just over a year ago. With a pan-India ex-showroom price of INR 25.30 Lakhs, the Kona Electric has a 39.2 kWh battery with an ARAI-certified range of 452 km. In real-world conditions, that could drop to a little over 300 km, still a mighty impressive number. Time taken to recharge the battery to 100% is a little over 6 hours with an AC charger. Just like MG, Hyundai provides fast-charging DC charges and emergency mobile charging support. It's quirky styling and relatively higher pricing apart, there's nothing quite to fault with the car. The Kona Electric would have sold in higher numbers if MG had not stolen the limelight from the Hyundai within months of it's launch. That the Kona Electric is in high demand globally doesn't help either with allocation to Hyundai India apparently hard to come by.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">With all three tasting success, it's clear Indians aren't averse to owning electric cars. Give us an EV that isn't a compromise and were prepared to put our money on it. Hyundai, MG and Tata have effectively ensured other car-makers don't have to think twice to launch their EVs in India. So, who's next then?</span></p>Aravind Rameshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06011949894210487722noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4601212118526029438.post-68975650325465099762020-09-03T09:33:00.002+05:302020-09-16T15:32:43.833+05:30Mercedes-Benz unveils the all-new S-Class<p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2a1SC4B4LUE/X1Bjqylg5bI/AAAAAAAA0KI/OOW6oqzCUqQ7Xq_7jsYBSJQJQZwYaocEgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1440/2021%2BMercedes-Benz%2BS-Class%2B1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="901" data-original-width="1440" height="205" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2a1SC4B4LUE/X1Bjqylg5bI/AAAAAAAA0KI/OOW6oqzCUqQ7Xq_7jsYBSJQJQZwYaocEgCLcBGAsYHQ/w328-h205/2021%2BMercedes-Benz%2BS-Class%2B1.jpg" width="328" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">This is it, folks. An all-new avatar of what’s widely regarded as the best car in the world has just been unveiled. Say hello to the new <a href="http://anything-on-wheels.blogspot.com/2013/05/mercedes-benz-takes-wraps-off-all-new-s.html" target="_blank">Mercedes-Benz S-Class</a>!</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">This is a significant unveiling for more than one reason. Firstly, the S-Class is the world's best-selling full-size luxury sedan. Mercedes-Benz's flagship is also the gold standard against which rivals measure themselves. More crucially, Daimler believes this is the car that is going to bring Mercedes-Benz back to profitability as it battles a demand slump inflicted by the COVID-19 pandemic as well as disruptions in the form of Electric Vehicles.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">So, what's new in the all-new S-Class? Let’s dig into the details and find out. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Elegance personified. As always.</b></span> </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Right from the W116 series in the seventies to the outgoing W222 series, S-Class has always been the very definition of automotive elegance. The new model is no different. </span></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zaGHZT-GvGg/X1Bj_TPNWdI/AAAAAAAA0KQ/9Xb4B-1OaZY_FV0lx6z630JyiXspCtwoQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1440/2021%2BMercedes-Benz%2BS-Class%2B2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="898" data-original-width="1440" height="204" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zaGHZT-GvGg/X1Bj_TPNWdI/AAAAAAAA0KQ/9Xb4B-1OaZY_FV0lx6z630JyiXspCtwoQCLcBGAsYHQ/w328-h204/2021%2BMercedes-Benz%2BS-Class%2B2.jpg" width="328" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tdKXMC3R_Oo/X1BkILHawVI/AAAAAAAA0KU/RO4-Kcd6uhITMcYhb7cCtERc-NL-gP8cACLcBGAsYHQ/s1440/2021%2BMercedes-Benz%2BS-Class%2B3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="894" data-original-width="1440" height="203" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tdKXMC3R_Oo/X1BkILHawVI/AAAAAAAA0KU/RO4-Kcd6uhITMcYhb7cCtERc-NL-gP8cACLcBGAsYHQ/w328-h203/2021%2BMercedes-Benz%2BS-Class%2B3.jpg" width="328" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Up front, the trapezoidal grille has grown in size but, thankfully, not as much to intimidate onlookers like in some of it's rivals. The long, sculpted hood, the cab-rearward stance, the stretched wheelbase and the short, stubby rear give the car proportions to die for. Exquisitely-detailed LED headlights, triangular two-section LED taillights, door handles that sit flush with the body and subdued character lines on either side further add to the appeal.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Despite its size, the S-Class continues to be a wind-cheater with a co-efficient of drag of just 0.22, making it one of the world's most aerodynamic cars. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><b>High on tech. High on luxury.</b></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Those two statements could be short but they pretty much sum up the cabin of the all-new S-Class. The technologically-advanced cabin screams opulence any which way you look at and will leave no room for owners to complain. </span></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NP5xrb5uB9Q/X1BkmjbT5DI/AAAAAAAA0Kk/QYQmmu7zWVgqKNMA_w2a_KoYy0Z8doABgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1440/2021%2BMercedes-Benz%2BS-Class_Interiors%2B1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1440" height="205" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NP5xrb5uB9Q/X1BkmjbT5DI/AAAAAAAA0Kk/QYQmmu7zWVgqKNMA_w2a_KoYy0Z8doABgCLcBGAsYHQ/w328-h205/2021%2BMercedes-Benz%2BS-Class_Interiors%2B1.jpg" width="328" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">The dashboard embraces minimalism with a huge 12.8-inch OLED infotainment screen dominating the proceedings. While the driver gets a 12.3-inch 3D digital instrument cluster providing him with vital information, the rear passengers get their own touchscreens mounted on each of the two front seat backs as well as an armrest-mounted tablet. Mercedes-Benz's second-generation MBUX infotainment system powers these screens with more emphasis placed on voice and gesture controls rather than physical buttons. The car uses fingerprint, face and voice recognition to authenticate the occupants and adjust settings automatically. The screens can be personalized with a choice of four display styles (Discreet, Sporty, Exclusive, Classic) and three modes (Navigation, Assistance, Service).</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-T8FDMqGsEL8/X1Bkz3ZJAVI/AAAAAAAA0Ko/l4OFPAW2KR4pEQbhZuFy4UmNlVUZQGQzwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1440/2021%2BMercedes-Benz%2BS-Class_Interiors%2B2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1440" height="205" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-T8FDMqGsEL8/X1Bkz3ZJAVI/AAAAAAAA0Ko/l4OFPAW2KR4pEQbhZuFy4UmNlVUZQGQzwCLcBGAsYHQ/w328-h205/2021%2BMercedes-Benz%2BS-Class_Interiors%2B2.jpg" width="328" /></a></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JP7lLQdofSE/X1Bk8FMkGdI/AAAAAAAA0Kw/XgG68BVcm24XNn36H-ywPuUXDZpQR-2ZACLcBGAsYHQ/s1440/2021%2BMercedes-Benz%2BS-Class_Interiors%2B3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="901" data-original-width="1440" height="205" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JP7lLQdofSE/X1Bk8FMkGdI/AAAAAAAA0Kw/XgG68BVcm24XNn36H-ywPuUXDZpQR-2ZACLcBGAsYHQ/w328-h205/2021%2BMercedes-Benz%2BS-Class_Interiors%2B3.jpg" width="328" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">The seats - or rather plush thrones - don't just score on the luxury factor. Each of them have loads of tech inside. For instance, the driver's seat has up to 19 motors and actuators, four airbags and two exciters (resonance transmitters) incorporated within. Apart from every possible way of adjustment, there is a choice of 10 massage programs to choose from. Imagine winding up on this after a long and tiring day. Bliss, isn't it?</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KT5P_I1_0iw/X1BlOvjsvOI/AAAAAAAA0K8/QBBSFDpqL2YstXrBkwyQHltFPxPePRbYACLcBGAsYHQ/s1440/2021%2BMercedes-Benz%2BS-Class_Interiors%2B4.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="901" data-original-width="1440" height="205" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KT5P_I1_0iw/X1BlOvjsvOI/AAAAAAAA0K8/QBBSFDpqL2YstXrBkwyQHltFPxPePRbYACLcBGAsYHQ/w328-h205/2021%2BMercedes-Benz%2BS-Class_Interiors%2B4.jpg" width="328" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">The equipment list include an active ambient lighting system which employs 263 LEDs, a 31-speaker Burmester 4D surround-sound system, Air Balance active fragrancing and ionization package and an Energizing Comfort function that detects stress level of occupants from linked smart devices and recommends one of the many available fitness or wellness programs. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>V12 is gone but engine options are aplenty</b></span> </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">The mainstay of the new S-Class' power-train lineup is a pair of 3.0-liter, in-line six-cylinder engines. The petrol is available in two states of tune - 367 horsepower and 500 Nm in the S450 and 435 horsepower and 520 Nm in the S500 - both assisted by a 48-volt 'EQ Boost' mild-hybrid system. The diesel also has two states of tune - 286 horsepower and 600 Nm in the S350d and 330 horsepower and 700 Nm in the S400d. A 9-speed automatic transmission is standard across the line-up while all variants except the S350d get the 4MATIC all-wheel-drive system as standard.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Five drive modes are on offer - ECO, COMFORT, SPORT, SPORT+ and INDIVIDUAL - that lets the driver modify the power-train, suspension, steering and ESP characteristics.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SA405aozsEU/X1BlnbxTimI/AAAAAAAA0LE/FBWk1o0aaAEfV3pNhA56tTEqnmw3BNz4wCLcBGAsYHQ/s1440/2021%2BMercedes-Benz%2BS-Class%2BPlug-in%2BHybrid%2B1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1440" height="205" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SA405aozsEU/X1BlnbxTimI/AAAAAAAA0LE/FBWk1o0aaAEfV3pNhA56tTEqnmw3BNz4wCLcBGAsYHQ/w328-h205/2021%2BMercedes-Benz%2BS-Class%2BPlug-in%2BHybrid%2B1.jpg" width="328" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">A V8 engine option would join the line-up shortly afterwards as will a plug-in hybrid version with an electric-only range of 100 km. For the first-time ever, the S-Class would also spawn an all-electric version - the EQS - a ground-up luxury electric sedan that will rival the Tesla Model S.</span><span style="font-family: verdana;"> </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">The S-Class also has a party trick - a steerable rear axle that allows the rear wheels to turn as much as 10 degrees. At parking speeds, the rear wheels turn in the opposite direction to the front wheels for added maneuverability while at speeds in excess of 60 km/h, they turn in the same direction as the front wheels for added stability. The E-ACTIVE BODY CONTROL suspension works in tandem with ROAD SURFACE SCAN and CURVE functions to predict surface undulations and adjust settings accordingly.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><b>Top-notch safety guaranteed</b></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">One of the hallmarks of the S-Class over the years has been the way it kept pushing the safety envelope. What you see in the S-Class today is what you'll get in cars like the Toyota Corolla and Honda Civic five years down the line. The new S-Class does the same thing. Yet again.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tncGoGySVEU/X1Bl9eUr5CI/AAAAAAAA0LM/sY70MYpuwHUnHmYKunvtKuBXovMJqrHUACLcBGAsYHQ/s1920/2021%2BMercedes-Benz%2BS-Class_Safety%2B1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1920" height="205" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tncGoGySVEU/X1Bl9eUr5CI/AAAAAAAA0LM/sY70MYpuwHUnHmYKunvtKuBXovMJqrHUACLcBGAsYHQ/w328-h205/2021%2BMercedes-Benz%2BS-Class_Safety%2B1.jpg" width="328" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">S-Class' armoury include a lightweight aluminium hybrid body-shell, hardened high-strength steel safety cell, MULTIBEAM LED headlights with 84 individual diodes, Digital Light system capable of projecting guidelines and warning symbols onto the road ahead, the first-ever frontal airbags for rear seat occupants in addition to the driver, passenger, curtain and belt airbags, Mercedes-Benz's standard PRE-SAFE suite with an innovative Impulse Side feature that raises the vehicle body by up to 80 mm when it detects an impending side impact and a new URBAN GUARD suite for all-round monitoring of the vehicle when parked. It even has the ability to locate and recover the vehicle in case of a theft.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">With hardware comprising of LiDAR, 4 multi-mode radar sensors, 1 long-range radar sensor, 1 multi-purpose camera up front, 4 close-range cameras for 360-degree vision and 12 ultrasonic sensors, the S-Class gets every conceivable driving assistance system out there. If the regulations permit, the S-Class also has a DRIVE PILOT feature that bestows the car with a SAE Level-3 autonomous driving capability.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><b>MBUX is improved and smarter</b></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Debuting in the new S-Class is the new and improved version of Mercedes-Benz User Experience - MBUX in short.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-M5S1I2S8IHY/X1BoF7VAbLI/AAAAAAAA0Lc/WJXIR2RUDIEyowC7SGnRC5A8q7gAzzS2wCLcBGAsYHQ/s1440/2021%2BMercedes-Benz%2BS-Class_MBUX%2B2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1440" height="205" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-M5S1I2S8IHY/X1BoF7VAbLI/AAAAAAAA0Lc/WJXIR2RUDIEyowC7SGnRC5A8q7gAzzS2wCLcBGAsYHQ/w328-h205/2021%2BMercedes-Benz%2BS-Class_MBUX%2B2.jpg" width="328" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UWX8yI61tfM/X1Bn9ZArP8I/AAAAAAAA0LY/EthHMnidcskx7AaskwC_vUlBADZ6BfHygCLcBGAsYHQ/s1440/2021%2BMercedes-Benz%2BS-Class_MBUX%2B1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1440" height="205" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UWX8yI61tfM/X1Bn9ZArP8I/AAAAAAAA0LY/EthHMnidcskx7AaskwC_vUlBADZ6BfHygCLcBGAsYHQ/w328-h205/2021%2BMercedes-Benz%2BS-Class_MBUX%2B1.jpg" width="328" /></a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GXwrQPzcusU/X1BoXCmBTjI/AAAAAAAA0Lo/OBvjypnusH8VVH1b04Hb_MxVl0l_L9tVACLcBGAsYHQ/s1440/2021%2BMercedes-Benz%2BS-Class_MBUX%2B3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1440" height="205" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GXwrQPzcusU/X1BoXCmBTjI/AAAAAAAA0Lo/OBvjypnusH8VVH1b04Hb_MxVl0l_L9tVACLcBGAsYHQ/w328-h205/2021%2BMercedes-Benz%2BS-Class_MBUX%2B3.jpg" width="328" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fMXzgCrN42c/X1BozlbUQMI/AAAAAAAA0L0/Z2P3eYq78SwosYUWuDtaYMEAYg5QIZuNwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1440/2021%2BMercedes-Benz%2BS-Class_MBUX%2B4.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="899" data-original-width="1440" height="205" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fMXzgCrN42c/X1BozlbUQMI/AAAAAAAA0L0/Z2P3eYq78SwosYUWuDtaYMEAYg5QIZuNwCLcBGAsYHQ/w328-h205/2021%2BMercedes-Benz%2BS-Class_MBUX%2B4.jpg" width="328" /></a></div><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">From the brilliant Head-Up Display with augmented reality tech to the INTERIOR ASSIST function that uses cameras to track occupant movements and proactively trigger certain functions and everything in-between including the infotainment system for every occupant of the car, the MBUX has every damn thing the S-Class offers in its control. As one of the images above suggest, it's a freaking computer inside!</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><b>Unmatched legacy</b></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Though the brand's association with luxury saloons date back to early 20th century, it wasn't until the 1956 220 S 'Ponton' Mercedes-Benz started using the letter 'S' on its luxury offerings. The <a href="http://anything-on-wheels.blogspot.com/2013/05/mercedes-benz-s-class-look-into-its.html" target="_blank">S-Class nomenclature</a> came into existence much later when the W116 series debuted in 1972.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FpGYdRo5jEg/X1BpPBRZyPI/AAAAAAAA0L8/d7HmMRmDEWEG6CUkR8ioSsPWm4NNRWKSACLcBGAsYHQ/s1920/2020_Mercedes-Benz%2BS-Class_Generations%2B1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1920" height="205" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FpGYdRo5jEg/X1BpPBRZyPI/AAAAAAAA0L8/d7HmMRmDEWEG6CUkR8ioSsPWm4NNRWKSACLcBGAsYHQ/w328-h205/2020_Mercedes-Benz%2BS-Class_Generations%2B1.jpg" width="328" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Since then, the S-Class has been pushing the boundaries of luxury, technology and safety with each successive generation. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">The all-new S-Class, code-named W223 (short wheelbase) and V223 (long wheelbase) internally, is now assigned with the unenviable task of building on the rich legacy while staying true to the heritage carefully built over decades. At first glance, the new S-Class seems more than prepared for it.</span></p>Aravind Rameshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06011949894210487722noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4601212118526029438.post-22391682422197816812020-08-23T10:13:00.000+05:302020-08-23T10:13:17.770+05:30Watch out for Genesis!<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">If there's one thing any brand worth it's salt strives for, it is to have a strong and distinct identity. If that's sorted, everything else usually fall in place. Genesis - Hyundai's luxury arm - has seemingly cracked this code after years of stuttering and misjudged decisions.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Before we get to that, let's not forget how it all began. <a href="http://anything-on-wheels.blogspot.com/2009/09/masterstroke-from-hyundai.html" target="_blank">Genesis started life as Hyundai's flagship model</a>, announcing the car-maker's intent to get into the high-stakes luxury space. The ingredients were all there - an exclusive rear-wheel drive platform, a gem of a V8 engine, sorted road manners siding towards comfort, acres of space, boatload of features and shockingly good value. But there was a problem - 'Brand Hyundai' wasn't even associated with premium, let alone luxury.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0RKeAn2jPMo/X0Hv-UHNLvI/AAAAAAAA0Ao/KCXbg82l2zYdsIlzi8jlcO3Ka2e-t1WgQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1440/2009%2BHyundai%2BGenesis%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="901" data-original-width="1440" height="205" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0RKeAn2jPMo/X0Hv-UHNLvI/AAAAAAAA0Ao/KCXbg82l2zYdsIlzi8jlcO3Ka2e-t1WgQCLcBGAsYHQ/w328-h205/2009%2BHyundai%2BGenesis%2B1.jpg" width="328" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">This confused identity led to a rare car that neither had its maker's logo up front nor a badge at the rear. Those fears, though, were unwarranted. The car debuted to critical acclaim and commercial success in its very first year of sale in major markets like South Korea and the United States of America. Clearly, the 'E-Class space and luxury for C-Class money' formula worked.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tKvm9MqnkU4/X0HwNxqHyVI/AAAAAAAA0As/IjKvrD26WIwYz06_6SvEyvBE5cu2MSt2QCLcBGAsYHQ/s1440/2010%2BHyundai%2BGenesis%2BCoupe%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1440" height="205" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tKvm9MqnkU4/X0HwNxqHyVI/AAAAAAAA0As/IjKvrD26WIwYz06_6SvEyvBE5cu2MSt2QCLcBGAsYHQ/w328-h205/2010%2BHyundai%2BGenesis%2BCoupe%2B1.jpg" width="328" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">It wasn't until the Coupe's debut in 2010 Hyundai mustered courage to affix it's logo and slap a 'Genesis' badge. The decision to <a href="http://anything-on-wheels.blogspot.com/2015/11/hyundai-decides-to-carve-off.html" target="_blank">spin Genesis off into a standalone luxury brand</a> came much later, almost at the end of 2015.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Having made that call, Hyundai should have gone the whole hog, giving Brand Genesis the space and identity it needed to pull in customers from the established luxury brands. Instead, they chose to first sell Genesis cars alongside entry-level models like the Accent before going back on their decision a couple of years later. The clean but generic styling of Genesis cars didn't help either, as the brand struggled to differentiate itself from the crowd.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Come 2020, Genesis is in a different league.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nIMEJznSbe4/X0HwnsCzp6I/AAAAAAAA0A4/BdFomiQowysM1VFfNbddhrG0pxONJ87VQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1440/2021%2BGenesis%2BG80%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="899" data-original-width="1440" height="205" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nIMEJznSbe4/X0HwnsCzp6I/AAAAAAAA0A4/BdFomiQowysM1VFfNbddhrG0pxONJ87VQCLcBGAsYHQ/w328-h205/2021%2BGenesis%2BG80%2B1.jpg" width="328" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4R_cQ54GRGM/X0Hw2X1e5QI/AAAAAAAA0A8/u22PFJZrwZ02G8fyY2zyym85JQP22N0_ACLcBGAsYHQ/s1440/2021%2BGenesis%2BGV80%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="899" data-original-width="1440" height="205" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4R_cQ54GRGM/X0Hw2X1e5QI/AAAAAAAA0A8/u22PFJZrwZ02G8fyY2zyym85JQP22N0_ACLcBGAsYHQ/w328-h205/2021%2BGenesis%2BGV80%2B2.jpg" width="328" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MhclDiK5VvA/X0HxAl-GtFI/AAAAAAAA0BE/rj6nfsBM33ciGHMXQRhKUa6WU08dBKgJQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1440/2021%2BGenesis%2BGV80%2BInteriors%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1440" height="205" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MhclDiK5VvA/X0HxAl-GtFI/AAAAAAAA0BE/rj6nfsBM33ciGHMXQRhKUa6WU08dBKgJQCLcBGAsYHQ/w328-h205/2021%2BGenesis%2BGV80%2BInteriors%2B1.jpg" width="328" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Under Luc Donckerwelke's supervision (who is no longer with Genesis), the brand has been successful in creating a design language that's both unique and impactful. Though there were hints along the way like the <a href="http://anything-on-wheels.blogspot.com/2018/03/2018-new-york-genesis-steals-show-with.html" target="_blank">stunning 2018 Essentia Concept</a>, those muscular lines and quad-lighting signature have lent themselves beautifully in the new third-generation G80 sedan and the all-new GV80, Genesis' first-ever SUV. The large crest-shaped grilles are in-your-face, no doubt, but that's sadly the norm these days. Plush, well-appointed interiors complement the stylish exteriors.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-O5vNXq0TY_Q/X0HxOfNWx2I/AAAAAAAA0BM/6iftHQOcv2AzEnaYFeLngLdGqxvQwJK2gCLcBGAsYHQ/s1440/2020_Gensis%2BSuji%2BStudio%2B%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="901" data-original-width="1440" height="205" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-O5vNXq0TY_Q/X0HxOfNWx2I/AAAAAAAA0BM/6iftHQOcv2AzEnaYFeLngLdGqxvQwJK2gCLcBGAsYHQ/w328-h205/2020_Gensis%2BSuji%2BStudio%2B%25281%2529.jpg" width="328" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cI_tWMObd1E/X0HxXi-R-lI/AAAAAAAA0BU/uLLIvb-BBgkyiw6aohx4d6FTvRWU6s2fwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1440/2020_Gensis%2BSuji%2BStudio%2B%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="901" data-original-width="1440" height="205" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cI_tWMObd1E/X0HxXi-R-lI/AAAAAAAA0BU/uLLIvb-BBgkyiw6aohx4d6FTvRWU6s2fwCLcBGAsYHQ/w328-h205/2020_Gensis%2BSuji%2BStudio%2B%25282%2529.jpg" width="328" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">The Koreans haven't stopped with just the cars. Standalone Genesis studios are being set up in major cities and posh localities worldwide like this one in Suji, just outside Seoul. Who wouldn't feel good stepping into such stores for getting to know their next car?</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Established luxury brands out there, watch out! Genesis is coming at you. Fast.</span></p>Aravind Rameshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06011949894210487722noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4601212118526029438.post-68413066010679818042020-08-16T19:06:00.004+05:302020-08-16T19:06:26.631+05:30All-new Mahindra Thar unveiled<p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_eXVkuE5dE0/Xzk0j49h4XI/AAAAAAAAzxc/TNdN5MrlMagRliB85LzMOu-CkR92e429QCLcBGAsYHQ/s1280/2020%2BMahindra%2BThar%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="801" data-original-width="1280" height="256" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_eXVkuE5dE0/Xzk0j49h4XI/AAAAAAAAzxc/TNdN5MrlMagRliB85LzMOu-CkR92e429QCLcBGAsYHQ/w410-h256/2020%2BMahindra%2BThar%2B1.jpg" width="410" /></a></div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">As India celebrated it's 74th Independence Day yesterday, Mahindra took the opportunity to unveil the all-new Thar. The iconic off-roader - now in its second generation - has been in the making for over three years and one of the most-anticipated new launches in the country.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Does the all-new Thar has what it takes to satisfy expectations and widen its appeal? Let's look at what's good and what's not to find out the answer.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: x-large;">Good: Killer looks. As always.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Mahindra has been a licensed manufacturer of the Willys 'CJ' (Civilian Jeep) since 1947. That explains why the Thar - based on Mahindra's CJ successors like the MM540 and the Classic - looks like an imitation of the Jeep Wrangler which boasts the original CJ's ancestry. </span></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CQv8V-zRRzg/Xzk02KrIVUI/AAAAAAAAzxk/BUDJ-nE2LCoWcjG6wJA7wYD8Kr8EspeIQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1280/2020%2BMahindra%2BThar%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="799" data-original-width="1280" height="256" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CQv8V-zRRzg/Xzk02KrIVUI/AAAAAAAAzxk/BUDJ-nE2LCoWcjG6wJA7wYD8Kr8EspeIQCLcBGAsYHQ/w410-h256/2020%2BMahindra%2BThar%2B2.jpg" width="410" /></a></div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">That said, there's something about the shape and stance of these vehicles that you can't not like. The new Thar is no different. Mahindra has safely retained the much-loved basic design elements while smartly changing just enough things to differentiate the Thar from the popular Jeep. Speaking of changes, the grille is one of those that turns out to be the only chink in an otherwise shining armour. </span></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-awoFwiqXkgM/Xzk19LoGwUI/AAAAAAAAzyA/L9c76W6_Hvg9O8jMh4iHj-P4F0j4gmUYACLcBGAsYHQ/s1280/2020%2BMahindra%2BThar%2B3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="801" data-original-width="1280" height="256" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-awoFwiqXkgM/Xzk19LoGwUI/AAAAAAAAzyA/L9c76W6_Hvg9O8jMh4iHj-P4F0j4gmUYACLcBGAsYHQ/w410-h256/2020%2BMahindra%2BThar%2B3.jpg" width="410" /></a></div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Despite archaic underpinnings, the previous Thar was quite a looker itself. The all-new model, with its wider track, longer wheelbase and macho lines, take it several notches higher. The three-piece bumpers at the front and rear extend on either side in the form of thick plastic cladding that are uniquely squared off at the front and circular at the rear. The long hood lead to a rather short cabin that ends with the B-pillar with a canvas or FRP roof covering the rest of the car. Shod with those striking gun-metal alloys with the roof down, the Thar is sure to attract as much attention on Indian roads as a supercar or exotic would!</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: x-large;">Good: Interiors are a quantum leap ahead</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">We have a Thar in the family and unless you're in the middle of a trail climbing over rocks and crossing water streams, it's cabin isn't likely to evoke positive emotions. If the pictures of the all-new Thar's interiors are anything to go by, it seems the car has taken a quantum leap over its predecessor on this aspect. </span></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-W4c1cieor_Q/Xzk1JVEq2JI/AAAAAAAAzxs/YhGfsBJXfeg2Lj0ySYx0Wk01I11Ppva7gCLcBGAsYHQ/s1280/2020%2BMahindra%2BThar_Interiors%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1280" height="256" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-W4c1cieor_Q/Xzk1JVEq2JI/AAAAAAAAzxs/YhGfsBJXfeg2Lj0ySYx0Wk01I11Ppva7gCLcBGAsYHQ/w410-h256/2020%2BMahindra%2BThar_Interiors%2B1.jpg" width="410" /></a></div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">The seats look properly bolstered, the center console gets a factory-fitted touchscreen infotainment system and switches and knobs aren't ergonomic disasters. From lacking basics like power windows, power-folding mirrors and central locking in the previous generation to being equipped with all of them plus steering-mounted controls, cruise control, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity and a colour multi-info display in the instrument cluster, the Thar has sure come a long way. That's not all. With roof-mounted speakers and IP54-rated switchgear, the entire cabin can be hosed clean after a day out in mud and water.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xEwe0LaZa4w/Xzk1XJhanbI/AAAAAAAAzxw/_Fo2JzHIa9cTKVzeuCqZSYutjGzTvm6CgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1280/2020%2BMahindra%2BThar_Interiors%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1280" height="256" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xEwe0LaZa4w/Xzk1XJhanbI/AAAAAAAAzxw/_Fo2JzHIa9cTKVzeuCqZSYutjGzTvm6CgCLcBGAsYHQ/w410-h256/2020%2BMahindra%2BThar_Interiors%2B2.jpg" width="410" /></a></div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Two other major pain points of the outgoing Thar has been addressed too. Yes, you can now buy a Thar with forward-facing rear seats and a hard top! </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Mahindra's recent launches like the XUV3OO and Marazzo impressed with their safety kit and high scores on Global NCAP crash tests. The Thar appears to be next in-line for that glory. Safety kit includes dual airbags, Anti-lock Braking System with Electronic Brake-force Distribution, ISOFIX child seat mounts, Electronic Stablity Program (ESP) with roll-over mitigation, Hill-start and descent assist, rear view camera and three-point seat belts for the rear passengers. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: x-large;">Good: Great off-road, quite good on road too!</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Thar has always been a king off-road but the same can't be said about it on the road. Neither the car nor the occupants would be comfortable cruising on our highways. The all-new Thar appears to have turned the page. Unlike the previous generations, the new Thar offers more powertrain choices and improved underpinnings.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-m6UrupLKOtY/Xzk1kouGnZI/AAAAAAAAzx0/mj-7AB9zBjoRsQrYr-vnbAUoqZd5EQEswCLcBGAsYHQ/s1280/2020%2BMahindra%2BThar_Engines.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="1280" height="160" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-m6UrupLKOtY/Xzk1kouGnZI/AAAAAAAAzx0/mj-7AB9zBjoRsQrYr-vnbAUoqZd5EQEswCLcBGAsYHQ/w410-h160/2020%2BMahindra%2BThar_Engines.jpg" width="410" /></a></div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Powering it is either an all-new 2.0-liter 'mStallion' turbocharged petrol or the familiar 2.2-liter 'mHawk' common-rail diesel engine. The former produces 152 horsepower and 320 Nm of torque while the diesel generates 132 horsepower and 300 Nm of torque. Both these engines can be had with either a 6-speed manual gearbox or a 6-speed torque converter automatic transmission. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">A four-wheel-drive system comes as standard of course along with a manual-shift transfer case. By default, the torque is sent to the rear wheels only while 4H and low-range 4L ratios are available for those jaunts off the beaten path. With an unladen ground clearance of 226 mm, water-wading depth of 650 mm and approach, ramp-over and departure angles of 42, 27 and 37 degrees respectively, the Thar will be at home over such terrain.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">In addition to a new and improved body-on-frame chassis, the Thar has finally made the shift from the erstwhile archaic leaf-springs to a multi-link rear suspension. The bouncy ride-quality is hopefully a thing of the past. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: x-large;">Good: A 'brand-builder' done right</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6-MjjxnroLI/Xzk1wr_eZOI/AAAAAAAAzx8/F44uAWVkM14cfFZDi0wSWvvbe_vKfp6CwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1280/2015%2BMahindra%2BThar_Badge.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1280" height="256" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6-MjjxnroLI/Xzk1wr_eZOI/AAAAAAAAzx8/F44uAWVkM14cfFZDi0wSWvvbe_vKfp6CwCLcBGAsYHQ/w410-h256/2015%2BMahindra%2BThar_Badge.JPG" width="410" /></a></div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">There are a little over 60,000 Thars on Indian roads which isn't a big deal in terms of numbers. But the sheer popularity and brand recall this iconic off-roader boasts has got to be amongst the highest in Mahindra's line-up. There are so many out there who have always wanted a Thar but hasn't bought one due to its niche positioning and several limitations. With the all-new Thar, Mahindra wants to capitalize on this pent-up demand. The new Thar wouldn't look out of place in urban surroundings which can't be said about the previous models.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">In short, the new Thar has what it takes to be Mahindra's brand-builder. It could end up doing what the Classic series did for Royal Enfield - sell in hordes, mint money with handsome margins and boost the brand's image. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: x-large;">Not Good: This can't be your only car</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">With much-improved interiors, a full suite of active and passive safety features, better road manners, ride quality that's no longer back-breaking and a choice of engines and transmissions to pick from, the Thar is now more mainstream than it has ever been. But, Mahindra's newest still can't be the only car in the family. Here's why.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Firstly, access to the rear seats is not straightforward. The side-facing rear benches on the AX series can be accessed through the trunk as before while the front-facing rear seats in the LX series can only be accessed through the side doors by folding the front seats forward. Once you're in, the space there looks to be strictly limited. Boot space is non-existent with the rear seats up. It's evident the Thar is designed to be a lifestyle product. As a second or third car in the family for weekend fun and off-road outings, this is a no-brainer. As the only car in the family though, the Thar falls short. By a long shot.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">But then, for a car that looks so hot, who cares? Frowns from friends and family who frequent the rear seats can be ignored.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">The folks at Mahindra are clearly proud of the work they have done on the all-new Thar and it's "Made in India" heritage. Going by the response the car has generated in social media since its unveiling, it seems most of us Indians share the pride. And rightly so. Now, help me plan my finances to bring one home!</span></p>Aravind Rameshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06011949894210487722noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4601212118526029438.post-33043846908260253972020-08-09T09:46:00.005+05:302020-08-09T09:48:25.532+05:30Kia Sonet officially unveiled<p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-389Rx4FT4qQ/Xy91C7BBuNI/AAAAAAAAzjs/6DXweRJII9Yibr1Ijp78hNbJ1dSvCLSLwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1440/2020%2BKia%2BSonet%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="902" data-original-width="1440" height="257" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-389Rx4FT4qQ/Xy91C7BBuNI/AAAAAAAAzjs/6DXweRJII9Yibr1Ijp78hNbJ1dSvCLSLwCLcBGAsYHQ/w410-h257/2020%2BKia%2BSonet%2B1.jpg" width="410" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Kia took the wraps off the Sonet - it's all-new compact crossover - last Friday. When it goes on sale in September, the Sonet would join the Seltos and Carnival as the brand's third model for India.</span><span style="font-family: verdana;"> </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Is Kia on for a hat-trick here? To find out, let's look at all the things that are good in the Sonet and some that are not.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: x-large;"><b>Good: Kia is on a roll</b></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ARTVLesghdY/Xy91hosDtVI/AAAAAAAAzj0/EBQ7EhkyXnI_D9YtAzHhvBNKt6W6IWvkQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1440/2020_Kia%2BIndia%2BLineup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1440" height="256" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ARTVLesghdY/Xy91hosDtVI/AAAAAAAAzj0/EBQ7EhkyXnI_D9YtAzHhvBNKt6W6IWvkQCLcBGAsYHQ/w410-h256/2020_Kia%2BIndia%2BLineup.jpg" width="410" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Right from the get-go, Kia has been aggressive and bullish about India. From flooding the 2016 Auto Expo with its entire global line-up to setting up a manufacturing facility at Anantapur in record time, the South Korean brand announced its intentions loud and clear. Further reiterating that were the cars Kia chose to begin it's stint in the country.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Instead of the quicker and easier route of bringing in one of its existing global models, Kia put in the time and efforts to launch the Seltos. With a plethora of variants and a multitude of power-train choices priced from ₹ 10 Lakhs to as much as ₹ 21 Lakhs, the Seltos straddled three segments and raced to the top of the sales charts. In what was a smart move, Kia brought in the Carnival premium MPV next, a niche no other car-maker had the courage or enthusiasm to enter. The result? Kia now holds the distinction of selling 100,000 cars on Indian soil faster than any other brand.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">With the Sonet, Kia is clearly repeating the Seltos success formula in a smaller and more affordable package. Looks like a home run then, uh!</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: x-large;"><b>Good: High on style</b></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Kia's design team has been in top form of late. If you're in doubt, google Telluride and K5! The Sonet, though not in the same league, is stylish enough to attract eyeballs.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sxCY8lbZu9c/Xy915_FZQbI/AAAAAAAAzkA/PoWWKefSIKUIoe7IdDGf3__MP3oovYAqwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1440/2020%2BKia%2BSonet%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1440" height="256" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sxCY8lbZu9c/Xy915_FZQbI/AAAAAAAAzkA/PoWWKefSIKUIoe7IdDGf3__MP3oovYAqwCLcBGAsYHQ/w410-h256/2020%2BKia%2BSonet%2B2.jpg" width="410" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_atGG6WY9-A/Xy92HGkCKFI/AAAAAAAAzkE/eRJZe7jrac0FHWyHET7ilprrdA8vmjx3ACLcBGAsYHQ/s1440/2020%2BKia%2BSonet%2B3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1440" height="256" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_atGG6WY9-A/Xy92HGkCKFI/AAAAAAAAzkE/eRJZe7jrac0FHWyHET7ilprrdA8vmjx3ACLcBGAsYHQ/w410-h256/2020%2BKia%2BSonet%2B3.jpg" width="410" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Up front, the wide 'Tiger Nose' grille and the large air dam with brushed metal inserts make the Sonet look as imposing as it could be for its diminutive size. In profile, the Sonet sports mildly-flared wheel arches with plastic cladding and thick C-pillars with sharply-rising sheet metal. There is quite a lot happening at the rear with those snazzy taillights, the trim piece connecting them, multiple creases on the tailgate and the two-tone bumper with metallic inserts vying for attention. What steals the show though is the 'Heartbeat' LED lighting signature at the front and the rear.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SkuH-w_iE8E/Xy92X2eq2bI/AAAAAAAAzkQ/OHrIhaW0V400yE1MzpvMJ331nNvNOI3nQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1440/2020%2BKia%2BSonet_Interiors%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="901" data-original-width="1440" height="256" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SkuH-w_iE8E/Xy92X2eq2bI/AAAAAAAAzkQ/OHrIhaW0V400yE1MzpvMJ331nNvNOI3nQCLcBGAsYHQ/w410-h256/2020%2BKia%2BSonet_Interiors%2B1.jpg" width="410" /></a></div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">The interiors are just what you would expect from a Korean car - over-styled and feature-loaded. Standout elements include the in-vogue 10.25-inch floating touchscreen, the sporty 3-spoke flat-bottom seering wheel, the funky instrument cluster and large, vertical air vents. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: x-large;"><b>Not good: Sibling rivalry on the cards</b></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-libIZJDLdAE/Xy93RWnjl1I/AAAAAAAAzkc/Phw1N6xvbr0jklQbz0-RcP6h2evhv5nVgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1440/2020_Kia%2BLogo%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="901" data-original-width="1440" height="256" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-libIZJDLdAE/Xy93RWnjl1I/AAAAAAAAzkc/Phw1N6xvbr0jklQbz0-RcP6h2evhv5nVgCLcBGAsYHQ/w410-h256/2020_Kia%2BLogo%2B1.jpg" width="410" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Hyundai might own one-third of Kia but there is no love lost between the two brands when it comes to sales and market share. The Seltos, when launched a year ago, was aimed straight at the Creta and ended up eating into the latter's sales. That's no mean feat, given the Creta had fended off every single rival there was from 2015 before losing out to its sibling. With the all-new Creta launched this March, Hyundai managed to wrestle back to the lead. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">With the Sonet, the scenario is all set for a repeat albeit one segment below. Yes, Hyundai's Venue is one of the many rivals the Sonet has in its sights. And the Kia is entering the game with quite a few factors in its favour. The Sonet arguably looks better, has a longer feature list and gets the crucial diesel-automatic combination. Do the folks at Hyundai have an answer this time? Let's wait and watch. This sibling rivalry is fascinating to watch!</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Let's not forget the in-house fight brewing either! The Sonet has the potential to greatly cannibalize Seltos' sales. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: x-large;"><b>Good: A Sonet for everyone</b></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">When Kia launched the Seltos, it took a while for even the hardcore enthusiasts to figure out the many variants, engines, transmissions and trim levels on offer. Imagine how prospective customers would have felt trying to pick a Seltos variant for them. The Sonet, it appears, is heading down the same path. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">First up, there are two distinct appearance packages - Tech Line and GT Line. The latter, with it's bright red accents and all-black interiors, is aimed at those with sporting pretensions. Both these packages will have a range of trim levels to choose from. Then comes the powertrain choices. A trio of engines are on offer - a 1.2-liter petrol, a 1.0-liter turbocharged petrol and a 1.5-liter turbocharged diesel. Depending on the engine chosen, transmission options include a 5-speed manual, 6-speed manual, 6-speed clutchless Intelligent Manual Transmission (iMT), 6-speed torque converter automatic and a 7-speed Dual Clutch automatic transmission (DCT). Phew!</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Petrol or diesel? Manual or Automatic? Power or fuel efficiency? Beige or black interiors? Whatever your pick is, there's going to be a Sonet for you. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: x-large;"><b>Good: Fully loaded.. and some more!</b></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Most new cars are equipped with features and technology far beyond what we used to have just two years back. Just when we reconciled to the fact there would be no big surprises on that front, Kia has pulled a While that isn't surprising these days, Kia has taken it a notch or two higher. </span></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-L8eBPaanvl0/Xy93pY_5B0I/AAAAAAAAzkk/uwm-s-oDmZIRccTXD-76dGW_JY32OzsaACLcBGAsYHQ/s1440/2020%2BKia%2BSonet_Features.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1440" height="256" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-L8eBPaanvl0/Xy93pY_5B0I/AAAAAAAAzkk/uwm-s-oDmZIRccTXD-76dGW_JY32OzsaACLcBGAsYHQ/w410-h256/2020%2BKia%2BSonet_Features.jpg" width="410" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Who would have thought a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system with over 50 connected car features, ventilated front seats, cabin air purifier with virus protection, perfume dispenser, mood lighting and a wireless smartphone charger with cooling vents would be available on a compact SUV? Sonet's top-spec trim level gets all of these in addition to the regular list of features you would expect from a car of this size and price range. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Sonet scores in terms of safety too with six airbags, Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Vehicle Stability Management (VSM), Hill Assist Control (HAC), Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), ISOFIX child seat anchors and front and rear parking sensors.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: x-large;"><b>Not good: Late in a crowded space</b></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">It is clear the Sonet has a lot going for it. But there is one risk element that could work against it big time. Unlike the Seltos that had only the Creta to contend with and the Carnival which had no direct rivals to speak of, the Sonet is a late entrant to a crowded party. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Though Premier tried its luck with a rebadged Chinese car, it was Ford that truly kick-started this segment with the EcoSport, catching rivals off-guard. That was way back in 2013! Now, this is one of the hotly-contested segments in the Indian automotive industry with Maruti-Suzuki Vitara Brezza, Hyundai Venue, Tata Nexon, Mahindra XUV3OO, Honda WR-V and Mahindra TUV3OO fighting it out with the Ford. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">With Toyota's Vitara Brezza-based Urban Cruiser, Renault's Kiger and Nissan's Magnite slated to join the party soon, Kia is having its hands full.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fj_aUlclWwQ/Xy94KOih_jI/AAAAAAAAzkw/26dQpb7AjfQS9atch1tvNALktJ66DSMagCLcBGAsYHQ/s1440/2020%2BKia%2BSonet_Official%2BSketches.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1440" height="256" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fj_aUlclWwQ/Xy94KOih_jI/AAAAAAAAzkw/26dQpb7AjfQS9atch1tvNALktJ66DSMagCLcBGAsYHQ/w410-h256/2020%2BKia%2BSonet_Official%2BSketches.jpg" width="410" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">To sum up, the Sonet is not going to have it easy out there. But, the folks in Kia seem to have done their homework well and equipped the Sonet with all that's needed to fight and win over customers. It's fair to conclude Kia is staring at its third consecutive success story in India.</span></p>Aravind Rameshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06011949894210487722noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4601212118526029438.post-33213119214129383912020-07-20T19:04:00.001+05:302020-07-20T19:04:26.264+05:30Nissan Ariya debuts with a new brand logo and identity<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Nissan has been in the news for all the wrong reasons of late. This is not one of them. The Japanese car-maker took the wraps off it’s all-new, full-electric Ariya crossover and - along with it - a new brand identity. At first glance, there’s hardly anything to dislike. Has Nissan then hit the nail on its head? Let’s delve a bit and find out what’s good and what’s not so good about the Ariya. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Good: Ariya oozes appeal inside and out</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">When Nissan brought in the Ariya Concept at the 2019 Tokyo Motor Show, it came across the Ariya was shown in concept form at the 2019 Tokyo Motor Show, it came across as a sleek-looking crossover that looked contemporary without trying too hard. It's a good thing then the production model is literally unchanged from the concept. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Up front, a dramatic-looking glossy black panel - called the 'Shield' - takes center stage, housing Nissan's illuminated new logo and a textured panel underneath. Thin headlights underlined by LED running lights that extend downwards into the grille can't be missed either. The curvy profile is characterized by a prominent shoulder line that runs end-to-end and wraps around the rear where a full-width panel houses dark-tinted taillights. The sloping coupe-like roof-line, rather large integrated spoiler and those sharply-raked C-pillars lend the Ariya a strong sense of dynamism.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">If you thought that was impressive, the interiors elevate things further by a few notches. As is the norm these days, minimalism is the theme here with Nissan's designers doing away with most of the buttons and switches. Two 12.3-inch touchscreens for instruments and navigation are placed on top with a full-width trim housing air-conditioning vents below. The party trick here are the climate control functions that are housed in the wooden panel in the form of capacitive haptic switches. The stand-alone floor console between the front seats and the seamless integration of the dashboard with the door panels are the other highlights. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">When stand-alone Electric Vehicles from most rivals are still in their first generations, Nissan's Leaf is already in the second half of it's second generation. Launched way back in 2010, the Japanese brand's head-start in EVs gave its engineers a decade worth of experience to dig into. Its only fair to assume all that has been put to good use while working on the Ariya.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Two battery packs are available - a 63-kWh unit and a 87 kWh unit. Both of them can be had as two-wheel-drive or four-wheel-drive models. The former will have a solitary motor powering the front wheels and producing 215 horsepower and 300 Nm of torque. The latter will have two motors using Nissan's e-4ORCE system to channel 389 horsepower and a massive 600 Nm of torque to all four wheels. With all that torque available from the get go and twin motors providing the required balance, the four-wheel-drive Ariya should be quick and quite a hoot to drive. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The battery pack is placed quite low between the wheels for better Center of Gravity and is liquid-cooled unlike in the Leaf. Range for individual models hasn't been declared yet.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Not so good: Nissan has just hit the 'Reset' button</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Thanks to a combination of internal politics, questionable decisions on certain models in the portfolio, lethargy in some markets and unwarranted expansion in others, the last few years have not been kind to Nissan. The folks at the helm took cognizance and hit the reset button with the so-called NEXT strategy that focuses on rationalization and prioritizing core markets and models. Announced along with it was a plan to launch 12 new models in 18 months. How's this not good, you wonder? That's because Nissan shouldn't have gotten to this stage in the first place and an EV like Ariya needs all the backing it could possibly get to make a difference against rivals of Tesla's calibre.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">That said, it appears the recovery is on a fast track. In the last three months, an all-new Rogue (X-Trail in some markets) broke cover in the USA, Kicks got a refresh with an electrified powertrain in Japan and Thailand and here in India, Nissan unveiled the Magnite Concept that previews a compact SUV slated for launch in 2021. That brings us to the Ariya and the new brand identity that debuted alongside it. Did you notice the sleek and simplified Nissan logo etched proudly on the hood? Bodes well for the future of the brand, you think?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Good: Ariya is a tech tour-de-force</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">EV credentials aside, the Ariya comes loaded with a whole load of tech. For starters, the Ariya is capable of receiving over-the-air updates, the first Nissan ever to do so. The Japanese brand's advanced ProPILOT 2.0 driver assistance system is also part of the kit, offering hands-free driving capability under certain conditions with the help of twelve ultrasonic sonar sensors, seven cameras and five millimeter-wave radars. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In addition, the Ariya is equipped with a full active safety net including ProPILOT Remote Park, Around View Monitor, Driver Monitoring System, Forward Collision Warning, Intelligent Emergency Braking and Rear Automatic Emergency Braking amongst others.</span></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PoCoN7MOM-0/XxWXIivZqlI/AAAAAAAAzNw/rw2qhS2C6pQnlXU59OqZmg8isBdTt0DlQCPcBGAYYCw/s1600/2020%2BNissan%2BAriya%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1280" height="250" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PoCoN7MOM-0/XxWXIivZqlI/AAAAAAAAzNw/rw2qhS2C6pQnlXU59OqZmg8isBdTt0DlQCPcBGAYYCw/s400/2020%2BNissan%2BAriya%2B1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">To summarize, Nissan couldn't have launched a better model for its ride back to the top of the game than this. The Ariya looks stylish, sports an in-demand 'crossover' body-style, has a fabulous cabin and gets top-notch tech and safety kit to go against credible rivals like the Tesla Model Y and Ford's upcoming Mustang Mach-E. Watch this space, things are really heating up!</span></div>
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Aravind Rameshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06011949894210487722noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4601212118526029438.post-32528309535551276172020-07-14T21:05:00.000+05:302020-07-15T07:55:17.632+05:30Ford Bronco is back. And how!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">When it was introduced in 1966, Ford Bronco was one of the pioneers of the body-style we call ‘SUV’ today. Over the next 30 years and five generations, the Bronco developed a cult following in the American market only to be axed in 1996. After a 24-year hiatus, the iconic nameplate returns later this year with Ford unveiling the all-new Bronco range last evening to satiate hordes of American fans and loyalists who were starting to get really impatient waiting for this reveal.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Going against the legendary Jeep Wrangler, the born-again Bronco has it’s task cut out. Is Ford’s newest model up for the challenge? What’s good about it? What could have been better? Let’s find out. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Good: Bronco is now a sub-brand with 3 models</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">For most of it’s existence, the Bronco has been a standalone model. The Bronco II – that just shared the name but had completely different underpinnings and was made from 1980 to 1987 – was a notable exception. In it’s comeback though, the Bronco has grown into a whole sub-brand of sorts. The line-up comprises three models – the two-door Bronco, the first-ever four-door Bronco and the smaller Bronco Sport. None of them have the ‘Blue Oval’ logo up front. Instead, they have B-R-O-N-C-O written in a bold font across the grille. Bucking bronco logos are placed on the tailgate, steering wheel and gear-shifter, signaling the confidence Ford had in ‘Brand Bronco’.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">While the two Broncos are hardcore, body-on-frame off-roaders built off the Ranger platform, the Bronco Sport is an Escape-based monocoque for those who prefer the boxy look and feel but prefer car-like dynamics and can do with limited off-road capability. With the trio, Ford has expanded the reach of Bronco to a wider customer base that a standalone two-door model would have struggled to impress.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Good: Bronco’s retro-modern styling works</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Re-imagining an old classic is always an exercise akin to treading a thin line. A slip is all it takes to fall flat on your face. In that context, Ford’s designers have done a fab job with the new Bronco. </span></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7h_c2aEMmh0/Xw3M34pWdTI/AAAAAAAAzIw/u6vq1iWd5n4_qjI_6POYgziErNsR-l6_QCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/2021%2BFord%2BBronco%2B4-Door%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="798" data-original-width="1280" height="248" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7h_c2aEMmh0/Xw3M34pWdTI/AAAAAAAAzIw/u6vq1iWd5n4_qjI_6POYgziErNsR-l6_QCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/2021%2BFord%2BBronco%2B4-Door%2B1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The all-new Bronco looks faithful to the ‘classic’ 1966 model, yet is thoroughly contemporary. The boxy, squared-off looks with the wheels pushed off to the corners is macho, timeless and purposeful. The lighting signature up front, the nameplate writ large across the grille, the massively-flared and clad wheel arches, the A-pillar mounted rear view mirrors and frameless doors are the highlights. Both the two- and four-door models have modular roof sections and removable door panels , providing the occupants a quick and easy open air experience. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The Bronco Sport carries over a lot of the traits of the bigger siblings but has it’s own distinct identity. Exclusively available with a fixed roof and four doors, the baby Bronco carries the family flag proudly in its front lighting signature, the way the grille’s enclosure encompasses the headlights and those shoulder lines that kinks up just before it meets the C-pillar. The C-pillar itself has a different treatment, not very dissimilar to some Land Rover models of the past.</span></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-j9_rNRvCWFE/Xw3Ndc5cDcI/AAAAAAAAzJE/ivO2TzIWJLk1Wb5fSZy3YbU8NWqAX4q6gCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/2021%2BFord%2BBronco%2BSport_Interiors%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1280" height="250" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-j9_rNRvCWFE/Xw3Ndc5cDcI/AAAAAAAAzJE/ivO2TzIWJLk1Wb5fSZy3YbU8NWqAX4q6gCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/2021%2BFord%2BBronco%2BSport_Interiors%2B1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The interiors look the part too. The design is straightforward, no doubt, but the colours chosen for the upholstery give these mud-pluggers a plush look while the optional 12-inch touchscreen infotainment system with the latest SYNC 4 makes this a tech-rich cabin.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Built Wild they may be, as Ford calls them, there is no denying the fact the Broncos are handsome brutes!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Good: Broncos are purpose-built G.O.A.T vehicles</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">No, the GOAT here isn’t what you think it is. It means “Go Over Any Terrain” - a phrase that fits the Bronco to the tee and was coined for marketing the 1966 model. Ford’s venerable SUV has always been manufactured with an intent to take it’s occupants to places a regular automobile can’t dare enter. That purpose hasn’t changed one bit. The new Bronco, just like it’s arch-rival Jeep Wrangler, is designed to shine off-road. Be it bashing dunes, climbing rocks, fording water bodies or tackling slush, the Bronco twins are game for it. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">With a spec sheet that reads 295 mm ground clearance, 43.2° approach, 29° ramp-over and 37.2° departure angles and 850 mm water-fording capability when equipped with the optional, factory-fitted 35-inch wheels, option of an electronic, shift-on-the-fly transfer case with a 2.71:1 low ratio or an advanced unit with a 3.06:1 low ratio, Dana AdvanTEK independent front differential unit and Dana 44 AdvanTEK solid rear axle, it is clear Ford has given the Broncos hardware worthy of the G.O.A.T tag. Even the Bronco Sport, looking at Ford’s press images and videos, appear to be quite capable off-road albeit to a much-lesser extent. Depending on the variant, Bronco can offer up to seven terrain modes, cheekily called GOAT modes – Normal, Eco, Sport, Slippery and Sand, Baja, Mud/Ruts and Rock Crawl!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Trail Toolbox, a cheekily-named suite of tech features, are on offer to further elevate the off-road experience. This includes Trail Control (cruise control for low-speed trail driving), Trail Turn Assist (four-wheel torque vectoring to tighten off-road turning radii) and Trail One Pedal Drive (acceleration and braking controlled through a single pedal for more precise and confident rock crawling). </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Complementing those impressive hardware and software bits are the many thoughtful touches inside the cabin. From front wheel-mounted cameras that relay output to the dash-mounted touchscreen to tackle those tricky off-road sections better to the well-positioned grab handles, those seatback-mounted MOLLE hooks, washable rubberized floors with integrated drains, marine-grade vinyl seating surfaces and the exclusive Trail Mapping System with over 1,000 curated trail maps, every single detail has been thought through.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Best part is, even the Bronco Sport can flex its muscles off tarmac and has the utility hacks to take your outdoor gear with you. Just don’t take it to places where you would a Bronco!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Good: Surprise, there’s a manual transmission!</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The bigger Broncos have two engines on offer. The base is a 2.3-liter EcoBoost mill that churns out 270 horsepower and 420 Nm of torque. This engine can be paired to either a 7-speed manual transmission (6-speed manual with a crawler gear) or a 10-speed automatic transmission. For those who want more, the 2.7-liter EcoBoost V6 should do with its 310 horsepower and a whopping 542 Nm of torque. The V6 is exclusively mated to the 10-speed auto gearbox. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The Bronco Sport carries over the 1.5-liter 3-cylinder EcoBoost engine that now delivers 181 horsepower and 258 Nm of torque. The top-end Badlands trim and the First Edition get an exclusive 2.0-liter 4-cylinder EcoBoost good for 245 horsepower and 372 Nm of torque. A 8-speed automatic transmission and four-wheel-drive hardware are standard across the range. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Good: Bronco has a rich heritage</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Many new cars are launched every month but not all of them have a rich heritage. Bronco, though, has one to be proud of. Sure, the Bronco has never been a big-seller – a fact it’s cumulative sales of just over 1.1 million units across three decades and five generations would allude to. But the way in which the Bronco weaved itself into the American car culture in the seventies and eighties set it apart. In fact, it was this trait that landed Bronco a legion of fans and loyalists who swore by it and made vintage Broncos hot properties in used car showrooms and auction lots. Though Ford hasn't explicitly stated, the Bronco Sport, too, can be considered the spiritual successor to the Bronco II that was made between 1984 and 1990.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">If they play their cards right, Ford can build on this legacy to make the Bronco a super hit. So far, they are on the right track.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Good: There’s a Bronco for everyone</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Taking a cue from Jeep, Ford is betting big on customization options for the Bronco. When the first models start reaching dealerships later this year, there would be over 200 Ford-backed aftermarket accessories including some factory-branded ones that customers can opt for. In addition to that, Ford claims hundreds of customization opportunities right off the line to make every Bronco out there unique and different to the rest. From different door designs to choose from to overhead-mounted, silicon-sealed accessory switches with pre-wired leads, the Bronco is ready off the factory to head to your favourite tuner.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The same extends to Bronco’s pricing too. With pricing that extends from $29,995 for the Base two-door variant and goes all the way up to $64,995 for the four-door “First Edition”, there is a Bronco for everyone, literally! The smaller Bronco Sport has a more acceptable pricing delta – starting at $28,155 for the Base variant and ending at $39,995 for the ‘First Edition’. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Not so good: Is Bronco late to the Jeep party?</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Now, this is a tough one. Being one of the first SUVs ever made, Bronco had a head start no other rival could dream of. Jeep, of course, is an exception but remember, the Wrangler wasn’t called a Wrangler back then. In that sense, Bronco should have been the oldest SUV in production had Ford not stopped the model in 1996. Between then and now, demand for SUVs and high-riding wannabe SUVs (crossovers, in other words) shot through the roof with every car-maker building many of these to keep their cash registers ringing. Some, like Ford, have even taken a bold stance to cull every one of their cars and focus only on SUVs and crossovers. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">All this while, Jeep made merry with the Wrangler firmly establishing itself as the de-facto choice for hardcore off-roading enthusiasts. That’s the same set of folks the Bronco is out to impress now. Ford, without a doubt, is late to this duel.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Overall, Ford has hardly put a foot wrong so far with the Bronco. Yes, they could have launched this a few years ago but it's better late than never.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">If the interest shown for the numerous leaks and hundreds of articles on Bronco’s resurrection since the news leaked out in 2015 is anything to go by, the Bronco is well-armed to take the Wrangler head-on. Watch this space, this is going to be epic!</span></div>
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Aravind Rameshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06011949894210487722noreply@blogger.com0