Mahindra's upcoming MPV (Toyota Innova rival) caught testing

Ever since it set shop in India, Toyota has been owning the Multi Purpose Vehicle (MPV) segment, first with the Qualis, then with the Innova and of late with the Innova Crysta. Competitors have tried their very best but never managed to usurp Toyota one bit so far. All that could change once the vehicle featured in this post hits the market. 

Caught testing in the busy Chennai-Trichy National Highway, this camouflaged test mule is Mahindra's all-new MPV that's expected to take the Innova Crysta head on. Reportedly code-named 'U321' internally, Mahindra is betting big on this upcoming MPV without a doubt. Look closely and you will know why this could potentially turn out to be Innova's toughest rival till date. 

Despite wearing camouflage that reveals next to nothing, we quite like what we see here. 

The proportions, for instance, are much better than any MPV Mahindra has rolled out thus far. Unlike the crude-and-boxy Bolero or the bulky-and-awkward-from-certain-angles Xylo, this new MPV creates a positive impression from the word go. Though not to be seen in these spy shots, Mahindra's trademark grille with vertical slats is now smaller and sleeker like the one in the KUV1OO. The heavily-raked hood almost matches the slope of the front windshield, giving the MPV a clean silhouette. The tipped-forward stance and the rising windowline go with the theme as well. At the rear, the LED-equipped taillights look similar to the Renault Lodgy's but that's possibly due to the camouflage masking the shape of the lenses well. 

Another impressive aspect is the absence of unnecessary cuts and creases in the sheet metal. There is a strong character line that runs the length of the vehicle on either sides cutting through the door handles but that's pretty much it. There are none of those over-ambitious creases like those in the KUV1OO. Let's just hope it stays this way and Mahindra's design team don't go overboard and slap in attention-grabbing elements ahead of launch. The TUV3OO and the XUV5OO facelift have been mature attempts from the Indian brand and we trust this new MPV would be another step in that direction. 

The vehicle appears to be just the right size too. The two side-by-side shots taken alongside an Innova and an Innova Crysta show that the upcoming Mahindra MPV compares favourably with its arch-rival in terms of size. That should translate into a spacious cabin with decent space and comfort in the third row. 

Recent launches from Mahindra have had well put-together interiors and we expect the new MPV to go down that path as well with a cabin that's well-designed, well-equipped and well screwed-together. It better be as the Innova Crysta has taken the interior quality levels and feature list up several notches. 

Though Mahindra is still tight-lipped on the specifications, the 2.0-liter 'mHawk' diesel engine that does duty in the Scorpio and the XUV5OO could be the power of choice in this upcoming new MPV. The powerful and torquey turbocharged mill should have no problems lugging the people-mover. A Ssangyong-derived petrol engine is also reportedly under development. The new MPV is said to be based on an all-new monocoque platform and is therefore likely to be more accomplished in terms of its road-handling capabilities.

Putting all the bits and pieces together, this new MPV is turning out to be a formidable alternative to the Innova. With good looks, spacious interiors, a powerful and torquey diesel engine, an exhaustive feature list and much-improved ride and handling, Mahindra could actually end up tasting blood here. 

The only problem is MPVs are no longer in favour amongst the car-buying public. Will Mahindra buck the trend, attract the SUV-crazy population and make a hit out of this seemingly-formidable MPV? We have our fingers crossed.

Mahindra KUV1OO facelift spotted testing

Mahindra launched the KUV1OO early last year in an attempt to woo small car customers with SUV-like styling elements. Though it started off pretty well, the KUV1OO didn't exactly set the sales charts on fire as Mahindra hoped it would. In fact, the year-over-year sales figures have been on a steady decline for quite some time now. One obvious reason was the KUV1OO's odd-ball styling that didn't find favour with the conventional car-buying public in India.

It seems Mahindra has realized its folly and is trying to amend things. Spotted testing near Mahindra's Research Valley on the outskirts of Chennai yesterday, this heavily-camouflaged KUV1OO test mule indicates a facelift is on the cards for Mahindra's most-affordable vehicle. 

From the sole picture we captured, it appears the KUV1OO facelift would debut new alloy wheels with an ever-so-subtle change in design. Though this top-end variant is seen wearing 15-inch wheels, other variants could continue with undersized 14-inchers like they currently do. Also visible are subtle changes to the taillight lenses though the overall shape remains the same. As is the norm with facelifts like these, expect the bumpers, air dams and headlights to get a nip here and a tuck there. While they are at it, we hope the folks at Mahindra use this chance to tone down the KUV1OO's ungainly bits. 

Those extended eyelashes in the front fenders and the prominent creases that cut across the profile should go. Look closely beneath the camouflage and these elements are pretty much there, so they aren't going anywhere at the moment.

Interiors are likely to be spruced up a bit though we don't foresee significant changes to the overall design and equipment.  

The 1.2-liter petrol and diesel engines from the 'mFalcon' family are likely to continue in the facelift. While the petrol generates 82 horsepower and 115 Nm of torque, the diesel churns out 77 horsepower 190 Nm of torque. Both the engines transmit power to the front wheels through a 5-speed manual gearbox. With the growing acceptance of Automated Manual Transmissions (AMT), this facelift would be a good opportunity for Mahindra to plonk one in the KUV1OO. That should be fairly easy, given Mahindra has one in the TUV3OO already.

Though the launch date isn't confirmed yet, expect Mahindra to act swiftly and launch the KUV1OO facelift pretty early. Will the facelift improve the vehicle's prospects? Or, will the KUV1OO continue to remain a missed opportunity for Mahindra? Let's wait and watch.

Jeep Compass launched in India; base variant priced at a superb ₹14.95 Lakhs

After months of testing our patience, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) finally launched the much-awaited Jeep Compass in India today. Priced between ₹14.95 Lakhs and ₹20.65 Lakhs ex-showroom Delhi, Jeep’s first ‘Made in India’ product sports an aggressive price tag, especially the entry-level variant.

Available in three trim levels – Sport, Latitude and Limited, the Compass targets a wide spectrum of customers and price points. Two engines, a petrol and diesel, are on offer. While both are turbocharged, the former is a 1.4-liter TwinAir mill that generates 162 horsepower and 250 Nm of torque and the latter, a 1.20-liter MultiJet II that churns out 173 horsepower and 350 Nm of torque. Transmission options include a 6-speed manual or a 7-speed dual clutch automatic gearbox, the latter only available on the petrol variants. Similarly, four-wheel-drive and Jeep’s famous Selec-Terrain traction system are available only on the top-end diesel variant. So, there goes your dream of owning a Compass diesel with automatic transmission and four-wheel-drive option down the drain!

The variant glitches aside, the Compass is a compelling proposition from Jeep. 

It’s major draw, obviously, is its appealing styling. Jeep’s designers got it spot on in terms of balancing the brand’s rich heritage and styling cues with the current trend in the market. The trademark seven-slat grille flanked by simply-yet-classy wraparound headlights look as smart as ever while the tall hood and the bumper gives the Compass a mini Grand Cherokee look. In profile, typical Jeep traits like the flared and squared-off wheel arches and bold stance make quite an impression as does the classy chrome-lining on top of the windows. The rear is a bit underwhelming in comparison but that’s no reason for complaint. The Compass looks like a proper SUV and you don’t have to hear the common ‘hatchback-on-stilts’ comment ever again if you own one. 

Interiors are well-designed albeit lacking a wee bit in terms of visual appeal. That said, the Compass is well-loaded. Standard across the range are dual airbags, Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) with Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD), Traction Control System (TCS), Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Electronic Parking Brake, Isofix child-seat anchors, Electronic Roll Mitigation, Hill Start Assist, touchscreen infotainment system with built-in compass, Voice Commands and BlueTooth functionality. remote keyless entry, all season tyres, customizable 3.5-inch Driver Information Display, Driver Seat Height Adjust, 60/40 split rear seat and front and rear arm rests. 

As we progress higher, features like push-button start, cornering lamps, roof rails, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, dual-zone automatic climate control, 17-inch alloy wheels, scuff plates, bigger 7.0-inch touchscreen display, reverse park assist with camera, side and curtain airbags and dual-tone roof are part of the kit amongst others. 

We hear Jeep has worked hard in terms of localizing critical bits and pieces in the Compass which helped in bringing down the launch price. If true, that should also help potential owners by lowering the cost of ownership as well. 

Jeep also launched the Mopar sub-brand that will be responsible for after-sales and service of the Compass. Of the 50 dealerships operational across the country right now, 48 are Mopar-ready as of now. The count is rapidly increasing as well.

With 5,000 bookings garnered even before the official price announcement, the Compass has given Jeep’s parent Fiat a new lease of life in India. The car-maker’s plant at Ranjangaon, Pune would not only be manufacturing the Compass for domestic requirements but also for all Right Hand Drive markets worldwide. 

Amidst an outcry of criticism on the ambitious pricing strategy adopted by Jeep when they debuted the Wrangler and Grand Cherokee in India, there was one ray of hope in the form of the ‘Made-in-India’ Compass. That hope has now come true. Jeep has delivered and it's time we Indians pay them back!

Mercedes-Benz X-Class, the first-ever premium pick-up, debuts

Mercedes-Benz announced their much-awaited foray into the lucrative world of pick-up trucks, the first from a luxury car-manufacturer, with the X-Class making its global debut in Cape Town, South Africa last week. 

Following its unveiling as a concept in 2016, expectations around the 'Mercedes of pick-ups' were building up leading to the vehicle's debut. That wasn't a least bit surprising. Here was Mercedes-Benz aiming to combine the robustness, functionality and off-roading abilities we normally associate with a pick-up with the design, comfort and safety that the three pointed star is known for. Sounds perfect, right?

Now that the X-Class has been unveiled and the specifications are out, it's time to get our heads down and find what's good and what's not. Read on. 

The Good

When the Concept X-Class was unveiled at Stockholm last year, it left a lasting impression on account of its styling amongst other things. In its production form, the X-Class is obviously a bit toned down and more mainstream. Its neither as plush as the Stylish Explorer nor as hardcore as the Powerful Adventurer, the two distinct trims showcased in concept form. But that doesn't take anything away from yet another impressive work done by the design team at Mercedes-Benz. The Stuttgart-based brand has been going through a design-led transformation over the past few years and the X-Class is another fine feather added to their caps. 

The large twin-louvre grille adorned with the three pointed star, the peeled-back headlamps with the characteristic 'Mercedes' pinch on the insides and the high bonnet give the X-Class a typical Mercedes SUV look. Parked next to a GLC or GLE, the X-Class wouldn’t look out of place like most feared it would. The profile stays honest to the vehicle's origins with a raked-up rear window that’s possibly the only visual clue about the X-Class’ association with the Nissan Navara. Here again, Mercedes-Benz have done their bit with flared, squared-up wheel arches that impart a dynamic and rugged stance. The rear is relatively plain jane with the LED-equipped taillight clusters sprucing things up a bit. Think of it, the slim wrap-around LED strip like the one we saw in the Stylish Explorer Concept would have made a world of difference here, making the X-Class stand out. Our wishful thinking apart, Mercedes-Benz has got the look, feel and stance of the X-Class just right. There are no complaints here.

The Bad

The Mercedes-Benz X-Class is not destined to go on sale in the United States of America. Instead, the X is headed to Europe by the end of the year. South Africa, Australia and New Zealand would follow next in 2018 while Argentina and Brazil are likely to lay their hands on the truck beginning 2019. 

Sounds like sacrilege, doesn't it? After all, the US of A is the biggest market for these vehicles and the top-selling vehicle there for the last 35 years, the Ford F-Series, was one of the products Mercedes-Benz claims to have benchmarked while developing the X-Class. Before you go crazy asking "What were they thinking?", know that as much as Americans love pick-ups, they like their trucks full-size. The X-Class classifies as a mid-size truck, sales of which are just a fraction of the big-selling full-size trucks from Ford, GM and Chrysler. Moreover, the folks at Mercedes-Benz would have also taken note of the fact that Toyota, Honda and Nissan have been trying in vain to make an impact in this segment for decades. What chance would a new-comer to the segment have, the premium image notwithstanding?  

While we do sort of get our head around the decision taken by Mercedes-Benz, we feel the X-Class, in some form or the other, will be headed to the states at some point in future. You just can't have a pick-up in your portfolio and not sell it in the United States. Period.

The Good

When Mercedes-Benz made their intentions to make a pick-up public, there were contrasting view points as one would expect when such out-of-the-box decisions are made. While the potential for such a vehicle in wealthy show-off markets like the Middle East was undeniable, there were also deliberations on why the German luxury marque should leave the job of making pick-ups to the American car-makers who arguably make the best pick-ups in the market and how they could end up shooting themselves in the feet by trying to challenge established offerings from rivals with a wannabe truck at an inflated price.

By launching the X-Class in three different trim levels targeted at specific demographics, those critics have been partially silenced. 

The ‘Pure’ trim level is aimed at the core set of customers that buy these vehicles for their ruggedness and load-carrying ability. You never thought you would see an utilitarian Mercedes-Benz with unpainted plastic bumpers and wheel caps, did you? At least, we never did. At the other end, there is the ‘Power’ variant that’s aimed primarily at the urban-dweller who needs a lifestyle vehicle. With classy chrome embellishments and additional creature comforts inside, it makes quite an impression. 

Point is, the folks from Germany seem to have done their homework pretty well.

The Bad

As much as Mercedes-Benz would not acknowledge, fact is the X-Class is a humble Nissan Navara underneath. Of course, Mercedes-Benz has made sure you don't see its origins in the flesh but what stopped them from going the full distance and develop an all-new truck from scratch? 

One reason is obviously the millions of Euros they would have had to spend. But, aren't Daimler's pockets deep enough to spend on what could be a potential game-changer for the brand? If anything, Mercedes-Benz stood the best chance amongst all luxury car-makers to invest on the first-ever premium pick-up and get it right, given the years of legacy they enjoy with their vans and commercial vehicles. But then, if this platform-sharing would help Mercedes-Benz focus and spend more on the C-, E-, S- and their derivatives, we aren't complaining.

That said, the Navara underpinnings mean the X-Class' hardware is robust and capable to do what pick-ups are supposed to do, both on and off-road. 

The Good

This might be Mercedes' first-ever pick-up but they seem to have got the specs right, balancing the requirements of the segment and their own brand image. 

The cabin looks like a Mercedes alright but it also appears to be rugged enough to withstand abuse. The free-standing central display with the 8.4-inch screen is the biggest in segment while the characteristic circular air-conditioning vents lends a touch of class. Features you normally do not expect on a pick-up, the likes of multifunctional touchpad in the center console that can be controlled using gestures, ARTICO leather upholstery with lavish top-stitching, a full safety suite including seven airbags, Active Brake Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, Traffic Sign Assist, Trailer Stability Assist and Tyre Pressure Monitoring System, real-time Live Traffic Information and comfort-oriented suspension with coil springs at the front and rear, the X-Class stays true to the phrase 'the Mercedes of pick-ups'.

The Not so Good

The X-Class is not your regular Mercedes saloon, we get that. Yet, there is no denying the fact the engines on offer in the truck could have been more exciting to satisfy our never-ending power-cravings.     

To start with, there are two four-cylinder engines powering the lineup. The 2.3-liter common-rail diesel engine generates 163 horsepower in the X 220 d and 190 horsepower in the X 250 d. Select markets will have the X 200 with a 165 horsepower petrol engine. The base engines are mated to a 6-speed manual while a 7-speed automatic is optional on the X 250 d.  These engines and gearboxes are tuned to deliver more torque for lugging and would get the job expected of them done as well as X-Class' rivals, but then, where is the Mercedes specialty here? Premium pricing should be accompanied by premium powertrain, no? 

Thankfully, the engine that excites - the high-torque V6 diesel churning out 258 horsepower would come on board mid-2018. Paired with the 7G-TRONIC PLUS automatic transmission, the fast V6 gets five driving modes to choose from - Comfort, Eco, Sport, Manual and Off-road. That's some consolation. Let's hope the blokes at Affalterbach are already working on a hotter version. An 'AMG' suffix would make the X-Class one hell of a drive. Remember the crazy G63 AMG 6X6? 

The Good

Be it testing the waters in a new segment or expanding the reach of the brand by filling every possible hole in the lineup, Mercedes-Benz have always walked ahead of rivals. Twenty years back, they were the first among the major luxury car-makers to launch a Sport Utility Vehicle, the M-Class. And we all know what happened after that. They were also one of the first premium brands that cracked the compact luxury space with the A-Class, B-Class, CLA and GLA. Pick-ups were probably the only body-style left out and here they are with the X-Class. 

This time, things aren't going to be easy. The X-Class is pitted against global best-sellers and well-established rivals like the Toyota Hilux, Ford Ranger, Chevrolet Colorado and the platform-sharing Nissan Navara. 

Success or not, Mercedes-Benz deserves an applause just for venturing into the unknown and paving the path for others to follow. 

Ford celebrates 100 years of pick-up trucks

A hundred years ago, on this day, Ford Motor Company did something remarkable. So remarkable that it drives bulk of the car-maker’s volumes and profits today, a whole century later! 

Yes, Ford’s bread-and-butter pick-up trucks are 100 years old with the 1917 Model TT kicking off a revolution that continues to this day in the form of the 2017 F-Series. It’s pretty amazing how, in a world that’s rapidly evolving and changing, Henry Ford’s vision of a vehicle with a cab and a work-duty frame capable of accommodating cargo beds has endured thus far. 

This naturally calls for a celebration and Ford is doing just that by recalling the history and evolution of its iconic trucks. Click on the image below for the important milestones in the 100-year journey of Ford trucks.

It all started with the 1917 Model TT...

Nine years after the legendary Model T rolled out, Ford’s customers apparently asked for a vehicle that could haul loads and provide more utility. 

On July 27, 1917, Ford responded with the Model TT, a Model T cab and engine mounted on a heavier duty frame capable of carrying one ton of payload. With the flexibility to accommodate third party beds, cargo areas and other add-ons, the formula was a success and more than 1.3 million Model TTs were sold when its production ended in 1928.

1928 Model AA and 1933 Model BB carried the trend forward...

With an increased payload of 1.5 tons, the classy Model AA replaced the Model TT in 1928 before the more-capable Model BB took on the baton in 1933. By 1941, Ford had sold a whopping 4 million of these trucks, establishing the brand as a force to reckon with.

1948 saw the birth of the F-Series...

It was not until 1948 Ford saw an opportunity to build an entire line of pick-up trucks. When it did, it promptly re-branded the line as the F-Series, the legendary nameplate that has gained strength over the years to become what it is now. From the half-ton F1 to the much-larger F8 cab-over truck, the first-generation F-Series was all that one could ask for when looking for a truck. 

When the second-generation F-Series was launched in 1953, the F1 became F100, the F2 and F3 were integrated into the new F250, the F4 was rechristened the F350 and the F8 was spun off into a commercial truck unit. This naming nomenclature has remained till date.

F150 debuted in 1975...

Sixth-generation F-Series made their debut in 1975 and along with it debuted the F150, a higher-capacity version that replaced the popular and long-standing F100. In the same year, the cult "Built Ford Tough" slogan were used to refer to these trucks for the first time ever. There has been no looking back ever since. 

In 1977, the F-Series raced away to the top of the sales charts and, amazingly, hasn't relinquished the position till date. The F-Series has been America's best-selling truck for 40 straight years and the best-selling vehicle there for 35 years. 

What helped along the way was Ford's pro-activeness in ensuring F-Series' specs and kit are relevant, best-in-class and ahead-of-times. The latest is the switch to aluminium in the 2015 F150, a huge gamble that has paid off handsomely. 

Pick-ups are all about utility, right? Think again. For the power-hungry, adventure-craving and speed-chasing enthusiasts out there, Ford rolled out multiple performance-oriented trucks like the F150 SVT Lightning, F150 Harley-Davidson and the maniac F150 SVT Raptor. There isn't a young man out there who haven't had one of these posters decorating their study rooms.

Well, here's to another 100 years of awesome trucks!