Audi Q8
Audi launched its newest flagship SUV-coupé Q8 on 15th January. Brought to India as a CBU in limited numbers of 200 units. Available in only 1 variant, it is priced at Rs. 1.33 crore (ex-showroom, India). The Q8 is the first Audi in India which gets the brand’s new styling philosophy and takes inspiration from the new A8 sedan in terms of interior design, layout and features. Available in one variant, the 55 TFSI that comes with BS6 compliant 3.0-litre, V6 turbo-petrol engine with a 48V mild-hybrid system making 340hp and 500Nm of torque. The engine is paired to an 8-speed DCT automatic gearbox that sends power to all four wheels.
Highlight features include:
- Dual-touchscreen control system - The upper unit is a 10.1-inch screen for the infotainment and navigation functions, while the lower 8.1-inch screen controls the heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems
- Coupé-like roofline, frameless doors and flared wheel arches
- The rear angular tailgate and bumper design and full-width tail-lights
- Front grille, distinctive LED headlights
- Multicolor ambient lighting package
- Safety kit includes four airbags, ISOFIX child-seat mounts, ABS with ESC ,EBD
Key rivals to the Audi Q8 are Range Rover Sport, Porsche Cayenne Coupe and the upcoming BMW X6.
Video courtesy: Audi India official
Renault Triber
Renault has launched the all-new Triber in India at an ex. Showroom price of INR 4.95 lakh. Tagline: Space for Everything. The compact MPV measures below 4 meters and was introduced in India in July 2019. However, it went on sale on 28th Aug, 2019. The global premiere of Renault’s compact MPV took place in India. Post which, the vehicle was also introduced at the 27th Gaikindo Indonesia International Auto Show and subsequently launched in the country. It is based on the CMF-A platform used on the Kwid which allows for accommodating 7-seats in the cabin. Under the hood, the Triber gets an upgraded 1.0L engine producing 72PS of power and 96Nm of torque mated to a 5-Speed MT. The current engine is BS4 compliant. However, Renault has mentioned that the engine will be upgraded to BS6 specifications before April 2020.
Renault is offering a list of best-in-class and first-in-class features on the Triber.
Best-in-class
- 625 Litre Boot Space
- Total Interior Storage - Up to 31L
- Cooled Storage in Centre Console
- Upper and Lower Glove Box
- Slide and Recline 2nd Row Seats
- Stylish Dual Tone Dashboard with Silver Accent
- High Ground Clearance
- Twin AC with Vents on 2nd and 3rd Row
- Front Airbags (Driver and Passenger) + 2 Side Airbags (Front Seats)
First-in-class
- EasyFix Seats
- Eagle Beak Split Tail Lamps
- SUV Skid Plates
- Roof Rails with Load Carrying Capacity
- Stylish Flex Wheels | Wheel Arch Claddings
- LED Instrument Cluster
- This is the fifth product in the Renault India line-up after Captur, Duster, - Lodgy and Kwid
The Triber will compete with the Datsun GO+ and the Maruti Suzuki Ertiga.
Video credits: Renault official
Maruti Suzuki XL6
Maruti Suzuki has launched their new premium MPV, the XL6 in the Indian market at priced Rs. 9.80 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi). The XL6 is based on the standard Ertiga and it’s available in 2 trim options (Zeta & Alpha). It will be sold via Maruti Suzuki's NEXA outlets. In terms of exterior design the XL6 is similar to the Ertiga with restyled front end, new grille, headlamps, front and rear bumpers, front and rear skid plates, and all-round body cladding. On the interior it gets an all-black theme upholstery. It is powered by the same 1.5l Petrol engine producing 77kW of power and 138 Nm of torque with options of 5-speed MT and 4-speed AT that is used in Ciaz and Ertiga. The engine is BS-VI compliant and equipped with Maruti Suzuki’s SHVS mild-hybrid technology that provides claimed fuel efficiency of 19.01 kmpl for MT and 17.99 kmpl for AT.
Some of the highlighting features offered on the XL6 are:
- Auto Headlamps with Follow me Home and Lead me to Vehicle
- Engine Push Start/Stop with Smart Key
- Auto AC
- 17.8 cm Touchscreen Smartplay
- Cruise control
- Instrument cluster with TFT MID
In the segment the XL6 will compete with the Mahindra Marazzo, Renault Lodgy and Honda BR-V.
Video credits: NEXA official
MG Hector
Morris Garages (MG) has entered India with its SUV the Hector, priced at Rs 12.18 lakh (ex-showroom, India). MG Motor UK Limited (MG Motor) is a British automotive company introduced in 1924, now owned by the Shanghai-based Chinese state-owned automotive Shanghai Automotive Industry Corporation (SAIC Motor). In India the Hector is manufactured at the state-of-the-art facility located at Halol, Gujarat. The Hector was first unveiled in Mumbai on May 2019 along with a campaign the “Human Thing”. It is based on the Baojun 530, a 5 or 7-seater compact crossover SUV produced by Baojun.
The Hector has been launched with an array of engine and transmission options:
- 1.5L Turbo Petrol engine mated to a 6-speed manual transmission that develops 143 PS of power and 250 Nm of torque
- 1.5L Turbo Petrol engine with a 48 Volt hybrid system available with an option of 6-Speed manual or DCT that develops 143 PS of Power and 250 Nm of torque
- 2.0 L Diesel Engine mated to a 6-speed manual transmission that develops 170 PS of power and 350 Nm of torque
The Hector is equipped with segment first 48 Volt Li-ion Battery with regenerative braking system (Only in Petrol) for better mileage.
A very First in Class is the 10.4 inch ultra HD screen with embedded sim offers various features such as:
- Over-The-Air (OTA) updates
- Remote Vehicle Control
- Navigation
- Voice assistant (Over 100+Voice Commands activated by saying “Hello MG”, for hands-free control)
- E-Call
The Hector in India will go up against the likes of the TATA Harrier, Mahindra XUV 500, and Jeep Compass.
New WagonR
Maruti Suzuki launched the new WagonR in India on 23rd January in New Delhi. Its tagline reads – Big New WagonR. Prices range between Rs 4.19 lakh and Rs 5.69 lakh, which is up to Rs 34,000 more expensive than the outgoing model. This, 3rd generation Wagon R to be sold in India is larger than before and is built on the company’s Heartect platform. The model continues to retain its Tall boy design traits. Wheelbase is now 35mm longer and the width has increased by 125mm. For the first time it will be available with two engine petrol engine variants from the K-series family the 1.0 litre and 1.2litre. 1.0 litre K-series engine develops 68hp, 90Nm torque and has a certified fuel efficiency of 22.5kmpl – available in LXi and VXi trims. 1.2 litre K-series engine develops 83hp, 113Nm torque and has a certified fuel efficiency of 21.5kmpl – available in VXi and ZXi trims
A 5-speed AGS (AMT) is offered as an option with both engines on VXi and ZXi trim levels. Available in 6 different colours.
Highlight features include:
- SmartPlay 7.0 inch touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
- Dual airbags
- Full wheel caps
- 60:40 rear seat split
- Will compete with the Tata Tiago, Hyundai Santro and Maruti Suzuki Celerio
Honda CB1000R
Honda has launched the 2019 CB1000R (litre-class, sport-naked) which has been priced at INR 14.46 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi). Honda says it is reworked to be a modern and retro at the same time calling it a “Neo Sports Cafe”. The 2019 CB 1000R features with slipper clutch, and Throttle by Wire (TBW) with 3 preset riding modes, there’s also User setting [Power (P), Engine Brake (EB) and Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC) to adapt to varying riding requirements. Lighter than before, it has an improved power to weight ratio. Sitting on a box section mono backbone steel frame, CB1000R features Showa separate function front fork big piston USD suspension and Showa mono shock rear suspension, and will be available in Graphite Black. The 2019 CB1000R uses a Fireblade-derived 998c, liquid-cooled, four-cylinder motor that makes 16 percent more power and five percent more torque in the mid-range. Power is up from 123hp to 143hp on the new model. Torque, meanwhile, now stands at 104Nm – up from 98Nm.
Video credits: Honda official
Ducati Panigale V4 R Launched in India
Ducati India has launched the Panigale V4 R superbike on 22 November 2018. Deliveries will begin in Q1 2019 if booked before November 30, 2018. Only five units have been allotted to be sold here.
Panigale V4 R is priced at Rs 51.87 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi) making it one of the most expensive motorcycles on sale in India. It is powered by a 998cc motor (the stock Panigale V4 features a 1,103cc engine) that meets homologation rules for the WorldSBK Championship. This V4 motor develops 221hp at 15,250rpm and 112Nm of peak torque at 11,500rpm
Buyers can opt for an Akrapovic racing exhaust system that increases power output to 234hp at 15,500rpm making the Ducati Panigale V4 R one of the most powerful production motorcycles to ever go on sale in India.
The Ducati Panigale V4 R is the first production Ducati motorcycle to come fitted with the winglets seen on the company's MotoGP machines and can produce 30kg of downforce at 270kph. Rider aids include cornering ABS, multi-level traction control, a bi-directional quick shifter, launch control, wheelie control, power modes (Race, Sport, and Street), Ducati Slide Control (DSC) and Engine Brake Control (EBC).
#Ducati #Panigale #NewLaunch
Pick Your Play - Royal Enfield 650 Twins launched in India.
Royal Enfield launched its first 650cc motorcycles the Interceptor 650 and Continental GT 650 in India on 14th November, 2018. The bikes are inspired by the iconic 60’s Royal Enfield Interceptor and the café racer culture prevalent in the 1950s. Bikes have been designed in conjunction with the U.K. based and Eicher-owned, Harris Performance team
The Interceptor 650 model starts at Rs. 2.50 lakh while the base Continental GT 650 can be purchased at Rs. 2.65 lakh (all prices are ex-showroom).
More premium models are the Interceptor Custom at Rs. 2.57 lakh and Continental GT 650 Custom at Rs. 2.70 lakh. A chrome variant of the both the models will also be made available priced at Rs. 2.70 lakh and Rs. 2.85 lakh respectively (all prices are ex-showroom). Both bikes are pegged at the top of the Royal Enfield’s portfolio. While both share the same underpinnings, they adopt different body styles.
The Interceptor 650 is retro-styled roadster with an upright riding posture, while the Continental 650 GT carries a café-racer body style. Powering both bikes is a 648cc, air cooled, SOHC, fuel injected, parallel twin motor capable of creating 47hp of power at 7250rpm and a whooping 52Nm of torque at 5250rpm. Power is sent to rear-wheel via a 6-speed gear box with slip-assist clutch. Fuel tank capacity stands at 13.4 litres for the Interceptor 650 while the Continental GT 650 has a tank capacity of 12.5 litres.
In terms of pricing the RE 650 twins don't have any direct rivals.
The single cylinder KTM Duke 390 and Kawasaki Ninja 300 are priced in the same range. Their closest challenge comes from the twin cylinder Harley Davidson Street 750 which is priced higher at 5.31 lakh ex-showroom.
Video Credits: Royal Enfield India
#PickYourPlay
