2024 Hyundai Creta Is Magnificent

So beautiful! So elegant! Just like a wow!

Hyundai Motors India invited us to the land of kings and queens, Rajasthan, to experience the new generation of Creta on some mind-boggling isolated high-speed roads. Speaking of queens, the Hyundai Creta has been India’s undisputed queen of mid-size SUVs. Ever since its launch in 2015, this queen has been democratically chosen by the people of India. As a sales topper for Hyundai Motors India and one of the most successful cars on Indian roads, the Creta benchmarked its segment and rivalled some cars, a segment above. Adding more than 44% to total Hyundai SUV sales, the Creta has become Hyundai’s torchbearer. Competition has been challenging, trying to dethrone the queen. But what happens when a queen evolves? Meet the evolved 2024 Hyundai Creta.

Exteriors – Prettier than ever

The Hyundai Creta has seen three earlier iterations before the one available now. What we witnessed on the internet through Indonesian design differs from what Hyundai Motors India had in mind for their design. The 2024 Hyundai Creta for India improves massively on the design appeal. Although the design is subjective, I was not impressed by the 2020 iteration of this car. Hyundai has managed to visually appeal to the critic in me and impress thoroughly with the new design language. The silhouette stays similar, but the car has become slightly wider and longer by 30mm. Adding to the appeal is a new rear and front fascia. Horizon-connected LED with beautiful textures and design inspired by the IONIQ series creates symmetry. Sequential indicators and a parametric wide grille paired with quad-beam LED headlights make the new Creta prettier than ever. What is not visible is the new hardened chassis with material science and improved driving dynamics with evolutionary updates.

Interior – New dashboard with better rear seats

The D-styled leather-wrapped steering wheel is familiar with the button layout and adaptive ADAS settings, while the new dashboard and upholstery are surprisingly uplifting. The multi-toned driver’s cockpit includes two floating 10.25” with physical buttons for media and HVAC controls. HVAC features an automated dual-zone climate control while the dashboard is catered towards the driver and has significant design change, with newer AC vents, textures and design. The car has simply evolved into a modern design from its predecessor, inside out. Most components on the centre console remain the same, like the wireless charger and type A and type C USB ports, both front and rear. Hyundai Motors India improved on customer feedback, and rear passengers get all the similar bells and whistles as the earlier iterations with added under-thigh support.

The UI on both the dashboard displays supports regional languages, 70+ Bluelink connected car features, ADAS level 2 with a front camera, front radar and rear camera controls with 19 features, including adaptive cruise control, blind-view monitor utilising the crisp 360-degree cameras, 148 voice commands including 62 hinglish commands, a magnetic pad like the IONIQ series, 16 free OTA updates and inclusion of Jio Saavn Pro 1-year subscription inside the Creta. The feature list is long, and the improvements are satisfying, with better NVH levels than the outgoing model. Boot space is a healthy 433L with 60:40 split rear seats, liberating more room when required. Top-of-the-line variants sport an 8-speaker Bose audio system with a sub-woofer, but 36 standard features ensure the utmost safety and braking prowess with all disc brakes. Ventilated eight-way electrically adjusted front seats and newer dual-toned upholstery are also welcomed and add to the appeal of an already neatly stacked cabin.

Driving – New chassis makes it drive sassy

Although it camouflages the improvements, the newer Hyundai Creta uses newer material science for its chassis. Newer strengthened chassis with a mix of high-strength metals and alloys drastically improve the drive performance. Couple that with an improved suspension setup and a relatively stiffer setup on the 1.5L turbo petrol, the Creta has evolved into an outstanding balance of performance and comfort. Hyundai still offers all the petrol and diesel engines and transmission options, adding a newer turbo petrol powertrain as seen on the Verna and Alcazar, with a 6-speed MT for the turbo-diesel variants. Although we missed our chance to drive the newer powertrain, we drove the newer transmission setup on our gorgeous emerald pearl turbo-diesel Creta. The 1.5L U2 CRDi diesel engine produces a healthy 250Nm with 114.4bhp and improved fuel efficiency figures for the best long-distance driving fidelity.

This powertrain is tried and tested, paired with the newer 6-speed, which makes driving even more fun. The diesel torque is fun and ample, even in bumper-to-bumper traffic, to pull from the second gear onwards. The torque is healthy all the way to the fifth gear, while the sixth gear aids as a cruising gear with power in the latter numbers of the rev range and incredible efficiency in lower rpm carrying triple-digit speeds. Thanks to the strengthened chassis, the body control on this car has improved by several miles. Not only is it planted on high triple digits, but it also ensures controlled corner-curving with lesser body roll. Top-end variants also get new, restyled 17” diamond-cut alloys, and stopping power has been slightly enhanced compared to the predecessor, with all disc brakes as standard.

Verdict

The new Creta offers 36 standard features and will be available in six monotone colours and one dual-tone colour, including this gorgeous emerald pearl colour. With over 9.8L Creta sold since 2015 and 1.57L sold in just 2023, the Creta contributes to almost 19% of Hyundai’s global sales. Even after the last model was discontinued on 31st Dec 2023, Hyundai Motors India still had a booking fulfilment of 25000 units for the Creta. In its fourth avatar, the Creta has turned prettier than before and adds more value with quality enhancements to an already incredible midsize SUV package. We assume the newer generation Hyundai Creta to set and build strongly on the legacy of being a midsize SUV Queen of India.

Rating – ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Hyundai Creta 1.5L U2 CRDi Diesel Engine
Power – 114.4bhp and 250Nm
Transmission – 6-speed MT
ARAI claimed FE – 21.8 km/l
Introductory prices – Starts from INR 10.99L

Is it a Jimny?

Maruti Suzuki Jimny driven off-roads in Dehradun

The Jimny moniker has been around since 1970. We Indians found the taste of the Jimny in a relatively nifty named product, Gypsy, since the 80s. The Gypsy was so popular the Indian defence ministry adopted it for their missions. Maruti brings the 4th generation 5-door Jimny to India after years of market research and time. This one is a thoroughbred ladder frame 4×4, famous for its power-to-weight ratio and, in dimensions, a more approachable form factor than the behemoth SUVs of our current era. Like the Thar, this one has an appeal with the boxy measurements and actual functionality backing that style. How good is the Jimny when it comes to driving capabilities? Let’s check it out as we put the Jimny through its natural habitat in Dehradun.

Jimny is the global name of this product in India; it reminds us of a famous Indian cinema song. It is also offered in the Zeta variant with the same engine but different colours and some missing features compared to the Alpha version we drove. The stance of this vehicle is not at all intimidating like most 4×4 vehicles. The squared-off proportions include clever engineering and more than ample 2590mm of wheelbase despite being a sub-4-meter SUV. This is a retro-modern design, which is the era’s flavour.

Retro-modern design

The Gypsy was loved for its design and appeal of being something more than other cars during its era. In Kalyuga, Jimny has competition in both the style and functionality expected from a practical lifestyle car. Surprisingly, the Jimny brings compact SUV proportions with similar body-to-weight ratios as the competition. The Jimny is an attention grabber on roads. While there are behemoth SUVs and off-roaders with dimensions rivaling a small truck, the Jimny feels like a very accommodating stance, welcoming all kinds of people to experience a durable and easy-to-live 4×4 vehicle in India, where roads exist on Google Maps but not in reality. Suzuki Allgrip Pro drives the AWD 3-Link suspension configuration of this relatively lightweight compact SUV just shy of 1.2 tonnes, that’s almost 550 kgs less than a Thar.

Jimny proportions stand at 1720mm height, 1645mm width and 3985mm width, including the alloy spare tyre. Despite the overall stance seeming lower and longer than most thoroughbred rectangle designs, the wheelbase at 2590mm is healthy with 208L boot space, more with a split seat configuration on the rear. The ground clearance at 210mm brings excellent climb, depart angles and water bedding capabilities. There are 3 request sensors on the front two doors and the rear door with the mounted spare wheel. Opening the hatch anticlockwise is easy with the hydraulic strut. The front fascia on the Alpha version in this variant-specific kinetic yellow (neon green) looks stunning in a blend of retro meets modern design. The round LED lights are complimented with a chrome-splashed grill and chunky bumpers, including headlight washers.

The roof is all metal with railings to guide water or ice through channels on the circumference and doubles as a mount holder for the optional roof carriage accessory. The stock Jimny looks nice, but Maruti is offering additional accessories for the Jimny, including skid plates, graphic decals, wheel covers for the spare tyre, edge crash protectors and more. The front windows have neat design lines, and despite the 3-door appeal of the internationally acclaimed Jimny, the 5-door version looks proportionally appealing.

A perfect blend of functionality and practicality

If you’ve experienced the Maruti Gypsy, the interiors of the new-age Jimny are familiarly retro yet modern. The instrument cluster pays homage to iconic Gypsy with similar analogue meters and amber backlights. Squeezed between the two analogue meters is a grayscale display with ample 2D animations of doors opening, seat belts, drive information and more to claim its modernity. The MID is clad with multiple indication lights camouflaged inside the analogue and digital presentation. At the centre is a 9-inch infotainment system with media controls in capacitive touch and wireless Android Auto/Apple CarPlay. The HVAC controls with auto climate control are displayed in neat amber backlit digital display controlled through good quality rotary knobs. The console also features front window controls and hill-descend controls in tactile switches breaking the monotony with style.

The seats are strictly limited to four but have excellent cushioning and are one of the best seats in Maruti India’s arsenal. One naturally seats high, and there are no electric adjustments. The weirdest part is the space limitation, as all passengers share two bottle holders between the front seats. There are ample handles to hold on to, and rear doors have individual electric window controls, which may be limited to the Alpha variants. The interior is all black, and the amber backlight adds a sense of sportiness to the package. The muti-tone and textures bring sturdy appeal yet accommodating space for all kinds of adventure. Unlike other thoroughbreds, the ingress and egress angles are more leisurely, and there’s sufficient knee room with excellent headroom. Interiors could have been practical with door storage units accommodating nothing more than your phone and wallets, but this purpose-built vehicle also sprinkles modern-day creature comforts. The round and rectangular AC vents have a quality feel, while the interior space is illuminated with those large rectangle windows on all doors.

On-road or off-road?

The Jimny’s K15 B series 1.5L naturally aspirated engine produces 103 bhp with 132 Nm of torque from as low as 4K rpm. It is offered with a 5-speed MT or 4-speed AT. 2H, 4H and 4L gearbox settings with hill descend, O/D controls, and a brake-assisted LSD helps this lightweight car gain traction to wheels that need it most. We drove the 4-Speed AT, and while this retro engine and gearbox combination might feel unusable on paper in the modern era, this is an excellent combination off-road. The high-profile wheels are clad with Bridgestone Dueler dual-purpose tyres sizes 195/80 R15, and the 15-inch alloys or steel rims suit the Jimny.

What’s unexpected is the steering heft, almost similar to the Thar and a short turning radius, an irony considering the sizable dimensions. This steering requires some energy to operate, especially on normal tarmacs of the twisties, but the excellent chassis does a good job managing the body roll and body control. The Jimny glides over any road-undulating terrain on normal roads, and the NVH levels are top-notch. The AT gearbox does not like being revved hard and will take its sweet time to downshift and overtake on a sudden throttle response. The exciting part is that the Jimny linearly produces power despite the conditions. The Maruti K15 B series engine is a mighty performer considering it produces limited power on paper. Still, the gearing of the Jimny makes this car absolutely capable when off-roads. It is light and more fun in MT, but the clutch action is again like most of its rivals, and gearshifts in MT could have been sleeker. The AT holds on the revs almost till its red line when the throttle is pinned to the metal and somehow performs like a small diesel engine in its behaviour.

There is a fish-eye effect with static lines on the rear-view camera, and the placement of sensors with a camera is questionable, but it exists. Apart from the differential settings and locks, there are three drive modes, regular D engages all gears (O/D on-off), D2 allows only 1st and 2nd gear and L mode engages only the 1st gear for extreme conditions. The Jimny also features hill-hold and hill-descent (fixed to 5km/h). The overall chassis, suspensions and wheels bring a comfortable drive to the Jimny, surpassing the expectations of pliant ride quality from a rugged vehicle. The Jimny might feel a bit slow on the tarmac, and the steering does require some hand gymnastics while taking sharp or U-turns, but when the roads end, and trails start, the Jimny suddenly changes into a whole different beast.

The Jimny with Suzuki Allgrip Pro 4×4 drive system and the cleverly engineered suspension setup work wonders with the ladder frame chassis. The stance, electric and mechanical prowess of Maruti Suzuki engineering helps this vehicle simply glide through the roughest terrains and tackle everything nature offers with the utmost composure. It almost rivals the ride quality of twice/thrice-the-price vehicles on off-road trails, climbs and action. The compact nature helps change directions through tight corners, while climbs are a piece of cake with light throttle inputs, mimicking a diesel engine. The hill-hold/descent functions allow maximum control without brake inputs, even at extreme angles. 3-link Rigid axle type with coil spring is a gem mainly off-road with a 50-degree departure angle, 36-degree approach angle and 24-degree ramp break-over angle. This vehicle is in its natural habitat when roads stop existing. We could carry insane speeds, and the only thing skidding us through the trails were the Bridgestone tyres, but a proper pair of off-road tyres would have our back. Nonetheless, the front disc and rear drum configuration is one of Maruti’s best, allowing immense control.

Verdict – Gem of an off-road machine

The Jimny stands true to the moniker and the years of legacy of the Maruti Gypsy in India. There are barely a few cars that click all the right boxes for their form factors. The Maruti Suzuki Jimny is a stunning off-roader with a fashionable retro-modern design grabbing all the right and wrong curiosity on Indian roads. It may perform sufficiently on roads; it simply shines in nature’s abode. The Jimny is a perfect blend of functionality, practicality and generational design conventionality.

Specs :

1462cc NA K15 B-series 16V engine
5-Speed MT & 4-Speed AT
103BHP & 132NM
Wheelbase – 2590mm
3-link Rigid axle type suspensions with coil spring
Suzuki Allgrip Pro 4×4 system

Maruti Suzuki Fronx: The Awaited Compact Car with Powerful Turbocharged Engines and Smart Hybrid Technology is out to make your snack crawl sorted

Driving – A Thrilling Experience of Power, Agility, and Performance in Goa (Hill Top) Vagator.

Overview:

The Maruti Suzuki Fronx is not just any ordinary compact SUV car. Its booster jet engine in the 1.0 Litre engines, smart hybrid technology, and impressive features promise an exciting driving experience. We recently took the car on the street of Goa for a spin and and much more, and it left us thoroughly impressed. As we set off on our adventure, the first thing that caught our attention was the Fronx’s manoeuvrability. Thanks to its great turning radius of 4.9 meters, navigating tight city streets and crowded parking lots was a breeze, well not just that we put the car to its best test by taking it on a rough off track as well. The Fronx’s wheelbase of 2520mm further added to its stability and agility, allowing us to take sharp turns confidently. Well not it, the Fronx was put to test by taking it to a challenging experience created by Maruti Suzuki in Goa. The hilltop drags race track awaited us, and we were eager to see the Fronx’s capabilities.

As we pressed the accelerator, the 1.0-litre K10C Booster Turbo Jet engine roared to life, delivering an impressive 100 PS power and 143.7 Nm of torque. The Fronx swiftly accelerated, effortlessly conquering the straight stretches of the drag race track. The power and performance of the Fronx were genuinely exhilarating, and we were left impressed with its quick acceleration and smooth gear shifts. Next up was the hill assist challenge. The Fronx’s ground clearance of 190mm came in handy as we tackled the steep hill slopes of the hill. The hill assist feature ensured the car maintained its position on the incline, giving us the confidence to take on the challenge without hesitation. The Fronx’s powerful engine and advanced technology made climbing up the hill a breeze, showcasing its capabilities as a versatile and capable car for challenging terrains. But the excitement didn’t end there. We were in for another thrilling experience with the drifting challenge. The Fronx’s responsive steering and agile handling made drifting around the corners a delightful experience. The car hugged the curves with precision, and the grip provided by the tires was impressive. The Fronx’s stability and control during high-speed manoeuvres left us with a sense of confidence and thrill.

Power & Terrain Capabilities:

Maruti Suzuki is one of the leading car manufacturers in India, I can bet that you or someone from your family would have definitely owned a Maruti car in this lifetime, since its reliability and confidence to won one cannot go wrong. With a rich legacy of producing reliable and efficient vehicles, Maruti Suzuki has earned the trust and loyalty of Indian consumers. The latest addition to their line-up is the eagerly anticipated Maruti Suzuki Fronx (the name brings a cheeky smile, doesn’t it), a compact car yet to be launched for the masses in India in April. What sets the Fronx apart is its 1.0-litre K10C Booster Turbo Jet engine producing 100 PS with 143.7 Nm of torque, as well as the 1.2-litre K12N Dual Booster Turbo Jet engine, both equipped with Smart Hybrid System with Ideal Start and Stop technology, making it a car to watch out for in this segment.

Both engines in the Maruti Suzuki Fronx are equipped with a Smart Hybrid System that features Ideal Start and Stop technology. This system helps Enhance the car’s fuel efficiency by automatically stopping the engine during idle times, such as at traffic signals, and restarting it when the accelerator is pressed. This reduces emissions, making the Fronx an environmentally friendly choice.

In addition to its powerful engines and smart hybrid technology, Fronx boasts a host of other features that make it a compelling choice for Indian car buyers. The compact car sleek and modern design that will turn heads on the road. The front end features a bold grille with silver cladding underline, sharp Cube shaped LED headlights, and stylish 16 inch alloy wheels ‘that add to its sporty appeal. The cabin is designed to provide a comfortable and convenient driving experience, with ample space for passengers and advanced features such as a 9 inch touchscreen infotainment system, , and steering-mounted controls for added convenience and lastly the heads up display with turn by turn navigation.

Safety first and the car has 6 dual airbags, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) with EBD (Electronic Brakeforce Distribution), ISOFIX child seat anchors, and a 360 degree rear-view camera for enhanced safety during driving and parking with a lot of precision marking.Though the camera quality could have been better.

Exteriors – The Maruti Suzuki Fronx: A Stylish and Distinctive Exterior Design

The exterior design of the Maruti Suzuki Fronx is a head-turner, combining elements of its elder sibling, the Grand Vitara on one side and Baleno on the other with unique and modern touches on its front face. The Fronx exudes a sense of style and sophistication that sets it apart from the crowd, making it a standout choice in the compact car segment with Hyundai’s Venue or be it the Tata Punch or the Nexon (Non EV). The face of the Fronx bears a striking resemblance to the Grand Vitara the elder brother, with a bold and aggressive stance. The triple Cube style LED headlights with integrated daytime running lights (DRLs) add a touch of modernity to the design along with the Triangular Cube style LED fog lamps also adds that extra sweet touch, while the chrome slab that runs across along with the grille adds a touch of premium-ness. The muscular open bonnet lines and sculpted bumper give the Fronx a sporty and dynamic look, hinting at its performance capabilities. Moving along the sides, the Fronx’s design takes a distinctive turn. The sloping roofline gives it a coupe-like appearance, adding a touch of elegance and uniqueness to the car along with the block cladding with the chrome makes it truly stand out.

The sharp character lines along the sides add a sense of dynamism, while the stylish 16 inch alloy wheels enhance the overall aesthetics. The rear of the Fronx is where it truly stands out. The LED band that spans from one end to the other is a distinctive design element that catches the eye immediately. It not only adds a futuristic touch to the car but also serves as a signature feature that sets the Fronx apart from its competitors. The sloping roofline extends to the rear, giving it a sleek and sporty look. The overall design of the Maruti Suzuki Fronx is a perfect blend of sportiness, sophistication, and modernity.

Interior – Tech & Advance Safety Feature of Fronx:

Step Inside the car and one will get confused weather it’s the Baleno or the new addition The Fronx.One of the first things that caught our attention was the signature HEARTECT platform, a signature design philosophy of Maruti Suzuki. This platform not only ensures enhanced safety and structural rigidity but also provides ample space for the passengers, making the cabin feel more spacious and airier.

Speaking of safety, the Fronx takes it to the next level with its array of advanced safety features. The 1.0-litre engine variant has six airbags, including dual front airbags, front-seat side airbags, and curtain airbags, providing comprehensive protection to all occupants. The ESP (Electronic Stability Program) with Hill-hold assist and roll-over mitigation adds an extra layer of safety by preventing skidding and providing stability during challenging driving conditions. The Fronx also boasts advanced braking technology with ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) and EBD (Electronic Brakeforce Distribution) along with Brake Assist, ensuring efficient braking performance and reducing the risk of skidding. The infotainment system features a 9-inch touchscreen display with intelligent connectivity. Another swanky-looking heads-up display that provides turn-by-turn navigation. Another convenient feature is the wireless charging pad, which allows cord-free charging compatible smartphones, reducing clutter and keeping the cabin organized, though C type charging in the front is missing.The surround sense, powered by ARKAMYS, provides an immersive audio experience, enhan

cing the entertainment system’s audio quality. The Suzuki Connect system, with over 40 intelligent features, can be accessed via a smartphone, smartwatch, or even through Alexa connectivity, allowing for seamless technology integration into the driving experience.

The comfort of the passengers is also well taken care of in the Fronx. The plush seats provide ample support, ensuring a comfortable ride even on long journeys. The cabin offers ample legroom and headroom for all passengers, making it a comfortable space to spend time in.

Verdict:

Driving the fronx in the city is definitely a good option since it’s an essay to move car with an impeccable 4.9m of turning radius. Still, it all boils down to its price. Maruti Suzuki has to keep that in check since the Fronx is competing against the Hyundai Venue, which is a very decent compact SUV, also competing against the Nissan Magnite and also Tata Punch and lastly, Nexon, Things that I personally loved about the Fronx was, it indeed has a good ground clearance of 190mm and has features that you would expect in a era of technology, but what takes away the dull monotony is the heads-up display with turn- by turn navigation, which adds the cherry on top. I personally did not relish the driving thrill, but it’s a pretty capable compact SUV if its price is at a good variable in its segment coz the rivals have a lot to offer compared to what is served on the buffet of this all new Fronx. Lastly, it’s a very capable off-roader while we took the car to a test laid out by Maruti team in scorching heat at the hill top (Vagator), the challenge that lets you explore the true capabilities of the car and proudly I had topped teh charts with the timing amongst all the journalists who had come:-) The boot space is small so its not meant for long commuting and for city driving , it has ticked all the boxes expect the price which is yet to be announced.

Pros: Design (Exterior), Comforting seats, Heads up display
Dislike: Less power (Lack of Punch), No side curtains, No Sun roof.

Mercedes-Benz GLB and EQB – Luxury meets practicality

Meet the new Mini GLS and Mini EQS

Mercedes has been a leader in the luxury car segment in India for a long time. Challengers like BMW and Audi have always been close seconds. Despite the sales chart buzz, the only 7-seater car in Mercedes-Benz India has been the Mercedes GLS. The GLS demands and commands a presence, but its sheer size and price could be intimidating. A glimpse of Mercedes-Benz’s positive sales figures in India comes from their immense pool of over 7000 pre-orders, including a sold-out GLC.

Not only is this company successful at making luxury cars, but it also commands one of the largest fleets of premium SUVs. Adding versatility, Mercedes has launched a new platform. Bringing back the B series cars, meet the new Mercedes-Benz EQB and GLB. For the first time in India, Mercedes offers a modular 7-seater platform in three fuel types and multiple SKUs.

Mini-GLS and Mini-EQS

Mercedes-Benz does not shy away from admitting the B segment launches are highly inspired by the S series. The GLB is also globally termed as the mini-GLS for the design elements, while the EQB looks similar to the global EQS SUV. What’s missing is the sheer size of their elder sibling inspirations. Both these cars are substantial in presence, almost as long as the best-selling GLC. The front fascia might look different on both cars, giving them a unique identity. The side panels on both vehicles are more or less the same, encompassing an overall length of 4,646mm, liberating a healthy 2,829mm wheelbase. The GLB also gets an optional AMG Kit accessory allowing 19-inch AMG rims with AMG steering wheel, Alcantara goodness, metal pedals and more. Thanks to the elder siblings, the GLB and EQB look friendly and welcoming without the domineer dimensions.

While the GLB follows the GLS split lamp design with neat-looking DRLs similar to the GLS, the EQB is unmistakably an EQ platform from Mercedes-Benz with a connected LED design front and rear. Sharing platforms, the EQB and GLB share the interior design with subtle changes based on the model. Our first drive cars were the top-of-the-line GLB 220d 4-Matic and EQB 300 4-Matic. Featuring AMG-styled flat-bottom steering wheels, turbine-styled AC vents, an ambient lighting package, Alcantara seats with lumbar-lateral support and more, these cars are loaded to the brim considering the segment. Based on the A-series limousine platform also featured on the GLA, the GLB and EQB stand longer than most of its competitors, including the Audi Q5!

Familiarly Merc on the inside

Mercedes-Benz uses different quality materials and textures with soft-touch leather, metal accents and LED elements on hard plastic, albeit in better quality. The centre console features a floating 10.25” touch infotainment system loaded with MBUX (connected car features and voice commands – Hey Mercedes) and a 4-Matic info-clad 10.25” MID. The functional centre column also brings rollable shutters to reveal a wireless charging pad, 12V connector, USB Type-C port, drive select metal knobs, HVAC controls in see-through design, a touch panel with wrist rest and a deep powered pocket that doubles as the arm-rest. There are multiple bottle holders, and the cabin feels functional yet sumptuous, thanks to the quality materials and ambient LED treatment. The GLB gets a matte aluminium finish on the AC vents, while the EQB features a body-coloured matte finish on the front AC vents.

The middle-row and third-row seats get USB Type-C charging ports with additional recline angles and adjustments for leg space on the middle row. The middle-row armrest also houses rollable cup holders in a 40,20,40 split-seat configuration. The 50-50 third-row seats are best suited for preteens and pets when required. With all the seats up, the powered tailgate liberates 130L boot space, 500L on folding the third row and up to 1055L on folding both rear rows. Limited by space, Mercedes includes a puncture repair kit instead of a spare wheel for emergencies. Breathing more space into the interiors is a two-way panoramic sunroof.

Impressive when steady and rolling

Safety first, the entire line-up gets seven airbags, with curtain extensions for the third-row passengers. Apart from a 5-star global NCAP rating, these cars also feature TPMS, HAC, lane keep, brake and driving assists with two high-resolution cameras. Mercedes offers the GLB in 200(P), 220d(D) and 220d 4-Matic(D) + AMG Kit. The EQB 300 receives the top-tier GLB treatments as standard for the electric powertrain. The 1332cc Petrol engine churns 163HP and 250Nm mated to a 6-Speed AT in front-wheel drive. The 2.0L Diesel variants 220d and 4-Matic bring healthy 400Nm and 190HP on tap for a livelier driving experience. The GLB 220d sprints 0-100Km/h in 7.6 secs while the EQB achieves the same in 8 secs despite the battery weight gains.

Drivers can choose from Eco, Sport, Comfort and Individual settings. We prefer the Individual settings as it allows versatile setup, like setting the engine and steering response to Sport mode, while the suspensions soak bad roads in Comfort mode. The seats are positioned in a commanding position, and the split A-pillar adds a good view of the road. While the GLB offers a round steering wheel, our top-tier unit featured the AMG flat-bottom steering wheel with paddle shifters, a standard on the EQB. Shifts are precise on the GLB 220d, while the exact change between various recuperation options on the EQB. The suspensions and ground clearance of 155mm make the drive comfortable and relatively carefree in normal driving conditions.

The GLB 220d like to be ringed around, and the satisfactory performance is on tap throughout the rev bands. There is some body roll movement, but the overall rigid architecture of the chassis allows for reasonable body control. Despite the additional weight of 469 kg batteries, the EQB with single-gear ASM on the front wheels and PSM driving the rear wheels churns a healthy 229HP and 390Nm of relatively instant torque compared to the GLB. Compare this figure with a better centre of gravity due to the batteries in the floor; the EQB feels nimble.

Mercedes-Benz has bought one of their B series best NVH levels on the market. The GLB gets audible when driven enthusiastically, but the engine and cabin are satisfactorily refined. The EQB gets additional motor insulation, cabin insulation and noise-reduction tyres to make the electric cabin feel silent enough to meditate. What also helps relax are the tonnes of advanced driver assistance features on both the GLB and EQB. From lane keep assist to emergency braking and more, the driving assist feature list can easily rival cars boasting an ADAS level 2 system. The EQB’s 66.5kWh battery is rated up to 423 Km (WLTP) range. Driving the EQB through twisties and highways, it has decent regenerative capabilities, and real-world figures will easily touch upwards of 350 km. This car also supports 100kW DC and 11kW AC charging. Mercedes provide the latter as a complementary accessory for initial buyers. Mercedes claims a 10-80% charge at 100kW in 32 mins. Expect our 50kW chargers to charge this car to the same levels in about an hour. An 11kW AC charger will charge the car from 10-100% in 6 hours and 25 mins. Not bad!

Verdict

Overall, the use of materials, utility options, insulation, and driving dynamics on the 7-seater Mercedes GLB and EQB make them a surprising addition to the already populated Mercedes SUV line-up. Mercedes-Benz India provides an eight-year warranty on the batteries of EQB and the engine + transmission of the GLB series. This warranty is also transferable, and this platform, offered in petrol, diesel and electric, seems like a good filler in the 7-seater luxury car segment. Indian units will be imported from Mexico and sold as CBU. We expect pricing for the GLB and EQB to start from 65L, and despite that price tag, the GLB and EQB are unique value luxury propositions.

Hyundai Venue N-Line | What the N?

What the “N” !

Human senses are triggered with the varied audio and visual experiences we go through. Catering to the perception of enthusiasts in all the best visually appealing aspects, Hyundai has introduced the N-Line to one of their most successful products, the Venue. Hyundai has appealed to performance lovers’ auditory and optical senses before with the i20 N-line and now with tweaks on the Venue, the Venue N-Line is here to make it pop, bang and feel like a complete enthusiastic performance update.

Visual fantasy & an aural experience ?

Powered by the same engine as the regular 2022 Venue, the N-line produces 172 Nm torque and 120 bhp power from its 1L 3-cylinder turbo petrol engine which is mated to a 7-speed DCT with similar drive modes – Normal, Eco and Sport. There are noticeably minor updates on the Venue N-Line on the exterior. N-Line badging all across the car, along with red highlight lines in the form of stickers, add a visual flair to the overall N-line appearance. While the straight lines on the Venue 2022 make it look sophisticated, the redesigned bumpers on the Venue N-Line bring curves on the edges. Complimenting the overall design are the new skid plates at both front and rear.

The Venue N-Line also gets N-badged redesigned 16-inch diamond cut alloy wheels which are distinctively prominent. Adding safety and better control is the inclusion of rear wheel disk brakes. Visual updates include a tailgate spoiler, red highlight strips across the car’s length and breadth, and a sharply redesigned front grille with X-shaped elements and generous use of dark chrome. A relatively stiffer suspension setup makes the car’s maneuverability a lot crispier than before. The Venue N-Line retains the best aspects of the Venue 2022 like the projector headlights with built-in cornering lamps. What stands apart are definitely the new dual-pipe exhaust mufflers which offer a grunty note; this is the audio sensory that will tickle most enthusiasts.

The interiors are equally sporty !

Hop in the Venue N-Line, and you are greeted with an all-black interior scheme with red N-Line highlights all around the car’s interiors. The red and black theme suits the performance appeal of the vehicle and adds a sense of visual drama. There are red accents on the AC vents, knobs, and switches. The seats now get N-Line imprints with red stitching and piping. The Venue N-Line looks similar yet different from the standard Venue line-up with an all black and red theme. Though the dark interiors do make the cabin feel small, plenty of room inside along with the sunroof doesn’t make it claustrophobic. Every feature is identical to the Venue 2022, all the way from an 8-inch touch infotainment system with BlueLink, Voice Assistant support, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, 4-way adjustable electric adjustments for the driver’s seat, coloured driver’s MID, wireless charger, USB A and C ports, electric sunroof and all the goodies of the Venue top-spec line-up.

Adding flair to the overall interior sportiness is the new N-Line gear knob with matching black leatherette and red elements. The foot pedals are also metal to add to the appeal. A significant change is perceived with a sportier N-Line three-spoke steering wheel which feels comparatively chunky to hold. It is functional with media controls on it and is finished in gloss black with sizable black paddle shifters tucked behind nicely. Hyundai has now added red ambient lighting which seems like a cherry on a well-baked cake. What is surprising is the absence of ventilated seats, but as performance demands weight reduction, maybe it was a calculated move. Compared to a regular Venue with ventilated seats, the power-to-weight ratio must be the reason for it. Another standard feature for the N-Line is the inclusion of a 1080p 30fps dash camera with front and rear cameras mounted beside the auto-dimming IRVM.

Does it handle well or just pops and crackles?

The Venue N-Line is a practical compact SUV making it a daily driver. The aural experience of the nicely tuned dual-pipe exhausts stuns, which sounds way sportier than the actual drive experience. Despite the city’s legal speed limits, each rev built-up sounds exciting and exhilarating. The exhaust note alone feels like they’ve added a sportier engine beneath the hood, although that’s not the case here.

Adding to the overall experience is a lightweight steering wheel coupled with a stiffer suspension setup and four disc brakes on all four tyres. The Venue N-Line has the exact power figures as the standard Venue with 7-Speed DCT, but the weight reduction in the form of regular seats compared to the ventilated seats on the Venue 2022 make the N-Line feel a tad bit snappier in the real world. The stiffer suspension setup keeps the car well planted on high-speed cornering while still being able to soak road undulations like any other mid-size SUV. This duality makes it feel more confidence inspiring than its formal-suited sibling..

The improved power-to-weight ratio is prominently evident while driving the Venue N-Line. The N-Line steering makes it a joyful experience to maneuver this car in the city traffic and equally fun out on the highways. Despite it being on any driving mode, this car sounds maddening fun when revved. The DCT performs excellently with the Turbo GDi configuration being smooth, but a slight lag in the initial power output can get a little frustrating as it wouldn’t perform as much as it sounds to be. In Sport mode, the 7-Speed DCT keeps the gears engaged right up to an invisible redline, but the most fun can be exploited from using the large paddle shifters while driving this car in sports mode. Thanks to the entire N-Line driving dynamics, it feels relatively light on its wheel yet surefooted. We dearly missed the rev counter on this car, and being digital; we hope Hyundai updates the MID in the future, at least on the N-line for that analog revving drama.

Should you consider this “N” ?

Starting at Rs. 12.16L ex-showroom, the Venue N-Line is a competitive vibe which is bound to be enjoyed by enthusiasts only. The relatively low body-to-weight ratio paired with N-Line light steering feedback, stiffer suspensions, N-Line design elements, and a nasty exhaust note makes the Venue N-Line feel sportier and sounds more invigorating than most cars of this segment on the block. If you’re out there looking for exclusivity while compromising on a few liters of petrol, the Venue N-line might just hit the right N-spot for you..

Hyundai Tucson – A premium SUV with an impressive set of features│Hyundai Tucson – First Drive

The SUV craze has spread like wildfire across territories. They offer practicality, space, comfort, a sense of achievement and in some cases more features than your yearly grocery list. The number of SUVs sold in 2020 was close to 25000, amounting to 22% of the Indian automotive industry. In 2022 this number will come up to 49,000, nearly double the amount in 2020. Currently, the SUV market share is over 41%, and estimated growth is up to 65,000 units by 2025. Catering to the skyrocketing demand for SUVs and premium SUVs in the Indian automotive market, Hyundai has launched their flagship premium SUV in India, known as the Hyundai Tucson. This one is a global bestseller product for Hyundai, and we explore this premium SUV in Nandi Hills, Bangalore. Our drive was made exciting as we drove through windy scenic roads in both the trims offered by Hyundai.

Lightweight yet strong chassis

Hyundai claims a strong body structure with the hot-stamping application. The body is made of 26.4% mild steel, 17.7% high-strength steel, 15.6% hot stamping, 40.3% advanced high-strength steel and extended application of as high as 74% overall. This rigid, lightweight chassis is aided by HTRAC – All Wheel Drive System with Multi-Terrain modes. Modes include SNOW, MUD, and SAND. While this global bestseller is offered in multiple drivetrains globally, including a hybrid, India gets two options. The first one mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission is a 2.0L petrol engine that produces 156 ps and 192 Nm torque. And finally, a much more robust 8 Speed Automatic Transmission operated 2.0L Diesel engine produces 186 PS and an enthusiastic 415 Nm torque. India gets the LWB – long wheelbase version as standard.

Handsome or pretty – Choice is yours

Hyundai Tucson has been in the international market for some time, but there is nothing in its price range in India that looks alike. The front smiling large grille with dark chrome design neatly integrates with nickel chrome metallic semi-deposition inside the 5-point Parametric hidden LED and DRL lens. With the DRLs off, the entire unit looks like a single piece of design mimicking a significant smile. At 4,630mm, the new Tucson has grown significantly more than its predecessor. The wheelbase is more extensive at 2,755mm and is a considerable upgrade from its 2016 avatar. Camouflaging this large SUV is a series of design choices by the Hyundai design team and engineers to make Tucson look premium yet sporty. Complementing the design is the choice of multi-toned elements like a matte silver window sill that ends in an aerodynamic style at the rear. The design makes this large SUV feel more friendly and compact with visual illusions created by sharp lines.

The most appealing section of this beauty is the connecting rear-LED with unique diamond-cut elements making this SUV prettier in real life. It extends on both sides of the car and makes this rear element a timeless piece of design which will age well. There’s a subtle Tucson batch with a hidden rear wiper under the spoiler. Matte grey skid plates and boxed-out wheel arches add character to the Tucson. Many design elements with creases, lines and cuts make this car feel true to a concept design. The sharp-cut design elements also translate into the large 235 section 18-inch dual-tone diamond-cut alloys, with a full-size spare alloy wheel in the trunk. The powered tailgate liberates 540L of cargo space with three levels of gate adjustments. It can be extended to 1860 litres with dedicated levers in the trunk to enable 60:40 split-folding second-row seats. The boot gets a guidance light and extra 12V sockets for added functionality.

Technophile inside, sharp outside

Hyundai always offers its customers top features, and the flagship hits the ball right out of the park. Onboard computers in Tucson provide innovative features like Home to Car (H2C), where simple vocal commands to Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant can operate your car. Voice commands could include, “Alexa, turn on my car’s AC”, “Alexa, turn on my car’s AC, “Alexa, find my car”, “Alexa, check my car’s fuel level”, and “Alexa, lock my car doors.” Advanced connectivity also allows Smartwatch connectivity with TIZEN, iOS and Android.

Bluelink app offers 60+ connected features, and the car infotainment setup can improve with time thanks to OTA – Over-The-Air updates for the system and map. Tucson also gets Hyundai’s most advanced Voice Control for Seat Ventilation, Sports (Cricket, Soccer), Sunroof, and climate control, while the Voice Assistant has 104 embedded voice commands.

The large 10.25″ HD infotainment system is India-specific yet global UI supports -10 regional + 2 international languages, including English, Marathi, Bengali, Kannada, Tamil, Hindi, Punjabi, Malayalam, Telugu, Oriya, Gujarati and Korean. Apart from these, the 8-speaker premium Bose sound system can accompany your drive with six built-in ambient nature symphonies, including an open-air café, rainy day, snowy village, warm fireplace and calm sea waves. There’s Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, but Hyundai has missed the mark by not making these wireless. With OTA updates, these wired features may go wireless in the future.

The minimalistic cabin feels classy with soft-touch plastic, textured soft-touch fabric and multi-toned colours. The seats on our cars were light beige, making the cabin feel roomier. A smart one-touch panoramic sunroof accentuates the roof-line of the cabin. Apart from the usual wireless phone charger, the large 10.25-inch touchscreen and touch-sensitive controls keep the central dashboard neat. The overall cabin feels like a cockpit with the large 12.3-inch floating MID displaying ample information, including TPMS. The gear Knob is chunky and yacht-inspired, while the steering feel is perfectly round, chunky enough to get a sense of this large vehicle and also comes with ample buttons to control the MID and infotainment setup. The soft lid of the central arm-rest reveals open enough space to house your smaller pets.

Both the front seats get electric adjustments, with the driver seat getting 10-way adjustments while the co-passenger seat is getting 8-way adjustments and two memory seat functions. There is also a chauffeur mode on the front passenger seat walk-in device that enables left rear seat passengers to recline and adjust the front seat to their liking from the rear with the help of electric buttons on the front left seat. Overall the design is ergonomically designed to aid the driver. Even the front ventilated and heated seat controls are integrated into the central arm-rest. Advanced climate control technologies ensure a remarkably comfortable cabin atmosphere with dual-zone climate control with Multi-Air Mode and a hidden type AC vent with diffuse mode. This feature is inspired by aircraft. A diffuse button sits in the centre console along with drive select modes – Eco, Normal and Sport. All the buttons feel tactile and perceive a sense of quality associated with a premium feel.

The rear seat experience of the Tucson is excellent with rear AC vents, Type-A illuminated USB ports, deep recline angles on the seats and a large arm-rest with cup-holders. Thanks to bright leather seats, the premium feel of the multi-toned cabin with minimalistic yet functional design approaches, and one of the most prominent panoramic sunroofs, the Tucson interiors are a great abode on wheels.

Hyundai SmartSense

Hyundai has included level 2 ADAS driver assistance on their flagship. They call it Hyundai SmartSense. It’s a combination of a front camera, front radar and rear radar. Overall, there are 19 ADAS level 2 features enabled by Hyundai SmartSense. Some of these features include – Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA), Car/Pedestrian/Cyclist + Junction Turning, Front collision warning (FCW), Lane Keeping Assist (LKA), Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist (BCA), Blind-Spot Collision Warning (BCW), Blind-Spot View Monitor (BVM), Safe Exit Warning (SEW), Driver Attention Warning (DAW), Smart Cruise Control with Stop & GO (SCC with S&G), Lane Following Assist (LFA), High Beam Assist (HBA), Leading Vehicle Departure Alert (LVDA), Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist (RCCA), Rear Cross-Traffic Collision Warning (RCCW) and Surround View Monitor (SVM). The 360-degree cameras are sharp at resolution and enable dynamic parking assist lines for added convenience.

Drive impressions

Petrol trim: Hyundai Tucson gets a 2L petrol engine mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission churning 156PS and 192Nm. The power delivery on the petrol trim is linear, and power builds gradually as the revs build. The lightweight steering feedback makes manoeuvring this car in the city a child’s play while the steering satisfactorily weighs up as speeds rise. Eco mode dulls down all the responses and almost feels like the valet mode in the car. Normal is the best of both worlds, while Sport mode makes responses a bit tighter, including the heft on the steering wheel. Impressive bits include good insulation on the engine bay, keeping engine NVH levels to their minimum and overall cabin NVH levels as silent as physically possible. Suspensions perform at par for Indian road conditions, and the car manages to gulp most road undulations. Ride quality is supple and further enhancing the confidence are non-intrusive ADAS features.

First seen in the Alcazar, the turn indicators work in tandem with the 360-degree cameras to give a real-time side view on the MID console. The ambient lights are soft and offer tons of customizability. Vanity mirrors with individual light buttons and extended sunshades bring versatility to an overloaded technophile Hyundai Tucson. The Bluelink app makes remote car operations, real-time usage information, GPS features, remote unlock, and engine controls. The only thing missing here is the summon feature we see on Teslas. The gear shifts are seamless and refined, but the car’s responses take a while to get going with sudden throttle responses. Drivers sit with a commanding view of the road, and the large front windshield with large door windows enables a massive point of view. On the go, the 18-inch wheels perform great and four disc brakes with a big safety net brake on a dime. Tucson manages to lose its sense of weight when on the go, thanks to clever engineering, which enables a straightforward approach and ease of driving a premium SUV.

Diesel trim: Most of our overall feel of the chassis, body weight and minimum body roll with excellent body control remain the same on the diesel trim. But, we guess this to be the bestseller among the two trims thanks to a healthy 400+ NM torque accessible from the lower rev range and throughout all rev bands enabling 186PS of power. This added power is managed by an intuitive 8-speed AT transmission, which is smoother and more responsive than the petrol version. The diesel feels enthusiastic when driven, accentuating with Sport mode. Even in Normal mode, the diesel is peppy to drive in comparison. The NVH levels on the diesel are as impressive as the petrol trim. Almost no vibrations are felt inside the cabin, even when revving and driving this car at triple-digit speeds.

Hyundai Premium Assurance

Hyundai offers an unlimited kilometre 3 Years warranty with 30 000 km complimentary maintenance. They also assure 3 years of roadside assistance with 3 years Bluelink / Map subscription and 1 Shubhaarambh (Home Visit).

Verdict

In our brief drive, this car managed to hide its volume with excellent engineering. It’s easier to drive than its competition. Hyundai Tucson is Hyundai’s flagship model in India, making a bold statement for itself with the plethora of features offered. Both the trims offer great value to the end consumer and assure a car that shall stand the competition of the time. If you are in the market looking for an upgrade to your existing car or want a chunk of the insanely growing SUV market, the Hyundai Tucson is one attractive option with enough tech to keep your next generation happy. The ADAS is non-intrusive and the overall package exudes a sense of sporty premium appeal.

2.0L Petrol – 156PS | 192Nm | 6-speed AT

2.0L Diesel – 186PS | 415Nm | 8-speed AT

ADAS level 2 – 19 safety features

360-degree cameras

60+ Bluelink features

3 years unlimited warranty

Price: INR 27.70L Ex-showroom

Yamaha MT-15 A Japanese Katana Slicing through Indian Bread.

From the land of the rising sun!

Naked streetfighting machines have always adorned the Indian roads and have had a sweet spot in my heart. So when Yamaha first launched the MT-15 in India, expectations were outraged because it was almost the same motorcycle as the R15 underneath, but with less weight to carry around and an extra-terrestrial fascia that could even make an alien contemplate its existence. The Yamaha R15 might have been a raging success but the same couldn’t be said about its street counterpart.

However, Yamaha has now equipped the MT-15 with enough ammunition to go all-guns-blazing on its competition. The prime weapon of choice has to be the inclusion of golden USD forks and a few other key upgrades, but would these updates suffice in making the MT-15 2.0 better than its predecessor?

The Japanese connection

Now that the R15 V4 is finally bestowed with the addition of golden USD forks, it was child’s play to assume that the MT-15 would receive the same upgrades. And it has! The USD forks have certainly added a lot of drama in the front, apart from lending the MT-15 with sharper riding dynamics. The MT-15 has never been lethargic when it came to maneuvering it, but the second generation has kicked up the handling characteristics by several notches. The front end is now more reactive and the rider now feels a lot more connected to the tarmac than before. This particularly makes the MT-15 2.0 a perfect motorcycle for shuttling around in city traffic where you can just slice through the moving traffic like a Japanese Katana. A cast aluminum swingarm has now replaced the box-section unit of the previous motorcycle. This addition has affected its stability by a fair margin and the MT-15 2.0 now feels a lot more pliant on the road than before. Be it highway straights or leaning bends and corners, the MT-15 for sure feels like a Yamaha in all its glory.

This hooliganism and reactive handling is further accentuated by its comfortable ergonomics. Its riding stance is like that of a true-blue streetfighter with a low-set flat handlebar and rear-set footpegs which provide a more comfortable posture than the R15. But the downside to the suspension front is that it feels way too stiffer on city road potholes and over the undulations of the road.

Ninja technique

Yamaha has also slightly tweaked the engine, the official spec sheet reveals that the overall power output from this 155cc, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine is down by 0.1PS but the torque has gone up by 0.2NM. These mild revisions have made the MT-15 a lot more tractable than before as it can chug along as low as 25kmph in the sixth gear which is a formidable feat for an engine that is renowned for its high-revving nature. This 155cc motor is an absolute gem, no wonder Yamaha has milked the cows out of this engine by deploying it in a variety of products. All thanks to the magic woven by the VVA tech, the MT-15 2.0 is a lively machine but in particular power bands. From a standstill, it gets off nicely, taking all the assistance from the VVA but the actual feast commences when you breeze past the 6000 rpm mark on the tachometer. At around 7000 rpm, the VVA kicks in yet again, breathing a new life into this engine. After that, it keeps pulling ahead like its tail’s on fire and keeps pulling with a feisty force till it hits its redline. This is exactly what makes the MT-15 2.0 a joy to blast around. Keep the throttle pinned in every gear and it delivers in spades. The ideal cruising speed is around 100kmph with the engine humming happily at 8000 clicks.

The simplistic LCD instrument cluster is now a goner and has paved way for a Bluetooth-enabled unit that displays Call, E-mail, and SMS Alerts along with Smartphone battery status available through the Bluetooth-Enabled Y-Connect App.

It is now time to shed some light on its dark side.

As rude as pointing a finger at a Japanese!

Life is like a perennial barter deal as you have to trade something to receive something in exchange for it. Those glitzy golden USD forks might have made the MT-15 2.0 sharper than before but the stiff ride quality comes out as major trade-off. Since the front end now chatters a lot more than before, you can feel everything that is happening on the road. The braking feels adequate at best but more feedback and bite would have rounded off the rough edges. We still cannot wrap our heads around the fact that it still misses out on dual-channel ABS.

The cramped proportions of the MT-15 become even more pronounced when you invite someone to ride as a pillion. The pillion seat is borderline non-existent because even the number plate holder at the back is longer than the pillion seat. It might make the MT-15 look uber-cool but be prepared to get hurled with curses if you take someone along with you on a long ride.

We might adore the 155cc mill to death but it has its own set of shortcomings. Although the top-end performance of the MT-15 is to die for, the mid-range is rather bleak. There’s absolutely no juice in the mid-range so you are left with no other option than to wring it through all the gear ratios. Moreover, mild vibrations start spoiling the fun at around 7000 rpm and they keep get surfacing higher up in the rev range.

The MT-15 2.0 definitely looks more radical than its competition, thanks to that unique fascia. But it sort of comes out as a missed opportunity that Yamaha didn’t play around with the aesthetics of the MT-15. A revamped overall design inspired by the bigger MTs would have justified this generational upgrade even more.

Usually, we save the best bits for the last but this time around, we are sliding away from the regime to pinpoint the most irritating ergonomic feedback of the MT-15 2.0. The horn is placed usually where we find the indicator toggle and vice versa. Its more of an intuitional defect than an ergonomic one. I mean, why Yamaha? I had the MT-15 with me for a week and even after riding it for a considerable amount of time, I found myself cursing at this placement every single time I reached out to operate either the horn or the indicator. I could have dug deep in the thesaurus to find a better word than ‘irritating’ but it fits the bill perfectly. It actually is irritating. It also loses out on turn-by-turn navigation which could have proved to be a lot more useful than SMS and call alerts.

Yes Yamaha ! Why Yamaha ?

The new MT-15 2.0 has seen a price bump of INR 12,000-13,000 as it now retails at INR 1.60 Lakh. The pricing might sound a little steep but when you factor in the R15 V4 and KTM 125 Duke into the equation, it starts making sense. It looks dope! Even criminal in some sense! Handles like it is supposed to and being an urban commuter, its top-end performance will make your urban ex-girlfriend curse you more. But the MT-15 2.0 could have been so much more! It lacks the mid-range grunt we usually associate with streetfighters and the lack of dual-channel ABS is still not quite understandable. Overall, the Yamaha MT-15 2.0 might be a better bike than before but it still needs another generational upgrade to evolve to be the best version of it.

BMW X4 MSport x30d-A supercool SUV Coupe

BMW has been on an update spree like most other manufacturers in the year 2022. This time around, it’s the X4’s turn to receive a stealthy yet worthy Shadow edition update, a limited edition! This vehicle is also offered in a standard edition, but the M Sport package amplifies the overall appeal as expected no matter which you choose. On a sunny afternoon, we drove a limited edition BMW X4 Shadow edition wrapped in a nardo grey suit, one of the best colours on automobiles. Rev along.

BMW X4 MSport x30d-Wiser and meaner with time

Launched back in 2014, BMW last updated the BMW X4 in 2019. This year, the BMW X4 gets an updated, versatile chassis shared with older and younger X siblings from the family. The shadow edition accentuates this car’s appearance with all black and nardo grey contrast. BMW equips the X4 in x30i or x30d configurations, both standard in the M Sport package. Visually, both are identical, with sharper fascia and slim M Sport BMW adaptive LED lights front and rear. While the X6 is the original SUV Coupe beauty, the X4 symbolises this design in the midsize SUV Coupe silhouette making it one of the most handsome SUVs for its asking price.

Standing on M Sport dual spoke M light run-flat 20-inch tyres and adaptive suspensions, the X4 looks stunning in proportion. Shadow edition masks all the chrome elements of the standard car in gloss and matte black combinations. First seen on the M4, the adaptive air intakes sit neatly behind the more proportionate BMW grille. Sharper angles make this update feel modern and apt for this year and the future. M Sport batches all around the car, red M Sport brake callipers and wider tyres with 245 section up front and 275 at rear heighten the car’s road presence compared to its predecessor. This time in sharp geometric shapes, the rear black diffuser and M Sport dual exhausts add a sense of sporty appeal to the overall X4 package.

On the inside, our shadow edition featured all-black interiors with red stitching on good quality leather finishes and soft-touch leather on the dash, doors and centre consoles. Nothing much has changed since its last update in 2019, apart from the 12.3 BMW live cockpit touch infotainment system featuring wireless Android Auto, Apple CarPlay and gesture controls with M Sport animated dials to display gravitational acceleration, lean angles and more. M Sport three-spoke steering feels sturdy and acts sharp, making this SUV coupe feel more like a typical coupe than a midsize SUV. There are some misses, like the lack of wireless charging and 360-degree cameras, especially in a day and age when affordable cars are loaded with such sensors and more. The quality of leather and fit-finish levels are one of the best in the premium segment, and everything feels tactile. Being an SUV Coupe, the X4 packs a healthy electric-operated boot space of 525L with a space saver tyre.

BMW X4 MSport x30d-M Sport package as standard

The X4 is offered in twin-turbo combos of a 4-cylinder 252 bhp and 350 Nm petrol x30i engine, and our review (absolute) unit is provided in 6-cylinder 262 bhp and 620 Nm diesel x30d engine. BMW has got rid of other xDrive offerings. We test the better of the two – x30d, and its various drive modes include Eco, Eco Pro, Comfort, Comfort what-not, Sport and Sport Plus, with individual configurations for all settings. Truth be told, our dials were usually red with the Sport plus mode activated for most of our drive. What was surprising was the sheer opulent drive in comfort modes. The diesel engine is engineer-aged like a fine wine and feels refined, and the gearbox is smooth, mated to sophisticated NVH levels on a chassis developed for the X7!

Despite the larger shoes with 20-inch wheels, the adaptive suspension, brilliant chassis with minimal to no body roll, refined diesel engine and class-leading NVH levels give the BMW X4 a duality. It can be calm in comfort modes, and when you are in the mood for some paddle shifting fun, this bimmer can surprise you. A 0-100kmph sprint is achievable in 5.8s! This car is quick, considering the size and volume. To put it in perspective, this midsize mammoth is almost as fast as the newly launched BMW i4, and that is an all-electric sedan! Different modes aside, this car can perform a wheel spin on ECO mode if demanded. SPORT plus modes aggrandise the power, steering feel, suspension feedback and overall responsiveness of the BMW X4. BMW M sport package amplifies this car’s appeal by many folds. In an era dominated by midsize SUVs, this brilliant SUV Coupe does not just stand out with its design but also its mean twin-turbo M spec power.

The BMW X4 does feel like an SUV in all its elements. Still, it drives like a sedan thanks to an enthusiastic engine coupled with a smooth 8-speed Steptronic transmission, sharp steering inputs and M sport black magic on the limited shadow edition. Interiors, too, are sumptuous and accommodating despite the M sport seats with ample lumbar support. The adaptive suspension has made a world of difference to the overall drive quality of the updated BMW X4. There is almost no body roll despite the sheer size of this SUV, and high-speed stability has to be one of the best ammunition in its arsenal, coupled with solid but progressive braking.

BMW X4 MSport x30d- The sporty SUV styled as a Coupe

We drove spiritedly all day long in a limited Shadow edition BMW X4 x30d, and not many will be available in India. The black treatment on the exterior and interior with subtle M Sport badges makes the BMW X4 a handsome car. Newer details make the X4 look sharp and modern, ready to age with poise. Limited editions not just age with grace but sometimes appreciate with time. This beautiful monstrosity is a worthy set of wheels in your garage if you are tired of the ordinary-looking SUVs on our roads. Not only is it sporty in its drive appeal, but also composed in a way. BMW X4 has matured into a stunning midsize SUV Coupe update from BMW.

Design elements and specifications

BMW X4 shadow edition Specs

Price – 71.90 lakh onwards (Ex-Showroom)

Length (mm)	4751
Width (mm)	2138
Height (mm)	1621
Wheel Base (mm)	2864

Displacement (cc)	2993
Max Power	261.49bhp@4000rpm
Max Torque	620Nm@2000-2500rpm
No. of cylinder	6
Turbo Charger	twin
TransmissionType	Automatic
Gear Box	8-speed
Drive Type	4WD

TVS Apache RR310 BTO ! Build it before you buy it

Introducing TVS Built To Order (BTO)

Unique for everyone. Unprecedented for the industry.

TVS Built To Order is a first-of-its-kind customization platform and a much-needed revolution in the performance motorcycling segment. This translates into the whole process of interacting with the platform as well.

With TVS BTO, your vision for your motorcycle is brought to life with world-class engineering and state-of-the-art technologies. Every aspect of your machine is now in your control, right from the performance to your preferred aesthetic that truly represents you. The power to be unique on your own terms is now in your own hands.

The company’s BTO platform lets the customers customize their bikes as per their needs and requirements after which their unit is built directly in the factory. This time around, TVS has introduced a new, industry-first, factory built-to-order (BTO) system, where customers can specify their RR 310 as per their needs and requirements via the TVS ARIVE app or the online configurator. The BTO also allows the customers to track the journey of their bikes in real-time and finally get it delivered from their nearest TVS dealership.

The official TVS ARIVE app and web configurator can be used to select the preferred variant, package option, make a booking, and even complete the payment – all in just a few clicks. Following this, an authorized dealer from a preferred showroom will complete the delivery process.

In the highly exciting wait for their machine, one can also track and preview the machine in the ARIVE app. The bike can be visualised both in AR and a 3D model, giving one access to the even most minute details of the machine.

Be unique on your own terms.

TVS offers two customization kits with the Apache RR 310 – Dynamic and Race kits. The dynamic kit consists of a fully adjustable front fork set-up, full adjustable rear monoshock and an anti-rust brass-coated drive chain. The front fork gets 20-step compression damping and 20-step rebound damping and 15 mm of preload adjustment.

Similarly, the rear monoshock gets 20-step rebound damping and 10-step preload adjustment. Similarly, the race kit includes a new handlebar which is lowered by 8 degrees and tucked inwards by 5 degrees. It offers a more aggressive and committed riding posture. The footpegs too have been raised by 30 mm and offer increased clearance of up to 4.5 degrees. They are knurled as well, offering better grip for the riders.

Dynamic Kit

Crafted for those who race off the beaten track, Dynamic kit offers superior performance on every terrain with adjustable front suspension and rear monoshock and brass coated drive chain. Let your performance speak for itself and make a statement with the special race edition graphics.

Fully Adjustable KYB Front Suspension

Race into the unexplored, with a fully adjustable KYB suspension with 20 sets of damping and 15mm of preload in the front forks, which can be adjusted by the rider for firmness or flexibility depending upon the terrain and riding style.

Fully adjustable KYB rear suspension

The enhanced KYB suspension allows for adjustment of the rear monoshock. The adjustable rear suspension features 20 sets of damping and 10 steps of preload adjustment, to adjust the level of stiffness for a race experience.

Brass coated Drive chain

With the factory fitted brass coated drive chain, you will always find an excuse to push the limits on the racetrack. The anti-rust brass coated chain delivers superior performance output from this race machine.

Race Kit

Crafted for those who aspire to clip every apex, and burn rubber on every straight, the race package features an aggressive racing stance and ergonomics. The tuck down racing handlebar, raised footrest and race footpegs make your track weapon an unforgettable force.

Racing ergonomics – Handlebar

The race ergonomics turn your race machine into a formidable force on the track. The lower set handlebars at 117.1 degrees enable a highly aggressive and committed stance, facilitating tighter corners and faster straight-line speeds. This also delivers a superior grip on the racetrack.

Race Designed footpegs

The knurling on the footpegs provides for superior grip and great stability while attacking corners.

Raised footrest assembly

The raised footrest assembly provides the rider with an aggressive and committed posture, making room for a higher lean angle to achieve higher speeds while cornering.

New Race Replica Graphics

Racing is inherent to every TVS Apache RR310 that leaves the assembly line. The glorious heritage of TVS Racing since 1982 is now etched on your race machine. The eminent TVS Racing wreath graphic imparts an exclusive identity and the TVS Racing OMC inspired livery makes your track weapon stand out. The Race Replica edition enlightens the racer within you, making for memorable podium finishes.

Personalized Race Number

The number on the machine is more than just a figure!! It is an identity that is owned by you and defines you. With the option of getting your favourite number on the visor, you can carve your own legacy through your track weapon.

Kia Carens

Kia Carens : Introduction

Is it from a different world?

All new design ideology can be seen on the Kia Carens

The Indian buyer’s growing obsession for SUV’s has flooded the market with 6 and 7 seater family haulers. With almost every automaker in the country trying to cater and please the big fat Indian families with their offerings, Kia isn’t falling back.

To bridge this segment’s gap, Kia unveiled its new three-row offering for the Indian market, the Carens, in December last year. The Carens made its global debut in India, and incidentally, the country will also be its sole manufacturing hub for both domestic and export purposes.

The wrap around tail lights look upmarket

The Kia Carens is based on a stretched platform of the Creta/Seltos, similar to the Hyundai Alcazar. Dimensionally, the Carens measures 4,540mm in length, 1,800mm in width, 1,700mm in height and has a wheelbase of 2,780mm.

Now if you compare it to the Seltos, the Carens is 225mm longer and 80mm taller, while the wheelbase is 160mm longer. The Carens also fares brownie points as it is longer, wider and taller than even the Alcazar, that measures 4,500mm in length, 1,790mm in width, 1,675mm in height. Even the wheelbase is greater than the Alcazar’s 2,760mm. In fact, the Carens has the longest wheelbase in this segment, which is 30mm longer than the Toyota Innova Crsyta too, although the Toyota is longer when it comes to overall length. The dimensions certainly point to a spacious interior.

Kia Carens: Exterior design

What’s it like to look from the outside?

Kia is calling the design ideology as coming together of 2 different worlds apart. And it actually makes sense as Kia is neither placing it as an MPV, nor as an SUV, but what exactly are they categorizing it? A recreational vehicle.

The Kia Carens has a very distinctively striking presence to say the least. It has the proportions of an MPV, but also gets several styling elements to make it look like an SUV. Starting up front, the front facia is characterized by a striking split-LED headlamp assembly and a sealed off grille that is housed within a contrasting gloss piano back trim. The signature Kia tiger nose grille has moved down to the lower lip of the bumper giving space for a new chrome garnish. The grille even features some gnarled effects and 3D patterns on the brushed silver insert for some added bling. Down below, the front bumper is more sedately styled, although the gaping central air intake does add some character. In fact, Kia’s signature ‘Tiger Nose’ motif is now featured on the bumper and not on the grille, although very subtly.

The LED DRLS are said to be inspired by constellations and hence a unique futuristic design adorns the front. I wonder how many stars it would pack inside. The crown jeweled LED headlamps are sleek and futuristic with the three slot design even carried in the LED fog-lamps which lend a distinctive visual edge through sleek and avant-garde design.

Move to the side and it has a very MPV’ish silhouette. Generous amount of chrome has been used to fancy the Indian buyers. A chrome strip running all the way from the front window sill and wrapping around at the third quarter glass sections lends it an upmarket appearance. Though the R16 crystal cut alloy wheels have a nice design, they look a tad bit small considering the proportions of this car. In my opinion, a size up would definitely make a huge difference.

From the side profile, the Carens shows resemblance to the Seltos until the front doors, though the rear doors are much longer and it also gets a larger rear quarter window area. Strong character lines that start from the headlamps, blend into the doors and then emerge at the rear to meet the tail-lamps. At the rear, the Carens gets a pair of wrap-around LED tail-lamps which look like they have been borrowed from the Sonet. The rear windshield can be seen slightly raked and also houses an integrated spoiler. Akin to the front, the rear bumper is also aggressively styled with chrome garnish inserts. The raised ground clearance and the upright stance due body cladding all around lends it a pretty masculine look.

Kia Carens: Interior design

How does it feel from the inside?

In its typical fashion, the interior of the Kia Carens is very well laid with premium-looking materials and a well appointed dashboard. Use of multiple colors for the interior trim like Triton navy and Sahel beige, makes the cabin feel dramatic and lively to sit inside. A big slab of piano black is thrown onto the dash with gnarled effects and a brushed metal strip flows down below. Something which might bother the consumers is that the dash might pick up dust and fingerprints pretty easily and it would be a hassle to maintain it clean and shining bright.

Notice the different color interior trims which jazz up the cabin

The interior also has a clean, layered effect with everything positioned for better reach. The infotainment system is neatly integrated in the dash. Giving it a premium touch. There’s even some fine detailing on the dashboard trim and on the door panels, adding some jazz to the interior.

Below the top-half, the AC vents have been integrated seamlessly along the width of the interior. The AC control unit gets a feather-touch panel with toggle switches for operating the climate controls, with the ambient lighting panel underlining all of this.

Ventilated seats and different driving modes for the AT variant.

The 64 color options for the ambient light makes the cabin feel more upmarket and lends the Carens a premium feel inside. The center console is short and stubby and features additional controls for seat ventilation, drive modes, etc. The Carens will be available in both 6- and 7-seat configurations, with the former getting captain seats for the second row.

The touchscreen in fluid and well responsive to use

Generous amount of cubby spaces in all the nooks and corners allows for ample storage of nick-nacks. Infact, all the doors get 3 bottle holders and small pockets to keep phones or other stuff. The front doors even have dedicated slots for keeping umbrellas during the rainy season.

Now you don’t have a panoramic sunroof because of the roof mounted AC vents for the 2nd and 3rd row, but you do get a single unit sunroof , just in case!

The second row boss seat features a one-touch tumble down function for easy ingress and egress to the third row. A fold up table and an air purifying module are housed behind the front seats. All in all you get 6 USB (5 C-type) ports to charge your devices.

Captain seats for the second row makes the cabin feel more roomier

Considering the sheer size of the Kia Carens, stepping in and out is not much of a hassle and hence, it will be comfortable even for senior citizens in your family. The seats though are a bit on the narrower side, but provide good under thigh support for easing the longer journeys.

Third row seats are considerably more comfortable

Now the extended wheelbase makes enough room even for the third row and for sure it is one of the best in its segment. Not just kids, but even average sized adults won’t be complaining much about the space at the back.

Notice the gnarled effects on the piano black trim

Kia Carens: Features

What all tech does it pack?

This being a Kia, the equipment list is long and is a big highlight of the Carens. Top-spec variants of the Carens are equipped with a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and Kia’s UVO connect. The touch is fluid and well responsive. It also gets a fully digital instrument cluster, an eight-speaker Bose sound system and a multi-function steering wheel with buttons for audio controls, voice commands and calling, similar to the one seen on the Sonet and Seltos.

The air purifying module behind the driver seat

Notably, the Carens also gets roof-mounted AC vents to aid cooling at the rear, which rules out the possibility of a panoramic sunroof. There is a single unit sunroof for the fancy purpose though. Other highlights on the Carens include a 64-color ambient lighting, ventilated front seats, seat-back table with cup holder, electrically powered, one-touch tumble down feature for the second row (first in segment feature) and an air purifier. Kia has particularly stressed on safety features with the Carens as all models get six airbags, ABS, ESC, hill-start assist, disc brakes at all four ends, TPMS and rear parking sensors as standard across all variants.

Kia Carens: Engine and Gearbox options

How well does it drive?

Under the hood, the Carens gets the option of two petrol engines and a diesel engine. The first is a 115 hp, 144 Nm, 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine, which is solely offered with a 6-speed manual gearbox. The 140hp, 242 Nm, 1.4-litre turbocharged petrol engine comes mated to either a 6-speed manual or a 7-speed DCT gearbox.

Lastly, the diesel engine is a 1.5-litre unit which produces 115 hp and 250 Nm of peak torque. It can be opted in either a 6-speed manual or 6-speed torque converter automatic gearbox. These engine-gearbox combinations are the same as the ones that are offered in the Kia Seltos.

The overall drive is pliant and poised. The engine is never in a hurry and delivers a linear performance across the gear ratio range. It feels plush and sturdy at high speeds. Something worth pointing out are the well damped suspensions which can gulp in all the major potholes of city driving and the raised ground clearance allows the vehicle to glide over rough terrain patches.

Safety Features

Dual front Airbags as standard across all variant

ABS & EBD

Front and Reverse Parking Sensors with camera

Seat belt reminder

High speed alert

Hill start assist

Hill Descent control

Electronic Stability control

Front seatbelt pretensioners

Rear disk breaks

Impact sensing auto door unlock

Side and curtain airbags

Tire pressure monitoring system

ISOFIX

Anti theft alarm

Rear wiper and defogger

Rain sensing vipers

Auto headlamps

Kia Connect mobile app.

Functional features

50:50 Third row split

2nd and 3rd row AC vents

Height adjustable drivers seats

2nd row slide and recline

5x USB C-type ports

Ambient lights

Electric second row tumble

Front and rear armrests

3rd row recline

Ventilated front seats

Automatic climate control

LED DRL’s and headlamps

Wireless phone charger

Android Auto and Apple Car-play

Cooled cup-holders

Rear door sun shade

Cruise Control with steering mounted buttons

Push button start stop

To watch the complete first drive review, click here.