Data privacy has become a matter of grave concern in the modern world. on one hand, we have AI technologies getting challenged by governments around the world over data privacy concerns. On the other hand, we’ve got social media platform leaders like TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew getting grilled by Congress over the same data privacy issues. In today’s time, one can never be sure when your data can be compromised and misused leading to notorious cybercrimes including the leaking of sensitive data causing massive damage to one’s life. Now, a special report by Reuters has revealed Tesla employees privately shared highly invasive videos and images of users recorded by the customers’ car cameras.
Tesla’s Misuse of customer data
Recently, Reuters sat down for an interview with nine former employees of Tesla where it was revealed that passing around customer footage in one-on-one chats is a rather common occurrence in the company. One ex-employee of the company shared that the recordings usually caught Tesla customers in embarrassing situations, one of the videos showcased a man approaching a Tesla vehicle completely naked. Crashes and road rage incidents were also commonly shared amongst workers in the company.
One crash video from 2021 showed a Tesla hitting a child riding a bike at high speed. The ex-employee claimed that the child and bike could be seen flying in opposite directions after the hit in the video which spread “like wildfire” in the Tesla office in San Mateo, California. This is truly a disturbing development as Tesla has always been vocal about customer privacy being important to them.
Tesla states in its online Customer Privacy Note that the camera recordings done by its cars remain anonymous and not linked to the customers or their vehicles. Whereas, one of the ex-employee revealed that some of the recordings appeared to have been made when the cards were parked and turned off. Tesla has not yet shared an official response to all the detailed questions sent by Reuters based on this report.
Uber today announced a comprehensive global revamp of its app, adding a slew of new features to help riders go anywhere effortlessly. Uber’s redesigned app has been made intuitive, customized to the individual preferences of each rider, offering easy access to all services, consistent experiences, and a smooth flow through the booking process. Starting right at the redesigned homescreen, the new Uber app makes it easier to book rides, taking into account the most preferred destinations and products for each rider. The list of updates that will show on the app as a result of the new App Redesign rollout includes:
A new homescreen
The homescreen experience has been simplified to help riders book trips faster, with fewer taps, right from the get-go. The new app also features a “Services” tab as a one-stop shop to find all product offerings available to riders in their city – from a nearby Moto to Auto, Intercity, Rentals, Reserve, Connect and more. The new “Activity Hub” helps keep track of past and upcoming rides in one place.
More personalized
Booking favourites – ride types, locations, and more – also gets more effortless with the new app. Upon tapping “where to?” on the homescreen, “Saved Places” will appear for each rider, and the app will suggest a list of personalized destinations and ride types based on preferences, past trips, and most likely destinations. The app will also share personalized recommendations for planning travel and saving based on how each rider uses Uber. As an example, if a rider typically uses Uber Auto, it will likely be the first option they see; and the app will also suggest other affordable options.
A new way to track the progress of rides
Now, with Live Activities on the lock screen, riders can easily track the live progress of their ride and receive critical updates like vehicle details, the latest ETA information, and trip status – all on the Lock Screen without opening the app. This feature is being rolled out for iOS devices and will be available on Android devices soon. Riders will need to ensure their device is up to date with the latest available software and the latest version of the Uber app to experience the redesigned app and its new features.
Commenting on the updated Uber app, Nitish Bhushan, Director – Central Operations, Uber India and South Asia, said, “We have always worked to provide mobility with few taps on the app for riders on the Uber platform. Seeing how fast-paced our lives are getting, we understand the need to be able to navigate through apps in seconds. We are introducing the redesigned Uber app to help our users more effortlessly navigate to ensure each rider sees an app designed for their specific needs, with their frequented routes and preferred products showing right at the top.”
One look around, and we see tonnes of metal on wheel designs aiding human existence. The difference between the future and the present moment could be as low as a second or as creatively engineered as the Hyundai IONIQ 5. A car awaited in India since its global debut. Electric, check; something unique, check; performance, let’s check.
Exterior to drool
This car is a stunner even when those gorgeous 20-inch wheels are not moving. In fact, this car looks like it was designed by a racing game designer more than any car designer. The engineers at Hyundai have hit the ball right out of the park regarding the overall stance, parametric pixel design on those gorgeous DRLs and LED lightings, parametric pixel design on the 20-inch alloys and beautiful sharp creases throughout the exterior design. Wheel arches, too, carry a subtle design for aerodynamic and visual pleasures. Winner of several awards, including the world car design award for 2022, Hyundai’s IONIQ 5 carries a hatchback design with SUV proportions and is visually stunning enough to turn passengers’ heads in luxury cars on Indian roads. Flush door handles, Michelin Pilot Sport tyres and many other things add subtlety to the overall beautiful silhouette. This car will definitely become an Icon for people to consider in the near future. Hats off to the overall design team and engineers at Hyundai.
Built on the E-GMP (Electric global modular platform), with intelligent features like shifting the AC setup to the engine bay, a flat floor with an 8-point 72.6kwh battery mounted for a better centre of gravity, and 5-link suspensions at the rear liberate a mind-bending 3000mm of wheelbase. The IONIQ 5 design cleverly camouflages its dimensions and plays a visual trick on normal simpletons appearing gorgeously balanced in its profile. Offered in three colours, the IONIQ 5 looks great in them all but looks like a proper modern-day mafia car in midnight black pearl. Despite the electric platform, the 163mm ground clearance offers innate peace of mind while driving on Indian terrains. This is arguably the highest ground clearance in Hyundai’s India line-up yet.
Interiors like living space
Let’s start from the top. A panoramic sunroof that opens from the middle brings a more spacious feel to the ivory-clad interiors. The feature list is so immense narrating it would make this video a short film about the car. The interiors exude opulence with a massive wheelbase, made from sustainable materials like dyeing leather with flaxseed oil, recycled bottles, and paper-feel materials from corn, sugarcane and flower extracts. V2L, vehicle to load, allows users to power their appliances in and outside the IONIQ 5 in a unique blend of utility, function and style. The digital cockpit includes two massive 12.3-inch screens wrapped in sustainable components matching the car’s interior space alongside a magnet on the RHS for sticking lightweight metal essentials. The engineers also went bonkers inside by including a slidable handrest storage unit that liberates up-front and rear space when used accordingly. The cooled glove box also has a unique drawer design that liberates more space than most glove boxes in the market today.
The flat bottom steering unit features a Mercedes AMG-inspired drive selector and drive modes. It is lightweight in Eco mode and weighs apt for Normal and Sport modes. Along with the heated and ventilated seats, the car also features heated ORVMs and VESS, a virtual engine sound system notifying people around you about this relatively calm beast. The IONIQ 5 also features home-to-car connectivity with Alexa, and Google Assistant alongwith a plethora of Hyundai Bluelink features, including OTA updates on the map with charge station info, battery status, auto crash notifications and many more. A perfect icing on this retro-modern white chocolate cake is the inclusion of 21 features on the Hyundai Smartsense level 2 ADAS. Customisable ambient lights, passenger walk-in functionality on all rear seats, 8-Bose speakers with a sub-woofer, 6 airbags, Hill-start/stop assist, EPB, TPMS, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay and dozens of other electronic aids with adaptive air flaps ensure that Hyundai has thrown the kitchen sink at customers who barely would be able to recollect the robust feature list on this car.
Drives – Comfortably fast
Hyundai ride quality is eminent in the IONIQ 5. We barely drove this beauty on wheels through south Goa, India. In the dozen or odd kilometres, the car maintained its composure at relatively higher speeds on straights and some enthusiasts driving on a few twisties encountered. The 5-link suspension and the overall centre of gravity, alongwith the 20-inch tyres, offer good grip on most road conditions. The NVH levels are well maintained despite this car’s huge tyre and overall dimensions. On the move, it’s like the car balance comes alive. The PSM primarily produces 217PS of power and 350Nm torque at its rear wheels. The power delivery is linear on all the modes, and the torque curve is well spread throughout the initial acceleration figures. Even in Eco mode, the acceleration is linear yet satisfactory enough to overtake anything going slower than 185 km/h, as the car is electronically locked at this speed.
Four levels of regenerative braking can be accessed through the paddle shifters. It’s a relatively more straightforward car to drive and handles confidently. The 163mm ground clearance allows the car to tackle any obstacle our roads offer. The overall technology with level 2 ADAS further aid drivers, and Hyundai brings a nice balance of linear performance in comfortable ride quality. The electric range could not be tested in a few kilometres of drive; hence, we shall reserve our thoughts, but a realistic figure of anywhere between 390 Km – 460 km is easily achievable.
There is nothing in the realm of automobiles in India that matches the wow factor of the Hyundai IONIQ 5. It looks a million times better than its asking price, features enough to print a booklet on its name and offers one of the most spacious, innovative driving pleasures designed for daily infatuations with a car made possible by creative engineers at Hyundai. There are other cool-looking cars like the KIA EV6 and BYD Atto3. Still, nothing in the segment feels as technologically valuable, retro-modern, spacious, and proportionally sassy as the Hyundai IONIQ 5.
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.
The subscription model has taken over the world in recent years. If the subscription model had not become so common for various services, I would find it weird to be paying for a Bisleri water monthly subscription, but here we are! Well if OTT, Newspapers, YouTube Premium, and many more were not enough ways for you to spend on subscriptions, Mercedes will now be asking users to pay an annual fee in order to allow the auto giant’s electric vehicles to accelerate faster!
Mercedes Annual Fee
BBC was the first publication to report that Mercedes will be charging its users a sum of $1200 which is shy of a lakh rupees every year for its cars to be faster. So will this annual fee magically make your electric merc accelerate super fast? No. The fee reportedly only allows users to reduce the time required to go from 0 to 60 mph by a second. That’s right, just one second!
This won’t be the first time a car manufacturer has introduced a subscription service. It was earlier this year when BMW launched a subscription fee for heated seats. However, the launch date of this subscription model by Mercedes has not yet been revealed. Toyota had also announced a while back that it would charge consumers $8 per month to enable the remote start feature in their cars.
Imagine buying a product at a full premium price and having to pay an additional fee to get the best out of it. As someone who is not an auto fanatic, I cannot make sense of this subscription model. However, fans on the internet have certainly been vocal about this decision by Mercedes stating that they would much rather receive a finished product than have to pay subscriptions for everything!
Life has to progress towards grandeur, from essentials to extraordinary; our possessions define our journey. Technology only improves with time, while luxury defies time, like the Mercedes Maybach, which is the epitome of luxury. While the G2 65” 4K Smart OLED evo TV is a sleek luxury piece-of-art addition to your pads with an infinite contrast ratio, powerful α9 Gen5 AI Processor and 4K 120Hz panel with VRR support that enables the best sources technology has on offer today and tomorrow. There is something common between these two which is the OLED tech, and that’s what has triggered us to get these two together.
We tried our best to get to know about both these products and summed up all our experiences for you. The LG OLED TV has a show-stopping silhouette design that blends into your wall, which once seemed impossible. Once you turn on the Gallery Mode to showcase the works of reclaimed artists, your guest will get confused about whether it is a TV or wallpaper as the colours, details, and textures are surreally like the real thing. Believe it or not, it is the slimmest and sleekest TV in the current market. It has one of the best and brightest displays I’ve ever seen, witnessed, and used. The 65-inch TV is priced at 330k in India and arrives with an LGs latest evo panel which offers outstanding picture quality, but you want to know what the best part of having an OLED is?
The iconic TV has minimal borders that are hard to measure and detect. A week back, I was watching a show on the National Geographic channel, and due to the bezel-less display, at one point, I thought I was right there with the forest rangers and wildlife photographers, literally.Now, if you ask me how you define the epitome of luxury? I would say by experiencing it. The Mercedes S-580 Maybach has everything you would practically expect from a luxury sedan, thanks to the rich history it carries. The S-580 Maybach is one of the best cars in the world and oozes opulence from every angle.
The car offers excellent under-thigh support, cushions behind your head with a heating option, and a large 12.8-inch OLED touchscreen, which allows you to control practically all car functions. It resonates with class and derives a sense of aristocracy like no other thing in the world can provide.
While the 65-inch 4K Smart OLED display of the LG TV offers everything, you could ask from a TV. The 4K resolution of the TV is paired with the self-lighting pixels, which gives us incredible infinite contrast and perfect black levels. Thanks to tonnes of format support and AI trickery making, this TV is as desirable as the luxuries on wheels. The picture quality of the TV is simply perfect, just like the rear seat experience of the Maybach S-580. When you’re in the backseat of the Maybach S-580, you are spoilt, and getting out of the seat is going to be a tough challenge. The car’s ambient lighting turns the darkest of nights into an occasion.
The Burmester music system transforms the cabin into your personal grandeur entertainment setup. I love how the speakers dramatically pop in and out each time you pause or resume your music. Watching sports along with your friends or family increases your adrenaline level but to enjoy sports matches in a group setting, you need to have a TV that offers wide viewing angles. The LG G2 TV supports Dolby Vision Gaming 4K at 120Hz with a 0.1ms response time, along with great colours and black levels. The TV is the top choice for gamers as it has features for gamers who want it all, even if they aren’t likely to use it all. The OLED TV offers an outstanding level of immersion, so it’s time to put your games on the big screen. Since the arrival of the Nvidia G-Sync and AMD FreeSync™, gaming on TV screens has reached new levels, as with them, the OLED TV can deliver over 120fps at 4K. That’s simply incredible.
The gaming experience on LG TV is so natural that sometimes while playing racing games, I feel like I’m driving in the real world. The gaming session is so effortless that I almost feel like enjoying every comfort my Mercedes offers when I’m on the actual roads. The filmmaker mode of the TV is supposed to preserve the creative intent of the moviemaker by letting you watch your favourite film in its original form, and it does the job really well. The white light output of the OLED is the highest I’ve ever seen from any OLED-based display.
Just like the opulence and epitome of luxury that the Mercedes S-Class Maybach provides, this OLED TV is something you’d definitely want to hang on your wall instead of a Picasso painting. Both these products define the term luxury in their unique ways and are an excellent choice for someone progressing towards grandeur with style and compassion, more like arriving in life.
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.
Some of the best concept cars of all times that saw the light of day
Concept cars are alluring. They not only give us a sneak-peek of the future of car brands, but they even give designers the very opportunity to unleash their creativity, giving us some jaw-dropping automotive marvels. Due to the countless and never ending regulations, however, production models often look significantly different than the prototypes we spot at car shows.
That said, every now and then we witness concepts that actually come true with a design very close or sometimes identical to the intended. Hereès a list of 10 well known concept cars that made their way into reality.
FORD GT / 2002 FORD GT-40 CONCEPT
The Ford GT-40 has been a legendary piece of machinery. It was intentionally built to defeat Ferrari at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. And it did defeat Ferrari, taking four wins consecutively.
Ford took almost fifty years to revive the legend until finally, in 2002 it managed to do so. That year, at the Detroit Auto Show (USA), Ford came up with a modern supercar killer. Design-wise, the 2002 GT-40 Concept was an exact copy of the original 1960s legendary model. In 2003 production version dropped the “40” from its name.
LEXUS LC / 2012 LC-LF CONCEPT
Toyota and Lexus rarely get a car that closely resembles the concept because of the over-dramatic lookers they are portrayed to be. When Lexus introduced its future production of a gran-tourer made on the 2012 LF-LC, people were shocked.
Instead of going for a more covert look, Lexus simply copied the concept car into production, as it was. The production vehicle ended up looking incredibly magnificent and sophisticated that it was often compared to cars like the Aston Martin DB-11. And don’t forget the amazing 5.0-liter naturally-aspirated V-8 with 470 horsepower. Pure symphony!
AUDI R8 / 2003 AUDI LE MANS QUATTRO CONCEPT
Things started changing in the mid-2000s, after Audi announced that they were going to bring a mid-engine sports car. . It was meant to commemorate the manufacturer’s 3 consecutive wins in the world endurance race. Its study led to the creation of the Audi R8, which looked exactly the same. It even retained the Quattro all-wheel-drive system.
DODGE VIPER / 1989 DODGE VIPER CONCEPT
Back in the 1980s, Bob Lutz, Lee Iacocca, and later Carol Shelby had collaborated in order to produce what is known as one of the most brutal American sports cars ever conceived – the Dodge Viper. The primary idea was to capture the spirit of the Shelby Cobra and recreate it using the 90s technology. Big engine, manual gearbox, and lightweight.
A stunning roadster was unveiled at the 1989 Detroit Auto Show. This concept featured a 5.9-liter V-8, as the V-10 was still under development. It would have eventually evolved into the first generation of the Dodge Viper RT-10, while retaining all the original design elements.
PORSCHE BOXSTER / 1993 BOXSTER CONCEPT
Despite all its colorful portfolio, Porsche wasn’t doing so great back in the 1990s. Even with the brand having the rear-engined 911 and front-engine 944, 928, and 968 models, they fell short of a compact mid-engine model. The Boxster Concept was introduced back in 1993, and despite its modern design, it called back to the 550 Spyder.
The production version which followed adopted the design of the concept, without any significant changes. Its name “Boxster” came from the boxer engine in the car, and the fact it was a roadster. The “Baby Porsche” name came in the nick of time.
LEXUS LFA / 2005 LFA CONCEPT
Probably the modern-day supercar that took the longest time into development. Toyota wanted to tighten the pants in the racing segment when Lexus stepped up to the challenge. A special team of engineers was hand-picked and a unique facility was created, where this exceptional car would be produced. Its prototypes were also spotted testing as early as in 2005.
Mid-way through its development process, it was decided that the chassis had to be carbon fiber and not aluminum. Regardless of which, what came up was a Japanese supercar like no one had seen before. Although the concept was radical, the production spec LFA looked even better, while retaining the same futuristic design language. Adding to that, its 552-horsepower naturally-aspirated high-revving V-10 engine is the talk of legends.
CHEVROLET CAMARO / 2006 CAMARO CONCEPT
In the early 2000s, American manufacturers had started implementing the retro-futuristic design ideology, and to recreate the 1960s glory of the muscle car era. Most stunning concept car was the 2006 Camaro. Both exterior and interior were incredible and it was an obvious throwback to the 1960s classic scene. The car also got fame as it was also featured in the 2007 Transformers movie and instantly became recognizable as the yellow “Bumblebee”.
Luckily, they settled to have the design as it was for the production version. The design of the fifth-gen Camaro became so popular that even a couple of tuning companies offered to bring back some of its elements from the concept as we know of. It included the exhaust tip, which mimicked the shape of the taillights. Even the production model also kept the engine – a 6.0-liter V-8, later replaced by a 6.2-liter.
ACURA NSX / 2012 NSX CONCEPT
The 2012 NSX Concept might not have been far from Honda’s original perception of a successor to its original 1990s sports car, but there is no denying the fact that it looks amazing. The production-spec vehicle looked exactly the same as the 2012 concept car. Featuring Acura’s SH-AWD system and a 3.5-liter V-6 which all-together with 3 electric motors produces 573 horsepower and 476 pound-feet of torque (645 Nm). All of this was mated to a nine-speed dual-clutch-automatic.
JAGUAR F-TYPE / 2011 C-X16 CONCEPT
The Coventry-based(UK) British carmaker is known for its heritage and clinching on to its legendary history. However, Jaguar started getting bolder and dynamic around the late 2000s and started giving us some bold Bond-like styling and more modern day technology. One of the cars which was ideated, came as the C-X16 Concept. This, when Jaguar also decided to make a spiritual successor to one of their most iconic car which was the 1960’s E-type.
Although the clamshell front hood was dropped, the car screamed modern-day E-Type from every angle. Luckily, the exact same design, courtesy of Ian Callum, made it into production, making the F-type one of the most gorgeous looking cars of our time.
NISSAN GTR / 2005 GTR PROTO
In 2005 one thing was certain that a new Godzilla was on its way. At that time, the Tokyo Motor Show unveiled the GTR Prototype which showed the potential futuristic design of the Supercar slayer. The design was nothing less than groundbreaking, as it was a long too far away from the boxy forms of the older R34. At the same time, the concept retained the signature for the model four’s twin round tail lights setup, which in one form or another were featured on all generations before it. The design was more functional than radical, although it still gave the car immense dynamic presence. With the exception of two small vents on the front bumper, which were connected to the headlights via carbon-fiber trim pieces, the production version R35 looked identical to the concept.
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 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.
