If Apple were to make a car, this little bubble would be it, except it also supports Android Auto. Hold your horses until you look at the interior, and you’ll agree with that statement. My first media drive experience was with this small carbon footprint making Bigfoot news before its launch; the MG COMET EV, India’s smallest car. This is MG’s second electric vehicle launch in the country. Clearly, the brand is betting big on electric power and its future in India. Micro-cars are gaining popularity worldwide, and this concept is separate from what we’re used to. It’s not necessary that the smaller the car, the lower the price. That said, the MG Comet is expected to be priced below 10L. This trend is already well accepted in Japan, where micro cars, also known as Kei cars, have got quite a following due to their easy manoeuvrability, fuel efficiency, eco-friendly alternative to ICE’s, and most of all, these cars enjoy tax and insurance benefits due to their small engine size.
In India, we already have tax benefits under section 80EEB for EV buyers, let’s see if microcars also pick up in India, and if they do, we might start seeing similar tax benefits as those enjoyed by the Japanese. There is no hiding from the fact that the Comet is a rebranded Chinese car that MG has brought to India. Clearly, the Chinese influence is rubbing off on the British automotive marque. One of the major upsells and what I call a wildcard dealt by MG would be that the Comet will be offering up to 16 graphic sticker packs and over 20 ways to customise it. The reason that MG is able to pull this off is probably because it’s a CKD unit and 75% Indian-made. Also, what an ironic first review since I come from a complete modification background. The customisation options put me right back in my natural habitat.
EXTERIOR- More J-lo than Kardashian
When I first saw the car, around 40 of them parked at the entry of Le Meredian in Gurugram for the media drive, and I thought, “what a cute bubble of a car this is.” The exterior has got a futuristic yet minimalistic design. The Comet is following the trend of the end-to-end LED strips seen in most new EVs, with the running light covered alongside chrome and trim stretching from one side mirror to the other, making it appear longer than it is. It has LED headlights instead of the usual halogen ones I was expecting. It’s a small but mindful choice since LEDs lower the strain on the car’s electrical system, improving fuel economy. The front finishes with a subtle curve at the bumpers, making it more of a bubble than a cube. Coming to the side, the doors cover the majority of the side body with rather large windows. Even the front windshield, for that matter, gives the front an almost 50:50 ratio facade in the overall look from afar. Its cute 12-inch aerodynamic wheels reduce wind drag and are expected to increase the range. A keen modifier like myself would still wonder how larger wheels might complement the car’s exterior and improve its driving experience.
Speaking of dimensions, it’s 2974mm long, 1505mm wide and 1640mm tall with a 2010mm wheelbase; with these numbers in mind, it’s no surprise that there is no boot space unless you fold the backseats. It’s got the same combination running light with chrome and trim at the back, keeping the uniformity intact. The badging includes the “Comet” and “EV” badges at the rear and also MG’s “Internet Inside” – one badge I’m not a fan of. However, the MG logo at the front looks rather fancy- it illuminates when the car gets locked, unlocked or while on a charge, and the charging port lies behind the MG logo itself.
INTERIOR- An Airy Facade
As soon as I saw the keys to the car, for a second, I mistook them for my AirPods since they’re engraved with my initials “MG”, and so is the Comet’s key. Like I said before, this little bubble would be it if Apple were to make a car. The interior of the one I drove was the basic grey with silver and white accents, just like an Apple product. However, it has tons of add-ons and a never-ending list of interior and exterior customisations. It is aesthetically pleasing and comes loaded with features up to the brim. Regarding material quality, it mainly has four plastic variations used around the interior with some soft touch fabric on the dashboard- all prime quality. The seats are fabric which may be bothersome when it comes to maintenance, especially if you go in for the lighter tones.
Nonetheless, it still gives off a luxurious and high-tech vibe. Speaking of technology, the car screams high-tech as soon as you sit in it, with keyless entry. It’s got a 10.25-inch dual-screen infotainment system supporting Android Auto and Apple CarPlay; you can even adjust the top speeds from 30 to 80 kmph and also move around the widgets in your home screen, which proved to be helpful since the steering wheel sometimes covers parts of the screen while driving. The 2-spoke steering wheel, which is popularly called the iPod spoke steering wheel, has manual tilt adjustment, with controls for the instrument cluster on the left spoke and the much talked about voice command controller on the right spoke, which includes 100+ voice commands, including regional languages as well, making it quite the highlight.
The driver’s MID features modes, drive, charge, regeneration, DTE and dynamic indications. The front has two cup holders and little storage in the door panels. Other storage options are included in the add-ons. It’s got physical rotary knobs under the lower dashboard for climate control and an impressive easy-to-use transmission knob between the seats. They’ve eliminated the centre console, giving you more legroom. A few kicks here and there, and you’ll notice the USB A socket under the dashboard, which ended my search for wireless charging- this car also mimics Apple with the ports issue. To my surprise, the rear seats get a decent amount of space and can seat four tall people, but they’ll have to sit as straight as a flagpole.
DRIVE- “Doesn’t leave you feeling mini at all”
I spent a few minutes figuring out how to switch it on until I was told it was a simple double press on the brake. After the flag-off, we were set to drive from Le Meridian in Gurugram to Sunder Nursery, which is a Heritage park in Delhi. The distance is 22 kms; we left around 9 am when office hours had commenced, resulting in NCR roads being packed with cars. It was the perfect opportunity to check the “city car” appeal. It’s based on SGMW’s Global Small Electric Vehicle (GSEV) Platform, with a turning radius of 4.2m, which is excellent to manoeuvre through heavy traffic. It’s got a 17.3 kWh battery pack with a power output of 42PS and 110 Nm torque. A unique feature I heard many discussing was the E/S button.
A single press helps you switch between eco, normal and sports drive modes. Long press it, and you can switch between breaking modes- light, normal and heavy. The top speed is expected to be limited to 100 kmph. Hence I noticed some instability at higher speeds, even though the power-to-weight ratio is ideal. The suspension was slightly stiff, and given its small wheelbase, I could feel the potholes and speed bumps. Nonetheless, it has smooth handling through heavy traffic and compact roads. Its size really helps you to squeeze your way through traffic.
At one point, I felt pity for all the sedans and SUVs just waiting there while I made the most of that packed stretch. As I mentioned, the charging port is under the MG logo on the front. It has an AC port but misses out on the DC port, which will only support a 3.3 kW charger. Even if you put it on a fast charger, it will still support 3.3kw. It takes 7 hours to charge fully, comparable to the existing EVs in the market. It’s got adequate cushioning in the front for your daily city runs and seats you higher than expected, giving you a good enough road view. The Comet doesn’t leave you feeling mini at all.
VERDICT
The best place for electric power is a city, and the best city car is a tiny one. This compact electric city car promises easy manoeuvrability and stress-free parking. Its well-thought-out design elements make the Comet a cute affair. MG is gearing up for a good reception from Tier I and Tier II cities, where electric vehicles have shown increasing promise. While the MG Comet will face staunch competition from strong rivals such as the Tata Tiago EV, Tata Tigor EV, Mahindra E-KUV 100 and the Citroen EC3, it has a relatively clear path in the three-door affordable EV segment in India, “affordable” being the operative word. This car reminds me of the Reva, which was launched way ahead of its time. Hopefully, MG gets the timeline right, and it gets accepted by the Gen-Z with its high-tech and multiple customisation options making it a style statement that reduces your carbon footprint, lowers running costs and adds some quirk to your garage.
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.
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.
HYUNDAI AS A MANUFACTURER HAS BEEN IN INDIA FOR NEARLY AS LONG AS I’VE BEEN ON THIS PLANET.
A whopping 27 years have passed since this South Korean manufacturer first arrived at our shores. The Santro will forever be etched into my memory as the first car that Hyundai launched in India and the first car my family brought home. It was the car I had all my road trips in growing up and the car that introduced me to the art of driving. After 27 years of mobilising our country and its families, Hyundai has finally reached a point where it is now viewed as not the cheaper alternative but, the better alternative. Hyundai now makes vehicles that range from sub 10 lakhs to ones that exceed 30 lakhs. With each passing year, the brand slowly grew with each step to be recognised as a more premium brand and after all these years, that time has finally arrived.
The IONIQ 5 marks a milestone in Hyundai India’s book not only because it’s their first vehicle to be built on a dedicated EV architecture but also because it’s Hyundai’s most premium offering in its Indian catalogue by far. So for the launch of such a significant vehicle, why not make the review milestone worthy? What better way to do that than a road trip? And not just any road trip but one that would span throughout the country while setting a brand-new record.
Well, Hyundai loved the idea too, so on a cold winter morning, we picked up the brand new IONIQ 5 from the HMI headquarters and were ready to go. Given this launch and monumental journey, we visited several monuments. These aren’t your regular monuments but are known as the seven wonders of India. The first of our wonders is too well-known to need an introduction.
630KM – Amritsar, Punjab
So without any delay, we set off for our first destination, the Golden Temple in Amritsar; this monument needs little to no introduction. Built-in 1589, the Golden Temple is known for its beauty and religious significance to Sikhism. Our journey to Amritsar would be about 500 kms from Delhi and would be a perfect way to test the claimed range of this vehicle. Hyundai claims that the IONIQ 5 can do about 630 kms in one full charge, but to be safer, we intended to make a quick stop to juice up on the way. After all, we had a record to set, and our journey had just begun.
The drive to the Golden Temple was surprisingly relaxing, and I was amazed by how comfortable the IONIQ 5 felt. This was unlike any Hyundai I’d ever driven and felt like a cut above. The road to the Amritsar was pretty well paved, and we didn’t get an excellent chance to see just how well it would do on our typical Indian roads, so to say, but alas, our journey had only just begun.
They say that a visit to the Golden Temple replenishes one’s soul. Well, mine felt replenished, basking in the serenity of this temple. With my blessings in check, I continued towards our next destination, which too requires little to no introduction and is globally known.
1,310KM – Agra, Uttar Pradesh
Known as the symbol of love and found in Agra, the Taj Mahal is a renowned monument in India and a wonder to the world. It’s renowned for its mesmerising architecture and timeless beauty. Its design still influences modern-day architecture students with its exquisite details and elaborate carvings. The distance to Agra from Amritsar was about 700 kms, so we’d need one quick stop to juice up on the way, and we were good to go. Finding chargers so far was easy since we were around significant cities and civilizations.
Still, once we were past Agra, we would be venturing into uncharted territory, and that sort of uncertainty can be scary, especially when you’re aiming to set a record. Nevertheless, our spirits were high, and we had faith in ourselves and the IONIQ 5 to come through.
As before, our journey mainly comprised well-paved highways as we quickly covered ground and made it to Agra, where the roads were narrow, and the potholes were abundant. There is something extraordinary about the city of Agra, as parts of it seem frozen in time. With its congested busy streets and rich history, a lovely vibe in the air made me feel like a tourist in my country.
Anyway, we finally found an excellent spot to observe the Taj Mahal from afar and what a spectacle it is to behold. It’s a lot bigger than you’d imagine and looks magnificent even from afar. This would be an excellent opportunity to admire my ride and talk about the styling of the IONIQ 5.
If you have not noticed, let me address the elephant in the room. The IONIQ 5’s styling is polarising, to say the least, but I mean it in the best way possible. Its intriguing design managed to turn heads nearly everywhere we went, and each time we parked the car, a crowd gathered within moments. The IONIQ 5 takes inspiration from the Hyundai Pony, launched in 1975. It was a handsome rear-wheel drive vehicle with a design language ahead of its time.
The IONIQ 5 takes inspiration from the Pony and manages to blend designs from the past and the future. The IONIQ 5 looks retro, to say the least, but in the most cyberpunk way possible. Its sharp and clean lines define it, and the smoked headlamp draws you in with its iconic parametric pixel design that manages to entice and illuminates the front of the IONIQ 5.
In this shade of matte silver, the IONIQ 5 looks especially angular and cutting since this shade further accentuates its lines. I was smitten with the design from the moment I saw it and grew increasingly fond of it the more time I spent with it. The front bumper integrates the active air flap system, aiding aerodynamics and cooling. I found the vent opening only at lower speeds or when standing still to cool the batteries, but they remain closed for the most part.
Coming to the side of the IONIQ 5, the angular lines continue and feature a Z-shaped character line, making the IONIQ 5 look athletic even when stationary. The 20-inch wheels on the IONIQ 5 are one of the sexiest wheels I’ve ever seen on any vehicle and the best I’ve ever seen on a Hyundai. They, too, follow a parametric pixel design and look stunning in person. They may taste for some, but I loved these wheels.
The door handles, too, remain flush and pop out every time you’re in the proximity of the vehicle, which only further adds to how clean the overall design is. Photos don’t justify how long and wide the IONIQ 5 looks in person. Coming to the rear of the IONIQ 5 and the parametric pixel design continues in the rear. The taillights look stunning both when they’re on and not. Despite being covered in lines, the vehicle looks relatively clean, all a testament to the shade and how well the car’s geometry plays with these lines. The rear three-quarter is by far, my favourite angle for the IONIQ 5, and I’m sure you’d also have a favourite once you see it in person. The rear spoiler is rather neatly integrated into the roof and conceals a brake light into the spoiler.
I have little to no gripes with the design of the IONIQ 5, and beauty may lie in the eye of the beholder, but I cannot deny just how beautiful this Hyundai looks. Now that I’m done admiring these two wonders of engineering and architecture, I head to my next destination, Madhya Pradesh, in Khajuraho. This is where our journey into uncharted territory began, where the internet no longer showed us any availability of reliable chargers. Worst-case scenario, we were willing to sacrifice some precious time and rely on an AC charger which could take over a day or even more depending on the charge we had left.
So with that in mind, we set off on the Agra-Lucknow Expressway, a freshly laid piece of tarmac that was as well paved as they come and primarily desolate since we started at the crack of dawn. This would be a great place to test the highway performance and ride quality of the IONIQ 5. Right off the bat, I can tell you that the IONIQ 5 rides like no other Hyundai that has come before it. It’s soft, supple, and rides smoothly, especially following the speed limit.
As smooth as our roads are, one eventually encounters a bumpy patch occasionally, where the IONIQ 5 needs to catch up. At lower speeds, it handles bumps well enough, but as soon as you go a bit faster, the suspension seems too busy under you and feels like it’s working overtime, as the IONIQ 5 tends to lose its composure.
Infact, if you go over a speed breaker too fast or not slow enough, the rear suspension tends to dive as it goes over the bump. Hyundai could have done a better job calibrating the rebound damping of the rear suspension because it seems a tad too soft for our Indian roads. Granted, it brings comfort when on busy streets, but I would have preferred a better balance between handling and comfort.
We managed to make it to the city of Kanpur, where to our amusement, not a single charger seemed to be working, and the ones that did would either trip or stop working due to the power cuts the city was facing. To our surprise, Hyundai doesn’t have any chargers at its own dealerships, and if you’re a Hyundai owner, know that you will essentially be relying on chargers from Tata, MG, BMW and Audi. Buying a premium Hyundai product exceeds the vehicle.
This could be a make-it-or-break-it factor. Knowing that you share the workshop floor with vehicles that are more mass-market than premium could sour the deal for some potential buyers, and this got me thinking about how Hyundai needs to improve its overall quality appeal because selling a premium product is more than just fancy tech and high performance but more on that later.
1,920KM – Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh
After somehow charging the vehicle in Kanpur, we were off to Khajuraho, where technology was limited, and so was infrastructure. Khajuraho is a beautiful city in Madhya Pradesh known for its erotic art and detailed temple architecture. Finding a charger here was not going to be possible, and we had to rely on using a wall-mounted socket to charge the vehicle, which meant we’d had to spend the next three days charging up the vehicle since the speed was a mere 1 KW per hour. This gave us plenty of time to plan our next few stops and do some sightseeing around the beautiful temples of Khajuraho. This would be a good time to talk about the interiors of the IONIQ 5, which, unlike the temples in Khajuraho, took a more minimal approach to styling.
The interior of the IONIQ 5 is simple and clean. Hyundai has done away with most buttons which is a one-step forward and twostep back approach but more on that in a bit. So from the moment you step inside the cabin, you realise that there is ample space and thanks to the minimalistic approach, even the dashboard remains clutter-free.
The cabin feels airy thanks to the excess space; the white interiors then further exaggerate the sense of space, making it feel even more spacious than it already is. Given how space conscious we Indians tend to be, the IONIQ 5 does a fantastic job of triggering that sensory experience. You’d never feel claustrophobia, even with all five seats occupied. You can not only control the recline and movement of all five seats but also move the entire central armrest and everything under it, which makes finding the right amount of space for your needs a pretty easy affair. I don’t know any other car in India that can showcase such a feat, and it genuinely makes the interior of this car feel unique and customisable to suit your needs.
The trade-off of the white interior is the obvious dust magnet it is. Even on dry summer days, dirtying these seats and leaving stains all over is fairly straightforward. If you’re an owner with OCD, you will have a tough time keeping that OCD in check with this white leather interior. Sure, knowing that all the materials inside the vehicle come from sustainably sourced methods boost one’s consciousness, but knowing the lack of durability in our conditions makes it a bit of a tedious affair.
The lack of buttons makes the dash seem clean, but at the cost of constantly having to distract yourself from accessing the most basic functions like ventilated seats. A simple button would have done the trick, but now you must pull over and navigate through a giant screen whenever you wish to turn on or off the ventilated seats in the IONIQ 5.
The passengers in the rear get heated seats for some reason, but not seats that can be ventilated, and this seems like a sore miss given that the majority of the country and the metropolitan cities tend to be on the hotter side of things than the cooler ones we’d hope for.
Another thing worth mentioning is the comfort of the seats; Hyundai has done a fantastic job designing the seats and their support. Not only do they recline so you can practically sleep in the car while waiting out the charging, but they’re also entirely customisable and let you pick the optimum driving position to suit your dimensions and preferences. However, I’d like the steering to be further adjusted, as you can only adjust the rake, not the steering wheel’s reach.
2,550KM – Nalanda, Bihar
Long story short, after three days of charging, we were finally ready to reach our next destination, Nalanda, in Bihar. The ruins of Nalanda are considered by historians to be the world’s first residential university and among the most important centres of learning in the ancient world. Unfortunately, it succumbed to war and was pillaged and burned down by the Khalji dynasty, and now all that’s left are its ruins and tales of its rich history. Like Khajuraho, Nalanda had little to no chargers to offer, so we decided to juice up the IONIQ 5 in Patna instead and head over to Nalanda. This would be an excellent opportunity to discuss the advanced safety systems and tech in the IONIQ 5.
So Hyundai has equipped the IONIQ 5 with level 2 ADAS, which comes with upto 21 features, including forward and rear collision warnings, lane keep assist, a 360-degree camera, blind spot monitoring and safe exit assist, which essentially helps driving out of blind parking spots. These are just a few, as many more would take a while. As practical as all these features are, they can be too intrusive in the real world. For example, none of these features can be turned off except for lane keep assist; the rest remain running in the background.
The safe exit assist is handy but can’t distinguish between a pedestrian approaching and a vehicle and treats both as the same. This means each time you’re backing out of the parking, it’ll aggressively slam on the brakes if it detects someone standing close to the rear. It may be in the name of safety, but over time, this can become quite annoying, especially when you factor in that this is in India and there are always people or vehicles present on the road at all times.
The intelligent cruise control can maintain a certain distance from the vehicles ahead of you, but it likes to remain two car lengths away even at its closest setting. Given how congested our streets usually are and how used to we are driving under such circumstances, the IONIQ 5, on the other hand, could be better versed with our streets. It tends to panic when a vehicle gets too close, which can be pretty unnerving for the driver and anyone behind you. I wish Hyundai provided the option to turn off some of these systems or let you further modulate to what degree they intrude.
The lane keep assist works surprisingly well, and it even manages to detect lanes over some of our bad roads where the markings have either disappeared or are a mere blur. The sensors on the IONIQ 5 are top-notch; it’s just our infrastructure that has yet to grow to adapt to such order and still revels in its orderly chaos.
Our next destination was quite far, and we’d have to go all the way to the East Coast of India to the city of Bhubaneshwar. So our first stop was Ranchi, where we took a quick stop to charge and then headed straight for Jamshedpur. Finding a reliable charger again posed a challenge in Jamshedpur, which was a surprise given that Jamshedpur essentially is a giant Tata plant. Nevertheless, after a quick charge, we continued towards Bhubaneshwar, where we’d spend the night. The following day we rose before the sun and began our drive to Puri, a coastal town famous for its clean beaches and is a hop, skip and jump away from the famous Konark Sun Temple.
3,430KM – Puri, Odisha
Dedicated to the sun god Surya, the Konark Sun Temple is a staple of Kalingan architecture to impress the sun, which is the source of all our energy and at the centre of the solar system. Since we’re talking about a giant ball of nuclear fusion, it’ll seem ironic to talk about a vehicle that has ditched combustion. Solar is the future of powering all our electrical appliances, so we may address the electric motor and its prowess.
The Hyundai IONIQ 5 is powered by a liquid-cooled lithiumion battery with a capacity of 72.6 kWh, translating to about 220 bhp of power and 350 Nm of torque. These output figures may not sound all that impressive on paper, but if you think about it, you’d soon realise this has all its power available at all times, unlike an internal combustion motor. So despite weighing nearly 2 tons, the IONIQ 5 accelerates from 0 to 100kmph in under 7.5 seconds.
Its roll-on acceleration is even more impressive, making any overtake feel like a piece of cake. Sure, it’s no Volvo XC40 regarding sheer acceleration, but it offers an even better range. Most folks think the range is more important when buying an EV than outright performance. Plus, the IONIQ 5 feels fast enough to excite most drivers; the Volvo XC40, on the other hand, has now entered sports car territory.
The IONIQ 5 packs plenty of punch and, despite being a rear-wheel drive car, maintains traction at all times. Even when you’re intentionally trying to break traction, the safety systems will always be on guard and ready to spank you with traction each time you try to drift the vehicle or slide it around a corner.
The only time you can consistently break traction is when you’re on dirt, and even then, the IONIQ 5 will manage to reel itself in. If this is a testament to the IONIQ 5’s composure or a slap in the face to any EV enthusiast looking for that fun daily driver, that’s down to perspective. That being said, the IONIQ 5 drives like no other Hyundai before it and can be a ton of fun while also incredibly relaxing.
After having a lovely time at the coastal beaches of Puri, it was time we started our most extended leg, which was to be from Puri all the way to Hampi. This would have us cross three states on our journey to Hampi, which is located in the state of Karnataka. This nearly 1500 km journey would not only test dedication to our record but also test the IONIQ 5 as it would succumb to varying degrees of broken tarmac and dirt roads. As we traversed through open highways and busy city roads, we finally decided to halt in Visakhapatnam.
Finding chargers became much easier, and we were soon flying past Vijayawada and on our way to Hyderabad. Despite running on 20-inch wheels, the ground clearance and suspension rarely bottomed out. Eventually, I stopped babying the precious IONIQ and started driving it like a regular car. The IONIQ 5 is a rather easy-to-drive vehicle, and despite its odd dimensions and funky design, it is rather practical. I will talk more about it when we get to Hampi.
After our lengthy stint in Hyderabad and some much-needed rest, it was time to venture into the unknown again on our way to Hampi. After careful research, we discovered just one charger about 100 kms away from Hampi. Which means we’d have to make a gamble. We either head straight for Hampi and try and arrange a wall-mounted AC charger or take our chances with heading for the charger. So far, we’ve had mixed results with chargers, including those with reliable reviews posted online. Well, sometimes you gotta risk it to get the biscuit, in this case, the biscuit being a reliable charger.
Off we drove, and as we got further away from Hyderabad and into the rural side of the Telangana-Karnataka border, the roads kept getting narrower and narrower to a point where we’d practically have to keep half the car off the tar for oncoming vehicles to pass. Not something you want to be doing with an expensive and exclusive car, but this is India, so one is forced to bend the rules occasionally.
4,972KM – Hampi, Karnataka
After crossing some beautiful fields, sunflower and windmill farms, we finally made it to the charger. It came as a surprise to all our pessimistic expectations that not only was the charger a fast one but one that was in perfect working condition. That boosted my morale, and I was ready to take on all the long stints back home. As usual, we rose before the sun the following day and headed for the renowned Vijaya Vittala Temple. Why this temple, you ask?
Well, the majority of Hampi is scattered with monuments and structures of the past, which has turned it into an important UNESCO site. However, the grandest of them is the Vijaya Vittala Temple. It is an excellent showcase of the architectural prowess and creativity of the sculptors and artists of the Vijayanagara era.
The drive to the temple was breathtaking itself, stretching across some beautiful roads and sights and scenes. Now that I’ve been driving through these narrow rural roads, I better understand the IONIQ 5’s everyday practicality and liveability for one’s daily use. Truth be told, I remain astonished at just how practical the IONIQ 5 proves to be.
The IONIQ 5 can easily tackle most speed breakers and potholes thanks to the E-GMP platform. The turning radius may take some time, but that’s a minor hurdle. Even the overall visibility outside is quite good, and the ultra-clear surround cameras do a fantastic job showing you any and every obstacle with some excellent camera quality. The usable space inside the IONIQ 5 is quite commendable too. There is more than sufficient space inside the cabin and the cubby holes, but Hyundai adds to it by giving you a big enough boot capacity, and it even has a frunk! It’s a small frunk but sufficient to store your charging necessities and a couple of other knick-knacks. Sadly there is no spare, and instead, you get a puncture repair kit, and a tyre inflator tucked away in the boot. Fortunately, we didn’t have to use ours so far, but if it’s something you’ve never done, I suggest getting more up to speed with the whole process.
5,460KM – Udupi, Karnataka
Practicality out of the way, it was time to head to our next destination, which falls on the west coast of India and is the coastal city of Udupi. What’s at Udupi, you ask? Well, on the outskirts of Udupi lies a 57-foot-tall monolithic statue carved out of a single piece of granite. It is the statue of Bahubali, and a depiction of his meditation said to last long enough for vines to grow at his feet. It’s an excellent time to ponder various things we’ve noticed about the IONIQ 5.
For starters, the sound system on the IONIQ 5 is decent but not the best In its class. It falls short of the ones found on the Volvo XC40 Recharge, which is the best in its class. The ambient lighting on the IONIQ 5 is defused and does a good job illuminating this light-coloured cabin. A couple more features are rather clever in the IONIQ 5, like the ability to turn off the air conditioning for all the passengers and leave it on just for the driver.
This is a great way to conserve energy and maintain cooling. The prominent feature that Hyundai has been talking about is its V2L ability, which allows it to charge any electrical appliances or even power another EV in an emergency. A three-pin socket is embedded under the rear passenger seat, allowing you to charge your laptop on the go. In reality, it only works when you’re stationary, so that can be a bummer, but if you’re okay with working while waiting at the side of the road, then it’s a feature you’d appreciate.
However, I wonder if anyone will go camping with the IONIQ 5; the ones that’ll even take it out for a picnic will be quite a niche. Does this feature justify the hype around it? Well, sorta. Having this feature in your arsenal enables you to pursue more spontaneous endeavours and be more carefree about your devices. Though I highly doubt you’d be carrying anything more than a pair of speakers at best, and for that reason, I’ve got somewhat mixed feelings about this feature. It’s a cool gimmick, I’ll give it that, but to me, it’s not a very useful feature and would have made a lot more sense on an offroad vehicle than on a rear-wheel drive crossover.
After enjoying the scenic coastal roads of Udupi, it was time we pushed for our final destination, Mumbai. It never felt so good to return home, sweet home; I especially missed the food and the familiarity of speaking a known language. Sadly it’ll also be where I’d have to part ways with the lovely IONIQ 5. It’s been a reliable steed and has worked effortlessly through anything and everything the road has presented. The longest stretch we could pull on one full charge was about 530 km, which is commendable for an EV as most ICE vehicles struggle to have a range over 450 kms. Plus, you’ve got to factor in the cost. The owner of an IONIQ 5 will spend a lot more on cleaning the seats than he’d actually spend charging the IONIQ 5.
At an ex-showroom price of Rs. 45 lakhs, the IONIQ 5 isn’t the most accessible EV out there, but it manages to undercut its competition while performing just as well, if not better, in some cases. Would I ever like to make a road trip this long in an EV? No. This was tedious, to say the least, and our infrastructure has a long way to go. However, if I ever have to set out on a road trip of this sort, I’d happily hop inside the IONIQ 5 as it’s most certainly a capable vehicle and quite reliable at that. What more could you want from your EV? And on that note, I must conclude this story.
6,300KM – Mumbai, Maharashtra
FOR – Dashing aesthetics, genuinely sustainable, great range
AGAINST – Intrusive driver aids, sensitive paint, limited interior and exterior shades.
Technology has been transforming our existing era in once unimaginable ways. With the advent of smartphones, the internet, and social media, we are now more connected than ever before. Similarly, the automobile is moving towards a disruption full of AI integration. Hyundai has been transforming their generations of cars just like how we had seen the newly launched SUV Tucson and many others, they have yet another blockbuster and you really will take some time to blink your eye if its passes through your sight. YES, it’s the 6th Gen Hyundai Verna. Speaking opulence with its fleshy LED DRL band running all through from one end to another or be it its Tech, the all-new Verna has been making headlines in the mid-large size sedan segment. One of the key highlights of the 2023 model is the ADAS – level 2 {advanced driver assistance system} that offers an enhanced driving experience and gives tons of tech and safety features. Its polarising design can either make you love it or hate, but I am sure cannot simply ignore it.
Driving Experience:
The all-new Hyundai Verna is surely going to make a loud appearance, we drove the non-turbo variant and its notable smoot with its 1.5 litter 6 Speed MPI petrol Variant, churning out 115 bhp of power and 143.8 nm of torque. On a contrary, the turbo variant is definitely peppier for any turbo enthusiast. The Turbo GDi Petrol 6 speed which produces 160 bhp of power and 253 nm of torque can make you go gaga over all the way long till your adrenaline stops flowing in your blood. Also Clocking 0-100 in just 8.1 seconds, well that’s 1st in its segment. Verna is surely a game-changer, offering unparalleled luxury and comfort, making it an attractive choice for those looking for a sophisticated vehicle that ticks all the boxes of tech and peppiness. Much airy and giving you good visibility while driving the car will win your heart since its gone 70mm bigger in the wheel space to make it precise 2670mm (wheelbase) and even gone wider by 36mm offering more legroom from its passenger sitting behind and enjoying the luxury that it speaks.
While we were handed over the keys of the Verna to drive on the newly constructed Delhi to Bombay expressway, a plane smooth tarmac to experience the luxury of it. This express way is humongous, and offers you more than 6 lanes to take that pep out of you inside while you drive at a minimum of 120 km/ph, now that’s new since we get to only experience the car with a cap speed of 100 at max. while we got to experience the non turbo variant, we did enjoy the drive on this beautifully sculpted expressway, the car was just sailing like a navy ship, which looks slow while its on the move but its actually quite fast if you are sitting inside it. The driver seats which are electronically operated is a bonus while the co-passenger does not get one. Well that’s ok since there’s plenty of tech inside to play with. The 6th Gen Hyundai Verna surely gave a smooth drive with its non-turbo variant is still a decent ride in this segment.
Exterior Design:
One will take time to absorb its polarizing design, since completely played with when it comes to its entire look. It is a bold, avant-garde design that you will either make you love or hate it, will grab your attention. The new Verna is a departure from the conservative design language that Hyundai has followed in the past making sure that it changes your sight to fall in love with, and it is sure to turn heads wherever it goes. The front parametric grill which will remind you of its brother sibling – Tucson and dominating large Hyundai badge on the bonnet will quickly grab your attention. A well spotted ADAS sensor which is connected to the front camera is quite evident in the middle of its bumper. There are 4 sensors evidently visible. Its sleek LED DRL band that goes from one edge to another makes it an aggressive look. The sloping roofline, sharp character lines, and sculpted rear end complete the car’s bold look that commands attention. It’s not just the front, the rear of the car also speaks of opulence with the connected LED band and sporty bumper. The Verna written badging is quite impressive in the middle of its trunk. It gets 16-inch diamond cut alloys and even comes with red calliper in its turbo variant looks quite bold. Moving out of your house gets easy, since the boot offers 528 l and 44mm wider opening. I could literally fit myself and tons of luggage. Verna Turbo1.5 GDi Variant gets more sportier with, its all black design and red stitching on the seats and steering wheel. From the inside it also its an electric parking break and from the outside the rear disk brake, makes an enthusiast revving it through its fun turbo side.
Interior and its Tech:
Level 2 ADAS:
The Hyundai Verna comes with a suite of advanced driver assistance technologies that make driving safer and more comfortable. The level 2 ADAS includes features such as adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and automatic emergency braking, Collision warning assistance, blind spot warning & assistance and even comes in with ISOFIX for your child passenger as standard so you need not to worry about your littles safety. We had miles to drive this car and the 8 Premium Boss sound system is a cherry on the pie. Now if that isn’t sweet enough, the heated & cooling seats comes as a premium feature for extreme weather conditions, so now you don’t really need to get bonked by the fact that achy feeling in the extreme summers or winters to keep your seats calmed down. Let’s dig a bit into the aspects of what Level 2 ADAS features help you with while drivng in crazy circumstances.
Adaptive cruise control is a technology that maintains a safe distance between the vehicle and the car in front of it. This system uses radar and sensors to detect the speed and distance of the vehicle in front and adjusts the speed accordingly. This feature makes long-distance driving less tiring and reduces the risk of accidents.
Lane departure warning is another key feature of the level 2 ADAS. This technology uses cameras to detect when the vehicle is drifting out of its lane and alerts the driver with a visual and audible warning. This feature is especially useful for tired or distracted drivers who may unintentionally drift out of their lane.
Automatic emergency braking is a technology that can help prevent collisions by applying the brakes when a potential collision is detected. This feature can detect both vehicles and pedestrians and can help reduce the severity of accidents by slowing down or stopping the vehicle.
Premium Luxury Features: In addition to its advanced technology features, the Hyundai Verna also offers a range of premium luxury features that make it stand out in its segment and claim to be 1st in it. One of the most popular features is the heated and cooled seats.
The Verna seats can be heated or cooled depending on the driver’s preference or its co-passenger. This is particularly useful in extreme weather conditions where the temperature inside the car can be uncomfortable. The seats are also adjustable, allowing the driver to find the perfect seating position for maximum comfort. Another premium feature of the Verna is the advanced 10.25-inch infotainment system, which includes a touchscreen display, voice commands, and smartphone integration. This system allows the driver to control the car’s features and entertainment options without taking their hands off the steering wheel. Even the drive cluster is quiet on your face with all the warnings popping out and gives you a sense of comfort.
Finally, the Verna also comes with a range of safety features such as 6 standard airbags, anti-lock brakes, and a rear-view camera which allows you to the rear collision warning as well. These features help to make the car safer and reduce the risk of accidents. Also help you assist with the blind spot assist and pops out a warning, so now you aren’t really worried about the fact that if someone surprises you passing by from your non-visible angle, the blind spot assist will now give the warning to keep you in the loop of all the surprise.
Verdict:
2023 Headline, the newborn of the all-new 6th Gen Hyundai Verna that offers a range of advanced technology and premium luxury features that make it a standout choice in its class and segment. With its level 2 ADAS, heated and cooled seats, ISOFIX, Electric Drivers Seats and advanced 10.25-inch infotainment dual display system, the Verna provides a comfortable and safe driving experience that is hard to beat in its segment. It does raise the bar for its competitors to lie Skoda Slavia, Volkswagen Virtus & Honda City. Design-wise, it’s taken a completely new look which is polarising and loaded with possibly anything that you would want in a car for safety that comes as standard. We drove it and we loved it, but we would urge you to take a test drive to suit yourself and then make the decision.
I am a fun loving person who loves motorcycles and everything to do with them. I take great pride in punctuality and am always open to experimenting with new things, the latest of which is learning to ride on the racetrack.
Q2. What is the one subject you think aspiring leaders should learn?
One of the most important subjects aspiring leaders should concentrate on is the willingness to be a good listener. Always be open to feedback and allow your colleagues to express themselves. It’s only when you listen clearly, you can lead clearly.
Q3. One thing you believe is essential for sustained growth.
Attention to detail is critical. It’s the simplest yet most overlooked aspect in a person’s quest for growth.
Q4. One book that you love and the one you’ve bookmarked.
I like “Beyond the Last Blue Mountain”, the biography of Mr JRD Tata. In fact, biographies are one of my favourite genres, and I have recently bookmarked Valentino Rossi: MotoGenius by Mat Oxley and Mick Doohan.
Q5. Leadership quotes that inspire you
“Live Life a little dangerously” – JRD Tata
Q6. What is your unique way of maintaining a work-life balance?
I am the first person to reach the office, so I always start my day slightly early, enabling me to finish on time and leave work to spend time with family.
Q7. Significant learning in the past couple of years?
I come from an automobile background, but I was not riding big bikes until I joined Ducati. I learnt how to ride big bikes in multiple circumstances – I rode to Spiti and back on the Multistrada, started attending track days on the Panigale V4, and sometimes commuted to work on a Scrambler. The idea is to adapt and place myself in the rider’s shoes to understand our clients’ psyches.
Q8. Some productivity apps and technologies you use in your daily life?
I am old school, so I don’t use many apps except Apple notes and the MS Outlook calendar.
Q9. What is your technology detox?
I love to listen to my favourite music on my Apple + Bose ecosystem. It works wonders for a good night’s sleep.
Q10. If money was not a bar, what piece of tech and automobile would you own?
I would love to buy a Ducati Superleggera V4, a Lamborghini Urus, or a Ferrari Purosangue!
If you’re anywhere in the PC gaming scene then you surely know about the Predator gaming laptop series by Acer. The Predator series is known to be one of if not the best gaming laptops around the world and we at Exhibit use a number of Predator machines as our daily driver’s thanks for their dependability. Our extensive testing of the Predator Helios 300 has only left us amazed with its gaming performance.
Being a car enthusiast and frequent traveller, a big chunk of my time I spent with cars, and sadly sitting in a car playing games is a hassle in itself. But what if I told you that a new car on the market allows you to play games right on its screen? That’s right!
The latest EV by Mercedes, the AMG EQS 53 4MATIC+ is a one of its kind luxury offering that widens the horizons of what an electric car can provide its customers.
The Sedan EV has a height of 1515 mm and a width of 1926 mm. The exterior of the car is eye-catching, especially its front, which features a dual light band coupled with the front bonnet that beautifully overlaps the wings. The digital lamps are bright and feature 1.3 million pixels per headlamp which are enough to light up your way effectively.
The brightness of the digital lamps is furthermore enhanced and controlled by the Adaptive high beam assist plus, which features an anti-dazzle continuous high beam. The rear light band features a 3D helix design, and the tailgate opening features that classy Mercedes Star badge. The light game does not end here, as the car also features an illuminated aesthetic door handle that adds to the overall appeal of this sexy-looking car.
When I talked about gaming at the beginning, I told you that a new car in the market allows people to play games on its screen. Well, that’s none other than, the Mercedes AMG EQS 53 4MATIC+ which offers MBUX Hyperscreen where you can play Tetris, Pairs, and Sudoku.
The Mercedes-AMG EQS 53 4MATIC+ offers a battery backup of up to 500 kms in one go, while the Predator Helios 300 offers a battery backup of up to 5 hours and 30 minutes. The interior of the car is designed with a sporty touch. It features an AMG performance steering wheel in crisp Nappa Leather that feels good to hold, it also features AMG sports pedals for your ease. The highlight of the interior is definitely the Hyperscreen, that’s 141 cm wide and has AI capabilities to learn driver behavior. It also features 7 co-driver profiles for content individualisation. Thus, you and your loved ones can all gain an individual experience while driving this car.
Another interesting factor is the profile log-in that can be accessed with fingerprint, face, or voice! It is an OLED screen that is backed by Gorilla Glass protection. Besides, the driver need not get overwhelmed by this screen itself as their attention can always be focused on the road. The Head Up Display allows you to locate all the information about your speed, range, and other important information on the front itself without having to look down at the display; that’s definitely something we’ve seen in sci-fi films!
What we have here is also an option to set your car’s interior lighting as per your mood with active ambient lighting. But it’s not the people in the front seat who have all the fun, as people sitting behind can also retain all the control with the help of the MBUX tablet.
Talking about the performance of this car – It features AMG Dynamic Select driving modes that can be set to Moderate, Comfort, balanced, Sport+, Powerful, Dynamic, and more. That’s enough driving modes to make the kid in you happy. It comes with fully variable AMG Performance 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive which means the system continuously distributes and drives torques between the front and rear axles depending on the driving situation.
The car’s torque is checked 10,000 times per minute and adjusted whenever necessary. It features over 350+ sensors like 12x ultrasonic sensors, moisture sensors, 4x module mode radar, LiDAR, multiple cameras, and much more. We are sure you’ve heard about fast charging on phones, but Mercedes offers it on a car with 30-minute fast charge in DC charging that can take the car from 10 to 80 per cent in just 30 minutes. It can support 200 Kw of max charging with a range of over 500 kms.
The whole reason behind people going for EVs is because they’re good for the environment, and Mercedes has hit the ball out of the park with its new offering, as the majority of its elements have been sourced from recycled products ranging from steel to cable ducts and even the floor coverings.
When a brand like Mercedes brings its A-Game to the EV car market, the result is the Mercedes-AMG EQS 53 4MATIC+. The car is designed to cater to both the adult and the kid inside you, which makes it a perfect package for EV enthusiasts.
The car is without a doubt, designed for tech enthusiasts who wish to own a luxury EV that is ahead of its curve. In contrast, the Acer Predator 300 is designed for working professionals who are into gaming on weekends. The car and the laptop bring a style statement to your life by offering features of the best of both worlds!
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.
Hyundai has become a popular brand among automobile lovers. When one thinks of Hyundai, they unanimously agree on an impressive feature list, the absolute unit of value propositions on roads and a reliable customer service network. Let’s not forget the era demands larger, sassier-looking cars that meet not just one’s demand but eventually everyone connected with the one. Adhering to modern automotive demands, Hyundai’s global best-selling product is now available in India – Hyundai Tucson. A question arises, what makes this product an international bestseller? What other way to find out than driving this beauty on a road trip? Where are we headed? We’re heading towards the answers.
Is it the bold, premium and sporty design?
Hyundai designers were briefed to make Tucson an iconic and bold design. Thanks to the brief, Tucson now feels angular, humongous and beautiful. The front fascia feels like a sizeable smiling grille. Kudos to the clever engineering covering the five-point dark chrome parametric DRLs with nickel metal coating. Turn them on, and Tucson gets a distinct identity like no other car on Indian roads. Sharp creases on the body neatly camouflage the enormous length of the Tucson and bring a contemporary design language familiar to supercar manufacturers making a large vehicle. If that was not enough, the tail section is a piece of art with connected LED taillamps finished in mesmerising lit textures and a neatly hidden rear wiper underneath the spoiler. Complementing the design are 18-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels, purpose-built for tackling any road. Overall the new Tucson feels refreshing and eye-pleasing from the outside.
The ivory-clad interior and plush ventilated seats with unique metal accents add a sense of space and splendour, coupled with a voice-enabled panoramic sunroof. The lines inside the cabin flow in a minimalistic design, adding to the definition of opulence. The LWB enables oodles of legroom and headroom with deep recline angles for the rear passengers and a boss mode found in premium sedans a segment or two above Tucson’s asking price. The interior of the Tucson makes it a comfortable, spacious abode with a focus on comfort, the luxury of a serene driving experience and class-leading safety features, including ADAS level 2 aided by front and rear radars with a front camera. This makes Tucson one of the safest cars available in India.
Is it the features, performance, luxury, safety or something else?
Available in multiple engine options – a 2L petrol (156PS and 192Nm) and a 2L diesel (186PS and 415Nm) with an AWD variant featuring multi-terrain modes (snow, mud and sand), the Tucson offers versatility. The transmission options include a 6-speed automatic on the petrol, while the diesel variants have a sleek shifting 8-speed automatic. The engines and transmission options offer linear, smooth power delivery, with the diesel tickling the enthusiast’s senses. The NVH levels are so darn impressive; they’re unlike any Hyundai we’ve experienced. Couple that with the ivory-clad spacious interiors, customisable seat positions on the front row and deep recline angles on the rear along with passenger walk-in mode, amplifying the sense of sumptuousness, unlike most competitors. With 4 disc brakes on all 4 tyres, level 2 ADAS with 19 class-leading features safeguard you, pedestrians, other cars and the precious Tucson from any nuances on the road. The braking performance is also linear despite all discs on all tyres and adds to the overall experience of plushness.
Hyundai Tucson is one of the safest cars on Indian roads. The level 2 ADAS makes it almost impossible to collide the car with anything on the road. There are tonnes of customisations to customise the ADAS aids as per personal preference. Here’s a list of all the advanced driving-assistance system safety features for your reference. 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 offer high resolution and enable dynamic parking assist lines for added convenience. The considerable safety net with numerous features cocooned in luxury makes this car seem much more valuable than its asking price.
Why is Tucson Hyundai’s global bestseller?
We scouted out with the Tucson, searching for answers to why it is Hyundai’s global bestseller. Tucson’s unaccountable features, extensive safety net with the best-in-class package, and plush feel of the ivory-clad interiors make it a fantastic premium SUV for anyone looking to upgrade their driving experience into grandeur daily drives. Hyundai designers and engineers have hit the ball right out of the park regarding the new Tucson. No wonder this car is a global bestseller featured in blockbuster cinemas and is now available as a blockbuster in our daily drives.
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!
