Hyundai Motor has invested in a series of cutting-edge technological solutions to overhaul its design process. By embracing the latest innovations, such as virtual reality (VR) and 3D gravity sketching, the company has consolidated its position at the forefront of car design.
Beyond sheer aesthetics, the benefits of this approach are three-fold. Firstly, Hyundai’s designers are equipped with state-of-the-art tools that enable them to develop models with boundary-pushing features. Secondly, a streamlined digital process speeds up vehicle development. Finally, a lower carbon footprint supports the company’s environmental commitments.
Hyundai has made significant investments in state-of-the-art virtual reality (VR) technology and infrastructure to transform its design process
Company stakeholders can now collaborate across continents in a virtual space to speed up vehicle development and support the planet
Hyundai’s latest concept SEVEN is the company’s first model to be designed completely digitally
Stepping away from a traditional design approach
Much like today, Hyundai’s designers commenced the initial creative phase by creating pencil sketches on paper in the past. These images would reflect the kind of car they wanted to convey: perhaps one that is dynamic and sporty, or one that is brimming with new technology. Typically, these drawings would feature exaggerated proportions of the car, such as emphasized wheels and curves.
Once designers completed their initial sketches, they would compete with one another to have their proposals selected. After a winning design was selected, the chosen model would be developed as a scale model from clay, based on two-dimensional paper sketches.
Developing a scale model would take anywhere between four weeks and two months, depending on the schedule. Afterwards, the scale model would then be scanned and milled in a full-size. However, this approach was not without its drawbacks. After all, when shifting from a scale model to full-size, no line stays the same.
Previously, Hyundai’s designers were required to work together with clay modelers to refine the final design of an upcoming model. However, lines and surfaces had to be marked out using tape. On top of this, the company’s engineers were unable to work simultaneously with the designers, as they could only receive data after scanning the model with a photogrammetry system. Both of these factors made the process very time-consuming and cost-intensive.
VR: the revolution
Modern design technology is now very fast and much more stable. Today, Hyundai no longer produces scale clay models; instead it utilizes technologically advanced tools that are more intuitive, such as 3D digital design software. These enable the company’s engineers to mill full scale models using 3D data, which significantly speeds up the design process. Today, 80 per cent of Hyundai’s design development is fully-digital.
Hyundai’s designers work with industry-standard software that has been reprogrammed so that they can work in collaboration across multi-user and multi-location environments. This state-of-the-art technology includes laptops designed for high-performance gaming, in order to handle 3D graphics, motion technology from the film industry, as well as innovations derived from sport. Using this software, the designers can create models and immersive environments in VR that look extremely close to the real thing. The difference between modern design and the traditional approach is stark, and can be compared to the revolution cars undertook before and after anti-lock braking systems were introduced.
VR technology also opens up a host of new opportunities for Hyundai’s designers. For example, the gravity sketching tool enables designers to create more human-centric vehicle designs by working in 3D from the start. Designers swap their paper and pencils for a headset and controllers to become immersed in VR, imitating gestural interactions through motion tracking. By working in 3D, Hyundai’s designers can experiment with different proportions and build variations based on their ideas. Meanwhile, a 360-degree view of the vehicle allows them to sketch from any angle – in contrast to the traditional 2D process.
3D gravity sketching also enhances the collaboration between Hyundai’s exterior and interior designers. Through this technology, the two teams are able to work together simultaneously. While the exterior design team refine the digital model, the company’s interior designers can work in parallel by virtually stepping inside the car to develop features or make quick adjustments.
Another advantage of this technology is Hyundai’s designers’ ability to test unlimited colour options and material applications, including fabrics and leather, ambient lighting and other types of materials. As well as saving time, this also reduces shipping and traveling costs. In addition, this approach is much more sustainable as significantly less waste is produced, resulting in a dramatic reduction of CO2 emissions.
Hyundai’s VR design evaluation system
Hyundai’s design journey in multi-user wireless VR spaces started in 2017. Then, in December 2019, Hyundai Motor Company and Kia Motors Corporation announced an ambitious new virtual reality (VR) design evaluation system. Two years on, this has now been fully implemented. The system demonstrates a heightened focus on enhancing vehicle development processes through the implementation of VR technology. It simulates many aspects relating to a model under development, including interior and exterior design elements, as well as lighting, colours and materials.
These cutting-edge facilities in Namyang, Rüsselsheim, and Irvine, California, allow the designers to review a multitude of design concepts earlier in the developmental process, and in ways that were previously physically impossible. VR headsets allow colleagues from Hyundai’s Design and Engineering departments to enter into a virtual conference in real-time and simultaneously undertake vehicle design quality assessments and development verification processes, no matter where they are in the world.
Hyundai has also established remote VR design assessment capabilities to enable real-time virtual collaboration between its design centers in Europe, Korea, China, India, Japan and the U.S.. The benefits for the company are clear: it has facilitated greater cross-team – and intercontinental – collaboration than ever before.
These changes were already underway before COVID-19 emerged and sent the world into lockdown in early 2020. According to Simon Loasby, the pandemic served as a catalyst for Hyundai’s global design workforce, accelerating the transition to digitalization and agile working.
VR technology promises a sustainable future
VR technology is continuing to evolve. In the future, it will offer much higher levels of detail and operate at far quicker speeds. It is therefore set to play an increasingly prominent role for Hyundai’s designers and engineers. In addition, advances in AR and mixed reality will enable the company’s colleagues to interact with one another even more immersively.
However, one fundamental benefit that should not be overlooked is its positive environmental impact. A digital design process produces are much lower carbon footprint, as far fewer clay, paper and waste materials are used in the process. For the development of SEVEN, Hyundai produced one clay model for verification at the end, rather than a multitude of scale clay models. By meeting in a virtual conference space, Hyundai’s designers are no longer required to frequently travel around the globe, expending thousands of air miles in the process. Going forward, this will contribute towards Hyundai achieving its goal of carbon neutrality by 2045.
Mercedes-Benz VISION EQXX demonstrates its world-beating efficiency in real world driving – over 1,000 km on one battery charge and average consumption of 8.7 kWh/100 km
Successful first road trip takes electric vehicle efficiency to a new level.
The VISION EQXX from Mercedes-Benz has now taken to the roads of Europe and has demonstrated its outstanding range and efficiency. Traveling from Sindelfingen across the Swiss Alps and Northern Italy, to its destination of Cassis on the Côte d’Azur, it effortlessly covered more than 1,000 km in everyday traffic, on a single battery charge. The journey started in cold and rainy conditions, and was undertaken at regular road speeds, including prolonged fast-lane cruising at up to 140 km/h on the German autobahn and near the speed limit elsewhere. The battery’s state of charge on arrival was around 15 percent, amounting to a remaining range of around 140 kilometers, and the average consumption was a record-breaking low of 8.7 kWh per 100 kilometers.
The VISION EQXX has thus taken electric vehicle efficiency to a whole new level – in real-life conditions and with independent proof. The long-distance drive was completed with the charging socket sealed and accompanied by an independent expert from certification body TÜV Süd. This officially confirms the effectiveness of the new Mercedes-Benz development approach – thinking holistically about efficiency from the drivetrain to aerodynamics and beyond, down to the tiniest detail, as well as working with even greater inter-functional collaboration and with external partners. This new blueprint for automotive engineering has delivered a new benchmark for electric vehicle efficiency and range, and the technology in the VISION EQXX will be deployed in upcoming series-production Mercedes vehicles.
“We did it! Powering through more than 1,000 kilometers with ease on a single battery charge and a consumption of only 8.7 kWh/100 km in real-world traffic conditions. The VISION EQXX is the most efficient Mercedes ever built. The technology program behind it marks a milestone in the development of electric vehicles. It underpins our strategic aim to ‘Lead in Electric’,” says Ola Källenius, Chairman of the Board of Management of Mercedes-Benz Group AG.
Ready for the longest road trip since the invention of electric mobility
There’s a reason why road trips have been a cultural touchstone for decades, telling stories from the highway in books, movies and music. The road trip defines freedom, individuality, the very spirit of the automobile and the passing world. Stick a pin in the map – and drive.
The journey to electric mobility is also a road trip; as exhilarating as it is challenging, as unknown as it is certain. For Mercedes-Benz, it is a journey with a clear goal – maximum efficiency through innovation. The VISION EQXX is the product of a holistic approach with innovations in all technical areas that have an impact on energy consumption. “With our successful road trip to the South of France, we’ve shown that efficiency is the new currency. And this success also clearly speaks for our new collaborative development process, incorporating many learnings from the Mercedes-AMG F1 team and its cutting-edge expertise in electric powertrains. The VISION EQXX is the result of a comprehensive program that provides a blueprint for the future of automotive engineering. Many of the innovative developments are already being integrated into production, some of them in the next generation of modular architecture for compact and midsize Mercedes‑Benz vehicles. And the journey continues. With the VISION EQXX, we will keep testing the limits of what’s possible,” says Markus Schäfer, Member of the Board of Management of Mercedes-Benz Group AG, Chief Technology Officer responsible for Development and Purchasing.
Challenging route profile and varying weather conditions
The VISION EQXX is packed with innovations. This software-defined research prototype is part of a far-reaching technology program that combines the latest digital technology with Mercedes’ pioneering spirit, the agility of a start-up and the speed of Formula 1. The mission in developing the VISION EQXX was to break through technological barriers across the board. To show what is electrically “feasible”, the research vehicle completed a one-day road trip across several European borders: from Germany to Switzerland, on to Italy, past Milan and finally to its destination, the port town of Cassis near Marseille in the South of France.
The route profile – from motorway to mountain passes, including roadworks – and the weather conditions presented the VISION EQXX with a wide variety of challenges. Departing from the Sindelfingen R&D centre near Stuttgart in cold conditions, temperatures from start to finish ranged from 3 to 18 degrees Celsius. North of the Alps there was light rain and further south a gentle headwind blew in the sunshine. The various sections of the route helped document the effect of the many efficiency measures.
An excerpt from the trip log:
Up to 140 km/h on the motorway – low drag and rolling resistance pay off
The first leg from Sindelfingen to the north-eastern border of Switzerland runs along Autobahn 81. At times, the VISION EQXX sliced through the wind at speeds of up to 140 km/h. With its low cd value of 0.17, it gives the wind virtually nothing to grab hold of. This world-beating figure for a road-legal vehicle results from the intelligent interaction of many individual measures. It starts with the basic shape of the body, cradling the smooth-surfaced dome of the greenhouse as it flows elegantly like a water droplet towards the rear. Equally beneficial to the aerodynamics are the small frontal area of 2.12 m² and the reduced rear track. Because this is 50 mm narrower than at the front, the rear wheels roll in the slipstream of the front wheels. The active rear diffuser, which automatically deploys at 60 km/h, provides better airflow and thus contributes significantly to the reduced drag.
The technology vehicle gains further efficiency benefits from its tyres, with their extremely low rolling-resistance rating of 4.7. Bridgestone developed these specifically for the VISION EQXX in partnership with Mercedes-Benz. By way of comparison, the current EU tyre label requires a figure of 6.5 for the top rating in Class A. The EQS uses tyres with a rolling resistance of 5.9, which is significantly lower. With the VISION EQXX, Mercedes-Benz is now going one step further. A striking feature is the size of the new tyres. The dimensions 185/65 R 20 97 T mean they have a large diameter and a narrow tread. The specialist Turanza Eco tyres combine two innovative Bridgestone technologies that enable a higher range: ENLITEN technology reduces both rolling resistance and weight by up to 20 percent. The ologic technology reduces tyre deformation while driving, in part through a more tensioned belt section. In addition, the transition from the tyre to the wheel rim was optimized in cooperation with the Mercedes-Benz aerodynamics team.
Over the mountains – the lightweight dividend
The VISION EQXX’s special features also include its carefully thought-through lightweight construction, which has a particularly positive effect on uphill climbs. Any keen cyclist knows why it’s always the same kind of rider out in front on mountain stages. The heavier, more muscular sprinters are always staring at the taillights of the wiry featherweights on the uphill slogs. The decisive factor is the power-to-weight ratio. It’s not about sheer performance in the sense of “faster; higher; further” but about endurance and lower energy consumption.
This is exactly what the VISION EQXX demonstrates impressively on the approach to the Gotthard Tunnel heading for Italy. On the section between Amsteg and Göschenen, there’s a 14-kilometers uphill stretch with a gradient of up to five percent. It is here, where every gram of extra weight eats up energy, that the VISION EQXX scores sustainable points with its unladen weight of only 1,755 kilograms.
The lightweight design concept of the VISION EQXX is comprehensive – from the materials used to innovative bionic structures that deliver a favorable power-to-weight ratio. Examples of this are the sustainable carbon-fibre-sugar composite material used for the upper part of the battery, which is also used in Formula 1, and the BIONEQXX rear floor, manufactured using an aluminum casting process. The light metal structural component replaces a much heavier assembly of several interconnected parts. It has gaps in places where structural strength is not required, thus saving material. This innovative design approach results in a weight saving of up to 20 percent compared to a conventionally manufactured component.
A large part of the weight efficiency is also due to the dedicated electric chassis with lightweight F1 subframe and aluminum brake discs. Another is the battery. At 100 kWh, the power storage unit developed specifically for the VISION EQXX has almost the same amount of energy as the battery of the EQS, which is already a global benchmark among electric cars currently on the market. However, it has 50 percent less volume and is 30 percent lighter. The outcome is that the compact battery, measuring just 200 x 126 x 11 cm, is also comparatively light at 495 kilograms and fits in a compact car. The electric drive was developed in cooperation with the experts from Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team.
Back down the hill – recuperation is the name of the game
After the Gotthard Tunnel, the road goes downhill for a very long way. This is where the VISION EQXX makes the most of the situation in its own way. While the golden rule of the professional cyclist is to go full throttle downhill to make up time, the VISION EQXX does the unthinkable and regenerates its energy reserves. In electric cars, this is called recuperation, the recovery of braking energy. In this discipline, too, the VISION EQXX sets new standards thanks to its highly efficient electric powertrain.
The VISION EQXX can use the recuperation effect on any type of gradient and during every braking maneuver, thus extending its range. A positive side effect of this electric braking is that the mechanical brakes are barely used. This makes it possible for the first time to use new types of aluminum brake discs that weigh significantly less than their steel counterparts.
Solar roof – energy snack in sunny Italy
The VISION EQXX gets a hearty energy snack around midday in the Po Valley near Milan – not at the charging station, but via its fixed solar roof. The 117 solar cells feed the 12-volt battery, which supplies power to auxiliary consumers such as the navigation system. The added value is measurable through the load this removes from the high-voltage battery, displayed by the onboard computer. Overall, the solar booster increases the range by more than two percent – which adds up to a good 25 kilometers on a journey of over 1,000 kilometers.
Innovative eATS – powerful, frugal, enduring
The electric drive unit in the VISION EQXX – consisting of the electric motor, transmission and power electronics – was developed together with the F1 specialists at HPP, and has a peak output of 180 kW. Thanks to the torque available from the first rev of the motor and the very low aerodynamic and rolling resistance of the VISION EQXX, its full potential is barely tapped during the entire trip. Much more important than top performance are other factors. Just like the battery, the electric drive unit is compact, lightweight and highly efficient. Its average efficiency in this application is 95%. That means 95% of the energy from the battery ends up at the wheels.
This goes hand-in-hand with further efficiency benefits such as the reduction of losses in the drivetrain. The engineers at Mercedes-Benz have succeeded in reducing the total losses in the drivetrain (motor, inverter and transmission) by 44% compared to an e-drive that is not based on this project. This makes a big different to the bottom line, with one percent more efficiency bringing two percent more range. This effect is further amplified by the battery of the VISION EQXX, thanks to its remarkable energy density of almost 400 Wh/l and particularly high operating voltage of more than 900 volts. And on the topic of high voltage: The VISION EQXX marks the first use of this technology, which proves itself throughout the entire journey. With not a single problem such as line overheating, everything is well under control. There are further efficiency from the active cell balancing. It ensures that energy is drawn evenly from the cells during the journey, which increases the usable energy and thus the range even more.
Efficient thermal management system – passive powertrain cooling is all it takes
Since the electric drivetrain generates little waste heat thanks to its high efficiency, passive cooling is sufficient throughout the journey. The cooling plate in the underbody uses the airflow to ensure even cooling. This aerodynamically highly efficient solution increases the range by 20 kilometers, while the cd value remains unchanged at a low 0.17.
Even on the ascent to the Gotthard Tunnel, the air shutters remain closed. The air control system would only open an additional air-path if there was an increased demand for cooling the electric drive or for climate control inside the cabin on hot days or if the heat pump was running on cold days. The air-path then connects the high-pressure zone at the front of the vehicle with the low-pressure zones along the top of the bonnet. This enables highly efficient thermal management with minimal air resistance. With the shutters open, the cd value would increase by only seven points (0.007).
Efficiency assistant – actively helping to save energy
Whether e-drive or combustion engine, the amount of energy a motor consumes in practice ultimately depends a great deal on driving style. In Switzerland, Italy and France, “pedal to the metal” is not an option anyway, thanks to speed limits and attentive law-enforcement officers. However, the VISION EQXX also proves to be an intelligent sidekick, assisting the driver like a co-pilot with tips on the best possible driving style. The efficiency assistant provides information on energy flow, battery status, topography and even the direction and intensity of wind and sun.
The UI/UX features an all-new, one-piece display that spans the entire width of the interior. Elements of the user interface support seamless interaction between the driver and the vehicle. These include Artificial Intelligence (AI) that mimics the way the human brain works. In the VISION EQXX, Mercedes-Benz takes a radically new UI/UX approach. A game engine takes UI graphics to a whole new level. The UI shows how real-time graphics open up new digital possibilities by reacting instantly to the driver’s needs and bringing the real world into the vehicle.
Finale in France – crossing the finish line with around 140 kilometres of remaining range
Shortly before crossing the finish line in Cassis, the VISION EQXX gathered energy once more through recuperation. After 11 hours and 32 minutes of driving time, it ended its 1,008-kilometers road trip with a remaining range of around 140 kilometers. This means it could have set off again for a jaunt along the Mediterranean coastline without recharging.
The VISION EQXX has unequivocally proven the real-world potential of outstanding efficiency for electric vehicles. This first road trip to Cassis is a watershed moment on a much bigger journey that is far from over. There’s a lot more to come.
VISION EQXX: the most important facts at a glance
#MissionAccomplished: more than 1,000 km with a single battery charge in real everyday traffic allows for relaxed long-distance journeys.
#EnergyWizard: efficiency-enhancing measures lead to an outstandingly low consumption of 8.7 kWh per 100 km.
#AeroChamp: outstanding work in aerodynamics and exterior design enables a benchmark drag coefficient of 0.17, which has a particularly positive effect on fuel consumption at high speeds on the motorway.
#RollingEfficiency: tyres with a significantly lower rolling resistance than the class A required by the EU tyre label and improved aerodynamic geometry, combined with lightweight magnesium wheels, provide more range.
#ElectricDrive: the radically new drive concept developed by Mercedes-Benz achieves a benchmark efficiency of 95% from battery to wheels.
#PassiveCooling: innovative passive drivetrain cooling via a cooling plate in the underbody.
#BionicEngineering: advanced digital tools enable innovative lightweight designs that increase efficiency and range.
#SolarPower: ultra-thin roof panels feed the battery system and provide up to 25 km of additional range.
#SoftwareDriven: software-driven approach is the key to success in achieving efficiency targets and a fast development process, including a sophisticated battery management system.
#GlobalResponsibleLeadership: with the VISION EQXX, Mercedes-Benz is stepping up the pace to “Lead in Electric” and “Lead in Car Software” and to set standards for sustainable mobility.
VISION EQXX: the trip log in figures
Start
Sindelfingen, April 5th, 2022, 7:00 a.m.
Arrival
Cassis, April 5th, 2022, 7:02 p.m.
Travel route
Sindelfingen, Gotthard Tunnel, Milan, Cassis
Driving distance
1,008 kilometres
Total travel time/movement
12 hours and 2 minutes/11 hours and 32 minutes
Average speed
87.4 km/h
Maximum speed on motorway
140 km/h
Average consumption
8.7 kWh per 100 km
Battery charge level on arrival (SoC)
around 15%
Remaining range on arrival
around 140 km
VISION EQXX: the most important technical data at a glance
It’s April 2022, the start of the financial year, and any new start is a great start. Temperatures are at an all-time high in India, and the spirits of Exhibit as a whole. After a thrilling BBC TopGear Magazine India Awards 2022 and driving exotics back to back to decide winners, read on to wish for a french lifestyle we can only dream about in reality. Fact is, our truth is more fascinating than fantasies. Imagine flying in and beyond Indian shores and driving exotic sports cars and SUVs along with the petrolhead Ranveer Singh. This has been a happening month! My team had a tech-savvy time reviewing products with the best phone launches, from Samsung, OnePlus, iQOO, Realme, etc., to excellent new laptops. Technology has witnessed RTX graphics in an Acer thin and light Swift X. Speaking of multiple phones, phone companies have lost it. The first quarter of the year has already confused smartphone buyers with the number of launches. They’re almost uncountable! Speaking of all the phones, we also explored the return of colours in smartphones. Who doesn’t like a little colour in their lives? A new aspect of the world is emerging in the form of NFTs. Knowledge is wasted if not shared.
Our cover features the gorgeous and brilliant Miss World 2017, Manushi Chillar, debuting in Prithviraj, opposite Akshay Kumar this June. We wish her all the best. Our team also conversed with someone I have known for a long time, an automotive social media influencer, Mumbiker Nikhil, and his passion turned profession. Talking about influencing, our Influencex – Indias’ first Influencer awards are in its 3rd season, and voting has just begun if you see the exhibit.tech/voting tripping it’s because of the insane fans coming and voting for their favourite across the 40 categories that we stack them on. It all concludes with 100 of the Top Influencers flying with us in Kerala to celebrate the best of the best content creators in India.
It’s all about the set and the setting. Hence, we explore 10 incredible roads trips you must take across India. Once a runner up at Exhibit Top 500 Tech Startups almost half a decade ago, we explore Haptik and its founder’s insight on his business as they tie up with JIO, a Reliance property. Ever wondered how big is the dating industry fuelled by desires? A coin with the same sides is unique but unfair. Drive along and witness the madness of an EV and the grandeur of a Porsche mashing insanely in stunning beauty, Taycan. Never has the world witnessed these many amounts of EV and ICE automobile launches as the year 2022. Other countries have already decided on their EV commitment, but India is a developing country and changes though slow, are steady. We have three of the newest midsize SUVs covering several hundred kilometres across cities. Volkswagen, Skoda, and MG all crave the new mid-size buyer’s attention. Oh, did I mention Arjun Kapoor and I went on a drive in the Volvo XC90? He owns one and drives too, but unlike most of us, he is a vampire of the night. Arjun shares his insights about ownership and comfort as we move along Mumbai streets unnoticed by the paparazzi. Overall, we have a packed issue with celebs, reviews, beautiful automobiles and much more; read at your heart’s content.
We witnessed the Volvo XC40 Recharge when it was unveiled a year ago. Initial plans were to launch the car last year. EV charging infrastructure is slow in its growth compared to auto manufacturers’ plans of launching EVs. Volvo announced a year ago to convert their entire line-up into EVs by 2030. Volvo India wants to beat their deadline.
On a scorching sunny Sunday, we drove the Volvo XC40 Recharge from Aerocity, Delhi, to Neemrana Fort, Rajasthan and back. Volvo India had two charging stations ready for a top-up on our commute, but we were assured that most of the cars made it back in a single charge. Our car started at 92% charge when we began our drive. Volvo’s XC40 Recharge is quite a sleeper performance car. Later, let’s understand how this unique EV is about to revolutionise Volvo’s brand image into a worthy EV auto manufacturer. We drove a pre-production red coloured car, a colour we might not see at first in India.
Clean, smart design
Make no mistake about the name this car carries. The Volvo XC40 Recharge is based on the compact, mid-size SUV, the XC40. The overall silhouette of the XC40 remains the same. It is brilliantly complemented by the clean design upfront masking the ICE version’s grille with a body-coloured case and an embedded Volvo logo. The headlights and tail lights are the same, yet some of the best lamp designs. Changes include 19-inch standard wheels with 235/50/R-19 upfront and 255/45/R-19 at the rear. This is a subtle giveaway of the performance this car packs apart from a Recharge TWIN batch on the boot door.
The powered tailgate opens with a gesture swipe at the lower left of the car’s rear bumper apart from an electric button. This liberates up to 452L boot space, housing a space-saver tyre. Unlike the international variant, there are no electric split seat buttons or a towing hook button inside the boot area. The boot lock has two subtle lights on either side of the lock groove. The charging socket is located on LHS, while there’s another trunk up-front that opens similarly to the front hatch opening knob inside the driver’s cabin on most ICE cars. The frunk is 31L, and the floor mat opens to liberate space for what seems to be a tire puncture repair kit missing from inside the kit-holder cut-outs in our car. The rear boot mat also has some space under the RHS boot area. Overall, the EV version of this car allows quite a bit of room for storing cables, luggage, etc.
Somehow, the car looks even more handsome in the XC40 Recharge avatar than in the ICE versions. The little things that make this car more appealing could be the clean front, those wider rear tyres, a relatively low stance with a ground clearance of 175mm, ample in most scenarios, or a combination of all small things together.
Interior – Spot the difference!
Our media units were leather-clad, opposite to the no-leather upholstery promise from Volvo India. Nonetheless, these units also sported recycled material between leather inserts made from sustainable materials. Imagine the softer side of a velcro strip to put it in perspective. It feels similar to touch. Recycled waste used as luxury suits fashion on humans and now appears on their possessions. Volvo quality is second to none, and the overall insides of the XC40 Recharge are the same as its ICE counterparts. Volvo has simplified this car by making most things automatic, like the lack of a start-stop button. Keyless entry and app suite. The driver’s MID is 12.3-inch wide, crisp and clear. Thanks to Volvo’s Google integration of Android as a base, the driver’s MID seamlessly interacts with the primary 9-inch vertical touchscreen infotainment system. Get the app, sign in to your primary Google account or create one for your car and now the car’s infotainment setup is an individual device in your Google account.
There’s a Play Store app right on the car’s console. The vehicle allows you to install all your favourite music, video and other apps right inside the car. Navigate through Google Maps on the central infotainment system, and the map route and navigation lines appear on the driver’s MID. Neat integration! Sadly, we could not witness the 8-speaker Harman Kardon music system on our pre-production car. Creature comforts include 4 USB type-C ports, two up-front and two for rear passengers. There’s also a wireless charging pad with neat creases to hold your phone, mainly when this car explores your gut feelings. Storage space is plenty, with some removable storage areas for easy cleaning. There’s a sense of thick leather-clad insulation on the inside and the overall cocoon is complemented by a large panoramic sunroof. Those thick windows and glass allow plenty of space for resting our limbs, too, and heat-reflecting glass kept us chill throughout the day.
Despite this being an EV, it still carries XC40’s thick transmission tunnel at the rear, making this five-seater uncomfortable with all seats occupied. Speaking of seats, the usual two rear passengers will be awkward if they’re more than 5-feet 5-inches tall. The floorboard now houses batteries, and under-thigh support has gone for a toss unless you get too comfortable stretching your limbs inside the car. The seats are plush, and there’s a large armrest with two exposed cup holders at the rear. Seats get electric headrests and folding mechanisms to operate 60-40 split-seats. The space inside is ample with a 2702mm wheelbase and does not feel cramped. The panoramic sunroof opens with a swipe touch gesture, and most things are spot on, except for some things like the lack of grab handles for rear passengers despite hooks and holder cutouts. Overall, the Volvo XC40 Recharge interiors are like a familiar place and feel like tasting a well-aged wine.
The steering wheel is nicely weighted and thick with a clean Volvo batch. The 360-degree camera has crisp footage and dynamic park-assist lines for all four wheels. Volvo has equipped the XC40 Recharge with drive-assist aids, sensors, and a robust safety suite. Adaptive cruise control, emergency braking, lane-keep assist, regenerative braking and tonnes of other sensors work seamlessly in the background with no physical settings or buttons to toggle. The driving assist setting allows drivers to select the way they want this car to aid their driving along with an interesting one-pedal mode. Disclaimer – One pedal mode is quite addictive on EVs. Apart from the usual ICE version apps, added apps include charge statistics, vehicle power generated and regenerated information, and battery management, making one perceive that this is a thoroughbred EV. More minor things like storage pads for rear passengers between the seats and doors are a nice Volvo touch. Volvo does not mention the number of airbags, but these are the same engineers who shared the three-point seat belt with the world and hence we are assured that a car with IC (inflatable curtain) airbags for windows shall be well endowed with passenger safety.
Drive – Do not race the Volvo XC40 Recharge!
Volvo XC40 Recharge comes with two motors, powering the front wheels and rear in an AWD (all-wheel drive) configuration. These motors propel this car with mindboggling numbers – 408HP power and 660Nm torque. These are sports car numbers! All 660Nm torque is available from a standstill. Punch the throttle, and the XC40 Recharge instantly forgets its insane 2.6T weight. Volvo claims a 0-100km/h sprint in about 4.9 seconds. We tested the claims, and the XC40 Recharge pounced with enthusiasm. This is unlike any other Volvo we have driven to date!
The vehicle’s heft is felt when driving, but there is an innate sense of confidence inspired and aided by Volvo’s numerous sensors. There are no select drive modes, no fancy knobs, no tedious settings, it’s simply Volvo, and it all just works. Interestingly what works in this EV is a maddening sense of power under a rather sophisticated body! The Volvo XC40 Recharge responds to throttle response like a big cat ready to pounce on its prey. Thanks to this new driving nature of the XC40 Recharge, this car seems to re-invent the wheel for Volvo as a car brand. People in other countries might be used to such twin motor monsters, but this car performs close to something more expensive, much faster and instead insane looking sports cars in India. Imagine this as a quick brawny ninja disguised as an average human.
The car easily handles its overall weight thanks to an excellent suspension setup and massive 18-inch disc brakes on all four of Pirelli’s wide low-profile tyres. The heft helps make this car feel planted at speeds and in varied road conditions. The relatively low profile tyres make the rather silent cabin buzz on Indian roads. But the trade-off is worth it when you see this car jump from mundane double-digit speed numbers to its max speed capped at 180km/h. This car can reach its top speed in a few seconds more than its 0-100km/h sprint and comfortably sit there until you drain its 78Kw battery. The driving dynamics are mature, and batteries in the floorboard with twin motors distributing weight across the length of this EV, make the XC40 Recharge a brilliant performer. Body roll is present, but body control is at point, inspiring you to drive more confidently across triple digits speed numbers. Drivers can select to add more heft to the steering wheel by toggling an option on the central infotainment system. Both front passenger seats get electric adjustments and heated functionality for cold environments. The steering feel is precise and inspires a sense of confidence required to manoeuvre a heavy speed, happy EV, Volvo XC40 Recharge.
We drove spiritedly for about 250 odd kilometres all day and returned with a 12% charge on the dashboard. Speaking of BMS, battery management system, the car provides ample information for math fanatics. Volvo team charges these cars at a nearby 30kWh DC charger to top up most cars by 80% charge in about 2.5 hours. In a hypothetical world of 150kWh DC charging, this car can go from 0-100% in about 33 minutes. Details on the home charger are yet unknown. Overall, this car does it both, being efficient and energetic! This duality adds a new dimension to Volvo as a car maker. If the XC40 Recharge is any indication of the evolution of Volvo as an EV manufacturer, their tagline – Our future is electric, does make their futures look bright.
David Brown Automotive has recently given an enticing glimpse of its upcoming, limited run version of Mini Remastered, produced in collaboration with another iconic British brand, Marshall Amplification.
The special variant of David Brown Automotive’s popular reimagined classic Mini has been conceived to mark a momentous achievement in Marshall’s storied history – their 60th anniversary.
In addition to the complete restoration and enhancement applied to all Mini Remastered models, Mini Remastered Marshall Edition will present a number of new Marshall audio features, developed in collaboration between the vehicle engineers and the artisan technicians at David Brown Automotive, and the expert engineering team at Marshall Amplification. With its comprehensively upgraded speaker system and an array of other Marshall Amplification audio enhancements, Mini Remastered Marshall Edition will pack a serious, modern & sonic punch.
For each Mini Remastered Marshall Edition sold, David Brown Automotive and Marshall Amplification will make a charitable donation to the Music Trust Venue, which is working to help get the UK’s independent music scene back on its feet after the disruption of the pandemic.
About David Brown Automotive
David Brown Automotive was started in 2013 by British businessman, David Brown and was born out of his admiration for iconic classic cars and passion for hand craftsmanship combined with state-of-the-art engineering. He believes that cars should not only be beautifully designed and crafted but also usable and reliable.
The company is based in an 18,000 sq ft build facility in Silverstone, with a showroom in St John’s Wood, London, and a worldwide distribution and service network.
Its current model line-up includes Speedback GT, Speedback Silverstone Edition, Mini Remastered and the recently-launched, Mini Remastered, Oselli Edition.
About Marshall Amplification
Marshall Amplification has a vibrant and dynamic history within the music industry and is celebrated by some of the greatest artists in the world. Catapulted from humble beginnings in Hanwell, London, Marshall is now a global brand achieving manufacturing excellence. Creativity and innovation are at the heart of the business and every product they create. With 60 years of music experience, Marshall continue to push the boundaries of possibility for the musicians of the future.
About Music Venue Trust
Music Venue Trust, founded in 2014, is a registered charity that seeks to preserve, secure and improve the UK’s network of small to medium scale, mostly independently run, music venues. We have a long term plan to protect that live music network which includes, where necessary, taking into charitable ownership freehold properties so they can be removed from commercial pressures and leased back to passionate music professionals to continue their operation.
KIA’S ALL-ELECTRIC SUV CONCEPT TAKES CENTER STAGE AT AUTOMOBILITY LA
Having just recently launched the EV6 to great international acclaim and appreciation, Kia Corporation has stunned onlookers at the AutoMobility LA event with the reveal of its all-electric SUV concept, the Kia Concept EV9.
It is the clearest signal yet from Kia as to what might turn out to be the next addition to its new-generation EV lineup. The Concept EV9 epitomizes the brand’s recent leadership in designing and developing desirable, high-tech, zero-emissions vehicles. Just like the EV6, the Concept EV9 is known as a dedicated EV from Kia, having been carefully developed and optimized on the company’s advanced Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP).
The Kia Concept EV9 embodies Kia’s commitment to sustainable mobility solutions, having recently showcased the company’s future vision at the ‘Kia Sustainability Movement’ digital presentation. The design of the vehicle was inspired by nature and uses up-cycled materials developed from waste deposited into the fragile marine ecosystem.
The SUV even offers striking visual aesthetics. Thanks to Kia’s ‘Opposites United’ design philosophy.The Kia design team was especially influenced by the ‘Bold for Nature’ pillar of “Opposites United”. This has helped the all-electric SUV concept to take on an iconic and bold form, meshing logical and emotional qualities with playful, rugged features and styling cues.
Kia Concept EV9’s extensive list of tech capabilities and all-round flexibility ensures that it always feels at home even when tackling traffic in densely populated urban areas; at the same time, it even offers families the freedom to experience leisure pursuits away from city vicinity.
The shape of things to come
It blends a stunning exterior profile with modern and sleek interior space which is influenced with state-of-the-art technology. The incredible aesthetics of the Kia Concept EV9 – both inside and out – have been carefully honed from “Opposites United”, Kia’s new design philosophy.
Taking inspiration from the ‘Bold for Nature’ design pillar of Opposites United, the Concept EV9 embodies an adventurous, recreational and outgoing form with its chiseled upright stance. From the outside, such proportions highlight a three-row SUV footprint, hence signifying a vehicle which is highly capable, practical and ready for action all the time. From the side, this modern looking angular profile gives the all-electric SUV a unique and distinctive silhouette that is deeply rooted in the new design language.
A low gravity side body creates maximum and instant impact with the sharp crystalline contoured fenders that sit high up on the vehicle. The low side body profiling effect makes the fender volumes of the Concept EV9 pop out, resulting in a butch SUV stance.
Concept EV9 measures 4,930mm in length, 2,055mm in width and 1,790mm of height. It boasts a wheelbase of 3,100mm. The concept also combines its stunning SUV form with state-of-the-art engineering. The all-electric SUV delivers driving range of up to 300 miles. It also features next-generation ultra-fast charging technology with a 350kW charger which allows its advanced battery electric powertrain to juice up from 10% to 80% charge in just 20-30 minutes.
Contrasting with its muscular on-road presence, soft and welcoming volumes across the body of the Concept EV9 are offset with sharp and neatly edged elements. Solid rock geometry is expressed through a sophisticated design distribution of mass, while the volume of the soft fuselage cabin has been made to feel welcoming and approachable.
Tiger Face goes digital
Kia’s iconic Tiger Face has been reinterpreted for the BEVs and is showcased on the Kia Concept EV9.
The new BEV-focused grille houses an intricate star cloud pattern display that is completely hidden behind the body panel of the Concept EV9 when not in use. This stylish light-show further highlights the high-tech nature of the all-electric SUV while still paying homage to the natural world. Sequential patterns create a ‘welcome light’ for the driver and also function to appropriately position lights during driving. The star cloud pattern inspired the Kia design team to create standout vertical Daytime Running Lamps (DRLs) for both the front and rear of the car, in-turn creating a unique signature look from start to finish.
Enhancing aero efficiency are retractable roof rails that close inward into the roof of the Concept EV9 when not in use, creating smooth airflow over the vehicle. When needed, the roof rails can be raised by a simple touch of a button, further emphasizing the all-action and all-go nature of the Concept EV9. A next-gen camera monitoring system that replaces the conventional wing mirrors further improves aerodynamic properties while also enhancing the spatial awareness of the driver.
Natural light
At the rear of the Concept EV9 is a compelling yet beatifically delicate triangular d-pillar treatment that acts as a visual focal point and resonates with the SUV’s angular design elements. The innovative d-pillar design also creates a unique Daylight Opening (DLO) signature.
The machined 22-inch wheels further add to the geometric appearance and robust nature of the Concept EV9. A triangular aero design piece controls the airflow around the wheel and creates a visual contrast to the circular nature of the wheel to fully express the Opposites United design philosophy, making sure a balance in harmony extends into every element and section.
To stay in tune with the environment – and tapping back into the ‘Bold for Nature’ design pillar – the Concept EV9 has an all-encompassing DLO panoramic sky roof. This not only offers passengers relaxing views from above but also opens the potential for positive impact on wellness and mood.
The beautifully sleek glass structure creates a direct connection to the outside environment, be that sunshine flooding into the cabin on a blue-sky day, the tranquil sound of rain during a weekend drive in autumn or the calming feel of the luminous glow of moonlight and the stars on a cloudless evening.
Transformative interior space
Against a wellbeing, wellness and mindfulness backdrop, the Concept EV9 has been carefully crafted to offer the driver and passengers a transformative interior space as the journey experience evolves.
Mirroring the exterior design, the interior of the Concept EV9 has also been greatly influenced by the ‘Bold for Nature’ design pillar of Opposites United.
Inside the all-electric SUV is a design undertaking that integrates the qualities of nature, movement and stillness as part of a scenic, first-class lounge. The panoramic roof, with its sky-gazing views, further adds to the sense of lightness and being in contact with the environment.
An interactive 27-inch ultra-wide display connects the Concept EV9 from the real-world to the virtual one, while serving as the nerve center for all driver and passenger requirements, including media, climate control and comfort functionality features.
This sense of ‘tomorrow’ extends from the visionary interior design and into the steering wheel. The automotive industry today treats the steering wheel like a separate product – a total standalone subsystem; the Concept EV9, however, takes a radically different approach in which the pop-up steering pad is an extension of – and integrated and harmonized within – the interior space.
Innovative interior modes when not moving
The interior of the Concept EV9 explores new perspectives as the journey experience evolves. The all-electric SUV has three forward-thinking interior modes that capture different journey situations and requirements. Active Mode is when the Concept EV9 is on the move, making sure the driver and passengers have an optimal driving experience from within the all-electric SUV. The two other modes relate to when the Concept EV9 is not moving.
Pause Mode modifies the interior space to be more akin to a first-class lounge, giving occupants the opportunity to directly interact with each other while benefiting from the light streaming in from the wide panoramic roof. In this mode, the seats switch around to enable occupants seated in the first-row and third-row to face each other. The second-row seats fold down and become a table, completing the first-class lounge arrangement.
The second stationary mode is Enjoy Mode, which opens the interior into a downtime breakout space by turning around the three-row seat configuration. In this mode, the tailgate opens, giving all occupants the opportunity to connect with the outside environment and gaze ahead and beyond the vehicle while sitting comfortable inside the all-electric SUV.
Inspired by water
The Concept EV9 features a design inspired by taking note of the simplicity and perfection of nature, and how it contrasts and works together in perfect harmony. In this respect, the Concept EV9 took further inspiration from the ‘Water Element’ of Opposites United, taking on characteristics that relate to serenity, calmness and wellbeing. For example, the exterior color mimics the expansive depth of the ocean; this is then balanced by a soothing and clear blue sky that radiates throughout the interior.
The ‘Water Element’ ethos also came to the fore when the Kia design team was looking at sustainable and ecological materials for use in the Concept EV9. Recycled fishnets have been used to help create the flooring of the vehicle and seating fabric is made from recycled plastic bottles and recycled wool fibers. Also, vegan leather, which is far more ethical and sustainable compared to conventional animal leather, was used throughout the interior space. Kia plans to gradually reduce the use of animal leather in all its vehicles.
Sustainable Mobility Solutions Provider
Kia recently announced its corporate vision to become a “Sustainable Mobility Solutions Provider,” along with the intention to achieve carbon neutrality throughout the company’s value chain by 2045 at the ‘Kia Sustainability Movement’ event on November 11. The three-pillared carbon neutrality goal consists of commitments to “Sustainable Mobility,” “Sustainable Planet” and “Sustainable Energy”. The strategy encompasses processes from logistics, vehicle production, vehicle use and the disposal of waste. The Concept EV9 embodies an important part of this strategy as the next possible addition to Kia’s high-tech BEV line-up.
The EV market is one of the fastest-growing automotive segments. Thanks to growing dimensions and ever-increasing fuel prices, most cars are already hybrid. As soon as the charging infrastructure matures, the EV market in India shall evolve too. MG Motors India conceptualised the MG ZS EV back in 2017, bought it to Indian markets in 2019 and has enjoyed its share of the EV automotive market. Tata’s Nexon is still the dominant market leader in this space, but MG was researching, improving their vehicle. Auto enthusiasts witnessed this coming from miles away when the MG Astor launched a couple of months ago. MG themselves revealed the new and evolved MG ZS EV 2022 via a virtual launch. I got a hot sunny day to test drive this media vehicle before it was drained, recharged and handed to the next presenter. To my pleasant surprise, I get to know the battery is only at 42%. MG claims that this new MG ZS EV can be charged in 5 ways, just like its predecessor. But, we had a job in hand, and there was no waiting to test MG’s 0-100% battery charge claims in 16-18 hours from a capable wall plug point.
Design
The front fascia of the MG ZS EV looks familiar, but the overall appearance resembles nostalgic lines, and sharp-looking LED illumination. Based on the MG Astor, the overall silhouette resembles sharp lines and the crystalline effects on the front and rear headlights are beautiful additions to the relatively clean design. There’s no mistaking this car for an Astor with bold electric printed badges below A-pillars. And a grille-less structure that neatly houses the AC-DC charging ports, this time with LED charging indicator. We shall miss the uber-cool illuminated MG logo that popped upwards from the front to reveal charge sockets on its predecessor.
The MG ZS EV feels muscular but not intimidating. ZS EV’s spare wheel is 215 section 17-inch too, and the car comes in two trims – Excite and Exclusive. Physically and mechanically, both are almost identical. We test drove the latter, which comes with a bucket load of tech, both driving aids and safety. Sharp bumpers hide most sensors and add a unique character to this EV. The crystalline elements on all-LED illumination add a jewel to a rather unenergetic overall stance. MG ZS EV is a tad bit smaller in dimensions than the market leader of mid-size SUVs in India, the Creta. At the back, this time around, the chrome MG logo is neatly flushed and acts as a manual trunk opener to liberate a healthy boot space of about 460L.
Services, safety and interiors
The ZS EV comes loaded with 5 years of unlimited warranty, 5 years of complimentary roadside assistance, 8 years or 1.5 lakh kilometer battery warranty, tedious but free 4G calling service, with keyless drive through my MG app suite, an IP69K rated water and dust protected battery with six airbags for safety, the MG ZS EV also gets a host of other features. We noticed how smooth overall operations are on the 10.1-inch car console tablet compared to earlier MG products. The AI response, too, is miles faster than its ICE sibling, Astor. MG calls it a car as a platform (CAAP) loaded with a Jio 4G SIM, Jio entertainment like Saavn, etc., enabling free and paid apps with services installed right inside the car console. This tablet also allows native USB read support on all Type-A USB ports, including the one mounted right behind the rearview mirror. Drivers can select if they want to drive with or without driving aids right through vehicle settings. There’s also a 360-degree camera with regular, wide-view sensors and a 360-degree live 3D view with toggles for park assist both front and rear. The quality of the footage still feels like it missed the evolution train.
The ZS EV gets a 7-inch digital driver’s MID with ample battery information and three brightness levels like most EVs. The telltale lights also display all four seat belt indicators. The left console displays the speed while the right-hand side digital display showcases the percentage of power with re-gen information. The flat-bottom steering wheel is chunky, covered in black leatherette red-stitched design and suits the overall mid-size SUV characteristics of the MG ZS EV. The dashboard is multi-toned and has multiple finishes, most of which are backed by soft-touch carbon fibre leatherette garnish with red accent stitches that add to the car’s zippy appeal.
Jet engine styled ac vents on either side of the dashboard are designed in symmetry with the uber-cool looking parking button, are finished in brush metal texture and double up as drive selector knob. In the centre, there’s an extensive 10.1-inch touch-enabled infotainment system. This one is the fastest and the most responsive among the entire MG motors lineup in India. We wish the evolution had us connecting our phones wirelessly for Android Auto or Apple CarPlay. Still, MG restricts that via a type-A USB connector right above the wireless charging pad. There’s a type C connector and 12V socket for added versatility. The car also features three drive modes – Eco, normal and sports. With Kers, one can set up to 3 re-gen settings and battery info toggle, all neatly designed in quality physical buttons made easy to access. There are physical toggle buttons under the centre display made in a neat design and good quality, commendable for the asking price of this car. Front cupholders get a flexible yet sturdy folding shutter, and the soft plush armrest also doubles up as a storage unit.
The seats are comfortable, plush, and the driver seat also gets electronic adjustments. The quality and soft-touch carbon fibre finished fabric with red stitching are also seen on the doors, and overall, the door shut thud speaks volumes about the quality this car portrays. Rear passenger seats are plush, and creature comforts include ac vents, type A and type C port, and a headrest for all 5 passengers. The space is ample for 2 and a bit of a squeeze for 3 passengers, but 2 passengers can enjoy an ample armrest with covered cup holders. Despite a larger 50.3kwh battery, there’s no transmission tunnel and a relatively flat floor bed. The panoramic sunroof makes the car feel roomier, especially against the black inserts inside the overall cabin. Speaking of a sunroof, the car also gets one of the most significant opening sunroof hatches across its segment. MG ZS EV comes loaded with connected features and cool tech. The vehicle allows the driver to select if he/she/they wants to drive with or without some computer aids.
Zippy yet composed
MG claims that the new ZS EV 2022 comes with refreshed evolved internals. A new 8-hairpin motor makes impressive 176PS power and an unknown but healthy amount of instant yet linear torque. 0-100km/h comes up in an impressive 8.5s or quicker based on the driver and driving conditions. Three modes – Eco, normal and sport modes allow users some versatility in power output. The torque generated is healthy and instant but linear as an electric vehicle. As much as we would love multiple G’s while accelerating, this is a city-oriented mid-size e-SUV tuned to be comfortable and civilised. Drivers can select from 3 levels on any mode to get maximum re-gen charge as per their driving nature. The MG ZS EV manages to camouflage its mass, thanks to the low centre of gravity created by the batteries and relatively better power from the new motor unit.
It gets off a standstill, quickly reaches triple digits without fuzz and keeps pulling upwards of 170km/h; that was the limit of roads around us. It feels radically quick compared to its predecessor. The newer, larger battery is well-calibrated with the car. High-speed stability has improved, and the car feels more confident at higher speeds. This time around, the NVH levels have evolved and improved slightly. Almost unnoticeable for untrained ears compared to the earlier ZS EV. The only audible noise inside the ZS EV is the tyre noise from the road below. The plush interiors, large panoramic view of the outside and quieter cabin add to the overall driving splendour. Loads of driving aids, switchable by the driver, make driving the ZS EV much more manageable than most other cars in this price range. The MID and central console are clear and display ample information about the car, from power generated to power re-generated, tyre pressure monitor, etc. Adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, lane maintenance, collision warning, and other sensors aid the driver. Although the ZS EV misses out on ADAS level 2 compared to its ICE sibling, Astor, the car still gets tons of driver aids, making it novice-friendly.
The steering is naturally weighted
and floaty but precise and effortless in operation. There are all the necessary buttons accessible on the steering. One caveat is the positioning of the steering, the limited vertical adjustments and the MG assistance calling control right next to the speech command’s button. You are bound to accidentally press this while talking to the car and be prepared to speak to a friendly MG customer care assistant after pressing the darn button. Overall, the car handles well and behaves confidently in its approach at all speeds. The range drops quickly when sprinting this car around town, and regenerative braking does add a few kilometres to your daily drive, especially in traffic. The re-gen and all 4 disc brakes work in good tandem to complement each other, making this one of the most confident braking EVs.
Verdict
Tata also plans to evolve the Nexon EV next year but making the first-mover advantage is always a great business opportunity. The new MG ZS EV is a welcome addition to the evolution of existing EVs in India. As we all know, competition improves the market, and the MG ZS EV is a worthy competitor in its segment. We sure hope these EVs evolve further in time and improve the overall market scenario for EVs in India, only if the EV charging infrastructure through independent charging services improve their quality and quantity over time!
The Eletre is a new icon from Lotus. It is the latest in a long line of Lotus road cars whose name begins with the letter “E”, which means ‘Coming to Life’ in some Eastern European languages. It’s an appropriate link as the Eletre marks the start of a new chapter in the history of Lotus – the first accessible EV and the first SUV.
The ongoing transformation of Lotus to a truly global performance car brand has reached its most significant milestone yet.
The all-new and all-electric Lotus Eletre is a striking and progressive Hyper-SUV – the first of a new breed of pure electric SUVs. It takes the Lotus DNA from more than 70 years of sports car design and engineering, evolving them into a desirable all-new lifestyle car for the next generation of Lotus customers.
The company’s famed expertise in the fields of ride and handling, steering, and optimized aerodynamics has been carefully and respectfully evolved. The Eletre takes the heart and soul of the latest Lotus sports car – the Emira – and the extreme aero performance of the all-electric Evija hypercar and reinterprets them as a Hyper-SUV.
Known only two days ago by its Lotus codename, Type 132, the Eletre is a globally relevant product, a shining halo of sustainable mobility for a worldwide audience. Embodying emotion, intelligence and prestige, it extends the reach of the Lotus name, badge and renowned driver engagement to a new audience.
A bold new dimension to the Lotus performance car portfolio, the Eletre delivers many firsts for Lotus – the first five-door production car, the first model outside sports car segments, the first lifestyle EV, the most ‘connected’ Lotus ever. And yet it remains an actual Lotus, a beautiful car ‘carved by air’, packed with pioneering technology, sporting performance and simplicity of purpose, designed and developed by a passionate global team. The Lotus Eletre is alive with character and personality.
The Eletre is 4WD, has a battery capacity that’s over 100kWh and with power from 600hp. A 350kW charger will deliver a 400km (248 miles) range in just 20 minutes. The car’s target maximum WLTP driving range is c.600km (c.373 miles). It also comes with the ability as standard to accept 22kW AC charging which, where available, reduces the time plugged in.
Technology includes the most advanced active aerodynamics package on any production SUV, and intelligent driving technologies such as the world’s first deployable Light Detection and Ranging (LIDAR) system in a production car. Add in a dynamic walk-up sequence that delivers a moment of theatre every time the driver approaches the car, and it’s clear the Eletre is making a simple statement – this is Lotus reinvented, the birth of a new icon into the Lotus stable.
The immersive experience with the Lotus Eletre begins before the driver has reached the car. Pressing the button on the key or smartphone app activates a unique moment of theatre in the automotive world. The car’s exterior lights run through a short sequence, the active front grille ‘breathes’, and the illuminated flush door handles deploy. The experience is repeated inside the car as the door closes behind the occupant.
The infotainment experience in the Eletre sets new standards in the automotive world, with pioneering and innovative use of intelligent technologies. The result is an intuitive and seamless connected experience. It is a collaboration between the design team in Warwickshire and the Lotus team in China, who have huge experience in the fields of User Interface (UI) and User Experience (UX).
The Eletre is the first in a new range of premium lifestyle performance electric vehicles to be built at an all-new state-of-the-art production facility in Wuhan, China. The car has been ‘Born British, Raised Globally’, with design led by the UK, supported by collaborative work with teams in China, Sweden and Germany. The overall exterior and interior design has been led by an international team based at the Lotus Tech Creative Centre (LTCC) in Warwickshire, UK.
The Eletre is built on Lotus’ all-new and highly versatile Electric Premium Architecture (EPA). The low-to-the-ground design means outstanding handling, and the EPA can easily adapt to accommodate C+ to E+ vehicle class battery sizes, motors, component layouts and intelligent driving technologies.
The platform will be the basis for an all-new range of premium lifestyle performance electric vehicles from Lotus. Led by the Eletre, these cars will catapult Lotus into a new era of higher retail volumes and significant revenues.
Matt Windle, Managing Director, Lotus Cars, commented: “The Eletre is a bold and revolutionary new car, delivering on our commitment to move Lotus into completely new automotive segments as we widen our global appeal and accessibility. This is a momentous point in our history and a clear signal of our ongoing desire to transform our business. It is a true Lotus, and we’re confident it will delight performance car customers and offer a distinct alternative to the segment’s established players. The Eletre has the soul of a Lotus and the usability of an SUV. Alongside the Emira sports car, this is the perfect two-car garage from Lotus.”
Qingfeng Feng, CEO, Group Lotus, added: “The Eletre, our Hyper-SUV, is a new performance car from an iconic performance car brand and it will appeal to independent-minded and adventurous driving enthusiasts – those who love the thrill of driving. It is a unique combination of beautiful design, exceptional dynamic performance and everyday usability, for those who dare to look beyond the conventional, and marks a turning point for our business and brand.”
He added: “While the worldwide critical acclaim for the Emira has reaffirmed Lotus’ position as a respected sports car marque, the Eletre will make Lotus accessible to a whole new audience. It is a compelling alternative for those who desire a true driver’s car but whose lifestyle demands something more practical than a traditional sports car. And it is only the start for Lotus – there is much more to come.”
Alpine has highlighted what its models could look like in the future with its newly showcased A4810 hyper-car concept, giving a glimpse of what a hydrogen-powered Alpine supercar could look like by 2035.
The A4810 is a Hyper-car that embraces next-generation technologies along with championing the traditional characteristics of the Alpine brand which was founded back in 1955. A concept prototype model that is not only technological ahead of its time, but also environmentally friendly. The Alpine A4810 concept provides a glimpse into the future of supercars.
The A4810 was designed by students at the European Institute of Design (IED) in Turin, Italy, rather than internally by Alpine, with a brief of developing a hydrogen supercar for the year 2035. The French sports car manufacturer is listed as an official collaborator however, showing the firm’s interest in hydrogen power.
Twenty-eight students studying Transportation Design at the IED presented their take on the concept of sportiness with the ‘A4810 Project by IED’: which apparently is hydrogen-powered. A two-seater supercar based on a brief from the Alpine design team.
This student-led project has been an ideal way for Alpine to broaden its horizons to newer generation of designers and drivers, and to raise awareness of the innovative project presented by these talented students.
AN INNOVATIVE CONCEPT CAR CREATED FOR A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE
The Alpine A4810 Project by IED boast a length of 5,091mm – width of 2,010mm and height of just under 1,055mm along with the wheelbase stretching mere 2,717mm. It is a two-seater supercar with an experimental combination of the shape of a Berlinette with a hydrogen powertrain. The design alternates between empty and full spaces, giving the vehicle a lightweight aerodynamic look inspired by Formula 1 models. Furthermore, the A4810 Project by IED was tasked with bringing the brand to the cusp of the Hyper-car category.
The French spirit has been skillfully preserved: while avoiding the pitfalls of unnecessary formal elements, the designers have focussed more on the overlapping layers and sculptural aspects of the car’s overall silhouette.
The team of students have used digital tools to design the interior through sketches, rendering animation, 3D models, and HMI (Human Machine Interface). In incorporating hydrogen power supply, they developed a full-fledged concept that is almost ready to take to the roads of a much more sustainable future.
AN IED-LED PROJECT IN COLLABORATION WITH ALPINE
Alpine challenged the students to design a ‘Super Berlinette’ for the year 2035. The two-seater supercar was aimed to be a high-performing vehicle both in terms of performance and its impact over the environment. After the brief was given last year, students have worked individually to come up with their own interpretation and present it to the brand. Alpine, then selected a combination of the two main ideas. Based on the two selected proposals, the young designers created the ‘A4810 Project by IED’: a light yet powerful and agile concept car which boasts pure driving pleasure. During the design phase, the students sought to combine vision and innovation, without losing sight of the traditional roots of the Alpine brand.
Also read about
Top 5 Exciting Auto & Tech Products Launched in CES 2022 (So Far) by CLICKING HERE.
And read about the Evolution of in-car Infotainment Systems HERE.
Also watch this official film from Alpine Cars Here.
All new design ideology can be seen on the Kia Carens
The Indian buyer’s growing obsession for SUV’s has flooded the market with 6 and 7 seater family haulers. With almost every automaker in the country trying to cater and please the big fat Indian families with their offerings, Kia isn’t falling back.
To bridge this segment’s gap, Kia unveiled its new three-row offering for the Indian market, the Carens, in December last year. The Carens made its global debut in India, and incidentally, the country will also be its sole manufacturing hub for both domestic and export purposes.
The wrap around tail lights look upmarket
The Kia Carens is based on a stretched platform of the Creta/Seltos, similar to the Hyundai Alcazar. Dimensionally, the Carens measures 4,540mm in length, 1,800mm in width, 1,700mm in height and has a wheelbase of 2,780mm.
Now if you compare it to the Seltos, the Carens is 225mm longer and 80mm taller, while the wheelbase is 160mm longer. The Carens also fares brownie points as it is longer, wider and taller than even the Alcazar, that measures 4,500mm in length, 1,790mm in width, 1,675mm in height. Even the wheelbase is greater than the Alcazar’s 2,760mm. In fact, the Carens has the longest wheelbase in this segment, which is 30mm longer than the Toyota Innova Crsyta too, although the Toyota is longer when it comes to overall length. The dimensions certainly point to a spacious interior.
Kia Carens: Exterior design
What’s it like to look from the outside?
Kia is calling the design ideology as coming together of 2 different worlds apart. And it actually makes sense as Kia is neither placing it as an MPV, nor as an SUV, but what exactly are they categorizing it? A recreational vehicle.
The new Kia Carens in all its glory
The Kia Carens has a very distinctively striking presence to say the least. It has the proportions of an MPV, but also gets several styling elements to make it look like an SUV. Starting up front, the front facia is characterized by a striking split-LED headlamp assembly and a sealed off grille that is housed within a contrasting gloss piano back trim. The signature Kia tiger nose grille has moved down to the lower lip of the bumper giving space for a new chrome garnish. The grille even features some gnarled effects and 3D patterns on the brushed silver insert for some added bling. Down below, the front bumper is more sedately styled, although the gaping central air intake does add some character. In fact, Kia’s signature ‘Tiger Nose’ motif is now featured on the bumper and not on the grille, although very subtly.
The LED DRLS are said to be inspired by constellations and hence a unique futuristic design adorns the front. I wonder how many stars it would pack inside. The crown jeweled LED headlamps are sleek and futuristic with the three slot design even carried in the LED fog-lamps which lend a distinctive visual edge through sleek and avant-garde design.
Move to the side and it has a very MPV’ish silhouette. Generous amount of chrome has been used to fancy the Indian buyers. A chrome strip running all the way from the front window sill and wrapping around at the third quarter glass sections lends it an upmarket appearance. Though the R16 crystal cut alloy wheels have a nice design, they look a tad bit small considering the proportions of this car. In my opinion, a size up would definitely make a huge difference.
From the side profile, the Carens shows resemblance to the Seltos until the front doors, though the rear doors are much longer and it also gets a larger rear quarter window area. Strong character lines that start from the headlamps, blend into the doors and then emerge at the rear to meet the tail-lamps. At the rear, the Carens gets a pair of wrap-around LED tail-lamps which look like they have been borrowed from the Sonet. The rear windshield can be seen slightly raked and also houses an integrated spoiler. Akin to the front, the rear bumper is also aggressively styled with chrome garnish inserts. The raised ground clearance and the upright stance due body cladding all around lends it a pretty masculine look.
Kia Carens: Interior design
How does it feel from the inside?
In its typical fashion, the interior of the Kia Carens is very well laid with premium-looking materials and a well appointed dashboard. Use of multiple colors for the interior trim like Triton navy and Sahel beige, makes the cabin feel dramatic and lively to sit inside. A big slab of piano black is thrown onto the dash with gnarled effects and a brushed metal strip flows down below. Something which might bother the consumers is that the dash might pick up dust and fingerprints pretty easily and it would be a hassle to maintain it clean and shining bright.
Notice the different color interior trims which jazz up the cabin
The interior also has a clean, layered effect with everything positioned for better reach. The infotainment system is neatly integrated in the dash. Giving it a premium touch. There’s even some fine detailing on the dashboard trim and on the door panels, adding some jazz to the interior.
Below the top-half, the AC vents have been integrated seamlessly along the width of the interior. The AC control unit gets a feather-touch panel with toggle switches for operating the climate controls, with the ambient lighting panel underlining all of this.
Ventilated seats and different driving modes for the AT variant.
The 64 color options for the ambient light makes the cabin feel more upmarket and lends the Carens a premium feel inside. The center console is short and stubby and features additional controls for seat ventilation, drive modes, etc. The Carens will be available in both 6- and 7-seat configurations, with the former getting captain seats for the second row.
The touchscreen in fluid and well responsive to use
Generous amount of cubby spaces in all the nooks and corners allows for ample storage of nick-nacks. Infact, all the doors get 3 bottle holders and small pockets to keep phones or other stuff. The front doors even have dedicated slots for keeping umbrellas during the rainy season.
Now you don’t have a panoramic sunroof because of the roof mounted AC vents for the 2nd and 3rd row, but you do get a single unit sunroof , just in case!
The second row boss seat features a one-touch tumble down function for easy ingress and egress to the third row. A fold up table and an air purifying module are housed behind the front seats. All in all you get 6 USB (5 C-type) ports to charge your devices.
Captain seats for the second row makes the cabin feel more roomier
Considering the sheer size of the Kia Carens, stepping in and out is not much of a hassle and hence, it will be comfortable even for senior citizens in your family. The seats though are a bit on the narrower side, but provide good under thigh support for easing the longer journeys.
Third row seats are considerably more comfortable
Now the extended wheelbase makes enough room even for the third row and for sure it is one of the best in its segment. Not just kids, but even average sized adults won’t be complaining much about the space at the back.
Notice the gnarled effects on the piano black trim
Kia Carens: Features
What all tech does it pack?
This being a Kia, the equipment list is long and is a big highlight of the Carens. Top-spec variants of the Carens are equipped with a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and Kia’s UVO connect. The touch is fluid and well responsive. It also gets a fully digital instrument cluster, an eight-speaker Bose sound system and a multi-function steering wheel with buttons for audio controls, voice commands and calling, similar to the one seen on the Sonet and Seltos.
The air purifying module behind the driver seat
Notably, the Carens also gets roof-mounted AC vents to aid cooling at the rear, which rules out the possibility of a panoramic sunroof. There is a single unit sunroof for the fancy purpose though. Other highlights on the Carens include a 64-color ambient lighting, ventilated front seats, seat-back table with cup holder, electrically powered, one-touch tumble down feature for the second row (first in segment feature) and an air purifier. Kia has particularly stressed on safety features with the Carens as all models get six airbags, ABS, ESC, hill-start assist, disc brakes at all four ends, TPMS and rear parking sensors as standard across all variants.
Kia Carens: Engine and Gearbox options
How well does it drive?
Under the hood, the Carens gets the option of two petrol engines and a diesel engine. The first is a 115 hp, 144 Nm, 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine, which is solely offered with a 6-speed manual gearbox. The 140hp, 242 Nm, 1.4-litre turbocharged petrol engine comes mated to either a 6-speed manual or a 7-speed DCT gearbox.
Lastly, the diesel engine is a 1.5-litre unit which produces 115 hp and 250 Nm of peak torque. It can be opted in either a 6-speed manual or 6-speed torque converter automatic gearbox. These engine-gearbox combinations are the same as the ones that are offered in the Kia Seltos.
The overall drive is pliant and poised. The engine is never in a hurry and delivers a linear performance across the gear ratio range. It feels plush and sturdy at high speeds. Something worth pointing out are the well damped suspensions which can gulp in all the major potholes of city driving and the raised ground clearance allows the vehicle to glide over rough terrain patches.
Safety Features
Dual front Airbags as standard across all variant
ABS & EBD
Front and Reverse Parking Sensors with camera
Seat belt reminder
High speed alert
Hill start assist
Hill Descent control
Electronic Stability control
Front seatbelt pretensioners
Rear disk breaks
Impact sensing auto door unlock
Side and curtain airbags
Tire pressure monitoring system
ISOFIX
Anti theft alarm
Rear wiper and defogger
Rain sensing vipers
Auto headlamps
Kia Connect mobile app.
Functional features
50:50 Third row split
2nd and 3rd row AC vents
Height adjustable drivers seats
2nd row slide and recline
5x USB C-type ports
Ambient lights
Electric second row tumble
Front and rear armrests
3rd row recline
Ventilated front seats
Automatic climate control
LED DRL’s and headlamps
Wireless phone charger
Android Auto and Apple Car-play
Cooled cup-holders
Rear door sun shade
Cruise Control with steering mounted buttons
Push button start stop
To watch the complete first drive review, click here.
