Kia Carens

Kia Carens : Introduction

Is it from a different world?

All new design ideology can be seen on the Kia Carens

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

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

The wrap around tail lights look upmarket

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

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

Kia Carens: Exterior design

What’s it like to look from the outside?

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

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

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

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

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

Kia Carens: Interior design

How does it feel from the inside?

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

Notice the different color interior trims which jazz up the cabin

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

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

Ventilated seats and different driving modes for the AT variant.

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

The touchscreen in fluid and well responsive to use

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

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

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

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

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

Third row seats are considerably more comfortable

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

Notice the gnarled effects on the piano black trim

Kia Carens: Features

What all tech does it pack?

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

The air purifying module behind the driver seat

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

Kia Carens: Engine and Gearbox options

How well does it drive?

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

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

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

Safety Features

Dual front Airbags as standard across all variant

ABS & EBD

Front and Reverse Parking Sensors with camera

Seat belt reminder

High speed alert

Hill start assist

Hill Descent control

Electronic Stability control

Front seatbelt pretensioners

Rear disk breaks

Impact sensing auto door unlock

Side and curtain airbags

Tire pressure monitoring system

ISOFIX

Anti theft alarm

Rear wiper and defogger

Rain sensing vipers

Auto headlamps

Kia Connect mobile app.

Functional features

50:50 Third row split

2nd and 3rd row AC vents

Height adjustable drivers seats

2nd row slide and recline

5x USB C-type ports

Ambient lights

Electric second row tumble

Front and rear armrests

3rd row recline

Ventilated front seats

Automatic climate control

LED DRL’s and headlamps

Wireless phone charger

Android Auto and Apple Car-play

Cooled cup-holders

Rear door sun shade

Cruise Control with steering mounted buttons

Push button start stop

To watch the complete first drive review, click here.

Two-Stroke vs Four-Stroke Engine

The two-stroke and the four-stroke engine

Massive transformations have taken place in automotive engines in the past few decades, but the two main internal combustion engine designs remain the 2-stroke and the 4-stroke. While we reckon that you’ve at least heard these terms before, do you really know the difference between them? How do they work, and which is better? Read on to know more!

How Does a Combustion Engine Work, and What Is a “Stroke” Anyways?

In order to understand how different these two engines are, you need to first understand the basics of how an engine works. Combustion, also known as the process of burning fuel, is the underlying chemical process involving releasing energy from the mixture of air & fuel. In an internal combustion engine (ICE), the ignition and combustion of the fuel occur within the engine itself. The engine then partially converts this energy from the combustion to work up. The engine consists of a fixed cylinder and a moving piston. The expanding combustion gases push the piston, which in turn rotates the crankshaft. Ultimately, through a system of gears in the powertrain, this motion drives the vehicle’s wheels. A stroke is when the piston moves up & down to complete a revolution. This revolution or the combustion cycle is the complete process in which fuel & air is mixed and sucked in the piston chamber, ignited and expelling exhaust gases. This process takes place in four different steps mainly-

Intake: When the piston moves down the cylinder, it allows a mixture of fuel and air into the combustion chamber.

Compression: When the piston moves back up the cylinder, the intake valve is closed to compress the gasses within.

Combustion: A spark from the spark plug ignites this mixture.

Exhaust: When the piston goes back up the cylinder and the exhaust valve is opened, the combusted gases are released via the exhaust.

Two-stroke vs four-stroke

The Difference between a 2-stroke and a 4-stroke engine is how quickly this combustion cycle process takes place, based on the number of times the piston moves up and down during each cycle.

In a 2-stroke engine, the entire combustion cycle is completed within a single piston stroke: a compression stroke followed by the combustion of the compressed fuel. During the return stroke, the exhaust is let out, and a fresh fuel mixture enters the cylinder. The spark plugs fire once every single revolution, and power is produced once every 2-strokes of the piston. It has one revolution of the crankshaft during one power stroke, and due to the larger power-to-weight ratio, it generates higher torque as compared to four-stroke engines. It uses ports for fuel’s outlet and inlet, and is usually less efficient and produces more smoke. Two-stroke engines also require more lubricating oil to be pre-mixed in with the fuel, as it burns with it.

In a 4-stroke engine, the piston completes 2-strokes during each revolution: one compression stroke and one exhaust stroke, each being followed by a return stroke which means it has two revolutions of the crankshaft during each power stroke. The spark plugs fire only once every other revolution, and power is produced every 4-strokes of the piston. Compared to the ports used in two-stroke engines, the four-stroke engine uses valves for the inlet and outlet of fuel, resulting in higher thermal efficiency while generating less torque. It is more efficient in burning the fuel, it emits less smoke and has comparatively less wear & tear of the parts. These engines also do not require pre-mixing of fuel and oil, as they have a separate compartment for the oil.

So, which is ‘better and which one to choose?

Here are a few of the pros and cons of both engine designs:

As far as efficiency goes, the 4-stroke certainly ranks up the chart due to the fact that fuel is consumed once every four strokes.
Four-stroke engines are heavier due to more components & can weigh up to 50% more than a comparable 2stroke engine, adding a lot of difference to the overall riding dynamics of the vehicle.
Typically, a 2-stroke engine creates more torque at a higher RPM, while a 4-stroke engine creates a higher torque at a lower RPM.
BRRRAAAAPPPPP!!! The 4-stroke engine is also much quieter; a 2-stroke engine is significantly louder and has a distinctive, high-pitched “buzzing” sound.
Because 2-stroke engines are designed to run at a higher RPM, they also tend to wear out faster; a 4-stroke engine is generally more durable in comparison. That being said, 2-stroke engines are more powerful as the initial torque can blow the mind away!
Two-stroke engines are of much simpler design as compared to the complexity of four-stroke engines, making them easier to fix. They do not have valves but rather ports. Four-stroke engines have more parts; therefore, they are more expensive, and the maintenance costs more.
Two-stroke engines require pre-mixing of oil and fuel, while the 4-strokes do not.
Four-strokes are more environmentally friendly; in a 2-stroke engine, burnt oil is also released into the air with the exhaust.
So which is better and which one to prefer completely depends on the application and preference of usage. Two-stroke engines are typically found in smaller applications such as remote-controlled cars, lawnmowers & tools like chainsaws, boat motors and dirt bikes. Four-stroke engines are found in anything from go-karts, sportbikes right up to the typical internal combustion engine in your cars. It’s up to you to decide which engine you prefer and for what purpose.

5 Racing technologies that have been adopted for road use

Automobile racing as an organized sport began in the mid 19th century with the initial races between gasoline powered internal combustion vehicles. Sports car racing emerged as a platform for various automakers to prove themselves on the tarmac, which paved its path for a lot many automotive technologies which in future, would turn out to become an everyday usage tech. With the intention of dominating the streets, a lot of manufacturers, in time adopted ways and techniques to make better cars for everyone. From safety to increased power and handling, innovations in the sector have created numerous technologies for better road handling and drivability of cars. Lets look at 5 such innovations which proved a game changer in the industry.

All Wheel Drive

Roots from rallying, all wheel drive systems were introduced by Audi’s Quattro technology which was the first ever all wheel drive system designed for use in regular everyday cars for all road conditions. All wheel drive means more power and of course better handling at the same time. Extra traction gives better stability to the overall driving dynamics of the vehicle making it easy to drive even on mud and ice.

Turbo / Air intake

A high performance engine needs to breathe properly so as to give out max output from the overall combustion process. The more air there’d be , the better performance and better burning of the air fuel mixture would happen. In turn churning out enough boost. Enhancements like turbochargers, superchargers, Ram air intake systems were all designed for this sole purpose. While this technology was derived from drag racing cars, today it can be found on regular production cars.

Automatic gear transmission

The elimination of engaging the clutch while shifting gears saved a lot of time for racers on track and even proved to be an added performance advantage as they could shift without using the clutch pedal. In today’s scenario, it makes driving a hassle free experience as you don’t have to fiddle around using the clutch pedal in tight bumper to bumper city traffic. Moreover, having an automatic transmission, quick maneuvers like sudden acceleration for overtaking become a less tiring process as the transmission is doing everything on its own.

Disc Brakes and Tyre

Braking is as important as the performance of any vehicle. The disc brake has by far been the most advanced and necessary technology since the inception of cars. Disc brakes have better performance as they have better cooling as compared to drum brakes, thereby decreasing the chances of overheating and hence improving performance. Also, brakes are of no importance if the rubber in contact with the tarmac is of no good. Tyre manufacturers have always used motorsport platforms to test and promote their rubber as it helps them test the durability and drivability of the tyre. Now there are purpose oriented tyre in the market depending on the kind of usage one wants. Highway, mud-terrain, all-terrain, track oriented and also eco-friendly tyre which help in better mileage are now all easily available.

Suspension

The overall driving dynamics and handling is based on the suspensions. Independent suspensions were adopted from race cars as it delivered better stability and drivability. Be it multi-link setup or McPherson struts, both are available on a number of production cars depending on the type. A proper setup helps keep the car stable through twists and turns, and provides comfort over bad roads.

Meet the all-new and all-curvy Maruti Suzuki Celerio

Meet the all-new and curvy Maruti Suzuki Celerio

Reviewed by – Pratik Ghone

Maruti Suzuki sales are banking on products that cater to mass-market audiences, at least in India. With the sales plateau and the world slow-down (read as lockdown), it is time for something new. Maruti has been studying the demographics in India and, adhering to the mindset of young professionals, launched the all-new Maruti Suzuki Celerio.

The new Celerio is available in six different colours – Speedy Blue, Arctic White, Solid Fire Red, Glistening Grey, Silky Silver, Caffeine Brown with a young audience in mind. The design is a complete overhaul compared to the ageing Celerio launched in 2014. Noticeable changes include curves that translate all over the exterior fascia and then some. The wheel arches are neatly designed to give a sense of bulge without actually protruding. The most exciting section is how curves on the front and rear doors make the car like a concept design made real for the masses. Curved headlights, curved front doors, a (mandatory to Indian markets) chrome strip splitting the nose grill, indicators integrated ORVMs, and a shrunk down Baleno inspired tail section make the Celerio look like a major overhaul to its earlier design.

The new Celerio is 55 mm wider than before. Also, its wheelbase is now 10 mm longer, making it 2,435 mm. The new Celerio has a 170 mm ground clearance, 5 mm more than the old model, making it easier to tackle all road undulations. Our top-of-the-line ZXi+ variant also comes equipped with keyless entry assist next to conventional upward pull door handles. Unlike its predecessor, the A-pillar is also sanely sized, which created a huge blind spot for the driver in the earlier model. What comes exclusively to the ZXi+ variant are the 15″ alloy rims with 175 section Yokohama tyres. All other variants come with standard 14″ rims and 165 section tyres.

Hop inside, and the all-new tagline feels justified cocooned in varied textures of black fibre all across the interiors. The earlier Celerio did come with part analogue and part digital console, but Maruti has overhauled the same approach on the new Celerio. The background textures are symmetrical geometric shapes with a clean and understandable round design that matches the new Celerio DNA. It looks amber clad, round, modern and youthful, with ample information for the driver. There are tonnes of textures on the dashboard, all in black fibre. Gone are the door controls from the doors, and everything now sits in the central bay. For better or for worse, the central console flaunts a 7-inch Smartplay touch infotainment system with support for wired Android Auto and Apple car play support. Do understand that only the top-end variants get this feature. The centre console extends adjacent to the front row seats ending with window controls for the rear seats.

Doors of the Celerio are barebones with no control units, but they make up for it with large door pockets, enough to place six full-size bottles across four doors. Apart from the base variant, all other variants get electronic controls for ORVM adjustment on the right side of the steering. This panel also features the switch for auto start-stop feature. Seats are cushioned well enough with integrated headrests for both front and rear seats. Thanks to the additional wheelbase, space at the rear is comfortable and ample for three teenagers. A healthy 313 litres boot space apart from a sink well for the spare wheel makes the car spacious enough for long trip luggage. Note that the boot storage lip is high and could be a hurdle when loading heavy baggage.

We drove the ZXi+ manual, and automatic variants, which come equipped with steering mounted controls, adjustable steering, height adjust for the driver seat and most bells and whistles of the lot. Such creature comforts are a welcome addition to the Celerio. That said, Maruti has also introduced the K10C 1-litre engine with this car. The engine is the same across the various variants, with AMT (AGS) offered upwards of the VXi variant. This engine is run by a 5-speed manual and automatic transmission and produces impressive 25+km/l mileage, a segment-leading number. Let’s check out how it feels to drive.

The new K10C engine is potent and carries the signature torque-oriented appeal. On paper, the engine makes 67bhp at 6000rpm and 89Nm of torque as low as 3500rpm. In the real world, the first gear seems short and to the point. Shifting up to the 2nd and 3rd gear with a bit of throttle reveals a healthy powerband that can stretch in 3 digits and way over the legal limitations on Indian roads. The engine is happiest over 1200rpm and pulls strong right up to 6000rpm. The 4th gear is excellent on highways with enough grunt to overtake, albeit in linear power delivery. 5th gear is best suited for comfort cruising which this engine does not mind doing all day long. The steering is electronically controlled, but the inputs are precise, and feedback is ample to feel the road underneath. What came as a surprise is how this car handles within city limits. At times, the steering, engine and chassis come together to make one feel like they are driving a much smaller car than the spec sheets suggest. This characteristic is excellent for novice and experienced drivers irrespective of their sex, age and other choices. The increased ground clearance and dimensions also make the car rock-solid on highway and in city speeds. There is a certain sense of body roll when carrying a few people and maneuvering the car at high speeds but never too intrusive in the overall driving experience.

One thing to be noted was the way this engine sounds when revved and performance-driven. We should make it clear that our cars were brand new off the assembly line. When stressed, the engine produces a growling noise, and the NVH levels aren’t the best in class either. While the sound felt like the engine was small, its performance did not match the sound output. Maybe a few oil changes would make this engine sound calmer, but it is worth noting nonetheless. The overall characteristic of the engine makes it a perfect choice to be driven on city and highway commutes without leaving the driver unsatisfied.

Increased wheelbase, better creature comforts, capable engine and new design language make the new Celerio look like a good competition in the crowded hatchback segment. Yes, some competitors like the Tata Tiago and Hyundai’s line-up add more features in comparison, but none have the K-series engine dynamics to match their stature. Still, in isolation, the Celerio matched with Maruti’s vast service network is a good budget option for anyone looking to get a new age hatchback with minimal running costs.

Want a free Harley Davidson? Just purchase this watch!

Sometimes it is necessary for you to match your wrist watch to your vehicle. While most owners make do with aesthetic similarities, Swiss watchmaker Carl F. Bucherer has taken it one step ahead. Collaborating with American motorcycle manufacturer Harley Davidson, the company has created the ‘Bucherer Blue’ watch.

The watch is based on the manufacturer’s Patravi TravelTec II and gets a rose gold finished case with a black bezel and a blue face. Its front has a sapphire anti-reflective face while its back sports a transparent window. Its rubber strap is also designed as a tyre tread. The watch runs on CFB 1901.1 calibre automatic movement with a 42-hour power reserve. Apart from the hour, minute and second dials, it also shows a date counter and three different time zones.

The owner of this watch will probably get the world’s most expensive watch holder. It is a customized Harley Davidson Softail Slim S which is called the Blue Edition. It has two armoured glass domes inside its fuel tank, which hold the watch and a solitaire ring. The holder, which is insulated with silicone rings to absorb the motorcycle’s vibrations, also doubles up as a watch winder. This charges the watch while it is sitting in the box.

Harley Davidson roped in chop-shop specialists Bundnerbike to complete their project. The basis for this bike is the Harley-Davidson Softail Slim from 2017, which was rebuilt in detail. Even the smallest parts, including bolts, were made by hand and given a high-quality finish. The wheels were specially designed for the Blue Bike, and the saddle is also hand-stitched – made in Switzerland.

The motorcycle is also embedded with heat-resistant LEDs on the inside that illuminate the various gold-plated components of the motorcycle. The tank doubles up as the watch holder, as well as the holder of a six-prong solitaire ring with a 5.4 carat diamond.

Mechanically, the motorcycle remains unchanged and carries forward its 107cu.in. (1753cc) V-twin engine that makes 92HP of maximum power and 145Nm of peak torque. It is mated to a six-speed manual transmission.

Patrick Graf, Chief Commercial Officer at Bucherer says, “We are delighted to be able to take advantage of our many years of experience and our close relationships with our partners to create exquisite, one-of-a-kind watches and products as part of the Bucherer BLUE collection, which are available for purchase exclusively at Bucherer.”

The iridescent paint job of the motorcycle was achieved after an elaborate process of silver plating the motorcycle completely. It was then painted with six coats of different colours, that has resulted in the rich, deep blue colour.

As expected, this luxury comes with an incredible price of Rs 15 crore (when converted) of which almost Rs 12 crore go towards the costing of the motorcycle, making it the most expensive one in the world! Still, Rs 3 crore for a wrist watch is quite a fancy deal, don’t you think? Naturally, it is safe to assume that the Harley Davidson Softail S Blue Edition will definitely not be an everyday sight.

Electric Cars: The Luxurious Future

Electric cars have gained global recognition over the years, due to the rapid depletion of fossil fuels and the ever-rising demand of personal cars. While it has become important for manufacturers to look for an alternate power source, they’re also looking at adding luxury to the segment.

Electric cars are considered to be the future of the automobile industry, mainly due to their practically unlimited potential. When Mahindra came up with REVA-I for the Indian market, it went quite unnoticed because of its small, diminutive structure, cramped and awkward seating position, and an all-electric drive. This was the first stint of an electric car operating in India. However, the international market is seeing a flooding of electric car across multiple segments, with luxury cars getting special attention.

Tesla’s range of fully electric cars have paved the way for other manufacturers since 2003. The Model S, Model 3 and Model X are some of the most iconic models from the company, while Elon Musk recently confirmed that Tesla’s five-seater Model Y is set to be relaunched as a seven-seater version this year.

Probably early Q4

— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) June 21, 2020

The company is also the manufacturer of the Tesla Roadster, which is the quickest car in the world. Its latest addition, the Cybertruck promises to revolutionize the world of pickup trucks, merging it with the luxury segment.

Though Tesla is widely regarded as the pioneer and most successful electric car manufacturer, it hasn’t dissuaded other manufacturers from trying. Jaguar became the first mainstream manufacturer to break Tesla’s monopoly at high-end luxury SUVs. The Jaguar I-Pace, whose base models sells for Rs 50 lakh while the top trim demands Rs 61 lakh, offers outstanding performance coupled with unmatched luxury. Hyundai too tried their failsafe i20 chassis, giving it the name Hyundai Kona. Indian brands were not to be left out either, with giants like Tata and Mahindra coming up with a fleet of EVs of their own.

Along with Indian conglomerates, international manufacturers have also invested their resources in the research and development of fully electric cars. Porsche’s first-ever electric car, the Taycan is a four-door grand tourer that borrows the looks of a Panamera, but is a whole another deal in terms of performance. Even after being the first electric car of the company, it gets a befitting price range of Rs 1.1 crore to Rs 1.4 crore for the Turbo S version. BMW also has its share of EVs, among them being the two-door sports car, the i8. It gets an additional flair of luxury with butterfly doors.

Not to be left behind, Aston Martin has also declared its entrance in the electric car market. With an all-electric Rapide sedan that is ready for production, the company is looking to redefine electric performance and luxury. While it has not been officially announced yet, it is expected to make its way to the Indian market post launch.

On one hand while IC engines are the best option for cars at the moment, the possibility of a completely electric future of automobiles in India does not seem bleak anymore. Coupled with the ambitious plans to make India an all-electric nation by 2030, we might be looking at the next revolution in automotive history.

AMG C 43 Coupé – Review | Wild Thing

It’s not every day that one gets to climb into an AMG-powered Mercedes-Benz. For the uninitiated, Mercedes-AMG is a special division within the German manufacturer which makes specially tuned versions of standard Mercedes-Benz cars. It goes without saying then that is a recipe for some properly exciting stuff. We recently got our hands on the most affordable AMG money can buy in India to find out just has AMG-ish it is!

Design

As the name suggests, the C 43 gets coupe styling, which makes it look quite distinctive from the sides and rear. From the front, however, one can mistake it for a regular C-Class. However, that perspective changes completely once look at the ride height, which is noticeably lower than the standard car. On the sides, the frameless doors and sloping roofline give the C43 a touch of immense class. When you get to the back though, the four exhaust tips take that look a much meaner setting. From the outside, at any given angle, the C 43 AMG will get eyeballs from almost everyone on the road.

On the inside, Mercedes-Benz has infused their usual touch of brilliance. All the buttons feel tactile and well-engineered and there’s a general sense of controlled madness within the cabin. It starts off with the AMG-spec steering wheel which feels chunky to hold and is beautifully well-contoured. It does feel a little heavy to operate but that only adds to the C 43’s colossal feel. Both the front seats getting a heating option and can be adjusted to one’s specific need.

The air vents are inspired by Mercedes-Benz models of yore and the centre console at a whole feels perfectly compact. The look is finished off at the centre with a classic analogue watch, which again is that touch of elegance from the house of Mercedes-Benz. One downside on the inside is the space at back, which is slightly cramped. The infotainment system gets a large 10.25-inch display screen with Android Auto and Apple Carplay but sadly isn’t a touchscreen. Other than these small niggles, it’s hard to fault the C 43 in terms of design. In fact, it looks quite dynamic without losing out on its understatedness.

Powertrain, Drive & Handling

This where the Mercedes-AMG C 43 really reels you in, or rather, puts you back in your seat. Flooring the throttle isn’t really an option if there isn’t an open stretch of road ahead of you. The C 43 packs a massive punch and one must be prepared to take the impact of acceleration. In terms of numbers, it gets a 3.0-litre, V6 Biturbo which produces 390 hp of power and 520 Nm of torque. This massive engine comes mated to a 9-speed automatic gearbox, called the ‘AMG Speedshift TCT’.

However, we feel that a conventional gearbox mounted in the centre would’ve been a more suitable option, rather than the one mounted behind the steering wheel, like an indicator stock. Furthermore, It has a claimed 0-100 km/hr time of 4.7 seconds and can reach a top speed of 250 km/hr! Those are some impressive figures, given that the C 43 weights a little over two tonnes.

Nevertheless, the C 43 feels solid all around and feels like it can handle itself with an amazing level of panache. Naturally, it comes with five driving modes, namely Individual, Comfort, Sports, Sports + and Slippery. Note – The Slippery mode is wetter conditions and not for drifting about like a mad man, which is what we falsy got excited about at first. That aside, the C 43 delivers on its promise of performance, with aplomb.

Verdict

If you’re out looking for a performance car that puts a smile on your face and makes a definitive statement without compromising on power; the C 43 is certainly worth your consideration.

Specifications

Engine: 2996cc, V6 Biturbo petrol
Power: 390 hp
Torque: 520 Nm
Transmission: 9-Speed Automatic

Price: 75 Lakhs (Ex-Showroom)

Indian FTR 1200 – Review | Flat Tracker For The Streets

Flat Track racing is one of the most popular racing formats in America. Indian Motorcycles, who also claim to be the first motorcycle manufacturers of America, have been tearing up the flat tracks with their FTR 750 flat tracker, a purpose-built championship-winning motorcycle. Indian, decided to get an FTR for the street, as the Indian FTR 1200 and here is our experience of riding it on the streets.

The Indian 1200 FTR has the looks that could kill, especially for people who love naked and raw styling. While the riding experience has been amazing, here are the ride impressions put together for this beast of a motorcycle.

It looks very raw and edgy, clearly replicates the Flat Track racing motorcycles with its aggressive-looking stance, a short tail section and Flat-Track tyres. The overall design is elegant but minimal. A bare trellis frame, fat rubber, golden shocks on both ends. LED lighting shows the way while a fully 4.3-inch digital touchscreen instrument cluster with Bluetooth connectivity makes it very modern.

The engine is a 1203cc, 60-degree V-Twin engine which is liquid-cooled. It makes 120 BHP of power and 120 Nm of torque and is mated to a 6-speed gearbox. The burble from the engine is quite muffled at low revs but throaty when revved hard and the bike feels very lively after around 5000 rpm. Drop the clutch and it very patiently crawls which helps you make it through the city traffic. The engine tends to get very hot in crawling traffic. The suspension setup comes to form SACHS, USD forks on the front and the rear is mounted with a mono-shock, both of which are fully adjustable. Braking power is courtesy of Brembo M4.32 callipers and dual discs on the front and a rear single pot calliper from Brembo shaving speeds instantly when needed.

Three rider modes viz Rain, Road and Sport can be selected via the touchscreen. In the track mode, one can choose to disable the Traction Control and ABS. Cruising on the highway was not an issue as the engine can hold high speeds upwards of 120 km/hr with ease. The safety net includes ABS, Traction Control and an IMU that aids the cornering ABS. The Pro Taper handlebars are wide enough to make you feel like sitting on a flat tracker while the short rear fender with integrated grab rails accentuates the overall appeal. The switchgear quality is very premium and the overall fit and finish of the FTR are superb.

Handling is amazing on the FTR 1200 and it is very nimble even with its 230 kgs of kerb weight. The seat height of 840mm could be a challenge for some shorter riders. The gearshifts are on point with the neutral being the easiest to find. The 12.9-litre tank under the seat actually is small for this gas guzzler that could make long-distance ride have frequent fuel stops. The slipper clutch makes the clutch-pull almost feel like a 150cc commuter.

Well, this Indian, is what not the other Indians are. It gets out of the typical Indian cruiser silhouette and makes a new identity for itself. You will end up spending Rs. 15.99 lakhs (ex-showroom) for this Flat Tracker for the street, but be wary, you will have a wide smile each and every time you ride it.

SPECIFICATIONS

Engine: 1203cc, 60-Degree V-Twin
Power: 120 Bhp
Torque: 120 Nm
Transmission: 6-Speed Gearbox

Porsche 911 Carrera S | Review | Beauty and the Beast

When you wake up on a Sunday and you have the red hot Porsche Carrera S waiting in the lobby all tanked up, you realise that Life is Good. I could barely finish my breakfast because Saurabh and Harman from my team were all geared up 45 mins in advance of the time we had decided to shoot. Excitement level? Checked! This normally does not happen but when you have the Porsche 911 Carrera, things change.

As we zeroed upon the drive, first we thought of hitting the Pune expressway but we realised that a car which demands a cheque value north of ₹2 crores will most likely be bought by an enthusiast living in the metro cities. For example, in Mumbai, the chances are that you are living between Andheri and Marine Drive. So, I thought why not do a reality check and experience it on the practical front rather than just taking it out on the straights?

Coming to the 911 Carrera S, it’s a 2 door meant for 2 people with two more seats at the back. Practically impossible for an adult to sit, but should be enough for an overtly active skinny 8-year old. But then again if you plan on owning a sports car and that too the ultimate 911, you will mostly have luxury Sedans and SUVs already lying in your garage. So, our backup car or the tracking car was my BMW X5 which was trailing us all the time.

Making your way inside the car, note that you do not have any back problems to slide into the almost ground touching seats, but then that’s a sports car we are talking about. So make sure that even before you earn the money, burn calories too. And as soon as you turn the ignition knob the engine cranks up whose sound can cure you of all your Mental Illness, Schizophrenia, Depression and maybe even the deadly Dengue or viral fever. The moment I took it out of my apartment complex and right over a road bump, it narrowly scraped the bottom and then I realised you have to be super careful as it hurts. If anything it’s exactly like a stone touching the Porsche 911 in your possession. But when you’re out on the roads, all you will get is everyone’s attention (envious) who have been ogling at it either directly or slyly.

Everything inside is top-notch with the usual boot in the front and the engine at the rear. Quite typical of the 911. I wanted to take a peek at the engine but sadly you cannot do that. Copyrights Issue. The overall design from the outside to inside is something which looks like a Picasso painting translated on the roads. Thus, we started driving to Mumbai’s famous, Gateway of India and I thought when you have a car like this, the seat next to you should also be occupied by a beautiful woman, so I dialled Chetna Pande’s number just to check if we can pick her up on the way and in return promised her a nice lunch at Pizza by the Bay in Marine Drive. It took me 15 seconds to convince her and she promptly said that she will be down and ready to go in 15 minutes (it’s unusual of a girl as gorgeous and beautiful as her to get ready so quickly). BUT, she made me take an oath to allow her to drive the 911 Carrera S for 5 minutes and I had to grudgingly agree. For a minute, I am thinking to myself that it’s a bad bargain.

And when we finally met, the first thing Chetna did was that she connected her phone to the Bluetooth and the Bose speakers were extremely capable of a sound blast, but she lowered the volume as the Bose speakers couldn’t compete with the sound of the twin-turbo flat-six engine’s tune. It also has Apple CarPlay, navigation system which is on point and an easy operating user interface. However, these things don’t matter because you would rather not take it to an unknown place but use it to take it out on known roads and drive and come back home and maybe book an Uber for work or take the other cars lying in your garage. As I said earlier, the 911 attracts attention, we had paparazzi shooting us at Worli Sea Link. The Carrera S was getting attention from everywhere, people from tall vogues to runners were all looking at her – I mean the car. And the moment we pulled over at Pizza by the Bay, there were 10 valets who all came running towards the car and as I stepped out, I asked, “Can any of you drive this?” The answer was obvious, “Yes, sir!” As the car stood there craving all attention. That’s the point of me saying, this is exactly why you drive the 911 and come back home or take a backup car or get an Uber because giving it to any valet is a seriously tough decision just like choosing the girl you want to marry. Well, quite literally.

Now I had to live up to my promise and so I had to hand over the keys to Chetna and this was going to be her first sports car experience. As we swapped seats and drove away, she was all smiles, but those 5 minutes were the toughest 5 minutes of my life. That’s when I understood, why cars will always be a Man’s First Love (in any case, a petrolhead’s first love). And, specifically, for me, Ladies and Gentlemen, it was the 8th generation Carrera S with a new 8-speed dual-clutch PDK gearbox with a top speed of 308 km/h that is also capable of flying to 100 km/h in 3.7 seconds, is a perfect example of Beauty and the Beast. Therefore, I rest my case.

Specifications:

Engine: 3.0-litre, twin-turbo, flat six

Power: 450 hp

Torque: 530 Nm

Transmission: 8-speed DCT (PDK)

Power Talk- Mr. Pratap Bose – Head of Design, Tata Motors

OUR AUTO EDITOR- KONARK TYAGI THROWS SOME INTERESTING QUESTIONS ABOUT ELECTRIC CARS TO MR. PRATAP BOSE, HEAD OF DESIGN, TATA MOTORS

What do you think about the constantly evolving shift towards electric vehicles? Do you think India is ready to go fully electric by 2030?

Ans- India took a massive leap towards sustainability, with the government’s vision towards complete electrification of vehicles by 2030. The impact of this vision is now being felt in the automotive sector, which is now working towards sustainable vehicles with double the intensity. While it is too premature to comment on India’s readiness on electric mobility, we at Tata Motors understand the need for electric vehicles to meet the fast-changing demands and growing aspirations of the Indian market, which will soon enter the EV era. With increasing focus of automotive industry and government towards electrification of automobiles, Tata Motors has been continuously pushing the boundaries in the electric mobility space.

Our preparations for the EV journey began nearly four years ago. In May 2014, Tata Motors European Technical Centre (TMETC), based at the University of Warwick in Coventry, UK revealed a Manza REEV (range extended electric vehicle) demonstrator vehicle. The sedan incorporated a lot of the learnings from TMETC’s in-house research into high-voltage distribution systems, battery design and vehicle controller development. Over the years, led by the technical capabilities, extensive in-house research and development activities, we have run several innovation projects and demonstrated EV concepts of our products like Vista, Zest, Bolt and recently, Tigor.

Through this process, we have learned about electrification of power trains and most importantly how to actually apply the electric power train solutions on existing platforms. This is going to help us on the way forward to readily provide not just one product, but a range of products which will become available as electric versions to the Indian market. Keeping the growing customer aspirations in mind, there is a latent need for a range of electric vehicle mobility solutions and we will partner with local start-ups or enterprises in order to identify opportunities to localise global technologies meeting the price expectations of our customers – making EVs affordable towards the Government’s vision.

The recent order from the Government of India to deliver 10,000 electric cars to EESL, has provided us an opportunity to leap frog in boosting our presence in the e-mobility space. It will help us accelerate our efforts to offer full range of electric vehicles to the Indian consumers.

How different is it to design an electric car in comparison to normal internal combustion car? Do you have a limited design scope when it comes to electric cars as aerodynamics become even more crucial?

Ans- Electric vehicles are essentially of two types. The first is ‘electrified’, where the usual Internal Combustion (IC) engine car is converted to an electric vehicle by replacing the combustion methodology with that of an electric power train. With the 2030 goal, most of the auto sector is expected to adopt this method to create the first generation of electric cars in short to medium term. The second variety is that of a “born- EV” or ground-up electric vehicle, which is designed from scratch to be powered by an integrated electric powertrain. These will form the next-gen cars that follow a different architecture to allow for newer design elements like a lower front hood, and longer wheel bases to accommodate battery packs.

Additionally, there is expected to be increased focus on aerodynamics and light-weighting in the electric vehicles segment, particularly aimed at the shape and the materials used. Automakers would need to use alternate light-weight materials like aluminium and other composites. Though carbon fibre absorbs energy and makes energy of its own, it is an expensive material used mostly in high-end luxury cars. The trend will witness a surge with automakers finding substitutes for carbon fibre, which absorbs energy and is extremely light, but is expensive to opt for volume-playing automobile companies. Large scale 3D printing is also expected to be widely adopted.

With the advent of electric vehicles, we will also have to think of the location strategy of the batteries. While in an IC car, the engine is in front hood to become a part of the crash absorption system, the front portion of the car is empty in an electric one. Design will play a crucial role to optimise speed level for EVs, while ensuring that the placement of the batteries is done in a manner that ensures impact durability, distributes weight evenly through the car, and creates package efficiency. Car designers will have to mull over the placement of the batteries, especially in the electrified version to ensure impact durability and distribute weight. Given that brakes can also generate electric energy in an EV, design will play a critical role, especially for optimising speed level for an easy ride on the highway.

All of us saw the TaMo RaceMo last year and got really excited, any progress on that and when can we expect a road going version inspired from it anytime soon?

Ans- The TaMo RaceMo is an extremely important and exciting project for us, which made its global premiere at the Geneva Motor Show 2017. We are very eager to bring the car to India however, it is too premature to comment on the timeline for its commercial launch. We will make an announcement at a more appropriate time.

How much of a departure is it in terms of design from a hybrid to a fully electric car?

Ans. There is usually not much of a difference if both cars are designed on an IC car platform. However, if they are designed on a specific platform then there can be significant differences.

Tata’s IMPACT design philosophy has been changing the buyer’s perception towards the brand, what new products can we expect in the coming year with the same design language?

Ans- Design today is being used as a strategic differentiator to draw customers into a brand. Customers are more inclined towards making a decision on an emotional level as opposed to a purely functional or rational approach. Cars that reflect the personality and aspirations of the customer will tend to outsell those which have been designed to only fulfill a functional need. Each brand has to also make a stronger statement in the market place to stand out and be heard. Companies are now investing in ramping up their design capabilities in India. These are at different levels currently, but we foresee an overall high level of competence developing in the next 8-10 years.

The cars manufactured earlier were generic, boxy and mostly uninspired car design as consumers were insisting towards safety and fuel efficiency. With the evolution of market, automotive design became a key consideration of aesthetics during the product development. The last few years saw a strong demand of car design in all shapes, forms, and styles. Our IMPACT design philosophy charted a new course for us in designing compelling products with an added delight quotient. Our renewed focus on design is helping recapture the consumer’s attention and strengthen our brand proposition which is clearly reflecting in our new generations products like TIAGO, HEXA, TIGOR and NEXON. With the NEXON, we decided to challenge the traditional approach. We instructed our designers to combine strength and dynamism without losing practicality by breaking the boxy proportions. The NEXON is creating the perfect noise with its stylish looks and compelling design, the reaction has been phenomenal.

Embarking on the success of the impact design philosophy we are now moving to the next phase with the IMPACT 2.0, a sharper, more contemporary expression of the now recognisable Tata Motors’ Design language. The cars that will be showcased in Auto Expo 2018 will be under this second phase of its exciting design philosophy.

Do Tata and JLR share resources internally to work around the design philosophy of Tata products?

Ans-While the teams are different, we continue to interact with JLR to incorporate the learnings in processes and innovations for appropriate solutions.

Any final words on the future of cars, connected and autonomous cars?

Ans- Globally, the automobile industry is witnessing a rapid change in customer expectations. As the technology and automotive worlds merge, preferences are rapidly shifting from traditional choices towards more advanced and feature centric ones. With the emergence of newer technologies, we expect gradual shift in the operation of automated cars, from Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) to fully autonomous. It is very clear that cars featuring autonomous systems will become an increasing part of our mobility experience. However, the proportion of driverless vehicles will increase gradually and around specific applications and locations. For many years to come, there will continue to be a mix of autonomous and conventional vehicles. The major challenge to take forward autonomous vehicle technology in India is the availability of data characterizing the traffic and infrastructure conditions. The data collection is underway but will take some years. Even the creation of relevant driver assistance systems depends on robust data regarding the application conditions. At Tata Motors, we are actively undertaking R&D work on advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) as well as full vehicle autonomy. As part of our showcase of future ready concepts, Tata Motors’ European Technical Centre (TMETC) hosted a demo of the Tiago Autonomous and Hexa Autonomous in UK.

While riding in an autonomous vehicles, the sense of confidence in the technology builds up quickly to give an enjoyable experience. The demonstration and public experience of safe use of autonomous vehicles over some years will re-assure people that the technology is safe and reliable. One of the key arguments for autonomous control is the expectation that fewer accidents and risks will be faced by people when majority of vehicles are controlled this way. However, the overall safety of autonomous vehicles depends on many external factors to the car – for example what proportion of all vehicles are autonomous and the quality and design of road and traffic infrastructure.”