Compass has been the SUV that changed the destiny and help establish Jeep as a brand in India. It was one of the best selling SUV when launched. But, over the years many new SUVs  like Tata Harrier, Kia Seltos were introduced in the market and the demand for this SUV started going down. Jeep dealers in India are currently offering discounts on various trims of Compass as part of their Year End Sale. Maximum discount on Compass offered by Jeep in December is Rs 2.05 lakh. Discount amount is different for different trims.

Let’s start with lower variants. The Sport Plus (diesel) variant of the Compass currently attracts a maximum benefit of Rs 1 lakh. Longitude (O) diesel variant of the Jeep is getting benefits up to Rs 50,000. As we move towards the higher trims, discount also increases. The Longitude (O) variant which comes with petrol engine and automatic gearbox gets a maximum discount of Rs 1.25 lakh. Jeep is also offering a maximum discount of Rs 2.05 lakh on the Limited (O) petrol Automatic version.

Apart from these, Some Jeep dealership at select location are providing discounts on TrailHawk variant which comes with a BS6 engine. A maximum discount of Rs 30,000 is available. Among all these competition, Jeep has managed to sell Diesel Limited Plus trim completely. This trim has been completely sold out on most of the locations and for that reason no discount is currently available on this model.

The Jeep Compass is currently offered with one petrol and one diesel option. There is a 1.4 litre, 4 cylinder turbocharged petrol engine that churns out 158 Bhp of power along with 250 Nm. Then there is a 2.0 litre, 4 cylinder turbo Multijet diesel engine that churns out 170 Bhp of power along with 350 Nm.

The 2.0L diesel engine is the same that we have seen in other SUVs like Tata Harrier and MG Hector. The only difference is that they are tuned differently in those SUVs. It is available with both petrol and diesel manual gearbox, whereas the automatic is only available in petrol variant. The recently launched Trailhawk edition of the SUV is also powered by the same 2.0 litre multijet engine but it is BSVI compliant. Power output remains the same at 170 Bhp of power and 350 Nm of torque. It comes mated to a 9-speed DCT transmission and is equipped with and an all wheel drive system with a 4×4 lock mode. The TrailHawk also gets multiple off road modes, better suspension and more ground clearance.

Also Read: Bulletproof Toyota Land Cruiser SUV of a Chief Minister: Here's a closer look at what it's made of [Video]

This year is has not been that great for automobiles in India. It was going through one of the worst phases in the history of this industry. It was only during the Diwali season that this sector started to revive. That too because of the discounts these brands have been offering during this season. Diwali is over, but the offers still remain. One such manufacturer who is providing such offers currently is German car manufacturer Volkswagen. Other reason behind this offer could be the upcoming emission norms. This can also be seen as an act by the manufacturer to clear out their existing stocks before the BS6 emission norms kick in next year. The Discount is available on almost all the models from the manufacturer. The models and the discounts are mentioned below.

Volkswagen Ameo

Up to Rs 1.60 lakh

Ameo is the compact sedan segment from VW group. It competes with cars like Maruti Suzuki Dzire, Honda Amaze, Ford Figo Aspire and Hyundai Xcent. It comes with a 1.0L petrol engine and 1.5L diesel engine. The Ameo diesel variant is currently attracting benefits of up to Rs 1.60 lakh and the petrol variant gets a maximum discount of Rs 1.20 lakh.

Volkswagen Polo

Up to Rs 2.10 lakh

It is the premium hatchback offered from the manufacturer and it competes with Maruti Suzuki Baleno, Toyota Glanza, Honda Jazz in the segment. It recently received a minor facelift few months back. Polo is available with the same 1.0L petrol and a 1.5L diesel engine that was in Ameo sedan. VW is available with a maximum discount of Rs 1.70 lakh for the diesel variant and 70,000 for the petrol ones.

Volkswagen Vento

Up to Rs 2.45 lakh

Just like Polo, Vento also got a minor facelift a few months ago. Vento competes with cars like Maruti Suzuki Ciaz, Skoda Rapid, Hyundai Verna and Honda City in the segment. It is available in three engine options. A 1.5L diesel, 1.6L petrol and a 1.2L turbo petrol. Vento is offered with a maximum discount of Rs 2.45 lakh on the diesel variant and Rs 1.30 lakh on the petrol ones.

Volkswagen Tiguan

Up to Rs 3.50 lakh

Tiguan is currently the flagship SUV from VW which is on sale in India. It is available with a single engine option which is a 2.0L turbo diesel engine. VW is offering a maximum discount of Rs 3.50 lakh on both highline and comfortline trims. All the discounts mentioned above are at the dealer level. It is adviced to visit the nearest Volkswagen showroom in your city to know the best offers.

Also Read: Bulletproof Toyota Land Cruiser SUV of a Chief Minister: Here's a closer look at what it's made of [Video]

Most Indian politicians and celebrities use bulletproof vehicles. Many of these bulletproof vehicles are manufactured by OEM but there are many who prefer getting the vehicle bulletproofed from other sources. This option is a lot cheaper too. The bulletproof vehicles are designed in a way that they cannot be easily distinguishable from the regular versions. They are made in this way to ensure the safety of the occupants. However, there are a lot of things that make a bulletproof vehicle different from the regular vehicle.

Here is a video from Turbo Xtreme that gets you a closer look into a bulletproof Land Cruiser LC200. The video claims that the vehicle belongs to a Chief Minister but the name of the chief minister is not mentioned in the video. The vehicle had come for a facelift job when the video was made. It is a 2009 model of LC200, which has been converted to the latest-generation look with aftermarket products.

Nonetheless, the video shows what exactly is different in a bulletproof vehicle. The video starts by showing the front windshield and the side windows of the SUV. The glasses are much thicker than the regular automobile glass used in the cars. Also, there is a thick cladding on the boundary of the glass panes. It should be noted that all the windows of the car are fixed and they cannot be opened. All the power window buttons in the vehicle do not work.

In the video, they also take the armoured LC200 for a spin. The video claims that the weight of the stock LC200 is around 2,600 kg but after bulletproofing, the weight has increased to around 4,500 kg! The vehicle is powered by a 5,700cc V8 petrol engine that produces a maximum power of 381 Bhp. The person says that the vehicle is quite powerful but due to the added weight, the vehicle is not as responsive as the regular LC200. Also, due to the increased weight, the body roll in the vehicle has increased too.

Due to the armour in the doors, they have become quite difficult to open. The video also shows the extra armour that has been installed around the frame of the SUV and even the kevlar that goes inside the door trims. The vehicle’s roof, boot, side panels are all double panelled and are armoured. The sunroof is also fixed and gets a bulletproof glass. The tyres have a special liquid that seals any punctures or bullet holes.

Even the engine bay of the vehicle gets bulletproofing. The hood gets a thick kevlar protection while extra protection has been added to the battery of the vehicle. The underbody of the vehicle is also fully bulletproof and gets kevlar protection. It is there to save the occupants from any kind of IED explosions that may happen under the vehicle.

Also Read: Bulletproof Toyota Land Cruiser SUV of a Chief Minister: Here's a closer look at what it's made of [Video]

Electric vehicles are said to be the future of mobility and almost all the car manufacturers in India are working on upcoming electric models. Tata, one of the biggest car manufacturers in India is also working on a range of upcoming electric vehicles for the Indian market. While Tata is expected to launch the Nexon EV as their first vehicle in the market, the manufacturer will also bring in a range of other EV models in the future too. Tata has started testing the Altroz EV, which is expected to be displayed at the 2020 Auto Expo while the launch will happen at a later date.

Sirish Chandran has spotted the Tata Altroz EV under heavy camouflage on the roads. The upcoming vehicle is likely getting tested before the launch. This is the first time that the Altroz EV has been caught testing on camera. It should be noted that Tata officially showcased the Altroz EV at the 2019 Geneva Motor Show. However, the manufacturer did not reveal any details on the vehicle including the launch time or the range. The car was spotted testing somewhere in Pune, Maharashtra.

This will be the first Electric Vehicle that will be based on the ALFA platform. However, before the launch of the Altroz EV, Tata Motors will bring out the Nexon EV in the Indian market.

It should be noted that the upcoming Tata Altroz, which will be launched in January 2020 will offer a naturally-aspirated 1.2-litre petrol engine and a 1.5-litre diesel engine option. The EV version of the car may use the battery pack similar to the Tata Nexon EV. The Nexon EV will use a 95 kW-254 Nm producing a motor that translates into around 129 Bhp of maximum power. The Nexon EV will have a range of around 300 km and will get DC fast charging option.

Similarly, the upcoming Altroz EV might get a liquid-cooled battery pack that will power the electric motor for a maximum range of around 300 km. It should be noted that the Altroz EV could become one of the first premium electric hatchbacks in India.

The Altroz EV showcased at the Geneva Motor Show looks quite similar to the regular Altroz but there are differences like a different bumper and blue highlights all around. Tata may bring in similar changes to the production model of the Altroz EV too.

Tata already offers vehicles like the Tata Tigor EV in the Indian market but currently, the sales are limited to the government. Next year, the all-new Tata Nexon EV will be launched in the market while the production version of the Tata Altroz may get launched by 2021 depending on the response to the Nexon EV.

Also Read: Skoda Karoq: What to expect from the Tata Harrier/Jeep Compass rival

Skoda is currently heading the India 2.0 strategy of the Volkswagen Group. The Czechoslovakian car manufacturer will bring in a slew of cars in the Indian market to gain the market share. Skoda India Director – Sales, Service and Marketing, confirmed the launch of two all-new cars in the Indian market and their launch timeframe too. The first car that will be launched in the Indian market will be the Skoda Kamiq-based SUV, which will be Indian spec. At a later date, Skoda will launch the all-new Rapid notchback, which was recently launched in the international markets.

Zac Hollis confirmed that the first vehicle to be launched in the Indian market will be the Skoda Octavia RS. It will be launched in early 2020. However, it will be launched in a very limited number and is likely to be sold out within weeks of its launch. The next vehicle from the manufacturer to be launched in the Indian market will be an SUV that will be inspired by the Skoda Kamiq.

In the international markets, the Skoda Kamiq is based on the MQB platform, which makes it quite expensive for the Indian market. Skoda will launch the car on the India-specific MQB A0 IN platform that will ensure a competitive price tag on the car. The Skoda Kamiq will take on the likes of Jeep Compass, Hyundai Santa Fe and the likes in the Indian market. However, it will be longer than the international version of the Kamiq. The brand is expected to achieve up to 90 per cent localisation, which will again ensure a competitive price tag on the mid-size SUV.

The all-new vehicle will get powered by a 1.0-litre, three-cylinder petrol engine that will generate a maximum power of around 115 Bhp and peak torque fo 200 Nm. Skoda may not launch the diesel engine options in the market so the Kamiq will get CNG-powered alternatives instead.

Zac Hollis also confirmed the launch of the all-new Skoda Rapid, which was recently launched in the Russian market. However, it will get India-specific changes to make it cost-effective. Again, it will be based on the MQB-A0-IN platform. It is internally codenamed as ANB and will be around 100mm longer than the current-generation Skoda Rapid. The vehicle is likely to be inspired by the Volkswagen Virtus sedan with Skoda design highlights on it.

This Skoda Rapid replacement will be launched by the end of 2021. It will get a notchback design, which will add a sporty look to the car. Even this vehicle will get only a petrol engine and quite possibly a CNG-powered version. Skoda will also launch the all-new Octavia in the Indian market next year and Zac Hollis confirmed that it will launch in May 2020.

Also Read: Skoda Karoq: What to expect from the Tata Harrier/Jeep Compass rival

BMW G310R is the most affordable BMW bike one can buy currently in India. It is currently priced at Rs 2.99 lakh, ex-showroom. Benelli TNT is another street naked motorcycle which can be called as one of the competitors of the BMW G 310R. In the past we have brought articles in the past showing the power of bikes by showing them in a drag race. Here we have one such  video that shows the same.

The video has been uploaded by The Hassan Radsters on their youtube channel. The video starts by showing the exhaust note of both the bikes. The G 310R has normal exhaust note whereas the TNT 300 has more of a throatier exhaust note. That is the magic of one extra cylinder. The TNT 300 is a twin cylinder motorcycle whereas the G 310R gets only one cylinder.

The video then shows the drag race between both the bikes on a empty stretch of road The race is conducted in two rounds. Both the rounds are won by G 310R.  Initially the TNT 300 takes the lead and stays there for few seconds after that the G 310R catches up and takes the lead. This is what happens on both the rounds.

Coming to the bikes, The G 310R is jointly developed by TVS and BMW. It is manufactured in India and is also exported to International markets. G 310R is powered by a 313 cc , single cylinder, liquid-cooled engine producing a maximum of 33.6 Bhp and 28 Nm of peak torque. The TNT 300 is also powered by a 300-cc engine. In this case it is a twin cylinder setup producing a maximum of 38 PS and 26.5 Nm of torque.

On paper Benelli TNT 300 is more powerful, then why did it lose the battle?. That could be because of various reasons. One of the reasons that helped BMW win the race is the weight. BMW is a lighter motorcycle. This difference helped BMW take the lead of the race. even it was by a fraction of a second. Even the riding style of a rider also affects the result of a race at times. But in this case the riders did switch the bikes and the race was conducted in two rounds and both rounds were won by the BMW. This proves the weight of a motorcycle does matter in a race, specially in a drag race. This doesn’t mean TNT 300 is a any less of a motorcycle. If the stretch was a bit longer there are good chances that the result would have been different.

Also Read: Skoda Karoq: What to expect from the Tata Harrier/Jeep Compass rival

Dilip Chhabria, the founder of India’s most renowned modification studio – DC Design is known for their forward and futuristic design. He is an avid automobile enthusiast and owns a range of luxury vehicles himself. Dilip Chhabria’s skills had made him popular around the world and even Aston Martin officially asked him to design the prototype version of the Aston Martin V8 Vantage. Well, what does the man drive in real life? Let’s have a look at the vehicles that he owned and owns presently.

BMW X6M

The BMW X6M is one of the rarest cars in the Indian market. The X6M is a crossover between an SUV and Coupe and looks extremely good overall. The X6M owned by Dilip Chhabria has now been sold to Yuvraj Singh. Dilip Chhabria used to take his X6M regularly to racing circuits like Budh International Circuit and the above picture is from the same venue. The X6M is powered by a massive 8-cylinder engine that produces a maximum power of 567 Bhp and peak torque of massive 750 Nm. It has an AWD system and can do 0-100 km/h in just 4.2 seconds.

Aston Martin Vanquish

Aston Martin used Dilip Chhabria’s services while designing the Vanquish and the car was showcased at the Detroit Motor Show. Dilip himself owns the British luxury car – the Vantage V8. He bought the car for around Rs 6 crores. The car was powered by a massive 5.9-litre V12 engine that generates a maximum power of 568 Bhp and can reach a maximum speed of 324 km/h.

Mercedes-Benz S-Class

The Mercedes-Benz S-Class is a luxury saloon that has become a regular car in the celebrity garages around the world. The black coloured S-Class owned by Dilip Chhabria is one of the most common luxury saloons around the world. It gets powered by a 3.0-litre V6 engine that generates a maximum power of 210 Bhp and peak torque of 490 Nm. It gets a 7-speed automatic transmission.

DC Avanti

The DC Avanti is the first indigenous sports car that became popular around the world. The DC Avanti is extremely practical and is made for the Indian conditions with 170mm of ground clearance. The DC Avanti is powered by 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged EcoBoost engine that generates a maximum power of 250 Bhp and peak torque of 366 Nm. It gets a 6-speed manual transmission. The car can reach a top speed of 180 km/h.

Porsche 911 Turbo S

The Porsche 911 Turbo S is one such car that is loved by the enthusiasts around the world. The sportscar is extremely popular and is powered by a twin-turbocharged six-cylinder straight engine. It generates a maximum power of 572 Bhp. It can reach a 100 km/h in just 2.9 seconds. The yellow beauty is often driven by Bonito Chhabria, who is the son of DC.

Audi R8 Spyder

The Audi R8 Spyder is one of the most practical and affordable sports cars. The Audi R8 Spyder owned by Dilip Chhabria is finished in a brilliant yellow shade. The car is powered by a 4.2-litre V8 engine that churns a maximum power of 420 Bhp. It can do 0-100 km/h in just 4.8 seconds. The Audi R8 Spyder can reach a top speed of 299 km/h.

Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG

Dilip Chhabria also owns a Mercedes-Benz a rare SLS AMG finished in a beautiful red colour. The vehicle has been spotted with Bonito at the BIC multiple times. The car is powered by a massive 6.2-litre V8 engine produces a maximum power of 563 Bhp and 650 Nm of peak torque.

Also Read: Skoda Karoq: What to expect from the Tata Harrier/Jeep Compass rival

Jeep is building a sub-4 meter compact SUV. The vehicle is likely to be based on the US Small Wide platform, which is the same platform that the Compass sits on. The new, sub-4 meter Jeep Compact SUV will sit in one of the fastest growing segments of the Indian car market, and will be a global vehicle. We now have new information about the launch timeline of this SUV. The baby Jeep will be launched in 2022, and India will be one of the major markets for the new vehicle. What’s very interesting is that Jeep will take aim at the Suzuki Jimny with the new compact SUV. This means that it’ll have great off-road capability, along with enough practicality for everyday use. Since Maruti Suzuki has all but ruled out the Jimny for the Indian market, off road enthusiasts who want an affordable, practical and compact 4X4 could do well to wait for the new Jeep compact SUV.

Marco Pigozzi, Jeep’s European Head of Brand Marketing, had this to say to CarScoops,

The car will be able to be used as a bad-ass Jeep, but it has also been designed to be used everyday. The baby SUV will be around four metres in length. We have the capability to deliver the electrification we need. 

These statements indicate that the new Jeep compact SUV will be off-road ready, and that even a TrailHawk variant is likely to be offered to buyers. Hybrid and electric powertrains could also be a part of the variant mix. A turbocharged petrol engine is likely to be the base powertrain, around which the hybrid layouts could be offered. Jeep is unlikely to offer a diesel engine as the smallest Euro 6 (similar to Bharat Stage 6 emission norms) motor that the Fiat Chrysler alliance currently has is the 1.6 liter Multijet unit but this engine will not meet the sub-4 meter tax bracket in the Indian market. The 2 liter Multijet diesel will be overkill as well although it does meet BS6 emission norms already.

With this announcement, it’s clear that Jeep has three major launches in the next 2-3 years. The next big launch from Jeep in India will be that of a facelifted Compass, arriving sometime next year. The 7 seat version of the Compass, with a totally different top hat, will arrive sometime in 2021 while the sub-4 meter offering will make its way into the market in 2022. All three models will be built in India with a significant amount of localization. India could continue to be a export hub for right-hand drive markets, as is the case currently with the Compass.

Also Read: Skoda Karoq: What to expect from the Tata Harrier/Jeep Compass rival

Skoda Karoq, which will be the first SUV from the brand to be launched in the Indian market next year has become a highly anticipated vehicle. The all-new car, which will be based on the MQB platform will be similar to the international model. In fact, Skoda will bring in the Karoq as a completely built unit (CBU) initially, shifting to assembly through the completely knocked down (CKD) kit only later.

The Volkswagen Group is currently working on the India 2.0 strategy and Skoda is heading the whole project. The manufacturer will launch a slew of cars including the Karoq and the all-new Rapid in the Indian market next year. The Karoq will be the first-ever compact SUV from the brand in the Indian market in recent years. It will take on the likes of Jeep Compass and higher-end variants of the vehicles like Tata Harrier. Here are all the details that you need to know about the upcoming Skoda Karoq.

Launch time

The all-new Skoda Karoq will be launched by mid-2020. This timeframe was revealed by Skoda India’s Director, Zach Hollis to a prospective customer on Twitter. It will be the first car to be built on the MQB A0 IN platform that will also underpin a slew of upcoming Skoda and Volkswagen cars in the Indian market. It is a low-cost derivative of the MQB platform for the Indian market and the use of the platform will ensure that the price of the vehicles remains competitive.

Engine options

The Volkswagen Group has decided to do away with the diesel engines after the diesel gate scam. In the future, after the BS6 compliance gets implemented in the Indian market next year, the new cars from the group will be petrol powered only. Internationally, the Karoq will get powered by a 1.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine that will generate around 113 Bhp of maximum power. In India, the SUV is likely to be offered with  a more powerful 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine that will generate around 148 Bhp of maximum power. The car may get CNG options as the VW Group is working on alternative fuels. 6 speed manual and 7 speed twin clutch automatic gearboxes are likely to be on offer.

Price

Skoda has always priced its products at a premium and the Karoq is expected to carry a similar price tag that will put it at a premium position. The Skoda Karoq is expected to get a price tag of around Rs 17 lakhs, which will make it much more expensive than the entry-level variants of vehicles like XUV500, Harrier and more. However, in 2021, Skoda will launch the Kamiq, which will take directly on the vehicles like Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Renault Captur and Nissan Kicks. This will ensure that Skoda covers almost all the price bands in the segment.

Also Read: Skoda Karoq: What to expect from the Tata Harrier/Jeep Compass rival

Tata will launch the all-new Gravitas in the Indian market in 2020. Before the official launch, the brand will showcase the production version of the car at the 2020 Auto Expo. Earlier, it was rumoured that Tata will bring in the new vehicle at the Auto Expo but an official teaser from the brand has now confirmed the unveiling of the car at the upcoming event.

Tata Motors officially released a video in which “Gravitas – Coming in 2020” is written, which pretty much confirms the vehicle’s unveiling at India’s largest automobile exhibition. The all-new Tata Gravitas was earlier showcased at the 2019 Geneva Motor Show and the car has been caught testing on the Indian roads under heavy camouflage too. The all-new Gravitas is the seven-seater version of the Tata Harrier and it will replace the Tata Hexa from the line-up.

The Tata Gravitas will look quite similar to the Tata Harrie, especially from the front. At the rear, the Gravitas will offer a slightly different look. The Tata Gravitas will also be longer than the Harrier to accommodate the last row of seat. In true sense, it will be the rival to the Mahindra XUV500 and the upcoming 7-seater version of the Hector. The all-new Tata Gravitas will go on sale in the mid-2020 and the expected price of the vehicle is around Rs 13.9 lakhs. Almost all the variants of the Gravitas will carry a Rs 1.5-2 lakhs more expensive price tag than the subsequent Tata Harrier variant.

On the features front, the Tata Gravitas will get a similar list to the Harrier. It will get a similar floating-type infotainment system, a digital-analogue speedometer and high-end speaker system from Harman. Other additional features may include a sunroof too. However, Tata may continue to offer that as an optional accessory like the Tata Harrier.

The all-new Gravitas will get powered by a 2.0-litre diesel engine. However, this engine will be BS6 compliant and will also be more powerful than the engine of the Harrier. The 2.0-litre diesel engine in the Gravitas will produce a similar 173 PS and peak torque of 350 Nm. The output is similar to the MG Hector diesel and the Jeep Compass diesel. Tata may launch an automatic transmission with the engine since it is long-awaited in the Harrier too. Other than that, the all-new Gravitas will become the most-expensive Tata vehicle in the Indian market after the launch. However, we may not get the AWD system that is available with the Tata Hexa.

Before the Gravitas, Tata will launch the all-new Altroz and the Nexon EV in the Indian market. Tata will also showcase a host of other products including the Hornbill at the 2020 Auto Expo.

Also Read: The Mahindra Scorpio SUV will be Salman Khan's ride in Dabangg 3 [Video]

Tata will launch the all-new Altroz in January 2020. Tata has already started accepting the pre-bookings for the car and will officially reveal the price next month before the beginning of the deliveries.

Tata is entering the segment quite late and it is already being ruled by models like Maruti Suzuki Baleno and the Hyundai Elite i20. This is why Tata will offer a range of features that have never been spotted in the segment before. What are these features?

Drive Modes

Just like all other new-generation Tata vehicles like the Nexon and the Harrier, even the Altroz will offer two driving modes – City and Eco. The City Mode of the Tata Altroz will allow the driver to utilise the full potential of the engine. Which translates into 85 PS and 113 Nm for the petrol variants and 90 PS and 200 Nm of the diesel variants. In the ECO mode, the power will drop to allow better fuel efficiency. The power and torque will drop by around 10% in the ECO mode. None of the other vehicles in the segment offer such a feature.

Albatross Doors

The Tata Altroz offer 90-degree wide-opening doors, which is first in the segment. In fact, it is first in any of the mass-segment cars in the Indian market. The wide opening of the doors will allow easy access to the seats and is quite helpful for the kids and the elderlies. As per Tata, the wide opening of the doors was incorporated during the inception of the Altroz and it is part of the platform. In the future, other vehicles on the ALFA platform are expected to offer such a wide door opening range.

7.0-inch Digital Instrument cluster

Just like the Tata Harrier, the Altroz also offers a hybrid digital-analogue instrument cluster. There is a seven-inch screen embedded into the infotainment system that shows multiple information without the need to check the infotainment screen. Also, turn-by-turn navigation is indicated on the same screen, which again is a very useful feature.

Rain-sensing wipers

The Tata Altroz is the only car in the segment to offer automatic rain-sensing wipers in the segment. The system allows the driver to concentrate on the road completely without worrying about the speed of the wipers. The system automatically turns on and controls the speed of the wipers during rains. It also offers automatic headlamp system that turns the headlamp on and off according to the light.

Key that you can wear

The Tata Altroz offers a wearable smartwatch similar to the Nexon. It will be an optional feature with the lower variants while the top-end version will get it as a standard feature. The smartwatch can be worn by the person and it will eliminate the need for carrying the keyfob. None of the rivals offers such a futuristic feature in their cars.

Also Read: The Mahindra Scorpio SUV will be Salman Khan's ride in Dabangg 3 [Video]

Nissan earlier this year launched their compact SUV kicks in the Indian market. unlike the Kicks sold abroad, Indian Kicks is based on B-Zero platform which underpins many other vehicles like the Renault Duster, Captur and the Nissan Terrano. The Indian spec Kicks is larger than the international model. It measures 4,384 mm in length, which is precisely 89 mm longer than the model sold abroad.

The Kicks is struggling to sell in the Indian market thanks to the overall slowdown that the market is facing, and the Japanese automaker is stuck with a large inventory that needs to be cleared before April 2020 (BS6 emission norms). Here we have a render from an artist Kleber Silva  who in his imagination has figured out how the facelift of the Nissan Kicks would look like.

As per the render, the Kicks gets a makeover at the front and the rear. It follows a design language that we are currently seeing on modern day cars. It has the headlight on the bumper and the DRL just like the one seen on Hyundai Venue and Tata Harrier. Apart from this, no major changes are seen on the front or the profile of the car.

Second picture is of the rear. The rear is exactly the same as that of the current Kicks. The only difference is the sleeker tail lights. The design of the tail lights have also been redesigned. This is the only major change that we can spot in this the render. Officially Nissan has not confirmed anything about the facelift. So, the render from Kleber Silva is purely in the realm of imagination for now.

Talking about the engine, there are two engines offered with the Kicks: a 1.5 liter K9K turbocharged diesel in 108 Bhp-240 Nm state of tune, and a 1.5 liter naturally aspirated petrol with 104 Bhp-140 Nm. Both engines get manual gearboxes as standard, with the diesel getting a 6 speed unit while the petrol makes do with a 5 speed unit. The Kicks could get a CVT automatic gearbox for the petrol model next year.

Nissan is also offering massive discount on the Kicks. Nissan is offering a cash discount up to Rs 40,000, exchange bonus up to Rs 40,000, corporate discount up to Rs 10,000, extended warranty valued at Rs 20,500, and 24*7 roadside assistance in 1500+ cities. The Kicks rivals the likes of the Hyundai Creta, Renault Captur, Kia Seltos and the Renault Duster. The compact SUV is best known for its ride quality.

Also Read: The Mahindra Scorpio SUV will be Salman Khan's ride in Dabangg 3 [Video]

There are numerous videos on YouTube and other social media websites that show the rash driving of bus drivers in India. Well, there are many cases registered against the bus drivers but often no action is taken against the drivers by the authorities. In Rau, Madhya Pradesh, the residents took it on their own hands to teach a lesson to the bus drivers and ensure that they drive in a better way on the public roads.

The incident happened near Rau Police Station region of the city. The intercity buses between Indore and Mhow regularly pass through the roads of Rau and they often drive rash in the dense traffic. It buses pose a threat to all the pedestrians on the roads regularly. A half a dozen of such drivers were caught by the residents of the city earlier this week. Instead of giving them harsh punishments, the residents made them do sit-ups on the top of their respective buses.

All the drivers were asked to climb to the roof of their buses and were asked to do at least 15 squats each while holding their ears. According to the locals, the bus drivers often become the cause behind accidents and a lot of injuries have happened in the past. The residents also allege that the drivers park the buses in the middle of the roads for pick-up and drops and they also chase the other buses on the roads to reach the destination earlier. Such nuisance driving risk the lives of the people living in the town.

Residents tried going the conventional way and talked about the issue with the transport department and traffic police. However, instead of assurances from the department, no action was taken against the drivers and there was no improvement to the situation. That is why the people wanted to take the situation in their control and punish the errant drivers.

The locals who caught the drivers also said that the area has narrow lanes, which are almost always crowded by the traffic. The manoeuvres made by bus drivers cause more risk to the residents and pedestrians. In the past, we have seen people taking the matter into their own hands by lynching others. However, this is a very unique way of punishing the erratic drivers.

Indore’s regional transport officer, Jitendra Singh Raghuvanshi said that the residents had an issue with the timings of the busses. He assured that the matter will be discussed with the locals and the bus operators and the timings will be changed according to the need of the residents if required. Dinesh Verma, who is the in-charge of Rau Police station said he warned the drivers for speeding and rash driving and will take appropriate action if there is no improvement in the future.

Also Read: The Mahindra Scorpio SUV will be Salman Khan's ride in Dabangg 3 [Video]

paaMaruti Suzuki’s bet on automated manual transmission (AMT) technology seems to have paid off big time. India’s largest car maker has sold 6 lakh automatic cars in the last 5 years. Maruti Suzuki introduced AMT on the Celerio hatchback five years ago, and ever since, has expanded the AMT option to multiple budget cars, both in petrol and diesel. Currently, Maruti Suzuki offers AMT on the S-Presso, Alto K10, the WagonR, Celerio, Ignis Petrol, Swift Petrol and Diesel, Dzire petrol and diesel, and the Brezza. Maruti Suzuki also offers CVT and torque converter automatic gearboxes. The Ertiga, XL6 and Ciaz get 4 speed torque converter automatic gearbox options while the Baleno gets a CVT automatic. Both torque converters and CVT automatics are a lot smoother than AMT, which is why Maruti offers these transmissions in cars aimed at a more premium end of the market.

Coming back to AMTs, the technology is supplied by Italian parts maker Magneti Marelli. AMT technology is currently in its third generation, and cars such as the Tata Nexon and Mahindra XUV300 offer kick-down modes and hill hold. Maruti is still using the second generation version of the AMT though. AMT is a electro-mechanical module that automates the working of the clutch and gear shifter. It’s an addition to the manual gearbox, and not a full automatic gearbox.

What the AMT does is, it senses various parameters such as the load of the engine, throttle position and speed to shift to higher or lower gears. The AMT is controlled by an electronic control unit (ECU), which acts as its brain. AMTs are light, and not complex. This makes them affordable, and also fuel efficient, as they essentially automate the working of a manual gearbox and don’t add complexities like fully automatic gearboxes. This is another reason for their popularity. AMT cars are cheaper than full automatic cars, variant to variant. They are also more fuel efficient.

Meanwhile, here’s what Kenichi Ayukawa, the MD and CEO of Maruti suzuki, had to say about the growing demand for automatic cars in India,

Maruti Suzuki is committed to bring the best of automotive technology to the Indian market. This major milestone reflects the growing customer acceptance of new technologies that brings comfort and ease of driving. By offering multiple automatic options we are able to cater to diverse customers across segments. Our automatic technology brings ease of driving, especially in city stop and go traffic, excellent fuel efficiency and affordable price.

Also Read: The Mahindra Scorpio SUV will be Salman Khan's ride in Dabangg 3 [Video]

Toyota Innova is one of the best-selling MPVs in the Indian market and it has remained the best-selling vehicle in the segment for a long time now. The Indian market will get the new BS6 compliance in April 2020 and post that no private two-wheeler or four-wheeler will be able to sell without being BS6 certified. Well, many manufacturers have already started rolling off their BS6 compliant products in the Indian market. Toyota, one of the largest car makers in the world will first launch the Innova Crysta in the Indian market next year. According to a report, the manufacturer has started accepting the bookings for the vehicle already.

Team-BHP has reported that Toyota dealerships across India have started accepting the the bookings for the upcoming Toyota Innova Crysta. However, the exact price of the vehicle is not yet known. The dealerships could not confirm the price of the vehicles since the price is expected to go up next year in the Indian market. The new petrol and diesel engine options powering the Toyota Innova Crysta will be different from the current versions. It should be noted that power and torque output of the engines will change with the BS6 compliance.

Toyota will continue to sell the BS4 versions of the Toyota Innova Crysta till the stocks are available with the dealerships. It is not known if the manufacturer has already stopped the production of the BS4 compliant Innova Crysta. Currently, the Toyota Innova Crysta gets powered by both petrol and diesel engine options.

Powering the petrol variants of the Toyota Innova Crysta is the 2.7-litre, 4-cylinder engine that generates a maximum power of 164 Bhp and peak torque of 245 Nm. The diesel variants of the car get powered by 2.4-litre diesel engine that generates a maximum power of 148 Bhp and peak torque of 343 Nm. There is a more powerful diesel engine that is available with the top-end variants. It is a 2.8-litre, 4-cylinder D-4D engine that generates a maximum power of 172 Bhp and peak torque of 360 Nm. It gets both manual and automatic transmission options.

The upcoming Toyota Innova Crysta is likely to remain similar to the current version when it comes to the looks. The feature list of the vehicle may get updated. It should be noted that the BS6 compliant diesel versions of the car may see an extreme price hike due to the additional equipment installed in it for meeting the BS6 compliance. Toyota is likely to announce the price of the updated Innova Crysta next year before the official deliveries start.

Also Read: The Mahindra Scorpio SUV will be Salman Khan's ride in Dabangg 3 [Video]

Salman Khan will star in the new movie Dabangg 3, which is scheduled to release soon in India. The new trailer shows that Salman Khan, who plays the role of a police officer in the movie is using a Mahindra Scorpio as his personal vehicle. The movie will also have a host of other Mahindra vehicles including Mahindra Bolero.

The video shows the latest generation Mahindra Scorpio in police attire doing several stunts. It should be noted that the Mahindra Scorpio is indeed the official vehicle of many state police forces around India. In fact, Mahindra is one of the largest suppliers of government vehicles across the country. Even the Armed forces of India use the vehicles from Mahindra for official use. There are many vehicles like the Marksmen that is specially produced by Mahindra for the Armed forces.

The Mahindra Scorpio that was spotted in the trailer is the latest generation Scorpio that received a more powerful engine. The new vehicle was launched in 2018 and several variants of the SUV get powered by the 2.2-litre mHawk diesel engine that generates a maximum power of 140 Bhp and peak torque of 320 Nm. The other variants of the Scorpio, except for the base S3 variant, get powered by a 2.2-litre engine that generates a maximum power of 120 Bhp and peak torque of 280 Nm. The 140 Bhp version gets the 6-speed transmission while the other variants get the 5-speed manual transmission. The base S3 variant of the Mahindra Scorpio gets powered by a 2.5-litre DI engine that generates a maximum power of 75 Bhp and peak torque of 200 Nm.

It should be noted that Mahindra is already testing the all-new Scorpio on the Indian roads and it is expected to be launched before April 2020 in India. The all-new Mahindra Scorpio will be quite different from the current version and it will be much bigger in size too. The upcoming Scorpio will be more expensive than the current version and will take on the higher-end vehicles like the Kia Seltos and Tata Harrier.

With the update, Mahindra will use a brand-new engine in the upcoming Scorpio. It will get a new-generation 2.0-litre engine that generates will be compliant with the BS6 emission norms. The all-new Scorpio is based on a new platform and will continue to offer the 4X4 options. It is also expected that Mahindra will start offering an automatic transmission with the upcoming Scorpio too. The all-new Mahindra Scorpio is likely be showcased at the 2020 Auto Expo alongside many other upcoming Mahindra products.

Also Read: The Mahindra Scorpio SUV will be Salman Khan's ride in Dabangg 3 [Video]

Buoyed by the success of the Kia Seltos compact SUV, the South Korean automaker is eager for more. Kia will enter two more segments in 2020, and Manohar Bhat – the head of sales and marketing at Kia Motors – has just revealed the launch timelines for the upcoming vehicles. The Carnival luxury MPV, which is expected to be pricier than the Toyota Innova Crysta – will be launched in February 2020, at the Auto Expo. A sub-4 meter compact SUV, which could be called the Sonet according to IAB, will be launched in the second half of next year. The Kia Carnival is already on sale in markets abroad while the Sonet is a brand new vehicle that will go on sale in India and other global markets next year.

Here’s what Mr. Bhat had to say to HinduBusinessLine about Kia Motors’ upcoming launches in India,

We are on course to introducing one new model every six months and our second offering will be Carnival MUV in February 2020. This will be offered in a new segment and come with several configurations. It’s bookings will start in January next. This will be followed by another model in six months, a compact SUV positioned below Seltos.

The Kia Carnival is available internationally in multiple seating options ranging from 7 to 11 seats. In India, it’ll be offered as a 7 seater, with captain seats in the first two rows. It’s likely to pack in a 2.2 liter-4 cylinder turbocharged diesel engine with 199 Bhp of power at 3,800 rpm along with 441 Nm of torque at 1,750-2,750 rpm. A 6 speed torque converter automatic gearbox driving the rear wheels is expected to be standard.  The Carnival will be sold as a luxury MPV with generous equipment levels. Expect prices to start from around Rs. 20 lakh. Bookings will open across Kia Motors dealerships from January 2020.

The Kia Sonet sub-4 meter compact SUV will square off against the likes of the Maruti Brezza, Hyundai Venue and the Ford EcoSport, to name some of the popular vehicles in this segment. The Sonet will share its platform and engines with the Hyundai Venue but will give a totally different top hat. The engines on offer will be the 1.2 liter naturally aspirated petrol (82 Bhp-114 Nm), a 1 liter triple cylinder turbocharged petrol (118 Bhp-172 Nm) and a 1.4 liter turbocharged diesel (89 Bhp-220 Nm). All engines will get manual gearboxes as standard while the turbo petrol motor will also get a 7 speed twin clutch automatic gearbox option. Kia Motors could spring a surprise by pricing the Sonet lower than the Venue.

Also Read: Tata Nexon Electric SUV unveiled ahead of 2020 launch: Details + Pictures

Passion knows no bounds, especially when you are rich and have a big bank balance. An Indian based in Florida, USA has an exotic car garage consisting of the rarest modern-day cars on the planet. Well, that was not enough! He recently bought a super rare Aston Martin and painted it with super rare moondust.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

BIG ANNOUNCEMENT!!! My visit to Aston Martin was very inspiring. A few weeks ago @milesnurnberger had commented to me that a spec we were discussing reminded him of a Space Ship. I immediately responded, “The Valkyrie makes a Space Ship look like a Car!” That got me thinking… How do I raise the bar of my spec to be worthy of Valkyrie level? If ever there was a machine that could grip the ground and rip around the craters of the Moon like it’s on rails, it would be the Aston Martin Valkyrie. Unfortunately, science won’t allow me to be the first person to drive on the Moon (gravity is still an issue, they say), but nothing is stopping me from bringing the Moon to my Valkyrie!! I have sourced, gotten proper verification, and purchased an actual Rock from the Moon which will be ground to dust and used as a key ingredient in Karosserie Lunar Red which will be the color of my Aston Martin Valkyrie. This will be the first car ever to feature a paint formula that includes actual ingredients from #SPACE !!! Thank You to everyone at @astonmartinlagonda, @redbullracing and Karosserie in Wayne, PA. More renderings will be released in the coming weeks and months. We will also document and share some of the process of making actual Moon Rock part of this very special color being developed exclusively for the most special car of my lifetime: The Aston Martin Valkyrie. Thanks to @marcovanoverbeeke for helping refine my spec and providing me with renderings and thanks to @capitolsunset for setting the mood of the image on the Moon. More to come!! #ToTheMoonAndBack # ______________________________________________________ #AstonMartin #Valkyrie #AstonMartinValkyrie #Moon #MoonRock #KarosserieLunarRed #KrisSingh #Red #BloodRedMoon #ToTheMoonAndBack #ComingSoon #2019 #RaiseTheBar #NASA #RedBull #RedBullRacing #AdrianNewey #MarekReichman #MilesNurnberger #AndyPalmer #AstonMartinRules #GameChanger #LunarRed #F1 #AstonMartinLive #RedWillNeverBeTheSame #TheRedOfAllReds #BLESSED ______________________________________________________ PS – No information or details regarding my source, purchase price, weight of the Moon Rock, or other, will be shared.

A post shared by Kris Singh (@lamborghiniks) on Feb 1, 2018 at 4:48am PST

Known as Kris Singh, who is a businessman in the USA is a supercar collector. In fact, Kris Singh is the only person in the world to own a Koenigsegg Agera ASX! He recently bought a brand-new Aston Martin Valkyrie, which is a hypercar. Aston Martin, the British car manufacturer has made only 25 of these vehicles and all of them are sold. The version owned by Kris Singh is said to be the most expensive of all the 25 units ever produced. Why? Because it has a coating of real moondust on it!

The moondust that is used to paint the exotic Aston Martin Valkyrie is said to be up to Rs 25 crores! The real price has not been revealed yet for various reasons but according to Jalopnik and their calculations, the moondust is worth $50,000 per gram. Painting the whole Valkyrie with the moondust, around 85 grams of the material was used, which comes out to be $4.2 million or a whopping Rs 25 crore! The moondust used to paint the car was brought back during an Apollo Space mission years ago.

Kris Singh revealed the specifications of the Valkyrie on his Instagram account but he did not say how much dust was exactly used to cover the whole car. It should be noted that buying moondust is illegal in the USA, which is why it is so expensive. The most expensive paint job, we believe. The colour on the Valkyrie is known as the Karosserie Lunar Red, which sounds as exotic and rare as the shade itself.

Since he has not revealed the exact amount of the moondust used in the vehicle, a conservative estimate of sourcing the moondust would cost around Rs 50 lakhs or $85,000. Now, we are not sure what will happen if this paint ever needs a repair job or if the vehicle ever gets a scratch or gets involved in an accident. However, the repairing estimates can run into multiple crores.  We are sure Mr Kris will only take out this vehicle on the rarest of the occasions

We have seen exotic paint jobs of gold and even diamonds but this is something else. The Aston Martin Valkyrie is a hypercar that weighs only 1,030 kg. The extremely lightweight of the vehicle is because of the extensive use of carbon fibre. It is powered by a Cosworth 6.5-litre V10 naturally-aspirated petrol engine that generates a massive 1,130 Bhp of maximum power!

Also Read: Tata Nexon Electric SUV unveiled ahead of 2020 launch: Details + Pictures

Maruti Suzuki’s first tall-boy hatchback – the WagonR – has just completed 2 decades of sales in India, and has managed to notch up 24 lakh units in terms of sales over the years. This makes the WagonR not only one of the consistent best-sellers in the Indian market but also a car that Indians continue to love across generations. The Maruti Suzuki WagonR was originally intended to compete with the Hyundai Santro, a car that was discontinued in 2014, and brought back in a new form last year. In the WagonR’s case though, production has carried on uninterrupted for over 20 years, and demand for this car has never gone down. It has significantly outsold not just the original Santro but its derivatives such as the Xing and the latest version.

The newest version of the WagonR was introduced earlier this year, and is based on the HEARTECT platform that it shares with the likes of the Maruti Swift and the Ertiga. The car is available with two petrol engines and two gearbox options. The smaller engine even gets a CNG-petrol dual fuel option. Prices start from Rs. 4.4 lakhs, ex-showroom Delhi.

The 1 liter K-Series triple cylinder petrol engine of the car makes 67 Bhp-90 Nm, and gets a 5 speed manual gearbox a standard. The bigger engine is the 1.2 liter-4 cylinder K-Series unit with 82 Bhp-113 Nm on tap, and this motor gets 5 speed manual and automated manual transmission (AMT) options. Both engines of the car are now Bharat stage 6 (BS6) emission norms compliant.

Now, why does India love the WagonR so much?

1. Practical. The WagonR has to be one of the most practical cars in the affordable car segments. It’s tall, and this gives its interiors a sense of airiness. The tallness also gives drivers of the WagonR a commanding look of the road through a high seating position. The squarish dimensions of the car has also allowed designers to pack in a lot of space on the inside, making the car quite spacious despite its compact, sub-4 meter footprint.
2. Affordable. Aside the Alto and S-Press (which was launched only recently), the WagonR is one of the most affordable cars sold by India’s largest car maker  -Maruti Suzuki. The sheer affordability of the WagonR means that it’s often the choice of many first time car buyers. It’s not just affordable to buy but is also very fuel efficient, and maintenance costs are reasonable.
3. Bomb proof reliable. The WagonR is extremely reliable, and many buyers own generations of this car thanks to this attribute. The short wheelbase and ample ground clearance make the car suitable for both good and bad roads.

Also Read: Tata Nexon Electric SUV unveiled ahead of 2020 launch: Details + Pictures

Jawa motorcycles were a big thing back in the day and the brand made its re-entry into the Indian market last year after a very long time. Jawa’s were known for their power, retro styling and the signature dual exhaust set up that was unique to this motorcycle. Another thing that people loved about the Jawa was the exhaust note from the 2-stroke engine which Jawa has tried their best to imitate in the new 4-stroke engine. The Jawa motorcycles became quite popular among the newer generation. The long waiting period on the bike is the evidence that proves how popular this bike has become in such  a short span of time. Here we have a video of couple where the wife is surprises her husband with an awesome gift. The gift in this case is of course an all-new Jawa Classic motorcycle.

The video has been uploaded by a youtube channel called, Live village life with Om & family. The video starts inside that lobby of a hotel where the wife asks the husband to put a blind fold and then she takes down downstairs. In couple of minutes they are out of the hotel and the wife guide him to the parking lot. The husband is very happy and excited. He even tries remove the blind fold couple of times because of excitement, but his stops him from doing the same.

She finally takes him to the spot and removes the blindfold. For a second he did not spot the new Jawa in front of him and was vigorously searching for the surprise. In his mind he was thinking of something small. He may have never expected such a grand surprise from his wife. After seeing the motorcycle, he just runs out words and after sometime he says that normally he is the one who does such things and this is the first time that somebody has given him a surprise gift.

Ramde is the lucky person whose wife gifted him the Jawa Classic, everyone seems to be happy in the video. The Jawa (Classic) in the video is a black, dual-channel equipped version. Jawa (both classic & 42) are powered by a 293-cc single cylinder engine producing 27 Bhp and 28 Nm of torque. Jawa also launched a new motorcycle Jawa Perak last month which is basically a factory custom bobber. There is a possibility that the future Jawa Classic and 42’s will be more powerful than the current version as they would be equipped with the more powerful version used in Perak.

Also Read: Tata Nexon Electric SUV unveiled ahead of 2020 launch: Details + Pictures