www.autocarindia.com Rs 180 INDIA VOL.21 NO.8 l April 2020 E XC L U S IV E IN D IA D R IV E SKODA KAROQ Mini-Kodiaq set to fill niche left by the Yeti ISSN 2250-222X E XC L U S I V E FIRST DRIVE NEW CRETA Hyundai has thrown everything at its new blockbuster FIRST DRIVE ALSO INSIDE VW TIGUAN ALLSPACE »Harrier Auto vs Jeep Compass More seats, but no more diesel »MGMarutiZS EVBrezza 563km on a single charge! NEW LAND ROVER DEFENDER »A farewell to thefacelift + petrol Across Namibia in the reborn icon » 1.3 Multijet diesel 248 I NI N DDI AI A APRIL 2020 VOLUME 21 | No 8 Cover Story Skoda Karoq | Drive New Land Rover Defender | Comparison Tata Harrier vs Jeep Compass PB AUTOCARINDIA.COM NOVEMBER 2016 www.autocarindia.com SUBSCRIPTION COPY Rs 180 CO M M E N T Issue No 248 | Volume No 21 | No 8 EDITORIAL Editor Hormazd Sorabjee Deputy editor Shapur Kotwal Managing editor Sergius Barretto Assistant editor - Bikes Rishaad Mody INDIA Production editor Aswathi Nair Sub-editors Sanket Chaukiyal, Prakrit Dhondiyal VOL.21 NO.8 l April 2020 l Total Pages: 214 EX C L U S IV E D R IV E Senior correspondent Saumil Shah IN D IA Motorsport correspondent Unnatee Gidithuri Manager - Special projects Rahul Kakar Road tester Jay Patil SKODA KAROQ Art editor Ellared D’Souza HOW TO CONTACT US Assistant art editor Pralhad Kusuma Senior designers Mohan Ghag, Rajesh Rathod, Jagdish Bari, Sukhdeep Singh Image editor Yogesh Padte Photo editor Gaurav S Thombre Mini-Kodiaq set EDITORIAL Raheja Xion, 4th/5th floor Opp Nirmal Park to fill niche left Dr B Ambedkar Marg THE WORLD HAS CHANGED Head - Photography Paul Dewars Chief photographer Ardeshir Ashley Baxter Byculla East Photographers Kuldeep Chaudhari, Omkar Dhas Mumbai 400 027 Image archive coordinator Prashant Kumbhar Tel: 022-23787500/ 23787400 DIGITAL Editor – Digital Nikhil Bhatia Assistant editor – Web Akbar Merchant Senior digital manager Amaan Ahmed Correspondents Rivan RS, Firoze Irani, Soham Thakur, by the Yeti AT THE TIME of writing, the entire world has been engulfed by the coronavirus outbreak. 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Printed and published by Hormazd Sorabjee on behalf HORMAZDatSORABJEE everything its Editor Rs 180 of Haymarket SAC Publishing (India) Private Limited, editorial@autocarindia.com hormazdsorabjee Raheja Xion, 4th/5th floor, Opp Nirmal Park, Dr B Ambedkar Marg, Byculla East, Mumbai 400 027. new blockbuster Printed at Kala Jyothi Process Pvt Ltd, Kondapur Unit, EDITOR’S PICKS Survey No 185, Kondapur Village, Serilingampally FIND US AT Municipality RR District - 500 133, Telangana Published at Haymarket SAC Publishing (India), Private Limited, Raheja Xion, 4th/5th floor, Opp Nirmal Park, FIRST DRIVE Dr B Ambedkar Marg, Byculla East, Mumbai 400 027 Editor: Hormazd Sorabjee twitter.com/ A L S O autocarindiamag INSIDE »Harrier CIN: U22120MH1998PTC116780 ‘Autocar India’ is a trademark under application by Haymarket SAC Publishing (India) Private Limited VW TIGUAN ALLSPACE Auto vs Jeep Compass More seats, but noROADS more diesel »MGMarutiZS EVBrezza This magazine contains 214 pages, including both covers. THE SEQUEL ROCKY OVER THE RANGE... The new Creta has all that it Land Rover’s Defender 563km on a single charge ... and far away. An EV heads facebook.com/ NEW LAND ROVER DEFENDER takes to be a megahit p48 is a toughie p68 »A farewell to thefacelift out on a single charge p102 autocarindiamag + petrol Across Namibia in the reborn icon » APRIL 2020 AUTOCARINDIA.COM 5 1.3 Multijet diesel PHOTOGRAPHY DAMIAN BLAKEMORE 6 AUTOCARINDIA.COM APRIL 2020 EYE OPENER H O M E AWAY F R O M H O M E The original Land Rover Defender earned its stripes in the African wild. Where better then to get our first taste of the model that takes the legendary story forward? Our Namibian adventure was three days of desert and deserted roads, fording rivers, and climbing sand dunes. We sure were out of our comfort zone but what about the Defender? Flip to page 68 to read how it fared on some of the most unforgiving terrain in the world. APRIL 2020 AUTOCARINDIA.COM 7 THIS MONTH COVER STORY Skoda Karoq FIRST DRIVE 58 COVER First impressions of Skoda’s mid-range SUV STORY NEWS Boosting ahead: The rise of turbo-petrol engines 18 Hyundai Verna facelift engines and kit detailed 20 Maruti Suzuki Jimny to cost under Rs 10 lakh 25 Mid-cycle update for Merc’s India-bound E-class 28 India’s diesel engine: the 1.3 Multijet TRIBUTE 32 TESTED BMW X1 facelift FIRST DRIVE 36 Is it more than just a big new grille? Mercedes GLC Coupe facelift FIRST DRIVE 38 All of the style at a lower price point LR Discovery Sport facelift FIRST DRIVE 40 WILL IT KAROQ THE BOAT? 58 Now with a BS6 diesel, a fresh face and more kit Ford Endeavour FIRST DRIVE 42 New diesel engine put to the test in the desert New Hyundai Creta FIRST DRIVE 48 Can the next generation surpass the original? Land Rover Defender DRIVE 68 An icon reborn with immense off-road tech Tata Harrier automatic FIRST DRIVE 78 An auto gearbox and many welcome updates ROAD TEST Kia Seltos 94 All three engine options finally put to the test FEATURES THE SEQUEL WE DESERVE? 48 ALL ABOUT ALLSPACE 54 Breaking records in an MG ZS EV 102 How far can the ZS EV go on one single charge? OUR CARS Honda Civic 118 Putting to rest all your ground-clearance doubts Ford EcoSport 119 Still delivering the maximum smiles per hour Maruti Suzuki Ciaz FINAL REPORT 120 After a year and over 6,000km, we say goodbye Hyundai Creta FINAL REPORT 122 Hyundai’s midsize SUV leaves us wanting more HARRIER VS COMPASS: A DIESEL-AUTOMATIC SHOWDOWN 82 Get your daily fix at autocarindia.com NEW LO O K WEBSITE BMW’S 625HP X5 M DRIVEN 64 PETROL POWER: IS IT BREZZA? 44 14 AUTOCARINDIA.COM APRIL 2020 TWO-WHEELERS Bike News 134 Hero’s 2020 line-up and a future ADV revealed Mystery Royal Enfield spied testing Honda considers localisation of 500cc range 2020 Softail Standard unveiled Gear Reviews 137 BS6 KTM 200 Duke FIRST RIDE 138 Is it still the little hooligan we know and love? Honda Activa 6G FIRST RIDE 140 The new-gen model is radically better TVS iQube FIRST RIDE 144 Is this the mass-market e-scooter we’ve waited for? Alexey Kolesnikov IN CONVERSATION 149 We speak to an international Red Bull FMX athlete Triumph Tiger 900 RIDE 150 A cut far above its 800cc predecessor KTM 390 Adventure ROAD TEST 156 At home on road and off-road alike DEFENDERS ON THE PROWL ACROSS NAMIBIA 68 MOTORSPORT News 166 Coronavirus’ effect on the 2020 calendar TVS makes ARRC debut at 2020 edition We speak to 2020 Dakar Rally winner Ricky Brabec Jehan Daruvala INTERVIEW 168 India’s next Formula 1 hopeful talks about his path EVERY MONTH Perseus Bandrawalla 27 A stitch in time Colin Goodwin 29 Vette-ing process Avik Chattopadhyay 31 RECORD-BREAKING MG ZS EV 102 EVERY SELTOS TESTED 94 Usage vs ownership Rishaad Mody 136 COVID-19 - Possible effects Ask Autocar Anything 129 All your automotive questions answered Buying Used 126 Buying a used i20 Active? Look out for these things IN THE BACK Autotrader 170 Classifieds for cars New cars and bikes from A to Z 173 Every last detail of every new vehicle ENTRY-LEVEL KTM ADV DELIVERS ON ITS NAME 156 SUBSCRIBE TODAY Super subscription offer inside! Turn to page 130 SMALLEST KTM UPGRADED 138 iQUBE, WE RIDE 144 APRIL 2020 AUTOCARINDIA.COM 15 PB AUTOCARINDIA.COM DECEMBER 2016 YO U R LETTER OF THE MONTH V I E WS WRITE TO Autocar India, Raheja Xion, 4th/5th floor, Opposite Nirmal Park, Dr B Ambedkar Marg, Byculla (East), Mumbai 400 027 Email editorial@autocarindia.com Goliaths at arms mover, in comparison. The Vellfire’s There’s nothing like sibling rivalry radical looks and aircraft-style to get the best out of each other; and business-class seats will be a big I sense the fight between Hyundai draw. It may not have the badge value and Kia will be a very interesting of a Mercedes – but does that really one. On paper, there is not much to matter for MPV buyers? It’s function choose between the Seltos and the over everything else, including snob all-new Creta, with both SUVs using value. My gut feel is that Toyota will Sandeep is impressed with identical engines, gearboxes and other have enough demand for the Vellfire Mahindra’s petrol engines. mechanicals. Design and the service to consider local production. experience will be the differentiators. Naresh Mohan, via email In the case of the former, I feel Kia Thoroughbred mStallions I had no idea Mahindra was so ahead of the curve with petrol-engine tech. wins hands down, but Hyundai with its more widespread and experienced network may offer better peace of More classics please India is the next hot spot for vintage and classic cars, and the market Your analysis of the company’s new range of direct-injection turbo petrols mind. I look forward to more battles for them is booming thanks to so was a big eye-opener. In fact, your story explains why my cousin’s XUV300 between these two Korean giants. many events. It is time you devoted turbo-petrol is such a firecracker. I drove it from Nashik to Mumbai, and Abhed Sahey, via email a section in your magazine to old loved every minute of it. The fact that Ford is using Mahindra engines in its beauties like we saw at the 21 Gun cars is the best certificate of approval Mahindra can get. It’s great that the Branching out Salute. This section would find a lot good work of an Indian company has been appreciated by a global giant. Mahindra’s move into petrol engines of reader interest and I am sure it Sandeep Merchant, Mumbai is commendable, especially when you would increase the circulation of your consider that it has no experience in magazine too, as you would find a this field. What is also noteworthy new category of readers interested Right market with the top CEOs were missing. In is how the company has moved only in old cars. Great coverage of the Auto Expo as fact, I found your video coverage on forward with diesel technology too. Maneesh Pathak, Manesar usual, and I’m glad it didn’t turn YouTube much more interesting – From the time of the Scorpio in the out to be as much of a damp squib especially the interviews with the early 2000s Mahindra has made as people feared. I know there were global honchos. It’s always good to some punchy diesels. In fact, the many brands missing but this was hear their insightful views to your strong mid-range and refinement compensated with the new brands, equally insightful questions. the Scorpio offers is still hard like Great Wall, that are investing big Manoj Sondkar, Pune to match by other SUVs in the in India. I feel that the coming decade Rs. 10-15 lakh bracket. However, will be that of the Chinese, as they Expo musings Mahindra needs to pull up its need to invade another market to feed It took me all of three hours to socks in the EV space, where it its giant manufacturing machine, waltz through the Auto Expo. There is far behind. which is slowing down because wasn’t anything of real consequence, B Bala ji, via email of troubles at home. The Chinese as most of the big launches had economy is spluttering, which makes already happened. I was particularly A Supra shot at success for vintage cars. its success in India even more critical. disappointed with the Maruti Suzuki Smart move by Toyota to bring the Maneesh thinks India is primed Sateesh M, Hyderabad stall and it was sad to see India’s top Supra. It’s a relatively affordable manufacturer on the back foot. Minor sportscar that looks fantastic, More coverage! facelifts with BS6 petrols was a theme and would be fun to drive as well. Comic relief Your report on the Expo wasn’t as that paled compared to Tata Motors, Its bigger role will be to spice up the The Ford Road Safety comic book comprehensive as before, and, quite who put on a fine show. But I must Toyota brand, which is languishing in your February issue was a great frankly, the coverage of most of the say, the Jimny did bring a smile to because of cars like the Etios and idea, and was very well produced. I new cars was similar to what you said my face. I wouldn’t buy one, it’s too Innova and their predominantly picked up your issue at the Auto Expo in your preview. You could have given impractical, but I would like to be ‘taxi’ image. Toyota urgently needs because the comic book caught the your readers a far better analysis from friends with someone who does! to overhaul its image, which has eye of my nine-year-old son. It’s just behind the scenes. Even interviews Ra jesh Nambiar, Noida taken a bit of a beating after the the sort of content you need to educate arrival of fresher and more aggressive young children about road safety. brands like MG and Kia. A more However, you need to distribute this youth-oriented approach that in schools to do it full justice. combines great design with Toyota’s Ashish Vijayakar, via email legendary reliability is a sure-shot recipe for success. L Krishnakumar, via email Erratum In our ‘One 1/4 Mile at a Time’ Ultimate people-mover story (March 2020 issue, page I think Toyota is onto something big 101), the image of the Kia Seltos vs with the Vellfire. There’s nothing Hyundai Kona Electric was labelled quite like it in the market, and I incorrectly. The 1st place tag should wouldn’t be surprised if its upstages have gone to the Kona, and 2nd to the the more expensive Mercedes V-class Seltos. The error is regretted. Sateesh thinks Chinese companies could be popular in India. which is such an ordinary people- APRIL 2020 AUTOCARINDIA.COM 17 N E WS N E WS TO S H A R E ? Call: 022-23787500 Email: editorial@autocarindia.com Small turbo-petrols whoosh in Once exclusive to sporty cars, small turbo-petrol engines are now finding their way onto mainstream models. The era of affordable performance is here. Next-gen i20 will be Hyundai’s sixth turbo-petrol. Renault Duster set to get 156hp, 1.3 turbo. The Kia Sonet will share the XUV300 will debut Mahindra’s Venue’s 120hp engine. mStallion range of engines. E lectric vehicles might be petrolheads, for one, have which will require fleet CO2 than similar-output but naturally aspirated engine, as dominating headlines, but reason to rejoice. emissions to come down from larger-displacement naturally we know it, revs its last. on the sidelines, another the current 130.2g/km aspirated petrol engines, phenomenon is gaining MAGIC FORMULA to 113.1g/km. The adoption small turbo-petrols will be SPOOLING UP momentum in India, and So, what’s leading this rise? of WLTP (Worldwide integral to future powertrain Of the mass-market that’s the small turbo-petrol It’s actually got to do with Harmonised Light Vehicle strategies. More so for mass carmakers, Hyundai has engine. The majority of India’s emissions and efficiency. The Test Protocol) and RDE (Real market carmakers without taken an early lead in the mass-market carmakers implementation of BS6 norms Driving Emissions) standards suitable diesel (remember, democratisation of turbo- already have, or are working is just the start. Come 2022, further down the road will they emit low CO2) or petrols and will offer a to introduce, force-fed petrol CAFE 2.0 (the second phase only tighten targets. And this hybrid engines. As industry force-fed petrol engine on engines in the 1.0-1.5-litre of Corporate Average Fuel is where turbo-petrols come observers feel, it’s still a all core models. The 2019 displacement range, and Efficiency) will be rolled out, in. More efficient and cleaner matter of time before the Venue compact SUV was the 18 AUTOCARINDIA.COM APRIL 2020 first Hyundai to get a turbo- Turbo-petrol engines engine a challenge. As CV petrol engine – a 120hp, will be a key component of Raman, senior executive 1.0-litre three-cylinder unit. Since then, the engine has been deployed on the Aura The quest for efficiency will drive Tata Motor’s powertrain strategy as well. The carmaker’s four-cylinder, director, Maruti Suzuki put it, “What we understood is that the customer perceives a compact sedan; and the Grand i10 Nios hatchback as their adoption but the happy 1.2 Revotron turbo-petrol on the Bolt and Zest have 1.0-litre engine as a 1.0-litre engine, and a 1.5-litre engine well, albeit in a lower, 100hp form. The second-gen Creta side-effect is added performance. faded away but the carmaker is far from turning its back as a 1.5-litre engine. The customer is not clued into has been launched with the option of a 140hp, 1.4-litre turbo-petrol, and the Verna on force-fed petrols. In fact, the Nexon’s 1.2-litre, three- cylinder unit is fresh from whether it is a turbo-petrol or not. Of course, there are connoisseurs and there are is also set to get a sportier a BS6 upgrade (power is enthusiasts out there, but turbo-petrol avatar. Come up 5hp to 120hp), and the there is a bigger audience mid-2020, Hyundai India’s engine is being readied for which looks at the size of the turbo-petrol portfolio is set to a sportier version of the engine only. So, a 1.0-litre expand with the introduction Altroz as well. Tata Motors turbocharged is considered of the next-gen i20 that will has also confirmed plans for to be a smaller engine and share its 120hp engine with a 1.5-litre turbo-petrol that not having the necessary the Venue. And as company will power the Harrier, among torque or the power to propel insiders explain, the turbo- other models. a bigger vehicle.” petrol versions won’t be low- Honda too is unlikely volume, niche brand-builders NOT FOR to be in a tearing hurry to but will be targeted to meet EVERYONE consider its small-capacity existing demand. “India is the But not all carmakers are turbo-petrols for India. The youngest country, and our charging towards turbo- Japanese carmaker has studies show that youngsters petrols. Partners Maruti upgraded its 1.5 diesel to want a thrilling driving and Toyota will likely rely on BS6-spec, so meeting CO2 experience and a strong hybrids to meet emission targets might not be as much performance. This is a hidden and efficiency targets. Sure, of a challenge as it is for some demand that we intend to Suzuki is said to be working on other carmakers. Honda tap,” a Hyundai executive a suitable small turbo-petrol also has the option of strong told Autocar India. Turbocharging allows engine but the unit could be hybrids to rely on. Korean compatriot Kia for smaller-capacity, years away from production. Still, Indian car buyers already sells the Seltos with lighter engines. As is Maruti’s experiment who’ve longed for affordable the option of a 1.4 turbo, and with the 1.0-litre Boosterjet- performance are set to be its next big launch for India, powered Baleno RS that spoilt for choice in the days the Sonet compact SUV, produce around 95hp – looking for the diesel’s didn’t yield promising-enough and years to come. Electrics will also be available with a substantially up from the performance will have an sales. The carmaker, in can have their day in the 1.0-turbo (shared with the current naturally aspirated option in the new 1.3 petrol,” fact, found marketing the sun later. Hyundai Venue) from launch. 1.0’s 72hp. Expected to a Renault insider tells us. small-capacity turbo-petrol NIKHIL BHATIA Volkswagen and Skoda are sport dual variable valve MG already sells the Hector also hopeful their new 110hp, timing, and an exhaust with a 1.5 turbo-petrol and is 1.0 TSI turbo-petrol engine manifold partially integrated considering 1.0- and 1.3-litre B L O W I N ’ I N T H E W I N D : W H AT ’S C O M I N G W H E N ? will (literally) breathe new into the cylinder head, the units for its future models, like life into the now petrol-only relatively sophisticated the ZS petrol. Make Model Engine Power Coming Polo and Vento, and Rapid, three-cylinder engine will Of the Indian carmakers, Ford EcoSport 3 cyl, 1.2-litre 130hp Early 2021 respectively. Volkswagen was also power Nissan’s soon-to- Mahindra is also doubling Hyundai Creta 4 cyl, 1.4-litre 140hp March 2020 one of the first carmakers to be-revealed compact SUV. down on turbo-petrols. Its Hyundai Verna 3 cyl, 1.0-litre 120hp April 2020 introduce a high-tech turbo in Renault’s HBC compact SUV mStallion line of direct- Hyundai i20 3 cyl, 1.0-litre 120hp June 2020 the sub-Rs 10 lakh segment, and LBA compact sedan will injection, turbocharged Kia Sonet 3 cyl, 1.0-litre 120hp August 2020 and the steady demand and also sport the engine. And engines will be available Mahindra XUV300 3 cyl, 1.2-litre 130hp April 2020 customer appreciation for there’s another properly in 1.2-, 1.5- and 2.0-litre Mahindra Thar 4 cyl, 1.5-litre 163hp May 2020 the Polo 1.2 TSI should have exciting turbo-petrol coming displacements. The first of the Mahindra Marazzo 4 cyl, 1.5-litre 163hp August 2020 a rub-off effect on the new from the Renault-Nissan mStallion engines, the 130hp, MG ZS 3 cyl, 1.0-litre/ 126hp/ Mid 2021 engine as well. The 1.0, three- combine. Co-developed 1.2-litre, three-cylinder 3 cyl, 1.3-litre 163hp cylinder TSI will also be the with Mercedes-Benz, this unit will go on the XUV300 Nissan Kicks 4 cyl, 1.3-litre 156hp Late 2020 mainstay of the VW Taigun HR13 engine (essentially a compact SUV soon. What’s Nissan Compact SUV 3 cyl, 1.0-litre 95hp May 2020 and Skoda’s midsize SUV for four-cylinder version of the more, this 1.2 unit will also Renault Duster 4 cyl, 1.3-litre 156hp May 2020 India that will come in 2021. aforementioned HR10 unit) take the place of the erstwhile Renault Triber 3 cyl, 1.0-litre 95hp Late 2020 Higher up the price ladder, the will debut on the current-gen but much-lauded 1.0-litre Renault HBC compact SUV 3 cyl, 1.0-litre 95hp July 2020 Volkswagen T-Roc has gone Duster very soon. Sporting EcoBoost unit in partner Renault LBA compact sedan 3 cyl, 1.0-litre 95hp 2021 on sale with a 150hp. 1.5-litre direct-injection, the high-tech Ford’s EcoSport compact Skoda Karoq 4 cyl, 1.5-litre 150hp April 2020 TSI unit, and the engine will engine produces 156hp, a SUV. The 163hp, 1.5, four- Skoda Rapid 3 cyl, 1.0-litre 110hp April 2020 also find use on the upcoming figure that will catapult it to cylinder mStallion engine Skoda SUV 3 cyl, 1.0-litre 110hp Mid-2021 Skoda Karoq. the position of most powerful will debut on the upcoming Tata Altroz 3 cyl, 1.2-litre 120hp Late 2020 Renault-Nissan is also midsize SUV. Interestingly, Thar and be rolled onto the Tata Harrier 4 cyl, 1.5-litre 150hp 2022 set to go the turbo-petrol the new petrol engine could Marazzo MPV next, while Volkswagen Polo 3 cyl, 1.0-litre 110hp March 2020 route shortly. The Renault be pitched as an indirect the 190hp, 2.0 unit is Volkswagen Vento 3 cyl, 1.0-litre 110hp March 2020 Triber will soon have the replacement for the popular destined for use under the Volkswagen Taigun 3 cyl, 1.0-litre 110hp Late 2021 1.0-litre HR10 turbocharged but now-discontinued next-gen XUV500, Scorpio Volkswagen T-Roc 4 cyl, 1.5-litre 150hp March 2020 engine that is expected to 1.5-litre K9K diesel. “Buyers and Ford’s SUV. APRIL 2020 AUTOCARINDIA.COM 19 2020 Hyundai Verna gets new engine-gearbox options 1.5-litre petrol and diesel engines, and connected-car tech on offer. T he wraps are off the Sporty Verna Turbo India-spec 2020 Hyundai Verna facelift. IMAGE to get 7-speed DCT and paddleshifters. The carmaker has released pictures of its updated sedan, and also announced that bookings for the Verna facelift are now open, online and at dealerships, for an amount of Rs 25,000. Changes in the Verna facelift on the outside include reshaped LED headlights with DRLs, the addition of the sizeable, chrome-heavy ‘cascading grille’, and a redesigned front bumper with a brushed- aluminium insert for the lip. Viewed side-on, the Verna facelift remains largely the same, save for new, dual-tone alloy wheels. At the back, the LED tail-light elements receive a new with a 4.2-inch colour TFT Another highlight is the that can be used to control TheVerna facelift will get design, and there’s a screen for the part-digital addition of the Blue Link a wider variety of in-car new engine and gearbox restyled bumper with a instrument cluster. Also connected-car tech. The functions such as making options, including a sporty chrome applique and a expected to be part of the Verna facelift’s Blue Link phone calls, tracking live variant with a 1.0-litre subtle faux diffuser. equipment list is a larger, connectivity suite has a cricket scores, getting turbo-petrol engine mated On the inside, the Hyundai 8.0-inch touchscreen total of 45 features, and also navigation assistance and to a 7-speed dual-clutch Verna facelift is equipped infotainment system. includes voice recognition weather updates. automatic gearbox with Mahindra Bolero soldiers on with BS6 update LIKE EVERY OTHER in the form of a new grille sold in three variants MANUFACTURER, and redesigned headlights, comprising a lower-spec Mahindra, too, has been bumper and bonnet, which B4, mid-spec B6 and top- steadily upgrading its help make it look more spec B6(O). Our sources existing model line-up premium than before. The indicate that the BS6 Bolero to meet BS6 emission Bolero now also complies will see a price hike of up standards. Last year, the with the new crash-test to Rs 50,000 over its BS4 company announced the norms that were introduced counterpart, depending on Bolero Power Plus – with late last year. the variant in question. the 1.5-litre diesel The BS6-compliant Even after all these years, engine – received the BS6 Bolero Power Plus is the Bolero remains a strong certification. Now, we’ve powered by a 1.5-litre seller for Mahindra. Between got the first image of the three-cylinder diesel D75 April 2019 and January heavily updated, BS6-ready engine that delivers 71hp. 2020, the company sold a Bolero that will go on sale Mahindra will also update total of 52,828 units of the in the coming weeks. The variant nomenclature for Bolero – which works out to refreshed Bolero gets the BS6-spec Bolero. The a healthy monthly average Redesigned front gives the Bolero a fresher, more premium look. styling tweaks up front, new model is expected to be of 5,289 units. 20 AUTOCARINDIA.COM APRIL 2020 NEWS LAUNCHES THIS MONTH HYUNDAI CRETA Hyundai offers the bold- looking, second-gen Creta in 14 versions with five of the six engine-gearbox options available on cousin and chief rival - the Kia Seltos. All variants are well-kitted, with top-spec versions getting segment-leading features like a digital instrument Automatic options cluster, electronic parking include CVT for 1.5 petrol; brake, Blue Link in-car 6-speed AT for 1.5 diesel connectivity tech and a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system. Creta’s introductory prices are competitive, but not exciting. Price Rs 9.99-17.20 lakh (ex-showroom, India) in the Polo hatch and Vento BMW X1 FACELIFT Rivals Kia Seltos, MG Hector midsize sedan. Making Along with design tweaks 110hp and 175Nm of that emulates bigger BMWs, VOLKSWAGEN T-ROC torque, this engine comes the brand’s smallest SUV Launched in a single, fully with a 6-speed manual and now gets BS6 petrol and loaded trim, the fully ditches the DSG gearbox for diesel engines. The imported T-Roc is powered a conventional automatic previously offered 192hp by a 1.5-litre turbo-petrol option. The 1.0 engine petrol and 190hp diesel have engine that features cylinder replaces the previously been upgraded to BS6 spec. deactivation, promising good offered 1.6MPi and 1.2 TSI There is more equipment on paddleshifters.Also new are is crucial. Honda is currently economy. Producing 150hp engines. In the transition all variants but there’s no the BS6-compliant 1.5-litre gearing up to introduce an and 250Nm of torque, this from BS4 to BS6, the Polo’s AWD on offer. This, along with petrol and diesel engines, all-new City, and the Maruti unit is paired to a 7-speed prices have gone up by about a new entry-level variant, expected to produce 115hp. Suzuki Ciaz, Volkswagen dual-clutch automatic. Rs 4,000, while the Vento means the new X1’s price In addition to a 6-speed Vento and the Skoda Price Rs 19.99 lakh costs about Rs 10,000 range is lower than the manual gearbox, the 1.5 Rapid are now petrol-only (ex-showroom, India) more on average, depending earlier model’s. petrol will get the option models. With the update, Rivals Jeep Compass on the variant. Price Rs 35.90-43.90 lakh of a CVT automatic, while the Hyundai Verna facelift’s Price Rs 5.82-9.59 lakh/ (ex-showroom, India) the Verna 1.5 diesel will price is likely to go up by VOLKSWAGEN TIGUAN Rs 8.86-13.29 lakh Rivals Audi Q3, be available with the option a fair bit; the pre-facelift ALLSPACE (ex-showroom, India) Mercedes GLA of a 6-speed torque- Verna’s price ranges from Rivals Maruti Baleno, convertor automatic. Rs 8.18-14.08 lakh (ex- Hyundai i20/Honda City, MARUTI SUZUKI VITARA The timing of the Hyundai showroom, Delhi). Hyundai Verna BREZZA FACELIFT Verna facelift’s introduction AMAAN AHMED Maruti’s compact SUV FORD ENDEAVOUR makes the shift from diesel- A rather significant update only power to petrol-only. for the Endeavour, both The 105hp, 1.5-litre engine JLR-TATA POWER TIE-UP The 7-seat Tiguan Allspace replaces the 5-seat Tiguan in the 2.2 and 3.2 L diesel engines have been replaced is shared with the Ertiga, Ciaz and XL6, but the mild- FOR EV CHARGING VW’s India line-up and comes with a sole 190hp, 2.0-litre by a new, BS6-compliant 170hp, 2.0-litre diesel unit hybrid setup is exclusive to the Brezza automatics, Before introducing its EV range in the turbo-petrol engine mated to that is paired with a new which are pricey. Design a 7-speed dual-clutch auto. 10-speed automatic changes keep it looking country, Jaguar Land Rover India has While the third row feels gearbox. The top-spec fresh, while equipment announced its partnership with Tata Power to cramped, folding them down Titanium+ version gets a 4x4 levels have also improved offer end-to-end EV charging solutions. Tata increases boot space system as an optional extra. with the facelift. significantly. It is available Exterior changes are minor, Price Rs 7.34-11.40 lakh Power will install charging stations across with a kit like an AWD system, though the cabin now gets (ex-showroom, Delhi) JLR’s retail network panoramic sunroof, digital an 8.0-inch touchscreen Rivals Hyundai Venue, instrument cluster and infotainment system with Tata Nexon of 27 outlets in 24 hands-free boot opening. SYNC3, Apple CarPlay and cities. JLR’s first Price Rs 33.12 lakh Android Auto compatibility, EV for India will be (ex-showroom, India) and the FordPass in-car Rivals Skoda Kodiaq connectivity tech. the Jaguar I-Pace Price Rs 29.55-33.25 lakh SUV, which will be VOLKSWAGEN POLO, VENTO (ex-showroom, Delhi) VW has introduced its Rivals Toyota Fortuner, launched in the 1.0-litre turbo-petrol engine Mahindra Alturas G4 second half of 2020. APRIL 2020 AUTOCARINDIA.COM 21 A RA N TI N Q U E NEWS Shortage of China-sourced CAR COMPANY BOSSES A RA N TI N components likely to QU E have expressed that the 2021 affect production. Geneva motor show might not be needed to unveil new models, since makers held CO S their own events after the cancellation of this year’s CONFIDENTIAL T HE AU TOMOT I V E GR A PE V IN E R O N AV I R U show. Bentley boss Adrian Hallmark said it could be “not absolutely necessary to attend” in future, if feedback is positive. Aston Martin CEO Andy Palmer has echoed the sentiment. WHILE THE RENAULT HBC and the Nissan EM2 are based on the same platform, it’s the former that will be the pricier one. This is because the HR10 engine shared by the two compact SUVs is a Nissan unit, and Renault will have to pay a fee (called ‘transfer pricing’) towards using the same. The Nissan EM2 will sit just below the Rs 5 lakh mark, while the Renault will start above it. Coronavirus outbreak wreaks havoc on global auto industry Spread of COVID-19 worldwide leads to production halts; sales take a hit with low showroom traffic. THE REFRESHED JEEP Compass that is set to launch T he outbreak of the novel It all started with the virus. Tata Motors, Ford, by the end of this year will come with a much larger coronavirus (COVID-19), cancellation of the 2020 Mahindra, FCA and Volvo touchscreen, along with FCA’s UConnect 5 infotainment which was detected Geneva motor show, have allowed a certain ratio system. The new in Wuhan, China in which was to open on of their employees to work touchscreen and end-December 2019, is March 5, followed by the from home; so an estimated infotainment operating fast-spreading its tentacles postponement of the 2020 25,000 Indian auto industry system comes bundled across the world; and it’s Beijing motor show, and the execs are now working with integrated Alexa having a major impact on all 2020 New York auto show. from home. However, no support, wireless aspects of society, including A number of carmakers manufacturer has halted AppleCarPlay and the automotive industry. all over the world have production in the country Android Auto, and With the World Health announced suspension of as yet. can also receive Organisation declaring production at their plants Vehicle sales in India over-the-air updates. the COVID-19 outbreak a in Europe, including Fiat have also been impacted by pandemic, an unprecedented Chrysler Automobiles (FCA), the coronavirus outbreak, THE RENAULT HBC could be the first product from the global disruption is at hand. BMW, PSA Group, Rolls- posing an even greater brand to get a sunroof. Renault is keen for its compact Automobile and component Royce, Ferrari, Lamborghini challenge for dealers with SUV (codename HBC) to have even more features than manufacturing plants are and Porsche. The supply leftover BS4 stock. The the Triber on which it is based. Thus, the production being shuttered around the of key components and Federation of Automobile model will offer features world, consumer footfalls materials sourced from Dealers Associations like fully automatic in showrooms have fallen China has taken a hit, (FADA) approached the climate control and sharply, vehicle sales are and many manufacturers Supreme Court to extend steering wheel-mounted dropping dramatically, foresee a production crunch the cut-off for sales of BS4 audio controls. The and almost every major if the situation worsens. vehicles to May 31, as retail company is also looking industry event is either Even the world of sales nosedived due to into the possibility of being cancelled or going motorsport has been the pandemic. According introducing a sunroof. the digital way. affected. The first few to FADA president Ashish rounds of the 2020 Kale, “In the past week, AS A PART of its revival plan, Nissan hopes to bring the 2020 NY Auto Show seasons of Formula there has been a drastic Patrol to India. If the plans materialises, the mega-SUV postponed to August. 1 and MotoGP either drop in sales, and customer will be brought here as a fully built-up model under being postponed or walk-ins have reduced to a the relaxed homologation rule. The new rule allows cancelled, and even the trickle as caution sets in manufacturers to prestigious 24 Hours due to fear of spreading import up to 2,500 of Le Mans endurance of the virus. Counter sales units a year without race has been pushed have fallen by 60-70 percent the need to homologate back by a few months. across auto dealerships. them in India. The cars In India, carmakers Many of our members need to be right-hand have adopted different may face dealership drive and have due approaches to prevent closures if leftover with certification at their the spread of the unsold BS4 stocks.” country of origin. APRIL 2020 AUTOCARINDIA.COM 23 NEWS 5-door Suzuki Jimny set for India launch To be assembled in Gujarat and launched by 2021 at a sub-Rs 10 lakh price. E ver since it made its “a bulk of the production global debut in 2018, Maruti Suzuki targeting monthly will be exported”. A key the fourth-gen Suzuki production of 4,000-5,000 point to note is that Maruti Jimny has been in units of the Jimny. Suzuki will launch a 5-door high demand worldwide. version of the Jimny in Enthusiasts in India, too, India. The 5-door model have been hoping Maruti will be produced alongside Suzuki launches the plucky the 3-door Jimny, and is off-roader in our market, also likely to be exported and their wishes are about to international markets. to come true, because the Six months after exports company is set to commence commence, the 5-door production of the Jimny in Jimny will be launched in our May this year. market at a sub-Rs 10 lakh Having showcased the price tag and will be retailed Jimny at Auto Expo 2020, via Maruti Suzuki’s premium Maruti Suzuki was non- Nexa retail chain. committal about launching it Staying true to its roots, in India, despite the massive the fourth-gen Jimny euphoria built up around it. retains the body-on-frame Taking the sales figures of construction, the compact the discontinued Gypsy as dimensions and the light a reference, the company weight that saw the original would be hard-pressed to become a hit with the off- sell more than 1,000 units road community. In terms a month of the successor of design, the latest Jimny to the iconic 4x4. To make a just the opportunity it needs. to meet growing global what will give Maruti Suzuki continues to look boxy and business case for the Jimny, Suzuki’s plant in Kosai, demand. To supplement the economies of scale refreshingly simple; it is the company would need Japan, which manufactures production from Kosai, needed to make the Jimny equipped with four-wheel additional volumes, which the Jimny, amongst other Suzuki is setting up a new viable for production in India. drive as standard. Powering could be provided by export models, has its annual assembly line for the Jimny A source says Maruti the Jimny is Suzuki’s K15B markets, and it appears production capacity capped at its plant in Hansalpur, Suzuki is targeting monthly 1.5-litre petrol engine – the production constraints at out at 4,90,000 units. Gujarat, where it has production of 4,000- same unit that powers the Suzuki’s Japan facility have Hence, it’s becoming difficult unutilised capacity. Hence, 5,000 units of the Jimny Vitara Brezza facelift, Ertiga, presented Maruti Suzuki with to increase Jimny production large export volumes are (codename: ‘YWD’) and XL6 and Ciaz in India. WCOTY announces Top 3 finalists THE LIST OF finalists for World Urban Car award dominated by Porsche. The W AY B A C K W H E N 20 YEA RS AGO AP RI L 2 0 00 the World Car of the Year category are the Kia Soul EV, finalists include the Porsche (WCOTY) 2020 award have the Mini Cooper SE and the 718 Spyder/Cayman GT4, Our April 2000 issue been narrowed down to the Volkswagen T-Cross. the Porsche 911 and the was packed with top 3 cars in each category. Coming to the World Porsche Taycan. drives, including an In the coveted 2020 World Luxury Car category, two Lastly, the finalists for the exclusive one in the Car of the Year category, of the top three cars are 2020 World Car Design of Hyundai Sonata luxury the Mazda 3, Mazda CX-30 Porsches - the 911 and the the Year award comprise the sedan, comprehensive and Kia Telluride close out Taycan. The other contender Mazda 3, Porsche Taycan road tests of the the top three spots. The is the Mercedes-Benz EQC. and Peugeot 208. Mercedes E-class in cars that made the cut for The World Performance The winners are picked V6 petrol and four- the top three in the 2020 Car category is completely by the 86-member strong cylinder diesel form, WCOTY global jury, among along with the Opel which are Autocar India’s Corsa 1.4 petrol, and editor Hormazd Sorabjee, reviews of Porsche’s and Renuka Kirpalani, 911 Turbo and Kia executive editor, the Autocar Sportage SUV. We also Show. The winners of each had an exclusive test category were originally ride on Carl Fogarty’s supposed to be announced 1999 World Superbike Championship-winning Ducati at the now-postponed 996, in-depth coverage of the Geneva motor show, a 2020 New York auto show. feature that explained low-profile tyres, and loads Instead, the winner of the more news, reviews and features from the world of 2020 WCOTY will now be automobiles 20 years ago. Kia’s Telluride SUV is in contention for the 2020 WCOTY crown. announced in mid-April. APRIL 2020 AUTOCARINDIA.COM 25 PB AUTOCARINDIA.COM DECEMBER 2016 NEWS Perseus Bandrawalla MOTORMOUTH A STITCH IN TIME... New Porsche 911 Turbo S debuts with 650hp PORSCHE HAS TAKEN the and a top speed of 330kph. wraps off the all-new Turbo Aerodynamic Preventive maintenance and Turbo S iterations of developments include is key to preservation. the 992-generation 911 a new pneumatically sportscar. Unveiled in extendible front spoiler I coupé and cabriolet body and larger surface area must admit that I changing essential parts coolant tank issue may not styles, the Mercedes-AMG for the rear wing. have an OCD about like the water pump, fuel necessarily be too much GT rival retains a 3.8-litre, Inside, the new 911 my health and my pump and belts, along of a cause for concern. twin-turbocharged, flat-six Turbo benefits from the cars’ health. with fresh fluids and filters, Websites like Realoem. petrol engine. same interior upgrades I spend hours on the but there are certain com can often give you However, the rear- seen on other 992-series internet surfing YouTube things we sometimes updated part numbers mounted unit has been 911 models, with a and owners’ forums to tend to overlook. for your car, as I’ve reworked, producing as GT-style multi-function learn about common Recently, I came across experienced with older much as 70hp and 50Nm steering wheel, a 10.9-inch problems on cars I own or an interesting video on BMWs. For instance, for more than its predecessor. Porsche Communication even ones I plan on buying. YouTube while researching the BMW M54 engine, This pushes the output of the Management display, the Immediately then, because on changing the purge the ignition coils’ part top-of-the-line 911 Turbo Sport Chrono package with of my OCD, I get down valve on a BMW M54 number has been updated. S to 650hp and 800Nm of Porsche Track Precision to ordering parts that are engine. Though unrelated Fitting new parts bearing torque. Power is channelled app, 18-way adjustable likely to fail. to changing the purge updated part numbers to all four wheels via a sports seats, and a Bose Often, when I read is always better. Lastly, new 8-speed dual-clutch sound system, among the about common faults do not worry about gearbox. The Turbo S has a standard equipment. and little hacks on how sourcing parts. I was 0-100kph time of just 2.7sec GREG KABLE to go about sorting them, I come across websites that sell refurbishing I have an OCD pleasantly surprised to see the sheer variety of automatic transmission POLL kits for components or parts for only a fraction about stocking fluids available on Amazon. in, along with air-con W H AT D O YO U T H I N K O F T H E N E W of the cost of what would otherwise set you back by spares for filters, wiper blades and other consumable parts. C R E TA’ S I N T R O D U C T O RY P R I C E? thousands of rupees. On older German cars, like my cars. If not available locally, other parts for German It’s pricier than I’d expected – 30% It’s surprisingly competitive – 27% Porsches, BMWs and cars can be imported Mercedes-Benzes, I’ve from Pelicanparts.com or seen that you can buy valve, I learnt that one of Fcpeuro.com (customs duty refurbishing kits to fix the most common reasons and freight are applicable). everything, from engine for blown head gaskets Preventive maintenance vacuum leaks (which due to overheating in older can go a long way in include replacement hoses BMWs is attributed to the keeping your classics and gaskets) to relatively coolant expansion tank and future classics in the simple DIY kits to fix your cracking when the plastic best possible condition, sunroof or door locks. gets old and brittle. especially if you plan on These are made by reputed Of course, I’m going keeping them for years. At this price, brands, including OEMs. to change the expansion In that sense, having OCD I’d rather pick the The usual ‘must do’ tank on my BMW and, in helps. As the old saying Kia Seltos – 43% job sheet when buying a the future, on all my other goes – a stitch in time Even though they are priced neck-and-neck, a significant future classic car includes cars as well, even if the saves nine. part of our audience would still pick the Kia Seltos over the new Hyundai Creta. GET IN TOUCH Forums at autocarindia.com perseusb APRIL 2020 AUTOCARINDIA.COM 27 GOOD MONTH A MILLION TESLAS EV manufacturer Tesla has rolled out its one-millionth car – a Model Y. TAVARES WINS BIG Mercedes’ E-class gets Groupe PSA boss Carlos Tavares is the 2020 World Car Person of the Year. refreshed styling and more tech Mid-cycle facelift for the BMW 5 Series-rivalling sedan sees it gain plug-in hybrid engine options and more equipment. M ercedes-Benz has tweaks. These include new technology. The E-class The revised global engine given the fifth- headlamps, tail-lamps, globally now comes standard line-up includes seven BAD MONTH generation E-class a bumpers, and a front grille. with two 10.25-inch screens, petrol and diesel plug-in refresh, with revised While the exterior changes for the MBUX infotainment hybrid variants across the styling, new electrified are minor, Mercedes has and instrumentation, sedan and estate, offering HARD STOP engines and more interior reworked the E-class’s with optional 12.3-inch rear- and four-wheel-drive Volvo recalls 7,50,000 comfort and technology. electronics extensively, screens. A new steering options. Outputs for the vehicles globally amidst The current version of allowing the firm to offer wheel design, which features PHEVs range from 156hp to concerns about faulty the long-running model a host of new driver-assist capacitive touch controls, 367hp for the petrol units, emergency braking. was revealed in 2016, and systems, ‘energising’ is offered in three varieties, and 160hp to 330hp for the for this facelift, the sedan comfort seats, and also and is set to be introduced diesels. More details are yet has received subtle styling its latest infotainment across the range. to be released. Near-production BMW i4 showcased BMW SHOWCASED ITS The Concept i4 also sports design. Inside, the Concept single, curved HD display upcoming Tesla Model 3 BMW’s new logo, which i4 has a clean and simplistic housing the instruments and rival, the i4 electric sedan, in gets a two-dimensional dashboard that supports a infotainment system. BREATHLESS a close-to-production guise. The Concept i4 features A new study says that The all-new, four-door model an electric motor that makes 21 out of 30 of the will be an integral part of an up to 530hp – that’s 70hp world’s most polluted extended range of BMW i more than the combustion- cities are in India. EVs that are due to launch engined M4 CS. Mounted by 2025. beneath the long bonnet, Among the key design it provides drive to all elements on the i4 is a bold four wheels via an as-yet- kidney grille, similar in size unspecified gearbox. BMW and shape to that of last hints at a 0-100kph time year’s BMW Concept 4. The of 4sec and a top speed in i4 also shares that car’s excess of 200kph. The i4’s thin headlight treatment, 80kWh lithium-ion battery heavily curved roofline, pack is claimed to provide a high-set notchback rear 600km range. end, and OLED tail-lights. All-electric sedan puts out 530hp and delivers a 600km range. GREG KABLE 28 AUTOCARINDIA.COM APRIL 2020 NEWS Colin Goodwin THE GOOD LIFE VET TE- ING PROCESS Tweaked rear-end features new horizontal tail-lights. W ho saw this Las Vegas Corvette Club 502hp, what you get is coming? Everything who I’d also asked to bring spectacular performance is changing on along an example of every off the line thanks to a a daily basis due year of Corvette made. 40/60 weight bias and the to the coronavirus. The In the warm Nevada sun, efficiency of the 8-speed New steering and upgraded MBUX system are the highlights inside. Geneva motor show was we assembled a wonderful double-clutch transaxle. cancelled, then one after group of ‘Vettes – from a We drove on the road Other engine options petrol powertrain. another car launches. First stunning 1958 C1 through and on a race track at a include the four-cylinder While the refreshed the ones that involved to a bright yellow C8. My place called Mountain M254 mild-hybrid petrol E-class is due to go on flying out, such as the favourite? I think was Springs. The C8 reminds unit, along with six-cylinder sale internationally in the Porsche 911 Turbo launch probably the C3, a metallic me of a Lotus in that petrol and diesel engines, all coming months, the sedan in San Francisco, and blue 1972 model with it has a compliant ride of which now feature a 48V is expected to come to India now the local ones. The chrome bumpers and a and a friendly chassis. starter-alternator electric later this year. The launch ramifications of this are 350 cubic-inch small-block. There’s a small amount of motor. The installation of the of the E-class for India will profound. And thousands It was the first Corvette I understeer, or ‘push’ as the EQ Boost system has been coincide with the sedan’s of businesses will go bust. Americans call it, which tweaked to further improve fuel economy. launch in China, where it is still being tested. Both The world will never be quite the same again. gives you confidence when you turn in. The range-topping Mercedes-AMG E53 has markets will get the long- wheelbase (LWB) version Things that were on the cards, like working Is a We were expecting deliveries of the first also been unveiled, sporting more aggressive styling and of this BMW 5 Series and Jaguar XF rival. remotely and travelling less, have been brought into the mid-engined right-hand-drive Corvettes to start in the UK at the a mild-hybrid 3.0-litre turbo- JAMES ATTWOOD present. As for motorshows, manufacturers will have Corvette beginning of next year, but at the moment who 1700HP KOENIGSEGG GEMERA realised that they got the same amount of column heresy? knows. The car is expected to cost £80,000 when inches by hosting digital it arrives, which is not FOUR-SEATER UNVEILED unveils and online and individual interviews. They remember as a teenager. cheap but is somewhat of a bargain considering Koenigsegg has revealed the Gemera four- will also realise that they The point of bringing all its performance. didn’t lose out on car sales, these enthusiasts together, Meanwhile life goes seater ‘mega-GT’ that’s powered by an and that they will have most of whom were over on. Autocar in the UK electrified powertrain comprising a 600hp, saved millions by not going. 60, was to ask them what will continue each week 2.0-litre, three-cylinder, twin-turbocharged I suspect that in 2019 I they thought of this new just as it did throughout petrol engine, and three high-output electric went to my last Geneva mid-engined Corvette. Is both the First and Second motor show. it heresy? None thought World Wars. The only time motors – one for each rear wheel, and But on a more cheerful so. Moreover, several had it missed publication was one mated to the crankshaft – delivering a note – the Chevrolet actually ordered one, and during the UK’s General combined output of 1,700hp and 3,500Nm Corvette Stingray C8. a couple more were just Strike in May 1926, and of torque. 0-100kph Thank goodness the launch waiting for the convertible. during a printers’ strike in Las Vegas took place The C8 is fantastic, the in 1974. We might not takes a claimed 1.9sec before the virus balloon 6.2-litre engine sounds be going on car launches and the top speed went up. As explained last great and shakes a little or to shows but nothing is said to be around month, I’d pre-arranged on its mounts at tickover. dampens the passion 402kph. Production of to meet members of the Although it has ‘only’ for cars. the Gemera is limited to just 300 units. GET IN TOUCH Forums at autocarindia.com APRIL 2020 AUTOCARINDIA.COM 29 Seventh-gen Hyundai Elantra debuts bold design All-new model gets a redesigned interior and hybrid powertrain option. L ess than a year after to a 6-speed dual-clutch Hyundai calls the new automatic gearbox. it introduced an aggressive design langauge It’s unlikely that Hyundai update for the sixth- ‘Parametric Dynamics’. will introduce the new gen model, Hyundai has revealed the all-new, Elantra in India anytime seventh-generation soon, with the mid-life Elantra in the USA. update for the present-gen The design of the new car having arrived only Elantra is a complete late last year. Expect the departure from that of the seventh-gen Elantra to current model; it’s designed come to India sometime in more like a four-door 2021, with prices likely to be coupé. Hyundai’s focus was between Rs 16 lakh and Rs bold and sporty and it has 22 lakh (ex-showroom). introduced a new facet of AMAAN AHMED its ‘Sensuous Sportiness’ design theme, called Inside, the new Elantra cylinder petrol engine from ‘Parametric Dynamics’. gets a fully redesigned the current car, and o ffers The 2021 Elantra is based dashboard and a four-spoke a CVT automatic. Also, for on the new K3 platform, steering wheel; as seen on the first time, the brand will and Hyundai says that this the new Hyundai Creta and offer a hybrid powertrain makes it lighter than the upcoming next-gen i20. Top- in the line-up. The Elantra outgoing generation. And spec Elantras will get twin Hybrid pairs a 1.6-litre compared to the model 10.25-inch screens – one for GDI petrol with a 32kW currently on sale in India, the instrument cluster, and electric motor (powered the new car is 56mm longer, another for the touchscreen by a 1.32kWh lithium-ion 51mm lower and 26mm infotainment system. battery) for a combined wider, with a 20mm increase Hyundai has carried output of 139hp and in wheelbase. forward the 2.0-litre, four- 264Nm of torque, mated Twin 10.25in screens dominate the new Elantra’s dashboard. Petrosexual R ANJ IT PR ATAP, MANAGING DIREC TOR , RAYAL A CORPORATION PV T. LTD, CHENNAI Favourite/dream money- bucket list? no-object car? A Bentley Continental The McLaren 720S Spider. GT Speed and the 1960 McLaren’s rich racing Mercedes-Benz 190 SL. heritage and use of F1 technology in its road What would you do with cars, coupled with the your last litre of fuel? exceptional design makes Put it in my Mini John them so desirable to me. Cooper Works and blast around the Madras Motor Who is your all-time Race Track for as long as greatest motorsport hero? I can! Ayrton Senna. Apart from his god-given talent, he was Your ideal 5-car garage also a perfectionist and a would be? great wet-weather driver. McLaren 720S Spider, Aston Martin DB11 Volante, What are you driving and the Audi for my daily The most fun you’ve Favourite road? Bentley Continental GT and why? drive to the office. had in a car? The Autobahn A8 from Speed, 960 Mercedes-Benz I drive an Aston Martin Driving my Mini Munich in Germany to 190 SL, and E93 BMW M3 DB11 Volante on the What’s next on your John Cooper Works Salzburg in Austria. It’s weekends, and I also own a wish list? to my farm situated one of the most beautiful What was your first car? Mercedes-Benz S350 CDI, Being an avid classic car around 60km south roads and is great for A 1969 Volkswagen a Mini John Cooper Works, collector, I’d like to own of Chennai, via high-speed driving. Beetle 1300. I had it and the 2020 Audi A6. I a 1960 Mercedes-Benz the scenic East when I was in college in alternate between the Mini 190 SL. Coast Road. What’s on your automotive the early ’70s. 30 AUTOCARINDIA.COM APRIL 2020 NEWS Avik Chattopadhyay S T R A I G H T T O R Q U E U S AG E V S O W N E R S H I P New-gen Octavia vRS gains PHEV powertrain Should we fuss about only 23 cars per 1,000 people? SKODA’S OCTAVIA vRS has bumper and a black grille. Or be really bothered about only 1.3 buses per 1,000! moved to a new generation Black door mirrors are and, like its Volkswagen also featured, along with A Group siblings, will feature a a black rear spoiler and t a presentation on superimpose these over a are needed: plug-in hybrid powertrain. black diffuser. Black wheels the Indian auto 1.37 billion population, we l A national target of The Czech brand has hide red-finished brake industry, it was need a 360-degree retake increasing the bus reach released details of only the calipers, and full-LED matrix said that India still on ‘mobility’, in policy, from the current 1.3 per vRS iV plug-in version so headlights and LED rear holds terrific opportunity investments and action. 1,000 Indians to 15 per far, which has a 1.4-litre TSI lights are standard. with vehicle penetration India’s mobility solution 1,000 by 2047. Let us engine mated to a 116hp Upgrades inside include low at just 23 cars per lies in ‘usage’ and not in connect all the 6,00,000- electric motor to deliver Alcantara vRS-branded 1,000 people and 126 two- mere ownership. odd villages by bus on a combined 245hp and seats that are electrically wheelers per 1,000. There are three the 100th year of our 400Nm of torque. These adjustable and heated On the sidelines I asked clear socio-economic independence. figures are good enough for for the driver and front the presenter what the segments for whom l Connecting means a passenger. The headlining bus penetration was like. mobility is a solution and proper bus-stand with and dashboard trim “Why bother? Buses aren’t not a possession – the a roof and facility for features Alcantara as well, attractive a story for brand millennials, the urban poor, 15-20 people, within 500 and there are aluminium India.” The bus is not and the farmers. The first metres of the population pedals. Contrasting really the reason a market cluster/colony/village. stitching for the sports steering wheel and is ‘attractive’, is it? It’s all about the personal vehicle. l Special incentives for existing bus seats aim to liven up the cabin, as does LED But as Enrique Penalosa, ex-mayor of Bogota city India needs its manufacturers, from 12m down to a new ambient lighting with 10 colour choices. said, “A developed country is not a place where own yardstick category of 4.5-5m last-mile connectors. a 0-100kph time of 7.3sec The Octavia vRS is fitted with ‘signature vRS’ the poor have cars; its where the rich ride public for measuring l A national grid of central, state and private and a top speed of 245kph. The Octavia vRS iV can also sports suspension, which lowers the car by 15mm, transportation.” Should we fuss about mobility. operators belonging to a common-pool of revenue cover 60km on electric as compared to the only 23 cars per 1,000 and profits – a collective power alone, on a full charge. standard model. people? Or be really hub-and-spoke system The fourth generation No details of the petrol or bothered about only category doesn’t feel the l FAME incentives only for of the hot Octavia receives diesel variants of the Octavia the 1.3 buses per 1,000! need for personal transport, electric public transport typical vRS design cues vRShave been released Can we not be the second cannot afford solutions – buses, including19-inch alloy yet, but they have been pragmatic and create it, and the third resort shared four-wheelers wheels, twin exhaust confirmed for a later date. our own solutions rather to more modest means and two-wheelers; tailpipes, a wider front LAWRENCE ALLAN than copy those of to get around. not for personal developed countries? The bus forms the electric transport. Look at two key data spine of this solution, and Our measure of progress points: [1] We have 5.5 the other forms of public and prosperity has to million kilometres of roads transport are the tributaries. move away from how but 80 percent of that Our mobility solution many can buy a personal is rural and district, and lies in a hyper-connected vehicle to how many can [2] the World Bank 2018 bus transport system. use a reliable, safe and report says our per capita Right from the BRT sustainable mode of public GDP (PPP measure) ranks in megapolises to the transport. That is truly 120th globally at USD ‘Grameen Bus Seva’ in democratic mobility for 7,762.00 per annum. To the villages. Five actions the millions. Sporty, all-black cabin features two 10-inch screens. GET IN TOUCH Forums at autocarindia.com @Byapok APRIL 2020 AUTOCARINDIA.COM 31 LITTLE MASTER With the BS6 norms now in place, Fiat’s legendary 1.3-litre Multijet diesel is no more. Shapur Kotwal pays homage to the ‘national’ diesel engine that powered not one, not two, but an incredible 24 cars in India. 32 AUTOCARINDIA.COM JANUARY 2019 FIAT 1.3 MULTIJET TRIBUTE hanghai 2005, the spanking new DESIGN AND ENGINEERING S Formula 1 circuit. Grey skies, murky Should have known better, it was Fiat who all and a very high rail pressure are now widespread clouds, and a haze so dense I can but invented the common-rail diesel engine as in modern diesels, but it was the compact and barely see the end of the back we know it today. First came the Jet Turbo Diesel affordable Fiat that democratised the CRDi tech straight. Unlike the weather, (JTD) under the bonnet of the Alfa Romeo 156 that was once the preserve of high-end diesels. however, my disposition is sunny. Lined up, cheek with its Unijet system, and then Fiat took it a to cheek, wing mirror to wing mirror, are nothing step further and introduced Multijet, which, as its MAKE IN INDIA but the finest diesel cars on the planet. Here to name suggests, used multiple injections of diesel The story of the Multijet in India, however, didn’t showcase the technical mastery of German for every power stroke. To help with development, start with Fiat. The Italian carmaker could have component maker and industry backbone Bosch, Fiat roped in Bosch, who eventually bought the been first off the blocks – it should have – but the line-up includes cars from Mercedes, BMW, rights to the system and helped it proliferate. The Fiat’s product planners at the time didn’t quite Audi, Peugeot, Honda, Lancia, and Volkswagen common-rail system eventually proved to be so have the numbers to localise the engine and so with its unit injector diesel tech. good, almost every diesel car on sale today uses a decided to adopt a wait and watch philosophy. As the day wears on and I pile on the laps, I version of Fiat’s system. Suzuki, on the other hand, because of its one-time realise two things: diesel engines are set to change But what was is it that gave Multijet and alliance with GM and Fiat, had been working forever, and, of all the heavy metal on offer, it’s common-rail such an uncommon advantage? on using the Multijet engine to bolster sales in the diminutive Lancia that’s the most impressive. Let’s start at the beginning. Diesels actually Europe as early as 2004. And then, since it had the Sure, the unit injector-based engines which VW became attractive for automotive use after the numbers in India and the supplier base, and could once pioneered have a lot of torque, the Merc introduction of the turbocharger. The advantages? localise the engine, the first-gen Swift was the first sings along nicely, and the big BMW 7 feels like Huge torque, better responses in the mid-range, car in India to get Fiat’s 1.3 Multijet, in 2007. it’s powered by a jet engine, but which one sits and even slightly improved efficiency. Then came The combination was just lethal. With its atop the pile? It’s the Lancia with Fiat’s little direct injection from truck engines, and that distinctive shape, comfortable front seats, good 1,248cc Multijet. upped low-end torque and fuel economy even driving manners, and 190Nm of torque, the Swift It’s just an absolute delight to drive. Yes, there further. Direct-injection, however, made engines was both frugal and fun. Customers particularly is that initial bit of turbo lag, but get past that and slow to respond due to the higher pressure needed liked the punchy torque delivery and petrol it feels zingy, loves to rev, and has tremendous to inject fuel directly into the cylinder head, and engine-like ‘light’ and rev-happy feel. Clearly punch in the mid-range. And the claimed fuel- then because the combustion or burn became remember that big grey rev counter, with the economy figures are just crazy. Also, and this is faster and more spikey, DI engines rattled more needle going all the way past 5,000rpm. And once important, it’s the most un-diesel-like diesel I’ve and became louder. you got it over 2,000rpm, that strong mid-range ever driven. So, what exactly did Fiat do? Simply put, made driving the Swift diesel on a light throttle common-rail direct injection (CRDi) and Multijet an absolute joy. What sealed the deal, however, use a very high-pressure injection system that was the incredible 15-17kpl in the real world, fires multiple injections of fuel for every power depending on conditions. Was it any wonder then stroke. This improves engine responsiveness that sales just went ballistic, even with the about and smoothens out combustion by progressively Rs 70,000 premium over the petrol? spacing out the ‘explosions’. Multiple injections How did Maruti get it so right? “We just asked for the liveliest, most fun state of tune,” said a senior engineer at the company. “While Fiat all but invented the the European setup would only deliver max performance if you floored the throttle, our car was tuned to respond very strongly if the driver so much as squeezed the pedal.” This is partly modern common-rail why the Swift diesel actually felt faster in the real world than its 0-100kph time of 13.87sec diesel engine, as we know suggested, and when you drove it, even at part throttle, it just flew down the road. Maruti it today, with Multijet. engineers even paid attention to how they tuned the accelerator for feel. It was, however, a very high-tech and expensive engine, and localisation was the key to knock costs down. Suzuki invested Rs 2,500 crore in an all-new engine plant at Manesar, with localisation levels as high as 75 percent from day one. Critical (and expensive) components were sourced locally, right from day one, with the five Cs – the crankshaft, camshaft, cylinder head, cylinder block, and even the ‘cracked’ connecting rods – coming from Indian suppliers. And then Bosch soon made the fuel rail, the fuel pump and injectors in India too, taking local content up even further. Whereas Suzuki was the first to produce the engine in Manesar, Fiat kicked off Multijet production in Ranjangaon, which increased Multijet volumes further. Many of the suppliers were jointly approved, and the increased economies of scale from combined Maruti and Fiat production, made deeper localisation viable, and parts like the water pump, oil pump, and the fuel pump were locally sourced. Fiat, however, tuned the engine differently. Performance was more measured and less urgent, the engine wasn’t as enthusiastic at higher revs, ◊ JANUARY APRIL 2020 2019 AUTOCARINDIA.COM 33 One engine. 5 brands. 24 models. MARUTI SWIFT (1ST GEN) 0-100:13.87s FIAT 500 0-100:15.18s FIAT PALIO STILE 0-100:15.49s TATA VISTA (75HP/90HP) 0-100:16.36/13.90s MARUTI SWIFT 0-100:14.32s DZIRE (1ST GEN) FIAT LINEA (75HP/90HP) 0-100:18.92/17.81s FIAT GRANDE PUNTO (75HP/90HP) 0-100:17.84/15.88s TATA MANZA 0-100:14.54s MARUTI RITZ 0-100:15.18s MARUTI SWIFT (2ND GEN) 0-100:13.65s MARUTI SX4 0-100:13.80s MARUTI SWIFT DZIRE (2ND GEN) 0-100:13.40s MARUTI ERTIGA 0-100:14.28s CHEVROLET SAIL U-VA 0-100:15.25s PREMIER RIO 0-100:20.26s MODEL CHEVROLET SAIL 0-100:15.48s CHEVROLET ENJOY 0-100:21.36s FIAT PUNTO EVO 0-100:15.88s FIAT AVVENTURA 0-100:15.10s TATA ZEST (90HP) 0-100:14.78s MARUTI CIAZ 0-100:15.54s TATA BOLT 0-100:16.58s MARUTI BALENO 0-100:12.92s MARUTI S-CROSS 0-100:13.72s FIAT URBAN CROSS 0-100:15.52s MARUTI VITARA BREZZA 0-100:12.96s MARUTI DZIRE (3RD GEN) 0-100:13.67s MARUTI IGNIS 0-100:12.63s MARUTI SWIFT (3RD GEN) 0-100:13.32s MARUTI ERTIGA (2ND GEN) 0-100:14.35s 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 l Speeds in kph YEAR CHEVROLET FIAT MARUTI PREMIER TATA 34 AUTOCARINDIA.COM APRIL 2020 FIAT 1.3 MULTIJET TRIBUTE 3,00,000 units per year engine capacity, it was Localisation of over forced to buy engines from the Ranjangaon JV for a hefty price! 5 TD HI DI NN G’ TS KYNOOUW SIZE IS EVERYTHING 75 percent was a key The Multijet rode the diesel boom in India like no other. Cheap to manufacture, cheap to run, 1 The world’s press was so impressed by the performance and fuel economy of Fiat’s 1.3 factor in the engine’s and cheap to maintain, this light and compact engine went on to power 24 individual models Multijet diesel it won the prestigious International Engine of the Year Award in 2005. widespread success. from five car manufactures. Weighing just 130kg fully dressed, components and ancillaries and all, 2 The engine was sold under many names. ∆ and what also made a difference was that the engine was a lightweight; and that’s despite having a cast-iron block for better heat dissipation and greater strength. What also helped was that it was a compact unit – just 50cm long and Multijet, of course, was the name Fiat used, but it was also sold as the DDiS by Maruti, Quadrajet by Tata, Smartech by Chevrolet, and CRDi4 by Premier. Fiat’s cars were more solidly built; the Grande 65cm high. It was so compact that Fiat planned Punto diesel, for example, was around 50-odd kilogrammes heavier than the Swift diesel back in the day. (but never built) a three-cylinder version of the unit. That was left to one-time partner GM; it ‘re-engineered’ the three-cylinder version and 3 There were a total of five versions of this engine. The range started with the 70hp version, we got the 75hp version and the 90hp Not long after the Swift diesel was introduced actually manufactured it here in India, and slipped version, and the Multijet II was even available with came the mods and performance boxes. These it under the hood of the Chevrolet Beat (see box). 95 and 105hp. took performance up substantially, the slug of GM India also produced its own version of the torque now experienced much stronger. The fastest Swift diesels clocked 0-100 times of around 11.9sec, and many a time all you needed was a Multijet at the company’s Talegaon plant. In fact, it had equal rights to this engine after the JV with Fiat ended. The engine powered several of GM’s 4 In its most advanced state, Fiat’s Multijet II uses up to eight injections per stroke and rail pressure as high as 2,000bar. Some of the tech simple performance box from Pete’s. And then brands, but in India, it was used for products can be found on the 2.0 in the Jeep Compass. the 90hp version of the engine was introduced; from the stable of the SAIC-GM-Wuling alliance it delivered even more performance and stronger acceleration. Maruti’s diesel Brezza actually did the 0-100 sprint in 12.96sec. Let’s not forget the in China. However, the 1.3 never enjoyed the same level of success in these Chinese-based cars which were never engineered to take diesels. The 5 Other companies that used Fiat’s 1.3 Multijet diesel in differing states of tune included Alfa Romeo, Lancia, Ford, Opel, and Peugeot. Brezza weighed in at 1,195kg. The 90hp version complexity of integrating the engine led to quality ran a higher max rail pressure of 1,600bar versus issues which manifested itself in product recalls. 1,400 of the 75hp version; the engine had a GM India even turned the engine 90 degrees to a opening the engine to deal with a problem. “It variable geometry turbo, and it used modified ‘north-south’ orientation to power the rear wheels was super reliable,” said one of them, “we only pistons and piston rings. of the Enjoy MPV, originally a Chinese Wuling. had to open engines where people filled petrol This is something even Premier, Fiat’s original by mistake”. A timing chain change at around HELLO TATA partner in India, did. It used the engine to power 1,00,000km, however, was needed to keep the Possibly the biggest beneficiary of the Multijet its Daihatsu Terios-based Rio, the first compact engine in the peak of health, a bit earlier than engine was Tata Motors, and this is one of the SUV in India. Needless to say, it was a massive was recommended. Maruti service engineers main reasons why the company entered into a step up from the unit it was using earlier – also recommended changing the pulley, as “that joint venture with Fiat. This masterstroke of Ratan Peugeot’s TUD5 – and Premier found it to be reduced the play and allowed the engine to Tata meant that Fiat’s Ranjangaon plant would be “outstanding in all parameters”. function with greater precision, improving both folded into a 50:50 Fiat-Tata Motors JV, and this efficiency and power delivery.” included a 1,00,000 units capacity for the Multijet BULLET-PROOF Could the 1.3 Multijet have carried on with which, in addition to Fiat’s line-up, would be used For such a complex, high-tech engine running the new BS6 norms coming in? Technically, yes; in future Tata cars. There is no doubt that it was such a high-pressure fuel-injection system, the engine exists in Euro 6 form in Europe. But the Multijet that kept Tata Motors in the diesel the Multijet was very reliable. Suzuki actually Suzuki, it is said, didn’t want to pay the high race and the Indica Vista with this frugal and exported a fair number to its plant in Hungary, license fees. So the 1.3 Multijet was actually peppy engine, enjoyed a good run of success. The which were then re-exported to the rest of Europe. discontinued because orders dried up. Fiat as a engine made money for Tata Motors too. When And its reliability record was fabulous. Maruti brand is extinct in India, GM has folded shop, Maruti Suzuki utilised all of its Manesar plant’s service heads we spoke to can’t remember ever Tata has its own BS6 diesel, and Maruti had its 1.5 DDiS. The latter, however, doesn’t meet the BS6 norms, yet. Should Maruti have carried on MULTIJET BY THREE-FOURTHS: GM’S 3-CYLINDER XSDE with Fiat’s 1.3 Multijet? We’ll only know the answer to that next April, when sales figures for WHEN FIAT MADE the 1.3 Multijet, it also had plans with the need for a heavy balancer shaft. the year are out. to develop a 1.0-litre, three-cylinder version of A 58hp, 963cc, three-cylinder version of the All together, Fiat’s baby diesel powered nearly the same engine. It, however, scrapped Multijet engine was eventually made at three million cars in India, and in the process the idea before it got into an additional cost of 54 million Euros. probably saved millions of dollars in fuel costs. production because it just However, it wasn’t Fiat that did the Do the back of the envelope calculation; it was didn’t make sense. To begin ‘re-engineering’ and tooling; it was one- almost always the most fuel-efficient car in its with, the engine was already time partner General Motors, who also class. Marketed as the Multijet by Fiat, DDiS so compact, it could easily be owned rights to the engine. It wasn’t the by Maruti-Suzuki, Quadrajet by Tata, Smartech shoehorned into just about smoothest diesel around at high engine by Chevrolet, and CRDi4 by Premier (Fiat’s any Fiat engine bay. Weight speeds, it struggled on highways (0- original partner in India), the engine powered wasn’t an issue either – the 100kph took 18.59sec), and packaging it front-wheel-drive cars and even rear-wheel-drive engine was already pretty under the compact bonnet of the Beat was cars. FCA still makes and sells the larger 2.0 light, at 130kg. And what worked difficult too. Still, it was fairly refined at low Multijet in India, and it powers SUVs like the against the three-cylinder was speeds, and for a time was the most fuel- Jeep Compass, MG Hector and the Tata Harrier. that the weight advantage lost by efficient car in India with an ARAI-certified But that’s a far cry from its heydays, where the lopping off one cylinder was negated figure of 25.44kpl. 1.3 Multijet powered 16 individual models, all at the same time. AI APRIL 2020 AUTOCARINDIA.COM 35 F I R ST D R I V E S N E W C A R S T E ST E D A N D R AT E D PRICE RS 35.90-42.90 L AKH (EX-SHOWROOM, INDIA) ON SALE NOW 2020 BMW X1 A mid-life update gives the X1 BS6 engines and more tech. Is it an improvement over its predecessor? So is it just another typical BMW- and larger exhaust tips. when combined with the wide FIRST VERDICT esque minor update or is there a lot Get inside the X1 and you’ll see touchscreen, works rather well. more to it? Well, let’s find out. the changes are subtle here too. The Other additions include a new gear A better all-rounder than before. Let’s begin with the obvious – the 8.8-inch touchscreen takes centre lever that is nicely designed, and HHHHHHHIII tweaked exterior. As seen on almost stage, but its wider orientation configurable ambient lighting. every recent BMW, the X1 too gets makes it appear smaller than it Luckily, BMW hasn’t changed SO GOOD a larger kidney grille that’s in line actually is. What has improved, anything when it comes to the sheer n Improved NVH levels with its bigger siblings like the X5, however, is the user interface. amount of space the SUV packs. The n Best-in-class space X6, and X7. That said, the painted It’s new, quicker and a lot more seats all around are still spacious, silver vertical slats on the X1’s grille intuitive, and there’s wireless and the panoramic sunroof means NO GOOD don’t look as premium, leaving us Apple CarPlay, which n Not as well equipped as rivals wanting a bit more bling as seen n Dash design feels dated on the larger SUVs. Other changes include a new front bumper, Rear gets new tail-lamps, . repositioned fog lamps that are now slightly larger exhaust tips T he entry-level luxury SUV horizontal LED strips instead of PHOTOGRAPHY PAUL DEWARS segment is one of the most round ones, and LED headlamps in important ones in terms of place of projectors. sales for carmakers in India. Viewed in profile, the updated And this year will see a major rejig X1 looks similar to the previous car, of the segment with the launch of but this sDrive20d xLine variant the new Mercedes-Benz GLA and gets redesigned 17-inch wheels. the Audi Q3. Not one to be left Around the rear, the changes are behind, BMW has decided to bring subtle, and include mildly updated the updated X1 facelift to India. LED tail-lamps, a revised bumper, 36 AUTOCARINDIA.COM APRIL 2020 LED headlamps come as standard. 8.8in screen; wireless Apple CarPlay. 6 colour options for ambient lighting. Dashboard retains older design but gets new tech. Larger kidney grille is more in line with bigger siblings. Has the best-in-class rear seats. that there’s enough light in the Even though the engine outputs offered on the updated X1, even on spacious too. The model here costs cabin, making it feel airy. Another are the same, there is a noticeable the top-spec MSport trim. Rs 39.90 lakh (ex-showroom, positive is the best-in-class boot, at change in the way it sounds and The X1 facelift is also a bit more India), and prices are about a whopping 500 litres, and there’s drives. For starters, it is quieter comfortable. Now while that can be Rs 40,000-60,000 more than the no pesky space-saver taking up any compared to the older unit, both attributed to the xLine’s 225/55 R17 previous car, depending on the room; the spare is under the boot. while idling and while being pushed tyres, BMW has also added some variant. Considering the changes And to keep up with the times, hard. NVH levels, in general, are more suppleness to the suspension and updated engines BMW has BMW has provided two USB Type-C much better too. BMW’s new setup. Bump absorption is better introduced, this is not bad at all. charging points at the rear. mapping has also made the engine than before, and although there Also, while there’s no top-spec While the changes on the outside a lot more linear in terms of power is that typical underlying sense of AWD model anymore, there is a and inside are a mix of subtle and delivery, and while that does make BMW firmness, the X1 is now a lot new base SportX model that brings obvious, it’s the changes under the it easier to drive, especially in more forgiving on bad roads, while the entry price down to Rs 35.90 bonnet that need to be focused on. traffic, the typical punch the unit still offering high-speed composure. lakh (ex-showroom, India), against The updated X1 (petrol and diesel) was known for will be missed. With these updates, BMW the previous model’s Rs 38.30 lakh. is BS6-compliant. The one here is But if you do want that kind of seems to have aimed its entry-level CYRUS DHABHAR the 2.0-litre, four-cylinder diesel fun, and for the relentless turbo luxury SUV towards a more varied unit that makes 190hp and 400Nm torque to move your soul, toggle the audience. Gone are the days when a of torque – figures unchanged drive mode into ‘Sport’, shift the Bimmer would be as stiff as a board BMW X1 sDrive20d xLine from the BS4 model. The new gearbox into ‘S’, or use the paddles and the epitome of driving pleasure. Price Rs 39.90 lakh* engine meets BS6 emission norms to go through the 8-speed gearbox. Instead, its products are now L/W/H 4447/2060/1598mm by adding in a diesel particulate 100kph comes up in just 7.9sec, extremely well-sorted all-rounders, Wheelbase 2670mm *EX-SHOWROOM, INDIA filter (DPF) and selective catalyst marginally faster than the last-gen and the X1 is just that. Engine 4 cyl, 1995cc, diesel reduction (SCR) that uses AdBlue, car (our figures of the older X1 were It looks good, even with that Power 190hp at 4000rpm which can be filled via a port next to from the all-wheel-drive model). behemoth grille, it has great road Torque 400Nm at 1750-2500rpm the fuel filler. Speaking of all-wheel drive, it isn’t manners, is well equipped and Gearbox 8-speed automatic APRIL 2020 AUTOCARINDIA.COM 37 PRICE RS 62.70-63.70 L AKH (EX-SHOWROOM, INDIA) ON SALE NOW MERCEDES-BENZ GLC COUPE The GLC Coupe, earlier available only in AMG guise, now comes in 300 and 300d avatars. We drive the diesel variant to see what it’s like. 4Matic – with the AMG version set connected car experience with an to Type-C-only USB ports isn’t a FIRST VERDICT to follow later. onboard SIM. While the previous great touch. Furthermore, unlike the earlier COMAND system was quite Unlike the regular GLC’s physical Apart from engine refinement, AMG, which was imported into outdated in its UI and lacked a dials, the Coupe gets a digital it doesnt excel in any area but India as a fully built-up unit, the touchscreen, the new system is slick instrument panel with simulated does enough to get noticed. new GLC Coupe is now assembled and easy to use, and brings with it dials that can be altered based on HHHHHHHIII here, and is better placed to take a touch-sensitive pad in the centre your preferences and the driving on the BMW X4, which is also console, two mini touchpads on the mode too. There’s also a memory SO GOOD available with petrol and diesel new steering wheel, and a larger, function for the driver’s seat. n Engine refinement options. But leaving aside its fellow touch-sensitive 10.25-inch screen Seating comfort overall is top- German rival for now, what is the as well. I, however, would have notch. Rear seating is comfortable NO GOOD GLC Coupe like? preferred if Mercedes had retained with good back support, and there’s n Not engaging to drive The facelift is a minor one, with the older click wheel on the centre enough headroom thanks to a n Tight on space subtle tweaks to the grille, bumper console, as it made controlling scooped-out headlining. Still, you and headlights which are multi- certain functions easier while on do feel a bit hemmed in due to the beam LED units that automatically the move. lower roof and smaller windows. I ’ve said it before and I’ll say it adjust light throw to prevent There is also the new ‘Hey As mentioned earlier, the facelift again, like them or not, SUV- dazzling the oncoming traffic. It Mercedes’ voice command comes with petrol and diesel mills. coupés are here to stay. And so gets new 19-inch, six-spoke alloys, assistant that can recognise The petrol is a 2.0-litre, four- with the launch of the GLC Coupe and the tail-lights like the ones seen conversational voice commands, cylinder unit that makes 250hp and facelift, Mercedes Benz has widened on Merc’s new SUVs. with Android Auto and Apple 370Nm of torque, while the diesel the range. Where earlier the Coupe On the inside, too, the update CarPlay connectivity, and a built- is a 2.0-litre, four-cylinder unit was sold as an AMG only, the is subtle, but a big welcome is the in navigation system. Another that puts out 245hp and 500Nm of facelift gets two versions – a petrol introduction of the new Mercedes small but welcome addition here is torque. Both are BS6-compliant and 300 4Matic and a diesel 300d MBUX connectivity system, and the wireless charging, but the switch are the same units from the regular PHOTOGRAPHY XXXXXXXXXXXXXX 38 AUTOCARINDIA.COM APRIL 2020 FIRST DRIVE GLC. However, while in the regular car, they are in the lower 200 and 220d states of tune, in the Coupe they are in the higher ‘300’ guise. The diesel is the newer 2.0-litre OM654 unit that replaces the 2.1- litre OM651 engine in the Mercedes fleet, and just like in the regular car, the impressive bit is the level of refinement. Noise and vibrations are minimal and you’d have to try real hard to remember there’s an oil burner under the hood. Power delivery is very linear and strong all the way up to around 4,500rpm, where the 9-speed automatic gearbox will upshift, no matter what drive mode you are in. Even in manual mode, the gearbox will not allow you to hit the redline that’s marked at 5,500rpm. Mercedes claims a 0-100kph time of 6.6sec against the 220d’s 7.9sec, and the GLC Coupe does feel faster from behind the wheel which is well-weighted in the sportier modes and light enough in ‘Comfort’. The suspension has been Whether idling or on the move, softened here, it absorbs bumps refinement is excellent. well and keeps you quite isolated inside. While this is fine on the regular car, I really wished this car had a sportier setup – not super- firm like the AMG, but adjustable dampers would have been nice; this is a Coupe after all. In a way, this sums up the GLC Coupe. It sits in no man’s land; it’s neither as practical as the regular car, nor is it as much fun as the AMG. But, if you’ve always fancied the appeal of an SUV-coupé, you Touchpad replaces clickwheel. now don’t have to go the whole way into AMG territory and stretch your wallet too. You can enjoy the sportier image, get some extra performance at the pedal and a bit more equipment for not too much of a premium of around Rs 6 lakh. The 300d Coupe 4Matic is priced at Rs 63.70 lakh, while the regular 220d 4Matic diesel costs Rs 57.75 lakh (ex-showroom, pan-India). It all boils down to your Familiar dash but new steering, instrument panel and touchscreen too. Steering touchpads work well. disposition towards SUV-coupés. If you are not a fan, look at the regular GLC, but if you love them, you now have more choice. Also, did I mention? Mercedes says the AMG is likely to follow too. SERGIUS BARRETTO MERCEDES BENZ GLC COUPE 300d PHOTOGRAPHY PAUL DEWARS Price 63.70 lakh* L/W/H 4731/1890/1620mm Wheelbase 2873mm Engine 4 cyl, 1950cc, diesel *EX-SHOWROOM, INDIA Power 245hp at 4200rpm Torque 500Nm at 1600-2400rpm Gearbox 9-speed Drive layout All-wheel drive Rear seating is comfortable but you do feel hemmed in. More useable space, as space-saver is under boot floor. APRIL 2020 AUTOCARINDIA.COM 39 PRICE RS 57.06-60.89 L AKH (EX-SHOWROOM, INDIA) ON SALE NOW LAND ROVER DISCOVERY SPORT The Discovery Sport gets a mid-life facelift but the changes are more than just skin-deep. Here’s what’s new. Transverse Architecture – the same For starters, the rotary-knob gear the second row offers slightly less FIRST VERDICT platform that underpins the brand- selector is gone, replaced now under-thigh support. Also, the seats new Range Rover Evoque. with a more traditional lever. You in the front and middle are overly More luxurious, better-equipped, At first glance, the basic profile also have a much nicer-looking firm and just don’t feel as plush and the only 7-seater in its class. and styling are all very familiar. dashboard with open-pore wood as compared to some of its rivals. HHHHHHHIII There are elements similar to inserts and a huge matte-finished, The third row is best reserved for the ones on the larger Discovery, soft-touch dashboard. There’s also children or short trips, as there SO GOOD especially around the front. a large, 10.0-inch touchscreen just isn’t enough space for adults n Off-road prowess However, the bumper is now with a brand-new user interface, to sit comfortably. n Cabin quality smoother, more aggressive and and a gloss-black centre console Land Rover has updated the has a lot more girth to it. The that houses the climate control Discovery Sport with a set of BS6- NO GOOD entry-level S variant seen here and drive mode functions. While compliant, 2.0-litre petrol and diesel n Engine refinement gets a pronounced silver skid plate, the top-spec variant gets a fully engines. The one here is the D180 n Body roll, heavy steering with unpainted claddings around digital instrument cluster, the base that makes 177hp and 430Nm of the edges and sides. The grille is S variant gets a part-digital, part- torque. And what you notice first is painted in a similar shade of silver analogue cluster that looks like a the significantly lower NVH levels. W hen we talk about a facelift, and sports the typical Land Rover bit of an afterthought at first, but is While there is still some gruffness it usually means new honeycomb design, while the actually rather well implemented. and it can’t really match the level bumpers, new headlamps headlamps looks sharper, akin to This variant misses out on the of refinement of German cars, it is and tail-lamps, and at times, the ones on the bigger Discovery, ‘ClearSight’ rear-view camera and an improvement over the earlier a minor update in the engine bay. with new LED daytime running mirror screen package but Land Discovery. The engine is mated to PHOTOGRAPHY OMKAR DHAS The Discovery Sport’s facelift, lights and LED lighting standard Rover has retained features like the a 9-speed torque converter that is however, is different. Launched in across variants. Moving to the side massive panoramic sunroof and now more responsive compared to India five years ago, Land Rover and rear, changes are minimal, powered tailgate. what it was earlier – both in Drive has given the Discovery Sport a but it has new wheels, and its One of the main draws of the and Sport modes. If you have a light much-needed mid-life nip and updated bumper gets a set of Discovery Sport has been its 7-seat enough right leg, the Discovery tuck, and while it’s referred to as a new LED tail-lights with detailed layout, and that is offered on the Sport will be happy to cruise around ‘facelift’, a huge change is that they lighting elements. updated model too. But while in 9th gear at speeds as low as have switched to the new Premium Inside, the changes are obvious. there is a decent amount of space, 80kph, something most other SUVs 40 AUTOCARINDIA.COM APRIL 2020
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