The Indian auto industry witnessed a flurry of activity in the week between June 10th and 14th, 2024. From the much-anticipated launch timelines for Tata’s upcoming electric vehicles to spy shots of revamped models from renowned carmakers like Mahindra, Jeep, and Hyundai, there was news galore for car enthusiasts. Let’s delve deeper into the key developments that grabbed headlines this week:
Tata Motors Takes Center Stage with Safety Wins and EV Launch Plans
Tata Motors emerged as a frontrunner this week with significant announcements related to both electric vehicles and safety standards. Here’s a closer look at their achievements:
- Tata Nexon EV and Punch EV Achieve Top Safety Ratings: In a landmark achievement for electric mobility in India, both the Tata Nexon EV and Punch EV secured the highest possible safety ratings in their respective segments during Bharat NCAP crash tests. This prestigious feat underscores Tata’s commitment to developing not only high-performance electric vehicles but also prioritizing passenger safety.
- Tata Announces Launch Timelines for Upcoming EVs: Building on its success with the Nexon EV and Punch EV, Tata Motors unveiled the launch timelines for four more electric vehicles at a recent investor meeting. This strategic move aligns with Tata’s ambitious goal of introducing a total of 10 electric vehicles into the Indian market by 2026. The highly anticipated Curvv EV, Harrier EV, Sierra EV, and the futuristic Avinya concept are all slated for a future launch, further solidifying Tata’s position as a leader in India’s burgeoning electric vehicle space.
Skoda Kushaq Onyx Gets an Automatic Transmission Option
Skoda introduced a welcome addition to its Kushaq lineup – the Onyx edition with an automatic transmission. Previously available only with a manual gearbox, the automatic variant caters to a broader segment of car buyers seeking a more comfortable driving experience. While the feature set remains unchanged, the automatic Kushaq Onyx comes at a slightly higher price point compared to its manual counterpart.
Mini Gears Up for India Debut with Two New Offerings
The iconic British carmaker, Mini, is poised to enter the Indian car market with two exciting offerings – the petrol-powered Mini Cooper and the electric Mini Countryman. Pre-bookings for both models have commenced, generating significant interest among enthusiasts. Both vehicles boast refreshed designs and new features, promising a unique driving experience in the premium hatchback and compact electric SUV segments. Their official launch is expected sometime in July 2024.
Price Revisions Hit Jeep Compass, MG Cars, and More
Several car manufacturers announced price adjustments for their popular models this week. Let’s see which brands made headlines:
- Jeep Compass Price Hike: The Jeep Compass lineup underwent a price revision, with some variants witnessing significant price hikes, while others received price cuts. It’s important to note that this revision does not include any changes to the existing features offered on each variant.
- MG Cars Become More Expensive: MG Motor India also joined the price hike bandwagon, increasing the prices of its popular Comet EV, ZS EV, Hector, and Hector Plus models. Similar to the Compass revision, these price adjustments do not reflect any additional features being added to the vehicles.
Spy Shots Galore: Upcoming Cars from Mahindra, Hyundai, and Kia
The automotive world thrives on a healthy dose of speculation, and this week was no different. Spy shots of upcoming models from Mahindra, Hyundai, and Kia fueled the fire of anticipation among car enthusiasts:
- Mahindra Thar 5-door Spotted Testing: The highly anticipated 5-door Mahindra Thar has been generating significant buzz online, with numerous spy shots circulating on the internet. This week, a mid-spec variant of the 5-door Thar was spotted undergoing testing, revealing some intriguing design differences compared to previously seen iterations.
- Hyundai Alcazar Facelift Spied: Hyundai’s next big launch in India, the facelifted Alcazar, was spotted undergoing road tests. These spy shots hint at design upgrades similar to those seen on the recently launched facelifted Creta, suggesting both aesthetic and functional improvements for the popular 3-row SUV.
- Kia Carens Facelift Spied with 360-degree Camera: The Kia Carens facelift also made an appearance this week, with the clearest spy shots yet captured. While still heavily camouflaged, the vehicle appears to be equipped with a 360-degree camera system, suggesting potential feature upgrades in the upcoming model. Additionally, the Kia Carnival was also spotted undergoing testing in hilly terrain, hinting at potential performance improvements for the popular MPV.
FAQs
Which Tata electric vehicles received the highest safety ratings?
The Tata Nexon EV and Punch EV secured the highest possible safety ratings in their respective segments during Bharat NCAP crash tests.
When are the next Tata electric vehicles expected to launch?
Tata Motors has announced plans to launch the Curvv EV, Harrier EV, Sierra EV, and Avinya concept, although specific launch dates haven’t been confirmed yet.
What new features are included in the automatic Skoda Kushaq Onyx?
The automatic Skoda Kushaq Onyx offers the convenience of an automatic transmission but doesn’t include any additional features compared to the manual variant.
When are the Mini Cooper and Mini Countryman expected to launch in India?
Pre-bookings for both models have commenced, with an anticipated launch sometime in July 2024.
Why did the prices of Jeep Compass and MG cars increase?
Several factors, including material costs, production expenses, and currency fluctuations, can influence car pricing strategies. The manufacturers haven’t announced any additional features for the revised price points.
Where can I find reliable car reviews in India?
Several reputable websites and magazines publish in-depth car reviews, road tests, and comparisons. A quick online search will reveal these resources.
