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      Toyota Unveils Two New EVs – Launch Expected In 2025

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      Toyota BZ3C UnveiledShowcased at the 2024 Beijing Auto Show, the BZ3C and BZ3X EVs will be manufactured by FAW Toyota and GAC Toyota, respectivelyAs part of its plans to expand its EV portfolio, Toyota is working on two new EVs – BZ3C and BZ3X. These are expected to be launched in China next year. While powertrain details have not been revealed, enthusiasts were able to explore the exteriors and interiors of these EVs at the Beijing Auto Show.Toyota BZ3C – An urban marvelAs may be recalled, the BZ3 name was announced in China in October 2022. It was planned to be Toyota’s first electric sedan. The powertrain for BZ3 was to be developed via a joint collaboration between Toyota and BYD. With the BZ3C now unveiled, it appears that the original name has been transferred for a new line of EVs.Toyota BZ3C ProfileToyota BZ3C is essentially the production version of BZ Sport Crossover Concept that was showcased at the 2023 Shanghai Auto Show. Remarkably, there are very few changes in BZ3C in comparison to the concept. Most of the features have been retained, although some trimming may be done in the production model.As of now, only a few features have been changed. For example, side view cameras seen with the concept have been replaced with more conventional rear-view mirrors. Also, the lower lip at the front is not as sharp as seen in the concept model.Toyota BZ3C InteriorsBZ3C InteriorsBZ3C’s front fascia looks absolutely stunning with a full-width, C-shaped light cluster and a curvy, sculpted bonnet. Some of the features have similarities with Prius, such as the sleek, elegant bumper. Both the BZ3C and BZ3X are equipped with Lidar mounted on the roof. BZ3C has a crossover design and feels like an electric version of Toyota C-HR.Side profile is quite impactful with large, low-drag alloy wheels and flush door handles. At the rear, the prominent spoiler lip adds to the EVs sporty persona. The lighting setup at the rear is similar to that at the front.Toyota BZ3C DashboardInside, BZ3C has a mesmerizing racy red theme. It is accentuated with yellow LED lighting across the dash, doors and central console. There’s a large touchscreen infotainment system and a digital instrument cluster. BZ3C will be manufactured by FAW Toyota, a joint venture between China-based FAW Group and Toyota.Toyota BZ3X UnveiledToyota BZ3X – Classic eleganceBZ3X is essentially the production version of BZ FlexSpace Concept that was unveiled last year. As compared to the BZ3C, the BZ3X has more conventional vibes. It makes a powerful street presence and seems to focus on space and utility. The relatively sober profile indicates that this model could be closer to production.Toyota BZ3X ProfileSome of the key highlights of BZ3X include full-width LED DRLs on top, lower mounted LED headlamps and prominent bumper. Side profile has thick body cladding, large spoke-styled alloy wheels, flush door handles and blacked-out roof and pillars. At the rear, key highlights include a full width lighting setup and chunky bumper.Toyota BZ3X InteriorsInside, BZ3X gets a large touchscreen, a compact instrument cluster and a massive sunroof. The BZ3X EV will be manufactured by GAC Toyota. It is a joint venture between China-based GAC Group and Toyota.Toyota BZ3X Dashboard More

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      Honda Ye S7 And Ye P7 Real-World Images Out – Electric Compact SUVs

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      Honda Ye S7 and Ye P7 UnveiledBoth Honda Ye S7 and Ye P7 are similar where hardware is concerned and are largely the same vehicles, but differ in stylingFirst real-world images of Honda’s newest Ye eSUV lineup for China have been revealed from the stage. These cars were recently unveiled and are expected to go on sale in China by the end of 2024. These vehicles feature an almost identical profile along and interiors while differing in fascia and rear section for unique stylistic propositions.Honda Ye S7 And Ye P7 Real-World Images OutRemember Honda e:NS2 and e:NP2 concept vehicles that Honda showcased at 2023 Shanghai Auto Show? They were supposed to evolve into production-spec models by mid 2024 and launch by the end of 2024. Right on time, Honda has translated e:NS2 and e:NP2 concepts into Ye S7 and Ye P7 electric SUVs respectively.Honda Ye S7 FasciaHonda Ye S7 RearDesign themes from showcased concepts have successfully made it to production-spec vehicles. In this sense, Honda Ye S7 gets a much more sporty design and appeal with arrow-like Y-shaped DRL elements at the front and back. Just like e:NS2 concept. Horizontal slats in lower grill and connecting LED DRL from e:NS2 have made it to Ye S7 as well.Wheels from concept vehicle have made it to production too, which is a 5-spoke design with punched-in-like cut-outs. Instead of ORVMs, we get cameras. Door handles are flush to the body. to increase aerodynamic efficiency. Overall silhouette is quite strong and adheres to tough SUV aesthetics with a slight sloping roofline.Honda Ye P7 FasciaHonda Ye P7 RearWhere Ye S7 positions itself as the sporty offering, Ye P7 appears to be far more sophisticated, mature and premium. While side profile and wheel designs are identical, fascia and rear section differ vastly. Ye P7 sticks to classic Honda design elements with a thick bar connecting the headlights. Just like in e:NP2 concept.Headlights and tail lights get C-shaped LED elements that look nice and premium. Lower grill is a lot more conservative and finished in gloss black. Rear tailgate is different from what we saw in Ye S7 and is less angular and a lot more soothing. Same goes for roof spoiler rear bumper and other attributes. New Honda logo and illuminated HONDA lettering on front fenders were common between the two.Honda Ye S7 profileHonda Ye P7 profileFresh new interiorHonda Ye S7 and Ye P7 have the same interiors but different finishes and colour schemes. While Ye S7 gets white on a light grey colour scheme, Ye P7 gets a darker colour scheme that exudes sportiness. The three-spoke steering wheel gets HONDA lettering in the middle. Overall layout is smart.There are two displays for rear view camera feed – one on each door. The instrument screen is sleek and wide, lending a sportscar vibe, whereas the centre infotainment screen is massive. We like the new design direction that Honda’s interiors are taking. Except for the larger display and fewer buttons, this is a well-thought-out cabin.Honda Ye S7 InteriorHonda Ye P7 InteriorBuilt on W platform, Honda is offering both single-motor RWD and dual-motor AWD layouts with batteries from CATL. It has to be noted that Ye S7 is sold by Dongfeng Honda and Ye P7 is sold by GAC Honda. Both are China-only as of now with possibilities to break out of the dragon land in the future.Also read – Honda Amaze scored 2 Stars in GNCAPYe S7 Image source Ye S7 Image source More

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      BYD Ocean M Hot Hatch Concept Debuts – Launch Likely From $20k (Rs 17 L)

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      BYD Ocean M Hot Hatch. Images – BYD FanExpected to be available for sale in China in Q3, the production version will take on rivals such as MG4 and Volkswagen ID.3At the Beijing Auto Show, BYD has taken the wraps off the Ocean M hot hatch concept. With its sporty profile and an extravagant body kit, the concept looks absolutely stunning. Post launch in China, the production model is likely destined for European markets.BYD Ocean M Concept – Key FeaturesSome design elements that are an instant draw include the massive splitter at front, large sill extensions, GT3-style diffuser and high-rise rear spoiler. The production variant won’t be getting these features, but still, the electric hatchback will continue to have a significantly attractive profile.BYD Ocean M Hot HatchOcean M concept’s front fascia seems to derive inspiration from the Lamborghini Aventador. But such similarities may be diluted in the production version. The same could be true for the camera-based door mirrors, at least for the base variant. The rising waistline adds more dynamism to the hatch and enhances its road presence.Ocean M’s aerodynamic body panelling, sleek headlamps with integrated LED DRLs, sporty alloy wheels, thick body cladding, flush-type door handles and blacked-out roof and pillars make the electric hatch a wondrous looking car. At rear, the EV gets funky wraparound tail lamps with interconnected LED panelling in a pleasing wave format.[embedded content]While interiors have not been revealed, one can expect the electric hatch to offer a comprehensive range of premium features. Some of the key features could include a large touchscreen infotainment system, a digital instrument console, dual-tone interiors, vegan leather seats, etc.BYD Ocean M Hot HatchIt also gets panoramic sunroof, premium sound system, wireless charging and wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. With Europe on the target, BYD will ensure that Ocean M gets 5-star ratings in Euro NCAP crash tests. Safety kit will include a comprehensive range of advanced features including ADAS.BYD Ocean M specs, performanceIn the company’s lineup, BYD Ocean M will be placed between the Dolphin hatch and Seal sedan. Speculations suggest that the production model will spawn a hot hatch version as well. It will be equipped with a rear-wheel drive setup.BYD Ocean M Hot HatchBYD has stated that Ocean M will be based on a new electric architecture. Existing popular BYD cars like Dolphin and Seal are based on e-Platform 3.0. The new platform for Ocean M could be the next-gen e-Platform 4.0. Improvements are expected around aesthetics, safety, efficiency and intelligence.While powertrain options have not been revealed, BYD Ocean M will be fun to drive. However, BYD could be focusing more on range rather than going after the best-performer tag. Just like other BYD cars, the Ocean M will be offered at a competitive price point. While BYD-Tesla battles are often highlighted, BYD is also focused on ending the ICE age. The production version of Ocean M could be launched in the price range of $20,700 to $27,600 (Approx. Rs 17.24 lakh to Rs 22.98 lakh). More

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      BMW i5 M60 xDrive Launched In India – Costs Rs. 1.2Cr, Goes 100Km/h In 3.8s

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      BMW i5 M60 xDrive LaunchedGlobally, BMW i5 rivals the likes of Porsche Taycan, Audi e-tron GT, Tesla Model 3 and EQE sedan from Mercedes-BenzLegacy German luxury and performance car manufacturer, BMW, launched its 6th electric offering in India in the form of BMW i5 M60 xDrive. Based on the 8th Gen BMW 5 Series, i5 M60 xDrive incorporates all the necessary attributes from ‘M’ division and blends them with sustainability of ‘I’ division.BMW i5 M60 xDrive Launched In IndiaRepresenting BMW’s relentless pursuit of creating ultimate driving machines, Indian EV space has been graced with the launch of i5 M60 xDrive. This is a CBU and is launched in India in the sole M60 xDrive variant. Pricing for BMW i5 M60 xDrive is Rs. 1,19,50,000 (ex-sh) and it comes with a standard 2 year or unlimited km warranty. Battery gets 8 year or 1,60,000 km warranty.BMW i5 M60 xDrive FasciaThere is an Alpine White non-metallic colour. Metallic shades include M Brooklyn Grey, M Carbon Black, Cape York green, Phytonic Blue, Black Sapphire, Sophisto Grey, Oxide Grey, Mineral White. Individual paintworks are offered too and these include Frozen Portimao Blue, Frozen Deep Grey, Frozen Pure Grey and Tansanite Blue.As standard, interior trim options on BMW i5 M60 xDrive is in Carbon Fibre with Alcantara / Veganza | Black upholstery options. Upgrades to upholstery are in the form of Veganza and Leather Merino. Overall exterior design is typical 5 Series and highlights with i5 M60 xDrive are the illuminated BMW Kidney Grills, adaptive LED headlights, vertical LED DRL signatures, L-shaped rear tail lights, M spoiler and 20-inch M-light alloy wheels among others.BMW i5 M60 xDrive DesignBMW is known for its beautifully put-together and meticulously crafted interiors. i5 M60 is not different. On the inside, we get generous space and modern functionality, both of which are expected from a 5 Series based vehicle. Layered dashboard and BMW curved displays grab all the attention.These screens run on M specific displays. Notable interior attributes are carbon fibre trims, massive panorama skyroof, sports seats with active seat ventilation function at the front, classic 3-spoke M leather steering wheel and 18 speakers with 655W Bowers & Wilkins speakers among others. Sports seats are standard, but buyers can opt for comfort seats too.BMW i5 M60 xDrive PluggedPerformanceConsidering we are talking about a BMW, performance is the juiciest part and i5 M60 xDrive doesn’t disappoint. We get two highly integrated electric drive units – one for each axle. The exhilarating performance metrics include a 230 km/h top speed and an insane 0-100 km/h sprint in 3.8 seconds.This performance is enabled with the help of two electric motors an AWD layout with a total system output of 601 bhp and 795 Nm. These motors draw power from an 81.2 kWh battery pack promising a WLTP range of 516 km on a single charge. BMW offers a complementary 11 kW wall box AC charger and a 22 kW AC charger is offered as an option.BMW i5 M60 xDrive SpecsStatement from BMW Group IndiaMr. Vikram Pawah, President, BMW Group India said, “With the first-ever BMW 15 M60 xDrive, you can expect nothing short of a completely electrifying experience. It brings together the legacy of eight generations of the sportiest executive sedan the ‘5’, adrenaline laden performance of ‘M’ and the sustainability of ‘I’.As the sixth electric offering from BMW Group India, the BMW 15 M60 xDrive will further reinforce our leadership in the Indian luxury electric mobility segment. With uncompromised performance that defines exhilaration for the modern era, it is an experience engineered for unbridled excitement and unparalleled thrills.” More

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      Hyundai Electric SUV (Creta EV?) Production Starts End 2024 – Group Plant Capacity To Increase To 15 Lakh

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      Hyundai Creta N LineHyundai’s first local EV will be Creta EV, already spotted testing, and production will commence by the end of 2024 at their Chennai plantAhead of its 30th anniversary in 2026, Hyundai Motor India is already coining its 2030 strategy. The slogan for 2030 strategy is ‘Innovator in Mobility and Beyond’. Hyundai’s subsidiary, Kia India, has also overhauled its operations to promote quantitative and qualitative growth through company’s ‘Kia 2.0’ strategy.Hyundai Kia India Plants Capacity To Touch 15 LakhIn that regard, Hyundai Motor Group Executive Chair Euisun Chung visited India to review the company’s mid-to-long-term mobility strategies for the future. This is the first time the Executive Chair has held an overseas town hall meeting outside of South Korea. Also present in the meeting were key executives from Hyundai Motor including Jaehoon Chang, President and CEO of Hyundai Motor Company, and Unsoo Kim, Managing Director and CEO of Hyundai Motor India.Hyundai Motor Group Executive Chair Euisun Chung Visits IndiaThe meeting concluded a manufacturing advance in the rapidly growing Indian automotive market. The aim is to establish an annual production capacity of around 1.5 million vehicles combining both Hyundai and Kia brands in India. A key facilitator of this plan will be expansion of EV lineup and create an EV ecosystem to accelerate customer uptake.The commencement of production at Hyundai’s recently acquired Pune plant (from GM) last year will play a major role in achieving their goals. Company is currently making improvements towards Pune plant and establishing a production hub capable of 2 lakh units annually. Production is estimated to start in second half of 2025.Hyundai India Plant, Chennai. Image for reference.Combining Pune plant’s 2 lakh capacity with Chennai plant’s current production capacity of 8.24 lakh units, Hyundai Motor is looking at an annual production capacity of over 10 lakh (1 million) units. Kia India’s annual production capacity is set to be expanded to 4.31 lakh units by the first half of 2024. Combining Kia’s numbers, Hyundai Motor Group is looking at an annual production capacity of 15 lakh per annum (1.5 million).Hyundai Creta Electric SpiedHyundai Kia local-made EV onslaughtElectric vehicles will play a crucial role in the company’s growth ambitions. Hyundai aims to launch its first locally produced EV in Indian market in 2025. This is likely to be Creta EV which is already spotted testing on multiple occasions. Mass production of its first local electric SUV (Creta EV) will commence by the end of 2024 at Hyundai’s Chennai plant.The company aims to expand EV portfolio to incorporate five new EVs by 2030. The holistic approach by Hyundai Motor India towards EVs will result in expanding EV charging infrastructure by 2030. Not just Hyundai, Kia is keen to make a splash in Indian EV space with their first local EV slated to hit production in 2025 with more to break covers in the future.Kia Clavis SpiedRecently, Hyundai and Kia signed an MoU with Exide, a leading Indian battery company, in a bid to pursue local manufacturing of batteries that will power dedicated EVs for India.Statement from Hyundai Motor IndiaDuring the meeting, Executive Chair Chung said “Hyundai Motor India has been pivotal in driving the growth of the Hyundai Motor Group, having navigated through numerous challenges including the COVID19 pandemic, global economic crises, and supply chain disruptions due to semiconductor shortages. We take pride in consistently securing the second-largest market share in this vibrant market and will continue to elevate Hyundai as a premium brand.“India is among the fastest-growing economies globally, and as this growth continues the strategic importance of Hyundai Motor India will only increase. By leveraging our strong reputation and competitive quality in India, we aim to expand exports to neighbouring countries, making India the global export hub to boost our regional market competitiveness.”Speaking about the company’s electrification strategy, Executive Chair Chung said, “We will develop EVs tailored to the Indian market and expand EV infrastructure in the region. We will lead the next generation of mobility in India, playing a key role in electrification, and we will continue to elevate Hyundai as a premium brand.” More

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      Hyundai Ioniq 5 Celebrates Earth Day With Green Credentials

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      Hyundai Ioniq 5 Celebrates Earth DayOn sale in India, Hyundai Ioniq 5 rivals Kia EV6, Volvo XC40 Recharge, BMW iX1 and the recently launched BYD SealOne of the world’s leading electric car manufacturers, Hyundai Motor, is celebrating Earth Day on April 22nd, today. The company has been at the forefront of electric vehicle revolution with multiple offerings across the world. In India, Ioniq 5 is the most celebrated electric vehicle from Hyundai and on this occasion, Hyundai demonstrates its allegiance to eco-friendly practices.Hyundai Ioniq 5 Celebrates Earth DayIoniq 5 is among the most popular premium electric vehicles sold in India. Owing to its CKD route striking lower taxes, Ioniq 5 comes with a lower price tag. Something we can’t say about other EVs. Most of the media coverage for Ioniq 5 concentrates on design, retro looks, cool party tricks, range and performance.However, very few people are aware of the many eco-conscious practices that Hyundai has essayed with Ioniq 5 that went unnoticed among the long list of its brilliant attributes. On Earth Day, let’s recall the eco-friendly materials and nature-inspired colours that Hyundai is offering with Ioniq 5 EV sold in India.Hyundai Ioniq 5 – Eco Processed LeatherEco-processed LeatherLeather processing industry uses oils derived from animal products in dyeing processes.  Extensive growth in leather industry results in increased demand for animal products raising ethical questions and having deep implications for the environment too. Hence, Hyundai is using dyes plant-derived flax seed oil with Ioniq 5’s interior.Hyundai Ioniq 5 – Flowers Turned To PaintFlowers Turned To PaintInstead of using chemicals, Hyundai Ioniq 5’s crash pad and door trims are finished with eco paint. These bio paints are extracted from pigments naturally found in flowers. The process of bio paint extraction mostly uses non-hazardous procedures too. For Ioniq 5’s interior, Hyundai uses pigments from rape flowers and corn.Hyundai Ioniq 5 – PaperettePaperetteSome of the touchpoints on Ioniq 5’s doors are crafted from a unique paperette material. This material is 100% recyclable paperette, sticking to an eco-friendly theme. Made from HDPE (High Density Poly Ethylene), this paperette material has almost the same texture and lightness as traditional paper.Hyundai Ioniq 5 – Recycled BottlesRecycled Bottles Turned To FabricOne of the most common types of non-recyclable pollutants that are currently plaguing the earth is one-time-use plastic bottles. Hyundai is taking some of these bottles and recycling them into fabrics that go on Ioniq 5’s seatbacks and armrests. Around 32 bottles are recycled per Ioniq 5.Hyundai Ioniq 5 – Plant-waste-derived Headliner & CarpetPlant-waste-derived Headliner & CarpetOnce a crop is harvested, agricultural biowaste is often burnt in many parts of the world, rather than recycled. Hyundai is demonstrating the possibilities of recyclable biowaste with Ioniq 5. Car’s headliner and carpet fabrics include bio components extracted from biowastes of sugarcane and corn crops.Company’s advances to RE100The company recently revealed its holistic approach towards eco-friendly practices at their manufacturing facility and affirmed its commitment to RE100 (100% Renewable Energy). This way, Hyundai Motor India Limited (HMIL) aligned its interests with eco-friendly and sustainable practices.HMIL has pledged to go carbon neutral shortly and has been working towards it. The company is achieving it through a holistic approach including smart energy management, reducing carbon emissions, water management, harmful substance management and expanding EV lineup. More

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      BYD Seal EV First Drive Review – Seal The Deal Of The Day!

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      BYD Seal EV First Drive Review2024 BYD Seal EV rivals sedans like Audi A4, BMW 2 Series, Merc A Class Limousine, Toyota Camry, Skoda Superb and BEVs like Volvo XC40 Recharge, Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Kia EV6Being an automotive enthusiast, I always fancied saloon cars (sedans) owing to their iconic three-box design. There’s something special about driving a proper sedan and it always puts you in a good mood. That’s exactly what happened to us when we drove the new BYD Seal EV around Delhi NCR at the media drive event. Here’s our first impression of this vehicle and why we think it is the deal of the day.BYD Seal EV First Impressions ReviewIf there’s one electric vehicle manufacturer who probably gives Tesla nightmares, it is BYD. Despite being a global EV juggernaut, BYD is relatively a new brand in India. The company has E6 MPV and Atto 3 SUV on sale in India and the portfolio was recently expanded with the launch of Seal EV. It falls under company’s ‘Ocean’ lineup of vehicles. This electric sedan brings a luxury proposition at an affordable price despite being a fully electric vehicle. Hence packing all vital ingredients to emerge as the ‘Deal of the Day’. But is it, though? Let’s take a look.BYD Seal FasciaSeal EV is offered in a choice of 3 variants. Its mid-spec Premium variant brings amazing value proposition to the table. Since we are talking about variants, let’s get pricing and specs out of the way, shall we? BYD Seal EV price starts from Rs. 41 lakh for base Dynamic, Rs. 45.55 lakh for mid-spec Premium and Rs. 53 lakh for top-spec Performance variants (all prices ex-sh).BYD Seal EV First Drive ReviewBase Dynamic packs a 61.44 kWh battery, 202 bhp and 310 Nm RWD single motor, 0-100 km/h sprint in 7.5 seconds and a NEDC range of 510 km. Premium variant offers a larger 82.56 kWh battery, 310 bhp and 360 Nm, RWD single motor, 0-100 km/h in 5.9 seconds and a NEDC range of 650 km (highest in the lineup). Top-spec Performance variant has the same 82.56 kWh battery and 310 bhp and 360 Nm rear motor as Premium. However, Performance variant gets a 215 bhp and 310 Nm front motor taking total system output to 525 bhp and 670 Nm. Range is slightly lower at 580 km but the acceleration is insane hitting 100 km/h mark in just 3.8 seconds.BYD Seal RearIs Pricing Justified?These are very impressive numbers and lend BYD Seal EV a multitude of titles in India.1. Most affordable electric sedan in India (non hatchback-derived).2. Most affordable luxury sedan in India.3. Most affordable rear-wheel-drive sedan in India (EV & ICE).4. Most affordable all-wheel-drive sedan in India (EV & ICE)5. Most affordable high-performance vehicle in India (EV & ICE).6. Most affordable dual-motor EV in India.BYD Seal EV First Drive ReviewThese are some of the titles BYD has bagged for itself with Seal EV. BYD Seal offers tremendous value for what it costs. If we take luxury sedans like Mercedes-Benz A-Class Limousine, Audi A4, BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe along with mainstream sedans like Toyota Camry and Skoda Superb, they all cost more than BYD Seal. Also, none of them are fully electric, none of them are anywhere near as performant and none of them offer at least RWD as standard. BYD Seal annihilates its competition if we bring RTO taxes and maintenance costs of the aforementioned ICE and Hybrid vehicles.BYD Seal FrunkComparing apples to apples, only real rival for BYD Seal is BMW i4 which costs significantly more and offers significantly less performance than Seal’s top-spec Performance variant. Now the question arises, why go for legacy brands? Does BYD Seal have a lot of cost-cutting measures to strike an attractive price point? Answer is, no. We’re happy to report that the best part about BYD Seal is that it works with no surprises and idiocies. There were very few “Huh” moments with BYD Seal too, which is commendable at this price point.BYD Seal EV First Drive ReviewDesign & QualityBYD Seal is a handsome-looking machine. The aerodynamic shape with 0.219 Cd might be slightly off-putting in pictures but looks much better in person. Car’s design grew on me with time, especially in the lovely Cosmos Black shade we had. Headlights are sleek and remind me of a Porsche Taycan and a Toyota Crown or a Prius. Actual ‘Double U’ lighting elements on the inside along with ‘Ripple’ LED elements in bumper stay true to its ‘Ocean’ theme. Similar Ripple design attributes are seen on front quarter panels too.BYD Seal ‘Ripple’ Aesthetics From Ocean Range19-inch aero alloy wheels look very swanky and side profile is swoopy and curvaceous. There are interesting creases on doors and bonnet lending underlying aggression and muscle. Rear gets a ‘Boundless’ LED connected tail light design. Rear bumper gets a large diffuser (real) like on a sportscar which must be contributing to the overall aero performance. BYD uses double-glazed glass with front windshield and windows for sound-proofing and they work. The silver-plated glass roof boasts 99% UV isolation and a large 1.9 m2 viewing area.BYD Seal EV First Drive ReviewStepping in, you will first be greeted by metallic scuff plates at all door sills. Aiding ingress and egress for driver is a welcome function where seat moves back making it easy to climb in and has a memory function too. Once you’re in, swooping lines across the interiors and lovely quilted leather seats captivate you. These seats are well-bolstered and thoroughly hug occupant’s body. Floating centre console has a gear selector along with start/stop, parking brake, a few telephony and climate control buttons and dials to select driving modes.BYD Seal Shoulder LineCabin lighting is LEDs and there is soothing ambient lighting on the inside as well. Lights for vanity mirrors were diffused LEDs which feel upmarket. Overall ambience from BYD Seal’s interior is top-notch for the price. BYD has used soft-touch plastics extensively and almost all touch points had them. There is suede material on the dashboard which is unique in this price bracket. BYD doesn’t call it Alcantara (maybe there was no deal with Alcantara brand). Touchpoints lower down the centre console were also soft to touch, which is just nice. Headliner is finished with premium knitted material too.BYD Seal EV First Drive ReviewSteering wheel and upholstery were clad with real leather. No “leather with an asterisk” nonsense here. All the buttons and rollers felt very premium and had a damped feeling to them, like a proper luxury car. BYD Seal EV gets felt lining inside the damped glovebox and storage bin under front centre armrest for a premium feel. Carpeting is also of premium quality and extends all the way till the car’s cargo area.BYD Seal EV Infotainment ScreenFeatures & PracticalityBYD’s rotating 15.6-inch touchscreen infotainment system supports wireless Android Auto and wired Apple CarPlay. Premium Dynaudio audio system gets a subwoofer at the back for a much fuller sound. Voice control yielded a fast response and ‘Hi BYD’ command triggers the system. A 10.25-inch colour TFT screen takes care of car’s instrumentation and incorporates speedo, SOC, DTE, ADAS-related info, performance metrics and more.BYD Seal EV First Drive ReviewWhere space and practicality are concerned, BYD Seal EV offers a lot of room for both front and rear occupants. I am 182 cm long individual and I didn’t face any issues with legroom, headroom and shoulder room at the back or front. Seat ergonomics is spot on too, striking the right amount of comfort and support. Practicality-wise, Seal EV gets a 400L boot with wide and large hatch-style opening tailgate. There is a 50L frunk (front trunk) which is reasonably practical. All the door packets, glovebox and storage under front armrest can house water bottles and other paraphernalia without breaking a sweat. Below floating centre console, we have additional storage space with a couple of USB sockets.BYD Seal Glass RoofFeatures-wise, BYD Seal is packed to the brim. We get LED lighting all around, 19-inch wheels, keyless entry, pop-out flush door handles, electrically adjustable front seats with 4-way lumbar support for driver’s seat, a HUD, ventilated front seats, auto-dimming IRVM, rear AC vents, front and rear armrest, dual-zone climate control, PM 2.5 air purifier, NFC on ORVMs, heated ORVMs, twin wireless mobile chargers on centre console, steering mounted controls, cruise control, electrically operated rear tailgate with soft-close feature, hydraulic bonnet struts, full-fledged puncture repair kit among others.BYD Seal EV First Drive ReviewWhere safety is concerned, BYD is offering 6 airbags, 360-degree camera, front and rear parking sensors, TPMS, TCS, auto hold, hill hold, ABS EBD and a host of ADAS suite. Speaking of ADAS suite, BYD Seal EV gets Adaptive Cruise Control, Auto Emergency Braking, Lane Departure Warning and Prevention, Emergency Lane Keeping Assist, Intelligent Cruise Control, Predictive Collision Warning, Traffic Sign Recognition, Speed Limit Control, Front and Rear Cross Traffic Alert and Braking, Blind Spot Detection, High Beam Assist and Driver Attention Warning.BYD Seal DashboardRide, Handling & PerformanceBYD Seal EV is based on the upgraded e-Platform 3.0 architecture with Cell To Body technology. Tightly integrating battery into vehicle’s floor improves vehicle safety, stability, handling and performance. The car feels rigid and stiff and there is no point of concern with BYD’ impeccable engineering. High-strength materials used in vehicular engineering have resulted in a full-fat 5-star crash safety rating awarded by Euro NCAP.When I first saw the 45 profile tyres on Seal, I was sceptical about car’s ride quality. However, BYD Seal EV surprised me with commendable composure, offering the right balance between ride comfort and sporty handling. Front double wishbone setup and rear 5-link setup with adaptive dampers and forged aluminium swingarm on top-spec model proved to be quite impressive. There is minimal body roll on corners and nose-dive on braking. Car stays pretty composed, thanks to its impeccable 50:50 weight distribution.BYD Seal WheelsSeal EV gracefully absorbed most of the bumps and undulations our Indian roads could throw at it without any thunks. That said, I wish Seal EV packed a 55-profile tyre to prevent damage to wheels in worst-case scenarios. The 145 mm ground clearance is a point of concern, however. We didn’t scrape car’s underbelly on speed breakers. We were tacking a steeply stepped side intersection in Delhi NCR and it slightly scraped the car’s underbelly. Again, a 55-profile tyre would have made all the difference here.235/45-R19 XX tyres on BYD Seal offered great grip. Car didn’t lose traction while putting the power down from a standstill. Top-spec Performance variant gets iTAC (Intelligent Torque Adaption Control) which predicts wheel speed in advance depending on road conditions. Despite being a 4.8m long vehicle, BYD Seal EV has a pretty manageable 5.7m turning radius. Overall, BYD Seal EV feels athletic and is very confidence-inspiring and sure-footed. In and around Delhi NCR, I was searching for gaps in the traffic to launch this like a missile and it never disappointed me once.BYD SealConclusionNo car is perfect. Suppose we take BYD Seal EV for example. In that case, it lacks wireless Apple CarPlay, it doesn’t have felt lining in door pockets like VW Passat had, Android Auto doesn’t work when infotainment screen is in portrait mode and there is no sun blind for the glass roof and sun shades for rear windows, which is not a good idea for a hot and sunny market like India. Front AC vents can only be positioned from the screen or choose one of the swing modes. Driver-side air vents are smaller and didn’t move up and down, chilling my hands. Ingress and egress for tall individuals into driver seat could have been more streamlined.At this point, I’m just nit-picking because there are no deal breakers with BYD Seal EV. While there are a few minor criticisms, BYD more than makes up for it with an unbeatable price-to-performance ratio. The car poses incredible value for what it offers and is a very unique luxury proposition for the price. To answer our question, BYD Seal EV is the ‘Deal of the Day’ . If you are a prospective buyer, BYD Seal EV should be on your shortlist. More

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      in Electric Cars

      Kia Clavis Electric Spied Testing Ahead Of Launch – Punch EV Rival?

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      Kia Clavis EV SpiedTo challenge the top-selling Tata Punch in sub-4-meter segment, Kia can introduce the ICE and EV versions of Clavis simultaneouslyKia Clavis test mules have been spied on road tests multiple times in recent months. It will be Kia’s most affordable SUV for India and is expected to be launched later this year. But that’s not all. Now, an EV version of Clavis has also been spotted in South Korea. It is apparent that Kia is planning a major onslaught to challenge the supremacy of Tata Punch.Kia Clavis EV – What to expect?Clavis ICE versions spotted earlier and this recent EV model are almost identical. The SUV has vertically stacked headlamps and LED DRLs, sculpted bonnet, flush-type door handles and functional roof rails. Even the alloy wheels are the same for both ICE and EV versions. However, this configuration could change with the production model. At rear, the lighting setup has the same vibes as one sees at the front. Overall, Kia Clavis has a compact, boxy profile.Kia Clavis Electric Spied – RearTo achieve a differentiation between the ICE and EV variants, Kia could introduce some minor changes at the front and rear. EV-specific badging will also be there across both exterior and interiors. A distinctive profile for both versions can also be achieved with exclusive colour shades and unique interior theme options.Kia Clavis EV – Key featuresMuch of the equipment list will be common for both ICE and EV versions of Kia Clavis. To engage rival Tata Punch in a close contest, Kia will ensure that Clavis gets a comprehensive range of features. It will include multiple segment-first and best-in-class features. Clavis test mules have revealed the presence of premium equipment such as ADAS, panoramic sunroof, 360° camera, ventilated seats and front parking sensors. These features will be available with the top-spec variants of Clavis.Kia Clavis – Casper Inspired ProfileOther key highlights of Clavis include dual, integrated screens for the infotainment and instrument cluster. This setup will be a close match to that of new Sonet and Seltos. The steering wheel seems familiar to that of Kia EV6. Kia Clavis will have dual-tone fabric upholstery. Interiors seem spacious in the spy shots, although one can get a better idea only after taking a test drive.Kia Clavis Alloy WheelKia Clavis EV – Performance, rangeDetails about the powertrain for Kia Clavis EV are yet to be revealed. However, it is possible that Clavis EV could borrow the powertrain from Hyundai Casper EV. As per estimates, Kia Clavis EV could have a range of around 320 km for the base variant. Kia will focus on features such as advanced regen system and fast charging.Rival Tata Punch EV is available in standard and long-range formats. The standard version has a 25-kWh battery that delivers a range of 315 km. Punch EV long range variant utilizes a 35-kWh battery, with a range of 421 km.Kia Clavis Electric Spied More