News

Subterms

    More stories

    • 150 Shares99 Views

      in Electric Cars

      MG Maxus 9 Electric MPV Launch Price 2.5m THB (Rs. 60 Lakh)

      by

      MG Maxus 9 (Maxus Mifa 9)The 90 kWh battery pack on MG Maxus 9 is good for 540 km of range on a single charge with 245 bhp and 350 Nm motor and FWD layout
      MG Maxus 9 EV is launched in Thailand. The British brand has badge-engineered a Maxus Mifa 9 (showcased at 2023 Auto Expo in India) as Maxus 9. Scratched your head? Yes, Maxus is the name of the manufacturer that made the vehicle, Mifa 9. In Thailand, MG has chosen the name of the manufacturer as the name of the model.
      MG Maxus 9 EV Launched In Thailand
      Except for branding, every square inch is identical between Maxus Mifa 9 and MG Maxus 9. MG has priced Maxus 9 between 2.499 million Baht for base X trim and 2.699 million Baht for top-spec V trim in Thailand. Today’s currency exchange translates to a price between Rs. 60 lakh and Rs. 65 lakh.
      MG Maxus 9 Electric MPV
      This is what a Fortuner costs in Karnataka, on-road. For the money, MG Maxus 9 is a 5,270 mm long, 2000 mm wide, 1,840 mm tall fully electric mini-van with a 3,200 mm long wheelbase, automatic sliding doors, and a tonne of tech and gadgetry. We hope MG brings in Mifa 7 instead of this to India.
      High on features and creature comforts
      For starters, MG Maxus 9 is completely identical to Maxus Mifa 9. it is a futuristic fully-electric minivan. The front fascia has sleek LED DRL elements at the top and LED headlights below them. There are strong vertical design elements that lend a lot of aggression. Rear LED tail light signature mimics its face. Reminds me of representation of humans in cavemen’s drawings. Once you see it, you can’t unsee it.
      Seating layout
      Owing to its minivan body style, it has an impressive greenhouse and acres of space on the inside. Speaking on the inside, MG Maxus 9 is fairly minimalistic and techy at the same time. Dashboard has two iPad-like displays with rounded corners. One for instrumentation and other for driver’s display. Front seats are powered, ventilated and massaging as well.
      MG Maxus 9 Electric MPV – Sunroof
      MG has integrated AC controls into a touch-sensitive panel below infotainment screen. 2nd-row individual captain chairs are Maxus 9’s forte. These are powered, heated, ventilated, and massage function enabled. Both 2nd-row seats get calf rests, individual armrests and cup holders, individual wireless charging pads and individual digital displays to control respective seat functions and individual foldable tables.
      There is a single-pane sunroof for front occupants and a panoramic sunroof for 2nd and 3rd row occupants. Automatic sliding doors, leather seats, soft-touch interior trims with intricate stitching, ambient lights with 64 colours, dedicated rear climate zone, 12 speaker audio system, 9 USB ports, IRVM with rear camera feed, PM 2.5 air filter are notable elements.
      Luxurious Lounge Seats
      Electrifying powertrain
      MG Maxus 9 comes equipped with a 90 kWh battery coupled with a 245 bhp and 350 Nm single motor FWD architecture. NEDC certified range is up to 540 km on a single charge. An 11 kW AC charger takes the battery from 5%-100% in 8.5 hours and 120 kW DC fast charging allows battery to go from 30%-80% in 30 minutes.
      Because it is an EV, there is a small front boot (Fruit?). 19” alloys with run-flat tyres, ADAS suite, electronic parking brake, TPMS, driver monitoring system, 360-degree camera with high resolution feed are other notable features. In Thailand, MG is offering three different colours namely Pearl White, Black Knight and Concrete Grey/Black Roof. More

    • 175 Shares169 Views

      in Motor News

      2024 Volvo C40 and XC40 Recharge Go RWD, Boosting Range to Nearly 300 Miles

      by

      Volvo is reconfiguring the C40 and XC40 Recharge’s electric powertrain for 2024.A new 248-hp rear-wheel-drive base model offers considerably more range and should cost less too.Range increases to 293–297 miles for the single-motor version, while the dual-motor AWD model gets a range boost to 254–257 miles.Volvo is expanding and improving its EV lineup for 2024 with some notable changes to the C40 Recharge and XC40 Recharge models. They both gain a new rear-wheel-drive single-motor version with a larger battery and considerably more range, while the existing dual-motor all-wheel-drive variants also boost range thanks to efficiency improvements.The new RWD cars have a 248-hp electric motor and battery with 79.0-kWh usable capacity, which enables a 297-mile range in the C40 Recharge and a slightly lower 293-mile range in the less aerodynamic XC40 Recharge. These models are also capable of a higher DC fast-charging rate of 200 kilowatts, which Volvo claims enables it to charge from 10 percent to 80 percent in 28 minutes.More on Volvo EVsThe dual-motor configuration continues into 2024 as well and continues to make 402 horsepower like before. But Volvo says that the electric motors are different, with the rear motor now making 255 horsepower and the front motor now an asynchronous type that is able to disconnect when it’s not needed. These efficiency improvements, also helped by new 19-inch wheels that are more aerodynamic, mean that the AWD models’ 75.0-kWh battery provides considerably more range. The XC40 is now rated at 254 miles, 31 miles more than before, while the C40 goes from 226 miles up to 257 miles.Volvo hasn’t released pricing yet, but we expect the RWD versions to cost less than the outgoing 2023 C40 and XC40 Recharge, which were offered only with a dual-motor powertrain and started in the mid-$50,000 range. Volvo says these updated 2024 EVs will go on sale in the United States in the second half of this year.This content is imported from poll. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site.Senior EditorDespite being raised on a steady diet of base-model Hondas and Toyotas—or perhaps because of it—Joey Capparella nonetheless cultivated an obsession for the automotive industry throughout his childhood in Nashville, Tennessee. He found a way to write about cars for the school newspaper during his college years at Rice University, which eventually led him to move to Ann Arbor, Michigan, for his first professional auto-writing gig at Automobile Magazine. He has been part of the Car and Driver team since 2016 and now lives in New York City.   More

    • 150 Shares99 Views

      in Motor News

      2024 Genesis GV90 Will Be a $100K Luxury Crossover with Striking Looks

      by

      From the May 2023 issue of Car and Driver.WHAT IT IS The Korean luxury arm’s third electrified SUV will be its biggest and poshest yet and build on the flagship G90 sedan’s striking design.WHY IT MATTERSThe gasoline-powered G90 isn’t exactly a volume model—or even well known, for that matter. The GV90 is a luxury SUV, which means it’ll probably sell well.PLATFORMThis luxury liner will be underpinned by the E-GMP architecture shared throughout the Korean automaker’s most recent electrified efforts. We expect air springs and electronically controlled dampers to enhance the cabin’s tranquility.POWERTRAINDon’t expect any groundbreaking electrification technology here. The GV90 is likely to use the same motors that propel the Electrified GV70, one on each axle, for a maximum combined output approaching 500 horsepower. Expect the GV90 to use the 87.2-kWh battery from the Electrified G80, which could offer around 250 miles of range. Top-trim GV90s may pack a larger battery.COMPETITIONBMW iX, Lucid Gravity, Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV, Rivian R1S, Tesla Model X.WHAT MIGHT GO WRONGAfter nearly a decade since Hyundai established the luxury brand, people still ask, “What’s a Genesis?”ESTIMATED ARRIVAL AND PRICEThe GV90 should hit the streets in the middle of 2024 with a starting price around $100,000.Senior Testing EditorDavid Beard studies and reviews automotive related things and pushes fossil-fuel and electric-powered stuff to their limits. His passion for the Ford Pinto began at his conception, which took place in a Pinto. More

    • 150 Shares199 Views

      in Bike

      Jawa Yezdi Motorcycles Get Updated – New Tech, Low NVH, Price Hike

      by

      New Jawa 42 BobberJawa Yezdi Motorcycle prices have been hiked by 0.8-2 percent and Jawa range is priced from Rs 1.96 lakh while Yezdi range starts at Rs 2.09 lakh
      It has been a busy few months for the Jawa Yezdi brand in 2023. It was in Jan 2023 that the company introduced new colour options wherein the Jawa 42 Sports Stripe received a metallic Cosmic Carbon while Yezdi Roadster got a glossy Crimson Dual Tone colour scheme. Earlier this month, Yezdi brand was launched in Nepal where its Roadster, Scrambler and Adventure motorcycles are priced at NPR 9.16 lakh, NPR 9.4 lakh and NPR 9.98 lakh respectively.
      In a further update, the Jawa Yezdi motorcycle range has now been fitted with new age technologies and fitments that enhance rideability and improve engine performance. This is seen across portfolios thus taking the riding experience to the next level. These changes come in along with engine updates that now comply with new and more stringent BS-VI Phase 2 (OBD2) emission norms and are on sale across all company dealerships in the country.
      Jawa Yezdi Feature and Engine Updates
      Jawa range, which has the 42 Sports Stripe, 42 Bobber and Perak see their engine components tuned for better NVH levels which in turn keeps emissions under control. The engine has been fitted with a larger throttle body and exhaust ports. Jawa 42 gets a new assist and slip clutch along with a redesigned muffler for better exhaust note. It also receives new features such as revised hazard lamps and a new digital speedometer.
      Yezdi Roadster, Scrambler and Adventure receive similar updates. They are now capable of improved NVH levels and ensure better rideability while low end performance is augmented via a larger sprocket at the rear. Redesigned mufflers ensure better exhaust note.
      Jawa Yezdi prices May 2023
      Ashish Singh Joshi, CEO – Jawa Yezdi Motorcycles said, “Right from the beginning, Jawa Yezdi Motorcycles has prioritized technology to offer the best performance and riding experience to its consumers. While the shift to OBD2 regulations was imminent, we also bundled a host of enhancements, some based on rider feedback, across our range of motorcycles. The new motorcycles offer a remarkable shift in everyday rideability, refinement and overall performance to our riders. The marginal hike in prices make them a great value proposition and a very compelling choice.”
      Jawa Yezdi Price Hike
      These changes and engine updates along with compliance to new emission standards have also resulted in a marginal price hike across Jawa Yezdi bikes by 0.8-2 percent or by Rs 2,000-6,000 as per make and model. Starting with the Jawa 42 Dual Channel (Orion Red, Sirius White), the new price is at Rs 1,96,142 as against an earlier price of Rs 1,94,142. Jawa 42 Dual Channel (Allstar Black) and Jawa 42 Bobber (Mystic Copper) are now priced at Rs 1,97,142 and Rs 2,12,500 respectively.
      Jawa 42 Bobber (Moonstone White) and Jawa 42 Bobber (Jasper Red) are priced at Rs 2,13,500 and Rs 2,15,187 respectively. There is also the Jawa Perak in its lineup that was earlier priced at Rs 2,09,187, but with the price hike now carries a price tag of Rs 2,13,187.
      The Yezdi range starts off with its Scrambler (Fire Orange) at Rs 2,09,900, while the other colour options of Bold Black, Yelling Yellow, Outlaw Olive are at Rs 2,11,900. Yezdi Roadster (Smoke Grey, Inferno Red, Glacial White) and Yezdi Roadster (Crimson Dual Tone) are at Rs 2,06,142 and Rs 2,08,829 respectively. Yezdi Adventure range is priced at Rs 2,15,900, Rs 2,19,900 and Rs 2,19,942 for the Slick Silver, Mambo Black and Whiteout colour schemes. These were earlier priced at Rs 2,12,900, Rs 2,14,900 and Rs 2,14,942 thus seeing a Rs 3,000-Rs 5,000 price hike. More

    • 150 Shares99 Views

      in Bike

      Hero Passion XPro Spied During TVC Shoot – Is It For India?

      by

      Global offering Passion XPro spotted shooting commercial in IndiaHero Passion XPro on sale in Bangladesh is powered by a 109.15cc engine – Different from India-spec Passion’s 113.2cc engine
      A new Hero motorcycle has been spied in India, while it was out for a TVC shoot. It is a Hero Passion XPro. This motorcycle is on sale in a few global markets like Bangladesh. There, Hero offers two colours, Techno Blue and Sports Red. Base coat is grey and gets Blue or Red decals depending on its colour.
      The one spotted in India is in a Techno Blue shade. Hero offers Passion XPro the exact same front fascia of India-spec Passion XTEC. Even its ‘H’ shaped LED signature is identical too and lends a modern and techy appeal.
      Hero Passion XPro Spied
      Hero has offered extended tank shrouds. Design is sleek and slender, lending it an athletic appeal. At the rear, there is an all-new tail light which has no similarities with the Indian 110cc lineup. Hero’s proprietary XTEC suite with a fully digital instrument console and Bluetooth connectivity are notable elements.
      We can spot similar componentry between Hero’s 110cc lineup in India and recently spotted Hero Passion XPro. Except for its engine. Which is a 109.15cc unit, completely different from India-spec 113.2cc motor. The same 109.15cc engine was on offer on Passion XPro on sale in India, which didn’t make the BS6 P1 transition in 2020.
      Top – Passion XPro, Middle – Passion XPro Bangladesh-spec, Bottom – India-spec Passion Pro
      In the picture, we can see that the India-spec 113.2 cc engine (below) has a larger heat jacket and even looks more substantial and fuller than Passion XPro’s 109.15cc engine (above). The recently spotted Passion XPro in India is equipped with the older 109.15cc engine which didn’t make the BS6 P1 transition and not the BS6 P2-compliant 113.2cc engine.
      Hero Passion XPro spied in India during TVC shoot
      Also, Hero offers older engines in a few markets. For example, Hero still makes a 150cc Hunk and exports it with an identical engine we used to get close to a decade ago. It is likely that Hero MotoCorp is shooting an advert for Passion XPro in India to market it in another country. This is a common practice and many India-spec vehicles get their adverts shot elsewhere too.
      100cc Motorcycles rule the market
      Analysing the Indian budget commuter segment, most action lies in 100cc space. Hero’s own 110cc motorcycles don’t make as much buzz as their 100cc offerings. For example, Passion is exclusively (as of now) a brand for 110cc offerings in Hero’s lineup.
      In March 2023, Passion line sold just 4,640 units, while Splendor range accounted for 2,88,605 units (most of them 100cc) and 56,290 units of 100cc HF lineup. Even the 125cc Glamour line sold 8,512 units. As we recently saw with Passion Plus 100, Hero is actually diversifying its 100cc portfolio. Which is where all the action is currently lying. Even Honda recognised this and has launched Shine 100.
      Image Source More

    • 138 Shares129 Views

      in Bike

      Honda Shine 100cc Production Starts – First Batch Dispatched To Dealers

      by

      Honda Shine 100cc Production StartsHonda Shine 100cc will rival commuter bikes such as Hero Splendor, Hero HF100, HF Deluxe and Bajaj Platina 100
      Hero Splendor that had positioned itself at No.1 on sales charts in India is set to get a new rival in the form of the Honda Shine 100cc. This new commuter bike has been launched at Rs 64,900 (ex-showroom). This is an introductory price which is set to be increased in due course.
      Honda Motorcycle and Scooter India (HMSI) has reported a YoY growth of 6.14 percent in domestic sales in Apr 2023. There was also a 71.28 percent MoM growth in sales. With the new Shine 100cc, Honda can now hope for increased sales in coming months.
      Honda Shine 100cc Production Starts
      Honda has announced the start of production of Shine 100cc. First batch has rolled out the company plant in Narasapura (Karnataka). Dispatch to dealers across India has also started. Deliveries to customers will commence in a few days.
      The new Honda Shine 100 is being offered in 5 colours of Black with Red Stripes, Black with Blue Stripes, Black with Green Stripes, Black with Gold Stripes and Black with Grey Stripes. Where ergonomics are concerned, the new Shine gets a long seat of 677mm, low ride height of 786mm, ground clearance of 168mm and wheelbase of 1,245mm.
      New Honda Shine 100cc – Brochure
      It commands a turning radius of 1.9 meters. On board features also include aluminum grab handles, attractive front cowl, uniquely designed fuel tank, halogen headlamp and distinctive tail lamp. It rides on black finished alloy wheels while other features include side stand with engine inhibitor and Combi-Brake System (CBS) with equalizer. It also sports an analogue instrument cluster with speedometer, odometer and fuel gauge.
      Honda Shine 100 – Engine
      The Honda Shine gets a 99.7 cc, air cooled, single cylinder engine that offers 7.6 hp power and 8.05 Nm torque mated to a 4 speed constant mesh gearbox. Power offered by its arch rival Hero Splendor is marginally higher at 8 hp while torque figure remains the same. Honda confirms that performance and fuel efficiency will be the best in the segment. Though mileage figures are not yet revealed, expected mileage could be in the 60-70 km/l range.
      The 100cc engine gets fuel injection and Solenoid which allows for a smoother start in any type of weather conditions while it also prevents the engine from starting if the side stand is engaged. The engine is OBD – 2 compliant and is capable of running on E20 fuel which is petrol with 20 percent ethanol blend.
      Honda Shine 100 which is based on a new diamond-type frame, gets telescopic forks in the front and dual spring-loaded shock absorbers at the rear. Braking is via drum brakes at the front and rear with combined braking system as standard. Honda is also offering the new Shine 100 with a special 6 year warranty pack of 3 years standard and 3 years optional. Besides rivaling Hero Splendor, the new Honda Shine 100, which is offered in a single variant will also compete with the Hero HF Deluxe and HF 100 and also with the Bajaj Platina 100. More

    • 138 Shares119 Views

      in Bike

      Hero MotoCorp Sales April 2023 – 3.68 L Motorcycles, 27k Scooters

      by

      Hero Super SplendorThe company expects sales in the coming months to increase significantly thanks to new product launches, healthy GDP growth in India as well as more positive consumer sentiments
      Hero MotoCorp has opened the first month of the new financial year having suffered a YoY and MoM decline in sales. The company ended FY 2022-23 on a positive note with sales at 53,28,546 units in the April-March 2023 period which related to an 8 percent growth as against 49,44,150 units sold in FY 2021-22.
      Hero MotoCorp total sales dipped by 5.38 percent to 3,96,107 units in April 2023. This was as against 4,18,622 units sold in April 2022. MoM sales also fell by 23.73 percent from 5,19,342 units sold in March 2023.
      Hero MotoCorp Sales April 2023
      Hero MotoCorp has recorded a de-growth in terms of motorcycle sales in the past month. Sales fell to 3,68,830 units in April 2023, down 6.06 percent YoY from 3,92,627 units sold in April 2022. This was a YoY volume decline of 23,797 units with motorcycles commanding a 93.11 percent share. MoM sales were also in the red by 24.09 percent from 4,85,896 units sold in March 2023 with a 1,17,066 unit volume decline.
      Scooter sales on the other hand grew on a YoY basis by 4.93 percent to 27,277 units in April 2023 up from 25,995 units sold in April 2022. MoM sales however, fell by 18.44 percent from 33,446 units sold in March 2023. The recently launched Xoom 110cc scooter has been doing well in sales. It is available in three variants – LX, VX and ZX and priced from Rs 68,599-76,699 (ex-showroom).
      Hero MotoCorp Sales April 2023
      Total domestic sales (motorcycles + scooters) were down by 3.09 percent YoY to 3,86,184 units in April 2023 from 3,98,490 units sold in April 2022. MoM sales also fell by 23.18 percent over 5,02,730 units sold in March 2023. Exports also suffered YoY and MoM decline by 50.71 percent and  40.27 percent respectively with only 9,923 units shipped in April 2023.
      Hero MotoCorp Sales April 2023
      Hero MotoCorp in April 2023
      During the past month, a custom built Harley-Davidson Road King was presented to a specially-abled employee, Chitra Zutshi. The bike was handed over at a ceremony held at Hero’s Global Centre for Innovation and Technology (CIT) in Jaipur. Chitra piloted the bike on a testing track under the supervision of an expert.
      Hero MotoSports Team Rally also concluded a run at Sonora Rally 2023. The team was represented by Ross Branch and Sebastian Buhler in the first event held in North America, finishing at 7th and 10th positions respectively. The ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) has VIDA as the official electric mobility brand partner of the Lucknow Super Giants.  More

    • 113 Shares179 Views

      in Bike

      Ather Mandating Dot Charger? Portable Charger To Cost Extra?

      by

      Ather Dot Charger
      Ather Dot charger and Portable charger have their own unique benefits, which is why customers need to have the option to choose
      Ather 450X electric scooter can be charged in a home environment or via the Ather Grid charging network. The Grid is accessible for only the top-spec Ather 450X Pro Pack variant. For home charging, the options available are the wall-mounted Dot charger and the easy-to-carry Portable charger.
      However, as per inputs provided by a user, Ather now seems to be mandating the Dot charger with the scooter. Earlier, buyers had the option to choose between Dot charger and Portable charger at the time of making the payment. Now, it appears that Dot charger is part of standard equipment. Anyone who needs the Portable charger will have to pay extra.
      Different needs, different chargers
      Both Dot charger and Portable charger have their unique advantages. Dot charger seems more hassle free, as one does not need to carry the charger with them or worry about forgetting it or misplacing it.
      The Dot charger comes with all the required installation accessories. It can be installed by Ather on request or by any local electrician. Once installed, the Dot charger is like having a fuel pump installed right inside your home.
      Ather Portable Charger
      However, Dot charger won’t be suitable for folks who have varying commuting schedule. This is especially true in case there aren’t enough Ather Grid stations in the city. Also, 450X base-spec owners will anyways won’t have access to the Grid. Another limitation of Dot charger is that it will work with only the owner’s scooter. It will not work with any other Ather scooter. But users have the option to approach Ather customer helpline and request to link the charger with the scooter ID.
      Ather Portable charger seems more convenient, as it works just like a laptop charger. Any 5A socket can work for Ather Portable charger. It can be easily carried anywhere under the seat. Portable charger also makes sense for folks who switch houses and cities quite often. The Portable charger is not linked to any specific scooter ID and can be used to charge any Ather scooter.
      Users may end up with 2 chargers
      If the Dot charger is part of standard equipment, users wanting the Portable charger will end up with two chargers for their Ather scooter. They will also need to pay extra to get the Portable charger. This will result in wastage of resources.
      It remains to be seen how Ather responds to feedback from users. If there’s sizeable pushback, it is possible that Ather may bring back the option to choose between the Dot charger and the Portable charger. Clearly, there’s no technical or safety issue with the Portable charger, as it is available at additional price. Mandating Dot charger may not impact Ather scooter sales, but it seems a bit unsettling for folks who prefer a portable charger. More