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    2023 Tata Altroz Spied Testing With Camo – Electric Or Facelift?

    Tata Altroz is the safest premium hatchback in the country followed by Jazz, i20 and Baleno2023 Tata Altroz Spied Testing – Single Tone AlloysTata Motors was shooting for gold when it launched Altroz in India. Hence they call it the gold standard in premium hatchback segment. Altroz makes a very compelling case if you ask us. It has one of a kind, 90-degree opening doors, it has all the features and creature comforts one can expect from this segment.It even looks good too and to top it all off, it scores 5-stars in Global NCAP crash test which is pretty much unrivalled in the segment. Tata even took a dig at i20 and Baleno calling them tricks while it is the real treat. But last time we checked, Baleno is currently the highest-selling car of any segment in India. i20 makes it to top 10 hatchbacks list.Tata needs to do something to spruce up this segment. In that regard, we recently received new spy shots of 2023 Altroz currently being tested on road. But what can it be? Altroz CNG, Altroz EV or Altroz Facelift? Let’s take a closer look.2023 Tata Altroz SpiedHat tip to automotive enthusiast Rajeesh Kumar for sharing these exclusive spy shots on Rushlane Spylane. It is likely to be a model year 2023 Altroz and is fully camouflaged. Altroz CNG is being under testing since 2021 and just last month, we even spied an Altroz CNG with emission testing equipment. But this new test mule isn’t equipped with emission testing gear.2023 Tata Altroz Spied Testing – Rear ProfileSo, what is it then? It could be a facelift of the current Altroz. We say this because Altroz has been on sale since January 2020. Which is 2.5 years ago and has not gotten a single update since launch. It got a Dark Edition option and that’s it. But, i20 and especially Baleno trailing way ahead of Altroz. Hence, Tata is likely to launch a facelift to re-establish interests around its gold standard and drive sales further.Coming to the test mule in question, it seems to be the top-trim as it gets rear defogger and rear washer with wiper. The wiper is somehow not present. But it is a top-spec trim. One notable change that we could spot in an instance is that this test mule gets single-tone alloy wheels. While outgoing model gets dual-tone alloys.Upcoming Altroz EV?Coming to the last set of predictions, it also has a very high chance of being the production version of Altroz EV. We say this because test mule has a cutout for exhaust tip to jut out. But an exhaust is not visible from the camera’s angle. Altroz EV was first showcased at 2020 Auto Expo.2023 Tata Altroz Spied Testing – EV?This test mule might be an EV as Tata Motors is expanding its EV portfolio vigorously with the recent announcement of Tiago EV. 2023 Altroz EV was supposed to get the same battery pack as Nexon EV Prime and around 350 to 400 km of claimed range. Right now, Altroz gets a 1.2L petrol engine option and a 1.5L diesel engine option and competes with Honda Jazz, Hyundai i20, Maruti Baleno, and the likes. More info will revolve soon. More

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    New BYD Atto 3 Electric SUV Spied Undisguised Ahead Of Launch

    Based on BYD’s advanced E platform that’s engineered to challenge the likes of Tesla, Atto 3 is expected to have better drive dynamics than rivalsNew BYD Atto 3 Electric SUV SpiedAfter launching e6 electric MPV in India, Chinese automaker BYD (Build Your Dreams) is looking to aggressively target the electric SUV segment. BYD’s first offering in this space will be Atto 3, which is scheduled for launch on October 11. The Warren Buffett-backed EV maker will initially target big cities and has already opened showrooms in Delhi and Mumbai.BYD Atto 3 will be initially imported into India as SKD (semi-knocked down) units. The SUV will be assembled at the company’s facility in Sriperumbudur near Chennai. Based on demand, BYD can think about producing Atto 3 locally at a later date. As it will be taking the SKD route that attracts taxes, Atto 3 will have premium pricing of around Rs 30 lakh to Rs 35 lakh. Deliveries are expected to commence early next year.New BYD Atto 3 Electric SUV SpiedAhead of launch next month, the new BYD SUV has been spied undisguised near Chennai. Hat tip to automotive enthusiast Ponsam Charles for sharing these exclusive images with Rushlane Spylane.Atto 3 electric SUV will primarily rival the likes of MG ZS EV and Hyundai Kona Electric. It may be pricier than rivals, but packs a punch in terms of segment-first features. For example, Atto 3 has ADAS features such as blind spot monitoring, autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist and departure warning, front and rear collision warning, rear cross traffic alert and rear cross traffic brake.New BYD Atto 3 Electric SUV SpiedOther highlights include a large 12.8 inch touchscreen infotainment system with adjustable rotation, which is again a segment-first feature. Atto 3 electric SUV has panoramic sunroof, USB type-C charging, wireless charging, 5-inch digital instrument panel and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A range of connected car features are offered via BYD DiLink Intelligent Connection System.In comparison to its rivals in India, Atto 3 is expected to be roomier on the inside. It’s around 4.5 meter long, as compared to 4,323 mm of MG ZS EV and 4,180 mm of Kona Electric. Just for perspective, recently unveiled Mahindra XUV400 is 4.2 meter in length. Atto 3 has a sporty exterior body profile, which should help enhance its prospects in India.As available in international markets, BYD Atto 3 has a range of 480 km when powered by a 60.48kWh battery pack. Another variant with 49.92kWh battery pack is also offered, which has a range of 320 km. When an 80 kWh DC charger is used, Atto 3 can achieve a full charge in just 45 minutes. The electric motor used onboard the SUV delivers 204 PS and 310 Nm. It can reach 0 to 100 kmph in 7.3 seconds.BYD Mumbai showroom launchedAfter Okhla showroom in Delhi, BYD has opened its first showroom in Mumbai. It is apparent that the country’s financial capital will be a key market for BYD’s pure electric vehicles. It’s also because there’s greater acceptance for EVs in Mumbai region.BYD’s outlets will be managed by Landmark Cars, which also operates outlets of other brands such as Jeep, Volkswagen and Mercedes-Benz. BYD Mumbai outlet is spread across an area of 2000 sq. ft., equipped with display floor, customer lounge and charging stations. More

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    2023 Yamaha XMax 300cc Scooter Spied – Honda Forza Rival

    In terms of exterior design, the XMax 300 test mule spotted overseas appears largely the same as current model2023 Yamaha XMax 300ccAs there’s hardly any difference in the skin, it’s likely that Yamaha may be focusing on upgrading the equipment list offered with XMax 300. For example, some new features could be introduced. Another possibility is a new variant, but it’s too early to accurately define such possibilities.Some key features of Yamaha XMax 300 maxi-scooter include an aggressive front fascia, full LED lighting, large windscreen, comfortable riding stance, step-up seat, chunky exhaust and large underseat storage. XMax 300 is preferred for its powerful performance and agile handling, all while offering the comforts typically associated with a scooter.2023 Yamaha XMax 300 to get quieter exhaust?While it’s not clear why XMax 300 is out there on road tests, it may have something to do with upcoming European Union noise restrictions. The official EU statement says that the existing Euro 5 noise limits will be revised and implemented as a separate act. The quantum of changes in noise limit and when exactly it will be implemented is yet to be finalized.However, as OEMs work in a proactive manner, Yamaha may have started working on the exhaust note of XMax 300 even before the new rules are enforced. XMax 300 currently has a throaty exhaust note, which may not comply with the new noise limits. Updated Euro 5 noise limits may take some time to implement, as OEMs and their suppliers will need to make multiple changes. Subsequently, these will need to be tested for reliability and performance in addition to the compliance part.2023 Yamaha XMax 300ccA cost-benefit analysis for different sound levels and their associated practicality and efficacy is currently being evaluated by the European Association of Motorcycle Manufacturers (ACEM). As per existing Euro 5 regulations, motorcycles with 175cc engines and above are required to have a noise limit of 80 decibels.Focus is on two-wheelers, as these are among the major contributors to noise pollution. European Union wants to have quieter cities, which is where the revised noise limits will be playing a crucial role. Enforcement of the new noise limit rules will be done with the help of noise radars that are already functional in European cities like Paris.2023 XMax 300 specs unchangedWhile the upcoming version of XMax 300 may be quieter, there are unlikely to be any major changes to the hardware. It may be possible to comply with updated Euro 5 noise limits just by introducing some changes to the exhaust setup. Yamaha XMax 300 is powered by a 292cc, liquid cooled motor that generates 28 PS of max power at 7,250 rpm and 29 Nm of peak torque at 5,750 rpm. It is mated to a V-belt automatic transmission.Suspension system comprises telescopic forks at front and swingarm unit at rear. Both ends have disc brakes, 267 mm front and 245 mm rear. Other key features of Yamaha XMax 300 include traction control system (TCS), smart key with remote locking, 12V outlet at front and white-on-black LCD instrument console. Upon launch, 2023 Yamaha XMax 300cc will take on the Honda Forza 300.Source More

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    2023 Ather Electric Scooter Spied – New Affordable Variant?

    Ather new electric scooter could get a smaller battery pack, which could mean lower range in comparison to 450X and 450 Plus2023 Ather Electric Scooter SpiedHigh acquisition cost is a key factor that is limiting sales of electric two-wheelers. It’s true that EV sales have registered triple-digit YoY growth in recent times. But overall numbers are still a fraction of ICE-based two-wheeler sales. That ICE two-wheelers continue to register positive growth shows electric two-wheelers are still out of reach of a large section of the masses.While the likes of Hero Electric have been able to match pricing of entry-level ICE-based two-wheelers, it will be difficult for Ather to achieve the same due to the advanced battery packs and hi-tech features offered with 450X and 450 Plus.2023 Ather Electric Scooter SpiedAs a solution, Ather appears to be working on a new scooter that will have a smaller battery pack and hence could be offered at a lower price point. This is something similar to Ola Electric that recently launched a more affordable Ola S1 at Rs 1 lakh with a range of 141 km.2023 Ather Electric Scooter is expected to have the same level of performance as that of 450X and 450 Plus. Only thing is that range will be less with the smaller battery pack. Top speed could also be impacted to some extent. There are unlikely to be any compromises on equipment list, as Ather is positioned as a lifestyle product. Ather new electric scooter will have features such as OTA updates, touchscreen display, turn-by-turn navigation, etc.2023 Ather Electric Scooter SpiedIt is likely that Ather new electric scooter will be based on 450X Gen 3, which was launched earlier this year in July. It comes with a range of upgrades such as a certified range of 146 km. True range is 105 km. It has a 25% bigger 3.7 kWh battery pack. With use of performance tyres, stopping distance has been reduced and grip on wet roads has improved by 22%. Dashboard interactions are now 80% faster, ensuring smoother maps and faster loading of apps.Why launch affordable variant?There are multiple reasons why OEMs have launched or are working to launch affordable versions of their existing scooters. One likely reason is rise in input costs, which has forced EV manufacturers to increase prices. Such price hikes have made these EVs even more inaccessible to a large section of consumers.Second reason is discontinuation of state EV subsidies, as already announced by states like Goa and Maharashtra. It is possible that more states could discontinue EV subsidy, something that will push EV prices significantly. Even central government EV subsidy available under FAME II is set to expire on March 31, 2024. It has already received an extension, so is unlikely to get another one.2023 Ather Electric Scooter SpiedAnother factor is that recharging infrastructure is now more easily accessible, as compared to earlier times. For example, Ather has more than 350 charging stations spread across more than 30 cities. And it’s only getting better with every passing day. So, even with low range, users don’t have to worry about getting stranded.Source More

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    Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 Spied With Adventure Panniers

    Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 ADV comes across as an impressive rally-raid machine that will surely have better capabilities than Himalayan 411Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 Touring Accessories SpiedConsidering Royal Enfield’s new-gen products such as Hunter and upcoming 450 ADV, it’s clear that the Chennai-based manufacturer is upping its game in a big way. Like Bajaj, Royal Enfield may also have plans for a much larger footprint in global markets. RE has promised an average of one new product every quarter and things seem to be going as per plans.While Himalayan 411cc has its merits, it lacks the numbers when compared to rivals like KTM 390 Adventure. The latter has 44 bhp, as compared to a modest 24.3 bhp of Himalayan. Even in actual ride conditions, users have pointed to Himalayan’s limitations when it comes to negotiating steeper inclines in slippery conditions. All such issues are set to be resolved with Royal Enfield 450 ADV.Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 PanniersRelative to Royal Enfield’s standard design language, this new ADV bike has a radically different profile. There’s hardly any resemblance to Himalayan, which is likely to be intentional. RE may want to protect this 450 ADV from any type of known inadequacies associated with its predecessor. Retro flavour stands reduced, limited to features like round headlamp and circular instrument dial.Considering its largely unkempt profile, it is apparent that the bike will be getting some more skin and refinements as it nears production stage. Some key features include a muscular tank, front racks, split seat design and compact exhaust. While the test mule spotted does not have a bash plate, the production variant is most likely to get one.Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 Touring Accessories SpiedOne of the biggest updates is USD front forks, a first for a Royal Enfield motorcycle. At rear, the bike has monoshock mounted on the right side. It links the swingarm to the central frame located under the fuel tank. Rear suspension is expected to have preload adjustability. It appears to have long travel for handling the most gruelling off-road tracks.Things that are similar to Himalayan include 21-inch front and 17-inch rear wire-spoked wheels. The bike has disc brakes at both ends and dual-channel switchable ABS is likely to be offered as standard. Riding ergonomics look quite comfortable and low seat height will ensure optimal balance and handling. Latest spy shots show the new Himalayan 450 wearing touring accessories – metal panniers.Royal Enfield 450 ADV performanceEngine deployed is a compact, single-cylinder unit. This one has liquid cooling and the engine head leans forward at an angle. Engine of other single-cylinder Royal Enfield bikes have an upright head. While specs are yet to be revealed, Royal Enfield 450 ADV can be expected to match or narrow the performance gap with rivals like 390 Adventure, BMW G310GS and upcoming Hero Xpulse 300.Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 Touring Accessories SpiedIn line with its rally-raid profile, Royal Enfield 450 ADV can get features such as assist and slipper clutch, GPS navigation, ride modes and ride-by-wire system. Customization options will also be available, as the bike has significant scope for enhancing its capabilities with a range of accessories.Source More

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    New Toyota bZ3 Electric Sedan Spied In Production Ready Guise

    Toyota bZ3 seems to borrow its design inspirations from its elder sibling bZ4X and also Hydrogen-powered MiraiNew Toyota bZ3 Electric SedanbZ series is Toyota’s electric vehicle family that means “beyond Zero”. Toyota has even announced that it will launch fifteen EVs in its global lineup. Out of these fifteen, seven will be launched under this bZ family. Toyota has big ambitions with this new bZ series of EVs.First of the bunch is called bZ4X which could be generalized as an electrified RAV4. It was not a bad thing given RAV4’s immense popularity in North American, South American, European, Middle-Eastern and even Asian countries. Since the crossover part is covered, it was time for a sedan under bZ series.In that regard, we now get the first ever pictures of bZ3 from China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology. Toyota bZ3 electric sedan is based on bZ SDN concept that was showcased last year. The vehicle in the pictures looks production ready and is largely similar to bZ SDN concept. Let’s take a closer look.Toyota bZ3 Electric SedanWhile bZ4X was developed in collaboration with Subaru and sourced its battery from GAC, Toyota has collaborated with BYD for bZ3 electric sedan. For starters, Toyota bZ3 electric sedan can be generalised as an electric version of company’s Corolla sedan like RAV4 was to bZ4X. bZ3’s headlights and LED light bar are somewhat similar to bZ4X. bZ3 also gets large side windows for a spacious and airy feel.New Toyota bZ3 Electric SedanComing to the side, bZ3 gets an interesting window line that rises near its C-pillar. It doesn’t look as neat as a German sedan would. But, okay. bZ3 also gets a lot of design cues from Toyota’s Hydrogen-powered Mirai too, especially with side profile. Highlights include flush door handles and aerodynamic wheels both of which contribute to a low drag coefficient.At the rear, things spruce up quite a bit. Toyota bZ3 electric sedan gets a wide LED bar working as its taillights that runs across the width and ends in a Y pattern at both ends. Some pictures also show a white and black dual-tone paint scheme that looks decent. For now, bZ3 is set to be China exclusive and it is not yet known as to which markets get it apart from China.Powertrain By BYDToyota bZ3 electric sedan sits on the company’s e-TNGA platform. Lithium Iron Phosphate batteries for this vehicle are sourced by BYD and its subsidiary Fudi Industrial. This company pioneers the blade-style cells for BYD products. The size of this is not yet known, though. bZ3 is likely to be offered only in RWD configuration. It will be made available with either a 181 bhp motor in lower-spec trims or a 240 bhp motor in top-spec trims.New Toyota bZ3 Electric SedanAlong with battery, interiors are also not known yet. But it is speculated that Toyota bZ3 electric sedan will get a similar portrait-styled touchscreen, a digital instrument console and an optional steering yoke as bZ4X gets. More details will be unraveled when bZ3 will be officially revealed at Guangzhou Auto Show in November. More

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    Mahindra XUV400 Electric Sunroof Spied – New Spy Shots

    Mahindra XUV400 is likely to get high-energy-dense NMC cells from LG Chem to rival LFP cells on Nexon EVMahindra XUV400 Electric SpiedMahindra is on the rise to establish itself as India’s leading EV manufacturer. They unveiled 5 electric SUV concepts last month. Each one is set to make a lot more bang than the other. Mahindra basically wants to rain EVs with its strategic partnership with VW to license their proprietary scalable MEB EV architecture.The fruits of this partnership though, will maybe ripen in 2023 and later. But in the meantime, Mahindra can’t just let Tata eat the EV cake by itself as Nexon EV accounts to 85% of 4W EV segment. In that light, we will see the reveal of XUV400 Electric based on SsangYong Tivoli’s original dimensions of 4.2m. Latest spy shots confirm the presence of a sunroof.Mahindra XUV400 Electric SunroofIn the previous teaser, we got to see a brief glimpse of XUV400 Electric’s front fascia. That’s it. As we said, it was brief. But looking at that teaser, it could be instantly deduced that it was similar to XUV300 Electric concept that was showcased at 2020 Auto Expo. It has a similar headlight design and also gets boomerang-shaped LED DRLs that look nice.The main highlight of this teaser is XUV400’s profile. It retains Ssangyong Tivoli’s original 4.2m length which was reduced to fit a 4m constraint to fit it into B-segment. But EVs don’t benefit from this hack at all. Hence, the retained dimensions. With a 4.2m length, XUV400 Electric comes off as a much more proportionate and handsome design.[embedded content][embedded content]This length also allows Mahindra to offer a larger boot which was the Achilles Heal of XUV300. 17” wheels are also likely to be carried over from XUV300. Another missing feature on XUV300 was rear AC vents which is also likely to be offered with XUV400 Electric. Latest spy video from PowerStroke PS confirms the presence of a sunroof in the new Electric XUV400.Specs & PricingThe MEB platform sourced from VW named INGLO will not be offered with XUV400. But all five EVs that Mahindra showcased on August 15th, will be based on this new platform. XUV400 Electric is likely to get NMC cells sourced from LG Chem and are considered superior to LFP cells that are used on its stark rival Nexon EV Prime and Nexon EV Max.We can expect around 150 bhp of power along with 400 km of claimed range and 300 km of real-world range from around 40 to 45 kWh battery pack. But Mahindra being Mahindra, we can expect a tonne of features too. We’re talking about a large touchscreen infotainment with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, a sunroof, wireless phone charger, ADAS features, dual-zone climate control, 7 airbags and a lot more.There are also speculations about two battery pack options like we have with Nexon EV. XUV400 is likely to slot between Nexon EVs and MG ZS EV. Pricing can be in the ballpark of Rs. 15 to 20 lakh (ex-sh). Nexon EV Max is priced from Rs 18.34 lakh to Rs 19.84 lakh. Whereas, MG ZS EV is priced from Rs 21.99 lakh. More details will be unveiled on 8th September. More

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    New Volkswagen Electric Car Spied Near Pune – 2023 Launch?

    VW ID.4 could get different powertrain options with a RWD or an AWD variant when launched in IndiaNew Volkswagen Electric Car Spied – ID.4 GTXVolkswagen was in the news recently as it is providing a license to Mahindra for its proprietary MEB platform. Mahindra calls it the INGLO platform and the five electric cars that were showcased on August 15th, will be based on this platform. Mahindra is the second customer for Volkswagen for their MEB platform after Ford.But Volkswagen also seems to be eyeing the growing EV popularity in India. If they are supplying Mahindra with MEB components in India, they might as well launch a vehicle with that very platform in India that might set a precedent for future OEMs that might source MEB platforms from Volkswagen Groups.In that regard, we have seen Skoda Enyaq iV 80X variant with 77 kWh battery undergoing testing on road in Pune, Maharashtra. But now, we also have spotted VW ID.4 GTX that also gets the same 77 kWh battery too. Let’s take a look.New Volkswagen Electric Car SpiedRecently spotted, the ID.4 GTX is the high-performance variant. ID.4 looks just like the rest of Volkswagen’s ID lineup. It is based on VW’s ID Crozz concept that was showcased at the 2020 Auto Expo. It is currently manufactured in Chattanooga, USA and also in China outside Germany.New Volkswagen Electric Car Spied – ID.4 GTXThe GTX variant that is spotted in India is instantly recognisable with its red shade with its interesting dual-tone alloy wheels. These wheels are 20” though which is a size larger than Skoda Enyaq’s 19”. Volkswagen always positions itself as the premium offering above Skoda and below Audi. Speaking of Audi, Q4 e-tron is also the same car underneath too along with Skoda Enyaq.New Volkswagen Electric Car Spied – ID.4 GTXBoth VW ID.4 GTX and Skoda Enyaq iV 80X are spotted testing in India completely undisguised. Imports are generally not camouflaged while testing, as we saw with the ID.4’s rival Kia EV6. But that generally doesn’t mean that a launch is imminent. Manufacturers might also be testing only some of their components or their powertrain.Mahindra’s INGLO platform is based on VW’s MEB global scalable platform. This platform also underpins VW ID.4 and Skoda Enyaq too. It is likely that they are testing this platform for Indian conditions with both these test mules.New Volkswagen Electric Car Spied – ID.4 GTXSpecs & PricingBecause they’re imports, we’re likely to only get top-spec trims like GTX on ID.4 and 80X on Enyaq. VW ID.4 GTX gets a 77 kWh battery pack that is capable of dishing out 302 bhp. Claimed range is 418 km for North American markets and 522 km in WLTP cycle. ID.4 is 4,584mm long and has 2,765mm of wheelbase. Which makes it roughly the size of Harrier and the likes. ID.5 is a coupe variant of ID.4 and is slightly longer.Volkswagen Electric Car ID.4 GTX is likely to get the same set of features that the global model gets. When launched, ID.4 GTX will rival Kia EV6, recently launched Volvo XC40 Recharge and upcoming Ioniq 5 along with ID.4’s Czech cousin Enyaq (if launched). Right now, we have Tata Nexon EV that tops the charts while XUV400 Electric is set to debut on September 8th.  More