Reginald

For reference, MG’s ‘XPower’ is what an ‘AMG’ is to Mercedes-Benz. The XPower badge was incorporated by MG after acquiring Qvale, a small and independent Italian car manufacturer. So in a sense, the new MG6 XPower is half British and half Italian but sponsored by a rich Chinese businessman. The Italian genes are evident in the way the new MG6 XPower looks, nothing about the exterior is subtle. For a start, the exterior comes in a rather eye-catching glossy dark green shade, then there is the exterior design itself with flared wheel arches, aggressive front bumpers with two thin rectangular slots above the grille to feed more air, a huge carbon fibre rear wing and an equally imposing diffuser. However, the same flamboyance is not mimicked on the interior-the British genes do come into play here. The interior looks sharp and simple with clean lines and minimal clutter. The interior also shows two large displays, one for the instrumentation and the other one for the large touchscreen infotainment system. The MG6 XPower produces an impressive 305bhp and 405Nm using a combination of a highly-strung 1.5-litre turbocharged engine and a high power permanent magnet synchronous motor. The whole power unit is mated to an advanced 10-Speed ED intelligent electric dive gearbox, enabling the MG6 XPower to transfer all its 305hp efficiently onto the tarmac for a sub-6 second sprint to 100km/h from a standstill. Thoughts On MG6 XPower Being Unveiled The MG6 XPower seems thoroughly developed and tested. For a relatively new team in the company, the engineers have done a tremendous job. It is in many ways a homage to MG’s motorsport history and is a job well done.
Source: DriveSpark.com

According
to
media
reports,
the
company
began
evaluating
the
launch
after
Kia
receiving
customer
feedback
at
the
2020
Auto
Expo.
Now,
Kia
seems
to
have
decided
on
bringing
the
crossover
SUV
to
the
Indian
market.
The
Kia
Soul
is
currently
sold
in
various
international
markets.
The
crossover
SUV
is
offered
with
both
IC
engine
and
electric
powertrain
options.
The
Soul
EV
was
awarded
the
2020
World
Urban
Car
Of
The
Year.
Speaking
about
the
Soul’s
powertrain
options,
the
petrol
variant
of
the
crossover
SUV
feature
two
engine
options.
This
includes
the
2.0-litre,
four-cylinder,
naturally-aspirated
unit
that
produces
a
maximum
of
146bhp
and
a
peak
torque
132Nm
of
torque;
mated
to
either
a
six-speed
manual
or
an
IVT
automatic
transmission.
The
top-spec
variants
of
the
SUV
are
offered
with
a
1.6-litre
turbocharged
engine
that
dishes
out
a
maximum
of
200bhp
and
a
peak
torque
of
195Nm;
mated
to
a
seven-speed
dual-clutch
transmission
as
standard.
Due
to
the
increasing
demand
for
electric
vehicles
in
the
country,
the
company
could
also
bring
the
Soul
EV
crossover
SUV
to
India.
The
Kia
Soul
EV
is
offered
in
two
variants
in
international
markets.
The
lower-spec
variants
feature
a
39.2kWh
battery
pack
that
produces
a
maximum
of
135bhp
and
395Nm
of
peak
torque.
The
maximum
driving
range
is
rated
at
277km
on
a
single
charge
as
per
the
WLTP
cycle.
On
the
other
hand,
the
top-spec
variant
of
the
Soul
EV
features
a
larger
64kWh
battery
pack
that
produces
a
maximum
of
201bhp
and
395Nm
of
peak
torque.
It
features
a
(WLTP)
maximum
claimed
driving
range
of
452km
on
a
single
charge.
The
Soul
features
a
modern
and
sleek
looking
design
with
a
tall-riding
stance
making
for
a
roomier
cabin.
It
features
sleek-looking
LED
headlamps
with
integrated
DRLs.
At
the
rear
the
C-shaped
tail
lamps
have
merged
with
a
light
bar
running
at
top
of
the
boot
lid,
giving
the
crossover
compact
SUV
a
modern
look.
Most
of
the
design
features
are
shared
between
the
Soul
and
the
Soul
EV
with
subtle
changes
made
to
the
electric
SUV.
Most
of
the
design
changes
on
the
Soul
EV
are
made
on
the
front
to
create
a
more
aerodynamic
design.
Other
features
on
the
Soul
includes
a
10.25
touchscreen
infotainment
system
that
supports
Apple
CarPlay,
Android
Auto
and
the
brand’s
UVO
connected
technology,
fully
digital
OLED
display
for
the
instrument
console,
wireless
charging,
ventilated
seats,
ambient
lights,
emergency
braking,
lane
keep
assist,
wireless
phone
charger,
a
head-up
display,
and
blind-spot
monitoring
system;
among
a
host
of
other
features.
Thoughts
About
The
Kia
Soul
Name
Trademarked
In
India
Kia
recently
did
a
complete
brand
makeover
in
the
Indian
market
with
a
new
logo
and
brand
name.
The
company
is
looking
to
follow
that
up
with
the
introduction
of
the
Soul
crossover
SUV.
The
demand
for
SUV
and
electric
models
are
increasing
by
the
day
in
India.
Whether
Kia
India
will
launch
the
Soul
EV
in
the
country,
remains
to
be
seen.
Source: DriveSpark.com

Great Wall Motors (GWM) was the talk of the town at the 2020 Auto Expo. The company showcased a whole host of products at the Expo. Soon after the expo, GWM was hot on heels to enter the Indian market. The company also announced an investment of USD 1 million and signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Maharashtra Government back in June 2020. However, the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic and the tensions between the two nations has resulted in GWM’s debut getting delayed in the country. Moving to the first model in question from the brand. Although the Haval F7 has been listed on the brand’s Indian website, GWM is yet to confirm the news officially. The Haval F7 is the brand’s premium mid-size SUV offering that is currently on sale in various international markets. The Haval F7 is offered in two turbo-petrol engine options: the lower-spec 1.5-litre unit and the top-spec 2.0-litre unit. The 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine produces a maximum of 148bhp at 5500rpm and 280Nm between 1400rpm and 3000rpm. On the other hand, the top-spec 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine dishes out a maximum of 188bhp at 5500rpm and 340Nm between 2000rpm and 3200rpm. Both engines come mated to a seven-speed DCT automatic. The 2.0-litre engine is also offered with a 4WD system as well. GWM Haval F7 measures 4,620mm in length, 1,846mm in width, 1,690mm in height and has a 2,725mm long wheelbase. The Haval F5 is nearly as long as the upcoming Hyundai Alcazar. While the Alcazar is a three-row SUV, the Haval F7 is sold internationally with 5 seats. The Haval F7’s cabin is loaded with a host of features. This includes a 9.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system that supports wireless smartphone connectivity, a fully digital TFT instrument console, panoramic sunroof, power-operated front seats, multiple-zone climate control, and ventilated front and rear seats, which would be an industry first if equipped with the India-spec model. The Haval F7 will also feature some more segment-first features in terms of safety. This includes the Advanced Driver Assisted System (ADAS) technologies such as the forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and auto brake assist; among others. Thoughts About The Great Wall Motors Indian Website Going Live With Haval F7 Listing Great Wall Motors’ India debut is imminent. The Chinese-based automaker’s first model launching in India could be the Haval F7. The F7 premium mid-size SUV is expected to be equipped with many segment-first features along with best-in-class safety similar to the international-spec model of the SUV.
Source: DriveSpark.com

The
Corolla
nameplate
was
already
available
in
India
for
over
15
years,
right
from
the
early
2000s
to
the
year
2020,
where
the
sedan
was
discontinued.
While
there
are
hatchback
versions
of
the
Corolla
model
sold
internationally,
the
Indian
market
received
the
premium
sedan
offering.
The
Corolla
Altis
was
removed
from
the
sales
in
2020
and
was
not
updated
to
meet
the
BS6
emission
standards.
The
sales
of
the
premium
sedan
had
dropped
massively
amidst
the
demand
for
SUVs
in
the
country.
However,
as
its
rival,
the
2021
Skoda
Octavia
is
going
on
sale
in
the
country
next
week,
Toyota
might
look
to
revive
the
Corolla
brand
to
keep
the
competition
going.
Much
like
the
Octavia,
the
Corolla
Quest,
if
launched
will
be
in
its
all-new
avatar
with
new
design
and
features.
There
are
also
some
speculations
around
Toyota
using
the
Corolla
Quest
name
for
the

rebadged
Maruti
Suzuki
Ciaz.
This
will
most
likely
remain
a
rumour
as
the
now-discontinued
Corolla
Altis
was
a
much
more
premium
offering
at
the
time
as
compared
to
the
Ciaz.
The
Toyota
Corolla
Altis
in
its
BS4
format
was
offered
with
two
engine
options:
a
1.4-litre
turbo-diesel
unit
producing
87bhp
and
205Nm
of
torque,
and
a
1.8-litre
petrol
unit
producing
138bhp
and
173Nm
of
torque.
Both
engines
came
mated
to
a
standard
six-speed
gearbox,
with
an
optional
automatic
on
the
petrol
variants.
These
are
the
same
engine
options
that
are
currently
being
offered
on
the
Corolla
Quest
sold
in
international
markets.
Apart
from
the
powertrain,
a
lot
has
changed
on
the
new
Corolla
Quest
aka
Corolla
Altis.
The
company
has
given
the
sedan
an
all-new
front
fascia
with
a
redesigned
grille,
headlamps
and
bumpers.
The
rear
of
the
car
also
features
design
revision
made
to
the
boot-lid
of
the
sedan
along
with
rear
bumpers
and
taillamps.
However,
the
overall
silhouette
of
the
Corolla
Quest
sedan
remains
the
same
as
the
discontinued
Corolla
Altis.
On
the
inside,
the
Corolla
Quest
features
a
redesigned
cabin
loaded
with
features.
This
includes
a
large
touchscreen
infotainment
system
that
supports
wireless
smartphone
connectivity,
climate
control,
steering
mounted
control,
rear
reclining
seats
with
armrest,
a
reverse
parking
camera
and
a
lot
more.
Thoughts
About
The
Toyota
Corolla
Quest
Name
Trademarked
In
India
Toyota
might
be
reconsidering
its
plans
for
the
Corolla
Altis
sedan
for
the
Indian
market.
Due
to
the
rising
concerns
of
air
pollutants,
Toyota
could
introduce
the
hybrid
engine
with
the
new
Corolla.
The
Japanese
automaker
will
soon
be
shifting
its
entire
portfolio
to
hybrid
engines
catering
to
the
growing
demand
across
the
world.
The
Corolla
hybrid,
if
launched
will
be
the
third
hybrid
vehicles
on
offer
in
the
brand’s
Indian
line-up
after
the
Camry
and
the
Vellfire.
Source: DriveSpark.com

The decision has been made by the brand to extend the validity due to the ongoing Coronavirus lockdown in most parts of the country. Isuzu announced the news on its social media platform stating “At ISUZU Motors India, Caring never stops. We wish to inform our valued customers on the extension of eligibility of warranty and periodic maintenance services eligibility.” The Covid-19 virus is continuing its onslaught for the second time spreading at a rapid rate in the country. To maintain social distancing and contactless safety guidelines several states in the country are following a lockdown to curb the spread of the deadly virus. To safeguard their workforce, automakers decided to temporarily halt operations across manufacturing plants, corporate offices, showrooms and service centres last month. During these times, customers’ vehicles with expiring maintenance packages will be unable to avail of services. The extension announced on these packages will certainly help customers to get their issues sorted once the lockdown ends in the country. On the other hand, the sales continued as the automakers offer a fully digital car buying experience in the country. Isuzu India recently updated its passenger vehicle range in the country. A total of three vehicles were launched by the brand last month. This includes two pick-up trucks, the D-Max V-Cross, the Hi-Lander and the brand’s flagship SUV, the MU-X BS6. All three vehicles are powered by the same updated engine. This is a 1.9-litre engine that produces a maximum of 161bhp and a peak torque of 360Nm. It comes mated to either a six-speed manual as standard along with an optional six-speed torque converter automatic. The pick up is also offered with a shift-on-fly 4WDsystem depending on the variant. Isuzu’s entry-level model offering is the new pick-up truck offering called the Hi-Lander. It is a trimmed-down version of the D-Max V-Cross with basic features and equipment. The Hi-Lander retails at a starting price of Rs 16.98 lakh, ex-showroom (India) — here are all details. Thoughts About The Isuzu Extends Warranty & Free Service Period In India Due To Coronavirus Lockdown Isuzu becomes the latest manufacturer to announce an extension on warranty and free service period in the country. Brands have taken up the initiative to provide hassle-free ownership during testing times. The company has also recently updated its BS6 passenger vehicle offering in the country.
Source: DriveSpark.com

Tesla
R&D
Unit
Registered
In
Bengaluru,
India
After
many
speculations
and
rumours,
Tesla
is
finally
set
to
enter
the
Indian
market.
The
company
will
soon
be
starting
operations
of
its
new
R&D
unit,
set
up
in
Bengaluru,
Karnataka.
The
R&D
unit
has
been
registered
under
the
name
‘Tesla
India
Motor
&
Energy
Private
Limited’,
with
its
office
located
at
Lavelle
Road
—

here
are
the
details.
BMW
2
Series
220i
M
Sport
Launched
In
India
BMW
has
launched
the
new
petrol
variant
of
their
2
Series
sedan,
called
the
220i
M
Sport.
The
new
BMW
2
Series
220i
carries
forward
all
the
same
features,
equipment
and
styling
from
its
diesel-counterpart,
with
only
the
engine
being
the
differentiating
factor.
The
BMW
2
Series
220i
comes
powered
by
a
2.0-litre
TwinPower
Turbo
petrol
engine
producing
190bhp
and
280Nm
of
peak
torque
—

here
are
the
details.
Tata
Altroz
iTurbo
Unveiled:
Bookings
Open
Tata
Motors
has
finally
unveiled
their
much-awaited
Altroz
iTurbo
model
for
the
Indian
market.
The
new
Tata
Altroz
iTurbo
will
come
powered
by
a
de-tuned
version
of
the
same
1.2-litre
turbocharged
petrol
engine
powering
the
Nexon.
The
engine
on
the
premium
hatchback
produces
108bhp
and
140Nm
of
peak
torque
and
is
mated
to
a
five-speed
manual.
The
company
has
also
started
accepting
bookings
for
the
same
—

here
are
the
details.
Aston
Martin
DBX
Launched
In
India
Aston
Martin
has
launched
its
first-ever
DBX
in
the
Indian
market
for
a
price
tag
of
Rs
3.82
crore,
ex-showroom
(India).
The
DBX
SUV
features
all
the
signature
elements
of
its
supercars,
while
also
combining
practicality.
The
Aston
Martin
DBX
is
powered
by
a
4.0-litre
V8
producing
542bhp
and
700Nm
of
peak
torque,
mated
to
a
nine-speed
automatic
—

here
are
the
details.
Tata
Safari
Unveiled:
Production
Begins
At
Pune
Facility
Tata
Motors
announced
the
start
of
production
of
its
upcoming
Safari
hatchback
at
its
Pune
facility.
The
company
rolled
out
the
first
retail-ready
Tata
Safari,
while
also
unveiling
the
exterior
design
and
details
of
the
SUV
—

check
out
all
the
details
here.
Thoughts
On
The
Top
Car
News
Of
The
Week
Here
was
our
pick
of
all
the
top
headlines
from
the
four-wheeler
industry
from
last
week.
The
auto
industry
is
off
to
a
strong
start
in
2021,
with
January
already
confirmed
to
be
packed
with
surprises.
Source: DriveSpark.com

Although
an
SUV,
the
DBX
continues
to
feature
all
the
signature
elements
of
an
Aston
Martin.
This
includes
the
‘DB’ grille
at
the
front,
muscular
bonnet
lines,
with
the
LED
headlamps.
The
DBX
also
comes
with
the
brand’s
signature
ducktail
boot-lid
spoiler
at
the
rear,
LED
tail
lights
and
the
twin
exhausts
integrated
into
the
rear
bumper.
The
Aston
Martin
SUV
also
comes
with
flared
wheel
arches,
housing
a
set
of
large
22-inch
alloy
wheels,
frameless
door
and
a
coupe-like
roofline.
Moving
inside,
the
Aston
Martin
DBX
continues
to
offer
a
host
of
features
combining
both
sporty
and
luxury
characteristics.
The
cabin
of
the
DBX
comes
with
premium
leather
upholstery
all
around,
sporty
seats
moulded
from
the
ones
found
in
the
DB11.
There
are
also
a
host
of
bespoke
elements
all
around,
along
with
other
comfort
and
convenience
features
and
equipment.
The
DBX
also
comes
with
a
large
12.3-inch
digital
instrument
cluster,
a
10.25-inch
digital
infotainment
system
with
Apple
CarPlay
as
standard.
There
are
also
features
such
as
360-degree
camera,
panoramic
sunroof,
ambient
lighting,
wireless
charging,
multi-zone
climate
control
and
a
host
of
others
available.
The
Aston
Martin
DBX
comes
with
large
dimensions,
offering
good
cabin
and
boot
space,
allowing
customers
to
travel
in
both
luxury
and
comfort,
while
also
being
practical.
The
DBX
measures
5,039mm
in
length,
1,998mm
in
width
and
1,680mm
in
height.
The
SUV
also
comes
with
a
wheelbase
of
3,060mm
and
is
said
to
have
a
ground
clearance
of
190mm.
The
DBX
comes
with
an
air
suspension
system
which
further
allows
the
SUV
to
be
raised
or
lowered
by
45mm
to
50mm,
respectively.
The
large
dimensions
also
ensure
the
DBX
comes
with
a
large
boot
space
of
632-litres,
with
the
rear
seats
offering
a
40:20:40
split.
The
Aston
Martin
DBX
comes
powered
by
a
4.0-litre
twin-turbo
V8
petrol
engine.
It
produces
542bhp
@
6500rpm
and
700Nm
of
peak
torque
between
2,200rpm
–
5,000rpm
and
is
paired
to
a
nine-speed
automatic
gearbox
as
standard.
In
terms
of
performance,
the
new
Aston
Martin
DBX
claims
to
sprint
from
0
–
100km/h
in
just
4.5
seconds,
while
having
a
top-speed
of
291km/h.
Thoughts
On
The
Aston
Martin
DBX
In
India
The
Aston
Martin
DBX
has
finally
entered
the
Indian
market.
The
SUV
from
the
British
supercar
brand
will
rival
the
likes
of
the
Lamborghini
Urus,
Bentley
Bentayga
V8,
Porsche
Cayenne
and
the
Rolls
Royce
Cullinan
in
the
market.
Source: DriveSpark.com

According to ‘The Little Car Company’, the Aston Martin DB5 Junior took 15 months to build and features all the elements from the actual car. The Junior is powered by an electric motor with a 1.8kWh battery pack, producing 6.7bhp which is sent to the rear wheels. The DB5 Junior is also said to max out at around 35km/h. The electric powertrain is positioned below the bonnet of the DB5 Junior. The car comes with a detachable battery pack which offers a maximum range of around 25km on a single charge. Power is transmitted to the road via 10-inch wheels with ventilated discs for braking. In terms of dimensions, the Aston Martin DB5 Junior measures 3 metres long and 1.1-metre wide. The Junior is said to easily seat one adult and one child side-by-side. The DB5 Junior is said to be made using aluminium honeycomb chassis and composite materials for the body, to help keep the weight down to 270kg. The DB5 Junior car can be driven around with the power regulated using aluminium billet pedals for both acceleration and braking. The Aston Martin DB5 Junior even carries forward the same suspension setup as the original, this comes in the form of a double-wishbone at the front. The setup of the camber gains and roll centre matches the actual car’s geometry as well. In terms of design and features, the Aston Martin DB5 Junior also comes with the brand’s iconic ‘Aston Martin wings’ shield and the DB5 badges as the original. The instrument cluster also has been replicated to match the iconic 1963 vintage model, although a few changes have been made. This includes the fuel gauge being replaced by the battery meter, while the oil temperature gauge now measures the battery temp. Another interesting feature is the presence of the Smiths clock, carried forward on to the DB5 Junior, similar to that on the original. Apart from this, the Aston Martin DB5 Junior also features working headlamps, taillights, indicators and even a horn. Thoughts On The Aston Martin DB5 Junior The Aston Martin DB5 is one of the most iconic models from the 1960s from the British brand. The car was made even popular with its appearance in various James Bond movies over the years as well. Now, the Aston Martin DB5 Junior is definitely something special, which is sure to grab attention.
Source: DriveSpark.com