Car News Of The Week

Published October 22, 2018
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4 min read

Here’s what happened in the world of cars the past week

Six launches across the price/body-style spectrum, announcements of future plans, collaborations, teasers and spy shots - the past week has been jam-packed with car news.

Launches from Renault, Volkswagen, Isuzu, Skoda, Porsche and Maserati has added to the roster of cars available for purchase in the run-up to the auspicious Diwali season. A couple of car reveals also made it to the news - we hope of them making their way to India sometime next year. Meanwhile, the new Hyundai Santro has been spied inside-out, MG has announced its plans in India beginning 2019, and Mahindra signs a deal with Ford for new engines. Here’s a summary:

Big News

Nissan Kicks Unveiled

Nissan showcased its highly anticipated Hyundai Creta rival, though only its exterior design and some dimensions were revealed. Nissan India has done enough to make the Kicks look similar to the international variant, even though it is based on the larger platform of the Duster/Terrano/Captur. It may get a segment-first 360-degree surround parking camera system! Read more details here.

MG Lays Out India Plans

MG is getting ready to enter the competitive Indian market in 2019, confirming that the first product they will launch here will be an SUV which takes on the Hyundai Creta and the Jeep Compass. While MG has not revealed the name or released technical specs, merely calling it an amusing ‘Internet’ SUV, we expect it to be based on the Baojun 530 we saw testing in India recently. More details about what exactly an ‘Internet’ SUV is, here.

Also, MG’s second SUV in India will be all-electric! Read about it here.

Hyundai Santro Spied, No Camo

There’s no way a secret can be kept these days unless it somehow threatens your life. While Hyundai was kind enough to let us experience the 2018 Santro before its unveil, we could not take any photos/videos. Company diktats don’t apply to the internet, so here’s the Santro from almost every angle. Check out the photos and new details here.

Tata Harrier Bookings Begin

Tata has begun accepting bookings of the upcoming Harrier SUV three months before its official launch. While Tata claims that starting bookings this early will help it optimise production, it just wants you to get excited and put your money on what many expect will be a very good SUV. Here’re more details about the Harrier including the engine specs and expected features.

Your Next Ford May Have A Mahindra Engine, Or Vice Versa

Mahindra and Ford announced an alliance back in September 2017. They have now revealed how the alliance will help them cater to the India market. Both companies will share engine development and manufacturing know-how to make affordable BSVI-compliant engines. The companies are also developing a new connected car solution which should feature in both their future cars and offer much more functionality than their respective multimedia systems. Check out the story for the details.

Launches

What is it? Renault Captur

What is new? New colour, some variants get roof rails as standard, and a festive discount on select variants of up to Rs 81,0000.
Price? Rs 10 lakh to Rs 13.25 lakh, ex-showroom India
How excited should I be? If you were waiting for a red Captur, a lot. Otherwise, not much. Read more here.

What is it? Volkswagen Passat Connect

What is new? Gets Volkswagen Connect (see what they did there?) app-based telematics system
Price? Rs 25.99 lakh to Rs 28.99 lakh, ex-showroom India
How excited should I be? If you are not a nerd, not much. Prices have dropped though, so a bit. Read more here.

What is it? 2018 Isuzu MU-X

What is new? A significant cosmetic update on the outside, new features, added comfort features, improved safety
Price? Rs 26.26 lakh to Rs 28.22 lakh
How excited should I be? More choices in the SUV segment, oh yes! Read more here

What is it? Skoda Superb Sportline

What is new? Sporty looking mid-spec variant
Price? Rs 28.99 lakh to Rs 31.49 lakh, ex-showroom India
How excited should I be? Disappointed if you were expecting Skoda to plonk the Octavia RS’ motor under the hood. Quite excited if you wanted a sporty-looking Superb. Read more here.

What is it? 2018 Porsche Cayenne

What is new? 3rd-gen all-new flagship sacrilege from Porsche, new powertrains including hybrid, more space, fancy features, better dynamics
Price? Rs 1.19 crore to Rs 1.92 crore, ex-showroom India
How excited should I be? Very, if you are a fan of expensive SUVs. There’s a hybrid to get over your guilt too! Read more here.

What is it? 2018 Maserati Gran Turismo

What is new? New Ferrari-sourced naturally aspirated V8 which screams to 7,000rpm, improved shark-like design, more luxurious interior
Price? Starts at Rs 2.25 crore, ex-showroom India
How excited should I be? If you love front-engined, rear wheel drive, two-door GTs - quite a lot. Read more here.

In Other News

A huge SUV grows around a large grille - the BMW X7 is here.