CarBike360 Weekly Wrap-Up | That Mattered This Week (1st-5th August): Volvo c40 recharge launch date, Hyundai Discount and more

Welcome to CarBike360's Weekly Wrap-Up, where we offer you the most important news and updates from the automotive industry that happened between August 1 and August 5. 

This edition includes a thorough roundup of recently released cars and motorcycles that attracted attention, as well as significant recalls that ensured dependability and safety. Explore the cutting-edge technology transforming the driving experience as you delve into the realm of automotive investments that are influencing the industry's future. 

From breakthroughs in automotive technology to electric vehicles, our team of experts offers unique views and analysis. With CarBike360's Weekly Wrap-Up, be informed and current on all the key events in the automotive world. Let's take a journey through this week's highlights while you are buckled up!

Citroen C3 Aircross SUV ready to launch in Indian Market

The much-anticipated Citroen C3 Aircross SUV is almost ready to make its formal debut in the Indian auto industry. The launch is planned for the holiday season.

Bookings for the C3 Aircross will start in September, Citroen has revealed, sparking excitement among auto aficionados in advance of the unveiling. Additionally, the corporation has declared that the SUV would start being delivered in October, demonstrating its dedication to the Indian market.

Top Selling Bikes in India, in July 2023

The largest two-wheeler producer in the nation, Hero MotoCorp, has once again won the monthly motorbike sales chart in India. The popular Hero Splendour model was the best-selling motorcycle in the nation in July 2023, according to SIAM data, with 2,38,340 units sold. 

Thanks to its reasonable pricing, dependable performance, and good fuel efficiency, the Splendour has been continuously at the top of the sales chart for several months.

Chinese carmaker BYD caught up with Indian tax investigation

The Tax Intelligence Department (DRI) asserted that the underpaid tax of 730 million rupees depends on the price of the car but has a 15% or 35% levy on imports of local materials on EVs, despite the fact that the manufacturer has since invested the money in the purchase of EVs.

According to the Indian Ministry of Intelligence (DRI), the largest energy producer in China, whose expansion ambitions were hampered by the standoff between New Delhi and Beijing, had to pay 7.3 billion rupees in taxes.

Toyota Vellfire launch at the price of ₹1.20 crore with ADAS technology

The redesigned Vellfire luxury MPV from Toyota Kirloskar Motor, which combines refinement and cutting-edge technology, has been introduced in India. This MPV is poised to reinvent luxury travel with two variants: the Hi-Grade and VIP Grade. Let's examine the Toyota Vellfire's engine performance, external and interior highlights, linked technologies, and safety capabilities.

Volvo C40 Recharge will launch on September 4th, 2023

The C40 Recharge coupe-SUV, the newest all-electric vehicle from Volvo Auto India, will debut on September 4, 2023. The high-end SUV made its debut in India earlier this year, and in just a few days, online reservations will become available. Deliveries will start immediately following the launch, guaranteeing a smooth experience for enthusiasts.

Hyundai August offers Discount and Benefits up to ₹ 2 lakh

While Hyundai is offering tempting discounts on a number of its models, it's crucial to remember that their top sellers, the Creta, Venue, and Verna, are not covered by the current campaign. Customers can still choose from a wide array of alternatives because the highlighted models qualify for considerable perks.

TVS launches Jupiter ZX Drum SmartXonnect

TVS Motor Company now offers the new Jupiter ZX Drum with SmartXonnect technology. Rs 84,468 is the cost (ex-showroom Delhi). Straight Blue and Olive Gold are two lovely colours that the Jupiter is available in.

Tata Nexon will be discontinued and new facelift have different name of variants

With its extensive improvements and enhanced features, the Nexon facelift is well-positioned to continue dominating the fiercely competitive sub-4-meter SUV market. Its status as an alluring option for SUV aficionados is expected to be cemented by the marriage of alluring design, cutting-edge features, and improved performance.

Maruti Suzuki Invicto Now Standardizes Rear Seatbelt Reminder

The base form of Maruti Suzuki's flagship vehicle, the Invicto, has undergone a significant modification that makes it more safety-focused. Rear seatbelt reminder technology is now standard across all Invicto Zeta Plus trim levels and is now included as standard equipment. 

Although this improvement raises safety standards, it does so at a slight cost premium of 3,000. The upgraded Invicto now has an ex-showroom price of 82 lakh rupees (in Delhi).

Royal Enfield is gearing up for its first electric bike launch

For the period of 2013 to 24, the company has set aside approximately INR 1,000 crore for capital expenditures, which includes some spending on EV sales infrastructure and product development.

Royal Enfield's CEO, B Govindarajan, claimed that the business has already hired roughly 100 workers for the field of electric vehicles. Additionally, it is "in full speed of execution" and putting up a modular production capacity of 1.5 lakh EV vehicles.

MG Motor India's New Comet EV Gamer Edition:

The Comet EV Gamer Edition costs an additional Rs. 64,999 in addition to the existing Pace, Play, and Plush models. The vehicle embraces the gaming motif with unique details on the wheels, doors, fog lamps, and B-pillars in addition to striking body graphics and decals. The enormous Comet logo on the roof and the phrase "Gamer" on the bonnet complete the distinctive gamer aesthetics, which are enhanced by the dual-tone paint option of black and neon purple.

Tata Motors launched Tata Punch iCNG at the price of ₹ 7.10 lakh

An important Indian carmaker, Tata Motors, has added the brand-new Punch iCNG model to its inventory of small SUVs. With a price of Rs. 7.10 lakh (ex-showroom), this newest addition entices purchasers who are concerned about the environment with its eco-friendly mobility, outstanding performance, and affordability.

The first-ever Kawasaki’s electric bikes revealed

With a pointed front end and indicators built into the fairing, the Ninja e-1 shares a similar look to the Ninja 400. The "tank"'s form and the alloy wheels are two minor exceptions. Last ones appear to be taken from the Ninja 300.

Rubber Prices Drive Profit Leap for Tyre Companies

An important industry raw material, rubber, has seen its costs significantly decrease, which has benefited tyre companies in India greatly. According to HDFC Securities, rubber prices decreased by 20% to 25% over the previous year through May, resulting in higher manufacturer profit margins.

Hyundai Motor India Limited (HMIL) announced a significant milestone for its popular SUV, the new Hyundai CRETA 2024. Launched in January 2024, this SUV has achieved remarkable success, selling one lakh units in just six months.

Sales Success

• Over 550 units sold per day: The new Hyundai CRETA 2024 has seen an impressive sales rate, with over 550 units sold daily in the past six months.

• 1 Lakh sales milestone: The vehicle has delighted one lakh customers since its launch in January 2024.

Official Statement

Mr. Tarun Garg, COO of Hyundai Motor India Limited, expressed his excitement over this achievement: "We are thrilled with the remarkable achievement of the new Hyundai CRETA 2024. Our SUV has achieved another milestone of one lakh sales, reaffirming its strong fan following in its segment. We are confident that the Hyundai CRETA will continue to set new benchmarks in the Indian automobile industry and delight customers.”

Design and Features

The new Hyundai CRETA 2024 is built on Hyundai’s Global Design Language of ‘Sensuous Sportiness’. It offers a bold design that appeals to tech-savvy customers who love to explore.

Key Features:

• Advanced Level 2 ADAS safety suite

• Powerful 1.5-litre Turbo GDI engine

• Panoramic sunroof

• Adaptive cruise control

• Ventilated seats

• 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system

• 360-degree camera

These features ensure a superior driving experience, combining comfort, convenience, and cutting-edge technology.

A Legacy of Success

The Hyundai CRETA brand has sold over 10 lakh units since its first launch in India in 2015. The new Hyundai CRETA 2024 continues this legacy, setting new standards in the SUV segment and remaining a favorite among customers.

Citroen has officially introduced its latest SUV, the Basalt, which is set to compete directly with the Tata Curvv in the growing SUV Coupe segment. Both vehicles aim to make SUV Coupes more accessible in India, a segment previously dominated by luxury brands.

Design and Exterior Highlights

The Citroen Basalt boasts a distinctive design, sharing its underpinnings with the C3 Aircross. It features a sleek coupe roofline that extends to the trunk lid, pronounced fender flares, and plastic cladding, enhancing its rugged yet elegant appearance. The front is characterized by chunky bumpers and headlamps carried over from the C3 Aircross, while the rear gets a new set of tail lamps and a faux skid plate. The sides are adorned with new alloy wheels, complementing the overall dynamic look.

Pierre Leclercq, Head of Citroen Design, described the Basalt as a blend of SUV robustness and coupe elegance. He noted, “The New Citroën BASALT combines the strength of SUV codes with the elegance of a Coupe. Its falling roofline nods to iconic models like the CX and the popular C4.”

Interior and Features

The Citroen Basalt promises a well-appointed interior, featuring a vibrant digital instrument cluster and a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system. It will offer front and rear armrests with cup holders, a phone holder on the rear armrest, and Type-C charging ports. The vehicle will also include wireless charging, cruise control, and automatic climate control. For connectivity, it will support wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.

Engine and Performance

Under the hood, the Basalt will be powered by a 1.2-litre three-cylinder turbo petrol engine, delivering 109 bhp and up to 205 Nm of torque. It will be available with a 6-speed manual transmission or an automatic torque converter.

Production and Launch

The Citroen Basalt is expected to launch in August 2024. The production model closely resembles the concept version, featuring a coupe roofline and split grille. The SUV Coupe will be positioned as a more affordable alternative to other SUV Coupes in India, with an anticipated starting price of around Rs 10 lakh (ex-showroom).

Rivals and Market Position

The Basalt will compete with the Tata Curvv and other compact SUVs like the Hyundai Creta, Maruti Grand Vitara, Honda Elevate, and Skoda Kushaq. It aims to offer a stylish and practical option in a segment that has typically been more premium.

Overall, the Citroen Basalt presents a compelling alternative in the SUV Coupe segment, combining sleek design with practical features and a competitive price point.

Yamaha has introduced its groundbreaking Y-AMT semi-automatic gearbox technology on the 2024 MT-09 street naked motorcycle. This innovative system, weighing just 2.8 kg, is set to revolutionize the riding experience in the performance motorcycle segment. The Y-AMT technology, optimized for sporty riding, will debut on the 2024 MT-09 model equipped with the powerful 890cc CP3 three-cylinder engine, producing 120 PS.

The Y-AMT system allows riders to switch between automatic and manual shifting modes via a dedicated toggle on the switchgear. In manual mode, riders can use "+" and "-" paddles on the left handlebar to change gears, similar to paddle shifters in cars. The absence of a traditional clutch lever and foot-operated gear selector simplifies the riding experience.

Key features of the Y-AMT system include:

• Integration with ride-by-wire throttle for optimized performance
• Compatibility with cruise control and various riding modes
• D and D+ modes for relaxed and performance-oriented riding, respectively

This development puts Yamaha in direct competition with other manufacturers exploring semi-automatic transmissions, such as BMW and KTM. However, Yamaha's focus on performance-oriented motorcycles sets it apart from competitors primarily targeting adventure and touring segments.

While Yamaha has showcased several multi-cylinder motorcycles to Indian dealers, including the YZF-R3, YZF-R7, MT-03, MT-07, and MT-09, only the R3 and MT-03 have been launched in India so far. The introduction of the MT-09 Y-AMT in the Indian market remains uncertain at this time.

The Y-AMT technology represents a significant advancement in motorcycle engineering, potentially influencing future developments in the industry. As manufacturers continue to explore innovative transmission solutions, riders can expect more options that blend performance with ease of use in the coming years.

The Bajaj Freedom 125 CNG bike has made a remarkable entry into the market, attracting significant interest from two-wheeler buyers across India. Launched by Bajaj Auto, one of India’s leading two-wheeler manufacturers, the Freedom 125 CNG is the world’s first motorcycle to feature a CNG powertrain. The bike, which aims to offer lower running costs for its owners, was introduced on July 5 with a starting price of ₹95,000.

High Demand from the Start

Even before its official launch, the Bajaj Freedom 125 CNG had generated considerable buzz. According to Bajaj Auto, more than 30,000 people expressed interest in the bike when it first hit the market. The company has now reported that it received around 6,000 bookings within just one week of opening reservations on July 18. Customers can book the bike by paying a token amount of ₹1,000.

Variants and Prices

The Bajaj Freedom 125 CNG is available in three variants:

• Drum Variant: Priced at ₹95,000 (ex-showroom)

• Drum LED Variant: Priced at ₹1.05 lakh (ex-showroom)

• Disc LED Variant: Priced at ₹1.10 lakh (ex-showroom)

The entry-level Drum variant features drum brakes on both the front and rear wheels, a halogen headlight, and a sheet metal belly pan. It does not include smartphone connectivity features. The mid-level Drum LED variant comes with an LED headlight, drum brakes on both wheels, and an LCD instrument cluster, but still lacks smartphone connectivity. The top-end Disc LED variant includes all the premium features such as a 240mm disc brake at the front, a 130mm drum brake at the rear, an LED headlight, a full LCD instrument cluster, and smartphone connectivity.

Engine and Mileage

The Bajaj Freedom 125 CNG is powered by a 125 cc engine that produces 9.4 bhp of power and 9.7 Nm of peak torque. It features a 2-litre petrol tank and a 16 kg CNG cylinder under the seat, capable of holding up to 2 kg of natural gas. Bajaj claims the bike offers up to 102 km/kg mileage on CNG and 64 km/l on petrol. The total range on CNG is up to 200 km, and when combined with petrol, the bike can travel up to 330 km. According to Bajaj, the Freedom CNG bike can save customers up to ₹1,800 in fuel costs.

Safety Measures

Concerns about the safety of the CNG cylinder, especially in the event of an accident, have been addressed by Bajaj Auto. The company has released several videos demonstrating the bike's crash test results. These tests included a frontal collision with a 1.5-tonne vehicle at 60 km/h and being crushed under the wheels of a 10-tonne truck. In both scenarios, the CNG cylinder remained intact with no leakage. However, independent safety tests are expected to provide a more comprehensive safety rating for the bike.

The Bajaj Freedom 125 CNG bike has certainly made a significant impact in the market with its innovative approach and impressive initial response. As the world's first CNG motorcycle, it promises to be a game-changer in the two-wheeler segment, offering an economical and environmentally friendly option for riders.

Highlights

• Ola’s first electric bike teased

• More details likely revealed next month on August 15th

• The battery pack, electric motor, front sprocket, final drive chain, and more are visible

Bhavish Aggarwal, the CEO of Ola Electric, has teased a new electric bike on social media. This teaser image gives us a glimpse of Ola’s first electric motorcycle, which might be unveiled on August 15th, a significant date for the company.

What the Teaser Image Reveals

The image posted by Aggarwal shows some key components of the upcoming electric bike. Here's what we can see:

1. Steel Tubular Frame: The bike has a strong, tubular frame made of steel.

2. Compact Battery Pack: The battery pack is compact and fits snugly within the frame.

3. Electric Motor Placement: The motor is located below the battery pack.

4. Final Drive and Front Sprocket: The bike uses a chain drive with a visible front sprocket.

5. Control Modules: Several control modules are mounted in different locations, indicating a well-thought-out design.

6. Seat and Footpegs: A part of the seat is visible, along with forward-set footpegs, suggesting this is indeed a motorcycle. The seat height appears to be accessible for most riders.

Past and Future Announcements

Last year, on the same date, Ola Electric showcased four futuristic concept models of electric motorcycles. This year, we might see more developments and possibly more details about this new e-motorcycle.

Current Product Line and Future Expectations

Currently, Ola Electric's product lineup includes e-scooters. The addition of an e-motorcycle could take some time, perhaps a year or two, before a production model is ready. However, the company seems committed to expanding its electric vehicle offerings.

Stay tuned for more updates from Ola Electric, especially around August 15th, when we might get more information about their exciting new electric motorcycle.

Hero MotoCorp has launched the updated 2024 Xtreme 160R 4V, priced at ₹1.38 lakh (ex-showroom). The new Xtreme 160R 4V includes significant upgrades such as dual-channel ABS, a redesigned pillion seat, new paint schemes, and enhanced safety features. The 160cc segment has always been lucrative, and the 2024 Xtreme 160R 4V aims to strike a balance between style and substance for buyers.

In June 2023, Hero MotoCorp introduced the Xtreme 160R with features like USD telescopic front forks, a 4V head, and an oil-cooling setup. Despite these improvements, enthusiasts called for dual-channel ABS, which has now been included in the 2024 Xtreme 160R 4V. The new Xtreme 160R 4V also features a refreshed design, with a new Kevlar Brown color option, in addition to the existing Neon Shooting Star and Stealth Black.

The most noticeable design update is the new black and bronze colorway with striking decals. The split seat design has been replaced with a single-piece seat for enhanced comfort. Additionally, there is a new LED tail light that looks more modern and premium. The 2024 model of the Xtreme 160R 4V also introduces a first-in-segment panic brake alert system that enhances safety by flashing the rear lights during emergency braking.

New Features of the 2024 Hero Xtreme 160R 4V:

Dual-channel ABS: Increases safety and completes the bike's feature set.
Panic Brake Alert: First-in-segment feature that flashes rear lights under emergency braking.
Drag Race Timer: New feature for recording 0-60 km/h sprints.
  
The powertrain remains the same, with a 163.2cc single-cylinder oil-cooled SOHC 4V engine delivering 16.6 bhp and 14.6 Nm of torque, paired with a 5-speed gearbox. The primary competitors for the 2024 Hero Xtreme 160R 4V include the TVS Apache RTR 160 4V and Honda Hornet 2.0.