CarBike360 Weekly Wrap-Up | That Mattered This Week (26th-30th June): Kia Recalls over million cars, New Upcoming Cars from Tata, Skoda, and Kia

Welcome to the weekly news wrap-up for the automotive industry, covering the period from June 26th to June 30th, 2023, presented by carbike360.com. In this edition, we bring you the latest highlights and updates from the ever-evolving world of automobiles. 

From new car launches and technological innovations to industry trends and insights, we have curated a comprehensive roundup of the week's most significant stories. 

Whether you're a car enthusiast, a prospective buyer, or simply curious about the latest developments, this news wrap-up is your ultimate source of information. So, fasten your seatbelts and join us as we embark on a journey through exciting updates from the automotive industry. Let's dive in and explore the latest happenings that are shaping the future of mobility.

Mahindra 5-door Global debut date announced | Check out the new Design

The 5-door Thar won't be released in 2023, according to Rajesh Jejurikar, Executive Director (Auto and Farm Sectors) at Mahindra & Mahindra, because of lengthy waiting lists for the Thar, Scorpio N, and XUV700 models as well as supply chain issues. 

The 5-door Thar's debut is anticipated for August 15th, 2023, while the formal introduction in India and other markets, such as South Africa, is anticipated for 2024. The 5-door Thar is now undergoing testing, and prototypes covered in camouflage have been spotted multiple times.

For Mahindra XUV700 Now you don’t have to wait longer

Since its release in 2021, Mahindra's well-liked SUV, the XUV700, has been in high demand, resulting in protracted waiting times for enthusiastic purchasers. The waiting period for this popular model has lately been significantly shortened by the firm, though. Depending on the model selected, buyers can anticipate a waiting period decrease of 2-4 months in June 2023.

Now you will have to pay half the price of petrol | Flex Fuel

India will soon have two-wheelers and cars that only utilise flex-fuel, an ethanol-based fuel, as opposed to electric vehicles, to reduce carbon emissions. The nation will soon be able to purchase ethanol-powered vehicles, starting with the Toyota Camry, which will go on sale in August of this year, according to Union Minister Nitin Gadkari's announcement on Sunday. 

Honda Motor Recalls 1.3 Million Cars Worldwide Over Rearview Camera Issue

A large recall involving 1.3 million vehicles has been started by Honda Motors due to a possible issue with the rearview camera. Significant numbers of affected vehicles have been reported by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in the US, Canada, and Mexico.

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Skoda Teases New Generation Kodiaq SUV with Plug-In Hybrid Powertrain and Enhanced Features

Ahead of its international premiere, the Czech automaker Skoda Auto has released a sneak peek of the much-awaited new generation Kodiaq SUV. The second-generation Kodiaq, which will soon be available in India, will have a multitude of engine options, including a plug-in hybrid model, as well as eye-catching aesthetic upgrades and enhanced interior amenities. Let's explore this future SUV's specifics.

Why Kia recalled 30,000 units of Kia Carens?

30,297 Carens MI-JV Units Will Be Recalled by Kia India Due to a Software Update To perform a software upgrade, Kia India has issued a recall for the three-row Carens utility vehicle. A total of 30,297 units of the Carens MI-JV type, produced between September 2022 and February 2023, are included in this recall. 

Owners will be notified to bring their vehicles to the business service centre for inspection and, if necessary, the software upgrade and the update will be done without charge.

TVS Motor Company Files New Trademark for Apache RTX: What Can We Expect?

Recently, TVS Motor Company, known for its popular Apache series, submitted a new trademark application for the Apache RTX. Enthusiasts are curious about this decision and wonder how this new addition will fit into the roster. Let's explore Apache RTX's potential applications and rumours.

India Surpasses China to Become Second Largest Road Network in the World

India has surpassed China to claim the title of having the second-largest road network in the world. In a recent news conference, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari emphasised the enormous expansion of India's road infrastructure during his time in office. 

The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) broke world records while building motorways, and toll revenue increased. These advances and accomplishments in India's road network are discussed in this article.

Hyundai Ioniq 5 N: High-Performance EV Nears Global Debut

Hyundai's high-performance Ioniq 5 N EV is getting close to its July 13 global premiere. The vehicle is undergoing rigorous testing by the South Korean automaker at Germany's legendary Nurburgring racecourse. Hyundai's first foray into the world of high-performance, all-electric vehicles is the Ioniq 5 N. The Ioniq 5 N has notable features like a 10-speaker simulated engine sound system and a simulated gearshifting experience.

Tata Curvv will be known as Tata Frest | Expected to launch next year

The intriguing news is that Tata Motors is getting ready to introduce the electric version of the Curvv, its much-awaited SUV, in 2019. This occurs at the same time as Tata just recently registered the nameplate "Frest" as a trademark in India, indicating a possible connection to the impending Curvv. In April 2022, Curvv made its premiere as an electric concept car, creating a lot of interest among auto fans.

Tata Punch EV Interior, Exterior Spied: New alloys, steering and features

In response to consumer demand, Tata Motors is currently releasing a new Tata Punch EV, and we've already seen some spy photos of it driving. Let's explore its interior to see what it has to offer.

It has been observed during road tests, which has allowed us to view the spying images in which the exterior and internal alterations are visible.

Misleading Claims of Electric Vehicle Lead to Advertisements Banned in the UK and Ireland

The Advertising Standards Agency (ASA) ruled that Toyota and Hyundai's statements about the charging capabilities of their electric cars (EVs) were false, forcing them to delete some of their adverts from the UK and Ireland. 

Following complaints from EV owners who discovered that the promised charging times did not match actual results and that the availability of high-speed charging stations was not as prevalent as claimed, the ASA opened an investigation.

Kia Seltos Facelift 2023 Reveals: New Features, New Profile

The Seltos facelift will be unveiled by Kia on July 4th, 2023, and will be launched soon after. Seltos are also anticipated to start being delivered soon after the debut. The Hyundai Creta, Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara, Toyota Hyryder, Skoda Kushaq, Volkswagen Taigun, and the incoming Honda Elevate will all be competitors of the new Seltos.

Government Allocates Rs 40,000 Crore to Remove Accident-Prone Black Spots, says Union Minister Nitin Gadkari

Nitin Gadkari, the Union Minister for Road and Transport Highways, disclosed in an exclusive interview with ANI that the Indian government has allotted an astounding sum of Rs 40,000 crore to solve the problem of black spots, or accident-prone locations, on the nation's roadways. 

This large investment aims to improve traffic safety and lower the alarmingly high number of accidents that happen on the roads every year. Approximately five lakh traffic accidents are reported in India each year, and most of the fatalities involve people between the ages of 18 and 34, according to Gadkari.

Maruti Suzuki's Grand Vitara SUV might soon make headlines for its safety features. A leaked video suggests that this popular SUV is currently being tested by Bharat NCAP, India's safety rating agency. If the claims are true, the Grand Vitara will be the first Maruti Suzuki car to receive a safety rating from Bharat NCAP.

Testing and Expected Results

The video, which surfaced on YouTube, shows several images of the Grand Vitara undergoing various crash tests. These include frontal impact, pole impact, and side impact tests—key elements that determine a vehicle's safety rating. Though the authenticity of the video hasn't been verified, it has generated significant interest among car enthusiasts.

Launched in 2022, the Grand Vitara had not been subjected to crash tests by any agency until now. Maruti Suzuki, India’s largest car manufacturer, had previously announced that flagship models like the Grand Vitara, Brezza, and Baleno were listed for Bharat NCAP tests. The results are eagerly awaited and could be officially announced soon.

Competitor Comparison

The Grand Vitara competes with other popular SUVs in the compact segment, such as the Hyundai Creta and Kia Seltos. If the Grand Vitara achieves a high safety rating, it could bolster its standing in the market. The SUV is built on the Global C Platform from Suzuki, which also underpins other Maruti models like the Brezza. The Brezza secured a four-star safety rating at the Global NCAP crash tests, hinting that the Grand Vitara might achieve at least a four-star rating at Bharat NCAP, if not higher.

Maruti’s Safety Commitment

Maruti Suzuki's focus on safety is evident in the Grand Vitara’s features. The SUV comes equipped with six airbags, ABS with EBD, ESP, a 360-degree camera, a Head-up Display, Hill Hold and Hill Descent Control, traction control modes, seat belt reminders for all occupants, and ISOFIX child seat mounts. However, not all these features are standard across all variants. The leaked video indicates that at least two variants of the Grand Vitara have been crash-tested.

Addressing Safety Concerns

With new models like the Grand Vitara and Brezza, Maruti Suzuki aims to address safety concerns among buyers. The company is striving to shed its reputation for producing cars with sub-par build quality. Improved platforms and advanced safety features are part of this strategy.

Even the latest generation of the Swift hatchback, launched earlier this year, received a three-star safety rating at the Euro NCAP crash tests. The Swift tested for European markets includes dual front airbags, side head airbags for all occupants, side chest airbags, and side pelvis airbags for front occupants, showcasing Maruti’s commitment to enhancing safety features.

Carbike360 Says

The anticipation surrounding the Grand Vitara’s potential high safety rating at Bharat NCAP highlights Maruti Suzuki’s efforts to improve vehicle safety standards. If the SUV achieves a high rating, it will not only boost its market appeal but also reinforce Maruti’s commitment to safety. Car enthusiasts and potential buyers are keenly awaiting the official announcement of the results.

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.